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With nearly 600 members, Local First is the preeminent organization supporting locally owned businesses in the Midwest. Like you, we understand the importance of local business ownership in ensuring West Michigan's economic vitality, and we have made your success our mission.

 

"We have noticed that our newer customers are supporting our business because it is locally owned. It's not a new thing that Kingma's Market sells locally grown fruit and vegetables. It's not a new thing that Kingma's Market is locally owned. We have been in the business of offering locally grown fruits and vegetables for three generations.

 

What is noticeably different in the last couple of years is that our Grand Rapids area customers are more intentional about supporting locally owned and operated businesses. We would attribute that perception change to the various educational efforts of Local First.

 

Thank you, Local First, for making people aware of what we have known to be true for years - that locally owned and operated businesses drive a community's growth to a much greater degree than national chain businesses do."

 

Bob & Ed Kingma

 

Kingma's Market | Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

We invite you to join the hundreds of locally owned business owners who - like Bob and Ed Kingma of Kingma's Market - have discovered the tremendous benefits of Local First membership.

 

Contact Local First today - we'll be happy to meet with you!

Local First | 616.808.3788

 

Amy Dubbs, Membership Coordinator | amy@localfirst.com

BALLE Regional Hub

BALLE Regional Hub

In recognition of its innovation and leadership, Local First has been named the Midwest regional hub network for the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE).  Read More.

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Become a Member

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