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Letter from the ED

Hello West Michigan!

Just a month in and 2012 is proving to be our busiest year so far! Thanks to everyone who supported our Annual Meeting and LocalMotion Awards. We were proud to honor people who have been pouring their heart and soul into making our community the best place it can be. And, we were especially pleased that this year’s nominees and winners represented such as diverse array of industries and geographies.

Plans are well underway for our 4th Annual Sustainability Conference.  I am particularly excited that this year’s keynote will be Jackie Victor, co-founder of Avalon International Breads. In addition to working with local and organic ingredients, Jackie and her business partner have made a point of hiring within the Cass Corridor neighborhood for the past fifteen years. Come learn how they’ve worked alongside neighborhood leaders to revitalize their business district and grow a profitable enterprise.

In May, Local First will host the first BALLE Business Conference to be held in the Midwest! The theme of this 10th Annual event is “Real Prosperity Starts Here.” This conference will be loaded to the brim with speakers, events, panels, and more. If you are interested in being a part of the local and sustainable business movement, this conference is not to be missed!

We hope to see you this spring! With your help, we make West Michigan a shining example of what sustainability and local business ownership can do for communities all around the world.

Cheers!
Elissa Hillary
Executive Director, Local First

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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