Learning to Build a Sustainable Community

Ever struggle with the challenge of needing to make money, but also wanting to contribute more to your community?  

Does your business do all it can to help care for the people and organizations it serves, while still operating profitably? 

If you ever find yourself contemplating the delicate balance between money and service then our friends at Local First in Grand Rapids can help.  They are hosting a conference on April 29th at Aquinas College, to help people learn how to make money, while simultaneously building a strong and healthy community.

Local First originated in Grand Rapids to help the western Michigan economy by promoting local business ownership, social equity, and environmental kinship through education, support, and collaboration.  Since its inception, they have also guided other communities in developing similar intitiatives.

At Buy Michigan Now we firmly believe in buying from Michigan businesses to keep more money inside the state, thereby creating jobs, increasing the tax base, and assisting local nonprofits.  It can even help reduce our carbon footprint.  It stands to reason then that buying within your own county, city, town, or neighborhood will have those same advantages on a smaller, closer scale.  First, start in your own backyard and then widen the circle. 

Similarly, regularly examining how we do business, seeking collaborative partners who share our values, and increasing our understanding of neighboring organizations also strengthens our own communities. 

If you want to learn more about how to play an active role in improving your neck of the woods, while maintaining a successful career or business, this conference is for you.

Designing Sustainable Communities through Business takes place from 8-5 on April 29, 2009.  Opening discussion and keynote topics are Making the Case for Local Business and What is Sustainability?  Breakout session choices include: Maximizing the Benefits of Local First Membership, Setting Up a Local First Organization, Building Social Capital, Succession Planning, Setting Up a Cost-Reducing Energy Program, Purchasing Recyclables and Green Products, and Purchasing Local Food. 

The seminar also includes a presentation by Craig Thorne, VP of Global Marketing at Merrell Footwear & Patagonia, speaking about the company's 30-year journey.  The day concludes with an interactive session that will give participants the opportunity to digest what they've learned and find practical applications to bring home to their own communities.

To learn more about Local First or register for the event, visit www.LocalFirst.com.