Author Archives: John
SC City Council Decides to Table Local Purchasing Preference
ShareListening to the requests of Think Local First and other concerned community members, the Santa Cruz City Council has tabled their proposed local purchasing preference because it was written to include national chains that have a Santa Cruz presence. Don … Continue reading
Local Businesses Investing in Energy Efficient Cooling, Lighting
Great article from the Santa Cruz Sentinel about Shopper’s Corner’s investing in energy efficient lighting and cooling. Continue reading
Survey Finds “Buy Local” Message Benefiting Independent Businesses
For the fourth year in a row, our national survey of independent businesses has found that those in communities with an active “buy local” campaign run by an Independent Business Alliance or Local First group have experienced markedly stronger revenue growth compared to those located in areas without such an initiative. Continue reading
Think Local Santa Cruz Pops Up In Colorado News
…Santa Cruz, Calif., persuaded five banks to give away $100 with the condition it could be spent only in locally owned businesses. The money circulated dozens of times… Continue reading
Think Local First Volunteer and Member Invited to Join the First Lady for the State of the Union Address
ShareThink Local First volunteer Zach Davis and his business partner Kendra Baker were invited to join the First Lady as honored guests at the 2011 State of the Union address. Zach helps us manage our Facebook presence here at TLF, … Continue reading
Buy Local Cartoon (video)
A short cartoon that addresses the environmental and community benefits of shopping with locally-owned businesses. Continue reading
BALLE – Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (video)
An informative video from the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies. Continue reading
Michael Shuman on Rebuilding Community (video)
A short interview with Michael Shuman. Michael Shuman is Director of Research and Public Policy at the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE). He holds an A.B. with distinction in economics and international relations from Stanford University and a J.D. from Stanford Law School. Michael has authored, coauthored, or edited seven books, including The Small Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses Are Beating the Global Competition (2006) and Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in the Global Age (1998). Continue reading
There is More to the Local Movement Than Just Food
We found an interesting article on Treehugger.com recently that reports a shocking difference in how your money is recirculated in the community when you shop locally. Continue reading
Small businesses provide social transactions
“The truth is, small businesses are an important part of the glue that holds our communities together. They provide an opportunity to exchange more than money and goods and services. ” Continue reading