For the first time ever, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) will be holding its national, annual conference for independently owned, socially responsible businesses, here, in Michigan. The meeting, which is being called Real Prosperity Starts Here, is scheduled to take place in Grand Rapids this May, and, as of right now, I’m […]
Tag Archives: local economy
Zingerman’s co-founder Paul Saginaw on the importance of robust local business ecosystems, the upcoming BALLE conference in Grand Rapids, and the meaning of “real prosperity”
The new Director of Ypsilanti’s Heritage Festival, Andrew Clock, on the future of the event
As I believe most of you know, word went out a few months ago that the group of individuals behind Ypsilanti’s annual Heritage Festival were looking, after several years, to hand the reins off to a new generation of leaders. There were a few open meetings, that interested individuals were encouraged to attend, and, ultimately, […]
Portland, Maine study shows dramatic impact of buying local
I haven’t taken the time to look into the methodology of the study in any great detail, but, according to our friends at BALLE, the folks at the Maine Center for Economic Policy have completed a study showing that dollars spent at locally-owned businesses yield almost twice as much in the way of local economic […]
Talking with Fred Thomas about the Ypsi Flea
As the Ypsi Flea is coming up in about a week, I though that I’d take the opportunity to speak with Fred Thomas, who organizes the event. What follows is our email exchange. MARK: So, what’s the Ypsi Flea? FRED: Ypsi Flea is a free, all ages event held every so often that’s part flea […]