A guru of sustainable economies is coming to Durango. Next week,
Local First presents Michelle Long, executive director of Business
Alliance for Local Living Economies, or BALLE, a national network
of 77 independent business associations. Long also helped found
Sustainable Connections, a BALLE network based in Bellingham,
Wash., eight years ago. “Michelle has been the key to
long-term shifts in Bellingham consumer behavior and community
support for independent business, social entrepreneurship, and
environmental sustainability,” said Local First Marketing
Director Carol Clark.
Sustainable Connections provides a compelling model for the
types of programs and services Local First hopes to offer.
“It’s a pretty fascinating project,” Clark said.
“They are really on a fast track to
sustainability.”
Clark had the opportunity to see Long last week at a BALLE
conference in Santa Fe. “It was phenomenal, I couldn’t
believe what some of these groups have been
accomplishing.”
There are three chances to see Long:
• Tues., Nov. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m, Durango Public Library
– Local First members social and presentation
• Wed., Nov. 11, 12 noon -1 p.m., Strater Hotel - Green
Business Roundtable sponsored by the San Juan Citizens
Alliance.
• Wed., Nov. 11, 6-8 p.m., FLC Ballroom –
“Building Sustainable Communities with Local
Business.”
– Missy Votel
