Think Local, Chico! to promote local, sustainable business network

In early January, Chico became the first Sacramento Valley community to receive official membership status with the prestigious Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE). After twenty months of foundation building, the organization Think Local, Chico! became recognized as a BALLE network working toward the goal of a vital and resilient locally owned, independent business sector.

"Being part of this nationwide network is a huge boost in helping us make Chico an island of success in a sea of economic turmoil," said Marc Kessler, who sells Chico-grown flowers at the Farmer's Market and ships them nationwide for his local business, California Organic Flowers. Businesses like Kessler's infuse our local economy with outside money, since living economies are both self-reliant and exporting.

America's economy is ailing. The solution is economic development based on place, relationships and life-honoring values. Initial efforts of Think Local, Chico! include the establishment of an online directory of Chico's locally owned, independent businesses, a Buy Local First campaign, a local gift card program and seasonal networking events for members.

At its first official Board meeting held January 13, the Think Local, Chico! BOD approved the following ten building blocks for our local economy endeavors: sustainable agriculture, independent retail, zero-waste manufacturing, green building, renewable energy, arts & culture, professional services, media, healthcare, and community capital. TLC is expanding its BOD, currently comprised of representatives of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, the Chico News & Review, The Chico Project and Maisie Jane's Sunshine Products, as well as representatives of founding businesses California Organic Flowers, Lyon Books, Red Tavern, and Greenfeet.

"Keeping local dollars circulating in our community improves our parks, schools and quality of life," said Maria Venturino, whose menu at Red Tavern boasts many locally grown ingredients. She continued, "Working for a locally owned business is more meaningful for the employee." According to a 2006 Iowa State University study at an ethanol plant, as the percentage of local ownership increases, so does the number of jobs created locally.

Think Local, Chico! will do everything possible to strengthen our local economy by working collaboratively with businesses, non-profit organizations and citizens in the community.