PORTLAND, OR – Independent businesses, community-based media, family-owned farms, the arts, and healthy eco-systems are disappearing from American communities. In response, the twenty local business networks that make up the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) will hold their first national conference from May 30 - June 1, 2003 at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. The goal is to resolve economic disparities and the breakdown of communities by building upon the stewardship local business owners have for their hometowns. Founded in 2001, BALLE’s mission is to strengthen and connect local businesses dedicated to building living economies, which increase prosperity, fortify community, and ensure a healthy environment.

Independent businesses from Portland and across the country will gather together for the conference. It will be held in conjunction with the Oregon Sustainability Forum at which fifteen BALLE advisors and members will speak on five panels and provide two keynote addresses. BALLE Conference participants will include internationally renowned authors, independent business owners, community and economic development professionals, government officials, and community citizens. Panel discussions and workshops will explore ideas and generate action plans for stimulating local living economies throughout our country.

FEATURED SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
- David Korten, Author of When Corporations Rule the World

- Judy Wicks, Owner, White Dog Café and Co-chair, BALLE

- Stacy Mitchell, Institute for Local Self-Reliance & author of The Home Town Advantage: How to Defend Your Main Street Against Chain Stores and Why It Matters

- Laury Hammel, Owner, Longfellow Clubs and Co-chair, BALLE

- Michael Shuman, author, Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in a Global Age

Michael Shuman states, "Going local does not mean walling off from the outside world," he notes. "It means nurturing locally owned businesses that use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages, and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back to the community where it belongs."

The speakers and organizers are available for interviews. For additional information about the National Conference, BALLE or for background on any of the speakers, download this printable PDF or visit our website Living Economies.

Business Alliance for Local Living Economies

Business Alliance for Local Living Economies

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