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Local First

Locally owned or chain restaurants: Does it really matter?

by Wendy Hammond (wendypchef)

Submitted 11-23-2011 under OPINION

A hot new chain restaurant opens up in town. Some are excited. Others are dismayed and prefer to only dine at locally-owned restaurants. Does it really matter? According to Melissa English, Administrative Coordinator at Local First, yes, yes it does...

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Fork Fest 2011: Local First's moveable feast, close to home

by Rob Cole (Rob Cole)

Submitted 10-14-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

“At home I serve the kind of food I know the story behind.” ~ Michael Pollan   Food activist Michael Pollan isn't alone: knowing the story behind the food we eat is important to a growing number of Grand Rapidians as well, as...

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Beyond the poll: join the "shop local" conversation

by Laurie Cirivello (LCirivello)

Submitted 10-11-2011 under OPINION

Normally the weekly Rapidian poll is designed to stand on its own: created for fun, to offer an idea for quiet consideration, or to encourage brief exchanges between fellow Rapidians. This time though, I want to personally encourage everyone to use...

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Local First to Host 2012 BALLE Business Conference in Grand Rapids

by Local First (Local First)

Submitted 09-07-2011 under NONPROFIT

Local First will host the 2012 BALLE Business Conference in Grand Rapids, May 15-18, the organization has announced. Organizers anticipate that approximately 700 entrepreneurs, economic developers, sustainability experts, and community and...

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Change Your Oil... Change A Life!

by Calvin Webb (spydrwebb)

Submitted 05-13-2011 under

Community Automotive Repair is proud to announce our 3rd annual “Change Your Oil… Change A Life” fundraising event. 100% of proceeds will be donated to Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF). We can assure you that changing your...

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The Local Beet: Wholesome Pet Treats That Will Make Pigs Fly

by Lisa Rose Starner (Lisa.rose.starner)

Submitted 02-21-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

Green living isn’t a just a growing trend for people. More and more, pet owners are going natural for their animals especially when it comes to their food, treats and toys. Kelly Jansens Boos, founder and owner of local shop Green Dog Pet...

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7th Annual Local First Street Party!

by Local First (Local First)

Submitted 05-26-2010 under

Join Local First for the 7th Annual Local First Street Party on Saturday, June 12 from 4pm-midnight! Sponsored by Founders Brewing Co., this year's event looks to be bigger and better than ever, featuring an unbeatable lineup of local bands -...

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Local First "Designing Sustainable Communities through Business" Conference

by Local First (Local First)

Submitted 04-07-2010 under

Local First: "Designing Sustainable Communities through Business" is Wednesday, April 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Aquinas College, and open to the public! Don't miss out on early-bird registration rates, available through April 14!...

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Local Economy = Living Wage

by Mark Rumsey (markrumsey)

Submitted 11-05-2009 under OPINION

Grand Rapids is doing relatively well riding the storm of the economic downturn that has crippled much of our state. Among the many reasons for this there is a primary one, being a vibrant local economy supported by businesses, residents, and non-...

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All Souls Community Church Forum: Ethical Consumerism

by All Souls Community Church (ascc)

Submitted 10-28-2009 under NONPROFIT

  All Souls Community Church of West Michigan is a local Unitarian Universalist congregation. As Unitarian Universalist, we hold to certain core principles such as the inherent worth and dignity of every person and, in our human relations we...

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