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Local First

A Watershed Moment: National sustainable business conference comes to Grand Rapids

by Scott Kaplan (Scott Kaplan)

Submitted 05-16-2012 under NEWS

BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) is a national organization that brings together locally-owned, independent businesses across the country interested in impacting their communities through socially-responsible business...

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Treehuggers to add package-free bulk vegan food grocery store

by Steven Davison (stevendavison)

Submitted 05-10-2012 under LOCAL LIFE

There is a saying that goes, “There is no such thing as a free lunch," meaning that every meal costs something to make. This applies when one considers the amount of resources it takes to manufacture the packaging of a frozen pizza, for...

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Local First Street Party

by Elissa Hillary (LocalFirst)

Submitted 04-06-2012 under

  Come celebrate the best in West Michigan's music, food, and beer. This event is one of the highlights of summer in West Michigan. This is your chance to party in the middle of the street! In front of Bistro Bella Vita. FREE and open to...

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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 NONPROFITS

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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