Events & Tools We Offer

Events

Building a Community of Businesses: A “How-To” Workshop hosted by Sustainable Connections

October 8, 8:30-6:00pm, Bellingham, Washington
In partnership with the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE)

Local businesses are more than profit-makers; they are neighbors, community builders, and the starting point for social innovation. We believe locally owned, independent businesses are potent agents for change, uniquely prepared to take on economic, community, and environmental challenges with a deep connection to place and relationships.
 
Experience the growing momentum of the local living economies movement: learn how local, independent businesses networks in Washington and throughout North America are transforming their economies into community-centered, green, and fair places to live and work through a focus on green jobs, sustainable industries, investing locally, and buying local first.
What does the workshop cover?
Through a jam-packed day of presentations, group discussion, and hands-on activities, you will learn about a range of best practices; discuss goals, opportunities, and priorities for your community; and receive a host of manuals and templates for local success.
 
We will cover the following aspects of network development, growth, and success:
    * Getting started and catalyzing community change
    * Operations and staffing
    * Communications and community-based marketing
    * Fundraising and partnerships
    * Membership benefits and recruitment
    * Volunteer management
    * Step-by-step program planning for community campaigns

You'll leave equipped with key principles, tools, and relationships for building business and community innovation through the building blocks of a local living economy: independent retail, sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency and renewables, green building, local manufacturing, and community capital.
 
Who should attend? Our training workshops bring experienced BALLE leaders to your community for a day of intensive training on network and program development.
Intended for existing and new networks, these workshops are appropriate for local business, government, and community representatives

To Register on-line

Keynote presentations and planning workshops in your community:

On a limited basis, (generally no more than one trip per month), Balle's executive director, Michelle Long, travels to other communities to inspire government and business leaders about what’s possible, and/or to help planning committees of local business owners. Click here to see details about available keynotes & workshops.

Tools

Contact april@sconnect.org to order, unless otherwise noted
Salestax of 8.4% will be added to all materials purchased

• FREE downloadable tip sheets and FAQ about our programs:
        Tip Sheet: Think Local First Campaign
        Tip Sheet: Coupon Book
        Tip Sheet: Food & Farming Program
        Tip Sheet: Food To Bank On
        Tip Sheet: Green Power Community Challenge
• Sample Materials Package: Always fresh…when we get your request we’ll put together a package with hot off the press materials including a (normally $10) coupon book, a farm map, membership brochure, 2 program brochures, at least 2 Think Local First promotional posters and a newspaper insert, a hefty member directory, newsletter, recent sustainability initiative promotional piece, and a recent event promotional piece.
  $40 (includes shipping in the USA)
• Think Local First campaign How-To Kit: This successful campaign has changed the purchasing behaviors of 3 in 5 local households in our community and is being replicated in dozens of communities across the country. If you’re looking for information about this program we documented it for BALLE and you can purchase it directly from them.
  $100 at click here to order from BALLE
• DVD: We have three different versions available. 2005 does a good job of laying out our work and programs in a way that makes sense for a business audience. (It even includes the WA State Governor saying she wants to see our work emulated throughout the State.) 2006 also walks viewers through our programs but does it in a more light hearted way that showcases the fun and human connections that are at the core of our work. 2007 describes our various programs and accomlishments using stories and quotes from our members.
  $15 each (includes shipping in the USA)
  you can now view each video online

Coming in 2010:

• Building a Community of Business: Sustainable Connections the How-To Kit -- This practical, hands on 100+pp work book, walks through the history and how-to’s behind building and operating Sustainable Connections. Includes step-by step program planning, communications and fundraising, membership recruitment, organizational structure, and getting started. Also includes ongoing program maintenance, timelines, budgeting, volunteer and board management, and strategic planning.