Nationally recognized author to provide perspective on what communities can do to support locally owned, independent businesses

Salt Lake City – Local First Utah celebrates its second annual “Buy Local First Week” (BLFW) November 11^th through the 18^th.  The purpose of Buy Local First Week is to remind consumers and government officials of the importance of locally owned, independent businesses. The celebration will extend throughout the state with many Local First member businesses offering customer appreciation discounts all week long. Nearly 700 local, independent Utah businesses can be found in our online directory at http://www.localfirst.org.

This year’s BLFW centers on the importance of government actions and policies that support local businesses and don’t put them at a disadvantage in relation to large national chains.  As the central event of BLFW, Stacy Mitchell will lead a governmental roundtable for planners, elected officials, Planning Commission members, and Economic Development officials cosponsored by the Utah League of Cities and Towns on November 14^th (See details below). Mitchell, the author of a new book, The Big-Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America’s Independent Businesses, will discuss the ways our communities are in danger of becoming “Anywhere, USA,” and the things city planners and citizens can do to nurture and rebuild the unique place we call home.

The same evening Local First Utah and The King’s English Bookshop are sponsoring an hour long presentation by Stacy Mitchell for the public followed by a question and answer period (again, see details below).

“Stacy Mitchell knows more about the issues involving community and commercial development than anyone on the planet!” said Betsy Burton, Local First Board Chair and proprietor of The King’s English.  “All of us care about community¾which is why none of us can afford to miss this event.”

Local First Utah, a 501(c)3 non-profit is working to strengthen communities and local economies through public education and the promotion of locally owned independent businesses throughout Utah.

“Buy Local First Week is a way of focusing our attention on an extremely important part of our community and its economy¾ locally owned independent businesses,” said newly re-elected Salt Lake County Councilman, Jim Bradley. “If we do buy locally, our community will remain healthy, diverse and vibrant.”

Buy Local First Week Events

• Caputo’s Winter Market– Make a new tradition this holiday season…buy local on Saturday, Nov 11th, and Saturday, Nov 18^th, 11 AM-1 PM at 314 W 300 S (the Local First Office). This farmer’s market will continue every Saturday through the off-season. Vendors include: Morgan Valley Lamb  and G Bar Ranch selling lamb and beef products, Fower’s Fruit selling a variety of apples and pears, holiday pie orders will be available from Carlucci’s, Caputo’s will have local goods in stock, including Crumb Bros. bread, Colosimo Sausage, and more. Turkey, vegetable, and egg vendors will be announced soon. This event is jointly sponsored by The Downtown Alliance, Tony Caputo’s, and Local First Utah.
• Stacy Mitchell Planners’ Roundtable Nov 14^th 3:30 PM, 4^th floor of Main Library. The press is welcome to attend this invitational event cosponsored by the Utah League of Cities and Towns and Local First Utah. A press conference will precede the event at 3 PM (details coming soon.)
• Stacy Mitchell Public Presentation: Nov 14^th at 7 PM at Westminster College’s Gore Business Auditorium. This is the  main event for the public during BLFW, which is sponsored by Local First Utah and the King’s English.

 For more info, visit www.localfirst.org.