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Press kit
History
Judy Wicks, a Philadelphia restaurateur who built the founding BALLE network the Sustainable Business Alliance of Greater Philadelphia around her business, the White Dog Café, wondered whether she could spread this framework for building a sustainable local economy to the rest of the country. Through her involvement with the Social Venture Network, a community of company founders, private investors, social entrepreneurs, and key influencers who share a commitment to building a just and sustainable world through business, she met Laury Hammel, owner of the Boston area's innovative Longfellow health clubs, and other people exploring the idea of a new organization to promote sustainable local economies.
In late 2001, soon after September 11, they formed BALLE, which has since grown to include nearly 60 other local business networks encompassing more than 15,000 entrepreneurs in the US and Canada. For a more detailed history, please click here.
BALLE now
BALLE's principles and approach to economic development and community revitalization are finding an increasingly receptive audience throughout North America.
BALLE mission and vision
BALLE's missions is to catalyze, strengthen, and connect networks of locally owned independent businesses. We envision a global economy made up of linked local economies, comprised of businesses that are local, green, and fair.
Recent coverage
Using the Power of Community to Green Small Business, interview with program director Mary Rick on GreenBiz.com.
Why local matters to the community, commentary by Janice Shade, ED of Local First Vermont, in the Times-Argus, January 31, 2008.
Making a Profit and a Difference, New York Times, October 6, 2006, by Glenn Rifkin.
For further recent and archived coverage of BALLE and related topics, please click here.
Press contact
Ann Bartz, Program Manager
415.255.1108 x 105
ann@livingeconomies.org
