ST. PTERSBURG, Fla. — LocalShops1.com is thrilled to announce it has been accepted as the Tampa Bay regional network for BALLE, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies.
BALLE is North
America's fastest growing organization of socially responsible businesses,
comprised of more than 80 community networks in 30 U.S. states and Canadian
provinces.
LocalShops1 is BALLE's first network in the Southeast.
"This partnership adds a whole new dimension to LocalShops1, and helps us better serve our members," said Ester Venouziou, LocalShops1.com founder. "Our goal is to work together with other BALLE networks to share ideas and create new initiatives that will make Tampa Bay a more vibrant, sustainable community."
LocalShops1's longterm vision is perfectly aligned with that set by BALLE: Within a generation, we envision a global system of human-scale,
interconnected local living economies that function in harmony with
local ecosystems, meet the basic needs of all people, support just and
democratic societies, and foster joyful community life.
The partnership gives LocalShops1 and its member businesses access to BALLE research and webinars, as well as support from other BALLE networks.In addition to pooled resources, this is also about pooling experience.
"By becoming a BALLE, network, we take our perspective as a regional business that has lived the
trials and triumphs facing local companies and combine it with that of a large nonprofit
organization that helps independent businesses nationally," said Venouziou. "It brings together Tampa Bay's leading advocate for small businesses with an organization with the reach and political clout to drive the movement all across the
country."
For more information, contact LocalShops1.com at 727-637-5586 or events@LocalShops1.com.
About LocalShops1.com
LocalShops1.com is Tampa Bay’s most active advocate for locally owned,
independent businesses. The grassroots movement was founded in 2008 and
also offers networking meetings, store promotions, educational workshops
and community events. Memberships are available for shoppers and businesses.
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