Local Living Economies
A free workshop sponsored by the Center for Entrepreneurship, University of Rochester.

Come learn how local business can support each other and create thriving local economies, with plenty of time for discussion, questions and networking. While free, you must still preregister at www.ecotranformation.org.

Judy Wicks and Michael Shuman will give a free workshop on BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies). BALLE (www.livingeconomies.org) is an international alliance of 49 independently operated local business networks with more than 15,000 members dedicated to building Local Living Economies. This workshop will present the BALLE model, answer your questions, and discuss the possibility of forming a BALLE chapter in the Greater Rochester area. A wonderful article on Judy Wicks’ story and the formation of BALLE can be found here in Orion Magazine.

BALLE envisions a sustainable global economy made up of Local Living Economies that build long-term economic empowerment and prosperity through local business ownership, economic justice, cultural diversity, and environmental stewardship.

What is a local living economy?

A local living economy provides secure and fulfilling livelihoods for all people, works in harmony with natural systems, supports biological and cultural diversity, and fosters a community life. BALLE’s mission is to support, connect, and strengthen local, independent businesses dedicated to building living economies, which increase prosperity, fortify community, and ensure environmental health.


Guiding Principles

BALLE is based on several key guiding principles:

Alliance - Partnerships between independent businesses yield new opportunities and expand capabilities. BALLE offers the benefits of independent business networks both locally and nationally.

Local - The welfare of a community relies on the health of the local economy. Buying and partnering locally keeps your money within your community, reduces demand on environmental resources, and preserves community character.

Living - BALLE honors that the vitality of local economies is derived from living people, communities, ecosystems.

Economies - Economies are the foundation for sustainable communities, environments and social fabric.

Business - Businesses are anchors for creating thriving economic systems.


Although the network is decentralized and local chapters set their own agenda, the focus is generally on supporting independent businesses and advocating a triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. Merrian Fuller, who works at the national office in San Francisco and organized the conference, says national organizers help the chapters with consulting, conference calls and online resources but local leaders set their own agenda. “We just provide them with information and resources to help them be more effective.”

Here is an article on last year’s BALLE conference
(http://www.hopedance.org/new/issues/58/article11.html)