Attendees from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois joined leaders from Dane Buy Local and Our Milwaukee for a workshop on "Building a Community of Businesses " on the UW campus on April 1, 2010.

Michelle Long, director of the national Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) brought best practices from Sustainable Connections, the alliance she started in Bellingham, Washington, and 80 groups like Dane Buy Local throughout the country.  Elissa Sangaly Hilary, the director of the Grand Rapids, Michigan BALLE network, described how more than 600 businesses came together to serve as a bright spot in the otherwise decimated Michigan economy. The workshop described how BALLE affiliates have clearly influenced consumer behavior toward "thinking local first," attracting green jobs, changing government procurement policies and promoting alternative energy. 

Co-hosted by Wisconsin Partners for SustainAbility and the UW-Madison, the workshop focused on the "building blocks" for vibrant communities-- green building and smart growth, community capital, independent retail, zero-waste manufacturing, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture--as well as the what, where, when, why and how of local first campaigns. 

"It's all about strengthening member businesses and the community," said Michelle Long.  "We give and get," said one participant.  Inspired by the workshop, he then decided to attend the national BALLE conference May 21-23 in Charleston, South Carolina.  Having a group of six or more from Wisconsin will earn Dane Buy Local a significant discount on the national conference registration. 

Want to know how and why so many groups like Dane Buy Local succeed?  Contact Rick Brooks at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for a copy of the handout materials. Then join the group going to Charleston!  Ask anyone who has attended.  The conference is loaded with learning, inspiration, fun...and good food!