I’ve been a member of Local First Milwaukee for a few years now and while my ability to be actively involved depends on my work schedule, my passion for the values of the group have stayed consistent. I believe in the power of local businesses. I know that local businesses ARE a community – that they give more to local non-profits, that they ARE job creators, that they work together to invest in their community, and that they are committed to making where they WORK a better place to LIVE.
What’s neat, which I noticed at LFM’s latest “Third Thursday” networking event, is that not only are all of LFM’s member local-community invested, but also, a good and growing number of them are “green” or sustainability-minded businesses. This was a great realization, as it showed that our members’ sense of “community” extends beyond the scope of an interest in local consumers and into the environment itself. They KNOW that you can’t take care of your city and at the same time abuse or take advantage of the environment. These member businesses recognize the power in supporting the economy AND the environment – it’s NOT a “one or the other” mentality. THIS is very exciting.
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For this Third Thursday, Biltrite Furniture hosted our group. Biltrite is a family-owned furniture store. They’ve been in business since 1928 and have their 4th generation is working in the store now. Their Memorial Day Sale is already happening!
As always, a lot of MKE biz reps came out to connect. Here’s who came out to Biltrite Furniture… Hanssen’s Dessert Creations, Bolzano Artisan Meats, A.J. Ugent Furs, Rocketbaby Bakery (who just celebrated their “1st birthday”), Swipeworks, Shepherd Express and Express Milwaukee, Sweet P’s Pantry, Clear Pay, Dane County Buy Local, Anodyne Coffee, Tall Guy and a Grill, Creative Employment Opportunities.
And those “green” businesses I mentioned…
KATHY’S 2ND CHANCE PLANTS, BREW CITY BOXES, MILWAUKEE KAYAK CO. (opening June 1!), H2O SCORE, LOGICAL GREEN SOLUTIONS, NATURE HAVEN MOMS.
If you want to learn more about the various members of Local First Milwaukee, make sure to check out the LFM Directory!
