Think Local First 

• Want to see more jobs in the Capital region?
• Want to strengthen the regional economy in these difficult times?
• Want to take control of  the decisions made in our communities?
• Care about preserving the local character and charm  of your town?
• Believe entrepreneurship fuels America's economic engine?

So do we along with  over 80 community networks with over 21,000 independent business members across the U.S. and Canada who belong to The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), North America's fastest growing network of socially responsible businesses.

"Think Local First" is a term developed by the members of BALLE networks to refer to our commitment to our communities. Rather than simply promoting "buying" local, we are suggesting our larger role as stewards. By thinking local, we can make choices that have dramatic impact on our local communities, economies, and environments. We recognize that we will rarely be able to buy everything we need or use from local independent businesses. But we are advocating that people first think local - look first for local and locally owned sources of the things they need and want - to maximize the impact of their daily actions and purchasing decisions.