Keepin’ it Local – A Call to Put Buffalo First and Save a Couple Dates
Local economy advocates and weekly contributors to The Good Neighborhood Buffalo First! have just launched a membership drive and fundraising effort consisting of some fun, educational, and local-minded events for individuals; marketing opportunities and a united voice for new member businesses; and a call to all to support their cause of a local, green, and fair economy across Western New York.
By Buffalo First!
Buffalo First! is an organization challenging the status quo; showing that independent, locally-owned businesses can go beyond traditional measures of success and build a community-based, green and sustainable local economy in Western New York.
We envision a global system of human-scale, interconnected local economies, in which businesses are investors in the quality of life for all citizens, and profitable enterprises serve community needs, share wealth, and protect the environment.
We encourage people to shop locally, help independent businesses access local goods and services and give independent businesses a united voice to shape better policies that encourage thriving local business districts.
Through consumer education, we show that local and independent retailers reinvest more of their profits in the community than do national chains, keeping three times more money in the local economy. Through public policy work, we advocate for local, independent and sustainable business, and this summer we won the fight to bring triple-bottom-line Benefit Corporations as a legal incorporation status to New York State. Through workshops and our All-Local Business Directory and Coupons, we connect independent businesses with local suppliers, consumers and the community, making them stronger, more competitive, and more effective.
But we cannot do it alone! A local living economy requires the direct participation of all community stakeholders, and a thriving local economy in Western New York needs your support. Shop at local independent retailers, engage your community and your policymakers about the importance of sustainable and community-oriented business and pledge to put Buffalo First!
Become a Member
100% of your membership dollars are reinvested in your local community, supporting consumer education, social entrepreneurship, and thriving independent business districts. If your business is owned and operated locally, join our network of local entrepreneurs and proprietors working together to create strong, sustainable communities. Businesses receive a listing in our 100% locally-owned business directory, promotion on our website and social media outlets, and receive support through relevant business workshops, mixers, and local-sourcing resources. Join today!
Save the Date
On Tuesday, October 11th, Buffalo First! is hosting a fundraiser mixer and party at Chow Chocolat, 731 Main Street in Buffalo, starting at 6pm. The event will feature live music from local artists the Albrights, Jon Herr, Andrew Delmonte, and Brooke Reynolds. Wine and Chow Chocolat specialties will be provided, and photography from City Lights Studio will be on display. And all proceeds raised at the event go directly to Buffalo First! and directly to your community. Join us for a memorable evening! Tickets are $15 presale for not-yet-members, and $10 for Buffalo First! members and may be purchased here. All tickets will be $20 at the door.
Get Your Trivia On
Tuesday, November 15th, marks the return of our annual So You Think You’re a Local Trivia Night at Ulrich’s Tavern, 674 Ellicott Street, at 8pm. The theme is local, local, local, and our host for the evening will be Buffalo trivia master Mike Driscoll from Founding Fathers Pub. There will be prizes from local businesses and organizations, and judging from our first So You Think You’re a Local last year, we’re in for a wild night. Teams should be five members, and the entry fee is $5 per person ($25 for each team). Check back to our site for more information as we get closer to the event.
Thank You!
Buffalo First! has been able to make a difference across the region because of dedicated staff, volunteers, community stakeholders taking a stand, and a populous committed to building a stronger Buffalo and Western New York by keeping their money in the local economy and encouraging sustainable business practices and community-building activities. We can’t do it without your help!
