Work with us! Local First is a community-led nonprofit organization celebrating almost two decades of serving local independent businesses and the greater community of La Plata County. Through our work, we hope to achieve an engaged, thriving local independent business community that values people, planet, and prosperity for everyone across southwest Colorado. We're [...]
Being a Localist Means Fighting for Fairness By Doug McCarthy, Local First The localist movement grew from a recognition that a globalist economy dominated by large multinational corporations does not always benefit consumers and our communities. Weak antitrust enforcement has allowed consolidation of market power in many industries, which disadvantages small businesses that [...]
Deadline Extended to Dec. 31 For Direct Enrollment With Elevate Health Plans Extension announcement! There is still time to enroll off-exchange (directly through Elevate Health Plans) for 2024 coverage beginning Jan. 1. You now have until December 31 to enroll directly. For more information, please call 970-368-5969. If you qualify for a subsidy, [...]
Locals supporting locals – An idea to embrace this holiday season By Mary Oswald, Local First | Originally published in the Durango Herald Friday, Nov 24, 2023 11:51 AM A few weeks ago, I read a Letter to the Editor in The Durango Herald questioning the almost fanatic adoration that many Durangoans hold for [...]
Membership Matters By Lauren Berutich, Local First and Sadie Schafer, Local First | Originally published in the Durango Herald Saturday, May 27, 2023 2:17 PM I fondly remember my first membership to an organization. I was 10 and saved up money from babysitting and my allowance. It was the 80’s and before [...]
Support Local for the Planet By supporting independently-owned retailers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and companies, we are choosing to invest in a future with a healthier, more sustainable community and world. By Louise Snodgrass, Local First | Originally published in the Durango Herald Tuesday, Mar 28, 2023 5:58 PM With the dramatic effects of climate change [...]
Local First receives $150,000 to offer support services for Durango businesses. Local First is grateful to an anonymous local donor for their generous gift through the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado. This contribution will directly support our efforts to promote local self-resiliency and well-being. Read the full Durango Herald Article below! [...]
LOCAL FIRST FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES LAUREN BERUTICH AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Local First is thrilled to welcome Lauren Berutich to the role of Chief Executive Officer, a visionary new role for our local nonprofit organization. Berutich joins Local First with 20 years of experience in conservation, advocacy, policy, and nonprofit leadership with a background [...]
Standing up for Thriving Indie Business By Emily Bell, Local First Managing Director (Published July 8th, 2022 in The Durango Herald). It is Independent’s Week! For most, that means celebrating the founding of the United States, but here at Local First, it also means celebrating our local, independently-owned businesses. We’ve said it before and [...]
Minicozzi Returns to Durango, Gives Insight on Former 9-R Building Well-known urban planner, Joe Minicozzi, returns for Harnessing Opportunity in Durango webcast presentation. With the debate surrounding the use of the former 9-R Administration Building remaining in the minds of many Durango business owners and residents, Local First called upon highly [...]
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