Now Seeking Board Members!
Local First is seeking passionate, skilled Localists and/or local business owners in La Plata County interested in joining Local First’s Board of Directors to fill two open positions starting in June. Local First’s mission is to support locally-owned, independent businesses working together to create an economy that values people, the planet and prosperity for everyone. The organization focuses on social responsibility, sustainable development initiatives, and a thriving local economy.
Board Roles and Responsibilities
Oversight. Oversee and evaluate the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and ensure that the organization’s work and budget is consistent with the vision, mission, and values of Local First; oversee the fiscal health and stability of the organization.
Asset Development. Mobilize the necessary resources for the organization to thrive.
Planning and Evaluation. Evaluate performance of the organization and approve long-term strategic plan, annual work plan, and budget.
Policies and Positions. Define positions on relevant community issues and set broad policies for the organization that are consistent with the vision, mission, and values of Local First.
The position of Board Member is volunteer position with an average time commitment of 5 hours per month.
Local First is building a movement. We have a proven track record of launching impactful programs, initiatives, and even organizations that leverage the power of local independent businesses to build a thriving local economy.
Local First is a membership-based organization of 260+ (and growing) independent and locally owned businesses encompassing two complementary non-profit organizations: a 501(c)6 Independent Business Alliance (IBA), whose mission is to: “Work with La Plata County’s local, independent businesses community to create an economy that values people, the planet, and prosperity for everyone”, and a 501(c)3 Foundation, whose mission is to: “Build self-reliance, a sense of place, and well-being for the stakeholders of the La Plata County community.”
Local First IBA
Local First La Plata works to build a strong localist movement in which both local independent businesses and residents alike understand the powerful benefits of keeping dollars in our community. We do this through Local Independent Business Policy Advocacy: focused on member priorities—GHG emission reduction, tax reform, as well as social and environmental sustainability work; a Local Art Economy: focused on a thriving Durango Creative District (which Local First helped to found); and Local Independent Business Support and Marketing: Promotion of independent businesses and restaurants through our local business directory, radio, social media, community-wide events and our annual Harvest Dinner.
Local First Foundation
Local First Foundation works to support membership driven priorities, including healthcare, environmental sustainability, and attainable, workforce housing. Local Healthcare: Re-circulated $3.8 million back into the community through healthcare cost savings in southwest Colorado; 2,867 individuals enrolled in ACA compliant insurance through Bright Health with insurance premiums approximately 35-50% lower. Local Power: Successfully advocated for 100% renewable energy and carbon goals to be set by Durango City Council and LPEA. Local Philanthropy: Launched the Impact Fund, through which local businesses give back 25% of their 1% community donation pledge in order to make movement-building and long-term investments to help alleviate our community’s most pressing concerns. For example, $535,000 was donated to support affordable housing attainment at the Westside Mobile Home Park.
Local First is building a movement. We have a proven track record of launching impactful programs, initiatives, and even organizations that leverage the power of local independent businesses to build a thriving local economy.
Local First is a membership-based organization of 250+ (and growing) independent and locally owned businesses encompassing two complementary non-profit organizations: a 501(c)6 Independent Business Alliance (IBA), who’s mission is to: “Work with La Plata County’s local, independent businesses community to create an economy that values people, the planet, and prosperity for everyone”, and a 501(c)3 Foundation, who’s mission is to: “Build self-reliance, a sense of place, and well-being for the stakeholders of the La Plata County community.”
Local First IBA
Local First La Plata works to build a strong localist movement in which both local independent businesses and residents alike understand the powerful benefits of keeping dollars in our community. We do this through Local Independent Business Policy Advocacy: focused on member priorities—GHG emission reduction, tax reform, as well as social and environmental sustainability work; a Local Art Economy: focused on a thriving Durango Creative District (which Local First helped to found); and Local Independent Business Support and Marketing: Promotion of independent businesses and restaurants through our local business directory, radio, social media, community-wide events and our annual Harvest Dinner.
Local First Foundation
Local First Foundation works to support membership driven priorities, including healthcare, environmental sustainability, and attainable, workforce housing. Local Healthcare: Re-circulated $3.8 million dollars back into the community through healthcare cost savings in southwest Colorado; 2,867 individuals enrolled in ACA compliant insurance through Bright Health with insurance premiums approximately 35-50% lower. Local Power: Successfully advocated for 100% renewable energy and carbon goals to be set by Durango City Council and LPEA. Local Philanthropy: Launched the Impact Fund, through which local businesses give back 25% of their 1% community donation pledge in order to make movement-building and long-term investments to help alleviate our community’s most pressing concerns. For example, $535,000 was donated to support affordable housing attainment at the Westside Mobile Home Park.
Local First La Plata is also committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging within our organization. We believe that success comes from promoting and maintaining a workforce that is diverse in race, ethnicity, cultural background, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, faith and more. It is by celebrating these differences, providing an inclusive safe space where all employees have a voice, and creating opportunities for under-represented individuals to have a seat at the table, from the field to the office, that we will continue to rise to the top as change leaders within our industry.
