Who is Local First Ogden?
History
Buy Local First Utah is viewed nationally as one of the most vibrant and active Local First organizations around the country, so it was only natural that with Ogden’s long and rich history of locally owned businesses, and unique spirit of independent business ownership, that we should become the first Local First Community outside the Salt Lake City vicinity. Established in April 2010, Local First Ogden works to proclaim the economic benefits derived from our locally owned business community. Unlike other business organizations, Local First Ogden is run by an amazing team of volunteers, and we collect no dues or membership fees. There is absolutely no cost to become a Local First Ogden Partner. Joining is easy. Simply go to our statewide website at www.localfirst.org and enter your information. Once it has been verified, your business will be listed in our online directory, and sooner or later someone will be around with your Welcome Packet, complete with talking points to educate employees and customers, as well as, window clings and decals that identify you as a Local First Ogden Partner.
Mission
Local First Utah promotes their mission all around the state, and their efforts in Ogden have enabled them to focus on the small businesses that are patronized regularly by the local Ogden community. The presence of this outreach program allows Ogden to get a deeper knowledge of the effects of buying locally with personal attention from the base camp in Salt Lake. Matt Monson, LFU State Coordinator, spent time choreographing the dance that has become the interaction of the core group, and shared with them the knowledge needed to educate the public and get the message out there with greater success.
It’s no secret that big corporations receive huge financial gains due in large part to their size. As small businesses we often feel unable to compete with or have an advantage over these megaliths. But by standing together we can make our voices heard and strengthen the Buy Local message. Whether you are an independent business owner, or simply a shopper who may value the broader range in products small independent businesses supply and the jobs they provide, we encourage you to join us!
How Does Your Ogden Business Get Involved?
Like the statewide Local First organization, we ask our Partners to support two annual events: Independents’ Week (usually held around the 4th of July) and Buy Local First Week which starts on Black Friday and runs through the holiday shopping season. Both are public events where we educate consumers about the financial, social, and environmental rewards when shopping in their independent, locally owned business community.
Core Leadership Committee
The Core Leadership Committee meets monthly to plan the direction of Ogden's Local First Community. We organize educational and social events, work with our City Officials and Council Members to reinforce their commitment to local business, and perform outreach to business districts where the Local First message is sprouting up, all while networking with other like-minded local entrepreneurs. The benefits far outweigh the time commitment, however, if this is more than you can commit to, we invite you to attend our quarterly Partner meetings. These low key mixers, held at one of our Partner businesses, are a great place to meet other independent business owners and learn what the Core Partnership Committee is currently working on.
Suzy DaileyCommunity Advisor | LF Ogden
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Grounds for Coffee, Harrison Blvd Location801-633-7253
Sadie Gleave
801-645-8115
Grounds for Coffee 25th Street
Beth Bell
Green the World
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801.781.3931
Sarah Hassan
Quality Bike Co.
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952-212-7933
Terri Strand
Bella's Fresh Mexican Grill
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360-483-8499
Ogden City Council
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Jennifer Shaw
Weber State Student
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Janelle Lynch
Fan Of All Things Local
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For more general questions about the statewide organization please contact: Michelle Thompson, Executive Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
