April 2006
| April 2006 Newsletter |
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Dear Members and Friends
Cambridge Local First continues to grow and expand its activities. As of
this writing we now have over 80 members and moving close to the magic
number of 100. Below are a series of short blurbs telling about all the
good and interesting things going on. We are really beginning to make a
difference in Cambridge. Please respond to Laury if you have any other
items that should be included in the next newsletter. Thanks so much |
| Brattle Theatre Fundraiser April 29 |
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The Brattle Theatre is a Cambridge institution that has had some tough financial times. Their recent fundraising success has enabled them to continue on, however, they still need to raise substantial money to keep afloat. Cambridge Local First has stepped up to support the Brattle Theatre and we're hosting a fundraising event featuring the film 'Independent America'. Saturday April 29
11:00 am |
| Cambridge Local First `Socks' It to the Homeless |
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At the urging of Tags Hardware's Simon Shapiro, Cambridge Local First and six of its members pitched in to donate 288 pairs of socks to the Salvation Army to give to the homeless. Thanks to Simon's leadership and to Tags, Harvard Bookstore, Henry Bear's Park, Cambridge Naturals, Christopher's Restaurant and Porter Square Books for making this program possible. |
| Harvard Bookstore Local First Display |
Cambridge Local First founding member, Frank Kramer and the Harvard Bookstore have done it again. Always on the leading edge of bookselling, Harvard Bookstore recently had a display of books extolling the virtues of buying local. This is a great example of how a locally-owned business can build their business and promote Cambridge Local First, below is part of their press release: "Chain stores are erasing the distinctive character of our neighborhoods while much-beloved family-owned businesses struggle to survive.... What's a community to do? Harvard Book Store, Harvard Square’s landmark independent bookstore since 1932, wants to raise awareness about the economic, political and social benefits of shopping local. From Wednesday, March 22 until Friday, March 31 we will feature a display of books extolling the benefits to the community of buying local. One goal of our display is spreading the word about Cambridge Local First, a new organization of locally owned independent businesses dedicated to building a strong Cambridge economy and a vibrant community. As a founding member of Cambridge Local First, Harvard Book Store has been instrumental in increasing membership in this group to over eighty businesses." |
| Cambridge Local First Makes the Boston Globe! |
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The first of what we think will be numerous articles about Cambridge Local First in the Boston Globe appeared on February 26, 2006. Below are a few excerpts from this mainly positive article. By Danielle Dreilinger, Globe Correspondent "A month before the daffodils, stickers are blooming in Cambridge. Blue, white, and yellow, the size of a salad plate, and stuck to storefront windows, they read, ''Cambridge Local First." They're the sign of a growing consciousness that wants to preserve unique local stores in a chain-store era. About 75 stores and restaurants have joined Cambridge Local First since the middle of October, Laury Hammel says. Basic membership is free. Gerry Wolf, owner of the 1369 Coffeehouse, a Chamber of Commerce member and a major Local First organizer, says he won't be interested in the Chamber's program because it promotes chains. Like other members of the Cambridge Local First brigade, Wolf's stores hoist a flag for the independents by showing their field position to shoppers via a sticker. A Local First member must have at least 50 percent local ownership, base its national headquarters in Massachusetts, and control its own purchasing and advertising. Publicly held companies are barred, since they answer to outsiders. Cambridge Local First is allied with Boston's Responsible Business Association." |
| Early Registration Rate to BALLE Conference Extended |
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The early registration rate ($295) to the Fourth International BALLE Conference in Burlington, VT to be held June 8-10, has been extended to April 23. Over 300 people business, government, and nonprofit leaders will be attending the gathering and learning, sharing, and organizing to help build strong and vibrant local living economies. This is an event that is not to be missed and will inspire and move you to positive action. Cambridge Local First is a member of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) which is a network of locally-owned businesses in the US and Canada. If you're interested in improving your business and contributing to the community it is an experience you won't forget. Click here to go the BALLE web site and find out more about this conference and to register. |
| Site Will Be Live Soon |
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We're happy to announce that our new web site will be up and running the first week of April. Here are just a few of its many features: Mission and objectives of Cambridge Local First Listing of all local and national events
Ability to apply for membership online |
| Michael Kanter Featured on Cable TV Show `Be Live' |
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Co-owner of Cambridge Naturals, Michael Kanter, was interviewed for 30 minutes on Tuesday, March 27. The host was very friendly toward the mission of Cambridge Local First, and provided Michael a great forum. He did a stellar job explaining the challenges local independent businesses face and how we are working to educate the public to the importance of making purchases from locally owned businesses. The host also made a big point about how much the Cambridge Local First decals stand out and attract attention. Even more evidence that we need to expand our membership and encourage all members to proudly display the decals at eye height. The beat on the street is that Michael's already received requests for interviews from Oprah and Katie. |
| RBA/Cambridge Local First Meeting Was Big Hit |
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On Wednesday March 1, the Responsible Business Association and Cambridge Local First co-sponsored an event which talked about our exciting young organization. It was held at the Cambridge Savings Bank (a Cambridge Local First member) and over 50 people attended. The event featured five of our founders, all of whom have been doing business for over thirty years: Simon Shapiro, Tags Hardware
Frank Kramer, Harvard Bookstore |
| City-Organized Event on the Future of Harvard Square |
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On March 8, the City of Cambridge hosted an open forum on the future of Harvard Square retail. It was a packed house as city officials made initial comments and participants shared their frustrations about the challenges of doing business in Harvard Square and possible ways the square can be improved. Several Cambridge Local First members were present and participated in the discussion. There are plans for the city and other groups to pour substantial money into improvements in the square, which offers some exciting possibilities. However, there appeared to be no real consensus as to what could be done. This provides an opening for Cambridge Local First to take some leadership and several members are going to meet to do some brainstorming on possible strategies |
| Too Hot Not to Handle |
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You're invited to a screening of the HBO documentary "Too Hot Not to Handle" on Tuesday, April 11 at 7pm at the Harvard Square Loews Theater. Seating is limited, so reservations are required. |
| TContact Us |
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You're invited to a screening of the HBO documentary "Too Hot Not to Handle" on Tuesday, April 11 at 7pm at the Harvard Square Loews Theater. Seating is limited, so reservations are required.
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