Just a reminder that Local First is a growing movement in communities across the nation.

Think Boise First is opening for membership September 1, to support and promote local businesses in the Boise area. We're excited for them, and the growing participation of businesses all across the USA - in building strong relationships with other locals.

I also like what one founding member, Beth Geagan, says about how local business builds more sustainable communities:

More communities are finding ways to promote local first.

Stumbled upon this article in the Washington Business Journal about the Buy Local Challenge program by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission which encourages residents to purchase food from local farmers.

As stated in the article, "If every household in Southern Maryland spent $12 per week on local produce for 8 weeks, $54 million would go directly back to their farmers, according to Christine Bergmark, director of the commission." The challenge asks residents to eat at least one item from a local farm every day during next week.