For 15 years, LocalFirst has been helping local businesses become stronger and educating consumers on why supporting local businesses matter. This Thursday, the organization will host its 8th Annual Meeting at the Goei Center.
According to LocalFirst Marketing Manager Mieke Stoub, the annual meeting will focus on the 2017 accomplishments of LocalFirst and what the organization’s plans are for 2018. Much of this will be included in LocalFirst Executive Director Elissa Hillary’s State of LocalFirst address. Also at the meeting, LocalFirst will be kicking off it year’s worth of programming to celebrate its 15th anniversary.
“Last year, we saw a 70 percent increase in minority owned businesses,” Stoub said, adding that many were aware of the 2015 Forbes article that had Grand Rapids ranked second at the bottom in the post “The cities where African-Americans are doing the best economically.”
“So we are really excited about that change of events,” Mieke said. “We also just see a happier group of people because they are supporting a local business.”
Stoub said the meeting is an excellent opportunity for community members to learn more about LocalFirst, which is an economic development non-profit, and its mission of supporting local businesses.
“Anyone is welcomed to attend and join us,” Mieke said. “Anyone who is new to LocalFirst, members, people of the general public..we would love it if visitors to our community were able to attend.”
Those not able to attend this Thursday’s event, on Feb. 8 will be the Lakeshore Annual Meeting and LocalMotion Awards at the CityFlats Hotel, 61 E. 7th St., Holland.
“We are moving our LocalMotion Awards out to the Lakeshore,” Stoub said. “Typically that has been a part of the annual meeting in Grand Rapids. This year we are honoring our Lakeshore businesses for being a force for good.”
Tickets for both the annual meeting in Grand Rapids and the one in the Lakeshore are each $40 pre-sale and $50 for at the door. For more information about LocalFirst and any of its upcoming events, visit www.localfirst.com.
