Liberty Tree | Rising to the Challenge: Entrepreneurs Building Living Economies

Rising to the Challenge: Entrepreneurs Building Living Economies

Date:

May 21, 2009 -May 23, 2009

Location:

Event Center and historic Tivoli Union at Auraria Higher Education Center
Denver, Colorado

Full Description:

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies' 7th Annual Conference will be in Denver, Colorado, one of America's leading cities committed to economic sustainability.

The call for a new economic model built on local ownership and environmental stewardship has moved to center stage. From small towns to urban centers throughout North America and around the world, communities are mobilizing our core living economies principles.

The conference will highlight a broad range of practical tools and inspirational voices, while showcasing the remarkable impact that our 65 networks are having in their communities every day. This year we've arranged for leading business and organization experts to provide one-on-one consultation sessions throughout the conference. We’ve also made sure to provide time for deeper conversations, as well as the opportunity to extend your stay and explore the local community over the holiday weekend.

The annual BALLE conference has proven to be one of the most dynamic and productive events in the sustainable economic development movement. This year's gathering promises to deliver an even greater return on your investment. Together we are catalyzing, strengthening, and connecting local living economies.

We look forward to seeing you in Denver!

Highlights

Network Showcase – Our member networks and the independent locally owned businesses in those communities are working hard to build local living economies, adopt sustainable practices, create green jobs, and generate new sustainable economic activity. This year, we will highlight the best of the best.

Public Policy Action – Come hear about our exciting discussions with the new administration and our leadership in emerging coalitions committed to economic justice, and learn how local living economies are defining the new economic landscape.

Visioning the Future – Hear from key leaders building the movement. Be part of the discussion on moving localization initiatives forward in North America and around the world.

Dance the Night Away – Connect, communicate – and then enjoy the music and dancing at our receptions and Friday evening festivities!

Who'll Be There?

•    BALLE business network staff and board members from around North America
•    Independent business owners and emerging entrepreneurs
•    Economic development professionals, sustainability directors, and local, state, and national government officials
•    Leaders in the building blocks of living economies: community capital, independent retail, independent media, renewable energy, green building, sustainable agriculture, zero-waste manufacturing, and art/culture
•    Thought leaders and visionaries developing new and exciting projects in the vanguard of the living economies movement

Keynote Speakers include:

Melissa Bradley-Burns, senior strategist, Green for All

Melissa Hardy, worker-owner, BioFuel Oasis

Elliot Hoffman, co-founder and CEO, New Voice of Business

June Holley, co-founder, Network Weaving, and co-founder, ACEnet

David Korten, Yes! Magazine

Hunter Lovins, president and founder, Natural Capitalism Solutions

Susan Matteucci, founder, Southwest Creations Collaborative

Michel Nischan, chef, The Dressing Room, A Homegrown Restaurant

Barry O'Neill, president, CUPE BC

Michael Shuman, research and policy director, BALLE

Tom Stearns, founder, High Mowing Seeds