The board has been working to craft our vision for the future over the past year. Below is a draft of what we have crafted. We are seeking input from our members and folks in the community. If you would like to forward comments, please call Ingrid Ault at (734) 730-6905 or email her at ingrid@thinklocalfirst.net.

Think Local First 2016 Vision Statement Draft

Today is Oct 1, 2016, Think Local First is pleased and proud of our progress towards our vision:

Think Local First is a healthy, dynamic community-building hub. We represent the
collective efforts and interests of over 800 members: small independent business owners,
their employees, local non-profit partners and individual community members to build and
strengthen community well-being through a thriving, resilient and generous local living
economy. We are working with the community to make this place our place--- a community
that fosters independence, creative solutions and mutually-beneficial collaborations. Four
paid staff members are building the strength, influence and utility of 4 program areas: 1) a
buy local/10% shift campaign, 2) progressive business development, 3) environmental
sustainability, and 4) public policy advocacy. Our work is well known throughout the
community. Our voice is positive, clear and consistent. People rely upon us to provide the
resources they need to make our community a more vibrant, sustainable and unique place to
live work and play.

A new atmosphere is emerging between small independent business owners, citizens
and government. They listen, collaborate and respond to each other's needs. As a result, the
community and government distinguish between the interests and impact of small
independent businesses from big corporations. TLF advocates for a return to old-fashioned
service, community values and human-scale businesses as well as forward-thinking,
progressive business change. Washtenaw County, a mecca of independent and progressive
thinking, is starting to realize its potential as a magnet for independent and progressive
business development. From young, local musicians busking on Main Streets to cooperative
machine shops, from the corner store to social venture start ups, Think Local First helps our
citizens put ideas into action.

While TLF is still partially funded through memberships, we now secure additional
grant funding. We develop the tools and models for positive, entrepreneurial community
development that enhances the well-being of all citizens. We help people, businesses and
institutions find (and value!) the local option. Our business to business relationships and
resources are so well-developed that doing business locally has become easy, second nature.
A local living economy harnesses reverse economy of scale. Doing business locally
on a smaller scale allows for greater efficiency, transparency and trust and builds community
capital to boot.

Our signature, high-utility website has become the go-to resource for local businesses
and their customers. We document best practices, growing community resiliency, and the
power of localization to strengthen and shape communities best practice guides, and
resource listings. And yet our websites intention is not to retain traffic but to project it --via
hyperlinks-- back out to the businesses we serve. Our business listings indicate which healthy
community-building initiatives each member has put in place, whether purchasing local
products, progress towards environmental sustainability or local non-profit donations.
All of our marketing products attract browsers to our mission--- as colorful and full of
character, heart and know-how as our community. The Think Local First annual meeting has
spawned a weekend long series of events that meaningfully educate and demonstrate the
benefits of localization. It also celebrates our membership, our local talent and community
spirit. Our monthly events are both social and inspiring—with roundtables, speakers and
entrepreneurial competitions as well as time for mingling and local food and drink. Our
commitment to serve, positive message and fun events makes us a social and local media
stand out. We are the better party.

Think Local First is a big voice in our community. The local economy is growing: the
towns and cities of Washtenaw County are more vital, healthy, interesting and supportive of
independent businesses because of our work. Our community is becoming so appealing and
ripe with opportunity that people stay after high school, college, and retirement. Most County
residents now understand that local independent businesses build community cohesion,
character, wealth and well-being. Individuals, businesses, and institutions see that how they
spend their money is a vote for the kind of community they want to live in and are instituting
10% shift programs. Entrepreneurs are attracted to and supported by the community.
Established businesses actively mentor and support emerging businesses and entrepreneurs.