By Michael Shuman, Local Economist, Author, AMIBA Board Member, and Publisher of The Main Street Journal
Fifteen years ago, local business networks were spreading like wildfire across the country. More than two hundred communities had local business networks leading “buy local” campaigns, promoting the first forms of local investment, and advocating for an end to wasteful economic development policies that subsidized nonlocal businesses and put the locals at a competitive disadvantage… None more than Local First Arizona, which now has more than 2,700 dues-paying members and more than 60 full-time staff.
In this issue of The Main Street Journal, we’re pleased to interview Kimber Lanning, the founder and CEO of Local First Arizona. Yes, a statewide scale has contributed to her success, but so have effective business services, a powerful media strategy, and smart politicking.