Here we are in the height of summer in Michigan. We’re spending more time outdoors, connecting with community programming, and enjoying time with friends and family. Menus feature locally-grown ingredients, farmers' markets and stands are full to the brim, lakeshore communities are bustling, and Michiganders are getting outside to enjoy our neighborhoods, parks, and waterways.
Local First
Recent Posts
Summer Habits that Put People First
Jul 14, 2022 7:15:00 AM / by Local First posted in Local Business, People First Economy Habits
Spring into Habits that Put People First
Apr 26, 2022 10:15:00 AM / by Local First posted in Local Business, Inclusive Economy, Move Your Money, People First Economy Habits
Behind the Scenes with Kory Brown, LMCU Commercial Lender
Apr 18, 2022 10:45:00 AM / by Local First posted in Local Business, Inclusive Economy, Move Your Money
Move Your Money relaunched during Financial Literacy Month! Throughout April, financial institutions, nonprofits and human service agencies all ramp up their support so that individuals, communities and businesses alike may evaluate and seek to improve their financial resiliency and impacts.
Did you miss the Annual Meeting on March 10th? We've got the digest for you!
6 Ways to Build Local & Sustainable Habits
Jan 3, 2022 1:06:00 PM / by Local First posted in Local Business, Inclusive Economy, Business Resources, Move Your Money, People First Economy Habits
If you've been following the Local First program for a while, you know we're all about creating opportunities to support local and amplify our membership base. It's these businesses that keep our money close to home, employ our neighbors, and hold themselves accountable to our community. And while we may sound like a broken record, we'll keep saying it: They need your ongoing support.
We’ve learned that building a People First Economy takes more than a single action, one time. But it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as changing everything all at once. We encourage you to instead think about a single action as the beginning of forming a habit. A good habit.
New habits take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form (European Journal of Social Psychology), which is why we’re going to provide resources all year long.
Need some inspiration? Here are six local and sustainable habits to include in your New Year's Resolutions!
Gift Local, Gift Good to Make this Holiday Season Count
Nov 17, 2021 9:15:00 AM / by Local First posted in Holiday, Local Business, Inclusive Economy
Fall and winter are busy times for all of us. And after a year of working to build back better from the ongoing pandemic, the 2021 Holiday Season is no exception. Add to that the year-end bookkeeping, social (distance) engagements, busy storefront hours, and personal holiday shopping, it's no wonder these months fly by. It's enough to overwhelm anyone.
Nourish our Community
Oct 8, 2021 3:15:00 PM / by Local First posted in Eat Local, Local Business, Inclusive Economy, Business Resources
Food naturally brings people together. Whether it’s making a meal, supporting a farmer, sharing a recipe, or celebrating a special occasion: food is communal.
Lake Michigan Credit Union Puts People First
Sep 28, 2021 10:15:00 AM / by Local First posted in Local Business, Inclusive Economy, Business Resources, Move Your Money
Presenting: People First Economy Podcast
Sep 14, 2021 10:25:00 AM / by Local First posted in Local Business, Inclusive Economy, Business Resources
The People First Economy Podcast is here to bring you insight into how we, our businesses, and our partners are all working towards building and participating in a People First Economy! You’ll hear stories, ideas, tools, campaigns, and whatnot that align with our efforts to build this new economy!
Move Your Money... it's good for Michigan!
Aug 30, 2021 10:15:00 AM / by Local First posted in Local Business, Inclusive Economy, Move Your Money
There’s no denying we need financial systems to keep the world goin’ round. Access to capital supports the growth of resilient, placed-based economies. Ideally, these economies meet our basic needs, build wealth and social capital, work in harmony with our ecosystem, and encourage joy. But do our current financial systems work for us?