Watch out, Portland! Asheville is flexing its locally sourced muscles. Pretty soon you will be able to figure out where to dine out at your favorite local restaurant and easily establish the lineage of your hamburger, determine that your server is being paid a living wage, and know that you are benefitting not only the local economy but also local school children-all for only $15.
On December 11, Asheville will realize this new level of localization through the launch of the 2014 Go Local Card Directory published by the Mountain Xpress in partnership with Asheville Grown Business Alliance (AGBA), the Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF). 28,000 copies of the directory will be distributed in this week’s edition and 17,000 copies can be found in the top box of the Mountain Xpress kiosks as well as at select businesses throughout the year. Not only will the new 2014 Go Local Card Directory reveal incredible deals at over 360 local, independent businesses, it will also designate which businesses are committed to taking a thriving local economy to the next level. The directory and online guide will indicate which of the over 360 participants are certified as sourcing or growing food locally by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), committed to pay living wages through Just Economics of WNC, accredited by the Green Building Council and/or trained through Mountain Bizworks.
What sets The Go Local Card apart from other business incentive programs is that it directly supports the mission of equity and success for all Asheville City Schools students by funding teacher-led professional development grants, artists in residence, and after-school enrichment programs. Last year, card sales alone raised over $20,000 that directly impacted the improvement of education for local children. We strongly believe that excellent public schools promote a healthy local economy and serve as cornerstone of a civil and just future for our community. When you shop with the Go Local Card, you are investing in children.
The 2014 Go Local Card is available for purchase through Asheville City Schools or PTOs, at 18 participating business locations and online at www.acsf.org and www.ashevillegrown.com. The cost is $15 with ten dollars from every card sale going to Asheville City Schools Foundation and a designated Asheville City School. The remaining $5 supports the efforts of Asheville Grown in our community. Visit any of these locations to purchase a Go Local Card throughout the year with proceeds benefitting each partnering school. The Hop Ice Cream Café (both North and West locations), Rosebud Video, Homegrown Eatery, Second Gear (both downtown and West locations), Short St. Cakes, West End Bakery, French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Malaprop’s Bookstore, the Fine Arts Theatre, Hip Replacements Clothing, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center, BlackBird Frame and Art, Planet Art, Relax and Rejuvenate and coming soon, Katuah Market.
Looking for the right gift this holiday? Shopping with a 2014 Go Local Card just makes sense! Here is just a taste of some of the amazing deals:
·For the Foodie– Common Housefly: A Kitchen Emporium-15% off any one regularly priced item. French Broad Chocolate Lounge – 10% off entire order — excludes boxed truffles and alcohol. Hickory Nut Gap Farms -10% off farm store product purchases. Blue Ridge Food Ventures – 5% off a Winter Sun Farms CSA food share. Hops & Vines – 10% off all brewing supplies and ingredients. The Cheese Store of Asheville (inside Weinhaus) – 20% off retail purchases.
·For the Family– Dancing Bear Toys – 15% off 1 item. Hero Hunter Comics – 10% off all supplies, trade paperbacks and hardcovers. The Littlest Birds – 10% off one item per visit. Nest Organics – 10% off one product in our store.
·For Her – Frock – 10% off on all regular priced items. Hip Replacements – 10% off & 50% off 1 item on your birthday. Amber Hatchett Designs – 20% off jewelry purchase. Baggie Goose & Blossoms at Biltmore Park – 10% off total (in-store purchases only). Charmed – 15% off your entire purchase. Vintage Moon – 10% off. Virtue – 15% off all purchases over $20.
·For the Theatre Buff– Asheville Community Theater – $3 off an adult ticket to an ACT Main stage season show. North Carolina Stage Company – 15% discount for a ticket to a Main stage performance.
·For the Yogi– One Center Yoga – 20% off a series of eight or more classes for local students (new only). C and Co. All Natural Body Goods-Free soothing & hydrating lip balm with any purchase.
·For the Artist– Fired Up! Creative Lounge – 15% off. Haw Creek Forge – 15% off on copper garden art in the studio. Man’s Ruin Tattoo, Piercing & Art Gallery- $5 off piercings; $5 off body jewelry sale of $50; $10 off tattoo. Purl’s Yarn Emporium -10% off. True Blue Art Supply – 10% off.
·For the Reader– Downtown Books and News – 10% off any purchase over $10. Firestorm Cafe – 10% off literature & free coffee or tea with book purchases. Malaprop’s – 10% off purchases of $50 or more (cafe items and gift cards excluded).
·For the Music Lover– Harvest Records – 10% off, Skinny Beats Drum Shop – 5% off your purchase of $50 or more-First drum class free.
·For the Adventurer– Beer City Bicycles – 10% off bicycles, accessories, and service (no alcohol). PUSH Skateshop & Gallery – 10% off clothing & shoes.
·For Locals…many, many more deals offered in the full 2014 Go Local Directory!
For more information and to sign on, go to ACSF’s website at www.acsf.org or ashevillegrown.com.
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