Bringing it all back home: Local networks yield jobs, build community

The most successful buy-local initiatives and partnerships “are those where everyone recognizes that having thriving downtowns, neighborhoods serving business districts, a strong base of independently owned businesses and ongoing opportunities for entrepreneurs is a community interest — not just a business interest,” says Jeff Milchen, co-founder and co-director of the American Independent Business Alliance.

Go Local!

Here’s a gift idea for you: The brand-new Go Local discount card being offered by the Asheville City Schools Foundation and the Asheville Grown Business Alliance. Remember school checks? They were popular, yes, but the discounts were typically for chain restaurants and half the money went to the company that underwrote the program. The Go-Local […]

Love will keep us together

“The bottom line is, it’s a love story about Asheville Grown Business Alliance and the Big Crafty loving each other and loving what we do,” says Justin Rabuck. “And truly loving the community with all of our heart and wanting to have a party for everyone who participates.” Rabuck is the co-creator of twice-yearly indie-craft […]

Local is the new black

It’s been one year since the Asheville Grown Business Alliance launched its Love Asheville campaign. Now the hand-cranked posters and T-shirts are ubiquitous reminders of how our community creates and keeps it character: Independent businesses. “The purpose of the posters and shirts is to create a moving message to customers that shows that we are […]