Local First Ithaca http://localfirstithaca.org/ Ithaca, NY Act Local First | Business Network / Alliance Local First Ithaca brings people, businesses, and organizations together to create a successful local economy that uses resources, experience, and inclusiveness to create a thriving and livable community. Who we are? – We are an inclusive network of independent, locally owned businesses & services, farmers, non-profits and community members. What we do: – Create awareness by educating members of the community, through media and seasonal Buy Local campaigns, about the importance of voting with your dollars to build a thriving local living economy – Educate our community about the economic, social and environmental benefits of supporting local and independently owned businesses – Collaborate/Partner with existing local organizations/groups that are working towards similar goals to multiply the impact of our mutual missions – Support local businesses through group promotion, market development and encouraging sustainable practices. – Provide a voice for small businesses to influence the governmental issues that affect them directly by advocating for policies at the local, state, and national level. – Work to keep more dollars in our community through events and other programs that build our local economic capacity.