Learn How You Can Support a Local Sustainable Economy

The past few years I've spent a lot of time thinking and writing about sustainability, and particularly the importance of supporting local business. I've also spent time thinking about the role of corporations and sustainability. My thoughts about corporate world and sustainability have changed, particularly as I look around at my life and others and realize, in our current paradigm, almost all of our goods and services are provided by national and international corporations. And, I feel they do and will continue to have a major role in our economy - particularly in the technology and energy sectors. However, I also believe it's equally important to advocate for and support our local economy and businesses. Especially if we experience any kind of catastrophic event, it will be our local businesses, entrepreneurs and resources which we rely upon to survive. It also just makes smart business sense to look to local resources as they require less energy to transport and ship.

The next Sustainable Saratoga monthly meeting offers a unique opportunity to learn from local experts on how YOU can make a difference in supporting our local economy. Join us Tuesday, June 22nd from 7-9pm at Skidmore College's Gannett Auditorium to learn more about local economies and resilience. See below for more background and info.

Sustainable Saratoga's Local Economy Subcommittee invites you to a community discussion on the local economy of Saratoga Springs, centered around an expert panel.

When: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 7pm
Where: Skidmore College, Gannett Auditorium, Palamountain Hall
Panelists: Jim Kunstler, David Hess, Todd Fabozzi, Melanie Beam

Localist Movements, Relocalization, Local Living Economies, and New Urbanism will all be topics of discussion this Tuesday night, from 7 to 9pm, in the Gannett Auditorium on the campus of Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs.

Local iconoclast/author Jim Kunstler, RPI Professor David Hess, Planner/Poet Todd Fabozzi, and Melanie Beam of Capital District Local First will present their views on the Local Economy of the Saratoga area.

The moderator, Robert Millis, will ask the panelists a selection of questions submitted by you and your fellow community members. Questions for the panelists may be submitted in advance at economy@sustainablesaratoga.com, or at Sustainable Saratoga, PO Box 131, Saratoga Springs, 12866. For more information, see our website: www.sustainablesaratoga.com.

You are invited to make a choice today. Come help us define Saratoga Springs' local economy.