BALLE Spokane is now the Sustainable Business Network of the Inland Northwest

Business leaders from Spokane, WA and the surrounding area have banded together to form a local chapter of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE).  On April 20th, the steering committee completed the Washington State application for nonprofit incorporation, taking the next big step towards establishing the Sustainable Business Network of the Inland Northwest.  

The network aims to cultivate a vibrant regional economy by supporting local, independently owned businesses.  Leaders of the local chapter are working to develop a web-based platform to promote local business members and partnerships, facilitate business to business networking, and provide business specific sustainability resources and tools.  

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this new organization, and as we continue our work we hope to see a growing number of local businesses supporting our local economy and community in the Inland Northwest,” says Board Chair and Mountain Gear President Paul Fish.  Successful networks in other cities have demonstrated that economies with large numbers of locally owned businesses are less affected in downturns and create more stable jobs.

A recent study in Maine found local businesses spent 44.6% of their revenue in the local economy, compared to 14.1% for businesses with headquarters outside the local area.  Locally owned businesses support more than just a strong economy.  “Locally owned businesses are great supporters of community events and organizations; thriving communities rely on local business,” says Kim Harmson, Board Vice-Chair and Owner of Kizuri. 

The Sustainable Business Network of the Inland Northwest will be hosting a public launch for the organization Tuesday, April 26^th at 7:00pm in the Community Building, 35 West Main.  The steering committee will discuss what progress has been made to date, and local business owners and organization leaders will be encouraged to participate in shaping the future of the network.