For several years now local business leaders in communities throughout New England have played a leadership role in promoting Local Independents and building strong local economies. This work has set an example for organizations throughout the United States and this good work in New England continues to grow and deepen.
In May of 2008, a group of local business leaders had an initial meeting in New Hampshire. Shortly after that, several of these folks met again at the BALLE Conference in Boston. This group then organized another meeting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on October 30, 2008. At this gathering, the participants agreed to form the New England Local Business Forum (NELBF). The local leaders felt a need to bring local business leaders together from around New England to share best practices and look for ways to work together. Working in close proximity to each other, we recognized a unique opportunity to create regional initiatives that help fulfill each organization’s mission.
Mission
The mission of the New England Local Business Forum (NELBF) is to serve as a resource for the growth and development of independent local business organizations promoting strong local economies in New England.
The NELBF will facilitate this growth in the following ways:
- Bring together leaders of local business organizations from around New England to share best practices, victories, lessons learned, and other information that will help New England local business organizations grow and thrive.
- Provide a source of funding for local business organizations through the growth and development of the 10% Shift
- Develop and coordinate New England-wide programs that leverage shared resources such as the 10% Shift, the Manufacturing Committee and the Local Food Committee
- Organize forums, conferences, and other gatherings to support networking and the sharing of best practices with New England local business organizations
- Update and expand the web presence of the NELBF and local business groups
- Offer speakers, events, and other programs for local business organizations that promote local economies