The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) is a growing North American alliance of nearly 60 fully autonomous local business networks with their own names, missions, and initiatives, representing about 20,000 US and Canadian entrepreneurs. All networks share a commitment to Living Economy principles. BALLE works to catalyze, strengthen and connect these local business networks dedicated to building Local Living Economies. A Local Living Economy ensures that economic power resides locally, sustaining healthy community life and natural life, as well as long-term economic viability.
BALLE envisions a sustainable world economy made up of local living economies that build long-term economic empowerment and prosperity through local business ownership, economic justice, cultural diversity, and environmental stewardship.
BALLE's building blocks include:
- Sustainable agriculture
- Renewable energy
- Zero waste manufacturing
- Independent retail
- Green building
- Community capital
The BALLE networks has 20,000 members. As of September 2009, it will be headquartered in Bellingham, Washington.
Read more about Business Alliance For Local Living Economies: Principles, Practices
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