Even though the weather was downright Londonesque most of the week, things really heated up in the Student Center at Boston University this past week. Hundreds and Hundreds of leaders came from all over North America (largest contingent I’ve seen from Canada yet to date), to discuss the merits of localizing all aspects of the economy and our communities. As you probably know if you are reading this, BetterWorld places a high priority in its donation dollars and volunteer hours on helping to build local living economies, with many of the BALLE companies as customers and having help found the 44th BALLE Chapter, Lowcountry Local First.
The undercurrent was clear, we are no longer on the edge as pioneers and need to start leading the masses as they are coming in from the cold very quickly. Bill McKibben noted that for the first time this past year, we drove less, farmers markets are the fastest growing section of the food economy, and we were able to see the video unveiling his new project, http://www.350.org/. In addition, there were many breakout and specialized sessions highlighting everything from successful and sustainable entrepreneurs such as Eric Henry from TS Designs, to Brenda Palms Barber, who started Sweet Beginnings (check here for the story on SB from CBS News).
The closing keynote was given by Congressman Edward Markey from the 7th District of MA, who is both the Chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, as well as the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet (whom I was very fortunate to intern for, if only just 4 months in the mid-late 80s but he was defintely one of my early influencers and guides). This was particularly sweet for myself and us at BetterWorld as we organized and held a meeting last year with Chairman Markey and his staff, as well as BALLE founder Judy Wicks (one of my heroes), Alissa Gravitz from Coop America, and others focused on Sustainable Communities. Chairman Markey followed through in his commitment to get out and speak at the BALLE Conference and we thank him for both his long term service and leadership. Especially in this crucial time at the helm of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, which is playing a key role in setting our agenda as to how we will try to stave off the impending disaster that is on the way.
Locally in service – Matt
