Business Alliance for Local Living Economies

“BALLE is changing how we think about the purpose of business and the economy. They are changing the mindsets of “every-man-for-himself” to an understanding that real security comes from community – from sharing not hoarding, from a partnership, not domination.” (1). BALLE, or the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, is a network of socially responsible businesses. It comprises of over 80 community networks throughout North America and represents over 22,000 independent business members across the U.S. and Canada. With the goal to help businesses flourish locally, BALLE is more important than ever in regard to stabilizing our individual economies.

BALLE Background

Since 2001, BALLE business networks in large cities, small towns, rural areas, and regions of high unemployment have increased their communities’ health and economic vitality. This has been done through a focus on green jobs, sustainable industries, investing locally, and buying local first. Yet they also focus on the overall health of their cities and hometowns. These networks aim to systemically build sustainable local economies. These networks are connecting the dots between the fast-growing movements toward green building, energy efficiency and renewables, local and sustainable agriculture, community capital, independent retail, and local zero-waste manufacturing.

Promoting Community

One of the main goals of BALLE is by restoring local communities. It aims to help local businesses flourish through creating and maintaining webs of economies through local networks. They have discovered how to create an economy that works for all of us while regenerating our natural environment.

BALLE believes that building healthy, equitable local economies isn’t the work of a single leader or organization. Rather that it requires an ecosystem of individuals and institutions to come together, understand their relationships with each other, and choose to collaborate. Local ownership and local production of basic needs build greater equity, health, and well-being. Essentially, we need to move from “me” thinking to “we” thinking – that’s how we utilize the golden rule after all.

Fair-Trade

Fair-trade is defined as trade between companies in developed countries and producers in developing countries in which fair prices are paid to the producers. But the word “fair” can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Fair-trade is much more than fair compensation. It means that trading partnerships are based on actual “win-win” relationships. This means that the prices paid to producers reflect the work they do and have a say in the decision making. Fair-trade also helps avoid common welfare issues as it enforces national health, safety, and wage laws.

Fair-trade is also wonderful as it supports the marginalized farmers and crafters. These people face challenge after challenge when it comes to selling and making a living off of their goods. Goods that, for the most part, tend to be environmentally sustainable and conserve natural resources.

Conserving the Environment

As climate strikes are happening in the streets, this topic is more crucial than ever. We have one world and one shot. The best way to protect it is by creating a better business and corporate state of mind. Businesses that practice environmental conservation understand that the way we live is a reflection of how we feel about the natural world. These businesses practice everyday habits that show how much we truly value all the things that the Earth gives us.

By supporting businesses that aim to conserve the environment shows your support in the best possible way. And that is with the vote of your dollar. The more you support these businesses as a client, the more you are showing big business corporations where you are willing to spend your hard-earned money. All while protecting the world you care about.

The BALLE Way with onCOREventures

Frederick started this company because he has honed-in the skills that allow him to help support and grow local businesses. He has always advocated doing good things for good people that need help. We want to be the neighbor Mr. Rogers taught us to be and help support and grow our local Pittsburgh economy. This allows for everyone to feel safe, secure, and like they are living a fulfilling life. This business was created for honest business owners wanting to operate in harmony with their core values. If you’re trying to create positive change in the world while also attracting customers who share your values, our “strategy first” methodology may be exactly the new hope you need!

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Quote (1): https://thenextsystem.org/