Concentrate Speaker Event: Think Local First

Ingrid Ault describes herself as “local to the core.”Even as a child she would wander the small businesses in downtown Ann Arbor when visiting with friends. Peering through the windows at The Caravan Shop at the glass figurines, and buying mini angel food cakes from the Quality Bakery are treasured memories. It seems fated that she would become the Executive Director of Think Local First of Washtenaw County.

Ingrid believes strongly that small businesses are the key to our economic future. Even in these difficult times, she has examples of positive happenings right here in our community. She will share more stories and her current passion, combating “local washing," on Thursday, February 24th (5-7pm) at Concentrate's next Speaker Series event: Think Local First.

Information about Think Local First of Washtenaw County

Think Local First provides resource sharing and community building opportunities for locally-owned independent businesses as well as raising community awareness and developing strategies for supporting these businesses. They are a non-profit that has one part time employee, Ingrid Ault. However, she jokes that she has eight bosses: the board of directors.

Currently they have 222 business members and a handful of individual supports and are growing their membership regularly. For more information about the organization visit their website at www.thinklocalfirst.net.

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WHAT: Concentrate's Speaker Series event "Think Local First"

WHEN: Thursday, February 24th from 5-7PM

WHERE: Conor O'Neill's (318 South Main Street)

The event is free and open to Concentrate's readers, but seating is limited so you must pre-register.The presentation will begin around 5:15 p.m. and run for roughly an hour.

Refreshments will be provided. Discussion and networking before and afterward is greatly encouraged.

Concentrate's Speaker Series is sponsored by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority..

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