In a time when we hear about 8,000 messages per day that the economy is crumbling, imploding and generally about to become a black hole of destruction, I thought it would be good to share some of the stories I’m hearing from business owners on the street.

****Disclaimer****

Do not be alarmed.  These stories are POSITIVE in nature and may inspire hope, excitement and/or relief in the reader.  Proceed at your own risk.

******************

I’m lucky to work with a number of really great business owners in Somerville, especially on our Board of Directors.  And even in that small group, there has been expansion and investment this year.

Davis Square

Sara from Kickass Cupcakes expanded next door to offer Local diary and delights at The Dairy Barn.

Dave’s Fresh Pasta is expanding in the coming months to offer a Local grocery market. (Stay tuned for a separate blog post about this)

Johnny D’s is alive and kickin (butt that is) after 40 years and have plans to remodel/renovate/reinvest parts of their business this year.

Union Square

Union Sq. welcomed GRAND this year, one of the coolest busineses I’ve been around and a pioneering business for the area.  They are thriving, and had a great holiday season.

Karyn from the Oh-so-delicious Sherman Cafe is opening a neighborhood Local grocery and produce market, focusing on locally grown products.

East Somerville

Gauchao, a delicious Brazillian BBQ, opened in this year.

Bread & Co just opened with a unique take on the cafe – a full service restaurant and bakery.  (Stay tuned for a separate blog post about this)

****************************************************************

Ok, so maybe these aren’t individually earth-shattering events.  But I just want you to know:  there are good things happening out there in this economy.  And it’s our belief that the fastest way to get our economies healthy again, is to rebuild through vibrant, local and sustainable communities.

As always….Keep it Local, Keep it Fresh.

Joe

PS-

Happy New Year!

…but still super cool.   Check out this event coming up on Friday:  Holiday Handjobs:  A Truth serum/Nine Inch Needles mash up.

They will be offering handmade (get the title now???) crafts on Friday 12/19 @ the VFW in Davis.  Shopping, Music and Drinks, sounds pretty good to us.

Check out their website to see if this event is for you.  As always, cheers to local artists who help make our community unique, fun and cool.

Web:  http://holiday-handjobs.com

Facebook event page

This sounds like LOTS of fun!!!

Cocktail Cupcake Happy Hours @ Kickass Cupcakes
378 Highland Ave – Davis Square
December 15, 16, 17 (Mon, Tue, Wed)
5pm-7pm
FREE tastings of mini cupcakes with cocktail inspired flavors
http://www.kickasscupcakes.com

And one for the Family too!

The Somerville Arts Council yearly Illuminations Tour (http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/programs/illuminations/index.html) is the annual trolley tour of holiday light displays. The 45-minute tour celebrates the folk-artistry of the many city residents who transform their houses and yards with lights, illuminated ornaments, and shrines of devotion and fantasy during the darkest time of the year.

Tickets for Saturday December 20th 8:45 & 9:15 are available at Blue Cloud Gallery (http://bluecloudgallery.com/) @ 713 Broadway Ball Square Somerville.

More Economic Validation

Whoa!

Check out this new study from the good folks at Western Michigan Local First and Civic Economics.  Building on the studies done in Andersonville, showing that 25% more money stays in the community if one chooses a locally owned business, Civic Economics found found that if the 600,000 people in the community shifted ONLY 10% of their purchases to local:

• 1600 jobs would be created
• There would be $137 Million in new economic activity
• There would be $50 Million in new wages earned

Think about the power you have in your back pocket or purse…and this is only 10%!!!  You can find the Executive Summary and Full Study here.  Stay tuned for some exciting developments on this front.  We are mobilizing and you will be hearing more on this soon.

Shop Local Week is here!

December 1st – 7th is Shop Local Week

Check out the press release on the BALLE website: http://www.livingeconomies.org/aboutus/announcements-and-breaking-news/shop-local-week-is-the-first-week-of-december

Remember to try to buy gifts at local businesses this year. They need our support and offer unique and high quality items.  If you’re looking for great gift spots in Somerville, try Blue Cloud Gallery and Grand.

Keep it Local. Keep it Fresh.
JG