I am writing to introduce Capital District Local First, a new group in our area promoting local living economies in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady & Saratoga Counties of NYS. You can read more about us at http://www.capitaldistrictlocalfirst.org/, and there is also a downloadable brochure on the site for anyone interested in joining the group.

Capital District Local First is a nonprofit organization located in New York State’s Capital District. Our mission is to foster connections among and provide educational resources for the general public and the locally owned, independent business and nonprofit community of the Capital District of New York State so that those individuals and organizations are better able to contribute to building a local, living economy in the region. A local living economy enhances the social fairness, community spirit, financial vitality, and environmental health of the region.
We are in the process of becoming a network of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies and obtaining non-profit tax-exempt status. (www.livingeconomies.org)

Our organization is developing the following programs:

• Educational Program for Members and Supporters
• Public Awareness Outreach Program
• Research and Dissemination Program

I am reaching out to your group in particular because we don't have many members in the Saratoga area, and that is something that we are looking to change. Please feel free to contact me with any questions about our group at karen {at} digitalartistspace {dot} com.