For many, the holiday season includes giving back to nonprofits, neighbors, and all the initiatives we care about. While every act of generosity counts, the generosity multiplies when we give where we live.
“Gratitude and reciprocity are the currency of a gift economy, and they have the remarkable property of multiplying with every exchange, their energy concentrating as they pass from hand to hand, a truly renewable resource,” wrote author Robin Wall Kimmerer in her most recent book The Serviceberry: An Economy of Abundance. “I accept the gift from the bush and then spread that gift with a dish of berries to my neighbor, who makes a pie to share with his friend, who feels so wealthy in food and friendship that he volunteers at the food pantry. You know how it goes. To name the world as a gift is to feel one’s membership in the web of reciprocity. It makes you happy—and it makes you accountable.”
Please join us and spread the spirit of generosity!
The Tuesday after Thanksgiving marks GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement calling for us to transform our communities and our world. On December 3, give your time, talents, voice, or financial support to others.
“GivingTuesday inspires people all around the world to embrace their power to drive progress around the causes they care about, not just on one day but throughout the year,” said Asha Curran, GivingTuesday’s CEO and co-founder. “With millions of organizations and countless givers of all kinds, GivingTuesday is creating a shared space where we can see the radical implications of a more generous world.”
Not sure how to participate? Offer an hour of your talents to a local organization or neighbor in need. Think about what you’re good at and pass on an hour of your time. Or check out more inspiration.
Stay tuned for more about GivingTuesday in the Monadnock Region at tlcmonadnock.com/givingtuesday.
Guyer & Son Roofing, a locally owned business based in Marlborough, will offer a matching grant of $5,000 for the Monadnock United Way’s GivingTuesday campaign. “Partnering with Monadnock United Way to raise funds on GivingTuesday through a donation match appeals to us because the areas we care about, shelter, food, elderly, and children, align closely with MUW’s stated mission and focus areas,” said Gil Oriol, co-owner of Guyer & Son Roofing. “We’re excited to help inspire others to donate, volunteer, and help MUW reach their fundraising goal!”
Learn more and double your impact
Beyond supporting GivingTuesday, Guyer & Son Roofing launched its Growth By Giving campaign, uniting businesses in our region to donate, volunteer, and advocate for local nonprofits. “We understand that our success is intertwined with the well-being of our community,” Gil continued. “We aim to create a positive impact by giving back and inspiring others to do the same. Our charitable efforts are a testament to our commitment to making the Monadnock Region and the surrounding areas a better place for all. By involving your business, you will be known as someone who cares about your fellow neighbor and be part of a movement. Let our Businesses be the change we wish to see in our communities.” Participating businesses include Savings Bank of Walpole, Ted’s Shoe & Sport, Monadnock Media Group, Keene Sentinel, Silver Direct, Beeze Tees, Guyer & Son Roofing, and others. Together, these businesses strive to make a lasting impact and build a stronger, more compassionate community. Companies can learn more and join the initiative for free at growthbygiving.org.
We’re so excited for Shop Indie Local Week, a celebration of locally owned businesses that includes Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday, Artists Sunday, Cider Monday, and Giving Tuesday.
Learn more!
For the fifteenth year, independent businesses and community members in the Monadnock Region will celebrate Plaid Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. This year's event falls on Friday, November 29. Wear plaid on Friday to show your support for our local economy and commitment to buying local this holiday season.
Be sure to visit the locally owned businesses that have volunteered to serve as Plaid Friday Hubs this year. Hubs pledge to photograph you decked out in plaid and answer questions about Plaid Friday. TLC Monadnock will post all Plaid Friday photos throughout the day on our Facebook page at facebook.com/monadnocklocal.
Find a list of hubs!
While Plaid Friday overshadows Small Business Saturday in our region, we encourage everyone to celebrate this event on November 30. No matter how you get involved, every little bit makes a big difference.
Stay tuned for Small Business Saturday happenings!
December 1 is Artists Sunday, an art shopping movement of over 4,500 artists and organizations that come together to encourage consumers to shop with their favorite local artists and makers during the holiday season. Think of it as Plaid Friday, but for the arts!
Learn more about Artists Sunday!
Instead of Cyber Monday, a day when online merchants offer special deals, we invite you to Cider Monday on December 2. Stop in for free cider from participating Cider Monday businesses. Also, if you choose to shop online, choose local too!
Then, it’s Giving Tuesday on December 3.
Thank you for supporting the Shop Indie Local movement, and Happy Holidays!
As many of us share gifts and meals with friends, family, and coworkers this holiday season, we can also give a gift to our entire community. From our Thanksgiving meal to our New Year's Eve celebration, let’s Shop Indie Local and purchase more of our holiday gifts and celebration needs from our friends and neighbors—locally owned business owners.
Local, independent retail businesses help employ many more people than those on the sales floor. They’re more likely to bank with local banks and buy from other local businesses than chain stores. They’re also more likely to hire local service providers like accountants, graphic designers, and various skilled positions—jobs for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The week after Thanksgiving is a super busy one for the Shop Indie Local movement as we celebrate Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday, Artists Sunday, Cider Monday, and Giving Tuesday. Learn more!
"At The Cheshire Horse, we participate in Plaid Friday and other Shop Indie Local events because supporting our community is at the heart of everything we do,” said Marianne Hamshaw, owner of The Cheshire Horse. “As a family-owned business, we understand the value of building strong, local relationships, and these events are a wonderful way to celebrate the small businesses that make the Monadnock Region vibrant and unique. It’s about more than just shopping—it’s about coming together to create a thriving local economy while connecting with our customers and neighbors on a more personal level."
For the fifteenth year, independent businesses and community members in the Monadnock Region will celebrate Plaid Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. This year's event falls on Friday, November 29, 2024. Wear plaid on Friday to show your support for our local economy and commitment to buying local this holiday season.
Learn More: Plaid Friday
A number of locally owned businesses will serve as Plaid Friday Hubs this year. Hubs pledge to photograph you decked out in plaid and answer questions about Plaid Friday. TLC Monadnock will post all Plaid Friday photos throughout the day on our Facebook page.
Find a Hub Near You
“Birdies is participating in Plaid Friday because it aligns with what we are all about, community!” said Beth Wood, owner of 21 Bar & Grill and Birdies in Keene. “This year especially is important because it gives us a chance to show everyone what Birdies is. We love seeing our community supporting our small business and we love to promote collaborations. This Plaid Friday we cannot wait to give deals to those dining at 21 Bar & Grill when they show us their receipt or shopping bag from another Keene local business.”
While Plaid Friday overshadows Small Business Saturday in our region, we encourage everyone to celebrate this event, too. One way to participate is to play Shop Small Bingo. No matter how you get involved, every little bit makes a big difference.
“We’re excited to be part of two great events this season!” said Deb Johnson, Owner of The She Shed in Swanzey. “On Plaid Friday, The She Shed will be a hub of fun with a decorated photo area to snap a pic in your plaid. And on Small Business Saturday, we'll have special giveaways happening throughout the day. We’re so fortunate to be part of a community that truly supports shopping local—and we can't wait to show our appreciation!”
December 1 is Artists Sunday, an art shopping movement of over 4,500 artists and organizations coming together to encourage consumers to shop with their favorite local artists and makers during the holiday season. Think of it as Plaid Friday but for the arts. Learn more!
Instead of Cyber Monday, a day when online merchants offer special deals, we invite you to Cider Monday. On December 2, stop in for free cider from participating Cider Monday businesses. Also, if you choose to shop online, choose local too! Learn more!
A global generosity movement, Giving Tuesday on December 3 encourages you to give any way you can. Organizers share, “Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.” Learn more!
Together, we're generating ripple effects that create new jobs, charitable contributions, and community prosperity -- what a gift! Thank you for supporting the Shop Indie Local movement.
We invite businesses and organizations to participate in the Monadnock Region's Plaid Friday event on Friday, November 24. Celebrate in creative ways that work best for you, your staff, and neighborhood.
As a Plaid Friday Hub, your business commits to:
Here are some other ideas -- but get creative, too!
If you'd like to serve as a Plaid Friday hub this year, please contact us today.
I want to be a Plaid Friday Hub
“Art is not only about what an artist creates,” said Sarah L. Stewart, N.H. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Commissioner. “It’s also about how that art changes the lives of those who experience it.”
This October, experience local art during Choose Indie Art Month hosted by the American Independent Business Alliance. Let’s celebrate all types of Monadnock Region artists: crafters, painters, musicians, actors, writers, and others. Also, let’s boast about artists' positive impacts on you, our community, and our local economy.
Choose Indie Art/Choose Indie Markets: Seek out opportunities to purchase art and creative works from Monadnock Region artists. Here’s one option coming up soon: The fifty-first annual Cheshire Craftsmen Fair on October 5 and October 6 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Keene Recreation Center. Find unique holiday gifts, including home decor, quilted items, jewelry, soaps, woven items, pottery, fleece, felted crafts, and more. Discover more local art at shop.tlcmonadnock.com/product-category/arts and monadnockartsalive.org/dma.
“There’s perhaps nothing more personal than a gift of the arts,” said Cynthia Freese, Artists Sunday Director. “Give something special, unique, and handcrafted this holiday season and support local artists and the local economy.”
Attend an art event or tour: Here are two fantastic chances to meet local artists and see where they work. The Monadnock Art Tour and Fall Foliage Art Studio Tour. Both tours happen the weekend of October 12 – 14.
Love films? Be sure to attend the twelfth annual Monadnock International Film Festival October 4 – 6 in-person in Keene and October 8 -17 online. See the full schedule.
Take a walk around downtown Keene’s public art murals painted in 2019 by The Walldogs, a group of over 200 sign and mural artists from around the world. If you prefer a guided tour, register with the Historical Society of Cheshire County (tickets are $10 per person).
Whether film, theatre, music, or visual arts events, discover them all at discovermonadnock.com/events.
Take a class: Get your creative juices flowing by signing up for an art class or two. Check out all the offerings happening at MAXT Makerspace in Peterborough.
Jaffrey Civic Center will offer a “Paint Your First Oil Painting” series starting October 3. Learn more.
From dance classes to theatre coaching, find more educational opportunities.
Show off art: Share your creative spirit with your friends, family, and coworkers. Ask others to show you their art. Give a social media shoutout to the local artists who inspire you. Tag your posts with #chooseindieart so we can share them with others.
The arts mean business: In 2021, the art sector made up 4.3 percent of the US economy -- greater than construction, transportation, or agriculture industries -- and included 4.9 million workers. The arts also mean revenue for other local businesses, as each arts event attendee spends an additional $31.47 at neighboring stores, restaurants, and hotels.
Art boosts our well-being: A national opinion poll from the Americans for the Arts found that 69 percent of us believe the arts “lift me up beyond everyday experiences,” and 81 percent shared that the arts are a “positive experience in a troubled world.” Recognizing the healing power of art, about half of US hospitals offer arts programming.
Art brings us together: 72 percent of Americans believe “the arts unify our communities regardless of age, race, and ethnicity,” and 73 percent agree that the arts “helps me understand other cultures better.”
Art inspires creativity: A Journal of Business Research study found that displaying art in the workplace boosted employees’ creative thinking.
“The arts are the lifeblood of our communities, raising morale, creating community cohesion, and providing comfort during dark times while also delivering a huge economic footprint,” said Nolen V. Bivens, former president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “And it is more important than ever that everyone take part to recognize the creative and cultural value of the arts and humanities in our communities.”
Stay tuned for more Choose Indie Arts news, events, and inspiration
For the twelfth year, let’s shine a light on local food, farms, and our entire Monadnock Region food system during New Hampshire Eats Local Month, a month-long celebration of our state’s harvest in August.
Our food system is an intricate web of people, resources, and processes that grow and bring food from the farm to your plate. It includes the soil's fertility, the diligent labor of farm workers, the networks transporting goods, bustling markets, and beyond. Please enjoy Part One of this year’s bounty of Monadnock Region food system updates!
Local farmers need local farmland. That’s why the Monadnock Conservancy works to protect farmland on some of our region’s most beloved farms. Using a tool called a conservation easement -- a permanent agreement that prohibits development of the land but permits forestry and farming -- the Conservancy keeps these highly productive pieces of land in the hands of farmers. Many farm conservation easements provide cash to farmers to expand their business, pay down debt, or help transfer the farm to the next generation. Monadnock Conservancy recently purchased conservation easements on two local farms, Picadilly Farm in Winchester and Pete’s Stand in Walpole. For more information, please visit monadnockconservancy.org.
“Local farms provide so much to this region, and I am always pleased when we can keep farmland in the hands of farmers,” said Ryan Owens, Executive Director of The Monadnock Conservancy. “Some of the best soils in the nation are found right here in this region, along the Connecticut River.”
Jonathan Hayden and Abigail Clarke from Winter Street Farm in Claremont received a New Hampshire Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant to grow their community composting program.
With more farmers dealing with extreme weather events and increased pest pressures due to climate change, we must support and empower local farmers to build climate resilience. The New Hampshire Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant program aims to do just that. Since 2022, this program has distributed 95 grant awards totaling $714,000 to New Hampshire farms. The Climate Resilience Grant Program funded projects at fifteen farms in our region. Two examples include Boggy Meadow Farm in Walpole, which will build a Johnson-Su compost bioreactor to create a fungal-rich compost and improve on-farm soil health, and Foggy Hill Farm in Jaffrey, which will install a passive solar greenhouse to improve their farm's energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. Learn more about this program at cheshireconservation.org/climate.
It's been an exciting couple of years for the Monadnock View Community Garden (MVCG) in West Keene. Fully subscribed for the second consecutive year, MVCG received funding from the Cheshire County Conservation District to construct a tool shed (with design and labor contributed by Bensonwood), install five additional water spigots, purchase an array of shared tools, season extension, water conservation, pest control and soil building materials for gardeners, and add infrastructure to our Giving Garden. These additions, along with the efforts of volunteers, allowed gardeners to increase the amount of produce donated to The Community Kitchen from approximately 450 pounds in 2022 to just over 600 pounds in 2023. "At MVCG, we like to think we're not only growing veggies but community," said volunteer garden manager Rowland Russell. "In the big picture, it's the connective tissue of community that gives our local food system its resilience."
Now, get out there and enjoy our local food and farms! Here are a few (of the many) events happening in our region in August.
Co-produced by Monadnock Food Co-op and Monadnock Farm and Community Coalition (MFCC), the Monadnock Farm Tour and After Party at Granite Roots Brewing celebrates local food and farms on Saturday, August 17, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy farm activities such as sheepdog herding demonstrations, pudding production, free tractor and hayrides, pasture tours, and more. Tickets are $10 per car, providing access to all participating farms. Tickets can be purchased online or at each farm during tour hours. Learn more at mfcommunitycoalition.org/2024monadnockfarmtour. Attendees can continue the fun at the After Party at Granite Roots Brewing in Troy from 5 - 8 p.m. The event will feature fresh brews, food trucks, and live music, all with no entry fee. Children and leashed, friendly dogs are welcome. Enter MFCC’s raffle, offering a first prize of $500, a second prize of a quarter CSA share from Dog Dogs Farm in Fitzwilliam valued at $250, and a third prize of locally sourced products worth $125. The raffle drawing will occur at this event, and ticket holders will not need to be present to win. “David Kennard of Wellscroft Farm will show off the skills of his sheepherding Border Collies as they move the herd to his every command and will share a bit about raising sheep. Blackfire Farm is cooking up fresh vegetable pizzas and will enlighten folks on what sustainable farming is to them while on a hay wagon ride,” said Roe-Ann Tasoulas, director of MFCC. “This is a rare opportunity to experience our farmers’ day-to-day lives working a farm business. Our hope is that everyone will walk away feeling more connected with the land, the animals, and the farmers who thoughtfully care for it."
Also, on August 17, Stonewall Farm in Keene celebrates turning 30 with a Farm Fair from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Experience horse and farm equipment demonstrations, live music, contra dancing, games, contests, delicious food, a beer garden, and more. Tickets cost $10 per person (free admissions for kids three and under). Tickets to access the beer garden (with beer sampling) cost $40 per person. Learn more at stonewallfarm.org/events/stonewall-farm-fair.
Are you a teacher? Join the Monadnock Farm to School Network at the Cornucopia Project Educational Farm for a fun-filled day camp designed especially for you. Dive into classroom-ready activities through demonstrations, a farm tour, group activities, and games -- just like a real summer camp. This event includes a delicious lunch and a chance to win school supplies. Professional development credits are available, too. Learn more and register at eventbrite.com/e/farm-to-school-day-camp-for-teachers-tickets-945161642917. Stay tuned for Part Two of this article in August, including local food and farm updates from Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship, Community Garden Connections, and more! Also, check out our local food and farming events list at tlcmonadnock.com/NHEatLocal. Thank you to all the individuals, programs, policies, and initiatives that continue to build a more robust local and regional food system in our corner of the state and throughout New England. Together, we’re cultivating healthier citizens, communities, and economies.
Twenty years ago, locally owned businesses in Tampa, Florida, came together to celebrate the very first Independents Week. Soon after, American Independent Business Alliance helped bring Independents Week to independent business alliances throughout the United States. Now, twenty years later, American Independent Business Alliance invites communities to come together to celebrate Independents Month!
Independents Month is a time to recognize our locally owned and independent businesses and the community values they embody:
Independents Month, part of AMIBA’s Shop Indie Local Initiative, is the perfect time to shine a light on the Local Multiplier Effect and the Monadnock Indie Impact Study. Together, we’ll inspire our communities to take positive action and boost the positive ripple effects our neighborhoods, towns, and cities receive when we spend more of our dollars at locally owned, independent businesses.
Independents Month is a time to reflect on your ability to think and act independently and embrace your part in shaping the future of your community. Choose Indie Local and boost the multiplier effect in your region. Also, take time to acknowledge the independent business owners you know.
Another way to celebrate Independents Month is to take the Indie Month Staycation Challenge. Pledge to make all of your purchases at locally owned businesses for one day, one week, or the entire month. Sign on to the Indie Challenge today!
Traveling during Independents Month? Enjoy what locally owned, and independent businesses have to offer wherever you’re visiting. Ask locals where their favorites are and look for independent business alliances in the areas you’re visiting.
Carla Jimenez, co-owner of Inkwood Books and co-founder of the Tampa Independent Business Alliance, created the first Independents Week in 2001. In 2005, AMIBA began promoting the campaign nationally, providing tools to help communities organize their own Independents Week celebrations.
This July, let’s celebrate our independence and our independents together.
Celebrate Independents Month this July with The Local Crowd (TLC) Monadnock and Monadnock Food Co-op, a time to recognize the importance of all independent and locally owned businesses in our region. Let’s appreciate all the community values independent business owners embody and their spirit of entrepreneurship. We’ll also acknowledge all the ways these individuals give back to our community with their time, talents, goods, and services, making us healthier and wealthier. Thank independent business owners and their staff throughout July!
One perfect way to celebrate Independents Month is to take our Staycation Challenge. Pledge to make all your purchases at locally owned businesses -- for one day, one week, or the entire month of July.
Sign on to the Indie Month Staycation Challenge today!
“I’d like to see if I can make some changes to how we buy things as a family,” said one challenge taker, Sadie Stehlik from Marlborough. “I’ve started buying more and more online, and it seems like a good time to assess those purchasing habits and find local alternatives.”
In addition to the Indie Challenge, take a Staycation. Instead of traveling far from home to get away, vacation here and experience all the Monadnock Region has to offer. You’ll save money at the gas pumps and make new connections to nurture throughout the year. Keep reading for some July Staycation ideas.
Where you spend your dollars matters. Your choices create a ripple effect that starts with you and extends to our entire community and local economy. Choose an Indie Local (independent and locally owned business), and the positive ripple effect magnifies!
“I want to keep my money local and support the vibrant communities I want my children to experience far into the future,” said another challenge taker, Rachel Patterson from Nelson.
Learn More
One lucky Indie Challenge-taker will win our Independents Month Staycation Giveaway. This year’s Staycation Giveaway includes a two-night stay at the Bridges Inn Whitcomb House in Swanzey, one $250 gift card to Monadnock Food Co-op in Keene, a Badger Balm Gift Basket from Gilsum (chocked full of summer necessities), one $25 gift card from West LA Beer Company in Swanzey, and one $25 gift card from Frisky Cow Gelato in Keene.
We’ll announce the winner in early August.
See All the Details!
Last year’s Indie Challenge winner, Josephine Russell, took her staycation at the Inn at East Hill Farm in December during the Inn’s Christmas on the Farm Day. “It was a great time to go. We invited two of our children, along with their children, to join us. All three generations enjoyed the day,” said Josephine. “The rest of our staycation was quiet. We took long walks over the land and visited the animals multiple times. They have the most friendly goats.”
The Inn at East Hill Farm, at the base of Mount Monadnock in Troy, offers an authentic farm stay experience and many activities no matter the season. Learn more!
“We were served our meals family style, and we felt like a part of their family,” continued Josephine. “Everyone seemed to know our names and showed a desire to make our stay there the best possible. What a luxury to have a private suite! In the living room, our family gathered on Saturday to have private time together around the fireplace. The rest of the time, my husband, JC, and I read, journaled, and chatted in our private living room. The commute was without a long drive. But it felt as if we were far away in another world. The weekend was relaxing and fun.”
Independents Month reminds us to recognize our locally owned and independent businesses for the community values they embody and their spirit of entrepreneurship. Also, we acknowledge all the ways they give back to our community with their time, talents, goods, and services, making us healthier and wealthier. Thank an independent business owner and their staff today!
“I have seen the value and care that locally owned businesses bring to their communities,” shared Nathan B. from Harrisville. “Our local businesses support important work that needs doing and help to provide valuable services and opportunities for our young people!”
Looking for some Staycation ideas? Here are a few events in July to add to your Staycation plans.
“Since 2012, I have been honored to be your ambassador for Find Waldo Local initiatives in over 520 cities across the US,” shared Waldo, the star of the Where’s Waldo book series. “More than 575 indie bookstores have participated, and more than 14,500 local merchants have been involved.” Get ready! Waldo begins hiding in Downtown Keene from July 1 to July 31. Pick up a passport at Toadstool Bookshop in Keene and start your search at twenty-five participating stores.
Find Waldo (a six-inch version of him, that is!) at ten stores and get a coupon and a temporary tattoo. Find him at twenty stores and get entered into a raffle for Waldo books and other goodies supplied by participating stores. Save the date for a party at Toadstool Bookshop in Keene on Sunday, August 4 at 3 pm.
Learn More!
Wizarding Week returns in July. What's Wizarding Week? Locally owned businesses in Downtown Keene host the annual Wizarding Week -- bigger and better than ever! So much fun for all ages. “Where magic classes are real, menus are elaborate, and fun is never in short supply.”
Stay Tuned!
Paddle or meander with the Harris Center. Check out their events list and sign up for one (or more!) excursions this month: harriscenter.org/events. Stroll around downtown Keene’s public art murals painted in 2019 by The Walldogs -- a group of over 200 sign and mural artists from around the world. If you prefer a guided tour, register for the July 1 event at 10 am with the Historical Society of Cheshire County (tickets are $10 per person): hsccnh.org/event/walldogs-mural-tour-july-2024.
Traveling during Independents Month? Enjoy what locally owned businesses have to offer wherever you are. Ask locals where their favorite independents are and look for local economy networks at amiba.net/our-network. Think independently and act locally this Independents Month and beyond. Together, we’ll boost the positive ripple effects our community receives when we spend more of our dollars at locally owned, independent businesses.
“Amid the chaos and breakdown of our time, imagining such a thing as economic system change can seem daunting, overwhelming, impossible,” said Marjorie Kelly, a distinguished senior fellow at the Democracy Collaborative. “The truth is system change is already emerging all around us. It’s beginning in our own backyards, in the form of Community Wealth Building, a form of local economic development that transforms local economies through communities having direct ownership and control of their assets.”
Community Wealth Building has gained traction over the years, especially since Marjorie Kelly published her latest book Wealth Supremacy last September. Let’s take a closer look at this approach.
Image Credit: Democracy Collaborative
“When 50 percent of the population can’t put its hands on $1,000 in an emergency, and 50 percent of the private workforce has retirement assets of zero, wealth insecurity is a severe problem in this country, and we need a way to build wealth,” said Corey Rosen, founder of the National Center for Employee Ownership. Community Wealth Building calls for a “great ownership transition” -- shifting ownership from the hands of a few to many. Who owns and controls a city or town's businesses, buildings, and other assets profoundly impacts community members’ health and wealth. So, Community Wealth Building calls for broadening ownership through diverse strategies like forming cooperatives, moving money to community banks, public banks, and credit unions, cultivating land trusts, and much more. This approach also reimagines how wealth is invested to serve community needs over building billionaires. With a shift in wealth comes a shift in power. “[While] we’ve built superhighways for speculative investments, productive local investments travel dirt paths,” said Marjorie Kelly. “We need new infrastructure to make local and impact investing easy. Much of that innovation is coming at warp speed from the impact investing world, where countless funds are springing up to invest in marginalized communities, decarbonize buildings, and advance sustainable development goals.”
Connecticut launched America’s first baby bond in 2023, depositing $3,200 in an account for each newborn enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program. Over time, each account will grow to as much as $24,000 per child. When these children reach 18, they can use this money for college, a downpayment on a home, to start a business, or to save for retirement. Baby bonds represent a long-term approach to reducing the wealth gap in future generations.
Learn more about Baby Bonds
The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute offers a compelling case in support of baby bonds, “Experts suggest that addressing equity and closing the racial wealth divide would add more than $2 trillion in GDP annually, increasing economic development and improving the health of the economy, which is an area of common ground for political parties. In general, making equitable adjustments to existing tax subsidies that disproportionately benefit the highest-income earners could generate enough savings to pay for baby bonds.”
Another example of Community Wealth Building is Evergreen Cooperatives, which blends the economic power of anchor institutions with employee ownership. Anchor institutions are large nonprofits that, once established, usually stay in one place -- think of hospitals, universities, and government entities. By connecting the goods and services offered by locally owned businesses to the needs of anchor institutions, both the individual companies and the entire local economy benefit. In 2008, The Cleveland Model in Ohio started Evergreen Cooperatives with an employee-owned green laundry service to meet the needs of local hospitals. Evergreen now includes four more cooperatives focusing on weatherization and manufacturing, plus an employee ownership investment fund. In our region, hospitals are coming together to explore Community Wealth Building through the Healthcare Anchor Network.
Learn more about Anchor Institutions
Employee ownership, another Community Wealth Building strategy mentioned above, gives workers their own shares in the company they work for. There are multiple forms of employee ownership, from employee stock ownership plans to worker cooperatives.
What is Employee Ownership?
King Arthur Baking Company in Norwich, VT, became 100% employee-owned in 2004. Owners Frank and Brinna Sands wanted to retire, but without family members to take over the business, they turned to their employees to keep the company’s mission intact. Workers earn company stock, giving them a path toward a better retirement. "These jobs are not going to be sent overseas when it's an employee-owned company," said King Arthur employee-owner Rosie Wawrzyniak. "That's why politicians, no matter what side of the aisle they're on, they always support employee-owned companies. You know, people really care about getting meat from happy cows or happy chickens; why would you not want products from happy people? Customers benefit when they're getting a better-quality product from happy people." “If you have time for just one book this summer, please read Marjorie Kelly’s Wealth Supremacy,” shared local economist Michael Shuman. “She’s an astute critic of what we are getting wrong in our economy, but she also has lots of ideas about what we can get right.” Pick up your copy today at the Toadstool Bookshops in Keene or order it online at toadbooks.com. There’s so much more to learn about Community Wealth Building.
Learn along with us!
Before we wrap up this month’s article, we wanted to announce that we’re partnering with Monadnock Food Co-op to launch our third-annual Staycation Challenge!
Summer means vacation for many of us. However, taking a vacation doesn’t have to include traveling far from home to get away. Take a Staycation and experience all the Monadnock Region has to offer. You’ll save money at the gas pumps and make new connections to nurture throughout the year. The money you spend recirculates in our local economy, building more community health and wealth.
Enter TLC Monadnock’s Staycation Challenge by pledging to spend your dollars only at locally owned businesses for one day, one week, or the entire month of July.
Take our pre-survey now and then a post-survey coming in late July. Complete both surveys for your chance to win our Staycation package.
This year’s winner of our Staycation Package will receive a two-night stay at the Bridges Inn Whitcomb House, a $25 West LA Brewery gift card (both in Swanzey), a gift basket of summer necessities (sunscreens and anti-bug products) from Badger Balm in Gilsum, and more treats from locally owned businesses. We’ll announce our winner in mid-August. Happy staycationing!
“After 50 years of framing work around the automobile, retail analysts in both the private and public sectors are shifting to a new consensus: cars don’t spend money — people do.”
The quote above, taken from the report Protected Bike Lanes Mean Business, highlights a significant shift in thinking. People need access to our locally owned stores, whether getting there by foot, bicycle, wheelchair, bus, or personal vehicle. How can we balance each person’s transportation needs with municipal budgets and businesses’ bottom lines? Enter the bicycle.
There’s growing evidence that encouraging people to go by bicycle boosts the local economy. When done correctly, adding bicycle lanes and other cycling amenities can increase retail sales while decreasing parking pressures.
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“Bicycling is more than a practical, cost-effective solution to many municipal challenges,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “When local communities invest in making bicycling safer and a real transportation option for more people, the return on investment is clear for individuals and society at large — from cost-savings on public health to small businesses’ growth and more.”
While bicyclists tend to buy smaller amounts when they shop, bicyclists visit each store more often and spend more money overall compared to those who commute by automobile. Also, providing space for bicycle parking costs municipalities less than vehicle parking. A dozen bicycles can fit into one parking space designed for a vehicle.
May is National Bicycle Month, the perfect time to amplify the benefits of bicycling and take more bike rides. Whether you ride for fun, fitness, or take essential trips to work or shop, be part of the movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.
Mark your calendar and cycle along! National Ride A Bike Day happens May 5, Bike to Work Week will take place May 13-19, and Bike to Work Day is on Friday, May 17.
The American Independent Business Alliance and partners throughout North America will celebrate Bicycling Means Business Month in May, promoting the connections between bicycling and healthy local economies.
“Bike to Good Fortune Jewelry & Pawn in Keene during May, and we’ll give you a free Pocket Angel,” shared business owner and AMIBA member Roger Weinreich. Attend the Kiwanis Kool Wheels Event at the Keene Recreation Center on May 4, from 10 am to 12 pm. Kool Wheels is a free family event where kids of all ages can select a new bicycle helmet (while supplies last) and learn about bike safety.
Schools nationwide will celebrate Bike & Roll to School Day on May 8. Over 1,000 schools will participate to call attention to making routes to schools safer and kids more active.
Enjoy a series of free guided bicycle tours along our state’s picturesque rail trails called Tour De New Hampshire. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or new to biking, organizers designed these weekly tours to celebrate the joy of cycling and showcase the natural beauty of New Hampshire’s incredible rail trail system. Stay tuned for details. On May 18, enjoy The Tour de Francestown, a beautiful 25- or 50-mile marked course through Francestown and neighboring towns presented by the Francestown Old Meeting House. Registration fees include on-course rest stops and food and drink at the finish line. Register today!
Make your bicycle rides count by logging your miles in the Love to Ride app. This new app will help communities make better bicycle infrastructure decisions using real-time, crowdsourced information. Rate your comfort level all along your route. You may even win a prize! Download the Love to Ride app at Love to Ride’s website.
The Bike League’s Bicycle Friendly America program celebrates places that are more welcoming to people who bike. There are currently 480 Bicycle Friendly Communities, 1,480 Bicycle Friendly Businesses, and 220 Bicycle Friendly Universities. Locally, the City of Keene, Keene State College, Monadnock Food Co-op, and Keene Family YMCA received BFA designation. Congrats! View the complete database.
Let’s get rolling!
This past year has seen some incredible new developments in the Move Your Money: Bank Local and Invest Local movement—including new community investment funds, new cooperative designs, and new public policies. Let’s elevate these innovations during Move Your Money Month this April. Direct more of your dollars to the banks and businesses based where you live, and join a growing movement prioritizing people, planet, and profit.
Local economist Michael Shuman tracks these developments in his weekly newsletter, The Main Street Journal. Join Michael for a free virtual event called Incredible New Developments in the Move Your Money Movement on Thursday, April 11, from 1 – 2 pm. Discover how you can be part of the movement!
RSVP today
When you bank locally at a community bank or credit union in our region, more of your dollars recirculate throughout our local economy -- building more local jobs and prosperity. Traditional banks, publicly traded and owned by stockholders, exist to provide a return on investment to their far-away owners. On the other hand, community banks are privately owned and not publicly traded. Credit unions are cooperatives, meaning the members own their banks. “At local banks and credit unions, loan approvals and other key decisions are made locally by people who live in the community, have face-to-face relationships with their customers, and understand local needs,” said Stacy Mitchell from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. “Because of this personal knowledge, local financial institutions are often able to approve small business and other loans that big banks would reject.”
Move your money closer to home and your heart by choosing a bank more aligned with your values. Who do you bank with now? Search for them here and find out what your bank does with your money. Discover how many dollars your bank invests in your community.
Want to Move Your Money closer to home? Find a new bank here.
In addition to moving your money to a community bank or credit union, we encourage you to invest in locally owned businesses. Why? The Monadnock Region Indie Impact Study found that businesses rooted in our region recirculate up to four times more money in our local economy compared to national chain stores. If we invested more capital in locally owned businesses, we’d see a return on investment that included more community health and wealth.
We’ll share local investing opportunities on our website throughout Move Your Money Month.
Stay Tuned
Thanks for banking, investing, and choosing locally owned and independent businesses each and every day!
The Local Crowd Monadnock - Keene, NH
