Gift Local Kick-off ReceptionSpecial Pick!

Gift Local Kick-off Reception

We're fortunate to receive Judy Wicks as a featured guest speaker at this reception.  Judy is founder of Philadelphia’s landmark White Dog Cafe, and an international leader in the local living economies movement.  She is co-founder and board chair of the nationwide Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), and founder  of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia and Fair Food – both originally incubated at White Dog Community Enterprises, a non-profit created to direct business profits toward building a local living economy in the Philadelphia region.

In the retail industry, Judy was founder/owner of Black Cat, a retail store that featured locally made and fair trade gifts for 20 years, 1989 – 2009. In 1970, Judy co-founded the Free People's Store, now well-known as Urban Outfitters. Just after the 26th anniversary, Judy sold the White Dog Cafe in January, 2009, through a unique exit strategy that preserves the values of the business and assures local, independent ownership.  She is currently working on a book to be published in 2010 by Chelsea Green.

This reception is free to locally-owned businesses within Sonoma County.  It's open to the general public to attend.  Admission price is $5 for GoLocal individual members and $10 for non-members.

Wine, beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served as attendees mix and mingle.