|
1998 |
Buffalo First founder Amy Kedron begins research on community ownership at the National Center for Economic and Security Alternatives in Washington D.C. She contributes to an article about local ownership entitled "Ownership Matters" for Yes! Magazine. Read the full article here |
|
2001 |
National community leaders and scholars including Judy Wicks, Laury Hammel, Michael Shuman and David Korten found the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE). |
|
2004 |
A small working group of students, college professors and community activists, organized by Kedron, begin researching local ownership initiatives. They conduct site visits in Toronto, ON and Ithaca, NY observing community capital initiatives. |
|
2006 |
Buffalo First launches in May after BALLE's annual conference in Burlington, VT. |
|
2006 |
In just three short months, Buffalo Firsts reaches out to 100 member businesses. |
|
2006 |
Buffalo First hosts its first holiday Buy Buffalo Bash at Ani DiFranco's Babeville. Nearly 400 people enjoy all local food, drink, entertainment and retail prizes. |
|
2007 |
Buffalo First, Inc. calls its first board meeting to order on May 21, 2007. Founding board members include: Brian Barrington, Erin Cala, Deborah Clotfelter, Jane Japadjief, Alexa Wajed, Bob Syracuse, Katharine Jemisin, Johathon Welch, Erin Shakey, and Tim Herzog. Artvoice photographs the meeting for their June cover story. |
|
2008 |
The Internal Revenue Service grants Buffalo First its 501(c)(3) determination letter on May 28. Buffalo First officially becomes a nonprofit organization! It receives its very first grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Buffalo First has nearly 200 members. |
|
2009 |
In May of 2009 the John R. Oishei Foundation Buffalo gives Buffalo First its first major grant of $85,000, which forms a partnership between Buffalo First and Buffalo State College. Buffalo First works with nearly 400 independent businesses, nonprofit organizations and concerned citizens. It publishes its first All Local Coupon Book and hires 3 permanent staff. Buffalo First's executive director testifies before a special hearing of the State Senate and Assembly on "Retail Diversity and Neighborhood Health."
|
|
2010 |
Buffalo First receives a second year of grant support from the John R. Oishei Foundation and launches a new website designed by Connare Tech. Buffalo First forms an important partnership with nationally reknown organization, B Lab, to help area businesses certify and track socially responsible business performance. State Senator, Antoine Thompson, presents Buffalo First with the Green Business Award at the annual Buffalo-Niagara Green Expo. Buffalo First works with allies across New York State to establish groundbreaking state standards for B Corporations. |
|
2011 |
178 members in 2011; Generated over 65 press hits; Won a sustainability award and the Future of Justice Award; Through advocacy, helped pass state legislation to create Benefit Corporations in New York State; Hosted nearly 20 events including Indiesound in Allentown, a local-music-meets-local-business festival; Held three business forums and practical workshops; Educated consumers about local holiday shopping with our Give Local a Chance campaign; Gave independent business owners a voice at Canal Side through the Canal Side Community Alliance |
