Judy Wicks the BALLE Mama
by
Ajax Greene
In 2000,
at my second of many Social Venture Network conferences held that
year at the Mohonk Mountain House (localism has deep roots right here
in the Hudson Valley), I responded to an announcement by Judy Wicks
about starting a new organization. Over a two-year period and after
two retreats at Judy’s weekend homes in the Poconos, the Business
Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) came into being.
The
recent conference in Buffalo, with hundreds of amazing attendees, was
BALLE’s 11th annual conference (described by Bloomberg press as
“Davos for Main Street”). Several things struck me while in
Buffalo at the conference: first, Judy’s original vision of an
economy based on interlocking local economies is stronger and more
important than ever—encouraging massive changes in how experts,
business owners and shoppers nationally and globally view the best
way to spend their hard-earned dollars. My next observation is that
we will not only think our way out of the economic mess we find
ourselves in—being heart-centered and doing some deep inner work is
a necessary part of the dynamic, vibrant new economy that is
emerging. Being fearless in the face of a world undergoing massive
transitions is not easy, but vitally important. There are literally
hundreds, if not thousands, of examples of people bravely affecting
positive economic change in their local communities.
Under
Judy’s leadership (something I have always been drawn to), BALLE is
not against things so much as it is about having a vision for
positive change in the world. Where others find problems, Judy’s
guidance for BALLE has been about small-scale, proven strategies that
work. Historically, economic development has been about doing the
“big deal,” a very male-oriented "size matters"
approach. We find that many women are drawn to Judy’s brand of
wisdom because they historically have been the folks most connected
to place, doing great work that at least begins small (nothing I
might say is to suggest that growing a locally owned independent
social enterprise to scale is anything but a good thing). It’s
amazing how many people are truly content with their modest-sized
business; they enjoy owning and operating what they are able to
infuse with their values, and connect with their community. Now that
is the new sexy.
As an
imperfect interpreter at this point, I would love to invite you to
hear directly the BALLE Mama’s own words. Judy Wicks will be
speaking at a Re>Think Local event on July 17 from 12-3pm at the
Buttermilk Falls Inn + Spa in Milton, NY. Learn directly from Judy
how BALLE originated the term “Think Local First,” and if you’re
lucky you might just get a hug. There will be signed copies of her
inspired memoir, Good
Morning, Beautiful Business. This
is a must- attend event for current or aspiring women entrepreneurs
and business owners, restaurateurs, and anyone who thinks that
Localism and having your values reflected in your business are worthy
goals.
With
over 80 networks around the country (like Re>Think Local),
representing some 30,000 businesses, when Judy launched BALLE she
launched a movement that is transforming the way the world does
business. I find people are hungry to be part of something larger
than themselves, where prosperity and caring for both people and the
planet are included.
For
me it is tremendously comforting that thousands of really smart,
heart-centered people are working so hard to save the world from an
economic system run amok. Much to my personal chagrin, last year I
discovered what a nerd I am by how much I love discussing economics.
Please go beyond any jargon in this article and if you remember
nothing else, find the joy in connected communities that care, as
envisioned by Judy.
Here
in the Mid-Hudson Valley we started losing IBM 20 years ago and
continue to lose if we bet on their economic model—while at the
BALLE Conference I saw another announcement for an additional 700
layoffs in Dutchess County. Places like Buffalo, Cleveland and
Detroit have hit bottom and by force were required to find new ways
forward. My sincere hope is that we here in the Hudson Valley get
smart long before we find anything like a bottom, and take advantage
of all the amazing opportunities for locally owned independent
businesses to thrive in our region. Come get inspired and learn some
practical BALLE steps from The BALLE Mama, Judy Wicks.
rethinklocal.org/events/judywicks (If you can’t make it on 7/17,
she is also speaking the evening before at an event hosted by our
friends at Hawthorne Valley Farm, linked to from our website.).
Posted by lil' Liza
on 9:56 AM.
Filed under
Rethink Local
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