Local First Inc

“Members shall be locally-owned, independent businesses and farms, organizations, supporting businesses and individuals who are committed to the purposes of the corporation as outlined in Article 2 of the bylaws.”

“A copy of Form 990 is provided to the board for review and approval prior to filing.”

“In situations where directors, staff, or agents of corporation, or their extended family members, stand to gain material benefit or suffer material loss from a decision of the corporation, that person shall: a) immediately inform the party charged with making the decision b) help the party making the decision by disclosing any material facts related to the decision c) recusing themselves from the discussion and, if necessary, the casting of votes on the decision.”

“Compensation of managing director is determined based on review of compensation for similar organizations in La Plata county; which is then reviewed by the executive committee and presented to the board for approval.”

“Documents are made available to the public upon request.”

“OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 4: Other programs and services to members include consumer targeted campaigns such as outreach and mobilization efforts such as working with businesses on social and environmental best practices through the a variety of programs. We provide an online business directory, and reach out to the local media with press releases about sustainable economy issues. In addition, we organize members-only networking and collaboration events. We pulled together key stakeholders in order to form the Durango Creative District to support and build a creative economy and launched the Southwest Health Alliance to increase health literacy and reduce insurance premiums for businesses and individuals to keep healthcare dollars recirculating locally and support the local, independent business community, including healthcare practitioners. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 5: Local First partnered with La Plata County Colorado to administer Small BusinessRelief Program (Senate Bill 20B-001) in order to provide direct relief payments toeligible small businesses and non-profits located in La Plata County in operation since March 16, 2020 with 50 FTE employees or fewer. Grants of $10,000 or less were provided to support businesses located in the county impacted by COVID-19. During 2020 Local First has helped administer over $1,067,831 in pandemic-relieffunding to approximately 150 businesses and nonprofits in La Plata County OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 6: The American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) based in Bozeman, MT was chosen to receive $355,843 from the USDA through the Local Food Promotion Program of the Agricultural Marketing Service. Local First was one of the main administers of the funds locally. The funds supported the launch of the Durango Regional Food Recovery Hub (HUB), which ultimately became the Good Food Collective, its own non-profit with a separate fiscal sponsor. The purpose of the HUB was to increase access to locally-produced agricultural products, develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets, and increase regional food security. Through efficient harvesting and distribution of gleaned fruit and vegetables, the Hub increased access to local food for low-income families and entrepreneurial businesses, while also reducing conflicts with bears.The geographic scope of the grant was Durango, Colorado, and La Plata and Montezumacounties.”