Local First is changing up its LocalMotion Awards in 2017. In an effort to be more inclusive to West Michigan’s diverse range of ownership, Local First has eliminated the previous award categories and will recognize businesses in a more equitable way.
DETAILS
nMore than 50 businesses will be celebrated at the Annual Meeting and LocalMotion Awards on January 25, 2016 at the Goei Center. These businesses have been nominated for LocalMotion Awards by their peers, customers, clients, friends, colleagues, and employees for their work in the community.
This year, Local First will award eight businesses for their positive social, environmental and economic effects in West Michigan. To measure their impact, these businesses were asked to complete the Quick Impact Assessment, which quantifies their positive impact through business practices such as philanthropic efforts, employee satisfaction, and responsible waste management. This assessment, created by Local First and B Lab, was reformatted in 2016 to be easier to complete. The more user-friendly platform has resulted in a record number of candidates.
“We wanted to let businesses share their innovative practices with us, rather than prescribing specific award categories,” says Elissa Hillary, President of Local First. “Since the launch of the awards six years ago, some of the most pressing issues in our community have changed. We want to recognize businesses who are addressing these needs.”
HISTORY
nThe LocalMotion Awards began in 2010 as a way to recognize local businesses and individuals for their achievements in making our community more vibrant and resilient. Since then, hundreds of businesses and individuals have been nominated and dozens have been honored.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
nFor the first time, the Annual Meeting will feature live art provided by Picardo Art, Sanctuary Folk Art, and The Collect Artspace. Each artist will create pieces of art during the pre-award reception. Erick Picardo hopes this will help those who watch gain a new appreciation of what artists do.
“Experience in relation to art creates an active emotional response in the spectator,” he says. “This could not occur without feeling emotionally involved in it.”
Live music will be provided by local band Desmond Jones.
TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION
nAll awards will be given during the Annual Meeting. Tickets are $40 presale; $50 at the door. Admission includes a strolling dinner and live entertainment. Cash bar and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
Nominations for the awards were submitted by community members and businesses. Anyone could nominate a local business or an individual who exemplifies the qualities a specific award honors. Nominees then filled out an application and took the Quick Impact Assessment in order to provide sustainability metrics. An award committee made up of business owners and community stakeholders selected the winners. For a list of previous winners, visit www.localfirst.com/sustainability/localmotion-awards.
EVENT DETAILS
n7th Annual Meeting and LocalMotion Awards
nWednesday, January 25, 2017
n5:00-9:00 pm
nGoei Center
n818 Butterworth Street SW
nGrand Rapids, MI 49504
NOMINEES
1-800-Dry Clean
616 Lofts
834 Design & Marketing
ACTPhotoMedia | Naturally ACT
Art of the Table
Arts in Motion Studio
Balanced 4 Life Chiropractic
Becker & Sanders Quality Construction
The Bitter End Coffeehouse
Blushing Goddess Salon
BoxedGR
C2C Gallery
Cascade Chiropractic Clinic
Celebration! Cinemas
Chocolates by Grimaldi
Confident Living | Confident Wear
The Cottage Bar & Restaurant
Donut Conspiracy
Doorganics
EcoBuns Baby + Co.
Field & Fire Bakery and Café
Fish Lads
Glamour & Grit
Gold Coast Doulas
Gordon Water Systems
Grand Rapids Natural Health
Grandview Orchards
Holland Aquatic Center
Horrock’s Market
Ideal Bodyworks
JoJo’s House of Beauty, Inc.
Lightfast Café
LINC UP
LowellArts
Make Me Up Foundation
Management Business Solutions
Marie Catrib’s
Meanwhile Bar
Mindful Vinyasa School of Yoga
Mixed Staffing & Recruiting
Novo Chiropractic Sports & Wellness Center
One World Diversity
The Piano Cottage
Porteen Gear
Ron Jackson Insurance Agency
Rowster Coffee
Shelley Irwin, WGVU Morning Show
Sugar Mommas Bakery
The Sovengard
Tripelroot Brewery
United Bank of Michigan
Wealthy at Charles
Well Being LLC
WYCE–88.1 FM
YT Galleria
