July 2006
| July 2006 Newsletter |
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Dear Members and Friends
On July 14, Bastille Day, Cambridge Local First celebrated the one year
anniversary of our founding!! We've grown to almost 100 locally-owned
and independent Cambridge businesses and we've accomplished much in a
short time. Our thanks to all of our members and friends who have helped
make this past year a great one. |
| Local First Parties On! |
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Wow! That was some party! Almost 40 of us got together to share in conversation and fantastic food on a wonderful summer evening on July 13. We joyfully celebrated our first birthday a day early. The local partygoers broke into a hearty rendition of Happy Birthday followed by the host playing said song on his hand flute and the hostess singing it one syllable off. A rare moment, for sure. Our thanks to Veggie Planet for providing some of their tasty and unique pizzas and wonderful veggie dishes, to Christopher’s for bringing a scrumptious salad, to Herrell’s for delighting us with its famous ice cream, and to Toscanini’s for bringing those tantalizing desserts. |
| Cambridge Local First to Hire Administrator |
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Cambridge Local First has outgrown its volunteer- only way of operating. We're growing fast, and we've got some big plans. To move to the next step, we need a part-time administrator. The Executive Committee is now in the process of interviewing applicants, if you know of any good candidates ask them to send their resumes to lfhammel@aol.com. |
| Cambridge Local First Directory |
Cambridge Local First is in the process of putting together a directory of locally owned businesses in Cambridge. By November 1, we will be printing 20,000 copies of this very attractive and customer- friendly local business directory . It will be a great asset for local residents and local businesses. At the recent Birthday Party, Co-Chairs Frank Kramer and Sally Lesser, Treasurer Michael Kanter, and Secretary Laury Hammel made a case for why Cambridge independent businesses should support the growth of our young organization and how the `multiplier effect’ really was profound when it was applied to Cambridge business leaders contributing money to our young organization. It was explained that our goal is to raise $20,000 in sponsorships and advertisements for directory. At the party we got a great start by raising $5,250 of the necessary money in one night. Our thanks to the following individuals and businesses who stepped up and pledged to purchase ad space in our new directory and to get things moving: Cathy Botindari, Colonial Drug Laury Hammel, Cambridge resident Michael Kanter and Elizabeth Stagl, Cambridge Naturals Frank Kramer, Harvard Book Store Sally Lesser, Henry Bears Park Brian Murphy, Cambridge City Counselor Brooke Garber, Mint Julep Yale Turner, Vision House Charlie Christopher and Holly Heslop, Christopher's Shari Moy, Cambridge Rentals Rachel Solem, Irving House |
| Harvard Square and Cambridge Are Hot! |
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It's interesting to note that 'The View', a nationally syndicated daytime TV show, featuring Barbara Walters, ranked Harvard Square and Cambridge as one of the top five places to shop in the world! How do you like that? We were fourth. A nice sign that the stars are in alignment for the work we are doing. :-) Our job is to not rest on our laurels but to work to raise our reputation to a new level of preeminence in the world of retail. |
| CLF Discussion List is Live! |
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Cambridge Local First now has an email discussion list. We can use it to keep in touch, develop plans to further our common interests, ask for advice in dealing with the challenges we all face, or even just vent. To subscribe, email clf-subscribe@basespace.net. To post to the list, email clf@basespace.net. If you have difficulty, feel free to contact Alex Aminoff by email ( alex@basespace.net) or phone (617-576- 2004). |
| Cambridge Local First Fundraiser |
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The Harvard Bookstore and Cambridge Local First are co-sponsoring a fundraising event for Cambridge Local First. It will feature noted author and independent business activist, Stacy Mitchell. She will be speaking about and signing her new book called The Big Box Swindle. The date is Thursday October 26, the location will be announced soon. |
| Fundraising Event for On the Rise |
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The Harvard Bookstore and Cambridge Local First are co-sponsoring a fundraising event for Cambridge Local First. It will feature noted author and independent business activist, Stacy Mitchell. She will be speaking about and signing her new book called The Big Box Swindle. The date is Thursday October 26, the location will be announced soon. |
| Cambridge Local First Fundraiser |
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Cambridge Local First is supporting the Cambridge- based nonprofit organization called On the Rise. On The Rise supports the initiative and strength of women living in crisis or homelessness. In a physically and psychologically safe environment, they build the relationships and provide the tools that each woman needs to rise to her potential. Jerry Wolf of the 1369 Coffee House asks all of us to support their `Prepare for Winter' dinner at the Cambridge Sonesta Hotel Tuesday, September 19th by purchasing a ticket for $150 each. Supporting this endeavor makes a positive contribution to the community and will be a good time. Most members of the steering committee are purchasing at least one ticket for this event and we actively encourage Local First members to also support this worthy cause. We will have at least one Local First table at this event and hopefully more. |
| Steering Committee and Officer Elections |
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The following people were elected to the Steering Committee for a three-year term, creating a strong and dynamic committee of fourteen. Steering Committee Members Cathy Botindari Louise Ciampi Laury Hammel Lee Joseph Michael Kanter Frank Kramer Sally Lesser Tom Lynn Ivy Moylan Jinny Nathan Gus Rancantore Simon Shapiro Dale Szcebiowski Gerry Wolf
Officers
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