Local First Arizona

I had the honor of being invited to the White House for a ‘Rural Innovators’ ceremony, which included about 50 people from around the country who have been able to lead teams to navigate the IRA, which represents the largest investment in Rural America in history! Our amazing team at Local First Arizona has worked hard to be sure Arizona’s communities get their fair share of investment. To date, our Economic Resource Center has secured just over $100M in funding for rural and tribal Arizona projects that range from infrastructure to community facilities to solar to regenerative agriculture and more. While I was there, I stacked my days with meetings- with USDA-Rural, with Senator Kelly and his team, with Representative Ciscomani’s team, people from Agriculture Marketing Service and others- working to build relationships and connect the dots to be sure Arizona’s people and projects are celebrated every step of the way. I’m so grateful to love where I live and to have incredible opportunities to help tell our story. Go team! #ruralaz #wearelocalfirst

Look at us 🫶 Just working together to support Arizona’s locally owned businesses and communities. Can you see what we’ve done? Together, we’ve built hometown pride and supported the growth and longevity of entrepreneurs all across our state. And we could not have done it without you 🫵 Every time you share your favorite local business, bank locally, volunteer or donate, you are helping to build a thriving, inclusive and lasting Arizona economy. THANK YOU! Tap in as we end 2024 strong 💪🏾 and let’s continue our work together! In addition to funding impactful business education and community support programs, donations made to Local First Arizona also qualify for the state’s dollar-for-dollar Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) tax credit. When you file your tax return, include Arizona Form 321 and use Local First Arizona’s QCO code: 22141 ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g9EiPrjy #QCO #nonprofit #arizona #local

Local First Arizona’s monthly business mixers RETURN for 2025! This January we’ll be hosted by Pawsitive Vibes (Bruce Caulkins) along with long-time Local First member Pet Friendly Fun (Dawn Vandaveer). This is one of Local First’s first dog-friendly events in Tucson, so bring your pooch! 🐕 About Pawsitive Vibes: “Bruce Caulkins, founder and president of Pawsitive Vibes, was born and raised in Galesburg, Illinois. An artist educated at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Bruce has worked managerial retail for 30+ years. Pawsitive Vibes is the result of years of planning and research, and a desire to create a unique, inherently Tucson local business with quality dog and cat products unavailable at big box retail. He and his husband are the proud servants of 6 dogs, 3 cats, 6 ferrets, 1 cockatoo, 1 axolotl, 2 arachnids, and a handful of fish. They have lovingly called Tucson home since 2019 and live in the northwest side of town.” About Pet Friendly Fun: “Pet-friendly events, places to stay…and more. When you’re part of the Arizona pet-loving pack, you’re looking for things to do with your best bud. You’ve come to the right place. We’ll introduce you to fun places to go and even showcase a few products along the way. We gotta buy the kibble somehow, right?!”

Once a quarter, our entire Local First Arizona team gathers to recharge our connection with our mission: To strengthen local businesses and communities by establishing equitable systems that level the playing field for a thriving, inclusive and lasting Arizona economy! Each gathering is unique in activities, but one central theme that pulls them all together is the opportunity to support each other as we navigate the work that we do. As many of our followers and community partners know, systems change work is DIFFICULT but having the chance to connect with each other is such a great way for us to raise the collective spirit❤️ #WeAreLocalFirst #SystemsChange #Local #Arizona #LocalFirstArizona

🚨Now Open: Request for Grant Fund Applications🚨 Local First Arizona invites eligible organizations to apply for funding to support workforce trainees with wraparound services as part of the Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network🌟 Deadline: January 17, 2025, by 5 p.m. Arizona time. Purpose: Design and coordinate wraparound services to help trainees from underserved communities access and complete training-to-employment programs for in-demand occupations. Learn More & Apply: 🔗 Review the full request 🔗 Download the application form 🔗 Submit your proposal online Don’t Miss This Opportunity! Join the network expanding workforce development collaboration across northern Arizona. Visit https://lnkd.in/ga2eadFc for all application materials and submission details. #NorthernAZJobs #WorkforceDevelopment #GrantOpportunity #LocalFirstArizona

Join Local First Arizona for Our March Mixer Hosted by ALINE Architecture Concepts! Discover the synergy of craft, community, and collaboration as we highlight the inspiring work of ALINE Architecture Concepts, a Scottsdale-based firm renowned for creating innovative and sustainable design solutions. From custom residential projects to award-winning commercial and nonprofit designs, ALINE blends creativity with environmental responsibility to shape spaces that elevate both form and function! Enjoy a vibrant evening of networking while learning about ALINE’s impactful contributions to sustainable and adaptive reuse projects that enrich our community. Their commitment to using local and eco-friendly materials, combined with a collaborative approach, showcases the power of thoughtful design to transform spaces and lives. What to Expect: ✨ Networking with local professionals ✨ Insights into ALINE's holistic design philosophy ✨ A relaxed atmosphere at Fate Brewing This event is open to all current members. RSVP to secure your spot today!

SHOUT OUT TO OUR #Greenteam🔥 At this year's Arizona Fall Festival, 25 volunteers diverted 43% of the event waste produced by 18,000+ attendees from our local landfill! A special THANK YOU to our volunteers and @keepphxbeautitful for lending us their waste stations❤️ #wastediversion #keepazbeautiful #keepphxbeautiful #azfallfestival

Today, Giving Tuesday, you can be a part of your community's success❤️ Will you commit to donating today to make a difference? We are committed to building an Arizona where success knows no boundaries, where families can live out their dreams. Join us on this mission and contribute below: https://lnkd.in/g-CHJ99e #SupportLocal #GivingTuesday #LocalFirstAZ #OurStateIsOurStory #GiveLocal

When you #GiveLocal today, you’re not just dropping a donation — you’re joining a movement for the future of our state❤️ Let’s show some love to the hometown businesses and communities that keep Arizona unique, making sure our economy stays strong and fair for everyone ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/g-CHJ99e #SupportLocal #GivingTuesday #LocalFirstAZ #OurStateIsOurStory #GiveLocal