Triad Local First is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Greensboro, North Carolina, comprised of owners and employees of local businesses – including retail shops, real estate agents, manufacturers, builders, insurance brokers, marketing and advertising firms, accountants, dentists, restaurants, farmers, breweries, and more.
WHAT WE DO
Triad Local First invigorates and supports our locally owned and independent businesses and provides opportunities for community building. We prevent the displacement of community based businesses by national chains through education and advocacy.
We work hard to teach consumers that shifting some of their spending to locally owned businesses makes a greater investment in their community. Flourishing unique local businesses create a ripple effect through our economy, as products and services are often purchased from other local businesses.
Members have the opportunity to share ideas and contacts at our mixers and other social events. Our ever-growing network of members and community contacts provides a strong foundation for small and large businesses to share tips, expertise, challenges, and successes with each other. We pride ourselves on our ability to match and connect our members based on common needs or provide sourcing assistance from within our own membership.
There is so much to celebrate about living in the Triad. One of our most well-known and well-loved events is the Community Table fundraiser – our fabulous fall dinner party featuring local foods, wines, brews, and music under the stars. At this fun event we celebrate all that is local and present awards to selected members.
The most visited feature on our website is our member directory, which provides a wealth of information on our member businesses, including the ability to sign up for alerts when specials are announced. Thousands of consumers browse our directory searching for locally owned businesses and we are often the first and only stop on their search. We print and distribute the directory in the fall to over 600 location and all Triad Harris Teeters and Food Lion locations.
Our social media following is growing rapidly as customers want to learn about locally owned businesses – and that they are coming to us for that information. We promote our members, events, and other facts about doing business locally through our blog, Shop Talk newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
We have strong relationships with local media and use our network help to spread the word on member events and promotions..
Wherever possible, we work with partner organizations to promote local business and the vitality of our community. Some examples of these partnerships include ETHNOSH (partnership with BlueZoom Marketing and Face to Face Greensboro to highlight locally owned small ethnic restaurants), Triad Touring Tasters (A partnership with Matt Logan Inc. and Triad chefs), and our longtime relationship with the Greensboro City Council
In addition to our work with partner organizations, Triad Local First is committed to creating and growing collaborations between our members and supporters for special projects, fundraisers, or events.
We work with local, regional, and state staff and elected officials on policies, procedures and regulations – from special event permits to contract bids – to represent the interests and impact of local business.
We are a proud member of BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies). BALLE is the fastest growing business alliance of values aligned entrepreneurs, business networks, and local economy funders in North America.
Triad Local First Appreciates Our Supporters
