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Michael Shuman: The Small-Mart Revolution
Michael Shuman: The Small-Mart RevolutionMonday, October 23, 7:00PM
Jefferson Tap & Grill
325 N. Jefferson
Presented in conjunction with Chicago
Sustainable Business Alliance (CSBA)
General Public: $5
Local First Chicago and CSBA members FREE
Bigger isn't always better. Contrary to popular belief, small, locally owned businesses often out-perform their "big box" and Fortune 500 competition--both in outright profitability and the value they bring to consumers, workers, and communities. In fact, these small businesses stimulate the economy by buying supplies and services locally, adapt to higher local environmental and labor regulations, and stick around for many years, often many generations. The Small-Mart Revolution details dozens of specific strategies small and home-based businesses are using to successfully out-compete the world's largest companies. And it shows how consumers, investors, policymakers, and organizers can revitalize their own communities by supporting local businesses.
"You will gasp, chuckle and recoil at this myth-busting story of category killers and community highjackings. Illusions abound in big business, but the biggest tooth fairy of all is the assertion that megalithic corporations save us money. The Small-Mart Revolution details an economic uprising based on decency and common sense that is coming to a neighborhood near you: businesses whose interests align with yours." --Paul Hawken, author of The Ecology of Commerce