New LocalMotion Awards to recognize leaders in local sustainability

Local First has announced its first-ever LocalMotion Awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the West Michigan economy by local businesses and organizations. According to Executive Director Elissa S. Hillary, these awards will recognize “the great strides many businesses have made to the local first mission.” Hillary identifies practices such as localizing supply chains and working towards accountability with the triple bottom line as examples of actions used to evaluate the nominations. Although there are several programs that recognize local businesses, Hillary says no existing program focused on the sustainability efforts of small and medium-sized businesses. The 2011 Local First LocalMotion Awards will include: The Local Legacy Award: Recognizing lifetime achievement, this award honors an individual or business dedicated to promoting locally owned businesses and sustainable business practices in West Michigan. The TBL Award: This award is presented to a  business that has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Triple Bottom Line. The Mover & Shaker Award: This award recognizes a locally owned business that has accomplished a significant shift toward local supply chains in the past year. The Local Hero Award: This award is presented to an individual or family that has demonstrated a significant shift toward local purchasing and sustainable living. The Change Agent Award: This award recognizes a locally owned business or organization that is growing successfully and has made a significant contribution toward the revitalization of a neighborhood or business corridor. Nominations will be accepted until Dec. 17. Details of the nomination procedure can be found on the Local First website. Source Ellissa S. Hillary, executive director, Local First Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor