About Us
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Mission | History | Accomplishments & Initiatives | Media Coverage | Members
Mission
Local First Wheaton is a network of local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community members who are committed to building a sustainable local economy and preserving the vibrant character that makes Wheaton, Maryland a unique place to live and visit.
We promote economic growth and environmental sustainability and advocate for independent, locally-owned businesses in the Wheaton area through:
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History
Local First Wheaton was born in August 2007 as a natural response to a concrete problem that the business community in Wheaton was experiencing: legislation in the Montgomery County Council to extend the functioning hours of the parking meters in the urban districts. This proposed change threatened all businesses in the area and ignited a campaign to repeal this clearly unpopular measure. A petition was organized and in a very short time received over 300 signatures. As a result of the combined pressure from businesses in the Wheaton, Bethesda, and Silver Spring parking districts, the legislation was unanimously repealed in the County Council.
After this success, some small business owners recognized the possibility that a more sophisticated alliance could represent their interests in Wheaton. They believed that unity is the key to getting things done--and in some cases is essential for survival--and that an alliance like Local First Wheaton will allow individual businesses to have a collective voice and better respond to the changes that the area is experiencing. The ongoing redevelopment plan in Wheaton is needed, but could put at risk the future of the diverse, locally-owned and family businesses if there is not an effort to strengthen these businesses.
This initiative was featured in local media.
Local First Wheaton is supported by a full-time staff member of the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), a nonprofit organization located in the Wheaton Urban District and one of the founding members of the alliance.
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Accomplishments & Initiatives
Repeal of Parking Meter Extension Legislation
In August 2007, Local First Wheaton organized a petition that helped repeal Montgomery County legislation that would have extended the functioning hours of the parking meters in the Wheaton Urban District. See History.
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Restaurants Save Money by Selling Discarded Cooking Grease
Certain choices not only improve the economic bottom line of a business, but they also help reduce the negative impact that the traditional consumption of resources can have on the environment. For example, in August 2008, several restaurants saved up to $500 a year, the price for the removal of used cooking grease, by switching to a service that purchases their used oil to be processed as biofuel. Not only have these restaurants converted a former expense into income, they are also contributing to the availability of an alternative source of energy.
This initiative was featured in local media.
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Clean Energy Buying Group to Save Money and Go Green
In late 2008, Local First Wheaton joined with our sister organization Local First DC to form a collective purchasing group to buy clean energy with the help of Rockville-based clean energy broker Clean Currents. Three Wheaton businesses (Speedy Signs, James Mensah Insurance, and Color Carpetworks Floor & Tile) signed a three-year contract to obtain a fixed energy generation/transmission rate per kilowatt hour (kWh). The new rate was lower than their prior "brown energy" rate and will allow them to save on their electricity bills while converting to at least 50% wind power. These businesses will save several thousands of dollars on energy costs and help preserve the environment.
This initiative was featured in local media.
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Group Ads and Public Outreach to Get Consumers to "Think Local First"
In 2007 and 2008, Local First Wheaton arranged a group advertising package with Brookside Gardens to promote local businesses in the program for their Garden of Lights event, which draws more than 40,000 visitors to Wheaton each holiday season.
Local First Wheaton has an ongoing campaign to educate people about the benefits of making more purchases at locally-owned, independent businesses. Local First Wheaton does outreach to the public at events in Wheaton, such as at the TGIF Summer Concert Series and the recent World of Montgomery Festival in 2008.
At the 14th annual Taste of Wheaton event in May 2009, Local First Wheaton unveiled the first edition of its Shop Local Guide. The Guide is available throughout downtown Wheaton at member businesses and information centers such as the Mid-County Regional Center, the Charles W. Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity, and the Wheaton Library.
Download the Shop Local Guide in PDF format here. You will need Adobe Reader, which is available to download for free.
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Media Coverage
‘Shop Local Guide’ now available throughout Wheaton.
The Gazette - Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Adding to a recipe for success.
The Gazette - Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Buy Local campaigns could go out of business.
The Gazette - Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Businesses catching on to wind power.
The Gazette - Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Small business survival skills.
(Local First Wheaton member DeJaBel Café was interviewed for this story.)
WAMU 88.5 "The Kojo Nnamdi Show" - Monday, February 9, 2009
Eateries cash in on old oil through recycling program.
The Gazette - Wednesday, November 19, 2008
An article about the tough economic times facing Wheaton restaurants.
The Gazette - Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Latinos Hard-Hit by Mortgage Crisis.
(Local First Wheaton members were interviewed for this story.)
NPR "All Things Considered" - Friday, June 20, 2008
Local First Wheaton uses Taste to launch outreach.
The Gazette - Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Business alliance's name change puts "Local First".
The Gazette - Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wheaton businesses consider starting association.
The Gazette - Wednesday, August 15, 2007
