Local First at TENWEST- Day 4: Sustain
TENWEST Impact Festival returned in 2022 with a perfect mix of conference and party. The five-day festival facilitated by Startup Tucson and the University of AZ Center for Innovation aimed to help the curious and impassioned solve the economic, social and climate issues facing their communities. TENWEST attracted hundreds of conference attendees who attended creative workshops and thousands of festival goers to the newly added street fair component of the festival.
“As a first-time TENWEST attendee and presenter, I could not be more impressed with the diverse programming and meaningful conversations,” said Jessica Barfield, Director of Tucson Business Development at Local First.
“The seriously discuss by leaders on how to build the future small business economy in the region will undoubtedly have an actionable impact in our community.”
The importance of a strong, local food system was at the heart of discussion as Somlynn Rorie, Farm and Foodlands Initiatives Manager and Danielle Corral, Farm Land Preservation Food Manager discussed the efforts made around the state to create a community-based food system. Joined with partners from the Tucson Co-Op, the Phoenix Co-Op, TigerMountain Foundation and Flowers & Bullets, the team shared examples of collaborative community food models across the state of Arizona.
The conference was covered different topics each day including Create, Build and Sustain. Local First Arizona was invited to participate in day four, Sustain, to lead two breakout out sessions: Addressing Nutrition + Food Security through Urban Farming and Circular Food Economies and Building an Inclusive Economy.
Jason Lowry joined Jessica Barfield to facilitate a session on Building an Inclusive Economy. The breakout discussed a number of disparities facing Arizona communities and highlighted work being done around the program to improve access to resources and support.
“I enjoyed the opportunity to present with Jessica and our other LFA colleagues on the challenges and opportunities to build a more sustainable and inclusive economy.” Stated Jason Lowry. “It was clear business leaders want to move in that direction - and they are looking for like-minded partners to support them in their journey. I'm excited to see how Local First can help them to do just that!”
The Local First Crew and Festival attendees helped closed off Sustain day by hearing from James Beard Award Winner Janos Wilder discuss the future of insects as a sustainable protein option and taste-testing grasshopper and mushroom tacos.
See more about the TENWEST Conference and Sponsors: https:/www.TENWEST.com/
