Summer 2021 Certified Green Businesses and an Exciting Update!
LFA Sustainability is embarking on a major update of our programs and has a lot of news to share! First, we are celebrating the latest business to become certified through the Arizona Green Business Program: OneOhOne Gallery in Mesa.
OneOhOne Gallery on Main Street in Downtown Mesa
One of the most impactful things we can do to promote vibrant and sustainable local economies in Arizona and generate hometown pride is preserving and utilizing existing buildings for local businesses in which to operate. Home to nine artists and two other businesses, OneOhOne Gallery in Downtown Mesa is prioritizing sustainability while maintaining the integrity of a historic building that was constructed in 1898. The gallery features emerging and established artists alike in their three unique gallery spaces, and has partnered with schools to curate art exhibits expressing topics of immigration, wildlife, and environmentalism.
Energy conservation in the historic building is top of mind for owner and gallery curator Suzanne Woodford. A full energy audit was performed, leading to the installation of high-efficiency lighting throughout the building, programmable thermostats, and double-paned windows. When considering options for the wood flooring during building restoration, bamboo was chosen for its durability, low carbon intensity, and ability to re-grow quickly. With multiple tenants in the building, OneOhOne Gallery is ensuring that all waste is properly diverted by offering trash and recycling with appropriate signage. Building on their achievement of becoming a Certified Arizona Green Business, OneOhOne Gallery is developing a sustainability-oriented purchasing policy, which prioritizes products and supplies that are free of toxins, contain recycled content, and are produced as locally as possible.
Email Nick Shivka at nick@localfirstaz.com to get your business certified through the Arizona Green Business Program.
House of Neighborly Service, located at the YWCA of Southern Arizona in Tucson
Also kicking off this summer are a few different programs customized for the needs of different cohorts. Local First Arizona and YWCA of Southern Arizona have launched a new strategic partnership focused on:
(1) Transforming the House of Neighborly Service (HNS) into a model of sustainable business practices as the first project for the new Green Champions program with Tucson 2030 District.
(2) Working with the Women’s Business Center (WBC) to provide scholarships to entrepreneurs in the region to also transform their businesses in similar sustainable ways.
The YWCA of Southern Arizona is partnering with Local First Arizona to fund the Green Business Scholarship Program aimed primarily at supporting women of color entrepreneurs most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The scholarship is currently providing 14 local entrepreneurs in Southern Arizona the opportunity to participate in the Green Leaders certification program and in the SCALE UP sustainability project planning program at no cost.
By offering these programs at no cost to impacted local businesses and nonprofits, there is an opportunity to receive significant support to retool business plans and differentiate business models to be more sustainable -- both economically and environmentally. The scholarship program also includes an opportunity to participate in a cohort group that meets regularly to discuss resources related to the regenerative economy, climate change, environmental justice, and sustainable business planning needs.
Local First Arizona looks forward to pursuing a long-term partnership with the YWCA of Southern Arizona to support more businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits to be sustainable in the way they operate, as well as to ensure that our community is addressing all goals of the City of Tucson’s Climate Emergency Declaration. The whole team will be sharing progress frequently with the community.
Email Mike Peel at mike@localfirstaz.com to learn about more opportunities.
