** High County Local First is committed to to strengthening our local economy by supporting independent businesses, farms and organizations in the High Country. **
General Info. About the Organization/Mission
High Country Local First (HCLF) is a non-profit organization based in Boone, NC that promotes local independent businesses and farmers through consumer education, marking and networking initiatives
HCLF works alongside local businesses, service providers and farms to strengthen the “buy local” movement in High Country, improve the economic base of the community, and keep wealth locally owned to support schools, civil services, and community improvements.
Mission: HCLF's mission is to catalyze and strengthen the local economy through social entrepreneurship and locally driven collaborative structures.
History of Organization
Founded in 2010
Basic Info
| Type of Organization | Non-profit |
| Website | http://www.highcountrylocalfirst.org/ |
| Primary Contact |
164 South Depot St. Phone: 828-773-3052 highcountrylocalfirst@gmail.com |
| Social Media |
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highcountrylocalfirst Twitter: @HCLocalFirst |
Issues of Focus
- Economic Development
- Buy Local
- Supporting Independent businesses, farms, and organizations
- Community Building
- Social Entrepreneurship
Programs and Projects
Food and Farming Program: Promotes the local food movement in High Country by hosting educational workshops on the importance of buying local, creating consumer guides on how and where to buy local food, and facilitating network-building among individuals, organizations, farmers, and businesses.
Local Appetite: Local food project aimed at increasing the amount of local food served across the Appalachian State campus. Link
High Country Grown: A marketing initiative to increase consumer education, this collection of databases provides extensive lists of farms, CSA/farmers, farmers markets, community gardens, grocers, and restaurants that produce or sell High County-grown produce
Ascent Business Network: Ascent is a non-profit consulting organization that supports entrepreneurship in High Country and offers support to small and new business owners
Business Directory: HCLF maintains an up-to-date directory of all locally-owned, independent businesses that share HCLF’s dedication to community collaboration and improvement.
Printed Directory: Twice every year, High Country Local First publishes a printed directory. The directory serves as a guide to many of the High County's most prominent local businesses. It is released at the beginning of summer and again at the beginning of winter. The directory includes a listing for every High Country Local First Member, full and half page ads for sustaining members, and an article showcasing the importance of a strong local economy. Do you want your business or organization to be included in our directory? Head over to our membership page for more details about joining the Local First Family!
Check out High Country Local First through this 4 min., 4 sec. video:
Partners and Frequent Collaborators
