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Thursday, October 18, 2018
6:30pm – 10:00pm at The Showroom DC
Hosted by Sam Ford, WJLA
The Local First Awards
The Local First Awards is a celebration of local independent businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists who give back to the community and create a positive impact! The Local First Awards is an initiative of Think Local First DC, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting local independent businesses and promoting their positive impact on our communities to the public.
Think Local First
Think Local First supports locally-owned businesses as they create more prosperous, connected and entrepreneurial communities. It matters where people choose to spend their money. Opting to support locally owned, independent businesses creates a positive effect, often referred to as a ‘multiplier effect,’ which is credited with enhancing social and civic well-being, is linked to higher wages, and reduces inequality while strengthening the middle class.
A Local Independent Business Means:
- Private, worker, community or cooperative ownership
- Decision-making authority is vested in the local owners and not subject to conditions dictated remotely (not a publicly traded company)
- At least 50% locally-owned
Local First Award Judges
An independent judging panel composed of local business and community leaders, activists, journalists and citizens select nominees for seven award categories. Those nominees are then vetted and finalists are publicized. The lucky winners are announced at the official Local First Awards ceremony.
Builder
Industrial Bank
Community Champion
Glen's Market
DC Maker
Hunny Bunny Boutique
Green Thumb
Calabash Tea and Tonic
Green Thumb
Up Top Acres
High Road
Clean Decisions
Pioneer
Dreaming Out Loud
Trailblazer
Stacey Price - the force behind Shop Made in DC
2018 Finalists
Builder
A local community developer, investor, or lender with deep roots in the community and known for positive investments in DC’s people, culture, and future.
Community Champion
A local business owner who makes a significant and noticeable impact in the community.
DC Maker
A local business, entrepreneur or artist who designs, makes, produces, and/or assembles a product in the District of Columbia that makes an impact.
Green Thumb
An environmental champion who works to improve the local community through sustainable practices, products or services.
High Road
A model employer who puts their people first by providing quality jobs, fostering a positive work environment, and championing beneficial business practices.
Pioneer
A local business, entrepreneur, or artist who inspires with a creative new idea, product, perspective, model and/or solution.
Ripple Effect
A business that supports the local economy by purchasing supplies and services from other local businesses, creating a “ripple effect” as money circulates within the local community.
2017 Award Winners
DC Maker
Ripple Effect
High Road
Green Thumb
Builder
Pioneer
Community Champion
2018 Finalists
LOCAL FIRST AWARDS CATEGORIES
DC Maker
Ripple Effect
High Road
Green Thumb
Builder
Pioneer
Community Champion
Sponsors
Media Partner
Visionary
Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development 
Innovator
Localist
Friends of Think Local First
In-Kind
The Showroom is Washington DC’s newest, most exclusive event venue. The open, modernized, industrial space will serve as a blank canvas for each client to create stunning, unique events for anything from high-profile corporate gatherings to social events. With a combined twenty plus years of experience in DC’s thriving event industry, The Showroom team will celebrate the rich history of the city in one of the most desirable and sought after locations.
The Showroom
1099 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Get Involved!
There are many ways to participate in the Local First Awards!
Volunteer
Our volunteers make the whole thing run and you can't beat the perks.
Sponsor
The Local First Awards is possible because of your generosity.
#Hashtag
Use #LocalFirstAwards and add to the conversation online or be a media partner and amplify the impact.
Attend
Buy tickets and bring your friends, family, and co-workers to the best party of the year. (ticket site to be added soon)
Build Momentum
Strengthen our local economy by aligning your purchasing power with your values!