|
Comment on this article |
View comments |
Email this Feature
|
|
Announcement :: Globalization : Labor : Organizing : Politics : Social Welfare |
|
JP Forum: Keeping JP Business Independent |
|
by Sarah Schwartz Sax
(No verified email address) |
21 Jun 2007
|
Jamaica Plain is one of Boston’s most dynamic neighborhoods, thanks in part to the unique variety of independent businesses. Yet main streets in other communities are losing their uniqueness to national chains and mega-retailers. What can JP do to preserve our strong locally-owned business community?
The Jamaica Plain Forum, JP's new community-based lecture series, presents Stacy Mitchell, author of "Big Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight of America's Independent Businesses". Thursday, June 28th at 7:00pm. Free |
|
Stacy Mitchell, author and scholar from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, will discuss creative solutions to the challenges facing local business districts with the growth of mega-retailers like Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Petco. Mitchell, who lives in Portland, Maine, will discuss her new book, “Big Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America’s Independent Businesses.”
Mitchell is a national expert on the impact of mega-chains on the local economy, environment and civic life. She argues that communities like JP are healthier and more prosperous than those dominated by large chains.
“Stacy will give us ideas about how to maintain the vibrant independent business sector we have,” says Chuck Collins, one of the coordinators of Jamaica Plain Forum at First Church. “We hope business owners, shoppers and civic leaders will join this important conversation.”
Shane O’Brien, president of the Jamaica Plain Business and Professional Association will respond to Mitchell’s presentation, followed by general discussion.
Jamaicaway Books, our local independent bookseller, will have copies of “Big Box Swindle” available for purchase and Stacy will sign books after the event.
This forum will be on Thursday, June 28th at the First Church in Jamaica Plain, Unitarian Universalist Parish Hall, 6 Eliot Street. The event will begin at 7pm: admission is free.
THE JAMAICA PLAIN FORUM
The Jamaica Plain Forum is a series of conversations, lectures, workshops and events about the great issues of the day. The Forum is sponsored by the First Church in Jamaica Plain, Unitarian Universalist and the Institute for Policy Studies. All Jamaica Plain Forum events are wheelchair accessible and open to the public. Donation requested.
Upcoming Jamaica Plain Forum events include Sanho Tree on race and poverty as the roots to the War on Drugs (July 27), and Aviva Chomsky on myths of immigration (October 4th). The autumn lineup includes Frances Moore-Lappe (Nov. 1st), Howard Zinn and Paul Farmer.
For more information, visit the JP Forum website at www.jamaicaplainforum.org. To suggest a speaker or topic, or to sign-up for the mailing list, send Sarah an email at jamaicaplainforumsarah (at) gmail.com |
See also:
http://www.jamaicaplainforum.org
|
This work is in the public domain. |
