You’ve no doubt seen the “Buy Local First” sticker on the windows of businesses in the area. It’s not just a sticker; Local First Utah is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of local, independently owned businesses that in turn enhance the character of our community, keeping money in the local economy and assisting environmental sustainability.

The organization presents Independent’s Week, actually 11 days of events to celebrate independent businesses in the state. The week kicks off with a presentation/panel discussion with Stacy Mitchell—expert on local business from Portland, Maine—and also includes a dance party at W Lounge, the 15th and 15th Neighborhood Business District Party, and local art, music and film showcases in Salt Lake City and Ogden. The film Independent America: Rise From the Ruins makes a case for the need to “keep it local,” and what people are doing about it everywhere.

Local First Independent’s Week, June 24-July 4, various locations, 801-456- 1456. LocalFirst.org for details and schedule of events.