Local First Utah is a nonprofit organization that works to educate the public, government, and business owners about the value and vitality of locally owned businesses to our economy and community. On February 22nd, Local First Utah Executive Director Kristen Lavelett gave a presentation on the Benefits of Branding Local. Lavelett detailed how independent businesses help keep millions of dollars recirculating in our Utah economy and how branding a business as locally owned, actively participating in the “buy local” movement, and engaging with other independent business owners has a profound impact on a business’s bottom line.

Kristen Lavelett, Local First Utah Executive Director

Kristen Lavelett is the Executive Director of Local First Utah, a nonprofit organization that works to educate the public, government, and business owners themselves about the value and vitality of locally owned, independent businesses to our economy and communities. A former journalist, curriculum developer and playwright, Kristen now leads the “buy local” movement in Utah, advocating for independent businesses on state, county, and city levels in both urban and rural communities. Her expertise in branding, campaign coordination, and collaborative enterprises have spurred economic development through place making in her hometown of Salt Lake City, and across the state of Utah.  She is a member of the Board of Directors for Urban Food Connections of Utah, and is an ex officio member of the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Business Advisory Board.