Nearly four months after their launch party, the folks who formed Live Local East Dallas have recruited more than 200 members to join their cause. That’s a number they consider a success. But now that the initial hoopla is over, the nonprofit’s goal is to continue explaining to both neighborhood businesses and residents the importance of becoming a member. When telling people about Live Local, a common response is “Oh yeah, I live there,” says founding board member MaryBeth Shapiro of Republic Title. “I tell them, ‘I know, but how do you live there?’” The organization’s purpose is education, encouraging neighbors to “think local first while recognizing the economic, social and community benefits of doing business locally.” In that sense, anyone can live local, member or not. But Shapiro points out that the group fosters networking and encourages loyalty to our neighborhood. “What they’re getting out of it is helping join forces,” says Elaine Starkey, also a founding board member with Republic Title. “I have honestly thought, ‘I have to put my money where my mouth is now,’” she says. Through the organization, neighborhood business owners have discovered each other and embarked on new enterprises. “It’s like a jigsaw puzzle that can come together, and learning what people are doing that you didn’t even know about,” says Holly Greef, Live Local publicist.
Joining Live Local East Dallas costs as little as $15 annually for a neighborhood resident and $50 for a business. Another networking get-together and membership drive will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 5-7 p.m. at Capitol Pub. Visit livelocaleastdallas.com for more details.
