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Writing Assignment-Web Review

http://www.apple-nc.org/ & http://www.livingeconomies.org/

Also known as alliance for a post-petroleum local economy.

I chose this great site due largely to its loose model and structure(no paid employees) and particularly because of its highly relevant emphasis on post peak oil life.

" APPLE does not currently have any paid staff, professional researchers, or erengy analysts by trade. We are an army of newshounds - currently 14 board members, 25 'Core' members, 650 email subscribers, and growing all the time - and most importantly we are your neighbors. We are all in this together as a community! We all need to be educated on what the near future may hold for all of our lifestyles."

Their emphasis is on educating the public in such a way that includes a newsreel approach to current events. They call these news feeds and are linked to several sites such as the Post Carbon Institute, the Relocalization Network, Energy Bulletin and 'dozens of others'. Of particular interest is www.greencarcongress.com, which offers positive developments in the renewable energy sector concerning transportation, shipping and alternative vehicles. Positive change is everywhere in these sectors and you can watch the change unfolding at APPLE's news feeds page. Seeing is believing and believing is what moves people to action. The site has had several events in 2005 and 2006 but showed very little activity for 2007. HMMMMM..... All in all its a great site for getting current events but lacks application steps or activities. Perhaps they are going through some adjustments and will get back in the game of sponsoring alternative energy/vehicle seminars and conventions. APPLES contribution to local economics is clearly in the educating side of the game.

Due its applied holistic and business emphasis and its founder, Judy Wicks (White Dog Cafe) solid track record the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies wins out between the two websites I reviewed. Also known as BALLE, it offers a very comprehensive game plan and networking support system for individuals looking for local economies, or business owners looking to start or join a local economy network.

One of my favorite sections is the entrepreneurs tab. It is simply categorized into six sections which together build and comprise a 'local living economy'. These areas are sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, zero waste manufacturing, independent retail, community capital, and green building.

One of BALLE's greatest strengths is its testimonials from real businesses from around the country who are currently building great local living economies. Clicking on any of the six areas listed above will take you to an article featuring a local economy biz leader, a great feature indeed. You are also able to look back into several exapmles worth of success stories, such as Zingermann's Deli and Seven Stars Yogurt ( Sustainable Agriculture). All business websites are also linked in their articles.

One of the key emphasis of the site is making it easy to find like minded people. You can join a network, build a network , or network with other business owners. 2008 marks the arrival of Grow Deep, the BALLE conference for business owners and community members. Their slogan " Business Leaders Strong Communities". What is really apparent is the strength in cooperative collaborations. This site rocks and features many resources including the find a network page, which shows local economy networks by state!

Two thumbs way up to BALLE and Judy Wicks.