In September, 2017, SCALE organized a Local Economy Tour featuring nationally renowned local economy leader, Kimber Lanning. Founder and CEO of Local First, Arizona, the largest local economy network in the nation, Kimber shared her experience and expertise with small business leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs, community development staff and interested citizens across parts of Washington, Smyth and Tazewell counties in southwest Virginia. The two-day tour included stops in Bristol, Abingdon, Marion and Richlands and was sponsored by SCALE, the Thompson Charitable Foundation, Cumberland Plateau Planning District, Young Appalachian Patriots, Virginia Organizing and BALLE.
