SVN and BALLE members gather in Western Massachusetts

Forty New England SVNers and Pioneer Valley Local First BALLE members gathered at the home of David, Deborah and Sadie Mager to ‘Think Globally, Party Locally’, eat local foods and drink, and honor Doug Hammond in his new role as Executive Director of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE).

While Doug was suspended from the ceiling in a hanging chair, Terry Mollner offered a heart-felt toast recounting Doug’s long involvement in Social Responsibility, from its roots with Laury Hammel, Terry and NEBSR. Afterward in ‘Marketplace of Ideas’ style, everyone got a chance to say some kind words about Doug and 30 seconds more to introduce themselves and pitch their passion.

Special thanks to the Deborah and David Mager for organizing the gathering!