What's it about?

Inspired by successful models around the country, we are working to strengthen our regional economy by producing more goods and jobs locally and increase the overall quality of life.  Nationally, there is a renewed enthusiasm and support for 'Made in America' programs, the onshoring of jobs (versus offshoring) and buying local. The North Bay Made project will help our region coordinate production and marketing activities.  Over the decades, our region has experienced significant evolution with local agriculture, timber, fishing and manufacturing.  We believe that more collaboration, coordination and investment in local production will create a stronger regional economy.  Go to our prezi here.

Our History

North Bay Made launched in 2013 and is a project of the Share Exchange and Local Works, FPC. Our director was the cofounder and first Executive Director of the popular Sonoma County GoLocal Cooperative. The North Bay Made campaign is a deeper dive into local production, local manufacturing, import replacement and business incubation.  We are a member of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), the California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunities and the North Bay iHUB.

Partners

This is a collaborative project that will feature local growers, manufacturers, makers and retailers along with affiliate organizations and sponsors in each county.  

Goals

  • Create a powerful brand that identifies locally-made goods and promotes stores that feature these products. 
  • Develop a network for makers and retailers to increase their economic activity.
  • Increase demand for quality locally produced goods.
  • Support the emergence and growth of local producers to replace unnecessary imports.
  • Strengthen the economic well being of the region including business development and job creation.
  • Enhance the quality of life throughout the region as we benefit from making and using regionally produced products.

Regional Approach

We are taking a regional approach to economic development and local production. We selected the six counties in the North Bay to draw on the diversity and strengths prominent in each area.  In short, we need each other and are stronger together.  

Incubation Fund

As this program grows, a percentage of revenue will support the project, local affiliate organizations and a fund in each county for economic localization and business incubation.