Sustainable Business NYC October 2008

Yeah, We Can Make That!
New York City was once the dominant center of production in the U.S., and home to manufacturers that made and sold everything the country needed. Today there is still a significant population of local manufacturers in New York City, approximately 7,000, with operations that gain an advantage from being close to their market, collaborating directly

with designers and clients, and drawing on our tremendously skilled labor pool. For example, a study conducted by the New York Industrial Retention Network reports that the Garment Center in midtown is still the densest population of industrial jobs in the U.S., containing 8% of the nation’s apparel production jobs, employing almost 125,000 New Yorkers and with an economic impact of $23 billion. New York's manufacturing businesses are integrally tied to local and regional production and distribution networks. Their existence is not only vital to the unique local industries that they serve – film, theatre, fashion, advertising and hospitality - but also plays a integral role in New York City’s local economy. Next time you need to make a purchasing decision for your business, we encourage you to Think Local First.

To find out exactly what is made here in NYC, visit NYIRN's Made In NYC project at www.madeinnyc.org for a comprehensive and diverse list of local manufacturers.

Creating Valuable Strategic Alliances
taken from Values Sell by Nadine A. Thompson & Angela E. Soper
part of the Social Venture Network Book Series

1. Make sure your values are aligned with your partner's values. As you are developing strategic partnerships, make sure your values align so you are all working toward a larger common goal. Even if you was to sell more product and your partner wants to gain publicity, you should create your joint venture with the same values-driven mind-set.

2. Align yourself with companies that share your socially responsible goals and want to attract the same type of customer. If your both interested in reaching the same type of customer, you may hae an opportunity to double your punch in the world of advertising and media attention. You can mention each other in press releases and share advertising costs.

3. Create partnerships with businesses or individuals that can teach you something and vice versa. Educating your partners can help build broader acceptance of your product. And if your partner can teach you a way to refine or improve your business, you're the one who benefits.

4. Find a technologically savvy partner. By partnering with a company that has advanced technology you can use in your business, you may find ways to create a better product or a more streamlined distribution system.

5. Partner with a company that has a product that can enhance your customers' lives. Consider the kind of interests your customers may share and how you and your partner can develop a promotion that will best suit those interests.

Local Labels is a retail company with a mission to support local manufacturers and artisans making exceptional specialty foods and gifts within the five boroughs. Co-founders, Loren Talbot and Jean Tanler met while studying at the Graduate School for Planning and the

Environment at Pratt Institute and noticed a disconnect between manufacturers in NYC and local retailers offering "New York" products such as chocolate covered apples to hats and t-shirts often made out-of-state or overseas. They were also tired of seeing mom and pop enterprises give way to big box stores and chains. Talbot and Tanler wanted to see products that truly represented the diverse and vibrant city we live in. Soon after,Local Labels was born. Local Labels can be found online and at markets throughout the city. We offer a wide range of products from artisanal chocolates, hats and skateboards to custom made corporate gift boxes. Through buying locally, Local Labels encourages a diverse, independent economy while reducing environmental impacts such as transporting goods over long distances. La Vida Local!

PDS Development Corporation