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  1. Bumper Stickers Sunday, August 19, 2007

    I�m just back in from Asheville, NC where I learned more about how local organizations there are helping individuals with diverse and often economically challenged backgrounds flesh out business ideas and make independence a reality.  One standout program is called Mountain Biz Works and their curriculum, success rate, and model are all impressive.  In fact, many of the small businesses that I visited in Asheville were Mountain Biz Works graduates and clients.

    Asheville is a city of similar size to Chattanooga that has also struggled from time to time due to the lack of robust anchor industries beyond tourism.  One thing in particular struck me while driving around the city.  Everyone there seems to have at least one and often more bumper stickers.  They serve as unique froms of identification and camaraderie that work to advance community conversations ranging from friendship to food and public policy.  Here�s just a sampling� Local Produce- 1,000�s of Miles Fresher, Buy Appalachian, Save Our Slopes, Keep Asheville Weird, Think Globally- Act Neighborly, Do Something- History is made by those who show up�

    - Josh McManus

    Posted by Administrator in Culture