News Releases

May 19, 2003

"Going Global vs. Going Local: Which Economy is Better for Seattle?"
A Debate with Michael Shuman, Nick Licata and Bruce Ramsey

Seattle — Nationally acclaimed author Michael Shuman, Seattle Times journalist Bruce Ramsey, and Seattle City Councilman Nick Licata will speak in Seattle Wednesday, May 28. Their talk, “Going Global vs. Going Local: Which Economy is Better for Seattle?" will explore the impact our globally focused economy has on Seattle communities. While many Seattleites join Ramsey’s support of free trade, Shuman believes the real health of the Seattle economy lies in nurturing locally owned businesses that serve primarily local markets. Their discussion will examine which economic system generates more jobs, income and wealth for a community. The speakers will discuss various global trends that are expanding the possibilities for businesses to compete in almost every sector of the economy. They will debate how we should leverage these opportunities — expand trade or build a local, self-reliant economy?

The event will take place at Antioch University Seattle at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 28. The program is sponsored by BALLE Seattle, the local chapter of Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), and the Center for Creative Change at Antioch University Seattle. This event is the first in a series of talks given by Michael Shuman in the Pacific Northwest. He also will speak at BALLE’s first annual national conference in Portland from May 30 to June 1.

Michael Shuman is available for interviews. He has appeared on MacNeil-Lehrer News Hour and NPR's “Talk of the Nation," and is a periodic commentator on NPR’s “All Things Considered." In Shuman’s latest book, "Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in a Global Age," he writes, "Going local does not mean walling off from the outside world. It means nurturing locally owned businesses that use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages, and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back to the community where it belongs."

Praise for Shuman’s Book

"A brilliant synthesis of new economics based on local self-reliance, community control, and renewed cyclical flows of regional capital. Every city or community, rich or poor, should make Going Local required reading for their employees, elected officials, and citizens." ~ Paul Hawken, Author, "Natural Capitalism"

"Exciting, practical steps every city can take to nurture community-friendly businesses that enhance prosperity and security" ~ Larry Agran, former Mayor of Irvine, California

About BALLE Seattle

BALLE Seattle is the local chapter of the national organization Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE). BALLE brings together businesses, government and citizens for the purpose of building local living economies that generate business, economic, community, and environmental prosperity. Visit www.livingeconomies.org for more information.

About Antioch University Seattle

Adult learners seek out Antioch University Seattle (AUS) for innovative, personalized programs with a commitment to community engagement, academic excellence and social justice. Antioch encourages students to embrace broad perspectives and prepares them to create and manage positive, sustainable change. Graduate programs are Antioch Seattle's focus, along with a B.A. completion program, certificate programs and continuing education. AUS is a student-centered, intentionally small institution located in downtown Seattle. Its Seattle roots started in 1976 and it is one of six campuses of Antioch University, founded in 1852 in Yellow Springs, Ohio.