3c hapter - Index of

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C H A P T E R
Buy Local, Eat Local . . .
Invest Local
Reconnecting Investors and Businesses
For many Americans, the lesson of the fi nancial crisis is that
neither Wall Street nor the government can be trusted to look out
for the interests of Main Street. The system is just too entrenched
and self- reinforcing. If we are concerned about the direction of
the economy and our country, it is up to each and every one of us
to be part of the solution, even if on a small scale.
This book is about alternatives. Alternatives to the Wall Street
casino. Alternatives where investors can put their money to productive,
profi table use. Alternatives for small business owners who
are begging for capital so they can expand and hire. And alternatives
for a country desperate for solutions that will create jobs and
help us regain our economic prosperity.
Across the country, people are fi guring out ways to invest in their
local businesses and communities. In the process, they are rebuilding
economies, revitalizing downtowns and rural Main Streets, and
establishing a sense of shared purpose and wealth. It’s capitalism writ
small. Or as I call it, locavesting. Just as locavores eat food grown or
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