Thomas Barr #78 - Localism, Small Business, Arizona, The Zoo, the Importance of shopping local, and why it's so good for your local economy !

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Meet Thomas Barr !

Check out localfirstaz.com

Thomas Barr is the Vice President of Business Development for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.

Thomas steers the strategic direction of LFA's major programs and initiatives as well as the engagement of over 3000 businesses across Arizona. As the Vice President of Business Development, Thomas guides the direction and execution of LFA's major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, environmental sustainability, urban development, local food systems, and community building. He frequently speaks to groups locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First Arizona and the importance of local economy work in building prosperity.

Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas contributes his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals - Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square Foundation, Phoenix Legal Action Network, and ONE Community. Additionally, he serves as a director on the board of the American Independent Business Alliance, the leading national organization supporting the growth and development of local business alliances across the country. Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and alumni of Valley Leadership Institute's 40th cohort.