Building a sustainable and thriving economy on the North Olympic Peninsula will be the topic the weekend of March 20-21. Michelle Long, executive director of Sustainable Connections is the keynote speaker.



_ Friday, March 20, a "Think Local First" workshop led by Long will be held from 3-5 p.m. in the Peninsula College Science and Technology building, M, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles. This is a hands-on workshop for business, government and education leaders that will present a step-by-step program for planning a successful "Buy Local" campaign. Preregistration and $15 required.



_ From 7-8:30 p.m., Long will speak on "Think Local First," presenting stories, images and case studies that demonstrate why and how to support and grow locally-owned business and the community's future. Donations accepted to cover costs.



_ Saturday, March 21, a "Sustainable Economies Workshop" will be held from 10 a.m.-noon at Olympic Cellars Winery, 255410 Highway 101, between Sequim and Port Angeles. This workshop explores the power of values and local business networks and how they can reform local economies. Preregistration and $5 fee required/free to Friday workshop participants.



_ Following the workshop, from noon-1 p.m. is a wine tasting with local foods appetizers. $5 for appetizers, $3 for wine.

Sponsors for the conference include: Built Green Clallam County, Choose to Conserve, Clallam County PUD, Coldwell Banker Uptown Realty, Country Aire, Gentry Architecture Collaborative, Huxley College of the Environment, Lake Crescent Lodge, North Olympic Land Trust, North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development, North Peninsula Building Association, Peninsula College, Sustainable Peninsula, Tom Bihn Portable Culture and Washington State Department of Ecology.

For more information, contact Susan Chadd, 461-4167 or info@builtgreenclallam.org.