On Tuesday, August 22, Local First Arizona’s For(u)m program will host the first of a series of Subcontractor Expos. The Subcontractor Expo is presented by For(u)m, Local First Arizona’s membership-based program dedicated to furthering diverse, context-sensitive and responsible development through infill, adaptive reuse, preservation, and redevelopment. This expo-style gathering connects developers and architects with local carpenters, steel workers, glass workers, engineers, designers, and others who provide the craft skills required for creative development projects. The event will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Shop, located at 2221 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85034
Launched in 2016, For(u)m serves as an information exchange that organizes and informs development professionals focused on urban infill projects and advocates for a balanced dialog between residents, city government, and business stakeholders. The name For(u)m derives from providing a “forum” for thoughtful, cross-sector discussion on issues surrounding the “form” of our built environment.
“At Local First Arizona, our mission has been to encourage both consumers and businesses to shift their spending to local businesses. For(u)m was our solution to addressing the specific and unique needs of the building and construction industry here in Arizona,” said Kimber Lanning, Executive Director of Local First Arizona. “With the Subcontractor Expo, our goal is to further help close the supply chain loop in localized development by connecting developers and architects with local businesses that can provide products and services that they use on a regular basis.”
“We’re expecting to host several dozen developers and architects with an interest in creative development at our first Subcontractor Expo,” said Connor Descheemaker, Community Planning Coordinator for Local First Arizona. “Featured subcontractors will be a hand-picked group of invited businesses specifically because of their exemplified craftsmanship and skill sets, as recommended by members of For(u)m.”
The first Subcontractor Expo is made possible with support from Courtesy Chevrolet Fleet in partnership with Construction Zone. Plans are in the works to host a Subcontractor Expo in the Phoenix Metro area twice per year. For(u)m also hosts a variety of events throughout the year focused on thoughtful and sustainable development. More information on For(u)m and upcoming events can be found at https://www.localfirstaz.com/forum/.
Event details:
Local First Arizona For(u)m Subcontractor Expo
Tuesday, August 22, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Shop, 2221 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85034
Cost to attend: $10, or free for members of For(u)m
Registration: http://www.localfirstaz.com/events/lfa-forum-subcontractors
About Local First Arizona
Founded in 2003 by Director Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona (LFA) is a statewide non-profit organization working to strengthen communities and local economies through growing, supporting, and celebrating locally owned businesses throughout the state of Arizona. LFA seeks to promote, support, and celebrate a vibrant and sustainable Arizona economy by educating consumers, stakeholders, business leaders, and policymakers about local business ownership, social equity, cultural diversity, environmental kinship, and collaboration. Visit www.localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of more than 3,000 locally owned businesses.