Local First Utah - Staff & Volunteers

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Staff & Volunteers

Phone: 801-456-1456

Mailing Address: PO Box 576, SLC, UT 84110

Website: www.localfirst.org

Staff:

Joelle Kanshepolsky, Executive Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Joelle Kanshepolsky has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 13 years in a variety of management positions and has also served on several Boards. Joelle moved to Salt Lake City from Boston in Sept of 2008 and she currently is the Executive Director of Local First Utah. Joelle serves on the Board of Jewish Family Service in Salt Lake and also volunteers her time with other local non-profits. Joelle received her MBA in Nonprofit Management from the Heller School at Brandeis University and her undergraduate degree from Tufts University. Joelle lives with her husband Andy Gotshalk and their 2 year old son Avi. They enjoy hiking, traveling, spending timewith friends, and trying local restaurants.

Matt Monson, State Grassroots Coordinator, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Matt Monson has an extensive background in locally-owned business and grassroots movements stemming back to 2005. Matt is best known for his work in the gentrification of downtown SLC's East Broadway district while operating his boutique Model.Citizen (featuring exclusively local-made clothing, gifts and accessories from around Utah.) In 2007, Matt teamed up with other Broadway business owners to ramp up the appeal of the neighborhood, and founded the twice-annual SLC Fashion Stroll, a popular street-festival event that showcases the work of local designers and artists. In 2008, the SLC Fashion Stroll won Salt Lake Magazine's "Best of the Beehive" award for "Best New Event", and in 2009, Model.Citizen garnered another "Best of the Beehive" award for "Best Place to Shop, and Dress Local." Matt joined Local First Utah in 2009 to continue his work of grassroots organization, community building, and strengthening small businesses throughout the state of Utah. Matt graduated from the University of Utah in Communications in 2004, and currently resides in downtown Salt Lake City with his 3 year old daughter, Kaya. He enjoys city life, snowboarding, biking, and being actively involved in the community.

Tyler Hillam, Intern, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About Local First Utah

Local First Utah is a non-profit 501(c) 3 tax-exempt corporation established in 2005 to educate the public about the importance of local and independent businesses throughout the State of Utah. Local, independent businesses are critically important to both the economic strength of the regional economy and to the character and quality of life that it reflects. Currently, over 2100 Utah businesses are registered as partners with Local First throughout the state. Through periodic promotions, public seminars and awareness campaigns, Local First hopes to encourage consumers to value the wide range of benefits and contributions local businesses provide our community. Local First further seeks to build and strengthen networks among its partners through improved communication and promotions and to serve as a significant force in shaping public policy through education initiatives and research. For more information about Local First Utah, please visit www.localfirst.org.

Graphic Design: Angie O'Donahue, Ridgeline Design Studio

Directory Photography: Throndsen Photography, Steve Smith, Smith Productions

Web Photography: Becky Heybourne, b. Elenor Photography

Web Design: Troy Mumm and Jocelyn Kearl, Third Sun Productions

Web Hosting: XMission

Office Space Donated: Utah Micro Enterprise Loan Fund

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