Judy Wicks will discuss her evolution as an entrepreneur and how she would not only change her neighborhood, but would also change her world – helping communities far and wide create local living economies that value people, nature and place more than money. Focusing on what it takes to marry social change and commerce, and doing business differently, Judy shows how entrepreneurs, as well as consumers, can follow both mind and heart, cultivate lasting relationships with each other and the planet, and build a new compassionate economy that will bring us greater security, as well as happiness.
Judy Wicks is an international leader and speaker in the local-living-economies movement and former owner of the White Dog Café, acclaimed for its socially and environmentally responsible business practices. She is also cofounder of the nationwide Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), as well as founder of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia and Fair Food. In her retail career, Judy was founder and owner of Black Cat, which featured locally made and fair-trade gifts for twenty years. In 1970, Judy cofounded the original Free People’s Store, now well known as Urban Outfitters. Her work has earned numerous awards, including the Women Chefs and Restaurateurs Lifetime Achievement Award, the International Association of Culinary Professionals Humanitarian Award, and the James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year Award. Continuing her work to build a new economy, Judy mentors the next generation of entrepreneurs and consults for beautiful businesses. Her website is www.judywicks.com.