MISSISSIPPI DELTA REGION – Tim Lampkin has been named to the 2018 cohort of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) Local Economy Fellowship. He joins 25 leaders recognized as representing some of the most innovative local economic and community development solutions in the U.S. and Canada. These 25 leaders, systems entrepreneurs, and ecosystem builders are pushing the boundaries of economic change and championing locally-based, regenerative rural enterprise. They are visionaries, innovators, and strategic connectors who are supporting and strengthening thousands of rural communities and businesses across 16 states and three Canadian provinces.
Lampkin is the CEO of Higher Purpose Co., a nonprofit social impact agency based in Clarksdale, MS building community wealth in the Northwest Region of the Mississippi Delta by focusing on small business development, strategic real estate investing, and social enterprise initiatives.
“As a Fellow based in Baltimore I experienced the power of BALLE’s work up close, weaving together efforts across our urban ecosystem,” said Rodney Foxworth, the new executive director of BALLE. “I was so inspired to witness what that looks like in rural economies that are coming to life, in our Local Economy Accelerator last fall. A local Fellow was working in deep collaboration with local foundations and place-based impact investors, in communities and regions that are coming together to create a plan, and do the hard work of making progress together.”
The 2018 cohort illustrates the depth and complexity of the challenges facing rural, indigenous, and second-tier urban communities. With energy, creativity, and determination, they are promoting sustainable land use; advancing community development philanthropy; supporting Indigenous social entrepreneurship; helping communities connect to the creative power of artists; advocating for disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; equipping rural entrepreneurs with the tools needed for success; and much more. “It is an honor to be selected for this amazing fellowship. My goal is to learn best practices to further the mission of Higher Purpose Co. We truly believe ownership of businesses, land, and culture are essential to building community wealth. This opportunity will also enhance my capacity to lead our organization. I’m truly thankful for BALLE recognizing the value of our work here in the Mississippi Delta.” said Tim Lampkin. In collaboration with their communities, Fellows are at the forefront of building healthy, equitable local economies, underpinned by the regenerative capacity of the natural world around us. Learn more about each of our 2018 Fellows here!
About the BALLE
The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, (BALLE ) based in Oakland, California was founded in 2001, represents thousands of communities and conveners, entrepreneurs, investors and funders who are defying business as usual. BALLE’s mission is to create local economies that work for all.
About Higher Purpose Co.
Higher Purpose Co. is a nonprofit social impact agency based in Clarksdale, Mississippi building community wealth in the Northwest Region of the Mississippi Delta by focusing on small business development, strategic real estate investing, and social enterprise initiatives.
