Launch Celebration and Press Conference to kick off the Asheville
Living Wage Certification Program
Thursday, March 13th, 5:30-7:00 pm
Location TBD

Ever want to know how much the workers are paid at the businesses you
frequently patronize? Are economic justice and living wages issues
that you care about?  Now, with the Asheville Living Wage
Certification you will be able to recognize employers that pay a
living wage, and be part of building a movement for a just, local
economy!

Join Just Economics on March 13th to learn about this new program,
hear from the first Living Wage Certified Employers in Asheville and
other community supporters, and enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and
drinks. More details coming soon.  For more information, please
contact Sarah Osmer, Coordinator of Just Economics at 828-301-7291 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Also, if your business/organization is interested in being living
wage certified, or the learn more, please see the attached brochure.

Thanks, and look forward to seeing you at this exciting celebration.

In Solidarity,
Sarah
--
Coordinator, Just Economics
828-301-7291

Background:
Asheville and Buncombe County are dedicated to creating a strong,
sustainable, and just economy. Our local business community thrives,
and the market for social and environmental responsibility continues
to grow.  Yet, over one-quarter of jobs in Asheville do not pay a
living wage, and many working families struggle to meet their most
basic needs.
The Asheville/Buncombe Living Wage Campaign is working to change this
situation.   Our goal is to make ours a living wage community.

A “living wage” is the amount that an individual should be paid to
meet his or her basic needs, without the need for public or private
assistance, such as welfare, food stamps, rent and utility
assistance, and food pantries. For example, the living wage for a
single individual living in the Asheville/Buncombe area for 2008 is
$22,700 per year, or $11.35/hour for someone working a 40-hour week
for 50 weeks per year. (See the enclosed insert for the current
Asheville / Buncombe living wage and how it is calculated.

We believe that being a certified living wage employer in the
Asheville area will enhance our community in many ways. It will
connect businesses with the growing market of consumers in our
community that seek out socially responsible businesses/organizations
offering workers fair wages and working conditions.   Workers who
earn a livable wage are more productive, change jobs less often, and
pump more money back into local businesses, strengthening our
region's economy.  Additionally, Living Wage Certification will
recognize local businesses and non-profit organizations who are
putting human dignity and community sustainability above profits.