Save the date! Friends of Just Economics and the Asheville/Buncombe Living Wage Campaign, Launch Celebration and Press Conference to kick off the Asheville Living Wage Certification Program Thursday, March 13, 5:30 - 7:30 PM Location TBD Living Wage Certification Brochure 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 sarahosmer@justeconomicswnc.org. 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.