
A Tribute to Jamee Haley
Dec 23, 2020
By Lauren Gellatly, Director of Operations + Interim Executive Director beginning January 1, 2021 For the last 15 years, the team at Lowcountry Local First has stood on the shoulders of a giant. A 5′ 3″ giant who sparked the local movement across the Lowcountry. Thanks to her,… Read More

Lowcountry Local First Announces National Search for New Executive Director
Oct 12, 2020
Jamee Haley to step down after leading the nonprofit organization for nearly 15 years (October 13, 2020) – Lowcountry Local First (LLF) will launch a nationwide search for a new Executive Director, as founding Executive Director Jamee Haley has announced her departure from the nonprofit organization. Lauren Gellatly,… Read More

June 15 Update: Evolving into an anti-racist organization
Jun 15, 2020
As we continue the work to evolve into an anti-racist organization, we wish to let transparency and humility lead the way. We will continue to provide updates on steps taken, goals set and ways you can hold us accountable. Immediate Actions Taken: – As a starting place, we… Read More

enough.
May 31, 2020
We are deeply saddened by the destruction of businesses in downtown Charleston and across the nation, but we are more outraged at the killing of innocent black people. We believe the anger and frustration being displayed is valid. Unfortunately peaceful protests and being “strong” have done nothing to… Read More

You are Essential to us
May 18, 2020
These past 2 months have felt like 2 years. My team and I have been in the trenches with the local business community that we love and depend on. We have been helping them navigate the funding options available in a constantly changing environment, offering individual consulting and… Read More

Post & Courier Commentary: Will we have the guts to do things differently?
May 15, 2020
Provided by Jamee Haley, Executive Director. Posted by the Post & Courier, May 14, 2020: Once the panic subsides, if it does subside, we would be mistaken to not pause long enough to think about the future of our city, region and country through a new lens. Charleston’s… Read More

COVID-19 Resource & Action Hub
Mar 26, 2020
** ALERT: We are now updating this Resources Hub page of our site. Please use this new page for the most current updates. ACTION ITEMS: Apply for SBA relief loan. View SC Department of Commerce resource center. View SC employment law resources. Facebook has launched a $100 million… Read More

Eat Local Challenge Recipes by Jamee Haley
Apr 19, 2019
The following recipes were produced by Lowcountry Local First’s Executive Director, Jamee Haley, and were featured in the April 2019 issue of Charleston Magazine. Appetizer: Carrot Crostini with Burden Creek Farms Goat Cheese Serves 4 1 cup shredded local carrots 1 tsp. fresh dill ½ tsp. fresh lemon… Read More

Preserving the true value of community through small business
Feb 18, 2019
The following opinion piece ran in the Post and Courier on February 18, 2019. Photo above by Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff. The loss of the long-standing East Bay True Value Hardware, a community-focused store, is contrary to the ongoing conversation our city has around transportation, congestion and livability. The… Read More

Lowcountry Local First welcomes new Director of Development
May 9, 2018
Lowcountry Local First, a nonprofit that cultivates an economy anchored in local ownership, recently welcomed Matthew Hayden to its team as Director of Development. This new position will manage and oversee all elements of the fundraising operations and help secure the resources necessary for the maintenance and growth… Read More