Past Lowcountry Local First advocacy efforts include:
natural Annual Shop & Dine Local Awareness Campaigns that shift consumer spending to local businesses and keep more dollars circulating in our local economy. These campaigns include consumer pledges and incentives to track and shift dollars.
10% Shift Campaign(2009) led by Lowcountry Local First that resulted in 3 local municipalities committing to shift 10% of their procurement efforts to certified local vendors.
Worked with former SC Governor Mark Sanford to oppose the tax incentives offered to a proposed Bass Pro Shop in City of North Charleston (2014)
Ongoing Local Procurement Policy influence and support
Hosting City of Charleston and North Charleston Mayoral Forums (2015 and 2023, respectively)
Formula Business Ordinance adopted unanimously for City of Folly Beach (2018); Other business community meetings held over the years.
Advocated for and promoted small business relief grants during COVID and post-natural disasters
Hosted a virtual Town Hall with Congressmen Clyburn and Cunningham focused on small business relief from COVID (2020)
Held online forum for City of Charleston 10-Year Comp Plan (2020)
Federal level communication supporting FTC appointments and anti-trust enforcement
Removal of parking minimums for small businesses along King St, downtown Charleston (2021)
Hosted webinar with City of Asheville for Lowcountry region's municipal staffers, highlighting creative and attainable solutions that supported small business relief during COVID (2020)
Supported the adoption of Charleston County’s Climate Action Plan (2024)
