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
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
Cheers to a Decade of Loving the Lowcountry
Jan 16, 2017
When we started Lowcountry Local First 10 years ago, we did so as a Buy Local Movement geared toward consumers. We engaged our citizens on the impact of their dollar when spent with a local-independent business, and how those businesses are providing individualized service, creating less impact on our… Read More
A time to be grateful
Nov 16, 2016
I can think of no better time for us to all be still, for just a moment, to take stock of all that we have to be grateful for. Even in times that seem so uncertain, where many are feeling unheard and those who have been disenfranchised for… Read More
Start up Businesses Reach Pre-Recession Numbers in 2015
May 17, 2016
The following is reposted from the Charleston Regional Business Journal (May 16 — 29, 2016; Volume 22, No. 11): Young firms are the major contributors to jobs in the U.S., and for the first time since the recession we saw a rise in start-ups in 2015. The Main Street… Read More
Reinvestment Fund and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Name North Charleston One of 50 Invest Health Cities
May 17, 2016
North Charleston to join innovative, national program to improve health in low-income neighborhoods The city of North Charleston has been selected by Reinvestment Fund and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to take part in the new Invest Health initiative. Invest Health is aimed at transforming how leaders from… Read More
Announcing our 2016 Board of Directors
Jan 28, 2016
As advocates for a local living economy, we at Lowcountry Local First rely greatly on individuals who recognize the importance of choosing local and working to keep the Lowcountry’s economy strong and its culture unique. That is why we are so proud to welcome our 2016 Board of… Read More