Small Business Success Series: Sustainability in Action

UPDATE: Due to Tropical Storm Debby this event scheduled for August 6 has been postponed and moved to Tuesday, August 13

Lowcountry Local First and the Town of Mount Pleasant are pleased to offer the Small Business Success Series — a variety of workshops led by subject-matter experts and successful founders providing ideas and workable solutions to assist small business owners in sustaining and growing their companies.

In the first installment of this series, we’re focusing on Sustainability in Action. In a world where environmental responsibility is increasingly vital, the challenge for businesses lies in navigating the path towards both eco-conscious practices and profitability without succumbing to the pitfalls of greenwashing. Our panelists will discuss actionable strategies to genuinely align business operations with sustainable principles.

Free and open to all. Registration is required. 

In Collaboration with The Town of Mount Pleasant and Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

Learn more about our Panelists:

Rick Crawford is the President of Emerger Strategies, a sustainable business consultancy whose mission is to measure and improve your company's sustainability performance, all while boosting profits. Emerger Strategies assesses the environmental and social impact of your company’s operations, products and packaging; and helps your company make the business case for sustainability. 

After graduating with an MBA in Sustainable Business from Marylhurst University in 2011, and spending several years in the renewable energy and green building industries, Rick decided to marry his passion for fly fishing and sustainability by launching Emerger Strategies in 2016, and today Emerger Strategies works with companies of all sizes in a variety of industries. Rick is also the host of the award-winning podcast, The Sustainable Angler, and is also the founder of the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance.

Rick was named one of the "fifteen people, places, and ideas forging the South of tomorrow" by Garden & Gun Magazine, has been featured in the Patagonia film DROP, and named one of "Charleston's 50 Most Influential People" by Charleston Business Magazine. Rick proudly serves on the board of The Sustainability Institute and enjoys spending time with his family on the water.

Leslie Skardon is the CEO of Sustain SC, a nonprofit organization connecting sectors across South Carolina to optimize the use of our natural resources in a way that is sustainable for both our economy and our environment. With a business development background and passion for sustainability, Leslie unites smart growth with conservation to sustain South Carolina’s economic prosperity.

Prior to joining Sustain SC, Leslie built and executed strategies to drive business growth for Fortune 500 companies, governments, non-profits, and institutions. As a strategic communications and public affairs professional, Leslie specializes in advising purpose-driven clients to uncover strategies to meet business goals while positively impacting their communities.

Leslie is a community leader. She was recently named as South Carolina's Top 50 Women to Admire and was selected to be in the 2023 Lowcountry Class for the Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative. Leslie was appointed to be a Commissioner on the City of Charleston's Commission on Women, founded Charleston Civil Rights and Civics (C3), and serves on the Charleston Chamber of Commerce's Regional Policy Committee.

Leslie completed her MBA from Georgetown with a focus in Non-Market Strategy to help businesses be a force for good in the world.

Trischia Khouri, CEO and Founder of KhouriGroup, is a forward-thinking technologist and sustainability advocate. With a profound understanding of the Emerging Technology sector, she has spearheaded numerous projects in Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, NFTs, DeFi, and Cyber Security, showcasing her innovative and cutting-edge approach. Her expertise is backed by advanced degrees in Computer Resources Information Management and Business Administration and multiple certifications, including Professional Scrum Master and Certified Blockchain Expert. 

Trischia's strategic vision and technical prowess drive her company's success and contribute to her reputation as a key influencer in the tech industry. Her commitment to sustainability is reflected in her approach to integrating eco-friendly practices within tech innovations, promoting green technology solutions, and supporting sustainable development goals. 

Trischia's leadership extends beyond her company. As an active board member of various organizations such as the SC Emerging Technology Association, City of Charleston's Commission on Women, and Charleston Leaders, as well as the Bitcoin Outreach and Education, Global Blockchain Business Council, and the Government Blockchain Association, she is a driving force in community and industry development. Her influence in these roles underscores her commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the technology sector.

Jarrett Branham of the Branham Group has over 25 years of successful performance in delivering construction projects across commercial, industrial, and utility sectors, Jarrett brings a wealth of experience to the table. His career journey includes significant contributions to nuclear and transmission projects during his tenure with the former SCE&G, before making a pivotal return to Branham Group with a renewed focus on advancing clean energy and sustainability initiatives.

Jarrett's extensive background encompasses a diverse range of clean energy project development, spanning from distributed energy systems to large-scale commercial ventures. In addition to his professional commitments, Jarrett actively contributes to various organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and business leadership. He currently serves on the Advisory Board for Charleston Global, and the Lowcountry Land Trust Business Council.

Furthermore, Jarrett is a Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI) Fellow, underscoring his commitment to driving positive change and fostering sustainability leadership within his community and beyond.