December 2022 Advocacy Updates

Below are things you should know or take action on right now as a local-independent business owner or community leader:

– A recent report from Civic Economics (Nov 2022), Unfulfilled: Amazon and the American Retail Landscape, builds a deep understanding of how Amazon affects small businesses and communities across the nation — and how those impacts have changed over the years.

– The Charleston County Comprehensive Plan (the Plan) is the future vision for preservation and development in Charleston County (the County) for the next five to ten years. The Plan establishes strategies for the County to pursue to maintain and enhance its high quality, unique landscapes with a focus on strategies that the County government can directly influence and achieve. The Plan is a guide for public decision-making. The County’s elected and appointed officials use the Plan to evaluate future proposals and policy changes to ensure consistent decisions are made. Furthermore, the Plan provides guidance to landowners and developers on what is appropriate in the County. Give your input here by Jan 3, 2023.

– SBA Disaster loans are now available for businesses and homeowners who faced damage associated with hurricane Ian in Horry, Georgetown, and Charleston Counties. Learn more. / Préstamos por desastre de la SBA disponibles para empresas en South Carolina.

– Tune into a recent Econ Dev podcast episode featuring our Director of Economic Development, Steve Fletcher. This podcast, hosted by Dane Carlson – the Director of Economic Development for Galveston County, Texas, explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future.

– Member Resource: Commercial Space Advising – LLF harnesses the power of our membership to provide confidential, no-cost custom advising for issues related to a commercial space, including: finding space; design and build-out; regulatory process; and lease negotiation. Learn more here.   

Questions? Input? Let us know.