Local-Level Opportunities & Noteworthy Updates Town of Mount Pleasant launches Plan Pop-Ups: These informal conversations give you the opportunity to talk with Town's Planning Department staff members about what issues the Town should focus on most in the years ahead, from traffic and... Continue Reading
Charleston’s hospitality scene is often celebrated for its ability to feel both deeply rooted and constantly evolving. Behind many of its most compelling spaces is a powerful, often unseen force: collaboration. Few partnerships exemplify this better than the ongoing relationship between... Continue Reading
Tickets are Live! The 18th annual Chef’s Potluck is Lowcountry Local First’s largest fundraiser of the year! This event, co-presented by Indigo Road Hospitality Group and David Thompson Studio, is a joyful celebration of Charleston’s vibrant culinary scene and the people... Continue Reading
Dominion is advertising a 6% overall rate increase for the commercial class. However, for a typical small business, the actual impact could be much higher. Because of how the rates are structured, "low-energy" users (like a small retail shop or a professional office) are hit the hardest. 1. The... Continue Reading
Tort Reform and Liquor Liability, H3430, was signed into law in May 2025 for the state of South Carolina and brought significant changes to any business serving alcohol for on-premise consumption. The law was initially set to have enforcement of the alcohol service training portion begin Mar 2,... Continue Reading
H4758 is progressing through Senate amendment debates (as of March 12), aiming to regulate the distribution and sale of consumable hemp. While we support the proposed new safety and testing standards for THC-infused beverages and gummies, we do not support a full ban OR the restriction of sales... Continue Reading
TICKET POLICY: This event is rain or shine and tickets are non-refundable. A one-time ticket transfer is permissible. HEALTH POLICY: Due to the nature of this event, we cannot address individual allergy concerns. Each participating chef is asked to prepare at least one vegetarian dish. We... Continue Reading
In the fall of 2024, Hurricane Helene ravaged the Carolinas, devastating many communities and destroying critical infrastructure. The road to recovery continues in some SC/NC communities. In the months after the storm, it was impossible to go to a local business and not be provided a way to... Continue Reading
Local On February 19, Charleston County Council approved the first draft of funding allocations for the half-cent Transportation Sales Tax referendum expected to be on the ballot this November. This is the breakdown of how the revenue generated from the sales tax would be spent (subject to... Continue Reading
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11, 2026 MEDIA CONTACT: Mara Fields 843-801-3390 mara@lowcountrylocalfirst.org LOWCOUNTRY LOCAL FIRST SHARES UPDATED PLANS FOR THE GOOD BUSINESS SUMMIT AHEAD OF ORGANIZATION’S 20th ANNIVERSARY Charleston, SC – Lowcountry Local First... Continue Reading
If it comes from 1‑800 or www, is it really from the heart? This Valentine’s Day, celebrate connection by choosing gifts and experiences from local Lowcountry businesses. Shopping local supports small businesses, keeps dollars in the community, and offers thoughtful ways to show love to... Continue Reading
Join us at Lowcountry Local First's 13th annual Good Business Summit this month on February 18th as we explore business as a force for good. A special interactive breakout session after lunch will equip attendees with connections and tactics to grow collective, neighborhood-level advocacy... Continue Reading
