The time has come for those of us in the Lowcountry to take a stand for local economic independence! The national and global economy has failed to live up to its promise of providing stable livelihoods and has placed our communities and our precious environment in great peril.  Locally owned and independent businesses (Local Independents) demonstrate every day that the closer to home we do business, the more our communities and the local economy benefit. When we buy from Local Independents (instead of non-locally owned businesses) the `Local Multiplier’ is set in motion and local economic activity grows by as much as three-fold.  

We represent Local Independents from the Lowcountry.  We publicly declare that by shifting where we spend our dollars, we can build a strong and more independent regional economy.  Like the declarations of revolutionary leaders of the past, this `Declaration of Local Independents’ calls for a more perfect economic structure and inspires bold action. Lowcountry Local Independents ask you (citizens, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies) to sign the 10% Shift Pledge to shift 10% of your purchases from non-local businesses to Local Independents. 

Making this modest behavior change will have a transformative impact on the Lowcountry.  Several studies have detailed the significant influence a 10% Shift would have on local economies—substantial economic growth and major job creation.*  As this movementgains momentum, and more dollars begin flowing to Local Independents, the Lowcountry will become a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurial energy.  This renewed and invigorated economic climate will unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of the Lowcountry resulting in the expansion of Local Independents and the creation of new ventures. 

At a time when new ideas are needed, the 10% Shift offers an immediate and measurable way to strengthen our local economy and build a better future.  It is a strategy that leverages our economic power, stimulates the emerging green economy, and is inclusive--offering hope and resources for the most economically distressed communities.  By galvanizing communities around a shared vision of a sustainable and just economy, citizens become empowered to create healthy communities and to uplift the quality of our lives.    

We invite you to join with thousands of others from the Lowcountry in making a big difference in our communities by making a simple shift in your purchasing choices. 

Sign the 10% Shift Pledge—Support Local Independents--Foster vibrant and sustainable communities—Create new jobs--Build a strong local Lowcountry economy today!  

*Local Works: Examining the Impact of Local Business on the West Michigan Economy (conducted by Civic Economics), found that, if the 600,000 residents of Grand Rapids and surrounding Kent County were to redirect just 10% of their total spending from non-locally owned businesses to Local Independents, it would create nearly $140 million in new economic activity for the region and 1,600 new jobs. 

Build the Shift @ 10PercentShift.org….