Lowcountry Local First (LLF)

Lowcountry Local First(LLF) was formed in the fall of 2007 and includes representatives of local business organizations from the 8 counties that comprise the Lowcountry. 

The 10% Shift was adopted as a key campaign by LLF from the New England Local Business Forum (NELBF). The mission, vision, and strategy of the 10% Shift have been developed, and we believe it will be a breakthrough campaign that will transform the Lowcountry regional economy. The objective of the 10% Shift is to be the link that will connect the local business movement to the Lowcountry population and other Lowcountry institutions. 

The 10% Shift provides us with the best opportunity to effectively leverage our work to build strong local economies and vibrant communities.  It is clear that there has never been a more perfect time for promoting our vision of strong local economies. Together we can build a strong Lowcountry economy more rapidly than we ever thought possible.  Seize the Time in 2009!

10% Shift Committee
The 10% Shift Committee has been meeting monthly to develop this grassroots Lowcountry-wide campaign and includes the following members:

Christine Osborne, Wonder Works - Chair
Sally Altman, Bank of South Carolina
Yvonne Evans, Charleston City Council
Joe Bustos, Mt. Pleasant Town Council
Kurt Taylor, North Charleston Town Council
David Clifford, Charleston Watersports Outfitters
Keith West, Public Relations
Blair Barna, Charleston City Paper
Mariana Hay, Croghan's Jewelry Box
Jim Rowell, J.R. Rowell Printing
Tim Mallard, Charleston County Council

Mission Statement of the 10% Shift
The 10% Shift is a Lowcountry-wide grassroots movement of citizens, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits working to shift 10% or more of our annual budget from non-local businesses to locally owned and independent businesses.

This modest but important change will keep a larger share of dollars in our region, stimulate the local multiplier, create thousands of new jobs, and spur a fundamental transformation of the Lowcountry economy.

The 10% Shift Vision
The 10% Shift envisions a strong and vibrant Lowcountry economy that promotes localized economic development and fosters sustainable and inclusive communities.

• The Lowcountry "buy local" movement has grown to include over 220 local businesses and nonprofits in all eight counties; these members have made a permanent commitment to local procurement.
• We hope to have more than 100,000 individuals sign the 10% Shift pledge!
• We anticipate that wherever you go in the Lowcountry, the 10% Shift message will be visible in digital and print media, in local businesses and on the web, and will be widely understood to be a positive and personal strategy toward local economic independence.
• The 10% Shift empowers all residents to generate substantial economic activity, create meaningful and good-paying jobs, and build healthy communities.
• The 10% Shift builds on the Lowcountry's cultural and economic heritage, with a strong emphasis on self-reliance, local identity, and grassroots leadership.

With strategic coordination and emphasis on sustainable choices, the local movement in the Lowcountry grows to new heights.

For more information about the 10% Shift please contact amy@lowcountrylocalfirst.org.