On Wed., Feb. 18, Laury Hammel, co-founder of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, will discuss the “10 percent shift,” a grassroots effort to strengthen local communities by supporting local, independent businesses and farmers. The event at One Cool Blow will be hosted by Lowcountry Local First (LLF), a Charleston group dedicated to assisting local entrepreneurs.
Shifting just 10 percent of our annual spending in support of local businesses owners can have a huge impact on our local economy, according to LLF. A study of Kent County, Mich., which has a population comparable to Charleston’s tri-county area, found the shift can create $140 million in new economic activity, 1,600 new jobs, and an additional $50 million in wages.
The premise is that $45 of every $100 spent at a local business goes directly back to the local economy, as compared to only $14 when you buy from a national chain. This free event (a $5 donation is appreciated) will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at One Cool Blow. — Candice Summers
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