Lowcountry Local First (LLF) announced today that following the upcoming Good Business Summit on Feb. 18 at the Charleston Music Hall, the organization will end the annual “business conference with soul” as it turns its focus toward celebrating its 20th anniversary in early 2027. The Good Business Summit has been a staple full-day event inspiring triple-bottom line business practices across the region’s small business community for thirteen years.
“Reaching 20 years is a significant milestone for our organization, and we want to take the time to celebrate the people, businesses, and community that have made that impact possible,” said Mara Fields, Events and Communications Manager at Lowcountry Local First. “We’ll also be using 2027 as a year to reimagine, alongside our members and community, what the next chapter looks like for LLF. That includes reimagining long-standing events like the Summit.”
Since the organization's founding in 2007, Lowcountry Local First has supported locally-owned and independent businesses across the Charleston region through advocacy, education, and community-building initiatives. The Good Business Summit has been a cornerstone event, bringing together business owners and community leaders to share resources, ideas, and connections.
The 2026 Good Business Summit will take place on Feb. 18 at the Charleston Music Hall and will feature a keynote presentation from Les Szabo, Chief Strategy and Impact Officer at Dr. Bronner’s, alongside educational sessions and opportunities for connection with the local business community. Tickets for the Summit are currently available.
“We’re incredibly proud of the Summit and the role it has played over the years,” Jacquie Berger, Executive Director for LLF, added. “We’ve welcomed thought leaders from such inspiring companies as Patagonia, New Belgium Brewing, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Ben & Jerry’s and so many more. Closing the doors on the Summit event allows us to honor two decades of local impact in a thoughtful and intentional way, while giving space to imagine what comes next. We will never stop encouraging good business practices that support people and planet. But it’s time to evolve how we do that.”
While details are still being developed, Lowcountry Local First emphasized that the 2027 anniversary celebration will differ in format from the Good Business Summit. The organization will continue to offer programs, events, and member support and will share updates about the 20th anniversary celebration as plans are finalized.
For more information about the Good Business Summit or Lowcountry Local First, visit lowcountrylocalfirst.org.