A welcome from our emcee followed by words from our event host and a creative kickoff designed to spark vision, purpose, planning, and inspiration for your business.

• Emcee: Shaniequa L. Washington, Zuriel Kingdom Collections
• Jacquie Berger, Executive Director, Lowcountry Local First
• Stephanie Pascarella, B I R D S O N G

The Soapbox: From Soap-making to Peacemaking – All One!

It’s hard to name a more purpose-forward brand than Dr. Bronner’s. From the very beginning, the company sought to be profitable in order to do good in the world, and under a microscope, every aspect of the company holds up under scrutiny. From sourcing and packaging, to employee policies, to public advocacy, Dr. Bronner’s sets a high bar and walks the talk.

Lowcountry Local First is thrilled to welcome Les Szabo, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer for Dr. Bronner’s to the main stage for the 2026 Good Business Summit. Les has been a force behind The Purpose Pledge, a groundbreaking initiative that redefines how business is conducted by fostering a community dedicated to sustainable progress. With visionary leadership and a well-structured, actionable plan—one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and real results over rhetoric—it sets a new standard for responsible business.

Les will be joined by Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging, to explore what it means to build a company with purpose and a larger social mission at its core.

Speakers:

Keynote: Les Szabo – Chief Strategy & Impact Officer, Dr. Bronner’s
Moderator: Wes Carter – President, Atlantic Packaging

Enjoy 15 mins of stretch and refill time.

Coffee provided by Highflautin Coffee Roasters.

Thank you to our sponsors and congratulations to recipients of Lowcountry Local First’s annual Marketing Momentum Small Business Grants program.

Lunch provided by Verde, outside in Hutson Alley (to the right of Charleston Music Hall front steps)

1. Marketing Metrics that Move the Needle: Using Google Analytics to Drive Growth
Join Michael Gasser of Squeeze Marketing for an in-depth look at the metrics every business owner should be tracking to make informed marketing decisions. This session will demystify Google Analytics and other key tools, helping you understand which data points truly drive growth. Learn how to interpret your numbers, measure success, and turn insights into action.

           Location: American Theatre, 446 King Street

• • Michael Gasser, Co-owner, Squeeze Marketing

2. Ground Game: Building Powerful Neighborhood Advocacy

Discover how local business leaders from the 2Boroughs Retail Collective, Park Circle Business Collective and Metanoia Community Development Corporation have successfully mobilized neighborhood-based advocacy and promotional efforts. Following a group discussion on their real-world successes and hurdles, attendees will break into geographically-focused roundtables with municipal leaders on hand to identify common pain points and collaboratively map out immediate, actionable steps to drive community change.

            Location: American Theatre, 446 King Street

• • • Jordan Amaker, Director of Advocacy and Communications, Lowcountry Local First, Moderator
    • Jamilla Harper, Chief Operations Officer, Metanoia
    • Liz Rennie, Co-Owner, The Charleston Mattress
    • Mimi Striplin, Founder, The Tiny Tassel

1. The Art of Expansion: Growing Your Brand Beyond the Lowcountry

This session explores what it takes to grow strategically—whether you’re opening a new location, entering new markets, or forming creative collaborations that extend your reach. Learn from business owners who’ve scaled successfully while staying true to their mission and community roots.

            Location: The American Theater, 446 King Street

• • • Adam Fetch, Founder, Candlefish
    • Curry Hagerty, Co-Owner and CEO, HART Jewelry
    • Justin Wages, Co-Founder, Don Luchi Wines
    • Tara Pate (Moderator), Founder, Daysie Syrups

2. Winning the Talent Game: Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

In today’s competitive job market, finding and keeping great employees takes more than a paycheck—it takes purpose, culture, and leadership. This session explores proven strategies for attracting top talent, building engagement, and retaining the people who power your business. Learn how to create a workplace where employees feel valued, inspired, and invested in your mission.

            Location: The American Theater, 446 King Street

• Chris Brown, Owner/Production Manager, Holy City Brewing
• Kat Leitner, Co-Founder, Allora
• Travis Baucom, Vice President, My Three Sons Heating & Air
• Victoria Winter, Co-Founder & Chief Strategist, The Ease Co.
• KK Sherrill (Moderator), Director of Community Competitiveness, Charleston County Economic Development

Join us for happy hour across from the Charleston Music Hall at Sharehouse to connect with your fellow do-gooders.

23 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403