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

• Jacquie Berger, Executive Director, Lowcountry Local First
• Stephanie Pascarella, B I R D S O N G and Arlyn Ruddy, Creatrix/Founder, Awaken Spanda
• Emcee: Shaniequa L. Washington, Zuriel Kingdom Collections

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:

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

Enjoy 15 mins of stretch and refill time.

Coffee provided by Highflautin Coffee Roasters.

Announcing the recipients of Lowcountry Local First’s 2026 Marketing Momentum Small Business Grants program.

Lunch provided by Verde, in Hutson Alley (to the right of Charleston Music Hall front steps). Enjoy your lunch outside or upstairs in Rue de Jean for networking and conversation centered around the day’s themes.

1. Marketing that Moves the Needle: Creating demand vs. capturing customers who are ready to buy
Many businesses blur the line between demand generation and demand capture, often assuming that if they simply build a great product or service, customers will automatically follow. But that approach only works for certain types of businesses — and knowing which kind you have is critical.
This session will break down the difference between demand generation and demand capture and will help answer the real, immediate questions people are asking, like: Should I be focusing on social media? Where should I be spending my ad dollars? And which platforms actually make sense for my business? Attendees will leave with a clearer framework for deciding where to focus their marketing efforts based on their business model, goals, and stage of growth.

           Location: Ballroom, The 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:Upstairs at Rue de Jean, 39 John Street

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

3. Conversations on Conscious Capitalism

Two Conscious Capitalism authors and a business owner discuss how stewardship and heart show up in running a business and why it’s the most profitable path.

            Location: Theatre, The American Theatre, 446 King Street

• • • Moderator: Matt Pardieck, Managing Principal and Author, Harbour Wealth Management Group
    • Craig Ascue, Founder, CEO, Ascue Capital, Ascues Paint and Body
    • David Grau Sr., JD, Author, The Stewardship Advantage

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

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

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

• • Moderator: KK Sherrill, Director of Community Competitiveness, Charleston County Economic Development
  • 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.

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