'Local stimulus plan' kicks off

Creating hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity for the Charleston region could be as simple as committing one of every 10 purchases to local businesses, according to the head of an area nonprofit.

Jamee Haley, executive director of Lowcountry Local First, called the group's "10% Shift" campaign "our local stimulus plan" as she kicked it off Tuesday morning from Marion Square. Government and business leaders joined her to support the movement.

Lowcountry Local First cites a study that found in Grand Rapids, Mich., a city similar in size to the greater Charleston area, shifting 10 percent of purchases to local businesses would create 1,600 jobs and generate $50 million in new wages and $140 million in new economic activity.

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley called local businesses "the bedrock of our community," and praised the idea of lifting them during the economic recession.

"It's a movement," he said. "It's a good, solid American movement."

Wonder Works toy store employee Hampton Watts wore a frilly colonial costume and a white wig as he stood beside the "Declaration of Independents."

Before signing the poster-sized document, North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said, "We're saying we're not going to be dependent on outside help to make our community as great a community as it can be."

Charleston County Councilman Joe McKeown, motioning at Watts, told the crowd: "They did rent that costume from a locally owned business. I want you to know that."

More than 250 local businesses belong to Lowcountry Local First, which began in 2007. It created two initiatives: Buy Local, which includes the 10% Shift, and Farm Fresh Food, which focuses on sustainable agriculture.

Ten-year-old entrepreneur Haley Schmidt began designing children's T-shirts three years ago.

Wearing her product at Tuesday's rally, she said, "I'm here to support 10% local, because I am local business owner."

Reach Allyson Bird at 937-5594 or abird@postandcourier.com.