Ingevity Opens Innovation Center in North Charleston

Pictured (l to r): Ed Woodcock, Executive Vice President and President, Performance Materials, Ingevity; Steve Dykes, executive director, Charleston County Economic Development Board; Michael Wilson, president and CEO, Ingevity; Bob King, mayor pro-tem, city of North Charleston; Ed Rose, Executive Vice President and President, Performance Chemicals, Ingevity; and Marty Heyne, Senior Vice President, Operations, Ingevity.
Pictured (l to r): Ed Woodcock, Executive Vice President and President, Performance Materials, Ingevity; Steve Dykes, executive director, Charleston County Economic Development Board; Michael Wilson, president and CEO, Ingevity; Bob King, mayor pro-tem, city of North Charleston; Ed Rose, Executive Vice President and President, Performance Chemicals, Ingevity; and Marty Heyne, Senior Vice President, Operations, Ingevity.

 

MEDIA PRESS RELEASE:  NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – Ingevity today celebrated the grand opening of its newly constructed Innovation Center in North Charleston with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by approximately 45 people. The center will add 24 jobs to the Charleston economy.

Michael Wilson, president and CEO, Ingevity, opened the ceremony with a few remarks followed by words from Bob King, mayor pro tem, city of North Charleston, and Steve Dykes, executive director, Charleston County Economic Development. Guests and representatives of the media then toured the new facility.

Constructed to enrich Ingevity’s technical innovation capabilities, the Innovation Center will position the company to serve important global growth businesses in rapidly changing and competitive markets. “Working side-by-side with our customers at this center, we will be able to jointly research new technologies and products to help protect, enhance and purify the world around us,” said Wilson.

Ingevity is among the top 50 chemical companies in the U.S., employing around 500 people in the Charleston area and more than 1,500 worldwide.

“It’s often said that business doesn’t sit still; it’s constantly changing and growing. To remain competitive in a dynamic economy, the State of South Carolina must continue to do all it can to cultivate a positive environment for innovation, technology and entrepreneurial activity,” said South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “This new Ingevity Innovation Center will do just that, positioning both this region and our state for continued economic success.”

“Today, we take part in announcing the success of a strong, vibrant company, a capable workforce, and a business friendly community. We are proud to have Ingevity as part of our city, applaud their expansion, and very much look forward to the company’s future accomplishments,” said Mayor Keith Summey. “As always, it is the goal of the City of North Charleston to maintain an environment for businesses to flourish and be ever-attentive to the needs of our local industries.”

“Congratulations to Ingevity as they open this Innovation Center,” said Chairman Elliott Summey of Charleston County Council. “Ingevity is an undisputed chemical industry leader, producing cutting-edge products that are environmentally –sensitive and sustainable. We are proud to be the community hosting this important work, and we look forward to a long partnership together.”

 

Ingevity: Purify, Protect and Enhance
Ingevity provides specialty chemicals and high-performance carbon materials and technologies that help customers solve complex problems. These products are used in a variety of demanding applications, including asphalt paving, oil exploration and production, agrochemicals, adhesives, lubricants, printing inks and automotive components that reduce gasoline vapor emissions. Through a team of talented and experienced people, Ingevity develops, manufactures and brings to market products and processes that purify, protect and enhance the world around us. Headquartered in North Charleston, S.C., Ingevity operates from 25 locations around the world and employs approximately 1,500 people. The company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NGVT). For more information, visit www.ingevity.com.

 

Images of the Lowcountry – Charleston Tour in Pictures

St. Michael's Church
St. Michael’s Church

By Mark A. Leon

Are you ready to be in awe over the simplistic elegant beauty of the Lowcountry?  A place so rich in tradition, history and natural wonder that people keep coming back to take in this breathless tranquility.  For many it is home; for others a wonderful escape, but whatever your reason, it is a place of solace.

This utopia captures magic in every still with timeless color and symmetry.  Each picture tells a story; each step an adventure, each gaze a feeling of security.

Charleston is a special place that has captured the love of millions and continues to inspire.

Take a journey with us through the Lowcountry and experience the sparkle that is Charleston.

Folly Beach Pier
Folly Beach Pier

 

Patriot's Point
Patriot’s Point

 

Home on Rutledge Avenue
Home on Rutledge Avenue

 

St. Philips Church
St. Philips Church

 

Charleston Waterfront Park
Charleston Waterfront Park

 

US Custom House - Evening
US Custom House – Evening

 

John's Island Sunset
John’s Island Sunset

 

Cannon Park
Cannon Park

 

Dock Street Park, James Island
Dock Street Park, James Island

 

Downtown Charleston Piazza
Downtown Charleston Piazza

 

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

 

Morris Street, Charleston, SC
Morris Street, Charleston, SC

 

Morris Island Lighthouse
Morris Island Lighthouse

 

Folly Beach Home
Folly Beach Home

 

Cistern Yard - College of Charleston
Cistern Yard – College of Charleston

 

South Battery, Charleston, SC
South Battery, Charleston, SC

 

St. Philips Church
St. Philips Church

 

Charleston Waterfront Park Sunrise
Charleston Waterfront Park Sunrise

 

Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

 

Colonial Lake
Colonial Lake

 

Meeting Street
Meeting Street

 

The Battery - Sunrise
The Battery – Sunrise

 

Folly Beach
Folly Beach

 

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Sunset
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Sunset

 

James Island Marsh
James Island Marsh

 

College of Charleston
College of Charleston

 

Downtown Charleston, SC
Downtown Charleston, SC

 

The Washout
The Washout

 

Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row

 

I don’t know about you, but that just put me in a better place.

Images of the Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew – Charleston, SC

As I walked around late afternoon yesterday, all I could think was how fortunate so many of us were.  There were no reported deaths in South Carolina as a result of Hurricane Matthew, the flooding was destructive, but manageable, and the multitude of fallen trees had caused many inconveniences, but none life threatening.  It was a sad site to see as trees, limbs and debris scattered all around, but I knew this was temporary and soon the true Southern beauty that draws so many would return.

Today, the sun is shining and we begin to return to a life of comfort.

Let us now take a few moments to breath in some images from the aftermath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Now let us be thanks for our answer prayers and smile to the start of a new day and a gorgeous Southern sun rise.

 

 

The spirit of humanity shines in Charleston

By Mark A. Leon

Over the last weeks, all eyes have been on Hurricane Matthew with early projections indicting a direct land hit on Charleston, South Carolina and potential Category 4 catastrophic levels of damage.

From the onset we were no longer IOP, Folly Beach, Mount Pleasant, James Island, Daniel Island or North Charleston. We once again became one United community unified the only way we know how; Charleston Strong

Without panic, without fear, we gathered and braced. With a wonderfully organized evacuation and preparation plan we took all the necessary measures to secure our home and preserve our beauty.

Temporarily the aesthetics of our Southern elegance were replaced with wooden panels with spray painted messages urging Matthew to go away.

 

As the eye moved north, the rest of the country eagerly waited with us. During those trying hours we shared. We shared information, images, and warnings, but mostly importantly, stories of the human spirit.

At the heart of any tragedy is the will of humanity to reach into the core of its soul and find the best in each other.

We once again found our best. As the winds continue and we wave the eye goodbye, we will begin the process to clean, return home, open up businesses and schools, and restore peace once again in our pleasant Southern home.  Power remains out for many and safety remains a number one priority, but over the horizon we sense a beautiful tomorrow.

We only have to look back one year ago at the Thousand Year Flood and sixteen months ago at Mother Emanuel to remember how our faith has been tested. Once again, I can say with a smile, we have overcome adversity to see the sun rise once again.

The the citizens, families and all those that kept us in their prayers we thank you

Ghost Town – Original Poem (Inspired by Charleston’s resilience during Hurricane Matthew)

By Mark A. Leon

An innocent town vulnerable and quiet left behind to prepare for the fight
Tears of children and families looking back as the lights shine west
Retreating from the coast

The rhythm of horses galloping down the cobblestone roads silenced
The tapping of champagne glasses from the café’s now a mere echo of silent unnerve
Only the footsteps of the spirits remain

The reflection of the windows hidden for another day
The comfortable chaos of King Street all but a deserted shell
Market Street sells not today
Broad Street secures the beauty of its artistic vision

A storm awaits; powerful and without prejudice
Unconscious of the destruction and mourning it brings

Like a baby brought into a world of uncertainty, we can only stare in wonder
Waiting, hoping, praying

Our heralded Charleston
For generations; home
Rich in history; splendid in tradition; overflowing in love
Now a ghost town

Weakened by the prowess of Mother Nature
Without fear; resilient; strong in will
Every citizen together as one.

We have left you, but only temporarily.  We will return
Once again we will love

Charleston is closed: A City is Ready to Brace for Matthew

Preparation has been set in motion.  Businesses and homes are securing their domain.  Shelters are being prepared for the homeless.  Buses, cars and trucks are leaving in droves.  This is a monumental event and one that has not threatened these parts since 1999.  As a community braces for the awesome power of Mother Nature, we put our thoughts and prayers to everyone and their families.

For those that remain, Charleston is witnessing a rare event, a virtual ghost town where we put aside the aesthetic beauty of this historic area and put safety first.

We wanted to share some images that we will rarely see:  a city closed for business.

Images of the Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew

Ghost Town: Original Poem Inspired by Hurricane Matthew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep South Carolina and everyone potentially affected in your thoughts in the next few days.

 

Remembering the 1000 Year Flooding in South Carolina: One Year Later (Pictorial Review)

As we brace for Hurricane Matthew, and are in the midst of evacuation exercises to ensure the safety of our citizens, we only have to look back one year ago to remember the devastation that hit our home state of South Carolina.  One year ago, the historic 1000 year flood hit us like a ton of bricks.  This was one weekend we will never forget.

Let us remember, through these images, the harsh reality of what many of us had to endure and be thankful we were able to overcome and rebuild.

To those across the state and beyond, be safe in the next few days.

 

 

 

flood5

 

flood6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never forget our past.

 

 

 

 

Guide to Southern Sayings, Phrases and Lingo

If you want to fit in with Southern folks, you need to understand some of the key phrases and lingo to fully adapt.  We compiled a guide of the some of the common phrases you may encounter and what they mean.  Learn and remember them.  They may come in handy at some point.

Southern Sayings and Lingo

A whistling woman and a crowing hen never comes to a very good end. (be who you are)

Ain’t that the berries! (that is great!)

Aren’t you precious (Most always said sarcastically in response to someone being offensive (i.e., if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all)

As easy as sliding off a greasy log backward. (very easy)

Barking up the wrong tree. (you are wrong)

Be able to see Christmas (This has nothing do with physical appearance — instead it means misbehaving)

Be like the old lady who fell out of the wagon. (you aren’t involved, so stay out of it)

Being ugly (This has nothing do with physical appearance — instead it means misbehaving)

Bless your heart (A seemingly empathetic phrase usually uttered when the speaker believes the recipient to be sweet but misguided or stupid or when they believe the recipient needs to grow up and deal with it; when said sarcastically, dumb ass)

Britches (Pants or underpants)

Busy as a stump-tailed cow in fly time. (very busy)

Caught with your pants down. (surprised and unprepared)

Chugged full. (full and over-flowing)

Do go on. (you must be joking)

Don’t bite off more than you can chew. (attempt what you can accomplish)

Don’t count your chickens until they hatch. (first know the results)

Don’t let the tail wag the dog. (the cheif is in charge, not the Indians)

Don’t let your mouth overload your tail. (talking too much)

Don’t have a pot to piss in (really broke)

Either fish or cut bait. (work or make way for those who will)

Even a blind hog finds an acorn now and then. (everyone is sometimes lucky)

Every dog should have a few fleas. (no one is perfect)

Eyeballs are floating (Need to use the bathroom very badly)

Fly off the handle. (angry and lashing out)

Get the short end of the stick. (not invited and treated wrong)

Give down the country. (give someone a peice of your mind)

Give me some sugar (give me a kiss)

Go hog wild. (have a good time)

Go off half-cocked. (have only half the facts)

Go to bed with the chickens. (in bed early)

Go whole hog. (go for it all)

Good ol’ boy (A male who tends to enjoy challenging situations; tends to be rambunctious and often enjoys hunting, mudding and fishing)

Gone back on your raisin. (deny heritage)

Got your feathers ruffled. (upset and pouting)

Happy as a dead pig in the sunshine. (doesn’t grasp or worry what’s going on)

Have no axe to grind. (no strong opinion)

Hissy (Shorthand for a hissy fit — a grown-up tantrum as bad as a toddler would throw)

Holler like a stuck pig. (someone mislead you)

I do declare. (usually means nothing)

In high cotton. (rising up in society)

In a coon’s age. (been a long time)

Like a bump on a log. (lazy and doing nothing)

Like two peas in a pod. (act and think alike)

Mend fences. (settle differences)

Scarce as hen’s teeth. (no such thing)

Sight for sore eyes. (Nice to you!)

Stomping grounds. (familiar territory)

Sun don’t shine on the same dog’s tail all the time. (you’ll get what you deserve)
That takes the cake. (surprised)

Too big for one’s britches. (someone taking themselves too seriously)

Two shakes of a sheep’s tail. (done quickly)

Well, shut my mouth. (shocked and speechless)

Ya all come back ya hear (please visit us again soon)

souther

Maxtrix Kids Rooms Flagship Showroom Opens in Mount Pleasant

ribbon2

Media Release:  MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – The much-anticipated Maxtrix Kids Rooms
celebrated its opening today with a ribbon cutting and private shopping
event for customers eager to get a sneak peek at the company’s
revolutionary kids furniture system.

The showroom at 816 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. officially opens its door to the
public at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. This is the first retail showroom
for parent company, Maxwood Furniture Inc. Maxwood also moved its
headquarters into the building, a former restaurant that the company
owners renovated over the summer.

The Maxtrix Kid’s Furniture system is designed to grow up with your
child. Made to last from solid hardwood, Maxtrix beds can easily be
changed with simple conversion kits, so parents can optimize the space,
design and fun factor at every stage of their child’s development from
toddler through tween to teen.

Maxwood Furniture was founded in 2004 by Stephen Jensen, a Danish
furniture professional who relocated to the United States. His wife,
Anne, a former global marketing executive, joined the company as chief
marketing officer in 2014 when the couple and their two children
relocated to the Charleston area to further build their business.

“We’ve had several requests from customers to develop a store
concept for our Maxtrix brand,” said Anne Jensen, chief marketing
officer. “We fell in love with the area, and Mount Pleasant seemed
like the perfect place to open our very first kid-friendly showroom
where families can fully experience the Maxtrix line of products.”

Mount Pleasant Mayor Linda Page congratulated Maxtrix on its opening,
saying, “We’re delighted to have Maxtrix Kids Rooms flagship
showroom open in Mount Pleasant. Operating at the intersection of
innovation, quality and families, Matrix Kids Rooms is a reflection of
our town as a whole.”

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

MAXTRIX KIDS ROOMS SHOWROOM CELEBRATION

A family friendly grand opening celebration is planned for Saturday,
Nov. 12. Tour the new store and get inspired with unique kid’s and
teen room designs and ideas. Light refreshments will be served and kids
can enjoy fun activities. Also, the winner of a bunk bed giveaway will
be drawn at the end of the celebration. Sign up for the bunk bed
giveaway at www.maxtrixkidsroomscharleston.com.

Jen Poolaw of Mount Pleasant has been hired as the Maxtrix Kids Rooms
store manager. She has more than 13 years of experience providing home
furnishings to local families as well as working with corporations on
large scale projects. Poolaw’s knowledge of the furniture industry,
product construction and sense of design enables her to provide a
seamless service for all her clients.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Follow Matrix
Kids Rooms Charleston on Facebook at facebook.com/maxtrixkidsrooms
and on Instagram @maxtrixkidscharleston.

Maxtrix is the company’s flagship brand and the new showroom will
showcase multiple ideas and solutions from toddler beds to loft and bunk
beds plus matching furniture pieces like desks, chairs, dressers and
bookshelves. The company’s other brands – Craft and Jackpot – also
will be featured. Plus, the showroom will be used as an event space for
designers, bloggers and retailers, and become the backdrop for content
creation such as photo shoots for the company’s various websites and
social media accounts.

The Maxtrix Kids Rooms concept store will serve as a blueprint retail
concept that has already attracted several potential franchisees in
other major metropolitan areas in both the United States and Canada.

ABOUT MAXWOOD FURNITURE

Maxwood Furniture, specializing in kids and youth furniture, offers four
brands that cover a wide selection of styles and price points. Family
owned and operated for more than 10 years, Maxwood specializes in
quality solid hardwood furniture, with a strong focus on safety. Maxwood
supplies independent retailers large and small all over the United
States, Canada and internationally, and maintains two direct to consumer
e-commerce sites. For more information, visit www.maxwoodfurniture.com

Charleston Sunrise: It Lasts Forever

There are not many moments in life that completely sweep you away, clear your mind and take you to a place so safe and comfortable that you never want to leave.  Some around these parts will argue that a Charleston sunrise is one of those magical moments.  Whether you are on the Cooper River Bridge or Folly Beach, there is something so inspiring about the first moments the sun enters the sky and celebrates a new day.

If you don’t believe us, let the pictures paint you a story.  Make no mistake, some of these images may look like paintings, but they are real time captures of Charleston’s gorgeous sunrises.

Sunday morning on Folly Beach
Sunday morning on Folly Beach

 

Look at the strokes of the clouds
Look at the strokes of the clouds

 

Surfing is just a way of life
Surfing is just a way of life

 

The reflection off the ocean is stunning
The reflection off the ocean is stunning

 

Folly Pier is like a postcard in the morning
Folly Pier is like a postcard in the morning

 

So majestic as it races into the ocean
So majestic as it races into the ocean

 

Rich pastel colors
Rich pastel colors

 

A view from under the pier
A view from under the pier

 

Absolute calm of the Charleston Harbor
Absolute calm of the Charleston Harbor

 

A view from the SC Aquarium
A view from the SC Aquarium

 

Waves celebrate with the rising sun
Waves celebrate with the rising sun

 

Its like a painting in the sky
Its like a painting in the sky

 

Celebrating freedom
Celebrating freedom

 

Charleston Waterfront Park
Charleston Waterfront Park

 

The Battery
The Battery

 

Set your alarm clocks.  You won’t want to miss the next one.