July, 2017 - Charleston Daily

Charleston, SC Based Knapheide Truck Equipment Company Opening a New Facility Adding 63 Jobs

July 6, 2017

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Media Release: Thursday, July 6th, 2017

Knapheide Truck Equipment Company Charleston Inc., a subsidiary of The Knapheide Manufacturing Company, is opening a new manufacturing facility in Charleston County. The development is projected to bring $1.3 million of investment and create 63 new jobs.

Since 1848, Knapheide has provided its customers with high-quality, work-ready transportation solutions. Headquartered in Quincy, Ill., the Knapheide family has owned and operated the company since its inception. Today, Knapheide is a leading manufacturer and provider of vocational commercial vehicle solutions.

Knapheide will be locating its new operations in a 75,000-square-foot facility located at 8449 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston, S.C. Designed to upfit the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris vans, the company will be providing and installing van interiors, service bodies, utility bodies, platform bodies and more.

QUOTES

“The close proximity to the new Mercedes-Benz Vans manufacturing facility made Charleston County an ideal choice for Knapheide, from both a collaboration and logistics perspective.” –Knapheide Vice President of Sales and Marketing Mandar Dighe

“South Carolina continues to elevate itself as a global industrial leader, and the fact that Knapheide is launching their new operations in Charleston is another example of that. We look forward to seeing what the future has in store for them in Charleston County.” –Gov. Henry McMaster

“Knapheide’s decision to locate operations within our borders is a testament to the robust manufacturing industry we’ve worked hard to foster in South Carolina. This project will be yet another boon to Charleston County, and we look forward to watching this company thrive here for years to come.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“Our congratulations go out to Knapheide on their new facility in Charleston County. Knapheide’s rich history and commitment to being a leader in commercial vehicle solutions makes them a perfect fit for our community.” –Charleston County Council Chairman Victor Rawl

“Knapheide’s announcement of a new North Charleston facility and the creation of scores of new jobs is yet another component to keep our region’s economy on an upward trajectory.” –City of North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey

“With Knapheide locating in Charleston County, another key cornerstone has been laid for automotive success. As the company supports the Mercedes-Benz Vans Sprinter program, we know they will share in the mutual prosperity of this exciting opportunity.” –Charleston County Economic Development Director Steve Dykes

Fun July 4th Facts

July 4, 2017

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Today is American Independence Day: The day, the United States became a free and sovereign nation. It is a day of BBQ, beach, beer and celebration of patriotism. There are also some very interesting, and not quite holiday related tidbits of information we wanted to share about this most festive of days.

July 4th Fun Facts

Nathaniel Hawthorne – Author of ‘The Scarlet Letter’ was born in Salem, Massachusetts on July 4, 1804
President Calvin Coolidge – Our 30th US President was born in Plymouth Notch, Vermont on July 4, 1872
American Soldier and Grandson of President Ulysses S. Grant, Ulysses S. Grant III is born July 4, 1881
World War II propagandist Tokyo Rose was born July 4, 1916
Playwright Neil Simon is celebrating his 90th birthday today – Born in the Bronx, NY on July 4, 1927
Iconic sports franchise owners Al Davis (Oakland Raiders) and George Steinbrenner (NY Yankees) both born on July 4
Also born on July 4th: Musician Bill Withers (1938), Basketball start Hal Lanier (1942), Ron Kovic, theme of ‘Born on the 4th of July (1946), tennis star Pam Shriver (1962) and columnist Ann Landers (1918)
On July 4th, 1826, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died
Only July 4th, 1831, President James Monroe (5th US President), just 5 years after Adams and Jefferson, died
On July 4th, 1934, Marie Curie, Nobel Prize winning Physicist/Chemist died of radiation poisoning
Barry White left us on July 4, 2003
The first edition of Walt Whitman ‘Leaves of Grass’ is published
On July 4, 1976, The Clash played their first live gig
Edward Rutledge was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence at aged 26 and Benjamin Franklin was the oldest at 70
In 1938, the Fourth of July was declared a paid US holiday
On July 4, 1862, Lewis Carroll told Alice Liddell a story that would grow into Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
George Everest, whom the worlds highest mountain is named was born on July 4, 1790
On July 4, 1983, NY Yankees pitcher Dave Righetti threw a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox and the Yankees won 4-0
Only two men, John Hancock and Charles Thompson actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776
July 4, 1986 – The Second Farm Aid is held in Manor, Texas
July 4, 1999 – Victoria Adams and David Beckham wed
Born on July 4, 1952, John Waite known for his #1 hit ‘Missing You’

Independence Day is about Family

July 3, 2017

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By Mark A. Leon

For once Facebook got it right.

As I browsed through the wall posts this evening, the one common theme throughout most of the pictures was family. Whether it was on the boat, at the beach, in the pool, by the grill or just playing in the yard, the day’s memories shared are those of families sharing in celebration.

Several years back, I had the fortunate opportunity to be on the America’s Dream Team radio show out of Lincoln, UK (www.sirenonline.co.uk or on 107.3FM) to talk about July 4th and the question was posed to me, “What does July 4th mean in the states?” After a moment of thought, I stated that in the end it is about family. Yes there is grilling, beaches and fireworks, but like Christmas, Easter and other significant holidays, it is one shared with family and friends.

America is an incredible country that is built on so many freedoms that we often take for granted the level of peace and acceptance we have all around. Today is a day not only to celebrate but to reflect and truly understand the importance the struggles our forefathers made and the sacrifices our soldiers and statesman continue to make around the world so we and our children can continue to celebrate each year.

Independence Day is a symbol of all that we stand for. Through the music, movies and tapestry of flags flying from every home, we are surrounded with a beautiful shower of red white and blue.

I was able to spend today with family in person and by phone. When I think of my special holiday memories, they aren’t crazy over the top risk taking events, they are the simple times shared with the people that have always been important to me.

Today is no different.

I am proud to be an American
I am proud to be a son
I am proud to be a friend
I am proud to be an uncle
Most of all, I am proud and honored to be free.

Today is our Independence Day. A time to shout to the moon and rejoice in all we have as the rockets red glare in the sky.

I hope each and every one of you had an amazing day that you will remember always.

How big is the wage gap between men and women in Charleston County?

July 2, 2017

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Provided by National Partnership.org

“In South Carolina, median annual pay for a woman who holds a full-time, year-round job is $34,182 while median annual pay for a man who holds a full-time, year-round job is $42,238. This means that women in South Carolina are paid 81 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to an annual wage gap of $8,056.

The wage gap can be even larger for women of color. Among South Carolina women who hold full-time, year-round jobs, Black women are paid 57 cents, Latinas are paid 53 cents and Asian women are paid 68 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men.

South Carolina’s gender wage gap spans the state. In seven of South Carolina’s congressional districts, the median yearly pay for women who work full time, year-round is less than the median yearly pay for men who do.

What Does the Gap Mean for South Carolina’s Women?

On average, South Carolina women who are employed full time lose a combined total of more than $10 billion every year due to the wage gap.4 These lost wages mean women and their families have less money to support themselves, save and invest for the future, and spend on goods and services. Families, businesses and the economy suffer as a result.

If the annual wage gap were eliminated, on average, a working woman in South Carolina would have enough money for:

 Nearly 21 more months of child care;
 Nearly one additional year of tuition and fees for a four-year public university, or 1.6additional years of tuition and fees at a two-year community college.
 Approximately 63 more weeks of food for her family (more than one year’s worth).
 Nearly seven more months of mortgage and utilities payment.
 Nearly 10 more months of rent.”

Breakdown of gender wages (Detailed) – Data USA

South Carolina Women and the Wage Gap Fact Sheet

*Provided by DataUSA.io

Virtual Reality (VR) City Odyssey simulator open in the Northwoods Mall

July 2, 2017

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

VR City Odyssey simulator near the Northwoods Mall food court. Such a fun new virtual reality simulator experience in North Charleston SC.

Welcome to VR City Zone!

The first VR Arcade to offer only VR experiences. Come immerse yourself in experiences ranging from extreme thrill rides, to flying through a futuristic city, to walking the plank on a high rise building, to just plain flying!

We bring the amusement park experience to your local mall. Book your time slots today! We also offer private hours for your special event such as corporate parties and birthdays!

Official VR Website

Why do we accept the love we think we deserve? – Relationship Column

July 2, 2017

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By Mark A. Leon

Do you want to be loved or do you want others around you to find happiness at your expense?
Do you want to settle or define of a life of happiness?

These are loaded questions filled with many options.

The pursuit of love is a passionate ride filled with bumps, obstacles and for some devastation. Too take another life and grant it permission to your heart, the most fragile thing in all existence is one so many of us are hesitant to do. You never want to willingly put yourself in a bad place and if you isolate yourself from emotional vulnerability, you won’t get hurt.

But if you do not live these moments, embrace the beauty in front of your eyes and realize that life is not about infinite happiness, but about individual moments that collectively make us infinite, then you are missing out.

What is it about our inalienable unconscious decision to settle that makes us so damn cliche in our pursuit of unhappiness and boredom that sets in and manifests itself into a slow journey to death?

Do we wake up one day and decide we no longer want to try?
Do we look in the mirror and realize this is the best we will ever be?
Do we accept that time is our deep rooted enemy and no matter how hard we try, they will win?
Do we just say, screw it. You like me, so why not.

We all deserve better
We all earned better

We are all kings and queens. That doesn’t stop when you turn six and start seeing the harsh realities of life. That little boy and girl on top of the snow hill with the whole world in front of them needs to be you, always.

Ask yourself this: What moments defined you?

Was it a song?
Was it an event?
Was it a movie?
Was it a kiss?
Was it a tragedy?
Was it a success?
Was it the first time you felt scared?
Was it a quiet moment alone in reflection?
Was it when you looked in her eyes?
Was it the first touch?
Was it a line in a book?

Think very hard and don’t just remember the moment; remember the feelings you had and the thoughts running through your head. You know what those thoughts were.

They were dreams, ambitions, ideas. All things that make us great. You wanted to run through the fields screaming in joy. You know this. You can feeling it all rushing back now.

Find that again.

Find the first record that made you cry and cry all over again
Find the first boy or girl that helped you discover love and thank them
Remember your greatest accomplishment and then make a list of five more better than that and achieve them
Make a better tomorrow for yourself
Find love; true love; great love; infinite love

That is when you will stop accepting the love you think you deserve and starting loving the way you are meant to.

An Independence Sunrise for the Ages – Folly Style

July 2, 2017

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By Mark A. Leon

This article will be short on words, because the images will speak for themselves. Charleston is known for memorable sunrises filled with rich color, texture and most of all, inspiration. They fill our skies throughout the Lowcountry with hope, faith and peace. This morning, Folly gave us an experience to remember; and on a weekend of celebration. Most sunrises are enchanting on Folly Beach, but there was something special about this one.

We will just let you witness these images and decide for yourself. These images were taken between 6:10 AM and 7:20 AM on July 3, 2016.

Sit back and relax and try and picture a cool morning breeze racing up against your face as the sun peaks out from the ocean and through a mix of peaceful clouds hovering above. Listen for the sounds of seagulls and crows making their presence known as they fly up above. Flags wave across the pier and all is calm except for the anticipation of a swarm of beach goers preparing for their journey to the soft sands of Folly.

Sunrise on Folly