As the holidays approach, what is advertised as the most joyous time of year can often be the most stressful. As the CEO of Optimal Bio, a Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy center focused on optimizing your health and hormones, Tylar Brannon knows firsthand how stress can affect our wellbeing. Stress causes inflammation, and can manifest physically from headaches to gut issues. Her passion, as seen through her work leading Optimal Bio’s seven locations across the Southeast and working with thousands of patients, is helping people function at their optimal level and their healthiest selves.
Below Brannon shares her informed tips on managing stress around the holiday season!
Avoid constant stimulation from phones. Especially in busy times, we feel like we should always be available on our phones, and, alternatively, the escape is constant scrolling to distract. This negatively affects how our brains process emotions. Setting boundaries like turning off notifications in the evening and finding device-less activities, like a walk to appreciate the outdoors, helps start your day on a calmer, more stable foundation.
Use stress to your advantage. Short term versus chronic stress are very different, and it’s important to recognize that life is full of seasons (literally and metaphorically). As busy and stressful as the holidays can get, it can be helpful to find some discipline in a routine (whatever that may look like) to keep yourself from prolonging a stressful season into a lifestyle.
Focus on balance. Too much of anything can affect your mental state. Lean into the joy of the holidays and savor the events, refreshments and company that are so positive during this time, and balance that with incorporating movement for endorphins and non-processed foods to nourish your body and mind.
Practice mental and physical health practices consistently. Our minds are muscles, and in order to process stress effectively, we have to train it to do so. For me, this looks like ensuring that my BHRT placement is up to date and at the right dosage, so my hormones are at the optimal level to avoid any brain fog, headaches, anxiety and anything else that can make this season more stressful. We can’t affect how others handle situations, but we can set ourselves up for success.
FinTech’s Revamped Brand Image Reflects the Company’s Transformation and Focus on Streamlined Access to Diverse Lending Solutions for Small Businesses Nationwide.
CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Breakout announced today that the Company has unveiled a new brand identity, reflecting its redefined strategy focused on delivering a comprehensive suite of specialized lending products to address the unique challenges of its small business clients throughout the United States. Breakout’s new look and feel represents a commitment to innovation and growth within the commercial finance space, as well as the Company’s role of empowering its small business clients to achieve efficient growth.
Recently joining forces alongside Chicago-based 12Five Capital, the combined entity will now operate under a unified brand as “Breakout Finance”. The concept of a single brand name supports the Company’s dedication to enhancing the overall client experience with convenient access to a wide range of in-house funding options for every stage of a business’s growth cycle. With its unparalleled offering that blends working capital term loans, invoice factoring and asset-based loans all under one roof, Breakout will effectively aid in its clients’ growth initiatives by providing access to the right lending products at the right time.
“At our core, we believe that every business is unique and deserves a financing strategy that reflects the individuality of its business model,” said McLean Wilson, Co-CEO & President of Breakout Finance. “This new value proposition began to take shape as we were merging with 12Five and we wanted the purpose of the organization to be fully aligned. Our rebranding strategy is aimed at fulfilling our mission of providing access to a variety of financial solutions for small businesses. In addition, we recognize the importance of maintaining some level of brand familiarity amongst our partners and clients, which is why we made an effort to ensure aesthetic changes to our brand were not significant.”
The newly launched website features a range of user experience upgrades, such as concise and consistent messaging, visually appealing color schemes and simplicity in terms of navigation and applying for a loan. Clients and partners can explore the new website here: breakoutfinance.com.
Elements of Breakout’s Brand Evolution Include:
Name: Previously Breakout Capital and now Breakout Finance, the term “Finance” embodies a broader spectrum of financial services whereas “Capital” is more closely associated with wealth and assets in the financial services industry. This slight change aligns with the Company’s primary differentiator and evolution of expanding its product offerings.
Logo: As a prominent representation of the Company, the new logo is welcoming given its usage of lowercase font. Inspired by the horizontal arrow in the previous logo and the idea of “moving businesses forward”, the new logo includes a diagonal arrow embedded in the letter “O” that points up and to the right. This subtle adjustment serves as a visual representation of the upward trajectory business clients can achieve when partnering with Breakout.
Colors: From a more muted color palette to a slightly bolder iteration of blue and orange, the new color combination evokes a thought process rooted in trust and creativity. The revamped blue is a depiction of business professionalism and transparency, while the more vibrant orange is meant to spark the imagination around what can be achieved with access to the right type of business funding.
Purpose Statement: Our Mission Is Your Progress – Drawing from the ethos of 12Five’s corporate culture, this purpose statement speaks directly to small business owners interested in long-term financing partnerships and prioritizes their needs. It also reflects the idea of being able to access multiple financing options through subject matter experts at the same institution who can make recommendations to new products and terms as their clients grow.
At Breakout Finance, we understand that every business is one-of-a-kind. That’s why we believe in tailored financing strategies. Our expertise in alternative financing, including working capital term loans, invoice factoring, asset-based loans and purchase order financing, allows us to cater to the specific needs of our clients by offering customized lending options under one roof. Our transparent lending approach and relentless drive to stay ahead of the curve mean that we’re always focused on what comes next for our clients.
Since 2010, Breakout has provided nearly $1 billion in funding to small businesses in every corner of the United States. Breakout Finance is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina. To learn more, visit breakoutfinance.com, or its social media pages on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Toyota and Redwood Materials Agree to Battery Recycling, Materials Procurement
Expands on previous recycling agreement to create end-of-life pathways for Toyota batteries used in hybrid and battery electric vehicles
Plans include agreement for Toyota to source Cathode Active Material (CAM) and Anode copper foil from Redwood’s recycling activities for its supply chain
Creates North American circularity by recycling and reintroducing recovered metals back into battery supply chain
PLANO, Texas and CARSON CITY, Nev., Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Progressing closer to the goal of battery ecosystem circularity, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Redwood Materials announce an expanded recycling agreement that aims to create pathways for automotive batteries used in Toyota’s electrified vehicles that have reached the end of their life. The plan also includes an agreement for Toyota to source Cathode Active Material (CAM) and Anode copper foil from Redwood’s recycling activities for Toyota’s future, new automotive battery production. The agreement builds on the collaboration with Redwood announced last year for battery collection and recycling of Toyota’s hybrid and battery electric vehicle batteries.
Toyota and Redwood Materials Agree to Battery Recycling, Materials Procurement
“Working with Redwood Materials, we are creating a circular supply chain to optimize logistics, expand refining, and ensure that the valuable metals recovered can be reintroduced into our future vehicles,” said Christopher Yang, Group Vice President, Business Development, Toyota Motor North America. “Accelerating our recycling efforts and domestic component procurement gets us closer to our ultimate goal of creating a closed-loop battery ecosystem that will become increasingly important as we add more vehicles with batteries to roads across North America.”
“Today, in collaboration with Redwood Materials, Toyota is making a decisive move toward a sustainable future,” stated Cal Lankton, Redwood Materials’ Chief Commercial Officer. “They’re not only working to ensure responsible end-of-life management for their electric vehicles but also planning to build their next generation of EVs, in part, by using sustainable and domestically manufactured battery components.”
Toyota’s automotive battery recycling needs are expected to grow substantially in the coming years as more of its electrified vehicles, such as first-generation Prius models introduced more than 20 years ago, reach the end of their lifecycle. With a large amount of Toyota’s retiring fleet of electrified vehicles being in California, Redwood’s Nevada recycling facility will support Toyota’s North American supply chain, which will improve sustainability, and help to enhance operational improvements across the TMNA enterprise for a closed-loop battery ecosystem. Toyota’s battery lifecycle ecosystem is forecast to include the recycling, remanufacturing and repurposing of the nearly five million operating units, building toward Toyota’s ultimate goals of carbon neutrality for its global operations by 2035 and carbon neutrality for its vehicles by 2050.
Toyota has agreed to develop a closed-loop framework that also includes plans to procure Cathode Active Material (CAM) and copper foil from Redwood as part of a long-term agreement. Based on the parameters of the agreement, Cathode Active material recovered and produced from Redwood’s recycling activities are expected to feed recycled material into future new battery production at Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC). The use of recycled materials is anticipated to help increase the focus and relevance of domestic supply chains versus the extensive, carbon-intensive current supply chain of procuring outside of the United States. Toyota plans to bring its nearly $14 billion TBMNC automotive battery manufacturing facility online in 2025.
“Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina’s start of production is right around the corner, and we’re thrilled to be procuring critical battery components and materials to filter into our battery ecosystem,” said Sean Suggs, TBMNC President. “We’ll continue to work toward the sourcing and recycling of battery materials here in the United States to maximize these precious resources and reduce our carbon footprint in the process.”
Redwood is making major investments to scale their technology and facilities to supply U.S. battery cell manufacturers and automakers with strategic battery materials produced domestically, for the first time. Redwood continues to expand its Northern Nevada facility and will break ground on its second Battery Materials Campus, outside Charleston, South Carolina, later this year. Both of Redwood’s campuses will recycle, refine, and manufacture battery materials, aiming to scale production of components to 100 GWh annually. Based on this agreement, Redwood will provide materials that include a minimum of 20 percent recycled nickel, 20 percent recycled lithium, and 50 percent recycled cobalt, in their cathode and targeting recycled copper in their anode copper foil.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options.
For Toyota customer inquiries, please call 800-331-4331.
About Redwood Materials
Redwood Materials is creating a circular supply chain to drive down the environmental footprint and cost of lithium-ion batteries and the electric vehicles and sustainable energy storage systems they power. Founded by JB Straubel, the Nevada-based company is offering large-scale sources of anode and cathode materials produced at scale in the U.S. for the first time, from recycled batteries. Redwood is ramping its Northern Nevada facility and is breaking ground on its second Battery Materials Campus, outside Charleston, South Carolina. Both of Redwood’s campuses will recycle, refine, and manufacture battery materials, aiming to scale production of components to 100 GWh annually. More information is available at redwoodmaterials.com.
MUSC – Medical University of South Carolina and the Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization secured a significant victory by winning a $2 million grant from Innosphere Ventures and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. This funding will support entrepreneurial teams and startups at MUSC over a 3-year period as part of the Regional Life Sciences Incubation Program, aiming to propel #lifesciences #innovation across six states, including South Carolina.
Detailed Press Release
Innosphere Ventures Awarded $2 Million Grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to Advance Life Sciences Innovation Across 6 States
Innosphere Ventures, in partnership with bioscience trade associations and universities across a 6 state region, has been awarded a Build to Scale Venture Challenge grant from the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE), part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The grant will fund the Regional Life Sciences Incubator over the course of 3 years – accelerating high-quality job growth, creating economic opportunity, and supporting the next generation of industry-leading companies in the life sciences sector.
The U.S. EDA award signifies a critical investment in the future of life sciences innovation. With approximately 30 science and tech-based companies benefiting from Innosphere programs annually, Innosphere is at the forefront of organizing early-stage capital and providing critical business support to entrepreneurial startup teams within the ecosystem. The Regional Life Sciences Incubation Program will support startups that are developing or commercializing technologies, products, devices, and life-saving breakthroughs, accelerate the journey from laboratory discoveries to market, and catalyze economic growth.
“EDA is proud to partner with Innosphere Ventures to support life sciences entrepreneurship,” said Angela Martinez, Director of EDA’s Denver Regional Office. “This investment will help further the Regional Life Sciences Incubator by harnessing the strengths of research universities across six states to fuel transformative innovation, grow regional economies, and create high-value jobs.”
Innosphere Ventures is eager to engage with partners in the 6 participating states, including Colorado, Nebraska, Utah, Texas, New Mexico, and South Carolina, who share our commitment to technology ecosystem building. Innosphere’s Build to Scale Venture Challenge application was selected for funding from among more than 220 proposals that will further technology-based economic development initiatives and support the acceleration of technology entrepreneurship.
Mike Freeman, CEO of Innosphere Ventures, expressed his gratitude for U.S. EDA’s support, stating, “We are immensely thankful for the EDA’s belief in our mission. This grant enables us to drive innovation, strengthen the life sciences ecosystem, and create lasting economic impact not just locally but for the entire United States.”
Partners of the Regional Life Sciences Incubation Program include non-profit trade associations that represent their state’s life sciences industries, including: Bio Nebraska, BioUtah, and the Colorado BioScience Association.
University partners across the 6 states include Colorado State University (CSU) through CSU STRATA, the Medical University of South Carolina through the Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization, Texas Tech University through its Office of Research and Innovation, University of Colorado – Anshutz, University of Colorado – Boulder (CU Boulder), University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) through NUtech Ventures, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNeMed Corporation), University of New Mexico through UNM Rainforest Innovations, and the University of Utah’s Vice President for Research.
“We extend a warm invitation to entrepreneurs, university faculty, investors, foundations, and all stakeholders who share our vision of advancing the life sciences ecosystem. Your involvement is crucial to the success of this endeavor. Together, we can amplify our impact, provide vital resources, and create an even more dynamic and innovative landscape. We encourage you to join us in this transformative journey as we collaborate to fuel the growth of life sciences and science-based startups and drive economic prosperity across the region,” said Freeman.
This grant represents a pivotal moment for Innosphere Ventures and the broader innovation community in the central United States. It reinforces our dedication to powering technology entrepreneurship, fueling economic growth, and building a brighter future for all.
Let’s take a moment to welcome the newest member to the West Ashley community, The Bomb Bar. This healthy and refreshing solution offers guests smoothies, toasts, healthy eats, bowls, coffee and more.
We are proud to say they have officially opened their doors to the public.
Details – The Bomb Bar
What: The Bomb Bar
Where: 466 Savannah Hwy, B, Charleston, South Carolina
What makes The Bomb Bar’s smoothies so bomb? It all comes down to a special superfood packed ingredient, the Blender Bomb! In a world where finding a healthy, convenient daily meal is a challenge for most, The Bomb Co. has introduced a game-changing solution – a superfood ball that transforms your regular smoothie into a satisfying and nutritious meal. At The Bomb Bar, our smoothies are designed to leave you feeling genuinely full and content. They’re packed with all the essential amino and fatty acids your body needs, effectively curbing those sugar cravings and preventing hunger from creeping up just an hour later. Our mission is to make healthy eating more accessible and convenient, so you can look, feel, and be your best.
In a statement made on Instagram, CraveWell Cafe announced and teased the Charleston foodie community with this post:
CraveWell Cafe is making its way to Downtown Charleston, bringing a burst of flavor and freshness to your neighborhood! Get ready for a culinary adventure that embraces wellness and deliciousness in every bite.
Coming Soon:
Indulge in a delightful array of options from our menu, including energizing smoothies, vibrant smoothie bowls, crisp salads, satisfying sandwiches, wholesome wraps, mouthwatering toasts, and the refreshing goodness of Happy Moose Juice, cold-pressed juices, and fresh-pressed juices.
Get ready to savor the goodness and elevate your dining experience with CraveWell Cafe. Whether you’re a smoothie enthusiast, a salad lover, or someone who craves a tasty toast, we’ve got something special for you. Follow us for updates, sneak peeks, and exciting announcements. Charleston, are you ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey with CraveWell Cafe?
The cafe will be located at 168 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401.
If you haven’t heard the chatter all around Charleston or seen a large wealthy gentleman with a top hat and perfectly groomed moustache, you have missed the big news: Charleston, South Carolina has an officially licensed Monopoly game!
You heard it right. Now you can experience the charm and beauty of Charleston from your own living room and get rich along way.
The game can be purchased throughout the Lowcountry, or you can order directly online using the link below:
Based on the report released in November from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the region with the largest over-the-year percentage growth gain in employment in the United States is Charleston-North Charleston with a +5.3% gain.
From the Department of Labor Statistics (BLS)
“In September, nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 64 metropolitan areas, decreased in 1 area, and was essentially unchanged in 324 areas. The largest over-the-year employment increases occurred in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA (+201,600), Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (+178,300), and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA (+143,300). The largest over-the-year percentage gain in employment occurred in Charleston-North Charleston, SC (+5.3 percent), followed by Midland, TX (+4.9 percent), and Huntsville, AL (+4.5 percent). The only over-the-year decrease in employment occurred in Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI (-4,500, or -6.0 percent)”
-Fast casual concept celebrates grand opening in Cedar Grove shopping center Dec. 5th with free chicken salad for a year-
ATLANTA (Nov. 20, 2023) – Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today its latest opening in Charleston, South Carolina. Located at 8803 Dorchester Road in North Charleston’s Cedar Grove shopping center, this is the fourth Chicken Salad Chick to open in the area from owners Julie Beville and Michelle Singleton, who also own Chicks in Summerville, Mount Pleasant and Goose Creek. The new restaurant features a convenient drive-thru and spacious patio for outdoor seating. The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening on Tuesday, Dec. 5th; the first 100 guests in line will win free chicken salad for a year.
During grand opening week, North Charleston guests can expect to experience the Southern hospitality that Chicken Salad Chick is known for with specials and giveaways that include:
Tuesday, Dec. 5 – Free Chicken Salad for a Yearto the first 100 Guests – The first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.* Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line.
Wednesday, Dec. 6 – The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a FREE Chicken Salad Chick Tote Bag.**
Thursday, Dec. 7 – The first 100 guests to purchase two Quick Chicks will receive a FREE Chicken Salad Chick Small Cooler.**
Friday, Dec. 8 – The first 50 guests to make a purchase will receive a FREE commemorative Chicken Salad Chick cup and FREE drink with their meal.**
Saturday, Dec. 9 – All day long, Chick fans can buy two Quick Chicks and get one FREE!**
Chicken Salad Chick’s Charleston-area growth is being led by Julie Beville and Michelle Singleton of Sing Bev Hospitality. These multi-unit franchise owners opened their first Chick in Greenville, South Carolina, in 2013 and have steadily expanded to own and operate a total of 16 locations throughout North and South Carolina over the past decade.
“North Charleston – and the greater Charleston market in general – is one of the fastest growing areas in the entire country, and Michelle and I feel so fortunate for the opportunity to open another restaurant here,” said Julie Beville, co-owner of Chicken Salad Chick North Charleston. “We love bringing the best chicken salad to our raving fans while also making a positive impact in the local communities we serve.”
Sing Bev Hospitality has been partnering with local chapters of the American Cancer Society for years through Chicken Salad Chick’s Annual Giving Card and numerous other events and programs that support the CSC Foundation’s mission to help raise money to find a cure for cancer. With the North Charleston opening, they will be supporting the local American Cancer Society chapter as part of their pre-opening Friends & Family events.
Chicken Salad Chick in North Charleston will be open Monday – Saturday from 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.chickensaladchick.com. Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and trends.
*Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. The first 100 guests must remain in line and download the Craving Credits app. Wi-Fi will not be available on site. Once the restaurant opens, guests will make a purchase of “The Chick” or anything of greater value and enter a code in the Craving Credits app to officially secure their spot. If you leave the line for any reason, your spot will be awarded to the next guest in line. Guests will receive their first free Large Quick Chick electronically to their app the Monday following Grand Opening Day.
**Must download the CSC App and be 16 years or older to purchase. Not valid with any other offers. Limit 1 reward per guest present.”
About Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick’s robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Founded in Auburn, Alabama, by Stacy and Kevin Brown, in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 240 restaurants in 18 states. Today, under the leadership of Scott Deviney and the Chicken Salad Chick team, the brand is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick has received numerous accolades including rankings in the 2023 Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Franchise Times’ Fast & Serious for the third consecutive year, Fast Casual.com’s top Movers and Shakers from 2018 to 2023, QSR’s Best Franchise Deals in 2019, 2020 and 2022, and Franchise Business Review’s Top Food Franchises in 2020. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information.
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