New Charleston Deal Alliance Gives Dealmaking Professionals a Place to Connect

Launch event scheduled for Feb. 20 in Mount Pleasant 

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A new organization aims to spotlight the fast-growing Charleston region as an attractive and robust market for closing business deals. Charleston Deal Alliance will connect dealmakers so they can compare notes, make new contacts, and identify new business opportunities. 

Charleston Deal Alliance membership is open to individuals and companies in accounting, legal, banking, consulting, recruiting, technology, valuation, and wealth management. With a robust member database, discounts to exclusive events and access to content and information, members will be able to grow their network and increase their profitability.   

Anyone interested in learning more about Charleston Deal Alliance is invited to a launch event from 3:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 at the Cooper River Room, 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd. in Mount Pleasant. Guests will enjoy cocktails and light refreshments along with a panel discussion on the state of dealmaking in Charleston today.

Andy Brusman, chairman of Charleston Deal Alliance and CEO of investment bank Charles Towne Holdings LLC, said he realized Charleston has been experiencing tremendous growth and has attracted a large number of deal professionals. Yet, until now, there wasn’t a single place where those in the dealmaking community could meet and share resources and information. 

“Charleston is emerging as a financial hub, which means we need to highlight the incredible deal talent that resides here in the Charleston region,” Brusman said. “We are excited to bring all of this under Charleston Deal Alliance and host several events in 2020.”

In addition to Brusman, 11 others have joined as founding members: 

• Alex Chalmers, Material Capital Partners
• Bobby Creech, WebsterRogers LLP
• Herbert Drayton, Vertical Holdings
• Mike Graney, Charleston Regional Development Alliance
• Bob Kosian, Capital Solutions Group
• Todd Kuhl, Sherman Capital Markets
• Mark Lattanzio, Truist
• Ron Owens, Evening Post Industries
• Stevan Rainero, Intermont Group
• Dave Slenzak, Broadtree Partners
• Geiza Vargas, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Not only are members excited to make connections locally, they are eager for those outside the Charleston region to see what a vibrant community this is. 

“We want Charleston mentioned along with cities like Charlotte, Nashville and Richmond as places to do deals and find investment opportunities,” Brusman said. “We believe an organization like Charleston Deal Alliance will bring attention to our community and the many business opportunities that exist in our local market.”  

Brusman along with Herbert Drayton and Alex Chalmers will be part of a panel discussion on the state of dealmaking in the Charleston region at Thursday’s launch event. Founding board member Bob Kosian will moderate. 

Charleston Deal Alliance has worked closely with Charleston Regional Development Alliance in the creation of this new organization. CRDA signed as the initial sponsor providing the needed seed money to launch the organization and showcase the deals being done in Charleston.

“Charleston Regional Development Alliance’s mission is to build long-term economic prosperity by attracting the world’s best companies, talent and entrepreneurs. Providing connections to financing opportunities and to service providers with the expertise to put deals together furthers that goal, which is why CRDA supports Charleston Deal Alliance,” said Mike Graney, VP, Global Business Development. “The amount and diversity of deal professionals in Charleston may not be widely known yet, but it’s about to be.”

An annual membership is $250 for residents of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties; $350 for others. Annual sponsorship opportunities also are available. Learn more about CDA at charlestondealalliance.com. 

About Charleston Deal Alliance
Dealmakers want to connect with fellow professionals to compare notes, make new contacts and identify new business opportunities. Charleston Deal Alliance provides opportunities for connection and collaboration. Through an online database, events and a shared knowledge base, members expand their network and increase their deal flow. Learn more at charlestondealalliance.com.