Charleston Daily Seeking all the beauty that is Charleston, South Carolina

Newmark is a leading commercial real estate advisory firm with a highly regarded Hospitality, Gaming & Leisure practice specializing in valuation services and hotel market intelligence. The firm produces comprehensive hotel market analyses that track key performance indicators such as occupancy, RevPAR, investment activity, and broader industry trends, making its reports widely respected benchmarks for hospitality market health and performance.

Within the hospitality sector, Newmark analyzed 104 U.S. hotel markets, with Charleston, South Carolina ranking #26 nationally. Below are several key insights from the report, along with the full analysis outlining the current health and trajectory of the Charleston hotel market.

Key Takeaways

Charleston, SC is currently classified in the Expansion Stage, defined as:
“Hotels are performing well and contributing to a resilient economy that has fully emerged from the pandemic environment. Displacement demand remains strong, new hotel development is feasible, and the broader economy continues to expand.” Comparable markets in this category include Anaheim, Atlanta, and Austin.

Charleston continues to outperform national averages in both upscale and luxury lodging segments.

Key Strengths

• Favorable market conditions for upscale and luxury lodging (#14 nationally)
• Strong earnings per sold room (#17)
• Robust overall economic fundamentals (#7)
• Limited new room supply growth (#20)
• Low short-term historical supply growth (#21)

Areas for Improvement

• Low population density relative to hotel room supply (#94)
• Elevated hotel booking costs (#87)
• High short-term rental booking costs (#103)
• Weak short-term historical average length-of-stay growth (#95)
• High long-term historical supply growth (#93)

This analysis evaluates hotel performance across both Charleston and Berkeley Counties.

Note: A total of 104 U.S. markets were included in this study.

Click HERE for full report and analysis

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Coast Guard today awarded two contracts that will deliver critical new operational and support facilities at Base Charleston in North Charleston, South Carolina. These projects support the Coast Guard’s transformation initiatives and will deliver critical new operational and support facilities to the expanding base.

One contract, awarded to The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company of Greenbelt, Maryland and executed by the U.S. Coast Guard Facilities Design and Construction Center in Norfolk, Virginia, is for the full recapitalization of Base Charleston’s Pier Mike. This $116.7 million, fixed-price, design-build project includes demolition of the existing pier and replacing it with a state-of-the-art structure designed to homeport four Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs) and one visiting cutter. Each berth will also be capable of mooring National Security Cutters, providing significant strategic flexibility for the fleet. Contract completion is expected in 2030.

The second contract has been awarded to Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC of Birmingham, Alabama for the design and construction of a new 30,000-square-foot combined medical and dental facility, a new entry control point/visitor’s center and various supporting utilities at Base Charleston. This $95.5 million project is a major step forward in increasing personnel readiness through improved access to medical and dental care, ensuring crews receive necessary support to sustain mission readiness. Contract completion is expected by July 2029.

Both contracts were awarded under the Department of Homeland Security’s National Multiple Award Construction Contract III and were made possible by the Coast Guard’s historic $25 billion investment included in the Working Families’ Tax Cut Act.

“I am excited for the incredible potential these projects have to improve the welfare of our Servicemembers and their families, to homeport our future fleet of Offshore Patrol Cutters and to operationalize the generous investments being made in our Service by the American people,” said Vice Admiral Jo-Ann Burdian, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area. “Our people are our greatest asset, and everything we do on their behalf, to ensure they are ready, trained and well-supported will enable us to act with clarity, cohesion, and purpose to deliver the outcomes our Nation expects.”

The Pier Mike project follows Whiting-Turner’s successful demolition and ongoing reconstruction of the nearby Pier November. This adjacent project is progressing on time and on budget.

For media inquiries contact mediarelations@uscg.mil.  

###

About the U.S. Coast Guard 
With more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, 25,000 miles of navigable rivers and 4.5 million square miles of U.S. exclusive economic zone, the U.S. Coast Guard defends the Nation, protects the marine transportation system, regulates and safeguards ports and waterways, leads the Nation in maritime drug interdiction and secures the maritime border. As a member of the joint force, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency and a member of the U.S. intelligence community, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of the maritime domain to protect the economic and national security of the nation. More than 76,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of more than 220 cutters, 185 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, 1,300 boats and its own dedicated cyber command to protect critical maritime infrastructure.

More information about the U.S. Coast Guard can be found at www.uscg.mil Follow @USCG on X and Instagram, like us on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube and follow LinkedIn—connect with us.

Make a difference on land, at sea or in the air with the Coast Guard. Visit GoCoastGuard.com to find out how to be part of our team.

Source: U.S. Coast Guard News

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Weekend Passes and Special Event Tickets Go on Sale Today For Third Annual Culinary Festival

Tyler Florence, Maneet Chauhan, Andrew Zimmern, Nancy Silverton, Katie Button, Rick Martinez, Ana Castro, and More Will Headline This Year’s Event

CHARLESTON, SC  – May 13, 2026 – Tickets are on sale now for the highly anticipated third annual Food & Wine Classic in Charleston, hosted by Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living, and presented by Explore Charleston. Taking place November 13–15, 2026, the Classic in Charleston has quickly become one of the most influential culinary events in the country, pairing world-class chefs, beverage experts and celebrated personalities with Charleston’s signature Lowcountry talent and hospitality. 

Attendees will experience three days of unparalleled culinary experiences unique to Charleston, including over 40 seminars, immersive cooking demonstrations, wine and spirits tastings, and panel discussions led by culinary stars and beverage experts including Tiffanie Barriere, Katie Button, Ana Castro, Maneet Chauhan, Julia Coney, Tyler Florence, Anthony Giglio, Rick Martinez, Amanda McCrossin, Justin Pichetrungsi, June Rodil, Nancy Silverton, Sarah Thomas, and Andrew Zimmern, alongside acclaimed local talent including Mike Lata, James London, Miles White, and Femi Oyediran.

The weekend also includes the famed Grand Tasting, featuring more than 100 winemakers, distillers, and purveyors serving wine, spirits, and global cuisine from a standout lineup of Charleston-area restaurants.

Tickets on sale now, include the Weekend Consumer Pass (November 13–15, 2026), as well as a selection of additional ticketed events available to passholders, including the Southern Living Lowcountry Tailgate, the Pearls of the Coast Oyster Roast hosted by Travel + Leisure and Food & Wine, and new immersive experiences, including history and garden tours. 

Travel + Leisure and Food & Wine Present Pearls of the Coast Oyster Roast: Friday, November 13, 2026

Guests will savor live-fire roasted oysters, an abundant raw bar, expertly crafted cocktails, and a curated selection of fine wines, all set to the backdrop of live music under the stars. 

Southern Living Lowcountry Tailgate at the Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston: Saturday, November 14, 2026

Southern Living throws the ultimate college football tailgate, hosted by Editor in Chief Sid Evans. The third annual Lowcountry Tailgate takes over a new location at the iconic Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston for an unforgettable evening beneath the oaks. The event will feature Maneet Chauhan, George Motz, Robbie Robinson, Elliott Moss and Lewis Donald. Rooted in tradition and rich with Lowcountry flavor, the experience features live music, expertly-crafted cocktails, and exceptional Southern fare — including barbecue from some of the region’s top pitmasters.

Sea to Table: Crabbing & Cooking in the Lowcountry: November 13–15, 2026

Dive into the coastal charm and culinary delights of Charleston with a crabbing expedition and intimate culinary experience, hosted by a Travel + Leisure editor. The adventure begins on the scenic docks of the Ashley River, with local food and beverage expert Tia Clark of Casual Crabbing with Tia. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of casting a net and get hands-on with baiting and crabbing. Then, end their experience from sea to table with lunch hosted by Charleston’s top chefs alongside an editor from Travel + Leisure.

New Immersive Experiences:

A new series of events, hosted by Travel + Leisure, invites guests into unique experiences across Charleston, showcasing the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and coastal character.

• Lowcountry Oyster Farm Tour on November 12, 2026
• South of Broad Unlocked: Homes & Gardens Tour on November 12, 2026
• The American Revolution in Charleston on November 15, 2026
• Charleston Harbor Boat Tour on November 15, 2026

Weekend Consumer Passes and special events tickets, along with full details on festival programming, participating talent, and travel information, are available at foodandwineclassicincharleston.com. 

Explore Charleston is the Presenting Sponsor of the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston 2026, with additional sponsors includingAmerican Express and Resy, Discover South Carolina, Lexus, and S.Pellegrino.

ABOUT FOOD & WINE

Food & Wine, the ultimate culinary authority, celebrates the global epicurean experience through its magazine, website, social platforms, newsletters, podcasts, premium events such as the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and accolades like its annual Best New Chef awards. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel, and home coverage, the brand inspires and empowers people to discover, create, and devour the best in food and drink—every day and everywhere. Food & Wine is part of the People Inc. publishing family.

ABOUT SOUTHERN LIVING

Southern Living celebrates the essence of life in the South, covering the best in Southern food, homes, gardens and travel. Southern Living connects consumers to the region’s rich culture through a robust multi-platform presence, including print, digital, social, and events, as well as its Biscuits & Jam and Ask Grumpy podcasts and many licensing partnerships. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Living is part of People Inc.

ABOUT TRAVEL + LEISURE

Travel + Leisure is the preeminent voice for the sophisticated traveler, serving up expert intelligence and the most immersive travel lifestyle content anywhere. Travel + Leisure captures the joy of discovering the cultural pleasures the world has to offer, from art and design to shopping and style to food and drink. Travel + Leisure connects with its audience across platforms including the U.S. flagship and seven international print editions, digital channels, the annual World’s Best franchise and more. Launched in 1971, Travel + Leisure is part of the People Inc. publishing family and is owned by Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE: TNL).

ABOUT EXPLORE CHARLESTON

Explore Charleston is a 501c6 destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) representing 12 municipalities across three counties in the Greater Charleston Area. The organization strives to unify and lead the local travel industry by promoting the destination, creating overnight visitation, and supporting the community’s long-term development through sustainable tourism strategies. The Charleston region’s travel and hospitality industry supports nearly 55,000 hospitality jobs and generates an annual economic impact exceeding $14 billion. 

The Food & Wine Classic in Charleston is powered by the Charleston Restaurant Foundation.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

South Carolina legislators will get a pay raise later this year after the House added the increase into the chamber’s second draft of the state spending plan Wednesday.

The proposal, added in a vote of 62-42, was part of the House’s $15.3 billion budget, which also included money for cost overruns at the Scout Motors manufacturing plant and approximately $300 million in earmarks.

The legislator-requested funds for their home districts comes on top of more than $130 million in senators’ proposed projects. Unlike the Senate, which paid for infrastructure projects only, House members asked for money to pay nonprofits.

The House and Senate still need to hash out their differences in the two different spending plans. But after the House matched the Senate’s proposal for a pay increase, that clause will remain locked in place when negotiations begin.

The clause will increase legislators’ monthly allowances from $1,000 to $2,500 starting Dec. 1, following the November election. The timing is meant to avoid another legal challenge like the one that led the state Supreme Court to throw out last year’s raise in the budget as unconstitutional.

Legislators also receive an annual salary of $10,400, plus a daily stipend meant to cover meals and hotel stays while they’re in session, plus mileage for one trip weekly. The last time legislators increased their pay was in 1995.

The raise would come at a cost of about $3 million to the state. Neither budget proposal included money specifically for that, but legislators could pull from extra revenue, said Ways and Means Chairman Bruce Bannister.

“I believe that the pay has been too low around here for a long time,” said House Majority Leader Davey Hiott, a Pickens Republican who is not running for reelection. “On my way out, I hope I can help many of you folks that will be here for years to come receive a little bit more funding.”

The issue didn’t ignite the same fervor among legislators this year as it did last year, when multiple representatives said they planned to either decline the money or donate it to charity. None of them got the chance, since the state’s highest court halted the increase, along with legislators’ regular monthly allowances, before the raise began.

One place where the House deviated from the Senate’s plan was in paying for cost overruns at the Scout Motors plant in Blythewood.

The Department of Commerce asked for $150 million to cover required upgrades to the site for environmental permits and road improvements leading to the plant.

Neither the House nor Senate granted the agency its request. But the House added a clause allowing two other agencies, which oversee transportation and natural resources, to pull from a pot of money designated for paying off state loans, which has nearly $133 million more than necessary for payments required in the coming fiscal year.

Both chambers asked the state’s auditing council to examine the Department of Commerce’s request, including determining whether the agency made the most cost-effective decisions possible and what caused the overruns.

Source: South Carolina Daily Gazette

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) today announced that Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, made in North Charleston, has been named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina.

The announcement was made during a Statehouse press conference following the month-long Manufacturing Madness: The Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina contest, which drew nearly 200,000 votes from around the world.

“Manufacturing is at the heart of what makes South Carolina a great place to work and live,” said SCMC President and CEO Sara Hazzard.“The innovation, precision, and craftsmanship that go into building the 787 Dreamliner reflect the very best of our state’s manufacturing industry. This contest is about celebrating the people behind these products, and Boeing South Carolina represents that excellence at the highest level.”

“South Carolina’s manufacturing industry is second to none, and it continues to drive opportunity and prosperity in every corner of our state,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Each day, our manufacturers are building products that compete and win on the global stage. Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is a powerful example of that success, showcasing the talent of South Carolina’s workforce. We are proud to celebrate Boeing, our manufacturing industry, and the South Carolinians who power it.”

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, produced at its North Charleston facility employing more than 9,000 associates, is the bestselling passenger widebody aircraft in aviation history. Known for its advanced technology and fuel efficiency, the 787 has carried more than one billion passengers worldwide and has enabled more than 520 new nonstop routes since entering service. The 787 Dreamliner secured the title after competing against three other finalists:

• Constant Velocity Joint – JTEKT, Greenville
• PFX Flex Sub-Lite-Wall – Zeus, Orangeburg
• CardioEducator – NursEdvance Innovations, Richland

Now in its fifth year, the Manufacturing Madness Contest, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, celebrates the products, people, and craftsmanship of South Carolina’s manufacturing sector. Previous winners include Nucor Steel Berkeley, Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Fighting Falcon, Honda’s Talon 1000R-4, and Gallo’s High Noon Sun Sips.

Manufacturing contributes more than $300 billion annually to South Carolina’s economy, supports approximately 30% of all jobs statewide, and generates one-third of the state’s general fund revenue.

A copy of the final bracket can be found here. 

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Source: South Carolina Manufacturers + Commerce

By Mark A Leon

In a city internationally recognized for its history, architecture, and artistic soul, Charleston’s creative scene continues to evolve beyond traditional gallery walls. Hidden above the bustle of Meeting Street, Look Up Charleston (128 Meeting Street – upstairs) has quietly become something far more ambitious than a conventional retail space.

The question now being asked by many visitors and locals alike is simple:

Has Look Up Charleston become more of a museum than a storefront?

The answer may very well be yes.

At a time when many retail concepts across America are shrinking, homogenizing, or moving online, Look Up Charleston has moved in the opposite direction — becoming larger in purpose, richer in storytelling, and increasingly experiential in nature. What began as a local creative marketplace has evolved into a living exhibition space showcasing the work, process, and personalities of 37 local artists and artisans spanning generations from 24 to 73 years old.

That age range alone tells a larger story.

Inside the collective, emerging artists share walls and studio corridors with seasoned creators who have spent decades refining their craft. Pop culture-inspired works hang near fine art originals. Mixed media installations sit alongside handcrafted artisan goods. The result is not simply “shopping.” It is cultural immersion.

Unlike many traditional galleries, the experience at Look Up Charleston feels intentionally layered and democratic. Visitors are not ushered through sterile white walls or separated from the artists themselves. Instead, creativity unfolds in real time.

With four active working studios inside the space, guests regularly encounter paintings in progress, conversations about process, evolving experiments in texture and medium, and the unpredictable energy that accompanies active artistic creation. That distinction matters. Museums traditionally preserve completed work and celebrate legacy. Look Up Charleston captures art while it is still alive and unfolding.

The concept aligns with a broader cultural shift occurring throughout Charleston itself. Publications such as Veranda have recently highlighted Charleston’s transformation into a modern cultural destination filled with galleries, festivals, and creative spaces that extend beyond the city’s historic identity. Meanwhile, institutions like the Gibbes Museum of Art have increasingly embraced artist studios, public engagement, and educational accessibility as part of their mission.

Look Up Charleston appears to sit directly at the intersection of those ideas.

It is retail, certainly. Art is available to purchase. Gifts can be found. Collectors can discover original work. But the emotional center of the space feels less transactional and more curatorial. Visitors wander rather than browse. They study rather than scan. They linger.

That distinction is important.

Museums educate. Museums preserve identity. Museums create dialogue between generations, mediums, and perspectives. Increasingly, Look Up Charleston appears to be doing all three.

There is also something uniquely Charleston about the collective’s makeup. The Lowcountry has long supported artisanship — from sweetgrass basket weaving to contemporary mixed media, from coastal realism to experimental modernism. Charleston’s broader creative ecosystem thrives on local makers, independent studios, and community-centered artistry. Yet few spaces attempt to gather such a wide stylistic and generational range under one roof while maintaining an active studio presence.

That diversity may be what ultimately pushes Look Up Charleston beyond the category of “store.”

Traditional storefronts typically prioritize inventory. Museums prioritize narrative.

At Look Up Charleston, the narrative is Charleston itself — its humor, culture, color, texture, history, architecture, pop influences, coastal identity, and evolving artistic future. The collective feels less like a singular brand and more like a snapshot of a city’s creative heartbeat in real time.

Perhaps the strongest argument for Look Up Charleston functioning as a museum is this:

Every visit is different.

The art changes. The artists rotate. New works emerge from active studios. Conversations evolve. Pieces sell and disappear into private homes while new creations take their place. The space is not static. It is alive.

And maybe that is what the modern museum increasingly aspires to become as well.

Not simply a place where art hangs.

But a place where community, creativity, education, and human connection actively happen.

If that is the definition, then Look Up Charleston may already be far more than a storefront.

Look Up Charleston is open Monday – Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM and Sunday 11 AM – 6 PM.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Charleston, S.C. (May 11, 2026) – As the City of Charleston advances a new Peninsula Plan, comprehensive zoning updates, and a coordinated affordable housing initiative expected to deliver thousands of new housing units, the coming year will play a defining role in shaping the city’s historic character, livability, and long-term resilience.

In response to this pivotal moment, Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) will host its annual Spring Advocacy Forum this May, bringing together leading voices in preservation, resilience, planning, and urban design for a timely public conversation.

Titled Charleston’s Future: Stitching Together Growth and Opportunity, the forum will feature a focused 90-minute discussion exploring how Charleston can accommodate growth while preserving the qualities that define the city.

“The decisions being made now will shape Charleston for generations,” said Winslow Hastie, President & CEO of Historic Charleston Foundation. “This forum is designed to equip residents and stakeholders with the context, language, and understanding needed to engage meaningfully in that process.”

The program aims to spark early public engagement around the City’s forthcoming planning efforts by highlighting key themes, trade-offs, and opportunities. Through expert perspectives and dialogue, attendees will gain insight into how transportation, urban design, resilience strategies, and housing policy function as interconnected systems that can—and should—work together.

Event Details:

Historic Charleston Foundation Spring Advocacy Forum
Charleston’s Future: Stitching Together Growth and OpportunityMonday, May 18 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m at The Charleston Museum, Arthur Wilcox Auditorium, 360 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

• Free and open to the public, however space is limited so registration is required. 
• Register online at : Charleston’s Future: Stitching Together Growth and Opportunities – May 18, 2026 (HistoricCharleston.org/Events)
• Doors open prior to 6:00 p.m.; program begins promptly 
  
  The evening will include a special introduction and overview from Charleston Mayor William Cogswell, followed by brief presentations from panelists and a moderated discussion. The program will feature maps, visuals, and Charleston-based examples to ground the conversation in local context.
  
  
  Panelists:
• Jared Bramblett, Senior Water Resources Engineer and Project Manager, Moffatt & Nichol
  Bramblett specializes in flood mitigation, stormwater management, and resilient infrastructure planning. His work includes contributions to the Charleston Water Plan and serving as Owner’s Agent for the City on the Battery Extension Project.
• Andrea Ostrodka, AICP, Urban Planner, Toole Design Group
  Ostrodka brings extensive experience leading interdisciplinary teams on major placemaking initiatives, including the Lowcountry Rapid Transit project, SunRail in Florida, and active transportation strategies across the Southeast.
• Christian Sottile, FAIA, Founding Principal, Sottile & Sottile
  An architect and urban designer working extensively in historic districts, Sottile also serves as Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design and is former Dean of the School of Building Arts.

Moderator

• Scott Parker, FASLA, Co-Founder, DesignWorks
  Parker is a nationally recognized landscape architect and civic leader who serves on numerous boards and advisory groups, including the City of Charleston Peninsula Task Force and the Urban Land Institute Council on Sustainable Development.

The Advocacy Forum is part of Historic Charleston Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advancing thoughtful, informed dialogue around preservation and the future of Charleston’s built environment.

For more information and to register, visit:HistoricCharleston.org/Events

About Historic Charleston Foundation:Established in 1947, Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) is a preservation advocacy organization whose mission is to advocate for a future for Charleston that honors and protects its people, places, culture, and community. In its 79th year, the Foundation is known for its preservation advocacy programs including protective covenants and easements; education and outreach; and it is the first organization in the country to establish a revolving fund to acquire and preserve historic buildings, a model now replicated in historic communities across the nation. HCF is also the proud steward of two historic house museums: the Nathaniel Russell House, c. 1808 and the Aiken-Rhett House, c. 1820 both open to the public for tours daily.HistoricCharleston.org @HistoricCharlestonFoundation

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

South Carolina is ranked the 7th-worst state in the nation for Working Moms in a recent Wallet Hub Study.

Women account for nearly half the U.S. workforce and working moms, who make up around 74% of the of that demographic. On average, women make 82% of what men make per hour, and only 9.4% of chief executives at S&P 500 companies are women. On top of that, working moms have to deal with child care, work-life balance and career building while supporting a child.R

The study evaluated the following metrics:

Professional Opportunities metrics

• Gender pay gap
• Ratio of female executives to male executives
• Median women’s salary
• Share of working women living with economic security
• Share of families in poverty Female unemployment rate
• Gender-representation gap in different economic sectors

Work-Life Balance metrics

• Parental-leave policy score
• Average length of a woman’s work week
• Women’s average commute time

Here is where South Carolina Fared:

• 45th – Day-Care Quality
• 38th – Pediatricians per Capita
• 26th – Gender Pay Gap (Women’s Earnings as % of Men’s)
• 47th – Ratio of Female Executives to Male Executives
• 37th – Median Women’s Salary (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
• 46th – Female Unemployment Rate 38th – Parental-Leave Policy Score
• 32nd – Avg. Length of Woman’s Work Week (in Hours)
• 42nd – % of Single-Mom Families in Poverty

Click HERE for full study results.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Columbia, SC — SC Launch Inc., the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority, has announced a $400,000 investment in SafeMedWaste. The Johns Island-based startup created a better way to dispose of controlled substances without incineration. “On-site chemical destruction of controlled substances is a gamechanger for safer and more cost-effective drug, specifically opioid, disposals,” said SCRA President and CEO Bill Kirkland. “We’re proud to partner with these innovators who have improved the disposal process for safety and a better environment.”

At SCRA’s quarterly Startups on Tap event, Charleston area’s entrepreneurial community members gathered at Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. last night to celebrate SafeMedWaste and other startups that are new SCRA member companies, investees, and grantees.

Formerly named Okra Medical, SafeMedWaste became an SCRA member company in September 2020 and an SC Launch Inc. portfolio company with this investment. “Traditional onsite disposal products for opioids often lack sufficient data to support safe and permanent drug destruction,” said SCRA Regional Director Kevin Eichelberger. “Off-site incineration for opioids is a more lengthy and complex process, which can result in a greater window of exposure to drug-related risks and higher costs.”

“When we began working with the team at South Carolina Research Authority many years ago, they understood our mission and supported our growth,” said SafeMedWaste President and CEO Justin Stas. “The opioid crisis continues to evolve, and SafeMedWaste is focused on reducing risk at the source. Our technology is designed to chemically degrade controlled substances, providing a safer, more responsible disposal solution that helps limit diversion and environmental impact. We also appreciate the role the South Carolina Research Authority and the state of South Carolina play in retaining top talent by supporting innovators building companies here at home.”

In 2020, SafeMedWaste secured a patent for a first-of-its-kind drug disposal technology designed to chemically destroy pharmaceuticals, validated across a broad range of controlled substances.

The company is poised to revolutionize the future of controlled substance waste management. It serves all types of health care facilities, including hospitals and pharmacies, and government clients, including the military, prisons, and coroner offices. In the future, single-use products will be available for in-home use. SafeMedWaste’s home product is positioned to be the first FDA-cleared medical devices for in-home drug disposal.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Photo credit: SafeMedWaste.

CHARLESTON, S.C. /PRNewswire/ — Linden Creek, a luxury interior design and home staging firm headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, is proud to announce the opening of its newest franchise location serving Charleston, SC and the greater Lowcountry region. This expansion reflects Linden Creek’s continued national growth and its mission to deliver thoughtful, high-impact design solutions that help homes perform in one of the Southeast’s most competitive and desirable real estate markets.

The Charleston franchise is led by Michelle Grim, an accomplished entrepreneur with a passion for elevated living spaces and a deep understanding of what today’s buyers, sellers, and investors are looking for in the Lowcountry market. As the owner of Linden Creek Charleston, Michelle is committed to delivering luxury home staging, full-service interior design, and short-term rental furnishing to homeowners, real estate professionals, and builders across Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, Isle of Palms, and the surrounding communities.

Charleston’s real estate market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience in 2026. Named a Top 10 Housing Hot Spot by the National Association of Realtors, the region is defined by steady buyer demand, a thriving luxury segment, and a lifestyle appeal that draws buyers from across the country. In this environment, professional staging and intentional interior design are no longer optional; they are strategic advantages that help properties stand out, sell faster, and command stronger price points (Seignious & Smith Real Estate).

Michelle brings a results-driven approach to every project, combining a sharp eye for design with a genuine commitment to the clients she serves. Her work spans vacant and occupied home staging, full-service interior design, builder selections, model home design, and short-term rental furnishing. For agents and builders, she is a trusted partner who understands the emotional and financial dynamics of the home-selling process. For homeowners and investors, she delivers an elevated experience and results that speak for themselves.

“Charleston is one of the most beautiful and dynamic markets in the country, and I’m proud to bring Linden Creek’s proven design expertise to this community,” said Michelle Grim, owner of Linden Creek Charleston. “Every home has a story worth telling. My goal is to help agents, builders, and homeowners tell theirs in a way that connects with buyers and delivers real results.”

Linden Creek is trusted by top real estate agents and builders nationwide for its ability to help properties sell faster and at higher values. The firm’s buyer-focused approach emphasizes layout, scale, and visual clarity to showcase each home’s full potential, backed by a team with over $1.5 billion in staged real estate and a track record of helping homes sell in half the industry average time.

With this opening, Linden Creek now operates in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Southeast Charlotte, Lake Norman, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Greenville and Charleston, South Carolina; Princeton and Morristown, New Jersey; New Hope and Central/Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Sarasota and Jacksonville, Florida; Atlanta and Alpharetta, Georgia; Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Locations opening soon include West Houston and Katy, Texas.

To learn more about Linden Creek Charleston, visit linden-creek.com/charleston-sc. For information about Linden Creek franchise opportunities, visit linden-creek.com/franchise.

Shawn Rabideau is Linden Creek’s Director of Home Staging & Interior Design in Charleston, SC. Connect with Shawn at shawn@linden-creek.com to explore how our staging and design services can elevate your home and help it stand out in the market. 

Source: Linden Creek

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.