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

By Dona J. Fraser – Senior Vice President, Privacy Initiatives, BBB National Programs

Signed on February 5, 2026, South Carolina’s Social Media Regulation Act introduces the nation’s most aggressive independent audit requirement for online platforms accessible by minors. Here is what makes it different — and what companies offering covered services must do before July 1, 2026. 

The wave of state-level children’s digital privacy laws keeps building. California started it in 2022 with their age-appropriate design code. Maryland, Nebraska, and Vermont followed with their own variations. Now South Carolina has entered the arena — and in at least one critical dimension, it has gone further than any state before it. 

On February 5, 2026, Governor Henry McMaster signed H3431, the South Carolina Social Media Regulation Act, into law as Act No. 96. The law creates Chapter 80 of Title 39 of the South Carolina Code, the Age-Appropriate Code Design (AADC) chapter, and it is already in effect.  

One deadline should be flashing red on every compliance calendar: July 1, 2026. 

What the Law Does 

The South Carolina AADC applies to any “covered online service” (broadly defined as platforms and apps that conduct business in South Carolina) that is “reasonably likely to be accessed by minors” and meets at least one of three size thresholds: annual gross revenues exceeding $25 million, processing data of 50,000 or more consumers, or deriving 50% or more of revenue from data sales. 

The law’s substantive obligations cluster into four pillars: 

• Design Safety: Covered services must exercise “reasonable care” in design to prevent compulsive usage, psychological harm (including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation), severe emotional distress, privacy intrusions, identity theft, and discrimination against minors. 
• Privacy by Default: All protective settings — limits on geolocation, profiling, targeted advertising, and notification windows — must be activated by default for known minors. The framework is opt-out, not opt-in. 
• Parental Controls: Easy-to-use parental tools for managing settings, restricting purchases, viewing usage time, and setting time-of-day limits are required and must themselves be on by default. 
• Annual Independent Public Audit: Every covered service must file a public report prepared by an independent third-party auditor with the Attorney General by July 1 of each year. There is no grace period and no cure right for late filing. 

The Notification Windows: School Hours and Bedtime 

South Carolina’s law is unusually specific about when push notifications to known minors are restricted. Covered services must offer the ability to block notifications during the following windows, and these must be the default setting for known minors: 

Notification Restriction Requirements (§ 39-80-40(E)) 

• Nightly, year-round: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, seven days a week. 
• School hours (August through May): 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. 
• The statute requires these windows to be calculated in the minor’s local time zone, an implementation detail that will require geographic time zone detection for many platforms. 

Dark Patterns: A Trade Practices Violation 

One of South Carolina’s sharpest enforcement teeth is its treatment of dark patterns. The law defines “dark pattern” as any user interface “designed or manipulated with the substantial effect of subverting or impairing user autonomy, decision making, or choice.” Using a dark pattern against a minor is not merely a violation of this chapter, it is expressly designated an unlawful trade practice under South Carolina’s Unfair Trade Practices Act (UTPA, § 39-5-20). 

That matters because the UTPA carries its own independent enforcement mechanisms, civil penalties, and the possibility of attorney fees. Plaintiffs’ counsel will notice. 

Three Things That Make South Carolina Genuinely Different 

1. Public, Not Private: California’s and Maryland’s Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) model keeps audit findings internal. South Carolina’s model is structurally opposite: the independent auditor’s report is submitted to the Attorney General, who is required to post it in a prominent place on the AG website. This means advocacy organizations, plaintiffs’ attorneys, journalists, and regulators in other states can all read it. Precision and defensibility in the audit report matter in ways internal DPIAs do not require. 

2. Treble Damages and Personal Officer Liability: Most state AACDs set per-child civil penalties ($2,500–$7,500 in California; $50,000 per violation in Nebraska). South Carolina’s damages model is structurally different: it multiplies actual financial damages by three. More strikingly, § 39-80-80(C) provides that individual officers and employees may be held personally liable for willful and wanton violations. This is an executive accountability provision with no clear parallel in any other state AADC currently in force. It belongs on the agenda of every board and C-suite review of these obligations. 

3. No Grace Period: The law took effect on the date of the Governor’s signature, February 5, 2026. There is no phased implementation of the kind Nebraska offered (civil penalties beginning July 2026) or Maryland’s staged requirements. All substantive obligations were live the moment the Governor signed. The first independent audit report is due July 1, 2026 — roughly five months after enactment. 

The Timeline

The law was signed February 5, 2026. The first independent audit report is due to the Attorney General by July 1, 2026. For platforms that have not started, that window is shrinking and the auditor must be retained, given full access to operations, and their report finalized before that date. 

Under § 39-80-70(C), covered services are required to provide auditors “full and complete cooperation and access to information and operations” necessary for a comprehensive, accurate report. Scope-limiting or delaying access to auditors could constitute a violation. 

How BBB National Programs Can Help 

BBB National Programs has built its practice around the intersection of technology design, data governance, and children’s digital privacy, which is the exact overlap that the South Carolina AADC puts under the microscope. We provide the independent third-party audit services that § 39-80-70 requires, with deep expertise in minor-facing platforms and the statutory compliance frameworks that the law demands. 

Our audit engagements are structured around the law’s nine required report elements, with a methodology that satisfies South Carolina’s requirement for auditors to ‘follow inspection and consultation practices designed to ensure that reports are comprehensive and accurate,’ including the statutory mandate to consult with experts on minors’ use of covered online services. 

Reach out for a consultation.
Are you one of our COPPA Safe Harbor participants? Unlock preferred pricing and a fast-track application process. 

Source: BBB Programs

CHARLESTON, SC – MAY 14, 2026 – Four of South Carolina Ports’ ship-to-shore cranes are now boasting new names, thanks to Lowcountry students’ creativity in the Name the Cranes contest. More than 450 students in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties submitted names, and the winners were selected by SC Ports’ crane operators.

The winning names are: Coastal Claw, The Pain Crane, Holy City Hoister and The Dockfather (tie). Winners represented five schools in Charleston County and Dorchester County 2 school districts.

“Winning this contest gives students the opportunity to see the cranes up close, gain a better understanding of how a port works and learn why having a port in their backyard makes a big difference to South Carolina,” said Chadwick Swan, SC Ports’ Director of Container Operations. “Having these awesome names on our cranes gives them personality, and everyone who works on the docks and visits our port loves to see it.”

The cranes, which sit 155-feet above the wharf at Wando Welch Terminal, are responsible for moving containers on and off vessels at the port’s busiest container terminal. Crane operators undergo rigorous training and mentorship to become highly skilled at their jobs, averaging 35 containers moved per hour.

Students were joined by their families, teachers, principals and port teammates on terminal today to be recognized for their creativity.

“We love giving students the opportunity to come out on terminal and see firsthand how a top 10 U.S. container port works,” said Micah Mallace, SC Ports President and CEO. “You never know what might spark a lifelong interest in a student, and we are grateful to connect with these innovative thinkers who leave an imprint on our port.”

Students received a plaque, a photo in front of their named crane, a private port tour and $500 to support their schools.

“We try to make the connection for students that every one of these containers is filled with items that make up their daily lives,” Mallace said. “From the shoes and clothes they wear, the food they eat, the furniture and TVs in their homes, to the toys they play with. All of these goods and more come through the Port of Charleston every day, generating economic growth for South Carolina.”

Winners:

Kyndal Chisolm, 4th Grade, North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary
Crane Name: Coastal Claw

Grant Sturgis, 2nd Grade, Memminger Elementary
Crane Name: The Pain Crane

William Walts, 1st Grade, Mount Pleasant Academy
Crane Name: Holy City Hoister

Jack Zapiecki, Kindergarten, Harbor View Elementary
Crane Name: The Dockfather (tie)

Vivian Lovin, 4th Grade, Spann Elementary School
Crane Name: The Dockfather (tie)

Source: South Carolina Ports

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By Mark A Leon

The ocean has long been a place of healing, freedom, and connection. For the people behind  Adaptive Surf Project, it is also a place where barriers disappear and possibilities begin. Based in the Carolinas (North Myrtle Beach, SC), Adaptive Surf Project (ASP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating inclusive communities and improving lives through adaptive surfing. Their work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of the ocean, regardless of physical ability.  

The organization’s origins trace back to the creation of “Wheel to Surf,” an event founded in 2013 by Brock Johnson. What began as a surf clinic for individuals with disabilities quickly evolved into a broader movement focused on accessibility, empowerment, and inclusion. ASP recognized that surfing is more than just a sport — it is a transformative experience that builds confidence, community, and emotional well-being. From those early beach gatherings, the organization expanded into adaptive bike rides, outreach programs, accessible beach initiatives, and adaptive surf competitions.  

At the heart of Adaptive Surf Project’s mission is the desire to “share the stoke,” a surfing phrase that captures the excitement and connection felt in the water. ASP works to normalize the sight of adaptive and traditional surfers sharing the same waves. Through teamwork, specialized equipment, and trained volunteers, participants who may have once believed surfing was impossible are able to experience the thrill and freedom of riding a wave.  

The benefits of adaptive surfing extend far beyond the beach. Physically, surfing encourages balance, coordination, strength, and mobility. Emotionally, it offers stress relief, confidence, and a sense of independence. Socially, it creates meaningful friendships and support systems between participants, families, and volunteers. Many adaptive surfing organizations around the world have documented the therapeutic impact of ocean-based activities, particularly for individuals facing trauma, disabilities, or emotional challenges. Research and testimonials from adaptive surf programs consistently highlight improvements in self-esteem, mental wellness, and community connection.  

Adaptive Surf Project also works toward making beaches themselves more accessible. The organization advocates for beach matting, adaptive wheelchairs, and inclusive public spaces so that everyone can enjoy coastal environments. Their mission extends beyond surfing into the broader idea of creating communities where no one is excluded from recreation, social events, or outdoor experiences.  

There are many ways the public can support Adaptive Surf Project and help expand its impact. Donations help fund adaptive surfboards, beach wheelchairs, wetsuits, transportation, and outreach initiatives. Volunteers are essential to the organization’s events and programs, assisting participants both on land and in the water. Businesses can also become sponsors, helping fund specific projects while gaining visibility through community partnerships and events. ASP welcomes one-time donations, monthly giving, in-kind contributions, and volunteer support from anyone passionate about accessibility and inclusion.  

In every wave they share, Adaptive Surf Project proves that the ocean belongs to everyone. Through compassion, innovation, and community, they continue to redefine what is possible and remind people of all abilities that adventure, joy, and freedom are still within reach.

Follow the journey on Instagram.

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Photo Credit: Adaptive Surf Project

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC — The State Ports Authority will move some of its vehicle export operations to North Charleston to help protect Upstate-built BMWs and other cars from flooding while also freeing up space at the Port of Charleston’s current — and low-lying — export hub for new cargo.

The authority’s board of directors on Friday approved a $720,000 design contract for rail and cargo yard improvements at the port’s North Charleston terminal. That’s the first step toward moving some vehicle exports away from Columbus Street Terminal along the Cooper River in downtown Charleston.

The project aligns with the authority’s goal of generating new revenue from existing property by making Columbus Street available for additional breakbulk cargo — that is, cargo that doesn’t fit into containers.

“We made a commitment to our various constituencies — our board and the regional supply chain entities that depend on us to grow — that we would focus our investment on immediate revenue-generating opportunities or capacity,” said Micah Mallace, the authority’s president and CEO, adding this is the first of several expected announcements.

“We’ll find creative new ways to monetize our real estate, which we have a fair amount of,” he said. “This is the first one.”

The authority’s plans also include demolition starting this summer of the old WestRock paper mill, which is adjacent to the North Charleston terminal.

The authority bought the roughly 280-acre paper mill site for $105 million two years ago after WestRock shut down the facility following 86 years of operation.

Rail improvements are planned on the old paper mill site so state-owned Palmetto Railways can help Norfolk Southern and CSX Corp. move vehicles to the new vehicle export center.

The expanded rail service “builds on existing rail infrastructure and improves capacity for future cargo growth,” said Patrick McCrory, president and CEO of Palmetto Railways.

McCrory said the short-line railroad, a division of the state’s Commerce Department, will also collaborate with the authority on future cargo opportunities at Columbus Street Terminal.

Flooding has vexed Columbus Street Terminal for years, and the maritime agency has spent millions looking for a solution to protect vehicles parked there waiting to be shipped overseas.

In 2024, for example, hundreds of BMWs parked at the terminal were damaged by saltwater intrusion.

Last year, the authority’s board approved spending nearly $400,000 to study raising the elevation of Columbus Street Terminal.

The authority also installed machinery to move water off the 155-acre site, purchased removable barriers to divert floodwater away from vehicles and spent $2 million to pave a backup staging area for BMW exports at the Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston.

Mallace said the North Charleston Terminal plan “absolutely” would help mitigate flooding concerns.

Columbus Street Terminal, which dates to the late 1950s, also serves Volvo Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans as well as several breakbulk customers.

The terminal, which has the capacity to move more than 250,000 vehicles annually, has handled 116,328 exported vehicles through the first nine months of this fiscal year, which started July 1.

Work to create a vehicle export site in North Charleston will start next year, with operations expected to begin in 2028.

The authority’s board also approved a demolition contract for the WestRock paper mill site that will also address asbestos remediation. Demolition costs will be covered by selling scrap materials from tearing down the paper mill.

The maritime agency has long-term plans to add more container cargo to the site where the WestRock mill once operated.

But before that expansion can take place, the state’s Department of Transportation will have to replace the Don Holt Bridge over the Cooper River to make room for the tall container ships that now visit U.S. ports.

Those plans are in the early stages. Vessels that carry vehicles don’t need the higher bridge clearance.

The authority’s board also heard an update on the port’s cargo levels, which continue to be roiled by global tariff and economic concerns.

The port’s marine terminals handled 102,246 cargo containers of all sizes in April.

That’s the second-lowest during the current fiscal year and a 13.5% drop from the same month a year earlier. Revenue is down about 4% so far this fiscal year, due largely to the drop in container volumes.

The problem isn’t limited to Charleston’s port. Projections by the National Retail Federation show U.S. ports saw a 3.6 percent year-over-year drop in imports in April.

“With inflation rising and consumer confidence falling among global economic uncertainty driven by the conflict in Iran, the overall trend of lower imports is expected to continue after that,” Jonathan Gold, the federation’s vice president for supply chain and customs policy, said in a written statement.

Maritime analyst Ben Hackett, founder of Hackett Associates, said retailers are cautious about building up inventories.

“Containerized imports in the first quarter were down year over year, and forward demand is weakening,” Hackett said in a written statement.

Source: SC Daily Gazette

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On May 13, 2026, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced more than $237 million to reimburse states, local governments, Tribal Nations and territories for expenses related to previous natural disasters.  

“We are laser focused on removing unnecessary roadblocks to ensure these federal dollars are able to reach affected communities so they can rebuild,” said Robert J. Fenton, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator. “We are working closely with our counterparts on the ground to make sure they have the technical assistance and guidance they need to get their projects approved and move their recovery forward.”  

The funds will be distributed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program to support 61 projects across the country. This money is disbursed to states and local communities who are best positioned to know how these funds should be most effectively spent. These projects include repairs to critical infrastructure, restoration of public buildings, road repairs and reimbursement for costs incurred to ensure public health and safety after a disaster.

Some examples of the approved projects are:

• More than $19 million to the South Carolina Department of Transportation for contract services to conduct debris removal and debris monitoring activities as a result of Hurricane Helene.
• More than $9 million to the Greater Lafourche Port Commission in Louisiana to address beach erosion on Fourchon Beach as a result of Hurricane Ida. 
• More than $6 million to the French Broad Electric Membership Corporation in North Carolina to repair and restore the Capitola Hydroelectric Power Plant that was damaged by Tropical Storm Helene. 
• More than $2 million to the Sharkey Issaquena Community Hospital in Mississippi for temporary hospital modules in response to severe storms and tornadoes.
• Nearly $2 million for the Havasupai Tribe to repair and restore fencing at the ancestral burial grounds that was damaged by flooding. 

Four additional projects are funded from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which empowers states, local governments, tribal nations and territories to complete activities and projects that prevent, eliminate or reduce disaster-related damage. 

Examples of the approved post-disaster mitigation projects funded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program include: 

• More than $3.99 million  for the acquisition and demolition of five residential structures in Bellingham, Everson, Ferndale and Lynden, Washington. These flood-prone properties are being demolished, and the land will be deed-restricted and maintained as open green space. These efforts substantially reduce the risk of future damage. 
• More than $2 million to the Archdiocese of San Juan in Puerto Rico to purchase and install generators and hardened electrical cabinets in 23 schools across nine municipalities. This project provides backup power to the facilities to continue critical services during power outages. 

These projects are the latest examples of billions of dollars in disaster recovery provided by FEMA to support state and local communities as they work to rebuild from recent natural disasters. FEMA will continue to work with states, local governments, Tribal Nations and territories to streamline recovery funding efforts for past natural disasters.

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Source: FEMA.gov

Bill Ends Use of American Tax Dollars Funding Foreign Shrimp Operations

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 13, 2026) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) announced the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2071, the Save Our Shrimpers Act, by a vote of 391-18. Rep. Mace was a lead cosponsor of the bipartisan legislation, which requires United States representatives at international financial institutions to oppose providing financial assistance to foreign shrimp farming and processing operations which directly compete with domestic shrimpers.

“South Carolina’s shrimping industry is part of our identity, our heritage, and our economy,” said Congresswoman Mace.“For too long, our shrimpers have been undercut by foreign competitors bankrolled with American tax dollars. The Save Our Shrimpers Act puts an end to it. This is about a level playing field. It is about making sure American tax dollars work for American shrimpers and not against them. We will always go to bat for the hardworking men and women of South Carolina’s coast.”

The Save Our Shrimpers Act requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct U.S. Executive Directors at international financial institutions to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose any financial assistance for foreign shrimp farming, shrimp processing, or shrimp export projects. 

The Save Our Shrimpers Act is supported by shrimping and fishing industry organizations across the country:

“The Save Our Shrimpers Act is about one simple principle: American tax dollars should not be used to subsidize foreign shrimp operations that are putting American shrimpers out of business. For years, our industry has been crushed by unfair trade practices and artificially cheap imports while family shrimp boats across the South have struggled to survive. We’re grateful to Congressman Troy Nehls and the bipartisan group of cosponsors, including South Carolina’s Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Congressman Russell Fry, for standing up for working waterfronts, American food security, and the families who have helped feed this country for generations. This bill is a common-sense step toward finally putting American shrimpers first,” said Bryan Jones, Vice President, South Carolina Shrimpers Association.

“Passage of the Save Our Shrimpers Act is integral to helping the shrimp industry achieve a level playing field. For years, our competitors have been funded by International Financial Institutions (IFI’s) and millions of dollars have been handed over to develop shrimp farms overseas which compete with domestic wild-caught shrimpers.  This practice needs to stop and passage of this bill is a step in the right direction.  Thank you to all who have supported this bill and thereby elevated the U.S. shrimp industry,” said Chris Londrie, President, Texas Shrimp Association.

“The Louisiana Shrimp Association applauds the U.S. House for passing the Save Our Shrimpers Act and urges the U.S. Senate to quickly take action and send this critical legislation to the President’s desk. America’s shrimpers are fighting to survive, and this bill will provide much-needed relief to hardworking fishing families and coastal communities,” said Acy Cooper, President of the Louisiana Shrimp Association.  

 “Supporting the Save Our Shrimpers Act is a no-brainer because it opposes the funding of foreign farmed shrimp operations that make it hard for domestic producers to compete,” said Ryan Bradley, Director of Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United, Inc. 

“The American Shrimp Association proudly supports the Save our Shrimpers Act. The U.S. should not support foreign shrimp development projects that compete with and undermine our domestic shrimp industry. This legislation protects critical jobs in coastal communities and signals to the world that America values our shrimp harvesters and processors first,” said Mr. Tuyen Bui, Director, American Shrimp Association. 

“America’s shrimp processors strongly support the Save Our Shrimpers Act (HR 2071). For far too long, international institutions have poured public dollars into overseas shrimp farming and processing, fueling massive overcapacity and waves of unfair imports that have repeatedly harmed our domestic shrimp industry. This bill will put an end to this practice and ensure that international institutions which are financed with U.S. taxpayer dollars do not use those funds to prop up our competitors overseas,” said Trey Pearson, President of the American Shrimp Processors Association. 

South Carolina’s shrimping communities have faced years of economic pressure from artificially cheap foreign imports, threatening coastal livelihoods across the Lowcountry. Rep. Mace has been at the forefront of standing up for them in Washington. She introduced the Protect American Fisheries Act, cosponsored the Save Our Shrimpers Act, secured amendments supporting the industry in the House-passed farm bill, and secured provisions in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act requiring the Department of War to purchase only American-caught seafood.

The Save Our Shrimpers Act heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

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Source: Office of Congresswoman Nancy Mace

Governor Henry McMaster named Dr. Brannon Traxler as the acting director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH). 

Traxler currently serves as deputy director of Health Promotion and Services & Chief Medical Officer for DPH and has over 18 years of experience in medicine and public health. 

“Dr. Traxler has spent her career improving the well-being of the people of South Carolina and has earned the trust and respect of those she has worked alongside,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “Her experience in medicine, surgery, and public health leadership gives her a strong understanding of the challenges facing our state and the expertise needed to lead the Department of Public Health.”

Previously, Traxler served in several public health leadership roles at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, including Director of Public Health, Interim Director of Public Health, and Physician Medical Consultant. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she also served as Chief Medical Officer to South Carolina’s emergency response.

Traxler is a 2004 graduate of Clemson University, holds her Master of Public Health from George Washington University, and earned a medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. 

She completed a breast surgery fellowship at Emory University and completed her general surgery residency at Greenville Health System.

Traxler was scheduled to begin working as acting director of DPH, Friday, May 15, 2026, and will continue serving in that capacity until a new director is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the South Carolina Senate. 

Source: Greenville Business Magazine

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By Doug Green

“Today marks a major milestone for Airsys as we establish our global headquarters here in Woodruff, South Carolina,” said Yunshui Chen, founder and CEO of Airsys. “This investment reflects our commitment to advancing cooling innovation across the entire spectrum of mission-critical infrastructure.”

Airsys has officially opened its new global headquarters campus in Woodruff, South Carolina, establishing a U.S. hub for manufacturing, engineering and corporate leadership as demand grows for cooling systems that support AI, data centers and high-performing digital infrastructure.

The 60-acre campus represents a $60 million investment in the region and is expected to create 215 new jobs. Manufacturing at the site is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027. The facility is designed to support Airsys’ work in high-efficiency, zero-water cooling technologies, including air, liquid and hybrid systems for mission-critical environments.

For data center operators, the announcement reflects a broader infrastructure challenge: AI growth is increasing power and cooling demands, while customers look for ways to improve efficiency, resiliency and sustainability. Airsys said the new campus will help accelerate the delivery of next-generation thermal management and liquid cooling solutions for high-density AI workloads and edge infrastructure.

The company is also emphasizing Power Compute Effectiveness, or PCE, a framework that looks at how much provisioned power in a data center is structurally available for IT compute after accounting for cooling, electrical losses and auxiliary systems.

“South Carolina has a long history of manufacturing excellence, and Airsys’ decision to anchor its global headquarters right here in the Upstate is a testament to our state’s world-class workforce and pro-business environment,” said South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.

By localizing production and engineering in South Carolina, Airsys said it is positioning operations closer to North American customers while strengthening supply chain resilience and quality control for customers operating critical infrastructure.

Airsys serves data center, AI, edge computing, telecom, medical imaging and advanced manufacturing environments. The company has more than 30 years of experience in mission-critical cooling and supports its global operations with more than 1,000 employees across 16 locations.

Learn more: airsysnorthamerica.com

Source: Telecommreseller.com

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Charleston-Based Manufacturer Recognized for Expanding American-Made Waterfront Infrastructure Systems Across International Markets

CHARLESTON, S.C., May 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As global demand grows for durable waterfront infrastructure, Dock Blocks™ of North America is bringing American marine innovation to waterfronts around the world.

The Charleston-based manufacturer of modular floating dock systems and drive-on boat lifts has been named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2026 Small Business Exporter of the Year for South Carolina, recognizing the company’s continued international expansion and growing export footprint across the Caribbean and Central America during its milestone 15th anniversary year.

Dock Blocks™ designs and manufactures patented modular floating dock systems, drive-on docking systems, and commercial floating platform systems used across residential, marina, government, military, and industrial waterfront applications. Through a growing international dealer and installer network, the company exports its U.S.-manufactured floating dock systems to markets throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, including the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama.

“Over the past 15 years, we’ve focused on building innovative marine infrastructure systems that can perform in demanding waterfront environments anywhere in the world,” said Matt West, CEO of Dock Blocks™ of North America. “Being recognized as Exporter of the Year reflects the growing global demand for durable, modular waterfront solutions and proves that American manufacturing can compete on an international stage.”

The company’s floating dock solutions for marinas, government agencies, commercial waterfronts, and residential markets are designed for long-term durability, configurability, and ease of installation in challenging marine environments. Its product portfolio includes modular docks, floating platforms, PWC docking systems, and boat lift alternatives engineered for marina infrastructure, emergency response, marine law enforcement, and waterfront recreation applications.

Manufactured in the United States through an ISO-certified production process, Dock Blocks™ products support a broad range of global marine infrastructure and Caribbean marina development projects while reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to U.S. manufacturing and supply chain resilience.

Founded in Charleston, South Carolina, Dock Blocks™ has spent the past 15 years expanding its presence across residential, commercial, marina, and government marine infrastructure markets while growing into an exporter of modular marine infrastructure systems serving waterfront projects throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

ABOUT DOCK BLOCKS™ OF NORTH AMERICA

Dock Blocks™ of North America is a Charleston, South Carolina-based modular floating dock manufacturer celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026. The company designs and manufactures patented modular floating dock systems, drive-on docking systems, and commercial floating platform systems for residential, marina, government, military, and industrial applications. Its U.S.-manufactured marine infrastructure products are exported throughout the Caribbean and Latin America for use in marina developments, waterfront.

Source: Dock Blocks

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