Charleston Daily

Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.

Lowcountry

Charleston Ranked #11 Among the Best Performing Cities in the U.S. adding 21K+ new jobs

June 14, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Jackie Renegar

Charleston’s pursuit of a strong, diverse and sustainable economy continued in 2023. Numerous key measures indicate the region is poised for continued success:

#11 Among the U.S.’s “Best Performing Cities” according to the Milken Institute. That’s how the Charleston Metro Area ranked among the 200 most populous metropolitan areas in the United States. And Charleston was the only coastal city in the top tier!

This year’s Milken Institute report showed us climbing up 13 spots from last year’s ranking, which makes perfect sense based on Charleston’s economic trends as of the end of 2023. For 13 of the 15 months leading up to and including December 2023, Charleston ranked 1st, 2nd or 3rd among America’s 380+ metros for employment growth. That’s a record for our region, which ranks 71st in population (849,000 people).

Local employers added 21,000 net new jobs by the end of 2023 compared to the prior year. The top three growth sectors — professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and education and health services – were responsible for more than half of that growth. The occupations which grew at the highest rates included engineering, production, IT and business / financial operations. Charleston area firms that announced this job growth were both large and small, domestic and international, like Defense Engineering Services, Leidos, Mankiewicz Coatings USA, Scout Boats, QuicksortRx, Ingenics Corporation USA, and many others.

Charleston’s current portion of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) is $57 billion, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Real estate, manufacturing and professional / scientific / technical services were the primary drivers in terms of dollars. Advanced manufacturing and other high-tech employers continue to boost the local economy. And they help the region attain accolades such as 5th in high-tech GDP growth, according to the Milken report, and also 5th among the nation’s metros for net tech employment job growth by the end of 2024 (CompTIA’s 2024 State of the Tech Workforce).

Another key factor driving overall economic growth includes Charleston maintaining its rank as a Top 10 U.S. Seaport District. Another: Charleston International Airport’s record-setting year, serving more than 6 million passengers in 2023. Air Canada added Charleston as a nonstop destination, announcing daily flights between Toronto (YYZ) and Charleston (CHS) beginning in March 2024. CHS is South Carolina’s busiest airport, with nonstop flights more than tripling over the past three years. The airport’s next capital expansion plan includes an additional concourse, another parking garage, more overnight spaces for aircraft, additional space for security, car-rental and other passenger services. Coupled with the Port of Charleston’s continued investment in additional capacity and efficiency, the Charleston region’s connectivity with the rest of the globe is fuel for continued prosperity.

Learn more about Charleston’s success here.

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Lowcountry

What makes CudaCo on James Island stand out from other seafood spots in Charleston, South Carolina

June 14, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

CudaCo Seafood House, located at 765 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 (James Island) has been an admired fixture in the Charleston seafood landscape, yet they take their passion a step further. When you dine at CudaCo, you are helping the environment as well as enjoying one of the best meals in the Lowcountry. As it is eloquently said on their Instagram, CudaCo is a “revolution in seafood”.

Here is why CudaCo stands out from other seafood spots in Charleston, South Carolina:

Sustainability Focus

CudaCo was founded on the mission of revolutionizing how we source, prepare and consume seafood in a more sustainable way. They aim to minimize waste by:

– Utilizing “trash fish” and lesser-known species to take pressure off overfished popular varieties
– Donating fish scales to local farms and using trimmings for stocks/pet treats to reduce waste
– Prioritizing local and regional sourcing from sustainable suppliers aligned with their ethos

Innovative Preparations

The founders, an award-winning chef and seafood distributor, are passionate about pushing boundaries with non-traditional seafood flavors and preparations:

– Offering modern flavor pairings and techniques like smoked items and seasoned skewers
– Introducing the community to underutilized or “trash” fish like barracuda (their namesake)
– Butchering whole fish on-site based on customer preferences

Educational Experience

Beyond just a market, CudaCo aims to educate customers on sustainable aquaculture practices:

– Staff are experts on seafood selections, flavor profiles and sustainable sourcing
– The space allows customers to see and learn about the fresh catch and butchery process
– The founders’ passion for the ocean and sustainability is infused into the experience

By innovating with unique seafood, minimizing waste, prioritizing local sourcing, and educating customers, CudaCo has differentiated itself as a catalyst for progressive change in Charleston’s seafood industry.

Additional Resources and Articles

CudaCo. Seafood House | Seafood Market | Catering & Restaurant
Premier Fish Market & Seafood | Charleston, SC – CudaCo
About Us – Cuda Co. Seafood House
CudaCo Seafood House – Fresh on the Menu

Lowcountry

Beloved Charleston, SC Brand Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits is introducing “Biscuit Crackers” in select Whole Foods Market locations

June 13, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

In addition to a variety of new items landing on Whole Foods Market shelves this month, we are excited to share that Charleston-based Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits just recently launched its Biscuit Crackers in select Whole Foods Market stores, including the Savannah Highway and Mt Pleasant locations.

Flavor Profile: Crackers with a biscuit taste and a cracker crunch that go perfectly with dips or on a charcuterie board; available in Sea Salt, Everything, and Sharp Cheddar flavors.

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Lowcountry

Tupperware is shutting down its only U.S. manufacturing plant located in Hemingway, SC & laying off 148 workers

June 13, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Tupperware is closing its U.S. manufacturing plant in South Carolina and laying off 148 workers, per a WARN notice dated June 11.

The notice — which companies are required to file when enacting large-scale cuts — lists “permanent closure” as a reason behind the layoffs. The address on file belongs to Tupperware’s only manufacturing plant in the U.S., although it has other manufacturing locations in Belgium, Brazil, France, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, Portugal and South Africa, per Today.com. The layoffs are scheduled for January 14, 2025. Tupperware did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The cuts at Tupperware follow a turbulent year for the nearly 80-year-old company. Last April, Tupperware warned it had “substantial doubt” about its ability to stay in business. At the time, it said it was bringing on financial advisors to help improve its capital structure and secure extra financing. Tupperware also said it would review its real estate portfolio while exploring options to “preserve or deliver additional liquidity.” That announcement came days after the New York Stock Exchange warned that Tupperware’s stock was in danger of being delisted after the company failed to file a mandatory annual report.

Regarding the company’s turnaround plans, Tupperware Brands CEO Miguel Fernandez said at the time that Tupperware was taking a “critical step” to address its capital and liquidity position. “The Company is doing everything in its power to mitigate the impacts of recent events, and we are taking immediate action to seek additional financing and address our financial position,” he said in a statement in April 2023.

Four months later — in August 2023 — Tupperware said it had reached a deal with creditors to reduce its interest payment obligations by $150 million. It also secured $21 million in new financing, extended its deadline for paying back some $348 million in debt and reduced the amount of debt it owed by around $55 million, per CNN.

Then, six months later, Tupperware announced it had entered into a forbearance agreement with lenders, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Last week, Bloomberg Law reported that Tupperware had agreed with lenders to amend the terms of its forbearance pact, extending the “milestone for entry into a definitive agreement with respect to certain repayment transactions” from May 22 to June 22.

Tupperware, which launched in 1946, has struggled to keep up with competition in recent years. The company’s business is primarily driven by direct sales, a model that’s become more difficult to sustain due to the rise of e-commerce juggernauts like Amazon. In 2022, Tupperware opened an Amazon storefront and launched in Target. But global sales failed to pick up.

“They have the assets, and the brand is one of the most iconic brands in retail,” Aaron Sorensen, partner, chief behavioral scientist and head of transformation at Lotis Blue Consulting, told Modern Retail in September 2023. “But what seemingly they underestimated was how hard it would be to build an omnichannel ecosystem.”

Four years ago, Tupperware did enjoy a brief pandemic-related boom. Sales surged as people looked for containers in which to store food they made at home. In late 2020, Tupperware said its third quarter profit quadrupled to $34.4 million. However, Tupperware failed to maintain momentum. It struggled due to Covid-19-related lockdowns in China, the rising price of resin and slumping consumer demand due to inflation.

Tupperware has delayed filing earnings reports over the last year. Its most recent filing, posted in March 2024 for the third quarter of 2023, said net sales between Sept. 24, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2023 were down 16% year over year.

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Lowcountry

The George Gershwin Folly Island Summer Home is for Sale for $3.4M

June 13, 2024

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

To an outsider, this 1474 square foot 3 bedroom 2 bath home located at 712 W Ashley Avenue on Folly Beach selling for $3.4M may seem a bit steep given its modest size and decor, until you learn of the historic significance. This property built in 1933 was the summer retreat of authors DuBose and Dorothy Heyward and 90 years ago this month (1934), it became the summer home of George Gershwin, where he gained inspiration to adapt DuBose’s “Porgy” to create the beloved “Porgy and Bess”.

Interested? Here is a little more detail about the sale. Click HERE for the official listing.

About the Sale

For the first time in over a quarter of a century, the historic “Porgy House” on Folly Beach, South Carolina, is being offered for sale. Built in 1933, this remarkable property was once the beloved summer retreat of authors DuBose and Dorothy Heyward. It also served as an inspirational haven for notable guests, including George Gershwin, who visited in 1934. It was here that Gershwin, having fallen in love with the Heywards’ novel and play “Porgy,” collaborated with the authors to eventually create the iconic American opera “Porgy and Bess.”

Offering a rare, almost museum-like glimpse into the 1930s life on Folly Beach, The Porgy House has been preserved to maintain much of its historical integrity. The cottage features an all-wood interior with wooden ceilings, walls, and floors, spanning approximately 1,600 square feet over two stories, including a carriage/garage area underneath.

The upper level of the house includes two bedrooms flanking a full bathroom and a spacious living area that opens onto a sleeper’s porch with a two-sided fireplace, accessed through two sets of double doors. The lower level comprises an additional bedroom, a cozy living room, a dine-in kitchen, a second bathroom, and a screened porch off the kitchen.

One of the property’s unique features is a writer’s booth, located in the backyard, where both Dubose and Dorothy Heyward found inspiration. The small, office-like space is set in the approximately half-acre lot, just across the street from the ocean, and is surrounded by majestic live oaks and palm trees.

The sale of this historic home includes a preservation easement. “We would love for a dedicated arts or music enthusiast, perhaps someone who loves ‘Porgy and Bess,’ Gershwin, or the Heywards to become the next steward of this historical property,” says Realtor Vince Perna. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of American cultural history, beautifully preserved and ready for a new chapter.”

Lowcountry

Summer is heating up: Here is a list of the 15 Waterparks and Public Pools in Charleston County

June 12, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Here is a list of the public pools and water parks in Charleston County:

Public Pools:
– MLK Jr Pool (Downtown Charleston – 155 Jackson Street) – Open year-round
– WL Stephens Aquatic Center (West Ashley – 780 West Oak Forest Dr
Charleston, SC 29407) – Seasonal and indoor
– Herbert Hasell Pool (Downtown Charleston – 265 Fishburne St, Charleston, SC 29403) – Seasonal
– James Island Pool (James Island – 1088 Quail Drive
Charleston, SC 29412) – Seasonal
– West County Aquatic Center (Hollywood – 5156 SC-165, Hollywood, SC 29449) – Seasonal
– North Charleston Aquatic Center – 8610 Patriot Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29420
– Felix Pinckney Pool (North Charleston – 4764 Hassell Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405)
– Northwoods Park Pool (North Charleston – 8348 Greenridge Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406)
– Collins Park Pool (North Charleston – 4155 Fellowship Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418)
– RL Jones Center Pool (Mt. Pleasant – 391 Egypt Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464) – Indoor
– Park West Pool (Mt. Pleasant – 1251 Park West Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC) – Indoor

Water Parks:
– Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark (North Charleston Wannamaker County Park)
– Splash Island Waterpark (Mt. Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park)
– Splash Zone Waterpark (James Island County Park)
– Charleston Aqua Park (Johns Island)

Bonus: YMCA Indoor and Outdoor Pools in Summerville, SC

The major water parks operated by Charleston County Parks are Whirlin’ Waters, Splash Island, and Splash Zone. Splash Zone is located at James Island County Park near your location.

Additional Resources

A Guide to Charleston Area Public Pools – Charleston Moms
Waterparks | Charleston County Parks and Recreation
A Guide to Charleston Area Splash Pads & Waterparks
Splash Zone Waterpark | Charleston County Parks and Recreation

Charleston Aqua Park – Trophy Lakes (Johns Island)

Lowcountry

10 Oldest Congregations in Charleston, South Carolina

June 12, 2024

by Charleston Daily 2 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Charleston, South Carolina has a deep historic heritage that dates back to the original 13 colonies. Faith has played a significant role in the evolution of this territory. We wanted to take a moment to provide you with a list of the 10 oldest congregations in Charleston, South Carolina as well as some supporting articles to help further educate our readers.

1. St. Philip’s Episcopal Church – Established in 1680

2. First Baptist Church – Founded in 1682

3. Circular Congregational Church – Established in 1681

4. French Huguenot Church – Established in 1681

5. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church – Congregation established in 1751, current building from 1761

6. Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church – Established in 1816

7. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (Jewish) – Oldest Jewish congregation in North America – Established in 1749

8. St. John’s Lutheran Church – Established in 1742

9. Unitarian Church – Oldest Unitarian church in the South, completed in 1787

10. Saint Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church – First Catholic church in the Carolinas and Georgia, built in 1839

The search results provide details on the founding years and historical significance of these long-standing Charleston congregations, which span various Christian denominations as well as Judaism.

Additional Related Articles

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Banner image: Front of First Baptist Church – Charleston, SC

Lowcountry

What You Need to Know about The Dunlin, the new luxury resort on the Kiawah River opening this summer (2024)

June 11, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

The new luxury resort on the Kiawah River, The Dunlin opens in August, 2024 and it is a truly amazing concept. It is being developed by Auberge Resorts Collection and will be located at Kiawah River on Johns Island, near Charleston, South Carolina. Here are some key details about The Dunlin resort:

It is opening in August, 2024 after groundbreaking in January 2022.
The resort will have 72 cottage-style guest rooms and suites, as well as 19 villas. The Dunlin welcomes with a peaceful feel and a cottage-inspired aesthetic, featuring white-washed rooms and honey oak floors with mint green accents and textural linen fabrics. Outside, generous porches are the perfect place for morning coffee or a nightcap, offering a sublime oasis in the marshlands with expansive riverfront views.
Amenities will include a main lodge with wraparound porch, great rooms, library lounge, pool with cabanas, full-service spa, community farmstead providing local food, nature excursions, and riverfront swim/fitness facilities.
Food at The Dunlin is a gratifying tribute to Southern cuisine, featuring three distinct dining options. Spotlighting the bounty of the surrounding land, colorful and seasonal fruits and vegetables shine in simple and wholesome preparations. Neighboring farms provides eggs, cheese, and more, while the sea offers delicious oysters, buckets of clams, fresh flounder, and blue crabs. This soulful comfort food is appealing to every palette: perch up at the bar or pull up a chair in our signature restaurant, and enjoy.
It is being developed in partnership with The Beach Company and McNair Interests on the 2,000-acre Kiawah River community, which features 20 miles of shoreline, nature trails, and working farms.
The resort’s design by Robert Glazier and interiors by Amanda Lindroth aim to reflect the local sea island architecture and natural environment.
It is Auberge’s first resort in South Carolina, bringing their luxury hospitality experience to the Charleston area while highlighting the pristine Lowcountry setting.

So in summary, The Dunlin will be a high-end coastal resort set within the Kiawah River community on Johns Island, just outside of Charleston, offering an immersive Lowcountry experience when it opens in a couple years.

Here are some additional articles about The Dunlin

Lowcountry

College of Charleston named as one of the recipients of the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) grants by NASA

June 11, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

WASHINGTON, D.C. /PRNewswire/ — NASA announced the recipients of the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) grants, which will support scientific and technical research projects for more than 20 universities and organizations across the United States.

“NASA’s EPSCoR awards are a tool to strengthen research capacity in areas across our nation that have historically been underrepresented in government research,” said Torry Johnson, deputy associate administrator of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Engagement Programs at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “The goal with each award is to provide institutions a long-term and sustainable pathway to participating in the aerospace industry by cultivating competitive research capabilities and fostering strategic relationships with NASA experts.”

The EPSCoR awards will compliment NASA’s research portfolio to benefit future missions. Selected proposals cover a range of science and technology needs including in space manufacturing, heliophysics, astronaut health, and climate research.

The NASA EPSCoR Rapid Response Research grants, funded by the agency’s Office of STEM Engagement, will award approximately $100,000 to each project over the course of a one-year performance period for fiscal year 2024.

The awarded institutions are:

University of Alabama in Huntsville
University of Arkansas in Little Rock
University of Delaware in Newark
Iowa State University in Ames
University of Idaho in Moscow
University of Kentucky in Lexington
Louisiana Board of Regents in Baton Rouge
University of Mississippi in University
Montana State University in Bozeman
University of North Dakota in Grand Forks
University of Nebraska in Omaha
New Mexico State University in Las Cruces
Nevada System of Higher Education in Reno
Oklahoma State University in Stillwater
Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island
College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City
West Virginia University in Morgantown
University of Wyoming in Laramie

NASA establishes partnerships with government, higher education, and industry to create lasting improvements in research infrastructure while enhancing national research and development competitiveness. The program is directed at those jurisdictions that have traditionally been underrepresented in competitive aerospace and aerospace-related research activities.

For more information about NASA STEM, visit: https://stem.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA

Lowcountry

New Upgraded Points Study Locates the Best Diners across the U.S. – Charleston, SC Tops the “Southern Comforts” Category

June 11, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

AUSTIN, Texas, June 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In its latest study, Upgraded Points analyzed Yelp ratings to uncover which U.S. cities boast the highest-rated diners on average. The results also showcase each state’s most beloved diner, ultimately revealing where locals and travelers can find the best experiences of this classic American eatery.

The U.S. Cities with the Highest-Rated Diners

“Diners are far more than just places to eat – they’re iconic slices of Americana that offer comfort, familiarity, and a sense of community for travelers,” said Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points. “Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast before hitting the road, stopping for a bite after a flight, or savoring a late-night milkshake, diners are the heart and soul of many road trips and travel experiences.”

Study Methodology

To identify the cities with the best diners, Upgraded Points analyzed thousands of Yelp listings from the 100 largest metro areas in the U.S., averaging their star ratings out of 5. Only establishments where “diner” was the featured function on Yelp were included. The study also determined which cities have the most diners per capita and identified the highest-rated diner in each city, requiring at least 10 reviews. In cases of tied scores, the diner with the most reviews was awarded the “highest-rated” title.

Fast and Delicious: Top-Rated Cities Across the U.S.

From coast to coast, high-quality diners thrive in all pockets of the U.S., with the average Yelp star rating for diners being 3.55 out of 5. But the cities that stand out most for top-rated diners include:

Sin City Sizzles: Las Vegas – 4.29/5.00
Known for its late nights and early mornings, Las Vegas reigns supreme with an impressive average star rating of 4.29.
Des Moines Delight: Des Moines, Iowa – 4.15/5.00
Des Moines boasts an average rating of 4.15, making it a standout destination for classic American fare.
Dining Duo: Indianapolis and Orlando, Florida – 4.08/5.00
Tied for third, both Indianapolis and Orlando offer an exceptional eating experience with an average rating of 4.08.
Southern Comforts: Charleston, South Carolina and Tampa, Florida – 4.07/5.00
Charleston and Tampa both shine with an average rating of 4.07, solidifying their place as top diner destinations.
Wholesome Treats: Worcester, Massachusetts – 4.06/5.00
Worcester rounds out the list with a strong average rating of 4.06.

Standout Cities with Unique Features

More Than Just Wings: Buffalo, New York – 4.01/5.00
Buffalo not only makes the top 10 list with a rating of 4.01 but also boasts one of the highest ratio of diner options to residents, with about 3.44 diners per 100,000 residents.
Sunny Side Up: Orlando – 4.08/5.00; Tampa – 4.07/5.00
As the only state with multiple cities in the top 10, Florida shines by making early mornings a delight in the Sunshine State.

Other Iconic Diners Across America

Beantown’s Best Sub: Boston – Billy’s Sub Shop
Rating: 4.6
Windy City’s Winner: Chicago – Nick’s Hi-Ho Cafe
Rating: 4.5
A Lone Star Shines: Houston – Nate’s Diner
Rating: 4.7
Big Apple’s Best Bite: New York – Florence Prime Diner
Rating: 4.8
Capital Comfort: Washington, D.C. – Sweet Sweet Kitchen
Rating: 4.4

If you’re hungry for more, please visit the full study online to find the complete list of the top cities and best diners in each state.

About Upgraded Points LLC

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that helps to demystify the complex world of travel and credit cards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to help travelers maximize their travel, points, and experiences. Learn more at: www.UpgradedPoints.com.