Author: Charleston Daily

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 3, 2025

CONTACT: Office of Representative John King, South Carolina House District 49

Statement from State Representative John King on Governor McMaster’s Order Halting Race-Based Spending Quotas

ROCK HILL, SC – Representative John King (D-York) made the following statement in response to Governor McMaster’s order prohibiting race-based spending quotas for state agencies:

Today I am calling out Governor Henry McMaster, Senate President Thomas Alexander, and Speaker Murrell Smith for their reckless and revealing attempt to halt race-based spending quotas and set-aside programs across our state agencies.

Governor McMaster’s order does not “promote fairness.” Instead, it exposes the ugly truth: they are preparing to make this next legislative session a fight about race – because they have nothing else to offer.

Black South Carolinians make up more than 25% of our state, yet these quotas required just 10% of government spending to go to minority-owned businesses. Removing set-asides and contracting protections isn’t about equality. It’s about shutting the door to opportunity and gutting the pathways minority-owned businesses finally had to compete for generational wealth.

For decades, marginalized communities in this state were locked out – intentionally – from economic opportunity. Set-aside programs were one of the few tools ensuring that Black contractors, minority-owned businesses, and underserved communities could compete on something even close to a level playing field. Taking these protections away tells us exactly who this Governor and his legislative allies are fighting for – and who they’re fighting against.

I will not stand by while the Governor, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House weaponize their power to drag us backward.

If they make this legislative session about attacking opportunity for all South Carolinians, they will be met head-on. We will not be silent. We will not be complicit. And we will not allow the people of this state to be erased or ignored.

By Mark A Leon

Tucked beneath the sheltering branches of live oaks on the quiet outskirts of Charleston, in Awendaw, SC sits Windwood Farm Home for Children—a place where healing isn’t just offered, it’s lived every day.

For years, children have arrived at Windwood carrying heavy stories in small hands—stories marked by trauma, uncertainty, and experiences no child should ever have to name. But the moment they step onto the grounds, something subtle begins to shift. It starts with a greeting from a staff member who remembers their name, a horse that nudges their shoulder during equine therapy, or the stillness of the farm’s trails where breathing finally slows.

Windwood Farm isn’t a facility; it’s a lifeline.

Here, boys learn how to trust again through routines that feel safe and predictable. They wake to the sound of roosters instead of chaos. They sit at dinner tables where conversations aren’t rushed or loud or frightening. They meet therapists who help them rebuild what life tried to break. They discover that they are not defined by the moments that brought them here.

One boy—let’s call him Jamie—arrived barely speaking, his eyes more familiar with the floor than with people. But over weeks spent caring for the farm animals, feeding the chickens, and learning to ride horses, he found a sense of responsibility and pride no one had ever given him. And slowly, words returned. Smiles followed. One afternoon, after months of silence, he finally said, “I feel safe here.”

That’s Windwood.

Every corner of the farm, from the cottages to the classrooms, carries the quiet mission of the staff: to give children space to heal, grow, and rediscover their own worth. It’s a place where small victories are celebrated—finishing homework, making a friend, sleeping through the night, trying something new. And behind each victory stands a team of counselors, teachers, and caregivers who show up day after day with patience that doesn’t run out.

Windwood Farm Home for Children is more than a refuge—it’s a reminder that with compassion, structure, and unwavering belief, even the deepest wounds can begin to mend. It is a home where childhood is rebuilt, one steady, hopeful day at a time.

Follow their journey on Instagram.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Editorial By Mark A Leon

Charleston has always traded on charm — mossy oaks, cobblestones, Lowcountry foodways and a built-in postcard aesthetic. Lately, though, that charm is being repackaged, polished and sold back to us. The city is increasingly less a lived-in place and more of a marketing platform: an engine for influencer shoots, PR-driven feel-good stories, and glossy luxury-real-estate narratives that treat the historic city as backdrop, prop and brand. That shift matters because it reshapes who gets to tell Charleston’s story, who benefits from that story, and who gets left out of the frame.

Faces not places

Flip through lifestyle roundups, local magazines or CVB feeds and you’ll see a predictable pattern: curated “faces of” spreads, influencer spotlights and wardrobe-ready portraits set against Charleston’s architecture. These features are often framed as community-service journalism or celebration — and sometimes they are — but they also perform the same job as a location scout for a marketing campaign: they normalize the idea that the city’s value lies in how it photographs. Charleston Magazine’s recurring “Faces of Charleston” sections, for example, blur editorial and advertorial lines, creating flattering mini-portraits of the city’s brand carriers.  

That aesthetic economy is lucrative. Destination marketing — the curated stream of images and personalities that invites out-of-town dollars — is explicit in the city’s tourism strategy. The local visitor bureau actively encourages user-generated content and shares those glossy moments back to national audiences, turning everyday scenes into marketing assets. The payoff is measurable: tourism continues to be a multi-billion-dollar engine for the region. But what looks like organic charm is increasingly staged and monetized, with benefits flowing to a small ecosystem of people who can deliver “content” that photographs well.  

PR firms disconnected from place

Into this visual economy step PR firms — both local shops and national agencies operating in Charleston — whose job is to make brands look inevitable. A healthy PR scene can help small businesses, cultural institutions and nonprofits tell meaningful stories. But when PR becomes divorced from local realities, it risks turning narratives into spin: curated launches for new developments, lifestyle repositioning for residential neighborhoods, or feel-good features that obscure displacement, rising rents, or the loss of small businesses.

Charleston hosts a growing roster of PR and marketing agencies that are expert at packaging a story that reads well in feeds and magazines. Their skill is not the problem; the problem is when strategy privileges optics over accountability — when crisis-management and influencer placements substitute for genuine community engagement. Local PR directories and rankings show a robust industry presence, but they don’t measure civic stewardship.  

Luxury real estate as taste curator

Luxury real estate agents and developers have become major art directors in this new Charleston. Listings today often lead with lifestyle vignettes: “designer chef’s kitchen, perfect for entertaining on King Street,” “waterfront terrace ideal for sunset portraits.” Beyond the copy, marketing budgets buy professional shoots, staged furnishings, influencer previews and glossy placement in the same platforms that sell tourism — all of which ladder into higher perceived value. Real-estate reporting from 2025 shows the Charleston luxury market remaining strong, with agents and sellers leaning into presentation and staged narrative as differentiators.  

That feedback loop matters. When exclusive developments and multimillion-dollar renovations are marketed as the new “faces” of Charleston, the cultural definition of the city shifts. Public spaces become backdrops for private branding; neighborhoods that once had mixed incomes and local businesses become settings for lifestyle editorials aimed at prospective buyers from other regions. The result is twofold: the market rewards the lookers and the look-makers, and it incentivizes more projects that prioritize appearance over accessibility.

Who wins, who loses

This is not merely a complaint against pretty photography. Visual storytelling has always played a role in place-making. But the current balance of power — where tourism bureaus, PR firms, influencers and luxury-market advertisers amplify the same narrow visual language — concentrates benefit and flattens complexity.

Winners in this economy are clear: professional content creators with aesthetic polish, PR agencies who can buy placement and spin, developers who convert scenery into price premium. Losers are less visible: longtime residents priced out by rising housing costs, small businesses that can’t compete with branded pop-ups, and community narratives that are quieter or harder to sell than a sunset silhouette on a piazza.

What could be different

If Charleston wants to keep its economic benefits while preserving civic life, three adjustments would help:

1. Transparency in content — When a feature is paid-for or part of a marketing campaign, label it clearly. Readers can then assess editorial weight versus sponsored intent. (Advertorial sections like some “Faces” packages already blur that line; clearer labeling would help.)  

2. Local-first PR practices — Agencies that work in Charleston could adopt community-impact measures as part of their KPIs: does a campaign create local jobs, preserve accessible storefronts, or partner with neighborhood groups? PR rankings and listings can highlight firms doing the work.  

3. Responsible real-estate marketing — Developers and brokers might include neighborhood stewardship commitments with glossy launches: funding for local arts, commitments to affordable units, or transparent plans for traffic and infrastructure impacts. Market reports show the luxury sector’s resilience; directing some of that capital back into community assets would be a meaningful rebalancing.  

Bottom line

Charleston’s beauty is real — and it sells. But when beauty becomes the main currency, and marketing ecosystems (influencers, PR firms, luxury developers) convert the city to a perpetual photoshoot, what gets lost is the everyday life that made those images matter in the first place. The remedy isn’t to ban polished images or marketing: it’s to diversify who makes them, why they’re made, and who benefits from the proceeds. Only then will Charleston be more than a backdrop — it’ll be a place whose story is told by the many, not just the marketable few.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

As featured in “Hotel Management”
Esther Hertzfeld, Hotel Management, 13 November, 2025

Raines and RREAF Holdings have officially debuted the DoubleTree by Hilton Charleston Riverview, expanding their growing footprint across South Carolina. The newly converted 126-key property introduces elevated amenities and refreshed F&B offerings just minutes from historic downtown Charleston.

Raines and RREAF Holdings open the DoubleTree by Hilton Charleston Riverview in Charleston, S.C. This latest location marks Raines’ third DoubleTree property to join the portfolio this year, joining the Summerville and Greenville locations that opened in July in South Carolina.

DoubleTree by Hilton Charleston Riverview is a conversion property with 126 keys. It has standard DoubleTree amenities, as well as a fitness center, outdoor pool, firepits, and pet-friendly rooms. The on-site F&B options have been elevated to better meet guest expectations. The hotel restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, and there is grab-and-go lunch options from the property’s lobby market. In the evening, the hotel bar has crafted cocktails.

DoubleTree by Hilton Charleston Riverview is located two miles from Downtown Historic Charleston. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and Charleston International Airport are less than 30 minutes away, with Folly Beach and Isle of Palms Beach also nearby for guests looking to soak up some sun.

“We are thrilled to welcome yet another fantastic Doubletree by Hilton property to our management portfolio,” Grey Raines, managing partner of Raines, said in a statement. “Every hotel conversion is an opportunity to elevate,”  “We’re also very excited to continue leverage Hilton’s powerful distribution platform to deliver the exceptional, guest-focused experiences that our hospitality partners and travelers expect. We greatly enjoy the opportunity to work with such a trusted and globally recognized brand.”

Raines oversaw DoubleTree by Hilton Charleston Riverview’s conversion, leveraging the company’s experience to make the renovation process as seamless as possible.

“The conversion of this property to the DoubleTree by Hilton Charleston Riverview represents a strategic repositioning that enhances both the guest experience and the long-term value of the asset,” said Kip Sowden, CEO of RREAF Holdings. “We are excited to partner with Raines and Hilton to bring this iconic brand to one of the most sought-after vacation destinations. This transition allows us to leverage Hilton’s global platform while elevating amenities and services that meet the expectations of today’s travelers.”

We appreciate and thank Hotel Management, especially Esther Hertzfeld, for announcing RREAF and Raines DoubleTree conversion. To access the full article on Hotel Management, please click here.

Source: RREAF Holdings

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

By Laura Morris, lbmorris@sc.edu

The University of South Carolina opened its seventh Brain Health clinic during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 20, 2025 in Orangeburg, South Carolina.   

Highlighting the expansion of neurological care in the Palmetto State, the event included remarks from USC’s President Michael Amiridis, HopeHealth’s CEO Carl Humphries and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ed Behling, and State Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter. 

Background

Created to meet the needs of patients and caregivers in rural and underserved areas, the USC Brain Health Network partners with health systems to provide equitable diagnostic and treatment access for individuals seeking cognitive care. 

• Additional clinic locations include Columbia, Darlington, Lexington, Senecca, Sumter and Winnsboro.
• A Brain Health Center in Columbia will open in 2026 to support patients and clinical providers through innovative research and advanced imaging and treatment options. 

How it works

HopeHealth will host USC Brain Health’s team-based care model, connecting patients to a nurse practitioner, speech-language pathologist and community health worker to bridge critical gaps in early diagnosis, education and family support. 

“Cognitive health is deeply personal, for patients and their loved ones,” says Dr. Edward Behling, HopeHealth Chief Medical Officer. “Through our collaboration with the USC Brain Health Network, we’re giving families answers and support much sooner than ever before.” 

Why it matters 

South Carolinians are at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias when compared to other states.

• Orangeburg County ranks eighth out of 3,142 counties nationwide for Alzheimer’s incidence — with an estimated 15.2% of adults ages 65+ impacted. 
• More than 120,000 South Carolinians aged 45 and older have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. 
• High rates of heart disease and stroke are contributing factors, as well as an aging population. 

“We know Alzheimer’s and dementia affect not only individuals, but entire families and communities. By partnering with HopeHealth, we are helping ensure Orangeburg County has more tools and the support it needs to face these challenges head-on.” – Dr. Leonardo Bonilha, USC Brain Health Director

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

$13.5 million investment will create 170 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – WiJo Pouches North America, Inc. (WiJo Pouches NA), a manufacturer of modern oral pouches, today announced it selects Lexington County to establish the company’s first North American manufacturing operation. The $13.5 million investment will create 170 new jobs.

Headquartered in Sweden, WiJo Pouches NA is a full-service, global contract manufacturer of premium quality, next-generation pouches. The company offers prototyping, scalable production and market compliance support for customers.

WiJo Pouches NA will lease the 55,000-square-foot facility, located at 381 Burton Road in Lexington, to provide contract manufacturing for nicotine, caffeine and functional pouches.

Operations are expected to be online in March 2026. Individuals interested in joining the WiJo Pouches NA team should visit the company’s website.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

QUOTES

“As a long-standing member of the South Carolina business community for more than 25 years, I am honored to lead WiJo Pouches NA here in the Midlands. We sincerely appreciate the support and partnership of the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Lexington County Economic Development, whose guidance made selecting Lexington the clear and strategic choice. We look forward to the future, to WiJo’s continued growth, and to being a valued and collaborative contributor to the regional business community.” -WiJo Pouches North America CEO Jerry Sweetland

“Welcoming another international manufacturer to South Carolina further strengthens our thriving business community. WiJo Pouches NA’s new facility, along with the 170 new jobs it creates in Lexington County, will provide opportunities that greatly benefit our state and people for years to come.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“WiJo Pouches NA’s decision to select South Carolina as the home of its first North American manufacturing facility is another big win for our state. Our business-friendly environment and skilled workforce make Lexington County the ideal location for WiJo Pouches NA’s new operation, and we congratulate the company on this exciting announcement.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“WiJo Pouches’ decision to launch its first U.S. operation right here in Lexington County is a tremendous win for our community and a powerful endorsement of our global competitiveness. This FDI investment brings 170 high-quality jobs, new economic activity, and a clear signal that international companies see Lexington County as a place where they can thrive. We are thrilled to welcome WiJo Pouches to our growing international business community and look forward to a long, successful partnership.” -Lexington County Council Chairman M. Todd Cullum

“WiJo Pouches NA’s decision to establish its first North American manufacturing operation in Lexington County reflects the strength of the central South Carolina region. Our skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and exceptional quality of life make this area a top destination for globally minded companies. Through our cost-benefit analysis and detailed wage and labor report, we demonstrated that Central SC offers the key advantages businesses need to succeed, and WiJo Pouches chose the right place to grow.” -Central SC Alliance President and CEO Jason Giuletti

FIVE FAST FACTS

• WiJo Pouches North America, Inc. (WiJo Pouches NA) selects Lexington County to establish its first North American operation.
• The company’s $13.5 million investment will create 170 new jobs.
• WiJo Pouches NA is a manufacturer of modern oral products.
• The company will be located at 381 Burton Road in Lexington, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the WiJo Pouches NA team should visit the company’s website.

Source: Office of the Governor of South Carolina

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

By Mark A Leon

In Charleston’s coastal Lowcountry, where narrow roads, historic streets, and island communities define the pace of life, Island Rides, LLC has quietly become a signature way to experience the region. Owned and operated by Paula and Joe Gilchrist, this family-owned business combines sophisticated electric low-speed vehicles (LSVs) with a deeply personal, concierge-style service. What began as a luxury car-business pivot has organically grown into a Charleston lifestyle staple — offering not just transportation, but an experience rooted in hospitality, sustainability, and local charm.

From Luxury Cars to Open-Air Cruising: The Origin Story

Paula and Joe Gilchrist aren’t originally from Charleston — they moved here from Pennsylvania after building a successful career in high-end automobile sales. According to Charleston Style + Design, their background in luxury vehicles gave them a natural lens through which to view the LSV market: sleek, amenity-rich golf carts powered by lithium batteries, complete with Bluetooth, CarPlay, premium seating, and DOT-safety features.  

The couple bought Island Rides in 2022, bringing their deep understanding of clientele, vehicles, and service to a new domain. Rather than simply renting carts, they envisioned a company that would deliver — literally — a personalized, elevated transportation experience consistent with Charleston’s character.  

The Door-to-Door Custom Service Model

At the heart of Island Rides’ appeal is its delivery-first model. Unlike traditional rentals where you pick up a vehicle, Island Rides brings the cart to you. Their website clearly states: “We come to you! Island Rides will deliver the golf cart to your rental address at the start of the reservation and pick up the golf cart at the end.”  

This customer-centric service reduces hassle and elevates convenience. For instance, guests staying downtown don’t need to pick up a cart themselves — the LSV arrives at their vacation rental or hotel, ready to cruise.   For each reservation, delivery and pickup are coordinated to make the rental feel seamless, like an extension of a concierge’s role.

Island Rides’ fleet is entirely street legal. Its LSVs are fully DOT-equipped, with seatbelts, lights, mirrors, horns, and more — which means clients can drive on roads with posted speed limits up to 35 mph.   Their lithium-battery technology gives each ride an eco-conscious edge, reducing noise and emissions while offering 20–50 miles of range depending on the model.  

Deep Roots in the Charleston Lifestyle

Island Rides aligns beautifully with Charleston’s laid-back elegance. The service is available across several of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods and islands — Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Wild Dunes, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, and downtown Charleston itself.  

In a region where golf carts and side-by-side vehicles are more than just novelty — they are real ways to connect communities — Island Rides adds a layer of sophistication and utility. The LSVs allow visitors and locals alike to navigate narrow roads, historic neighborhoods, and waterfront stretches in style, all while honoring the slower, more deliberate pace that makes Charleston so distinctive.

Moreover, the family-owned nature of the business reflects Charleston’s deeply rooted sense of community. Paula and Joe’s commitment to customer satisfaction, personal service, and sustainable mobility has resonated with both long-time residents and first-time visitors. Their Mount Pleasant headquarters (at 488 La Mesa Road) serves not only as a showroom, but as a touchpoint for customizing carts, scheduling service, or buying an LSV outright.  

Beyond Rentals: A Broader Vision

While rentals make up around 85% of Island Rides’ business, sales and long-term ownership are integral to its model.   The company also offers service and maintenance and even retrofits traditional lead-acid battery carts with lighter, more efficient lithium batteries.   As the Gilchrists plan to expand — including a proposed 15,000-square-foot facility in Mount Pleasant for greater inventory and operations — their vision remains firmly rooted in the Charleston way of life.  

Impact on the Lowcountry

In a city where heritage and innovation dance together under moss-laden oaks, Island Rides represents a modern twist on classic Southern hospitality. It’s not just about getting from A to B — it’s about savoring the journey, feeling the breeze off the water, and connecting with the spirit of Charleston. By integrating luxurious, eco-friendly vehicles with a seamless, delivery-based rental model, the Gilchrists have filled a niche that feels uniquely local and deeply personal.

Island Rides is more than a business — it’s a reflection of the Lowcountry’s character: welcoming, elegant, community-oriented, and connected to its roots. For visitors who want to explore Charleston’s islands in style, or locals looking for a greener, more charming way to get around, Island Rides is now part of the city’s unfolding story.

Follow Island Rides on Instagram.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Clemson University has been named one of Time magazine’s Best Colleges for Future Leaders 2026, a recognition based on an analysis of approximately 4,900 of the most influential U.S. leaders across business, government, academia and society. Time evaluated how frequently universities appeared in the CVs of these leaders and compared those results with enrollment data to identify the nation’s most significant leadership-shaping institutions.

Clemson offers extensive opportunities for students, faculty and staff to develop and strengthen their leadership acumen.

Before Fall classes begin, new students participate in Clemson Leader Day, where they are introduced to the Clemson Leader Framework. This unified concept helps them track their leadership development throughout their Clemson Journey. Students also engage in Leadership Week, the ACC Leadership Symposium, Certified Student Leader and more than 600 registered student organizations.

Each year, 14 students are selected for the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program, which pairs leadership lessons grounded in critical values with an academic scholarship, empowering students across the University to deepen their leadership development.

Several colleges also provide specialized leadership pathways. The College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences houses the Robert B. ’70 and Susan B. Hambright Annual Leadership Program, which supports eligible engineering students in attending leadership conferences and programs, as well as Leadership in London, the engineering leadership minor program and the Leadership & Mentoring Network.

The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business houses the Leadership Signature Program, offering students opportunities to enhance their leadership skills, as well as the Dean’s Global Leadership Program, which blends academic and experiential learning to prepare students for leadership in the global economy. The College of Architecture, Art and Construction advances student leadership through its Dean’s Student Leadership Academy and Council, which provides hands-on leadership experiences through initiatives in the Dean’s Office.

The College of Education offers a Doctor of Education in education systems improvement science. Designed for certified PK–12 practitioners, the program focuses on school leadership and solving problems of practice within school systems.

The Clemson University Honors College enhances leadership development through the Dixon Global Policy Scholars Program, which deepens students’ understanding of global policy; the Honors Action Scholars Program, which builds leadership skills through experiential learning; the National Scholars Program, which is available to students in all majors who demonstrate a unique combination of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership ability, and demonstrated impact on their local and global communities; and the Breakthrough Scholars Program, which positions students as leaders in the STEM field.

Leadership development at Clemson extends beyond student experiences. Faculty and staff strengthen their leadership abilities through the President’s Leadership Institute, a nine-month program that supports their professional and personal growth while offering direct engagement with University President Jim Clements. Additionally, CU Grow, a yearlong professional development initiative for staff, promotes intentional mentorship, personalized development planning, authentic relationship-building and the practice of servant leadership. Clemson Extension also offers the Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative, a professional development opportunity for Extension and the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences’ professionals and staff who are dedicated to fulfilling Extension’s mission.

Source: Clemson News

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

South Carolina is the First State to Sign JDI with Germany

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today joined German Ambassador to the United States of America Jens Hanefeld to sign a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) to establish a formal economic partnership between South Carolina and Germany designed to attract new jobs and investment, accelerate innovation, and expand business opportunities in South Carolina. 

“By establishing a formal economic partnership with Germany, we create yet another powerful tool for South Carolina to get ahead in the fierce competition for jobs and investment,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Together, we will create more opportunities for our people and build an even brighter economic future.”

The agreement prioritizes collaboration and cooperation in the areas of energy resiliency and sustainability, automotive and mobility technologies, and life sciences. The JDI establishes a working group that will meet to coordinate joint initiatives like workforce development, identify opportunities for further business partnerships, exchange technical and scientific information, and facilitate research and development collaboration. 

“The ties between Germany and South Carolina are an outstanding example of the transatlantic partnership. German efficiency and the strong work ethic of South Carolinians have created unparalleled success. I am pleased that we are taking the next step in this partnership today.” said Ambassador Jens Hanefeld. 

According to the Department of Commerce, Germany is South Carolina’s largest export partner. In 2024, the trade volume between South Carolina and Germany was $13 billion. South Carolina is currently home to 270 German companies that employ over 44,000 South Carolinians. 

Governor McMaster participated in economic development mission trips to Germany in June 2024 and July 2025 to strengthen partnerships with existing business partners and explore potential economic development projects.

Since taking office, Governor McMaster has announced over 98,200 new jobs and over $53 billion in new capital investment. This calendar year alone, the governor has announced over 6,000 new jobs and over $8.2 billion in new investment. 

A copy of the JDI can be found here.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

By Mark A. Leon

When Sarah Brightman takes the stage, she doesn’t just perform—she creates an experience. This December 4th, the renowned soprano will bring her “A Winter Symphony” to Charleston, promising an evening of musical magic that transcends the traditional holiday concert.

With a career spanning over five decades, Brightman has become an iconic figure in musical theater and classical crossover. From her breakthrough role as Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera” to her international concert tours, she has continually redefined musical boundaries.

In an exclusive interview, Brightman shared insights into her remarkable journey and her upcoming Charleston performance. “This time of year is very emotional for most of us,” she explained. “It’s not just about a Christian message, but about the holidays bringing people together—whether it’s about family, personal traditions, or simply creating warmth.”

The concert promises to be more than just a musical performance. Brightman meticulously crafts each show to transport audiences into a mystical holiday experience. “I’ve put together a wonderful choir, beautiful lighting, and an amazing orchestra,” she said. “It’s about creating an experience where people can be transported for two hours into a time of year which is very emotional and special to them.”

Her approach to performance reflects a lifetime of artistic evolution. When asked about advice for young performers navigating today’s complex artistic landscape, Brightman offered profound wisdom. “Embrace everything available to you,” she encouraged. “We’re no longer constrained by genres. The beauty for young artists today is the freedom to do whatever you like and potentially be embraced by the public.”

This philosophy of artistic freedom has defined Brightman’s career. She credits several key mentors for shaping her journey, including her mother, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and her producer Frank Peterson. “Andrew Lloyd Webber opened my mind to all possibilities,” she reflected. “He made me understand that you should always push further to see what else is possible.”

Despite her extraordinary success, Brightman remains remarkably grounded. “I’ve always been a perfectionist,” she admitted, “but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that it’s the imperfections that make you perfect. The magic moments are often in the spaces in between.”

Her upcoming Charleston concert represents more than just a performance—it’s a continuation of her artistic journey. Audiences can expect a meticulously crafted show featuring stunning costumes, emotive music, and Brightman’s incomparable vocal range.

As she looks to the future, Brightman hints at exciting developments. “I’ve got two things in my mind,” she shared mysteriously. “One is what people would expect, and the other is about evolving.”

For Charleston music lovers, this December 4th concert promises to be an unforgettable evening of holiday magic, artistry, and inspiration—a true Sarah Brightman experience.

Click HERE to purchase tickets for this beautiful holiday event, Sarah Brightman in Concert:  A Christmas Symphony.

A special thank you to Sarah Brightman for her kindness, charm and wisdom.  We are grateful for the time you shared with us.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.