Ode to Charleston Food – Original Poem

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By Mark A. Leon


In Charleston’s embrace, where flavors dance, A culinary tapestry, a sumptuous chance. Let me craft a poem, a savory ode, To the different kinds of food, Charleston bestowed.

First, the Lowcountry whispers of shrimp and grits, A Southern classic, where nostalgia sits. Plump crustaceans, bathed in golden grace, Nestled atop a bed of creamy embrace.

Next, behold the oysters, plucked from the sea, Briny delights, a taste of jubilee. Roasted, fried, or served raw on ice, Charleston’s bivalve treasures, a true paradise.

Gather ’round for she-crab soup’s rich caress, A symphony of flavors, a culinary finesse. Creamy bisque with luscious lumps of crab, A Charleston tradition, a comfort to grab.

Now let’s savor the smoky, tender cue, Barbecue ribs, the pitmaster’s debut. Slow-cooked, succulent meat, kissed by the flame, A tantalizing aroma that’s Charleston’s claim.

Sweet tea, a cherished Carolina quaff, With notes of honey, refreshment to quash. Sip it slowly in the summer’s warm embrace, A balm for the soul, a taste of tranquil space.

And amidst the charm, the Southern grace, Pecan pie emerges, claiming its place. A symphony of butter, sugar, and nut, A slice of heaven, where taste buds are smut.

From Gullah cuisine to modern fare, Charleston’s food scene, beyond compare. In this land of culinary fusion, A feast for the senses, a gustatory illusion.

So raise your fork and toast the flavors, That Charleston brings, a taste to savor. In each delectable bite, a story unfolds, Of food, heritage, and love that Charleston holds.

Two Friends light up the Firefly night sky in North Charleston, South Carolina

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By Mark A. Leon

To an outside observer, last evenings performance by Two Friends at Firefly Distillery in North Charleston was an over-indulgent club show on a grassy knoll with remixes of songs from the last five decades led by two DJ’s in a space ship, but to all those in attendance, it was a dance party to light up the night sky.  With an ensemble set of musicians to support the electric performance including a saxophone that stole the show during key moments, this show had almost a cinematic feel.

With the faint smell of herbal pleasure and White Claw in hand, the crowd danced in circles, on shoulders and with no direction at all as dance mixes filled our ears with musical delight.  

Throw in two men with full body walrus and alligator outfits, enough halter tops and cowboy boots to fill Forever 21 stores from coast to coast and you have a complete experience.  

It was truly a Tour de Force of a performance and for those in attendance a night that won’t soon be forgotten.

Finale with a blast

As the night came to an explosive conclusion, pyrotechnics warmed the night air shooting fire into the sky, strobe lights in a rainbow of colors painted the backdrop of a rave, and confetti shoot into the crowd in a beautifully choreographed ending.

As a heartful tribute to the late Adam Schlesinger, singer and guitarist for Fountains of Wayne who died tragically after acquiring COVID-19, Two Friends ended their set with “Stacey’s Mom”.

Sometimes you just need to let go to truly find yourself.  If you get a chance to catch this act on the road this summer, observe, absorb and let the spirit of the music touch your soul. 

Thank you to Two Friends, Firefly Distillery, the North Charleston Police and all the workers and volunteers that made this night possible.  You are appreciated.

Governor Henry McMaster Releases Statement Following U.S. Supreme Court’s Ruling in Kerr v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision inKerr v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court overturned last year’s ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit that blocked South Carolina’s actions to prohibit taxpayer funds from going to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers. The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) appealed that decision, and yesterday the Supreme Court sent the case back to the Fourth Circuit for reconsideration in light of the Supreme Court’s recent opinion in another matter: 

“I am pleased with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision today and look forward to the Fourth Circuit thoughtfully reconsidering its previous ruling,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Just as I was when I issued Executive Order No. 2018-21, I remain confident in South Carolina’s authority to administer its Medicaid program and the decision to terminate Planned Parenthood’s funding. I am hopeful that the Fourth Circuit will recognize that Congress did not intend to give Medicaid recipients the ability to force States to subsidize abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.”

Kerr v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic stems from Governor McMaster’s 2018 Executive Order that directed DHHS to remove abortion clinics from South Carolina’s Medicaid provider list. 

A link to the Supreme Court’s docket is available here.

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Averitt Express expanding Charleston County operations – $4.58M Investment

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Averitt Express, a freight transportation and supply chain service provider, today announced it expanded its operations in Charleston County. The company’s $4.58 million investment will create 12 new jobs.

Originally established in 1971 in Livingston, Tennessee, Averitt is one of the nation’s leading freight transportation providers, handling shipments globally. In 2012, Averitt opened its first hybrid facility in Charleston County offering cross-dock and warehouse space. This service center is a critically important location that supports the company’s less-than-truckload (LTL) and truckload distribution network, providing shippers with efficient and timely services. 

Located at 7749 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston, Averitt Express added 35,000 square feet of warehousing space to its current facility and additional on-site parking and fuel tanks. The expansion enhances the company’s ability to accommodate increased customer demand and support the growing volume of cargo moving in and out of the Port of Charleston.

Operations are already online; individuals interested in joining the Averitt Express team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“We are excited to grow our presence in one of the nation’s most strategic logistics hubs. From supporting the local shipping needs of our customers in Charleston County to the global supply chain needs of those across the country and around the world, our team is dedicated to ensuring that our customers and local communities succeed and grow.” -Averitt Express Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Barry Blakely

“Congratulations to Averitt Express on their expansion in Charleston County. It is great to see companies working to advance the state’s supply chain framework and providing increased services to our distribution network.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina has the distribution and logistics infrastructure to help support Averitt Express’ expansive, supply chain services. We congratulate Averitt Express and look forward to the impact of their expansion in the Charleston County community.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Averitt Express’s expansion will undoubtedly create new opportunities for employment, stimulate economic development and strengthen our local supply chain. We look forward to the continued collaboration between Averitt Express and Charleston County, as we work together to build a brighter and more prosperous future for all.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Averitt Express is expanding its Charleston County operations. 
  • The company’s $4.58 million investment will create 12 new jobs.
  • Averitt Express is freight transportation and supply chain service provider.
  • Averitt Express is located at 7749 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Averitt Express team should visit the company careers page.  

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park Phase III Construction Underway

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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (June 28, 2023) – Construction is currently underway on a new phase of the Memorial Waterfront Park project. Mount Pleasant residents and visitors can look forward to an array of features adding to the already thriving park.

Phase III of the project encompasses several additions, including a multipurpose sports court accommodating two basketball courts and four pickleball courts, a splash pad fountain play area with a water tower feature, a restroom facility, a dedicated dog park, an exercise area, an expanded maintenance facility, and improved parking. 

MWP Hill 3

Located across Harry Hallman Boulevard from the Visitor’s Center, this section of the park is expected to be completed in July 2024. 

“We are thrilled to bring a wider array of recreational activities to Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. The addition of a splash pad, basketball and pickleball courts, a dog park, exercise equipment, and a quarter-mile walking track will ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” said Steve Gergick, The Town of Mount Pleasant’s Recreation Director. 

Waterfront Watch Logo

To keep citizens up to date on the construction process, the Town is launching a series called Waterfront Watch. Regular photo and video updates will be posted to the Town’s social media pages along with more in-depth updates quarterly.

For more information regarding the Memorial Waterfront Park Phase III project, please click here


About Memorial Waterfront Park: Called the crown jewel of Mount Pleasant, Memorial Waterfront Park is more than just your average park. Located under the grand entryway to the town at the base of the Ravenel Bridge, this park has a lush lawn perfect for family picnics, a nautical-themed playground, and soft-serve ice cream at the River Watch Café. At the River Watch Café, enjoy beautiful views of the Charleston Harbor and the Mount Pleasant Pier, a 1,250-foot-long pier where you can sit and swing a while, or try your hand at fishing. While you’re there, get a feel for the local culture at the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion, War Memorial, and Visitor Center. 

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Summerville, SC Based Melanated Money Mondays, LLC Launches Revolutionary New Mobile App “The M3 App”

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North Charleston, SC – Melanated Money Mondays, LLC, is proud to announce the launch of its newest mobile application, The M3 App. Developed with the user in mind, the M3 App is a game-changer in the entrepreneurial space, offering a unique blend of features and functionality that sets it apart from the competition.

Melanated Money Monday, LLC, will be hosting an RSVP launch event on July 28th, 2023, at 7 p.m. at K’Cira Events, 622 Old Trolley, Ste 104, Summerville, SC 29485. The event will be a celebratory occasion for the brand as they celebrate their growth since their Facebook group launch in May 2020. The group was created to promote and highlight black-owned businesses and encourage all people to buy from black-owned entities. Interested parties can RSVP for the event via Eventbrite: https://m3launch.eventbrite.com

Although the initial intention was to encourage spending within the black business communities, designated on Mondays, it morphed into a conglomerate of daily requests for black-owned businesses. Since its inception on May 29, 2020, Melanated Money Mondays has been recognized by Meta as a Facebook Community Accelerator and has amassed over 65k active members in 37 states and 9 countries, contributing to the black community and the economic growth within. 

The M3 App is designed to make it easier for consumers to quickly discover black businesses across the United States and the globe they can support. With the M3 app, users can quickly use the proximity search to find businesses near their location or any location, contact or share listings with others, and leave reviews. Its easy to use interface and sleek design make it stand out. The app is built on the latest technology stack and can be used on both Android and iOS devices.

The M3 App is unique in that it provides consumers access to our existing online community of thousands of black businesses in over 37 states in the US and countries abroad while traveling, or just on-the-go around the Lowcountry. This makes the M3 App the perfect solution for consumers invested in the future and growth of black businesses in local and nationwide regions.

“We are incredibly excited to finally be launching The M3 App,” said Shuvona Rembert Spann, Co-Founder of Melanated Money Mondays, LLC. “Our team has poured their hearts and souls into this project, and we truly believe that it will change the way people discover and support black businesses. We can’t wait for users to experience it for themselves.”

The M3 App is available now for download on the iOS and Android App Stores and Google Play.

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Melanated Money Mondays™ LLC is a platform to highlight and promote black-owned businesses and connect them with consumers from all walks of life looking to support their endeavors. The focal point of M3 is to encourage effective communication, collaboration, and community for a better economic system among black entrepreneurs and consumers alike.

New Economic Impact Report Shows International Automakers Boosting Manufacturing Jobs and Investments Across South Carolina

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Autos Drive America and the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released their 2023 Economic Impact Reporthighlighting the continued commitment and contributions international automakers and nameplate dealers are making across South Carolina. Investments from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Volvo Cars have cultivated economic growth and job creation for communities throughout the state. 

Key findings from the 2023 EIR include:   

  • International automakers, dealers, and suppliers have generated 76,641 jobs in South Carolina, paying $5.5 billion in total employee compensation. 
  • International automakers invested $15.3 billion in South Carolina’s auto industry, up from $13.8 billion in 2021.   
  • International automakers in South Carolina produced 485,291 vehicles, accounting for 100% of production in the state. 
  • International automakers are committed to electrification with BMW announcing a $1.3 billion investment to produce electric vehicles in South Carolina. 

South Carolina’s full report can be found here.  

“As our Economic Impact Report shows, international automakers have proven their commitment to fostering economic growth in communities across the U.S., especially in South Carolina,” said Jennifer Safavian, President and CEO of Autos Drive America. “The investments our members are making are helping to resurge U.S. manufacturing while meeting evolving consumer demands. At the same time, South Carolina’s communities are feeling the benefits of international automakers through family-sustaining career opportunities and competitive wages and benefits.”  

According to the 2023 Economic Impact Report, international automakers and dealerships contributed $11 billion to the state’s GSP. Between South Carolina’s five manufacturing facilities, one research and development center, and 151 international nameplate dealers, $1 billion was contributed to state and local revenues.   

The report also demonstrates how international automakers are setting the pace in green vehicle manufacturing, R&D, and sales in South Carolina. In 2022, Auto Drive America’s member organizations sold 11,441 of green vehicles, representing 69% of South Carolina’s market share. 

“The data is clear—international automakers are driving South Carolina’s manufacturing sector and economy forward,” Safavian continued. “Autos Drive America is confident that international automakers will continue this surge of investments in the U.S., and we think the best is yet to come.”  

The annual Economic Impact Report aims to educate policymakers and the public on today’s U.S. auto industry and international automakers and dealers’ growing economic footprint in South Carolina and across the U.S. The automobile manufacturers participating in the 2023 Autos Drive America and AIADA Economic Impact Survey were BMW Group, Honda, Hyundai, KIA, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen Group of America, and Volvo Cars. Sales data represents new vehicle registrations in the United States in 2022 for Acura, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Ferrari, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Genesis, Infiniti, Jaguar, KIA, Karma, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo Cars. 

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About Autos Drive America

Autos Drive America represents the U.S. operations of international motor vehicle manufacturers integral to America’s workforce, communities, and economy. As the voice of international automakers in the United States, Autos Drive America works closely with policymakers at all levels of government to advance policies that promote jobs, trade, and growth in the U.S. automotive industry. Learn more at www.autosdriveamerica.org

About AIADA

The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) serves as an advocate for international nameplate new automobile dealership franchises before Congress, the White House, and federal agencies. Visit AIADA online at www.aiada.org.

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Payfluence Announces New Office Location and SC Coast Expansion into Daniel Island, SC

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Payfluence HCM has announced a South Carolina Coast expansion, to include a new office location on Daniel Island. Headquartered in Greenville, SC, this new location enhances their ability to serve clients and business partners in the Lowcountry, meeting client demand and filling a market need. 

a group of people standing around a table with a white tablecloth

Penn Gaines, CEO commented “As a South Carolina headquartered company, opening an office down on the Coast allows us to strategically expand our mark across the state and to build relationships with current and future customers in the region. Payfluence’s promise is to empower our teammates and customers with an exceptional employee experience by combining our unmatched service with leading edge technology.” 

Payfluence is a fast-growing, boutique HCM company, which offers an all-in-one, custom implemented and fully integrated Payroll, HR, Benefits Admin, and Time Management software platform. Their core differentiator in the Human Capital Management space is their SC based, dedicated support model. Although they are SC based, Payfluence has clients throughout the country due to their robust multi-state tax administration capabilities. 

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To learn more about Payfluence, please visit www.payfluencehcm.com

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Charleston History On this Day: Remembering the Battle of Sullivan’s Island – June 28, 1776

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Battle of Sullivan’s Island
Battle of Sullivan’s Island Definition: The Battle of Sullivan’s Island was a military conflict between the Kingdom of Great Britain and its thirteen colonies in North America during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). The year and date that the Battle of Sullivan’s Island took place on June 28, 1776. The battlefield in which the British and American Forces fought during the Battle of Sullivan’s Island was located near Charleston, South Carolina. Sullivan’s Island was a large island commanding the entrance to Charleston harbor. British frigates had scouted the area in May and observed the construction of the American fort on Sullivan’s Island. The Battle of Sullivan’s Island ended in victory for the American colonists.

Overview and Summary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island
The Battle of Sullivan’s Island took place on June 28, 1776 near Charleston, South Carolina when the British army and fleet attacked Charleston.  The entrance to Charleston Harbor was protected by sandbanks. A sandbank Is similar to a reef and a navigation, or grounding, hazard.  the channels through these sandbanks lead directly to the end of Sullivan’s Island. where the Americans had built a fort of 16 feet wide palmetto logs filled with sand. General William Moultrie commanded the fort and it was named in his honor, Fort Moultrie. The British fleet sailed into the harbor to attack the fort. The fleet consisted of 9 man-of-war ships carrying 300 heavy cannon. The cannons were fired but the balls from the ships’ guns were stopped by the soft sand-filled palmetto logs. During the conflict a flag commissioned by the colonial government and designed by William Moultrie was shot away and fell down outside the fort. A patriot called Sergeant Jasper rushed out, seized the broken flagstaff, and again set it up on the rampart. General Henry Clinton and his troops landed on an island and was trying to cross to the further end of Sullivan’s Island and were under fire from Americans on the beach. Unexpectedly the water deepened, and the British had to jump aboard their ships to save themselves from drowning. General Henry Clinton ordered a retreat and the fleet also sailed away from Charleston

Battle of Sullivan’s Island – The Liberty Flag aka the Moultrie Flag
The above pictures of the battle show the flag that was designed by Colonel William Moultrie. The flag was commissioned by the colonial government and the design was a blue flag with a white crescent saying LIBERTY on it. The flag became known as the Moultrie flag or the Liberty Flag. Later on during the Revolutionary War in the 1780 siege Charleston was taken by the British and the flag was taken. The ‘Liberty Flag’ was later reclaimed by American forces at the end of the war, the flag was returned to the city of Charleston by General Nathanael Greene.

The Importance and Significance of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island

Significance of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island: The significance of the conflict was that the small force of militia were able to force the retreat of 9 British ships – and the news was spread as propaganda for the Patriot cause.

*Courtesy of Land of the Brave Info