A special thank you to the News 2 Plungers and the incredible support team at WCBD News 2 in Charleston, South Carolina.
After braving the “frigid” Southern weather during the recent Polar Plunge at Sullivan’s Island, the team was able to raise $1203 for the Special Olympics.
We are so thankful to not only have this incredible news team in our community, but their compassion and dedication to giving back.
Thank you WCBD!
Photo Credit: WCBD News 2 and Tim Ryan Renaud
For the ninth consecutive year, BMW Manufacturing led the nation in automotive exports by value, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The South Carolina plant exported 227,029 BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes during 2022 with an export value of nearly $9.6 billion. The BMWs produced at Plant Spartanburg were exported through the Port of Charleston, SC, and through five other southeastern ports: Savannah, GA; Brunswick, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Miami, FL; and Everglades, FL. More than 17,000 BMWs were exported via rail.
During 2022, Germany became the top export market from BMW Manufacturing (15.5% of export volume), followed by China (13.5%), South Korea (12.8%), Canada (7.5%), and Great Britain (5.6%).
Full Press Release
Spartanburg, S.C. For the ninth consecutive year, BMW Manufacturing led the nation in automotive exports by value, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The South Carolina plant exported 227,029 BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes during 2022 with an export value of nearly $9.6 billion. The BMWs produced at Plant Spartanburg were exported through the Port of Charleston, SC (more than 182,000 units), and through five other southeastern ports: Savannah, GA; Brunswick, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Miami, FL; and Everglades, FL. More than 17,000 BMWs were exported via rail.
During 2022, Germany became the top export market from BMW Manufacturing (15.5% of export volume), followed by China (13.5%), South Korea (12.8%), Canada (7.5%), and Great Britain (5.6%).
“Free trade and open markets enable growth and prosperity. BMW and South Carolina are a good example of this,” said Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG Board Member for Production. “I am proud of the Spartanburg plant’s continued performance, which contributes to the success of the BMW Group.”
“Customers around the world continue to seek out premium quality BMWs made in South Carolina, and we are proud to be the largest automotive exporter by value for the past nine years” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “Our success is due to the highly-skilled and dedicated workforce at Plant Spartanburg. These achievements are significant and clearly reinforce BMW’s ongoing commitment to South Carolina and the United States.”
2022 Production Highlights
The team at Plant Spartanburg produced 416,301 Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes during 2022, the second-highest production total in the plant’s history. There were four highlights of production:
The year’s most significant highlight was the BMW Group’s announcement of its electromobility plan in the United States. In October, BMW Group Chairman of the Board of Management, Oliver Zipse, announced a $1.7 billion investment, including $1 billion to prepare the plant for the production of fully-electric vehicles and $700 million to build a high-voltage battery assembly facility in Woodruff, SC. By 2030, the BMW Group will build at least six fully-electric models in the United States.
Beginning in April, the plant will start production of the 2024 BMW X5 and BMW X6. These updated models include new design details, expanded standard equipment, and advancements in digital technology. The plug-in hybrid drive in the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e has significantly more power and a greater purely electric range than its predecessor.
Government officials applauded BMW’s export success.
“For over three decades, BMW’s commitment to South Carolina continues to demonstrate the power of partnership,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “With record-setting exports and its latest electromobility investment at Plant Spartanburg, BMW not only shows the world that South Carolina paves the way to automotive success – but that our state is home to the industry’s future.”
“BMW’s continued success in South Carolina is a direct result of the collaboration, commitment, and incredible workforce necessary to build one of the world’s best modern vehicles,” said South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “To consistently remain a global leader in the export sales of completed passenger vehicles and accelerate the future of vehicle electrification from our borders underscores the strength and dependability of South Carolina’s automotive industry. We value our partnership with BMW, and the mutual growth their continued investment has afforded both Plant Spartanburg and the state of South Carolina.”
“Congratulations to BMW Manufacturing on being named the largest U.S. automotive exporter by value for the ninth consecutive year,” said SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin. “For nearly 30 years, SC Ports has had a strong partnership with BMW Manufacturing. BMW exports 60 percent of its South Carolina-made vehicles to more than 120 countries through the Port of Charleston. We are proud to support the shipping needs of this world-class automotive company, and we look forward to continued success for BMW.”
Since 1992, the BMW Group has invested nearly $12.4 billion in its South Carolina operations. BMW Manufacturing is the largest BMW Group plant in the world, producing more than 1,500 vehicles each day. The plant is an important part of BMW’s global production network and plays a critical role in meeting the high demand for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes in the U.S. and around the world. Nearly 60 percent of its vehicles are shipped to about 120 global markets, making BMW the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States for nine consecutive years. The model portfolio includes six top-selling BMW X models, five Motorsport X models, and three plug-in hybrid electric vehicle X models. The factory has an annual production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles and employs more than 11,000 people.
Mount Pleasant physician pledges $50,000 to help SEL4SC promote crucial life skills for students and parents
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Social Emotional Learning Alliance for South Carolina (SEL4SC) is honored to announce that Michale J. (Mickey) Barber, M.D. has pledged $50,000 to help the organization promote and advance crucial life skills instruction in all schools, families, organizations, and communities in South Carolina.
Formerly a board-certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Barber graduated from the College of Charleston, completed medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina, did her residency at Tulane University, and finished her fellowship at Harvard. She also served as an assistant professor at Tulane University. During her training and career in academic medicine, she received several awards for her clinical performance and teaching skills.
In her mid-40’s, Dr. Barber began feeling ill. After months of suffering, she was eventually diagnosed with a neuropathy that was negatively affecting all of her systems. This event spurred Dr. Barber to leave her career in the operating room and shift toward a private practice focused on helping people live healthy, vigorous lives at any age. She would eventually receive physician training and certification in age management medicine from the Cenegenics Education and Research Foundation (CERF) and the Foundation for Care Management (FCM), and would be certified in peptide therapy by the Clinical Peptide Society. She launched the Cenegenics Carolinas LLC practice in downtown Charleston, and would later open Better Life Carolinas in Mount Pleasant.
SEL4SC is dedicated to promoting life skills that can help children and adults properly recognize and process their emotions, which can help them lead healthy, successful lives. That mission overlaps with the care Dr. Barber strives to provide for her patients.
“The mind has many, many different chemicals that affect everything from your heart to your gut and even to your muscles and how they work or don’t work,” she says. “Emotions, stress, anger, and resentment can affect those chemicals in the brain. That connection is very big, and if you just treat from the neck down, you’re missing a lot. We have to give people the tools they need to deal with the anxieties and emotions they’re having.”
Dr. Barber’s partnership with SEL4SC was inspired by the emotional struggles of some of her family members, as well as her friendship with one of her longtime patients, SEL4SC founder Al Estee.
“Al is one of the few men from his generation that has really jumped in with both feet from a personal level with social and emotional learning, and then has found a way to bring it to young people and teachers — everyone, really, across the board,” she says. “Al and I have always talked about the emotional component of health, and how to get better at managing that for ourselves and for patients, and so when the opportunity came along to be involved, that seemed like a good thing. We’re very fortunate to have Al out there pounding the pavement and speaking the word.”
Dr. Barber’s contribution to SEL4SC will help the organization further its initiatives, which include helping schools effectively teach life skills in the classroom and creating life skills programming and curriculum for parents.
“We are very thankful for Dr. Barber’s commitment to SEL4SC,” says Estee. “Not only has she made a tremendous impact in the lives of her patients, but her contribution will go a long way toward helping us fulfill our mission of impacting countless lives across the state.”
ABOUT SEL4SC: The Social Emotional Learning Alliance for South Carolina (SEL4SC) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing effective life skills learning in all schools, families, organizations, and communities in South Carolina. Visit their website to learn more: https://sel4sc.org.
Clemson University is launching the nation’s first undergraduate Bachelor of Science program in automotive engineering to meet the rapidly changing needs of an industry that is starting to trade the internal combustion engine for batteries and human drivers for self-driving cars.
The new program solidifies Clemson’s position as the premier University for automotive engineering research and education in the Southeast and beyond and adds to the offerings at its award-winning Greenville campus, the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).
The degree program’s creators expect it will help meet massive demand for a new breed of automotive engineer to lead the design and manufacture of cars and trucks that are quickly becoming computers on wheels powered by electricity.
“Clemson University will continue to lead the way for automotive engineering,” said President Jim Clements. “We are at the heart of the Southeast’s auto industry, and as South Carolina’s leading provider of engineering talent, Clemson is uniquely positioned to launch the nation’s first Bachelor of Science degree in automotive engineering. Through working in tandem with industry, state and federal partners, we are able to shape the future of mobility and create a robust workforce.”
Students can expect an interdisciplinary curriculum with a strong experiential learning component that is aimed at preparing them for the future of automotive manufacturing with an emphasis on cutting-edge technologies ranging from electric vehicles, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors to e-hailing, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicle software.
The program’s creators expect it to launch with as many as 30 students in fall 2023 and grow to over 200 by fall 2027.
Undergraduates majoring in automotive engineering will be based on the main campus for their first two years, providing them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the full Clemson Experience, including cheering on the Tigers football team in Memorial Stadium, swimming in Lake Hartwell and eating ice cream at the ’55 Exchange.
For their final two years, students will shift to CU-ICAR, a campus that is home to Clemson’s automotive engineering faculty and graduate program. On the campus, they will be able to take full advantage of the unique experimental facilities and the expertise located there.
A bus service already in place connects CU-ICAR to the main campus 45 minutes away.
Clemson launched its graduate program in automotive engineering in 2006 and was the first university in the country to graduate a Ph.D. student in automotive engineering and the first to graduate a woman with a Ph.D. in automotive engineering.
Zoran Filipi, founding director of the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, said Clemson will build on talent and infrastructure already in place to create the undergraduate program.
“Some of the world’s leading thought leaders and most creative innovators in automotive engineering are on the faculty in the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering,” Filipi said. “We offer cutting-edge facilities, impactful learning experiences and opportunities to collaborate closely with industry partners. Clemson is uniquely positioned to lead in automotive engineering at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.”
Clemson also has a unique geographic advantage that helps position the University to offer the program. The auto industry in South Carolina employs 74,000 and has an economic impact of $27 billion, according to the state Department of Commerce.
The broader Southeast region is home to a growing number of Original Equipment Manufacturers. Within 500 miles of Clemson, the community includes BMW, Volvo, Proterrra, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Honda, Tesla, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan and Kia. Each brings a network of suppliers that also create jobs.
The switch to autonomous and electric cars could create as many as 115,000 additional U.S. automotive and mobility industry jobs in the coming decade, including 45,000 for mobility engineers alone, according to a 2019 report by Boston Consulting Group.
Several recent investments that are helping create those jobs in South Carolina were mentioned in Gov. Henry McMaster’s Jan. 25 State of the State address.
To name a few examples:
* Redwood Materials will invest $3.5 billion for a new battery materials recycling facility, the single largest announcement in the history of South Carolina.
* BMW is investing $1 billion to prepare its Spartanburg plant to produce electric vehicles and $700 million to build a new, high-voltage battery assembly facility.
* Bosch plans to invest $200 million in Anderson County to create the company’s first production operation of fuel cell technology in the United States and another $260 million as Bosch launches production of electric motors in Dorchester County to support the U.S. market demand for electrified vehicles.
Those three investments alone are expected to create 2,500 jobs.
Laine Mears, chair of the Department of Automotive Engineering, said demand for automotive engineers is soaring.
“The entire global automotive industry is turning on a dime, and Clemson is stepping up to take the lead to meet industry’s changing needs for both technology and workforce,” he said. “The new undergraduate degree will be a truly integrative program that brings together talent from across a spectrum of disciplines, preparing students for the challenges of the future.”
Students will start with a General Engineeringcurriculum that includes calculus, physics and other foundational courses required of engineering majors at Clemson. After their first year, students will be eligible to begin taking automotive engineering classes.
By their senior year, students will be ready to work on Deep Orange prototype vehicles as capstone projects.
Those who complete the undergraduate program will receive a Bachelor of Science in automotive engineering. Students who decide to join the first cohort are currently in their first year in college and would be on track to graduate in 2026.
Srikanth Pilla, the ExxonMobil Employees Endowed Chair and Professor of Automotive Engineering, led the development of the curriculum for the new undergraduate program.
“While the new degree program was created in an automotive context, the curriculum has been designed broadly enough that impactful experiences will reach far beyond the car, and students will be well-qualified for a number of careers in the mobility and technology workforces,” said Pilla, who is also the founding director of AIM for Composites Energy Frontier Research Center and the Clemson Composites Center.
“Employers could range from car and aerospace companies to the U.S. Army and software companies such as Google, Apple and Meta. This is a robust curriculum filled with hands-on learning experiences aimed at preparing students to make a contribution on day one of their careers.”
The undergraduate degree adds to a growing list of marquee programs at CU-ICAR that include:
* A graduate program that has graduated 791 master’s students and 100 Ph.D. students, with virtually all finding jobs in the automotive industry or academia
* Deep Orange, a program that gives students a chance to design and build a prototype vehicle, mirroring the experience of working at an original equipment manufacturer or supplier
* Virtual Prototyping of Autonomy-Enabled Ground Systems (VIPR-GS), an organization that is part of a research partnership aimed at developing innovative virtual prototyping tools to design the next generation of autonomy-enabled, on- and off-road vehicles, with the U.S. government committing up to $100 million
* AIM for Composites, an Energy Frontier Research Center that is advancing how composite materials are created through artificial intelligence and inverse engineering
Clemson’s new undergraduate program will differ from automotive specialties in traditional departments and automotive. While technology programs concentrate on manufacturing, routine design, construction and end operations, Clemson is going beyond the technical requirements by creating an automotive engineering degree that will focus on advanced design, development and technical management of the vehicle realization process.
Anand Gramopadhye, dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, said Clemson’s new undergraduate degree program will help meet workforce needs for the growing automotive industry.
“This multidisciplinary program brings together top talent, cutting-edge facilities and impactful experiences to create the leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs of the future,” he said. “By creating the future workforce, the program will help strengthen the automotive industry in South Carolina and the broader Southeastern region. I thank the team that designed the new program and congratulate its members on a job well done.”
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Fifth Third Bank, N.A., announced last year the addition of a commercial banking team in the Charleston market. In 2023, the expansion will continue as the bank now has a mortgage team in place as well as plans to open two branch locations and add a wealth management team before the end of the year.
Fifth Third began operating in South Carolina in 2011 with a commercial team in Greenville and, in 2020, opened the first branch location in that market. The bank now serves the Upstate with a four branch locations and plans are in place for four more to open by the end of this year.
“Investment in South Carolina is a priority for Fifth Third,” said Lee Fite, President, Fifth Third Bank, Carolinas Region. “We have been successfully serving the Upstate for over 10 years and are now expanding our operations in Charleston under the leadership of Charlie Arndt and Jason Hessberg. Our customers can count on our South Carolina team to listen and support their interests throughout the Palmetto State.”
Last year, South Carolina Market President, Charlie Arndt, hired Jason Hessberg to build commercial operations in Charleston. Hessberg has a banking career spanning the last 18 years across private wealth, investment banking and most recently middle market banking. David Fichman, Josh Nissen and Liz Oates round out the experienced middle market team in Charleston and veteran banker Harry Smith is responsible for consumer mortgage. South Carolina native Michael McAbee will lead the retail branch operations.
“We have hit the ground running here in Charleston,” said Hessberg, Middle Market Lead, Charleston Market. “The team here has decades of experience in serving the needs of the businesses and residents of the Low Country. The Middle Market platform has been warmly welcomed and our bankers are already seeing success in bringing our customer and community service focus to the Charleston market. We look for that to grow rapidly as we add the support of our Mortgage, Wealth Management and Retail teams to be able to surround our community with advice for all situations.”
The first branch location is expected to open on James Island in late summer and will feature a drive-thru as well as the Bank’s ‘Next Gen’ design.
“We are extremely excited to open our first branch location in the Charleston market this summer,” said Tommy Lloyd, SVP, Retail Executive, Carolinas Region, Fifth Third Bank. “Michael McAbee has been in the market working to recruit and train a local team that will bring our customer-focused approach and innovative branch design to the Low Country.”
Next Gen branch features:
About Fifth Third
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.
Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Member FDIC.
The Rotary Club of St. Andrews – Charleston has a strong commitment to serving and building partnerships in the Charleston, SC area. In an effort to raise funds to donate to various organizations, the club is selling 1,500 raffle tickets at the price of $100 each. Proceeds will be donated to food banks, domestic violence agencies, cancer survivor support groups, youth programs, Alzheimer’s research, scholarships for local students to attend college, supporting children with special needs, and many other areas of need.
In addition to the $50,000 Gift Certificate to be redeemed at any Hendrick Automotive Group Dealership in Charleston, SC, there will be a secondary prize of $10,000 cash!
You may purchase multiple tickets. The order number in your e-mail receipt will be your personal ticket number. If you purchase more than one ticket at a time, you will receive one order number, and that number will be on each purchased ticket and entered into the raffle. You may also purchase tickets more than once! All tickets will be sold online! The live drawing will be held on May 4th, 2023 at Bessinger’s Barbeque right off Savannah Hwy. Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated. Winners of the drawing will be notified via e-mail, and the drawing will be live-streamed to Rotary Club of St. Andrews – Charleston 2022/2023 Raffle Facebook page on May 4th. Good luck and thank you!
1 Raffle Ticket – $100.00
Each ticket enters you into the drawing for a chance to win one of the following prizes:
*The $50,000 Gift Certificate may be used towards a vehicle at any Hendrick Automotive Group Dealership in Charleston, SC. The certificate is only good for the purchase of 1 vehicle. If the vehicle is of lesser value than the certificate, no credit will be left over for future use.*
*All transfer fees related to the winner’s vehicle of choice including, vehicle registration, and taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner.*
No more than 1,500 tickets will be sold. Purchase your ticket before they sell out!
DIGITAL NETWORKS, LLC CONTINUES TO GROW LAUNCHING NEW STATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA
The company’s five mainstay networks are now available over-the-air in Charleston, South Carolina on WLOW-LD.
Chattanooga, Tenn (February 14, 2023) – After ending 2022 with a launch in Las Vegas, Digital Networks, LLC has added Charleston, South Carolina to their roster of 19 owned and operated stations across the country.
Their popular digital broadcast network portfolio consisting of The Heartland Network, Retro TV, Rev’n, The Action Channel, and The Family Channel can now be found over-the-air via television station WLOW-LD in Charleston. Viewers will need to rescan their televisions in order to tune in to the station’s offerings on the designated channels below.
Joel Wertman, President of Digital Networks, LLC, says, “As cord cutting becomes more prevalent, it has been a goal of ours to grow our offerings across the United States. Adding Charleston, South Carolina to our footprint is a great way to kick off 2023. We are looking at adding 11 additional cities throughout the year, with Denver, Colorado and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma next on the horizon.”
The Heartland Network is The Heart of Country®, presenting the broadest variety of true country music and lifestyle entertainment. Curated with classic country out of the vaults of Music Row to the artists of today’s generation, country music fans can enjoy shows such as Music City Tonight, CountryLine TV, Bluegrass Ridge, Country Fix, plus special event coverage with series like Heartland Backstage, classic movies, and original shows More Than the Music and The Unseen World.
Currently, Heartland is gearing up to film their annual special Heartland Backstage at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, TN, highlighting behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the hottest talent in country music. Heartland Backstage: CRS 2022 guests included Easton Corbin, Maggie Baugh, Parmalee, Texas Hill, Shenandoah and American Idol Winner Chayce Beckham.
Retro TV is the first and one of the longest running digital broadcast networks in the country. Programming includes classic shows such as Doctor Who, Naked City, The Beverly Hillbillies, One Step Beyond, The Ray Bradbury Theater, and more. Recently, the network added the iconic Johnny Depp series 21 Jump Street, and the prolific crime drama Wiseguy with Ken Wahl and Jonathan Banks.
In 2021, the network premiered their original program Dracula’s Kung Fu Theatre which has become a favorite among the flagship network’s viewers. Retro TV also continues to be the exclusive home to iconic and groundbreaking daytime soap opera The Doctors which originally ran on NBC from 1963 – 1982.
Rev’n is a network made for all things that rev. From cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and more covered by shows such as the popular UK series Motor Week, My Classic Car, Sam’s Garage, The Curator’s Vault, Legendary Motorcar, and Flying Through Time, this network is a performance enthusiast’s dream.
The Action Channel is for those looking for thrills and heart-pounding excitement, with popular programs like the docuseries Boundless, Strongman Champions League, OVW Wrestling, Operation Repo, EFC Premium Fights, and more.
Multi-generational households will benefit from the variety of programming on The Family Channel. Families can relax with cooking shows like Positively Paula with Paula Deen and Bama-Q, travel programs like Chasing Down Madison Brown and Road Trip Masters, educational series like Zoo Diaries and Pet Friends, plus DIY friendly Ready, Set, Renovate, to name a few.
For more information on these networks, head to getafteritmedia.com.
CHARLESTON, South Carolina – Island Brands USA, an innovative and disruptive lifestyle company that produces premium products across the adult beverage space, is expanding distribution of its new-lookCRUSH flavored malt beverage line into Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Besides debuting an all-new look with eye-catching label art, CRUSH is also launching a new flavor option in those five Southeast states:CRUSH Strawberry Lemonade. It joins CRUSH Tropical Punch and CRUSH Lime Margarita,all of which clock in at 10% ABV and are available year-round in 16-ounce and 19.2-ounce cans at convenience stores and other off-premise locations.
“CRUSH Tropical Punch and CRUSH Lime Margarita have been such a hit with our wholesale partners and retail customers, we couldn’t wait to get CRUSH Strawberry Lemonade out to the market in these key Southeast territories,” said Island Brands’ CEO and Co-Founder Scott Hansen. “The new can artwork is off-the-charts cool — they’re almost too pretty to CRUSH!”
All CRUSH products are made with natural flavors and are best served between40 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Sixteen-ounce and 19.2-ounce cans will be available in singles, four-packs, and 24-can cases. Pricing will be competitive with comparable products in the FMB category. Limited samples available for media considering coverage.
The CRUSH portfolio extension and distribution expansion is the latest exciting news from Island Brands. InJanuary the company announced a new partnership as title sponsor of star driverKaz Grala and the Sam Hunt Racing team’s No. 26 Toyota GR Supra throughout the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. And in March, Island Brands will have its premium beers available direct to consumers for nationwide shipping and delivery.
ABOUT ISLAND BRANDS USA
Headquartered in Charleston, S.C., Island Brands USA is a lifestyle company that uses only the finest, all-natural ingredients to produce super-premium beer, flavored malt beverages, craft spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails. Its popular products are currently available for online direct-to-consumer ordering through bevmax as well as fleetwide service on Carnival Cruise Lines. Founded in 2016, the innovative company’s growing portfolio of clean, top-quality beverages cater to active, socially conscious consumers. Part of the company’s mission is to give back in meaningful ways, including pledging a portion of its annual sales to environmental charities through 1% for the Planet. Island Brands is proudly American-owned.
What a great day! Five new NCPD officers graduated today from the Criminal Justice Academy.
Please welcome Ridge Jordan, Edward Haddon, Salvatore Olivia, Harvey Patterson and Andrew Marshall to our agency. Sgt. Draper, Sgt. Brooks and Capt. Holt went to Columbia for the ceremony.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 16, 2023
Two United Real Estate franchise owners have partnered to bring one of the most unique residential real estate models to Charleston. Unlike traditional brokerages, their office provides training, award-winning technology and brokerage support – without charging agents a commission split.
Because of its tremendous opportunity, Charleston was an obvious choice for co-owners Winston Velpula and Brenda Daly. The stable economy, fueled by Fortune 500s and major employers, is filled with high-paying jobs. Charleston’s median income per capita is 4% higher than the national average. The large metro population of 800,000 creates a resilient estate market. Some would argue, almost recession-proof.
“Charleston is internationally recognized for its beauty, culture, historic charm and architecture. The lifestyle afforded here is one of the best in the country. Our economy is supported by the Port of Charleston, one of the largest in the country, and other major employers, such as Boeing and Volvo. The high-paying jobs lead to a vibrant real estate market. We anticipate demand for housing to remain healthy,” explained Daly.
With more than 33 years of combined real estate experience, Daly and Velpula understand how to develop informed professionals with skills to achieve clients’ goals.
United | Charleston provides thorough agent training, focusing on service and skill development. For example, agents learn how to perform due diligence on the property and neighborhood to ensure it aligns with the client’s needs before showing. They tailor property marketing plans to reach more buyers, and they develop home valuations based on competitive research.
“The tools and training we offer create better transaction experiences for buyers and sellers. Our agents can leverage cutting-edge technology to market properties, communicate with clients and conduct business virtually. They also have access to skill development training on a variety of topics,” stated Velpula.
The office is a six-minute drive to historic Charleston, located in Mount Pleasant off state highway 17 at 735 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 100.
Agents interested in career opportunities with United Real Estate | Charleston can visit JoinUnitedCharleston.com or call 843-376-9298.
Brokers interested in joining the United Real Estate broker network can visit GrowWithUnited.com or contact Tyler Anderson, VP Broker Network Development at 724-858-9242 or TAnderson@UnitedRealEstate.com.
About United Real Estate
United Real Estate (United) – a division of United Real Estate Group – was founded with the purpose of offering solutions to real estate brokers and agents in the rapidly changing real estate brokerage industry. United provides the latest training, marketing and technology tools to agents and brokers under a flat-fee, transaction-based agent commission model. By leveraging the company’s proprietary cloud-based Bullseye™ Agent & Broker Productivity Platform, United delivers a more profitable outcome for agents and brokers. United Real Estate operates in 32 states with 148 offices and 18,000 agents. The company produced over $21.5 billion in sales volume in 2021.
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