Author: Charleston Daily

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

Lowcountry

Exploring Historic Charleston, SC – Southern Charm and Hospitality at its Best! – New Video by The Wright Life

January 25, 2023 by 1 Comment
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Take a hospitable journey with the Wright Life partners as they spend a wonderful day in Charleston sharing their memories and ideas with you.

About the Video

Welcome to historic Charleston, South Carolina! In this weeks video, we’re going to take you on a tour of some of the city’s most iconic sights and experiences. First, we’ll be visiting the French Quarter, known for its charming cobblestone streets and colorful colonial-era buildings. This is the perfect place to get a feel for the city’s rich history and culture. Next, we’ll be heading to the City Market, where you can shop for local crafts and souvenirs. This historic market is a great place to find unique gifts and mementos of your visit to Charleston.

After that, we’ll be taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city’s charming streets. This is a great way to see the city and learn about its history from a local guide and see some of the city’s grand mansions. We’ll also be strolling through the Waterfront Park, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the harbor and the iconic Pineapple Fountain.

This is a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city. We’ll also be visiting Rainbow Row, a row of colorful houses that are a must-see for any Charleston visitor. This is a great place to snap an Instagram photo and take in the city’s unique architecture.

Finally, we’ll be visiting the Battery, a historic fort that offers stunning views of the harbor. This is a great place to learn about the city’s role in the Civil War and to get a sense of its strategic importance. So join us as we explore the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina. Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you never miss a video! Thanks for watching!”

Business

Voya Financial completes acquisition of Charleston, SC Based Benefitfocus

January 24, 2023 by 0 Comments
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NEW YORK & CHARLESTON, SC–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), a leading health, wealth and investment company, announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Benefitfocus, Inc., an industry-leading benefits administration technology company that serves employers, health plans and brokers.

“At Benefitfocus, we are committed to helping organizations and the people they serve get the most out of their health and benefit investments”

As a result of the acquisition, Voya now serves the workplace benefits and savings needs of approximately 38 million individuals, or roughly one in 10 Americans. The acquisition, which was announced on Nov. 1, 2022, enhances Voya’s offering of integrated health and wealth solutions and capabilities for intermediaries, employers and employees.

“The acquisition of Benefitfocus accelerates Voya’s strategy in health and wealth solutions, adding broad-based benefits administration capabilities that extend our reach across workplace benefits and savings,” said Heather Lavallee, CEO, Voya Financial, Inc. “More specifically, this transaction expands Voya’s ability to deliver innovative solutions for employers and health plans, and helps improve the financial, physical, and emotional wellbeing of their employees and members. At the same time, Voya’s technology resources, digital capabilities, and operational expertise will add tremendous value to Benefitfocus.”

“At Benefitfocus, we are committed to helping organizations and the people they serve get the most out of their health and benefit investments,” said Matt Levin, president and CEO, Benefitfocus. “We are thrilled to be joining forces with Voya to build on our incredible progress and accelerate our impact for employers, partners and health plans.”

“This acquisition allows us to increase our capabilities and insights for the benefit of our customers, while deepening the strength and breadth of our distribution reach,” said Rob Grubka, CEO, Workplace Solutions, Voya Financial, Inc. “Benefitfocus’ capabilities and expertise allows us to better serve customers and deepen partnerships with other benefits administration providers and distribution partners as we create better integrated experiences for customers across their workplace benefits.”

Voya plans to further discuss the strategic and financial benefits of this transaction during its fourth-quarter and full-year 2022 earnings call on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023.

Perella Weinberg Partners LP served as financial advisor, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP served as legal counsel to Voya in connection with this transaction. Barclays served as financial advisor, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP served as legal counsel to Benefitfocus.

About Voya Financial®

Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), is a leading health, wealth and investment company that provides products, solutions and technologies that enable a better financial future for its clients, customers and society. Serving the needs of 14.3 million individual, workplace and institutional clients, Voya has approximately 6,000 employees and had $711 billion in total assets under management and administration as of September 30, 2022. Certified as a “Great Place to Work” by the Great Place to Work® Institute, Voya is purpose-driven and equally committed to conducting business in a way that is socially, environmentally, economically and ethically responsible. Voya has earned recognition as: one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute; a member of the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index; and a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” on the Disability Equality Index. For more information, visit voya.com. Follow Voya Financial on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @Voya.

About Benefitfocus

At Benefitfocus, a Voya Financial business, our mission is simple: To improve lives with benefits. We are committed to helping organizations, and the people they serve, get the most out of their health care and benefit programs. Through exceptional service and innovative benefits administration technology we help simplify the complexity of benefits and deliver an experience that engages people for better health and improved outcomes. Learn more at www.benefitfocus.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Forward-Looking and Other Cautionary Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Voya does not assume any obligation to revise or update these statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or changes in strategy. Forward-looking statements include statements relating to future developments in our business or expectations for our future financial performance and any statement not involving a historical fact. Forward-looking statements use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement due to, among other things, (i) general economic conditions, particularly economic conditions in our core markets, (ii) performance of financial markets, (iii) the frequency and severity of insured loss events, (iv) the effects of natural or man-made disasters, including pandemic events and cyber terrorism or cyber attacks and specifically the current COVID-19 pandemic event, (v) mortality and morbidity levels, (vi) persistency and lapse levels, (vii) interest rates, (viii) currency exchange rates, (ix) general competitive factors, (x) changes in laws and regulations, such as those relating to Federal taxation, state insurance regulations and NAIC regulations and guidelines, (xi) changes in the policies of governments and/or regulatory authorities, (xii) our ability to successfully manage the separation of our individual life business on the expected timeline and economic terms, (xiii) our ability to realize the expected financial and other benefits from the transaction with Allianz Global Investors, (xiv) our ability to realize the expected financial and other benefits of the transaction with Benefitfocus; and (xv) such other factors as are set forth in Voya’s periodic public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including but not limited to those described in the “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition (“MD&A”) – Trends and Uncertainties” and “Forward Looking Statements” sections of its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other documents filed from time to time with the SEC, as applicable, all of which are available at www.sec.gov.

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Lowcountry

Meals on Wheels of Charleston Receives SC Ports Community Giving Program Donation

January 23, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Charleston, SC – Charleston Area Seniors- Meals on Wheels of Charleston has received a grant from the SC Ports Foundation to help feed neighbors in their time of need. This grant will Sponsor a Day of meal deliveries to seniors in Charleston County.

“The ongoing support of organizations like SC Ports Community Giving Program is crucial to serving homebound seniors in Charleston. We could not execute our mission without the helping hands of our community” said Donna Cook, Executive Director.

As an agency. CASC’s mission is “Enhancing the lives of older adults in the community- one life at a time”. This mission is carried out each day by our delivery drivers who smile, greet the client by name and hand them a hot meal. The delivery team is the heart of our mission and each member of the team is dedicated to the very best service for our clients. The foremost objective is to allow a senior to stay independent for as long as possible.
Charleston Area Senior Citizens (CASC) has been distributing Meals on Wheels to local seniors since 1967. Each weekday our team delivers more than 700 meals- our highest number of meals ever. This number has grown from 500 meals a day in 2018 to our current number of 720 in 2022. Fiscal year 22-23, CASC is on track to serve more than 210,000 meals.

South Carolina Ports awarded $252,500 in grants to 90 community organizations and nonprofits throughout South Carolina through its fiscal year 2023 Community Giving Program.

SC Ports dedicates a portion of its revenues each year to support charitable organizations around the state.

“We are so proud that this year marks the most SC Ports has ever given through our Community Giving Program,” said Kelsi Brewer, SC Ports’ Director of Corporate Communications and Community Giving. “These funds will support the efforts of nonprofits around the state who are working so hard to make meaningful impacts for South Carolinians.”

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Lowcountry

Inside Real Estate Acquires Charleston based BoomTown, Forming an Industry-Leading Real Estate Technology Company

January 21, 2023 by 0 Comments
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BoomTown, an industry-leading cloud-based sales and marketing automation platform serving 100,000 real estate professionals and Inside Real Estate, one of the fastest-growing independent real estate software company and trusted partner to more than 400,000 real estate professionals, today announced that they have joined forces to form the industry’s leading residential real estate technology company. 

This combination creates an industry-leading provider of residential real estate software and services, across product and customer segments. As a result of the acquisition, Inside Real Estate is well positioned to help top-performing franchises, brokerages, teams, and agents manage their business more effectively by providing an unparalleled technology, services, and partner ecosystem from a single provider. The combined company will have the R&D and Client Services scale to drive rapid innovation and deliver on their missions to make real estate professionals more successful.

“This is the first day of an exciting new chapter for BoomTown and our clients!” said Grier Allen, CEO, BoomTown. “Joining Joe and the talented Inside Real Estate team enables us to continue on our combined mission to serve the real estate industry with world-class technology and services. With a clear vision for the future, we look forward to accelerating the pace of innovation to fuel our clients’ growth and success.” 

Inside Real Estate and BoomTown each have a proven track record of delivering high value, innovative solutions to help real estate professionals drive more effective business outcomes, achieve a competitive market advantage, and ultimately generate more transactions and revenue. They will bring together the breadth and depth of each company’s award-winning technology solutions, top-shelf client support and services, and one of the largest and most engaged communities of top-producing real estate professionals.

“I’m thrilled to welcome BoomTown to the Inside Real Estate family!” said Joe Skousen, CEO, Inside Real Estate. “I commend Grier and the BoomTown team for what they have built and accomplished with their clients over the past 15 years. Our companies share a common DNA that is focused on driving real results for every client, every day.  Together, we will deliver an unmatched experience for every user from single agents, to top-performing teams and mega teams, to robust national enterprise brands. Our #1 job is being a tech partner to our client – this combination reinforces that commitment.”
 

The combined resources and backing will help deliver:

  • The #1 Front Office Experience for Every User:    The combined technology will deliver an enhanced and elevated front office experience that supports every type of user, from single agents, to top performing teams and mega teams, to top brokerages and enterprise brands in growing their business.  
     
  • The First Complete & Modern Back Office Suite:   Together, the company’s combined portfolio of back office solutions, including CORE Back Office, Brokermint and Inside Real Estate’s recently acquired AmpStats, will provide the foundation for the industry’s most  innovative, modern & complete back office solution.
     
  • Marketplace & Tech Partner Ecosystem:   Inside Real Estate’s Marketplace of leading add-on services and solutions, including the Property Boost listing promotion and lead generation tool, will continue to expand, and be paired with a new Preferred Partner program, unlocking additional value and differentiation for customers through a vetted, network of premium, tightly integrated partner solutions.
     
  • Industry-Leading Home Ownership Solutions:  Inside Real Estate will continue to  invest heavily in the first integrated lifetime homeownership platform, CORE Home.  The technology, paired with smart affiliated services solutions, and branded for Inside Real Estate’s customers, will place brokers and agents at the heart of the consumer relationship.

“This combination brings together significant capability to innovate as a true technology partner and support the needs of our customers,” said Nick Macey, President, Inside Real Estate. “Our passionate, capable team is committed to leading with the features, products and solutions that drive agent, team, brokerage and enterprise brand success.”

Inside Real Estate’s Joe Skousen will continue to be Chief Executive Officer leading an experienced executive team of industry veterans from both Inside Real Estate and BoomTown, including Grier Allen of BoomTown as Chief Strategy Officer and Nick Macey as President. The combination of the two employee and client-centric cultures will create a company that continues to be consistently recognized for their culture and as one of the best places to work.  The company is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, with offices in Charleston, SC and Carlsbad, CA, and employees located throughout the U.S. 

Houlihan Lokey served as exclusive financial advisor and DLA Piper LLP (US) served as legal advisor to BoomTown.

About BoomTown:

BoomTown exists to make real estate agents successful. More than 100,000 of the industry’s top professionals, and 40% of the Real Trends Top 250 teams, trust BoomTown to grow their real estate business with easy-to-use technology that creates opportunities and turns them into closings. BoomTown’s full suite of capabilities include a customizable real estate website integrated with local MLS data, client success management, a cutting-edge CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system with custom marketing automation, personalized advertising and lead generation services, a mobile app for agents on the go, transaction management, commissions, and accounting. BoomTown’s service offerings extend far beyond technology with lead qualification services to contact, qualify, and nurture leads, and dedicated advisors to offer personalized support at every step from onboarding and training to optimizing your business and planning for strategic growth to coaching services from peers who have catapulted their growth with the system. Founded in 2006, BoomTown’s brands include some of the most trusted solutions in real estate like Brokermint, real estate’s leading back-office and transaction management software, and MyAgentFinder. To learn more visit boomtownroi.com

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Lowcountry

Charleston Parks Conservancy Launches National Search for Executive Director

January 21, 2023 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. —  The Charleston Parks Conservancy has launched a national search for an executive director to lead the 16-year-old nonprofit. 

“Since its founding, the Conservancy has become an integral player in the City of Charleston. As a result, we need a leader who understands the critical role parks play in creating strong communities,” said Charley McLendon, board of directors chairperson. “We’re excited to launch this national search for candidates who are passionate about parks and the community surrounding them.” 

Through public-private partnerships and a strong core of volunteers, the Conservancy has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston, including Colonial Lake, Moultrie Playground, St. Julian Devine Community Center, The Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park and three community gardens. 

The Conservancy has hired PBR Executive Search, an executive search firm that specializes in national searches for nonprofits. The firm will be partnering closely with a search committee of board members to identify and place a leader this spring.

The executive director will be responsible for strategic leadership and vision-setting, stakeholder engagement, people leadership, fundraising, and brand awareness. Ideal candidates will have executive leadership experience, demonstrated fundraising success, and public-private partnership experience. For the full job description and to apply, visit bit.ly/charlestonparksconservancy. 

Until the position is filled, long-time Conservancy employee Leslie Wade is serving as the interim executive director.

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. For more than 15 years, the Conservancy — through public-private partnerships — has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston. Notable projects include the complete renovation of Colonial Lake, the renovation of the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park, Moultrie Playground, St. Julian Devine Community Center & Park as well as Magnolia Park and Community Garden and Medway Park and Community Garden. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org. 

Real Estate

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Charleston SC – New Video by Living in Charleston SC Spenser Harvel

January 20, 2023 by 0 Comments
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About the Video:

Welcome to our video on the top 5 reasons to move to Charleston, South Carolina! As one of the most charming and historic cities in the United States, Charleston offers a unique blend of southern hospitality, natural beauty, and cultural richness. In this video, we’ll be sharing the top 5 reasons why Charleston is the perfect place to call home.

From its stunning beaches and parks to its thriving food and arts scene, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. So whether you’re a retiree looking for a laid-back lifestyle, young professional seeking career opportunities, or a family looking for a great place to raise kids, you’ll find it all in Charleston.

So sit back, relax, and discover why Charleston is one of the best places to live in the country!

Arts & Entertainment - Events - Food & Bev

11 Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina – New Video by A Lady in London

January 20, 2023 by 1 Comment
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Enjoy this entertaining and informative new video by A Lady in London

Video Details

This video is about the best things to do in Charleston, SC. This famous city in South Carolina has everything from a delicious food and drink scene to historic houses, beautiful streets, shopping, sailing, markets, and more. There’s a lot to do around Charleston, too.

From tours at places like Magnolia Plantation to boat trips to Fort Sumter, you’re spoiled for choice in this part of the American South.

Lowcountry

South Carolina #2 in the nation in new industrial manufacturing projects planned in Nov-Dec 2022

January 18, 2023 by 0 Comments
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New industrial manufacturing planned projects grew 50% from November to December 2022

IMI SalesLeads announced today the December 2022 results for the newly planned capital project spending report for the Industrial Manufacturing industry.  The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction, and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms 177 new projects in December compared to 118 in November in the Industrial Manufacturing sector.

The following are selected highlights on new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news.

INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING – BY PROJECT TYPE

Manufacturing/Production Facilities – 151 New Projects

Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 75 New Projects

INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING – BY PROJECT SCOPE/ACTIVITY

New Construction – 64 New Projects

Expansion – 58 New Projects

Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 60 New Projects

Plant Closings – 15 New Projects

INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING – BY PROJECT LOCATION (TOP 10 STATES)

  • New York – 16
  • South Carolina – 14
  • Michigan – 12
  • North Carolina – 10
  • Ohio – 9
  • Texas – 9
  • Tennessee – 8
  • Massachusetts – 7
  • Wisconsin – 7
  • California – 6

Largest Planned Project

During the month of December, our research team identified 22 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. 

The largest project is owned by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, who is planning to invest $12 billion for the construction of a manufacturing facility adjacent to their existing under-construction plant in PHOENIX, AZ. Completion is slated for 2024.

Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects

GEORGIA: 

Automotive mfr. is planning to invest $5 billion in the construction of an EV battery manufacturing facility in CARTERSVILLE, GA. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2025.

SOUTH CAROLINA: 

Battery component mfr. and recycling company is planning to invest $3.5 billion for the construction of a manufacturing, recycling, warehouse, and office complex in CHARLESTON, SC. Construction will occur in phases and is expected to start in early 2023.

TEXAS:

Optical communication products mfr. is planning to invest $3 billion for the expansion of its manufacturing facility in SHERMAN, TX. Construction is expected to start in 2025, with completion slated for 2028. 

ARIZONA:

Startup battery mfr. is planning to invest $1.2 billion for the construction of a manufacturing facility in TUCSON, AZ. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

ALABAMA:

Solar panel mfr. is planning to invest $1.1 billion for the construction of a 2.4 million sf manufacturing facility in TRINITY, AL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2025.

MICHIGAN:

Paper and packaging product mfr. is planning to invest $1 billion for the renovation and equipment upgrades on its manufacturing facility in ESCANABA, MI. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

GEORGIA:

Automotive component mfr. is planning to invest $926 million for the construction of a 1.2 million sf manufacturing facility in RICHMOND HILL, GA. They have recently received approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in early 2023, with completion slated for 2024.

SOUTH CAROLINA:

EV battery mfr. is planning to invest $810 million for the construction of a 1.5 million sf manufacturing facility in FLORENCE, SC. They have recently received approval for the project.

MICHIGAN:

A pharmaceutical company is planning to invest $750 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their processing facility in KALAMAZOO, MI. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

COLORADO:

Semiconductor equipment mfr. is planning to invest $600 million in the construction of a manufacturing facility in COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for Summer of 2024.

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Lowcountry

Coastal Community Foundation Granted $16.6 Million to Nonprofits in 2022

January 18, 2023 by 0 Comments
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In the last year, Coastal Community Foundation granted $16.6 million to nonprofit organizations. This funding was distributed to organizations in three countries and 38 states, with 71% of the money remaining in the state of South Carolina. $5.2 million went to organizations that applied for CCF grants and $11.4 million was directed by donors to causes they are most passionate about.

Coastal Community Foundation received 35% more contributions from donors than the previous year, a total of $59.3 million in 2022.

“CCF is proud the community continues to prioritize charitable giving,” said President and CEO Darrin Goss. “With the rising cost of day-to-day expenses, we know nonprofit organizations will be trying to stretch each dollar further in 2023. We look forward to providing more grants to these groups in the year ahead, while working closely with donors to reach their charitable goals.”

In the last 25 years, Coastal Community Foundation granted a total of $300 million to nonprofit organizations.

CCF has several grant deadlines approaching in January and February. This grant cycle has opportunities for nonprofits in the fields of education, special needs, individual artists, neighborhood groups, housing, and healthy waterways. Nonprofits interested in applying can find more information here.