Charleston Daily

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

Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Based Accountfully Makes the 2019 Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

August 14, 2019

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

CHARLESTON, S.C., Aug. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Accountfully has announced its placement on the prestigious 2019 Inc. 5000 list. The company has redefined outsourced accounting by trading in long days in stuffy suits to airy, paperless offices, serving clients accounting needs nationally. The Accountfully way has caught on; the company has experienced massive growth in the past three years, hitting the 2019 Inc. 5000 list at number 1736.

Co-founder and Managing Partner, Brad Ebenhoeh attributes Accountfully’s success to its unique business model. “We do the day-to-day work of professional accountants and bookkeepers while also serving as a CFO and strategic partner. It’s a different approach that gives owners the support they need to grow their business without investing in an in-house team before it’s really necessary,” says Ebenhoeh. “We are honored to be on such an impressive list. This confirms the demand for the services we provide.”

The annual Inc. 5000 list, is the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Microsoft, Dell, Domino’s Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

Not only have the companies on the 2019 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but the list as a whole shows staggering growth compared with prior lists. The 2019 Inc. 5000 achieved an astounding three-year average growth of 454 percent, and a median rate of 157 percent. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $237.7 billion in 2018, accounting for 1,216,308 jobs over the past three years.

“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 have followed so many different paths to success,” says Inc. editor in chief James Ledbetter. “There’s no single course you can follow or investment you can take that will guarantee this kind of spectacular growth. But what they have in common is persistence and seizing opportunities.”

Accountfully expanded its offices in Charleston, South Carolina to include a Nashville, Tennessee location to support its growth over the previous years. Clients span the nation and come from many industries, including food and drink, digital agencies, and even rocket manufacturers. The enterprise plans on continuing its growth, reaching more clients across the country and helping small businesses grow by keeping them focused on their craft and out of the books.

About Accountfully

Accountfully was founded in 2012 to support small businesses and growing brands with their bookkeeping and accounting needs. It is a fully outsourced accounting team, working as bookkeepers, accountants, CFOs, controllers, and CPAs. More than just the day-to-day accounting tasks, they also serve as a long-term strategic partner to help businesses navigate complex financial challenges and opportunities. Accountfully prides itself on doing good work for good people.

Contact

Accountfully Media Manager
(888) 211-5745 Ext 1
marketing@accountfully.com

Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

Town of Mount Pleasant Accepting Submissions for Traffic Box Art

August 13, 2019

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

The Town of Mount Pleasant is accepting submissions for phase five of the Culture, Arts & Pride Commission’s Traffic Box Art project until September 9. Open to residents of the tri-county area, selected artists will have their artwork displayed publicly at various intersections in Mount Pleasant.

The artwork must reflect the community and culture of Mount Pleasant. To apply, the artist must submit renditions of his or her work via email or in person. A high-resolution image will be required if the art is selected for the program. Selected designs will be awarded a $250 honorarium.

Presented by the Town of Mount Pleasant Culture, Arts & Pride Commission, this program aims to promote local artists and to encourage interaction between the creative community, local businesses and residents.

“The CAP Commissioners have been incredibly pleased with all of the positive feedback we’ve received for this program from residents, visitors and businesses,” said Special Events Manager Nicole Harvey. “We are excited to have finished all the signal boxes on Highway 17 and to see the new ones in the Coleman Boulevard area.”

The program, which won a Gold Hermes Creative Award last year, now has a total of 22 boxes wrapped. The application and guidelines are available at tompsc.com under the Recreation Department’s Special Events Office. To submit artwork, email cap@tompsc.com or drop off the proposal at the R.L. Jones Center at 391 Egypt Road.

Application

Lowcountry

Benefitfocus Director of Benefits and Wellness Misty Guinn, Receives Employee Benefit News Judge’s Choice Benny Award

August 12, 2019

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

CHARLESTON, S.C., Aug. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT), a leading cloud-based benefits management platform and services provider, today announced that Misty Guinn, director of benefits and wellness, was named the Judge’s Choice winner of the Benny Awards, presented by Employee Benefit News. Guinn is one of four recipients of Employee Benefit News‘ Benny Awards, which recognize individuals for excellence in the employee benefits and human resources field.

Misty Guinn, Director of Benefits & Wellness, Benefitfocus

Awards are granted to employee benefit or human resource practitioners directly involved in the management of employee benefit programs. The Judges’ Choice winner is drawn from a wider spectrum of benefit programs and areas of professional responsibility.

“Over the past year and a half, Misty has made a significant and positive impact on the company’s benefit programs, improving our associates’ lives,” said Benefitfocus President and CEO Ray August. “She is a transformative leader and for Misty to be recognized in this fashion for her hard work and efforts on behalf of our associates makes this award especially meaningful to us.”

Guinn was cited for revamping and branding Benefitfocus’ Benefits and Wellness Program to deliver one of the industry’s most holistic benefits offerings and putting associates first as “Customer #1.” The objective of Benefitfocus’ Total Well-Being strategy is to create an environment that allows the total well-being of associates to flourish through programs, products, and policies, while striving to embrace all pillars of well-being: physical, mental/emotional, financial and social/purpose.

As a result of her efforts, Benefitfocus saw a 72 percent adoption rate into its High Deductible health Plans during the 2019 Open Enrollment period, well above the average of between 25-35 percent. It also saw a 27 percent increase in employee contributions to Health Savings Accounts and significant growth in enrollment in voluntary income protection products – 31 percent enrolled in an Accident plan, 36 percent in a Critical Illness plan and a 40% growth in hospital indemnity plans. This level of activity clearly demonstrated Benefitfocus associates’ positive view of the perceived value of a comprehensive benefit package.

As the director of benefits and wellness at Benefitfocus, Guinn works closely with suppliers and carriers to create and manage innovative health plan designs for associates. She works to help improve their total well-being through education, relationships and a supportive environment that includes innovative employee benefits strategies and well-being programs that foster foundations of a healthier workforce and community. Guinn is a certified worksite wellness specialist with the National Wellness Institute and a Franklin Covey Facilitator in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

EBN‘s Benny Award winners will be recognized at the 2019 Benefits Forum and Expo, which will be held Sept. 25-27 in Las Vegas. Winners will be profiled online and in the magazine’s September issue.

About Benefitfocus
Benefitfocus (NASDAQ: BNFT) unifies the entire U.S. benefits industry on a single technology platform to protect consumers’ health, wealth, property and lifestyle. Our powerful cloud-based software, data-driven insights and thoughtfully-designed services, enable employers, insurance brokers, carriers and suppliers to simplify the complexity of benefits administration and deliver a world-class benefits experience. Learn more at www.benefitfocus.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Actual results or performance might differ materially from those explicit or implicit in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: our ability to maintain our culture and recruit and retain qualified personnel; the need to innovate and provide useful products and services; our ability to compete effectively; management of growth; the immature and volatile nature of the market for our products and services; risks related to changing healthcare and other applicable regulations; privacy; security and other risks associated with our business; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in our SEC filings, copies of which are available free of charge within the Investor Relations section of the Benefitfocus website at http://investor.benefitfocus.com/sec-filings or upon request from our investor relations department. Benefitfocus assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

SOURCE Benefitfocus, Inc.

Charleston Based Southern Current Launching New Solar Projects in Darlington County

August 12, 2019

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Southern Current, a leading developer in the residential, commercial and utility-scale solar markets, is expanding its solar farm portfolio with new facilities in Darlington County. The company is investing in a total of six individual projects within Darlington County, bringing a collective capital investment of more than $141 million.

Southern Current is an owner and developer of utility-scale solar energy facilities across the southeastern United States. With an in-house team of development professionals, the company manages projects from site selection and origination through construction and operation.

For more information on Southern Current, visit www.southerncurrentllc.com.

QUOTES

“Southern Current is excited to announce our next round of investments in Darlington County. We could not have done this without the help of the economic development team and the county’s leadership. South Carolina is quickly becoming a leader in renewable energy thanks to the commitment of counties like Darlington.” – Southern Current Chief Development Officer Paul Fleury

“This latest announcement of new projects by Southern Current further proves the future is bright for solar projects throughout the state. Congratulations to Southern Current. We look forward to watching this company continue to grow and thrive in Darlington County.” –Gov. Henry McMaster

“This investment by Southern Current will further strengthen South Carolina’s growing reputation in the area of renewable energy. Providing both environmental and economic impacts, we look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“Southern Current’s second substantial investment in solar power in Darlington County is proof-positive that Darlington County is welcoming to clean energy growth. This expansion will be a win-win for the county and for the company, and is good for the local economy.” –Darlington County Council Chairman Bobby Hudson

“It is wonderful to see Southern Current announce their second major investment in Darlington County and their third in the NESA region in the past two years. Renewal energy continues to be a great investment in the region and Darlington County leads the way in recognizing the benefits these projects can have on their communities.” –NESA Executive Committee Chairman Yancey McGill

FIVE FAST FACTS

Southern Current is launching new solar projects in Darlington County.
More than $141 million of total capital investment to establish six individual projects within Darlington County.

Southern Current is a leading developer and owner of residential, commercial and utility-scale solar projects across the southeastern United States.
The company manages projects from site selection and origination through construction and operation.

For more information on Southern Current, visit www.southerncurrentllc.com.

Lowcountry

Midtown Production’s “Matilda” will keep you smiling cheek to cheek from start to finish. This is a revitalization of the magic of live theatre

August 11, 2019

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

During the turn of the century, theatre was an escape to a place of imagination and wonder. Combining extravagant color-rich sets and costumes, stories pulled from the pages of our greatest literary talents and songs and storylines that provided a reprieve from the trials of life, theatre was a place where dreams came true.

Led by the direction of Ryan C. Ahlert, musical direction of Laura Ball, choreography design by Megan Pue and a cast of 14 adults and 22 children, Midtown Productions has brought that magic back with an unforgettable evening of music, triumph, imagination and a reminder of the power of children.

At its core, Matilda is a story of kindness, intelligence, friendship, warmth and love of childhood that is cast a cloud of evil and ignorance from the adult world eating its way to the core of untapped innocence. As we all know, the unbreakable strength of young dreamers with vision and imagination always find a way to break through light from darkness and that is the power of this production.

This is a story of triumph told from the eyes of our most beloved and loveable force, our children.

Lacy Burbage is an 11 year old powerhouse as Matilda. Her poise and presence, beautiful voice and charming sensitivity and subtle confidence shine in every scene. This young talent whose entrance into the acting community at age 7 clearly shows she is well on her way to an incredible career in live theatre and a shining star over Charleston.

The real-life husband and wife team of Andrea and Michael Catangay are amazing as Mrs. and Mr. Wormwood. Almost as if they were pulled from a vaudevillian act, their timing, zany behavior and energetic presence made it difficult to view them as the ignorant villains. By the end you felt empathetic compassion for these two lost souls.

During intermission, Michael Catangay makes a surprise entrance stage center to initiatively begin what seemed to be an improve, audience participation stage act. Staying completely in character, he brought the audience and stage together in a hysterical interlude.

Scenery: Using cleverly placed scenery and props, the audience was taken seamlessly from Matilda’s home, to the library, classroom, playground and finally her imaginary visualization of her beautiful storytelling. The stage crew designed a set that let the story flow with harmony.

Sometimes the greatest language barrier is the one between child and adult and where the character of Miss Honey plays the most critical role. Portrayed with charm by Elizabeth Ludlam, a Junior Musical Theatre Major and Spanish Minor student at the Catholic University of America, this character is the voice of reason in an otherwise upside-down world. Her own personal journey finding herself lost between youth and adulthood. In the passion of Matilda, she finds a moment of clarity and affirmation. This relationship between Matilda and Miss Honey brings the focus of this story to the core of its central theme of love, enlightenment, and hope.

There is something special on stage during this 2 ½ hour production. Something that is meaningful and purposeful.

Midtown Productions has set the stage of bringing the acting community together for a purpose. This adult and young adult cast who find unity is just the catalyst we all need.

Looking out at the sold out playhouse and hearing the laughter and cheers was all you needed to see to know you were witnessing a huge success.

Make time in the next two weeks to see this uplifting night of live entertainment.

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Lifestyle - Lowcountry - North Charleston, SC

Charleston Business Profile: Black North Charleston Teen Becomes Youngest Store Owner in Northwoods Mall

August 10, 2019

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Jordan Jackson is the owner of Birch & Pen Boutique in the Northwoods Mall. He is taking the fashion industry and business world by storm. Just 19 years old, Jordan just closed the deal to open his first retail store location. Birch & Pen will open its doors to the public on Thursday, November 1 and have its grand opening on Saturday, November 3, 2018, 4pm-8pm.

Birch and Pen Boutique is a retail clothing and accessories boutique that specializes in high-fashion, trendy apparel for men and women at affordable prices. The brand choices will constantly evolve and set the standard for pop culture style. The Birch & Pen team will never allow their customers to settle for limited options or the mediocre. They will create experiences that customers can add into their everyday lifestyle. One of the store’s major standards is to encourage customers to always take risks, whether it’s redefining business wear or adding flavor to casual wear. The team will show customers how to confidently look their best ‘selves’ through fashion. Birch & Pen plans to be the trailblazer of the fashion industry, in a way that people would least expect.

Jordan has a strong eye for fashion and design and on weekly basis, he is being sought out for his advice on style and clothing. In addition, he does home-staging, decorating and furniture building/refurbishing. Now this gifted Hanahan High graduate desires to put his energy and experience into operating his retail clothing store. Currently, when clients ask him to help them to choose a wardrobe, Jordan takes them to different clothing stores. He is very excited about having his clients come to his very own boutique.

Being a teenager and an African American male in the North Charleston/Hanahan area could have been seen as a disadvantage to Jordan. However, he used these assets to courageously launch forward into an unchartered territory to become the youngest store owner in the Northwoods Mall. He hopes that his hard work and fearless walk of faith encourages young people to accomplish their dreams.

Birch & Pen Boutique is located in the Northwoods Mall, 2150 Northwoods Boulevard (in Dillard’s wing), North Charleston, SC 29406; Email, birchandpen@gmail.com; Phone, 843-790-3414. Store hours are from 10am-9pm, Monday through Saturday and 12pm-6pm, Sunday. Birch & Pen is also on Facebook and Instagram. For inquiries, please contact Jennifer Simmons by email birchandpen@gmail.com and visit www.birchandpen.com for more information.

Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Based Blackbaud CEO Michael “Mike” Gianoni Named One of the Top 50 SaaS CEOs

August 9, 2019

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

CHARLESTON, S.C. /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, today announced that Michael “Mike” Gianoni, Blackbaud’s president and CEO, has been named to the list of Top 50 SaaS CEOs by The Software Report. Gianoni was recognized for his purpose-driven leadership and the company’s accelerated performance alongside CEOs from software companies such as Bitly, Cvent, Gainsight^™, Twilio, Workday and more.

The CEOs on this year’s list were selected based on nomination submissions from colleagues, peers and other software industry participants. Nominees were reviewed across a number of key attributes, including integrity, intellect, drive, emotional intelligence, organizational culture and operational skill. They were most closely evaluated based on qualitative and substantive commentary provided on the CEO’s character.

Gianoni took over as CEO of the social good software leader in 2014 and has led the company through significant milestones, including transitioning Blackbaud’s entire solution set to the cloud, issuing the company’s first social responsibility report and guiding Blackbaud through the construction and opening of a new LEED Gold world headquarters. Under Gianoni’s leadership, Blackbaud has claimed spots on prominent lists, including Forbes’ 2019 Best Employers for Diversity for the second consecutive year, Forbes’ 2018 America’s Best Employers for Women, AnitaB.org 2018 Top Companies for Women Technologists and Forbes’ 2019 Best Midsize Employers for the fourth consecutive year.

Since Gianoni became CEO, Blackbaud’s customer base has grown 55 percent; recurring revenue has more than doubled and now comprises 90 percent of total revenues; addressable market has increased by over $4 billion through acquisition and organic product builds; and the company has risen to one of the top 30 largest cloud software companies in the world, according to IDC’s rank of Worldwide Software as a Service (SaaS) and Cloud Software Market Shares. Beyond his business acumen, Gianoni also volunteers and advocates for causes important to him, including animal welfare and veterans’ initiatives. He serves on the board of the International African American Museum breaking ground in Charleston this fall.

The Software Report is a comprehensive source for business news, investment activity and corporate actions related to the software and SaaS sectors. For more information and to view this year’s list of Top 50 SaaS CEOs, visit www.thesoftwarereport.com/the-top-50-saas-ceos-of-2019/.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community—nonprofits, foundations, companies, education institutions, healthcare organizations and individual change agents—Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through cloud software, services, expertise and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and CRM, marketing, advocacy, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate social responsibility, school management, ticketing, grantmaking, financial management, payment processing and analytics. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Inquiries
media@blackbaud.com

Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud’s investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

SOURCE Blackbaud

Lowcountry

Charleston Marketing Company Further Design Group Releases SEO Report

August 8, 2019

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Summerville, United States – August 8, 2019 /PressCable/ —

In today’s world much of the traffic that is seen for a business comes from internet searches. Other marketing efforts no longer have the same impact as they did five or ten years ago. Showing up on the first page of Google is hugely important in today’s market. Being ranked on page one of Google is the best method for getting traffic to your website. Close to 70% of the clicks to websites from page one of Google go to the entities holding the top 5 positions of a specific searchable term. Most people never even go to page two, therefore a page one result can absolutely transform a business.

Many people think that social media is a great way to get new customers but Further Design Group, a marketing company in Charleston SC, explains that social media is important for staying connected to your target audience but the majority of new customers find a company through search. Getting traffic to a website is not the only goal however.

If a website is not designed to convert searchers into customers then all the traffic in the world will not result in a large ROI. Another fact that many businesses do not realize when just starting out is that much of the traffic sent to a website does not result in a sale or a phone call the first time around.

Alex Radin, owner of Further Design Group explains, ” Retargeting ads are a crucial part of our marketing approach since it allows us to follow up with all the traffic that leaves a website without taking action. Most businesses are letting that traffic go and are missing out on a huge opportunity! These are potential customers that have already declared that they are interested in a company’s product or service by visiting the site to begin with. These potential customers just need to be reminded why they were interested in the company in the first place. Retargeting ads are the answer to this issue.”

When it comes to marketing content is extremely important. With the over-saturation of information it is important to stand out from the crowd and not just look and sound like everyone else. Blending in is a big mistake many businesses make and easy to avoid. Further Design Group goes on to say that figuring out what makes a particular business different from all other businesses is an important way to highlight what makes that particular company unique and also what will help a business stand out.

More information about marketing strategies can be found by visiting the link above.

Contact Info:
Name: Alex Radin
Email: Send Email
Organization: Further Design Group
Address: P.O. Box 51674, Summerville, SC 29485, United States
Phone: +1-843-270-3137
Website: https://furtherdesigngroup.com

Source: PressCable

Lowcountry

Grand Opening Of First Dedicated LGBTQI+ Space In The Lowcountry – Saturday, August 10, 2019

August 8, 2019

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

On Saturday, August 10, 2019, AFFA, Charleston Pride and We Are Family will celebrate the grand opening of the first – and only – dedicated LGBTQI+ office, retail and community space in the Lowcountry, located at 1801 Reynolds Ave, North Charleston, SC.

The celebration will begin at 4:00pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:00pm, and conclude at 7:00pm. The event is free and open to the public, and will feature family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities, Semilla and Street Bird food trucks, and live entertainment with Mix 95.9.

“Having three of Charleston’s LGBTQI+ organizations in one location is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Nijeeah Richardson, Executive Director of We Are Family. “Together, with Alliance For Full Acceptance and Charleston Pride, we are creating visibility and accessibility for and with our communities in ways that Charleston has never experienced before.”

We Are Family (WAF) began as a grassroots organization developed by the father of a gay son in 1995. Over the past 24 years, the organization has grown its scope of services, community partnerships, and impact, with constant input from and leadership by the youth and young adults it serves.

“We know that our local LGBTQI+ organizations have even greater impact in the community when we work together, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to also be a part of the vibrant Reynolds Avenue Area Merchants Association, where we can invest in this community and be on the leading edge of revitalization efforts in the area,” said Chase Glenn, Executive Director of AFFA.

Founded in 1998, The Alliance For Full Acceptance (AFFA) has worked with local municipalities to pass LGBTQI+ protections, conducts diversity and inclusion trainings with law enforcement, healthcare providers and business leaders, and runs an annual media campaign that creates visibility around issues affecting the LGBTQI+ community.

“The possibilities ahead for our organizations and for our community are endless,” said Tony Williams, Chair & Chief Executive Officer of Charleston Pride. “Together, we’ll be able to accomplish even more in one central location and build a stronger, more vibrant LGBTQI+ community in the Lowcountry.”

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2019, Charleston Pride hosts events throughout the year to highlight the uniqueness and diversity of the LGBTQI+ community, including the annual Charleston Pride Parade and Festival. The 2019 Charleston Pride Week kicks off September 7 with 19 different community-based events throughout the week, culminating with the Pride Festival on September 14 featuring headliner Todrick Hall.

For the latest information on the grand opening, please visit the Facebook event page.

Source: Charleston Chronicle

Lowcountry

The UPS Store to Open a New Location in Downtown Charleston, SC This Fall

August 7, 2019

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Charleston, SC -–The UPS Store®, is excited to announce the opening of a new location, at 472 Meeting Street, Suite C, Charleston, SC 29403, at the corner of Meeting and Columbus streets, with an expected opening in October or November of 2019.

“As a one-stop shop for residents and small businesses, we offer printing, shipping, postal, and comprehensive small business services. We look forward to serving individuals and local business owners in the Charleston community with our new location on Meeting Street,” said The UPS Store franchisee Michael Cunningham.

“As development on the Peninsula continues to grow, we found that many areas were underserved. By opening on the corner of Meeting and Columbus Streets, our goal is to help people by providing them with the best possible Print and Business Services without having to cross the Peninsula to get them.”

In addition to domestic and international shipping, the new Charleston location of The UPS Store will offer online and in-store printing services (wide format printing, large scale printing, business cards, banners, posters, etc.); black-and-white and/or color copies; full-service packing; presentation and document finishing (binding, laminating, etc.); notary services; custom crating and shipping for large items (furniture, artwork, motorcycles, etc.); mailbox and postal services; office and packaging supplies; and a wide variety of other business services.

With the continued growth of Amazon shipping, The UPS Store on Meeting Street will provide a central location for Charlestonians to bring all their Amazon returns. “We are in the business of saving people time, so The UPS Store has partnered directly with Amazon to make returns seamless. With the Amazon 360 returns program, customers can choose to simply drop the item off with us and have a QR code scanned directly from their device. No need to print your own label or package your item; we handle all of that for you.”

“At the new Meeting Street UPS Store, we have direct pricing from UPS, which means we can offer the lowest UPS retail pricing available. We’re committed to providing convenient small business services with personalized and dedicated customer service to our neighbors on the Peninsula. And, we have free parking!”

For the 28th consecutive year*, The UPS Store franchises have been named number one in the postal and business services category by Entrepreneur magazine as part of their “Franchise 500” ranking, which ranks franchise opportunities based on factors like financial strength, growth rate and size.

The UPS Store in Charleston will be owned and operated by Michael Cunningham, David Fountain and Susan Lee. Cunningham was previously a Territory Manager and Business Coach for The UPS Store in South Carolina and North Carolina, as well as a former The

UPS Store Franchisee. Fountain and Lee own and operate several The UPS Store locations in South Carolina, and Fountain was named the 2018 The UPS Store National Franchisee of the Year. The UPS Store on Meeting Street’s convenient hours of operation will be 8:00am-7:00pm M-F and 9:00am-4:00pm on Saturday. This will be The UPS Store’s 19th location in the Charleston Area.

* 1990-2003 listed under the Mail Boxes Etc. brand

About The UPS Store

With approximately 5,000 locations across North America, The UPS Store network comprises the nation’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, print and business service centers. The UPS Store locations in the U.S. are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of The UPS Store, Inc., a subsidiary of UPS (NYSE: UPS). Services, products, pricing and hours of operation may vary by location. For additional information on The UPS Store, visit theupsstore.com. For information on franchise opportunities for opening a The UPS Store location, visit https://www.theupsstorefranchise.com/.

Follow The UPS Store on Twitter at @TheUPSStore and like The UPS Store on Facebook at facebook.com/theupsstore