Charleston Based Bidr Text to Donate as a Powerful Giving Tool for Nonprofits including Mother Emanuel

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Bidr headquarters are located in Charleston, South Carolina.  As much of the country has now learned, a horrific event happened in our city last week taking the lives of 9 very precious individuals while they were attending a Bible study at Mother Emmanuel AME church in downtown Charleston.  As a company and as Charleston residents, our heart breaks for the church and the families of the victims.

After the event, there were immediate requests by people wishing to make donations to the families of Emmanuel AME.  The City of Charleston set up a fund and asked Bidr to help provide an easy way for people around the country to submit a donation electronically.  Bidr focuses on making it simple for individuals supporting nonprofits, organizations, and causes to give both large and small amounts – all via text messaging.

An appropriate keyword and campaign identifier was decided upon, primarily from what was already trending on social media AND what felt like a fitting term for such a tragic event.  In less than an hour, the following instructions were displayed on the City of Charleston website and distributed to all media outlets:

To donate to the Mother Emmanuel Hope Fund, go to:

bidr.co/prayforcharleston

or text prayforcharleston to 843-606-5995.

Release provided by Bidr and Mindy Taylor

The link takes visitors directly to a page detailing information about the fund and asking for a mobile number in order to donate.

East Cooper Meals on Wheels Launches Campaign to Address Barriers to Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Among the Homebound

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Donations to be doubled by area developer

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, very few Americans, just one in 10, eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables every day. East Cooper Meals on Wheels is working to address the barriers to fresh fruit and vegetables among the homebound population with its “Fruitful Summer” campaign. Donations will go toward providing servings of fresh, seasonal fruit for meal recipients. In honor of the 100 days of summer, gifts of $100 and more will be doubled by Lerato LLC. 

“Our Fruitful Summer campaign will generate resources to ensure that none of our homebound neighbors, regardless of age or income, ever pays or is placed on a wait list,” said George Roberts, president and CEO of East Cooper Meals on Wheels. “Fresh fruit and vegetables are expensive. And we want those who enjoy our meals to also be eating in a way that promotes their health and makes them stronger from the inside out.”

Seven of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States are from chronic diseases tied directly to lifestyle and diet. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables daily can help reduce the risk of many leading causes of illness and death, such as type two diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and some cancers. A $100 donation will help East Cooper Meals on Wheels deliver 30 healthy meals with fresh fruit to a homebound neighbor.

“We try to lead by example and support organizations that have a positive impact in our community. We hope to make an impact by partnering with East Cooper Meals on Wheels to match all donations of $100 or more during its Fruitful Summer campaign,” said Bobby Summers, Director of Marketing and Community Relations at Lerato LLC. “It’s a chance to double your money. Think about the importance of fruits and vegetables to you and your family and think what it would mean to someone that doesn’t have the access to healthy foods.”

Visit www.ecmow.org or call 843-881-9350 to learn more.

More
Fruitful Summer Video
Facebook @ECMealsonWheels
Instagram @ecmealsonwheels
Twitter @ECMealsonWheels
Hashtags #ECMOWGala #MealtoRemember


About East Cooper Meals on Wheels
East Cooper Meals on Wheels delivers daily nutrition to residents within its service area (Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Cainhoy or Wando) who are homebound or unable to provide their own meals. Recipients have physical or mental limitations or short-term physical limitations (such as recovery from surgery or chemotherapy). The organization also advocates on behalf of recipients whose needs exceed the scope of its program. For more information, visit www.ecmow.org.

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Charleston, SC and New York Based Liberty Hall Capital Partners Acquires Accrofab Limited

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CHARLESTON, S.C., BIRMINGHAM, England and DERBY, England, June 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Liberty Hall Capital Partners (“Liberty Hall”), a private equity firm focused exclusively on investments in businesses serving the global aerospace and defense industry, announced today the acquisition of Accrofab Limited (“Accrofab”), a leading supplier of complex fabricated and machined engine bracketry for the global aerospace industry, by Bromford Industries (“Bromford”), a leading supplier of complex, close tolerance engine components, fabrications and assemblies for the global aerospace and power generation industries. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Bromford was acquired in March 2016 by Liberty Hall to serve as the foundational asset for the firm’s strategy to build a diversified engine component supplier through organic investments and strategic acquisitions. Accrofab represents Bromford’s second acquisition following the strategic acquisition of AeroCision LLC in March 2018.

“The addition of Accrofab brings new and complementary aerospace fabrication capabilities to Bromford and advances our strategic position with key customers on target engine platforms,” said Rowan Taylor, Liberty Hall’s founding and Managing Partner.  “This acquisition is another key step in executing our strategic vision for Bromford.”

“Accrofab is a trusted partner in the introduction of hundreds of complex, new parts each year and has proven capabilities and expertise when it comes to providing a comprehensive fabrication solution,” said Jack Nadal, Partner, Liberty Hall.  “We are excited to leverage Bromford’s existing capabilities, customer relationships, geographic reach and world class leadership team to realize new opportunities for Accrofab.”

Founded in 1977, Accrofab is a leading supplier of complex fabricated and machined engine bracketry for the global aerospace industry.  The company supplies several leading aerospace engine platforms, including the Trent 1000 TEN, Trent XWB, Trent 7000 and BR7000NG, and its top customers include Rolls Royce and PattonAir.  Accrofab operates a single facility located in Derby, United Kingdom.

Bromford’s CEO, Gary Lowe, commented: “Accrofab shares our vision and commitment to unparalleled quality and customer service and we are pleased to integrate Accrofab into Bromford, providing our global customers with enhanced capabilities for new product introduction and strengthening our existing strategic relationships.”

Financing for the acquisition was provided by Citizens Bank, CIT Bank and Beechbrook Capital.  Legal advice to Bromford and Liberty Hall was provided by Gibson Dunn & Crutcher.

Accrofab’s selling shareholders were advised by ProVantage Corporate Finance.  Legal advice was provided by Flint Bishop and Geldards.

About Liberty Hall Capital Partners
Liberty Hall Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused exclusively on investments in businesses serving the global aerospace and defense industry. Liberty Hall’s principals have a 25-plus year history of working together and have led the investment of over $2.5 billion in equity capital in over 25 businesses serving multiple segments of the aerospace and defense industry and complementary industrial end markets. Liberty Hall develops actionable investment strategies for attractive segments of the aerospace and defense industry and then partners with entrepreneurs and management teams to acquire leading businesses serving these segments and, together with them, develops sound, long-term strategic plans to build these businesses through a combination of strategic investments and strategic acquisitions. For more information, please visit http://www.libertyhallcapital.com/.

About Bromford Industries
Bromford Industries Limited is a leading supplier of complex, close tolerance engine components, fabrications and assemblies for the global aerospace and power generation industries.   Bromford’s multiple and highly complementary capabilities allow the delivery of products to customers with optimal cost, quality and delivery.  Based in Birmingham with additional facilities located in Alcester, Derby and Leicester, UK, Chester, USA and Bangalore, India, Bromford is currently executing a strategic plan to build its business through strategic investments in further capabilities, customers and platforms.  For more information, please visit http://www.bromfordindustries.co.uk/.

SOURCE Liberty Hall Capital Partners

Off Track Ice Cream Grand Opening in downtown Charleston, SC – Saturday, June 29, 2019

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Off Track Ice Cream has announced their Grand Opening

Here are all the delicious details

  • Saturday, June 29, 2019 – 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Soft Opening)
  • 6 Beaufain Street, Charleston, South Carolina
  • Normal Hours (Thursday on…) – Sunday-Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM / Thursday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • The full menu will not be available at the opening (About half the menu items)
  • Serving Springbok Coffee Roasters Coffee and Cold Brew
  • Serving Macaroon Boutique baked goods
  • Official Website

See you all there.

Press Release – U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $16.4 Million in Infrastructure Grants to Airports in South Carolina

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WASHINGTON U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $495 million in airport infrastructure grants, the second allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.

This significant investment in airport improvements in South Carolina will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation, said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

Grant awards include:

Anderson Regional Airport in Anderson, SC, $650,000 grant funds will be used to update the Airport Master Plan and acquire an aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle.

Charleston AFB / International in Charleston, SC, $12.2 million grant funds will be used to improve the airport access roads.

Charleston Executive Airport in Charleston, SC, $2.2 million grant funds will be used to rehabilitate the airports runway and taxiway lighting.

Mt. Pleasant Regional Faison Field in Mount Pleasant, SC, $203,000 grant funds will be used to construct a building.

Oconee County Regional Airport in Seneca, SC, $1.2 million grant funds will be used to remove obstructions.

A total of 358 grants to 327 airports around the country in 46 states and the Pacific Islands. Selected projects include runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, construction of firefighting facilities, and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons, and terminals. The construction and equipment supported by this funding increases the airports safety, emergency response capabilities, and capacity, and could support further economic growth and development within each airports region.

Airport infrastructure in the United States, with 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways, supports our economic competitiveness and improves quality of life. According to the FAAs most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. Under Secretary Chaos leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments for the American people, who depend on reliable infrastructure.

Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.

Click on the link below for a complete listing of grants: https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/grantapportion_data/

Take the Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Citizen Survey

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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (June 19, 2019) – The Mount Pleasant community is invited to take the Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Citizen Survey. The Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, originally adopted in 1999, is a community-wide effort consisting of input from 31 local entities.  These organizations include 16 local government jurisdictions working alongside major stakeholders in the community, including private, non-profit and State agencies, in addition to smaller community commissions and districts.  The combined effort of all of these entities composes a regional, multi-jurisdictional mitigation plan that takes into account all visions of what concentrated efforts should be placed on specific hazards and mitigation measures.  The Plan is updated annually to address specific needs and changes in the area and it is adopted by all participating jurisdictions on a 5-year cycle. Your input is appreciated and needed.

Click Here to Take the Survey

About Survey

The Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, originally adopted in 1999, is a community-wide effort consisting of input from 31 local entities. These organizations include 16 local government jurisdictions working alongside major stakeholders in the community, including private, non-profit and State agencies, in addition to smaller community commissions and districts. The combined effort of all of these entities composes a regional, multi-jurisdictional mitigation plan that takes into account all visions of what concentrated efforts should be placed on specific hazards and mitigation measures. The Plan is updated annually to address specific needs and changes in the area and it is adopted by all participating jurisdictions on a 5-year cycle.

Your input is appreciated and needed.

Best Place for Staycations in the United States – 2019: Where does Charleston, SC Rank?

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WalletHub compared more than 180 cities based on 43 key indicators of a fun-filled yet wallet-friendly staycation. Read on for the full ranking, our methodology and useful staycationing tips from experts.

Drum roll please….

Charleston, South Carolina ranks #6 out of 182…

Now is the time to stay local and plan a great staycation.

Here is a tip to help you out: Staycation in Charleston, SC – Free Treasures (Pun Intended) – Charleston Daily

Full results

Source: WalletHub

Black Farming in South Carolina: Fresh Future Farm launches Kickstarter to Buy Land

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Black Farming: Fresh Future Farm launches Kickstarter to buy land, improve infrastructure

PRESS RELEASE: North Charleston, SOUTH CAROLINA, June 15 — Fresh Future Farm leased land from the City of North Charleston in 2014. Before they planted their first tree, Germaine hoped that FFF would be much more than a place that simply grows fruit and vegetables. A community food operation, with a grocery store, tours, classes and food culture.

Germaine wanted to invest in residents and give them the skills they needed to work on the farm or start businesses of their own. She wanted to use discarded materials to grow the best tasting produce and eggs and create profits in an urban environment. Chicora/Cherokee was not only a food desert, but because an employment- and place-desert, too. Five years later, the farm has accomplished most of the Chief Farm Officer’s goals. Now, FFF has the opportunity to purchase the .8 acre portion of the land they manage next to the Gussie Green Community Center.

56942474_1031929550330792_7315900086297296896_n Black Farming in South Carolina: Fresh Future Farm launches Kickstarter to Buy Land

The Farm is launching a Kickstarter campaign on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, the same day as Juneteenth. Juneteenth is the annual celebration that “commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement (www.juneteenth.com).” Owning the land would be freeing for FFF, and their capital campaign has a $60,000 goal to purchase the land
and complete infrastructure plans. The campaign will last until August 19, 2019 and feature rewards that include names added to the farm’s mural, naming rights of farm structures, autographed copies of “Farming While Black,” and private dinner events with local chefs, and Germaine’s mentors, Will and Erika Allen.

Kickstarter campaigns are an all or nothing proposition. Fresh Future Farm must raise at least $60,000 in 60 days or forfeit all collected funds. Links to the FFF Claim our Soil: Help Us Buy the Land campaign will be available through their website and social media channels on June
19.

Click Here to Donate

About Fresh Future Farm

Fresh Future Farm grows food to build strong communities. They apply a multi-prong approach to address health and wealth issues by creating jobs and support micro-entrepreneurial opportunities that keep dollars circulating in underserved communities. For more information, please visit http://www.freshfuturefarm.org.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Germaine at (843) 276-8552, or email freshfuturefarm@gmail.com.

Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab Plans Charleston, South Carolina, Operations Center

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Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab, a local, craft brewing operation, will invest $1.1 million to locate its new production operations in Charleston, South Carolina.

Located at 2200 Heriot Street in Charleston, production operations are projected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2019. The company will be producing a wide variety of craft beer and constructing a new taproom.

In addition, Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab will build a commercial kitchen on-site to offer unique food and craft beer pairings. To complement those efforts, the company is actively working on collaboration plans with other breweries, as well as other partnerships to be able to showcase South Carolina-sourced ingredients.

“It is the goal of Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab to provide high-quality, unique beer and other food and drink options to customers who seek a relaxing and inviting environment,” said Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab Partner Joe Evans.

“Announcements like this one are further proof that our pro-business climate is paying off. We’re happy to have Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab join the Team South Carolina business community,” said Governor Henry McMaster.

“South Carolina has shown itself to be a place where industries and companies of all types can thrive, and today’s announcement is further proof of that. I congratulate Charleston County on another great win, and I look forward to seeing the difference this new investment makes in the community,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“Congratulations to Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab on their announcement to place roots in Charleston County. Our community has a passion for homegrown products, and we are excited to see what the future has in store for our burgeoning craft brewing industry,” Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Steve Dykes said.

Royal Recognition with Charleston, South Carolina Ties

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Royal Recognition with Charleston TiesMoneypenny co-founder appointed a CBE in the Queen’s Honour’s List

CHARLESTON, SC (June 13, 2019) – Rachel Clacher of Charleston’s Moneypenny has been appointed a CBE in the Queen’s Honour’s List for her services to business and the community.  Rachel co-founded Moneypenny with her brother Ed Reeves, in 2000. Today Moneypenny is the world’s leading provider of telephone answering, outsourced switchboard and live chat services, with offices in the US as well as the UK. Moneypenny’s team of over 700 annually handle in excess of 15 million calls and live chats on behalf of more than 13,000 .

In 2014, Rachel brought Moneypenny’s unique approach to people development to a new charity which she established called the Moneypenny Foundation.  The charity is now called We Mind The Gap, which gives new opportunities in life and work to unemployed under-served young people through providing totally holistic paid traineeships. The program is expanding after the first traineeships ended with 70% of all participants moving into fulltime work.

Rachel commented “I am honoured to be receiving a CBE in the Queen’s Honour’s list.  It is wonderful to receive acknowledgement for Moneypenny’s success and for WeMindTheGap. I strongly believe in doing the right thing, treating people well and providing ongoing support. This is not about ticking boxes, it’s about business and communities, and helping young people who are operating within a system that often doesn’t communicate. At Moneypenny we pride ourselves on our culture and empowering people to do their best and it is wonderful to see that this ethos translates into WeMindTheGap.  The charity has grown and expanded and will continue to implement new traineeships each year so young people can transition from ‘prisoners of circumstance’ to ‘pilots of their own lives’.”

About Moneypenny

Moneypenny helps businesses earn new and retain existing customers by offering a customized suite of inbound call and customer contact services. From a state-of-the-art facility in Charleston, South Carolina, and the United Kingdom, Moneypenny manages more than 13 million calls, chats, text messages, and emails for more than 13,000 clients annually.

Started as a family business in 2000, Moneypenny has grown to over 600 employees globally. Their industry-leading technology and scalable solutions make Moneypenny the right fit for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Moneypenny was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2008 and was recognized by The Sunday Times as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For an astonishing five times including top 5 listings in 2015 and 2017. Moneypenny’s charitable arm helps unemployed and underserved young women in the local community find new opportunities in life and work through its ‘We Mind The Gap’ initiative.

Find more information about how Moneypenny is reshaping the ways businesses interact with their customers at Moneypenny.com.

For further information please contact: