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Author: Charleston Daily
Wake Up Carolina Brings to the Spotlight the Opioid Epidemic in the Lowcountry
By Rebecca Powell
On November 14th I attended an “Ideas Into Action” meeting to learn more about the Opioid and Heroin Crisis in our community here in Charleston, South Carolina. Local nonprofit, Wake Up Carolina, was joined by expert panelists to present what we can do as a community to take away the stigma of substance use disorder and—how to start the conversation and feel empowered to make a difference.
The panelist at the “Ideas Into Action” included:
- Chief Ritchie – Mount Pleasant Police Department
- Nanci Shipman – Founder of Wake Up Carolina
- Justin Gass – Assistant Professor at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
- Chanda Brown – Community Center
- Wood Marchant – Director of Collegiate Recovery at College of Charleston
A heroin and opioid overdose epidemic has swept the United States and become a prominent issue in our culture. Every day in the United States, 142 people die from prescription or illegal drug abuse and many of these victims are young adults and children. South Carolina, like other states, has been overcome with unsettling tragedies of lives cut short because of it. Some areas of South Carolina are as high as 200% above the national average for heroin and opioid-related deaths. Opioid-related overdoses are now the #1 killer of young people in South Carolina, where deaths exceed the national average
Here are a few facts you need to know:
- Opioid Prescribing – Doctors wrote 72.4 opioid prescriptions per 100 persons in 2006. This rate increased 4.1% annually from 2006 to 2008 and 1.1% annually from 2008 to 2012. It then decreased 4.9% annually from 2012 through 2016, reaching a rate of 66.5 per 100 persons in 2016. That year, 19.1 per 100 persons received one or more opioid prescriptions, with the average patient receiving 3.5 prescriptions.
- An estimated 259,665 hospitalizations for nonfatal, unintentional drug poisoning occurred in 2014. Opioid poisoning accounted for 20.4% (53,000) of these hospitalizations. Heroin was specified as the involved opioid for 21.7% (11,475) of opioid hospitalizations. Cocaine accounted for 13,265, and methamphetamines for 8,290 hospitalizations.
- A record number of drug overdose deaths occurred in 2015: 52,404. While a death may involve more than one drug, prescription or illicit opioids were involved in 63.1% of these deaths. Among opioid-involved deaths, the most common category was heroin (12,989 deaths), followed by prescription opioids that were natural or semi-synthetic (12,727 deaths), synthetic opioids other than methadone (a category that includes primarily prescription or illicit fentanyl) (9,580 deaths), and methadone (3,301 deaths). Cocaine was involved in 6,784 deaths. Overall, 84.2% of drug overdose deaths were unintentional.
- A total of 214,881,622 opioid prescriptions were dispensed by retail pharmacies in 2016. The total opioid prescribing rate was 66.5 per 100 persons.
*Data provided by: CDC 2017 ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT OF DRUG-RELATED RISKS AND OUTCOMES
Human Side of the Epidemic
Behind all the statistics are human stories. Stories of tragedy and heartbreak, but also triumph and celebration. This epidemic can only be overcome by sharing stories, understanding and compassion.
ABC News on air personality Dean Stephens shared some personal thoughts with us, “addiction doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care if you are young or old, black or white, male or female. I first remember reading about the Opioid epidemic in rural areas in certain parts of our country. Then in a blink of an eye it was in our community.
I’ve been so inspired by Nanci Shipman’s courage and commitment as she deals with the death of her son. Her dedication to lay it all on the line moved to do whatever I can do from a media standpoint to help raise awareness”
A mother, who lost her son, a promising Mount Pleasant high school athlete, shared these anonymous thoughts, “The epidemic is real and you think it could never happen to your child, but it can. We need to stop this epidemic before it gets any worse. If you believe your child is struggling with addiction, do not ignore it, get them help. Urge your children to notice signs of friends and family struggling with heroin or opioid addiction. There are so many resources that you can reach out to, to help. The time is now to rally together to stop the growing number of young people’s death.”
We were also kind enough to get some personal thoughts from a former addict, who we are happy to say is now 25 years sober. She shared, “Recovery is possible. I should know. I have been clean and sober for 25 years, after 12 years of using and abusing drugs. There is no shame in it but there is hope. What Jessica and Ideas into Action proved with their community forum is that there are caring adults who will go to any length to help. There are concerned parents who don’t know where to turn, terrified their child will become the next statistic, the next headline. My advice, ‘Don’t ever give up on the miracle and you don’t have to go through this alone.’”
This event is one of many more opportunities the Lowcountry needs to gather, discuss and take action to reverse this trend. For every life saved, a new story to tell and further justification of the need to act with a sense of urgency.
“Ideas In Action” Meeting Agenda and Action Items
Wake Up Carolina and the panelist wanted to share their new vision on how to handle this epidemic and how the community could get involved. Chief Ritchie stressed that both the board and Mount Pleasant Police Department’s full focus is “Recovery over Incarceration.” The department wants the community to know that they will not be punished for coming to them for help. Their strategy to help the community is
- Educate the public
- Call your principals at elementary, middle and high school and get them to host Wake Up Carolina or the Mount Pleasant Police Department
- Social Media
- Remove the surface
- Get rid of excess prescription drugs
- The Mount Pleasant Police department has a 24 hour “Take Back Box” where the community can drop off unused prescriptions, so the chance of them being brought into trafficking goes down
- The police department has taken back over 200 pounds of prescription drugs since April 2017.
- Identify those at risk
- The police department will start following up with police reports and reach out to help
- Call the police department, if you identify someone at risk
- Access to treatment
- The police department will point you in the right direction whether it is Wake Up Carolina or the Charleston Community center, they will find what best suits the certain case
- Prevent Relapse
- The first day out of treatment, is the most dangerous for someone
- Continue long term treatment, call the police department for advocate recommendations for people who get out of treatment can talk to someone who has gone through the same
Everyone on the panel had the same strategy. The same messages were being told:
“Addiction is not a crime, it is a disease” “Addiction is a disease of the brain” “Anyone with a brain can suffer with addiction” “Medical Issue, not a moral failure”
The message is that this is both a national problem, but is also a Charleston community problem. This is where the phrase “it takes a village” really comes into play. If you would like to learn more, please click on one of the links before to further educate on what you can do, to stop the spread of this addicting epidemic.
Additional References:
Mount Pleasant Police Department
Wake Up Carolina
Addiction Sciences at MUSC
Charleston Center, Charleston County’s Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services
College of Charleston Collegiate Recovery Program
Charleston, South Carolina Will Break Your Heart
By Mark A. Leon
Last weekend, a friend, referencing to the social scene of Charleston, made a rather poignant remark, “there are no festivals in Charleston, just drinking events disguised as festivals.” That comment spoke volumes as I more deeply examined the culture of the Lowcountry. Several months ago, I wrote a piece referring that Charleston lacks soul and backbone. The underlying theme of the piece is our indifference or lack of passion around social, economic and life issues.
We flock to the bottle and the gridiron. Life, for many is surrounded by food, beer, wine, alcohol and football. It is a lifestyle for many, but one that can suck you in and leave scars.
More importantly, there are selected moral flaws embedded into the lifestyle of the Lowcountry. Some uncover them early, while others need to truly spend time to be awaked.
Here are some conversation worthy observations that outline why Charleston will ultimately break your heart
- The Lowcountry is very opportunistic. Don’t get me wrong, competition and business savviness is a good thing. Ask Gordon Gekko. With the Lowcounty saturated with small business owners, the need to shake your hand if you shake mine attitude has dampened the mindset of selfless generosity. It is difficult to partner without the need to provide something in exchange.
- Entitlement – One should never feel entitled to anything. It creates greed, apathy and a lack of compassion. Charleston’s bragging over the annual or semi-annual accolade of one singular publication has created this ugly face of bragging about how great this city is. That look is not attractive on anyone. Especially in a city with issues around education reform, economic development, infrastructure, flooding and cost of living hitting critical mass.
- Charleston is bad for singles. Spend time in a bar, Meetup Group or a book club and discuss the challenges of single life in Charleston. It is an eye-opening topic.
- We are a tourism first destination and locals are no longer the priority of our elected officials. The amount of hotel development, increased push on the cruise traffic, skyrocketing cost of living, tax increases and natural land being destroyed for urban expansion has been in our faces for over half a decade and that is showing no signs of slowing down. Since 2015, The Dewberry, The Spectator, Grand Bohemian, Hyatt Place, Holiday Inn Express are among the structures that are becoming the new Charleston. The corner of King Street and Calhoun, is now a major brand eye sore with Walgreens, Chipotle, Starbucks, Panera Bread, 5 Guys Burgers, Moe’s Mexican and Carolina Ale House. The authentic natural historic small down appear of Charleston is a thing of the past now.
- Cost of Living – The last US economic report shows that the state of South Carolina cost of living is 20% lower than the national average, but Charleston, SC is 31% above. That makes Charleston, 51% higher than the rest of the state. These are not economically sound figures. A recent Realtor.com Report indicated Charleston as the most gentrifying city in the United States.
- Morning rush hour, evening rush hour, festival traffic, weekend traffic, downtown traffic, Summerville traffic, 526, 26, 61, 17: It is an endless game of stop and go. With an infrastructure of islands and peninsulas not built to handle the capacity of growth the only solution is increased mass transit or a Light Rail solution.
- Locals don’t want to co-exist with transplants. Talk to a transplant and ask them how many Charleston born friends they have. I will bet a silver dollar, you can count them on one hand. There is a reason for that.
Charleston is a special place. It has been the backdrop of great cinema, a well sought after wedding destination, one of the most beautiful spots on the East Coast for sunrises and sunsets, incredible, yet uniform, dining options and it is outwardly cordial and friendly. It also has an underbelly that can suck you in and spit you out.
Knowledge is power and having the right conversations will keep you educated to ensure you have selected the life you want and the place.
South Carolina Film Commission Offers a Beautiful Visionary Reel of the History of Film in South Carolina
South Carolina has offered a beautiful background for many critically acclaimed independent and major film releases. With its endless skylines, majestic mountains, bold horizons and restored historic geography, South Carolina has been a seamless supporting actor in so many of our favorite films from “The Notebook”, to “The Patriot” to “Cold Mountain” and more.
- Did you know “The Abyss” was filmed in Gaffney, South Carolina?
- Did you know “Sleeping with the Enemy” was filmed in 3 South Carolina cities?
- “Cold Mountain” offers scenes of Edisto Beach and Moncks Corner….and so much more you will learn.
The South Carolina Film Commission has put together this timeless fourteen minute reel outlining some of the great cinema filmed in our great state.
This video will bring back personal memories and you may even shed a tear.
Make some popcorn, pour a nice glass of wine and enjoy this celebration of film in South Carolina.
Is Charleston County Spending Its Budget Properly?
By Mark A. Leon
The approved fiscal 2017 Charleston County Budget Narrative is 483 pages. Not an easy mass of context, graphs and images for the average person to swallow. Perhaps that is why the allocation of spending has been overlooked and areas that need critical assistance are being grossly underfunded. As citizens, we have an obligation to be informed, thus we are able to make the proper decisions and have the right conversations with our elected officials to ensure our children’s education, healthcare, infrastructure and common well being are funded properly.
Summary of General Funding
Expenditures and other uses for all operating funds total nearly $480.0 million for FY 2017, a $4.0 million increase from the previous year.
The largest increases in the General Fund represent an additional $3.4 million in EMS and $1.7 million in the Sheriff’s Office due to the annualization of costs related to the public safety expansion in FY 2016. The second significant increase in the General Fund is an additional $3.3 million in Facilities Management which represents the transfer of annual recurring maintenance related to roofing, heating/cooling, and paving from the Capital Projects Fund (not included in the annual operating budget) to the General Fund. The third most significant increase is in the Special Revenue Fund. The newly enhanced Public Works: Stormwater Drainage program resulted in a $2.1 million increase.
Here are a few simple understandings about where our tax money is spend and where it is generated.
- The total spent on Economic Development, Education and Health / Welfare is 26.6 Million. All three combined is 6.9 Million less than Culture and Recreation spending (26% more)
- General Government funding is higher than economic development, education, culture/recreation, health/welfare, public works and judicial combined 131.6M vs. 123.3M
- 0.033% of the 2017 fiscal budget is spent on Health/Welfare in the county that has the largest health system in the state.
- 393.5 Million or 82% of our intake funding comes from property taxes, sales tax and fees.
- Only 15.8 million more is taken in by sales tax than property tax (146M vs 130.2M), Yet, the average home price in Charleston County has gone from 150K to 252K (2000 – 2017).
- US News and Worlds Report ranks South Carolina last (50 out of 50) in education, yet Charleston County sets 6.6M (0.014%) on Educational spending.
This generates a level of concern that needs addressing. Charleston County is home to the largest healthcare system in the state of South Carolina and currently the state ranks in the lower quarter of Opioid related hospitalizations and fatalities, yet we utilize 0.033% of our annual budget (16.1M) toward health and welfare. With an education system that is overcrowded and the quality of education so poor, why only 0.014% (6.6M) being allotted for educational spending? In the state of South Carolina, only 40% of residents have a completed four year degree yet we are bringing in quality jobs from Boeing, Volvo, BMW, BenefitFocus and more.
With the rise of crime in the Lowcountry, one could account for 101.3M or 21% going toward public safety, yet this accounts for almost double the spending on set aside for public works. When we are desperately in need of infrastructure and road improvements while hotels are going up as fast as a child with a box of Legos, does that make sense?
Economic development is 3.9M (0.008%) which is not enough to fund job training programs, career counseling and quality job creation in technology, design, management and business.
We invite you to review the narrative and begin to have those important discussions. Given that Charleston has recently been deemed one of the most fiscally sound cities in the United States, it seems priorities are still a little mixed up on how our money is spent and it is time to let yourself be heard.
Appendix – Graphs / Charts
Where is the funding coming from?
Featured Charleston Food Blogger: Cookin’ With Booze, “My 9 Favorite Places to Eat/Drink North of the Crosstown”
By Elise DeVoe – Cookin’ With Booze
For the past three years I lived in the heart of downtown Charleston and established my favorite places to eat/drink in my general vicinity. Now that I’ve graduated, I moved about a mile up the peninsula, which feels like 10 miles in Charleston distance. I’ve started to establish my new favorite eateries above the Crosstown (highway that goes through Charleston) and I figured I would share them so my fellow neighbors know where to get their grub/drink on.
1. Tattooed Moose
I lie awake at night thinking about the duck fat fries at Tattooed Moose; that’s how good they are. They are served with a garlic aioli that I’m convinced would make a piece of cardboard taste good. Definitely come to Tattooed Moose hungry because their meals are rich and filling. One of their sandwiches could put me in a happy food coma for weeks. Speaking of their sandwiches, the Duck Club is a must-try as well as their burger. You really can’t go wrong with anything there.
2. Revelry Brewing
With so many breweries in Charleston, it’s hard to choose which one to go to. I choose Revelry because it is conveniently located and they have a bomb rooftop. To complement the beer, they have a both Asian and Latin inspired dishes to munch on while you’re sippin’. They have also helped me branch out on my beer choices/ learn more about different types of beer that aren’t grapefruit shandy or Corona.
3. Faculty Lounge
The Faculty Lounge is one of my favorite happy hour spots, mostly because it’s ridiculously close to my house. During happy hour they have a selection of drinks ranging from $1-$6. For $1 you can get a “dad beer” and for $6 you can get the “Dealer’s Choice,” which is a cocktail crafted specifically for you. When I got the Dealer’s Choice for the first time, I just told the bartender I liked tequila and she crafted a spicy tequila drink that keeps me coming back for more. They also have pool and some delicious ramen, which makes it an ideal hang out spot.
4. Taco Boy
Guilty as charged, I definitely started going to Taco Boy before I moved above the Crosstown. I might’ve moved solely to be closer to their delicious margaritas… who knows… Regardless of my motives, Taco Boy is a reliable source of great drinks and tacos, so I will continue to be a loyal customer. Get their casa margarita, some street corn, and 2 fried chicken tacos and you will be one happy camper
5. Moe’s Crosstown
You can find me at Moe’s on any given Sunday watching the Panther’s game and chowing down on their classic bar food. Their fried mac and cheese is to die for. The breading is well seasoned and the inside is mac and cheese..need I say more? They also have half off burgers on Tuesdays, so you really can’t go wrong. I had their Patty Melt the last time I went and it was ooey gooey cheesy madness (in a good way). Definitely a great place to get apps and drinks or a full-blown dinner.
6. Rodney Scott’s Barbecue
Barbecue joints are pretty much on every corner in Charleston, so it was easy to find a new go-to spot. I love the barbecue meat itself, don’t get me wrong, but honestly I’m all about the sides. I feel like the sides really make the meal, and Rodney Scott’s has their sides down pat. Their greens were definitely some of the best I’ve ever had and their cornbread was sweet deliciousness. To make something good even better, Rodney Scott’s has a drive thru (which could be dangerous for my health, but oh well). If you haven’t checked them out yet, get there and order their greens as your side, you won’t be disappointed.
7. The Harbinger
If I need to get some work done, The Harbinger is my go-to because I can treat myself to some baked goodies and coffee while I work. They have a variety of grab and go items as well as some tasty pastries. Although they have a wide variety of unique pastries, I usually am in the mood for the “Best Friend” cookie. The Best Friend cookie is basically a chocolate chip cookie taken to the next level. It has 3 different types of chocolate chunks, pearl sugar, and topped with sea salt. It is pure comfort and the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
8. Leon’s
Whenever my parents are in town, Leon’s is the first place my dad asks to go because he is an oyster fiend. I share his love of oysters, so it works out well. I am a big fan of their Fried Oyster sandwich. The “Comeback” sauce definitely lives up to its name because I keep coming back. I also am obsessed with their Brussels Sprouts. I grew up thinking Brussels Sprouts were stinky and gross because my dad microwaved them and it smelled up the whole house. Now that I’ve had them done the right way, I try them at a lot of places I go.
9. Harold’s Cabin
Harold’s Cabin is unique in both the atmosphere and food. They drew me in with their $5 cocktails on Thursdays and I keep coming back for the food. If you’re looking for apps, definitely get the hush puppies and the smashed fries. Some of the ingredients come directly from their rooftop garden, which I think is an amazing accomplishment in itself. Speaking of the garden, my favorite cocktail involves their fresh rosemary grown in that garden. When you go, get the Salty Raccoon, which is tequila (obviously), fresh rosemary, lime juice, and smoked sea salt. Maybe I will try and replicate it home from the rosemary in my garden.
If you are looking for spots where the tourists can’t get to you, eating north of the Crosstown is the way to go. If you try any of these places, you will not be disappointed!
Follow Cookin’ With Booze Right Here
The Marcus Effect: Finding Satisfaction and Value in any Job
By Mark A. Leon
How does one find value in their job? That is a question that has been studied, analyzed and reported on for hundreds of years. As the scope and look of jobs change, the variables of work change, but the one common denominator will always be the same: You/Employee/Associate/Team Member!
Is value measured by ROI? Is it measured by your salary? Perhaps by the performance results in your assessment? For some it is a commission check while others find value in their benefits and/or vacation time. Some feel the number of hours worked in a week will translate to value while job security is critical to others. We can continue listing personal value choices until we run out of data storage space for this piece but value can be simplified to several key elements.
- Value and personal work satisfaction does not translate directly to the level of seniority or responsibility in the organization
- Personal satisfaction is as important if not more important than performance assessments, wage, and rewards/recognition
- The level of commitment one puts into their role has positive correlation to job satisfaction levels
- If an employee is happy with what they are doing, he/she will give more effort and feel more dedicated to the job and the company
- “Giving 100%” is not a cliché but a way of life
At this moment, many of you are wondering why I have titled this installment, The Marcus Effect?
Marcus is a hospitality maintenance technician whom I met in Myrtle Beach and now resides in the Charlotte area. Marcus is a very talented and versatile professional with exceptional knowledge of home repair, plumbing, cleaning and general maintenance. That alone should provide him job security and value with the hotel and its guests but Marcus goes beyond the traditional elements of a job description and takes a personal interest in his guests. To Marcus, the hotel guests are an extension of his family. Does he invite them home for Thanksgiving if they are alone and away from family? No but he would.
What differentiates Marcus from the rest of his staff is the incidentals he performs beyond the scope of his role.
1.) If a co-worker had an emergency he would work a double to cover or even an overnight shift
2.) If a guest needed a ride to a restaurant or the airport, he would take them
3.) If a guest appeared sad in the lobby, he would tell a joke or provide comfort and company
4.) If a cup of coffee was near empty, he would offer to refill it. Of course coffee is free in the lobby.
5.) He always puts guests needs ahead of his own. If he is on a break and an emergency arises, he will suspend his own free time.
6.) He shows genuine interest in his co-worker’s families and their well-being
What would spur on this type of extraordinary behavior from a maintenance technician.
Does he believe in the mission of the company?
Does he believe in the value he provides to the customers/guests?
Does he believe his behavior will lead to a promotion?
Does he believe in karma and is hoping all this will lead to better things for him and his family?
Is he just happy?
Does he love the pay and benefits?
Is he the type that is good-natured?
Does he want to be challenged and diversified in his work activities?
All of the above, but so much more.
I heard a comment once “There are no bad jobs, just bad workers”
If you owned your own company would you want one administrative assistant that worked 150% of the time and loved his/her job as that attitude extended to customers, colleagues and suppliers or ten CEO’s that worked at 50% capacity and had a negative persona extending out to its customers and shareholders? That is a very interesting question. Rather unrealistic but it poses room for thought.
What has made my friendship with Marcus flourish is that I was around for the birth of his daughter, I have been invited to stay with his family when I have been in town and I have even stored my car there while on business travel. Couple that will a joke when I need one and a level of dedication that you traditionally do not see in most friendships or business relationships and you have a gift. He possesses warmth that has no separation between work, family and life. He is who he is: A truly dedicated human being who believes in the good of others and the desire to help others.
In the workforce, there have been studies on what motivates employees. Is it money, benefits, value added, level of responsibility or opportunity for career growth. All elements play into one’s decision to join a firm and to stay. What drives Marcus is the knowledge each day he is positively affecting the lives of others. What he loves a great deal is that each day, he meets new people from various places bringing with them cultural elements and lifestyle differences. No matter what they social status or way of life, he adapts and greets with a smile.
To me, Marcus encompasses all the soft elements of what I look for in an employee. If I could hire ten of him or even just one, it would make my company a better place to work.
When you look at your own job, regardless of how others view it, if you are satisfied and adding value, you can’t ask for more than that.
To Marcus and the Marcus Effect. I hope we all feel it now or someday.
East Cooper Meals on Wheels Receives New 2018 Subaru Outback
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – East Cooper Meals on Wheels has won a 2018 Subaru Outback from Subaru of America Inc. On Nov. 16, Crews Subaru of Charleston presented the Mount Pleasant-based nonprofit with the vehicle as part of the annual Share the Love event, a national effort that donates to causes in the local community.
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the company’s “50 Cars for 50 Years” vehicle donation program allows East Cooper Meals on Wheels to deliver nutritious meals and moments of companionship to even more people.
“We are thankful to Subaru of America and Crews Subaru of Charleston for their dedication to the Charleston area community,” said George Roberts, CEO of East Cooper Meals on Wheels. “This new Outback will allow our organization to serve even more individuals in Mount Pleasant who are homebound – regardless of age or income.”
“Thanks to the help of dedicated volunteers, East Cooper Meals on Wheels prepares and delivers more than 400 meals per day, 365 days per year,” Roberts said. “So, we will definitely put some miles on this new Subaru Outback.”
This fall, 50 new 2018 Subaru Outback vehicles will be donated to select Meals on Wheels programs throughout the county. Those vehicles will help deliver an estimated 53,000 meals to an additional 3,700 individuals across 39 states. The donation also addresses the Meals on Wheels network’s growing demand for fuel-efficient, versatile and safe delivery vehicles.
“Crews Subaru is proud to be a part of the Charleston community. We are dedicated to serving and supporting the causes closest to our hearts, right here in our neighborhood,” said H. R. Hicks, general manager at Crews Subaru of Charleston. “This comes directly from our local owner Robert Crews, who encourages us to give back, be a positive partner, and be there for the community that has given us so much. We continue to be blessed.”
The Subaru and Meals on Wheels partnership is part of Subaru Loves to Help, a pillar of the automaker’s larger Subaru Love Promise Community Commitment effort dedicated to making a positive impact on local communities across the country. Each 2018 Subaru Outback donated will be delivered to local retailers and wrapped with Meals on Wheels America and Subaru Loves to Help co-branding.
Subaru of America Inc. has supported Meals on Wheels for the last nine years through Share the Love, contributing more than $12 million to Meals on Wheels America and providing more than 1.7 million nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks to people in communities nationwide.
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.
For more information, contact:
Melissa Nelson, Fisher Creative 843-312-2950 melissa@fisher-creative.com Ken French, Crews Subaru 843-224-3222 kfrench@crewssubaru.com
Tiger Lily to Add Second Location on James Island, Renovate Downtown Retail Store
CHARLESTON, S.C. – After more than 20 years in business, Tiger Lily is opening a second location on James Island, giving locals even more access to Charleston’s favorite florist.
Tiger Lily is purchasing the 4,000-square-foot building at 1614 Camp Road and renovating the space into a state-of-the-art floral design studio and retail shop. Tiger Lily will maintain a retail space at its current location at 131 Spring St.
Owners Manny and Clara Gonzales said they are looking forward to giving residents of James Island and West Ashley easier access to a Tiger Lily retail shop and design studio while maintaining a presence in the Cannon-Elliottborough neighborhood of downtown Charleston. The couple purchased the Spring Street location in 2004, renovating the abandoned 1920s service station. For their efforts, they were awarded the prestigious Carolopolis Awards from the Preservation Society of Charleston.
The Gonzales’ will renovate the James Island building using as many green building practices as possible, including solar panels. The floral design studio, wedding services, storage and administrative offices will be moved to the James Island location. The building is designed with an open-concept format, giving customers a chance to see the floral artisans at work.
A portion of the Spring Street building will be renovated for a slightly larger retail shop, and the remaining 5,800 square feet is available for lease.
The renovated downtown retail space and the new shop on James Island should be open in late May 2018.
“We want everyone to know we’re staying downtown and simply adding another location in James Island to give our customers even more access to our services,” said Manny Gonzales. “We love this downtown Charleston neighborhood and we love this space. Buying this building was the best decision we’ve ever made. We won several architectural awards for Spring Street, and we want to do the same with the new Camp Road location.”
Over the last two decades, Tiger Lily has established itself as a leader in the Charleston floral industry with its attention to customer service, its floral design excellence for weddings and its charitable efforts. The company regularly partners with area nonprofits for its Charity in Bloom program, and Tiger Lily participates in the annual “Petal It Forward” program giving away hundreds of flowers. Tiger Lily has been named Charleston’s Best Florist since 2000.
About Tiger Lily
Inspired by the beauty and sophistication of Charleston, Manny and Clara Gonzales started Tiger Lily in 1996. Their goal was simple: Be the best florist in Charleston. Since then, Tiger Lily has grown to be the largest florist in South Carolina and has been Voted “Charleston’s Best Florist” every year since 2000. For more information, visit www.tigerlilyflorist.com or stop by the shop at 131 Spring St., Charleston.
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Heatworks Growing Charleston County Operations – Creating 60 new jobs in Mount Pleasant
Manufacturer creating 60 new jobs in Mount Pleasant
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Heatworks, a manufacturer of innovative tankless water heaters, is expanding their Charleston County operations. To accommodate its continued growth, the company is creating approximately 60 new jobs.
Heatworks is a technology company that has pioneered a new tankless, electric water heater for a variety of residential and commercial applications. Heatworks is nearing the production phase of its flagship product, the MODEL 3 Water Heater. Rather than using metal coils or traditional heating elements, the MODEL 3 uses Heatworks’ patented Ohmic Array Technology to heat water in the simplest, purest and most efficient way.
To accommodate its continued growth, the company is relocating its headquarters to a larger facility to consolidate its offices and laboratory in one location. Located at 2353 Highway 17 North in Mount Pleasant, S.C., the company’s new facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2017. Hiring should begin in early 2018, and interested applicants should visit the company’s careers page online (link is external) for more information.
QUOTES
“What brought us together initially was the frustration with getting hot water delivered to an outdoor shower. We were sure if it was happening to us, then other people were probably having the same dilemma. Not only did we seek to solve our initial problem, but we’re changing the way the world heats water.” –Heatworks Founder and CEO Jerry Callahan
“South Carolina’s world-class workforce continues to demonstrate a level of excellence that is unmatched, and as a result, companies like Heatworks continue to grow and thrive in our state. I congratulate this great company and look forward to all that we know they’ll achieve in Charleston County.” –Gov. Henry McMaster
“We’re excited to celebrate the continued success of South Carolina’s manufacturing industry. Heatworks Technologies is on the front line of innovation in their industry, and we look forward to their continued success.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“Charleston County is well-suited for Heatworks’ expansion with our business-friendly environment and access to a diverse talent pool. We are proud that they have decided to expand here.” –Charleston County Council Chairman Victor Rawl
“The Heatworks announcement demonstrates our investment in supporting and fostering growth within our existing businesses through our Business Concierge program. We are grateful for Heatworks’ steadfast commitment to Charleston County.” –Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Steve Dykes
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Heatworks is growing its Charleston County operations.
- Creation of 60 new jobs.
- Heatworks is a manufacturer of tankless electric water heaters that uses the natural conductivity of water to generate heat.
- The company’s new headquarters will be located at 2353 Highway 17 North in Mount Pleasant, S.C.
- Hiring should begin in early 2018, and interested applicants should visit the company’s careers page online (link is external) for more information.