Author: Charleston Daily

$12 million investment will create 50 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Barnwell Tissue Solutions, a tissue manufacturer, today announced it is establishing operations in Barnwell County. The company’s $12 million investment will create 50 new jobs.

Barnwell Tissue Solutions plans to purchase the existing tissue mill located at 285 Midfield Road in Barnwell. The company will manufacture large paper rolls from recycled paper, which will be converted into away-from-home tissue products.

Operations are expected to be online in the third quarter of 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Barnwell Tissue Solutions team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

QUOTES

“Barnwell Tissue Solutions, a proud member of the ST Group of companies, is honored to expand our manufacturing footprint into Barnwell, South Carolina. This acquisition reflects our commitment to investing in rural American communities and creating high-quality manufacturing jobs – particularly for local residents. We are excited to partner with the community to build a skilled workforce and generate long-term economic opportunity. We extend our sincere thanks to the visionary leaders at both the state and county levels whose support made this project possible. Together, we look forward to shaping a vibrant future for Barnwell County.” -Barnwell Tissue Solutions Owner Sahil Tak

“This $12 million investment is a vote of confidence in South Carolina’s business climate and manufacturing expertise. By revitalizing an existing tissue mill in Barnwell County, Barnwell Tissue Solutions will restore 50 valuable jobs to the community. We are proud to welcome this company to our state and look forward to its continued success.” -Gov. Henry McMaster  

“Today’s announcement is another indication that companies continue recognizing the benefits of doing business in our state. We are excited to welcome Barnwell Tissue Solutions to one of our state’s rural communities and look forward to the positive impact it will make in Barnwell County and beyond.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Barnwell Tissue Solutions will bring good jobs and investment to our county. On behalf of Barnwell County, we look forward to providing a business-friendly home for their operations for years to come. Every good job created represents a brighter future here in Barnwell County.” -Barnwell County Council Chairman Freddie Houston

“SouthernCarolina Alliance welcomes Barnwell Tissue Solutions to our diverse array of manufacturers in the region. We appreciate the good direct jobs and investment this operation will bring to the region, as well as the opportunities it will provide in indirect jobs and economic stimulation in Barnwell County and the surrounding area.” -SouthernCarolina Alliance President and CEO Danny Black

“The city of Barnwell is excited about the announcement of Barnwell Tissue Solutions opening a plant in our community. We are looking forward to working with Barnwell Tissue Solutions and forming both an economic as well as a community partnership that will help us both grow now and in the future.” -Barnwell Mayor Ron Still

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Barnwell Tissue Solutions is establishing operations in Barnwell County.
• The company’s $12 million investment will create 50 new jobs.
• Barnwell Tissue Solutions is a tissue manufacturer.
• The company will be located at 285 Midfield Road in Barnwell, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Barnwell Tissue Solutions teamshould visit the company’s career page.

THE PROJECT

Located in a rapidly growing area of the Interstate 26 corridor between US 78 (University Boulevard) and Ashley Phosphate Road, the Palmetto Commerce Interchange project will reduce travel times, improve access options, increase traffic mobility in the I-26/Ashley Phosphate Road area, and provide a more efficient commute. The project is led by Charleston County.

Charleston County will construct the urban diamond interchange design, pictured left.

Construction began August 1, 2023.
The County anticipates substantial completion early in 2026.

Click HERE to follow quarterly updates.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

ADA Anniversary Celebration: Building Community – Wednesday, July 23, 2025

[CHARLESTON] – In partnership with the City of Charleston and City of North Charleston, the Charleston County Park andRecreation Commission (CCPRC) will present an event celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law.

The event, open to the public, will be held at Park Circle (4800 Park Circle) in North Charleston on Wednesday, July 23 from 4 – 7 p.m. Participants will hear from renowned motivational disability speaker Alycia Anderson, and also enjoy refreshments and vendor booths on site. Following the event, guests are invited to enjoy the Park Circle playground, the world’s largest inclusive playground. This event is free and all are welcome.

The event is sponsored by refreshment provider Odd Duck markets, cake provider Cakette Bakeshop, and flower provider Roadside Blooms

“The signing into law of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 represented a long overdue step forward for people with disabilities throughout America,” said CCPRC Chief Operating Officer and ADA Coordinator Steve Hutton. “The ADA gives protections to people with disabilities similar to those provided to others on the basis of race, sex, national origin, age and religion.”

“It’s exciting to see accessibility grow throughout the Lowcountry as more companiesand organizations are improving their ADA compliance. CCPRC is proud to be a part of this celebration to honor the passage of this important civil rights legislation at one of the area’s newest and most thoughtfully designed facilities at Park Circle on July 23!”

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990. For more information on the ADA, please visit https://www.ada.gov/.

The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission invites people with disabilities to experience their programs, services, trails and facilities to discover how the agency’s 11,000+ acres of parkland can enrich their lives. CCPRC strives to go beyond compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide opportunities for recreation, physical and emotional well-being, and peaceful respite.

The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes six regional parks, threebeach parks, four seasonally-lifeguarded beach areas, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, 19 boat landings, a skate park, a historic plantation site, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. CCPRC also offers a wide varietyof recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, and much more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386, or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.

As leading global advisors to visionary places that seek bolder ideas and better futures, Resonance has conducted extensive research on the rise of cities for more than 15 years. 

The study looks at key trends propelling growth and the factors that shape the perception of urban regions as desirable places to live, visit and invest. 

The newest ranking is the ninth annual America’s Best Cities Report and the most ambitious yet, powered by a new partnership with global research firm Ipsos that incorporates perception-based data from thousands of U.S. residents.

The overall America’s Best Cities rankings are determined by analyzing this public perception, combined with a wide range of factors that have demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with attracting prime age population (age 25 – 44), visitor expenditure, and/or business formation.

The result is an important, timely analysis of U.S. cities that are leading their regions, states and the country in economic growth and visitor attraction—building resilient futures in the face of economic uncertainty and environmental polycrisis.

Rounding out the top 5 are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle.

Charleston, South Carolina came in at #31, being described as:

Charleston’s momentum is palpable, from harbor cranes to daring hotels to vital museums (for which it ranks #12). Charleston International logged a record 6.3 million passengers in 2024, is already sketching a bigger terminal, and just welcomed the Element Charleston Airport and Drury Plaza hotels this spring. In town, the six-story, 191-room Cooper debuts on the harbor this fall with five restaurants and its own marina.

Charleston’s newest and most important draw is the $100-million International African American Museum on the former site of Gadsden’s Wharf, the disembarkation point into American slavery for an estimated 100,000 African people over centuries—the largest such port in the country. A new genealogy center helps visitors research their own history. The modern waterfront is moving forward with the Union Pier redo, unlocking 65 acres of waterfront parks, flood-proof streets and mixed-income housing beside the French Quarter. Investment is flooding in, with Google breaking ground on two $2-billion data center campuses in Dorchester County and investing another $1.3 billion into its Berkeley site. Hundreds of high-wage cloud jobs should come online as a result. King Street retail is equally hot (Shopping ranks #19) with Gucci’s new 4,200-square-foot flagship just opened in Charleston Place.

Highlights for Charleston were #6 in air quality and #11 in low unemployment rate.

Click HERE for full report.

Click HERE for report methodology.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

New concept launching at Tides Folly Beach following rebranding of Blu Beach Bar & Grill 

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (June 17, 2025) — Avocet Hospitality is thrilled to announce the next evolution of beachfront dining at the Tides Folly Beach hotel: Pinky’s on the Beach — a vibrant, intentionally kitschy, and unforgettable new concept set to open its doors on June 18, 2025.

Originally launched in 2009, Blu Beach Bar & Grill has long been cherished by locals and visitors for offering the only oceanfront dining experience on Folly Beach. Known for its elevated coastal fare and iconic views, Blu quickly became a staple in the Folly culinary scene. While Blu’s legacy is undeniable, Avocet Hospitality founders Jon and Lisa Weitz saw an opportunity to surprise and delight guests and locals with something fresh, unexpected, and unabashedly fun.

“We wanted to create something truly shocking — something that would spark joy, laughter, and a sense of play the moment you walk through the doors,” said Jon Weitz. “And what better way to do that than with a whole lot of pink?”

Pinky’s On The Beach is an energetic reimagining of Folly’s beachfront vibe. The space has been completely transformed with an eclectic, intentionally mismatched design that’s equal parts nostalgic, surf-inspired, and delightfully over-the-top. From pink Cadillac booths to a pink pool table, pinball machines, and a custom mural by the talented art collective Girls Who Paint, the restaurant’s interior is a visual celebration of Folly’s playful spirit.

“I’m so excited for the new space that our team has created. It feels like a mini-vacation — where people can kick back, sip something fruity, and just enjoy the moment. I think Pinky’s on the Beach is going to be a great addition to our community, for our Folly locals and our out-of-town visitors alike! We can’t wait to see you there!” – Halee Brinson, Food & Beverage Director, Tides Folly Beach

Avocet partnered with acclaimed Charleston-based designer Jay Fletcher to develop a dynamic branding package that reflects Pinky’s surf-meets-sun personality. Enhanced programming and on-site activations will roll out throughout the summer, creating an interactive guest experience unlike anything else on the island.

Culinary innovation will also take center stage, with Chef Blake Owens debuting a lineup of crave-worthy new menu items. Highlights include crab cake sammies, steak and shrimp tacos, stone-baked pizzas, and signature fries with an option to “Pinky Up.” New cocktails will join the mix as well — including the Pink Cadillac Margarita, frozen favorite the Pool Boy, and the Hu-go Girl!, Pinky’s twist on the classic Hugo Spritz.

“We’re excited to introduce a fresh, playful atmosphere to Folly Beach — one that celebrates both creativity and comfort. While the look of the space has changed, our commitment to quality, hospitality, and community remains at the heart of everything we do. Pinky’s is a place where locals and visitors alike can gather, relax, and enjoy familiar, approachable food that’s been thoughtfully prepared and executed with care. We look forward to welcoming everyone into this new chapter with open arms and full plates.” – Blake Owens, Chef, Pinky’s on the Beach

“Everyone’s poured their heart into this transformation, and I can’t wait to see it all come to life. The new color scheme has totally brightened up our beloved beach bar—it feels fun, fresh, and full of energy! I especially love how our vibrant bar pops from the sand— instantly calling you over for a good time.”  – Cheryl Frasher, Bar Supervisor, Pinky’s on the Beach

As Blu Beach Bar & Grill prepares for its final sunset, the restaurant will temporarily “go dark” on June 16 and 17 as finishing touches are added, before soft opening as Pinky’s on the Beach on June 18, 2025. Follow @pinkysfollybeach for updates leading up to the official launch weekend, kicking off June 28, 2025.

Charlestonians and visitors alike are invited to raise a glass to the memories made and get ready for the next chapter in beachfront fun. Pinky’s Up Y’all! For more information, visit pinkysfollybeach.com.

# # #

About Tides Folly Beach

Tides Folly Beach is the only oceanfront hotel on Folly Beach, offering guests unmatched access to the sand, surf, and soul of South Carolina’s beloved barrier island. With 132 guest rooms—all featuring ocean views—Tides blends laid-back comfort with attentive service in a setting that feels both carefree and unforgettable. From sunrise strolls on the beach to live music and coastal-inspired cuisine, every moment at Tides is designed to help guests unwind, reconnect, and soak up the best of beach life. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, Tides Folly Beach is where the city’s charm meets the coast’s easygoing spirit. To learn more about Tides Folly Beach, visit tidesfollybeach.com

. 

About Avocet Hospitality

Avocet Hospitality has built its boutique hotels on the foundation that every guest who walks through the doors should experience true hospitality magic. Sensational service, surprise and delight moments and endless fun are the backbone of each of Avocet’s four independent hotels that dot secondary and tertiary cities across the American South. The group’s portfolio includes The Vendue in Charleston, SC, Tides Folly Beach in Folly Beach, SC, The Read House in Chattanooga, TN and The Admiral in Mobile, AL, all of which have been created to embrace the neighborhood in which it resides. To learn more about Avocet Hospitality, visit avocethospitality.com.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

By Mark A Leon

The 25th anniversary of the Charleston Five strike marks a momentous chapter in the history of labor and civil rights in the United States, particularly in Charleston, South Carolina.

In January 2000, five International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) members—Jason Edgerton, Elijah Ford Jr., Kenneth Jefferson, Ricky Simmons, and Peter Washington Jr.—were arrested following a protest at the Port of Charleston, where union workers stood against the use of non-union labor by a Danish shipping company.

Over 600 law enforcement officers confronted about 150 peaceful picketers, sparking a violent clash and leading to the arrest of the Charleston Five on serious felony charges.

The arrests and subsequent prosecution by South Carolina’s Attorney General, Charlie Condon, drew widespread condemnation. Many viewed the charges as politically motivated, aimed at breaking union solidarity and furthering Condon’s own political ambitions, rather than upholding justice. The five men faced the threat of lengthy prison terms and endured nearly two years under house arrest while their case became a rallying point for labor and civil rights activists across the nation and around the world.

The Charleston Five case highlighted the persistent challenges faced by organized labor, especially in the South, where anti-union sentiment has historically run strong. The international labor community, led by the International Dockworkers Council (IDC), mobilized in support of the Charleston Five, organizing protests, fundraising, and raising public awareness about the injustices they faced. In November 2001, after significant pressure from labor and civil rights groups, all charges against the Charleston Five were dropped, marking a major victory for worker solidarity.

Today, as the 25th anniversary is commemorated from June 23–27, 2025, the legacy of the Charleston Five lives on as a symbol of resilience, unity, and the ongoing struggle for justice and fair treatment in the workplace. The anniversary is being marked by gatherings and events in Charleston, honoring the courage of those who stood up for labor rights and reminding us that the fight for justice is never truly over.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

By Mark A. Leon

The Ashley Landing redevelopment in West Ashley, Charleston, is a major mixed-use project led by developer Edens, with design by The Middleton Group. Set on a 35-acre site that includes the former Piggly Wiggly and Ashley Landing shopping center, the project aims to create a vibrant community hub featuring 240,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, 285 multifamily units, 100 townhomes, and nearly an acre of communal green space.

The development will also include a new Publix, affordable housing targeted at residents earning 80% of the area median income, and nine acres of stormwater retention to address local flooding issues. The city has pledged $45 million, while Edens is investing $300 million, making this the largest investment in West Ashley’s history.

Architecturally, the new Ashley Landing will showcase Lowcountry-style buildings with modern touches, organized around a central green to foster a walkable, village-like atmosphere. The plan includes nine new buildings for retail and dining, renovations to existing structures, and new civic spaces such as a home for Charleston Stage and a dedicated Community Room.

Construction begins in the summer of 2025 and is expected to finish within 18 months.

The project is designed to serve as a “one-stop shop” for West Ashley, allowing residents to shop, dine, and relax in park spaces without needing to drive elsewhere, and is positioned as a key gateway and community destination for the area

Follow the project and special events by clicking HERE.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

By Mark A Leon

The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta stands as a vibrant, state-of-the-art tribute to the legends and traditions of college football, offering an immersive experience unlike any other sports museum. 

Since its grand opening in August 2014, the Hall has redefined what it means to celebrate the game, blending rich history with cutting-edge technology to create a destination that captivates fans of all ages.

Interactive Experience

At the heart of the College Football Hall of Fame is its commitment to interactivity. The 94,000-square-foot facility boasts over 50 interactive exhibits spread across three floors and five themed galleries. Visitors can step onto a 47-yard indoor football field to test their passing, kicking, and running skills, or marvel at the three-story wall displaying over 750 college football helmets—a visual spectacle that pays homage to every program in the nation.

Recent upgrades have introduced AI-driven experiences that put fans directly into the action. The “GAME ON!” initiative leverages generative AI to personalize each visit: guests begin with a photographic face scan and answer questions about their favorite teams, rivals, and dream positions.

The Hall’s technology then customizes content throughout the museum, inserting visitors into video narratives, digital displays, and even stadium flyovers. Whether posing with the Heisman Trophy, seeing themselves as a historic coach, or watching their likeness on the field’s JumboTron, fans become the stars of their own college football story.

Other interactive highlights include the ESPN College GameDay desk, where guests can try their hand at sports broadcasting, and the Fight Song Karaoke booth, inviting fans to belt out their team’s anthem. The Coca-Cola Tailgate Throwdown offers trivia challenges, while the Microsoft Gaming Lounge lets visitors relive classic NCAA Football 14 on Xbox.

History of the Sport

The College Football Hall of Fame was established in 1951 by the National Football Foundation to immortalize the greatest players and coaches in the sport’s history. Its inaugural class included legends like Red Grange, Knute Rockne, and Jim Thorpe, setting a standard of excellence that continues today. Over its storied history, the Hall has called several cities home—Kings Mills, Ohio; South Bend, Indiana; and, since 2014, Atlanta—where it serves as a major hub for college football culture.

With over 5.7 million individuals having played or coached college football, induction into the Hall is an elite distinction: only about 1,100 players and 237 coaches have earned the honor, representing just 0.02% of all participants. The museum’s exhibits chronicle the evolution of the game, from its origins in 1869 to the present day, celebrating milestones, rivalries, and the values of integrity, perseverance, and teamwork.

Celebration of the Fan Experience

The Hall of Fame is more than a museum—it’s a celebration of the passion and pageantry that define college football fandom. Special exhibits like the “Georgia Natural Gas Heated Rivalries” explore the intense traditions and animosities that fuel the sport’s most storied matchups. The “Southern Company Celebrating HBCUs” exhibit highlights the profound impact Historically Black Colleges and Universities have had on the sport and society at large.

The museum’s layout and programming are designed to make every visitor at any age feel like they’re part of the action, whether they’re lifelong fans or new to the college football world.

Customized Fan Experience

The College Football Hall of Fame is a pioneer in personalized museum experiences. Each visitor receives an All-Access Pass powered by RFID technology, which unlocks exclusive content and tailors exhibits to their favorite teams and interests. As guests move through the galleries, digital displays greet them by name, offer customized trivia, and display team-specific highlights. The AI-driven “GAME ON!” experience takes this personalization even further, allowing fans to see themselves as part of the sport’s greatest moments and legends.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta delivers an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of college football—where history, technology, and fandom collide in a celebration of greatness.

Butter opens new Charleston office, bringing Hollywood-level commercial production to the Southeast and tapping into top local talent and brands.

CHARLESTON, SC, UNITED STATES /EINPresswire.com/ — Butter, founded on story-driven high-end brand films and cinematic commercials, has announced the opening of a new office in Charleston, South Carolina a bold move that brings Hollywood-Veteran talent to the heart of the Southeast.

Led by Commercial Director, Justin Allen and Head of Production Ashley Williams Allen the Charleston office represents Butter’s next strategic leap, placing the company at the center of one of the country’s fastest growing creative hubs. With deep roots in tourism, hospitality, and entertainment, Charleston is more than a postcard-perfect city it’s a hidden gem of production, home to some of the most talented filmmakers, editors, and crew in the United States.

“Charleston is an extraordinary city visually stunning, culturally rich, and creatively electric,” said Ashley Williams Allen, a 20-year television veteran whose credits include The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, and America’s Got Talent. “What excites me most is tapping into the remarkable production talent that already exists here. Charleston may not always be the first city mentioned in national production circles, but it absolutely should be. The depth of skill and artistry we’ve found in the Holy City rivals any coastal market.”

Butter has long been known for its stunning brand films for global hospitality clients like Loews Hotels, Shangri-La Resorts, and Accor. Under Justin Allen’s leadership, the company recently expanded into high production-value CTV and broadcast commercials for brands like Bearded Crew, Rev FCU, Swyft Filings, Shelter Insurance, and Chesterfield Auto parts, a portfolio now poised to grow on the east coast.

“Opening in Charleston isn’t just about geography it’s about access,” said Justin Allen, a seasoned commercial director and former film and tv producer.. “At Butter, we’ve taken decades of experience in film and television production and used it to build a broadcast-quality content creation model delivered by a lean crew of just 6 to 10. This streamlined approach opens the door for small and mid-sized businesses to advertise on TV while maintaining high production value at a fraction of the historic broadcast production cost.”

Charleston’s booming hospitality industry, vibrant local businesses, and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal backdrop for the kind of authentic, cinematic storytelling Butter is known for. With this new location, Butter aims to collaborate with local brands while also attracting national campaigns eager to film in Charleston’s iconic streets and coastal landscapes.

ABOUT BUTTER
Butter is a high end production company specializing in CTV and Broadcast commercials and branded content for lifestyle, hospitality, and consumer brands. With offices in Los Angeles and Charleston, Butter brings together Hollywood-level creativity and Southern heart to deliver premium content that performs.

To learn more about Butter and view recent work, visit https://butter.la.
To connect with Justin, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-allen-2988a630/

Source: EIN Presswire

in a statement on Instagram and Facebook, The Commodore music vendue in downtown Charleston announced they will be closed for a few week starting June 23, 2025 for necessary repairs.

Official Statement

”For those who may be unaware – The Commodore will be undergoing necessary maintenance and repairs starting Monday, June 23rd. During this time we will be closed for several weeks. We understand that there’s no good time to pause hearing Charleston’s favorite live musicians, we apologize for the inconvenience and we’ll be sure to keep you informed of the reopening date as soon as possible.
That being said, be sure to come out and support our local musicians this weekend! We’ve got DJ Dougie opening up for Liz Kelley tonight, Jerry Feels Good opening up for Take the Lead on Saturday, and Purple Magnolia on Sunday.
We can’t wait to see you at the grand reopening party! Stay tuned for information and updates.”