Author: Charleston Daily

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster was joined today by Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) officials, members of the General Assembly, and other state and local leaders to announce that final funding has been secured for an armed, certified, full-time school resource officer (SRO) in every South Carolina public school. 

“For years, we have made it our mission to ensure that every student, teacher, and staff member is protected by an armed, certified, full-time school resource officer in every school, in every county, all day, every day – and now we have finished the job,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “This achievement makes South Carolina a national leader in school safety and provides us all peace of mind knowing our schools are protected.” 

In 2018, Governor McMaster made placing a full-time SRO in each of our state’s 1,283 public schools a top priority. At that time, South Carolina had just 406 full-time SROs statewide. Since then, the General Assembly has steadily increased funding and, at the governor’s request, transferred the management of the program from the Department of Education to SCDPS to ensure greater coordination and efficiency. 

At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, 1,106 schools had a full-time SRO, leaving 177 schools without coverage. This year, at the governor’s request, the General Assembly appropriated $29.4 million to fund a full-time SRO in every remaining school. 

Since receiving funding in July, SCDPS immediately awarded funding for 58 new SRO positions. On August 5, SCDPS released an Open Solicitation for the remaining 119 positions, which will be filled as school districts are able to staff them throughout the year. 

“I am proud to help ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to succeed, because in South Carolina, supporting our schools and law enforcement has always been a top priority,” said S.C. Senator Shane Martin. “That’s why, when we saw the need to place a resource officer in every school, every senator supported it unanimously, and the House passed it as well. Now, the funding is there, we just need the right officers to fill the roles.”

“The funding is now in place to put an SRO in every remaining school across the state, and that is exactly what we are going to do,” said DPS Deputy Director Mike Oliver. “Our priority is keeping kids safe, and we are fortunate to have an administration that looks out for our teachers and law enforcement.”

ADDITIONAL SCHOOL SAFETY INITIATIVES SECURED BY GOV. MCMASTER: 

Center for School Safety and Targeted Violence: 

• In 2023, Governor McMaster signed into law H. 3360, which established the Center for School Safety and Targeted Violence within SLED. Located at the old Gilbert Elementary School, the center trains law enforcement, teachers, school personnel, and the public in active shooter response, targeted violence prevention, and other safety measures. 

School Safety Upgrades: 

• For the past three years, the General Assembly has funded $20 million annually for school safety improvements. Distributed as grants through the Department of Education, eligible upgrades for school facilities include enhancing classroom and internal door locks, securing school entry points, window covers, bulletproof glass, and more. 

School Mapping: 

• In FY 2024-2025, the legislature appropriated $5 million to the Department of Education for a statewide school safety mapping program. The system equips 911 operators with real-time digital maps pinpointing exactly where an emergency or incident is happening on a school campus, allowing first responders to get to a threat faster.  

School Officer Resource Program Overview

Source: Office of the Governor of South Carolina

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By Mark A Leon

Chad Cooke’s story at the College of Charleston is a testament to perseverance and purpose. A 6-foot guard from Bolingbrook, Illinois, Cooke arrived on campus without a scholarship and refused to let that define him. He trained, tried out, and earned a walk-on spot with the Cougars, appearing over two seasons (2012–13 and 2013–14) and quickly becoming a favorite in the locker room for his energy and positivity. 

Cooke’s impact, however, stretched far beyond a box score. He poured himself into service alongside friends who were launching Charleston Hope—an initiative supporting local Title I schools with mentorship, classroom resources, and holiday giving. Friends recall how he nudged the effort to “think bigger,” widening its reach so more kids felt seen and supported. That instinct to lift others up became part of what many now call “the Chad effect”: a ripple of kindness and action that outlives the moment. 

Tragically, Cooke died on December 24, 2014 at age 20, while home for the holidays, a loss that stunned teammates, coaches, and the wider Charleston community. The program honored him with a celebration of life at Charleston Music Hall on January 12, 2015, where stories poured out about a teammate who never stopped encouraging others—on every sprint, in every drill, and in every act of service. The athletic department’s tribute captured the essence of who he was: a walk-on who made everyone around him better. 

In the years since, Cooke’s legacy has become a living challenge to the rest of us. The lesson is not merely that hard work can earn you a jersey—though his path from tryout to Charleston’s roster proves that. It’s that sport, at its best, builds a platform to serve. Cooke modeled a kind of leadership that doesn’t depend on minutes played: show up early, smile often, and use whatever influence you have to push good things forward. Organizations and friends have continued to share his story and values, encouraging students and athletes to turn belief into action—especially for kids who need a champion. 

Remembering Chad Cooke means embracing that dual identity he wore so naturally: competitor and caregiver. His is the legacy of a walk-on who became indispensable, not by points or headlines, but by the steady, contagious way he made community the mission. 

Related: Chad’s Story

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POST MALONE ANNOUNCED AS HEADLINER FOR CAROLINA COUNTRY MUSIC FEST 2026

Global Superstar Joins Blake Shelton on the Myrtle Beach Stage – Tickets On Sale Now

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AUGUST 29, 2025) — Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF), the East Coast’s largest outdoor country music fest, has revealed its next headliner for the 2026 event: Post Malone. Known for rewriting history, breaking records, and blurring the boundaries of genre, the 9x diamond-certified, GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist will bring his chart-topping catalog and high-energy live performance to Myrtle Beach, S.C., when CCMF returns June 4–7, 2026.

Post Malone is fresh off the release of his debut country album, F-1 Trillion, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and has already produced major hits including “Guy For That” featuring Luke Combs, “Pour Me A Drink” featuring Blake Shelton, and the mega-smash “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen. Upon release, “I Had Some Help” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning “the highest weekly sales and streams since 2020” and holding the top spot for six consecutive weeks. The critically acclaimed project, combined with collaborations with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, earned Post eight 2025 GRAMMY® nominations.

His genre-defying catalog features a long list of diamond-certified anthems, including “rockstar” [feat. 21 Savage], “I Fall Apart”, “Psycho” [feat. Ty Dolla $ign], “White Iverson”, “Better Now”, “Congratulations”[feat. Quavo], “Circles”, and “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse),” which became the highest-certified single in RIAA history as the first track to reach double diamond status. With multiple record-breaking tours, headlining sets at festivals like Coachella, and one of the most unique voices in music, Post Malone continues to stand as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

“Post Malone is one of the biggest superstars in the world, and we’re proud to bring him to CCMF for 2026,” said Bob Durkin, co-founder of Southern Entertainment, producers of CCMF. “His new country album has taken the industry by storm, and pairing him with Blake Shelton is just the beginning of an incredible lineup we’re building for next summer.”

With four consecutive sellouts and recognition from USA Today, Billboard, and Rolling Stone, Carolina Country Music Fest has spent more than a decade delivering unforgettable live music experiences on the shores of Myrtle Beach. Post Malone is the second of four superstar headliners to be announced, with more artists to follow in the coming weeks.

Tickets for CCMF 2026 are on sale now at CarolinaCountryMusicFest.com. For the latest updates and exclusive #CCMFHints, fans are encouraged to follow Carolina Country Music Fest on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

About CCMF: 
Carolina Country Music Fest™, (CCMF), the East Coast’s largest outdoor country music fest, is located in Myrtle Beach, SC, at the Boardwalk within the Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion Place. CCMF is host to the industry’s biggest stars with 40+ artists at the beach, June 4th-7th, 2026. CCMF hosts a unique blend of today’s country headliners, regional stars, up-and-comers and locals favorites on multiple stages. With the combination of country music and the scenic beach backdrop, this family-friendly, four-day fest is a summer vacation destination.

About Post Malone:
A 9x diamond-certified GRAMMY® Award-nominated phenomenon, Dallas, TX artist Post Malone regularly rewrites history, blurs boundaries, and incites internet-breaking conversation with every move.

Most recently, Post released his debut country album, F-1 Trillion which landed at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Ahead of the album, Post released “Guy For That” featuring Luke Combs, “Pour Me A Drink” featuring Blake Shelton and mega-smash “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen. Upon release of “I Had Some Help” it landed at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, tallying “the highest weekly sales and streams since 2020” and remained at #1 for six consecutive weeks. The critically acclaimed F-1 Trillion, and collaborations with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, earned Post 8 2025 GRAMMY® nominations. This past spring, Post headlined Coachella before hitting the road on his “Big Ass Stadium” tour, following his record-breaking F-1 Trillion Tour last fall.

Post’s catalog features diamond certified hits including “rockstar” [feat. 21 Savage]”, “I Fall Apart”, “Psycho” [feat. Ty Dolla $ign], “White Iverson”, “Better Now”,“Congratulations” [feat. Quavo], “Circles” and  “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse),” which became the highest-certified single in RIAA history reaching double diamond. It became the first song to ever achieve this status, netting the biggest single of his generation.  As the writer or co-writer of all of his songs, Post Malone is one of our generation’s literary geniuses.

About Southern Entertainment: 
Southern Entertainment is a full-service event and production company with an unwavering commitment to excellence that has produced more than 500 events across the United States. For more information, visit www.southernentertainment.com

By Mark A Leon

Charleston boasts a vibrant assortment of CBD shops that cater to diverse preferences—from upscale wellness boutiques to family-owned retailers and pop-up experiences.

• Charleston Hemp Collective offers a “seed-to-soul” selection of CBD and CBG products including tinctures, topicals, pet items, edibles, and beverages. Locations include King Street and James Island, with lab-tested products, local sourcing, and knowledgeable staff  . They also host a unique “Cannabis Dry Bar” at their James Island location, where THC-infused mocktails are served in a curated setting.
• I Heart CBD operates several convenient outlets across the region, including West Ashley, North Charleston, Johns Island, and Mount Pleasant—each highly rated for service and selection.
• Arcanna Dispensary is a local, family-owned cultivator and distributor, producing CBD, THCA, Delta-8, Delta-9 THC, and HHC products like edibles, oil, topicals, and vape items. They have multiple storefronts across Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Folly, and North Charleston.
• Other notable mentions include Your CBD Store – West Ashley, a well-reviewed spot on Savannah Highway offering a variety of CBD formulations with consistent operating hours, and Veyos Wellness retailers like Coastal CBD (520 Folly Road) that focus on a wellness-driven CBD product lineup—from topicals and capsules to pet products—rolled out via independent wellness partners.

Legal Landscape & Quality Assurance

• In South Carolina, hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC is legal for sale and consumption for adults. However, the addition of CBD to foods and beverages remains prohibited under state law, which has led to a more limited range of compliant edibles compared to some other states.
• Consumers are encouraged to prioritize lab-tested products and clear labeling, due to variable retail quality. This varies widely—from reliable wellness shops to low-quality CBD found in convenience stores—making online vendors with transparent batch testing a safer option.
• While CBD is legally accessible, local enforcement confusion still exists. Several incidents have involved arrests for legal CBD possession before lab reports clarified the products’ compliance  . Therefore, purchasing from reputable, transparent outlets remains crucial.

Online Access & Delivery Advantages

For better selection, transparency, and convenience, many Charleston residents turn to online CBD retailers:

• Trusted brands like Mellow Fellow provide a full slate of lab-tested CBD products, from oils and gummies to topicals, with shipping across South Carolina—a helpful option especially for coastal or rural consumers.
• Online providers often offer detailed product descriptions, third-party lab results, educational resources, and subscription models—offering more consistent quality and value compared to some local shops.
• Charleston’s hot, humid climate can compromise product stability during delivery, so choosing retailers offering temperature-controlled packaging or fast shipping is wise—especially for oils and edibles.

Quick Tips for CBD Consumers in Charleston

1. Use local shops for convenience and hands-on help. Visit places like Charleston Hemp Collective or I Heart CBD to explore and ask questions directly.
2. Buy lab-tested products. Insist on third-party certificates of analysis to ensure proper THC levels and ingredient purity.
3. Understand the law. Keep THC below 0.3%, avoid CBD in food and drinks, and retain purchase documentation in case of legal scrutiny.
4. Try online for variety and value. Brands like Mellow Fellow often provide broader selections and better pricing, with transparency through lab reports.
5. Store smart. Keep CBD products cool and dry to maintain their quality over time.

In summary, Charleston offers a rich and growing CBD marketplace with reliable local shops, reputable online vendors, and a fairly clear legal framework. Whether exploring wellness shop counters downtown or browsing curated online catalogs, the health-conscious CBD consumer in Charleston has plenty of trustworthy and compliant resources at their fingertips.

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By Mark A Leon

Charleston has long been celebrated for its blend of historic charm and modern elegance, and now a new chapter has arrived with the grand opening of the Hotel Richemont. Tucked away on Society Street just steps from King, this boutique property opened its doors in 2025, marking a milestone in the city’s flourishing hospitality scene.

The hotel is the third Charleston property from Indigo Road Hospitality Group, whose reputation for creating distinctive, experience-driven spaces set the stage for Richemont’s debut. From its very first night, the Richemont has positioned itself not only as a place to stay, but as a destination in its own right.

A Boutique Vision Brought to Life

With just 25 rooms—including one- and two-bedroom suites, some with loft-style layouts and private balconies—the Richemont was designed to feel intimate, personal, and unlike any other property in Charleston. Each detail was carefully considered, from plush linens and Nespresso machines to luxury Grown Alchemist bath amenities and elegant furnishings.

Even the building itself whispers stories of Charleston’s layered past. A restored bank vault door still stands in the lobby, blending history with modern design, while the hotel’s name, Richemont, pays homage to a French Huguenot ship that sailed into Charleston’s early harbor.

The Two Bit Club: A Culinary Showcase

At the heart of the hotel’s opening celebration was the debut of its flagship restaurant, The Two Bit Club. Helmed by Executive Chef Jesus “Jelo” Tria, the restaurant immerses guests in the bold, evocative flavors of 1940s and 50s Southeast Asia. Lychee, lemongrass, and yuzu headline a menu that celebrates creativity, while the open kitchen provides a lively, theatrical dining experience.

The restaurant’s design continues the hotel’s theme of nostalgia-meets-modernity, wrapping guests in an atmosphere that feels both timeless and new. As the doors opened, it became immediately clear that The Two Bit Club was destined to become one of Charleston’s most talked-about culinary hotspots.

A Grand Opening to Remember

The Richemont’s grand opening was more than a ribbon-cutting—it was a celebration of what Charleston has become. Guests from near and far gathered in the hotel’s courtyard to toast the occasion with cocktails, enjoy culinary samplings, and explore the beautifully designed suites. Music, laughter, and conversation filled the air, setting the tone for the Richemont’s role in Charleston’s cultural and social landscape.

With its carefully crafted blend of history, hospitality, and forward-thinking design, the Hotel Richemont’s opening wasn’t just the launch of another boutique hotel—it was a statement of Charleston’s continuing rise as one of the nation’s premier destinations.

The doors have officially opened, and the Richemont is ready to welcome the world.

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Kiawah Island, S.C. — Kiawah Village Dentistry is proud to mark its 20th Anniversary –celebrating two decades of providing trusted, family-focused dental care to the Kiawah, Seabrook and Lowcountry communities.

Founded in 2005, Kiawah Village Dentistry has grown into the cornerstone of oral health in the region, blending advanced dental technology with a compassionate, personalized approach. The practice is especially known for being a reliable source of emergency dental care, ensuring both local residents and visitors have access to immediate treatment when they need it most.

“As we celebrate this milestone, I’m reminded of the countless smiles, friendships and families this practice has been privileged to care for over the past 20 years,” said owner Dustin Plunkett, DDS. “This community has trusted us during vacations, emergencies and everyday checkups. It’s been an honor to serve as both a healthcare provider and a neighbor.”

Beyond the dental chair, Kiawah Village Dentistry has been actively engaged in the community, including through its involvement with the Kiawah Seabrook Island Exchange Club and ongoing support for initiatives that enrich local life.

The anniversary was marked with a special gathering of team members, longtime patients and community supporters of Village Dentistry. While the event was private, the milestone underscores the practice’s commitment to the area and its vision for the future, continuing to provide high-quality dental care in a welcoming, patient-first environment.

ABOUT KIAWAH VILLAGE DENTISTRY

Located in Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island, Kiawah Village Dentistry has been serving the Lowcountry since 2005 with comprehensive dental services, including preventive, restorative, cosmetic and emergency care. Village Dentistry also offers implants, Botox and laser treatments. The practice is dedicated to patient comfort, community connection and creating healthy, confident smiles across the Lowcountry.

Related: MRI Wellness: The only full body preventative MRI Service Provider in South Carolina

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By Mark A Leon

The Palmetto Hotel, opened in March 2023, has quickly established itself as one of Charleston’s most distinguished boutique properties. Here’s why it stands out:

A Fusion of Southern History and Modern Luxury

• The hotel is literally built atop Charleston’s original city wall—an extraordinary historical touchstone that’s woven into its identity.
• Its design reflects Charleston’s spirit at every turn—from vintage black-and-white party photographs and Lowcountry–inspired custom upholstery to a map of 1872 Charleston printed on a sofa.

Boutique Elegance with Thoughtful Details

• With just 45 rooms, the Palmetto maintains an intimate, personalized feel.
• Interiors showcase soothing palettes (soft creams, greens, gold accents), curated local artwork, and comfortable yet luxurious textures.

A Lobby That Inspires

• Guests are greeted by a palmetto-tree shaped crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling—a gilded nod to the hotel’s namesake.
• The lobby is furnished with antiques, restored vintage pieces, and cozy furniture including a sofa upholstered with a vintage Charleston map.

Award-Winning Recognition

• In its first full year, the hotel earned prestigious accolades:
  
  • AAA Four Diamond rating
  • Ranked #2 in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards for Charleston
  • Listed among Travel + Leisure’s “15 Best Hotels in Charleston” 

A Standout Bar & Local Engagement

• The lobby bar is popular with both guests and locals, renowned for elevated cocktails made with house-made mixers, alongside local spirits.
• The hotel hosts pop-ups and culinary activations in partnership with local tastemakers.

Exceptional Amenities with Southern Comfort

• Guest rooms offer thoughtful luxury—Bamford toiletries, embroidered spa robes, plush slippers, Nespresso machines, minibars, steamers, in-room safes, and flat-screen TVs with Chromecast.
• Services include complimentary Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, nightly turndown, valet parking, laundry/dry cleaning, concierge, 24/7 front desk, and even custom bicycles to explore the city.

Variety of Room Styles

• The hotel offers a range of room types:
  
  • Deluxe King and Superior King rooms feature comfortable, artful designs with king-size beds, plush linens, and seating areas.
  • King Balcony rooms include Juliet balconies perfect for enjoying Charleston’s coastal breeze.
  • Penthouse Suite spans 1,500 sq ft, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a 500-sq-ft balcony with panoramic skyline views, living room, workout gear, Bose speaker, and Dyson hair tools.

Prime Historic Location

• Located at 194 East Bay Street in the French Quarter historic district, the hotel sits within walking distance of standout attractions such as Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, King Street’s shops, City Market, and famed local eateries like Slightly North of Broad and High Cotton—all just steps away.
• Concierge-curated experiences, including bicycle outings, walking tours, oyster farm visits, or sunset sails, bring the city’s charm to life.

Unique Qualities at a Glance

• Historical foundations: Built above Charleston’s original city wall
• Boutique elegance: Only 45 thoughtfully designed rooms
• Local design flair: Artwork, upholstery, and decor rooted in Charleston culture
• Striking lobby: Crystal palmetto-tree chandelier, custom-curated vintage ambiance
• Award-winning: AAA Diamond, Condé Nast & Travel + Leisure honors
• Craft cocktail bar: Locally inspired drinks and rotating pop-ups
• Luxury amenities: High-end toiletries, bikes, breakfast, turndown, and more
• Room variety: From balcony rooms to the expansive Penthouse
• Walkable historic location: Central to top attractions and nightlife
• Embracing local experience: Concierge-led dives into Charleston’s heritage

At The Palmetto Hotel, visitors find a perfectly curated blend of Southern charm, thoughtful design, and modern-day luxury—where every detail deepens the connection to Charleston’s history and hospitality. Let me know if you’d like recommendations for similar boutique stays or nearby experiences

Follow The Palmetto Hotel on Instagram.

Photo credit: The Palmetto Hotel

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State and federal officials today joined Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, in celebrating the opening of a new manufacturing center of excellence built in coordination with the federal government to strengthen U.S. supply chain resilience and support research and therapy development for decades to come.

“Thermo Fisher Scientific’s new facility strengthens North Carolina’s leadership in the biotech sector and strengthens our domestic supply chain,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud to welcome this global company to Mebane as it expands its North Carolina presence with 100 good-paying jobs.”  

Thermo Fisher, based in Waltham, Mass, built the 375,000-square-foot manufacturing plant under a $192.5 million contract awarded in 2021 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense.

The site is designed for efficiency, with advanced automation that produces 40 million pipette tips per week, ensuring a reliable supply of critical lab plastics. The tiny tips are crucial tools needed in high-throughput diagnostic testing and scientific research across the globe. They are used to accurately measure and transfer liquids in laboratories, whether for experiments, running tests, or developing new medicines.

“As a global leader in life sciences manufacturing, we’re proud to serve as a growth engine for the American economy and provide our customers with a strong and agile supply chain that enables them to advance human health,” said Erica Hirsch, president, laboratory chemicals, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The opening of our Mebane site is a testament to our larger strategy to strengthen our manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. and support continued innovation and expanded growth in North Carolina, building on the strong foundation we’ve already established in this state.” 

In addition to this facility, Thermo Fisher committed earlier this year to a $2 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing capabilities over the next four years. That investment includes $1.5 billion for expanding and enhancing manufacturing operations and $500 million for high-impact research and development, creating high-paying jobs, while adding lab services capability and supporting the domestic healthcare supply chain.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein addresses dignitaries, Thermo Fisher customers and colleagues at the opening of the company’s new pipette manufacturing facility in Mebane.

“As a global leader in life sciences manufacturing, we’re proud to serve as a growth engine for the American economy and provide our customers with a strong and agile supply chain that enables them to advance human health.” – Erica Hirsch, President, Laboratory Chemicals – Thermo Fisher Scientific

Those attending the opening ceremony were invited to tour the new facility and hear directly from leaders about the site’s impact.

The building features advanced automation throughout its production line and is expected to employ 100 people across manufacturing, engineering and business operations when fully staffed later this year.

Currently, Thermo Fisher employs approximately 7,800 colleagues across 13 sites in North Carolina, including a center of excellence for laboratory equipment in Asheville, three life sciences and chemical manufacturing sites in Durham, pharmaceutical manufacturing sites in Greenville and High Point, and a Raleigh distribution center.

Source: ThermoFisher Scientific

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The $700 million project is part of Genentech and Roche’s $50 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, infrastructure and R&D The facility will create more than 1,900 jobs and support the production of next-generation metabolic medicines, including treatments for obesity U.S. Rep.Deborah Ross, Gov. Josh Stein and other local leaders attended the groundbreaking event

Holly Springs, N.C. — August 25, 2025 — Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), today broke ground on its newest U.S. manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina. This significant development marks the establishment of Genentech’s first manufacturing facility on the East Coast. The 700,000-square-foot facility is strategically designed to support production of the company’s future portfolio of metabolic medicines, including next-generation treatments for obesity. The event was attended by federal, state and local officials, including U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, State Sec. of Commerce Lee Lilley, State Sens. Sydney Batch and Lisa Grafstein, State Rep. Erin Paré, Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings and Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie.

The project will add more than 400 local manufacturing jobs when the site is operational and more than 1,500 construction jobs during the development phase. Genentech’s initial investment in North Carolina is estimated at more than $700 million, part of a larger $50 billion commitment to President Trump’s initiatives to invest in U.S. manufacturing, infrastructure and R&D.

The company selected Holly Springs, a growing hub for biopharmaceutical innovation, for its highly skilled local workforce, strong academic institutions and proximity to other leading life science companies in the Raleigh-Durham area.

The new facility is expected to be completed and operational by 2029, incorporating modern biomanufacturing technologies, as well as advanced automation and digital capabilities. The future facility will increase production capacity for the company’s manufacturing network, while enhancing supply chain resilience through a high-volume, high-efficiency yet sustainable design. The 100-acre lot includes space for future expansion.

Genentech CEO Ashley Magargee:

“We are proud to break ground on our new manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina, with its world-class biotech talent, top research institutions and a robust infrastructure that will enable our growth for years to come. With this step, we are taking action to deliver more life-changing medicines to patients faster, contribute to the local economy, and bolster manufacturing and innovation in the U.S.,” Magargee said.

“We are supportive of President Trump’s goal to bring more pharmaceutical manufacturing to the United States and appreciate the work that Commerce Secretary Lutnick and the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Investment Accelerator are doing to remove regulatory barriers that cause delays in establishing manufacturing sites in the U.S. We also thank the North Carolina, Wake County and Holly Springs officials for their partnership. Their warm welcome and leadership in the life sciences bodes well for great things to come for our company, your communities, and, ultimately, for patients.”

U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, 2nd North Carolina Congressional District:

“This groundbreaking is a milestone for our community and for North Carolina’s growing role in the biotech economy. Investments like this one mean good-paying jobs for our residents, expanded opportunities for workers with a range of skills and education, and continued growth for the Research Triangle’s innovation ecosystem. I look forward to working with Genentech to ensure this facility helps our region to thrive for decades to come.”

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein:

“North Carolina has earned its reputation as the best state for business, and Genentech’s decision to put down roots in Holly Springs is further proof of our leadership in the biotech sector. From our top-tier research universities to our world-class workforce, North Carolina has exactly what companies need to succeed. I am pleased to welcome Genentech to Holly Springs as they expand their operations to the East Coast.”

Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie:

“The groundbreaking of Genentech’s new facility marks a defining step forward for Holly Springs. Not only does it strengthen Holly Springs’ role as a cornerstone in North Carolina’s life sciences manufacturing ecosystem, but we expect to see a powerful boost to our local economy, particularly for small businesses. We are thrilled for Genentech to be part of our community!”

About Genentech

Founded nearly 50 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.gene.com.

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Source: Genentech

Clemson University was named the Best College in South Carolina in Niche‘s 2026 Best College Rankings, earning top marks for Best Academics, Best Professors and Best College Athletics among all universities in the Palmetto State.

Niche also lauded the University as the No. 27 Top Public University nationally in addition to ranking Clemson as No. 5 Best College Athletics in the country.

In addition to being named the Best College and having the Best Academics and Best Professors in South Carolina, Clemson also has top-ranked programs in business, psychology, biology, education, computer science, accounting and finance, nursing and economics in the state.

Clemson also earned national recognition for several individual colleges and degree programs, including No. 13  Best Colleges for Sports Management, No. 14  Best Colleges for Architecture, No. 16  Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences, No. 26  Best Colleges for Education and No. 30  Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance. 

Niche’s recognition follows several recent accolades from The Princeton Review, which named Clemson as one of the best colleges in the South, a Best Value College, No. 6 Top 20 Best Alumni Networks (Public Schools), No. 11 Top 20 Best Schools for Internships (Public Schools), No. 16 Students Love Their School Teams, No. 24 Best Athletic Facilities and No. 20 Best Career Services.

Source: Clemson University

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