Charleston Daily

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

Something is Happening Here in Charleston, South Carolina – Technology Renaissance

November 6, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Yesterday, in front of nearly 15,000 fans, the Citadel Bulldogs Football program went 9-0 and clinched the Southern Conference in remarkable fashion. Coming back from ten with less than 5 minutes remaining and winning in overtime, this was a game mapped out by the best sports screenwriters combining the drama of “Hoosiers” and “Miracle”

In the fog of this foodie paradise, where coastal living is a defined by dining, drinking and recreation, something big is happening in Charleston.

In the 2015 School System Quality Ranking, South Carolina ranked 47^th in the US. In 2013, 67% of state high schoolers graduated and only 43.2% of students with disabilities completed their degree. In the category of highest levels of obesity, South Carolina ranks 41^st, graduation rates, 36^th, cancer deaths, 38^th, diabetes, 43^rd, violent crime, 4^th and smoking 43^rd according to 2015 rankings.

As of November 6, 2016, (Traffic Accidents and Fatalities in South Carolina):

Fatal Crashes for 2015: 782 / Fatal Crashes for 2016: 766
Persons Killed from Crashes in 2015: 839 / Persons Killed from Crashes in 2016: 833

We still have 2 months remaining in the year and we are on pace to shatter the 2015 records.

South Carolina has its challenges, but something big is happening in Charleston.

Last month 30 aspiring start-ups participated in the 2016 Charleston Angels Conference meeting with investors to vy for a prize of $100,000. These is a pioneer program for Charleston highlighting some of the best young tech companies in the Southeast. With the partnership of local investors and a wealth of potential seat money, this even can launch a promising future for some young startups.

In 2015, Charleston Magazine published “The Rise in Silicon Harbor” while in 2015 Huffington Post released, “Charleston, South Carolina Outpaces the Nation in Tech Growth”. Both outlined a renaissance in technology and professional expertise taking shape in the Low country. This unprecedented birth of human capital solutions has paved the way for a new look and feel for Charleston.

DigSouth is on a mission and their goal is very clear, bring technology to the Southeast. This is an area that traditionally has not been a technology focal point. It isn’t Silicon Valley (Palo Alto/San Francisco), New York, Chicago, Minneapolis or Austin. The stigma in the South traditionally has been low education standards, limited professional and tech career opportunities and sub-standard quality of life. Now there are companies, organizations and visionaries that are seeing that this reputation is changing and swiftly.

CharlestonWorks is a website that highlights the technology jobs in the Charleston area. Its goal is to bring talent locally and across the country to the Southeast to harness and growth our tech infrastructure. Take a look and see the diverse range of opportunities available right in your backyard. Currently, there are 341 companies with current technology job openings. This is truly a feat and a testimony to the growth in tech space.

In the last 10 years, we have witnessed the evolutionary transformation of Charleston witnessing the increase and expansion of medical services, the rise of Boeing, BMW and Volvo, expansion of BenefitFocus, PeopleMatter bringing corporate life to downtown Charleston, monetized apps being released and small technology firms coming into their own.

Charleston remains a historic Southern coastal area with a rich tradition of hospitality, warmth, dining and leisure, but a new seed is being planted.

Six years ago, I had personal challenges scheduling meetings because most friends and network connections wanted to meet during the day. For some time, I felt like I was the only one in Charleston with traditional work hours. That thinking is changing. We are seeing great thinkers home grown who are taking risks and converting business plans into reality right here at home.

The latest 2016 US News and Worlds Report ranks The Citadel #1 and College of Charleston #4 in Public Schools South Region. With these two strong programs and our surrounding schools focus on technology skills, coding camps and meetups, Charleston is starting to make a national name for itself and very comfortable to be competing with Silicon Valley step for step.

We may not have the deep seed money to compete with the Yelps and Instagrams of the world, but we are making waves in the tech sector and I see us being a player for a long time.

GALLERY: Dawning of a New Day: Sunrise at Folly

November 5, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

How many times do we dream of a sunrise over the ocean, with a cool western breeze tickling our face? To feel the grains of sand between your toes, as the sun rises from the horizon and the sound of the waves echo in our ears. How amazing does that sound. For many of us that call Charleston home, this is a reality we cherish every day.

Yet, not all of us have that luxury. We would like to share our version of Charleston paradise with a photo expose entitled: Dawning of a New Day

Take a deep breath and soak it all in. The warmth, the beauty and the tranquility.

What the Charleston Lady Was Doing While Her Other Half Watched the Epic Finale of the 2016 World Series

November 5, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Enjoying the crisp fall evening on the patio while sipping a glass of wine and sneaking a few pieces of the kid’s Halloween candy.

Hanging out with her man because she is after all a true Southern Bell, and supporting his interests is just part of what we do. {…even if there may be texts exchanged with the bestie about how cute that one player’s butt looks in his uniform.}

Sleeping – hopefully not interrupting any important plays with the occasional, adorable snore.

Finally catching up on her DVR shows on the smaller T.V.

Using her man’s credit card to buy those shoes she has been eyeing for quite some time now. -How that matching belt made its way into the shopping bag is a mystery to her!-

Constantly refilling the chip bowl and mixed nuts while making countless pigs in blankets, all while keeping the coffee table her honey and his friends are huddled around clear of empty beer cans and bottle caps.

Taking advantage of an empty house to sit around in her favorite baggy, ripped sweats and bleached stained hoodie for once…crazy hair and all.

Getting hit on at Mac’s Place -unbeknownst to her significant other- by some guy rooting for the opposing team, despite the fact that her and her man have been sharing a plate of nachos since the second inning and he keeps drinking her beer because he refuses to take his eyes off of the screen.

Pretending to show interest in the game but instead, plotting her moment when she gets to use the line that starts with, “Honey remember that time when I sat up with you after midnight watching the World Series?”

Cheering right along by her love’s side because she has always been a Cubs fan.

World Series 2016 Video

Is the Delicate Charleston, SC Ecosystem in Jeopardy?

November 3, 2016

by Charleston Daily 4 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Four years ago, I lived on the corner of Morris Street and Rutledge Avenue. Before there was the Sweet Radish, Wild Flour, Brown’s Court Bakery, Octobachi or Sunrise Bistro Express, there was a small community garden on Rutledge Avenue between Spring Street and the crosstown. Situated between a bohemian community of students, artists and local residents, this corner plot stood as a representation of nature, community, health, wellness and education manifesting itself into a garden of unified spirits growing harmoniously. One evening after a group dinner at Five Loaves, I was taken to the garden and served up a sixty-minute lesson on all the greens and flowers and their importance in the ecosystem of this community garden.

The garden is gone now and three stories of concrete reside there now.

Fast forward to 2011 through 2016 when Conde Nast voted Charleston America’s favorite city, fifteen new hotels and boutiques have been approved for development through 2015, Mount Pleasant became the 9th fastest growing city over 50,000 people and the delicate balance of history, intimacy and simplicity has begun to slip away.

The economy is booming in Charleston. In September, a Charleston company on Daniel Island, BenefitFocus, made its debut on the NASDAQ stock exchange and in December announced 1,200 additional jobs and a $60 million campus expansion. The new Children’s Hospital and development on the College of Charleston is making construction as common as carriage rides. Can you remember a time there was not construction on the peninsula in any direction.

Boeing’s North Charleston project is expected to create at least 3,800 jobs and represents an investment of at least $750 million. There are 2,600 workers in North Charleston working at the former Vought plant that Boeing purchased this summer and the Global Aeronautical facility that is a 787 subcontractor to Boeing. That facility is a joint venture between Boeing and Alenia. Some have speculated that Boeing will have more than 6,000 employees working at the aircraft factory by 2016.

PeopleMatter opened its new sales and customer operations facility at 483 King Street, bringing a new corporate presence to Upper King Street.

The peninsula is below sea level in most areas, which rears its ugly head each time rainfall and high tide create a mix of transportation terror. Mount Pleasant is the seventh fastest growing city in the United States. Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Charleston are in the top 20 fastest growing coastal communities on the Atlantic. Charleston, South Carolina is projected to see a population growth of 18% plus between 2010 – 2020.

In 2011, in 9 crime categories, Charleston County as ahead of National Averages in 8 of those categories. This can be factored into wage disparity, economic conditions, population growth and demographic changes in the area.

Individual and small business ownership is a critical part of the economic success of the Charleston area. Food trucks are one key example of the entrepreneurial spirit of Charleston. With 32 registered food trucks, the concept of the brick and mortar establishment is a thing of the past.

In 2012, it was announced that over 1500 new hotel rooms were being built on the peninsula. Whether it is the Holiday Inn Express, Bohemian Hotel or Hilton Gardens, the traditional skyline of Charleston is a thing of the past. Tourism growth. It is estimated that between 4.5 Million and 4.8 Million tourists visit Charleston each year by cruise ship, plane or car. This could be damaging to a peninsula that masses 7.6 square miles.

Marion Square by Spring of 2017 will be nearly entirely surrounded by hotels (Marriot Courtyard, Francis Marion, Embassy Suites and Dewberry). Our beloved corner of Calhoun and King is now a corporate billboard highlighted by Starbucks, Panera, Moe’s Southwest, Chipotle and Walgreens.

This influx of residents and tourists are weighing in on the beauty and historic tradition we value. On Christmas morning, 2012, I walked the streets of the peninsula to bask in the solitary confinement of a city that was free of people and cars. In the midst of my walk, I encountered a trash and litter at every corner, run down yards and a level of fifth, I never would have expected from Charleston.

The goal of this article is awareness. You will all hear wonderful stories of praise for Charleston. We represent all that is good in the world. We have a state of the art medical facility, beautiful ocean front, a city with the richest historic value in the south and a level of genuine warmth you will not find anywhere else. We are also losing our identify. With increased crime, taxation, high end retail, housing development growth, traffic issues, school over-crowding and challenges to our way of life, there are areas we need to look closely at. We each have a civic responsibility to care for our culture, environment and the value systems we have developed. If you have concerns, use your civic awareness to raise a voice in your town.

Let’s not let Charleston lose its identity.

2015-2016-Charleston-Metro-Chamber-of-Commerce-Economic-Outlook

Charleston Based SkilRoute recognized as one of ‘Best Entrepreneurial Companies’

October 31, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Charleston, SC — SkilRoute was recently recognized as one of the “Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America” by Entrepreneur magazine’s Entrepreneur 360 List, the most comprehensive analysis of private companies in America. Based on this study forged by Entrepreneur, SkilRoute is recognized as a well-rounded company that has mastered a balance of impact, innovation, growth and leadership.

SkilRoute is a South Carolina based company that develops video technology to provide interactive instructional content in tactile skills to learners.

“Our users are excited by our innovative technology and design, which is breaking ground in online learning and training that focuses on hands-on skills. This recognition, on top of all their tremendous support and confidence in our team’s talent and hardwork to serve their needs, is encouraging,” says Raghav Badiger, co-founder and CEO of SkilRoute.

Video technology has come a long way to make learning subjects such as math, programming, and business online very efficient and scalable globally. But the same technology is ineffective for learning hands-on skills such as music, sports, and engineering. Consequently, in-person instruction is still the best way to learn such skills today.

SkilRoute’s technology replicates the effectiveness of in-person instruction by providing complete control to the user to personalize learning without the need for any expensive hardware or software for instructors or learners. Get a glimpse of the technology here (video): https://vimeo.com/163442033.

“Our annual evaluation offers a 360-degree analysis of the current private-business landscape,” explains Lisa Murray, Chief Insights Officer of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. “Top performers are determined by how well-rounded they are in these four key operative areas. Entrepreneurship is a complex endeavor—this listing recognizes those who have mastered the challenge and are thriving this year.”

Honorees were identified based on the results from a comprehensive study of independently-owned companies, using a proprietary algorithm and other advanced analytics. The algorithm was built on a balanced scorecard designed to measure four metrics reflecting major pillars of entrepreneurship — innovation, growth, leadership and impact. To learn more about SkilRoute, visit www.skilroute.com.

For additional details on the Entrepreneur 360 List and the companies recognized, visit: entrepreneur.com/360companies

ABOUT RANDOMWALK INNOVATIONS INC. SkilRoute is built by RandomWalk Innovations Inc. Our mission is to empower experts in various hands-on skills to reach global audience. Anyone should be able to access highest quality instructions to learn any skill from anywhere in the world — The Silk Route of Education. Our end-to-end platform enable individuals and companies to create and distribute high-quality instructional and training content. Our valuable customers and partners include Inc. 500 companies. To learn more, visit skilroute.com. Follow us on Twitter at @SkilRoute and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/SkilRoute.

From CRBJ Biz Wire

SkilRoute Corporate Website

International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) will host 36th Annual Conference in Charleston, SC

October 31, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

The International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) is pleased to announce it’s 36th annual conference to be held October 15-17, 2017 in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. The conference is expected to attract tourism educators from all over the world and at all levels, from secondary and trade schools to colleges and universities.

For over 35 years, ISTTE has been bringing travel and tourism educators together to discuss current industry research, teaching issues, solutions, and trends. The conference is a place for travel and tourism educators at all levels to exchange ideas and best practices, and to form a lasting network of professionals.

Whether you are on track to becoming a tenured professor, want to improve your teaching skills, or simply want to learn something new. ISTTE 2017 is the place for you!

Conference Announcement

Our Mission

The International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators is an international organization of industry professionals in travel, tourism and related fields representing all levels of educational institutions, ranging from professional schools and high schools to four-year colleges and graduate-degree granting institutions. We are a nonprofit international organization dedicated to improving the quality of education and research in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries by promoting the exchange of information, ideas, and outstanding service to our members.

Second Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Grill restaurant opens at Charleston International Airport (CHS)

October 31, 2016

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Golf icon Jack Nicklaus and Delaware North, a global hospitality and food service company, today formally celebrated the grand opening of the Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Grill at Charleston International Airport (CHS) in South Carolina, a 1,234-square-foot restaurant space that seats up to 80 guests in the airport’s main terminal. The restaurant began operations in September as part of the airport’s ongoing Terminal Redevelopment and Improvement Program, becoming the second Jack Nicklaus-branded restaurant to open this year. The restaurant concept was introduced in July 2016 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida.

Today’s grand opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a VIP event, and a Q&A with area media. Special guests were Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara; Executive Director and CEO of Charleston International Airport, State Senator Paul Campbell Jr.; former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley; officials from CHS and the Airport Employment and Training Center; and members of the Nicklaus family. In addition, country music star Darius Rucker stopped by to congratulate Jack and Barbara.

“Barbara and I were thrilled with what we saw today, with the second Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Grill to open,” Jack Nicklaus said. “First of all, the renovations and improvements to the Charleston airport are tremendous, and it’s a beautiful venue. The restaurant is ideally located in the main terminal and you could sense the interest and energy of customers.”

The Golden Bear Grill is beautifully decorated with memorabilia and at least 15 Nicklaus family photos hand-selected by Jack and Barbara to connect customers to the storied legacy of golf’s greatest champion, ambassador, course designer and philanthropist. The restaurant not only celebrates the game of golf, it also celebrates the life and lifestyle that surrounds the game. Jack’s wife Barbara worked closely with Delaware North’s concept and design team to create the warm, inviting and comfortable interiors.

The menu was also a collaboration between Barbara and a team of chefs—with many of the recipes featured coming from Barbara and her daughter Nan’s cookbook, Well Done! Items such as “Jack’s Favorite Greens,” a salad with romaine and iceberg lettuce, gorgonzola, red onion and smoked bacon; meatloaf; chicken parmesan; and “Buckeyes,” a chocolate peanut butter treat paying homage to Jack and Barbara’s home state of Ohio, are some of the menu’s featured items that originated in the Nicklaus family’s home kitchen. This close and personal connection to the Nicklaus family and their lifestyle is further emphasized by the restaurant’s kitchen—aptly named “Barbara’s Kitchen.”

“Our friends at Delaware North have done a great job with the layout, design and interiors,” Jack added. “If comparing it to our first restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, the Charleston Golden Bear Grill has its own personality and touches, but Delaware North took great care in maintaining a consistency of look, feel and functionality. The most important element of consistency we witnessed today was the level of quality and friendliness in the staff and service, and the excellent menu and execution. We are very pleased and proud.”

Many Nicklaus-branded products are for sale at the restaurant including Jack’s House and Jack Nicklaus Private Reserve by Terlato Wines; three flavors of Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream by Schwan; and Jack Nicklaus AquaHydrate Water. The Well Done! cookbook is also available for restaurant patrons who want to cook like the First Lady of Golf and eat like the Golden Bear—or who are simply looking for a quick gift before reaching their destinations. The restaurant also features an optional round-up for charity program benefitting the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

About Delaware North

Delaware North is one of the largest privately-held hospitality and food service companies in the world. Founded in 1915, Delaware North has global operations at high-profile places such as sports and entertainment venues, national and state parks, destination resorts and restaurants, airports, and regional casinos. Delaware North has annual revenue of $3 billion in the sports, travel hospitality, restaurants and catering, parks, resorts, gaming, and specialty retail industries. Learn more about Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality and food service, at www.delawarenorth.com.

On Election Day: Vote “None of the Above” or at least your better conscious

October 29, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Matthew 5:5 states “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Right now, the rich seem to be leading the way.

When the dust settles less than two weeks from now and all the ballots are cast, two billion dollars will have been spent on one of the most slanderous US presidential campaigns in the history of this nation. Advertising Age magazine estimates that the Clinton campaign will spend between 250 – 350 million dollars in media (radio, television and print) advertising in the swing states alone. When we look at the political contributions and the understanding that “I will scratch your back if you scratch mine”, we once again must look to the code of morality and question the prioritization of funds.

We have spent months listening to campaign promises of jobs, affordable healthcare, housing and the future of our children. I can think of a few ways two billion dollars can alleviate some of our domestic concerns in the short term. Maybe that is too simplistic of a view, but one that many voters would validate.

No matter how you look at it; no matter what colorful adjectives you use, a nation is divided by an arrogant wealthy businessman and a rich political head with strong ambitions.

The winners this election season are the media and comedic forces of late-night. The losers stand to be the American public, regardless of outcome. This mud tossing campaign to the outside world looks as childish as two ten-year-old bullies in the playground fighting for the sandbox.

Here are just a few of the unbelievable observations of this campaign season demonstrating how ridiculous this has all become:

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who went on a public Twitter attach on Donald Trump during the primary is now endorsing him for president.
Oprah Winfrey is telling the American public that you don’t have to like Hillary Clinton to vote for her.
An on-going scandal around emails on a secure government server is fueling Mr. Trump’s campaign yet no one sees the fear that realistically Russian spies have tapped into our government servers. Some of you may not remember the Cold War years, but this would have been considered a potential act of war and triggered a nuclear attack in the 80’s.
“Bad Hombre”, “Nasty Women” and candid attacks referencing menstruation periods – Are these phrases and behaviors we want from our Leader in Chief to other leaders around the world. Donald Trump is caustic, aggressive, rude and inconsistent.
Have we raised the bar of political corruption? Politics has always been a give and take relationships with an element of corruption. Look very closely at the role of a lobbyist. Have we raised the bar of excepted government behavior to almost criminal scales?
Donald Trump referenced Megyn Kelly’s menstruation cycle saying “blood coming out of her eyes; blood coming out of her – whatever.” He also went on to attack John McCain’s war-hero status saying “Who’s doing the raping?”
Donald Trump saying “I would bomb the shit out of them” referencing how far he would go to end ISIS. That could be your future Commander in Chief.
282 People, Places or Things Donald Trump has insulted – We think the list speaks on its own merits.
Anthony Weiner’s Wife is Hillary Clinton’s top aide. The six degrees of Kevin Bacon here has an eeriness about it.

Brian Synder/Reuters — Brian Synder/REUTERS

There is a multitude of commentary, mock websites making unverified accusations and opinions regurgitated that can only move as a fast as social media can process. We expect that to continue long after the election, the recount and the lawsuits.

We have always been a divided country. Some states will vote Republican or Democrat regardless of who runs. Therefore, the swing states once again are where all eyes will lie.

As a nation, we persevere. Whether it is dead people voting for Kennedy, the ballots in Dade County, Florida in 2000 or the latest propaganda about a rigged election, our nation finds a way to rise.

How do we fix our nation?

Facts are facts, but realities are even more penetrating.

We have seen the decline in skilled opportunities, rising inflation, affordable housing shortages, declines in educational standards, violent crimes on the rise, obesity and health concerns, failures in our healthcare system and a general decline in moral standards and faith.

You don’t need statistical analysis to support these truths. You need to look to your neighbors and surroundings to see what is going on.

Our hope is that whomever wins on Tuesday, November 8, builds a team that will take a serious look at moving this country in the right direction.

Trump at the Yorktown – What Happened at the Rally?

Photography

Honorable Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. – Photographs Through the Years

October 27, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

The honorable Mayor Riley has been a figure head of prominence for over 40 years and has led this quiet Southern land of warmth and hospitality with grace, dignity and pride. His legacy will remain for generations to come and his accomplishments are too many to count.

It is difficult for most of us to remember a time when Joseph Riley was not our esteemed Mayor gracing us with smiles and empowering us to achieve our dreams.

We are proud to share some wonderful images of Mr. Riley, through the years.

1997 at College of Charleston — 1977 at College of Charleston

Folly Beach Goes Green – Media Release

October 25, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Media Release: Folly Beach Goes Green

City Council votes ‘yes’ to a mandate banning items that pose a threat to the environment

Folly Beach, SC – Tuesday, October 19th, Folly Beach made history when City Council passed a new ordinance banning specific items that raise a potential risk to the environment and its inhabitants. Beachgoers will no longer be allowed to bring plastic bags or Styrofoam coolers, among other items, onto the beach. The ordinance also bans Folly Beach businesses from distributing these items to their customers.

This is a historic move for Folly and South Carolina. While similar ordinances exist nationally, Folly is one of few beach communities to take the extra step in preserving the waterways. For the next few months, Folly will work toward educating the public and local businesses about the new laws.

“Folly Beach is a close community and our businesses are an integral part of that community. As a result we decided to be proactive in the way our businesses impact this Island. We saw the damage that non-recyclable plastic bags and Styrofoam were inflicting on our most valuable assets, the beach and ocean. We saw that harm and decided to make a change. Folly Beach’s Businesses are committed to protecting these assets and being good stewards of the beach and ocean. We hope that this is the first step of many for a more sustainable way on life,” said Lewis Dodson, President of the Folly Association of Business.

“This is just one small step for the health of the environment. Our ocean and our ocean life are the most important pieces of what makes Folly so special, and we have to do our part to preserve our piece of paradise,” said Tim Goodwin, Mayor of the City of Folly Beach.

Passing the ordinances, originally proposed by Councilman DJ Rich, required a joint effort from The Folly Beach City Council, local businesses, and also several research entities who measured the impact of these materials on local wildlife. It was concluded that the plastic and Styrofoam items were severely tarnishing the sea and land environment as a whole and it was in great interest of the community to make a positive change.

The new ordinance will take effect on January 1, 2017.

For more information about Folly Beach’s new ordinance and the items that are banned, please go to VisitFolly.com, find them on Facebook at Visit Folly or download the free ‘Visit Folly’ smart phone app.