Author: Charleston Daily

Entering its 19th season in Charleston, South Carolina, Annex Dance Company has created a reputation of fostering an environment of creative release using music, movement, dance and artistic celebration to entertain and foster generations of dancers.

We are so proud to spotlight this wonderful company that we met at a recent event at Gibbes Museum of Art.

Let’s learn more about Annex Dance Company

Annex Dance Company is committed to providing accessibility to professional modern dance in Charleston, SC. Under the artistic direction of Kristin Alexander, the company is rooted in modern dance tradition while pushing the boundaries of movement invention through relationships and intention. Performance, collaboration, and education remain at the forefront of every season. Annex Dance Company supports the arts through collaborative projects with artists of different mediums.

Annex Dance Company teaches classes weekly out of the studio at Dance Moves of Charleston, 349 Folly Road on James Island. Visit our website at https://annexdancecompany.org

Want to learn more?

• Click HERE to purchase tickets or donate to their upcoming events.
• Official Website for Annex Dance Company
• Stay connected and follow on Instagram.

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Photo Credit: Annex Dance Company

(Charleston, SC). Middleton Place Foundation is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant from the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) in support of a major new exhibit, Conversations of Freedom: The American Revolution at Middleton Place, opening to the public on April 1, 2026.

This grant supports the development of a new exhibit in the South Flanker of the House Museum at Middleton Place, commemorating South Carolina’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. As the home of Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a National Historic Landmark with deep Revolutionary ties, Middleton Place offers an authentic setting to explore the layered meanings of liberty and independence.

Conversations of Freedom will present a more complete narrative of the Revolutionary period (1770–1783), inviting visitors to engage with history through multiple perspectives. The exhibit will explore how the ideas of freedom influenced the daily lives of Arthur Middleton, his family, and the people he enslaved.

“The Foundation is deeply grateful to the SC250 Commission for this opportunity,” said Dana Hand Evans, President & CEO of Middleton Place Foundation. “This grant helps us reimagine how we tell the story of the American Revolution by expanding the lens to include voices that have been left out of the national conversation.”

Through thoughtfully curated period rooms and gallery spaces, Conversations of Freedom will examine the ideological, political, and personal struggles of the era, encouraging visitors to reflect on the complexity and contradictions of freedom in the nation’s founding.

The exhibit will be accompanied by a year-long series of public programs, special tours, and educational initiatives tied to the 250th commemoration. These efforts aim to deepen understanding, spark meaningful dialogue, and foster engagement with the legacy of the American Revolution.

Conversations of Freedom will be included with general admission to Middleton Place beginning April 1, 2026.

For more information, visit www.middletonplace.org or contact Alana Long at along@middletonplace.org / 843-266-7476. 

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STARLING CHEVROLET SURPASSES $80,000 RAISED FOR CAMP RISE ABOVE

Charleston, S.C. – Starling Chevrolet has proudly surpassed a significant fundraising milestone, raising over $80,000 for its philanthropic partner, Camp Rise Above, since their partnership began in 2022.

Starling Chevrolet General Manager Joe Sarro presented a check representing the cumulative total of the dealership’s contributions through its All Stars Initiative, community events and customer-driven fundraising efforts.

“Camp Rise Above has a mission that hits home for me. It’s about giving kids the chance to be kids, no matter the challenges they face,” said Sarro. “We’re proud to help water the flowers in our own backyard, and this partnership is one of the most rewarding ways we can give back to the Lowcountry.”

Founded in 2008 by Barbara Van Thullenar Denton, Camp Rise Above provides life-changing camp experiences for children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and life challenges. The organization serves hundreds of children each year through high-quality, medically supportive programs and has the long-term vision of building a permanent, fully accessible camp facility in the Charleston area.

“Joe and the Starling Chevrolet team have become part of the Camp Rise Above family,” said Erin Ulmer, Executive Director at Camp Rise Above. “Their generosity has fueled opportunities for our campers that simply wouldn’t have been possible otherwise — and the joy on the camper’s faces is proof of the impact they’re making.”

Starling Chevrolet’s dedication to the community extends well beyond Camp Rise Above, supporting local programs such as Toys for Tots, Mount Pleasant Recreation Department, Oceanside Academy and the Wando High School Band.

Starling Chevrolet is part of the Starling Automotive Group and is open Monday–Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. To learn more about the dealership, visit www.southcarolinachevy.com, follow on Facebook @StarlingChevyMP, and Instagram @StarlingChevroletMP. To learn more about Camp Rise above, visit www.campriseabove.org, follow on Facebook @CampRiseAbove, and Instagram @CampRiseAbove.

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Since 1897, Florence Crittenton Programs of SC has been serving young pregnant women, moms and children by providing safety, stability and the foundational skills to build a bright future. After 125 years of service, Florence Crittenton has stepped into a new era and rebranded as Young Moms Together – a name that honors the young mothers at the heart of their mission and reflects a belief that life’s challenges are best faced together.

While their mission to support and empower young moms remains the same, the name Young Moms Together better reflects the evolution of their service model and amplifies the voices and experiences of the young women they serve. 

“After years of research, planning and careful consideration, we’re excited and prepared to take this next step as Young Moms Together,” shares Cheryl O’Donnell, executive director of Young Moms Together. “We’re building a stronger, more responsive and more community-rooted system that opens doors for young moms and allows us to collaborate with partners, supporters and like-minded forces.” 

For decades, Young Moms Together provided housing for young moms in their residential home on St. Margaret Street in addition to offering rental assistance and support services for young moms facing homelessness and housing instability. Building on that foundation and responding to challenges young moms currently face, Young Moms Together is shifting towards a more inclusive, community-based service model rooted in real-world settings and long-term stability. 

Through a collection of synergetic services grounded in evidence-based Parents as Teachers curriculum and delivered through a holistic ‘Success Coach’ model, Young Moms Together will now serve every young mom under one unified program. This holistic approach utilizes techniques such as:

• Dedicated Case Managers: One case manager will stay with each mom throughout her journey–coordinating all services, building trust and ensuring continuity of care– equipping her with tools, resources and education to thrive independently and with the goal of breaking the cycles of poverty and trauma. 
• Holistic, Family-Centered Care and Training: Support will not only focus on the moms’ immediate needs, but also those of their family and caregivers. Foster parents, kinship care providers and caregivers will also receive specialized training to better understand the needs of young moms, creating an environment that fosters stability and connection.
• Highly Accessible Services: Moms will no longer need to reside in the residential home to receive services. Instead, Young Moms Together will meet moms where they are, connecting them with local programs and housing support to ensure they stay integrated with their support systems. 

For more information, please visit the Young Moms Together website.

Photo credit: Young Moms Together

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Without much fanfare or media, Stars Restaurant and Satellite Bar (Rooftop) have closed their doors after almost 13 years at 495 King Street in downtown Charleston, South Carolina to unveil a brand new concept: Events at 495.

Events at 495 will be offering multiple spaces and full catering menus to suit anyone’s taste and party style from bridal showers to business meetings; bachelor parties to corporate celebrations.

There will be 3 indoor room areas and the rooftop available for your special event.

Click link to learn more: Official Website

Photo Credit: Events at 495

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Manufacturing facility will operate with nearly 70 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – ATI Inc. (ATI), a global aerospace and defense leader, today celebrated its growth in South Carolina with a new operation in Chesterfield County. At full production capacity, the facility will operate with a workforce of nearly 70 newly created jobs.

ATI’s new facility, located at 340 Industrial Park Lane in Pageland, produces titanium alloy sheet. Technically challenging to produce, this material is critical to airframe manufacturers, bringing strength and durability to aerostructure components and assemblies. The company recently announced long-term agreements with Airbus and Boeing for materials produced at this facility.

Headquartered in Texas, ATI produces materials and solutions for the aerospace and defense markets, as well as applications used in the electronics, medical and energy industries. The company’s existing presence in South Carolina includes a specialty materials production facility in Richburg.

Operations at the Pageland facility are already online. Individuals interested in joining the ATI team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $550,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Chesterfield County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

“With our Pageland facility fully online and in production, ATI now offers a full complement of titanium materials, producing quality titanium sheets wider and longer than anyone in the industry. We appreciate South Carolina’s support for our expansion and look forward to partnering with them for decades to come. This new offering further extends both ATI’s and South Carolina’s position as an aerospace leader, giving customers extraordinary manufacturing capability and flexibility.” -ATI President and CEO Kimberly A. Fields

“ATI’s latest investment in our state and our people is a testament to South Carolina’s capabilities in the manufacturing industry. We applaud the company on creating nearly 70 new job opportunities in one of our state’s rural communities and congratulate ATI and Chesterfield County on this announcement.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina continues to prove itself as a state that provides businesses with the support needed to grow and succeed, from launch to legacy. We are proud to see ATI establishing another manufacturing facility in our state and look forward to continuing our partnership with the company as it invests in Chesterfield County.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Chesterfield County celebrates ATI’s global specialty materials business located in Lynches River Industrial Park in Pageland. This facility underscores our county’s strengths in workforce readiness, infrastructure and business climate. ATI’s transformative investment here reflects confidence in our ability to support advanced manufacturing for the critical sectors of aerospace and defense.” -Chesterfield County Council Chairwoman Mary Anderson

FIVE FAST FACTS

• ATI Inc. (ATI) is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new operation in Chesterfield County.
• ATI is a global aerospace and defense company.
• The company’s manufacturing facility will employ nearly 70 people when at full production.
• The new operation, producing titanium alloy sheet, is located at 340 Industrial Park Lane in Pageland, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the ATI team should visit the company’s careers page.

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Deadline Tonight at Midnight – Lock in the Lowest Price of the Year Before Headliners Are Revealed

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AUGUST 13, 2025) — Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) The East Coast’s largest outdoor country music fest is officially kicking off its journey to 2026. Today marks the final day to sign up for Early Access to Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) tickets, with the deadline set for midnight tonight.

Past ticket holders are automatically included, while new fans can secure their spot by registering before the deadline. Both groups will get the exclusive advantage when Early Access opens tomorrow, Thursday, August 14, at 10 a.m. This coveted window offers the lowest ticket prices of the year and first choice of ticket types — from General Admission to the exclusive Super VIP experience — before tiers start selling out. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, August 15.

Set for June 4-7, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., CCMF will once again transform the iconic coastal destination into a four-day country music takeover, featuring more than 40 of today’s hottest artists and rising stars performing across multiple stages just steps from the ocean.

Since its debut in 2015, CCMF has grown into a nationally recognized destination fest, drawing fans from all over the world. Known for its unique beachfront setting, star-powered lineups, and immersive fan experience, the event has been recognized by USA Today, Billboard, Rolling Stone and Country Living as one of the premier country music events in the nation — and has sold out four years in a row.

Why Early Access:

● Best Price of the Year: Secure tickets before headliners are announced and save big.

● First Pick of Ticket Types: Beat the rush and claim your preferred experience.

● Tiered Pricing Advantage: Once tiers sell out, prices go up — even during Early Access.

● High Demand: With four consecutive sellouts, Early Access is the safest bet to guarantee your spot.

“Early Access is our way of saying thank you to the incredible fans who make CCMF possible,” said Bob Durkin, co-founder of Southern Entertainment. “It’s your chance to lock in the best deal and be part of an unforgettable weekend.”

Fans can also follow along as #CCMFHints continue rolling out on social media this week, offering cryptic clues about the four superstar headliners set to be revealed in the coming weeks.

To sign up for Early Access before tonight’s midnight deadline, explore ticket options, and join the tradition, visitCarolinaCountryMusicFest.com, and follow us 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 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

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By Mark A. Leon

Charleston, South Carolina, is a city where history doesn’t just live in museums—it lingers in the cobblestone streets, whispers through the live oaks, and resonates from its centuries-old architecture. Founded in 1670, Charleston has been a crossroads of commerce, culture, and politics, playing a vital role in shaping the American story. From its colonial prominence to its pivotal moments in the Revolution and Civil War, Charleston has not only witnessed history—it has made it. In fact, the Holy City boasts an extraordinary list of “firsts” that set it apart as one of the most historically significant cities in the United States.

1. First Public College, Museum, and Playhouse

Charleston was home to the first public college in America—the College of Charleston—chartered in 1770 and operational by 1785. It also claimed the nation’s first museum, the Charleston Museum, founded in 1773. Just a year later, in 1736, the Dock Street Theatre opened as the first building in the U.S. constructed exclusively for theatrical performances.

2. First Golf Club in America

Golf arrived on American shores in Charleston. In 1786, the South Carolina Golf Club was established, predating other clubs by decades and marking the sport’s introduction to the colonies.

3. First Passenger Rail Service

In 1830, Charleston became the starting point for America’s first regularly scheduled passenger rail service. The Charleston & Hamburg Railroad connected the city to inland South Carolina and helped revolutionize U.S. transportation.

4. First Shot of the American Civil War

On April 12, 1861, Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor became the flashpoint for the Civil War when Confederate forces fired the war’s opening shots—a moment that altered the course of American history.

5. First Fire Insurance Company

Charleston also pioneered organized risk management, establishing the first fire insurance company in America in 1735, protecting the city’s vital commercial hub from devastating losses.

6. First American Ballet Company

In 1791, Charleston formed what is considered America’s first professional ballet company, bringing European art forms to the colonial South.

7. First and Oldest Liquor Store

The oldest liquor store in America is The Tavern at Rainbow Row in Charleston, South Carolina. It has been selling alcohol since 1686.

8. First Municipal College Integrated into a City Government

The College of Charleston became the first municipal college in the nation in 1837, intertwining higher education with civic governance.

Charleston’s long list of firsts reflects its role as a leader in innovation, art, commerce, and politics. More than a city of beautiful scenery, it is a living monument to the spirit of progress—always ready to try something new, and often, to do it first.

Related: MRI Wellness in North Charleston – The only full-service preventative MRI Center in the state of South Carolina

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R2P Also Claims #1 Spot in U.S. Manufacturing, #1 in South Carolina and #1 in Charleston Metro Area

CHARLESTON, SC – R2P Innovations, the Charleston-based manufacturer of the world’s most advanced bulletproof doors has been ranked #5 on the 2025 Inc. 5000list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. In addition to its national top five ranking, R2P also earned the #1 spot for manufacturing in the U.S., as well as the #1 spots overall in South Carolina and the Charleston metro area.

R2P Innovations is the only company in the world producing office and classroom doors capable of stopping over 100 rounds of assault-rifle fire in a design aesthetic that matches classroom and office settings while being light enough for children to operate.  R2P doors are also fire-rated and ADA-compliant.

The annual Inc. 5000 list recognizes the most dynamic and successful privately held companies in the country. R2P’s three-year revenue growth reflects the growing demand for its life-saving technology and the strength of its mission-driven business model.

“This incredible recognition is a testament to our team and the vision we’ve built together,” said Tony Deering, CEO of R2P Innovations. “We aren’t just building bulletproof doors—we’re building trust, safety, and peace of mind for every employee, student and teacher. To be named the fastest-growing manufacturer in the country, and one of the top five companies overall, is both humbling and motivating.”

Behind the technology is a team with decades of experience protecting men and women in uniform.  The R2P team is united by a purpose to save lives and a workplace culture that prioritizes the company’s lifesaving mission.

“Working at R2P isn’t just a job—it’s something I’m proud of every day,” said Simon Holmes, a master machinist. “We know our work directly impacts kids’ lives, and the company goes out of its way to support us. It feels like a family with a real mission.”

This year’s Inc. 5000 honorees stood out by growing and innovating in the face of global uncertainty, inflation, and a tight labor market. Among the top 500 firms, the median three-year revenue growth rate is 1,507 percent. These companies have collectively added more than 52,000 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.

“Making the Inc. 5000 is always a remarkable achievement, but earning a spot this year speaks volumes about a company’s tenacity and clarity of vision,” said Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “These businesses didn’t just survive—they grew through adversity, and their stories reflect the power of the entrepreneurial spirit.”

R2P Innovations will be honored at the 2025 Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, taking place October 22–24 in Phoenix. The top 500 companies will also be profiled in the Fall issue of Inc. magazine. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, and Patagonia.

To view the full list and learn more, visit: www.inc.com/inc5000

METHODOLOGY

Companies on the 2025 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2021 to 2024. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2021. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2024. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2021 is $100,000; the minimum for 2024 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. 

About R2P Innovations:
R2P Innovations is a leading developer and manufacturer of the world’s most advanced bulletproof doors, specifically designed to blend seamlessly into office and school settings. Learn more at r2pdoors.com.

About Inc.:
Inc. is the leading media brand for entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping the future. Through trusted journalism, Inc. informs and elevates the innovators, risk-takers, and visionaries driving America’s most dynamic companies. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, which also publishes Fast Company. Visit www.inc.com for more.

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BOSSCAT Ranks No. 1493 With Revenue Growth of 291 Percent From 2021 to 2024

CHARLESTON, S.C., Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BOSSCAT Home Services and Technologies today announced that it has been named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for the fourth consecutive year, earning recognition as the 1493rd fastest-growing private company in America. This four-year achievement places BOSSCAT among less than 6% of all companies recognized. The list provides a data-driven snapshot of the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement, recognizing our hard work, innovation and resilience, especially in a challenging time for proptech, real estate and venture-backed companies,” said Min Alexander, CEO and Founder of BOSSCAT. “Our mission has always been to create simplicity, transparency and joy for homeowners throughout their homeownership journey and this recurring achievement confirms we are on the right path.” 

Since its founding, BOSSCAT has transformed the way homeowners and real estate professionals order and manage home services online through personalized insights, recommendations and transparent pricing. BOSSCAT offers home repair, renovation and maintenance services in its operational markets and its proprietary Instant Estimate technology is available to homeowners, investors and real estate professionals across the United States and in Canada through BOSSCAT’s platform, HOMEBASE, now serving nearly 700,000 users.

“Our financing strategy was developed to create new opportunities to expand and improve our products and services, despite economic and real estate sector challenges,” said Mark Kearns, CFO of BOSSCAT.  “Our Series A capital raise in 2022 along with our subsequent financing rounds through 2025 have allowed BOSSCAT to continually invest in technology and product development to support our growth while driving toward profitability.”

This year’s Inc. 5000 honorees have demonstrated exceptional growth while navigating economic uncertainty, inflationary pressure, and a fluctuating labor market. Among the top 500 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate reached 1,552 percent, and those companies have collectively added more than 48,678 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.

“Making the Inc. 5000 is always a remarkable achievement, but earning a spot this year speaks volumes about a company’s tenacity and clarity of vision,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “These businesses have thrived amid rising costs, shifting global dynamics, and constant change. They didn’t just weather the storm—they grew through it, and their stories are a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial spirit is the engine of the U.S. economy.”

For the full list, visit: www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Inc. 

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About BOSSCAT Home Services and Technologies

BOSSCAT Home Services and Technologies is the real estate platform reshaping homeownership through instant repair estimates and personalized repair, renovation and maintenance recommendations for homeowners.  Through strategic alliances with Pillar To Post, RE/MAX, the National Association of Realtors®, The Home Depot and partners throughout the real estate ecosystem, BOSSCAT has created exclusive offerings to deliver lifecycle services for homeowners, investors and real estate professionals. BOSSCAT’s Instant Estimate technology and HOMEBASE platform are available in all 50 states and Canada. BOSSCAT’s major investors include Sweetwater Private Equity, Morpheus Ventures, Second Century Ventures and The Home Depot. Learn more at www.BosscatHome.com