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.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Smartpress, a commercial online printing company, today announced it selects Spartanburg County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The $9.6 million investment will create 150 new jobs.
Headquartered in Minnesota, Smartpress is one of the fastest-growing printers in North America for businesses and creative professionals. The company operates out of offices and production facilities in seven locations across the U.S. and ships hundreds of orders every day.
Smartpress will lease the 94,000-square-foot print production facility located at 1061 Duncan Reidville Road in Duncan, allowing the company to better serve East Coast customers.
Operations are expected to be online in November 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Smartpress team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.
QUOTES
“Our decision to expand Smartpress into South Carolina was driven by the region’s dynamic population growth and a talented workforce eager for opportunity. We are proud to bring our 100% employee-owned company to Spartanburg County, knowing the local community will play a key role in our continued success and innovation in print production.” -Smartpress Vice President Matt Chapman
“South Carolina is an ideal location for a company like Smartpress to establish operations. We congratulate the company on this $9.6 million investment in Spartanburg County and look forward to a strong and successful partnership.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“We are delighted Smartpress is expanding into South Carolina, creating 150 jobs and joining our state’s thriving business community. This investment in Spartanburg County showcases the company’s commitment to our state, and we are excited to witness Smartpress’ success in the Upstate.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“The investment Smartpress is making in Spartanburg County is impressive, and we’re grateful to play a role in the company’s expansion of services nationwide.” -Spartanburg County Council Vice Chairman and Economic Development Committee Chairman David Britt
FIVE FAST FACTS
Smartpress selects Spartanburg County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation.
The $9.6 million investment will create 150 new jobs.
Smartpress is a commercialonline printing company.
The company will be located at 1061 Duncan Reidville Road in Duncan, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the Smartpress team should visit the company’s careers page.
Mission and Objectives: Operation Helene is dedicated to providing immediate disaster relief in response to Hurricane Helene. Our primary mission is to deliver essential supplies, hot meals, and support to communities significantly impacted by the storm. We aim to mobilize volunteers and resources swiftly to address urgent needs and assist in recovery efforts, ensuring that affected individuals receive the aid they require.
Need for Assistance: Hurricane Helene is expected to bring severe flooding, power outages, and infrastructure damage in several regions, making access to food, water, and medical supplies critically limited. Many families are facing hardship as they navigate the aftermath of the storm. Your support is essential in helping us reach those in need and restore hope in these challenging times.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Google today announced plans to grow its South Carolina footprint by establishing two new data center campuses in Dorchester County and expanding its existing data center campus in Berkeley County. The company’s combined investment of $3.3 billion will create hundreds of new jobs across both counties.
Data centers support the company’s digital services including Google Cloud, Search and Maps. These tools have become an essential part of daily life, molding Google into a global brand with 17 operational data center campuses in the U.S.
The new Dorchester County facilities, located in the Pine Hill Business Campus in Ridgeville and Winding Woods Commerce Park in St. George, represent a $2 billion investment and will create 200 new operational jobs. The facilities will support growing demand for the company’s cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI).
In Berkeley County, Google will invest $1.3 billion to expand its existing data center campus, located in the Mount Holly Commerce Park in Moncks Corner, and support continued job growth. Established in 2007, the Berkeley County operation was the company’s first in South Carolina.
Individuals interested in joining the Google team should visit the company’s careers page.
QUOTES
“Today marks a significant milestone in Google’s collaboration with South Carolina. Our continued investment is a testament to the state’s exceptional workforce and thriving business environment. Google data centers are the backbone of digital services that underpin our modern lives, along with tech innovation like AI. We’re grateful for the collaboration with leaders in the state to not only grow our digital infrastructure here but contribute to this thriving community.” -Google Global Vice President of Cloud Supply Chain and Operations Monique Picou
“Google’s latest investment will strengthen South Carolina’s position as an emerging leader in technology and innovation. We are proud to support Google’s operations in Dorchester and Berkeley counties and look forward to the many opportunities our continued partnership will create for our people.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“We are thrilled Google has once again chosen to invest in South Carolina by establishing two new data center campuses in our state and expanding existing operations. The company’s significant investment of $3.3 billion will greatly benefit the Dorchester and Berkeley communities and beyond for years to come.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“We welcome Google’s historic investment in Dorchester County and the transformative economic opportunities it will bring. This project will have a lasting positive impact on our county, providing new jobs, elevating our schools, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Google’s proven track record of empowering local workforces and strengthening communities, including right here in the Lowcountry, makes them an invaluable partner for our region, and we are excited to work with them to build a brighter future for Dorchester County together.” -Dorchester County Council Chair Todd Friddle
“Google’s growing footprint in the Lowcountry is indicative of the company’s successful partnership with the counties in our region. Over the years, Google has brought critical capital investment and job opportunities to our communities; and we look forward to seeing how expansions, both in Berkeley and Dorchester counties, positively impact our area.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb
FIVE FAST FACTS
Google is growing its South Carolina footprint with new operations in Dorchester County and an expansion in Berkeley County.
The company’s combined investment of$3.3 billion will create hundreds of new jobs across both counties.
The expansion will support growing demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence.
Google’s two new data center campuses will be located in the Pine Hill Business Campus in Ridgeville, S.C. and the Winding Woods Commerce Park in St. George, S.C. The existing data center campus is located in the Mount Holly Commerce Park in Moncks Corner, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the Google team should visit the company’s careers page.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster announced that South Carolina’s September 28 requestfor an Expedited Major Presidential Disaster Declaration to provide federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in response to Hurricane Helene has been approved. The initial list of counties approved for assistance is not final, and additional counties are likely to be added as further damage assessments are completed.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved Individual Assistance program help to Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, and Spartanburg counties. This program provides direct financial assistance to residents who incurred uninsured damages to their property as a result of the storm. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA the number for that service. More information about this program can be found here.
FEMA also approved Public Assistance for Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, and Spartanburg counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance. Under the Public Assistance program, state and affected local governments are eligible to apply for federal funding to pay 75 percent of the approved costs under certain categories. The division of the remaining 25 percent will be determined later. More information about this program can be found here.
Additionally, the declaration approves Hazard Mitigation Grant program assistance, which makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce or mitigate future disaster risks. Funds under this program will be available to state agencies, local governments, and certain non-profit organizations only. A wide variety of potential projects are eligible. More information about this program can be found here.
An expedited declaration request is available when the scale and severity of damage are evident, even before complete damage assessments have been conducted. Counties selected for expedited assistance were identified by emergency management officials based on immediate communication with local officials, resource requests, fatalities, and power outages.
In South Carolina, several organizations focus on preventing domestic violence and child abuse. Here are a few resources available to you:
1. Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina: This chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America works on adverse childhood experiences prevention, home visiting models, and advocacy efforts.
2. Children’s Trust of South Carolina: A statewide organization providing resources and training to prevent child abuse and neglect through building strong family support systems.
Looking for great Thai and/or sushi in Charleston County? Here are some of the best Thai restaurants in the area that will leave you completely satisfied:
Pattaya Thai Restaurant: Located at 607 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, Pattaya is known for its takeout options and friendly service and has become a jewel to the Mount Pleasant community. Hours: Monday – Friday 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM / 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Thai Elephants Restaurant: Situated at 915 Folly Rd, James Island, Thai Elephant restaurant offers authentic dishes inspired by family recipes including incredible pineapple fried rice and Pad Thai. Pay extra close attention to the detail of the wood carvings in the tables and chairs while you are there. Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM / 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Sunday 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Closed Monday – Tuesday.
Taste of Thai: Found at 874 Orleans Road, Charleston, Taste of Thai has been praised for its fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes. Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Zen Asian Fusion Restaurant: Location at 2037 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407, Zen offers an exceptional culture with a dining and bar area, full menu and sushi bar. With each visit, there is consistently quality food and customer service and an artistry to the presentation of their sushi and Thai dishes. A gift for the West Ashley community. Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM, Friday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
Beginning October 2, 2024, Wendy and Lisa, formally of The Revolution, will be offering a chance in a lifetime to spend the night in Prince’s house and celebrate in the purple majesty.
This two bedroom, two bath, four guest experience could be yours. Think about the Instagrammable moments you will capture.
Click HERE to view photos and stay informed of the grand opening of this musical experience.
Preserving a Picturesque America recently completed an exhibition (July 19th – September 8th) at the City Gallery in Downtown Charleston, SC. The purpose of this exhibit was to look at life in Charleston circa 1870 and ask current local artists (some nationally known) to provide their artistic interpretation of those moments. Though many of the original works sold, there are several that remain. An online store has been established so you can browse and perhaps own a piece of the Charleston landscape in your home or office.
Proceeds from each sale will go to local Charleston area conservation groups.
Scott Varn, founder and Executive Director of Preserving A Picturesque America (PAPA), is an artist and longtime conservationist. Some years ago, while searching for prints depicting his home area of Western North Carolina, he found some classic engravings of the French Broad River at an online estate auction and ordered them. When they arrived, Scott was enamored with the scenes depicting landmarks along the river from nearly one hundred fifty years ago. However, disappointment ensued when he saw text on the reverse side, realizing they were removed from a book. Still the images were intriguing and the words on the back sparked a curiosity to learn more.
The words and images came from a publication titled Picturesque America. The writers spoke of their concern for lands that “but a few years ago were known only to the explorer or the local inhabitant” and expressed apprehension for how long these lands would remain unspoiled by human impact. Over one hundred fifty years ago, the artists and writers of Picturesque America implied progress without responsibility could destroy places unique to our country.
Researching further, it was discovered that Picturesque America was a serial released in forty eight parts and eventually bound into two large volumes. The serials also included over nine hundred engravings of natural and historic landscapes. Created by Appleton Press, this publication combined celebrated writers and artists of the time who created “travel log” style tales describing wondrous places across America. Their work raised public awareness of our country’s bountiful beauty and has played an important role in the protection of natural lands and historic places. The published dates were from 1872 until 1874.
Although many places depicted in Picturesque America are well-known today, they were mostly unknown to the general public in the late 1800s. Tourism was rare and something only afforded by the wealthy. The expansion of railroads provided access to new places; however, the country was still recovering from the aftermath of the Civil War. Few ventured past their county borders and rarely outside their state. This publication gave many people the opportunity to explore this land without leaving their homes.
Soon after learning the history of Picturesque America, Scott traveled to California on a business trip, and was near a location featured in one of the serials – the Yosemite Valley. While there, he spent several days exploring Yosemite National Park and wondered – would it be possible to locate the artist’s vantage points when creating artwork of the Yosemite Valley? How amazing it would be to stand in the same spot as the artist who was here so long ago.
Using a copy of Picturesque America as his guide, reading their account and studying the engravings with a careful eye, Scott embraced the challenge to find the same sites they visited so long ago. Some were found quickly, for they were dramatic and well-known geological features. However, finding the exact vantage point of the artist was where the adventure really began.
Finding the first location was breathtaking, experiencing a connection to the past while immersed in the beauty of his surroundings. A celebratory photo recorded the exhilarating moment. Scott pulled out his sketchbook and drew with the same awe as the original artist. At this moment Scott realized this could be much more than simply an adventure or artistic discovery. To follow in the footsteps and brushstrokes of the original writers and artists, to rediscover the same places and document their current state of existence, to bring awareness to others that places important to people from the past should be protected and preserved for those in the future – this was a calling that changed the course of Scott’s life.
From this revelation, the non-profit organization Preserving A Picturesque America (PAPA) was created. PAPA collaborates with artists, writers, historians, other like-minded individuals, and environmental organizations to use the power of the arts to protect and preserve natural and historic landmarks across the country. To be good stewards of this land, one must have a better perspective of what can be gained by preserving these beautiful places. PAPA strives to shift public perspective towards the importance of the natural landscape through art experiences and opportunities to reconnect with nature, and use those opportunities to raise funding that will facilitate the protection and preservation of Picturesque America sites across the country.
Distinguished veteran and higher education administrator to lead innovative programming and curricula for new national leadership program
MT. PLEASANT, S.C. (Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024) —The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, a newly founded initiative promoting leadership through the Medal of Honor’s core principles, is pleased to announce Dr. Justin Habash has joined the team as senior vice president of leadership programs and chief learning officer. In this expanded role, Dr. Habash, a veteran and former higher education administrator, will lead the development and implementation of innovative leadership programs designed to inspire and equip individuals at all stages of their leadership journey.
“We are excited Dr. Habash has joined us full time and will serve as a key member of our leadership and education teams,” says Thomas Mundell, president and CEO of the Center for Leadership. “His expertise in leadership growth, curriculum development and ethics education, combined with his distinguished military service as an infantry officer, makes him uniquely qualified to lead our organization’s education programs. His work with the Center for Leadership has already shaped our direction, and we are eager to see the impact he will make as he transitions into this full-time role.”
As the senior vice president of leadership programs and chief learning officer at the Center for Leadership, Dr. Habash oversees the development of the program’s curriculum — customized for different populations and based on proven teaching methods. He is also responsible for building a world-class instructional team that will deliver the curriculum across a range of modalities. Prior to this position, Dr. Habash has been contributing to the Center’s vision in a part-time capacity as the director of education since 2022.
“I am honored to take on this role and help establish the framework for the Center for Leadership’s education programs,” says Dr. Habash. “There is a real gap and need for values-based leadership development, and I look forward to being part of a team of dedicated staff, board members and supporters who share a common purpose. Our goal is to make leadership resources more accessible so that everyone can learn from Medal of Honor recipients and the key values that drive them.”
Dr. Habash has a distinguished career in higher education administration and has helped build innovative curricula in liberal arts, business and health science programs at four different universities.
Dr. Habash was most recently the assistant dean for teaching and learning at Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School where he taught graduate-level courses on leadership and ethics. His team provided faculty support in course design, delivery and assessment, as well as assisted with integrating innovative technologies and pedagogical strategies.
Before joining Johns Hopkins, Dr. Habash was the founding director of the Office of Teaching, Learning and Assessment in the College of Pharmacy at Ohio State University. While at Ohio State, he led the design and implementation of a new mastery-based modular PharmD curriculum; developed personalized faculty teaching development opportunities; and expanded his team’s role as they became the Office of Educational Innovation and Scholarship. Before joining Ohio State, he served as the director of faculty services for the Adult and Continuing Education Program at Ohio Dominican University.
Dr. Habash began his career as an infantry officer with the 101st Airborne Division where he served as a rifle platoon leader, company executive officer and company commander. He is a graduate of Xavier University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and English, a Master of Arts, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Duquesne University. Dr. Habash and his wife Rachael have two children and live in Lutherville, Md.
In the coming months, the Center for Leadership will begin to roll out a comprehensive series of seminars, both virtual and in-person, to teach leadership skills and create a space for dialogue among Medal of Honor recipients. The Center’s leadership program will offer a broad range of courses, materials and experiences to adult learners at different stages of their leadership journey—whether in a boardroom, a classroom or their personal lives. Learn more about upcoming events here: https://mohcenterforleadership.org/events/.
“Values are essential for decision-making, especially in organizations where junior leaders and staff make autonomous decisions,” says Dr. Habash. “Our curriculum will prepare leaders to face their own moments of everyday challenges by placing them in scenarios that ask them to apply the values of the Medal of Honor in making tough decisions.”
The Center for Leadership has plans to build a $75 million, 50,000-square-foot training facility, conference center and immersive visitor experience at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, S.C. The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest award for military valor, and the Center for Leadership’s model draws on the medal’s six core values — courage, integrity, commitment, sacrifice, citizenship and patriotism. Visit https://mohcenterforleadership.org/ to learn more.
About the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership
The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership’s mission is to inspire, develop, empower and challenge leaders through the values embodied by our country’s Medal of Honor Recipients. With a nationwide digital educational platform and audience-curated visitor experiences, Americans of all ages, backgrounds and locations will learn leadership values of courage, sacrifice, citizenship, integrity, commitment and patriotism to inspire them to transform lives, shape the future, and carry forward the best traditions of what it means to be an American. For more information, visit www.mohcenterforleadership.org.
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