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Beyond Distilling Company, located in North Charleston, South Carolina, is known for its craft spirits, including Coconut Rum, Tropical Gin, and Bourbon Whiskey. The company is notable for its inclusive hiring practices, specifically employing individuals with disabilities. This approach is part of a deliberate strategy by the founding partners, Tyler LaCorata, Ryan Sadis, and Kerianne Krause, to create a model for the liquor industry that promotes equitable employment opportunities.
Kerianne Krause, one of the co-owners and founder of Building Independence Together, has a background in working with children with autism and developmental delays. She recognized the challenges her clients faced in finding employment after aging out of social services. This inspired her to collaborate with LaCorata and Sadis to establish Beyond Distilling with a focus on fair wages and supportive work environments for employees with disabilities.
The distillery plans to expand its workforce and continue fostering an inclusive culture. It features amenities like a lounge with a kitchen and a tiki-themed garden for tastings and events.
Location: 2157 Rich St Suite 401, North Charleston, SC 29405
Read the full beautiful Story of Beyond Distilling and their commitment to fostering an inclusive culture and work environment:
Beyond Distilling Company based in Charleston, South Carolina specializes in craft spirits such as bourbon, rum and gin including coconut and other tropical flavors. A new distillery possessing a social and environmental conscious vision aims to provide fulfilling employment adults with disabilities.
Beyond Distilling is the result of Tyler, Ryan and Kerianne’s idea of creating a company where they could allow themselves to make products that they wanted to drink in a space that enables all people to do work they could be proud of. However our story begins a few years before this when these three individuals were working in completely different industries.
Kerianne Krause has been working with adults with disabilities for the better part of the last decade opening her own company applied behavior analytics company “BIT” which is short for Building Independence Together. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has been serving the Charleston community since graduating from college in 2013, around the same time she met Tyler.
Tyler LaCorata was working in the culinary field back then and had worked his way through restaurants in Charleston where he spent his teenage years and went back to his home state of New York, spending time at the Omega institute in Rhinebeck and earned himself a position as a private chef in the governor’s mansion in Albany. It was here that he was invited on a tour of NY’s first whiskey distillery to operate since prohibition.
He became enamored with the world of craft spirits and immediately began knocking down the door for the opportunity that led him through some of the best distilleries and breweries that New York had to offer.
A few years had gone by and LaCorata had established himself as a talented distiller which helped him secure his first head distiller position on Long Island.
Shortly after Tyler was introduced to Ryan Sadis who had also been working and living on the east end of Long Island by a mutual friend. Ryan who had a background in the New York music scene had been working as an electrician in The Hampton’s of Long Island and it didn’t take much convincing for him to hang up his tool belt and begin a career alongside LaCorata. They quickly became friends and even roommates as Tyler began teaching him all he could about the spirits industry and how to distill starting with his favorite spirit, gin. After a few short months there were dozens of experimental spirits and unbeknownst to them they began laying the groundwork for something much bigger.
After working for a handful of other distilleries around the Hudson Valley, Long Island and Westchester New York they realized they needed an opportunity to craft the spirits that they enjoyed and wanted to share with the world. So quietly they plugged away at their 9-5 jobs while working tirelessly to create an experience that they felt spoke more their individual interests.
It wasn’t until Kerianne approached Tyler and Ryan in early 2018 to explore the possibility of an inclusive work force that would employ adults with developmental disabilities to work in the alcohol industry. It was something close to all three of them. As they discussed the topic of serving alcohol to people with disabilities, the misconceptions around it came up. They decided they wanted to create a space where not only anyone could work but also relax and enjoy a drink. It was a match made in heaven from that point on. They lent on each other to learn more about the different industries they came from with Kerianne learning about alcohol and teaching the two distillers about working with adults with disabilities. She even employed Ryan at her company BIT when he first made the move down to Charleston where he worked and studied to become a Registered Behavior Technician.
They collaborated with friends to develop a brand that they felt conveyed the message of their business. Jeff Ramirez at The Up Studio in Brooklyn, NY developed the open-door logo and color scheme with their mission and architecture of Charleston in mind.
With a clear brand identity in place the last (but most important thing!) was creating the spirits themselves. As mentioned earlier Ryan and Tyler had developed a catalogue over the years of experiments that they were eager to share with the world and dozens of recipes ready for production. It was at this time when they were approached by Anthony Lanza, the owner of a distillery where Tyler and Ryan had recently worked. Anthony is no stranger to working with great and charitable causes, he has been involved with philanthropic work around his community for over the last twenty years. After hearing about Beyond Distilling’s mission Anthony loved the idea and wanted to be involved.
Beyond set up shop in North Charleston on Rich Street in late 2020 and quickly filled the space with 300 barrels of whiskey they had produced in NY. They designed the place to suit their production needs and provide a unique space to experience and enjoy their products. The plan is to offer something a little different than just a typical distillery tour and tasting. By growing a variety of botanicals in their garden they aim to offer distilling and mixology classes to bring consumers even closer and pull back the curtain on how spirits are produced. They are open to the public by scheduling a tour and tasting on their website or by phone Monday through Friday during business hours.
Provided by government departments, corporations, foundations and other organizations, small business grants are effectively free money. There’s no need to repay the funds if you spend them where you said you would.
How to get a small business grant in South Carolina
Small business owners and entrepreneurs in South Carolina can improve their chances of winning a business grant by preparing in advance. Key tasks to take care of include:
Identify your need for the grant. Why do you need the money? What will you use it for? You must present a strong case for funding to secure a business grant. No matter if you want to start a business, grow an existing company, conduct research or undertake a creative project, having a clear vision of what you wish to achieve with the grant money is crucial.
Search for suitable grants. Once your goals are set, you can search for grants that fit your mission objectives. Identify the qualification rules, time limits and any restrictions that may apply.
Prepare your application. Few grant programs are the same. As well as the application forms, grantors may also ask you to provide a presentation deck, submit endorsements, create a financial plan, or write a detailed grant proposal. Make sure your ambitions are clear. Point out the benefits that receiving an award will deliver for your business, your community and everyone your venture will engage with. Be positive but maintain feasibility. This is your opportunity to present your case for funding in the best possible light.
Submit your application. Check the submission guidelines – online, hard copy, or both, and submit your grant application well in advance of the posted deadline in case there are last minute issues with receipt.
Wait for a decision. Be patient. Grantors are often inundated with applications and the review process of all submissions can take time. However, you should at least follow up with the grantor to ensure your application was received and is being processed. You could also use this time to search for other funding options in case your application is not successful.
Best business grants in South Carolina
If you’re based in South Carolina and you’re seeking a small business grant, you’re in a great place. The Palmetto State has no shortage of funding opportunities to build or launch a business. Here are some of the best places to begin your search:
South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) grants
The South Carolina Research Authoritysupports entrepreneurs and tech start-ups by providing grants, coaching and external investments. Many grants are available, but only to members of the SCRA. See the rules of membership here. Grants of up to $50,000 may be awarded to early-stage businesses, more established organizations and companies that have already received federal grants that target technology commercialization.
SC CompTIA IWT Scholarship Program
The SC CompTIA IWT Scholarship Program is designed to help South Carolina businesses be more competitive by providing technology training to small business employees. The program awards business scholarships for tech training with a value of $5,000 per worker. To qualify, your business must be based in SC and have at least one full-time employee (who is not the business owner) and who has been on staff for a minimum of six months. The worker must also have at least an average understanding of information technology.
Catalyst Grant
The Catalyst Grant is an annual program offered by the South Carolina Department of Commerce and available to businesses operating in the US Department of Defense supply chain. The program aims to increase the capabilities, efficiency, and overall competitiveness of small and medium sized manufacturers through the adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), the implementation of Quality Management Systems (QMSs), and Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques. This may sound daunting, but all means is, there’s free money here to make your business more efficient and tech-savvy. To qualify, your business must be based in SC and have at least four full-time employees (excluding the business owner). Award values vary by project type.
South Carolina Relentless Challenge Grant Program
The South Carolina Department of Commerce provides the Relentless Challenge (RC) Grant Program. This is a statewide competitive scheme that plans to award approximately $750,000 for the 2024
funding cycle. The RC grant funds projects that foster a sustainable innovation ecosystem and that focus on high growth/high impact entrepreneurship, talent development, access to capital, and university/industry collaborations. Matching funds are available up to a maximum of $75,000.
SARE grants
The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grant Program provides competitive grants for sustainable agriculture research and education projects. Supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, SARE grants are available to all US-based farmers, ranchers, researchers, graduate students, extension agents and other educators. Eligible projects include on-farm renewable energy, pest and weed management, no-till and conservation tillage, pollinators and small ruminants. SARE is divided into four geographical regions—North Central, Northeast, South and West—each has its own set of grant opportunities. Funding up to $250,000 may be available.
South Carolina’s Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) are a statewide operation, offering a wide range of services to SC organizations. Although the SBDC are not a direct source of grant funding, they can provide invaluable business resources such as networking, consulting, seminars and pathways to the cash you need to launch or build your business. Over the past five years they have helped more than 33,000 South Carolina entrepreneurs create or retain more than 13,000 jobs, start over 1,000 new ventures and secure more than $115 million in government contracts.
Federal funding and support programs in South Carolina
Let’s face it, nobody has deeper pockets than Uncle Sam. The US federal government pours millions of dollars into South Carolina’s businesses every year. This helps them to grow and add value to their local communities. See below for the best federal funding and support programs available to business owners in SC:
US Small Business Administration (SBA) Initiatives
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) provides vital federal support to small businesses across South Carolina. As well as providing access to national business funding programs, the SBA is an open door to federal contracts, business development schemes, disaster assistance, professional consultations, university expertise and much, much more.
Grants.gov
If you can’t find it here, you may not find it anywhere. Grants.gov is an online goldmine for grants and federal business support initiatives. Provided by the US Office of Management and Budget, the Grants.gov website gives grant seekers access to more than 1,000 grant programs and vets grant applications for federal grant-making agencies.
US Grants – South Carolina
US Grants is another one-stop portal to find and apply for government grants, stimulus packages and funding opportunities from local, state and federal government agencies. Available SC small business grants include funding initiatives for organizations that operate in the fields of tech, health, research, sciences, agriculture, the environment, etc.
Grant Watch
South Carolina Grantwatch operates a directory of current grant opportunities, although not all may be specific to SC-based organizations. Up to 2,000 grants may be available at any one time, with award values and qualifying criteria varying by category and mission goal.
Small business grants for women and minorities in South Carolina
Some SC business grants are specifically designed to support female and minority entrepreneurs:
Amber Grant for women
The WomensNet Amber Grants awards multiple grants per year to women wishing to start or grow their own business. $10,000 is offered monthly in three separate categories (total of $30,000 per month available). Participants who win a monthly prize also automatically qualify for the draw for an annual $25,000 award – with three prizes available, one for each award category.
You can apply for any of these grants by completing an online application and paying a $15 entrance fee
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) provides a gateway to federal grants and business initiatives that specifically support minority entrepreneurs and are part of a total package valued at $500 billion per year. Additionally, MBDA helps organizations run Minority Business Centers across the US, providing services like business advice, help finding contracts, and financial support to minority-owned businesses.
The Black Girl Ventures Pitch Program is an entrepreneurial fund-raising model for Black and brown female business founders. Using a hybrid pitch and crowdfunding system, participants have three minutes to pitch their opportunity to an audience of community and professional investors. The three participants with the most votes win at each event. First prize is $10,000, second prize is $6,000, third prize is $2,000.
To qualify, your business must be at least 51% owned by Black or brown women, have been operating for one year or more and be generating revenues.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program
The federal government aims to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs each year. Competition is limited for certain federal contract opportunities to businesses that participate in the SDVOSB program, an initiative administered by the US Small Business Association. Joining the SDVOSB program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside and sole source contracts. See the full eligibility requirements here.
The Second Service Foundation offers the Military Entrepreneur Challenge. This is a nationwide grant program that gives veteran, military spouse, and Gold Star Family entrepreneurs the opportunity to network, learn, and compete for capital to grow their small business. Applicants pitch their business ideas to a live audience for a chance to win a small business grant. Award sums vary by location.
Networking and business support resources in South Carolina
Launching or building a successful business takes more than just money and an idea. You also need contacts, networks and connections to obtain the skills, advice and resources you don’t have and to open pathways to opportunities that will help your organization thrive. Check these resources to give your venture a flying start:
Looking for info on non-profits in SC, or training and support resources for your own non-profit? Look no further. Candid has the good stuff on all the organizations that do good.
A directory of state government agencies and resources – everything from emergency management and export & trade, to recycling and your nearest chamber of commerce.
An annual event that brings hundreds of small businesses together in the State House in Columbia SC. Find suppliers, clients and get the inside scoop on what’s happening at the business level across the state.
Get some free legal advice, enjoy networking with other small businesses and make the most of a host of other business resources.
What are the alternatives to grants?
Business loansmay provide an alternative source of funding for your business or new venture.
Online lenders will typically be the best option for this type of financing, but you may pay higher interest rates and fees than you would with traditional banks. Credit checks are standard with most commercial financing, but depending on the type of loan you choose, you may not need to provide collateral:
Term loans
You receive a single, lump-sum cash injection and then pay it back in regular instalments over a fixed period of up to 25 years. Collateral may be required.
Business line of credit
Abusiness line of credit is a business loan that functions like a high-value credit card. Borrowers can withdraw as much as they want when they want from a loan facility up to the limit of their borrowing. You only pay interest on the sums you withdraw, not the whole credit line. This can significantly reduce your borrowing costs. Collateral may be required.
Invoice financing
Also known as account receivables financing. Borrow against the value of your unpaid invoices. The lender will usually provide up to 95% of the invoice value within a few days or even hours of the bill being raised. Your invoices act as security for the loan, no added collateral required.
Equipment financing
Equipment loans use the asset you’re financing as security – no added collateral is required. You use the equipment as you pay for it and the lender maintains a lien on the machinery. Once you pay the loan back, the lender releases the lien, and you own the equipment outright.
Merchant cash advance
Merchant cash advances are designed for businesses that accept customer payments by credit and debit card. You borrow against the value of your card sales. As your card sales increase, your borrowing limit goes up. Pay the loan back with a fixed percentage of your card sales on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Your sales act as security for the loan, no added collateral is required.
Revenue-based financing
Revenue-based financing functions like a merchant cash advance but with higher borrowing limits. Based on the size and regularity of their total revenues, (not just their credit card sales), businesses may receive a lump sum and pay it back over a short-term schedule, typically by small deductions from their daily sales. This type of loan can usually be secured quickly as qualification rules are less intensive and credit scores are not so critical. No added collateral is required.
SBA microloans
Nonprofit and community-based lenders can provide SBA Microloansto business owners who may struggle to secure standard business financing. Available up to $50,000, SBA microloans also come with more relaxed qualifying rules and can usually be secured with FICO scores as low as 500, or even with no credit score at all. Be aware that these type of business loans often require a personal guarantee that makes you personally responsible for the debt.
The Municipal Improvements Act of 1999 enables cities and towns in South Carolina to establish Municipal Improvement Districts (MIDs). A MID is an area in which a special fee may be assessed to property owners in addition to their normal property taxes. Money generated by a MID may only be spent within the same MID area on improvements.
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a type of MID that focuses on a particular business district. Unlike other MIDs, BID funds are often administered by a non-profit organization that represents the members of the district. There are 100s of BIDs around the country, with the closest example being Columbia, SC’s Main Street District.
What properties are included in the King Street BID & what will they pay?
Existing owner-occupied residential units and zero-tax assessment parcels (i.e., houses of worship, government buildings, etc.) will not be assessed.
All other parcels which have any frontage on King Street between Line Street and Broad Street will be billed no more than $0.0113 per dollar (per $1.00) of assessed value annually over a period of 10 years. This includes air rights parcels (condo units) which are above a ground parcel that has King Street frontage.
Example: Charleston County Tax Assessor’s Office has parcel assessed value for “ABC” King Street at $1,000.00. That property would be billed $11.30 for the BID each year. If the assessed value stays at $1,000.00 for the 10 years of the BID, this property owner would be billed a total of $113.00.
All of King Street itself and the associated right of way between Line and Broad Streets, including sidewalks and intersections, is also included in the District.
How much money will the BID generate & how will it be spent?
The BID is authorized for a 10-year term with the following budget:
Improvements
Estimated Total Costs
Street Services/Ambassador Program
$3,500,000
Street Beautification
$2,250,000
Program/Destination Management
$1,650,000
Marketing/Promotion
$1,250,000
Economic Development
$750,000
Overhead Management Costs
$1,500,000
Total
$10,900,000
These services will be performed in addition to, not in place of, existing services performed by the City. The City will continue to maintain its current level of service delivery.
It is estimated that roughly 55% of the budget (approximately $5,995,000 over the 10-year term or $600,000 annually) will come from the special assessment, while the remaining will come from:
Contributions from other parties, including other governmental entities and private parties
Contributions from owners of parcels in the District that are exempt from real property taxes
Please reach out to Meg Thompson, Director of Business & Neighborhood Services, (contact information at the top corner of this page) if you have additional questions.
Project Timeline:
History & Recommendations
1977: Revitalization Plan includes King Street BID recommendation
1999: Downtown Plan includes King Street BID recommendation
2011:Century V Plan includes King Street BID recommendation
2016: Century V Plan Update includes King Street BID recommendation
April/May 2021: Request for Proposals & hiring of a consultant to assist with the creation of a BID, especially with regards to ordinance documents
07/20/21: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Charleston Downtown Alliance (CDA) to assist in the facilitation and creation of a BID to provide enhanced services to King Street approved by City Council; Summer/Fall 2021: Property & Business Owner Outreach was conducted by CDA per the MOU, resulting in over 51% of property owners prior to bringing further action to City Council.
11/09/21: Resolution Regarding Improvement Plan & Establish a Date for the Public Hearing approved by City Council
12/07/21: Public Hearing for Ordinance Creating BID & Assessment Roll information held at City Council
12/21/21: 1st Reading of the Ordinance Creating BID & Assessment Roll Information at City Council
01/05/22: King Street BID Tenants Information Session hosted by Charleston Downtown Alliance
01/11/22: 2nd & 3rd Reading and Ratification of Ordinance Creating BID & Assessment Roll Information at City Council
4/1/2022: Mailing of Notices for Hearing of Objections
5/2/2022: The virtual information session was held for property owners ahead of the hearing of objections. You can find the recording hereand view the slides here.
5/17/2022: Hearing of Objections held at City Council
5/24/2022: Memorandum of Understanding with the Charleston Downtown Alliance for Management of the District presented to City Council for discussion
7/12/2022: Special City Council Workshop on the King Street BID
7/19/2022: City Council ruled on the Hearing of Objections
7/19/2022: City Council approves Memorandum of Understanding with the Charleston Downtown Alliance for Management of the District
Next Steps
Summer 2022: Assessment Roll provided to Charleston County
The Charleston Peninsula: Our Community, Our Future, Our Plan is a City-sponsored, community-driven master plan to guide the growth and evolution of the Charleston Peninsula for the coming decades. It seeks to build on the City’s unique strengths, address challenges, and foster a shared vision for the future. The plan will be adopted by City Council and used by the City, its partners, and stakeholders to make decisions related to priorities such as water, neighborhood design, mobility, and economic development.
Warby Parker will be opening its latest store at Belle Hall (644 Long Point Rd H-2, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464) on Saturday, September 14, 2024 marking the brand’s third storefront in the state.
Just in time for back-to-school and fall fashion shopping, the Belle Hall location will make it easier for our Mount Pleasant and Charleston County customers to access all of their vision care needs.
Along with shopping the brand’s full sun and optical assortment, including Warby Parker’s newest Fall 2024 Collection, opening day customers will receive a special tote bag with purchase.
Store hours will be 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Monday – Sunday.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – East Coast Warehouse & Distribution, a leading temperature-controlled logistics provider, today announced it selects Charleston County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The $14.5 million investment will create 52 new jobs.
With 70 years of experience, East Coast Warehouse & Distribution offers a comprehensive approach to third-party logistics services for the food and beverage industry. The company currently operates strategically placed facilities along the East Coast near the ports of New York and New Jersey, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Savannah.
The new East Coast Warehouse & Distribution operation will be part of North Charleston’s Shipyard Creek Logistics Center located at 2015 Tellico Road, 1.5 miles from the entrance of the SC Ports Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal. The new facility is comprised of 259,000 square feet of warehousing space on 17.6 acres of land, with an additional nine acres for parking and storing 350 trailers and containers. The temperature-controlled facility will be dedicated to public refrigerated warehousing solutions and will also serve as a base for the company’s Safeway Trucking operation.
Operations are expected to begin in the summer of 2025. Individuals interested in joining the East Coast Warehouse & Distribution team should visit the company’s careers page.
QUOTES
“We’re thankful to our partners at Capital Development Partners and the Port of Charleston who helped us make a smooth transition into the Charleston market. This new facility – our first in the market – will allow us to expand our foothold, improve productivity, maximize flexibility and offer increased speed to customers in the greater Charleston area.” -East Coast Warehouse CEO Jamie Overley
“East Coast Warehouse & Distribution’s $14.5 million investment and the 52 new jobs it will create underscore the strength of the logistics industry in Charleston County and across our state. We congratulate the company on this announcement and look forward to its success in South Carolina.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“Our state’s infrastructure network, which includes one of the fastest-growing container ports in the nation, continues to attract companies to South Carolina. Today’s announcement by East Coast Warehouse & Distribution reinforces this trend, and we are pleased to welcome the company’s new operation to Charleston County and South Carolina.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“South Carolina Ports welcomes East Coast Warehouse & Distribution to the Charleston port market. Their new temperature-controlled facility will support food and beverage shippers and others moving goods through the Port of Charleston, giving some of the world’s most recognizable brands direct access to our well-run port and the booming Southeast consumer market.” -SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin
“East Coast Warehouse & Distribution’s decision to establish its first South Carolina operation in Charleston County is a testament to our region’s robust logistics capabilities and strategic location. We are excited to welcome them to our community and look forward to the economic growth and job opportunities their investment will bring.” – Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III
FIVE FAST FACTS
East Coast Warehouse & Distribution selects Charleston County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation.
The company’s $14.5 million investment will create 52 new jobs.
East Coast Warehouse & Distribution is a leading temperature-controlled logistics provider.
The company will be located at 2015 Tellico Road in North Charleston, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the East Coast Warehouse & Distribution teamshould visit the company’s careers page.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – ARKU Inc. (ARKU), a leader in sheet metal leveling and deburring, today announced it selects Spartanburg County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The multimillion-dollar investment will create approximately 10 new jobs.
Founded in Germany in 1928, ARKU is a family-owned manufacturer of sheet metal levelers, deburring machines and coil lines. The company’s innovative technologies and machines improve metal quality and increase process reliability during production.
ARKU’s new operation, located at 2740 S. Highway 14 in Greer, will offer contract leveling for parts, sheets and plates, servicing sheet metal fabricators and automotive suppliers across the Southeast.
Operations are expected to be online in September 2024. Individuals interested in joining the ARKU team should visit the company’s careers page.
QUOTES
“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new facility in Greer, S.C. which will allow us to extend our first-class leveling services to metalworking companies throughout the Southeast. This expansion reflects our commitment to providing precision solutions and enhancing production efficiency.” -ARKU Inc. President Nicholas Miller
“We are delighted to welcome ARKU Inc. to the Palmetto State. The company’s decision to locate and create jobs in Spartanburg County is a great vote of confidence in our state and workforce, and we look forward to supporting ARKU in the years ahead.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“ARKU Inc. selecting Spartanburg County and South Carolina for its newest operation shows South Carolina is an ideal place for doing business. The company’s multimillion-dollar investment will be impactful in the Upstate, creating new opportunities for our people and adding to the region’s impressive manufacturing industry.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“ARKU Inc. coming to Spartanburg County boosts our international investment, which is a point of pride and a sign that industries from across the globe still know they can find success in our community. I’m excited to welcome them on behalf of Spartanburg County Council and looking forward to the chance to see the products ARKU makes.” -Spartanburg County Council Vice Chairman and Economic Development Committee Chairman David Britt
“Congratulations to ARKU Inc. on its continued growth and investment in Spartanburg County. We’re pleased this German company has chosen Upstate S.C. as its launching point for serving the Southeast and look forward to them enriching our manufacturing ecosystem.” -Upstate SC Alliance President and CEO John Lummus
FIVE FAST FACTS
ARKU Inc. (ARKU) selects Spartanburg County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation.
The company’s multimillion-dollar investment will create approximately 10 new jobs.
ARKU is a leader in sheet metal leveling and deburring.
The company will be located at 2740 S. Highway 14 in Greer, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the ARKU team should visit the company’s careers page.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today released the following statement in response to the South Carolina Supreme Court’s ruling on the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act:
“The Supreme Court’s decision may have devastating consequences for thousands of low-income families who relied on these scholarships for their child’s enrollment in school last month,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “It may also jeopardize the future enrollment of tens of thousands of students in state-funded four-year-old kindergarten programs and state-funded scholarships utilized by students at private colleges and HBCUs. For these reasons, and more, we will request the Court to expeditiously reconsider this decision – so that the children of low-income families may have the opportunity to attend the school that best suits their needs.”
GREENVILLE, S.C – Sept. 11, 2024 – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has granted approval for the permits of the first-ever Crystal Lagoons® amenity in South Carolina. The lagoon will be located in the north side of Columbia and construction is expected to start early 2025.
“The approval from DHEC marks a pivotal moment for the Crystal Lagoons® project,” said Joseph Baldassarra, president of Broadstreet. “This significant milestone gets us one step closer to bringing our vision of a vibrant beach lifestyle community in the Midlands.”
The amenity will be the heart of Oak Hills, a new community spanning nearly six acres. It will feature a pristine beach area of nearly 1.5 acres and a lagoon of about three acres. The residential community features approximately 2,400 lots, offering a diverse range of single-family homes and townhomes designed to cater to various lifestyle needs.
“The Crystal Lagoons® at Oak Hills will provide exceptional, safe and enjoyable recreational spaces for all ages,” added Baldassarra. “We’re excited to create a destination that will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also become a focal point for the entire region.”
The property will offer an array of recreational options including tennis courts, a kids’ zone, a wedding peninsula, waterfront restaurants, a retail hub, water sport rentals, a well-maintained park and a luxury hotel.
The Crystal Lagoons® project is being developed in partnership with Contender Development, while Broadstreet has established an exclusive funding relationship with Blue Lagoon Development LLC to support this venture.
Through a unique and patented concept and technology that allows developers to build and maintain crystalline lagoons of unlimited size at very low cost, Crystal Lagoons® technology has the ability to create an idyllic beach lifestyle anywhere in the world. The technology has been implemented in more countries around the world and cities in the United States than any other lagoon developer. As one of the top five fastest-growing state populations between 2010-2023, South Carolina is well positioned for its first of these exceptional properties.
ABOUT BROADSTREET
Broadstreet is a private equity firm that has an impressive track record of identifying promising growth sectors for capital investments. Based in Greenville, South Carolina, the firm’s investor profile includes high-net-worth individuals, family offices, registered investment advisors and institutional investors. The company has over $3 billion in transactions and there are more than 3,000 people employed/associated in the businesses with which we are associated. Broadstreet’s formula for private equity investing has been to focus its attention on dominating the Carolinas rather than holding investments across the entire United States. The synergies that arise by being a major player in a single regional market delivers efficiencies, enhanced opportunities and profits. For more information, visitbroadstreetprivateequity.com.
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Broadstreet, Inc. acts as finance, management or oversight of the business projects mentioned in this release. Its executive officers are David Feingold whose position is CEO, Joseph Baldassarra, whose position is president and Steven Baldassarra, whose position is chief operating officer. Mr. Feingold as well as the Baldassarras’ professional backgrounds and experience can be found at the website.
Charleston, South Carolina, has a rich Jewish heritage with a history spanning over 300 years. Here are ten notable aspects:
1. Early Settlement: Sephardic Jews were among the earliest settlers in Charleston, arriving by 1695. They were later joined by Ashkenazic Jews from Germany and Poland.
2. Religious Freedom: Charleston offered religious freedom to Jews, allowing them to vote and participate fully in civic life, unlike many other places at the time.
3. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim: Established in 1749, it is one of the oldest synagogues in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. It is the fourth oldest Jewish congregation in the continental U.S. and the second oldest synagogue building in continuous use.
4. Hebrew Orphan Society: Founded in 1801, it was the first of its kind in the U.S., providing support for children of deceased or indigent parents.
5. Jewish Community Growth: By 1820, Charleston had the largest Jewish community in the U.S., with Jews making up 5% of the city’s white population.
6. Reform Judaism: Charleston played a significant role in the development of Reform Judaism in America[3].
7. Civic Engagement: Jews in Charleston were active in civic life, with some serving in political positions and as officers in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
8. Cultural Integration: Jewish Charlestonians were well integrated into the broader community, participating in business, civic clubs, and charitable organizations.
9. Modern Community: Today, Charleston is home to approximately 12,000 Jews, with active Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and Chabad congregations.
10. Cultural Events: The Jewish community hosts events like “Hanukkah in the Square,” which are open to both Jewish and non-Jewish residents.
About Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE)
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE) in Charleston, South Carolina, has a significant historical legacy as one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the United States. Founded in 1749, it is the fourth oldest Jewish congregation in the continental U.S. and the second oldest synagogue building in continuous use.
Initially, KKBE was an Orthodox congregation, primarily composed of Sephardic Jews. The congregation constructed its first synagogue in 1794, which was considered the largest and most impressive in the U.S. at the time. Unfortunately, this building was destroyed in the Charleston fire of 1838.
In 1840, the current synagogue was built in the Greek Revival style, designed by architect Cyrus L. Warner. It was dedicated in 1841, with a service that marked the congregation’s shift towards Reform Judaism, making it the first Reform congregation in the U.S.
KKBE played a pivotal role in the development of Reform Judaism, with significant liturgical changes initiated in 1824. The synagogue’s history is also marked by its members’ contributions to the American Revolution and the broader community.
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE) in Charleston, South Carolina, played a crucial role in the development of Reform Judaism in the United States. The congregation, founded in 1749, initially followed Orthodox Sephardic traditions. However, by the early 19th century, some members sought to modernize Jewish worship practices.
In 1824, a group of 47 members petitioned the synagogue’s trustees to introduce reforms, such as conducting prayers and sermons in English and abridging Hebrew rituals. Although initially denied, this movement led to a temporary split within the congregation. By 1833, the congregation reunited with a strong support for reform, and by 1841, KKBE had formally embraced Reform Judaism, becoming the first Reform congregation in the U.S..
The synagogue’s adoption of Reform practices included choral singing, organ music, and the use of German instead of Hebrew for certain parts of the service. This shift mirrored the broader Reform Movement, which began in Germany in the 1810s and sought to modernize Jewish worship and theology. Today, KKBE remains a significant symbol of Reform Judaism in America.
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