Early ticket purchasers can win $1,000 prizes before the grand prize drawing and their tickets get put right back into the drawing, so don’t wait!
1st Early Bird Drawing: $1,000 April 14th
2nd Early Bird Drawing: $1,000 May 5th
3rd Early Bird Drawing: $1,000 June 2nd
Grand Prize Drawing: $25,000 June 30th
Only 1,000 tickets will be sold at $100 each. If your ticket gets drawn on any of the early bird dates it gets put back in the raffle drum for future drawings.
Sponsorship Packages are available for purchase at $1,000 for 5 tickets and ad space on our social media platforms and our raffle website.
After visiting 100 potential sites across eight different states, nutraceutical company Thorne HealthTech began a huge relocation to Charleston, SC, in 2014 and has never looked back. Here, Thorne COO Tom McKenna explains what drove its decision and subsequent success.
There are many reasons why a life sciences business might make the monumental decision to relocate their company’s headquarters or manufacturing base either nationally or internationally. Choosing exactly where to move is a significant challenge that requires extensive research, visits and careful evaluation.
This was a challenge that Tom McKenna, chief operating officer at Thorne HealthTech, faced first-hand when he led the company’s relocation some 3,500 miles (5,600km) across the US, from a small town in northern Idaho to one within greater Charleston, South Carolina. Here, he shares his experience of the big move and why he feels the relocation was more than worthwhile.
Can you tell us more about Thorne HealthTech?
Thorne was founded in 1989 as a manufacturer of premium-quality nutritional supplements. We have since created digital health solutions providing diagnostics and analytics to identify unmet nutritional deficiencies and provide world-class wellness and prevention education. Our goal is to help people at all stages of life to live and age more gracefully.
We believe the future of wellness is personal. For the first time in history, with the cutting-edge advancements in sequencing technology, artificial intelligence and nutritional research, we can now efficiently offer personalised approaches to wellness, which were previously reserved for late-stage disease care or academic research. We strive to be the differentiated leader in the wellness industry by deploying our scientifically rigorous approach to supporting personalised health and wellness.
What prompted the move from Idaho and what were you looking for in your new location?
In 2013, we recognized that by 2018 we would be out of capacity at our manufacturing facility. While there was plenty of available land in the area, our decision not to expand locally was based on utility capacity, lack of local labour and challenges in attracting talent, as well as the significant distance from the airport and major roadways.
We first looked at around 1,000 different options across all 50 states. We narrowed it to 100, and I personally visited every one of those over a two-year period. During that time, we were introduced to South Carolina’s then governor of state, [Nikki Haley]. She suggested the Charleston region and we looked at some sites. The place we ended up was a no-brainer compared with all the other options. After two years of trying to find a home, when we finally came to Charleston we thought ‘that’s it’!
The key criteria in our decision-making included a business-friendly environment; a robust, affordable and available talent pool with comparable salaries to Idaho; proximity to the local airport and major transit ways; an appealing area for staff to relocate; and attractive state and local incentives. Charleston ticked all these boxes.
What are the risks during a business relocation and how did you mitigate these?
One risk is losing or damaging a critical asset or transitional requirement among the significant multitude of moving parts. This required detailed, almost military-like planning and execution to move some 2,500 pieces of equipment, furnishings and tens of thousands of inventory items.
To make sure there are no operational disruptions, you also need a certain critical mass of existing staff to move with you, in many cases early, and to stay at least for a while to initiate operations, recruit and train new staff. We worked with Charleston’s economic development organisation called Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA). CRDA helped facilitate and participate in 14 ‘familiarisation’ trips for a total of 140 employees and nearly 300 persons. We would kick the trip off with a seminar on the area and the community, led by CRDA. We would then hop on a bus and CRDA would take us on a three-hour tour around different neighbourhoods and areas, down to the beach and out for a barbeque.
It was very informal and almost familial, and to their credit they showed up 14 times to do these things, each time with welcome bags. CRDA was very helpful in getting folks to see the value of the local community. In fact, CRDA was critical in helping us convince 40% of our Idaho-based staff to relocate to South Carolina. When we got here, they were very helpful on the hiring side too.
What attracted your employees to the Charleston region?
What the greater Charleston area provides is a culture that is perhaps not a lot different from the Pacific Northwest. Our employees love to be in the outdoors – they love to hunt, fish, camp and hike. You can do all those things that you could do in Idaho here in Charleston. The big difference is that instead of doing those things in a short window in the summer, in Charleston you can enjoy them for 12 months of the year, thanks to the climate.
The ocean was another big attraction for folks, as was the proximity to multiple downtowns. In Idaho, the closest city was a two-hour drive away. Here, you can generally be in downtown Charleston in 30 minutes or less, depending on where you live. At the same time, it is not a huge metropolitan area like New York City, Philadelphia or Washington DC, for example.
ARE THERE ANY WAYS THORNE HEALTHTECH IS MORE COMPETITIVE WITH OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON? Are there any ways Thorne HealthTech is more competitive with operations in Charleston?
We are now able to attract more diversified and talented staff, in greater numbers. The proximity to the airport and interstate highway transit has greatly reduced our freight costs and improved our supply chain management and timelines. When we wanted to ship and receive materials in northern Idaho, the largest interstate was an hour away. Here, it is just blocks away.
Our new facility and others we are now expanding into have materially improved our productivity and lowered the cost of operations. We now produce more items in-house and have greater control over our supply, and as a result have dramatically reduced our order fulfilment timelines, which are now comparable to Amazon. We continue to feel we made the right decision in our move to Charleston.
Ready to join this vibrant community?
Discover why global life sciences businesses are choosing this thriving region – land HERE today!
Learn more about Life Sciences CAREERS in the Charleston region.
Read more about the region’s growing Life Sciences Sector, HERE.
In-person and Online Engagement Opportunities Available
CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (April 17, 2023) – The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is looking for your input for the I-526 @ Long Point Road Interchange Improvements project public hearing through May 17, 2023. The public is encouraged to participate in the public hearing virtually and in-person. An in-person public hearing will take place on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Town Hall (100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant). However, you can visit the project website now through May 17, 2023 to review and make a comment on the Environmental Assessment and all public hearing materials.
The in-person public hearing will include an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. where participants can ask questions one-on-one with SCDOT, and at 6 p.m. a formal presentation and verbal comment session will begin. For additional ease of participation, the formal presentation and verbal comment session will be broadcast live on the project website (www.526LCCLongPoint.com/publichearing). Viewers do not need to register in advance to watch the formal portion. However, to speak during the formal comment session (in-person or virtually), participants must sign up by 5:55 p.m. on May 2 at www.526LCCLongPoint.com/publichearing or at the in-person public hearing. Virtual participants making verbal comments will need to join the meeting through Zoom Webinar and will be provided instructions after signing up.
The purpose of the I-526 @ Long Point Road Interchange Improvements project is to improve the operations of the interchange and the I-526 mainline, and to reduce operational conflicts between local and port-related traffic.
The purpose of this public hearing is to present the recommended preferred alternative for improving the I-526/Long Point Road interchange and the findings of the Environmental Assessment. Findings include potential impacts and a completed noise analysis. SCDOT is asking for input from the public and stakeholders. SCDOT representatives will also share project updates during the public hearing, including a plan to retain the existing operations at Long Point Road and Belle Hall Parkway. SCDOT updated plans for this intersection based on input from the local community, followed by further engineering analysis, with the goal of improving this interchange to best serve all users.
The public is encouraged to submit comments from April 17 to May 17, 2023. Comments may be submitted on the project website, by email to info@526LowcountryCorridor.com, or by mail (SCDOT, 955 Park Street, Columbia, SC 29202-0191).
A Spanish translator will be available at the public hearing, and materials are available in Spanish on the project website. To speak with an interpreter, please contact SCDOT at 803-724-5862 or toll-free at 888-468-8081. Para hablar con un intérprete, comuníquese con SCDOT al 803-724-5862 o gratis al 888-468-8081.
Persons with disabilities who may require special accommodations should contact Mrs. Betty Gray at 803-737-1395 or by email at GrayB@scdot.org. If you do not have access to the internet and would like to receive project information or make a written comment, contact SCDOT at 803-737-1200.
Comments must be postmarked or submitted electronically by May 17, 2023
About SCDOT
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is the state agency with oversight of South Carolina’s network of highways and bridges, including responsibilities such as planning, design, construction, financing, and roadway safety. To ensure the nation’s fourth-largest highway system is prepared to serve the needs of South Carolina’s growing economy and population, SCDOT has developed a Strategic 10-Year Plan that addresses improvements to the state’s highway and bridge systems. Learn more at scdot.org.
Charleston, South Carolina is a charming and historic city with many romantic places to propose. Here are some of the best places to propose in Charleston:
The Battery: This scenic waterfront park offers stunning views of Charleston Harbor and the Ravenel Bridge. Find a secluded spot on the grassy lawn or along the promenade to pop the question. The gazebo at White Point Garden is a very popular spot.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: This beautiful plantation features stunning gardens, bridges, and water features that create a picturesque backdrop for a proposal. Consider proposing on one of the charming bridges or in a secluded spot in the gardens.
Rainbow Row: This row of colorful historic homes is one of Charleston’s most iconic landmarks and a perfect place for a proposal. Consider arranging for a photographer to capture the moment as you pop the question in front of one of the colorful homes.
Middleton Place: This historic plantation features beautiful gardens, a stunning reflection pond, and an elegant Inn with beautiful architecture. Propose on the picturesque bridge or in a private spot on the expansive property.
Waterfront Park: This park offers beautiful views of the harbor and USS Yorktown. Consider proposing on the pier or under the famous Pineapple Fountain for a unique and memorable moment.
Folly Beach: This beautiful beach is located just a short drive from Charleston and offers miles of white sand and beautiful water. Consider proposing during a romantic beach walk or during a sunset picnic on the beach. We highly recommend the far west end as the beach curves just past Folly Beach County Park. It is a perfect due west sunset.
Carriage ride through the city: Charleston is known for its charming carriage rides through the city’s historic neighborhoods. Consider popping the question during a private carriage ride for a truly unique and romantic experience.
A private boat tour: Charleston Harbor is beautiful and offers stunning views of the city. Consider arranging a private boat tour and propose on the water for a truly unforgettable moment. There are many wonderful charter boat tour companies in the local area.
The Charleston City Market: This historic market offers a variety of souvenirs, crafts, and local goods. Consider proposing while browsing the market or during a romantic meal at one of the nearby restaurants.
Bonus:
If you don’t mind traveling a little outside the city, consider Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner. Rent a boat and relive the infamous moment from “The Notebook”. Perhaps if you love “The Notebook” but don’t have transportation outside the city, The American Theater on King Street also played a key role in the film.
Charleston, SC is a popular destination for weddings, and there are many talented wedding planners in the area who can help make your special day unforgettable. Now that we are in full Charleston wedding season, here are some of the best end-to-end wedding planning providers in Charleston, SC:
Pure Luxe Bride (https://www.pureluxebride.com/) – This award-winning wedding planning and design company has been featured in numerous publications and has a reputation for creating personalized, stylish weddings.
A Charleston Bride (https://www.acharlestonbride.com/) – With over a decade of experience, this full-service wedding planning and design company is known for its attention to detail and ability to create unique, unforgettable weddings.
Ooh! Events (https://www.oohevents.com/) – This full-service event planning company offers a range of services, from planning and design to rentals and floral design. Their team of experienced planners can help create a wedding that is both beautiful and stress-free.
Yoj Events (https://www.yojevents.com/) – This boutique wedding planning and design company specializes in creating customized weddings that reflect each couple’s unique style and personality.
Sweetgrass Social (https://www.sweetgrasssocial.com/) – With a focus on Southern hospitality and charm, this wedding planning and design company offers a range of services, from full planning to day-of coordination.
These are just a few of the many talented wedding planners in Charleston, SC. No matter what your style or budget, there is a wedding planner in Charleston who can help make your dream wedding a reality.
Charleston, SC is a great place to visit with kids, as there are plenty of fun and educational activities for them to enjoy. Here are some of the best places in Charleston for kids:
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry (https://explorecml.org/) – This museum is a hands-on, interactive experience designed for kids. It features exhibits on art, science, and culture, as well as outdoor play areas and a pirate ship.
South Carolina Aquarium (https://scaquarium.org/) – This aquarium is home to over 5,000 animals, including sea turtles, sharks, and otters. It also features interactive exhibits and educational programs for kids.
The Charleston Fun Park (https://charlestonfunpark.com/) – This family entertainment center features go-karts, mini-golf, arcade games, and more. It’s a great place to spend a day with the family.
Splash Zone Waterpark (https://www.splashzonecharleston.com/) – This waterpark features water slides, a lazy river, and a splash pad. It’s a great place to cool off on a hot day.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (https://www.patriotspoint.org/) – This museum features exhibits on naval and maritime history, including the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. It’s a great place to learn about history and explore a real-life ship.
Charleston Pirate Tours (https://www.charlestonpiratetour.com/) – This family-friendly walking tour takes visitors through the streets of Charleston while telling pirate tales and stories of the city’s history.
Frankie’s Fun Park (https://frankies.com/charleston/) From mini-golf, batting cages, arcade games, go-karting and more, Frankie’s is the perfect outing for your family or a large party. Frankie’s is conveniently located in North Charleston, SC.
These are just a few of the many great places to visit with kids in Charleston, SC. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, there’s no shortage of fun and educational activities for families to enjoy.
There have been many songs written about Charleston, SC throughout the years. Here are a few notable examples:
“Carolina in the Morning” – This classic tune was written by Gus Kahn and Walter Donaldson in 1922 and has been performed by many artists over the years, including Al Jolson and Dean Martin. The song includes the lyrics “Mammy’s waitin’ for me, in old Carolina” and references Charleston specifically.
“Charleston” – This jazz standard was written by James P. Johnson and Cecil Mack in 1923 and became synonymous with the Charleston dance craze of the 1920s. The song includes the famous refrain “Charleston, Charleston, made in Carolina.”
“Under the Boardwalk” – This beach music classic by The Drifters evokes summers on the Carolina coast and provides the perfect soundtrack for the state’s official dance: the shag.
“My Carolina Sunshine Girl” – This song was written by Walter Donaldson and Gene Austin in 1925 and has been covered by many artists over the years. The song includes the lyrics “She’s my sweet and pretty little Carolina sunshine girl” and references Charleston specifically.
“Heads Carolina, Tails California” by Jo Dee Messina is an uptempo country song from 1996 where a woman encourages her partner to pick up and take a one-way road trip. The Carolinas are high on her list. She suggests that they’ll decide their destination by flipping a coin.
Beautiful Bonus Ballad
“Waltz For a Girl in South Carolina” – “Waltz for a Girl From South Carolina” is a gentle and nostalgic instrumental piece composed by Brett Shady in 2010. The song begins with a soothing acoustic guitar melody that sets the tone for a heartfelt and emotional journey.
These are just a few examples of the many songs that have been inspired by Charleston, South Carolina over the years.
Videographer John Woolworth has captured the essence of historic Charleston in a way that is so thoughtful and respectful.
About the Video
This week we’re in getting an aerial view of Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is a historic city and unique in many ways. It has a long history going back to colonial times. I am blessed to live nearby, and this week I’m showing what Charleston looks like from a drone. From The Battery to the Morris Island Lighthouse, Charleston has lots of unique views. Check out the video and learn more about what there is to see in Charleston.
All music is by Kai Engel, https://www.kai-engel.com and is used under creative commons attribution license.
I write to you now, my heart overflowing with love and admiration. From the moment I first set foot on your streets, I knew that you were a special place.
Your beauty is unmatched – from the historic homes that line your cobblestone streets to the Spanish moss that hangs from your trees, you are a true masterpiece of architecture and nature.
But it is not just your physical beauty that has captured my heart. It is the spirit of your people, the warmth of your hospitality, and the rich history that pervades every corner of your city.
I am in awe of the way that you have persevered through so much – from the devastation of hurricanes to the trials of slavery and segregation. Your strength and resilience are truly inspiring.
And oh, the food! Your culinary offerings are second to none – from the fresh seafood to the biscuits and grits, every bite is a taste of heaven.
But most of all, I love the way that you make me feel. Whenever I am with you, I am filled with a sense of peace and contentment. Your charm and grace are unparalleled, and I am honored to know you.
Charleston, you are a treasure, a gift to all who know you. I promise to cherish you always and to never take for granted the many blessings that you have bestowed upon me.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (APRIL 11, 2023) – TMGOC Ventures, a partnership between The Montford Group. and Opterra Capital, recently celebrated the opening of its latest project, the highly-anticipated Moxy Charleston Downtown, located at 547 Meeting Street.
Moxy Charleston, which welcomed its inaugural guests on Wednesday, April 5, offers a stylish and high-energy hospitality experience, featuring vibrant public spaces and unobstructed views of the Ravenel Bridge. The property greets locals and travelers alike with an expansive 7,000 square foot indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge featuring a sleek 10-seat rooftop bar, a ground floor Starbucks, and a performance stage featuring a packed roster of local DJs and musicians.
The TMGOC team broke ground on the property in May 2021, and its completion makes it the 13th fully-operational hotel property in the joint-venture’s growing portfolio.
Moxy is the first of four downtown Charleston hotel projects in the works for TMGOC Ventures, with the Thompson, the Montford Hotel and the Charlestonian coming soon. A Moxy Charlotte location is also under construction by TMGOC.
“Moxy Charleston was a labor of love in the truest sense of the term, and we couldn’t be prouder of the finished product,” The Montford Group. Founder and CEO Sunju Patel said. “Each and every corner of this property was thoughtfully designed to provide the most unique and impactful experience possible, and we hope our guests feel that when they walk through our doors.”
“There’s no question that Moxy is a hospitality experience unlike any other in Charleston, and it’s been a real joy to help bring this unique concept to life,” Opterra Capital Founder and CEO Glenn Alba said. “With several more hotel projects in the pipeline for the downtown area, Charleston has certainly not seen the last of TMGOC.”
Moxy Charleston, built by Construction Professionals, Inc., was designed by Studio MCG and LS3P, and features interiors by Streetsense. It is managed by Aimbridge Hospitality as part of Marriott’s Bonvoy portfolio.
ABOUT TMGOC VENTURES
TMGOC Ventures is a real estate private equity and development company specializing in the hospitality and multifamily sectors. A joint venture between The Montford Group and Opterra Capital, TMGOC is focused on acquiring and developing a robust hotel and residential portfolio that creates value for investors, partners, and communities. To date, TMGOC’s portfolio consists of $886 million in existing and pipeline investments comprising 2,626 hotel keys, 335 residential units and 40,000 SF of office and retail across the United States, Caribbean, Canada, and Western Europe.
ABOUT THE MONTFORD GROUP.
The Montford Group. is a real estate investment and development company with more than 50 years of combined experience in real estate investments, acquisitions, and dispositions along with horizontal and vertical development. Helmed by seasoned entrepreneurs Sunju Patel and Jessica Reid, The Montford Group works to curate an unrivaled collection of unique properties and experiences for those who believe that home and hospitality shouldn’t be rare finds, but common ground. The Montford Group. has developed approximately 190,000 SF of residential properties, 275,000 SF of retail space, 500,000 SF of industrial space, 225,000 SF of office space and 90,000 SF of medical office and hospital space. For more information, please visit https://montfordgroup.com.
ABOUT OPTERRA CAPITAL, LLC
Opterra Capital is a Boca Raton, Florida-based real estate investment sponsor and operating partner, capital markets advisor, and asset manager with significant experience in all sectors of commercial real estate. Founded by Glenn Alba, a former Managing Director at Blackstone for 20 years, Opterra Capital consists of five industry professional principals with more than 80 years of experience in hotel ownership, asset management and development. Opterra Capital seeks to leverage this expertise towards value-add acquisitions and proactive investment management to deliver attractive, risk-adjusted returns. For more information, please visit http://www.opterracapital.com.
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