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A new Italian restaurant is coming to downtown Charleston, South Carolina on February 15, 2023
Sorelle will be located at 88 Broad Street, Charleston, SC.
Sorelle features a mercato, central bar, wine room, pizza counter and grand dining room.
Lowcountry
Inside Real Estate Acquires Charleston based BoomTown, Forming an Industry-Leading Real Estate Technology Company
BoomTown, an industry-leading cloud-based sales and marketing automation platform serving 100,000 real estate professionals and Inside Real Estate, one of the fastest-growing independent real estate software company and trusted partner to more than 400,000 real estate professionals, today announced that they have joined forces to form the industry’s leading residential real estate technology company.
This combination creates an industry-leading provider of residential real estate software and services, across product and customer segments. As a result of the acquisition, Inside Real Estate is well positioned to help top-performing franchises, brokerages, teams, and agents manage their business more effectively by providing an unparalleled technology, services, and partner ecosystem from a single provider. The combined company will have the R&D and Client Services scale to drive rapid innovation and deliver on their missions to make real estate professionals more successful.
“This is the first day of an exciting new chapter for BoomTown and our clients!” said Grier Allen, CEO, BoomTown. “Joining Joe and the talented Inside Real Estate team enables us to continue on our combined mission to serve the real estate industry with world-class technology and services. With a clear vision for the future, we look forward to accelerating the pace of innovation to fuel our clients’ growth and success.”
Inside Real Estate and BoomTown each have a proven track record of delivering high value, innovative solutions to help real estate professionals drive more effective business outcomes, achieve a competitive market advantage, and ultimately generate more transactions and revenue. They will bring together the breadth and depth of each company’s award-winning technology solutions, top-shelf client support and services, and one of the largest and most engaged communities of top-producing real estate professionals.
“I’m thrilled to welcome BoomTown to the Inside Real Estate family!” said Joe Skousen, CEO, Inside Real Estate. “I commend Grier and the BoomTown team for what they have built and accomplished with their clients over the past 15 years. Our companies share a common DNA that is focused on driving real results for every client, every day. Together, we will deliver an unmatched experience for every user from single agents, to top-performing teams and mega teams, to robust national enterprise brands. Our #1 job is being a tech partner to our client – this combination reinforces that commitment.”
The combined resources and backing will help deliver:
- The #1 Front Office Experience for Every User: The combined technology will deliver an enhanced and elevated front office experience that supports every type of user, from single agents, to top performing teams and mega teams, to top brokerages and enterprise brands in growing their business.
- The First Complete & Modern Back Office Suite: Together, the company’s combined portfolio of back office solutions, including CORE Back Office, Brokermint and Inside Real Estate’s recently acquired AmpStats, will provide the foundation for the industry’s most innovative, modern & complete back office solution.
- Marketplace & Tech Partner Ecosystem: Inside Real Estate’s Marketplace of leading add-on services and solutions, including the Property Boost listing promotion and lead generation tool, will continue to expand, and be paired with a new Preferred Partner program, unlocking additional value and differentiation for customers through a vetted, network of premium, tightly integrated partner solutions.
- Industry-Leading Home Ownership Solutions: Inside Real Estate will continue to invest heavily in the first integrated lifetime homeownership platform, CORE Home. The technology, paired with smart affiliated services solutions, and branded for Inside Real Estate’s customers, will place brokers and agents at the heart of the consumer relationship.
“This combination brings together significant capability to innovate as a true technology partner and support the needs of our customers,” said Nick Macey, President, Inside Real Estate. “Our passionate, capable team is committed to leading with the features, products and solutions that drive agent, team, brokerage and enterprise brand success.”
Inside Real Estate’s Joe Skousen will continue to be Chief Executive Officer leading an experienced executive team of industry veterans from both Inside Real Estate and BoomTown, including Grier Allen of BoomTown as Chief Strategy Officer and Nick Macey as President. The combination of the two employee and client-centric cultures will create a company that continues to be consistently recognized for their culture and as one of the best places to work. The company is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, with offices in Charleston, SC and Carlsbad, CA, and employees located throughout the U.S.
Houlihan Lokey served as exclusive financial advisor and DLA Piper LLP (US) served as legal advisor to BoomTown.
About BoomTown:
BoomTown exists to make real estate agents successful. More than 100,000 of the industry’s top professionals, and 40% of the Real Trends Top 250 teams, trust BoomTown to grow their real estate business with easy-to-use technology that creates opportunities and turns them into closings. BoomTown’s full suite of capabilities include a customizable real estate website integrated with local MLS data, client success management, a cutting-edge CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system with custom marketing automation, personalized advertising and lead generation services, a mobile app for agents on the go, transaction management, commissions, and accounting. BoomTown’s service offerings extend far beyond technology with lead qualification services to contact, qualify, and nurture leads, and dedicated advisors to offer personalized support at every step from onboarding and training to optimizing your business and planning for strategic growth to coaching services from peers who have catapulted their growth with the system. Founded in 2006, BoomTown’s brands include some of the most trusted solutions in real estate like Brokermint, real estate’s leading back-office and transaction management software, and MyAgentFinder. To learn more visit boomtownroi.com
Charleston Parks Conservancy Launches National Search for Executive Director
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Charleston Parks Conservancy has launched a national search for an executive director to lead the 16-year-old nonprofit.
“Since its founding, the Conservancy has become an integral player in the City of Charleston. As a result, we need a leader who understands the critical role parks play in creating strong communities,” said Charley McLendon, board of directors chairperson. “We’re excited to launch this national search for candidates who are passionate about parks and the community surrounding them.”
Through public-private partnerships and a strong core of volunteers, the Conservancy has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston, including Colonial Lake, Moultrie Playground, St. Julian Devine Community Center, The Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park and three community gardens.
The Conservancy has hired PBR Executive Search, an executive search firm that specializes in national searches for nonprofits. The firm will be partnering closely with a search committee of board members to identify and place a leader this spring.
The executive director will be responsible for strategic leadership and vision-setting, stakeholder engagement, people leadership, fundraising, and brand awareness. Ideal candidates will have executive leadership experience, demonstrated fundraising success, and public-private partnership experience. For the full job description and to apply, visit bit.ly/charlestonparksconservancy.
Until the position is filled, long-time Conservancy employee Leslie Wade is serving as the interim executive director.
About the Charleston Parks Conservancy
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. For more than 15 years, the Conservancy — through public-private partnerships — has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston. Notable projects include the complete renovation of Colonial Lake, the renovation of the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park, Moultrie Playground, St. Julian Devine Community Center & Park as well as Magnolia Park and Community Garden and Medway Park and Community Garden. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.
South Carolina #2 in the nation in new industrial manufacturing projects planned in Nov-Dec 2022
New industrial manufacturing planned projects grew 50% from November to December 2022
IMI SalesLeads announced today the December 2022 results for the newly planned capital project spending report for the Industrial Manufacturing industry. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction, and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms 177 new projects in December compared to 118 in November in the Industrial Manufacturing sector.
The following are selected highlights on new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news.
INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING – BY PROJECT TYPE
Manufacturing/Production Facilities – 151 New Projects
Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 75 New Projects
INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING – BY PROJECT SCOPE/ACTIVITY
New Construction – 64 New Projects
Expansion – 58 New Projects
Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 60 New Projects
Plant Closings – 15 New Projects
INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING – BY PROJECT LOCATION (TOP 10 STATES)
- New York – 16
- South Carolina – 14
- Michigan – 12
- North Carolina – 10
- Ohio – 9
- Texas – 9
- Tennessee – 8
- Massachusetts – 7
- Wisconsin – 7
- California – 6
Largest Planned Project
During the month of December, our research team identified 22 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more.
The largest project is owned by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, who is planning to invest $12 billion for the construction of a manufacturing facility adjacent to their existing under-construction plant in PHOENIX, AZ. Completion is slated for 2024.
Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects
GEORGIA:
Automotive mfr. is planning to invest $5 billion in the construction of an EV battery manufacturing facility in CARTERSVILLE, GA. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2025.
SOUTH CAROLINA:
Battery component mfr. and recycling company is planning to invest $3.5 billion for the construction of a manufacturing, recycling, warehouse, and office complex in CHARLESTON, SC. Construction will occur in phases and is expected to start in early 2023.
TEXAS:
Optical communication products mfr. is planning to invest $3 billion for the expansion of its manufacturing facility in SHERMAN, TX. Construction is expected to start in 2025, with completion slated for 2028.
ARIZONA:
Startup battery mfr. is planning to invest $1.2 billion for the construction of a manufacturing facility in TUCSON, AZ. They are currently seeking approval for the project.
ALABAMA:
Solar panel mfr. is planning to invest $1.1 billion for the construction of a 2.4 million sf manufacturing facility in TRINITY, AL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2025.
MICHIGAN:
Paper and packaging product mfr. is planning to invest $1 billion for the renovation and equipment upgrades on its manufacturing facility in ESCANABA, MI. They are currently seeking approval for the project.
GEORGIA:
Automotive component mfr. is planning to invest $926 million for the construction of a 1.2 million sf manufacturing facility in RICHMOND HILL, GA. They have recently received approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in early 2023, with completion slated for 2024.
SOUTH CAROLINA:
EV battery mfr. is planning to invest $810 million for the construction of a 1.5 million sf manufacturing facility in FLORENCE, SC. They have recently received approval for the project.
MICHIGAN:
A pharmaceutical company is planning to invest $750 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their processing facility in KALAMAZOO, MI. They are currently seeking approval for the project.
COLORADO:
Semiconductor equipment mfr. is planning to invest $600 million in the construction of a manufacturing facility in COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for Summer of 2024.
Coastal Community Foundation Granted $16.6 Million to Nonprofits in 2022
In the last year, Coastal Community Foundation granted $16.6 million to nonprofit organizations. This funding was distributed to organizations in three countries and 38 states, with 71% of the money remaining in the state of South Carolina. $5.2 million went to organizations that applied for CCF grants and $11.4 million was directed by donors to causes they are most passionate about.
Coastal Community Foundation received 35% more contributions from donors than the previous year, a total of $59.3 million in 2022.
“CCF is proud the community continues to prioritize charitable giving,” said President and CEO Darrin Goss. “With the rising cost of day-to-day expenses, we know nonprofit organizations will be trying to stretch each dollar further in 2023. We look forward to providing more grants to these groups in the year ahead, while working closely with donors to reach their charitable goals.”
In the last 25 years, Coastal Community Foundation granted a total of $300 million to nonprofit organizations.
CCF has several grant deadlines approaching in January and February. This grant cycle has opportunities for nonprofits in the fields of education, special needs, individual artists, neighborhood groups, housing, and healthy waterways. Nonprofits interested in applying can find more information here.
Top 10 Local Places to Eats selects its Best Restaurants in Charleston, SC (New Video)
We have selected the top 10 best restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina (2023) – These are the top places to eat in Charleston, SC.
Whether you live nearby or are looking to plan your next trip to the area, make sure you stop at one of these Charleston restaurants.
Here are the 10 best restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina (2023)
- Poogan’s Porch
- Husk
- Eli’s Table
- Lewis Barbecue
- Fleet Landing Restaurant
- Magnolias
- Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
- Hyman’s Seafood
- Swig & Swine
- Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
Charleston-North Charleston, SC was the 2nd highest growth metro in the nation in new job creation
Ninety-five metro areas in the United States had increases in nonfarm employment from November 2021 to November 2022. The metro with the second highest growth with an increase of 6.6% or 24,900 new jobs is Charleston/North Charleston, South Carolina.
Ninety-five metro areas had increases in nonfarm employment from November 2021 to November 2022, while 294 were essentially unchanged.
The over-the-year employment increase in the top 3, Atlantic City-Hammonton, New Jersey, was 9,400, while Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina, had an increase of 24,900 and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, Iowa-Illinois, had an increase of 11,400.
Source link – Bureau of Labor Statistics
Charleston Fire Department offers free smoke alarms, inspections
The Charleston Fire Department is providing free smoke alarm services to Charleston area residents.
According to CFD, Charleston residents are eligible for free smoke alarms, alarm installation or replacement batteries for existing smoke detectors.
Anyone interested in services can book a visit from fire crews by going to charleston-sc.gov.
Click ‘submit a request’ and then select ‘smoke alarm.’ Complete the form and submit it when finished.
DHEC Awards Twenty South Carolina Schools as ‘Champions of the Environment’ including 2 in Charleston County
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Twenty South Carolina schools were chosen to receive grants that will support the education of the next generation of environmental stewards, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced today.
“Champions of the Environment” awards are issued each school year to foster environmental education and action in South Carolina’s classrooms, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Teachers apply for grant funding by outlining their educational project that focuses on pollution or waste reduction, water or energy efficiency, or preservation of natural areas. The grant program is sponsored by DHEC, Dominion Energy, and Sylvamo, with assistance from the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina.
“We’re excited to award grants to such a large number of schools this year,” said Amanda Ley, DHEC’s coordinator for the Champions of the Environment program. “This is the largest number of projects we’ve awarded in the program’s history.” Ten schools won $2,500, four schools won $2,000, and six schools were awarded $1,000.
This year’s projects include gardens, habitat restoration projects, litter prevention, citizen science, waste management, and alternate energy sources. The 2022-23 Champions of the Environment winners are:
$2,500 winners
- Ashley Hall School, Charleston County
- Beechwood Middle School, Lexington County
- Coastal Montessori Charter School, Georgetown County
- Dacusville Middle School, Pickens County
- Glenforest School, Lexington County
- Liberty STEAM Charter School, Sumter County
- Mid Carolina High School, Newberry County
- Richland Two Institute of Innovation, Richland County
- Trident Academy, Charleston County
- Waccamaw High School, Georgetown County
$2,000 winners
- Brookdale Elementary School , Orangeburg County
- Lugoff Elgin High School, Kershaw County
- Palmetto High School, Anderson County
- Plain Elementary School, Greenville County
$1,000 winners
- Darlington Middle School, Darlington County
- Greer Middle College Charter High School, Greenville County
- Leaphart Elementary STEAM Magnet, Lexington County
- Mitchell Road Elementary, Greenville County
- Swansea High Freshman Academy, Lexington County
- Wellford Academy of Science and Technology, Spartanburg County
For more information, including descriptions of each winning project, visit www.scdhec.gov/champions.
3 Charleston area black owned small businesses selected as recipients of a Heinz Black Kitchen Initiative grant
This may come as no surprise, but Black-owned small businesses have been disproportionately hit by high inflation not long after recovering from COVID-19 related losses. I’m sure we can both agree that these restaurants play an influential role in Charleston’s food scene – beyond offering delicious food, America’s Black-owned food businesses also each paint a distinct picture of a multifaceted Black culture and cuisine, and so their survival is essential to the fabric of our country.
To help keep these restaurants alive and thriving, the Heinz Black Kitchen Initiative just announced the 65 Black-owned food businesses selected to receive grants of either $25,000 or $15,000 this year.
For the second consecutive year, in partnership with The LEE Initiative and Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice, a coalition of industry leaders doing the work to benefit Black-owned restaurants and communities, Heinz donated over $1M to fund the grants.
The recently announced recipients feed communities throughout the country, and many Charleston favorites made the list of grantees: My Three Sons of Charleston, Bert and T’s Desserts, and Carolina Cookery.
Launched in 2021, the Black Kitchen Initiative aims to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Black food by breaking down the barriers that keep Black voices and Black cooking on the margins of American culinary culture. This year’s grants follow a successful first year; in 2021, the LEE Initiative, SRRJ, and Heinz awarded over $1 million in grants to 72 businesses.
In addition to donating over $1M dollars, Heinz will:
- Celebrate recipients, their business ventures, and their stories on Heinz.com/blackkitchen
- Tap into its over 200,000 followers on social media across the @Heinz and @Heinz_US social platforms to spotlight the grant recipients
- Reward each grant recipient with a unique cast iron pan trophy to commemorate recipients selection and involvement with the Black Kitchen Initiative.
As put by the Heinz team, “The partnership is about more than just saving restaurants; it’s about preserving Black culture today and into the future.”