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Beautiful beaches, ranked the number one relocation destination and the friendliest city in the US….
So why didn’t we move to Charleston when we relocated to SC??
Lowcountry
Peg Lahmeyer, Executive Direct of ARK Named 2020 Trailblazer of the Year by Summerville Chamber
SUMMERVILLE, S.C., January 29, 2021 – The Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce’s award program is designed to recognize the dedication, achievement and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by exceptional local businesses, nonprofits and individuals. Recipients of the 2020 Chamber Awards were announced virtually via Zoom and Facebook Live on Friday, January 29, 2021.
The Trailblazer of the Year: Woman of Excellence award recognizes a woman that is a leader in their industry, shows courage and passion, has overcome great obstacles, and has truly blazed a trail for the women behind her. Congratulations to the 2020 Trailblazer of the Year, Peg Lahmeyer. Lahmeyer is the Executive Director of The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services.
Lahmeyer’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related dementia (ADRD) twenty-five years ago. As her mother’s primary caregiver, Lahmeyer saw first-hand the challenges that go along with loving someone with the illness. In 1996, she founded The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services, a nonprofit dedicated to individuals with ADRD and their families with the Brookdale Foundation’s model and best practices. The ARK provides essential services for families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Serving five counties: Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Orangeburg, The ARK offers respite care, support groups, caregiver consultation, caregiver education workshops, resource referrals, law enforcement and first responders training, community learning programs, and rural services development.
The organization had humble beginnings, meeting and operating out of a few rooms in St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Summerville. The organization offered a social respite program one day a week to engage the loved ones while their caregivers took time for themselves. Over the years, the program expanded to two days a week, to adding services in St. George, to purchasing a passenger bus for convenient transportation of participants.
Today, The ARK in Summerville offers adult respite care four days a week, conducts support groups for caregivers, hosts caregiver consultations and lunch and learns to train caregivers for their jobs at home, and created the NOAH Project, a mentor program for underserved areas in developing Alzheimer’s support services tailored to meet each community’s unique needs.
“Peg has such a giving heart,” said The ARK’s Development Director, Megan Severn. “She never second guesses to lend a helping hand, give advice or be a supporter to not only families and staff of The ARK but many nonprofit organizations, local businesses and community members. She goes above and beyond.”
About the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce
Since its establishment in 1911, the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce has been an integral part of the growth of Summerville and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to protect and promote the quality of life in the community, with specific emphasis on improving economic vitality and providing a favorable business climate. For more information, please visit www.greatersummerville.org or call (843) 873-2931
Photo Caption: 2020 Chamber Board Chair Carrie Bovender, 2020 Trailblazer of the Year Peg Lahmeyer, and Chamber President/CEO Rita Berry.
La’Son in Summerville is now Officially Open – Grand Opening January 27, 2021
On January 27th, La’Son officially opened their new brick and mortar restaurant in Summerville, SC (120 Tupperway Drive, Summerville, SC 29483)
Details
Hours:
| Sunday | 9:00 AM | – | 9:00 PM |
| Monday | 9:00 AM | – | 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM | – | 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM | – | 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM | – | 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM | – | 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM | – | 9:00 PM |
American Restaurant in Summerville, SC
Started as a food truck serving Summerville and the surrounding area with mouth-watering American food favorites, La’Son Cafe now brings you the quintessential cafe style dining experience. Featuring Lowcountry style seafood, and barbeque, our American restaurant in Summerville, SC, has something for the whole family. Join us for weekday lunch specials, or an unforgettable dinner! Stop by today or call (843) 310-3346.
Home Cooking For Any Occasion
When you dine with us, you’ll be treated to generous portions of tantalizing soul food at prices that can’t be beaten. From barbeque ribs to southern-fried fish and shrimp, baked beans, pulled pork, and many more homestyle treats, you’ll be so satisfied you might never want to leave. We use only the best ingredients, freshest veggies, and choicest cuts of meat, ensuring that every guest receives a memorable and outstanding dining experience.
Our Menu Includes:
- Burgers
- Wings
- Pizza
- Seafood
- Ribs
- BBQ
- Pulled pork
- BBQ Chicken
- Fried shrimp
- Fried fish
- Philly Steak Sub
- 3 Cheese Mac
- Baked beans
- And more!
You can enjoy all your favorites from La’Son Cafe at home or your next event! Our online ordering, delivery, and catering options make dining simple and delicious. We can cater to events of any size, and nothing makes an evening as memorable as a food truck serving up American-style goodness.
Mayor Keith Summey presents North Charleston’s 2021 State of the City Address
Please take a moment to watch this short video on the State of the City of North Charleston 2021 Address:
Ray-Mont Logistics Investing $16M In South Carolina (North Charleston)
Ray-Mont Logistics, a fully integrated logistics company, will establish operations in North Charleston, SC. The more than $16 million investment will create 85 new jobs in Charleston County.
“Ray-Mont Logistics is proud to partner with the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) and the state of South Carolina with the establishment of this new facility, which is the latest undertaking of terminal expansion throughout the United States,” said Ray-Mont Logistics CEO Charles Raymond. “The Port of Charleston and the key advantages it brings to the North American supply chain will serve to complement our existing facilities, providing a strategic gateway to reach key global markets for exporters. We are honored to join the community of Charleston, and through investment and job creation in the years to come, Ray-Mont Logistics is committed to providing further economic growth and generating new career opportunities for citizens within the community.”
Established in 1992 in Montreal, Canada, Ray-Mont Logistics serves as a one-stop shop for a variety of logistical needs and enhances the customer experience on a global scale. Ray-Mont Logistics’ new facility in North Charleston will increase the company’s capacity and logistical capabilities to better serve its clients. The new facility is expected to be completed by spring 2021.
“When a great company like Ray-Mont Logistics chooses to establish operations in South Carolina, it’s yet another testament to the fact that our state is open for business,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Congratulations on this new investment in the Charleston County community, and we look forward to Ray-Mont Logistics’ success for many years to come.”
The South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project, and Charleston County was awarded a $750,000 Set-Aside grant to assist with related costs.
“Logistics companies are right at home in South Carolina,” said South Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt. “Ray-Mont Logistics’ new facility in Charleston County will help a variety of industries export products around the world and succeed in a globally competitive marketplace.”
“Ray-Mont Logistics’ mission of facilitating international trade by enhancing the container supply chain is a welcome addition to South Carolina’s export transload sector,” said South Carolina Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome. “SC Ports looks forward to partnering with Ray-Mont Logistics through our reliable operations, ample capacity and big-ship capabilities at the Port of Charleston.”
“Our world-class assets continue to be a driving factor in site selection,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “Ray-Mont Logistics recognized that Charleston County is positioned to move product efficiently and in a cost-effective manner. This is an important investment for our area, and we congratulate all parties involved.”h
Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston Launches February 1, 2021
On February 1, 2021, Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston, (JFS, previously Charleston Jewish Family Services) became a separate organization from its parent, the Charleston Jewish Federation. The spin-off is a welcome sign of the progress and growth of Jewish Family Services since it was launched under the auspices of CJF.
The mission of Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston (JFS) is to empower individuals, strengthen families, protect the vulnerable, and help seniors age with dignity. Our work is based on Jewish values to improve quality of life regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. JFS is guided by the fundamental Jewish values of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repair of the world).
WHO WE ARE AND CONTINUE TO BE.
- We are doing our same work.
- We are supporting the greater Charleston Jewish community and the non-Jewish community.
- We are working together with the Charleston Jewish Federation (CJF) and other Charleston area Jewish organizations to reach the most people and provide the best services possible.
HOWEVER,
- Our new name better reflects the more expansive territory that we serve.
- Our new name reflects our continued relationship with CJF.
- Donations can be made through the CJF Annual Community Campaign or directly to JFS, including Legacy gifts.
- The missions of CJF and JFS are different.
- JFS and CJF will continue to share the same space through appropriate financial arrangements.
- JFS and CJF will continue to work together as partners supporting the Jewish community.
WHY?
- We have our own Board of Directors to focus us better on our mission.
- The population utilizing JFS is getting larger.
- We can have our own 501(c)3 status, which is currently pending.
- We can access more granting agencies and foundations as a separate entity to support even more of the community of need in Greater Charleston!
Judi Corsaro, Charleston Jewish Federation CEO, says “The Charleston Jewish Federation (CJF) is so proud to have played an instrumental role in helping to grow a small Jewish Social Services into a comprehensive Jewish Family Services agency. Critical community initiatives, including the creation of the Senior Outreach Initiative, Jewish Chaplaincy and Jewish Free Loans, were all made possible because of support from our Jewish Community Annual Campaign. All of us at CJF look forward to continuing to work with Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston under the excellent leadership of Sara Tick, CEO and Stuart Tessler, President.”
To learn more about Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston and ways to get involved, please contact Sara Tick at SaraS@JewishCharleston.org and visit www.charlestonjfs.org.
Mainstream Pine Products to Build New Crude Tall Oil (CTO) Biorefinery in South Carolina (Goose Creek)
| 10-acre facility in Charleston International Manufacturing Center will be capable of processing 110,000 tons of CTO from wood pulp used in paper manufacturing |
| (GOOSE CREEK, S.C.) – Mainstream Pine Products, LLC, today announc ed plans for an estimated $90 million crude tall oil (CTO) biorefinery at the Charleston International Manufacturing Center (CIMC) in Berkeley County. The biorefinery will be a highly advanced recycling facility with capacity to process 110,000 tons of CTO for use in a wide range of industrial applications.This facility will serve as the centerpiece of Mainstream’s strategy to become the highest quality, lowest cost producer of CTO derivatives in North America. The company anticipates breaking ground and starting construction later this year with operations commencing in 2023. CTO is a renewable, non-food resource and a byproduct of pine trees used in paper manufacturing. It is a vital component of many chemicals including renewable diesel processing products, lubricants, adhesives, inks, paints, coatings, and tire and rubber additives.“We conducted deep-dive market studies and reviewed pine chemical industry cycles,” said Rob Helwick, president and CEO of Mainstream Pine Products. “The increasing demand for renewable, non-food source materials led us to a nationwide search for the best location in which to expand our operations. “The Goose Creek site was unsurpassed among many we considered,” Helwick continued. “It affords us an ideal manufacturing location in an integrated industrial park with reliable infrastructure and intermodal access for efficient delivery of source materials and shipping of refined products.”With access to interstate highways, deep water shipping and rail facilities, Mainstream’s 10-acre facility will feature industry leading NEXPINUS™ technology provided by Neste Engineering Solutions Oy. The associated project management and engineering will be provided by PegasusTSI, Inc. and supported by Neste Engineering Solutions. Mainstream has also established a long-term raw material supply chain and has engaged Citigroup Global Markets Inc. to serve as the underwriter for its tax-exempt project financing. “It is important for us to develop our line of renewable products in a plant that meets the most rigorous environmental standards,” explained Helwick. “All things being equal, we believe the general population prefers renewable products, and the biorefinery acknowledges the world’s increasing demand for more sustainable goods.” Mainstream will be located in the 1,750-acre advanced manufacturing park at Charleston Industrial Manufacturing Center (CIMC) owned and operated by Cooper River Partners (CRP). The Center offers rail and deep-water access via barge. CRP provides utility services to tenants, such as steam, compressed air, process water and more. “We are excited to welcome Mainstream to the growing list of companies that call Charleston International Manufacturing Center home,” said Kent Fonvielle, president of Cooper River Partners. “Through providing reliable and cost-effective industrial services, CRP looks forward to supporting Mainstream’s successful growth.” About Mainstream Pine Products Mainstream Pine Products, LLC, was founded in 2019 by a group of investors dedicated to using specialty chemicals from pine trees in a variety of downstream products for complex industries. Central to the company’s value proposition is the construction and operation of a new crude tall oil biorefinery along coastal South Carolina to open in 2023. Learn more about Mainstream at mainstreampineproducts.com. |
The Charleston Woodworking School is now accepting applications
The Charleston Woodworking School is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 calendar year.
The Charleston Woodworking School is South Carolina’s only professional woodworking school, licensed by the SC Commission on Higher Education and approved by the Veterans Administration.
They accept VA benefits!
Beginning our eighth year, graduates have become professional woodworkers and started successful businesses in fine furniture design and development.
Check out our website at: www.CharlestonWoodworkingSchool.com
9 clever coronavirus parody Videos to help lighten the stress levels
The pandemic has made us all a little more creative. Some good and some bad, but we found 9 videos that should the fun and hopeful side of the pandemic. If we can’t make fun of a serious situation, when can we?
Enjoy.
The Social Distance – Parody of “Sounds of Silence”
(Covid-19 Wasn’t) Born In The U.S.A. (Coronavirus Parody Song) – Bruce Springsteen Cover
Hello (from the Inside) An Adele Parody by Chris Mann
Coronavirus Rhapsody (based on Bohemian Rhapsody) – Covid19
OUTKAST PARODY Hey-Ya “Ro-Na” (Coronavirus Edition)
Come On Vaccine – “Come On Eileen” Parody
Do Re Mi – Covid-19 version
Covid No. 19 (The Quarantine Song) – ‘Mambo No. 5’ Parody
Bonus: Mash and the Coronavirus
Charleston- Area Nonprofits Receive Record Donations
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charitable giving grew by nearly 8% during the third quarter of 2020 over 2019 according to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project’s 2020 Third Quarter Report, which is administered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). The amount raised on Giving Tuesday (December 1, 2020) was 25% higher than it was in 2019. The Winkler Group, a nonprofit consulting firm based in Charleston, South Carolina, predicts these trends will continue in 2021 based on their work with both local and national nonprofit clients.
Factors that are motivating major donors: the stimulus bill recently passed by Congress and the desire to move forward post-pandemic. With the stimulus bill, donors can elect to deduct up to 100% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) limit for cash contributions—this was increased from 60%. This applies to contributions made in 2020, but the Winkler Group expects to see similar incentives in 2021.
Over the past year, record stock market gains have inflated the value of many potential donors’ stock portfolios. These donors are motivated to avoid paying taxes by giving appreciated stock to charities instead.
“From the beginning, we predicted that donors would be generous in response to the crisis, but we were not prepared for the levels of generosity we have witnessed,” said Tim Winkler, founder and CEO of the Winkler Group. “We fully expect to see the trend of transformational gifts continue well into 2021.”
HALOS, a nonprofit organization based in Charleston that serves family members and friends raising children in an effort to keep them out of foster care, received nearly $130,000 from one donor in the last few months of 2020. “We received multiple smaller gifts then one large gift from a donor who doesn’t want recognition. This donor was simply compelled by our communication and wanted to help,” said Jennifer Richard, director of philanthropy, HALOS. “We were able to give specific examples of how donations were making an impact, and then we received a transformational six-figure gift. Our clients are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic—they are facing eviction and food insecurity– and by sharing stories of how their lives were changed through generosity, this donor stepped up in an extremely impactful way.”
Winkler Group research has found that large gifts have crossed sectors, from higher education to community service organizations, not only to front-line organizations fighting the impacts of COVID-19. Donors are giving because they are exhausted by the pandemic, a term called pandemic fatigue. Donors are looking toward the future and donating to ensure the causes they care deeply about thrive post-pandemic.
For Dorchester Paws, the largest animal shelter in Dorchester County, a donor recently stepped forward with a $500,000 gift to help build a new shelter. “It was such a significant gift,” said Maddie Moore, director of the shelter. “Our staff veterinarian cried when she heard about it. This gift will have a profound impact on the sustainability of our shelter.”
These gifts were made to organizations and institutions that kept fundraising throughout the pandemic. Winkler Group studies revealed that these gifts underscore the importance of regular donor communication and more cultivation than solicitation.
Read more research from Winkler Group and download free fundraising resources, such as “Four Benchmarks that Will Predict Your Campaign’s Success in 2021.”
About Winkler Group
Founded in 2004, the Winkler Group is national nonprofit consulting firm headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, with offices in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The firm specializes in working with nonprofits to develop the strategies to raise more money with capital campaigns and strategic planning. With a hands-on, servant leadership model, Winkler Group works to strengthen the philanthropic health of organizations so they can spend time focusing on their mission. Visit winklergroup.com or call (843) 849-6256 for more information.
Both HALOS and Dorchester Paws are clients of Winkler Group.