Lowcountry

Lowcountry

Lowcountry Land Trust Protects More Land in the ACE Basin

November 29, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Magnolia Hall part of a critical mass of protected properties 

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Lowcountry Land Trust has announced the permanent protection of 14 acres of critical land in the ACE Basin. A conservation easement was donated to the Land Trust by owners Dean and Jean Harrigal.

The property, known as Magnolia Hall, is located in southern Colleton County along the Old Chehaw River. It contains maritime forest, mixed pine-hardwood upland forest, and wetlands. 

“Most of our professional careers have been centered around conservation, and we believe in being good stewards of the land,” the Harrigals said. “We’re grateful we can protect Magnolia Hall forever. It’s a special place to us and we’re excited to officially join the Lowcountry Land Trust family.”  

“Placing Magnolia Hall into a conservation easement is another win for the Lowcountry,” said David Ray, acting CEO & chief conservation officer of Lowcountry Land Trust. “We are thrilled to protect 14 more acres of critical wildlife habitat and over 500 feet of river frontage. This land fills a gap in a very large network of permanently protected lands in the ACE Basin.” 

Magnolia Hall is directly adjacent to other privately protected lands and directly across the Old Chehaw River from the publicly accessible 8,048-acre Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, which is owned and managed by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. It is part of more than 100,000 acres of contiguous protected lands stretching from US Highway 17 to the mouth of St. Helena Sound, and across three counties—Charleston, Colleton and Beaufort. 

This area is also part of the more than 300,000 acres of protected land in the ACE Basin that preserves a network of wildlife corridors, clean water, and scenic beauty. 

“We are so grateful to the Harrigals for adding their property to the incredible story of landowner-led conservation in the ACE Basin,” Ray said. “Their foresight and generosity will help preserve this critical area of the South Carolina Lowcountry for generations to come.” 

The ACE Basin landscape is exceptionally diverse, supporting more than 267 species of terrestrial and aquatic birds, 83 species of reptiles and amphibians, 20 species of mammals, and 130 species of fish and shellfish.

Lowcountry Land Trust has protected over 147,000 acres of land across 14 South Carolina counties. Since 2019, the Land Trust has protected four other properties in the ACE Basin, totaling more than 3,400 acres. 

About Lowcountry Land Trust 
Founded in 1986, the Lowcountry Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to honor the relationship between people and land by protecting irreplaceable Lowcountry lands and treasured places. Lowcountry Land Trust has protected over 147,000 acres across 14 counties in South Carolina. More information about the Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.  

Lowcountry

Carver Maritime, LLC expanding operations in Charleston County

November 28, 2020 by 0 Comments
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More than $27.8 million investment will create 50 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Carver Maritime, LLC, an industrial port known for its shipping and warehousing storage operations, today announced plans to expand its existing operations in Charleston County. The more than $27.8 million investment will create 50 new jobs.

Founded in 2016, Carver Maritime, LLC has a deep-water pier for loading and offloading ships and barges, along with more than half a million square feet of warehousing space. Additionally, the company accommodates ships carrying cargo such as salt, break bulk, gypsum, and stone aggregates.

Located at 1801 Shipyard Creek Road in North Charleston, Carver Maritime, LLC’s expansion will include the construction of a new 120,000-square-foot building to support its stevedoring, warehousing, and supply chain business.

The expansion is expected to be completed by 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Carver Maritime, LLC team should contact hr@carvercompanies.com. 

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $200,000 Set-Aside grant to Charleston County to assist with costs of site preparation and construction.

QUOTES

“The Covid-19 pandemic has created many challenges for small businesses like ours, but I want to give credit to both the county and state economic development officials for being responsive to these changes. Since expanding our business operations to North Charleston back in 2016, we’ve experienced a friendly pro-business environment that has allowed our business to grow. We could have expanded our operations in New York or our facilities in Florida, but local officials partnered with us which will allow us to create more jobs and help raise the per capita income in the Charleston area.” -Carver Companies President and CEO Carver Laraway

“We are always excited when one of our existing businesses chooses to increase its footprint in South Carolina. We celebrate Carver Maritime, LLC’s decision to expand and create 50 new jobs in Charleston County.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“We congratulate Carver Maritime, LLC on this expansion, which adds to the continued success they’ve experienced in South Carolina. This latest investment further proves that our state has the business climate and logistics capabilities companies are seeking.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“The growth of Carver Maritime, LLC in its short tenure in Charleston County has been truly notable. We are thrilled that they continue experiencing so much success, and their decision to invest more than $27.8 million and create 50 new jobs in North Charleston is great news.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Elliott Summey

“The ability to efficiently import and export goods into our region is an asset to the economy we rely upon, creating jobs and investment in our community. We are happy to see these benefits expanding in the city of North Charleston.” -North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey

“It’s remarkable to witness a company expanding in back-to-back years. Our Business Concierge team assisted in 2019 and returned in 2020 to facilitate another expansion for Carver Maritime, LLC. We appreciate Carver Maritime’s commitment to Charleston County, and look forward to a long-term relationship.” -Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Steve Dykes

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Carver Maritime, LLC is expanding operations in Charleston County.
  • The more than $27.8 million investment will create 50 new jobs.
  • Carver Maritime, LLC is an industrial port known for its shipping and warehousing storage operations.
  • Located at 1801 Shipyard Creek Road in North Charleston, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Carver Maritime, LLC team should contact hr@carvercompanies.com.
Lowcountry

Bank of America Names North Charleston based Metanoia as Neighborhood Champion in Recognition of Work to Advance Economic Mobility in Charleston

November 25, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Program Provides $50,000 in Grant Support and an Opportunity for Virtual Leadership Training
 
Charleston, S.C.— Bank of America today announced Metanoia as a Neighborhood Champion, a recognition that includes both grant funding and leadership training. The Neighborhood Champions program supports the role strong nonprofit leaders play in advancing economic mobility and is an extension of the bank’s signature philanthropic initiative,

Neighborhood Builders®, the largest corporate philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership in the country. Alongside Charleston, the bank will bring the program to over 40 additional communities across the U.S. this fall as part of its commitment to investing in the long-term health of communities.
 
Metanoia (www.pushingforward.org) will receive $50,000 in grant support through the program and an opportunity for engagement in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector. Metanoia was selected as the 2020 Neighborhood Champion for their leadership and dedication to investing in assets that strengthen neighborhoods and develop opportunities that harness the capacity of the community’s citizens. This funding will support Metanoia’s efforts and programs within their three core areas of focus: creating a safe and nurturing place for children after school and during the summer; establishing quality, affordable housing; and the economic re-energizing of the Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood. Additionally, the opportunity for leadership training will strengthen Metanoia’s effectiveness in meeting current and future needs in its community.
 
Bank of America has a long-standing relationship with Metanoia. This summer, the bank sponsored the Metanoia Youth Leadership Academy’s (MYLA) “Bridge to the Future” program, which helps create access to first-generation post-secondary education opportunities. The partnership provided college preparedness training to the prospective first-generation college students who attend the MYLA programs to help prepare Metanoia’s young leaders as they embark on the next journey of their education and their lives.
 
“As we consider many of the challenges that our communities are facing – from the impacts of the coronavirus to the need for progress on racial equality and economic opportunity – the Neighborhood Champions program is a relevant and timely initiative to support the communities we serve,” said Mark Munn, Charleston/Hilton Head Market President for Bank of America. “This program enables partners like Metanoia to plan strategically for growth and long-term sustainability, and we look forward to seeing how this investment helps Metanoia make even greater strides in their mission to build leaders, establish quality housing and generate economic development.”
 
The Neighborhood Champions program is invitation-only for nonprofits who are poised to take their work to the next level. Leading members of the community participated in a collaborative selection process to identify this year’s awardee. Examples of the topics for the virtual leadership training awarded include human capital management, increasing financial sustainability, and storytelling.
 
“The Neighborhood Champion Grant could not have come to Metanoia at a better time.  The award is helping us not only survive but thrive in the midst of a challenging season,” said Bill Stanfield, CEO of Metanoia “We are encouraged by the financial support and mentorship that Bank of America is providing our efforts to invest in our neighborhood’s assets to build leaders, establish quality housing and generate economic development.”
 
Since the program’s inception last year, Bank of America has invested $4.2 million in 84 organizations within 42 communities through the Neighborhood Champions program. The Neighborhood Champions program in Charleston will strengthen the bank’s commitment to advancing economic mobility and nonprofit leadership.
 
Bank of America has supported Charleston in 2020 with over $700,000 to assist our community partners in providing services to those in need.

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).
               
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for email alerts.
 
www.bankofamerica.com

Lowcountry

New York City Trained Personal Chef Offers Charleston Stay-at -Home Amazing Cuisine

November 24, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Omis Provisions is a new customized chef personalized service in Charleston, South Carolina. The owner, Mario is a New York-trained chef now calling Charleston home.

Services include:

  • Dinner parties for up to 12 people
  • Personal meals for 2-4
  • Delivery

Preset menus or custom menus available.

Brunch and dinner options

A server on staff as requested.

Ramen
Chicken Cacciatore
Hand-made pasta

Herb Steak, Sweet Potato Puree, Pickled Onions and Peppers, Seared Cherry Tomatoes, Cilantro and Lemon Foam
Cornish Game Hen w/ Salmoriglio
Eggs Pork Belly and Champagne
Tiramisu
Lowcountry - North Charleston, SC

Cummins Turbo Technologies Adds New Factory in North Charleston – To add 100 new jobs

November 23, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Two years after opening a second manufacturing facility in the Charleston region, Cummins Turbo Technologies has announced an $11 million plant expansion. The company will double assembly capacity and greatly increase machining capacity at its existing plant in North Charlestons Palmetto Commerce Park, with plans to create 100 new jobs.

The new competitive expansion project was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance in partnership with numerous public- and private-sector allies. The Alliance is an economic development organization working to advance the economy of the three-county Charleston region.

“Cummins’ decision to expand in our region sends a powerful message to other leaders in the automotive industry,” said Alliance Chairman Jim Bryan. “Collectively, our three counties offer an incredible combination of assets for world-class manufacturers, and this expansion proves just how competitive we’ve become.” ADVERTISING

Headquartered in Huddersfield, England, Cummins Turbo Technologies is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of turbochargers for diesel engines. The company opened its first Charleston area manufacturing plant in 1982 and opened its Palmetto plant in 2006. There are approximately 750 employees between its two area facilities.

Globally the company has seven manufacturing facilities located in Brazil, India, UK, USA, and its joint venture in China ensuring support for engine and vehicle makers across the world.

Lowcountry

Town of Mount Pleasant, S.C. Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Straccio Rico

November 23, 2020 by 0 Comments
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MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (November 23, 2020) – Mount Pleasant Council Members Kathy Landing, Gary Santos, and Laura Hyatt,  along with Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Director of Development Rebecca Imholz, joined owners Emarie June and Mary White at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Straccio Rico, located at 1405 Ben Sawyer Blvd. 

Straccio Rico is a fashion-conscious company choosing sustainable fashion over fleeting trends. It was founded in October 2018 by Emarie June and Marty White, a granddaughter and grandmother teamed up with a mission to promote Wayuu mochila bags made by indigenous women in Riohacha, Colombia. 

Wayuu crocheted bags is a dying art with the younger generation of the indigenous Wayuu community, who are choosing more modern offerings of fashion. This is leading to fewer indigenous women opting to make a living from crocheting. It has also led to the Wayuu community turning away from an amazing art form to seek out more modern means of earning a living. 

Marty White, Owner, of Straccio Rico commented “We have made it our mission to help preserve the culture and traditions of the Wayuu community by providing them with a platform to showcase their beautiful art and the opportunity to grow their businesses, earning more money instead of struggling on street markets in hope of selling a single bag.” 

The success of Straccio Rico motivated and inspired the owners to add more indigenous products made in South America and before long, Straccio Riccio began featuring clothing, jewelry, bathing suits, and leather goods. 
By compelling fashion consumers to create a positive impact by choosing sustainable products that highlight the creativity of an artisan community for their upliftment. Emarie June, owner, commented “We are dedicated to changing the way people shop. We are so excited to be part of such a supportive local community!”

Straccio Rico has now grown in popularity and is dedicated to helping and empowering female artisans through ethical sourcing and honest production. Outlets include an online store, https://stracciorico.com, and a newly launched brick and mortar located at 1405 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. 

Lowcountry

Dominion Energy South Carolina to Construct New Natural Gas Line in Mount Pleasant

November 23, 2020 by 0 Comments
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MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (November 18, 2020) – In order to meet the growing demand for safe, reliable energy across the communities it serves, Dominion Energy South Carolina (DESC) will construct a new natural gas line in Mount Pleasant. 

The four-mile project will follow an existing utility right of way along Mathis Ferry Road between Bowman Road and Ferry Wharf. This design will help to minimize traffic disruptions and other impacts along the route. Work is scheduled to begin in late-November and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2021. 

We appreciate your interest in this project. Should you have specific questions, please contact DESC Project Engineer, Jordan Reese, at jordan.reese@dominionenergy.com.

Source Link

Lowcountry

Charleston, S.C. Based Blackbaud’s Innovative Global After School Program Supports its Working Caregivers

November 20, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, recently launched the Blackbaud After School Program to support employees globally who are balancing work and child care in the remote world of COVID-19. With a focus on virtual well-being, the company developed the volunteer-based program to enable Blackbaud employees to share their skills and hobbies with the children of their colleagues, providing learning and entertainment for Blackbaud families and allowing working caregivers time to step away and focus on other tasks.ADVERTISEMENT

“With everything that’s happening in our world this year, it’s important for all of us to lean in to help each other,” said Margaret “Maggie” Driscoll, Chief People Officer, Blackbaud. “We are continually looking for ways to support employees, and we saw an opportunity to create the Blackbaud After School Program to bring people together, to provide some reprieve for our working caregivers, and to continue strengthening our Blackbaud culture in a virtual world.”

The Blackbaud After School Program includes live sessions led by employee volunteers, in addition to recordings and free resources that can be accessed at any time, globally, for employees and their families across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and Costa Rica. Sessions run from 20 to 50 minutes and cover a variety of topics, including arts and crafts, music, beginner coding, reading aloud, cooking tutorials, science experiments, yoga, games, and more. Employees can also sign up as live one-on-one tutors to share their knowledge and expertise to help their colleagues’ children with their schoolwork.

Blackbaud commissioned customers to get involved in the program as well, providing virtual business for these organizations. The South Carolina Aquarium hosted a virtual field trip, while San Antonio Zoo provided a wild animal meet-and-greet education program. Children’s Theatre Company, located in Minnesota, led a sensory storytime session for imaginative play that focused on social-emotional learning, sequencing, and literacy skills.

Sarah Simpson, senior manager, software development at Blackbaud, said that the After School Program has been a gift during the COVID-19 pandemic. “My daughter loves the program, and it has made me feel so much better about how she spends some of her downtimes at home,” Simpson said. “Without siblings or playdates during the pandemic, this program provided a way for her to connect with other kids her age and enjoy socializing and learning at the same time. I’m so grateful!”ADVERTISEMENT

With change being the only constant this year, Blackbaud is looking to rethink change and turn it into opportunity and impact. The Blackbaud After School Program is one example of how the company is giving back to employees and how employees are giving back to each other. Because all forms of generosity are important, especially now, Blackbaud employees who lead or record sessions for the After School Program is being given up to five hours a month to volunteer during working hours. Employees volunteering time outside of working hours can earn paid time off through Blackbaud’s Volunteer for Vacation program.

Alex Mendiola, Blackbaud software instructor, and former public-school teacher volunteered to lead several After School Program sessions in arts and crafts. “My plan was to continue serving students this year by volunteering with local schools, but with COVID-19 that was no longer an option,” said Mendiola. “When the opportunity arose to volunteer with the Blackbaud After School Program, I jumped at the chance to help. I love making things and sharing that passion with kids, and seeing the students come together to support each other in each session and offer suggestions for success was so rewarding for me and a great example for all of us.”

Since the program launched in mid-September, Blackbaud volunteers and participants have logged 380 hours of time together in 115 live sessions, 14 of which have been run by Blackbaud customers. Employee volunteers have demonstrated a strong interest in sharing their expertise and skills, including members of Blackbaud’s executive leadership team who also led sessions. The company plans to expand opportunities for employee skills-based volunteering in 2021.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community—nonprofits, higher education institutions, K–12 schools, healthcare organizations, faith communities, arts and cultural organizations, foundations, companies, and individual change agents—Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through cloud software, services, expertise, and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and CRM, marketing, advocacy, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate social responsibility, school management, ticketing, grantmaking, financial management, payment processing, and analytics. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Lowcountry

IOP Marina Waterfront Park – Concept Plan and Public Input Form

November 18, 2020 by 0 Comments
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On September 22, 2020, City Council voted to create a public dock and greenspace in the space formerly leased to the commercial watersports operation. 

Kelly Messier, an island resident, and landscape architect offered her services pro bono to develop a first draft of a conceptual plan for the Isle of Palms Waterfront Park. The plan covers the 300 linear feet by 25-foot wide area along the bulkhead of the marina area facing the Intracoastal Waterway. The implementation of this vision will require collaboration and participation from the marina manager and restaurant tenants. 

Below is a written description of the first draft of the conceptual drawing: 

A 6-foot wide tabby concrete walkway is proposed behind the existing two foot wide wood border of the bulkhead.  Wood bollards with a rope railing, as used in other areas of the marina, are proposed to be added on top of the wood border. 

A series of benches are proposed along the waterfront walkway to allow residents to enjoy the views of the water and the sunsets and boating activities.  Some half circle benches would allow groups of people to sit together and converse.  Smaller benches, which could be swing benches, are placed to accommodate single persons or couples. 

A circular seat wall near the public dock creates an entrance to the dock area.  A flagpole could be located in the center of the circle surrounded by a simple lawn area.  There are lawn areas on either side of the center area that would also allow sitting or stretching out on the grass.

An entry walk to the waterfront park is created in the median area through the parking lot that would allow residents and visitors to come directly to the park.  There are bicycle parking areas near the entrance.  A kayak storage area could be located at the end of the park near the dock to facilitate access to the kayak launch area.

Golf cart parking spaces are located behind the park area to provide resident parking and access to the waterfront park.  Lush planting with palm trees is proposed in the landscaped areas to buffer the waterfront park from the parking.  The planting could include large swatches of Sweetgrass alone or Sweetgrass mixed with some pops of color from seasonal flowering plants.  Bollards may be necessary at the walk entrances to prevent golf carts from entering the pedestrian areas.

City Council is seeking feedback from community members on the conceptual plan for the Isle of Palms Marina Waterfront Park. Residents may send their comments using the form below:

Click Here to Provide Feedback

Click Here to Review Concept Plan