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Charleston Based Blackbaud’s Carrie Cobb Named Co-Chair of Giving USA Foundation Advisory Council on Methodology

August 26, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, announces today that its vice president and head of data intelligence, Carrie Cobb, has been named co-chair of the Giving USA Foundation Advisory Council on Methodology. This council provides the vital evaluation of the methodologies used within Giving USA: The Annual Report of Philanthropy, the longest-running study of giving in America.

Blackbaud is a long-standing member of The Giving Institute and its charitable arm, Giving USA Foundation, which shares data and trends about charitable giving in its Giving USA Annual Report and in shorter Special Reports that offer in-depth examinations of current topics in philanthropy. Blackbaud’s vice president of corporate citizenship and philanthropy, Rachel Hutchisson, is the immediate past chair of The Giving Institute, which is comprised of 55 for-profit firms that provide guidance and services to nonprofit organizations.

As co-chair of the Giving USA Foundation Advisory Council on Methodology, Cobb is charged with providing critical evaluation, feedback, and insights on the methodology of the annual report to ensure it is creating a robust, reliable, and trusted resource for the social good community. Cobb has an extensive background in data intelligence and data science. She currently leads Blackbaud’s data intelligence practice, where she is responsible for data strategy, analytics product management, data science, and data stewardship across Blackbaud’s robust solutions portfolio.

“I look forward to working closely with The Giving Institute as we work together to continually strengthen the methodology for this important resource that donors, fundraisers and nonprofit leaders have relied on for 65 years,” said Cobb. “At Blackbaud, our vision is to power an Ecosystem of Good® that builds a better world and ensuring we’re helping to produce the most comprehensive, accurate resource on charitable giving data is just one way we’re supporting this vital community of change agents.”

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

What Not to Do In Charleston

August 26, 2020 by 5 Comments
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By Minta Pavliscsak

It seems everywhere you look these days there are blogs popping up about what to do in Charleston. Having information about what to do and where to go is great, but sometimes it is good to know what not to do. Fear not! We have you covered. So enjoy your time in Charleston, but please keep in mind the following things not to do in Charleston, South Carolina:

– Do not stop in the middle of the road to take pictures of the big, beautiful houses. Again, that goes for cars and pedestrians, although we see it happen mostly with cars. Simply pull over and park, get out and walk around. You will get much better photographs and see so much more!

– Do not block the sidewalks. We all have places to go and people to see. While this is the south and time does seem to run a little slower here, we are still in a rush to get to where we need to be. Please be considerate of those behind you when walking down the sidewalk and make sure they have plenty of room to get around you.

– Do not let the door slam on the person walking in behind you. We are taught at a very early age to “hold the door” for others, especially southern gentlemen. When you don’t, it is nothing personal, but we take it as such. And it’s simply rude.

– Do not stop in the middle of the intersection. This goes for cars and pedestrians. The light stays green for only so long, and trust me it’s not very long. If you are unsure of where you are going, just get out of the way and then figure it out.

– Do not walk in the bike lane when walking across the Ravenel Bridge. The bikers will warn you that they are coming up behind you, but they will also come pretty dern close to running you over if you are in their lane.

– Do not pay for a taxi when getting around downtown. You have a couple of free options. The city has the DASH, a free downtown shuttle that has different routes that will get you all over the peninsula. There is also Scoop Charleston, a free electric taxi service that will get you anywhere you want to go in downtown Charleston.  The Rickshaw is just a fine Southern tradition and cozy way to get around town.

– Do not get to the bar late if you do not want to pay a cover charge. Going out at night? Try upper King Street or hit up the Market and East Bay area. However, be warned that there will be lines and cover charges.

– Do not bring alcohol on the beach. Folly Beach was the last beach in the area that allowed drinking on the beach. They banned alcohol on their beach in 2012 following a last straw Fourth of July incident. Some say just be smart about it; we say why risk it?

– Do not forget that everyone has their bad days. Sure, Charleston has been named one of the friendliest cities but whether you are a local or a tourist, things like what are listed above can -and will- bug anyone from time to time. Just be patient, smile, and remember the golden rule for in the end we all want our Charleston experience to be a great one.

Lowcountry

South Carolina Historical Society Museum to Reopen September 1, 2020

August 20, 2020 by 0 Comments
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After Brief Closure, SCHS Museum Reopens Under New Health and Safety Protocols

CHARLESTON, S.C., AUG. 20, 2020 – The South Carolina Historical Society Museum (100 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401) is excited to announce its reopening on Tuesday, Sept. 1. After a brief closing, the museum has enacted new safety protocols and
procedures for all visitors, including mandatory masks for all guests and staff, directional arrows to help with social distancing, and provided styluses for interactive exhibits.

“We’re thrilled to welcome visitors back to the SCHS Museum in September,” said Faye L. Jensen, Ph. D., Executive Director of the SCHS. “The first of its kind in the state, the South Carolina Historical Society Museum showcases the history of all South Carolinians from all walks of life. Our team has worked hard to ensure the safety of all guests and that’s our main priority. However, we know that connecting with the past can bring enlightenment in uncertain times and we invite people to experience this iconic building and enjoy a self-guided tour through 350 years of history.

In addition to the museum reopening, the SCHS is also offering a 350th Anniversary traveling exhibit to honor the 350th anniversary of South Carolina’s founding. The exhibit is portable and can be loaned for
free on a monthly basis to schools, museums, or other educational organizations. As an add-on, organizations can also rent a traveling trunk for $75 that coincides with the exhibit, which includes school-age programs, all of which align with the South Carolina state academic standards. More details about the traveling exhibit can be found on the SCHS’ new education website. On this site, visitors can also find educational resources, interactive maps, and classroom programs, as well as field trip details, resources for social studies educators, downloadable scavenger hunts, and more

The SCHS Museum will be operating under its normal hours of Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Masks must be worn by staff and guests at all times, and social distancing is required.
For more information, please visit www.schistory.org or contact Suzanne Dibella at suzanne.dibella@schsonline.org

ABOUT THE SOUTH CAROLINA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Founded in 1855 and headquartered in Charleston, S.C., the South Carolina Historical Society (SCHS) is the state’s oldest historical society and its largest private repository of documents, books, manuscripts and maps about South Carolina history. The SCHS is a non-profit organization with the mission to expand, preserve and make accessible its invaluable collection, and to encourage interest and pride in the rich historical legacy of South Carolina.

The SCHS headquarters, the Fireproof Building, underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation and now serves as The South Carolina Historical Society Museum. For more information, visit schistory.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Russell Powell
russell@rpowellpr.com

Lowcountry - Photography

Escapism: The Ultimate in Social Distancing – Our Trip to Pilot Mountain State Park

August 20, 2020 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

A Personal Escape

It was a view from the top of the world. High atop the mountains of Western Carolina, we could see the greenest of trees, the bluest of mountains, and the most beautiful flowers. It was pure bliss.

Pilot Mountain State Park is located 11 miles outside of Mount Airy, North Carolina, the birthplace of famed actor Andy Griffith. We want to share a photographic journey of our day of escapism and discovery.

Why Hike to the Peaks of the Sky?

For so many of us, we have begun to feel trapped, isolated and in some cases depressed, but with the right precautions and a little careful planning, there is a world waiting for us filled with fresh air, natural beauty, exercise, and a sense of recharging.

This was our day to recharge, find balance once again, and remind ourselves of the beauty all around.

We hope after you see these images, you are inspired to grab someone you love, the family of yourself and discover a new place of wonder and allow yourself to find inner and outer happiness and balance.

GALLERY

Andy Griffith Childhood Home

It’s time to hit the road

Lowcountry

Letter to Staff: Sudden Passing of Bill Hall, Founder, Hall Management Group

August 19, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Dear Team,

It is with great sadness that I need to inform you of the passing of our founder, leader, encourager, and friend, Mr. Bill Hall.  Mr. Hall died unexpectedly this morning.  His family, friends, colleagues, and I are devastated.  

Mr. Hall leaves a legacy that is hard to capture in this brief message.  From the west coast of the United States to the east coast here in Charleston, Mr. Hall built opportunity for people, families, and communities.  His vision for the future always stretched us and made us better. 

Thankfully, Mr. Hall always planned ahead and he has grown a great team at Hall Management Group and each of our 8 venues.  Together, we will continue to operate in his honor and serve our customers with the kind of generosity and excellence he demonstrated throughout the course of his life.

Please pray for comfort for the Hall family.  This loss is such a shock.  He was the cornerstone of his family.  A husband, father, grandfather.  To us, Mr. Hall was so much more than just a boss.  Many of us loved him in a way that is hard to describe.  

Please press on today in his honor.  We will provide you with more information once it is available. 

Jim Wahlstrom

Director of Human Resources and Operations

Hall Management Group

Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Based Efferent Labs and Gore Announce Development Collaboration

August 19, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., Aug. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Efferent Labs and W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) today announced a collaboration to explore implantable biosensing for long-term chronic disease management. In part, Gore will incorporate its advanced materials into Efferent’s Cytocomm implantable biosensor to explore the ability to enrich the cellular environment, and ultimately, increase the useful life of implanted cells in Efferent’s biosensor platform.

“We are very excited to join forces with a material sciences company like Gore, with their history of developing cutting edge materials for the life science industry,” said Bill Rader, CEO at Efferent. “We feel that they have the proper resources to help us continuously evolve the cellular environment in our implantable biosensor technology for use in both animal research and our future applications in human therapeutics.” “This collaborative effort is an inspiring opportunity to contribute Gore’s advanced material and biointerface capabilities to support

Efferent Labs’ mission to offer in vivo real-time monitoring for patients in need,” said Justin Skaife, Ph.D., Exploratory Research Leader at Gore. Efferent Labs, based in Charleston, S.C., with operations in Buffalo, N.Y., is engaged in the development and commercialization of their Cytocomm implantable biosensor for use in pre-clinical animal research.

Their technology will lower costs associated with animal research by >20% and provide researchers with real-time data at the cellular level. The company is currently on track to commercialize their first biosensor platform, Cytocomm, in mid-2021. Media Contact:

Matthew E. Colpoys, Jr.
President & COO, Efferent
mcolpoys@efferentlabs.com 
716-536-2971
Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Based Blackbaud Appoints Michael Boulware Moore as First Diversity and Inclusion Executive

August 19, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., Aug. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, today announces Michael Boulware Moore as the global cloud software company’s first Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

Moore joined Blackbaud in early 2020 following his tenure as the founding president and CEO of the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC, which is located on the former Gadsden’s Wharf – where almost half of all enslaved Africans took their first steps in America. For the museum, Moore led the $125 million capital fundraising effort, hired a world-class staff, and was responsible for managing the curation of the museum experience. Before serving as CEO of the International African American Museum, Moore spent over two decades as an accomplished marketing and advertising executive working with global brands, including Coca-Cola, Glory Foods, and Kraft as well as several successful entrepreneurial ventures. Moore is also an accomplished author and keynote speaker as well as a thought leader on a number of subjects including social justice and African American history.  

“Our vision at Blackbaud is to power an Ecosystem of Good® that builds a better world – a world that is inclusive and accepting of all,” said Maggie Driscoll, Chief People Officer, Blackbaud. “Like so many companies, we are continually evaluating our progress toward fulfilling that vision and evolving our approach to ensure we’re creating a culture consistent with who we are as an employer, technology leader, and community steward. We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Michael as our first leader completely dedicated to diversity and inclusion. He is a proven leader and advocates for social justice, who will take diversity and inclusion at Blackbaud to the next level.”

Blackbaud’s commitment to diversity is focused and continually expanding effort spanning education, awareness, recruitment, empowerment, community involvement, and financial support. Blackbaud has employee-led affinity groups that serve to empower and develop personal and professional growth in all employees. Blackbaud’s culture has received national recognition, including Forbes 2020 and 2018 Best Employers for Women, Forbes’ 2019 and 2018 America’s Best Employers for Diversity list, Forbes’ Best Midsize Employers list for four years and AnitaB.org’s list of Top Companies for Women Technologists for the past two years.

“I have dedicated much of my life to social justice and telling the untold stories of our history and how it’s shaping our present,” said Moore. “I believe in Blackbaud’s mission of empowering and connecting people through technology to drive impact for social good and am inspired by the culture we have built. The power of diversity and inclusion and the impact it can have on the culture, values, and growth of our business is exciting. I look forward to taking all that is already in place and evolving it as we continue to look deeply as a society and company at what a truly inclusive culture looks like.”  

Moore earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Syracuse University and holds his MBA from Duke University. He currently serves on the boards of St. Mark’s School in Southborough, MA, Nation United Foundation, Reconstruction Beaufort, and Penn Center, the first school for African Americans in the Confederate south. Moore lives with his family in a suburb of Charleston, SC.

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.

Media Inquiries
media@blackbaud.com 

Lowcountry

Charleston, South Carolina updating city plan, seeks input

August 19, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Charleston is asking for input on the city’s comprehensive plan to help guide decisions on such issues as development, housing, transportation and land use, the city said in a news release.

The planning process occurs every 10 years in each municipality in South Carolina, and it includes public input. The city is starting the process on Thursday with a Housing Lab, which will be the first of several public meetings.

“Our goal with the city plan is to weave together recommendations from a whole host of recent plans and studies with the expertise of our community and rigorous research and analysis to create one unified vision for the future of Charleston,” Charleston planning director Jacob Lindsey said in a news release.

The city will make recommendations from the planning process after collecting information from the community and using data and decisions by the city’s staff centered on 10 issues: population, economic development, natural resources, cultural resources, community facilities, housing, land use, transportation, priority investment and resilience.

“Public participation is needed to ensure the plan reflects citizens’ vision for Charleston’s future, including ways to strengthen residential neighborhoods, improve transportation, increase affordable housing, address drainage and flooding, preserve the city’s diverse cultural fabric and improve quality of life for everyone,” the city said in a news release.

Source Link

Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Based Joíí Barley Water Announces Launch (Plant-Based Hydration)

August 18, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C.– Joíí Barley Water, a new line of functional waters powered by the ancient superfood barley grain, offers a new, refreshing beverage that satisfies cravings for plant-based hydration while quenching thirst and nourishing the body.  Joíí Barley Water beverages are made with organic, non-GMO barley grains and flavored with fresh juices, botanicals, and adaptogens for an extra wellness punch.

Rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, barley water has traditionally been consumed around the world for its various health benefits and natural healing powers.  Barley water is packed with essential vitamins and nutrients and is touted to promote digestion, preserve skin elasticity, boost the immune system, and support heart & kidney health.  Choosing a beneficial beverage is easy with Joíí’s three delicious flavors, named after their enhanced functionality: DIGESTION (Orange with Ginger, Turmeric, & Rose), ZEN (Lemon with Ginger & Orange Blossom), and DETOX (Lime with Matcha & Liquid Chlorophyll).

“Think of a Sports drink meets Tea, except everything is NATURAL. None of these weird “natural flavors” or any gross preservatives.  Our beverages are made with all-natural ingredients, providing all-natural benefits…oh, and it tastes DELICIOUS, too!”, explains founder, Lauren Kennedy.

Within each 12 ounce bottle, you’ll receive 2 g Fiber + 2 g Protein. And, get this, all with ONLY 7 g Sugar & 60 Calories!

Joíí fills a great need in today’s market for a healthy, non-carbonated, plant-based beverage.  It is the only one of its kind in the U.S. and provides health-conscious consumers an alternative to tea, ACV, and kombucha.

In addition to providing functional health benefits, Joíí aims to spread joy to others and raise awareness for mental health issues by donating a portion of their profits to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.

For More Information:
https://joiibarleywater.com

Lowcountry

Announcement of Army Veteran Tyler Moyer’s Joining Charleston, SC Based ExtraHourz’s Executive Team

August 18, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., Aug. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ExtraHourz (the “Company”) is proud to announce that Tyler Moyer joined the Company’s executive team as Vice President of Sales and Business Development.  Tyler is a highly experienced, successful, and well-regarded tech entrepreneur in Austin, Texas.  Tyler is an Army veteran having served 12 years in the US Army with two combat deployments and has earned the Bronze Star Medal. 

He transitioned from the Army in 2015 and founded two tech startup companies in Austin, Texas.  Tyler has dedicated the past 5 years working and expanding the Austin startup ecosystem through veteran, socially impacted, and minority organizations.  He strives to lower the barrier of entry for those whose dream is to create their own business to better the community and improve the lives of others. As the Vice President in Sales and Business Development,

Tyler’s responsibilities include the development and execution of the Company’s national sales and new market expansion programs.

Kaylynn Kim, CEO, and Founder of ExtraHourz, said: “We are pleased with Tyler’s decision to join our Company as Vice President of Sales and Business Development.  He has significant business experience and expertise in technology startups with an emphasis on partnering and customer relationships.  He is a goal-oriented individual with a proven track record of creating highly engaged teams in the socially responsible best practices, which ideally suits Tyler to the Company’s strong culture. I look forward to working with him and the Executive Team to take ExtraHourz to the next level of growth and development.”

Tyler said, “I couldn’t be more excited about joining the ExtraHourz team, to be able to contribute to shaping the future of people and culture at a company that is clearly poised for huge success. I’m looking forward to all that’s to come and to working with each one of you.”

About ExtraHourz

ExtraHourz is a Charleston-based, women-owned tech company founded by Kaylynn Kim, a former Los Angeles based corporate lawyer and entrepreneur. The company is dedicated to creating a breakthrough in the digital staffing solutions to help businesses adapt to today’s workplace which rapidly evolving with gig-minded, new generation workers.  For more information visit www.ExtraHourz.com

Media Contact: 
Constance Kolakowski
Info@extrahourz.com