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As Bill points out in his latest video, one report indicated that South Carolina is #2 in the nation for new resident growth.
He now takes a look at the top 5 cities in the state where people are moving.
Lowcountry
Grain & Barrel Spirits Partners With Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey
CHARLESTON, S.C. – January 26, 2021 – ( Newswire.com )
Grain & Barrel Spiritstoday announces a partnership with Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey, another Charleston-based craft spirit company. Virgil Kaine joins Grain & Barrel’s award-winning lineup – such as Dixie Vodka and Chicken Cock Whiskey – as well as the soon-to-be-released High Goal Gin.
Virgil Kaine was founded by Charleston-based chef David Szlam in 2011. He and his business partner chef Ryan Meany are driven by flavor, and their debut release was Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon, a Bourbon blended with ginger grown on a nearby sustainable farm, Spade & Clover Gardens (Johns Island, SC). The Bourbon’s nose of sorghum, orange, and oats is followed by a ginger palate balanced with dried apricot and sherry, finishing full with vanilla and light tannins. Virgin Kaine Ginger has become a bartender favorite along the east coast.
Grain & Barrel Spirits founder and CEO Matti Christian Anttila says, “Virgil Kaine fits naturally into the Grain & Barrel portfolio: similar to our other brands, it highlights American craftsmanship and takes a very flavor-driven approach to product development. Virgil Kaine Ginger is not just a delicious product beloved by consumers and bartenders, but also a great starting point for what will be exciting innovation as we expand Virgil Kaine nationally in 2021.”
Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey founder and President David Szlam adds, “With Grain & Barrel at the helm of distribution, we at Virgil Kaine can focus on what we do best: making delicious whiskeys.”
About Grain & Barrel Spirits
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Grain & Barrel Spirits develops and scales craft spirits that connect the best artisans to consumers worldwide. One of the company’s core brands is Dixie Vodka, the leading premium homegrown vodka produced in the Southeast and the Official Vodka of NASCAR; one of the fastest-growing craft brands in the United States, Dixie won prestigious 2019 and 2020“Rising Star” Growth Brands Award s from Beverage Dynamics magazine. Other brands in the Grain & Barrel portfolio include Chicken Cock Whiskey, an historically significant whiskey brand established in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856; and, coming to market in Q1 2021, High Goal, a small batch, ultra-premium gin produced in Charleston. Grain & Barrel has twice been named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America and is a proud member of 1% For The Planet.
About Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey
Founded in Charleston South Carolina, Virgil Kaine started with a simple idea: to use its founders’ culinary know-how to make great-tasting whiskey. Chefs David Szlam and Ryan Meany source the best ingredients and apply the creativity yet scientific rigor of a professional kitchen to the art of whiskey making. Their aim is to create the most delicious whiskeys, no matter what the industry may expect. Receiving national recognition and numerous awards — including Gold Medals in 2016, 2017, and 2018 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey is for the whiskey lover looking for something distinctive and above all – tasty.
Hi-res images, interviews, and media samples available upon request.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Contact:
Christine Deussen
Deussen Global Communications, Inc.
cdeussen@deussenglobal.com
m. 917-545-1459
Related Links
Matti Anttila | LinkedIn
Virgil Kaine Website
Charleston, S.C. Selected as Pilot Market for American Dream 2021: Showcase of Smart Homes
House X provides “smart mortgage”, free air purification and free renewable energy for home buyers
CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 26, 2021/PRNewswire/ — House X today announced Charleston, South Carolina as one of the 21 Pilot Cities to launch the American Dream 2021, expanding home ownership; featuring over 40,000 new, healthier, energy-efficient homes across the country valued at over $18 Billion with up to $364 million in stimulus by providing home buyers free renewable energy and a discounted mortgage.
The virtual home buying event is limited to selected markets in the United States–admission is free to consumers. Free stimulus incentives apply to all contracts executed from January 27-April 15, 2021 for registered home buyers.
The Charleston Pilot includes:
- Over 1,100 new homes in over 115 communities with 329 homes ready for quick move-in
- Renewable electricity at zero cost to registered home buyers
- 1% discounted mortgage for the first 12 months, followed by either 14 or 29 years of fixed-rate record low mortgage rate on FDA conforming loans
- Local Impact:
- Potential reduction in carbon emissions–equivalent of removing 2,420 gas-powered cars off the road per year
- Potential free stimulus for renewable energy= $7.7 milliongoing back into the local economy
Experts Available for Interview:
- House X: William Farrell, President
- Delos: Paul Scialla, CEO and Founder
- RESNET: Ryan Meres, Program Director
- The MReport: Rachel Williams
WHY: The purpose of the event is to expand home ownership by educating consumers on the advantages of smart, healthier, sustainable homes that are more efficient, lower carbon footprint and less expensive to own, operate, protect and maintain – lowering total cost of ownership. The home is more important than ever since the onset of the pandemic and the trend was a highlight at CES with smart home technology with a focus on hygiene, cleanliness, energy-efficiency and sustainability.
HOW:
- The Smart Mortgage™: House X has partnered with a leading mortgage lender to create a special below-market mortgage; a one percent discounted mortgage for the first 12 months of a 15- or 30-year fixed rate conforming mortgage.
- The Healthier Home: In collaboration with Delos, every home buyer will receive a multi-room advanced air purification system for their new home upon move-in, helping reduce particles that carry airborne bacteria, viruses and allergens.
- The Location Report™: Nothing will impact the financial picture of a home as much as its location. With custom insights available nowhere else, the House X Location Report reveals 300+ insights about any address in America. It is free to registered home shoppers.
- The RESNET Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance. Similar to a MPG sticker for cars, except for new homes.
WHEN: American Dream 2021 Pilot Program will include free stimulus incentives on fully executed purchase contracts betweenJanuary 27 – April 15, 2021.
WHERE: American Dream 2021 is limited to home purchases in selected pilot cities available on houseX.com.
PILOT MARKETS:
CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles/Riverside Area
Orange County
Sacramento
San Diego Area
San Francisco
FLORIDA
Jacksonville
Orlando
Naples
Sarasota
Tampa
Miami
GEORGIA
Atlanta
NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte
Raleigh/Durham
PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia
TENNESSEE
Nashville
TEXAS
Austin
Dallas/Fort Worth
Houston
San Antonio
About House X:
House X World is a consumer-focused Smart Home Marketplace that empowers home enthusiasts with data and resources to make more informed decisions while making their home purchase and investing on the consumer’s behalf to make a home a smart home at zero cost to them. HOUSE X companies are consumer advocates and licensed realty organizations that exclusively represent home shoppers and buyers – not home sellers. The company serves as the primary manager of American Dream Pilot Project. The executives of House X have over 40 years of experience in representing builders, developers, Federal, State and local governments.
Attention Pug Owners: Mount Pleasant has a Pug Meetup Group
Official Website to Learn More and Join
What they are about
Okay, so you’re owned by a pug – that goes without saying! I am too, as are many others. Why do we love these big-eyed, wrinkle-faced Pugsters so much? There are so many reasons & that’s reason enough to join the Charleston Area Pug Group! Our steadily-growing group of friendly Pugaholics & their Pugs meet for outings once a month to provide our furbabies and ourselves with some time for socialization and out-and-out fun! We encourage members to get involved, suggestions for outings and events are always welcome!
There are currently almost 500 members
The next event is Valentine’s Day!
Go for A Walk In The Parks to Raise Money for Charleston Parks
Charleston Parks Conservancy hosts virtual marathon throughout February
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Charleston Parks Conservancy is hosting A Walk In The Parks during the month of February. Complete 26.2 miles worth of exercise in 28 days while learning more about Charleston’s most beautiful parks.
For more than 13 years, the Conservancy has been working to create stunning public spaces and to connect people to their parks.
From Feb. 1 to Feb. 28, sign into your event registration account to record your walk, run or bike ride. Each time you record an activity, you will see your progress along the virtual route. Hit a milestone along the way to receive an email with additional information on a certain Charleston park.
There is no limit to the number of activities you can record during February, and no limit to the miles that can be recorded. In fact, the participant who logs the most miles during the event will receive a special prize.
Register at www.awalkintheparks.org for $35 per person. Participants are encouraged to create a customized peer-to-peer fundraising page and invite friends and family to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s work beautifying and maintaining parks in the City of Charleston.
Participants can exercise anywhere they choose (gym, neighborhood, beach). Or, try some of these park routes:
- Cannon Park: 1 lap around the park = 0.2 miles
- Colonial Lake: 1 lap around the park = 0.5 miles
- Hampton Park: 1 lap around the park = 1.5 miles
- Riley Waterfront Park: 1 lap around the park = 1 mile
- West Ashley Greenway: 8 miles from end to end
- West Ashley Bikeway: 2.5 miles from end to end
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. The Conservancy opens doors to individuals and organizations in Charleston wanting to engage with their parks and green spaces in a kaleidoscope of positive ways. With the help of its Park Angels, the Conservancy improves, enhances, and invigorates these spaces, making Charleston even better, stronger, and more successful. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.
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Charleston Parks Conservancy on social media:
Twitter / Instagram @charlestonparks
Facebook www.facebook.com/CharlestonParksConservancy
Charleston Local Business and Activity Spotlight – Coastal Climbing Gym
WE ARE A CLIMBING COMMUNITY
At Coastal Climbing Gym we believe that with hard work and dedication you can achieve any goal, but there’s no point of doing it without having fun. Located in Charleston, SC, Coastal Climbing is dedicated to sharing, educating and encouraging people through the unique sport of indoor rock climbing. Join us and be a part of a growing community.
Hours
MTWT: Noon to 9p
Friday: Noon to 8p
Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 6p
What will you find
Indoor Rock Climbing
Weights
Yoga
Adjustable Training Platforms
Cafe / WiFi
Lounge
https://www.coastalclimbing.com/prices
The Ruins of Charleston – Original Poem
By Mark A Leon
Fire in the sky as the sun sets over a skyline blessed by God
A homeless man confesses being lost on a bible made of cardboard
Tears in his eyes
A child lost behind the beard of intoxicated defeat
In a city of color, we are divided in black and white
Raise your glass from the rooftop
A toast to a town in the ruins of wealth
A history of soul searching
A future building to the clouds of an urban ladder to heaven
Coastal cowboys and cowgirls in this new Southern frontier
The new South rolling in the green grass of money from the bankers laughing at the shadows of the past
Leaders lining their satin pants with the tickle of power celebrating on yachts and balconies high above the minions of despair.
Statues fall
Corruption watered down by craft beer
How about an oyster for the erotic spirit of this vacation hideaway
Let our butler take your bags
Let your worries fade into the sparkling bubbles
Steamy nights await
Welcome to Charleston
Southern values on a Southern cross where all are welcome
Always a smile y’all
Always hospitable
Kick back and let us wipe away those fears
Step right up to the plush escape of jewel of the coast
Garden of Dreams – Original Poem
Each flower a symbol of life; a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery
As the sun rises on a new day, the shadow awakes to a new shade of color above
The sweet nectar of its protector spreading its wings in a tapestry of color and spectacle
Today, a chorus of roses, lilies, tulips, and daffodils with sing chants accompanied by harps and music from the clouds above. It is a theater of nature’s most talented creations.
Giving life to the ground once cold and frigid
Now, the flowers extend their hand in harmony and wrap themselves around each other in a warm embrace as love is defined for another season
As the cold winter packed its bags and departed, not to look back, the young offspring peaked above the shelter of the soil and slowly began to reach for the heavens and bless us with the smell of fragrant beauty
Now the journey has reached its pinnacle
Spring is here and the ambassadors have manned their posts
Observers to love; supporting players in the creation of memories
With each new kiss, a flower smiles
It is pure; it is magical; it is the virtual of the balance of life
Basking in the vehemence of the sun, this garden is a foundation of the truth in existence
It reinforces the meaning of life and gives explanation when doubt has clouded the mind
With each smell, a new flow of energy enters the body and rejuvenates
Alone a flower is fragile
Together, in a garden, it has the strength to overcome mountains
Now as I sit on this bench, an invited guest to the magical transformation of Earth’s wonders
I close my eyes and let my senses take over as the sun warms my soul and the flowers caress me with nature’s perfume
14 Projects Receive South Carolina Commerce Department Funding
The S.C. Department of Commerce has awarded $670,000 in grants to support technological innovation in economic development throughout the state.
Fourteen projects, which will be implemented this year, received grants as part of the department’s Relentless Challenge program. Since 2013, the department’s Office of Innovation has awarded more than $7 million in local innovation projects to 41 organizations, according to a news release.
“The knowledge economy represents a vital part of South Carolina’s present and future,” S.C. Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt said in the release. “To ensure our industry partners have access to cutting-edge technology and a high-tech workforce, the continued growth of innovation in S.C. is critical.”
Click HERE for a full list of recipients.
Charleston-based Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina invites you to view “Calls to Greatness” (3 part video series)
Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina is dedicated to creating educational, meaningful, and inspiring art. Though the pandemic has delayed live performance art, it has also welcomed the creative team an opportunity to bring you three new wonderful video pieces:
- Calls to Greatness U.S. History
- Calls to Greatness Literature
- Calls to Greatness Excerpts from the Holy Scriptures
Enjoy the presentation
Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina Official Website
