Lowcountry

Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Non-Profit Kindness Spotlight: Coastal Conservation League

October 7, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Throughout the Lowcountry, there is an organization dedicated to air & water quality, energy & climate control, food & agriculture, land & community, and transportation. They work tirelessly to ensure the conservation of the Lowcountry is maintained with awareness, research, and volunteerism.

We are so proud to spotlight the Coastal Conversation League (131 Spring Street, Charleston, SC 29403).

Let us learn a little bit more about this incredible organization.

Ways to Give

Help us protect the coast you love

Your generous support makes it possible for the Coastal Conservation League to protect the South Carolina coast’s natural beauty, unique communities, and special quality of life. Explore the donation options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Appel at nancya@scccl.org or 843-723-9895 (EIN#57-0887278).

Ways to Give Outlined – Click here

Lowcountry

Isla Surf School Folly Beach is Kicking Off a Massive Surf Board / SUP Sale – Learn More

October 6, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Isla Surf School Massive Surf Board Sale

Kicking off today! DM for details on pricing and pick up. Here is what we have.

  • 9-foot liquid shredders (used)
  • 8-foot liquid shredders (used)
  • 7-foot liquid shredders (used)
  • 10’6 Surf Tech SUP with adjustable carbon paddle (like new)
  • 11’6 Surf Tech SUP with adjustable carbon paddle (like new)

SUPs and Paddles are in mint condition. Surfboards are used. Several are in very good conditions, some are missing fins (replaceable via Amazon), and some have seen better days but our pricing will reflect the different degrees of use.

Message us for details and pricing

Lowcountry

Panera to Donate a Portion of Pink Ribbon Bagel Proceeds from Month of October to Roper St. Francis Foundation

October 5, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Monday, October 5th, 2020

Covelli Enterprises, the largest franchisee of Panera Bread, has launched its annual Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign today, October 1st in participating Charleston Panera Bread locations in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the whole month of October, a portion of the proceeds from Pink Ribbon Bagel sales will be donated to the Roper St. Francis Foundation.  After a decade of ‘going pink’, the company is emphasizing the impact the campaign has had on the community since the annual Pink Ribbon Bagel sales began.

Since 2010, Covelli Enterprises has raised $6.5 million to support breast cancer programs in the communities it serves.  Funds donated to partner organizations have been used to open new comprehensive breast cancer facilities, purchase mobile mammography units with 3D technology, develop education and outreach programs, provide transportation and assistance for those undergoing treatment, and support life-saving research for advancements in cancer treatment.

The breakthroughs funded through the Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign have changed the quality of breast care, allowing more women access to the early detection, rapid treatment, and interdisciplinary care proven to decline breast cancer mortality rates. In other words, Panera’s Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign, in conjunction other company fundraising efforts, has brought about positive change in breast cancer outcomes where Covelli owns restaurants and beyond.

“Our company has always made it a priority to give back to the communities that we serve,” said Sam Covelli, Owner/Operator of Covelli Enterprises. “With the millions of dollars raised through our Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign over the last decade, we have helped to save lives of local individuals fighting breast cancer. We are so thankful for our wonderful customers who have contributed to the cause over the years. Our pink ribbon bagels truly are more than dough.”

Panera Bread is encouraging customers to take a photo with their Pink Ribbon Bagels to share their support for the cause on social media using #morethandough. The cafes are now accepting pre-orders for bagels at www.covelli.com/gopink. 

Funds will also be collected throughout October at the registers of the 5 Panera cafes in Charleston through the company’s Change Round-up Program. Through the program, customers may round up their order total to the nearest dollar amount to support the cause. 

The Pink Ribbon Bagel, shaped in the form of the iconic pink ribbon, features cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey, and brown sugar, and is baked fresh each morning by Panera’s bakers at each cafe. 

Lowcountry

Airports Council Announces Winners of the 2020 Inclusion Champion Awards – Charleston International Airport is a proud recipient

October 5, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, announced the recipients of the 2020 ACI-NA Inclusion Champion Awards. This year’s Inclusion Champion Award recipients are Charleston International Airport (CHS) Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and HMSHost Corporation.

“Empowering minority- and women-owned businesses is a part of the good work our airports engage in each year to increase diversity within the aviation industry,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “This year’s Inclusion Champion Award recipients are a strong showing of successful outreach and advocacy to promote business opportunities and develop a workforce that is reflective of the people we serve. We applaud this year’s winners and look forward to continuing this important work for many years to come.”

Large Hub Inclusion Champion: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

BWI and the Maryland Aviation Administration have demonstrated strength in their commitment to maximizing local and minority business participation at the airport, underscoring its business diversity dedication and continuously evaluating procurements of the state’s Small Business Reserve Program to level the playing field for small businesses to compete. In 2017, BWI partnered with its concessions developer to establish LaunchPad. LaunchPad operators receive 12-month leases, custom retail merchandising units, and additional training, including sales and marketing support, to start up their small businesses. Since its start, the program has provided nine local small minority- and women-owned business opportunities to begin at BWI. 

“This honor confirms my pride in the many stellar professionals that hold BWI Marshall to be their employer of choice,” said Ricky Smith, executive director of BWI Marshall Airport. “I have always held the belief that this airport is supported by many of the most competent and dedicated professionals in the industry. This honor recognizes our commitment to maintaining a diverse team that is actively engaged in driving performance excellence. Thank you, ACI-NA, for bestowing this esteemed award on this organization. As we strive to ‘be better,’ we will pursue every effort to continue living up to the principles of this award.”

BWI has also worked to expand its recruitment and inclusion efforts to increase its workforce diversity. Since 2015, women in executive management has increased 129% and racial/ethnic diversity has increased among executive and senior management 300% and 64%, respectively. Since 2015, the airport has also sponsored a Summer Youth Initiative to introduce underrepresented youth to the aviation industry and stimulate career interest, which has impacted 250 youth ages 10-13 from the Baltimore City Recreation and Parks Department — exposing youth to different aspects of operating an airport.

Medium Hub Inclusion Champion: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) 

The Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) has dedicated itself to promoting the full participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBEs) and Woman and Minority-Owned Small Business Enterprises (W/MBEs) at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). LCPA hosted or co-sponsored more than 60 events in the past five years, reaching an audience of more than 12,000 small, women and minority-owned businesses. In the same timeframe, LCPA exceeded its DBE and ACDBE goals by an average of 10% each year. The RSW team also implemented an online certification, outreach and contract compliance system, which helped increase the number of certified businesses by 20% in the first year.

“I am so pleased that Southwest Florida International Airport has been recognized for its commitment to diversity in its business, workforce and outreach practices,” said Ben Siegel, CPA, C.M., acting executive director of the Lee County Port Authority. “Our team continues to work hard to bring positive solutions and proactive engagement of inclusion with the companies we do business with, our employees and the community we serve.” 

LCPA designed an Inclusions Program to improve workforce practices and develop and/or consider implementing strategies, such as utilizing gender-neutral language in performance management programs and job descriptions, initiating equal pay across the organization during the hiring process and include cross-departmental employees in the interviewing process. LCPA also developed several employee empowerment and educational programs, including a Lunch & Learn Employee Outreach and Education program, an organization strategic initiative that focuses on people as a priority and the ASPiRE program, to provide an opportunity for personal development and self-fulfillment within the workplace.

Small Hub Inclusion Champion: Charleston International Airport (CHS)

CHS has sought to level the playing field for minority- and women-owned businesses by offering them opportunities to conduct business within the airport. To that aim, in April 2018, CHS rolled out the Specialty Leasing Program — a kiosk program that gives smaller businesses an opportunity to operate their business in the airport while offering food and products that are “uniquely Charleston.” In January of 2020, CHS’s Board of Directors approved the creation of an ACDBE with the partnership of one of their concessionaires, Delaware North, to win an in-line space at CHS. For the first time, CHS has a minority-owned business operating out of an inline space.

“A diverse mix of businesses and entrepreneurs leads to success not only for CHS but for our community, state and nation as a whole,” said Airport Director & CEO J. Elliott Summey. “We are excited to welcome the addition of Cinnabon, under the ownership of Charleston native and business owner Ms. Shawnalea Garvin, to our airport family. The importance of minority-owned businesses to our nation’s economy cannot be overstated, and as a board and staff we are committed to an intentional approach that ensures equity and inclusion are core to our mission and extend to all levels of the organization.”

CHS also strives to cultivate a diverse workforce by reaching out to the community in which it serves and offering college students and recent graduates opportunities in the airport management profession. CHS piloted an internship program with South Carolina State University, a historically black college and university, in 2015. Through this partnership, CHS has introduced and recruited minority students into the aviation field.

Associate Inclusion Champion: HMSHost Corporation

With more than 120 ACDBE joint venture and sublease partners, who generated $500 million in revenue in 2019 in their portfolio, HMSHost is dedicated to ACDBE inclusion. In 2019 HMSHost continued investing a greater focus on ACDBE Business Capacity and Supplier Diversity, developing an informal mentor protégé program to help guide promising suppliers and entrepreneurs. Most recently, the ACDBE partnerships are being supported and guided through an even more complex airport landscape to achieve their goals.

“We are extremely honored to be recognized by ACI-NA with the Associate Inclusion Champion Award which showcases our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion throughout our business and employment practices,” said HMSHost President and CEO Steve Johnson. “This recognition comes at such an important time when it is imperative that we prioritize unity and diversity for the future growth and success of the industry. This award is dedicated to our ACDBE partners who are navigating through the most challenging times our industry has ever faced. Together we persevere.”

The corporation also is focused on bringing more M/WBE general contractors into its portfolio. HMSHost played an instrumental role in helping Chicago’s Bowa Construction become one of the first 100% African American owned general contractors building concessions at O’Hare International Airport.
 
About ACI-NA

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) represents local, regional, and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA member airports enplane more than 95 percent of the domestic and virtually all the international airline passenger and cargo traffic in North America. Approximately 380 aviation-related businesses are also members of ACI-NA, providing goods and services to airports. Collectively, U.S. airports employ more than 1.3 million people and account for $1.2 trillion in economic activity – or seven percent of the total U.S. workforce and eight percent of GDP. Canadian airports support 405,000 jobs and contribute C$35 billion to Canada’s GDP.

Learn more at www.airportscouncil.org.

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Lowcountry

South Carolina Small Business Resources – One-Stop Guide of Options

October 5, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Discover Business
This guide has free-to-access rich tutorials on the following areas:

• Business Plan Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Time Management

These pages are useful to a) businessmen seeking resources on how to improve the way they manage their business, b) people thinking about opening a new business, and c) college students who are taking a business-related degree.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

A resource information page on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

How to Help Your Employees Vote

This Resource Guide features recommendations, best practices, and resources for business owners interested in helping their employees and/or customers vote. We also provide links to dozens of organizations and coalitions that can help.

IRS Small Business and Self Employed Tax Center

Resources for taxpayers who file Form 1040, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million.

MBDA Business Center – Columbia, SC

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center assists Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) that generate a minimum of $1M in annual revenue with access to contracts and capital, strategic business counseling, export-readiness, and marketing. To learn more about Columbia’s MBDA Business Center and its services, visit the website or call (803) 743-1154.

SC Commission for Minority Affairs
The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs was created in 1993 by the General Assembly to provide the citizens of the State with a single point of contact for information regarding the State’s minority population.

SCORE
Provides small business mentoring and advice on the full range of business topics at no charge.
Local SCORE Chapters:  Midlands, Greater Aiken, Piedmont, Charleston, Grand Strand, SC Low Country

SC Workers’ Compensation Commission
What business owners need to know about workers’ compensation insurance.

Small Business Caregiving Guide 
A new, free online resource guide that helps small business owners create a caregiving-friendly workplace. 

Small Business Development Center
One-on-one consultation, special interest seminars, and information referral services at no charge.

South Carolina Business One Stop
Almost all the government information you need to start a business anywhere in South Carolina.

South Carolina Business Resource Guide 2015-2016
The South Carolina Business Resource Guide looks at a number of issues that you may want to consider as you start your business or as your business grows. It covers everything from opportunities to export your products in the global marketplace to supply chain assistance, regulatory issues, workforce training support, and assistance for minority- and women-owned businesses.

The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Headquartered in Columbia, SC is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on helping manufacturers throughout the state by solving business and supply chain process problems.

The U.S. Small Business Administration
Provides no-fee financial, technical, and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses.

Women’s Business Center
Headquartered at Columbia College, the Women’s Business Center of South Carolina establishes programs aimed at assisting women business leaders throughout the state.

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Lowcountry

“Fragile” A Short Film Depicting The Low Country Woman Entrepreneur’s Journey Through COVID-19 Released By Woman-Owned Film Company In Charleston

October 5, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Ten women-owned businesses in Charleston, South Carolina, coming together. A global pandemic. One story. “Fragile” depicts countless Charleston women entrepreneurs’ emotional journeys and strength through these COVID-19 times. The film was directed by Chief Cat Herder/Lead Filmmaker Shelby Ring of Ruby Riot Creatives, collaborating with Dance Lab Charleston founder, Jenny Broe.

“We may not look the way we did before COVID-19, we may not do business the way we did before COVID-19, but we’re better because of it”, says Shelby Ring, film director and lead cinematographer of this piece. “We’re stronger because of the resistance and challenges we’ve gone through, and I think if there’s anything this time has shown us —it’s that as women, we can absolutely handle anything life throws at us.”

The short film is set to Tech N9ne’s “Fragile” – a hip hop song released in 2013 and features five dancers and five local woman entrepreneurs depicting the emotional ups and downs of COVID-19. The dancing sequences were filmed at the historic Cedar Room off East Bay Street in downtown Charleston. To watch this Charleston-local produced and inspired the film, visit https://www.rubyriotcreatives.com/fragile .

Lowcountry

Left My Heart in the Holy City – Original Poem

October 4, 2020 by 1 Comment
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By Mark A. Leon

I left my heart in the Holy City

The spirits draw me in with the sweet song of the streets
Cobblestone roads and the gallop of horses in the distance
She romances me with her palate
Serenades with the wind whistling off the Palmettos

With a cocktail on the rooftop we toast the sunset
A breathtaking theatrical performance
With a wink from the moon, the evening sweeps you off your feet

Left my heart in the Holy City
Fair Charleston, the jewel of the South
A present to be unwrapped filled with magic and surprise

The tower bells ring, ushering in a new hour; a new adventure
Let her Southern warmth cascade the senses
A steamy night awaits filled with passion

With a secret smile and a courtesy bow, a gentleman woes the Southern Belle
Tradition alive and well in the Holy City

Plantations showered with flowers
Prominence and power
Tradition so sincere

In the garden, a maiden awaits her place
Resting under the shade of the tree
Born the fairer being
Destined to grace

Left my heart in the Holy City
So, proud, under the flag of Sumter
Free as the waterways out of the Harbor

Church steeples dance
Ghosts sway under the hot sun
A celebration of sin and charm

Now I rest under this Southern sky for tomorrow I will leave my heart in this Holy City

 

Lowcountry

Grand Opening: Mount Pleasant Welcomes its Newest Business Partner: The Hair Lab

October 3, 2020 by 0 Comments
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On Friday, October 2, Mount Pleasant, SC led by Mayor Haynie welcomed The Hair Lab to its list of businesses providing the community with excellence in services, products and the overall experience we expect from the Mount Pleasant community.

Welcome to the neighborhood Laura and the entire Hair Lab Family.

Here are some images from this past week’s ribbon cutting:

Learn more about this wonderful new business partner in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Official Website

Official Blog

Location: The Hair Lab, LLC – 1233 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Suite 100, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Contact:

About the Hair Lab and Owner Laura Frazier

We are a full-service Redken salon located in the heart of Mount Pleasant, SC dedicated to providing you with an elevated salon experience.

We also house Pureology hair care products and KC Smooth by Keratin Complex; a formaldehyde free smoothing treatment.

Our stylists operate at the highest skill level in Charleston, SC. We specialize in Color Correction, Balayage, Hair Color Formulation, Advanced Hair Cutting, Curly Hair, Blonding, Corrective Cutting, and much much more!

We are home to Hair Color Certified Stylists, Deva Curl Certified Stylists, and Design (cutting) Stylists.

We are here to serve all of your hair needs!

The Hair Lab was created by Laura Frazier, a national Redken Artist, Certified Colorist, NYFW Stylist and more. To learn more about Laura Click Here

Her dream was to build a team, support them with a healthy/safe environment that fosters teamwork and advanced skill development, as well as career development. Laura is not only passionate about the Beauty Industry but equally passionate about building other stylists up to fulfill their maximum potential. By catering to the Salon Professional, the love and care will show through to the guests’ experience, not only in top level skills but in top level care.

“If you take care of employees, they will take care of the clients.” – Richard Branson

Lowcountry

Charleston Restaurant “Josephine” closes its doors permanently – Read their emotional goodbye message

October 3, 2020 by 2 Comments
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Josephine on Spring Street is yet another culinary victim of the pandemic. They announced on Friday they will not be re-opening. Co-owner Jill left an emotional message on their social media:

“It is true… every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end…For me, my new beginning comes from Joséphine’s end. Owning and operating a restaurant under perfect conditions is not for the faint of heart, and post-Covid, it became a non-starter.

A laughter-filled dining room bustling with energy became replaced by the silent hum of an air conditioner. As I stood in the empty space one last time, I looked around and was full of pride for the amazing, vibrant restaurant that was Joséphine, ever mindful though that I did not do it alone.

My deepest thanks and appreciation to Executive Chef Shaun Connolly for consistently serving the best food this town has to offer – bar none; to GM Emily Sondervan who kept the front of house flawless and kept me sane; to Rachel Arnett, the most amazingly skilled and personable bartender I could have ever asked for (oh, how I’ll miss her cocktails!); to sous chef Jon Hager for working so damn hard; and to all the many outstanding servers, line cooks (Bailey!), dishwashers, SAs, and hosts who worked tirelessly in an effort to create memorable dining experiences.

Last, but not least, to all the guests who graced Joséphine for dinner and drinks, parties and special events, my sincere gratitude for choosing Joséphine to spend your time and money. While it is closing time for Joséphine, there is a new beginning.

I am happily returning to my simple life in Chicago, to my law practice and to my husband and new puppy Cocoa, and hopefully to many future vacations! Wishing all of you health and happiness in the months and years to come. XO, Jill”

Thank you for blessing us with your fine establishment and the best of luck in the future.