Lowcountry

Lowcountry

Press Release – U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $16.4 Million in Infrastructure Grants to Airports in South Carolina

June 24, 2019 by 1 Comment
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WASHINGTON U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $495 million in airport infrastructure grants, the second allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.

This significant investment in airport improvements in South Carolina will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation, said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

Grant awards include:

Anderson Regional Airport in Anderson, SC, $650,000 grant funds will be used to update the Airport Master Plan and acquire an aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle.

Charleston AFB / International in Charleston, SC, $12.2 million grant funds will be used to improve the airport access roads.

Charleston Executive Airport in Charleston, SC, $2.2 million grant funds will be used to rehabilitate the airports runway and taxiway lighting.

Mt. Pleasant Regional Faison Field in Mount Pleasant, SC, $203,000 grant funds will be used to construct a building.

Oconee County Regional Airport in Seneca, SC, $1.2 million grant funds will be used to remove obstructions.

A total of 358 grants to 327 airports around the country in 46 states and the Pacific Islands. Selected projects include runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, construction of firefighting facilities, and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons, and terminals. The construction and equipment supported by this funding increases the airports safety, emergency response capabilities, and capacity, and could support further economic growth and development within each airports region.

Airport infrastructure in the United States, with 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways, supports our economic competitiveness and improves quality of life. According to the FAAs most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. Under Secretary Chaos leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments for the American people, who depend on reliable infrastructure.

Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.

Click on the link below for a complete listing of grants: https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/grantapportion_data/

Lowcountry

Take the Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Citizen Survey

June 24, 2019 by 0 Comments
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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (June 19, 2019) – The Mount Pleasant community is invited to take the Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Citizen Survey. The Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, originally adopted in 1999, is a community-wide effort consisting of input from 31 local entities.  These organizations include 16 local government jurisdictions working alongside major stakeholders in the community, including private, non-profit and State agencies, in addition to smaller community commissions and districts.  The combined effort of all of these entities composes a regional, multi-jurisdictional mitigation plan that takes into account all visions of what concentrated efforts should be placed on specific hazards and mitigation measures.  The Plan is updated annually to address specific needs and changes in the area and it is adopted by all participating jurisdictions on a 5-year cycle. Your input is appreciated and needed.

Click Here to Take the Survey

About Survey

The Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, originally adopted in 1999, is a community-wide effort consisting of input from 31 local entities. These organizations include 16 local government jurisdictions working alongside major stakeholders in the community, including private, non-profit and State agencies, in addition to smaller community commissions and districts. The combined effort of all of these entities composes a regional, multi-jurisdictional mitigation plan that takes into account all visions of what concentrated efforts should be placed on specific hazards and mitigation measures. The Plan is updated annually to address specific needs and changes in the area and it is adopted by all participating jurisdictions on a 5-year cycle.

Your input is appreciated and needed.

Lowcountry

Best Place for Staycations in the United States – 2019: Where does Charleston, SC Rank?

June 21, 2019 by 0 Comments
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WalletHub compared more than 180 cities based on 43 key indicators of a fun-filled yet wallet-friendly staycation. Read on for the full ranking, our methodology and useful staycationing tips from experts.

Drum roll please….

Charleston, South Carolina ranks #6 out of 182…

Now is the time to stay local and plan a great staycation.

Here is a tip to help you out: Staycation in Charleston, SC – Free Treasures (Pun Intended) – Charleston Daily

Full results

Source: WalletHub

Lowcountry

Black Farming in South Carolina: Fresh Future Farm launches Kickstarter to Buy Land

June 21, 2019 by 0 Comments
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Black Farming: Fresh Future Farm launches Kickstarter to buy land, improve infrastructure

PRESS RELEASE: North Charleston, SOUTH CAROLINA, June 15 — Fresh Future Farm leased land from the City of North Charleston in 2014. Before they planted their first tree, Germaine hoped that FFF would be much more than a place that simply grows fruit and vegetables. A community food operation, with a grocery store, tours, classes and food culture.

Germaine wanted to invest in residents and give them the skills they needed to work on the farm or start businesses of their own. She wanted to use discarded materials to grow the best tasting produce and eggs and create profits in an urban environment. Chicora/Cherokee was not only a food desert, but because an employment- and place-desert, too. Five years later, the farm has accomplished most of the Chief Farm Officer’s goals. Now, FFF has the opportunity to purchase the .8 acre portion of the land they manage next to the Gussie Green Community Center.

56942474_1031929550330792_7315900086297296896_n Black Farming in South Carolina: Fresh Future Farm launches Kickstarter to Buy Land

The Farm is launching a Kickstarter campaign on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, the same day as Juneteenth. Juneteenth is the annual celebration that “commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement (www.juneteenth.com).” Owning the land would be freeing for FFF, and their capital campaign has a $60,000 goal to purchase the land
and complete infrastructure plans. The campaign will last until August 19, 2019 and feature rewards that include names added to the farm’s mural, naming rights of farm structures, autographed copies of “Farming While Black,” and private dinner events with local chefs, and Germaine’s mentors, Will and Erika Allen.

Kickstarter campaigns are an all or nothing proposition. Fresh Future Farm must raise at least $60,000 in 60 days or forfeit all collected funds. Links to the FFF Claim our Soil: Help Us Buy the Land campaign will be available through their website and social media channels on June
19.

Click Here to Donate

About Fresh Future Farm

Fresh Future Farm grows food to build strong communities. They apply a multi-prong approach to address health and wealth issues by creating jobs and support micro-entrepreneurial opportunities that keep dollars circulating in underserved communities. For more information, please visit http://www.freshfuturefarm.org.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Germaine at (843) 276-8552, or email freshfuturefarm@gmail.com.

Lowcountry

Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab Plans Charleston, South Carolina, Operations Center

June 20, 2019 by 0 Comments
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Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab, a local, craft brewing operation, will invest $1.1 million to locate its new production operations in Charleston, South Carolina.

Located at 2200 Heriot Street in Charleston, production operations are projected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2019. The company will be producing a wide variety of craft beer and constructing a new taproom.

In addition, Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab will build a commercial kitchen on-site to offer unique food and craft beer pairings. To complement those efforts, the company is actively working on collaboration plans with other breweries, as well as other partnerships to be able to showcase South Carolina-sourced ingredients.

“It is the goal of Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab to provide high-quality, unique beer and other food and drink options to customers who seek a relaxing and inviting environment,” said Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab Partner Joe Evans.

“Announcements like this one are further proof that our pro-business climate is paying off. We’re happy to have Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab join the Team South Carolina business community,” said Governor Henry McMaster.

“South Carolina has shown itself to be a place where industries and companies of all types can thrive, and today’s announcement is further proof of that. I congratulate Charleston County on another great win, and I look forward to seeing the difference this new investment makes in the community,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“Congratulations to Victor Hoppenstein’s Brewlab on their announcement to place roots in Charleston County. Our community has a passion for homegrown products, and we are excited to see what the future has in store for our burgeoning craft brewing industry,” Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Steve Dykes said.

Lowcountry

Royal Recognition with Charleston, South Carolina Ties

June 19, 2019 by 0 Comments
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Royal Recognition with Charleston TiesMoneypenny co-founder appointed a CBE in the Queen’s Honour’s List

CHARLESTON, SC (June 13, 2019) – Rachel Clacher of Charleston’s Moneypenny has been appointed a CBE in the Queen’s Honour’s List for her services to business and the community.  Rachel co-founded Moneypenny with her brother Ed Reeves, in 2000. Today Moneypenny is the world’s leading provider of telephone answering, outsourced switchboard and live chat services, with offices in the US as well as the UK. Moneypenny’s team of over 700 annually handle in excess of 15 million calls and live chats on behalf of more than 13,000 .

In 2014, Rachel brought Moneypenny’s unique approach to people development to a new charity which she established called the Moneypenny Foundation.  The charity is now called We Mind The Gap, which gives new opportunities in life and work to unemployed under-served young people through providing totally holistic paid traineeships. The program is expanding after the first traineeships ended with 70% of all participants moving into fulltime work.

Rachel commented “I am honoured to be receiving a CBE in the Queen’s Honour’s list.  It is wonderful to receive acknowledgement for Moneypenny’s success and for WeMindTheGap. I strongly believe in doing the right thing, treating people well and providing ongoing support. This is not about ticking boxes, it’s about business and communities, and helping young people who are operating within a system that often doesn’t communicate. At Moneypenny we pride ourselves on our culture and empowering people to do their best and it is wonderful to see that this ethos translates into WeMindTheGap.  The charity has grown and expanded and will continue to implement new traineeships each year so young people can transition from ‘prisoners of circumstance’ to ‘pilots of their own lives’.”

About Moneypenny

Moneypenny helps businesses earn new and retain existing customers by offering a customized suite of inbound call and customer contact services. From a state-of-the-art facility in Charleston, South Carolina, and the United Kingdom, Moneypenny manages more than 13 million calls, chats, text messages, and emails for more than 13,000 clients annually.

Started as a family business in 2000, Moneypenny has grown to over 600 employees globally. Their industry-leading technology and scalable solutions make Moneypenny the right fit for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Moneypenny was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2008 and was recognized by The Sunday Times as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For an astonishing five times including top 5 listings in 2015 and 2017. Moneypenny’s charitable arm helps unemployed and underserved young women in the local community find new opportunities in life and work through its ‘We Mind The Gap’ initiative.

Find more information about how Moneypenny is reshaping the ways businesses interact with their customers at Moneypenny.com.

For further information please contact:

Lowcountry

LAB Medical Manufacturing Plans Facility in Charleston, South Carolina

June 19, 2019 by 0 Comments
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LAB Medical Manufacturing, Inc., a leading manufacturer of precision medical devices and components, plans to open a new product division at the James Island Business Park in Charleston, South Carolina.

The company is bringing approximately $5 million in capital investment and creating more than 30 jobs over the next five years.

LAB Medical Manufacturing, Inc. will be located at 1750 Signal Point Road, Unit 3 in the James Island Business Park. The company is installing machinery and equipment necessary to start production and is slated to begin operations by September 1, 2019.

“LAB Medical Manufacturing, Inc. is experiencing rapid growth and is thrilled to be launching operations in Charleston, S.C. We are impressed with the skilled workforce and look forward to creating new jobs and bringing investment to the area,” said LAB Medical Manufacturing, Inc. President Leon Bester.

“We are proud to welcome LAB Medical Manufacturing, Inc. to South Carolina. The Palmetto State’s pro-business environment and skilled workforce make it a perfect fit for the company. Congratulations on this exciting announcement, and we look forward to what the future has in store for LAB Medical Manufacturing, Inc,” said Governor Henry McMaster.

“We continue to see manufacturers launching new operations across the state and are pleased to welcome LAB Medical Manufacturing, Inc. to the business community. I look forward to supporting the company as they establish and grow operations in our state,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“LAB Medical Manufacturing, Inc.’s announcement shows the community’s commitment and ability to compete in the life sciences sector and tap into this talent pipeline. Charleston County will look forward to partnering with LAB Medical Manufacturing, Inc. well into the future, Charleston County Council Chairman Elliott Summey said.

“LAB Medical Manufacturing, Inc.’s decision to locate here is a testament to the Charleston region’s ability to attract global medical device companies. We offer the talent they need to succeed, an environment supportive of innovation and a ready in-state customer base. We look forward to their continued success,” Charleston Regional Development Alliance Chairman Robert Pratt added.

Lowcountry

AHG Fasteners-USA Selects Charleston for its U.S. Operation

June 19, 2019 by 1 Comment
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For Immediate Release
JUNE 18, 2019 

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Announced today at the Paris Air Show, the Charleston region has added a new key aerospace supplier, AHG Fasteners-USA, Inc., which designs, manufactures, and sells fastening systems for the aerospace industry. Ateliers de la Haute Garonne, known as AHG, is a private family-owned business founded more than 104 years ago near Toulouse, France in the heart of the aerospace valley.

The company will open its U.S. business operations in Charleston County in the City of Charleston at Office Evolution, 460 King Street. Led by CEO Bruno Ferrand, it has already begun initial hiring for a sales representative. AHG Fasteners-USA, Inc. will focus on sales, business development and growth, as well as customer support. The decision to locate here was based upon the growth of our region’s aerospace sector; proximity to Boeing, a key customer; our business-friendly environment; available workforce, and the French influences in historic Charleston.

AHG Fasteners-USA is the sixth company to locate here as part of South Carolina Department of Commerce’s and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance’s Landing Pad program, which is designed to support global companies as they enter the U.S. market, often simplifying what could be an overwhelming experience and minimizing risks through the process.

__________

“The availability of skilled workforce and proximity to Boeing were important factors in our decision to select this strategic location. Not only is Charleston ideally suited as a distribution hub for both domestic and overseas customers, the business-friendly climate, the support from the regional economic development authorities and other partners have been extremely welcoming. AHG is very happy to have a U.S. home in Charleston.” – Francoise Montsarrat, AHG Executive Vice President

“We’ve been talking with AHG for some time about the competitive advantages the Charleston region offers. We welcome them to our community and are pleased the region’s available talent and business-friendly climate made all the difference.” – Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chair Robert Pratt

“We are excited to see Charleston County’s aerospace industry continues to spur investment and job creation. Our unmatched logistics capabilities and skilled workforce have propelled our aerospace-related companies to exceptional heights. We are grateful for AHG Fasteners-USA’s announcement and welcome them to our community.” – Charleston County Council Chairman Elliott Summey

About the Charleston Regional Development Alliance

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance is a professional economic development organization representing Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties in South Carolina. With a large and growing network of business, academic and governmental partners, the CRDA directly assists companies with competitive location or expansion projects by connecting them with the right people, the appropriate resources and the most meaningful and relevant information. The CRDA promotes the Charleston region’s business, academic, and lifestyle strengths worldwide to attract the world’s best companies, entrepreneurs and professional talent. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen regional employment, build our base of high-value industries, and significantly improve the economic future for all who live and work in the greater Charleston area.

Media Contact: 
Claire Gibbons,
CRDA Director, Global Marketing & Communications
+1 843.760.3351 | cgibbons@crda.org

Lowcountry

Powerhouse Start-Up Nanobébé (US Headquarters: Charleston, SC) Pays It Forward With Life-Changing Giveaway

June 18, 2019 by 0 Comments
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Nanobébé Offers to Cover Steep Cost of Items to Welcome a New Little One

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Nanobébé, the trending baby feeding line known for its award-winning breast-shaped bottle is on a mission to help an expecting family receive everything they need to welcome their little one. The Nationwide You Complete Me Giveaway is a pay-it-forward contribution to a lucky family in the U.S. who will receive everything they need to bring their new bundle of joy into the world – without spending a dime!

This is the second time the brand has made this offer. Last year’s winner, Holly from Colorado Springs, CO, was gifted with everything on her wishlist to transition her youngest daughter (born a preemie at 32 weeks) from the NICU to the comfort of their home. “Winning the giveaway came at a time we needed support the most, and allowed us to focus on our little preemie rather than stressing about those things we didn’t yet have,” said Holly. “Nanobébé went above and beyond with all their support and love, and we can’t thank them enough! Their bottles were used in the NICU when our baby was finally ready, and helped her come off the feeding tube. We were unable to breastfeed in the end, so I am forever grateful to Nanobébé and their products for helping us continue our breastfeeding journey through pumping, and keeping all those desperately needed nutrients safe!”

To enter, parents-to-be can follow this link for the chance to have their entire baby registry paid for by nanobébé. Accepted registries that include nanobébé products for entry are available through the following retailers: Babylist, Walmart, buybuy BABY, Target, and Amazon. The You Complete Me giveaway is taking entries through August 15, 2019.

About nanobébé: Nanobébé is an award-winning infant feeding line designed for nutrient preservation with convenience for the modern parent in mind. Winning several coveted awards within the first year of release, such as one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of the Year (winning the health and wellness category), called The Smartest Bottle Ever Made by Business Insider and coined “The Best Bottle for Breastfed Babies” by pregnancy powerhouse theBump, nanobébé offers an entire family of innovative products that make safe and healthy feeding a breeze, without compromising on convenience and style. For more information, visit www.nanobebe.com.

Contact: Ellie Barziv, e.barziv@nanobebe.com;
Mary Williams, m.williams@nanobebe.com

Lowcountry

What is the Economic Impact of Tourism in South Carolina?

June 18, 2019 by 0 Comments
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Tourism is a part of our lives here in the Lowcountry. Wonder what the true economic impact is and who is benefiting? Here is some valuable data from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, effective September 2018.

Tourism Spending by County – Annually

  • Horry County – $4.3B
  • Charleston County – $2.5B
  • Beaufort County – $1.4B
  • Greenville County – $1.3B
  • Richland County – $684.6M

Where Does That Money Go? (Sector and Percentage of Revenue from Tourism)

  • Hotels – 90%
  • Airports – 80%
  • Recreation – 50%
  • Food and Beverage – 30%
  • Auto Transportation – 15%
  • Retail – 10%
  • Manufacturing – 5%
  • Construction – 5%
  • Real Estate – 5%

By Jobs Supported

  • Horry County – 42,600
  • Charleston County – 24,300
  • Beaufort County – 14,200
  • Greenville County – 10,600
  • Richland County – 6,900