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Lowcountry

Five Clemson students and alums awarded prestigious Fulbright scholarships

June 3, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Three Clemson students and two alums are preparing to travel to the Czech Republic, Germany, Philippines, Serbia and Scotland after being awarded Fulbright U.S. Student grants, a highly competitive scholarship program that facilitates cultural exchange, learning, research and service opportunities between American students and communities across the globe.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and its 140 participating countries. Student recipients, which include recent college graduates, graduate students and early career professionals from all academic backgrounds, use their awards to pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.

During the application process, students decide which country they would like to apply to and what type of grant they want to pursue.

Of Clemson’s five recipients, two were awarded English teaching assistantships, two will conduct research and one is enrolling in a graduate degree program.

Student Scholars

Czech Republic Fulbright Scholar Christian Blackburn

Christian Blackburn, a senior Wildlife and Fisheries Biology major and management minor from Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, was awarded an English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) in the Czech Republic. A National Scholar and Honors student, Blackburn served as an instructor in the South Carolina Teacher Cadet program, a statistics tutor at Clemson through the University’s Academic Success Center, a conversation partner for ESL students, and spent many summer and winter breaks teaching teenagers in the U.S. Scouting program. As an ETA in the Czech Republic, he hopes to inspire personal growth and self-discovery in his students through the learning process. While he’s there, he hopes to immerse himself in the Czech culture, particularly its nature, food, outdoor recreation and music, specifically its bluegrass movement.

Following his ETA experience, Blackburn plans to pursue a master’s in project management before working in sustainable city planning, specifically focusing on designing urban green spaces.

Phillippines Fulbright Scholar Audie Cherry

Audie Cherry, an agriculture Ph.D. student from Clay, Kentucky, was selected for a research award in the Philippines. As a Filipino-American, the award provides Cherry and his family, who will be traveling with him, an opportunity to return to his roots. Since 2012, Cherry has collaborated with several churches and schools on visits to the Philippines to deliver agricultural education and perform service in the local community. He has been working in and studying agriculture in higher education since 2010 and hopes to continue doing so by addressing knowledge gaps in agricultural education with his Fulbright Scholarship.

Cherry plans to teach agricultural courses at Cebu Technological University-Barili during his two semesters, while also focusing on agricultural education and youth development through research and extension. He will also be collaborating with local farmers to improve sustainable agricultural practices.

Germany Fulbright Scholar Calvin Paulsen

Calvin Paulsen, a biomedical engineering major from Summerville, South Carolina, received a research award in Germany that will allow him to work at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine. He has already been working online with a researcher at the institute conducting stem cell research, with their project having the potential to uncover new targeted therapeutics for epithelial-derived cancer and aging. Paulsen established this connection while working as an undergraduate research trainee with a mechanobiology researcher on a National Science Foundation funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Washington University in St. Louis last summer. In addition to his research, Paulsen has volunteered with organizations focused on residence life engagement, recycling and sustainability, while also working as an academic tutor.

After his Fulbright experience, Paulsen plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, with a goal of someday working at a national laboratory, where he can shape health policy and increase international research collaboration.

Alumni Scholars

Alexandra (Lexie) Colwell (’23) from Elgin, South Carolina, was a political science major with Russian area studies and legal studies minors at Clemson. The summer before her graduation, Colwell spent six weeks studying abroad in the Balkans, with much of that time spent in Serbia. The experience left a deep impact and inspired an interest in the diplomatic connection between Serbia and the U.S. Colwell went on to work as a teaching assistant for a political science class during her senior year, lecturing on assigned readings, facilitating class discussions, and tutoring students in the class. She plans to apply what she learned in that role to her ETA in Serbia where ETAs work with university-level students. Outside of the classroom, Colwell plans to use her time in Serbia to research the evolution of American-Serbian relations over the past 30 years.

After she completes the Fulbright program, Colwell will pursue a graduate degree in international relations, with a goal of working in the U.S. Foreign Service as a diplomat.

Scotland Fulbright Scholar Shreya Tellur

Shreya Tellur (’23) from Simpsonville, South Carolina, was an Honors student and psychology major at Clemson. Her Fulbright University of Stirling Award will help cover cost of living expenses associated with graduate study in Health Psychology from the University of Stirling in the United Kingdom. While she’s there, Tellur hopes to volunteer at the Stirling Community Hospital to explore behavioral, physical and mental well-being changes in women during different stages of pregnancy, in order to help improve childbirth health care outcomes. She also plans to volunteer with the area’s TLC Befriending Service Project, which provides befriending services to people in the community. In her spare time, she also hopes to experience and learn to Ceilidh, a blend of dancing and storytelling, while also sharing her background in Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian classical dance.

After she completes her M.Sc., Tellur plans to go to medical school to become an M.D. with a focus in obstetrics and gynecology. She hopes to apply her psychology and medical knowledge to provide practical education programs that consider health’s psychological and emotional aspects.

Alternates

As alternates, these students may still receive awards before the start of the grant period next academic year.

Hayley Levin from Westin, Massachusetts, majored in political science at Clemson, graduating in 2023. She earned alternate status for a Fulbright MA Degree award in Israel. Levin plans to pursue a career as a political officer for the U.S. Department of State with a focus on the Middle East, after taking the Foreign Service Exam.

Kaleigh Neely from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, graduated from Clemson with a bioengineering degree in 2019 and has since earned a master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics in 2022 through Eastern Michigan University. Neely earned alternate status for a Master of Science in Public Health award in Ireland, one of the most competitive awards in the Fulbright competition. She plans to transition from her current work in clinical care to influencing policies related to prosthetic care in the U.S. and abroad.

Marina Robichau from Landrum, South Carolina, is graduating this spring with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned alternate status for an English Teaching Assistant award in Georgia. Robichau plans to work in a multilingual school or internationally as a teacher for underprivileged students before pursuing a master’s degree.

Semifinalists

The National Screening Committee recommended seven additional semifinalists to their selected countries for final selection. They are Sydney Bertram (Health Sciences, ’21), Marissa Coll (Language and International Health, ’24), Helena Harte (Political Science and History, ‘24), Caroline Morgan (Political Science, ‘23), Krishna Patel (Biochemistry, ‘23), Elizabeth “Liza” Stone (Biological Sciences, ‘24), and Riley Stotzky (Political Science and Economics, ’24).

About the Fulbright U.S. Student Program Scholarship

Fulbright is a U.S. Department of State Program funded by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the program, which has operated in over 160 countries nationwide.

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished student, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad. Notable Fulbrighters include 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Fellows, 41 heads of state or government, and thousands of leaders across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Students interested in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program or other nationally competitive programs should contact the Office of Major Fellowships at 864-656-9704 or fellowships@clemson.edu.

Source link: Clemson University

Lowcountry

Cities with the Fastest Growing Home Prices in South Carolina

June 3, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Real Estate is a big piece of the South Carolina ecosystem and various parts of the state from the oceanfront to the Western mountains has been benefactors of a hot market. Stacker has compiled a list of the top 50 South Carolina cities with the fastest growing home prices looking at home value, 1 year and 5 year price changes.

Notables in our tri-county area include: 1. Sullivan’s Island, 3. Kiawah Island, 5. Isle of Palms, 6. Mount Pleasant, 7. Seabrook Island, 9. Wadmalaw Island, 10. Edisto Beach, 12. Charleston, 13. Awendaw, 25. Ravenel, 26. Hanahan, 28. Ridgeville, 31. Dorchester, 39. Hollywood, 41. Folly Beach, 43. Harleyville, 47. North Charleston.

Here are the top 10 fastest growing cities for home prices in the state:

10. Edisto Beach

– Typical home value: $700,720
– 1-year price change: +$59,804 (+9.3%)
– 5-year price change: +$315,254 (+81.8%)
– Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC

9. Wadmalaw Island

– Typical home value: $681,488
– 1-year price change: +$64,911 (+10.5%)
– 5-year price change: +$307,095 (+82.0%)
– Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC

8. Hardeeville

– Typical home value: $444,725
– 1-year price change: +$72,475 (+19.5%)
– 5-year price change: +$216,667 (+95.0%)
– Metro area: Hilton Head Island-Bluffton, SC

7. Seabrook Island

– Typical home value: $950,898
– 1-year price change: +$83,913 (+9.7%)
– 5-year price change: +$507,485 (+114.4%)
– Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC

6. Mount Pleasant

– Typical home value: $829,885
– 1-year price change: +$90,193 (+12.2%)
– 5-year price change: +$360,106 (+76.7%)
– Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC

5. Isle of Palms

– Typical home value: $1,609,427
– 1-year price change: +$105,523 (+7.0%)
– 5-year price change: +$835,441 (+107.9%)
– Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC

4. Sunset

– Typical home value: $1,284,987
– 1-year price change: +$134,746 (+11.7%)
– 5-year price change: +$612,414 (+91.1%)
– Metro area: Greenville-Anderson, SC

3. Kiawah Island

– Typical home value: $1,956,446
– 1-year price change: +$155,486 (+8.6%)
– 5-year price change: +$1,005,249 (+105.7%)
– Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC

2. Sheldon

– Typical home value: $2,359,012
– 1-year price change: +$173,949 (+8.0%)
– 5-year price change: +$799,905 (+51.3%)
– Metro area: Hilton Head Island-Bluffton, SC

Sullivan’s Island

– Typical home value: $4,024,451
– 1-year price change: +$278,984 (+7.4%)
– 5-year price change: +$2,147,357 (+114.4%)
– Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Click HERE for the full list of the top 50.

Source: Stacker

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Lowcountry

U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Unanimous Post-Trial Decision and Long-Settled Precedent, Allows South Carolina’s Racially Discriminatory Congressional Map to Stand

June 3, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

WASHINGTON — May 23, 2024 — In a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court today issued a decision that reversed a federal trial court’sunanimous finding that Congressional District 1 in South Carolina’s 2022 map is an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The Court also ruled that the district court applied the incorrect standard to Plaintiffs’ intentional vote dilution claim and returned that claim to the district court for further proceedings.

“Today is a dark day for democracy in South Carolina, but all hope is not lost,” said Jace Woodrum, Executive Director of the ACLU of South Carolina. “For now, the Supreme Court has upheld a racially gerrymandered map, and South Carolina voters are the ones who will suffer the consequences. Black voters in particular have had to fight for these fundamental rights throughout our history, and we are confident that together we will prevail.”

“We remain committed to ending gerrymandering in our state and will use every tool at our disposal until ‘We the People’ truly means all of us.”

The decision is a rejection of the historical deference given to the trial court’s factual findings and adds to the already difficult evidentiary burden that plaintiffs must demonstrate to remedy racial discrimination in voting. This divided decision underpins efforts nationwide to deny Black voters fair access to the political process to elect their preferred candidates.

“The court violated its precedent and interjected its own, outcome-determinative fact finding for that of the unanimous three-judge court,” said Allen Chaney, legal director for the ACLU of South Carolina. “A term after declaring racial sorting anathema in the college admissions context, the court has allowed the same to go unchecked in redistricting. Democracy is weaker — and the law less just — as a result.”

The Legal Defense Fund (LDF), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of South Carolina, and Arnold & Porter tried this case over eight days before a three-judge panel unanimously ruled that there was a racial target on the number of Black South Carolinians assigned to Congressional District 1; that race more than partisan affiliation explained that assignment; and, the legislature disregarded traditional redistricting principles.

“We are deeply disappointed in the Supreme Court’s decision to allow South Carolina’s proposed congressional map to stand for yet another election after a unanimous federal three-judge panel recognized the racial discrimination in that map and ordered that a remedial map be used in upcoming elections beginning this year,” said plaintiff Taiwan Scott. “Our battle to fairly represent and account for everyone in our beautiful state doesn’t stop here – we’ll journey onward towards justice.”

“Today, the Supreme Court has failed the American people. Voting rights have taken another gut punch, and the future of democracy in South Carolina is dangling by a thread. Make no mistake — we are not backing down from this fight,” said Brenda Murphy, president of the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP. “Despite today’s news, the South Carolina NAACP will continue to utilize every resource at our disposal to ensure Black South Carolinians have an opportunity to make their voices heard in another pivotal election. This is what advocacy in action looks like.”

“The highest court in our land greenlit racial discrimination in South Carolina’s redistricting process, denied Black voters the right to be free from the race-based sorting and sent a message that facts, process, and precedent will not protect the Black vote. Today the voices of Black South Carolinians were muted, and if we are not careful the next set of votes denied could be those in your state. Make no mistake, LDF will not yield in the fight to build Black political power that represents the people who contribute mightily to this country and strengthen this democracy,” said Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the Legal Defense Fund (LDF). “The voting rights of Black communities remain under attack and the LDF will continue to meet moments like these with the resolve and determination necessary to protect voting rights and enforce key protections of the 14th and 15th Amendments.”

“Today’s decision usurps the authority of trial courts to make factual findings of racial discrimination as the unanimous panel found occurred with South Carolina’s design of Congressional District 1,” said Leah Aden, senior counsel at LDF who argued before the Supreme Court in Alexander v. SC NAACP. “The decision also defies decades of precedent that allows plaintiffs to use a wide variety of evidence to demonstrate racial discrimination in voting and forces plaintiffs to offer a particular form of proof that race more than party explains South Carolina’s line-drawing. As Justice Kagan’s dissent makes clear, today’s decision can only be justified through ‘reworking the law’ and ‘distance’ from the factual record. Despite this unfortunate decision, we will continue, including on remand on a surviving claim from this decision, to create fair redistricting maps and advocate for Black South Carolinian voters.”

Adriel I. Cepeda Derieux, deputy director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, said: “The Supreme Court’s ruling is an affront to Black voters, democracy, and precedent. South Carolina’s Legislature carved Black voters out of Congressional District 1 for the sake of partisan advantage and weakening their voting power. Justice Kagan’s dissent is right: the majority only gets where it does by ‘ignoring and minimizing’ clear evidence that South Carolina racially gerrymandered its map. And the proof that the court now asks of plaintiffs fighting discrimination is ‘unheard of in constitutional litigation.’ We continue to stand with our brave clients in this ongoing fight for voting rights.”

“While today’s decision is unquestionably a disappointing injustice, the fight for equality in South Carolina and across the country must go on,” said John A. Freedman, Arnold & Porter’s senior pro bono counsel. “We are proud to stand with our clients and co-counsel in this important fight.”

In 2013, the Supreme Court in Shelby County Alabama v. Holdereffectively dismantled Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act and the process that since 1965 required states, like South Carolina, with documented histories of racial discrimination in voting practices to seek approval from the federal government before implementing their laws.

In the absence of that protection, South Carolina no longer had the obligation to show that its 2022 congressional map did not racially discriminate against Black voters, requiring plaintiffs to ring the alarm about that harm during the legislative consideration of congressional maps and then file suit in federal court for redress. Today’s ruling is further evidence that racial discrimination in voting has not been eradicated in South Carolina and that Congress must act to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act —such as through passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act introduced this term — that have been steadily weakened by the Supreme Court.

The case was filed on behalf of the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP and Taiwan Scott, a Hilton Head resident and member of the Gullah-Geechee community, represented by the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of South Carolina, UMD Law Professor Chris Bryant, Arnold & Porter, and NAACP’s General Counsel’s Office. Aiding in this fight were testimonies from 24 witnesses, of which six were experts, alongside 652 pieces of evidence demonstrating the hallmarks of racial discrimination in the design of the 2022 congressional map.

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Lowcountry

Expandable, LLC selects Greenville County to establish first North American operation

June 3, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Expandable, LLC (Expandable), a supplier of expandable, movable spaces, today announced it selected Greenville County to establish the company’s first North American operation. The $3 million investment will create 10 new jobs.

Based in the Netherlands, Expandable designs multifunctional and customizable expandable, movable spaces. The company’s expandable trailers and pods are used in a variety of applications from small events to large exhibitions.

The 40,000-square-foot facility, located at 7120 Augusta Road in Piedmont, serves as a showroom, warehouse, and the company’s head office for North American sales and service.

Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the Expandable team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“Greenville, S.C. was the perfect location for our first foreign expansion. The North American market has been an important growth area for us over the past few years, so we needed to establish a local presence. With its strategic location, infrastructure and available talent pool, this is the place where we wanted to be.” -Expandable, LLC Managing Director Sander Scholten

“South Carolina has the resources in place to attract companies from across the globe and today’s announcement is further proof. We are proud Expandable, LLC chose Greenville County for its first North American operation and congratulate the company on its success.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Congratulations to Expandable, LLC on establishing its first North American operation right here in South Carolina. We are grateful for the company’s investment in Greenville County and look forward to many years of success.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Expandable, LLC is a true complement to the state and county’s innovative technology. Greenville County is excited to add them to our collaborative and ingenious ecosystem. Greenville County looks forward to their unparalleled growth and accomplishments.” -Greenville County Council Chairman Dan Tripp

“We proudly welcome Expandable, LLC, a Dutch company known for its innovative technology, to the Upstate’s international business community. Their choice to establish a presence in Upstate S.C. underscores our region’s appeal as a prime location for European companies looking to lay a foundation for growth in the U.S.” -Upstate SC Alliance President and CEO John Lummus

FIVE FAST FACTS

Expandable, LLC (Expandable) selects Greenville County to establish the company’s first North American operation.
The company’s $3 million investment will create 10 new jobs.
Expandable is a supplier of expandable, movable spaces.
The company is located at 7120 Augusta Road in Piedmont, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the Expandable team should visit the company’s careers page.

Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Based Blackbaud Ranks Fourth on the USA Today America’s Climate Leaders 2024 List

June 3, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Ranking Recognizes U.S. Companies Cutting Their Emissions to Fight Climate Change

CHARLESTON, S.C., May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, has been named to the USA Today list of America’s Climate Leaders 2024, ranking fourth out of 450 companies based on its emissions reduction.

“Blackbaud has a long-standing commitment to sustainability,” said Mike Gianoni, president, CEO and vice chairman of the board of directors, Blackbaud. “That commitment encompasses both support for our customers in their sustainability journey, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions within our own operations, including through our remote-first workforce approach, which has helped us minimize our impact on the environment. We are proud to be ranked so prominently on this list and appreciate this recognition of our progress.”

USA Today partnered with Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, to put together the ranking of U.S. companies that demonstrated the greatest reduction in emissions between 2020 and 2022.

America’s Climate Leaders 2024 were selected based on a two-step process with an application and research phase, followed by a data analysis and scoring phase. For all companies meeting the inclusion criteria, the year-over-year reduction in emissions intensity (compound annual reduction rate) was calculated. Statista reviewed companies headquartered in the U.S. that had revenue of at least $50 million in 2022 and that achieved the greatest reduction in their emissions intensity – Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions relative to revenue – between 2020 and 2022.

There was a 16% increase in companies meeting the inclusion criteria this year with more than 2,000 companies evaluated. Blackbaud ranked fourth out of the 450 companies selected with a 70.30% core emissions reduction year-over-year and a core GHG reduction of 89.80%.

Blackbaud participates in CDP’s public disclosure and aligns its reporting with TCFD recommendations. In 2023, Blackbaud achieved 100% carbon neutrality and has had a 92% reduction in global GHG emissions since 2019.

To learn more about how Blackbaud is fueling change through its practices, commitments and technology, view the 2023 Blackbaud Impact Report here.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud’s essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud’s solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, Quartz’s list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom, supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com or follow us on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Lowcountry

Matador Charleston Offers a Late Night Happy Hour (10 PM – Close) 7 Days a Week!

June 1, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

What: The Matador Charleston Happy Hour
When: 4pm to 6pm and 10pm to close – 7 Days a Week!
Where: The Matador Charleston – 235 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Click HERE for link to Happy Hour Menu
Official Website

$7.00

Romaine Salad
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Black Bean Dip
Fried Tacos (2)
Quesadilla – Cheese (no pico), Chicken, Carnitas, Chorizo, Ground Beef, or Beyond Picadillo, Steak* or Shrimp +2

$8.00

Grande Nachos – Add chicken, Beyond Picadillo, House Chorizo, Carnitas, or Ground Beef $3.5 or Marinated Steak* $5
Matador Guacamole – Orange-habanero salsa Maya, tomatillo salsa, pico, queso fresco, cilantro

Haba Prawns
Steak* or Shrimp Tacos (2)
Baja Fish Tacos (2)
Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños – Goat cheese, hickory smoked bacon, ranch dressing

Street Tacos

Choice of: Chorizo, Beyond Picadillo, Ground Beef, Shredded Chicken, or Carnitas

Three for $8.00, Five for $11.00

Lowcountry

Firefly Distillery Unveils Tom & Huck Distillers: A New Era of Refined Spirits

May 30, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

An elevated whiskey and bourbon experience launches ahead of Father’s Day & National Bourbon Day

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (May 30, 2024) – Firefly Distillery, South Carolina’s most popular distillery, announces the launch of Tom & Huck Distillers, a new spirited endeavor from the makers of Firefly spirits. Tom & Huck Distillers, a collection of aged and distilled spirits distinguished by the maritime climate of the Lowcountry, will feature a collection of meticulously aged whiskeys and bourbons, a dedicated barrel aging house, and a Master Distiller’s whiskey tour. The new venture is launching on Thursday, June 13, just in time to celebrate National Bourbon Day on June 14 and Father’s Day on June 16.

“After over twenty years of crafting exceptional vodkas and moonshines influenced by southern flavors, we’re thrilled to announce Tom & Huck Distillers, continuing our adventure into the world of brown spirits,” says Scott Newitt, co-founder of Firefly Distillery and Tom & Huck Distillers. “As we created more in the way of aged spirits over the years, we’re excited to introduce new products, and offer an elevated experience for both the bourbon enthusiast and those who wish to explore brown spirits in more depth.”

Twenty years ago, co-founders Scott Newitt and Jim Irvin launched Firefly Distillery. Through the years, they stayed consistent, authentic, and worked incredibly hard to hone the subtleties of their craft, maximizing the benefits of their coastal location and climate to bring their newest adventure to life: Tom & Huck Distillers. The Tom & Huck Distillers collection of spirits is refined in a way that only two decades of experience and consistent attention to detail can deliver. Featured products under this collection include a line of flavored whiskeys, hand-selected bourbons, and the signature Bend & Steal American Whiskey.

With familial legacy at its core, Firefly’s longtime head distiller Jay Macmurphy will lead the way for Tom & Huck Distillers alongside his daughter Riley Macmurphy as head blender and line lead. This continues the tradition established by her father Jay and grandfather Jim Irvin, co-founder and the original scientist who developed Firefly Distillery’s signature spirits. Honing the family craft, Riley Macmurphy becomes the third generation to uphold and enrich their distinguished legacy in the world of distilled spirits.

Each product in the Tom & Huck collection offers a smooth, flavorful taste catering to refined palates. Featured products include:

Bend & Steal American Whiskey
Steel Feathers Blackberry Whiskey
Steal Feathers Southern Tea Whiskey
Steel Feathers Espresso Whiskey
LIVE Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Concert Series)
LIVE Barrel Proof Bourbon

Those interested in exploring Tom & Huck Distillers at Firefly Distillery can do so on the same grounds, located at 4201 Spruill Avenue. A dedicated whiskey tour and flight of Tom & Huck Distillers’ spirits will begin this summer, with select product tastings available now. For more information, visit TomandHuckDistillers.com.

ABOUT FIREFLY DISTILLERY

Firefly Distillery is the birthplace of the world’s first sweet tea vodka and produces thirty craft spirits at the 25,000 square foot distillery in North Charleston, SC. The most-visited distillery in the Charleston area, Firefly Distillery provides a unique experience for locals and visitors alike. Firefly is not only a working distillery, but a major concert venue for national touring acts. Visitors can experience the distillation process firsthand, taste craft spirits and signature cocktails, and enjoy live music, food trucks, countless events and a gift shop. All Firefly Spirits are available for purchase, including exclusive specialty spirits and other locally made products. For more information, visit www.fireflydistillery.com.

ABOUT TOM & HUCK DISTILLERS

From the makers of Firefly Distillery, Tom & Huck Distillers is a collection of aged and

distilled spirits distinguished by the maritime climate of the Lowcountry. Built on the spirit of adventure through friendships and aging, each of the Tom & Huck spirits offer a smooth, flavorful, and mature taste for a refined palate. Featured products include Bend & Steal Blended American Whiskey, Steel Feathers flavored whiskeys, LIVE Bourbon, and more. These unique spirits represent the culmination of twenty years of consistency, hard work, and adventure of two old friends. For more information, visit TomandHuckDistillers.com.

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Lowcountry

Zucker Family Gifts $2.5 Million to College of Charleston

May 30, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

The Zucker family has gifted the College a generous $2.5 million to attract talented engineering students and foster a culture of philanthropy.

By Darcie Goodwin

The College of Charleston has received a generous $2.5 million gift from the Zucker family.

To attract talented engineering students, $2 million will go to scholarships for the newly created School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics; and to foster a culture of philanthropy, $500,000 will go to the Zucker Family Challenge on CofC Day over the next five years.

The Zuckers’ scholarship commitment supports the College’s vision for a vibrant School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics. The scholarships, with a preference to female and underrepresented minority candidates, will help recruit, inspire and prepare diverse talent from across the country who wish to combine a rigorous engineering education with a broad-based liberal arts curriculum, giving them a unique value proposition in the workforce.

“We are very interested in this area,” says Anita Zucker, who received an honorary degree from the College in 2010. “My late husband, Jerry Zucker, was gifted at math and science. These skills made him the incredible person he was and built our businesses. Couple that with liberal arts, including the importance of communication and writing proficiency, and it completes the person.”

In addition to engineering scholarships, Zucker partnered with the university to create a $500,000 Zucker Family Challenge for the annual CofC Day events. Over the next five years this challenge will both motivate the College’s existing donor base and encourage new donors. During the 2024 CofC Day event, which took place on March 13 and 14, the Zucker Family Challenge awarded $100,000 to match the gifts of 2,000 donors.

Along with financial contributions, Zucker plays an active role at the College. She serves on the President’s Strategic Initiatives Committee, the School of Business Board of Governors and the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program Advisory Board.

“We have been so fortunate to have the Zucker family as part of our campus community over the past 30 years,” says College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu. “The Zuckers’ latest gift for engineering scholarships will help the College provide a pipeline of talent to our region’s growing high-tech, manufacturing and life sciences industries. We would not be where we are today without loyal donors like the Zuckers.”

Source Link: The College Today

Lowcountry

South Carolina Ranked #8 in the Nation for Retaining its Native Residents

May 30, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

How well does South Carolina keep its native residents? Based on a calculation measuring the share of people born in each state who still live there, Texas is the nation’s “stickiest” state, but South Carolina is 8th best in the nation in retaining its native residents and 8th lowest rate of resident departures. Our natives aren’t leaving. Of the top 10, four are from the Southeast region of the US.

What does stickiness / retained residency mean?

The share of people born in a state and who stay there can provide an important measure of its attractiveness to workers. The stickiness of native residents is also key to maintaining a stable (or growing) population and workforce, which is vital to economic growth.

To figure out which states are best at retaining their native residents, using American Community Survey (ACS) data, it estimated the share of people born in each state who still lived in that state as of the 2021 survey (Below chart).

What makes a state sticky?

Sticky states, where the weather is often warmer, tend to offer better economic conditions than nonsticky states. These conditions can be in the form of better and more varied job opportunities or less burdensome tax policies. Without sufficient employment opportunities, native residents may be pushed to other states to seek good jobs.

The five stickiest states each recorded above-average job growth between 2010 and 2019, meaning there was less pressure for residents to leave to find work. Four of the five stickiest states also have below average state and local tax burdens. Residents born in low-tax states may be hesitant to move to high-tax states, as the additional obligation will reduce take-home pay and may lower their standard of living.

States with multiple cities are at an advantage for stickiness because they can provide native residents with a wider variety of in-state job opportunities and relatively higher wages compared with smaller or less-populous states with fewer urban areas.

Altogether, the five stickiest states have 15 metropolitan statistical areas with populations exceeding 1 million; among the five least-sticky states, there is only one such metro (Providence, Rhode Island). Even when including smaller cities, those top stickiest states have 28 metros with 500,000 or more residents versus still just one among the bottom five.

Let’s look at the numbers:

South Carolina retained 71.87% of its native residents
South Carolina residents that moved: 28.13%
Top 10 of retaining residents: Texas (82.20%), North Carolina (75.52%), Georgia (74.23%), California (73.00%), Utah (72.95%) Florida (72.67%), Wisconsin (72.52%), South Carolina (71.87%), Alabama (71.59%), Michigan (71.53%)
Top 10 lowest moving rate: Texas (17.80%), North Carolina (24.48%), Georgia (25.77%), California (27.00%), Utah (27.05%), Florida (27.33%), Wisconsin (27.48%), South Carolina (28.13%), Alabama (28.41%), Michigan (28.47%)

Lowcountry

Extending a paw: Coach Dabo Swinney helps deliver My Special Aflac Duck® to children ahead of the Aflac Kickoff Game

May 30, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Free-of-charge robotic companion helps comfort 17 pediatric cancer and sickle cell patients at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina

COLUMBUS, Ga., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Two-time national champion Clemson University Head Football Coach Dabo Swinney, whose team will kick off the 2024 college football season against the Georgia Bulldogs in this year’s Aflac Kickoff Game, surprised children at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Upstate with My Special Aflac Duck, a free-of-charge resource created for children ages 3 and up with cancer and sickle cell disease. In partnership with Aflac, a leading provider of health supplemental insurance in the U.S., Coach Swinney, Aflac U.S. President Virgil Miller and the famous Clemson Tiger delivered My Special Aflac Ducks, helping the children and their families enjoy a great day of fun activities.

Watching the children interact with My Special Aflac Duck shows how we can come together to make a difference

Clemson University Head Football Coach Dabo Swinney joined Aflac U.S. President Virgil Miller to hand out My Special Aflac Ducks to patients at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital - Upstate Tuesday, May 28.

Pictured left to right: The Clemson Tiger, Kathleen Swinney, Dabo Swinney, Amir Boyd, Tenesha Boyd and Virgil Miller. — Clemson University Head Football Coach Dabo Swinney joined Aflac U.S. President Virgil Miller to hand out My Special Aflac Ducks to patients at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – Upstate Tuesday, May 28. Pictured left to right: The Clemson Tiger, Kathleen Swinney, Dabo Swinney, Amir Boyd, Tenesha Boyd and Virgil Miller.

“As Clemson prepares for the upcoming football season, the Tiger and I are excited to team up with Aflac at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Upstate as we get ready for the Aflac Kickoff Game in August,” Coach Swinney said. “Our work today impacts both our local community and the pediatric cancer and blood disorder community. Watching the children interact with My Special Aflac Duck shows how we can come together to make a difference on and off the field, and I’m truly honored to be a part of it.”

Since 2018, the award-winning animatronic duck has helped bring more than 30,000 kids comfort and joy during very challenging times. The social robot comes to life using innovative technology, helping kids prepare for medical procedures, communicate their feelings, practice distraction techniques and more. The delivery at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Upstate comes on the heels of a three-year study released April 5, revealing that both parents and caregivers reported a reduction in distress, nausea, pain and treatment — and procedural anxiety — for their children who received My Special Aflac Duck, compared to those in the study who had not yet received a duck. My Special Aflac Duck was named one of Time Magazine’s 50 Best Inventions and named Best in Show at CES and South by Southwest in 2018.

Also present at the event was the famed Clemson University mascot, The Tiger, who is set to face off in the Aflac Kickoff Game Mascot Challenge. The mascot will compete at Tailgate Town on Aug. 31, participating in football-inspired activities to bring awareness to childhood cancer and raise funds for the local children’s hospital. The champion will be announced during the Aflac Kickoff Game broadcast on ABC at noon EDT.

Coach Swinney, the winningest head coach in Clemson football history, was joined by Aflac U.S. President Virgil Miller, Prisma Health Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Jonathan Gleason, as well as patients, parents and health care providers at the hospital. The day included a demonstration of My Special Aflac Duck as well as fun activities for the young patients, including a scavenger hunt that culminated in each child receiving their very own My Special Aflac Duck.

“The My Special Aflac Duck program has become a hallmark of our commitment to helping families with pediatric cancer and blood disorders such as sickle cell. We are thankful to Coach Swinney and the wonderful staff at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Upstate for teaming up with Aflac today to help these children and their care providers,” said Aflac U.S. President Virgil Miller. “To date, Aflac has given more than 30,000 ducks and donated more than $180 millionto childhood cancer and blood disorders. A recent three-year clinical trial confirmed what we knew intuitively that this robotic companion helps young patients cope with treatment-related distress and anxiety. We will continue to bring awareness to this important cause through the Aflac Kickoff Game in partnership with Peach Bowl Inc.”

“We sincerely appreciate Coach Swinney joining the My Special Aflac Duck delivery today and visiting with these young patients and their families to provide a resource that will have a positive impact on these children during their medical journey,” said Gary Stokan, Peach Bowl Inc. CEO and president.

“We’re grateful to Aflac for its commitment to helping children with cancer and blood disorders such as sickle cell disease — and especially for its commitment to helping children here in the Upstate,” said Dr. Robin LaCroix, medical director of the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Upstate. “This incredible, utterly huggable technology creates an interactive experience that gives children coping tools to help reduce stress and pain and even brings fun and laughter into what can be a difficult time for children and their families. It is wonderful that Coach Swinney, a long-term champion of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Upstate, has joined forces with Aflac to yet again bring smiles to the faces of the families we serve.”

Health care providers, support organizations and families can order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge for children 3 years or older who have been diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease at myspecialaflacduck.com.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for more than 68 years to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.¹ In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2023) for 10 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under “Sustainability.”

¹LIMRA 2022 US Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report

ABOUT PRISMA HEALTH
Prisma Health is a private nonprofit health company and the largest health care organization in South Carolina. The company has 29,309 team members, 18 acute and specialty hospitals, 2,827 licensed beds, 305 practice sites, and more than 5,400 employed and independent clinicians across its clinically integrated inVio Health Network. Along with this innovative network, Prisma Health serves almost 1.5 million unique patients annually in its 21-county market area that covers 50% of South Carolina. Connect with Prisma Health on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter/X.