Mount Pleasant SC ‘Get Fit Where You Live’ Campaign Creating A Healthier and More Connected Community

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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce (MPCC) and the Town of Mount Pleasant have joined forces once again to encourage residents to support local health and wellness establishments. The campaign begins on March 1 and goes through April 1.

“The Town of Mount Pleasant is proud to once again partner with the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce and to encourage citizens to #GetFitWhereYouLive. Through this effort, we are not only prioritizing health and well-being but also supporting our local business community,” stated Mayor Will Haynie.

Getting fit locally supports the health and wellness establishments that are owned and operated by your friends, neighbors and family members and keeps dollars in our local economy. Every week through April 1, the MPCC will give away a $50 gift card for a health and wellness business to one lucky person who posts a photo of their fitness experience at a participating Mount Pleasant establishment on Instagram or Facebook and follows the instructions on how to enter. 

Participating establishments include (as of 2/27/24):

  • 633 Physical Therapy *
  • Blue Sky Endurance *
  • Carolina Physical Therapy *
  • ConciergeOT
  • D1 Training
  • Fleet Feet Mount Pleasant
  • Graze Craze Mount Pleasant *
  • Iron Tribe Fitness Mount Pleasant
  • Lowcountry Yoga *
  • Mount Pleasant Fit Body Bootcamp

* Denotes MPCC Members

To enter:

  1. Simply post a photo of your fitness experience at a participating establishment on Instagram or Facebook.
  2. Tag @mtpchamber, @experiencemp and the participating location.
  3. Include the hashtag #GetFitWhereYouLive

“The MPCC is excited to once again partner with the Town of Mount Pleasant on #GetFitWhereYouLive, a campaign that inspires our local community to embrace healthy living,” declared MPCC President Kathleen Herrmann. “Get Fit Where You Live supports our local health and wellness establishments. We believe that a healthy community starts with the well-being of its individuals. By supporting local fitness and health businesses, we are not only investing in the success of entrepreneurs but also creating a healthier and more connected community for everyone.”

For more information on how to sign up as a participating business, a list of already participating businesses and how to enter to win $50 please visit https://www.mountpleasantchamber.org/biz-where-you-live and click on the Get Fit Where You Live tab.

About MPCC: Since 1992, the MPCC has brought together business leaders from the East Cooper community for mutually beneficial purposes. The membership is a mix of professions including advertising, publishing, finance, health care, food and beverage, hotel, retail, insurance, legal, and service businesses of every description. MPCC aims to encourage business and community success East of the Cooper. MPCC was named a Noteworthy Network in the 2023 Lowcountry Diversity Leadership Awards by the Charleston Regional Business Journal and Best Activist Group or Effort in Best of the Best 2023 by Moultrie News.

Breeze Airways announces nonstop service between Charleston, SC and Manchester, NH

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Breeze Airways has just announced nonstop service between the CHS and MHT (@flymanchester)!

Get ready to explore New England’s industrial hub with history, culinary delights, and cultural gems.

The 2x seasonal offering begins June 14th, 2024 and is priced at $69 one-way.

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From 2lb 12oz at birth to Honors Graduate from Coastal Carolina – The Ronald McDonald House and MUSC reflect on this beautiful story of resilience and hope

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In December 2000, Emma arrived 12 weeks earlier than expected at a mere 2lb 12oz. Emma’s family stayed at the House to be closer to MUSC Children’s Health and after 5 weeks of battling health complications, they were able to go home with her. 23 years later, Emma graduated with Honors from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in Applied Mathematics and a minor in Statistics! 🌟

“To parents facing similar trials, we hope our story provides comfort and some measure of hope. Despite the initial uncertainties, miracles can happen with love, care, and support of organizations like RMHC Charleston.” – Linda, RMHC Charleston Grandmother ❤️🌟

Juliska on King Street launches new Spring ’24 Floral Workshops with new format and pricing

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Juliska, located at 268 King St, Charleston, SC 29401 has just launched their new Spring ’24 workshops with a new format* and pricing. All Workshops will be $65.

*The new format will be instructed in a plain glass vessel.

There is more: You will be able to purchase any item you want in the store after the workshop for 20% off! Or, you may purchase a vessel to use for class (selection limited) for a discount. ($60)

  • Graham or Ella 9” Corset Vase
  • Devon Willow or Provence Rattan Small Hurricane

If you have your workshop vase already, please feel free to bring it to class to use!

Click HERE to review and sign up for the new workshops.

Charleston Small Business Spotlight: Cart Life EV LLC

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Cart Life EV LLC located at 1141B Clements Ferry Rd, Charleston, SC 29492 is a true family business with an eye on the future. Recreation, sustainability and environmental thoughtfulness is the driving force behind this custom golf cart designer and seller. We see a company that embodies quality, relationship building and a passion for coastal living.

The goal of Cart Life EV LLC is to “Bring high-quality, high-tech carts to the Charleston area through our partnership with Venom-EV and high-quality, competitively priced carts to the Charleston area through our partnership with Advanced EV.”

About Cart Life EV LLC

Seventeen years ago, Cart Life EV LLC General Manager, Joe Boczkowski, moved to the Charleston area from Pittsburgh, PA.  He fell in love with the city and put down his roots.  Sales Manager Aaron Moore has called Charleston his home his entire life and wouldn’t have it any other way.  During Joe and Aaron’s many years of combined experience in the golf cart industry working for both manufacturers and dealers, they have seen various golf cart brands and models up close and personal, inside and out.  They wanted to be able to offer a high-quality, reasonably priced golf cart to people in the Charleston area so they could start living the Cart Life without having to worry about issues they saw with other brands.  Joe told his brother, Mike Boczkowski, about his vision and together with business partner, Jeff James, they started Cart Life EV LLC in the summer of 2023.  Not only were they lucky enough to find an extremely well-built golf cart through their partnership with Venom-EV, but they were also able to find another extremely well-built brand in Advanced EV.  With two high-quality brands and a boutique showroom off Clements Ferry Road, Joe and Aaron are able to focus on providing the highest level of customer service to help Charlestonians start living the Cart Life!

Want to learn more about the inventory or schedule a test drive, click HERE.

Merci, European themed restaurant scheduled to open this summer in downtown Charleston, SC

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By Jason Thomas

Chef Michael and Courtney Zentner of The Drifter, a Charleston-based culinary and event design company, are set to open their first brick and mortar restaurant concept.

Merci will open this summer at 28 Pitt St. in Harleston Village in downtown Charleston.

A neighborhood bistro featuring a European-inspired menu in a cozy, convivial setting, Merci will offer guests a taste of the dinner parties that the Zentners are known for creating for their private event clients, according to a news release.

As the culinary leader at The Drifter, Chef Zentner crafts each menu, showcasing the best in local produce and a seasonal approach, the release stated. He will adapt this approach at Merci, serving a European-influenced menu focusing on French and Italian techniques.

Menu highlights include an updated spin on the classics, from steak tartare and foie gras to Beef Wellington and roasted duck.

Set in a historic, 1820s Federal-style building on the corner of Pitt and Montagu Streets in the residential Harleston Village, Merci is inspired by the Zentners’ travels to Europe but also to neighborhood bistros in New York and Boston, the release stated.

The space, designed by Helen Rice of Serious Buildings, though small in size is big on ambiance, the release stated. Rice and Courtney Zentner, an event designer and stylist by trade, have worked together to curate furnishings, fixtures, fabrics and vintage cookware for the restaurant.

Attached to the restaurant will be a studio space available to rent for trunk shows, workshops and small-scale private events.

Merci will be open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday, as well as Friday lunch. A summer 2024 opening is planned.

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South Carolina export sales total $37.3 billion in 2023, defying national exports trend

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Automotive remains dominant industry for state’s exports

Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) and South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) today announced that the state’s 2023 export sales totaled $37.3 billion, defying the national trend where U.S. exports were down 2.2%, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Since 2013, South Carolina exports have grown at an average rate of 4.4% year-to-year. Over the same period, U.S. exports grew at an average rate of 3% year-to-year.

The automotive industry led South Carolina’s exported goods, with sales more than double that of the next largest industry type (aircraft and aerospace components). The state remains the nation’s top exporter of tires, and a national leader of completed passenger vehicles.

South Carolina’s top five exported commodities in 2023 were: 

  1. Completed passenger vehicles 
  2. Aircraft and parts 
  3. Machinery and mechanical appliances (turbojets, turbopropellers, gas turbines, ball and roller bearings, appliances for boilers and pumps)
  4. Plastics
  5. Rubber (tires)

Notable 2023 trade statistics include:

  • 2023 export sales totaled $37.3 billion, defying the national trend of U.S. exports dropping 2.2% over the same year. South Carolina’s 2023 total export sales figure is an 18% increase over 2022 export sales.
  • For the eighth consecutive year, South Carolina is the national leader in the export of tires, with sales reaching $1.8 billion — representing 34.3% of the total U.S. market share.
  • South Carolina also remains among the top in the nation in the export of completed passenger motor vehicles, with 2023 sales growing to $10.2 billion — accounting for 16% of the total U.S. market share.
  • South Carolina exports reached 211 countries in 2023.
  • Germany was the number one export market for South Carolina-made products and services, accounting for $4.7 billion. 
  • Belgium, a primary point of entry into the European Union market, entered South Carolina’s top five global export markets with an increase over 21% from 2022.

“Other countries continue to find that South Carolina offers the best products and services available anywhere, which is emphasized by the fact that our state saw an increase in trade despite a national decline in exports,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “By sending locally made goods throughout the world, we can continue to create more jobs and careers for South Carolinians while helping expand our economy.”

“South Carolina is a global state — we’re proud to be a leading destination and trade partner for companies and countries throughout the world,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “Growing our international trade and exports network makes our economy more resilient, more diverse, and more competitive for long-term economic development success.” 

“As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports serves as South Carolina’s gateway to the world,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “We are proud to move cargo for South Carolina companies, ensuring that automakers, advanced manufacturers, farmers and small businesses have direct access to global markets. We consistently invest in port infrastructure and deliver excellent port service to help South Carolina companies thrive.”

South Carolina companies looking to expand their global markets can explore S.C. Commerce’s Export Incentives or contact the international trade team.

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Strength of Nature and Science: The National Geographic Society Breaks Fundraising Record with $122.8 Million in New Commitments

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The nonprofit raises $122.8 million in 2023; the organization’s largest fundraising year to date

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the National Geographic Society announced its largest fundraising year in its 136-year history with $122.8 million in new commitments for 2023 — the Society’s third record-breaking year in a row. Contributions came from individuals, corporations and foundations to support the nonprofit’s mission work, including the transformation of its Base Camp in Washington, D.C., global community of National Geographic Explorers and portfolio of impactful programs.

Washington, D.C. National Geographic Headquarters. June 13, 2023. Group photo of Explorers, senior leadership and staff who have gathered for the National Geographic Explorers Festival.
Washington, D.C. National Geographic Headquarters. June 13, 2023. Group photo of Explorers, senior leadership and staff who have gathered for the National Geographic Explorers Festival.

The Society invests 100 percent of donor contributions into the organization’s programmatic priorities to strengthen its mission of illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world. Donors and partners fuel the Society’s ability to leverage scientific research, exploration, education and unparalleled storytelling to spark curiosity in hundreds of millions of people to learn about and care for our planet. These philanthropic investments accelerate the Society’s sustainable business model and build a culture of philanthropy, key to the organization’s five-year strategic plan, NG Next.

“This achievement underscores our community’s belief in our mission and vision for the future,” said CEO Jill Tiefenthaler. “The dedication of our donors is instrumental to funding the extraordinary National Geographic Explorers who are driving positive change for our planet and its people. Thank you to all those helping us support our Explorers, transform our Base Camp, and achieve our mission and global impact.”

Last year, the Society launched its newly formed Principal Donors Society, the highest designation for lifetime giving, which recognizes individuals, corporations and foundations who have championed the nonprofit through cumulative philanthropic support of $1 million or more for pivotal priorities and impact areas. The second annual Principal Donors Society induction ceremony and celebration will take place on February 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

“We are most grateful for the unprecedented generosity of our donors that this year’s giving reflects, as it clearly demonstrates the growing global support of the National Geographic Society’s mission to illuminate and protect the wonderful of our world,” said the Society’s Board Chair Jean Case.

2023 fiscal year fundraising highlights include:

  • Secured the largest commitment in the Society’s history from long-time partner, Rolex
  • $122.8 million in overall new commitments, a 4% increase from the previous record-breaking fiscal year ($117.9M)
  • 81 new commitments of $100,000 or above, a 16% increase over 2022
  • 16 new commitments at $1 million or above
  • $13.2 million raised through Annual Giving & Membership, a 13% increase over 2022
  • 100% participation by the Board of Trustees
  • 100% participation by the Society’s Senior Leadership team
  • Increased membership in the Hubbard Council (annual donors of $50,000 or more) by 30%
  • Launched the Principal Donors Society in January 2023, recognizing donors of lifetime giving of $1M or more to the Society, with 65 donors; adding an additional 11 donors during 2023

“We accomplished this tremendous fundraising year thanks to our loyal, global network of industry and thought leaders who are personally dedicated to the Society’s success,” said Chief Advancement Officer Kara Ramirez Mullins. “It’s encouraging to see real investment in, and momentum for, the Society’s key priorities like the Base Camp renovation project. We have a bold vision for the future and the time to invest in the Society is now!”

About National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on InstagramLinkedIn and Facebook.

Welcome to WcDonald’s: McDonald’s Brings Anime Fans’ Favorite Fictional Restaurant to Life

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Starting Feb. 26, embark on an epic journey at WcDonald’s with the new savory chili sauce, manga-inspired packaging, original episodic shorts and more

CHICAGO/PRNewswire/ — For years, anime fans have been making McDonald’s-inspired “WcDonald’s” restaurants a part of anime’s most memorable movies and shows. Now, in collaboration with some of the biggest names in anime, WcDonald’s will make the move from fiction to real life. Beginning Feb. 26 in more than 30 global markets, we’re building on our fans’ vision and imagination by unleashing the WcDonald’s universe in our restaurants and beyond, with a new sauce, manga-inspired packaging, episodic shorts and so much more.

Welcome to WcDonald's: McDonald's Brings Anime Fans' Favorite Fictional Restaurant to Life
Welcome to WcDonald’s: McDonald’s Brings Anime Fans’ Favorite Fictional Restaurant to Life
Welcome to WcDonald's: McDonald's Brings Anime Fans' Favorite Fictional Restaurant to Life
Welcome to WcDonald’s: McDonald’s Brings Anime Fans’ Favorite Fictional Restaurant to Life

“Anime is a huge part of today’s culture, and we love that our fans have been inviting us into the conversation for years,” said Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA. “The WcDonald’s universe is a reflection of what fans have created. It honors their vision and celebrates their creativity, while authentically bringing it to life in our restaurants for the first time ever.”

A Sauce that Packs a Punch
Fans can animate their taste buds with our new Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce, available for a limited time. The unique combination of ginger, garlic and soy with a slight heat from chili flakes packs an energetic blast of flavor in every bite. Mirroring the bold, dynamic spirit of your favorite anime heroes, the sauce pairs perfectly with an order of 10-piece “WcNuggets” (our fan-favorite Chicken McNuggets) or on the side of any of your go-to menu items.

Manga Packaging and More from Acky Bright
We’ve teamed up with iconic Japanese manga artist/illustrator Acky Bright to design custom WcDonald’s packaging that will take you deeper into the world of WcDonald’s with every meal. For a limited time, fans will receive manga-inspired packaging featuring WcDonald’s Crew characters, sketched by Acky himself.

Fans can also scan the code on the packaging to access weekly digital manga drops that star a full cast of WcDonald’s Customers and Crew, including Hashirune, a WcDonald’s regular, Mr. Bev, the Crew jokester, WcDizer 3000, WcDonald’s very own mecha, and many more.

“I had a great time partnering with McDonald’s to help make WcDonald’s a reality for manga fans who have a genuine love for the brand,” said Acky Bright. “From the details of the diverse Crew characters to the manga plot itself, I loved being able to use my artwork to bring to life the dynamic, vibrant world of WcDonald’s for people around the world.”

The First-Ever Official WcDonald’s Anime
McDonald’s has partnered with legendary animation house studio pierrot to produce the first official WcDonald’s anime. Four episodic shorts will take fans into the flavorful world of WcDonald’s, where a story about the WcDonald’s Sauce and WcNuggets unfold each week.

Every Monday, from Feb. 26 until March 18, a new short will drop in tandem with new manga on WcDonalds.com, or by scanning the code on the WcDonald’s bag. The shorts will honor four of anime’s biggest subgenres – Action, Romance, Mecha and Fantasy.

  • The Race to WcDonald’s (drops Feb. 26): A rivalry strong enough to withstand the test of time as our two heroes embark on an epic race to WcDonald’s.
  • Love from Across the Booth (drops March 4): Our two protagonists discover the WcDonald’s Sauce and WcNuggets aren’t the only perfect pairing.
  • WcNuggets Space Frontier 3000 (drops March 11): A team of WcDonald’s pilots must protect the last WcNugget against an ominous force.
  • The Wisdom of the Sauce (drops March 18): Three women are transported to a distant land to unravel the mystery surrounding the elusive sauce before it’s gone forever.

An Immersive Dining Experience at WcDonald’s
Taking inspiration from the isekai anime subgenre, we’re transporting fans to the first IRL WcDonald’s on March 9-10. The WcDonald’s Immersive Dining Experience will be a multi-sensory dining experience in Los Angeles, CA – a genre-bending fusion of entertainment and food. Guests will be transported into the WcDonald’s universe through 360 projection mapping and immersive tabletop projections inspired by the four WcDonald’s anime episodic shorts – all while enjoying a set menu of WcDonald’s items. Fans can reserve their spot exclusively on OpenTable starting Feb. 28 by searching “WcDonald’s Immersive Dining Experience” on the OpenTable app or website. 

A Celebration of Anime Fan Art 
WcDonald’s wouldn’t be what it is if it weren’t for the creativity of our fans. So, we’re recognizing three up-and-coming anime artists who have created WcDonald’s-themed artwork with grants to help fund their upcoming projects and a celebration at their local McDonald’s. Additionally, the three artists will receive a one-on-one mentoring session with top manga artist/illustrator, Acky Bright.

On Feb. 26, get ready for an anime-fueled adventure that starts with, “Welcome to WcDonald’s, may I take your order?”

About McDonald’s USA 
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent business owners. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, and follow us on social: XInstagram, TikTok and Facebook

Why is Charleston, South Carolina called the “Holy City”?

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 By: Mark T Reyland, CEO – Chucktown Walking Tours

The designation of Charleston as the “Holy City” is commonly misattributed to the abundance of steeples in the area. However, this association is inaccurate, the name is unrelated to the sheer number of churches present in Charleston.

Another prevalent misconception suggests that the title originated during the early colonial period due to Charleston’s reputation for religious tolerance. Contrary to this belief, historical records reveal that any perceived tolerance during the colonial era in Charleston did not extend to religious practices. The official religion of the colony was Anglican, and those who did not adhere to Anglicanism were barred from holding public office or deriving income from the government. Despite the presence of various religions in Charleston, the term “tolerance” would be a generous characterization, as many residents had to conceal their religious beliefs to avoid potential repercussions.

Although Anglicanism held the status of the official religion, other faiths were permitted to practice discreetly. Notably, the Catholic religion was entirely outlawed in Charleston, with severe consequences for those identified as Catholic. Being labeled a Catholic could result in public punishment, such as being tarred and feathered in the grassy plot behind the state courthouse at the corner of Broad and Meeting Streets. The condemned would then be paraded through Charleston in a wagon, subjected to humiliation before facing banishment from the colonies.

Contrary to its common association with Charleston’s history, the term “Holy City” found its origins in the 1950s when a newspaper columnist named Frank B. Gilbreth Jr., using the pen name Ashly Cooper, coined the phrase in a series of local history columns published in the Post & Courier.

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Photos provided by Charleston Daily.