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Lowcountry

Charleston, South Carolina Summer Beach Bucket List

April 24, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Who doesn’t love going to the beach, walking with the sand beneath our toes listening to the Zac Brown Band?  Or maybe laying out and working on an even tan and taking momentary breaks between pages on your Kindle.  Those days of bath temperature ocean water and scorching sun are upon us for a few months.

We think this is the perfect time to plan your Charleston Daily Beach Bucket List.  Why can’t the beach be filled with adventure.  We want to make it easy and provide you with a list of activities to complete at the beach.

Take a week; a month or six months, but make a game out of it and play with your friends and family.

Beach Bucket List

  • Spend at least one day at each of: Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms and Edisto Beach
  • Watch a sunrise _____
  • Watch a sunset  _____
  • Surf or boogie board _____
  • Rent a jet ski motor across the ocean _____
  • Go Fishing off the pier ______
  • Read a really good book from start to finish ______
  • Spend the day at the beach without your smartphone _____
  • Build a sand castle (no age limit on sand development) _____
  • Hunt and find 5 sharks teeth _____
  • Hunt and find a sand dollar _____
  • Tell ghost stories at night by a fire or flashlight _____
  • Watch a movie at the beach ______
    • Find a full conch shell _____
  • Have a picnic on the beach _____
  • Have a long walk with coffee or a latte (Iced or Hot) ______
  • Play bocce ball, football and volleyball (all in one day) ______
  • Spot a dolphin _____
  • Write a poem about the beach or a message in a bottle _____
  • Take a crazy and fun BFF or family picture ______
  • Write something cute and adorable in the sand ______
  • Get buried in the sand
  • Have a fun beach Olympics with your friends (relays, balloon toss, egg balance, etc.) _____
  • Do beach yoga ______
  • Have a beach scavenger hunt ______
  • Paint a picture of the beach ______
  • Play guitar or have a sing along _____
  • Take a long relaxing nap (Don’t forget the sunscreen) ______
  • Take an unbelievable picture or selfie (Ex:  You holding the sun as it sets in the sky / Jump and look like you are flying) – Or a group picture of everyone jumping in the air ______
  • Take professional wedding, anniversary or special couple dress up pictures ______
  • Send a picture to a friend that is somewhere cold or not near the ocean saying “Wish you were here” ______
  • Build a fort out of sticks and shells _____
  • Write ” I Love Charleston” in the sand _____

There you have it.  It is official.  You have your bucket list.  Print it out, keep it with you and enjoy having fun at the beach.

Breaking down the five area Charleston Beaches

Tips for visiting Charleston County Beaches

Lowcountry

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina Collects Over $50 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2022 

April 23, 2023 by 0 Comments
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina collected $50,690,774.37 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of this amount, $11,935,768.98 was collected in criminal actions and $38,755,005.39 was collected in civil actions.  The District of South Carolina also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect $10,438,936.69 in criminal and civil cases pursued jointly by these offices.

“Making crime victims whole, forfeiting property used to commit crimes, and recovering money bilked from our taxpayers are critical components of our justice system,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs.  “Our Criminal Division, Civil Division, Asset Forfeiture Unit, and Financial Litigation Unit work day in and day out to claw back ill-gotten gains and ensure victims are compensated, and we will continue to dedicate resources to holding wrongdoers financially accountable.”

In August 2022, Philips RS North America, LLC, formerly known as Respironics, Inc., agreed to pay a total of $24,750,000 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it provided kickbacks to durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers to induce them to choose Respironics’ respiratory equipment for federal healthcare program beneficiaries.  Of the $24,750,000 settlement, state Medicaid programs received $2.13 million.  A relator (also known as a whistleblower) disclosed the alleged fraud by filing a qui tam action and received approximately $4.3 million of the federal settlement amount.  Additionally, Respironics entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG.

The matter was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Daniel A. Spiro of the Fraud Section of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Beth Warren and Johanna Valenzuela of the District of South Carolina.  The lawsuit resolved by this settlement is captioned United States, et al., ex rel. Respiratory Care., LLC v. Respironics, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:19-cv-02913-BHH (D.S.C).  The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. 

Additionally, in United States v. Lavoie et al, Case No. 4:21-cr-00585-RBH (D.S.C.), the U.S. Attorney’s Office recovered $586,805 in restitution owed to the IRS for tax violations.  Daniel A. Lavoie and Enrique R. Reyes pleaded guilty to charges related to employment tax fraud and hiring unauthorized aliens.  They operated or assisted in the operation of a construction company that used unlicensed check cashers to facilitate under-the-table cash payments to employees, many of whom were unauthorized aliens.  The off-the-books payments defrauded the United States out of applicable employment taxes on the employees.  Lavoie and Reyes were each ordered to pay $293,402.50 in restitution for tax violations, all of which has been recovered.  The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Fisher Sherard and Anne Hunter Young of the District of South Carolina. 

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina, working with partner agencies and divisions, also collected $6,130,476 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2022.  Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

###

Contact

CONTACT PERSON:   Brook Andrews, First Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Brook.Andrews@usdoj.gov, (803) 929-3000

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Lowcountry

South Carolina Ranked #5 in U.S. States Struggling with Hiring

April 22, 2023 by 0 Comments
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With labor force participation rates at record lows, Americans quitting at higher than average rates and high demand for talent, businesses are struggling with delays in services or reduced hours. Some states are faring worse than others including South Carolina.

In a recent research done by WalletHub, South Carolina came in as the 5th worst state in meeting hiring needs with the state unemployment rate just over 7% last month (7.10%).

Here are the complete findings:

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Lowcountry

Summerville Medical Center to launch $67M expansion

April 21, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Summerville Medical Center is ready to launch a $66.8 million, 56-bed inpatient project designed to meet the growing health care needs of a burgeoning community.

The hospital, which has invested more than $200 million in the past decade to expand their facility, services and workforce, said in a news release the project will increase the licensed count by 40% to 174 beds.  Construction is expected to begin in August with completion in the spring of 2025.

“This year we are proudly celebrating our 30th anniversary serving families in Summerville and the Tri-County area,” CEO Jeff Taylor said in the news release. “Summerville Medical Center is situated in one of the fastest growing areas in Charleston, and as we work to meet the health needs of our community, it is vital that we add capacity and clinical programs. We are committed to providing the highest quality and most comprehensive care in the heart of Dorchester County for all those who need us, for many years to come.”

Project details include 30 medical/surgical private beds in the existing third floor space, 14 intensive care unit beds on a new fourth floor, 12 progressive care unit beds on the new fourth floor and a new fifth-floor shell space for future expansion.

The project will add 64,000 square feet of new space, the release stated.

“In the past three years, the need for health care services has grown tremendously as our community has grown,” Maury Baker, chief operating officer at Summerville Medical Center, said in the release. “We are excited to offer our patients private, state-of-the art rooms to complement our exceptional medical staff and care team. The additional capacity will allow us to grow our existing programs and add new services.”

Summerville Medical Center is a 124-bed, acute-care hospital serving families in Dorchester and Berkeley counties and surrounding communities for 30 years. The hospital has a 24-hour emergency room, including a dedicated ER for children, and a range of surgical services and comprehensive medical services.

“This investment is a testament to the impact that every single member of our team has on our community,” Chief Nursing Officer Theresa Kloewer said in the release. “Each day they provide the highest level of care and compassion for every person who walks through our doors. I am proud of the care they have provided over the past 30 years and will continue to provide in the future.”

Summerville Medical Center is part of Charleston-based Trident Health.

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This Earth Day, let South Carolina Recycling reminder you of the resources available to preserve our state and planet

April 20, 2023 by 0 Comments
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The recycling industry in South Carolina announced record expansion and investment in 2022 with $4.2 billion in capital investment and 1,852 new jobs.

This Earth Day, explore S.C. Commerce’s complimentary recycling services to support the growing industry, including the agency’s in-house Recycling Market Development staff — among the only in the nation

The Recycling Market Development team launched a NEW free online tool called the SC Recycling Markets Directory.  The directory helps manufacturers keep valuable materials in motion by reducing waste and helping businesses meet sustainability goals. The platform showcases more than 300 South Carolina recycling companies, and it allows manufacturers to easily find recyclers in their area.  

Check out our tutorial here. 

The Recycling Market Development staff at the South Carolina Department of Commerce provides business matchmaking support, administers one-on-one materials management consultation, works with existing and emerging markets for materials, and tracks the economic impact of the recycling industry.

Recycling is a green growth industry in South Carolina, home to over 300 recycling companies including collectors, processors, recycled product manufacturers and equipment makers.  The economic impact of recycling now exceeds $13 billion. In addition, the recycling industry has the ability to scale up employment at a higher rate than the average South Carolina industry with an employment multiplier of  2.4 – this means for every 10 jobs in recycling, there are 14 others created in the SC economy.

In 2021, despite a global pandemic, SC’s recycling industry continued to grow with 6 new or existing companies, $522 million in capital investments, and new 536 jobs, according to the S.C. Department of Commerce’s Recycling Market Development Advisory Council.

Hot off the press…check out our new best management practices for the following commodities:

Glass                          Paper                         Plastics                         Textiles                          Wood/Biomass

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Scout Boats Expanding Dorchester County Operations

April 20, 2023 by 0 Comments
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The company will invest $10 million in expansion

Scout Boats, a leading luxury boat manufacturer, today announced plans to expand its Dorchester County operations with a new, $10 million investment. The investment will expand and renovate the company’s corporate headquarters and will facilitate the production of the new 67 LX series yacht, one of the largest outboard-powered sportfishing yachts to be built in the world.

Scout Boats, one of the top boatbuilders in South Carolina, designs and manufactures world-class, luxury models ranging currently from 17 feet to 53 feet, each packed with timeless innovations, technology and trendsetting features. The company’s portfolio includes custom, state-of-the-art sportfishing center and dual consoles, and inshore and bay boat models.

Scout Boats plans to enlarge its 36-acre campus by expanding and renovating its corporate headquarters located at 130 Spaniel Lane in Summerville. Scout Boats will build a new 35,000-square-foot facility, which will allow the company to build component parts for its yacht division and support its new product line for the 67 LX series, a 67-foot model that debuted at this year’s Miami International Boat Show in February.

Renovations are expected to be complete by spring 2024, and operations are expected to be online by summer 2024.

To learn more about Scout Boats and explore current career opportunities, visit the company’s website. 

QUOTES

“We meet with the craftsmen and women in each of our four plants every month for award ceremonies, and I often remind them that we ship our boats all over the world to some very affluent customers who choose our brand because of the pride they put into each and every build. Congratulations.”
-Scout Boats Chief Executive Officer Steve Potts

“This announcement by Scout Boats is another win for Dorchester County. South Carolina’s boat manufacturing industry continues to thrive because of our world-class workforce. Congratulations to Scout Boats on its $10 million investment that will provide our people even more opportunities in Dorchester County.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“We have a long-standing partnership with Scout Boats and are proud to see its continued growth in Dorchester County. This expansion underscores not only the strength of South Carolina’s growing boat manufacturing sector but speaks to the ability of our workforce to produce luxury products that are available worldwide.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Congratulations to Scout Boats on today’s expansion announcement. Since 1989 Steve Potts and Scout Boats have been important assets to Dorchester County. We are thrilled at Scout Boats’ newest commitment to our community, their employees and recreational boating. Dorchester County looks forward to supporting many more years of Scout Boats’ growing success.”
-Dorchester County Council Chairman S. Todd Friddle

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Scout Boats is expanding its Dorchester County operations.
  • The company will invest $10 million.
  • Scout Boats is a leading luxury boat manufacturer.
  • The facility is located at 130 Spaniel Lane in Summerville, S.C.
  • To learn more about Scout Boats and explore current career opportunities, visit the company’s website. 

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Business Spotlight: Suzy Anderson, Owner 17th Street Studio Photography

April 20, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Southeast destination wedding and special events photographer Suzy Anderson is bringing her unique lens to the Lowcountry

Soon you will be seeing a new face in the photographic landscape of the Charleston community, Suzy Anderson, owner, and operator of 17th Street Studio Photography.

Bringing a unique style of cinematic escapism blending color, black and white and nostalgia, Suzy will take you a place of wonder capturing all your special Lowcountry moments.

About Suzy

I’m Suzy Anderson, Owner 17th Street Studio Photography – A passionate self-taught wedding photographer, gypsy, and wanderlust soul.

My near fluent French speaking skills are only outshined by my belief that everything happens for a reason.  This Aries is an early riser who loves a hot cup of coffee in the company of my fur babies followed by yoga and Pilates; appreciates good quality food and a nice glass of French wine. 

I’m always willing to try and learn something new, determined, motivated and bold.  I work to bring that quality out in my clients.

I originated in Europe, grew up in New Jersey, and moved to North Carolina for the warmth and comfort of the South.  Summertime makes my soul thrive! 

I love:

  • The coastal beaches
  • Vast openness of the mountains
  • Fashion (I went to school in San Diego for fashion design)
  • Movies from romance to murder mysteries
  • I have a fond and nostalgic weakness for vintage photos, music, art, antiques, interior design, architecture, poetry, and pottery.
  • My friends – I cherish the relationships that continue to shape my life’s journey.
  • My clients – To capture a moment so pure and relish it forever cannot be explained properly in words, but a feeling!

I find inspiration in my clients and the surroundings than complete the story.  So often you hear people talk about taking a vacation.  I see each day as an adventure to discover something wonderful.  Life is my constant flowing holiday.

Drawing Inspiration from my father and husband

My dad is my biggest fan and supporter as well as a professional photographer and colleague. As a gift, he gave me a Yashica D camera which I carry with me as a reminder of where I came from. I also love and use a vintage Polaroid camera which is perfect for outdoor shots with a flare of nostalgia. 

My other biggest supporter is my handsome hubby, Jason. It was our own dream destination wedding in Paris that fueled my inspiration to photograph destination weddings. We got married at the 5-Star Shangri-La Paris which was beyond words. Through our own experiences in planing our dream wedding, we retained so much information that I want to carry forward to my clients. 

If it wasn’t for Jason and his encouragement to start my own wedding photography business, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

My Vision:

My business vision is simple: Practice being present in the moment with individuals and couples capturing their most authentic selves by finding those raw emotions deep within their souls and immortalizing their photographic narrative.  

To me, photography and video are the mechanisms of storytelling and reminders of what truly matters. 

Visual storytelling allows me to practice curating a variety of dynamic shots of varying details and locations to create an that perfect permanent feeling.   During this process, I use different lenses to transform my work and give a variety in the final online gallery.

Letting the moments happen naturally is the key to a great photo shoot.

I provide very little direction to my clients which allows me to focus on creativity, composition, and camera settings while they enjoy each other’s love.  My goal is for my clients to remember the natural happenings instead of being directionally posed.  

This natural approach creates an environment of comfort and authenticity.  When generations look back in wonder, they will see in the glimmer of an eye, the glow of a smile and the intense look; this love was real.

Building Blocks of Strong Client Relationships

I build my connection to my clients through transparency and open communication. I love meeting in person or video chats because getting to know them intimately is best done face to face.  

Through their stories, I create mood boards to communicate our collective vision so that we are all aligned. Since I also have a passion for fashion,  I offer a guide to help them with outfits.  “My goal is to feel like the friend you’ve known for years“. I want clients to call me or text me with a detail or idea that they’re excited to share just like you would your close friend. 

There is a collective process that involves so many behind the scenes including designers and planners who we partner with to ensure the perfect dream team.

I offer a free 1-hour consultation where we sit down, get to know one another, discuss vision, expectations, and why my work aligns with your story.  

A Photographer you can trust

Your photographer should be someone you trust and vibe well with. We’re going to be working closely together for weeks, and months leading up to that special day. Every time you reflect and look back at those captured moments, your photographer will come to mind, and you want to feel happy and good about your experience with them. It should feel as if your close friend shot your wedding or special event. 

All smiles for Suzy Anderson

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