UK and the State of South Carolina hold inaugural government-to-government working group

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Today, the UK and the State of South Carolina held the inaugural government-to-government working group under the auspices of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and trade relations between the US state of South Carolina and the United Kingdom in Columbia, S.C.  
 
Rachel Galloway, Consul General for the United Kingdom in Atlanta, and Ashely Teasdel, Deputy Secretary of Commerce for the State of South Carolina, led the working group attended by officials from the respective governments, with the discussion focused on cooperation, sharing best practices, and increasing bilateral trade in #automotive, #advancedmanufacturing, and #lifesciences, as well as opportunities for British firms to increase participation in South Carolina’s #procurement market. 
 
The UK is a significant trading partner for South Carolina. Several UK companies have subsidiaries based in South Carolina including, Doncasters Trucast Inc, GKN Aerospace, and Sigmatex. Thousands of South Carolinians are employed by UK companies, with many of those jobs in the Palmetto State supported by exports to the UK. 
 
South Carolina and the UK agreed to a further session to be held in late 2023, which will involve representatives from industry as part of the continued work to deliver for businesses in the UK and South Carolina. The parties also agreed to facilitate further bilateral policy and research and development exchange on an ad hoc basis before the next working group meeting. 

Source: South Carolina Department of Commerce – LinkedIn

Charleston, SC Ranked #9th Best Metro for the Gig Economy in New Study

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A new study published by CommercialSearch ranks the country’s 20 best metros for the gig economy. The results put Charleston, South Carolina as the 9th best U.S. metro for the gig economy.

For this ranking, the study analyzed and compared data on more than 70 of the most populous metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S., scoring them across several indicators.

Here are some of the key highlights:

  • Charleston ranked 9th best U.S. metro for the gig economy.
  • Median annual earnings of self-employed individuals operating unincorporated businesses in Charleston increased by 25.3% in five years, which ranked the metro 4th for this indicator among the top 20 in the U.S., behind Indianapolis (28.4%), Jacksonville (32.3%), and Richmond, Va. (35.8%).
  • Annual median earnings of self-employed Charleston metro residents operating unincorporated businesses stood at $32,839, which ranked 5th-highest among the top 20 metros in the U.S., and 3rd-highest within the Southern U.S. region.
  • Nearly 30 of the 71 metros we compared for this ranking hail from the Southern U.S., making it the largest regional group in the mix.
  • The Southern U.S. was the only region in our ranking from which all of the top 10 metros for the gig economy also scored among the best 20 in the country.

You can find more information about this topic and about the methodology used in our full report: https://www.commercialsearch.com/blog/best-us-metros-gig-economy/

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Hip Hop Poem about Charleston, South Carolina

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In the heart of the South, where the spirit’s alive, There’s a city known for rhythm, where history thrives. Charleston, SC, where the past meets the new, Let me paint you a picture, let me show you the view.

In the streets of Chucktown, where the cobblestones lay, There’s a vibrant energy that won’t fade away. From the Battery to the Market, the vibe is so sweet, Where Gullah culture and hip hop meet.

In the shadow of the oaks, where the breeze softly blows, Weaving tales of resilience, everybody knows. Charleston’s history, rooted deep in the soil, The struggles and triumphs that we fiercely toil.

From the days of plantations, with their dark history, To the triumphs of the present, a city so free. We honor our roots, celebrate our heritage, And in the face of adversity, we find our leverage.

On the Eastside, where the artists reside, They paint their stories, they won’t be denied. Graffiti on the walls, expressing pain and dreams, Through spray cans and lyrics, the culture redeems.

From the Holy City’s steeples to the Ravenel Bridge, There’s a unity here that you can’t dismiss. We dance to the rhythm, we move to the beat, From the clubs on King Street to the alleys on East Bay Street.

In the kitchens of soul food, where flavors collide, Gumbo and collard greens, we take pride. We season our music with a spicy blend, Charleston’s hip hop, a movement we defend.

From DJ battles to open mics at night, We bring the heat, shining under the city lights. Rappers and poets, storytellers on stage, Crafting narratives that resonate with rage.

Charleston, SC, a city so unique, Where the river meets the ocean, where dreams find their peak. From the swamps of the Lowcountry to the spires above, This hip hop poem is my way to show love.

So, let the beat drop, feel the rhythm in your soul, Charleston’s hip hop culture, never growing old. We honor the past, but we pave the way, For a future where hip hop continues to sway.

In the heart of the South, where the spirit’s alive, Charleston, SC, where hip hop thrives.

71-Year-Old Charleston, SC Woman Graduates College With Her Daughter

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Yvonne Spann Sowers, a 71-year-old African American mother from Charleston, South Carolina, proudly graduated from college at the same time as her daughter, Eyamba.

Sowers graduated from W.L. Bonner College, achieving her long-held dream of earning her bachelor’s degree in biblical studies.

“I always had a yearning to learn more about the word of God and what it did, it enhanced my understanding of the word of God,” she told ABC News 4.

What’s more, Sowers’ daughter, Eyamba, graduated a month later from National University with a master’s degree in homeland security and emergency management.

“It just lined up to where my mom graduated in https://c431a877a30bef12f2619a3aa3425ab2.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html?n=0May, and I’ll be graduating in June with my master’s degree,” Eyamba said. “Watching her throughout my life has always been an inspiration, and when I was watching her achieve her dream of getting the bachelor’s degree and seeing how well she did, it just forced me to want to excel as well.”

Yvonne and Eyamba have not only completed their degrees but have done so with distinction. They both graduated cum laude, with Yvonne finishing at the top of her class as valedictorian.

For this mother-daughter duo, their graduation serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to chase your dreams.

“Growing up in a single-parent home and being a single mom in my life, and just the challenges in life, and I was able to overcome this and do these things — it is just a journey that I’m glad that I took,” Eyamba said. “There is nothing too hard or challenging that if you put your mind to it that you cannot achieve if you work towards it.”

Source Link: Black Enterprise

Congratulations Captain Ryan O’Shea on your Charleston Fire Department Promotion

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The Charleston Fire Department conducted a badge pinning ceremony last Friday, June 9, 2023 for newly promoted Captain Ryan O’Shea at CFD Headquarters in Downtown Charleston, SC.
Pictured: Captain O’Shea was joined by his family and fellow firefighters as Fire Chief Dan Curia presented him with his Captain’s badge. Those in attendance shared anecdotes and offered their support in this next phase of Captain O’Shea’s career before being pinned by his wife.
Congratulations, Captain!
We wish you the best on your new assignment to Engine 121, A-Shift.



“Outer Banks” seeks extras for Season 4 shoot next week in Charleston, SC

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Netflix series Outer Banks is looking for extras to be featured in Season 4, which starts filming in Charleston on Monday.

Another filming session of the hit show Outer Banks is underway in the Lowcountry.

Casting agency Kimmie Stewart Casting is looking for extras in the following roles:

Monday June 12

  • Pougue Adult
    • “Salty”, “Rough around the edges” character types.
    • All genders, all ethnicities, ages 30 & up

Tuesday June 13https://4c3952d598f41993a0a9e9ab08e5535f.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html?n=0

  • Heyward Family Adult
    • Black American, all genders, ages 21 & up
  • Heyward Family Child
    • Black American, all genders, ages 8 – 17
    • MUST HAVE AN ADULT THAT CAN WORK WITH YOU IN THE SCENE. SUBMIT CHILD & ADULT IN THE SAME EMAIL
  • Family Friend
    • All genders, all ethnicities, ages 8 to 17 or 21 & up

Wednesday June 14

  • Auction Attendee
    • All genders, all ethnicities, ages 30 & up

Extras must check the costume blog for directions on what outfit options to bring.

To be considered, submit the following to stewartcastingbg@gmail.com

  • Name
  • Age
  • Height/weight
  • Shirt size
  • Pant size
  • Shoe size
  • Any visible tattoos/piercings
  • Two current photos
  • City and state of residence
  • Phone number
  • Color, make, and model of vehicle you will be driving to set
  • Subject line of your email should be role you’re submitting for
  • Confirm you are available in Charleston on the required dates

The pay rate is guaranteed $88 with time & 1/2 after 8 hours

Source: WCBD

Charleston Coffee Fest has announced it is ending its run (and they have 2k coffee mugs for the taking)

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In a statement on Instagram, Charleston Coffee Fest has announced that they will not longer be hosting the annual event and they have over 2000 5 ounce coffee mugs for any local coffee shops that would want them.

Official Statement

Dear Coffee Friends,

It is with great sadness that I have made the difficult decision to no longer host the Charleston Coffee Fest. We have loved celebrating the South East’s burgeoning coffee culture with you all over the years. With that being said, we have roughly 2k Acme + Co. porcelain mugs available to any coffee shop in the Charleston area that can use them. (Must be picked up on James Island) They are the 5oz mugs and all different colors. If you are interested please email me at Hello@WeArePetaloso.com.

A HUGE thank you to all of the sponsors, vendors and patrons who have supported this event, thank you all for your love and commitment to the Charleston Coffee Fest over the years. This was not an easy decision and I am sad to report this news. If there are any event producers in town who are interested in purchasing the event to take it over to keep the event going, feel free to reach out to Lori at Hello@WeArePetaloso.com.

Happy Caffeinating Coffee Friends,
L

Enjoy this new video journey of Charleston, SC from Sophia Claire

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In Sophia Claire’s new Charleston VLOG she explores Cypress Gardens, Perfumery, Art Museums, Afternoon Tea, Cafés and more.

About the Video

Visit Charleston, South Carolina with us! We went mid May and spent a few days strolling the city, taking a perfume class, rowing a boat where The Notebook was filmed… and other bits in between. The weather was perfection! This was our very first time visiting the historical city.

We definitely will be back for its unique charm!

Here’s where we ate in Charleston!

  • The Palmetto Café
  • Basic Kitchen
  • La Patisserie
  • 167 Sushi Bar
  • Camellias
  • Poe’s Tavern
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH-IAkoUhAA

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Pan Technology and Itron, Inc make major investments in South Carolina with new operations (170+ new jobs)

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Pan Technology, Inc.

$7.2 million investment will create 72 new jobs

Pan Technology, Inc. (Pan Technology), a manufacturer of pigment dispersions, specialty inks and coatings, today announced plans to establish its first South Carolina operations in Spartanburg County. The company’s $7.2 million investment will create 72 new jobs.

Headquartered in Carlstadt, New Jersey, Pan Technology specializes in manufacturing colorants, coatings and a wide variety of related specialty products for the paint and coatings, furniture, automotive, ink, construction and cosmetic industries.

With current operations in New Jersey, Pan Technology plans to build a new facility located at 109 Belton Drive in Spartanburg. The facility will expand the company’s manufacturing, lab and warehouse footprint into South Carolina.

Operations are expected to be online by the end of 2023. Individuals interested in joining the Pan Technology team should visit the company’s contact page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project.

QUOTES

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to expand our business with the help from the talented people of South Carolina. It’s a privilege to become part of Spartanburg County where we look forward to developing and expanding our products portfolio, which is diverse, sustainable and specialized to meet the customer’s objective.”
-Pan Technology, Inc. President Michael Rossomando

“It’s always exciting to see a company choose to increase its footprint by establishing South Carolina operations. Today we celebrate Pan Technology’s decision to invest $7.2 million and create new jobs in Spartanburg County.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina’s manufacturing industry continues to play an important role in our economy. Because of companies like Pan Technology, we are further diversifying this sector while also providing unique opportunities within the state.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We are grateful and excited when Spartanburg County is the chosen location for a business to expand its statewide options. Pan Technology couldn’t have picked a better location to align with their core businesses. In Spartanburg County, they’ve found a supportive partner to accommodate their mission and future growth. We welcome them to the Spartanburg team.”
-Spartanburg County Councilman and Economic Development Committee Chairman David Britt

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Pan Technology, Inc. (Pan Technology) is establishing its first South Carolina operations in Spartanburg County.
  • The company’s $7.2 million investment will create 72 new jobs.
  • Pan Technology is a manufacturer of pigment dispersions, specialty inks and coatings.
  • Pan Technology is located at 109 Belton Drive in Spartanburg, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Pan Technology team should visit the company’s contact page.  

Itron, Inc.

Company plans capital expenditure of $28.5 million over three years and will create nearly 100 new jobs

Gov. Henry McMaster and the S.C. Department of Commerce today announced that Itron, a global industrial Internet of Things (IoT) leader that innovates the way utilities and cities manage energy and water, plans to expand its Oconee County operations. The company is planning a capital expenditure of $28.5 million over three years that will create nearly 100 new jobs in the area.

Serving communities in more than 100 countries, Itron enables utilities and cities to safely, securely and reliably deliver critical infrastructure solutions. The company’s portfolio of smart networks, software, services, meters and sensors helps its customers better manage their critical infrastructure. Working to create a more resourceful world, Itron strives to improve quality of life, while ensuring the safety and well-being of millions of people around the globe.

Located at 313 S. Highway 11 in West Union, Itron plans to expand its existing facility and establish a Center of Excellence for manufacturing operations in North America. The company will reconfigure the plant to include manufacturing for gas and water endpoints, which collect and transmit meter data. Currently, the facility manufactures Itron’s next generation smart electric and gas meters.

The expansion is expected to be complete by the end of 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Itron team should visit the company’s careers page. 

QUOTES

“Itron’s Oconee plant has a long history of manufacturing excellence and is known for its commitment to quality. Through past acquisitions, we have been located in the area for more than 50 years. We are proud of our roots here and look forward to expanding our operations.”
-Itron North America Operations Director and Oconee Plant Manager Vijay Rajaram

“We are extremely proud to see another Itron expansion in South Carolina. As a long-standing partner, Itron has served South Carolina for years, providing opportunities to the Oconee County community. Congratulations Itron, on continued success in the state.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“Itron has been a member of the Oconee County business community for more than 50 years, and we are delighted to support another investment within our borders. Itron continues to provide solutions to modernize critical infrastructure which is vital to sustainable economic development. Congratulations to Itron; we are grateful for such a strong partnership.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Since 1962, Itron has been a fixture in Oconee County. Their longevity is a testament to Itron and to the dedicated employee workforce in our area. It has been amazing to see the transformation in the utility meters which this company manufactures. We look forward to being part of Itron’s next generation of electric and gas meters.”
-Senate President Thomas C. Alexander

“It’s another top shelf for business moment in Oconee County with Itron’s decision to establish a Center of Excellence at their West Union facility. Itron is a world leader in the utility metering and monitoring sector and has been an important part of Oconee County’s economy for many years. As one of the county’s longest operating manufacturers, we are thrilled that Itron is making a commitment to significantly expand their Oconee operations, and we appreciate the new investment and excellent job opportunities it will generate. It speaks volumes about Oconee County’s outstanding business climate and workforce, which are capable of supporting a variety of advanced manufacturers.”
-Oconee Economic Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer Jamie Gilbert 

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Itron is expanding its Oconee County operations.
  • The company is planning a capital expenditure of $28.5 million over three years that will create nearly 100 new jobs in the area.
  • Itron is a global industrial Internet of Things (IoT) leader that innovates the way utilities and cities manage energy and water.
  • Itron is located at 313 S. Highway 11 in West Union, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Itron team should visit the company’s careers page. 

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