Lifestyle

Lowcountry

Parker’s Announces Landmark $20 Million Donation to Support Communities Throughout South Carolina and Georgia

February 25, 2021 by 0 Comments
Read More

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Parker’s – a nationally acclaimed convenience store company and food service leader that was named the 2020 Convenience Store Decisions Chain of the Year – recently donated a record $20 million to support charitable initiatives throughout the company’s corporate footprint.

The Parker’s Community Fund will support a range of charitable causes across the region. A new Community Impact Committee is being formed to make decisions about how to allocate the funds strategically in order to make the biggest impact.

“At Parker’s we have a profound commitment to giving back to the communities that have supported us over the years,” said Parker’s founder and CEO Greg Parker, who was recently inducted into the Convenience Store Hall of Fame. “This initial gift of $20 million is the beginning of a fund that we intend to grow. The new Parker’s Community Fund will allow us to make an even bigger impact in the future, supporting important causes that matter most to our customers.”

Known for its longstanding commitment to charitable giving, Parker’s is one of the most generous companies in the convenience store industry and in the Southeast. In recent years, Parker’s endowed the Parker’s Emergency and Trauma Center at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Ga., and made a record $5 million donation to name the Parker College of Business at Georgia Southern University, supporting the next generation of business leaders in Georgia.

In addition, the company’s acclaimed Fueling the Community charitable giving initiative gives back to every community where Parker’s does business. A percentage of the gas sold at all Parker’s locations on the first Wednesday of the month is donated to the Fueling the Community program, supporting education, healthcare and other important causes.

“We have a strong commitment to the Palmetto State and are incredibly grateful for the support of our customers in Charleston, Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, Summerville, Walterboro, Hardeeville, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort and Port Royal,” said Parker. “We look forward to making an even bigger charitable impact in South Carolina in 2021 and beyond.”

Since its founding in 1976, Parker’s has grown from a one-store operation in Midway, Ga. to an award-winning, 68-store company with state-of-the-art convenience stores located throughout Georgia and South Carolina, serving delicious, award-winning Southern-inspired Parker’s Kitchen food that’s made from scratch on-site. Parker’s was recently named the 2020 Convenience Store Decisions Chain of the Year, which is the convenience store industry’s highest honor, and was voted one of America’s top 10 gas station brands by USA TODAY readers. The company also earned a 2020 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, which is presented to the top 10% of restaurants across the United States.

Parker’s has been included on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies for five years and has been honored by Food and Wine as one of America’s Best Convenience Stores, by The Shelby Report as the Southeast Retailer of the Year and by Convenience Store News as the Foodservice Leader of the Year. The Parker’s Rewards loyalty program, which includes more than 210,000 members, has saved customers more than $15 million to date.

Currently celebrating its 45th anniversary, Parker’s stands apart as one of America’s most respected convenience store brands and is known for having the cleanest stores in the industry. The company serves award-winning Southern-inspired food, offers an acclaimed Parker’s Rewards program and gives back to every community where it does business through the Fueling the Community charitable giving program. Parker’s employs more than 1,200 individuals throughout the region and completes more than 125,000 transactions daily.

ABOUT PARKER’S:
Honored as the 2020 Convenience Store Decisions Chain of the Year, Parker’s is strategically redefining the nation’s convenience store industry, offering customers high-quality products, freshly prepared food and superior customer service at retail stores throughout southeast Georgia and South Carolina. Headquartered in Savannah, Ga., Parker’s has a commitment to exceeding customer expectations and has repeatedly been recognized as one of the nation’s leading convenience store and foodservice companies. Parker’s Kitchen, the popular food-centric brand under the Parker’s umbrella, serves world-famous hand-breaded Southern Fried Chicken Tenders as well as made-from-scratch mac ‘n’ cheese, a breakfast bar and daily specials. The company’s popular Parker’s Rewards loyalty program, which includes more than 210,000 members, has saved Parker’s customers more than $15 million to date. Learn more: www.parkerskitchen.com.

RECENT AWARDS AND ACCOLADES:

● Hall of Fame Inductee – Convenience Store News

● 2020 Best Gas Station Brand Top 10 – USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

● 2020 Convenience Store Chain of the Year – Convenience Store Decisions

● 2020 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

● Legacy Leader – Georgia Trend

● America’s Best Convenience Stores – Food and Wine

● 2019 Southeast Retailer of the Year – The Shelby Report

● 2019 Fastest Growing Companies in America – Inc. 5000

● 2018 Convenience Foodservice Leader of the Year – Convenience Store News

● Top 10 U.S. Gas Station Brands – Gas Buddy

● 50 Most Influential People in Convenience Store History – Convenience Store News

● Best Convenience Store – Savannah Morning News Readers’ Choice Awards

● Best Convenience Store – Savannah Magazine Best of Savannah Awards

● Best Convenience Store – Statesboro Herald “Best in the ‘Boro” Awards

● Best Convenience Store – Bryan County Now “Best of Bryan” Awards

● Regional Economic Impact Award – Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce

● Best Convenience Store – Island Packet

● Most Fab Convenience Store – Effingham Herald

● Most Fabulous Gas Station – Effingham Living

● Wayne County’s Favorite Convenience Store – Jesup Press-Sentinel

Image: Parker’s founder and CEO Greg Parker, center right, recently presented a record $20 million donation to Savannah Community Foundation President Russ Simpson, center, to create the Parker’s Community Fund, which will benefit a wide range of charitable initiatives in coastal South Carolina and Georgia. Parker’s Chief Innovation Officer Eric Jones, Parker’s Chief of Staff Kate Smith, Parker’s President Jeff Bush, Savannah Community Foundation Board Chairman Stephen Leonard, Parker’s Chief Operations Officer Brandon Hofmann, Parker’s Chief Financial Officer Brian Prevatt and Parker’s General Counsel Blake Greco (l-r) also attended the check presentation ceremony.

Lowcountry

Town of Mount Pleasant, SC Holds Ribbon-Cutting for Shem Creek Crab House

February 25, 2021 by 0 Comments
Read More

By John Greenberg, Mount Pleasant Communications and Marketing Coordinator

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (February 19, 2021) – Charleston Crab House Owner John Keener and Partner Chaz Wendel, together with Mount Pleasant Council Members Kathy Landing and Gray Santos, along with Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce President-Elect Jennifer Maxwell, Vice President Michael Cochran, and President Emeritus Chris Staubes, today attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Shem Creek Crab House, located at 508 Mill St, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.

After opening in 1991, The Charleston Crab House has opened multiple locations across South Carolina, the latest being the Shem Creek Crab House in Mount Pleasant. 

“We are very fortunate and excited to return to Mount Pleasant, this time being able to have a restaurant on the water at Shem Creek,” Keener said. He continued “we are looking forward to being a part of the Mount Pleasant community once again.”

Shem Creek Crab House is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. They are open Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.To learn more about Shem Creek Crab House, visit their website to view their menu or call them directly at (843) 725-4902.

Source Link

Lowcountry - North Charleston, SC

Volunteer with Keep North Charleston Beautiful (KNCB) – Learn more here

February 24, 2021 by 0 Comments
Read More

WHY VOLUNTEER?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Keep North Charleston Beautiful is only as strong as its volunteers. This is an opportunity for you to make a difference in North Charleston. We have a volunteer opportunity for everyone, no matter their age, skills, or interest. To see a full list of our programs, please visit our programs page by clicking here.

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

If you are interested in volunteering with Keep North Charleston Beautiful, please fill out our online volunteer form or contact the KNCB office at 843-745-1073.

Volunteer Form

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

Keep North Charleston Beautiful recognizes volunteers through our Volunteer Appreciation Program. Click the link below to learn more about the incentives available to volunteers, including how you can earn a President’s Volunteer Service Award by volunteering with KNCB.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

Official Website

Lowcountry

Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen Names Matthew Chaplin as New Executive Chef

February 23, 2021 by 0 Comments
Read More

CHARLESTON, SC- February 22, 2021- Folly Road’s newest addition, Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen, located in the South Windermere Shopping Center, has named Matthew Chaplin as their new Executive Chef. A Charleston native who attended the Culinary Institute of Charleston, Chef Matthew’s extensive skill set expands the culinary spectrum. He looks forward to using his southern cuisine expertise to enhance Florence’s already mouthwatering menu of Lowcountry classics with a twist for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, ranging from Fried Chicken & Waffles to Shrimp & Grits, and Jambalaya.

“I was born to cook, having been raised in a home that celebrated both southern and Italian cuisine,” shared Chef Matthew. “I’ve got a soft spot for southern fare, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to join the Queen Street Hospitality Group team and do what I love every day.” 

Chef Matthew’s background includes a wide range of culinary experiences ranging from dive bars to food trucks to fine dining, including studying organic cuisine in Asheville, working as the Protein Chef at Middleton Place, and most recently owning and operating Rocco’s Italian Sausage in West Ashley. After having to shut down due to Covid-19, Chef Matthew joined the Florence’s team as Sous Chef before taking over as Executive Chef in February 2021.

Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m.- 9:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Brunch is served on both Saturdays and Sundays. 

Lowcountry - Summerville & Goose Creek, SC

Introducing the new Goose Creek Farmers & Artisans Market

February 22, 2021 by 0 Comments
Read More
  • When: Every Saturday at 10 AM EST – 2 PM EST
  • Where: 519 N Goose Creek Blvd, Goose Creek, SC 29445-2962, United States
  • Official Event Page

Details

Come join us for our brand new year-round Goose Creek Farmers & Artisans Market! Our Market will feature local artisans, crafters, farmers, growers, makers & businesses and provide them with a place to sell their wares and services. 


Our market will have live music whenever available and also showcase local charity/community groups. We are a family-friendly market and well-behaved leashed pets are always welcome. Follow us on Facebook for more information.


If you would like to sign up to be a part of our market please fill out the Application here: https://forms.gle/ygMyeKMSpmzezrFk8 

We are accepting applications on a continual basis to build our pool of Vendors. Please note that we are not affiliated with the City of Goose Creek and you will need to contact us directly with any questions or comments. Thanks and we hope you are as excited as we are!

Lowcountry

Charleston Parks Conservancy Announces New Leadership – Tom McGuire hired as Executive Director

February 22, 2021 by 0 Comments
Read More

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Charleston Parks Conservancy has hired Tom McGuire as its executive director. 


McGuire comes to the Conservancy from Washington, D.C., where he served as the executive director of the Friends of the National Arboretum, an independent nonprofit established to support the U.S. National Arboretum. McGuire’s past experiences also include serving as president and CEO of eNature, a provider of digital educational material and mobile applications as well as senior leadership roles at the National Wildlife Federation and World Wildlife Fund. McGuire has also served on the boards of the National Wildlife Action Fund and EarthShare.

“We are delighted to welcome Tom to our staff and to Charleston,” said Kitty Robinson, chair of the search committee and member of the Charleston Parks Conservancy board of directors. “With more than 30 years of executive leadership experience, and with specific experience leading organizations focused on environmental issues, we believe Tom is uniquely positioned to lead the Conservancy and direct its continued impact in our community.” “I am excited to be a part of this dynamic organization,” McGuire said. “The Conservancy’s mission of connecting the people of Charleston with their parks and strengthening the community around them is an inspiring one that seems more timely every day.” At its meeting on Feb. 2, the board of directors also elected Charles “Charley” McLendon as chairperson.

McClendon succeeds Darla Moore, who has served as chairperson since founding the organization in 2007. McLendon is managing principal at Laurens Capital Advisors, LLC. 
“We are incredibly indebted to Darla for her visionary leadership and years of service to the parks and the citizens of Charleston,” McLendon said. “Having her continued involvement with the board as chair emeritus will be invaluable.” 


Moore thanked the board for the honor of being named chair emeritus, saying, “I’m as proud of the Charleston Parks Conservancy and what we achieved together as any organization I’ve worked with. I’m eager to see them continue to grow and develop with new leaders.” 

 
The board of directors also welcomed two new board members, Harry Lesesne and George Bullwinkel. Lesesne is executive director of The Darla Moore Foundation and served as the executive director of Charleston Parks Conservancy from 2012 to 2020. Prior to joining the Conservancy, he served as senior adviser to Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr., where he was responsible for advising the mayor on all aspects of city government.


George Bullwinkel is a partner with Nexsen Pruet. He practices primarily in the areas of real estate acquisition and development, commercial real estate, and administrative law, including permitting, zoning and land sales registrations; development agreements and economic development. Bullwinkel represents clients in securing economic development incentives, large tract rezoning approval and infrastructure agreements with various agencies, counties and municipalities around South Carolina. 


About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. For more than 13 years, the Conservancy — through public-private partnerships — has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston. In 2020, renovations were completed at Moultrie Playground and at St. Julian Devine Community Center & Park. Other notable projects include the complete renovation of Colonial Lake, the renovation of the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park as well as Magnolia Park and Community Garden and Medway Park and Community Garden. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org. 

Lowcountry

Charleston Adopt-a-Drain Program – What you need to know

February 19, 2021 by 0 Comments
Read More

You Can Help!

The Adopt-a-Drain program allows local citizens or organizations to “adopt” a storm drain to help protect their nearby drains from unwanted debris, pollutants or blockages.

Adopt-a-Drain Today! 

A Community Effort

The familiar phrase “of the people, by the people, for the people” comes from Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address. It describes democracy as a system grounded in citizenship and public participation. The path to resilience is similar in the sense that we are all stakeholders and, therefore, have a role to play. Each of us can reduce or prevent flooding in our own way. 

One way is by clearing debris and litter from entry points to storm drains. These pollutants can build up and prohibit stormwater from properly flowing off of streets and sidewalks, ultimately resulting in flooding.  In addition, clearing debris helps to prevent unnecessary nutrients in the form of leaves, yard debris and fertilizers from contaminating waterways.

Join the Initiative

Within a few short steps from your home or business, a storm drain is likely in need of your support.  Anyone can adopt!  Individuals, families, businesses, schools, and organizations of all types such as churches, clubs and sports teams, who feel they can effectively and reasonably monitor a drain.

Benefits of Adopting a Storm Drain

  • Help Reduce or Prevent Flooding
    Clogged storm drain inlets can cause or worsen flooding. Keeping drains free of debris will help water drain properly.
  • Help Protect Our Waterways from Pollution 
    Stormwater flows to waterways untreated and is the #1 contributor of pollution to our waters.  By keeping litter and pollutants out of storm drains you are helping protect the area’s water bodies. 
  • Help Keep Your Neighborhood Clean and Free of Litter
    Set a positive example by being an active steward of your neighborhood.

A drain in need of adopting

It’s Easy!  Here’s How It Works

1 – 2 – 3!

  1. Monitor the adopted drain weekly and remove debris on and around the drain as needed- particularly before a rain or storm event if it is safe to do so.
  2. Clear debris within the curb area several yards along each side of the storm drain, especially an uphill side where debris will likely flow towards the drain.
  3. Report your efforts to let us know you have inspected and/or serviced your drain by periodically submitting a simple “Field Inspection Report” (mobile friendly!) Learn More about reporting.

View complete HOW TO instructions and guidelines

Where to find the drains available

Lowcountry - North Charleston, SC

North Charleston Based Miller, Dawson, Sigal, & Ward Injury Attorneys offering “The Thumbs Up Guys Scholarship” for students accepted or attending a South Carolina college/university

February 17, 2021 by 0 Comments
Read More

The Thumbs Up Guys Scholarship

At Miller, Dawson, Sigal, & Ward Injury Attorneys, we are loyal to our community. We have its back through thick and thin, protecting the rights of the people who belong to it. That’s why we’re known as the Thumbs Up Guys.

While ours is traditionally a reactionary role in society, it is our belief that to love your community and do right by it, you also have to be proactive. That is why we are pleased to launch the Thumbs Up Guys Scholarship. Because education paves the way for a society to flourish, we want to play a part in helping students get the schooling they desire to contribute something great to our community. The scholarship will grant three students a $1,000 scholarship each to be applied towards their tuition or other education-related expenses.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Students who have been accepted or currently attend a 2 or 4-year college or university in South Carolina.GPA of at least 3.0.

Employees of Miller, Dawson, Sigal, & Ward Injury Attorneys and their relatives are not eligible to participate.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit their application and essay via this form.

ESSAY TOPIC

At Miller, Dawson, Sigal, & Ward, we’ve dedicated our careers to serving members of our community when they need us most. We’re not just their lawyers, we’re their partners in navigating challenging times. That’s why we’re known as the Thumbs Up Guys — because we’ve always got your back!In 500-750 words, tell us about a time you went above and beyond to have someone’s back in their time of need, and what you learned from that experience.

IMPORTANT DATES

October 23rd, 2020 – We will begin accepting applications for the Thumbs Up Guys Scholarship. April 30th, 2021 – Application deadline. Submissions after this date will not be accepted. May 17th-21st, 2021 – The three chosen winners will be notified via email. May 24th – June 11th, 2021 – Checks will be distributed directly to the winners. We will coordinate a time with you to pick up your award!**The winning applicants will be announced on Miller, Dawson, Sigal, & Ward Injury Attorneys’  social media.

By submitting an application, you agree to allow us to use your submission for marketing purposes. We look forward to receiving your scholarship application!