Lifestyle

Lowcountry

City of Charleston Releases Public Statement on July 19 Horse Carriage Incident

July 23, 2019 by 0 Comments
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Statement on July 19 Horse Carriage Incident


Charleston, S.C.– Today, city of Charleston director of Livability and Tourism Dan Riccio issued the following statement regarding an incident involving a Palmetto Carriage horse that took place this afternoon:
“At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, Palmetto carriage #142, pulled by horses Barnum and Bailey, was on a tour when Barnum tripped and fell to her knees while travelling on Pitt Street. Barnum was able to immediately rise to her feet unassisted, and Palmetto Carriage employees responded to the scene to assist.


“The carriage returned to the barn where City Equine Manager Shannon Tilman examined Barnum. Shannon observed minor abrasions on Barnum’s left front corpus, fetlock, elbow, and left hind hock. Palmetto Carriage notified a veterinarian to respond to the company barn and conduct a full exam.


“Dr. Katie Lowenstein from Edisto Equine Veterinary Clinic responded, conducted a medical assessment, reported that the horse did not suffer any significant injuries and treated the small abrasions. The doctor indicated that Barnum could return to work on Monday, July 22, 2019.

“No passengers on the carriage were injured during the event.”
The report on today’s incident will be released upon completion.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jack O’Toole, Director of Communications
Media Relations/Public Information
(843) 518-3228
otoolej@charleston-sc.gov

Lowcountry

Documenting Life and Times in Charleston, SC in Video – 5 Great Video Experiences in the Holy City

July 21, 2019 by 0 Comments
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We are the historians for future generations. Every one of us has the tools to document in video, words, images and stories, the moments that matter and preserve them.

We have found some great video experiences of Charleston, South Carolina captured in the Summer of 2019 that we wanted to share. Thank you to everyone that not only experiences the magic of Charleston, but shares their stories.

Charleston Family Vacation – July 2019

Things to Do in Charleston, SC in 24 Hours

Jamie Slate Live in Charleston, SC – Holy City Confessionals

Ellie Hansen’s Charleston, SC Road Trip

Edith Noble Charleston, SC Vlog

7 Must See Historic Charleston, SC Videos

Lowcountry

Benefitfocus Launches Enterprise HCM API Data Exchange Capabilities

July 21, 2019 by 0 Comments
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API data capabilities create seamless experience and simplify benefits ecosystem connections

CHARLESTON, S.C./PRNewswire/ — Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT), a leading cloud-based benefits management platform and services provider, announced today an expansion of its enterprise data exchange capabilities focused on human capital management (HCM) software API integrations. Leveraging the company’s position as the benefits industry data standard, as chosen by the global insurance industry data standards body, ACORD, Benefitfocus is expanding its data exchange capabilities to address HCM API integrations. The move supports Benefitfocus’ multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment in world-class data.

Benefits enrollment and administration is a critical component of the employee lifecycle and, until now, employers have struggled with heavily manual processes, SFTP interactions, process batches, latency and data sync challenges. Benefitfocus’ enterprise HCM API approach addresses these issues and removes points of friction that have challenged the seamless integration of benefits enrollment and administration offerings into enterprise HCM solutions. Through this innovation, employers who utilize contemporary HCM platforms for certain human resources processes will benefit through seamless integration of data, business process and user experience functionality.

“Our enterprise HCM API approach will enable deeper integration across solutions, giving customers a single system-of-record experience,” explains Jim Restivo, Chief Technology Officer of Benefitfocus. “We have developed a real-time data exchange approach that can be used across HCM solution providers, while still allowing customers to subscribe to a world-class point solution.”

Ray August, Benefitfocus President & CEO, adds, “We are focused on eliminating manual operation pain points across the benefits ecosystem to save customers time and money. Ultimately, this drives higher data accuracy and translates into a better experience for both the benefits administrator and the employee.”

Earlier this year Benefitfocus was recognized as a benefits industry innovator from multiple integration partners for its commitment to excellence, impact and collaboration in transforming the benefits industry. The company expects to make its enterprise HCM API generally available later this year.

About Benefitfocus

Benefitfocus (NASDAQ: BNFT) unifies the entire U.S. benefits industry on a single technology platform to protect consumers’ health, wealth, property and lifestyle. Our powerful cloud-based software, data-driven insights and thoughtfully-designed services, enable employers, insurance brokers and carriers to simplify the complexity of benefits administration and deliver a world-class benefits experience. Learn more at www.benefitfocus.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Actual results or performance might differ materially from those explicit or implicit in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: the need to innovate and provide useful products and services; our ability to compete effectively; management of growth; our ability to maintain our culture and recruit and retain qualified personnel; the immature and volatile nature of the market for our products and services; risks related to changing healthcare and other applicable regulations; privacy; security and other risks associated with our business; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in our SEC filings, copies of which are available free of charge within the Investor Relations section of the Benefitfocus website at http://investor.benefitfocus.com/sec-filings or upon request from our investor relations department. Benefitfocus assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

SOURCE Benefitfocus, Inc.

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Lowcountry

Bank of America Brings Student Leaders® Program to Charleston As A Signature Philanthropic Investment in Youth and Young Adults

July 21, 2019 by 0 Comments
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Bank Engages Community-Minded Teens in Paid Nonprofit Internships and Leadership Development

Charleston, S.C.— Bank of America announced the expansion of its Student Leader program to include two high school students from the Charleston community.  Student Leaders (#BofAStudentLeaders) is a signature philanthropic program that offers young people an opportunity to build their workforce and leadership skills through a paid summer internship at a local nonprofit and the ability to help improve their communities. The program also empowers these civically engaged youth at a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C.  Now in its fifteenth year, the bank has recognized nearly 3,500 Student Leaders from across the country. With its expansion to the Charleston region, as well as 29 additional new markets across the U.S., the program will engage nearly 300 young people during the summer of 2019.

Today, about 15 percent of all young people across the country, or 4.7 million, are categorized as disconnected youth who aren’t in school and don’t have a job.  Without access to opportunities that build career skills, many young people may be left behind, leading to high rates of youth unemployment and juvenile delinquency and hindering overall economic progress. Paid youth employment programs like Student Leaders that connect young adults to education, training and the job market can help them build workforce skills while also enabling them to engage with their community in unique ways.  

Through Student Leaders, Bank of America helps young people gain work experience, broaden their perspective on how nonprofits serve community needs, and advance their civic engagement. Student Leaders from across the country also develop better money habits by working with bank volunteers to increase their financial management skills, from building a budget to creating a savings plan.

Last week Bank of America hosted its annual leadership summit in Washington, D.C. (July 8-13) to bring the program full circle and enable Student Leaders to engage with their likeminded peers. Students joined nearly 300 other young people from across the country to build advocacy and inclusive leadership skills and develop a peer network. In addition to discussing civil rights and the value of cross-sector partnerships, they met with members of Congress and participated in a service learning project at the American Red Cross.

“We recognize that building workforce skills early can help prepare a young person for long-term success,” said Mark Munn, Charleston Market President for Bank of America. “Investing in youth and young adults is part of our broader commitment to connect individuals to the training and jobs needed for success, ultimately strengthening our community and we are thrilled to bring the Student Leader opportunity to the Charleston community.”

The Charleston-based Student Leaders are working at Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative this summer and will complete an eight-week internship program.

The two Charleston Student Leaders are:                                           

  • Riley Haas, a Mount Pleasant resident and rising senior at Academic Magnet High School.
  • Caroline Vail, a West Ashley resident and rising senior at Porter-Gaud School.

Photos of the students available upon request.


This summer, Bank of America is investing more than $4 million in funding to support nearly 3,000 summer jobs for teens across the country through various initiatives, with a particular focus on young people from low-income families. Locally, the bank has provided grants to the Charleston Metro Chamber for Career Academies, a youth workforce development program in local high schools, as well as having provided significant funding for Trident Technical College’s youth apprenticeship program. Bank of America also provides information and tools to help young adults learn about careers and personal finance through Better Money Habits®, its financial wellness and education platform.

Bank of America


At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom. Click here to register for news email alerts.

www.bankofamerica.com

Lowcountry

Local Lowcountry Nonprofit Collects Hygiene Products for Kids Going Back to School

July 18, 2019 by 0 Comments
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Local nonprofit collects hygiene products for kids going back to school

CHARLESTON, SC (July 16, 2019) – The teams at I SERVE WITH JOY and LOWCOUNTRY BLESSING BOX PROJECT are asking for support from businesses and organizations to be able to pull off this years “Fresh Start Kit” drive. Their goal is to provide 500 middle school kits and 500 Highschool kits. 

According to Joy Campbell, founder of I Serve With Joy, “The reason we are seeking assistance is because there is a greater need that is unspoken of, as I’ve witnessed myself while volunteering at local schools. I spearhead a Holiday Christmas party for displaced teens, assist with leadership and education training programs and personally feel like no child should be held responsible for their living conditions. A “Fresh Start Kit” is a way to help students not only with their personal self-esteem issues but to aide in support for families that have a tough time providing the bare essentials.”

The Fresh Kits Project has already been successful in the past. In the fourth quarter of last year, they were able to pack and distribute 550 hygiene kits to area schools. With community support this summer, they hope to replicate that success in time to serve students prior to the upcoming new school year.

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I join?

That’s easy. Individuals and organizations can sign up online:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VRC6QXJ

Where can I drop off donations?

  • First Citizens Bank1319 N Main St, Summerville, SC 29483
  • Emely’s Hair and Beauty Bar2110 Greenridge Rd suit D, North Charleston, SC 29406
  • East Cooper Family Pharmacy913 Bowman Rd # A1, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
  • The Dog Wash148 Line St, Charleston, SC 29403

Can you accept monetary donations instead?

Absolutely. Just go to the web site to donate online:

http://iservewithjoy.org

ABOUT I SERVE WITH JOY

iServeWithJoy is a 501(c)(3) organization with the purpose and mission to serve the community and world.  In addition to the Fresh Kits projects, they provide a number of other programs for youth including Queens for a Day, Prince Charming Day, Community Clean Up Day, and Wash Day. None of their work is possible without support from the community.

Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

Attainable Housing Momentum Builds in Mount Pleasant, SC with Latest Community Partner

July 17, 2019 by 0 Comments
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PINNACLE FINANCIAL PARTNERS JOINS EFFORT WITH $2,500 COMMITMENT

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (July 17, 2019) – Housing For All – Mount Pleasant (HFA) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to fostering attainable housing in South Carolina’s fourth largest and most expensive municipality, continues to build momentum with a generous $2,500 commitment from Pinnacle Financial Partners (PNFP).

“We’re grateful for this commitment from Pinnacle Financial Partners and are excited to welcome them as a community partner,” said Melissa Moore, director of operations for HFA. “Our community partners understand that a commuter community is not sustainable and is detrimental to the town’s long term viability. Pinnacle’s knowledge and resources in the financial and lending industry are an incredible asset to our efforts to bring about practical solutions to make housing for all a reality in Mount Pleasant.”The donation by PNFP makes them a “Roof Level” sponsor and demonstrates the understanding by the Mount Pleasant business community of the urgent need to address this critical issue. The $2,500 will be applied toward the $50,000 matching grant from the Town of Mount Pleasant, doubling its impact.

“Supporting and investing in our community is a foundational part of who we are at Pinnacle,” said Mary Garcia, Pinnacle’s regional president on the coast. “Partners like Housing for All help develop important resources and solutions for our neighbors. It’s an honor to support their work as we all band together to build a better quality of life for our community. When that happens, everyone wins.”

More than seven in ten workers in Mount Pleasant are forced to live elsewhere, often due to a lack of attainable housing options. HFA is committed to bringing real solutions to address this crisis and create a closer, stronger community for all.

ABOUT HOUSING FOR ALL – MOUNT PLEASANT

Through fundraising, advocacy and awareness building, Housing For All – Mount Pleasant, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, seeks to create, encourage and support the development of attainable housing for those who work, live, or hope to live, in Mount Pleasant. For more information, visit www.housingforallmtp.com.

About Pinnacle Financial Partners
Pinnacle Financial Partners provides a full range of banking, investment, trust, mortgage and insurance products and services designed for businesses and their owners and individuals interested in a comprehensive relationship with their financial institution. Pinnacle earned a spot on FORTUNE’s 2019 list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For® in the U.S., its third consecutive appearance. American Banker recognized Pinnacle as one of America’s Best Banks to Work For six years in a row.

Pinnacle entered the South Carolina market in 2017 when it acquired BNC Bancorp. Pinnacle continues BNC’s practice of offering community bank service with the resources and sophistication of a larger firm.

The firm began operations in a single location in downtown Nashville, TN in October 2000 and has since grown to approximately $25.6 billion in assets as of March 31, 2019. As the second-largest bank holding company headquartered in Tennessee, Pinnacle operates in 11 primarily urban markets in Tennessee, the Carolinas and Virginia.

Additional information concerning Pinnacle, which is included in the Nasdaq Financial-100 Index, can be accessed at www.pnfp.com.
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Click here for image
Image caption (left to right): Wendy Bauerschmidt, director of development, HFAMary Garcia, regional president, Pinnacle Financial PartnersMelissa Moore, director of operations, HFARick Arthur, consumer and small business, Pinnacle Financial PartnersKyle Russell, mortgage manager, Pinnacle Financial Partners

MEDIA CONTACT:
Daniel Monroe
Rawle Murdy Associates
(843) 422-0682
dmonroe@rawlemurdy.com 

Lowcountry

Outside Magazine names Charleston, SC one of the 12 Best Places to Live in 2019

July 17, 2019 by 0 Comments
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Outside Magazine has just released its 12 Best Places to Live in 2019 list and Charleston, South Carolina is among them, adding to our many celebrated accolades. This outdoor “watery wonderland” is a celebration of the outdoors and wellness and we are privileged to be recognized on this list.

Outside Magazine describes Charleston as:

The Watery Wonderland

Population: 139,906
Median Household Income: $63,364
Park Acreage:1,809

Stereotypical Resident: The preppy cocktail connoisseur with a year-round tan who divides time between surfing, paddleboarding, and hunting waterfowl.

What’s Happening: The growth of Charleston’s shipping port and investments in the auto industry have bolstered the economy of this historic southern city.

The Neighborhood: Park Circle is a planned community in North Charleston created in the early 1900s. It’s boomed in recent years, with young families leaving downtown in search of a higher quality of life. Play a round of disc golf in its 30-acre park, sip a beer on the massive deck of Commonhouse Aleworks, and then head to dinner on East Montague Avenue, home to some of the city’s best restaurants.

The Race: The Chucktown Showdown is an ­October paddleboard event on four- and nine-mile courses in Charleston Harbor.

The Hill Climb: The Ravenel Bridge rises 200 feet above the water and it’s the only “hill” in the city. Run the 2.5-mile pedestrian path for views of downtown, the harbor, and the Atlantic.

The Taqueria: “Chico Feo is super laid-back and looks simple, but the tacos are really good,” says Peter Melhado, who owns Charleston’s Isla Surf School. Try the smoked pork taco topped with spicy kimchi.

The Shopping Spree: Half-Moon Outfitters has provided paddling gear and board shorts for more than 20 years. Watch for pint nights and the occasional live band at the West Ashley store, near downtown.

The Adventure: There’s paddling in every direction, but Folly Creek, an undeveloped finger of saltwater estuary between Folly Island and Charleston proper, may be the most striking spot. “It’s an incredibly wild experience full of oyster beds and dolphins,” says Brittany Freeman, a reservations manager at Coastal Expeditions, which has been running paddling trips around Charleston since 1992.

The Escape: Load your kayak with beer, brats, and bug spray, and launch from the Isle of Palms Marina for a 4.5-mile paddle to Capers Island, an undeveloped barrier isle. Capers is the city’s nearest legal beach-camping option. (Get a permit from the Department of Natural Resources.) Or skip the paddle and catch a ride with Barrier Island Eco Tours.

The complete list includes:

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Tuscon, Arizona
  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Miami, Florida
  • Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • Denver, Colorado
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Charleston, South Carolina
  • Reno, Nevada
  • New York, New York

Click here for complete official article

Lowcountry

Construction Begins on Charleston Tech Center in South Carolina Opportunity Zone

July 16, 2019 by 0 Comments
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NEW YORK, July 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ –Hunt Real Estate Capital, Iron Bridge Capital, LLC, and the Charleston Digital Corridor are pleased to announce the commencement of construction of the Charleston Tech Center (CTC), an architecturally modern, six-story office building located in Downtown Charleston, SC. The CTC is targeted to start-up, early-stage, and mature tech companies. The development of the CTC, a 92,000-square-foot building scheduled for completion in late 2020, includes an adjacent 816-space parking garage that will be owned and operated by the City of Charleston.

The development team has partnered with Hunt Real Estate Capital, a division of Hunt Capital Holdings and leader in investing, financing, and managing commercial real estate throughout the United States, for equity financing; Synovus was selected for debt financing.

The CTC will offer companies a unique combination of high-quality space, large floor plates, attractive amenities, and an accessible downtown location. The Charleston Digital Corridor, whose diverse offerings will allow tech-focused companies to grow through this landmark building, will be the anchor. The CTC development will include a mix of lifestyle retail and restaurant uses on the ground floor, conference facilities, and a rooftop terrace.

“The CTC represents a significant milestone for Charleston’s tech economy, one that has grown from 17 companies in 2001 to over 450 today. With this building, we are well-positioned to serve an expanded base of tech companies through a broader offering of business, professional, and education services,” said Kirk King, Charleston Digital Corridor Chairman.

Bobby Hitt, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce, added, “South Carolina’s technology sector is booming, with more than 7,400 tech-based businesses pumping $12.6 billion into the state’s economy. The Charleston Tech Center will be a creative hub that fosters ingenuity and gives innovative companies a place to plant their roots. Partnerships like this will further support, attract, and advance South Carolina’s technology-focused and entrepreneurial business environment.”

The project is located in the evolving Upper Peninsula of Charleston in a federally designated Opportunity Zone. The development comprises a collaboration between the City of Charleston, the State of South Carolina, the federal Opportunity Zone incentive, the Charleston Digital Corridor Foundation, and the private sector that has been five years in the making.

Commenting on the project, Tim Scott, United States Senator for South Carolina, noted, “The Charleston Tech Center is a prime example of my Opportunity Zone initiative coming to life. When the private and public sector come together to invest in some of the most overlooked parts of our nation, big things can happen. I’m looking forward to the new jobs, small businesses, and potential that this partnership will bring to the Holy City.”

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenberg added, “Building on the proven model of the Flagship business incubators, the Charleston Tech Center will provide much-needed space to help support and grow our entrepreneurial technology sector, while enhancing the vitality of the Upper Peninsula.”

“The Tech Center project is a great fit for Iron Bridge Capital and our focus to work with states and municipalities to develop projects that have a positive community impact while also being economically viable. We are excited to be a part of the CTC project that will help promote the technology industry and create higher paying jobs in Charleston for many years to come,” said John Hand, Iron Bridge Founder & Managing Partner. “We are excited about the early interest in the project, including 4-5 space commitments in progress and a full floor committed to the CDC for its Flagship 3.”

The project is one of the first developments in Charleston, SC to commence construction under an Opportunity Zone structure. 

“We are thrilled to provide Opportunity Zone equity financing for this unique project,” noted Rachel Diller, Senior Managing Director at Hunt Real Estate Capital. “This project meets our thesis of backing inclusive economic growth, and we are excited to be a part of a collaboration between the Charleston Digital Corridor, the City, the State, and the federal Opportunity Zone program.”

About Hunt Real Estate Capital
Hunt Real Estate Capital, a division of Hunt Capital Holdings LLC, (“HREC”) is a leader in financing, investing and managing multifamily housing and commercial real estate. HREC is a source of debt and equity capital for multifamily, affordable housing, manufactured housing, healthcare/senior living, retail, office, industrial, self-storage, and mixed-use assets through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, its own balance sheet, and managed public and private investment vehicles. HREC is the third largest multifamily property manager in the US. To learn more, visit Hunt Capital Holdings.

About Iron Bridge Capital
Founded in 2001, Iron Bridge Capital is a private real estate investment and development firm headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina and focused on transactions across the Southeast. The company is committed to transformative projects that improve communities, create meaningful impact, and secure strong returns for our investment partners. To learn more, visit Iron Bridge Capital.

About the Charleston Digital Corridor
The Charleston Digital Corridor is a community-sourced initiative to attract, nurture, and promote the region’s tech economy through an array of impactful programs, products, and events while leveraging Charleston’s renowned livability. To learn more, visit Charleston Digital Corridor.

MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Ratliff
Hunt Real Estate Capital
212-588-2163
michael.ratliff@huntcompanies.com 

SOURCE Hunt Real Estate Capital