Lowcountry

Metavesco Executes Letter of Intent to Acquire Striped Pig Distillery and Local Choice Spirits of Charleston

August 16, 2024 by 0 Comments
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CUMMING, Ga., Aug. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Metavesco, Inc. (OTC PINK:MVCO), a web3 enterprise and digital asset innovator, today announced the execution of a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire Striped Pig Distillery and Local Choice Spirits of Charleston. 

Founded as one of South Carolina’s oldest distilleries, Striped Pig Distillery has garnered multiple awards for its exceptional craft spirits. Local Choice Spirits has established a reputation for innovation and quality, solidifying its place in the market. 

The two companies are led by visionary entrepreneur “Pixie” Paula Dezzutti. Pixie is recognized as a top influencer in SC in 2024, listed by Forbes as “Top 50 Over 50” in 2023, and recipient of the International Woman of the Year Award by the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce in 2022. She has been a prominent figure in the industry, not only for her business acumen but also for her contributions to the broader business community. Listed by INC 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies of the Southeast, and SC Top 50 Fastest Growing Businesses, Local Choice and Striped Pig have plans to unveil an event center for its patrons. Upon closing this transaction, Ms. Dezzutti will be appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Metavesco, Inc.

Post acquisition, the businesses will operate as wholly owned subsidiaries of Metavesco, Inc. Highlights of the combined businesses include:

  • Approximately 1000 barrels of aged bourbon, valued at over $18,000,000 retail
  • 16 active product skus including vodkas, rums, gins, whiskeys, and tequila
  • Product distribution in 20 states and ecommerce availability in most
  • Distillery capable of producing 300 high quality bourbon barrels annually
  • World class management team with over 100 years combined industry experience

At closing, Metavesco will issue a combination of 2-year restricted common stock, preferred stock, and a 2-year convertible note in the amount of $2 million. Additionally, the Company will assume approximately $1.2 million in debt owed collectively by the acquired businesses. 

Metavesco, Inc. CEO Ryan Schadel stated, “I’d like to say this was a tough decision since it means I’ll be stepping down as CEO, but it wasn’t a tough decision at all! Ms. Dezzutti’s appointment as CEO will be a huge win for shareholders and she is poised to usher in a new era of innovation and growth. With a distinguished career that spans entrepreneurial success, industry recognition, and thought leadership, Pixie has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to drive transformation and excellence. Her accolades, including her role as a featured panelist at the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce’s seminar on NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and Blockchain 3.0, along with her Amazon best-selling book, Alphabet Soup, outlining her pioneering NFT Bourbon release, underscore her forward-thinking approach and deep industry insight. She’s a force to be reckoned with and I believe Metavesco shareholders will be in good hands with her at the helm.”

Ms. Dezzutti stated, “Our team at Striped Pig Distillery and Local Choice Spirits has dedicated years to perfecting our craft, building a strong, regional brand of which we’re incredibly proud. This acquisition is the perfect opportunity to expand our reach and bring award-winning spirits to a national audience. The multi trillion-dollar beverage business needs pioneers to lead the charge in a quickly paced changing landscape. I am excited to lead Metavesco into this new era of growth and innovation and am confident that together we will achieve extraordinary success.”

While there is no guarantee that a deal will be finalized, all parties are working aggressively to prepare and execute a definitive purchase agreement with a 30-day closing deadline.

About Metavesco

Metavesco is a web3 enterprise and digital asset innovator. The Company has bitcoin mining operations at hosted facilities in KY and IA. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, the Company operates Boring Brew, a specialty coffee company utilizing owned and licensed NFT IP as unique packaging.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) financing plans; (ii) trends affecting its financial condition or results of operations; and (iii) growth strategy and operating strategy. The words “may”, “would”, “will”, “expect”, “estimate”, “can”, “believe”, “potential”, and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. More information about the potential factors that could affect the business and financial results is included in the Company’s filings on otcmarkets.com.

SOURCE Metavesco, Inc.

Lowcountry

Memories of Growing Up East of the Cooper – Stories about Life in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 1930’s – 1970’s

August 16, 2024 by 2 Comments
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Stories compiled by Tonya McGue

Mount Pleasant has changed a lot in the past 80 years, from a population of 1,700 in 1940 to over 86,000 now. The memories of those who grew up here years ago are treasures to keep and share. The following memoir stories reveal a time when the Old Village was the “downtown,” there was no dentist nor a bank in town, vegetables were stored under the porch, everyone had four-digit phone numbers, Wando High School’s first boys’ tennis team got beat by Ashley Hall and the fire department had to open one lane of the Grace Memorial Bridge during a snowstorm so a baby could be born in Charleston, since there was no hospital East of the Cooper.

Life in Mount Pleasant Before There Was a Dentist or a Bank in Town
– By William L. (Roy) Hills

My father bought our house — 121 Live Oak Drive — in 1930 for about $4,200. We heated the main part with a pot-bellied wood stove. In 1940, the town population was about 1,700. I was born in 1943.

The Mount Pleasant Boat Building Company on Shem Creek was big business, hauling and repairing boats of all types. My cousin Bob Magwood’s dock was stacked with boats including the “Geneva Moore,” “Ruth” and “The Boxcar.” My cousin Willie Magwood had a one-cylinder, Lathrop-powered shrimp boat, “The Skipper.” When they came in from a day of shrimping, a dozen women headed the baskets of shrimp with lively conversation, humming and singing.

What is now “the Old Village” was “uptown” or “downtown.” I loved to walk through Coleman’s Hardware store (now The Old Village Post House). Mr. Mashe was the postmaster, and most received their mail at the post office. I was too short to reach our combination box, so I just asked for our mail.

The first haircut I remember was in Mr. Crosby’s chair. They called him “Bing.” The Zeiglers ran The Pitt Street Pharmacy. We went to Dr. Freeman before a new doctor, Otis Pickett, set up his office. There was no dentist in town, so my mother took us to Charleston. I remember running away from the barber and the dentist. There was no bank in town, so we traveled across the Grace Memorial Bridge to the South Carolina National Bank.

I went to elementary school in the “new” two-story Mount Pleasant Academy, circa 1938, on the grounds of the now Moultrie Middle School. Harry Douty’s gas station and garage was located at the foot of the Shem Creek Bridge. After school, I stopped at Cope’s, bought a Popsicle and played the pinball machine if I had a nickel or two. When we swam off the Royall’s dock in Shem Creek, we floated up the creek to Buffy Green’s farm (now Cooper Estates) and stole a watermelon or two.

Mathis Ferry Road Porches, Vegetable Banks and Country Living
– By Barbara Fordham Collier

Vegetables were stored under the porch when I was a child. It was called “banking the vegetables,” and the spots were perfect for hide-and-seek. If the seekers took too long, a hearty snack and a little nap might be the outcome. “If you eat those raw vegetables, you’ll get ‘pain of stomach’ like you’ve never had!” the grown-ups would say. “Yeah right!” we thought. The frequent soirees we held in vegetable banks under a whole lot of porches assured us that these threats were idle. When our parents yelled, “Go get 10 sweet potatoes for dinner,” we prayed that there would be enough left.

In Scanlonville, nearly every house had a porch, and every porch was used for more than decoration. Important, private, meaningful, long-lasting conversations were held on those porches. If someone was interested in building a future with you, a “little talk” on the front porch with the parents was vital. In addition, porches were havens for storytellers who were well fortified in food and drink. We listened while sipping sweet iced tea and enjoying the “cooling Cooper River breeze.”

Gnats and mosquitoes reminded us that we were indeed “in the country.” Priming the hand-operated water pumps; going with cousins to move Jimmy, the cow, closer to or farther away from the house; and waiting for those seasons when the migrant workers exited buses and filed down Mathis Ferry Road headed to the fields all confirmed the truth of a different life in the country than that on the “other side” of the bridge.

We sat on our old porches and relished a loving community complete with one huge live oak. We appreciated our ancestors, anticipated bright futures, praised our children’s efforts, ate enthusiastically, laughed unashamedly, bore one another’s burdens and enjoyed that feeling of safety that is often elusive to us.

Life in Mayberry with a Pecan-Stealing, Fence-Jumping, Hitch-Hiking Childhood Partner in Crime
– By Billy Hennessy

Growing up in Mount Pleasant was like growing up in Mayberry. In 1955, when I was 5 years old, my family moved from Charleston to Mount Pleasant into a one-story brick house on a dirt road at 7 Dawson Terrace, now 1351 Erckmann Drive.

Kenny Kirchner was my childhood partner in crime, and I had a fun walk down memory lane thinking about our adventures below:

  • Fishing, crabbing, shrimping and occasionally falling off the Old Bridge. They call it the Pitt Street Bridge now.
  • Sitting on a stool at the Pitt Street Pharmacy fountain drinking a Cherry Coke.
  • Dancing at “Daniel’s Den” at Alhambra Hall on Friday night.
  • Exploring the haunted house next to Alhambra Hall.
  • Having the only policeman in Mount Pleasant, Skeeter Benton, confiscate my BB gun for shooting birds. He later delivered the gun to my house on a promise not to do it again.
  • Riding bikes into a cloud of DDT from the mosquito truck.
  • Cutting school and hitchhiking to the beach, sometimes with a surf board hanging out a window.
  • Having rotten tomato and cucumber fights at the packing sheds.
  • Jumping the fence at the Moultrie football games so we did not have to pay a quarter.
  • Having “Old Man” Royall catch us in his pecan trees stealing his pecans. Now Moultrie Shopping Center stands in the former grove.
  • Getting paid a nickel from Mr. Willard for picking up cigarette butts outside his hardware store.
  • Having Mr. Spoonheimer run us out of his air-conditioned drug store for reading comic books. The penguin on the door said, “Kool Inside.”
  • Hanging out at Choppy’s Gulf Station.
  • Buying candy and Cokes at Art Ruth’s 7 Day Store. Coke, including the bottle, was 10 cents.
  • … And, of course, climbing the water tower.

Washing Sheets in an Old Ringer Washer and Dialing Four-Digit Phone Numbers
– By Sally Burn Sweatt

At 12 years old, the product of a broken home, I told my part-time, weekend father that I wanted my own bed and to attend one school. Prior to that, I had gone to 11 schools. He was a traveling salesman with a little girl in tow, and he gravitated to the most beautiful, charming part of Charleston — East Cooper.

He found us a little cement block house on Cameron Boulevard on Isle of Palms. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I had my own bed and fried my first buttermilk-battered chicken on a three-burner stove and a cast-iron skillet. Living on the island was like something out of a novel. Back then, it was quiet, and the houses were small, except for a few big ones scattered along the dunes. I washed our sheets in an old ringer washer under the palmetto tree while horn toads sunned on the patches of sandy grass. My dad and I crabbed at Breach Inlet, and I learned how to make deviled crab. We played bingo at Front Beach and fished off the old bridge on Sullivan’s Island. Everyone had four-digit phone numbers and a black clunky landline telephone. That same year the postal service implemented the Zoning Improvement Plan, or ZIP code.

In 1965, my father and I moved to Simmons Street in Mount Pleasant so that I could walk to General William Moultrie High School. I cannot think of anything more idyllic than growing up on the coast of South Carolina. It was pure enchantment, splendor in the sun, beach music, friendly safe neighborhoods with unlocked doors — and all this while the Vietnam War raged on the other side of the world and on our TV screens.

Wando’s First Tennis Team Loses to Ashley Hall
– By Russell Bridgham

Wando High School opened in the fall of 1973, and I played on the school’s first tennis team in the spring of 1974. We only had one player with tennis experience, Jon Nason, who played No. 1 for us. We were so bad that Coach Ward, our physics teacher, initially ranked us based on how much we changed our service motion to get the second serve in.

The highlight of the season was our match with Ashley Hall, a private school for girls. I played Mary Koester at No. 2 singles and was beaten badly in straight sets. In fact, I believe we lost all our matches to the girls, a 9 to 0 drubbing!

Our rematch with Ashley Hall the next year went a little differently. Our Warrior team had improved. I was fortunate to play at the No. 1 position and luckily beat Margaret Bradham in straight sets. Our team won 7 to 2!

Redemption! We finished the season with a 16-2 record and the knowledge that we could beat a very good girls’ high school tennis team.

A Child’s First Snowman and a Baby Born Across the ‘Grace’
– By Laura McGregor

On a mid-February weekend in 1973, when I was 7 years old, Mount Pleasant had a record-breaking snowfall. I had never even seen a snowflake before, and I still recall my overwhelming excitement and sense of joy. After watching “Frosty the Snowman” on television each December, I finally had the chance to build my own snowman in my front yard. My dad loaned us an old broom from the garage. My mom donated a long-neglected hat. We gathered sticks and pine cones, rolled out three large snowballs and stacked them on top of each other.

While my brother, David, and I built our first snowman, the Governor of South Carolina activated the National Guard. They patrolled the highways and rescued motorists, saved people trapped in their homes and airlifted food to those who were unprepared for the weather. Thousands of residents lost electricity. Property damages reached into the millions. It was a disaster for many people.

I have no idea if my family lost power at our home in The Groves. I don’t remember being cold, although I am sure I spent endless hours outside. My memory is of the crystal-clear, bright whiteness of my small world and of the joy of my first snow.

I also recall that our neighbor’s daughter-in-law went into labor at the height of the freeze, and there were no hospitals East of the Cooper. She needed to get downtown, but the only way over was on the rickety, rollercoaster of a bridge named “Grace,” which was closed for the duration of the winter “weather event.” Luckily, they opened one lane for this emergency, and a Mount Pleasant fire truck carried her into Charleston. Her baby was born during that magical weekend.

Source link: Charleston Retirement Lifestyle

Lowcountry

South Carolina State University helps 400 women farmers with solar water system in The Gambia

August 16, 2024 by 1 Comment
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By Sam Watson, Director of University Relations

The agricultural extension project is intended to mitigate food insecurity in the developing West African nation.

Note: This is the first in a series of articles regarding South Carolina State University’s academic exchange and agricultural extension partnership in the developing West African nation of The Gambia.

ILLIASSA, North Bank Region, Gambia – For over two decades, Saffiatou Jammeh has worked the soil in a community garden near her village to grow onions and other vegetables to feed and earn money for her family.

“I have been working here 22 years. When we were coming here in those early days, we even had to cut the trees because it was bushy,” Jammeh said through an interpreter. “In the past, one of our challenges was fencing around this garden to keep animals out. We had to go into the thick bush and cut some wood to make a fence.”

As the years went on, yields from the garden diminished because of insufficient water. Wells dried up, and the equipment used to draw water was worn out. Approximately 400 women who tended plots in the garden saw their livelihoods jeopardized by the conditions.

“In the past, my gardening was very bad,” Jammeh said. “My husband asked me to stop because the production was limited because of the scarcity of water. My husband asked me to stop working because the benefit wasn’t coming.”

Now, thanks to a project led by South Carolina State University’s Public Service and Agriculture division (SC State PSA), the community garden has an abundant supply of water.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture via the 1890 Universities Foundation Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense (GFSD) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the new solar-powered well and pump system delivers water to 49 new and renovated concrete reservoirs throughout the fields. The system’s tanks have a 30,000-liter capacity. SC State also provided buckets and watering cans for water distribution.

“When we had limited water, I used to have about six bags of onions from my garden, but now with this water supply system here, I can have double or even more because of the availability of water anytime we need it,” Jammeh said. “So, I will have more and more yield with more onions to sell.

“These days, I come twice a day,” she said. “I can come in the morning because there is abundant water, and I even come back in the evening and then I can go back and sleep. It has been transformative and has eased my life and constraints these days.”

The water system resulted from the GFSD’s 2021 needs assessment of agriculture sector and food supply chain systems in several African countries.

With SC State PSA’s Dr. Lamin Drammeh, the grant’s principal investigator, coordinating the efforts, the university entered a partnership with Gambia’s National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and the Ministry of Agriculture. Dr. Joshua Idassi, SC State PSA’s state program leader for sustainable agriculture and natural resources,  worked alongside Drammeh, Gambian officials and the farmers to design and implement the project.

Fast facts about the project:

  • Title: Cultivating Productivity and Resilience to Mitigate Food Insecurity in the Gambia.
  • Beneficiary: Illiassa Women Garden Kafo, Gambia
  • 10 new concrete reservoirs.
  • 39 renovated reservoirs.
  • 30,000-liter water tank system.
  • 12 units of solar power system (385W/32V) per unit.
  • Water network to the reservoirs.
  • Water meter system.
     

Global impact and benefits for SC State researchers and students

The garden project represents the first of a series of ongoing initiatives between SC State and the West African nation, which also include an academic and research exchange with the University of the Gambia. SC State President Alexander Conyers described the international relationship as fulfilling the university’s global outreach objectives and its educational commitment to SC State students.

“When we help others, we help ourselves,” Conyers said. “When we teach others, we teach ourselves. These relationships and experiences are key for our students as they compete on a global scale. It’s essential for SC State to be involved globally.”

Dr. Louis Whitesides, SC State’s vice president for PSA and research, described how the impact of the university applying its knowledge around the world. He noted that SC State’s next Gambian venture will be the introduction of a new goat species in hopes of mitigating nutritional deficiencies causing stunting in children.

“As a global citizen, SC State University has a responsibility to invest in communities around the world who would benefit from our expertise, particularly in agriculture education, research and outreach,” he said. “SC State Public Service and Agriculture leads this work on behalf of the university by leveraging its resources, technical expertise and research-based knowledge to transform communities, not just in South Carolina but globally.

“For Gambia, much like the U.S., agriculture is the leading economic industry,” Whitesides said. “The work we are doing in the country will advance agriculture innovation and practices that will produce far-reaching outcomes that will impact Gambians for countless generations.”

A jubilant celebration

On Aug. 6, Conyers, Whitesides and Drammeh joined Gambian officials and SC State PSA scientists in handing over the water system to the garden’s farmers. The event was a joyous occasion filled with song, dance and a traditional Gambian feast.

“Ladies, South Carolina State University heard your request, and this is for you,” Conyers said as he addressed the farmers with an interpreter. “You deserve this and more.”

The SC State president drew parallels between the agricultural economies of South Carolina and the West African nation, including the production of sweet potatoes and peanuts.

“What we are doing for you today is what we do for the citizens of South Carolina, and that is to innovate, educate and elevate,” he said. “When we empower women in the Gambia, we empower the entire Gambia, just like when we empower women in the United States, we empower the entire country. When we empower women, women help us empower children, and those children help us empower the entire community.

“We continue to pray for your blessings, and I ask that you pray for South Carolina State University so that we can continue to do this type of work throughout the world,” Conyers said. “Many blessings to you, your family and this great country.”

A thankful nation

Conyers was joined on the program by Gambian and village dignitaries, including North Bank Region Gov. Ebrima KS Dampha and Minister of Agriculture Demba Sabally, who both expressed gratitude for SC State’s intervention at the garden and their hopes for the relationship’s sustainability.

We are very grateful for this. Your works here will transform lives,” Sabally said, “It will transform livelihoods and make these women increase their income, increase their access to health and increase their access to education.

“NARI being under the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to work with these women to move this garden to a better height,” he said.

Dr. Demba B. Jallow, NARI’s director general, described the water project’s domino effect for the people of Illiassa.

“Horticultural needs a lot of work, but if they do not have access to water, the garden is there, but nothing will grow in it,” Jallow said “About 400 women are working this garden, so this will help them a lot. They grow all kinds of vegetables, but the major ones are tomatoes, onions, okra and garden eggs (a small type of eggplant).

“For this community, it will create a source of income for them, especially for young people,” he said. “Young people have some beds here where they can produce and sell for themselves. This area is known for having some migrating youths, especially to Europe and the U.S. If they have something like this, it will keep them home with their families.”

In that same vein, Jallow lauded Drammeh, a native of Gambia, for his leadership in connecting his native country to his adopted home in the U.S.

“This is what is expected of every Gambian,” Jallow said. “If you go abroad, you bring back something that will uplift the living conditions of your people. This is really commendable on his side. Dr. Drammeh can stay in America and have everything, but he came back home and contributed to the development of his country.”

Further needs and next steps

While access to water was the farmers’ most pressing necessity, Jallow said they still have unmet needs to tend to their fields and protect their crops. He said NARI’s top priority is a storage facility to prevent crops from wilting before the farmers can get them to market.

“Most of the vegetables are highly perishable – tomatoes for example. They need a place they can store the vegetable and get what they can to market,” he said. “If they do not have a place to store these things, it means their hard work can be in vain.”

Next on the list would be machines to help them plow rather than relying on “muscle power.”

“They use donkeys and horses and their own muscles, which is not very efficient,” Jallow said. “What they need is small power tillers to help them till the soil and prepare their beds.”

Jallow expressed his gratitude for SC State’s transformational partnership with NARI and the promise of the ongoing relationship.

“To the people of South Carolina, the government of the U.S. and South Carolina State University, I want to say thank you very much,” he said. “This is a rare thing for us to have something of this magnitude.”

Source Link: SC State University

Lowcountry

Charleston Business Spotlight:  Bright Light Bakery:  The Little Bakery Around the Corner

August 15, 2024 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

It is often said, great things come in small packages.  In the case of Bright Light Bakery, founded by College of Charleston Alum Nour Bizri, that small package is the savory and sweet delight of made from scratch breads, biscuits, scones and croissants.

To truly understand the passion behind Bright Light Bakery, you need to hear Nour’s story:

About Bright Light Bakery and Founder Nour Bizri

Nour Bizri is a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate and the owner of Bright Light Bakery. 

Bright Light Bakery is a cottage home-based bakery that specializes in artisan sourdough bread and treats.

Originally introduced to sourdough by her sister, Nour began selling sourdough bread and treats in Killeen, Texas while her husband, graduate of The Citadel, was serving in the U.S. Army. Most weekends, they went to the Farmers Markets and it became a routine to sell the bread and treats that she made. 

After her husband’s retirement, they decided to move back to Charleston, where they had originally met during their college years. Nour graduated from the College of Charleston with a BA in Psychology, and her husband graduated from The Citadel in 2021.

In 2018, Nour was involved in a freak accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury, which led to a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder. This neurological processing disorder affects a person’s mental, emotional, and physical processing. To put it simply: instead of being able to fight, avoid, or flee from a stressful situation, her body physically manifests her anxiety through seizures. Finding the process of making sourdough bread provided Nour with a way to slow down, process, and understand her thoughts and feelings in real time, which helped decrease my seizures. 

“The purpose of Bright Light Bakery is not only to bring simple and clean bread the Charleston community but also to raise awareness about normalizing conversations about mental health in our everyday lives.” – Nour Bizri, Founder

How do I order?

Bright Light Bakery is a home-based bakery in West Ashley (Charleston, SC) with pick up offers every Friday.

To order for Porch Pick up on Friday’s, go to Bright Light Bakery’s online storefront at www.hotplate.com/brightlightbakery or send them a message on Facebook or Instagram! To follow them for market days, pop-ups, and to know what is too come follow them on their social media pages as well! 

Lowcountry

NEWSTAR Announces New Single-Family Rental Communities in Charlotte, North Carolina

August 15, 2024 by 0 Comments
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ATLANTA, Aug. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NEWSTAR announced today the acquisition of two sites in Charlotte, North Carolina planned for development of 103 homes to be operated under NEWSTAR’s Stella Homes brand. NEWSTAR is partnering on the projects with Red Cedar Homes, a leading Southeast homebuilder and land developer.

The properties are located in northwest and north-central Charlotte respectively and total approximately 17 acres. Once complete, the communities will feature two-story and three-story homes with attached garages and market-leading finishes including Hardiplank exterior facades, SPC flooring, Quartz countertops, framed mirrors, walk-in showers, and sodded and fenced-in yards. Finished homes will offer 1,500 square feet to 1,729 square feet of heated living area.

“We are excited to announce these two new projects in Charlotte where we will provide much-needed family housing inside I-485”, said Boone DuPree, Chief Executive Officer for NEWSTAR. “This marks our fourth partnership with Red Cedar, and we look forward to building upon that to deliver ‘Class A’ homes in a flexible and attainable rental format. NEWSTAR’s development pipeline now exceeds 1,000 homes and lots across the Southeast United States. We are excited to continue to grow our business by creating new neighborhoods to serve our communities.”

“We are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with NEWSTAR to design and build custom, quality homes for their new Charlotte communities,” said Jon Grabowski, CEO of Red Cedar Capital Partners. “NEWSTAR has a distinct vision for this project, and we are honored to be a part of the execution. From initial budget and timeline conversations to construction and marketing – we’ll be there to support NEWSTAR every step of the way.”

Construction loan financing and joint-venture equity was arranged by Patterson Real Estate Advisory Group. Ameris Bank is the construction lender.

Clearing and sitework is expected to begin this quarter with homes delivering starting in the third quarter of 2025.

For more information, please contact info@newstar-am.com.

SOURCE NewStar Asset Management

Lowcountry

American Integrity Insurance Expands Coverage to more South Carolina Homeowners

August 15, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Regional Insurer Offering Coverage for Homes Up to 75 Years Old in The Palmetto State

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — American Integrity Insurance, a leading regional provider of property insurance solutions, proudly announces it is now providing coverage for homes up to 75 years old in South Carolina.

The company, which began providing home insurance coverage in South Carolina in 2022, is continually expanding its presence across the Southeast. With a wide array of insurance solutions and nearly two decades of success, this latest move underscores the company’s commitment to steady and strategic growth.

“The success we’ve achieved in South Carolina since launching our program has paved the way for American Integrity to broaden our capacity to even more South Carolinians” said Bob Ritchie, President and CEO. “We are thrilled to expand our footprint in South Carolina as we firmly establish American Integrity Insurance as a premier market for dynamic, comprehensive and dependable home insurance solutions for consumers in the Southeast U.S.”

American Integrity Insurance’s enhanced homeowners policy in South Carolina offers wind mitigation credits and a variety of discounts to help customers save on premiums while maintaining robust coverage. Well-maintained homes valued up to $1.5M are eligible to receive this coverage.

“We are extremely pleased to embark upon this next step in our Company’s strategy in South Carolina,” said Jon Ritchie, Chief Operating Officer. “We are grateful to our agency partners and customers who have placed their trust in us in the Palmetto State thus far, and we look forward to serving thousands more in the years to come. American Integrity has the staff, leadership, technology, and processes in place to provide the products, service, and protection that our customers deserve.” 

For more information, visit American Integrity Insurance.

About American Integrity Insurance Group (American Integrity)
American Integrity Insurance, a prominent regional residential property insurer, serves 300,000 customers and is represented by more than 1,000 independent agents. The Tampa-based company is dedicated to protecting homeowners with innovative and reliable coverage options. Our mission is to deliver exceptional service and value to our policyholders, ensuring peace of mind and financial security. We are committed to market leadership, excellence, and the well-being of our agents, policyholders, and employees. 
For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.aiiflorida.com, call 866-968-8390, or connect with the company on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

Lowcountry

South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) and Department on Aging Partner to Warn Seniors About Scams

August 14, 2024 by 0 Comments
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COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is celebrating the release of the newly updated scam guide, “Ditch the Pitch.” The publication, first released in 2015, arms consumers with information to spot and avoid scams. SCDCA is partnering with the South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) to distribute “Ditch the Pitch” to more than 9,000 consumers statewide who are served by the Department on Aging’s home delivered meal program.

This outreach is an effort to educate elderly consumers, a demographic often exploited by fraudsters. “Ditch the Pitch” addresses common scams, how to avoid them and what to do if a consumer reveals sensitive information to a scammer. “Scammers are more active and more successful than ever,” said Carri Grube Lybarker, SCDCA Administrator. “Education truly is the best defense to avoid becoming a victim and we appreciate the Department on Aging’s assistance in arming South Carolinians with the tools they need to get ahead of fraudsters.”

“The South Carolina Department on Aging is committed to improving the lives of older South Carolinians by collaborating with various partners to provide education, advocacy, and resources,” South Carolina Department on Aging Director Connie Munn said. “The statistics for older adults who fall victim to scams is at an all-time high, so opportunities to team up with the Department of Consumer Affairs to educate seniors and their families about scams and how to protect themselves is critical.   By utilizing our aging network which provides home-delivered meals, we can provide these “Ditch the Pitch” booklets.  Supporting older adults and those with disabilities with essential tools and knowledge is key to helping them lead healthier, safer lives.”

The August 13 release of the updated “Ditch the Pitch” also marks the 50th  anniversary of the signing of the law that established SCDCA. The South Carolina Consumer Protection Code was signed into law on August 13, 1974, by Governor James Edwards, with the Code becoming effective January 1, 1975.

For more information about avoiding identity theft and fraud, or to access a digital copy of “Ditch the Pitch,” visit consumer.sc.gov/ditch-pitch. To request a free hard copy of the publication, you can submit an order form.

About SCDCA

Established in 1974, DCA has nearly fifty years of experience in protecting South Carolina consumers while recognizing those businesses that act honestly and fairly. Cultivating a marketplace comprised of well-informed consumers and businesses prevents deceptive and unfair business practices, allows legitimate business activity to flourish, resulting in the promotion of competition and a healthier economy.

About SCDOA

The South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) enhances the quality of life for seniors in South Carolina. The agencies mission is to meet the present and future needs of seniors and to enhance the quality of life for older South Carolinians through advocating, planning and developing resources in partnership with federal, state and local governments, non-profits, the private sector and individuals.

The SCDOA works with 10 regional Area Agencies on Aging and a network of local organizations to develop and manage services that help seniors remain independent in their homes and in their communities.

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Lowcountry

Southern Living’s 2024 Idea House, Located on Johns Island, SC Showcases Lowcountry Charm and Local Artistry

August 13, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Products and Designs Showcased Throughout the Home From 14 Sponsors including Command™ Brand, James Hardie, Marvin ®, Monogram Luxury Appliances, Pedigree ® Brand, Sherwin-Williams ®, Among Others

NEW YORK and BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Southern Living debuts the cover story featuring the 2024 Idea House, located in the Kiawah River community on Johns Island, South Carolina. Open to the public for tours, the home showcases a harmonious blend of the ecological riches that surround it, from coastline to maritime forest, and historic Charleston charm. The 2024 Idea House is featured in the September 2024 issue of Southern Living, on newsstands August 23rd and online today at SouthernLiving.com.

Southern Living September 2024 Issue
Southern Living September 2024 Issue

This year’s Idea House spans 4,400 square feet and includes indoor and outdoor entertaining areas designed for year-round Southern hospitality, a pool, and a cozy carriage house for guests. Adorning the walls is a custom mural by Rebecca Atwood that evokes the feeling of a tree canopy, emphasizing the natural beauty of its surroundings. The home features the work of many other local creatives like Charleston-based Andrea Cayetano-Jefferson of Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets, Stephanie Summerson Hall of Estelle Colored Glass, and celebrated painter Anne Darby Parker. The Idea House is situated in the lush Kiawah River community, home to 20 miles of shoreline and 2,000 acres of picturesque land, including a 100-acre working farm.

The 2024 Idea House was created by a talented team of experts including builder Tom Dillard of Dillard-Jones, architect Kirsten Schoettelkotte of MHK Architecture, interior designer Allison Elebash of Allison Elebash Interiors, and landscape architect Scott Parker of DesignWorks.

“From the two live oak trees that adorn the lot, to the picturesque dining room window that frames the marsh, to all of the local touches from Charleston-based artists and contributors, this home is all about its location,” Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Living said. “We couldn’t have picked a more perfect community for the house. The farm, the river views, and the wildlife that Kiawah River offers help complete the picture of Lowcountry living.”

Products and designs from 18 sponsors of the 2024 Idea House integrated within the home include: Alabama Stone Co. (A Division of Vetter Stone), Clopay ®, Command™ Brand, 3M CLAW™ Discover South Carolina, Heavyweight Hanging Solution, Ivory Soap, James Hardie, Kerrygold, Marvin ®, Monogram Luxury Appliances, PEDIGREE ® Brand, Propane Education & Resource Council, Regina Andrew®, Sherwin-Williams ®, Southern Living ® Home Collection Exclusively at Dillard’s, Southern Living ® Plant Collection, and Zuri ® Premium Decking.

“Each year, our Idea House sets a new standard for design, perfectly blending Southern charm with contemporary innovation,” said Deirdre Finnegan, SVP/Group Publisher. “We thank our sponsors and partners for their vital role in making this year’s home a showcase of creativity and excellence.”

The home is open to the public for tours from August 23 to December 22. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit three local charities: Communities In Schools of SC, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, and the Emmanuel Nine Memorial Foundation. Beginning in November, the Idea House will be decorated for the holidays, with scheduled seasonal activations taking place at the home.

In addition to being the backdrop for this year’s Idea House, Kiawah River is also home to a new luxury resort, The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection. This September, The Dunlin will host the Southern Living Lowcountry Tailgate, part of the FOOD & WINE Classic in Charleston.

A Southern Living House Plan for the 2024 Idea House is available for purchase at SouthernLivingHousePlans.com. For a video tour and more about the 2024 Idea House, check out SouthernLiving.com. Tickets for the tours are available here.

ABOUT SOUTHERN LIVING
Southern Living celebrates the essence of life in the South, covering the best in Southern food, homes, gardens and travel. Southern Living connects consumers to the region’s rich culture through a robust multi-platform presence, including print, digital, social, and events, as well as its Biscuits & Jam and Ask Grumpy podcasts and many licensing partnerships. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Living is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

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Photo by LAUREY GLENN
Lowcountry

UK based SENTIA Spirits Botanical Supplements Now Available in Charleston, SC and the U.S.

August 13, 2024 by 0 Comments
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GABA LABS HAS LAUNCHED SENTIA SPIRITS IN THE UNITED STATES

Social Drinking for a New Generation of Conscious Consumers 

GABA Labs announces the launch of SENTIA Spirits (https://sentiaspirits.com) in the United States. One of the UK and Europe’s leading Functional Drinks SENTIA Spirits are designed to target our GABA receptors. SENTIA addresses the needs of modern consumers moving toward a mindful and health-conscious lifestyle.

According to recent data, there is a noticeable trend of reduced alcohol consumption among people in the United States. The NCS Consumer Sentiment Survey 2024* highlights a significant shift, with over 41% of Americans expressing a conscious effort to drink less. This represents an increase of 7 percentage points from 2023, indicating a growing awareness and intention to modify drinking habits.

Consumers are more informed about their personal well-being than ever before and show increasing preference for alternative choices that align with holistic approaches to health and wellness. The NCS survey found that more than one in three Americans (34%) identify as mindful drinkers.

Today’s search for wellness is disrupting old conventions and reshaping how we coexist on this planet. Fueled by a collective ethos of innovation and inclusivity, new consumers are challenging norms and embracing a paradigm shift in their consumption choices.

David Orren, Co-Founder of SENTIA Spirits, says: “We are excited by the demand for SENTIA in the United States. The enthusiasm and support from US consumers have been truly inspiring. It’s a testament to a brand-new generation of consumers willing to challenge convention to take control over their own lives. In a time of increasing health insecurity, we’re seen a growing trend in self-care.”

Orren continues, “As social beings, getting together to socialize is natural and hugely important. And as consumers, why shouldn’t we be able to get together to socialize whilst also taking care of our health? If science has made this possible, why shouldn’t we get what we want from alcohol, without the alcohol?’” 

Combining a wisdom of plants with modern science, SENTIA will enable American adults to enjoy a functional drink that transcends traditional categories, promoting relaxation, balance, and well-being.

SENTIA Spirits is available to buy on Amazon and on the SENTIA Spirits USA website and is priced at $41.75.

SENTIA AND GABA LABS

SENTIA Spirits  (https://sentiaspirits.com), was founded by renowned British neuropsychopharmacologist Professor David Nutt in 2020, to offer consumers a choice beyond alcohol and alcohol-free.

At the heart of SENTIA lies science and innovation. A prominent force for change in the alcohol space for over 20 years, David recognized the need to offer a practical solution for mindful drinkers who understand the benefits of alcohol, but do not want the compromises that come with it.

SENTIA is not just a product; it’s a promise of memorable moments.  Each ingredient has been chosen with care and purpose, combining a complex flavor profile and mouthfeel with bioavailability and function, aligning with SENTIA Spirits’ mission of bringing people together.

WHAT IS GABA?

GABA (or gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a compound found in nearly all life on earth. Whilst GABA has a multitude of functions in the human body, in the brain it acts as a neurotransmitter. GABA acts as a natural break on brain and central nervous system activity, causing feelings of relaxation and calmness, opening the door to a sense of ease in social situations and all the positive benefits such moments bring with them. 

SENTIA Spirits are a new generation of alcohol alternatives containing carefully selected blend of GABA enhancing ingredients to promote relaxation and the support of cognitive function.

SENTIA Spirits offer a safer alternative to experience those early sociable effects of alcohol without the compromises alcohol can bring.  

The main functions of GABA include:                                                           

  • Emotional balance: By modulating brain activity, GABA helps to maintain emotional stability. 
  • Sleep regulation: GABA promotes healthy sleep by reducing activity in the central nervous system. 
  • Relaxation: GABA calms the brain by reducing excessive neural activity. 

PRODUCTS:

SENTIA Spirits is designed to be paired with your favourite mixer into an infinite range of possibilities.

SENTIA Spirits – GABA RED

Blending Botanical insight with neuroscientific expertise, GABA Red is powered by passionflower & ashwagandha for mental equilibrium. Designed to relax and inspire social connection.

  • Taste: Sweet heady aromatics, rich herbal complexity, bittersweet spiced berries
  • Mood: Designed to help you relax, connect, and harmonise!
  • One Common favourite: enjoy 25ml over ice, with a premium tonic and an orange garnish or in a cocktail.

SENTIA Spirits – GABA BLACK                                                       

Blending Botanical insight with neuroscientific expertise, GABA Black powered by Ginkgo & Ginseng for concentration and cognitive function. Designed to revitalise and ignite conversation. 

  • Taste: Spiced pepper warmth, intense, earthy body, and smoky bitter finish
  • Mood: Designed to help you re-vitalise and find your focus.
  • One Common favourite: enjoy 25ml over ice, with a soda, ginger beer, or in a cocktail.
Lowcountry

Mount Pleasant Business Spotlight: Lighthouse Family Chiropractic – Education focused with specialized relationship driven care

August 13, 2024 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Have you been looking for natural, drug-free solutions to help your family with struggles ranging from seasonal allergies, constipation, bedwetting, anxiety, ear infections, or even chronic neurological conditions such as Autism and ADHD? Maybe you’ve tried all the detoxes, supplements, diet changes, natural solutions, and visited all the specialists, but still feel like something is missing and you aren’t getting to the real root cause… 

In today’s world, it is not uncommon for parents to leave the doctor’s office feeling unheard and ignored. Lighthouse Family Chiropractic (LFC) is the place where you will feel heard and you will leave with more HOPE and ANSWERS than you walked in with. 

Why the Lowcountry Loves Lighthouse Family Chiropractic

Education, Care and Specialization

We are a nervous system focused chiropractic office that specializes mainly in pediatrics and prenatal care, with advanced certifications in helping children with Sensory Processing Disorders. Being a nervous system focused office means we look at the body as a whole and how it relates to overall health. This is our main focus in children who struggle with chronic illness and are always sick, have digestive issues, big emotions, allergies, struggle in the classroom because of sensory challenges, Autism, ADHD, and so much more.  We also specialize in working with moms during pregnancy to allow for optimal pelvic function and the best birth outcomes! 

Having a well-regulated nervous system isn’t just for kids and pregnant moms, but all adults! Nervous system dysregulation in adults is very common and can be seen as digestive issues, extreme anxiety, fatigue, ADHD, and more.  

Innovative Technology

At LFC, we use state-of-the-art technology called the INSiGHT Scans. With these nervous system scans, we are able to determine whether you or your child have stress stuck within their nervous system and to gauge its severity. Early intervention with drug-free care options, such as Neuro-Tonal Chiropractic adjustments, can effectively address nervous system dysregulation, subluxation, and dysautonomia. These scans are completely safe and offer a non-invasive way to measure nervous system dysregulation in the tiniest of infants to pregnant moms to adults of all ages, in under 15 minutes.

Nervous System Focused Chiropractic Care

LFC is a new leader in the Lowcountry that brings a brand-new perspective to health by focusing on the nervous system. Dr. Devin DiCenzo and Dr. Liv Porpora use their expert level knowledge and training to provide natural, drug-free solutions to families struggling with chronic health conditions that have been labeled as “common” but are certainly not normal! Both Dr. Liv and Dr. Devin trained extensively under the guidance of their mentor, Dr. Tony Ebel, a world class pediatric, prenatal and family chiropractor.  He explains that the rapid rise of chronic health struggles today is from stress within the nervous system that may have started as early as during pregnancy and at birth.

Relationship Driven Patient and Doctor Care

Dr. Devin and Dr. Liv have both seen the life changing results that come from this specific type of care in their own lives. Both doctors dealt with their own struggles such as ADHD and focus issues as children, chronic insomnia, digestive issues, and so much more. It was with neurologically focused chiropractic care that they saw true lasting changes for the first time ever! Dr. Tony’s inspiration and guidance with the Pediatric Experience inspired them both to pursue opening Lighthouse Family Chiropractic in order to best serve the families of the lowcountry community. 

It is their mission to be a beacon of HOPE, ANSWERS, and HEALTH to families through nervous system-based chiropractic care.

For free access to their Resource Guide or Perfect Storm Webinar, use the links below to get this information automatically sent to you!