Lowcountry

Tegan and Sara and Carlie Hanson rock the Charleston Music Hall

September 28, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Last night, Tegan and Sara, along with musical guest Carlie Hanson lit up the night with an electric show at the Charleston Music Hall. Celebrating love, community and inclusion with a medley of songs and stories, both sets of performers connected in a way that made the night special.

We would like to share some visual memories of last nights performance and thank Tegan and Sara and Carlie Hanson for reminding us it’s okay to be ourselves, pursue our dreams and just celebrate life.

In fact, when most opening acts are back on the tour bus or back stage, Carlie was right in the center of the floor enjoying one of her musical idols with the rest of the Charleston fan base. That is cool!

Check out a couple of videos on our Charleston Daily TikTok page.

Lowcountry

North Charleston, SC Based Sales Focus Inc. Welcomes Five New Clients, Expands Services for an Existing Client in August

September 28, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Sales Focus Inc., the leader in sales outsourcing, welcomes Topix Skin Health, Klickrr, Tryon Creek Software, Symphono, and FLO as new clients and announces one program expansion with the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Sales Focus Inc. (SFI), the global leader in sales outsourcing, launched five new clients and one expansion in August 2023 within the United States market. SFI is happy to welcome new clients Topix Skin Health, Klickrr, Tryon Creek Software, Symphono, and FLO, as well as one expansion with the National Committee for Quality Assurance. This achievement is a testament to Sales Focus’s dedication to the sales outsourcing industry, commitment to excellence, and the trust that organizations place in its services. The SFI team has been hard at work, preparing to provide tailored sales solutions to meet the specific needs of these clients, and is eager to make a significant impact on their success.

Topix Skin Health, a new client of Sales Focus, is a skincare solutions provider that delivers wellness, beauty, and pharmaceutical-grade dermatologist-supported products to its consumers. The company carefully crafts and tests its own formulas. Sales Focus is working with the company on an inside sales program.

Sales Focus Inc. Logo

Sales Focus welcomes Klickrr, a cloud-based communication platform that helps organizations deliver information via SMS text messages. Klickrr’s features include revenue sharing, account management, list building, delivery reporting, verification, customized links, and more. Sales Focus is working with the company on an inside sales program.

Tryon Creek Software LLC, a software development company, is a new client of Sales Focus that offers mobile solutions, desktop applications, web service integration, engineering, project management, quality assurance, and more to its clients. Sales Focus is working with the company on an inside sales program.

Sales Focus is excited to add Symphono to its client list, a custom software development company that delivers various technological solutions, including architectural design, implementation, quality assurance, training, and management to its clients. Sales Focus is working with the company on an inside sales program.

FLO, a premium disposable vape brand that aims to redefine vaping through innovative and high-quality products, is welcomed by Sales Focus as a new client. The company offers lab-tested, high-potency, full-entourage, pesticide-free Delta 8 and THC cannabinoid vapes and pens in various flavors. Sales Focus is working with the company on an outside sales program.

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), an independent organization that works to improve the quality of healthcare plans, is continuing its relationship with Sales Focus through one new expansion. The organization administers evidence-based standards, measures, programs, and accreditation. Sales Focus expanded NCQA’s inside program by adding one representative.

“Our recent successes, including the addition of five outstanding new clients and an expansion program reflect Sales Focus’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier sales outsourcing solutions,” said Sale Focus Inc. Sales Director Zach Horwath. “We take great pride in our 25 years of experience across diverse industries, which has armed us with the knowledge and resources to take on these exciting challenges. We look forward to forging strong relationships and delivering exceptional results for all our clients. This accomplishment underscores our dedication to excellence, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Sales Focus Inc. 
Sales Focus Inc. (SFI) pioneered the sales outsourcing industry in 1998. SFI hires, trains, and manages successful sales teams based on quickly improving its clients’ revenue performance. SFI utilizes its proven S.O.L.D.™ methodology to build a sales plan, implement the plan, and manage inside sales or outside sales teams that excel in client acquisition in any marketplace. Sales Focus guarantees to launch a sales program of any size within any industry in 45 days or less.

FOR IMMEDIATE CONTACT:
Angelica Iglesias
Marketing Coordinator
Sales Focus Inc.
7301 Rivers Ave, Suite 120
North Charleston, SC 29406
(803) 378-6111
366068@email4pr.com

SOURCE Sales Focus Inc.

Lowcountry

GoDog and Charleston, SC based The Beach Company Forge Dynamic Partnership to Elevate Pet-Friendly Living Experience within Nexton

September 27, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Key Development Players Bring GoDog’s Pet Care Services to Fast-Growing South Carolina Community

ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GoDog®, an emerging premium pet care provider, announced today a collaboration with The Beach Company, a Charleston, S.C.-based full-service real estate firm. This strategic partnership symbolizes the mutual goal of crafting a dynamic and pet-centric epicenter within Nexton, the visionary mixed-use community in Summerville, S.C. where it will offer a comprehensive pet hospitality concept with a range of pet service offerings, including dog boarding, daycare, bathing services and a membership-based dog park and bar.

Located near the vibrant Charleston suburb of Summerville, GoDog will emerge as the perfect solution to growing demand for premier pet services. With a considerable population of working millennials who seek reliable pet care solutions, Nexton recognized a significant gap on its side of I-26. Bridging this gap will provide pet owners who live or work at Nexton, unparalleled services and opportunities for socialization, both for pets and pet parents.

“We are delighted to partner with GoDog in bringing an exceptional pet care experience to Nexton,” stated JC Darby, Development Manager of The Beach Company. “GoDog’s reputation as a ‘Best in Class’ operator in the pet hospitality industry and their commitment to excellence resonates with our vision for enhancing the lifestyle offerings at Nexton.”

GoDog’s innovative approach to pet care, facilitating pet owners’ interaction with their beloved companions and fellow pet aficionados, harmoniously corresponds with Nexton’s commitment to nurturing community bonds. The facility will also serve as a convenient meeting place for friends from across the region. Pet parents can convene with their pets in tow through GoDog:SOCIAL, its expansive outdoor dog park and bar. This exclusive membership-based haven allows pet owners to unwind while their furry companions play.

“We’re elated to create this partnership with The Beach Company and Nexton, bringing our unique pet care concept to life within this lively community,” says Amy Nichols, CEO of GoDog. “The Beach Company’s reputation as an outstanding leader in residential and commercial development makes them an ideal partner to complement our vision. Nexton’s dedication to cutting-edge initiatives and creating a sense of togetherness echoes our own core objective of providing unmatched pet care services.”

For Nexton’s daily commuters, the facility’s convenient location ensures seamless drop-offs and pickups, enhancing residents’ quality of life. GoDog:PLAY and GoDog:STAY, daycare and boarding respectively, offer enriching daycare activities and diverse boarding room options that accommodate dogs of all sizes, and allow dogs from the same family to stay together. Pet parents can add on GoDog:BATHE services to ensure their pet comes home clean and happy.

“Providing residents with modern conveniences and thoughtful ways to connect with one another is one of Nexton’s top priorities, and we are excited that GoDog will provide a space where not only our residents can engage and socialize with one another, but their pets can do the same,” says Brent Gibadlo, Senior Vice President of Development at Nexton.

About GoDog

GoDog, founded in 2018 by Jess and Ben Eberdt, is a premier name in pet hospitality, providing a range of high quality and detail-oriented pet care services all within the convenience of their state-of-the-art facility. GoDog strives to be the ultimate dog-destination and community resource for the entire pet family by offering daycare, boarding, grooming services, as well as GoDog:SOCIAL, its membership-based dog park and bar. Helmed by a team of experienced entrepreneurs, industry veterans, and passionate pet parents, GoDog has built a proven model showcasing how attention to detail and a heightened level of care can create a rewarding experience for pets, owners, employees and investors. To learn about becoming a GoDog franchisee, please visit franchise.godoghq.com.

About The Beach Company

Founded in 1945, The Beach Company has been a leader in residential and commercial real estate brokerage, development and property management for more than 75 years. The Beach Company upholds a tradition of establishing landmark properties and communities by evaluating each development opportunity for its potential to improve the quality of life for our neighbors and contribute to the long-term economic vitality of the Southeast region.

About Nexton

Nexton is owned by a subsidiary of North America Sekisui House, LLC (NASH), and is managed by Brookfield Properties. These partners share a deep commitment to sustainable development practices and apply these core values to the vision, planning and development of their communities. Recognized as the No.1 master-planned community in the U.S. by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Nexton is currently one of the Top 30 best-selling communities in the nation. For more information, visit nexton.com.

Contacts

Elisa Suri
Trevelino/Keller
esuri@trevelinokeller.com

The Beach Company
Karen Brewerton
kbrewerton@thebeachcompany.com
Lou Hammond Group
Beachcompany@louhammond.com

Lowcountry

Edgar Kano appointed Executive Chef at Gabrielle, the signature restaurant at Hotel Bennett in Charleston, SC

September 26, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Mexican native with worldly experience develops bold coastal-focused menu with international flair, teaming with acclaimed pastry chef Rémy Fünfrock and renowned restaurant manager Erich Rauber  

CHARLESTON, SC (September 26, 2023) – Gabrielle, the signature restaurant at Hotel Bennett, has appointed Edgar Kano as its new executive chef and unveiled a new coastal-focused menu sprinkled with international flair.

Born in Mexico City and of Japanese heritage, Kano brings his cultural and culinary diversity to Gabrielle and Charleston via over two decades working in some of the world’s top seafood-centric destinations.

“Since arriving in Charleston, I have listened, I have learned and I have fished,” said a smiling Kano, who used to rise at 4 a.m. in previous roles to visit markets and secure the best catches for his diners. “I have enjoyed meeting farmers and fishermen, learning about this beautiful community and enjoying its southern hospitality, and, together, our team has curated a new menu based on product seasonality that has elevated the Gabrielle experience.”

Kano credits his grandmother’s cooking and growing up in a multi-cultural household for his interest in the culinary arts and travel. He has always immersed himself in his local culture, joking that he “has a Mexican heart, Japanese blood and now a Charleston home.” He takes his immersion efforts seriously, though, speaking English, German, Spanish and French.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Kano has spent more than 20 years in culinary leadership roles working for Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and its signature restaurants around the world, including honing his craft in Punta Mita, Mexico, and spending time in French Polynesia, Singapore, Berlin, Vancouver and Dallas. He joined Hotel Bennett and Gabrielle from the Four Seasons Atlanta.

An avid fisherman and keen shrimper on his days off, Kano drew inspiration from the stunning crystal cast net hanging from the ceiling in Gabrielle’s dining room when he was creating the restaurant’s new menu.  

“My culinary philosophy is very simple: to provide clean, uncomplicated and ingredient-driven dishes,” said Kano. “Gabrielle’s new menu is mostly a voyage of Coastal Carolina’s best available product, both from the sea and onshore, married with the international techniques and textures that I love and respect.”

Kano joins a Gabrielle team that features acclaimed Pastry Chef Rémy Fünfrock, whose artistic desserts are a culinary attraction at Hotel Bennett’s popular La Patisserie on King Street, and Charleston restaurant institution Erich Rauber, who spent over a decade managing Peninsula Grill on Market Street.

Some of Kano’s new dinner menu items include:

·       Snapper Ceviche with Yuzu, Serrano Chili, Tomato, Purple Onion and Cilantro

·       Big Eye Tuna Tiradito with Serrano Chili Ponzu and Radish

·       Blue Crab Salad Toast with Brioche, Cucumber, Piment D’Espelette and Lemon Aioli

·       Togarishi Swordfish Steak (Butcher Block)

·       Seafood Black Linguini with Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Tomato, Fennel and Spiced Shrimp Jus

·       Storey Farms Whiskey Brined Chicken with Citrus Lacinato Kale and Spiced Comeback Sauce

Additionally, Fünfrock has created several new desserts to complement Kano’s menu, including:

·       Strawberry Basil Shortcake

·       Carmelia Chocolate Parfait

·       Peach and Apricot Bombe

Charleston’s only restaurant to open onto Marion Square, guests enter Gabrielle off King Street and through Hotel Bennett’s stunning lobby. The restaurant’s elegant and lively bar features live music on the weekend, often on the large outdoor fine-dining plaza.

For more information, visit www.GabrielleDining.com, call 843-990-5460 or follow @GabrielleDining on Facebook and Instagram. Gabrielle is open daily from noon-3 p.m. for lunch, and from 5-10 p.m. for dinner.

About Hotel Bennett

Hotel Bennett, one of the South’s grandest hotels, overlooks the iconic and historic Marion Square in Downtown Charleston. Centrally located to the culture, cuisine, and charm the city has to offer, Hotel Bennett seamlessly blends unparalleled luxury, an unmatched setting, and the high level of gracious hospitality for which Charleston is renowned. A distinct experience unique to the city, Hotel Bennett carefully combines European architectural inspiration married with classic Southern furnishings and details throughout. Named for the Charleston-based Bennett family, Hotel Bennett is owned by local hotelier and businessman Michael Bennett. The property is managed in a collaborative partnership with the Salamander Collection, the luxury hotel company founded by Sheila Johnson. www.hotelbennett.com  

Lowcountry

Union Pier Terminal Redevelopment Project – Stay Connected on the latest updates

September 26, 2023 by 0 Comments
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On Friday, June 16, Historic Charleston Foundation was thrilled with the announcement by the South Carolina State Ports Authority and the City of Charleston to start fresh on the redevelopment of Union Pier, a significant project that drew overwhelming community feedback. Charleston will need its citizens and leaders to remain enthusiastic, open to new ideas and engaged in the planning process that lies ahead. This moment provides a unique opportunity for Charleston that cannot be wasted. This process is far from over and the details are changing daily. Subscribe to our Newsletter and stay connected with HCF and our advocacy partners as we work for #OurUnionPier.

The Conservation League, HCF and PSC remain steadfast in their shared vision for the redevelopment of Union Pier:

  • Union Pier must be resilient and embrace both the natural and historic features of the site.
  • Union Pier must be of appropriate size, scale and character to serve as an extension of our historic city.
  • Union Pier must provide real benefits to all people of Charleston, ranging from ample public green space to substantial affordable housing.

Click to Subscribe to stay connected with the Historic Charleston Foundation on this and many other subjects important to Charleston and its future: SUBSCRIBE

Next steps

Finally, after many months of public meetings, presentations and community input, the South Carolina Ports Authority announced that they were going to take the planning process in an alternative direction. The Union Pier Terminal Redevelopment planning process will now be led by the City of Charleston and the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston and important stakeholders, including the City of Charleston, the SC Ports Authority, Charleston residents and advocacy organizations will now be engaged directly in the planning process in an effort to once again create a plan for the site. What can you do? Stay connected with Historic Charleston Foundation as more information is finalized and released.

Lowcountry

The Happy Southerner Grand Opening in Mount Pleasant, SC – Saturday, September 30, 2023

September 23, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Big News!!! Mount Pleasant is proud to announce the opening of its newest boutique shop, The Happy Southerner (1036 Johnnie Dodd Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC).

Join the community to celebrate the grand opening on Friday, Saturday, September 30th from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. During this grand opening celebration there will be complimentary cocktails and 15% off your entire purchase.

Official Website

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Lowcountry

Charleston Parks Conservancy Announces Inaugural Class of Community Horticulture Fellows, Underscoring the Importance of Diversity in Fulfilling its Mission

September 22, 2023 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston Parks Conservancy announces its inaugural class of Community Horticulture Fellows, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of horticulture and community engagement. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing 25 of Charleston’s vibrant parks and green spaces, the Conservancy recognizes that diversity is critical to achieving its mission. In 2022, the Conservancy kicked off a $2.5 million campaign to fund the program’s first five years with a donation of $150,000 over three years from Bank of America.

According to a study from the University of Delaware about Racial Equity in Public Garden Leadership, “it is important to acknowledge that diversity in all areas is necessary to create a relevant and inclusive organization in the 21st century.” The Community Horticulture Fellowship program is an equal opportunity program providing opportunities to those disproportionately represented in the horticulture industry by eliminating institutional barriers and increasing diversity and inclusion.

“Our commitment to diversity is rooted in the belief that inclusive representation drives innovation, creativity and sustainable change,” said Darlene Heater, Executive Director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “Parks are spaces in the community that engage a diverse range of visitors. As Charleston Parks Conservancy works to serve the community, it is important for us to reflect the needs, preferences and priorities of all residents.”

The Community Horticulture Fellowship program is designed to provide individuals from underrepresented backgrounds with skills in public park management, botanical garden supervision, educational programming, and public spaces in South Carolina. The fellows will start in October and will focus on horticultural maintenance and management, plant design and planting, plant health and nutrition, STEM education, and how to use parks to create healthy, thriving communities.

The inaugural cohort of fellows embody different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, which will contribute to a more holistic approach to park management and community engagement. The inaugural class of fellows:

  • Hadasya “Sasha” Pramesti is originally from Jakarta, Indonesia, and has been living in Charleston, SC since 2010. She graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in biology and a minor in environmental and sustainability studies. Pramesti is interested in the relationships between plants, culture and the environment and enjoys learning about food and agriculture’s roles.
  • Kayla Pina graduated from the College of Charleston with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. After volunteering in the community, she worked as an assistant subcontract administrator, expediting projects and inventions for warfighters. Pina’s parents immigrated to the United States, which instilled the importance of cultural values. She is passionate about plant life and looks forward to bringing her interest in horticulture and her LatinX background to her fellowship.

Pramesti and Pina will spend 12 weeks each with Charleston County Parks and Recreation, Kiawah Conservancy, Moore Farms Botanical Garden, and Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden. They will spend 16 weeks with the Conservancy working in the 25 parks the Conservancy maintains, along with shadowing opportunities with Brookgreen Gardens, the City of Charleston Parks Department, Green Heart Project, Ables Landscape, and more.  Fellows will work with mentors from the College of Charleston Sustainability Program, Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Charleston Horticulture Society, Bartlett Tree Experts, Slow Food Carolina, the Urban Farm at MUSC, and Trident Technical College Horticulture Technology Department. They will also participate in a leadership development program called Leadership Discovery through the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. Upon completion, The Conservancy will work with its partners and others to assist Cohort 1 Fellows in securing a leadership position in horticulture.

Community Horticulture Fellowship Founding Donors:

•           Bank of America

•           Anonymous

•           Mr. and Mrs. Charles McLendon, Jr.

•           Coastal Community Foundation

•           TD Charitable Foundation

•           The Mark Elliott Motley Foundation

For more information about the Community Horticulture Fellowship program, visit charlestonparksconservancy.org/programs/community-horticulture-fellowships.

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 15 years, the Conservancy has had a hand in renovating and beautifying 25 parks in partnership with the City of Charleston. Notable projects include the renovation of Colonial Lake, the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park, Moultrie Playground, St. Julian Devine Community Center and Park, Magnolia Park and Community Garden, Medway Park and Community Garden, and Corrine Jones Community Garden. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.

Lowcountry

Biotech Company MycoWorks Begins Production at the World’s First Commercial-Scale Fine Mycelium™ Plant in Union, South Carolina

September 22, 2023 by 0 Comments
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Providing the company’s luxury leather alternative Reishi™

UNION, S.C. /PRNewswire/ — Today, biotechnology company MycoWorks begins production at its world-class manufacturing facility in Union, S.C. Now capable of scaling-up to meet luxury industry demand, the company is set to grow millions of square feet of its leather-alternative material produced with the company’s proprietary technology, Fine Mycelium™. This patented technology produces Reishi™, a biomaterial with unparalleled hand-feel, strength and durability – on par with calfskin leather, the industry gold standard. 

Courtesy of MycoWorks
Courtesy of MycoWorks

With partners including Hermès and General Motors, MycoWorks’ progression into commercial-scale manufacturing is a sign of maturation for the biomaterials industry that the company continues its leadership in materials science. Per MycoWorks’ market sizing, there are serious challenges facing the $164 billion leather market and $28 billion luxury leather market such as supply chain constraints and inferior product alternatives. Since 2010, demand for luxury leather increased 251 percent, while high-end hide production declined by 22 percent due to falling beef and dairy consumption. MycoWorks, and its hallmark material Reishi™, are answering these challenges with the world’s first full-scale alternative leather factory, a revolution in the production of high-quality natural materials for the luxury industry.

The opening of the 136,000 sq. ft. factory also marks the world’s largest mycelium material operation, a major step for the use of mycelium– the “root structure” of mushrooms. Starting first with leather, MycoWorks’ Fine Mycelium™ technology can later be expanded into other applications. The plant was made possible through a $125 million Series C funding round in 2021 from Prime Movers Lab, SK Networks, Mirabaud Lifestyle Impact & Innovation Fund, DCVC Bio, Novo Holdings and several strategic customers and investors. With construction beginning in 2022, the project was delivered on-time and on-budget, running the same tray-based mycelium growth system successfully piloted in its California plant yet scaled to 100x the volume.

“As MycoWorks continues to lead in biomaterial innovation, we are thrilled to open this first-of-its-kind facility in South Carolina. This reality is thanks to our team of experienced manufacturing leaders and engineers from the consumer goods, automotive, food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries who have adapted robotic equipment and systems to handle our unique tray-based biomaterials process. In turn, they have enabled the first high-quality mycelium material product at scale, a feat which has never been accomplished until now,” says Doug Hardesty, MycoWorks Chief Operating Officer. “We thank the city and citizens of Union for welcoming MycoWorks into its community.” 

MycoWorks’ facility uses state of the art robotics, digital analytics, and AI resources to achieve high-caliber quality and supply chain systems for the company’s customers in an entirely new manufacturing process. Using automated guided robots (AGRs), the company has automated 80% of its process, enabling MycoWorks’ to reduce handling costs but maintain expert interactions where they are critical for quality assurance, achieving both high quality and low-cost production.

For the leather industry, MycoWorks’ Union, S.C., facility is a breakthrough in supply chain management, providing full predictability, transparency, and provenance of high-quality natural materials while also reducing waste. Grown-to-spec, Fine Mycelium™ can be customized for thickness, weight and mechanical properties, allowing for an unprecedented level of control of a natural material, previously impossible via traditional agriculture.

Luxury fashion and automotive brands have eagerly awaited this opening to move collection design from prototyping and capsules to full-scale adoption. To date, Fine Mycelium™ has already been applied with great success to product categories from luxury handbags and footwear to vehicle interiors and home furnishings.

For Union, S.C.—population 30,000— MycoWorks’ investment is reshoring production from an industry that primarily sources from Europe. Union has had a long history in textile manufacturing, and as the region is already home to leading automotive manufacturers, Fine Mycelium™ will allow other industries in the area and globally to closely collaborate on development. This centralization of biotechnology and manufacturing has long been a goal of South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, a dedicated supporter of bringing cutting-edge science and technology to the state.

“We are thrilled to welcome MycoWorks to Union and have been eagerly awaiting the start of production,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “We are already seeing the growth that this opening is bringing to the immediate and greater communities in the area, including more jobs, housing, storefronts, and overall investments. MycoWorks is a fantastic addition to our portfolio of energy-efficient plants, and we look forward to their long-term impact in South Carolina.”

To learn more about employment opportunities at MycoWorks, visit https://www.mycoworks.com/careers

For media inquiries, please contact mycoworks@bpcm.com

About MycoWorks
In 2013, co-founders Philip Ross and Sophia Wang formed MycoWorks, a San Francisco-based biomaterials company dedicated to bringing new mycelium-grown materials to the world. MycoWorks’ patented Fine Mycelium™ technology, an advanced manufacturing platform and breakthrough in materials science, engineers mycelium during growth to form proprietary, interlocking cellular structures for unparalleled beauty, handfeel, strength and durability. The company’s flagship material- Reishi™ – is a new category of material for the world’s best luxury brands. For more information, please visit mycoworks.com and madewithreishi.com.

SOURCE MycoWorks

Lowcountry

Anheuser-Busch, MADD, and Uber Partner with KW Beverage of South Carolina to Encourage 21+ Fans to ‘Decide to Ride’ by Planning Ahead for Sober Rides on Game Days

September 22, 2023 by 0 Comments
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THE COALITION IS EXPANDING TO COLLEGES NATIONWIDE TO HELP PREVENT DRUNK DRIVING DURING THE FOOTBALL SEASON 

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The country’s leading brewer, Anheuser-Busch, the nation’s largest drunk driving victim services and advocacy nonprofit, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and ridesharing platform, Uber, are bringing their first-of-its-kind coalition to college communities this fall. As a part of the next phase of the Decide to Ride campaign, the coalition is teaming up with Anheuser-Busch wholesaler partner KW Beverage to help combat drunk driving during the South Carolina Gamecocks’ 2023 football season. 

Decide to Ride Fall 2023 Campaign Graphic (PRNewsfoto/Anheuser-Busch)
Decide to Ride Fall 2023 Campaign Graphic (PRNewsfoto/Anheuser-Busch)

The coalition aims to expand its reach among consumers by activating at a number of college football games across the country for the first time ever with the key message – “If You Drink, Don’t Drive. Decide to Ride.” This joint effort will meet 21+ fans ahead of the game to raise awareness and promote road safety by providing educational and ridesharing opportunities, including some locally available discounts on Uber rides. Consumers who are aware of the campaign are 40 percent more likely to avoid drunk driving by using a ridesharing app to get safely to and from their destinations, according to internal campaign research developed by the coalition.

“Anheuser-Busch has been promoting a culture of responsible drinking for over a century, and we know there is still more to be done. The expansion of Decide to Ride to college communities aims to promote alcohol safety where we can create the greatest impact,” said Anheuser-Busch Chief External Affairs Officer Cesar Vargas. “Football season is a time for fans to come together. To ensure a future with more cheers for all, it’s imperative that we help college football fans get home safely. That’s who we are, and that’s what this coalition is all about.” 

The Decide to Ride campaign in South Carolina will kick off during the University of South Carolina vs. Mississippi State game on Saturday, Sept. 23 (Gamecocks vs. Bulldogs, 7:30 p.m. ET). At the game, fans can expect to see digital creative and promotions that bring to life the campaign’s message and encourage everyone to pledge to take a safe ride home. KW Beverages will also be hosting a giveaway for $25 Uber certificates in the tailgate zone ahead of the game, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET.

“All of us at KW Beverage are proud to partner with Anheuser-Busch, MADD and Uber to bring the Decide to Ride message to fellow football fans,” said Randy Hartzog, VP and General Manager of KW Beverage. “We want to encourage gameday celebrations to be fun but responsible. So no matter the score, we encourage everyone to consider a designated driver or an Uber ride after the game. Decide to Ride!”

“We all love watching football, but everything changes when someone under the influence gets behind the wheel. Be smart, and catch a ride to the game if you’re going to consume alcohol,” said South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. “Drunk driving is preventable, and it’s up to us to stop it.”

Over the last 35 years, Anheuser-Busch and its network of independent wholesaler partners have invested more than $1 billion in community-based programs and initiatives to prevent underage drinking, drunk driving, and other harmful uses of alcohol. This includes an investment of nearly $14 million since 1999 to support social norms programs that reduce alcohol harm and increase protective behaviors on college campuses. In 2021, Anheuser-Busch wholesalers also participated in alcohol education programs with 185 colleges and universities.   

“As college sports bring together students, friends, and family from all over the nation, MADD wants everyone who attends game day to have fun! Please remember that it’s against the law to drink under the age of 21 and if you do choose to consume alcohol, leave the keys at home and make a plan for a safe ride before the first drink – designate a nondrinking driver, use rideshare or public transportation,” said Tess Rowland, MADD National President.

“We are proud to continue our work with Anheuser-Busch and MADD to remind fans to Decide to Ride,” said Kristin Smith, Head of Road Safety Policy at Uber. “There is never a reason to get behind the wheel impaired, especially with options like Uber, which studies show helps reduce impaired driving fatalities in our communities. Ahead of the fall football season, we want to make it easy for everyone to Decide to Ride.”

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, dream big to move our industry forward, and make a meaningful impact in the world. We hope to build a future that everyone can celebrate, and everyone can share. For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. We are home to several of America’s most loved beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Bud Light as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

ABOUT MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING (MADD)

Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nonprofit leader in a movement to create a Nation of #NoMoreVictims of impaired driving. By working to end drunk and drugged driving, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50%, saving more than 400,000 lives. The organization is a vocal advocate for justice for victims, new laws, and new technology, including implementation of auto technology in every vehicle that prevents impaired driving. MADD also has provided supportive services to nearly one million victims of drunk and drugged driving at no charge through local victim advocates and its 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to make a donation, visit https://madd.org/ and follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

ABOUT UBER

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 39 billion trips later, we’re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch