Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

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

July 17, 2019 by 0 Comments
Read More

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.
###

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
Read More

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
Read More

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

Lowcountry

North Charleston Based South Carolina Federal named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina

July 16, 2019 by 0 Comments
Read More

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (July 15, 2019) — South Carolina Federal Credit Union was named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina for the seventh time. This survey-and-awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the state of South Carolina which benefit the state’s economy, workforce, and businesses.

Companies from across the state entered the two stage survey process to determine the Best Places to Work in South Carolina. The first piece evaluated each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second was an internal survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and final ranking.

“People helping people is our mission, and in order to do that effectively we need to have the best team on board to serve our members,” said Leslie Norris, Senior Vice President of Human Resources. “By creating a culture where employees feel valued, engaged and recognized, we’re able to attract and retain talented individuals who are passionate about serving our membership.”

This annual program, now in its fourteenth year, was created by SC Biz News in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group.

South Carolina Federal is currently hiring. If you want to work for a Best Places to Work company, visit www.scfederal.org/careers/apply to browse current career opportunities.

History of South Carolina Federal

Lowcountry

Summit Trampoline Park Group Announces Expansion into Charleston, South Carolina

July 12, 2019 by 0 Comments
Read More

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, USA, July 12, 2019 /EINPresswire.com/ — SummitTrampolinePark

Group announced the opening of a new Summit Trampoline Park in Charleston, SC. Company officials expect to have the newest Summit location in full operation by October 2019. The park will be located in PinePoint Plaza at 1964 Ashley River Road. Summit Charleston will have over 12 unique activities. There are plenty of in-park party areas for birthdays, corporate team outings, church groups, sports teams or any size group.

“We are very excited to announce our expansion into the Charleston market. We expect this Summit Trampoline Park to add over 30 part-time, as well as several full-time jobs to Charleston, SC.” – Allan Jones – President of Summit Trampoline Park Group.

Summit Trampoline Park is thrilled to be coming to Charleston, SC to provide a highly differentiated experience. The park will include a variety of activities such as Dodgeball, Ninja Course, Wipe-Out, High-Performance Olympic-style trampolines, Basketball Dunking Lanes, Kid Zone, Giant Airbag, Gymnastics Tumble Tracks, Battle Beam, Ninja course, Soccer Score, Neon Nights, as well as a huge main court.

Summit Trampoline Park Group, based in the USA, is a global operator of trampoline parks and entertainment centers with Parks around the USA and the world.

Visit us at http://summittrampolinepark.com/?lang=en for more information.

Contact: Kathleen Jones

Visit us on social media:
Facebook

Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

eGroup growing its Charleston County headquarters

July 11, 2019 by 0 Comments
Read More

eGroup, a leading provider of innovative business information technology (IT) services, today announced plans to expand its corporate headquarters in Charleston County by building a new 18,000-square-foot facility. The $6.3 million investment is creating 35 jobs.

eGroup provides critical IT services to more than 300 clients across 31 states in the healthcare, financial services, advanced logistics, software development, public safety, first responder and public government sectors. For nearly 20 years, eGroup has delivered the skillsets and expertise to help organizations transform their businesses through a multi-step services methodology that results in high-impact hybrid cloud solutions to improve efficiencies.

Along with its existing headquarters located at 482 Wando Park Boulevard in Charleston County, the new facility will allow eGroup to create a space to further grow its professional and managed services teams.

Construction on the new facility is expected to be completed in fall 2020. Those interested in joining the eGroup team can visit https://www.egroup-us.com/latest/#careers.

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

“From our Charleston County-based campus, eGroup will be providing the IT solutions required by the world’s leading organizations to fulfill their digital transformation and hybrid cloud journeys. Charleston County offers the right blend of business advantages and quality of life for our people, and for close to 20 years, eGroup has been proud to be a leader and contributor within our community. As we’ve grown together over the years, both eGroup and Charleston County have emerged as tech destinations for the 21st century. We like where we’re headed, we’re proud of our shared heritage and we’re committed to do our part in continuing to create that future success!” –eGroup CEO Mike Carter

“South Carolina is on the cutting edge of the technology industry, and with companies like eGroup investing and growing in our state, that trend will only continue. I congratulate this innovative company and wish them continued success.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“We congratulate eGroup on this latest expansion, which adds to the ongoing success they’ve experienced in South Carolina. This innovative company has been a longtime partner of Team South Carolina, and we look forward to seeing them thrive for years to come.”  –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“On behalf of Charleston County, I applaud eGroup on their decision to invest further in our community. As one of our local, homegrown technology companies, we are thrilled to support their growth as they continue to be an IT services industry leader.”-Charleston County Council Chairman Elliott Summey

“eGroup is an example of the success businesses can find in Charleston County, utilizing our region’s brightest talent and benefiting from the established infrastructure for high-tech companies. Our Business Concierge team has built a strong relationship with eGroup, and we proudly congratulate them on their expansion announcement.” –Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Steve Dykes

“We are delighted to welcome the expansion of this innovative IT solutions company in Mount Pleasant. eGroup, recognized as one of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces of 2019, brings to our business community national experience in helping organizations of all sizes and all industries keep their data and systems secure and resilient.” – Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • eGroup is expanding its Charleston County operations.
  • The $6.3 million investment is creating 35 jobs.
  • eGroup is a leading provider of innovative business IT services.
  • eGroup is located at 482 Wando Park Boulevard in Charleston County.
  • Those interested in joining the eGroup team can visit https://www.egroup-us.com/latest/#careers.
Lowcountry

Battery to Beach Program Needs Your Input – Please complete short survey

July 9, 2019 by 0 Comments
Read More

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (August 23, 2018) — The Town of Mount Pleasant has been involved with the Battery to Beach program from its conception and continues to work with its committee the goal of a safe, bikeable infrastructure to and from the beaches and the peninsula.

Battery to Beach is currently conducting a survey of the Charleston bicycle community to try to gauge usage of bicycle lanes and guide the next steps of their program and your participation would be appreciated. Following is a link to the survey: tinyurl.com/btobsurvey

Lowcountry

Business Spotlight: Stanford, Duke, and Harvard Trained Dustin S. Hambright brings his passion and expertise in knee and hip replacement to the Lowcountry

July 7, 2019 by 0 Comments
Read More

I grew up in a blue collared family of construction workers. I rebuilt cars, dug ditches, and cleaned offices as a young man. I was taught early in life the importance of hard work, grit, humility, and taking pride in daily work. With these deep-rooted lessons and the support of my family, I was the first in my family to go to a university for higher education. Stanford University is where I was taught to critically think. It is where I was introduced to the intricacies of mechanical engineering and complex mathematics — two areas I would utilize daily as a surgeon in the future. It was where I was also introduced to the medical field and health education. Through an opportunity with Students for International Change in my last year of college, I was able to volunteer as a health educator in Tanzania and spent time at the local hospital in my extra time. I saw medicine’s life-changing power. It changed the course of my life. I returned to the US ready to pursue my life as a doctor.

 I went on to train at Duke University Medical School. It was there that I saw my first total knee replacement and instantly knew this was my calling in the field of medicine. It was a perfect meld of my strengths operating and my goals to help patients regain their quality of life. I grew up rebuilding cars and doing construction with my father. I now could do similar work for patients’ joints. It was something that ran in my family’s blood and was ingrained in my hands.

 I followed medical school with residency at the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program and a fellowship in Washington University Orthopaedics Joint Preservation, Resurfacing & Replacement Fellowship. I have been honored to receive many awards throughout this demanding pathway of education including the honor of being Valedictorian, the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship, the Stanford Rugby Pete Kemetovich Award, the NIH Pre-doctoral Intramural Research Training Award, and the Granite Hills Alumni Golden Eagle Award. In addition, through my training, I had the opportunity to work at the top hospitals and institutes across the country, including the National Institute of Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, and the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. At these institutions, I trained with the best in the field of hip and knee replacements as well as helped lead research and publish articles in top Orthopaedic journals.

Dr. Dustin A. Hambright

 After training, I moved to Charleston and joined the South Carolina Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center to continue my work alongside top surgeons that are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. I have been able to pursue my expertise in hip and knee replacements, revision replacements, and both image guided and robotic hip and knee replacements. I have built a practice based on what I find most important in medicine – strong relationships, trust, and patient-centered academically based medicine.

  Together we will build a team and strive toward focused goals, improving quality of life, alleviating pain, and getting you back to the activities you enjoy.

“With full commitment, dedication, and grit, together we can reach your goals. I will always promise you from day one that I will treat you like family and will devote myself to your health and wellbeing.”

Links:.

Three (3) Generations
Lowcountry

Charleston Port & Seafarers Society is seeking new volunteers

July 6, 2019 by 0 Comments
Read More

We are looking for new volunteers

The Charleston Port & Seafarers Society is seeking new volunteers interested in joining our important ministry. No experience needed and wonderful experiences helping our visiting seafarers is guaranteed. If you or someone you know has an interest in joining a local organization that makes a global impact please email us at chapssmail@gmail.com

Where am I needed? We need volunteers at Wando Terminal in Mt Pleasant, North Charleston Terminal in North Charleston and at the Columbus Street Terminal near downtown.

When am I needed? Volunteers schedule 4-6 hours weekly either morning, afternoon or early evening. We pair new and experienced volunteers initially for on the job training.

What will I do? Serve as first contact with the seafarers. Whether it’s providing internet or phone access for communicating with family at home, transportation to shopping or simply chatting and offering a warm welcome. Volunteers also are welcomed onboard vessels for visits. It is all important work.

What do I need? There are some hurdles but they are not to high. You’ll need a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) It costs about $125 and we have some financial aid if needed. You will also need to get official Port stickers on your vehicle which are free.
Thanks for considering joining us as we enter our 198th year of aiding the seafarers. 

Click here to request more information on volunteering with the Seafarers Society.

Mission

“The Charleston Port & Seafarers Society is a Christian organization that exists for the purpose of welcoming and serving the needs of those men and women who make their livelihood in the port or at sea, without regard for nationality, race, ethnicity, politics or religion.”