Charleston Defense Contractors Association Announces Launch of 7th Annual Student Mobile App Competition

June 29, 2017 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — The Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA), a nonprofit focused on the preservation and growth of the defense and technology related industries in the Charleston and Lowcountry regions, today announced that it is now accepting submissions for its 7th Annual Student Mobile App Competition.  The contest is open to middle school to college students throughout the Southeast. A recent economic report from Darla Moore School of Business at University of South Carolina (USC) revealed that Charleston is one of the leading defense and technology hubs in the U.S., contributing $10.6 billion to the overall $24.1 billion annual economic impact for South Carolina.

Mobile App Competition winners are announced during the CDCA Defense Summit (Formerly C5ISR Summit). This year’s annual event is scheduled for Dec. 5-8, 2017 in Charleston, SC. The conference brings together more than 1,500 industry leaders in technology, defense, health care and other organizations focused on driving innovation in the defense industry.  The event connects app competitors to companies participating in the Summit. In turn, past winners have received scholarships and job offers from their exposure to potential employers.

“The contest was a great experience for me,” said last year’s winner, DeJean Dunbar of Charleston Southern University.  “By participating I acquired valuable skills in building an app to solve a business challenge from the ground up. I also received insights into what companies are looking for in future employees. As a result of this contest, I found a passion for technology, my future career path and job interviews.”

WHAT:

CDCA’s 7th Annual Student Mobile App Competition

Judging criteria reviews the scope of problem addressed by the application, ease-of-use, and positive user experience. Applicants are encouraged to make applications intuitive. Additional materials may be submitted to explain the application’s use. Judges’ decisions are final.

WHEN:

Oct 27, 2017:  Deadline for Letter of Intent

Online submissions can be submitted on the CDCA website HERE.

Nov 15, 2017, 11:59pm EST:  Deadline for submitting the app and any supporting materials

Dec 6, 2017:  Winners announced at the CDCA Defense Summit 

WHERE:

For more information email:        AppChallenge@charlestondca.org    

WHO:                

The competition is open to individuals or teams of Middle, High School, and full-time, undergraduate and graduate college students.

RULES & REGULATIONS:  Full list of terms and conditions can be found here.

About Charleston Defense Contractors Association

Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA) is an association of organizations and individual professionals dedicated to preserving, highlighting and continuing to grow the defense industry and its affiliated-organizations in Charleston, South Carolina, and its immediate surrounding region.  Since its inception in December 2002, the CDCA has worked to address issues facing the continually changing landscape that is Charleston’s defense industry presence and ensure that it continues to be a thriving, sustained business opportunity in Charleston, South Carolina. For further information, visit us at http://www.charlestondca.org/.

SOURCE Charleston Defense Contractors Association

Related Links

http://www.charlestondca.org

Samsung investing $380M in South Carolina, creating 950 jobs

June 28, 2017 by 0 Comments
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Samsung is investing $380 million in South Carolina to manufacture home appliances, creating an estimated 950 jobs over the next three years, state and company officials announced Wednesday.

The South Korean-based company is opening a “state-of-the-art” facility in the former Caterpillar plant in Newberry. Production is expected to start early next year. “Premium home appliances” made at the plant will include washing machines and will be sold primarily in the United States, the company said in a news release.

The announcement came hours after new South Korean President Moon Jae-in left for the United States for meetings with President Donald Trump. Samsung Electronics CEO B.K. Yoon signed the company’s plans Wednesday morning in Washington with Gov. Henry McMaster.

A celebratory event was to be held in Newberry later Wednesday.

“This new investment will enable Samsung to increase the speed with which we can deliver premium home appliances that reflect the regional preferences of our fastest-growing and most important consumer market,” Yoon said.

Company officials began considering expanding its U.S. production nearly three years ago and launched talks with South Carolina officials last fall, the company said.

Samsung already operates a call center employing 800 people in Greenville County, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) away.

Rural Newberry County is home to fewer than 40,000 people. Caterpillar announced in April 2016 it was closing its 325-employee electric generator packaging facility in Newberry to consolidate production in other states. At the time, it was one of Newberry County’s largest employers and taxpayers.

Samsung’s decision “is one that will change the very fabric of the Newberry community,” McMaster said. “Samsung will now be an important partner in ushering in an unprecedented period of economic growth and prosperity in our state.”

The board of Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s state-owned utility, approved a $2.75 million grant for Samsung on Monday, said spokeswoman Mollie Gore. The plant will be powered by Newberry Electric Cooperative, which gets its power from Santee Cooper.

Other incentives offered by South Carolina are not public information until an agreement with Samsung is completed and signed, which can take up to a year, according to the state Commerce Department.

The high-tech plant will employ engineers and a variety of technical and non-technical workers, the company said.

It’s the second large economic development announcement for South Carolina this week.

On Monday, BMW announced plans to invest an additional $600 million in an expansion, creating 1,000 new jobs over the next four years. The German automaker has already invested $8 billion in South Carolina since deciding to locate in Spartanburg County 25 years ago.

Last week, Siemens Corp. announced it was providing the University of South Carolina with an estimated $628 million worth of computers, robotics and unlimited licensing on the latest software to give students hands-on training for today’s high-tech manufacturing jobs. Part of the in-kind grant will create a “digital factory innovation lab” at the university.

Samsung said the company’s reasons for choosing South Carolina included its trained workforce, the state’s long record of recruiting and retaining other international companies, and access to the Charleston port.

*Provided by Associated Press

BMW announces $600M expansion creating 1000 new jobs in South Carolina

June 27, 2017 by 0 Comments
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BMW said Monday it will invest an additional $600 million to expand its South Carolina plant, creating 1,000 new jobs over the next four years.

CEO Harald Krueger’s announcement coincided with the German automaker’s celebration of 25 years of manufacturing in the state. BMW, which has already invested $8 billion in South Carolina, also unveiled its 2018 BMW X3, a compact sports vehicle expected to be available in November. It will be built at the plant in Greer alongside the BMW X4, X5 and X6.

The expansion will boost its workforce to more than 10,000 people. BMW will separately invest $200 million over five years on workforce training, Krueger said. The company touts the South Carolina plant as its largest worldwide, producing more than 411,000 X models last year. About 70 percent of BMWs made there are exported to more than 140 countries.

Last year, the plant reached a milestone with its 2 millionth exported BMW. The overwhelming majority of its exports leave through the Charleston port.

“BMW is the company that, in many ways, put South Carolina on the map when its leadership decided to build its first North American manufacturing facility” in the state a quarter century ago, said Gov. Henry McMaster. Others in attendance Monday included U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina.

BMW announced plans for a South Carolina plant in June 1992. Production at the plant off Interstate 85 between Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina, began two years later.

Krueger called the decision a “success story” arising from a strong relationship with the people and elected officials of South Carolina. “Our relationship with South Carolina has been built upon decades of professionalism, mutual trust and respect – and goes far beyond just building great cars,” he said.

Winning BMW took South Carolina officials several years, numerous trips to Europe and promises of free land, tax breaks and employee training. Officials say the success of that investment is evident.

Suppliers and other vehicle manufacturers have followed BMW to the state in the ensuing decades.

According to the state Commerce Department, South Carolina is now home to nearly 400 companies in the automotive industry, employing 66,000 people. Since 2011, five international tire companies also have announced new plants or expansions in the state, which ranks first nationwide in tire exports.

Mercedes-Benz Vans broke ground last July on a $500 million assembly plant to build Sprinter vans in Ladson, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Charleston. For the past decade, the company has put Sprinter vans made in Germany back together at an existing plant next to the site.

And Volvo Cars is building its first North American plant, a $500 million investment, in South Carolina’s Berkeley County.

Provided by Seanna Adcox – Associated Press

In 5 years, South Carolina has gone from 39th to 2nd in the nation for worst and rudest drivers

June 26, 2017 by 0 Comments
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In 2012, Insure.com did a survey of 2000 drivers on the states with the rudest drivers.  South Carolina finished a modest 39th.  A very respectable ranking in a not so savory survey.  Fast forward to 2016.  CarInsuranceComparison.com ranked South Carolina as the 3rd worst in the nation for drivers.  Now, in 2017, Kars4Kidz conducted a new survey of 2500 participants and South Carolina has the honor of finishing as the 2nd worst drivers.

Results are based on individual online surveys through AYTM (Ask Your Target Market) with 50 licensed drivers in each state for a total of 2500 respondents, aged 18 and older, and conducted from March to April 2017. Question and answer order were randomized. Based on the total population of adults per state the sampling error was ± 12% with a confidence level of 90%.

Surveys – Rudest / Worst Drivers

2012 Insure.com – South Carolina 39th (Rudest Drivers)

2016 CarInsuranceComparison.com – South Carolina 3rd (Worst Drivers)

2017 Kars4Kidz – South Carolina 2nd (Rudest Drivers)

2017 Kars4Kidz Results:

1. Idaho 11. South Dakota 21. Massachusetts 31. Illinois 41. Iowa
2. New Mexico 12. Utah 22. Kentucky 32. New Jersey 42. Pennsylvania
3. Oregon 13. Texas 23. Minnesota 33. Virginia 43. Oklahoma
4. Montana 14. Arizona 24. Delaware 34. Indiana 44. Georgia
5. Alaska 15. Michigan 25. Nevada 35. Ohio 45. Maine
6. Hawaii 16. Florida 26. Alabama 36. Nebraska 46. Wisconsin
7. Colorado 17. California 27. Tennessee 37. North Dakota 47. Louisiana
8. Washington 18. West Virginia 28. North Carolina 38. Rhode Island 48. Arkansas
9. Vermont 19. Wyoming 29. Missouri 39. Kansas 49. South Carolina
10. New Hampshire 20. Maryland 30. Connecticut 40. Mississippi 50. New York

How aggressively do you respond to slow driving?

Do you let a car merge in front of you in heavy traffic?

Do you respond rudely when being tailgated?

Do you use your turning signals?

Would you steal someone’s parking spot?

Would you speed up to stop someone from passing you?

CarInsuranceComparison.com 2016 Results:

 

Insure.com 2012 Results

The states with the rudest drivers — and the states that hate them most
Rude rank State Most hated by drivers from:
1 Idaho Arizona
2 Washington, D.C. Maryland
3 New York California
4 Wyoming Montana
5 Massachusetts New Hampshire
6 Delaware Georgia
6 Vermont California
8 New Jersey New York
9 Nevada California
10 Utah California
11 Alaska Arizona
12 Louisiana Texas
13 Connecticut New Jersey
14 Rhode Island Massachusetts
15 Iowa Illinois
16 Oklahoma Texas
17 California Texas
18 Alabama Georgia
19 Arkansas California
20 Mississippi Tennessee
21 Colorado California
21 New Mexico Texas
23 Florida Georgia
24 Ohio Kentucky
25 Georgia Florida
25 Illinois Wisconsin
27 Texas California
28 Hawaii Kansas
28 Kansas Missouri
28 Virginia North Carolina
28 West Virginia Pennsylvania
32 Kentucky Ohio
32 Maryland Pennsylvania
34 Arizona California
35 Michigan Ohio
36 Indiana Illinois
37 Pennsylvania New Jersey
38 Tennessee Alabama
39 Missouri Kansas
39 South Carolina North Carolina
41 South Dakota Texas
42 North Carolina South Carolina
43 Washington Oregon
44 Nebraska Pennsylvania
45 Wisconsin Illinois
46 Oregon California
47 Minnesota Wisconsin
48 Montana District of Columbia
48 New Hampshire Minnesota
50 Maine Maryland
51 North Dakota Michigan
Source: Insure.com, based on a survey of 2,000 drivers in July 2014.

Charleston based Blackbaud acquires U.K.-based fundraising platform JustGiving for $120 million

June 26, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Acquisition to extend Blackbaud’s offerings for peer-to-peer fundraising to drive more charitable giving

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s largest cloud software company powering nonprofits and other social good organizations, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire United Kingdom-based online fundraising services provider JustGiving™, whose online social giving platform has played a powerful role in the growth of peer-to-peer fundraising.

Under the purchase agreement for the transaction, Blackbaud has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding equity interests of JustGiving for an aggregate purchase price of £95 million, subject to certain adjustments. The closing of the transaction is anticipated to occur at the conclusion of a customary regulatory review in the U.K. Blackbaud expects to finance the acquisition with cash on hand and borrowings under its existing credit facility.

The acquisition comes as social and mobile giving continue to grow and fundraising driven by individual supporters rallying others in their networks (referred to as “peer-to-peer fundraising” in the sector) plays a significant and growing role in charitable giving. JustGiving has been a leader in peer-to-peer fundraising for both nonprofit organizations as well as individuals (also known as personal crowdfunding), with people in 164 countries raising over $4.5 billion for good causes through its online platform since 2001.

“Today, people are willing to do more than ever before to support causes they care about, but they want to do it on their own terms,” said Jerry Needel, president and general manager of Blackbaud Consumer Solutions. “To put their passion into action, they need technology that gives them the power to connect with other change agents and organizations. Bringing JustGiving into the Blackbaud family reinforces our strong commitment to catalyzing the impact of individual change agents. It’s also part of our commitment to helping social good organizations navigate and respond to key shifts in giving behavior.”

The acquisition will enhance Blackbaud’s capabilities to serve both individual donors and nonprofits, expanding the peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities Blackbaud offers today through TeamRaiser® and everydayhero®, which are used by leading nonprofit organizations to connect their causes to the individuals who support them. The acquisition will also add a new personal crowdfunding capability that can be rolled out in the U.S. and elsewhere, as well as position Blackbaud to better serve the U.K. market, where it has operated for more than two decades, and where JustGiving is a fundraising leader.

“As a software leader exclusively focused on innovation that drives social good, it’s in our DNA to respond to and anticipate changes in the way people give and connect with causes,” said Mike Gianoni, president and CEO of Blackbaud. “This is an exciting next step in our commitment to delivering modern, mobile-first, integrated cloud technology that powers social good. Together, JustGiving’s proven crowdfunding expertise and Blackbaud’s cloud solutions, customer base and leadership in the social economy are a powerful, unmatched combination that will ultimately forge deeper and more effective connections between people and the causes they support. This is the kind of innovation it takes to build a better world.”

Anne-Marie Huby, co-founder and managing director of JustGiving, said: “Social, mobile and the rise of crowdfunding combined are transforming the way people give, and the pace of change is unprecedented. By bringing together JustGiving’s community and social platform with Blackbaud’s unrivalled expertise and capabilities, we will be better able to help great causes reach more people and raise more money, more effectively and intelligently than ever before.”

The two companies have entered into a definitive acquisition agreement as of Friday, June 23, which will undergo a customary regulatory review in the U.K. The transaction is anticipated to close later this year, and the two companies will determine their full integration strategy at that time.

JustGiving is headquartered in London, U.K. Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina with operations around the globe, including in London. JustGiving staff are expected to transition to Blackbaud following the completion of the customary regulatory review and become part of Blackbaud’s London-based International Markets Group, led by Jerome Moisan, senior vice president and president of Blackbaud’s International Markets Group.

About Blackbaud

Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community—nonprofits, foundations, corporations, education institutions and individual change agents—Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through software, services, expertise and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and relationship management, digital marketing, advocacy, accounting, payments, analytics, school management, grant management, corporate social responsibility, and volunteerism. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.

About JustGiving

JustGiving is the world’s most trusted social platform for giving, enabling over 22 million people to raise over $4.5 billion for over 26,000 charities since launching in 2001. As a tech-for-good company, JustGiving develops world-class technology and innovative tools to fulfil its mission to connect people with the causes they care about. By making giving more simple, social and rewarding, JustGiving helps all causes, charities and people in need to reach more people and raise more money. For more information, visit www.justgiving.com.

Media Contact

For inquiries inside of the UK:
0207 554 1784
blackbaud@portland-communications.com

For all other inquiries:
Sylvia Baker
Porter Novelli for Blackbaud
404-995-4528
Sylvia.Baker@porternovelli.com

uBreakiFix Comes to Greater Charleston, Opens in Mount Pleasant

June 26, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Leading Tech Repair Enterprise Attributes Rapid Growth to Affordable Services and Exceptional Customer Experience

This is the brand’s second location in South Carolina, joining a location in Greenville. uBreakiFix Mount Pleasant is the first location for owners Will Siegfried and Jake Earp, who began working as store technicians in Boca Raton, Florida, more than five years ago and intend on opening future stores in the Greater Charleston area.

“Jake and I started our uBreakiFix journey from the very bottom, working our way up the ladder from technicians to corporate positions,” said Siegfried. “As new owners, we hope to show our community how much we believe in the incredible resource that uBreakiFix is for both their personal and business tech needs.”

uBreakiFix was founded in 2009 by millennial duo David Reiff and Justin Wetherill, a 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. The pair later partnered with Eddie Trujillo to transition their Internet-based brand to a brick and mortar tech repair alternative that was quick, affordable and provided a quality customer experience. Since its inception, the company has grown organically without debt, investors or consultants.

uBreakiFix services all brands of electronics, offering phone screen repair, computer repair and more to consumers and businesses alike. To date, the company has completed more than 2.5 million repairs, including cracked screens, water damage, software issues, camera issues and most other technical problems. uBreakiFix is known for its timely service, focus on providing an exceptional customer experience and its ability to fix anything and everything with a power button. Each repair comes with a 90-day warranty and a price match guarantee.

“Our commitment to our customers is what drives our continual growth, innovation and improvement,” said Wetherill, uBreakiFix CEO and founder. “We’re always looking for ways to better serve the communities we call home. We’re excited for the opportunity to bring reliable repair service and exceptional customer service to Mount Pleasant and the surrounding areas.”

uBreakiFix Mount Pleasant is located at 644 Long Point Rd, Ste E, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 and can be reached at: 843-936-2095. For more information and to view a service menu, visit ubreakifix.com.

About uBreakiFix
Founded in 2009, uBreakiFix specializes in the repair of small electronics, ranging from smartphones, game consoles, tablets, computers and everything in between. Cracked screens, water damage, software issues, camera issues and most any other problem can be repaired by visiting uBreakiFix stores across the U.S. and in Canada. uBreakiFix is the official walk-in repair partner for Pixel, a phone by Google. For more information, visit ubreakifix.com.

For more information, contact:
Hannah Kersh
678-978-7787
Hannah@seesparkgo.com=

CHARLESTON, SC–(Marketwired – June 26, 2017) – uBreakiFix opens in Mount Pleasant on June 26 at 644 Long Point Road, Suite E. The fast-growing technology repair brand provides same-day repair service of all electronics, specializing in cell phone repair and computer repair at its more than 310 locations across North America.

Roadtrip: Airborne and Special Operations Museum – Fayetteville, NC

June 23, 2017 by 3 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Just a few hours away in Fayetteville, North Carolina is the Airborne and Special Operations Museum and it may be one of the most memorable historic museum experiences in the Carolinas.  With the design and quality of a museum that would make Washington, D.C. jealous, this tribute to the 82nd Airborne out of nearby Fort Bragg and their impact on World War I through today is an emotional ride that will leave you in awe.

We take tremendous pride in honoring those that have served in the South.  Their dedication and courageous acts will forever be honored.  To experience not only their contributions, but to put you in their shoes is a remarkable feat that this museum has achieved.  From the parking lot to the trenches of France and Vietnam, you are transformed to the places where boys became men and freedom was preserved.

Experience the humanity of war, the visual amazement of the scenes of fear and strategic maneuvers and walk through a recollection of 100 years of protecting and preserving freedom around the world.

This is truly a remarkable place for all ages.  Did we mention it is free.

Take a visual walk in our steps and see why this must be considered for your next road trip

 

Commemorate as you enter

Canine Memorial

 

Paratrooper welcomes you
Main entrance
Medal of Honor database in front lobby

Learn about each campaign
Feel like you were part of the action

War torn France
Amazing artifacts
Visually stunning

Be part of the battles

Life in Vietnam

Life and death situations

Viewing Room

Humanitarian efforts

Experience the heart, humanity and courage of war.

Keys to Great Leadership: Business Insight

June 22, 2017 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Great leaders are not born, nor invented, but are harnessed through experiences, learning, environmental exposure and ideals of excellence.  These men and women that invoke respect and admiration from their colleagues and peers have earned this through success, respect, loyalty and the ability to inspire.

What sets these individuals apart from the rest?  What truly defines a great leader in an age where ethics and values too often get compromised?

These qualities will paint a very visual picture and as the colors blend together, a creation will form laying the masterpiece of the core values of great leadership.

If you can achieve these five core qualities/traits of a great leader, your future will be paved with achievement.

Great Leadership Traits

Be Yourself: Your True Self – Too often, we feel we need to wear two hats, personal and professional.  The perception that the life outside of work must remain isolated from the life inside the office is one that clouds the ability to create loyalty, partnership and trust in an organization.  A truly inspiring leader is a person that lets his people know all he/she is.  From the great to the bad, transparency builds trust.  It is that ability to open yourself up as a human being with emotion, harnessed and raw, that provides others with the feeling of community.  No team will ever succeed without collaboration, innovation and trust.  Being yourself is the first step to an open environment of sharing and teamwork.

Challenge your people – Human behavior is teased with routine and addiction.  We are surrounded by binge TV, apps, games, addictive behavior and the comfort of doing what we know repeatedly.  It is often our downfall.  When a new processes or technology is introduced, getting the masses to take on a new way of thinking can be the most difficult act of a leader, but a necessary one.  A great leader will continuously challenge and promote change.  Change is constant and necessary.  It is the foundation of growth.  Without it, others take over the reign and you soon become a forgotten commodity.

Be open to failure – Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos recently said, “our company is the greatest company in the world at failure”.  A CEO of one of the largest brands on the planet was bragging about failure.  Brilliant leadership.  The ability to fail means you are willing to take risk.  If you focus on the great design and brand heavy companies; Apple, Google, McDonalds, Samsung, IBM and more, you will see a common trend:  failure.  At Google, they may test 1000 products before hitting a home run and they are okay with that.  The ability to accept and “promote” failure is a sign of great leadership, because you are putting the future in the hands of those you trust and are willing to take accountability for their risks.

Solicit Feedback – in one way or another, we all go through performance assessments.  Some formal, some informal.  Some annual, some quarterly.  They are a necessary evil, but do serve value.  A strong leader takes the next step.  He/she will constantly look to those in the heart of a project and learn from them.  Leaders cannot be in every place at every time, so they must rely on honest evaluation from their teams to help understand what changes and adjustments need to be made.

Trust your team – Trust is earned.  Trust is an element of a much greater good.  The greatest leaders will do the follow:

  • Build a team of diverse thoughts and ideas
  • Welcome open and constant feedback
  • Let teams take risks and be open to failure
  • Trust in their skills and abilities
  • Be there for advice and counsel
  • Take pride in their team’s successes
  • Reward and recognize excellence

All these things build trust.  Trust leads to loyalty.  Loyalty leads to strength of team.  A strong team drives results.

There you have it, the traits of a great leader.  Where do you stand?

Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel Unveils Fresh New Design

June 21, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Discover Business Unusual and Rich Charleston History Through New Hotel Design

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Located in the historic heart of Charleston at the corner of Wentworth Street and King Street, the newly reimagined Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotelis something to behold. Designed by P3 Design Collective, the hotel boasts 162 home-inspired guest rooms, 4 luxurious suites, 5 creative meeting and event spaces, an energizing fitness center and outdoor saltwater pool and a quintessentially Southern lobby.

“The ideas behind the redesign were very much based on the characteristics of Charleston and the South, mixed with charm and lure, so that guests might unwind during a business trip or socialize as a local,” said Paula Benesch of P3 Design Collective. “The comfortably cool atmosphere of the Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel speaks to the independent and adventure-seeking guests.”

The newly transformed boutique hotel incorporates classic Charleston elements, with its antique brass lion head doorknockers, Haint Blue porch ceilings and gardens that bloom with fragrant magnolias. A revolving gallery wall features works from local artists.

The updated guest rooms evoke a familiar nostalgia that complements that of the city of Charleston, even for first time visitors. More than just a place to lay your head, each room is decorated with a mix of modern and vintage pieces collected over time as well as local finds one might discover on famous King Street.

“We are thrilled to invite guests into the redesigned Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel to have them experience our fresh new look and feel,” said General Manager Brian Wander. “The new features, local art, and overall design speak so highly of our hotel’s emphasis on Southern hospitality and tradition while also fitting in to the charming city around us. While we’ve updated a lot of the hotel through this redesign, this hotel is still rooted in history.”

Owned and operated by Chris Adams and Thaddeus Keefe, of international hospitality firm Ellis Adams Group, 1KEPT, the hotel’s new restaurant and bar concept, features a dining room and a full lounge and bar, plus a beer garden and front patio. The menu features New Southern flavors while incorporating sustainable seafood and hyper-locally sourced ingredients. 1KEPT opened in June 2017.

Outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, the fitness center is designed to inspire and energize hotel guests. Beyond the fitness center is the outdoor saltwater pool, where visitors can extend their workout routine or relax poolside under the Charleston sun.

For groups and special events, the Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel is one of the city’s most renowned small event destinations. The locally-inspired event spaces are the perfect setting for weddings and meetings.

For more information on the Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel or to book your next stay, visit the website and follow along on social on Instagram and Facebook.

About Renaissance Hotels: At Renaissance Hotels, It’s Business Unusual. Each of our 170 hotels, located in nearly 35 countries around the world, is unique and every stay offers unconventional programs that help business travelers discover rich, local experiences. We promise to feed the curiosity, fuel the imagination and excite the senses of our guests, who see their business trip as an exciting opportunity for new, interesting and sharable moments. We offer signature events in our lobbies, bars and lounges designed to showcase emerging talent in music, the arts, mixology, gastronomy and more. Renaissance Navigators are neighborhood experts who are ready to assist guests in discovering true local flavors and activities. R.E.N. Meetings offers groups an experience beyond a traditional meeting, rooted in creative sensory meeting design and custom-curated local Navigator excursions and networking events. At Renaissance Hotels, we strive to ensure that every trip is transformed into an eye-opening, unforgettable journey. Renaissance Hotels is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Rewards®, in which members can link accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. To discover more visit www.renhotels.com. For upcoming events visit www.renhotels.com/events.

CONTACT: Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel
68 Wentworth Street Charleston South Carolina 29401 
+1-843-534-0300
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chsbr-renaissance-charleston-historic-district-hotel/

Charleston Parks Conservancy to Receive $50,000 NEA Grant to Fund Art along West Ashley Greenway, Bikeway

June 21, 2017 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Parks Conservancy has been recommended to receive a $50,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for a project that would add public art activities along the West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway.

The Conservancy is partnering with the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and local community groups on a creative placemaking effort, including selection of artists to create public art and arts programming along the Greenway and Bikeway. The Conservancy is partnering with the City of Charleston to lead the master planning and design of a series of projects to transform the existing Greenway and Bikeway paths into connected linear parks. Temporary public art and arts programming will further the design of high-priority sites from the master plan.

The NEA announced 89 awards totaling $6.89 million supporting projects across the nation through the NEA’s Our Town program. Our Town is the NEA’s signature creative placemaking program that supports partnerships of artists, arts organizations and municipal government that work to revitalize neighborhoods. This practice places arts at the table with land-use, transportation, economic development, education, housing, infrastructure and public safety strategies to address a community’s challenges. Creative placemaking highlights the distinctiveness of a place, encouraging residents to identify and build upon their local creative assets.

“This is an exciting opportunity to be part of transforming a significant public space that connects so many neighborhoods in the City of Charleston,” said Harry Lesesne, executive director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “Improving the West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway will be a great benefit to all of the city’s residents, and the addition of public art will make it an even more engaging public space.”

Thanks largely to a $100,000 donation from The Speedwell Foundation, the Conservancy is seeking to develop a master plan for a combined 10.5-mile stretch of the Greenway and Bikeway. In coordination with the master plan and community engagement, the Conservancy will facilitate a series of public art projects and activities in several locations along the Greenway and Bikeway.

Site selection will be guided by priorities outlined in the master plan and the works of art will speak to the unique characteristics of each site and neighborhood. Programming around each public art display will engage community members of all ages.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said, “We very much look forward to working with the Charleston Parks Conservancy, other local arts organizations, artists, and community members to re-imagine the West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway as centers of recreation, vitality and connectivity in Charleston.”

This project is part of the Conservancy’s new Art in the Parks initiative, a program of adding temporary, contemporary public art in Charleston’s city parks through collaborations with local and regional artists, arts organizations and community members. The Art in the Parks program also will offer educational opportunities and programming for all ages.

In April, the Conservancy awarded its first Charleston Parks Conservancy exhibition prize to Georgia artist Joseph Dreher, who participated in the the annual ArtFields competition showcasing the work of artists around the Southeast. Dreher will create a work of art to be displayed at a City of Charleston park later this year.

Founded in 2007 by philanthropist Darla Moore, the Conservancy is celebrating a decade of connecting people to their parks and creating stunning public spaces and strong communities throughout the City of Charleston.

Through a public-private partnership, the Conservancy works with the City and community organizations, neighborhoods and engaged citizens to transform and activate the city’s parks and green spaces. The Conservancy is currently working in 25 parks, including Colonial Lake, Allan Park, Wragg Square, McMahon Playground at Hampton Park, Magnolia Park and Community Garden, Marion Square, and Medway Park.

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 together create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy opens doors to individuals and organizations in Charleston wanting to engage with their parks and green spaces in a kaleidoscope of positive ways. With the help of its Park Angels, the Conservancy improves, enhances, and invigorates these spaces, making Charleston even better, stronger, and more successful. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, please visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.

Charleston Parks Conservancy on social media:

Twitter / Instagram @charlestonparks

Facebook www.facebook.com/CharlestonParksConservancy

NEA hashtag: #NEASpring17

West Ashley Greenway Official Website