Charleston Regional Business Journal - April 3, 2023

(Photo/Boeing)

Manufacturing medicine for a healthy statewide economy

Pharmaceuticals and medicine top the list of manufacturing sectors with the most job openings in South Carolina, data from the National Association of Manufacturers in Washington, D.C., show.

The latest data from the trade group shows that South Carolina’s manufacturers have the highest demand for talent in medicine, motor vehicle parts, aerospace, wood products and medical equipment.

The latest data from 2021 show that medicine and medical equipment make up nearly 19% of the in-demand jobs for the manufacturing sector across the Palmetto State. Motor vehicle parts and manufacturing combined for nearly 10.8% of jobs.

While job demand appears higher in medicine and medical equipment, NAM data showed that motor vehicles and parts manufacturing was the largest manufacturing sector in the state in terms of actual dollars. Of the nearly $39.3 billion generated by manufacturing in 2021, more than $5.3 billion came from the automotive sector.

That number shouldn’t come as a surprise with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Cummins, Michelin and Bosch all operating significant manufacturing facilities in South Carolina, along with many suppliers that support their operations and others manufacturers in the U.S. and internationally.

Manufacturing exploded during the year after 2020, which saw downturns in many sectors from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, manufacturing revenue was down to numbers recorded in 2018, but by the next year manufacturing had bounced back by more than 11% in 2021, with a nearly $4 billion year-over-year increase.

By Andy Owens

In-demand jobs in SC manufacturing

Pharmaceutical, medicine and medical equipment combined for nearly 19% of the open jobs in South Carolina manufacturing for 2021. Data from a national manufacturing trade association showed the percentage for the top manufacturing job sectors across the state.

Pharmaceutical and Medicine: 13%

Motor Vehicle Parts: 7%

Aerospace Products/Parts: 6%

Wood Products: 5.6%

Medical Equipment: 5.4%

General Machinery: 4.6%

Electronic Components: 4.1%

Iron and Steel: 3.9%

Instrumentation: 3.9%

Auto Manufacturing: 3.9%

Source: National Association of Manufacturers

“Riyadh Air’s commitment to its customers will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience.”

— Tony Douglas, CEO Riyadh Air

ON THE RECORD

SC Biz News Briefs

National grocery chain to anchor $1B downtown Greenville project

An Atlanta-based real estate developer announced a national grocery and health food market will open its second location in Greenville as the anchor tenant in a $1 billion project.

Whole Foods Market will become the anchor tenant in the Greenville County Square redevelopment, project developer RocaPoint Partners announced on Monday, according to a RocaPoint news release.

The high-end natural and organic food market will occupy a standalone, state-of-theart building being designed by MVA Architects and will serve the 3.5-million-squarefoot mixed-use development.

SC Biz News attempted to reach MVA Architects via email but has yet to receive a response as of Monday afternoon.

“The Greenville County Square redevelopment will provide a vibrant and business-friendly environment for the region’s five million annual visitors to shop, dine, live and explore,” the release said. CRBJ

Electric materials company will invest $52M in Lexington County operations

Aconsumer-owned electric materials supplier will invest $52 million to expand its operations in Lexington County.

Cooperative Electric Energy Utility Supply Inc. purchased the 247,000-squarefoot Airport Distribution Center speculative building at 1029 Colite Ave. in West Columbia from Scannell Properties, according to a news release. The new operations are expected to create 61 new jobs.

Colliers South Carolina represented Scannell and Wilson Kibler represented CEEUS in the transaction.

Established in 1974 by the S.C. Electric Cooperatives, CEEUS along with its wholly-owned subsidiary Line Equipment Sales Inc. serves electric cooperatives, municipalities, investor-owned utilities and electrical contractors across South Carolina. In addition to electrical materials, the company also offers personal protective equipment testing and a tool repair service, the release said.

“The purchase of this new warehouse and move for our corporate headquarters is a big step in the future of CEEUS and our customers,” said company president and CEO Chad Capps. “We look forward to a bright future and continued growth while helping utilities serve the families of South Carolina.” CRBJ

GREENVILLE LEXINGTON

GSA Business Report Krys Merryman Columbia Regional Business Report Christina Lee Knauss

The redevelopment of the former county office complex returns some of the property to private hands.

Jason Thomas, executive editor jthomas@scbiznews.com • 864.568.7570

Ross Norton, managing editor-content rnorton@scbiznews.com • 864.720.1222

Andrew Sprague, managing editor-production asprague@scbiznews.com • 843.804.6104

Christina Lee Knauss, sta writer cknauss@scbiznews.com • 803.753.4327

Krys Merryman, sta writer kmerryman@scbiznews.com • 864.640.4418

Steve McDaniel, editor, Custom Publishing Division smcdaniel@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3121

Media veteran named publisher for SC Biz News

By Ross Norton rnorton@scbiznews.com

Bridge Tower Media has named media veteran Donna Bischoff publisher of SC Biz News, the media company serving South Carolina’s business executives and others interested in the Palmetto State’s business community.

As publisher she will oversee operations of everything under the SC Biz News banner, including SCBIZ Magazine; the print and online versions of GSA Business Report, Charleston Regional Business Journal and Columbia Regional Business Report, and all of the digital newsletters under those flags; as well as events and programs such as Forty under 40, Health

Care Heroes and the annual S.C. Manufacturing Conference and Expo.

“SC Biz News is a full slate of responsibility and we’re glad to have …” said Liz Irwin, executive vice president/media for Bridge Tower Media. “Donna has a proven track record of remarkable success. I’m confident she will accelerate our work in building our SC Biz audience through the strength of our content and innovation, particularly in our digital efforts,” said Liz Irwin, executive vice president/ media for Bridge Tower Media. “Our goal is to always empower the business communities we serve with data, insights, and connections — igniting growth for those businesses. Donna knows the strength of that mission and the impact it has on our business readers. No doubt she will help take SC Biz to new levels.”

With a career that includes a stop as general manager and vice president of sales at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Bis-

choff was most recently vice president of branded content, key accounts and performance media for Lee Enterprises of Davenport, Iowa. In that role she led successful efforts in a multi-market video series and built a team that generated millions in net revenue by producing video, articles, social, infographics and experiential marketing ideas. She also served as publisher of Feast and Field, a digital and print magazine telling the story of food and drink.

“I’m excited to be a part of the growth happening at BridgeTower Media,” Bischoff said. “The team at SC Biz News is innovative and passionate. They are focused on building rich content that reaches a highly influential audience of industry leaders and executives and I am thrilled to be on the team.”

SC Biz News is a statewide business news and events organization with offices in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville. CRBJ

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth

Ryan Downing, director of sales rdowning@scbiznews.com • 864.720.1221

Account Executives

Amanda Alford, multimedia account executive aalford@bridgetowermedia.com • 864.720.1223

Shannon Pollard, multimedia account executive spollard@scbiznews.com • 843.804.6094

Tony Rossi, multimedia account executive trossi@scbiznews.com • 864.720.1974

Jim Wheeler, multimedia account executive jwheeler@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3104

Events

Lauren Medders, event manager/manufacturing conference lmedders@scbiznews.com • 864.720.1220

Accounting ar@bridgetowermedia.com

Subscription Services service@bridgetowermedia.com • 877.615.9536

West Ashley project to bring 101 new homes to Charleston

Staff Report

Luxury home builder Toll Brothers Inc. is planning a new community of homes called Toll Brothers at Verdier Pointe.

The development will be in the West Ashley area of Charleston.

Toll Brothers at Verdier Pointe will include 101 home sites, according to a news release. The community will offer

six attached single-family home designs ranging in size from about 1,500 square feet to about 2,000 square feet.

Construction of the sales center and model home will be underway soon, with sales beginning in late summer.

“With floor plans designed for today’s home buyers and unrivaled personalization options available, Toll Brothers at Verdier Pointe will offer residents the best in luxury low-maintenance living in

one of Charleston’s most desirable areas,” Jason Simpson, division president of Toll Brothers in South Carolina. “We are excited to bring our stunning collection of attached home designs to this very special community.”

Other Toll Brothers new home communities in the Charleston area include Carnes Crossroads, Forest Edge by Toll Brothers, Hawthorne Landing, Laurel Oaks and Point Hope. CRBJ

Bischoff

The West Ashley project will be the sixth Charleston area development for Toll Brothers Inc., which specializes in building luxury homes. (Rendering/Provided)

Charleston marina company buys Florida

By Ross Norton rnorton@scbiznews.com

Charleston-based PORT 32 Marinas has acquired Lighthouse Point Marina in Lighthouse Point, Fla. The purchase is part of PORT 32’s renewed focus on acquisitive growth along both the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, according to a news release from the company.

This is the second marina acquired by the company in the Fort Lauderdale area. Terms were not disclosed.

The purchase of Lighthouse Point represents the first marina acquisition by the new PORT 32 leadership team, which joined the company in late 2022. PORT 32 describes itself an owner, operator, developer and acquirer of a growing collection of marina assets.

“Lighthouse Point Marina has been owned and operated by one family, the Spieker family, for over half a century,” Maureen Canada, former president of Lighthouse Point Marina, said in the news release. “As second-generation owner-operators, it was important for us to find a buyer that will respect what we have created and retain our staff and family culture with the intention of maintaining and even improving the site with time. We believe we have found that buyer with PORT 32 Marinas. On behalf of owners,

Debbie Edwards, Christian Spieker and myself, we feel the Lighthouse Point Marina and Nauti Dawg Marina Café are being left in good hands, and we look forward to watching both entities blossom under the new leadership of PORT 32 Marinas.”

With the addition of Lighthouse Point, PORT 32 seeks to grow its family of marinas within Florida and to expand strategically into new markets along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

PORT 32 owns marinas in Florida including Jacksonville, Palm Beach Gardens, Fort Lauderdale, Tierra Verde, Tampa, Naples, Cape Coral and Marco Island. The Lighthouse Point marina acquisition marks the company’s ninth marina.

Located at 2831 Marina Circle in Lighthouse Point, the marina on the Intracoastal Waterway close to Hillsboro Inlet, according to the news release. Fea-

turing 102 wet slips that can accommodate 25- to 80-foot vessels, the 4,410 total linear footage marina had been family owned and operated for more than 50 years and had never been offered for acquisition previously, the release said.

“Lighthouse Point Marina is one of the most coveted marinas in South Florida due to its location near the Hillsboro Inlet and the surrounding area of Lighthouse Point. The owners have built a loyal customer base by providing great service, operating an excellent restaurant, and keeping the marina in impeccable condition,” Julie Fisher Berry, a senior vice president with CBRE in Fort Lauderdale, said in the news release. “CBRE is honored to have represented the owners and identified the buyer of this high-profile marina property. After a strategic offering process, PORT 32 Marinas emerged as the perfect buyer. CEO Austin Schell and his team have engaged with the owners and staff for a smooth transition that will continue the successful legacy that the Spieker family built.”

Less than a half nautical mile from the Hillsboro Inlet, Lighthouse Point Marina provides close access to the ocean, a significant feature for sportfishing enthusiasts.  Amenities include a fuel dock, live bait station, ship store, and other features. The sale also includes the onsite restaurant, The Nauti Dawg Marina Café.  CRBJ

PORT 32 of Charleston purchased the marina as well as the onsite restaurant. (Photo/Smith Aerial)

Orders from the Gulf could lead to sale of 121 Dreamliners

By Ross Norton rnorton@scbiznews.com

Saudi Arabian carriers plan to buy up to 121 of North Charleston’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Two airlines on March 15 simultaneously announced plans to buy a combined 78 aircraft with options that could mean as many as 43 additional Dreamliners, according to Boeing news releases. In total, Saudi Arabian carriers announced their intent to purchase up to 121 Dreamliners in what will be the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history, the company said.

Riyadh Air revealed that the new Saudi Arabian carrier has chosen the 787 Dreamliner to power its global launch and support its goal of “operating one of the most efficient and sustainable fleets in the world,” the company said in the news release.

Riyadh Air said it will purchase 39 of the 787-9s, with options for an additional 33. Based in the capital city, Riyadh Air is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the news release said.

This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub, the release said, with a goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.

“The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of customer experience,” Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said in the release.

“Riyadh Air’s commitment to its customers will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience,” Douglas said in the release. “By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist

and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 airplanes will serve as a foundation for our worldwide operations, as we build the wider network and connect our guests to Saudi Arabia and many destinations around the world.”

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian Airlines, known as Saudia, announced the national flag-carrier will grow its long-haul fleet with the selection of up to 49 787 Dreamliners. Saudia has agreed to purchase 39 787s, with options for 10 more. The news release said the airline is looking for planes with outstanding efficiency, range and flexibility to sustainably grow its global operation. The agreement will include both 787-9 and 787-10 models.

“Saudia continues its expansion efforts in all aspects of the airline; whether it’s introducing new destinations or increasing the aircraft fleet,” His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, said in the release.

“The agreement with Boeing delivers on

this commitment and the newly added aircraft will further enable Saudia to fulfill its strategic objective of bringing the world to the kingdom.”

Saudia currently operates more than 50 Boeing airplanes on its long-haul network, including the 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 787-9 and 78710 Dreamliner.

“Adding to its 787 Dreamliner fleet will enable Saudia to expand its long-haul service with outstanding range, capacity and efficiency,” Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in the release. “After more than 75 years of partnership, we are honored by Saudia’s confidence in Boeing products and will continue to support Saudi Arabia’s goal to expand sustainable air travel.”

Although assembly takes part in stages at various sites, the Boeing Dreamliner program is based in North Charleston. The site is home to the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 programs. CRBJ

Two Saudi Arabian airlines have placed orders for 78 Boeing Dreamliners. The sales deals also include options that could push the order to as many as 121 of the aircraft. Boeing’s Dreamliner assembly program is based in North Charleston. The orders are part of the nation’s plan to increase tourism. (Photo/Provided)

‘First-of-its-kind’ sports facility coming to North Charleston

By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com

Aformer NBA coach and local entrepreneur has begun work on a multiuse sports facility in North Charleston.

Wesley Horne’s The Block, Dynamic Sports Team’s 20,000-square-foot facility, will be located at 2045 Meeting Street Road, according to a news release. The Block will be the first sports facility of its kind in the Southeast focused on youth travel sports teams, private coaching and more, the release stated.

The Block, which will serve as Dynamic Sports Team’s new home base, will house two basketball courts, two volleyball courts, four pickle ball courts and a private coaches’ lounge, the release stated. Other amenities will include a men’s and women’s locker room, coaches’ lounge, a scouting deck, strength and conditioning room, physical therapy and a yoga room.

“As someone who has worked in the world of basketball for more than 20 years on every level ranging from middle school to the best in the NBA, I know how to coach, train, mentor and improve both the individual and the team performance.” Horne said in the release.

“There are many who claim to offer top tier travel competitions and leagues for youth sports programs, but The Block will quickly prove itself to be the premier

regional headquarters that we’ve been missing — of that I am certain.”

Horne and The Block, which represents a $6.4 million investment, will begin hosting basketball and volleyball invitational tournaments for travel teams from Charleston to Indiana in spring 2024, the release stated. Private coaching by Horne and his staff at Dynamic Sports will be available year-

round. Vendor space will be available at The Block for affiliated partners such as physical therapists, sports massage therapists, acupuncture, food trucks and more. The Block will also have exclusive sponsorship rights available to professional athletes and appropriate companies, according to the release.

The architect on the projct is SEED Architecture and the developer is Quat-

tlebaum Development Co. Bliss Designs Interiors is handling design.

With Charleston consistently serving as the top travel destination, Horne and his staff at The Block are excited to offer something new for those coming to town. They will focus on giving players the mentorship, expert coaching, and legitimate competition they need to guide them to the next level as players or in their professional career, the release stated.

Originally from the small town of Panola, Ala., Horne served served stints as an NCAA, NJCAA, and high school coach, according to the release. In 2007 he was hired by the Philadelphia 76ers as a statistical analyst. While there, Wesley worked under the guidance of legendary NBA Hall of Famer Harvey Pollack, who coined the phrase “triple double,” the release stated

After two years with the 76ers, Horne was recruited to California for work as a player development coach for the LA Lakers and Clippers affiliate Bakersfield Jam, working among NBA icons such as Kobe Bryant, Danny Green and Jeremy Lin, according to the release. While in Los Angeles, Horne also worked as a shooting instructor and personal trainer.

Over the past 11 years, Dynamic Sports has grown from one client in a middle school gym to more than 1,500 clients and a staff of six coaches, according to the release. CRBJ

The Block, which will serve as Dynamic Sports Team’s new home base, will house two basketball courts, two volleyball courts, four pickle ball courts and a private coaches’ lounge. (Photo/Provided)

Berkeley Electric Cooperative

Agriculture-based company will move HQ to Charleston

By Ross Norton rnorton@scbiznews.com

After more than a century in a lake land, a seed and turf company is moving to the coast.

Patten Seed Co., one of the largest turfgrass producers in the Southeast, announced plans Wednesday to relocate its corporate headquarters to Charleston County. The company’s $2.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs, according to a Commerce Department news release.

The company was founded in Lakeland, Ga., in 1892 by school teacher Robert L. Patten and expanded into an agriculture supply company over the years. Today it is most recognized by consumers for its Super Sod brand, launched in 1980 as urban and suburban growth spread across the expanding Southeast, according to the company website.

Patten Seed Co. will relocate its corporate headquarters from Lakeland to an existing facility at 22 Westedge St. in Charleston.

“Charleston County is central to our current footprint throughout the southeastern United States,” Patten Seed CEO Ben Copeland Jr. said in the news release. “As we continue to grow, it was important to centralize the senior management team and take advantage of a more robust hiring market and Charleston County fits that need well. Vibrant companies need vibrant cities.” In addition to centralizing the management

team, the new headquarters will create a marketing and technology hub, the news release said. Additionally, the relocation positions the company to take advantage of the area’s talent pool “as it transitions from an agriculture-centered company to a vertically integrated, industry leader,” the release said.

“Patten Seed Co.’s new headquarters operation is a fantastic addition to South Carolina’s thriving agribusiness community,” Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers said in the release. “With its rich history and regional reach, Patten Seed Co. will contribute jobs, support existing farmers and strengthen our economy.”

The company already has a presence in the state, with retail stores in Greenville, Columbia, Orangeburg and a new location in North Charleston. In addition, the company operates one of its largest farming operations in Orangeburg. The retail centers offer the company’s Super-Sod turfgrass brand and a portfolio of farm products, including two of the company’s fastest growing products, OMRI Listed Soil3 organic compost and Soil3 Veggie Mix, the release said.

“With a $2.2 million investment and the creation of 40 new jobs, Patten Seed Co. remains a leading player in the turfgrass industry,” Charleston County Council Chair-

man Herbert Ravenel Sass III said in the release. “Patten Seed Co.’s forward-thinking initiatives continue to pave the way for success and prosperity, and we welcome them to their new home in Charleston County.”

Operations are expected to be online by the first quarter of 2023 and the company is hiring.

The Commerce Department’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $200,000 Set-Aside grant to Charleston County to assist with the costs of building improvements. CRBJ

Patten Seed Co. was founded by a school teacher in 1892 and has grown to be best known for its Super Sod brand of lawn care products. (Photo/File)

Law firm relocates Charleston office to Morrison Yard

By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com

Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP has relocated its Charleston office to Morrison Yard, the signature development overlooking the Cooper River in the city’s upper peninsula.

The move allowed Parker Poe to redesign its Charleston footprint based on new trends in the legal industry, while also positioning the firm for future growth, a news release from the firm stated.

“Our new office is a long-term investment in the Charleston community,” said Robert Jordan, a partner who leads the firm’s Charleston office, in the release. “We have been committed to this community for almost 20 years in terms of office space and much longer in terms of helping clients grow their businesses. We are thrilled to make this investment in an innovative building where our team of lawyers and business professionals are excited to come to work.”

Parker Poe partnered with Balfour Beatty, CBI Workplace Solutions, The Keith Corp., Origin Development Partners, Mixson Properties, JLL and Hendrick on its new office, according to the release.

In partnering with Hendrick to design the new space, Parker Poe applied the same core principles that it uses to serve its clients, including collaboration and efficiency, the release stated. The new space features an open design with views of the Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor, flexible work and communal spaces and increased meeting rooms to support client and internal engagement, the release stated. Additionally, it features the latest video-conferencing technology as the firm and its clients continue to work together virtually and in person.

In addition, DIRTT and Alfred Williams and Co. contracted with Balfour

Beatty on the timber beams that are featured throughout the lobby and meeting room space.

“We are committed to a vibrant and growing presence in the Charleston community and were thrilled to find a unique and compelling opportunity to continue and strengthen our roots here,” said Tom Griffin, Parker Poe’s managing partner, in the release “Our new space matches Parker Poe’s collaborative, forward-thinking approach and will be a place where we can build our business and culture for many years to come.”

Morrison Yard was designed to honor Charleston’s maritime history, as the 12-story building resembles the shape of offset shipping containers, the release stated. Parker Poe’s office within Morrison Yard nods to that history as well through touches such as nautical pull handles and pendant lights. The firm and other tenants will also enjoy a rooftop deck, a wetlands plaza, standup outdoor workstations, and convenient access by car or bicycle from downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant and surrounding areas, according to the release.

Another element that attracted Parker Poe to Morrison Yard is the recognition the building is earning for its impact on health, wellbeing and the environment, as Morrison Yard is the only building in Charleston certified by Fitwell, which was originally created in part by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the release stated.

In addition, Morrison Yard will be one of the first recipients of the Charleston RISES certification. That certification promotes new construction projects that, according to the release:

Are at least 30% more energy and water efficient than projects that are simply code compliant.

Use materials that do not adversely affect the health and well-being of building occupants. CRBJ

The move to Morrison Yard allows Parker Poe to redesign its Charleston footprint based on new trends in the legal industry, while also positioning the firm for future growth. (Photo/ Sky Eye Images/BobbyC Photography)

Luxury independent living housing planned for downtown Charleston

By Ashlie Puma Contributing Writer

Liberty Senior Living and Evening Post Industries have proposed building The Peninsula of Charleston, a luxury independent living residence in downtown Charleston featuring upscale amenities, concierge services and a complement of health care.

Located at the intersection of King and Columbus streets in the Courier Square District, The Peninsula of Charleston, with a minimum age requirement of 62, will be the only life plan community in downtown Charleston, according to a news release.

The project, which features more than 140 residences ranging from 7003,500 square feet, is expected to break ground in 2024 with completion anticipated for 2026.

“The Peninsula of Charleston’s premier King Street location, with views of the Ravenel Bridge and the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood, presents a rare opportunity for residents to experience a vibrant and social lifestyle in a walkable downtown setting,” Paige Canaday Crone, director of sales and marketing for The Peninsula of Charleston, stated in the news release. “With maintenance and concierge services provided for worry-free living and access to nearby restaurants,

shopping and arts and cultural establishments, owners will enjoy flexibility with the opportunity to focus on the passions that enrich their lives and their families.”

Another distinctive feature of The Peninsula of Charleston is that it allows individual ownership of each unit, providing members the opportunity to sell their residence or designate it as an inheritance. The project will be the only one of this kind in Charleston, among only 20 others like it in the entire United States, the company said.

Designed by a New York-based architect, Robert A.M. Stern Archi-

tects, in partnership with Charleston-based LS3P, The Peninsula of Charleston is modeled after the circa1792 Charleston Orphan House, which was demolished in 1956, and was designed to honor the city’s architectural history.

“The Peninsula of Charleston will reshape the King and Columbus intersection, allowing future residents to be a part of the renaissance of Upper King,” said Ron Owens, CEO and president of Evening Post Industries. “This project pays tribute to the community that lived and worked in the neighborhood and is a focal point in

[the] master plan for Courier Square District featuring residential, office and retail spaces.”

All residences will feature balconies, kitchens with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances, and options for customization.

Additional amenities will include reserved parking with valet services, a saltwater pool, gardens, as well as fine and casual dining experiences.

“One signature element of The Peninsula of Charleston will be the upscale amenities and programming that are exclusive to residents and expand on The Peninsula of Charleston’s nearby arts and cultural offerings, including fitness activities, outside speakers, art classes and more,” said Patrick Allen, development director for Liberty Senior Living. “We are also looking forward to expanding our relationship with the Medical University of South Carolina for physicians’ services and clinics, and the development was designed so that residences and health care services are in the same building.”

The Peninsula of Charleston will provide residents access to assisted living care with skilled nursing and memory services.

Liberty Senior Living will oversee residential sales from The Peninsula of Charleston gallery at 573 King St. Sales will begin in the next quarter.

The Peninsula of Charleston is modeled after the former Charleston Orphan House. (Rendering/Provided)

Todd Bulwinkle Lewis White Matt Robbins Roman Rozek

Industrial Construction Group

Trident United Way names new leader

By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com

Trident United Way has named a new leader.

David “D.J.” Hampton II will take over as president and CEO April 17, according to a Trident United Way news release.

“D.J. brings more than 20 years of experience in the United Way network at both national and global levels,” said Trident United Way Board Chair Wendy Kopp in the release. “His knowledge of our mission is extensive, and his reputation is exceptional. We are thrilled and honored to have him join us in service to the Tri-County region.”

Hampton has held leadership roles at some of the largest nonprofits in the U.S., including

Staff Report

Charleston Southern University has selected Michael Wilder as its new provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Having spent the last four years in Fort Worth, Texas, Wilder currently serves as the interim vice president for strategic and academic initiatives and chief catalyst

Hampton

over two decades within the United Way Network, having personally developed more than $50 million in planned gifts, led teams supporting over $1.2 billion in annual individual giving and helped launch more than $1 billion in initiative and endowment campaigns, the release said.

“Members of the Board of Directors and the search committee worked diligently to find an executive who is energetic and passionate about our causes,” said Courtney Howard, a member of the board and the search committee, in the release. “D.J. is an incredible leader who will support the

growth of our organization and the future of our community.”

Trident United Way’s previous CEO, Chloe Knight Tonney, retired in August and board member Bradley R. Davis stepped in to serve as interim president and CEO. Davis will support Hampton through a transition period and then return to his role on the Board of Directors.

After United Way, Hampton led development for The ALS Association and worked to increase system-wide revenue 40% over three years following the Ice Bucket Challenge, the release stated. He also served as the senior vice president of market leadership and chief development officer for March of Dimes where he drove transformation and grew $130 million in annual revenue.

Most recently, Hampton founded and led ALoDay Consulting, where he advised and supported a variety of nonprofits globally.

“To say I’m eager to begin this journey with Trident United Way would be an understatement,” Hampton said in the release. “Today we are dealing with economic challenges that we haven’t seen since the 1800s, when the first United Way was founded. Costs for everything from food to housing have gone up, squeezing hardworking families. Thirty-eight percent of households in the Tri-County area are now struggling to make ends meet. The decisions we make today to support our neighbors will ripple out for generations, and I firmly believe that those decisions must be made with the community, for the community.” CRBJ

Charleston Southern University chooses new provost

officer at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He will begin his new role at Charleston Southern on July 1.

In addition to his current administrative roles at Southwestern, Wilder serves as professor of educational ministries in the Jack D. Terry School of Educational Ministries. Most recently, he managed oversight of nontraditional programming

including synchronous and asynchronous online programs as associate provost for innovative learning. Wilder also served as dean of the Terry School, where he most notably redesigned seminar delivery structure, increased faculty size and added multiple degree programs resulting in strong enrollment growth. Prior to Southwestern, he served 18 years in var-

ious roles in teaching and administration in Christian higher education, including associate vice president for doctoral studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as well as various professorship levels at Southern and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He also brings more than 30 years of pastoral ministry and church leadership experience. CRBJ

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Under the sea: One Charleston company makes cable that brings energy from offshore to homes in New York

By Christina Lee Knauss cknauss@scbiznews.com

Electric vehicles and the batteries needed to power them have made most of the manufacturing headlines in South Carolina recently, but other segments of the clean energy revolution are making the news and history here as well.

One Charleston company has taken a groundbreaking role in a more climate friendly way of getting electricity to homes — wind energy.

The U.S. government in 2022 set a lofty target of producing 30 gigawatts of operating offshore wind capacity by 2030, but that goal is in jeopardy according to recent reports because current wind farm projects in the works risk delays because of limited domestic manufacturing and supply chain problems slowing down shipments of components from overseas.

Through its subsea-cable production facility in Goose Creek near Charleston, global cable company Nexans is determined to help solve that problem.

Headquartered in Paris, Nexans has 28,000 employees worldwide and a manufacturing presence in 42 countries, including seven locations in the United States.

The Charleston plant, which employs 150 people, recently became the first cable production plant on U.S. soil to produce undersea cable to be used at a wind farm based here. It also is currently the only facility in the country capable of manufacturing high voltage subsea cables.

In February, special heavy-duty undersea cable made in Charleston was shipped to New York for use at the South Fork Wind Farm, a 132-megawatt, 12-turbine offshore wind farm located 35 miles offshore of Montauk Point, N.Y., that, once complete will eventually produce enough electricity to power 70,000 homes in the town of East Hampton on Long Island.

South Fork is the result of a partnership between Danish company Orsted, a global leader in offshore wind development, and Boston-based power company Eversource. Construction on South Fork started in early 2022 and the project is expected to be online by the end of 2023.

The cable made in Charleston will be used to connect the offshore wind farm to the onshore grid. The final load of cable is headed for New York in March.

“This is a great milestone for us,” said Brian Boan, director of Nexans’ Charleston plant. “It enables us to become leaders of this industry here at a time when our competitors don’t have a footprint over here yet.”

For Boan, the first shipment of cable to

the Long Island project was the culmination of months of hard work — and years of planning that enabled the Charleston plant to be at the forefront of the wind energy movement in the United States.

Boan, who has a background in engineering, has been with Nexans in Charleston since its beginning in 2011 when the site along the Cooper River was “nothing but dirt and trees,” he said. The plant, which went into operation in 2013, originally build high voltage cable for use on land. In 2017, company leaders looked at the future of wind energy and decided to transform the Charleston facility to produce high voltage subsea cables.

Their reasoning? Location, location, location.

“It was a strategic decision because of our location on the banks of the Cooper River,” Boan said. “It was strategic to enable cable-laying vessels to pull right up next to the plant and load out the cable, then have direct access to head out to these global projects offshore.”

Nexans also has the advantage of having one of the world’s most advanced fleets of cable-laying vessels, according to information on the company’s website. The boats include the newly commissioned Nexans Aurora and the Skagerrak, currently in service, which are both designed for complex cable-installation operations at all depths.

Boan said Nexans initially invested about $250 million into expansion of the Charleston facility to enable it for subsea cable production along with the existing land cable operations. An additional $65 million expansion is planned for the Charleston facility in the future.

The cable made in Charleston isn’t your run-of-the-mill electric wire, Boan said. These cables have to be capable of transmitting large amounts of power over long distances under some of the most grueling conditions imaginable.

“These cables have to be able to withstand the high pressures of the ocean floor and very cold temperatures,” he said. “They also have to withstand not just physical damage from anchors or fishing trawlers, but just sheer saltwater degradation. The products we put in these cables have to be very, very specific and meet high tech specifications to withstand that type of environment.”

Nexans in Charleston produces subsea cable both for the relatively shallow depths planned for the U.S. market and much deeper projects in other locations around the world.

“These are what we call high voltage or extra high voltage cables, carrying anywhere from 69,000 volts all the way up to 525,000 volts,” Boan said. “We’re talking about the transition of very large amounts of power from that generating source off-

shore. We harness that power and bring it all back to shore.”

Cables for projects like South Fork start with raw copper rods sourced from a facility in Canada and also include aluminum conductors and other raw materials. Each cable is built from scratch at the Charleston facilities using specialized, state-ofthe-art machinery.

Bringing energy from miles offshore naturally demands an awful lot of cable. The South Fork project, for instance, demanded Charleston’s workers to produce 65 miles of cable.

The intricacy of the work involved plus the magnitude of materials required means that completing work for a wind farm client isn’t something that can be done in a few weeks.

“Depending on the size of the cable, it takes six months to a year just to make the cable for one project,” Boan said. “One reason is the long length of the cable involved, and the other is the meticulous technical process to make sure the product is high quality and can last in a rough environment.”

Production of components for wind energy — and the supplies for that production — are both up-and-coming industries in the United States, so Nexans in Charleston has had to rely on suppliers from overseas for much of its material and equipment. Boan said the pandemic and events like the war in Ukraine have caused some delays, but overall good planning on the part of Nexans’ leadership has enabled the Charleston plant to meet most of its production deadlines.

Another challenge exists in training workers for an industry that is still in its fledgling stages in the United States. Boan said employees in Charleston have benefited from extensive internal training by workers from Nexans’ European cable plants. The number of workers needed at the Charleston plant will also likely grow in the future as the demand for its cable products increases.

South Fork Wind is not the only large project Nexans is tackling right now. The plant recently started some production work for 100 miles worth of cable for a much bigger project for the Northeast region — the 700-megawatt Revolution Wind project that eventually will power up to 450,000 homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Boan said the company’s work for Revolution will take about 10 months to complete, with delivery expected in 2024.

“We take a lot of pride here that we’re not only a big part of the green initiative here in the U.S., but that we’re a leader in this industry in North America,” Boan said. CRBJ

Three-core cables made by Nexans at its Charleston-area plant will carry energy from offshore wind farms to homes on land. (Photo/Nexans)

Manufacturer to build nation’s largest carbon bicycle factory

By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com

TIME Bicycles plans to establish its first South Carolina operations in Spartanburg County to build the nation’s largest carbon fiber bicycle factory.

The company’s $6.5 million investment will create 105 new jobs, according to a news release from the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Situated on 30 acres of land on the Saluda Grade Trail, TIME plans to renovate an existing 140,000-square-foot factory located at 19810 Asheville Highway in Landrum, the release stated. The company will extend the capabilities of its European factory and produce industry leading carbon fiber bicycles and components using TIME’s exclusive resin transfer molding technology in conjunction with Clemson University, KraussMaffei and the SC Competes SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance initiative.

“After two years of planning, we are thrilled to announce Spartanburg County as the TIME USA factory location,” TIME Bicycles CEO Tony Karklins said in the release. “The infrastructure that exists within this region for advanced manufacturing is unrivaled. Through our collaboration with Clemson University, KraussMaffei and The SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance, we look to produce the most advanced carbon fiber bicycles in the world, with technologies and partnerships in place to rival production out of Asia.”

Founded in France in 1987, TIME is one of Europe’s most significant cycling brands, pioneering carbon fiber technology in professional cycling, the release stated. A subsidiary of Cardinal Cycling Group, TIME manufactures bicycles that have won Olympic gold, multiple world championships, the Paris-Roubaix and numerous stages of the Tour de France.

Renovations are expected to begin in

April, and operations are expected to be begin in the fourth quarter, the release stated.

“Time Bicycles is a company built on making the best bikes in the world by utilizing innovation, technology and design,” Upstate SC Alliance president and CEO John Lummus said in the release. “They are pushed by the challenge of constant improvement in mobility, and we are so proud that they have chosen Spartanburg County and the Upstate for their new facility.”

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project, according to the release. The council also awarded a $400,000 Set-Aside grant to Spartanburg County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“We are thrilled that The SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance will enable TIME Bicycles to begin revolutionizing the cycling

industry upon their arrival in the state,” said Susie Shannon, president and CEO of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness. Known for pushing the advanced technology envelope, TIME has found just what they needed in our state’s

technical applied research expertise and advanced composite materials suppliers, making it the perfect example of the advanced circular economy.” CRBJ

Reach Jason at 864-568-7570.

TIME Bicycles will build its first factory outside Europe in Spartanburg, where workers will operate the country’s largest carbon fiber bicycle plant. (Photo/TIME)

The Landrum plant will build bikes using TIME’s exclusive transfer molding technology. (Photo/TIME)

NC company will invest $1.3B in Chester County operation

By Christina Lee Knauss cknauss@scbiznews.com

ANorth Carolina-based company will invest at least $1.3 billion to build a lithium hydroxide processing facility in Chester County.

Albemarle Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, will establish South Carolina operations on 800 acres near Richburg, according to a news release. The “Mega-Flex” lithium hydroxide processing facility will transform resources such as lithium and bromine into critical ingredients that can be used for mobility, energy, connectivity and health, the release said.

Battery recycler to invest $300M in processing plant

By Christina Lee Knauss cknauss@scbiznews.com

Abattery recycling company will invest $300 million to build a processing plant in Richland County.

Cirba Solutions, headquartered in Charlotte, will build the first phase of a lithium-ion battery recycling and reprocessing facility in the Pineview Industrial Park, a move that will create more than 300 jobs, according to a news release.

The company hopes to make those hires within five years as it develops what will eventually become its flagship facility on more than 200 acres in the industrial park off Shop Road in the Lower Richland area, the release said.

Richland County Council on March 21 gave final approval on a 40-year fee-inlieu-of-tax agreement with the company.

“We’re proud to welcome yet another successful business to Pineview Industrial Park,” said Council Chairman Overture Walker. “We’re grateful that Cirba Solutions, an industry leader that promotes solutions for a sustainable economy, is investing in our community.”

The focus of the new facility will be processing hybrid and electric vehicle batteries, gigafactory scrap and end-oflife consumer batteries and redistributing them into the supply chain, according to the release.

Cirba Solutions operates six facilities in North America. The company aims to begin operations in Richland County by the end of 2023 and expand in phases through 2027 until the company has an operational footprint of more than 400,000 square feet.

People interested in working with Cirba can apply online. CRBJ

Reach Christina Lee Knauss at 803-753-4327.

The project will create more than 300 new jobs and support the surging demand for electric vehicles and other energy storage applications that use lithium-ion batteries.

“Albemarle is focused on meeting growing customer demand and this investment is part of our global commitment to transforming

essential resources into critical ingredients that enable a more resilient world,” said Kent Masters, CEO for Albemarle Corp.

The term “Mega-Flex” refers to the facility’s ability to process diverse lithium feedstock, including lithium from recycled batteries, according to the release. Once complete,

company officials estimate the new facility will produce about 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide from multiple sources, with the potential to reach up to 100,000 metric tons.

Construction is expected to begin in 2024.

The S.C. Commerce Department’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project, according to the release. The council also awarded a $9 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Chester County to assist with the costs of mitigation, site preparation and infrastructure improvements.

Reach Christina Lee Knauss at 803-753-4327.

The plant is expected to produce about 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide. (Photo/File)

How this Charleston festival uses social media influencers to boost ticket sales

By Krys Merryman kmerryman@yahoo.com

Have you ever wondered how big the role social media influencers plays in events such as the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, that draw in tourists from all around the country?

At this year’s festival, 15 influencers were badged, and although many of them were local to the Charleston area, others were from as far away as Los Angeles.

“We were thrilled to welcome a robust group of local and national social media influencers to the 2023 festival this year,” said Charleston Wine + Food Festival Executive Director Alyssa Maute Smith. “Working with a variety of different media types is key to the overall success and growth of our ticket sales. Particularly inviting influencers to attend early-inthe-week events, their real time posts and feedback can impact ticket sales instantaneously. Nothing like real time advertising for any last-minute ticket sales.”

From content creators, to sharing experiences

Jenny Silva (on Instagram as @spousesproutsme), who considers herself more of a content creator than an influencer, creates content mostly for family lifestyle, travel and local recommendations. She officially started out in 2017 but didn’t head into it with full force until June 2018.

“This started out as a way to work through my social anxiety after I had my daughter,” said Silva. “I was sharing our day-to-day life, then I started getting a lot of parenting questions from my clients and friends who were going through their first pregnancy or who just became parents for the first time. A friend suggested I start a blog to share all that information in one place, and it evolved from there. I love that my family gets to be involved with what I’m doing, and that we get to share our experiences with others. It’s also a great way for us to help support our local businesses.”

This year was Silva’s first invite to cover the festival, and she was a part of the Street Team. When covering events like the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, said Silva, she thinks it’s important to have the help of influencers, because they can reach a different market, and oftentimes are seen as more relatable, because their content is not as commercialized.

“We all have different niches, personalities and marketing styles that attract different audiences, which helps promote these types of events to people who may have thought it was not suited for them, attainable, or maybe never even heard of the event,” she added. “Now that I’ve been a part of it, I know that it’s much more. It really takes a village to put together such an amazing event that brings people together and helps support the local food and beverage scene.”

Elize DeVoe (@cookinwithbooz) also started her foodie Instagram page in 2017. Back then, she was just posting photos of food with cute captions, but since then it’s evolved into her telling the stories of local restaurants

in Charleston. DeVoe has been involved in the festival since 2018 when she started as an intern, and in subsequent years was involved as talent or media. This was the first year she was invited because of her social media presence rather than her writing, she said.

In college, DeVoe was a member of

Spoon University, which was her introduction to food writing. For some articles, she had to take her own photos and she really enjoyed it, so she started sharing those photos on Instagram.

“Being an influencer was never the goal,” she said. “I just wanted to share

about food with people.”

DeVoe’s favorite part of being an influencer is the connections made, she said. A lot of fellow food influencers are some of her closest friends, and there’s a strong sense of community, she added. She also has connected with business owners, and their passion is inspiring, said DeVoe.

“So I love sharing their stories with people. The most rewarding aspect of what I do is getting messages from people that they visited a business because of my recommendations,” she said. “It’s nice to know that I am really making an impact.”

As for the festival, DeVoe said she believes it’s important for influencers to be involved, because people turn to them for recommendations.

“If someone wants to attend the festival for the first time, it can be very overwhelming to choose which events to go to, but if they watch my recap videos, they can get a sense of which ones to choose,” she added. “I definitely look forward to Charleston Wine + Food every year. In fact, I already have next year’s dates blocked off on my calendar! It’s just five days of heaven for me. I get to connect with so many chefs, business owners and fellow foodies and try dishes from restaurants I haven’t had the chance to visit yet. There is something new and exciting to look forward to every year, so I will keep coming as long as they will have me!”

Charleston foodie influencer Emma Waugh, who also attended the festival, started her Instagram account (@girleatseverything) in 2018, which highlights the best food and drinks in Charleston and beyond, she said.

“I honestly started my account simply to have somewhere to put the countless photos of the incredible food I was eating in Charleston,” she said. “I’ve always been passionate about great food, restaurants and culture, so the decision to create a separate Instagram devoted to it was a no-brainer. There are so many things I love about what I do, but the people I’ve met — chefs, F&B professionals, other like-minded foodies — are at the top of the list. I also genuinely enjoy the creativity and skill involved in making video and photo content.”

Technically, this was Waugh’s second year attending the festival with an influencer badge. She thinks influencers have a lot of skill covering events and food in an engaging way, educating their audience about the food, drinks and culinary talent involved in the experience, and inspiring them to attend next year.

“I received several DMs in response to my coverage of this year’s Wine + Food from people saying they decided to buy a ticket in 2024, as well as people with questions about the event,” said Waugh. “I hope to attend Wine + Food every year. The festival organizers work so hard to put on such an incredible weekend of events, and it’s amazing to be a part of it. It’s by far my favorite Charleston event, because I always meet someone new, try something new, and learn something new.

Tickets for the 2024 festival will go on sale Oct. 19. CRBJ

Elise DeVoe’s enterprise grew out of her natural penchant for photographing the food and drinks she enjoys. (Photo/Elise DeVoe)

Jenny Silva considers herself more of a creator than an influencer, but her influence can help an event boost ticket sales. (Photo/Jenny Silva)

Manufacturers

Ranked by No. of Emplo yees in the Charleston Area

Santee Cooper 1 Riverwood Drive Moncks Corner, SC 29461

4920

843-761-8000 www.santeecooper.com customercare@santeecooper.com

844-643-8489 www.ingevity.com general@ingevity.com

and beam steel from recycled scrap metal

electric and water utility

specialty chemicals, high-performance carbon materials and engineered polymers, largely from renewable raw materials

W International 2040 Bushy Park Road Goose Creek, SC 29445

Michelle

843-745-3000 www.westrock.com

Miller

Coker

1899 Greg

465

Industrial

packaging solutions; merchandising

Supplier to the shipyards in support of building the new fleet of submarines and aircraft carriers for national defense WestRock Co. 5600 Virginia Ave. North Charleston, SC 29406

843-875-8000 www.kion-na.com marketing.na@kiongroup.com

843-572-1100 www.jwaluminum.com info@jwaluminum.com

David LaDue, David Brown, Eike Wibrow, Daniel Schlegel, Jonathan Dawley 1985 Kam Patel

Andy

Hester

Keith

400

Products, ser vices and solutions to help businesses; provide performance-based, purposebuilt solutions

2002 - 281 1 Catalogued

collection of more than 300

Amalie Oil Co. dba AOCUSA 4950 Virginia Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405

843-308-8000 www.detyens.com dr ydock@detyens.com

877-433-5346 www.amalie.com info@amalie.com

Bradley J. Kerr, Loy Stewart 1962 Roy Caraway 275 Ship repair, conversions and dr y docking ser vices

Matt

150 Automotive, fleet, industrial and

100 1 Heavy

Dean

Briteline Extrusions Inc. 575 Beech Hill Road Summer ville, SC 29485

Charleston Steel & Metal Co. 2700 Spruill Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405

Belimed Infection Control

8351 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, Suite 101 Ladson, SC 29456

AstenJohnson 4399 Corporate Road Charleston, SC 29405

Metalworx Inc. 340 Deming Way, Suite A Summer ville, SC 29483

Venture Aerobearings LLC 8701 Palmetto Commerce Parkway Ladson, SC 29456

Hubner Manufacturing Corp 450 Wando Park Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Kemira Chemicals Inc.

1514 Bushy Park Road Goose Creek, SC 29445

843-531-6833 www.bintelli.com Sales@Bintelli.com

843-873-4410 www.briteline.net dbagwell@briteline.net

843-722-7278 www.charlestonsteelandmetal.com jsteinberg@charlestonsteelandmetal.com

800-451-4118 www.belimed.com info.us@belimed.com

843-747-7800 www.astenjohnson.com info@astenjohnson.com

843-402-0999 www.metalworxinc.com bredmond@metalworxinc.com

843-695-2800 www.ventureaerobearings.com

843-849-9400 www.hubner-group.com info@hubner-group.com

843-820-6000 www.kemira.com

Justin Jackrel 2005

Justin Jackrel 91 1 Manufactures and distributes a line of street legal golf carts and electric vehicles that are sold worldwide

Diane K. Bagwell Kenneth H. Kabine Edward L. Kabine 1953 Tommy Kay 90 1

Bernard Steinberg, Jonathan Steinberg, Barr y Wolff 1893 Barr y Wolff 90

Small aluminum extrusions; heat treat; buff and brush, brite dip and etch anodize; powder coat; manual and CNC fabrication; ser ves the shower door, decorative trim, lighting and transportation markets

Processed scrap steel and metals

Andreja Tajnic Susan Harley Ross Brewer 1990 Susan Boles 87 Washers, ultrasonic washers, sterilizers, cleaning solutions and workflow products for sterile processing departments; after sales ser vices and training

Kevin Franks 1987 Mike Cuggy 70 1

Brandon Redmond 1997 Ronald Roan 66

Shawn Mcleod 2007

Ron Paquette 1995

Howard Joyner 2006

Kit Palmer 65

Justine Schotters Ines Schmelzer 54

Leo Kahawa 54 1

Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. Although ever y effort is made to ensure accuracy, errors sometimes occur. Email additions or corrections to Listresearch@bridgetowermedia.com. • 1 2022 data.

Global manufacturer for the paper industr y, supplying paper machine clothing like press fabrics, forming fabrics, dr yer fabrics and others

Precision machining, fabrication, robotic welding, finishing, assembly and kitting specializing in medical, aerospace, militar y, material handling, actuation

Manufacturer of jet engine bearings

Articulation systems (bellows), passageway systems, specialty bumpers, airplane walkway coverings

Production site for colorants

Manufacturers

Ranked by No. of Emplo yees in the Charleston Area

Charleston's Rigging & Marine Hardware Inc. 1210 Truxtun Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405

Coastal Hydraulics Inc. 2251 Technical Parkway Charleston, SC 29406

Multiplastics, a division of Curd Enterprises Inc. 476 Long Point Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Zeltwanger CNC Manufacturing LP 4947 Fargo St. Charleston, SC 29418

Southeast Industrial Equipment Inc. 9861 U.S. Highway 78 Ladson, SC 29456

Wheeler Bearing Co. LLC 7261 Investment Drive North Charleston, SC 29418

843-723-7145

www.charlestonsrigging.com sales@charlestonsrigging.com

Bennett

Brett

843-881-0323 www.multiplastics.com sales@multiplastics.com

843-552-2246 www.zeltwanger.com info@zeltwanger.com

843-552-4825 www.sielift.com contacts@sielift.com

843-552-1251 www.wheeler-ind.com sales@wheelerbearing,com

Paul

Juergen Goehner 2002 - 25

Specialists in producing high-precision components and for assembling modules and complete systems for automotive, machine building, automation, aerospace and medical industr y; stock of machiner y, offer support

Freddie B. Sims 1993 Freddie Sims 24 Toyota forklifts; new, used and rental equipment, ser vice, parts, warehouse products, automation solutions and dock and door products and ser vices throughout S.C., G.A., N.C. and V.A.

Bill McTighe, Ryan Ossmann, Diana Abercrombie 1919 Diana Abercrombie 18

Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. Although ever y effort is made to ensure accuracy, errors sometimes occur. Email additions or corrections to Listresearch@bridgetowermedia.com. • 1 2022 data.

Journal bearings, oil rings, motor replacement bearings, labyrinth seals, hydrodynamic bearing design, EDM ser vices, on-site or in-house repair of pumps, motors, transformers and other electrical equipment

Ranked by % of Placements Made in the Industrial/Manufacturing Sectors in the Charleston Area Company Phone / Website / Email Top Local Official(s) / Year Founded % Industrial / Recruiters / Employees Placement Ser vices Specialization Trace Staffing Solutions 3294 Ashley Phosphate Road, Suite 1A North Charleston, SC 29418 843-277-6900 www.tracestaffing.com charleston@tracestaffing.com Jim Pascutti 1996 60%Contract to hire, executive recruiting, industrial staffing, permanent placement, temporar y Manufacturing, distribution, legal/engineer, maintenance tech, assembly, machine operator, production, warehouse, admin., legal Aerotek Inc. 1 4401 Belle Oaks Drive, Suite 400 North Charleston, SC 29405 843-746-5800 www.aerotek.com bstefani@aerotek.com Br yan Stefani 1983 50% 15 1 20 1 Contract to hire, executive recruiting, industrial staffing, permanent placement, temporar y Health care, call center, administrative, accounting, purchasing, manufacturing, general labor, assembly, skilled trades, engineering, design, architecture,

Chipton-Ross 6926 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC 29406

Coastal Staffing Ser vices LLC 6650 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC 29406

Dunhill Staffing Systems 1459 Stuart Engals Blvd., Suite 300 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Express Employment Professionals

6541 Rivers Ave., Suite C North Charleston, SC 29406

Innovative Partners Inc.

1942 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Suite E Charleston, SC 29407

843-554-5800 www.chiptonross.com

843-329-4089 www.coastalstaffingllc.com pamela@coastalstaffingllc.com

843-375-0031

www.dunhillstaff.com kwh@dunhillstaff.com

843-744-2266 www.expresspros.com john.byrnes@expresspros.com

50%-

50%-

50% 6 6

50% 4 11

software engineering, defense, avionics, aviation mechanics

Contract to hire, executive recruiting, industrial staffing, permanent placement, temporar y Aerospace

Contract to hire, executive recruiting, industrial staffing, permanent placement, temporar y

Professional, administrative/clerical, warehouse, manufacturing, assembly, light industrial, skilled trades, warehousing

Contract to hire, executive recruiting, industrial staffing, permanent placement, temporar y Permanent placement in technical, finance and accounting, sales, office administration, IT temporar y placement in finance, office, accounting

Industrial staffing, permanent placement, temporar

y

Greg S. Hart 1994 50%Contract

to hire, executive recruiting, industrial

HCA Healthcare’s South Atlantic Division Caring for Our Region

With its division offices on Daniel Island, the Lowcountry is home to over 4,000 team members that help manage regional care that is nationally recognized for quality.

Facilities in South Carolina

• Colleton Medical Center – Walterboro

• Grand Strand Medical Center – Myrtle Beach

• Summerville Medical Center – Summerville

• Trident Medical Center – North Charleston

Facilities in Georgia

• Doctors Hospital – Augusta

• Fairview Park Hospital – Dublin

• Memorial Health Meadows Hospital – Vidalia

• Memorial Health University Medical Center – Savannah

• Memorial Satilla Health - Waycross

Facilities in Florida

• HCA Florida Memorial Hospital – Jacksonville

• HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital – Orange Park

Division Impact

Patient Visits: 3.1M*

SC Patient Visits: 1.16M*

Taxes Incurred: $285.4M*

SC Taxes Incurred: $118M*

Capital Investments: $356M*

SC Capital Investments $184M*

Charity & Uncompensated Care: $286M*

SC Charity & Uncompensated Care: $92M*

Healthgrades® Top 250 Hospitals: 5

Healthgrades® Top 250 Hospitals in SC: 3

* 2022 Data

2023

INDIVIDUAL

Vanessa Gongora

A bilingual, first-generation professional, Vanessa serves on a host of committees and councils, co-chairing the Coastal Immigrant Victim Coalition, serving on the Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator Advisory Board and the City of Charleston’s Latinx Advisory Council. A Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, Vanessa has dedicated herself to refugee and immigrant volunteerism, who gives Latinos a voice, empowers them to stand up for themselves and create their own opportunities.

Says one former client, “Vanessa has a passion for people and the ability to bring people together for a common goal.”

2023

INDIVIDUAL

Nominated by a past recipient of this award who knows what it takes to earn recognition as a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion, Chivon Gilliard, Development Training Specialist at South Carolina Federal Credit Union, embodies the “people helping people” philosophy of a credit union.

As a training specialist who coaches other employees on their career development, Chivon is an advocate and mentor who thrives on developing others.

Chivon has initiated a DEI Roadshow at South Carolina Federal, offering micro-learning sessions on micro-aggressions in the workplace. She has curated and promoted various DEI learning course playlists that create a safe environment for employees to learn more about others and build connections to each other.

Vanessa Gongora, Territory Director at Norsan Media, the folks behind two local Spanish-language radio stations, a newspaper and TV station in the Charleston area, is a champion of the Latinx community in the Lowcountry in both her personal and professional life.

INDIVIDUAL 2023

INDIVIDUAL

Pedro De Armas

Pedro De Armas, Editor in Chief of El Informador, a Spanish-language newspaper, has dedicated his career to educating the underserved Latin community locally on important topics like health and immigration, and improving Latino access to community resources. He has been committed, since he and his wife founded the newspaper in 2008, to advancing Latinos’ opportunities by partnering with local governments, health providers and nonprofits to improve access to needed assistance and to build bridges across racial lines by talking to non-Latinos about the intricacies of diversity within the Latino community.

A Venezuelan immigrant, Pedro is determined to break down barriers that limit Latinx community growth. Among his many initiatives as an advocate for Latinx populations locally, he serves as president of the Hispanic Business Association, Charleston’s Latinx Advisory Council and the Latino Chapter of the Exchange Club of Charleston. He also developed a partnership with MUSC to expose health disparities in Hispanic communities.

Renee Linyard-Gary

A Business Journal 40 Under 40, Renee Linyard-Gary, director of diversity, inclusion and health equity at Roper St. Francis, is, and has been, helping the tri-county’s underserved find access to quality care since long before the work had a name. She has been on the forefront of efforts to establish community health workers who can help navigate patients through the Byzantine health care system.

As a recognized expert in sound, data-based approaches for delivering patientcentered care, Renee understands the importance of addressing the social determinants of health, such as housing, food security and financial stability for those in need. Prior to her current position, Renee served as director of AccessHealth Tri-County, which provided pathways to quality health care to all members of the community regardless of their insurance status.

About her philosophy for achieving outcomes that help people, Renee says, “there is strength in being collaborative…it leads to greater impact when it is a truly collective approach.”

2023

INDIVIDUAL

Kenya Dunn

A transformational leader who cultivates change by engaging people, challenging norms and expanding the notion of what is possible, Kenya Dunn, CEO of the Power Filled Woman and a DEI executive fellow at the Charleston Metro Chamber, aspires to redefine leadership while eliminating bias.

Among her many accomplishments in the work of expanding diversity, equity and inclusion, she brought the first DEI conference to the region and helped establish the Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator. She created the Diversity Leaders Certificate program to help business and community leaders become equity-centered leaders. Kenya serves on the City of Charleston’s Commission on Equity, Inclusion and Reconciliation and works with dozens of other community leaders to create more equitable opportunities for racial and ethnic minorities.

SMALL BUSINESS KEYSTONE

Johnson & Wilson Real Estate

Johnson & Wilson Real Estate is the only federally certified woman-owned small business real estate company in South Carolina. Founded by Tiffany Johnson-Wilson, who is of American Indian heritage herself, the real estate company and three sister companies employ a diverse staff who reach across racial and ethnic boundaries to help buyers and sellers build wealth through home ownership. Johnson-Wilson is also the founder of Hope For Homes, a charity working to provide affordable homeownership.

BIG HEART / NONPROFIT 2023

Camp Rise Above

Camp Rise Above provides fun, life changing camp experiences for children and young adults with serious illnesses, life challenges, and disabilities. With individual attention from trained camp counselors and on-site medical teams, the kids at Camp Rise Above can enjoy being a normal kid and experience the magic of summer camp.

Camp Rise Above has grown dramatically in the past decade and now serves more than 550 young people annually through multiple week-long overnight camps, multiple day camps and 12-15 hospital camps across the state of South Carolina. All programs are provided free through the generosity of donors and community partners.

Advocating for children with disabilities, Camp Rise Above encourages us all to make opportunities available for inclusion by providing staff training on diversity and inclusion, and offers its support to any organization that embarks on this effort.

Just Bee, is an organization founded by Layla Luna to create a world where everyone with autism spectrum disorder and other neurological conditions is treated equally, fairly, and compassionately. Just Bee offers an autism training workshop developed by a developmental pediatrician that guides businesses, first responders, and local governments through a process of learning about neurodiversity.

Just Bee has developed an app – “the Yelp of Autism” – for families seeking sensory-friendly restaurants, shopping, entertainment and other vendors. The organization believes this will change the way neurodivergent families navigate their daily life and interact with the local community.

Just Bee’s footprint is expanding, and with it the opportunities for neurodiverse children and families. Partnering with Mount Pleasant Towne Center, they have organized a walk to raise money to provide training for local businesses to welcome neurodiverse individuals with skill and compassion.

2023

2023

BIG HEART / NONPROFIT

Charleston Wine + Food

Charleston Wine + Food has focused its efforts on developing an organization of diverse individuals by race, gender and talent, even hiring a DEI consultant to guide them. After instituting policies that encourage openness, the staff, board and festival contractors today represent a broad swath of our community, each bringing their unique talent and perspective to this iconic event.

From the executive level to the contractor ranks, the festival seeks to be inclusive to all. Contractor paperwork clarifies preferred pronouns; anti-hate and anti-bias policies are imbued in every agreement between the festival and contractors/talent; and anti-harassment policies are overt. The Festival invested heavily this year in also ensuring all promotional materials made inclusivity and welcome clear to all.

This year’s festival featured scores of talent drawn from Black, Southeast Asian, Hispanic and other cultures, showcasing the foodways of a diverse world and celebrating what unites us all: gathering around the table.

BIG HEART / NONPROFIT 2023

2023

BIG HEART / NONPROFIT

We Are Sharing Hope SC

We Are Sharing Hope SC facilitates the gift of organ, eye and tissue donation and provides support to donor families.

Did you know that 68% of those awaiting a transplant are from multicultural communities, but few matching organs are available for them? We Are Sharing Hope works to educate various communities about organ donation to reduce the disparities by race, ethnicity and gender.

By keeping diversity at the forefront of what they do, they reflect the wholeness of the communities they serve. We Are Sharing Hope takes its educational efforts into diverse communities to encourage healthy lifestyles and offer resources to those who need them. To embody DEI principles, the organization trains its own staff on the experiences and health disparities facing various groups, including Black and Latinx populations.

We Are Sharing Hope’s goal is to promote health for the entire Lowcountry, regardless of who or what they are.

Charleston Promise Neighborhood

Charleston Promise Neighborhood addresses long-standing opportunity gaps in health and wellness and academic achievement in four of Charleston’s most under-resourced elementary schools. In three of those schools, at least 90% of the students are members of ethnic minority groups, qualify for free or subsidized lunch and are behind grade level in an academic subject.

Employing an evidence-based model, CPN supports the whole child to break the cycle of generational poverty. Working in the Neck area of Charleston and North Charleston, CPN has partnered with numerous organizations on DEI activities. This includes collaborating with the YWCA to bring to the area the Racial Equity Institute, which works to address racial issues through training. It established Teens Talk It Up with the Charleston Jewish Federation and the Anti-Defamation League to bring together Black and Jewish teens in open forums that increase understanding between the two groups. And it convened a series on gentrification hosting 400 residents to learn about the changes undergoing in their community.

RISING STAR

Grecia Hamilton

Grecia Hamilton is director of DEI at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. With that title, Grecia’s bona fides are self-evident: she serves as the face and voice of diversity, equity and inclusion inside the area’s leading business organization. That her position exists at all is evidence of the gravity of the issue and the business sector’s commitment to expanding opportunities to all.

Grecia manages the Chamber’s woman’s leadership program, THRIVE, which creates connections between female business leaders and rising female professionals, and promotes the Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator, which focuses on the development and growth of high potential minorityowned businesses in order to expand economic opportunities to all.

Building relationships, Grecia has become a trusted advisor in the DEI space by devoting her energies daily to advancing the case for diversity in the workplace.

RISING STAR

Keirsten Boyd

Keirsten Boyd, assistant financial center manager at SC Federal Credit Union, has taken her career passion of financial literacy and banking out into the community to help educate and improve the financial health of minorities in the Charleston area. She participates in a host of DEI activities and leads the credit union in measuring the effectiveness of its DEI initiatives.

Keirsten speaks frequently to groups on the importance of developing financial literacy and participates on the DEI council at the credit union. She helped lead the development and implementation of programs to boost DEI awareness inside the organization.

Keirsten is also a strong proponent for women’s advancement and has presented at large scale women’s events in the Charleston area, such as the Women’s Empowerment Event and the Chosen Women’s Conference.

Says her nominator, “Keirsten has a [strong] desire to serve and leads with such grace and professionalism.”

RISING STAR

Jana Riley

Jana Riley, the executive director of Summerville’s Public Works Art Center, is committed to a diverse, inclusive, equitable workplace. By working to assure diversity among the board of directors, curating inclusive and diverse shows and classes within the art center, and by raising over $100,000 toward the installation of a lift in the building that houses the art center so that classes and art shows are accessible to all, Jana has demonstrated her commitment to making DEI a core tenet of the organization.

Jana has prioritized diversity, equity and inclusion by means of the art center, which has allowed her to pass the microphone to many underrepresented groups and allow them the opportunity to tell their stories through art. Facilitating these opportunities has opened up conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion that had not previously existed in the Summerville community.

2023

MEDIUM/LARGE BUSINESS

Job Impulse

Job Impulse is an international staffing and recruitment firm operating in 14 countries with a core value of celebrating people for who they are. Much of the Job Impulse staff is bilingual and the company has become known in the Charleston area for its connection to the Latinx community. Its offices are constantly looking for ways to reach out to various communities, whether through job fairs, resume classes or volunteer events.

The company also makes a special effort to help its client companies create and implement diversity measures. The Charleston team offers diversity and inclusion trainings to its client teams and investigates all issues of discrimination or wrongdoing at client sites, then completes sensitivity training and implements new processes to prevent something similar from happening in the future. The company is currently seeking talent in Puerto Rico to bring to key client positions, which will have the added benefit of increasing diversity in the Charleston region.

2023

MEDIUM/LARGE BUSINESS

Select Health of SC

The state’s oldest and largest Medicaid managed care organization, Select Health of SC coordinates culturally and linguistically appropriate services for an underserved membership of nearly half-a-million members throughout the state. With an appreciation for the need to coordinate culturally and linguistically appropriate services for an underserved membership, Select Health established a program 17 years ago to manage health programs and services that satisfy the needs of a diverse population. Its aim is to ensure all members, regardless of culture, country of origin, language, race or ethnicity, can access quality health care services.

Select Health partnered with the SC Lowcountry Chapter of March of Dimes to offer “Breaking Through Implicit Bias in Maternal Health Care,” a trailblazing continuing education training to combat racial inequity for associates, providers, and community partners. For its efforts, the company has earned a Multicultural Health Care Distinction from the National Committee for Quality Assurance and earned a perfect score for its commitment to culturally competent care.

2023

ALLY FOR THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

Lewis Booth

In his position as bell stand manager at Charleston Place Hotel, Lewis Booth offers employment to individuals with intellectual disabilities and crafts special training and ongoing support to ensure their success. Lewis believes that “there is someone better than you who is worse off than you and we must all try to help one another be better.”

Recognizing that 80% of individuals with intellectual disabilities are unemployed or underemployed, Lewis has created a sustainable model that offers extended training and ongoing support for such employees, taking a holistic approach to solving transportation and housing needs. He knows that merely hiring people with handicaps is insufficient if he doesn’t create pathways for their success.

Lewis appreciates the unique talents these employees bring. “Everyone is the best at something,” he says. “It’s my job to bring it out of them.”

2023

NOTEWORTHY NETWORK

Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce has brought together business leaders, developed initiatives to promote quality of life and provided support to community organizations east of the Cooper for more than 30 years.

The Chamber offered a program last June that included disabilities in the DEI paradigm, educating businesses on hiring and supporting individuals with Down syndrome and autism. The goal was to provide businesses with the information they needed to become more inclusive in their hiring individuals with intellectual disabilities such as Autism and Down Syndrome. This effort is designed to help address workforce challenges and increase their client base. To support this initiative, the Chamber held a half-day event that drew 50 business leaders and featured local experts, stakeholders and organizations representing intellectually disabled individuals.

With the overwhelming positive response to that event, the MPCC plans to hold more DEI events in the future.

2023

ALLY FOR THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

Laurie Smith

Laurie Smith is the chief operating officer for Explore Charleston and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. A leading champion of increasing the representation of minority populations across all levels of the hospitality industry, from hourly workers to senior leaders and board members, Laurie has helped the CVB demonstrate its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Laurie spearheads an advisory board bringing together diverse leaders from across the region to explore ways in which the tourism industry might advance in its DEI goals. She also created an internship program for students from HBCUs across the Southeast to work in hospitality in our region. In this program, they are exposed to a cadre of leaders in the industry, mentored and developed in a multitude of ways that foster interaction with civic and business leaders, and building peer relationships while developing business and communication skills.

Laurie is a change agent committed to the ideals of DEI and demonstrating that commitment on a daily basis.

2023

NOTEWORTHY NETWORK

Pattison’s Academy

Pattison’s Academy is an education and rehabilitation school providing comprehensive, year-round programs to support children with disabilities and their families. Pattison’s is the only charter school in the tri-county area for students with disabilities. Additionally, school staff provide services like private therapy, a therapeutic summer camp and family support services with a focus on early intervention.

Through its collaborative model, Pattison’s integrates therapy and education to create a unique, individualized, and intensive learning environment for every child that enters its doors or receives services at home.

Working with the school district, businesses and many others, Pattison’s advocates for those unable to advocate for themselves. For example, Pattison’s and its partners lobbied state legislators to reform outdated funding for schools that work with children with disabilities. Its community-based instruction promotes the goal of inclusion by enabling interactions that ordinarily might not take place between the disabled and non-disabled communities.

NOTEWORTHY NETWORK 2023

DISTINGUISHED MUNICIPALITY

Together SC

Together SC is the “chamber of commerce” for charities in South Carolina, 700 of which claim membership in their industry association.

Together SC is fully committed to a nonprofit community that values diversity, equity and inclusion. Its 15-member board includes eight individuals of color and half its staff is Black, earning it a DEI award from the YWCA of Greater Charleston.

For the past 18 months, the organization has hosted monthly calls, entitled “Removing Our Blinders” aimed at encouraging White leaders to consider the singularity of their perspectives and the impact of their decisions on diverse groups of people.

In addition, Together SC’s annual summit for nonprofits features peer networking for Black leaders and increasing focus on DEI issues. Together SC offers many other programs around DEI, encouraging nonprofits to develop DEI initiatives and cultivate diverse leadership.

Charleston County

This year’s Distinguished Municipality (local government) is the County of Charleston. As the only local government with two full-time employees who are dedicated to improving equity, the Charleston County is leading the way to creating and sustaining positive results for minority businesses.

In 2022, the County launched the Minority Business Accelerator program that focuses on providing information, access and training for minority owned businesses. Prior to that, it established THRIVE, the women’s leadership program, connecting female business leaders and rising female professionals for the advancement of their careers.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Michael Allen

Michael Allen has spent his entire career expanding the public’s understanding and appreciation for the experiences and contributions of Black Americans in South Carolina.

During his 37-year career at the National Park Service, he served in various educational roles for The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor/Fort Sumter National Monument and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. Awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest honor, Michael played an instrumental role in the creation of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Commission and served as director of the Gullah Geechee Corridor.

Michael has a deep-seated interest in our nation’s spiritual growth as it relates to history and culture and played a major role in the National Park Service’s GullahGeechee Special Resource Study, which was presented to Congress and led to the establishment of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Commission. Many of the roadside historic markers noting sites related to the African slave trade are the result of his work.

By educating so many throughout his career on much of our forgotten history, Michael Allen has woven into the scope of public service work diversity, equity and inclusion.

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Colliers honors top producers for 2022

Staff Report

The leading producers for Colliers in South Carolina were John Montgomery and Garrett Scott, who earned the 2022 Walter M. Keenan Award, named after the firm’s former chairman.

Colliers South Carolina announced the commercial real estate firm’s brokerage awards for 2022, during the company’s annual awards celebration at Camp Cole in Columbia on March 8.

Montgomery and Scott are managing sirectors in the firm’s Spartanburg office. They lead the industrial brokerage team in the Upstate, specializing in leasing, sales and development advisory services for industrial clients throughout the Greenville-Spartan-

burg market and the Southeast. Both professionals hold the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors designation.

Scott and Montgomery, along with partner Brockton Hall, have been nationally recognized by Colliers for their outstanding performance and have been named to the

Colliers’ Everest Club multiple times over the past five years. This marks the fourth time in the past six years that Scott has been honored with Colliers South Carolina’s Walter M. Keenan Award and the second year in a row for Montgomery.

In addition to Montgomery and Scott,

the 2022 Top Producers recognized for their superior performance were Thomas Beard, Mark Erickson, Brockton Hall, Frank Hammond, Markus Kastenholz, Dave Mathews, John Peebles, Henry Roe, Kristie Roe, Chuck Salley, Dillon Swayngim, Craig Waites and Allen Wilkerson.

SOUTH CAROLINA PORTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Water Mission assistance

Water ing nonprofi quakes in region earlier deployed team to sanitation region. According nitude 7.8 aftershocks and roads, rubble. Initially, more than thousands ued to rise followed.

Sphere mum volume ing and domestic in a disaster person per to coordinate ment authorities tions to dards.

Water of experience ters and diate and

Colliers South Carolina honored its top producers for 2022 at a celebration in Columbia on March 8. (Photo/Provided)

Montgomery

Scott

Business Digest

Water Mission deploys a disaster assistance response team to Turkey

Water Mission, a Christian engineering nonprofit, responded to the earthquakes in Turkey that devastated the region earlier this year. Water Mission deployed a disaster-assistance response team to evaluate emergency safe water, sanitation and hygiene needs in the region. According to reports, the magnitude 7.8 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks destroyed homes, buildings and roads, and left people trapped under rubble. Initially, the earthquakes killed more than 3,400 people and injured thousands more. The death toll continued to rise in the days and weeks that followed.

Sphere Standards stipulate the minimum volume of water required for drinking and domestic hygiene per household in a disaster is 7.5 liters (1.98 gallons) per person per day. Water Mission is working to coordinate efforts with local government authorities and other aid organizations to exceed these disaster relief standards.

Water Mission has more than 20 years of experience responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises with immediate and long-term safe water solutions

People in the News

BUSINESS SERVICES

Filling newly created positions at E3 Foundation are Felicia Veasey, director of partnerships and workforce development, and Crystal Rouse, director of education advocacy and community organizing.

Veasey is responsible for the development, design and implementation of the Lowcountry Careers Collaborative, with a focus on serving as a liaison to training and integrated wraparound service providers, tackling regional workforce and economic development challenges alongside employers, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Most recently, Veasey worked as the community systems director for the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. Concurrently, she functioned as the COVID-19 response operations director, overseeing testing and vaccinations for the Lowcountry, resulting in development of more than 1,250 testing sites, administration of more than 91,000 COVID tests, and delivery of more than 53,500 vaccines.

Veasey has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Health Administration from Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She was a recipient of the 2022 James Clyburn Health Equity Award.

Rouse, a former E3 Foundation board member, is responsible for advocacy and

Floyd Lee Locums enters consulting partnership with Healthcare Plus

Floyd Lee Locums has contracted Healthcare Plus Solutions Group — led by former thought leaders of the Studer Group — to take Floyd Lee Locum’s position in the locums staffing industry out of its startup phase and into formalized operation.

In the last few years, the startup has doubled its revenue multiple times yearover-year, bolstered its staff to more than 80 employees, and carved out a position as a concierge locums staffer, despite such industry challenges as the pandemic. In its new partnership capacity, Healthcare Plus Solutions Group is helping to bring scale to the company’s business expansion, formalize internal processes, and broaden its technology capabilities.

Together, Healthcare Plus Solu-

community engagement and organizing strategy, program development and implementation, and data collection and analysis. She also leads a team of community organizers and engages with statewide partners, national advocacy groups, and communication experts and researchers of E3 Foundation.

Rouse has worked as a facilitator, organizer, child advocate and parent advocate. She served many communities across the U.S. and Puerto Rico in both formal and informal educational spaces as a youth organizer, an anti-racism trainer, director of change work, director of strategic partnerships, program manager for educational programs, college administrator, and in various capacities with the Children’s Defense Fund’s Freedom Schools and Young Advocate Leadership Training. In addition, she was childcare licensing supervisor at the Department of Social Services for several Lowcountry counties, the director of collective action networks for Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative, and family and community engagement officer for the Charleston County School District.

Rouse, a graduate of Burke High School, has a bachelor’s in psychology from Brevard College, a master’s in adult education with an emphasis in community and higher education from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, and a master’s in early childhood education from the University of South Carolina; she is pursuing a doctorate at USC. She served as a co-chair for the Mississippi Freedom Summer 50th

tions Group and Floyd Lee Locum have released a standard-of-behavior commitment, codifying the company’s cultural practices and vision for the future. This release was accompanied by the launch of nDorse, a mobile- and web-based application meant to enable real-time recognition. These resources are interwoven throughout hiring and onboarding, training and monthly employee recognition.

The Because It’s Personal campaign is meant to detail Floyd Lee Locum’s commitment to its clinician and client population, to expanding its footprint in the health care marketplace, and to formalizing its concierge service at scale.

merville Lager in celebration of Summerville’s 175th year as a town. Summerville locals may remember Summerville Lager that was previously only available in the summer months.

Since 2015, Oak Road Brewery has continued to expand its beer lineup and entertainment offerings and added new ways to give back to the towns.

The lager is available at Accent on Wine Summerville, Bexley’s Fish & Raw Bar, Laura and Lowes Foods of Summerville.

Oak Road Brewery celebrates Summerville with inspired lager

Oak Road Brewery has released a light German-inspired lager called 1847 Sum-

anniversary’s youth congress.

CONSTRUCTION

Landmark Construction Co. has hired Brandy Cence as senior estimator. She is responsible for prepping and submitting bid analysis and evaluation of construction plans and specifications for the determination of sitework construction costs and project schedules. In addition, she conveys these costs to clients in a concise and comprehensive way.

Cence brings with her 21 years of experience in construction and estimating costs for sitework projects. A Clemson University graduate, she has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

EDUCATION

The new director of The Citadel Career Center is Jennifer Santoro. She previously served as campus director of career services for ECPI University’s Charleston campus.

A certified business, career and life coach, Santoro brings her knowledge and experience in student success and support, community collaboration and overall career growth to The Citadel. She holds a bachelor’s in communication from Florida State University as well as a master’s in integrated marking and management communication, also from

Construction project for

underway in Goose Creek Berenyi is moving forward with the next phase of construction to retrofit

See BUSINESS DIGEST, Page 30

FSU. Santoro began her career in higher education at FSU in alumni affairs and student affairs. She went on to co-found a software development company that led her to Charleston.

In her former role, Santoro led career development efforts for ECPI University’s Charleston campus. This included implementing student career development programs, establishing employer relations, holding career events, and graduate employment support. She assisted students in developing their resumes, preparing for interviews and learning to network — similar to her new responsibilities.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

The board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond appointed Bernie Mazyck, president and chief executive officer of the S.C. Association for Community Economic Development, as chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Charlotte Board.

Mazyck, who has served on the board since 2019, is on his second three-year term. He will serve as chair for a one-year term through the end of 2023. Mazyck also served on the Federal Reserve of Richmond’s Community Development Advisory Council.

Mazyck has served as the first president and CEO of the S.C. Association for Community Economic Development since 1998. Under his leadership, the association has grown to represent more than 160

Symrise

Santoro

APRIL 17

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Lists: IT Services/ Security Firms

Special Section: Electric Vehicles

Advertising Deadline: April 3

MAY 8

FINANCE

Lists: Accounting Firms/Financial

Brokerage Firms

Advertising Deadline: April 24

MAY 22

HEALTH CARE/LIFE SCIENCES

Lists: Hospitals/Life Science Companies

Advertising Deadline: May 8 For

Symrise’s current facility in Goose Creek and build a cleanroom environment that accommodates the global manufacturer’s first fully automated filling station in North America.

The food-grade filling line will package more than 14 different products in a sterile, cleanroom environment. It will be capable of filling 55-gallon drums, pails and intermediate bulk containers, and it will also palletize, label and strap the finished packaged units once filling is complete. This filling station will have three total product lines: two for 55-gallon drums and intermediate bulk containers and one for 25-kilogram pails. Once complete, the system will be capable of packaging 40 drums per hour and up to 240 pails per hour. Construction is scheduled to be completed and the facility fully operational by September.

Berenyi’s team comprises the project’s lead architect, structural engineer and construction manager. Additional project partners include Bushy Park, Goose Creek; Live Oak Consultants, North Charleston, which handled the mechanical, electrical and plumbing; and UltraPure Technologies, Suwanee, Ga., which designed the clean room environment that will house the filling equipment.

The Tractor Supply Co. expanding to Dorchester Road location

NAI Charleston broker Will Sherrod, facilitated the sale of approximately 7.25 acres of land located along Dorchester Road at Shady Lane in Summerville. The

property was purchased for the development of a new Tractor Supply retail location; approximately two acres of outparcel land will be available for purchase. Doug Richardson with Carolina One and Michele Costanzo with eXp Realty represented the sellers of the properties.

State agencies continue partnership for access to manufacturing talent

The South Carolina Department of Commerce, South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Michelin North America have committed to a second year of the Talents for Manufacturing program, making technical maintenance training available to all manufacturers in the state.

For more than 40 years, the Michelin AP Technical Training School has been committed to developing technical employees through innovative and effective worldclass training. Michelin North America made this training available to South Carolina manufacturers through its Talents for Manufacturing program in 2022.

Michelin Talents for Manufacturing now includes two new training opportunities: a mechanical technology hand skills and electrical troubleshooting course. These new courses place students in a shop environment for 75% of the course, allowing them to optimize relatable skills on task focused projects.

Working in partnership with the state Department of Commerce, the partnership is providing funds to cover up to half the cost of the registration fees for Talents for Manufacturing training classes for qualified South Carolina manufacturers. CRBJ

member organizations, helping more than 2,000 South Carolina families purchase their first home. For his work, Mazyck received the 2014 Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor, for service to the state.

Mike Roche has joined Pinnacle Financial Partners community association team in Summerville as a senior vice president and financial adviser in the coastal region, serving property managers, community associations, homeowners associations and related organizations. He covers multiple markets.

Roche went to Pinnacle from First Citizens Bank (CIT/Mutual of Omaha Bank), where he was a regional account executive managing business development and client retention for the Carolinas, Tennessee, and southeastern and southwestern Virginia. Previously, he worked with Waldman Engineering Consultants as CEO and operations manager and with Eagle Rock Management as president, owner and senior community manager. He began his career as a CPA for Disteldorf.

Roche earned his bachelor’s in accountancy from the University of Illinois and his MBA from Western Governors University. He is a professional community association

manager and a certified public accountant. Mount Pleasant Police Department Lt. Matt Stafford recently graduated from the FBI National Academy as a member of the 285th session. The prestigious program selects dedicated law enforcement professionals from around the country to participate in a 10-week course featuring advanced leadership, communication and fitness training.

Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. Stafford started his law enforcement career in 2004 at the Greensboro Police Department in North Carolina before joining the Mount Pleasant Police Department in 2007. Beginning as a patrol officer with MPPD, Stafford rose through the ranks, reaching lieutenant in 2021. Currently, he is over the Office of Professional Standard.

“One of my big takeaways from attending the National Academy is the importance of whole-body wellness and how it positively impacts all aspects of our lives,” Stafford said in a news release from the academy. CRBJ

BUSINESS DIGEST, from Page 29

Stanfford

PEOPLE, from Page 29

the develSupply retail acres of outpurchase. One and Realty repreproperties. partnership talent Department of ManufacturMichelin to a secManufacturing maintenance manufacturers in Michelin AP been comemployees ective worldAmerica South CarTalents for Manufacturing opportuhand skills course. in a shop course, allowskills on the state partnerup to half for Talents classes for manufacturers. CRBJ

Viewpoint

VIEWS, PERSPECTIVES AND READERS’ LETTERS

Growth in high-tech sectors present more opportunities for diversity

South Carolina is making strong progress in positioning itself as a national leader in the emerging technology industry. Much of the industry growth is concentrated in the Lowcountry, bringing a multitude of economic benefits across the coast.

However, the benefits of embracing technology as a driver of jobs and the economy can be seen across the state.

The Charleston-North Charleston metro area has one of the fastest growing high-tech sectors in America. Charleston’s Digital Corridor released its annual wage and job growth survey in November with overall positive news, including 60% of companies reporting added jobs in 2022 and 100% expected to continue hiring into 2023.

Spartanburg will see millions in eco-

nomic benefit from a new multi-million-dollar data center. And the $810 million investment by Envision AESC in Florence that Gov. Henry McMaster highlighted in his State of the States address will employ over 1,000 residents. Indeed, South Carolina’s tech industry is booming, and our state has a unique opportunity to continue welcoming businesses that will bring good paying jobs and economic investments.

However, some members of Congress have been deliberating anti-innovation proposals that would harm the tech industry and restrict its ability to grow in states like South Carolina. In response, I call upon every member of the U.S. House and Senate who represents South Carolina to think twice before supporting legislation that could inhibit our continued prosperity.

In thinking about all states that embraced tech as a driver of prosperity, this call is especially poignant for South Carolina. Just like other states, much of the growth South Carolina has seen can be credited to the innovation that

derived from the COVID-19 pandemic. Technology advancements allowed our residents to continue to maintain lucrative jobs during one of the most uncertain times in history.

South Carolina, however, also has the opportunity to help the tech sector increase its ability to drive innovation by injecting more diversity into the jobs pipeline. For example, Black employees make up just 7.4% of the tech workforce and with nearly 60% of the Black labor force living in the South, tech companies that continue to settle in the Lowcountry and across South Carolina have the opportunity to increase that number by recruiting and retaining employees whose unique lived experience will also bring new ideas, foster greater innovation and contribute to further economic prosperity.

State Treasurer Curtis Loftis recently sent a letter to the South Carolina Emerging Technology Association stating that our state has “an opportunity to increase its stature as a world leader in manufacturing, logistics, cybersecurity,

identity and finance as an early mover; therefore, making our citizens the beneficiaries of the exceptional growth and economic development opportunities” that the tech industry is creating.

U.S. policymakers, especially those who represent South Carolina, must make decisions on policies that will protect — not stifle — the tech sectors ability to thrive and continue driving South Carolina’s exceptional economic growth and jobs pipeline that employs more and more of our citizens.

S.C. Rep. Marvin R. Pendarvis is a Democrat representing District 113 in Charleston County. An attorney with Pendarvis Law LLC, he services on the General Assembly’s Legislative Oversight Committee. CRBJ

PENDARVIS

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