Charleston Regional Business Journal - May 22, 2023

Fewer SC workers tied up in traffic

Arecent review of commuting trends found that workers who travel 90 minutes or more to get to and from work fell by 1.5 million from 2019 to 2021. That represents a 32% decrease in the most intense commuters during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Apartment List, a data-driven property matching platform that analyzes data on multi-family real estate across the country, said that the global pandemic caused a significant shift in how people get to work, and part of that is fewer people are actually driving to work. That creates a ripple effect in easing congestion on the nation’s highways.

In South Carolina, two of the state’s three major metropolitan areas have experienced significant declines in commuters who spend the most time getting to work. From 2019 to 2021, Charleston saw a 25% decrease in these so-called Super Commuters, Apartment List’s analysis found, with Columbia showing a 10% decline.

The Upstate was the only metro area that saw an increase in Super Commuters with 10% more workers spending more than 90 minutes driving to work.

While overall Super Commuters make up just under 2% of drivers hitting the roadways during rush hour in South Carolina, commute times can vary widely depending on where workers live, the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey show.

On average, South Carolinians have a 25.3 minute commute each morning. That’s about the midrange for Southeastern states, with Georgia posting a 28.6 minute average commute on the high end and Arkansas showing an even 22 minutes on the low end. by Andy Owens

Commute times for select SC counties

Average commute times for counties in South Carolina’s largest metro areas range from between nearly 23 minutes to more than 30 minutes on average.

Commuting by the numbers

Average commute times

National average: 26.8 minutes

SC average: 25.3 minutes

Employees who work from home

National: 9.7%

Statewide: 4.2%

Workers who use public transportation

National: 4.2%

Statewide: 0.5%

Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate

ON THE RECORD

Commuting in SC’s largest areas

The largest cities in South Carolina’s major metro areas often have significantly shorter commute times than regional averages, with Columbia posting the shortest commute time for drivers at 16.6 minutes on average.

Upstate: 23.1 Minutes

Mislands: 24.5 Minutes

Lowcountry: 27.8 Minutes

Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey

“It will change the relationship of the United States and Saudi Arabia for the better. You (Saudi Arabia) will be seen differently in our country because you are creating jobs in my state, in our country.”

— Sen. Lindsay Graham

SC Biz News Briefs

Firearms maker makes pair of expansion announcements for Upstate, Midlands

FN America LLC will manufacture firearms and related products at a new plant in Pickens County and expand an existing plant in the Midlands. The two projects represent $51 million in investments and about 275 new jobs.

One week after the company received the Pickens County Council go-ahead in Liberty, FN America announced plans to expand its four-decade-old Columbia facilities.

The Pickens County Council voted to grant a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement to FN America in April at the offices of Alliance Pickens, which is located at the edge of the business park that will house FN America’s $33 million small arms factory. The company expects to break ground next year and start operations in 2025, bringing about 175 new jobs in the five years that follow.

FN America is a subsidiary of FN Herstal S.A., a 134-year-old company based in Herstal, Belgium. Customers include the U.S. military and police departments across the country. The company has been operating a manufacturing plant in Columbia for the last 42 years, now employing about 600, according to FN America CEO Mark Cherpes.

“What I hope is the facilities will compete against each other and they’ll grow their products – a little sibling rivalry – and we’ll get up to 600 here,” Cherpes joked after the Pickens County Council vote on Wednesday.

Cherpes said he was confident in the five-year plan creating 175 jobs. After that, he said further expansion will depend on product popularity and sales.

He said the Liberty facility will make small arms and may expand to other products.

“We have a full line of adjacent products around firearms, as well. We haven’t released — but we will be releasing — some optics, some suppressors, some other things. Right now the plan is firearms but in the future that may expand.”

The approximately 100,000-square-foot facility will be constructed over two phases, according to a news release.

“FN America has experienced significant growth over the last several years and demand for our products continues to increase in all market segments that we serve,” Cherpes said in the release. “Our new facility in Liberty, South Carolina, will allow us to expand our manufacturing capabilities and grow our highly skilled workforce to meet that new demand. We are proud to partner with Pickens County and the state of South Carolina on this expansion.”

In 1979, FN America broke ground on its facility in Richland County and officially opened its South Carolina operations in 1981 to manufacture the M240 medium machine gun under contract to the U.S. Army, the news release stated. The plant has produced 1 million small arms under contract to the U.S. Department of Defense.

FN America’s primary business focuses on the design and production of a wide range of small arms including lightweight machine guns, medium machine guns and additional weapons for the Defense Department. Additionally, the plant produces firearms for law enforcement agencies as well as consumers. CRBJ

JUNE 5

ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING/ CONSTRUCTION

Lists: General Contractors, Architectural Firms

Advertising Deadline: May 22

JUNE 19

LOGISTICS/DISTRIBUTION

Lists: Logistics Providers, Warehouse Services

Advertising Deadline: June 5

JULY 10

CHARLESTON’S HISTORIC DISTRICT

Lists: Old Businesses

Advertising Deadline: June 26

Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey congratulated the Pickens County team of industrial recruiters and politicians who helped FN America LLC find a home for its next manufacturing plant. (Photo/Ross Norton)

Owners of The Grocery plan to open Lola Rose in Mount Pleasant

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By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com

James Beard award-nominated chef Kevin Johnson and his wife, Susan, who opened The Grocery in downtown Charleston in 2011, will open a second concept this summer.

Lola Rose will be located at The Bend at 3540 Park Avenue Blvd. in the Carolina Park neighborhood of Mount Pleasant.

Building on the same neighborhood spirit that The Grocery brought to Charleston more than a decade ago, Lola Rose aims to be a gathering place for Mount Pleasant, featuring coastal Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed, convivial setting, according to a news release. Designed by David Thompson Studio in Charleston, the interiors feature a bar, dining room with an open kitchen showcasing a custom pizza oven, and a covered patio.

Kevin Johnson will be joined in the kitchen by Hunter Conklin, who has been with The Grocery since 2021, according to the release. Johnson and Conklin have collaborated on a menu that features comforting and approachable dishes, from big, seasonal salads and wood-fired pizzas to fresh and extruded pastas, local seafood and classic mains.

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Throughout his noteworthy career as a leader in the local food scene, Johnson has built lasting relationships with the Lowcountry’s best farmers, foragers, fishermen and artisans and looks forward to sharing their bounty with Lola Rose guests, the release stated

At the bar, classic favorites are served alongside seasonal spritzes, local beer and a wine list that focuses on the winemakers of Mediterranean and American coastlines.

The second act for The Johnsons is a deliberate one, the release stated. They have raised their family in north Mount

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Pleasant and are proud to call the area home. As they searched for a location for a second restaurant, they realized that while the northern end of Mount Pleasant has experienced tremendous growth in the past few years, there is still room for more elevated dining experiences.

“Susan and I have long talked about where we saw ourselves opening a second concept, and are so excited to have found this spot,” Kevin Johnson said in the release. “We love our Mount Pleasant community and feel very fortunate to be able to live, play and now work in such a beautiful and welcoming place.” CRBJ

Lola Rose will feature coastal Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed, convivial setting. (Photo/Jonathan Boncek)

James Beard award-nominated chef Kevin Johnson and his wife, Susan, who opened The Grocery in downtown Charleston in 2011. (Photo/Jonathan Boncek)

North

By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com

Amanufacturer or large vehicles for the United States military has opened a facility in North Charleston.

With a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, facility tours and the roll-out of a large military vehicle, Elbit Systems of America (Elbit America) recently celebrated its newest facility in North Charleston, with employees, customers, and partners.

Located at Crosspoint at Palmetto Commerce Park, the manufacturing facility aims to employ hundreds of people and assemble large vehicular systems for the United States military and allied nations, according to an Elbit Systems news release. The facility initially will manufacture Mission Command Platforms for the U.S. Army’s Command Post Integrated Infrastructure (CPI2) Program and the Sigma mobile cannon artillery system for the Israel Defense Forces, the release stated.

“Opening our new, digitally-enabled North Charleston facility is the realization of our company’s wish to continue expanding and investing throughout the country. South Carolina provides the right mix of a talented local workforce, support-

ive government partners, and suppliers ready to help us provide innovative solutions to the Warfighter,” said Elbit America president and CEO Raanan Horowitz in the release. “There’s much work to do to, but I’m confident in this facility, and in our workforce. Elbit America is proud to be in South Carolina.”

The financial investment in the project was not disclosed.

The facility has taken roughly two years to construct, while recruitment

for site leadership and assemblers has been underway for nearly a year, the release stated. New recruits say they are attracted by the benefits the new facility offers — a brand new, climate-controlled environment, stateof-the-art equipment, the company’s flexible schedule, and Elbit America’s enduring mission to support the nation’s military and allies. Nearly half of the facility’s existing workforce are veterans.

“What you see today is agile manufacturing that is expanding critically needed capacity, and all of this is due to a resilient network of local suppliers,” said Scott Baum, vice president of strategy and growth for Elbit America, in the release.

Since before construction began at the company’s new site, it was predicted the facility would spur hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact to the state, adding to the nation’s industrial base, the release stated.

“As Elbit Systems of America opens its new facility in North Charleston, we are thrilled to welcome this important addition to our community,” North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said in the release. “This represents a milestone in our ongoing efforts to attract and retain innovative companies that will help drive economic growth and create high-quality jobs for our residents. We look forward to building a strong and lasting relationship with Elbit America and to the many positive contributions they will undoubtedly make to our city’s future.”

Elbit Systems of America is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The company employs 3,500 individuals across various sites in the country. In 2023, the company celebrates its 30th anniversary. CRBJ

Elbit Systems of America opened with fanfare and a plant tour on May 8. (Photo/Provided)

Downtown Charleston penthouse hits the market for $14.5 million

By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com

Apenthouse that occupies the top two floors of an iconic downtown Charleston building has hit the market with a $14.5 million asking price.

Bonnie Geer with William Means Real Estate is representing the sellers, according to a news release

The property’s 2005 residential renovation was the vision of New York designers, Monique Gibson and Andrew O’Neal, and boasts more than 8,000 square feet of living space over two floors, the release stated. The outdoor living and entertainment space on the rooftop was designed by landscape architect, Sheila Wertimer and offers an additional 3,500 square feet with panoramic views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter.

Built circa-1911, the iconic People’s Building at 18 Broad St. is eight stories high and was considered Charleston’s first skyscraper, according to the release. The building was conceived by Mayor R. Goodwynn Rhett and at the time, its effect on the city’s original skyline was a hot-button debate, the release stated. President William Howard Taft, who viewed the city from the top of the building upon completion, said, “I don’t believe that it did ruin the skyline, but if it did, the view from up here makes it worth it.”

“This premier address with luxury finishes and historic details offers unparalleled views of Charleston’s Harbor and the entire historic district. The location at the corner of Broad and State Streets is unlike any other,” said Geer in the release. “It is steps away from Charleston’s world-renowned culinary scene as well as museums, art galleries and waterfront parks.”

The penthouse was built for entertaining, the release stated. The placement of each room was intentional and preserves the building’s more than 50 arched windows in the design, allowing each room to have its

own special view of the city, and features precision millwork, masonry and stonework throughout. A 1,500-square-foot. primary suite is in a

separate wing on the eastern side of the penthouse, the release stated. It is complete with a spa-like marble bath with steam shower, a large dressing room and closet, study with a fireplace, wet bar and even a dog washing room. The second-floor features two additional guest suites, a full kitchen, den and a billiard room. Additional highlights include a private elevator entrance, two Sub-Zero 132 bottle wine chillers, three gated parking spaces and 24/7 surveillance.

William Means Real Estate has sold more than $110 million so far this year, according to the release. In addition to its top ranking in Mount Pleasant so far this year, the firm ranked as the No. 1 company in downtown Charleston and South of Broad during the first quarter. CRBJ

North Charleston paper mill shutting down

By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com

Alarge employer in North Charleston will close this summer.

WestRock Co. will permanently cease operating its paper mill in North Charleston on Aug. 31, according to a news release from the company.

The North Charleston mill produces containerboard, uncoated kraft paper (KraftPak), and unbleached saturating kraft paper (DuraSorb), with a combined annual capacity of 550,000 tons, according to the news release.

WestRock is committed to improving its return on invested capital as well as maximizing the performance of its assets, the release stated. The combination of

high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment were the determining factors in the decision to cease operations at the mill.

Containerboard and uncoated kraft currently produced at the mill will be manufactured at other WestRock facilities, the release stated. The company intends to exit the unbleached saturating kraft paper business when the mill shutdown is completed.

“WestRock and its predecessor companies have had a long history in the region operating the North Charleston mill, and the contributions of the team members over the years have been greatly appreciated,” said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer at WestRock. “The decision to close a facility and impact

the lives of our team members is never easy, and we are committed to assisting our North Charleston team with exploring roles at other WestRock locations and outplacement assistance.”

The North Charleston mill employs approximately 500 people, according to the release. Employees will receive severance and outplacement assistance in accordance with WestRock policy and labor union agreements, the release stated.

In a separate release, Ingevity Corp. said that operations at the company’s North Charleston plant will continue as normal with the closure of WestRock.

The two companies will work together to transition limited shared services ahead of closure of the WestRock facility, according to the release. The companies

share a common history, but Ingevity has operated as a stand-alone public company since May 2016.

“While we anticipate some cost with the transition of shared services, we expect minimal disruption to our operations,” said Ingevity president and CEO John Fortson in the release. “Our primary focus as WestRock exits their plant site is to ensure safe operations and continue to meet the needs of our customers.”

WestRock’s plant closure does not impact Ingevity’s recently announced long-term supply agreement for crude tall oil with WestRock, according to the release.

WestRock has more than 58,000 employees in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. CRBJ

The outdoor living and entertainment space on the rooftop was designed by landscape architect, Sheila Wertimer and offers an additional 3,500 square feet of space.

(Photo/Keen Eye Marketing)

The terrace offers panoramic views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. (Photo/Keen Eye Marketing)

Four Seasons coming to Charleston — more than a hotel planned

By Christina Lee Knauss cknauss@scbiznews.com

One of the world’s best known luxury hotel brands will soon be coming to downtown Charleston.

A Four Seasons hotel will be built at 155 Meeting St. on the former location of the Days Inn budget motel.

Strategic Property Partners LLC, based in Tampa, Fla., is the developer. Proposals for the project call for three different buildings to be constructed on the 1.9-acre site. The mixed-use development for the site will also include residential condominiums and retail space.

“Strategic Property Partners LLC has agreed on terms with Four Seasons Hotels and Resort, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, to manage the planned hotel and residences at 155 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston,” said Brad Cooke, senior vice president of development for SPP. “The project is subject to public approvals and more details will be communicated as they become available.”

Required zoning changes for the project have received approval from the Charleston City Council and plans for the property have been submitted to Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review.

No specific date for the demolition of the former Days Inn has been revealed. The site had been the home

of budget accommodations since the 1960s when it was the home of the Golden Eagle Motel. Days Inn took over the property in 1983.

The site’s budget past will be long gone when Four Seasons moves in. The chain was started with one motor hotel in 1961 by founder Isadore Sharp, and now operates 100 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide.

This will be the first Four Seasons in South Carolina. Other locations in the

Southeast include Atlanta; Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Surfside, Orlando and Palm Beach in Florida; and New Orleans.

Leaders in the tourism and hospitality industry say the newest luxury hotel addition to Charleston’s peninsula will bring new attention to a city that is already known worldwide.

“It’s an honor that Four Seasons selected Charleston for one of their inspiring properties – it’s an incredible addition to the region’s travel and hospitality offer-

ings,” said Chris Campbell, vice president of strategy and external affairs for Explore Charleston, which handles marketing for the city of Charleston and the surrounding region.

Campbell is also excited about renderings of the future property that show a structure more in sync with the neighborhood’s aesthetic than the Days Inn was.

“Redevelopment of that property with the aesthetic and character of the historic district in mind will be a big benefit,” he said.

The arrival of Four Seasons is part of a long-time effort to bring more higher-end accommodations and upscale travelers to the Palmetto State that goes back more than 20 years, according to Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Parrish has significant past experience in the hotel industry, including senior management roles with several major chains, and he is well aware of the visibility a world-renowned name like Four Seasons can bring.

“This is a big deal for both Charleston and the state of South Carolina,” Parrish told SC Biz News. “It verifies and confirms the fact that Charleston really is a world class destination because a chain with the service level of a Four Seasons wouldn’t go there unless the market was there for it.” CRBJ

For the first time since the 1960s, the site will no longer house budget accommodations. (Image/Provided) William Russell, Derrick Apple, Patrick Odom, Bill Jarrard and Chris Nowell Partners with Jarrard, Nowell & Russell

Saudi royalty celebrates $37B deal with North Charleston visit

By Ross Norton rnorton@scbiznews.com

Boeing earlier this month celebrated a $37 billion deal to make Dreamliners for Saudi airlines. Guests included Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States.

Leaders from Saudi carriers Saudia and Riyadh Air were at the North Charleston home of the 787 Dreamliner program to celebrate the purchase of as many as 121 of the Boeing 787s.The deal calls for delivery of 78 of the aircraft with options that could mean 43 additional Dreamliners.

The deal is worth $37 billion, according to Sen. Lindsey Graham, who talked with the Saudi airlines on behalf of Boeing South Carolina and predicted the sale will help relations between the two countries.

“I spent a lot of time with Governor

(McMaster) and other people talking to Saudi Arabia about why you should pick Boeing,” Graham said in a speech at the celebration. “It will change the relationship of the United States and Saudi Arabia for the better. You (Saudi Arabia) will be seen differently in our country because you are creating jobs in my state, in our country. That makes it easier for me to go visit you. Because the more we have in common, the more business we do, the safer we all are.”

The ambassador, Capt. Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia, and Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, addressed more than 3,000 Boeing employees and toured the 787 final assembly building.

The fleet orders will be among the five largest commercial orders by value in Boeing’s history, according to the news release. The purchase is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic Vision 2030, with the goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors by 2030. CRBJ

Charleston rapid transit project receives $100M funding boost

By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com

Along-planned rapid transit project in the Lowcountry has received a sizable funding boost from the federal government.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has recommended that the Lowcountry Rapid Transit project receive $100 million as part of President Joe Biden’s fiscal year 2024 budget request to Congress.

The Lowcountry project was one of 18 large transit projects in 11 states across the nation totaling $4.45 billion in recommended funding.

The projects will improve how people travel in their communities, create and sustain jobs in construction and operations and help communities provide better, more frequent transit service, according to a news release from the Federal Transit Administration.

“Transit connects people to jobs, schools, loved ones and more,” Buttigieg said in the release. “We’re proud to deliver this funding to expand transit across the country, which will create good-paying construction jobs and provide better options for people to get where they need to go.”

The listed projects, which require a local funding match, seek funding through the Federal Transit Authority’s Capital Investment Grants and Expedited Project Delivery Pilot programs, the release stated. The report allocates $2.85 billion in annual appropriations requested from Con-

gress and $1.6 billion in FY 2024 funding provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Federal support will begin to flow to project sponsors only after the FTA signs a grant agreement.

The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments’ Low-

country Rapid Transit project, which will be South Carolina’s first rapid transit project, is a 21-mile system parallel to Interstate 26 that will connect the Ladson area with downtown Charleston and includes the purchase of 19 electric buses.

According to the Federal Tran-

sit Administration, bus rapid transit systems includes dedicated lanes, busways, traffic signal priority, offboard fare collection, elevated platforms and enhanced stations, according to LCRT’s website.

Construction of the project is expected to begin in 2026. CRBJ

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air; Dave Calhoun, president and CEO of The Boeing Co.; Her Royal Highness Princess Reema, ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States; Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; and Saudia CEO Capt. Ibrahim Koshy celebrate a deal intended to boost tourism for Saudi Arabia. (Photo/Boeing)

The state’s first rapid transit system will be a 21-mile route parallel to Interstate 26 that will connect the Ladson area to downtown Charleston. (Image/Provided)

Why North Charleston ranks No. 1 for EV manufacturing

By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com

South Carolina ranks high on a new report from a national site selection firm for areas poised to attract new manufacturing investment and jobs in the growing electric vehicle supply equipment industry.

The report, from Boca Raton, Fla.based The Boyd Corp., compares annual operating costs for a typical EVSE manufacturing plant in 30 cities across the country, with North Charleston ranking No. 1 in the U.S. East.

North Charleston costs are a low $45.7 million per year in a hot industrial real estate market, according to the report, which cited the recent $3.5 billion investment from Nevada-based Redwood Materials for its plant in Ridgeville, which will bring 1,500 jobs, and Volvo rolling out production later this year of its all-electric SUV, the EX90, which will create 1,300 jobs at its Ridgeville plant.

But John Boyd, principal at The Boyd Corp., said “it’s not just Charleston and the Lowcountry with the compelling labor and infrastructure assets so attractive to the EV industry,” noting BMW’s $1.3 billion investment in the Upstate and Clemson University creating the nation’s first undergraduate degree in automotive engineering, calling it “a statewide phenomenon.”

That momentum is expected to carry forward — and not just in the automotive sector.

“Looking ahead, we fully expect South Carolina to widen its EV industry footprint into the aviation sector which is now beginning to take off given major advancements in battery technology and FAA endorsements,” Boyd said in an email.

The report divides the 30 cities into three regions: East, South Central and West. Chattanooga, Tenn., ranked No. 1 in the South Central region, while Minden, Nevada, ranked No. 1 in the West.

The Boyd Co. has a long history of site selection work in the state of South Caro-

lina, going back to some of the major economic development wins for the Palmetto State during the governorship of Carrol Campbell in the 1980s.

Federal incentives fueling EV growth

The report cites federal government incentives for fueling electric vehicle industry growth.

The Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has earmarked $7.5 billion for EV charging and the build out of a national electric vehicle charging network along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, mostly along the Interstate

Highway System, according to the report. Also, the Biden administration has established the NEVI program which provides $5 billion in funding over five years to help states build a coast-to-coast network of qualifying fast chargers.

Currently, many critical electric vehicle components are sourced in Asia and U.S. manufacturers have to import them via a costly and geopolitically risky 50,000-plus mile global supply chain, the report stated. U.S. battery manufacturers alone are estimated to spend more than $150 billion overseas on key inputs by 2030.

NEVI funding is designed to mitigate these EV supply chain risks and cost penalties and be sync with the Federal Highway Administration’s Build America, Buy America Act, which is encouraging the reshoring of manufacturing investment from China and elsewhere, the report stated.

South Carolina could be a key player in the years ahead.

“With the phasing out of internal combustion vehicles, union leaders are convinced that they must gain a foothold in the EV industry so that workers making engines and transmissions have a place to go,” Boyd said. “This transition in the labor sector makes Right-to-Work Legislation in states housing our top three EV sector cities — South Carolina, Tennessee and Nevada — that much more important and relevant.” CRBJ

The state has not let the EV momentum pass by, with North Charleston leading the charge for the region.

of the Charleston business market continues to be a story best told in numbers. Market Facts provides the context

region.

WITH AGE COMES WISDOM.

SC Biz News has introduced a new recognition program this year — ICON Honors. To complement our Forty Under 40 programs, we’re celebrating experienced business leaders who have exhibited strong leadership and notable successes. From higher education leaders to construction

John Warner, founder, InnoVenture

Keith Miller, president, Greenville Technical College

Bob Quinn, executive director, South Carolina Research Authority

Tracy Leenman, owner, Musical Innovations

Michael Amiridis, president, University of South Carolina

Mike Baur, CEO, ScanSource

Howard Boyd, president/owner, Howard’s Barber College and Howard’s Barber Shop

Steve Cawood, CEO, Clearwater Solutions

Bob Chisholm, president, Bradshaw Gordon & Clinkscales, LLC

Chris Fraser, principal and managing director, Avison Young

Scott Glass, chief, Charleston District of the Army Corps of Engineers

Dave Pardus, CEO, Total Beverage Solution

S. Richard Hagins, CEO, US&S

executives to business consultants, the Lowcountry is full of difference makers working to fuel the economy and improve quality of life. You can find profiles of the inaugural honorees from the Charleston area on the following pages. Be sure to check out bios of all the honorees online at scbiznews.com.

Tim Hardee, president, South Carolina Technical College System

Tee Hooper, co-owner and board chair, Find Great People

Mary Thornley, president, Trident Technical College

Jim Irvin, owner/partner, Firefly Distillery

Kevin Mills, president and CEO, South Carolina Aquarium

Sharon Wilson, founder, Wilson Associates

Neil Whitman, owner/founder, Dunhill Staffing Systems

Mary Jo Romeo, founder, MJR Consulting

Bruce White, president and CEO, Bank of Travelers Rest

Jane Sosebee, president, AT&T South Carolina

Nicky McCarter, president and CEO, Defender Services

Ernest McNealey, president, Allen University

Steve Townes, president/CEO/founder Ranger Aerospace

Howard Boyd president/owner, Howards Barber College and Howards Barber Shop

Howard Boyd and his wife Ethel built their own successful babershop business in Goose Creek and then worked to spread their success to others, particularly to other minorities. Thirty-five years ago they drafted the training curriculum for barber students to get licensed in the state — a curriculum still in use today. Then they established the first full-service Black-owned barber school in South Carolina. Since 1986, they have trained hundreds — perhaps thousands — of barbers, creating entrepreneurial opportunities for two generations of people. The Charleston Regional Business Journal did not receive a photo by press time.

Chris Fraser

principal and managing director

Avison Young

Chris Fraser is well-known as a leader in the Charleston community, even by those who have no idea that he works in commercial real estate as Managing Director of Avison Young’s South Carolina and Savannah, GA offices. As incoming chair of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, former chair of the Charleston County School Board, chair of the Trident Tech Foundation, and so much more, he has served his community with distinction for years. A passionate and compassionate leader, he leads the Avison Young Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council.

The entire state owes a nod of thanks to Scott Glass. As Supervisory Civil Engineer for the Charleston District of the Army Corps of Engineers, he played a pivotal role in the half-billion-dollar Charleston Harbor deepening, which allowed the newest gargantuan ships to transport goods into and out of South Carolina. Leading a team of 30 that delivered high quality designs ahead of schedule for the project, he is responsible for expanding a key economic driver for the state.

Jim Irvin is one of the innovators you can thank for Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka. A residential builder for years in the Lowcountry, he and his wife purchased a farm in Wadmalaw and opened a vineyard. That led to a relationship with wine distributor Scott Newitt, and they joined forces to create Firefly Distillery. They’ve given us a Muscadine wine vodka, sweet tea vodka made from tea grown next door, and various other drinks. Recently they moved to the banks of the Noisette Creek and launched a concert venue.

Half a million people come to see Kevin Mills every year. Well, him and the South Carolina Aquarium, home to the Sea Turtle Care Center, the Great Ocean Tank, sharks, otters and more. As president and CEO for the past 17 years, Mills has transformed a top attraction into a conservation center, turtle hospital and STEM-based learning center with an economic impact approaching halfa-billion dollars. Doing so has required strong vision and collaboration with the private and public sectors.

Pour Dave Pardus a Guinness! It’s the company that gave him the beverage sales and operational experience he needed to launch Total Beverage Solution in 2002. His full-service beverage solution company has grown annually for 20 straight years to $100 million in revenue, making it a Top 20 Fastest Growing Company in South Carolina. Dave’s innovations have improved service through strategic collaborations and leveraged relationships with nascent brands. He’s also been named an Honorary Knight of the Brewers’ Mash Staff.

Scott Glass chief, Operations Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District

Kevin Mills president and CEO, South Carolina Aquarium

Jim Irvin owner/partner, Firefly Distillery

Dave Pardus CEO, Total Beverage Solution

What do Facebook, Amazon, The New York Times, LinkedIn and Delta Airlines have in common? They’ve all hired Mary Jo Romeo to help them unleash the potential of their employees. A communications expert, strengths-based coach and sought after facilitator, she coaches individual clients, sales teams and C-suites. A Columbia University Certified Executive Coach, she is beloved by her clients. Said one who took a class for women at the YWCA, “I have seen her inspire and grow countless female leaders into the executives they are today.”

Mary Thornley isn’t just the president of Trident Technical College; she is synonymous with it, and with the transformational power of education in the Lowcountry. Leading the school for more than 30 years, Dr. Thornley was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in 2020, the state’s highest honor. Through innovative initiatives, creative partnerships, and outreach to the community, she has transformed the small technical college where she began her career as an adjunct professor into a diverse education juggernaut preparing students for 21st century jobs.

Neil Whitmer will find you staff. From working for others in the staffing business to running a staffing franchise to buying the company and running it independently, he has always done it better than anyone. Upon joining Dunhill Staffing Systems in Charleston in 2001, he earned the designation of best new office and top producing owner in the system. Then a bevy of performance awards including top office nationally, top consultant and $1 million producer faster than anyone had ever done. Now he owns the company and the accolades keep pouring in.

Mary Jo Romeo founder, MJR Consulting

Neil Whitman owner/founder, Dunhill Staffing Systems

Mary Thornley president, Trident Technical College

Retailer Palmetto Moon expands to Tennessee market

By Jason Thomas jthomas@szbiznews.com

Charleston-based retail chain Palmetto Moon is expanding with a new Tennessee location.

Palmetto Moon, a Southern lifestyle retailer, will celebrate the grand opening at the Governors Square Mall, located at 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd., in Clarksville, Tenn., on May 30.

Palmetto Moon serves as a one-stop shop for women’s and men’s fashion, kid’s apparel and gifts, home goods, shoes, accessories, collegiate gear, drinkware and more, according to a Palmetto Moon news release.

To celebrate the new store, Palmetto Moon has planned a weekend to greet the members of the Clarksville community and beyond, the release stated. On Saturday, May 20, guests can expect to be welcomed with a full lineup of festivities.

“We are thrilled to open our newest store in Clarksville and can’t wait to welcome the local community and loyal fans who have been cheering on our arrival,” Amber Dube, Palmetto Moon executive vice president and chief brand officer, said in the release. “Palmetto Moon is known for its relentless focus on customer service and locally inspired shopping experience for all ages that celebrates the Southern lifestyle,” Dube continues, “Unlike mass merchants, the retailer hand-picks its showcase of top brands alongside emerging makers and gifts tailored to the community.”

Customers will discover popular brands including YETI, Simply Southern, Bogg Bag, Hey Dude, Southern Marsh, Chubbies, Vineyard Vines and Local Boy Outfitters, as well as up-and-coming brands, Palmetto Moon’s exclusive products, and custom University of Tennessee collegiate gear and apparel, according to the release.

With an open floor plan spanning over

7,900 square feet, customers can shop several departments, according to the release.

“It’s an honor to build on twenty years of incredible momentum with the opening of our Clarksville location as our eighth store in Tennessee,” Palmetto Moon CEO John Thomas said in the release. “We have come a long way from our humble beginnings as a kiosk in Charleston and we’re committed

to preserving Palmetto Moon’s elevated shopping experience for all generations. We are so grateful to be here.”

After having recently celebrated expanding into Kentucky as its seventh state, Palmetto Moon continues to grow. With the addition of the new Clarksville location, Palmetto Moon now has 42 stores in the Southeast, according to the release. CRBJ

Sculpture to grace Mount Pleasant trail project

By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com

Anew installation is coming to a sculpture trail at Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park.

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, a nonprofit that celebrates wildlife and the great outdoors through fine art, live entertainment and special events, has recently acquired the sculpture “Tidewater Terrapin” from renowned sculptor David Turner, according to an SEWE news release.

It will become a permanent installation at Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park and available for locals and visitors alike to view during park hours.

“The focal point of Tidewater Terrapin is the Diamondback Terrapin. The sculpture also includes oysters and eelgrass which, along with the Terrapin, are all important barometers of the health of an Atlantic Tidewater ecosystem,” Turner said in the release.

SEWE has made public sculpture a top initiative of its service to the community, according to the release SEWE believes public sculpture is an important part of any

community, as it provides access to art for everyone, especially for youth and underserved individuals, the release stated.

In May of 2019, the first seeds were planted in partnership with the town of Mount Pleasant for a sculpture exhibit that would extend throughout the region, according to the release. The SEWE sculpture exhibit at Mount Pleasant Waterfront

Park is meant to be a cultural experience, as well as the beginning of what will become a trail throughout the Lowcountry.

“The waters and marshes of the Cooper River could not be a more appropriate backdrop for sculptures of animals indigenous to the region,” said SEWE CEO John Powell. “Teeming with wildlife, the

Cooper’s tidal waters are a reminder of the rich habitat of the Lowcountry and the importance of conservation and sustainability. It has been proven with these six sculptures, it also provides a place for reflection and inspiration.”

In 2021, the first public sculpture linking Mount Pleasant to Downtown was unveiled, creating the first leg of the trail, according to the release. The permanent public sculpture in the Charleston Visitor Center, “For Spacious Skies” by Walter Matia, was donated to the city of Charleston by the SEWE Board of Directors and staff in honor of Bill Hall.

“The sculpture represents SEWE’s continued effort to promote public art, with the hopes of future works being placed throughout the Lowcountry in the coming years,” said Neil Robinson, president and chairman of the SEWE board.

Those interested in submitting art or inquring about SEWE’s sculpture initiative can contact Meagan Trotta, mtrotta@sewe.com. CRBJ

Reach Jason at 864-568-7570.

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition recently acquired the sculpture “Tidewater Terrapin” from renowned sculptor David Turner. (Photo/Provided)

After opening in the Tennessee market, Palmetto Moon now has 42 stores in the Southeast. (Photo/Palmetto Moon)

In Focus

HEALTH CARE/LIFE SCIENCES

LISTS: HOSPITALS, LIFE SCIENCE COMPANIES , Page 21-22

MEETING A NEED

Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness in Charleston County marks first stand-alone mental health hospital in three decades

By Jenny Peterson Contributing writer

On June 6, Trident Medical Center is set to open Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness, a $47.5 million stateof-the-art mental health hospital in Ladson, the state’s newest free-standing mental health hospital in more than 30 years.

Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness will open with 60 beds, with plans already in place to add 24 more beds at its Charleston County campus, which is located minutes from Interstate 26, about two miles from Trident Medical Center.

The facility, at 3445 Ingleside Blvd., includes a major design overhaul compared to how mental health hospitals were built in the 1990s and features large windows, courtyards and communal spaces for music and art therapy

Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness will serve adults, adolescents ages 12 to 17 and geriatric patients 65 and older in separate wings with a target 6 to 10-day stay per patient in an acute care setting to relieve overloaded emergency rooms.

In Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, “Nearly five percent of all admissions among all of the hospitals in the tri-county area are mental-health related,” said psychiatrist Dr. Harish Mangipudi, with Trident Medical Center. Trident Medical Center’s 25-bed mental health wing will move into the new facility.

“Mental health patients are being held in emergency departments for hours and days at a time. We hear about backlogs, not just our ERs, but other ERs as well,” said David Was, chief operating officer of Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness. “Currently, our mental health unit (at Trident Medical Center) is 95 percent full with 25 beds. (Health care professionals) are having to send patients in our community as far away as Columbia and Lancaster for treatment. We can now take care of these patients in our community readily without having to transport them or have them not get the care that they deserve.”

The goal is crisis intervention and stabilization and then have patients step down to outpatient services at the facility and back home.

Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness will treat mental health issues such as schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar mania, suicidal ideation and more. It will not serve as a memory care or rehab for substance abuse, but can be part of a treatment plan if a mental health patient arrives with addiction issues, Was said.

A new-look mental health facility

While not designated as an emergency room, Was said patients will be referred to and transferred to Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness from emergency rooms following a remote iPad consultation as well as be able to be transferred by

the local sheriff’s department, also following remote consultations and referrals.

“We will also have a direct admission process, so patients don’t have to go to the ER and can be referred to us from the private practice community, including psychiatrists’ and counselors’ offices and can come quickly to us, bypassing the emergency room completely.”

Designed in partnership with Nashville-based HCA Healthcare, Trident’s Medical Center’s parent company, Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness looks nothing like the mental hospitals built three decades ago; the design has completely changed to look like a regular hospital.

While security and safety remains paramount for both patients and staff, physical barriers have been removed between staffers and patients, large windows bring in natural light and two courtyards provide serene spaces for activities and meditation. A full-service cafeteria with a hot line resembles a food court rather than an institution.

“Smart state-of-the-art designed for the patients’ safety and the staff’s safety offers dignity of the patient, security as well as privacy,” said Was. “HCA Healthcare has 65-70 behavioral health units and inpatient units (nationwide) and there is a think tank within the parent company and corporate office with a behavioral health service line division that pulls together best practices This is the latest in design.”

All staff Live Oak Mental Health &

Wellness for are hired in-house, from physiatrists and therapists to activity leaders who teach yoga, music therapy, activity therapy and more.

“There is no contracted staffing,” Was said. “We have an interdisciplinary team of mental health professionals, qualified therapists, counselors, nurses, technicians, psychiatrists. There will be 24/7 in-house, on-site security, which is a differentiator,” Was said. “The patients will have really independence. They’ll be monitored at all times by our team, but we’ll have games at night, TVs with big monitors.”

Live Oak will serve anyone in need

Was said Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness is 95% fully-staffed and received lots of interest from mental health professionals both in Charleston and out-of-state.

While the adult and geriatric wings will open on June 6, Was said the adolescent wing will open in August to coincide with schools reopening.

Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness will take health insurance and will also welcome uninsured patients, serving anyone in need in the state.

“We’re not taking shortcuts for quality, but will be making sure it’s viable for us to be able to continue to sustainably run the place,” Was said. “Reimbursements are not as (big) as say, for open heart surgery,

See MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL, Page 19

Mental health experts say the COVID-19 pandemic made an already-strained health care situation even more dire for patients. The new hospital is intended to close that gap. (Image/Provided)

ANSWERING THE CALL

Columbia company responds to make drug after drastic downturn in supply

By Christina Lee Knauss cknauss@scbiznews.com

Aphone call from the parent of a sick child let the CEO of Columbia-based Ritedose Corp. know it was time for his company to spring into action to fight a national shortage of a vital medication.

“Sometimes calls from individual customers will make it to my desk, and I had a direct call from a parent whose child was actually in the hospital and couldn’t get the medicine, and they asked if there was something we could do about it,” said Ritedose CEO Jody Chastain.

The medicine Chastain is talking about is a particular version of albuterol sulfate. Anyone who carries a rescue inhaler in their pocket or purse because they suffer from moderate asthma will know what that is — a medication that opens up the airways to make breathing easier.

What he and his employees were

called on to create, however, is a different concentration of the drug used not in inhalers, but most often for a treatment known as “continuous nebulization,” with the medicine being delivered through a special mask that the patient wears. This treatment is most frequently given to children with severe asthma in hospital settings, but the drug at this concentration is also helpful for people who suffer from certain types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Ritedose Corp., based in northeast Columbia, recently launched production of albuterol sulfate at a 0.5% concentration, one that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently listed in short supply in the United States. The company’s first release of the material is set for this month.

“Albuterol sulfate as an inhalation solution has been around for decades and is one of the 10 most prescribed generic medicines in the United States,” Chastain said.

He said most of the albuterol used by rescue inhaler users is formulated at 0.8%. The form needed for nebulizers, however, is 0.5%, and the national supply fell to drastic lows earlier this year because of problems with the supply chain.

“We had historically not developed this product at that concentration at Ritedose because the market is only 2% of all the albuterol consumed in the U.S.,” Chastain said. “As long as there were other suppliers meeting that demand, we didn’t want to spend the money to produce it.”

That changed, however, over the past several months when two of the main makers of the 0.5% concentration shut down manufacturing lines.

As a result, in March the FDA announced what they described as a “drastic downturn” in the nation’s supply of the concentration, considered an “essential medication” by the agency because of an average national demand of nearly 20 million doses.

With that notification — and from what he was hearing from health care workers and from people like that parent who called him — Chastain and Ritedose officials knew it was time for them to step in. The company, he said, was a natural to take on the role because of its existing role as an albuterol manufacturer.

Ritedose, founded in 1995, is a leader in the industry in pharmaceutical development, cGMP manufacturing and 503B outsourcing solutions. It also is already the nation’s largest manufacturer of albuterol sulfate inhalation solution, according to company materials.

Chastain said drug shortages like this typically occur for one of three reasons: a manufacturing issue at a supplier that causes the supplier to be investigated and have to shut down production; inability to get starting material that may also be the drug’s active ingredient, or the financial via-

Ritedose’s headquarters in Columbia is home to the company’s aseptic cGMP manufacturing and 503B outsourcing solutions manufacturing. (Photo/Ritedose Corp.)

bility of the company itself.

The company operates a state-of-theart “blow-fill-seal” facility where liquid pharmaceuticals are formulated, filled and packaged for distribution. It specializes in the aseptic production of sterile, single-dose medication and serves the contract development, manufacturing, genetics and 503B outsourcing markets. Ritedose’s main customers range from small startups and retail pharmacies to large pharmaceutical companies, wholesales and hospital systems.

Ritedose is producing the 0.5% concentration through its 503B outsourcing facility. Federal law prohibits products produced through the 503B process from being sold and distributed via wholesales, so the company will compound the concentration and then distribute it directly to hospitals and clinicians.

Because company officials anticipated the coming shortage even before the FDA’s March announcement, the company has been working with several of the nation’s largest hospital systems since the beginning of the year to accelerate the medication’s development, taking it down from a typical six-month time frame to four months because of the drastic need.

“We routinely monitor drug shortage websites so we can see if there are things we need to develop in case something happens,” Chastain said.

No drastic additions or adjustments to existing company infrastructure were required because Ritedose already had its 503B outsourcing compounding license and the facility. State officials had to approve the process they were using before they could begin production.

“We were able to really leverage a lot of the years of experience we’ve had with this molecule in getting this up and running,” Chastain said. “We realized we had the ability to do this now, and sometimes you outweigh the business side of things for what’s the right side of thing to do by the patient. Caring for the patient is our core value, and this was the right thing to do.”

The company’s work to address the albuterol shortage comes as it is also planning expansions to its Richland County facility. In December 2022, Ritedose announced plans to invest $81 million to expand its Columbia facilities, a move expected to create 94 jobs. The first phase of expansion has already started and includes adding square footage to the company’s existing 273,000-square-foot facility in the Carolina Research Park. Interior renovations are also planned. The first phase of the expansion is expected to be complete in early 2024. Once complete, all of the expansions will allow Ritedose to manufacture an additional 400 million doses of pharmaceuticals.

Beside respiratory medications, Ritedose also manufactures ophthalmic medicines used for eye care. CRBJ

Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS) technology allows Ritedose to expedite production. (Photo/Ritedose Corp.)

Production lines like this one are already beginning production of Albuterol Sulfate to alleviate the national medication shortage. (Photo/Ritedose Corp.)

PHOTOS BY LESLIE MCKELLAR & PATRICK BRICKMAN

Pinnacle Bank Branch at Morrison Yard

This life sciences company has an $87M impact on the Upstate annually

By Krys Merryman kmerryman@scbiznews.com

An orthopedic technology company in Anderson County currently has an economic impact on the Upstate estimated at $87.4 million annually.

Arthrex impacted more than 20 million patients last year alone and launched an expansion of its operations in Anderson County in 2021 — a $100 million investment that created hundreds of jobs.

Founded in 1981, Arthrex is an international life science company in the orthopedic surgical device design, research, manufacturing and medical education field. The company develops and releases more than 1,000 products for surgical procedures each year to advance minimally invasive orthopedics worldwide.

Located at 130 Arthrex Drive in Pendleton, Arthrex’s expansion included adding a second manufacturing facility and an electron-beam (E-beam) and X-ray sterilizations facility.

Arthrex is building three new facilities on its Pendleton campus: the first is a 210,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, which will be complete later this summer; the second is a 32,000-square-foot finishing facility, which will be complete in early 2024; and they are also building an early learning center for its employees’ children on the property, with construction expected to be complete in early 2024.

Arthrex Director of Corporate Communications Lisa Gardiner said Arthrex has more than 8,000 employees globally and nearly 1,000 of those are in South Carolina. Within the next five years, Arthrex is projected to add 1,700 jobs in Pendleton.

Gardiner said by helping surgeons, their patients, their communities, and each other is the company’s primary benchmark of success.

“Our research provides the scientific foundation and validation for the development of safe and effective, minimally invasive procedures,” said Gardiner. “Each product we produce impacts the lives of millions of patients. We are committed to making a positive contribution both to our communities and around the world.”

As a privately held company, Arthrex is dedicated to advancing science, medicine and its mission of “helping surgeons treat their patients better.”

As an innovation leader in sports medicine and minimally invasive orthopedics, said Gardiner, Arthrex develops more than 1,000 new products and techniques annually. They are continually opening new subsidiaries around the world in addition to expanding its medical education programs that educate health care professionals on the safe and effective use of its products. As the demand for its products grows globally, so does the need to hire hundreds of new employees every year, she added.

“We are focused on product innovation, medical research, quality manufacturing

and medical education and are proud to make products in America and export to more than 100 countries,” said Gardiner.

“We educate surgeons around the world on the safe and effective use of our products,

helping to make less invasive surgery simpler, safer and more reproducible.”

In addition to the nearly 1,000 people Arthrex employs in the area and making a global impact, they partner with local

career centers in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties, as well as Tri-County Technical College and Clemson University to provide everything from equipment to co-op, apprenticeship and other job training opportunities within the Upstate, said Gardiner.

Arthrex and its employees also partner with several nonprofit organizations within the community, including Habitat for Humanity, the Anderson Free Clinic, Meals on Wheels, the YMCA, and the Samaritan Health Clinic to provide support to surrounding communities.

As far as more innovations to come, Arthrex is always working to add to the techniques and products in introduces each year, said Gardiner.

“We are continually innovating and looking for new ways to help surgeons treat their patients better,” she added.

The company, based in Florida, announced its initial plans for Anderson County in 2017, saying then that it would create 1,000 jobs at the site.

For more information on Arthrex visit https://www.arthrex.com. CRBJ

Anderson County developed a business park near Pendleton with multiple tenants in mind, but Arthrex had big plans and took over the entire site. (Photo/Provided)

Workers at Arthrex develop new surgical methods as well as the tools to perform them, bringing

1,000 new products to markety annually, the company says.

Construction continues at the Anderson County facilities, which already employs 1,000. (Photo/Provided)

Next-gen drug delivery technology innovates the pharma industry

By Krys Merryman kmerryman@scbiznews.com

Imagine: a game-changing next-generation version of drug delivery.

A Greenville-headquartered life sciences company with technology licensed from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Zylö is on a mission to create the next generation of topical drug delivery through their Z-pod technology, which provides sustained release of topicals.

At the core of the technology are Z-pods, which are amorphous silica particles engineered to “encapsulate” active ingredients. The loaded Z-pods can be incorporated into a cream, gel, balm or ointment; after rubbing the cream into your skin, the Z-pods embed into the top layers of your dead skin cells and slowly release the active ingredient. Eventually the Z-pods slough off along with your dead skin cells.

With many actives, this delivery system will increase the bioavailability of the active agent, which means getting more of the active to the right location. Increased bioavailability is generally a primary objective of pharma companies and cosmetic houses alike. With some actives, it is the “holy grail.”

Given this, Zylö hopes their Z-pod technology can turn ordinary topical products into “game-changers.”

Zylö Therapeutics CEO and founder Scott Pancoast describes the company’s delivery system as a “patchless patch.” A regular patch acts as a reservoir of an active ingredient and slowly releases the ingredient into your skin. Z-pods serve the same purpose, except you don’t have to wear a patch, remove a patch, or dispose of a patch.

Zylö’s technology has overcome the bioavailability limitations of AEA, an endocannabinoid that the human body produces: AEA-loaded Z-pods demonstrated significant reductions in lesion count and lesion severity in a lupus model as compared with AEA without Z-pods.

“Cutaneous lupus affects mostly women, mostly women of color, and mostly women of color in their childbearing years,” said Pancoast.

Lupus usually creates lesions on the neck, face and scalp and greatly affects quality of life. “There are few treatment options, and it’s devastating,” he said.

Pancoast said Zylö’s AEA-loaded Z-pods were put to the test in an animal model of lupus where mice get the lesions on their neck, head and face — just like humans — and tested them against a no-treatment group and a group that was treated with AEA without the pods. In both the no-treatment group and the

AEA-only group, the lesions continued to get worse. But in the AEA-loaded-Z-podtreated animals, the lesions got smaller, and most of them were unnoticeable after 10 weeks of treatment.

“The results were significant and robust,” he said.

Zylö is anticipating, by the end of May, to receive a grant award from the National Institutes of Health to advance this lupus program.

That award would be in addition to the five other grant awards they have received from the NIH and the Department of Defense. Most of these awards involve the company’s sister technology whereby the Z-pods are specially engineered to provide sustained release — and increased bioavailability — of nitric oxide, a gas that is often referred to as the “Miracle Molecule.” This nitric oxide-based product has many possible applications, including for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, wound-healing and

nail fungus, among others.

The company is currently in discussions with cosmetic and over-the-counter and prescription drug companies that seek to improve product performance.

Besides the grant-related programs, Zylö and one of its partners have a hair-growth program that is attracting considerable attention. In a study sponsored by the partner, more than 80% of the study subjects that had androgenetic alopecia, or male-pattern baldness, had new hair growth after 90 days of treatment with a Z-pod-based product prototype. Negotiations are ongoing with several companies, and one or more product launches are anticipated later this year.

Additional products in the works for Zylö include herbicide-loaded Z-pods for farmers that produce less runoff and are thereby environmentally friendly; CBD-loaded Z-pods for sports recovery/ performance and for anti-aging; and lemongrass-oil-loaded Z-pods that would be an environmentally safe and longer-lasting mosquito repellent.

In 2022, Zylö was valued at approximately $23 million, compared to its valuation of $10 million in 2019, and their hope is that they can continue to advance these programs and increase the valuation 10-fold or more.

“As the business founder of the company, this is my baby,” said Pancoast. “The prospects of becoming the next gen of topical drug delivery are high.”

But there is a human side to this that is fulfilling for Pancoast.

“Our technology can do a lot of good for the world, especially when it comes to lupus, which has such a profound effect on those who have it,” he said. CRBJ

but insurance covers a stay and we’ll operate in an efficient manner.”

The robust outpatient unit will provide a needed follow-up and wraparound services for patients once they are stabilized and go back home with individual, group and activity therapy in evening hours to accommodate working professionals and adolescent students.

“We look to step them down by way of ‘graduating’ into our outpatient program, which is four to six weeks in intensive therapy, 12-20 hours a week,” Was said. “Recidivism is important — we don’t want patients to be regularly re-admitted. We want them to get better. That’s the goal. To get better.”

Community input will drive outpatient services

A unique outreach for Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness are deep conversations with the business community and school districts about how to tailor outpatient services to serve at-risk populations and provide critical continuum of care.

“It could be the working professional who may be struggling with an addiction or some other issue. They’re able to maintain a job, maintain family and friendships, but

they’re at risk of losing it all,” Was said. “It’s building programs that can help meet those needs. Those are some of the intentional discussions that we’re having with businesses and employers in the area to let them know that this is part of the (outpatient) plan. For our team, these conversations give us a deeper view and knowledge of the challenges that this community, and this region, has had over the years.”

School districts are also part of the conversation about how to best serve adolescent students suffering from men-

tal health challenges.

“As we grow bed count, we’re going to get into deeper subspecialties, like possibly eating disorders,” Was said, adding that the facility has the freedom to add new services based on best practices.

“You have to have the conversations,” Was said.

Deborah Parker, a registered nurse and assistant vice president of Behavioral Health Nursing Operations for three HCA Healthcare divisions, is training the Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness team in best prac-

tices as well how necessary the look and feel of the facility is compared to mental health hospitals of the past.

“When you think of mental health hospitals, ‘stigma’ immediately comes to mind. If you’ve never been involved in this type of care, it’s easy for your mind to go to only what you’ve seen in the movies,” Parker said. “We want for all of our patients to feel comfortable, have an environment that’s worthy of recovery and feel supported and cared about.”

Was said the 15 acres of land where Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness is located was intentionally purchased for room to grow. In July 2018 the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) approved Trident Medical Center’s request for a Certificate of Need and mental needs have been further exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Absolutely, we are going from 60 beds (at opening) and then 84 beds. Hopefully our parent company will support us and building out and (continuing) to construct the space. We can construct without affecting our operations,” Was said. “Mental health is a hotter topic than ever and it’s more needed than ever. This region (already) calls for more beds beyond what we’re building here.” CRBJ

Researchers for the company say they have developed a better way for topical drug delivery. (Image/File)

MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL, from Page 14

The new hospital will start with 60 beds on a 15-acre campus with room to grow. (Image/Provided).

We are now accepting nominations for business women who are successful in their chosen field and have made significant contributions to the Lowcountry through civic, nonprofit and philanthropic involvement.

Nomination link:

https://scbiznews.com/events/charleston-regional-business-journal2023-women-of-influence-awards/

Nomination deadline August 1, 2023. Winners will be announced August 15, 2023.

Life Sciences Companies

Ranked by No. of Emplo yees in the Charleston Area

Advanced Technology International 315 Sigma Drive Summer ville, SC 29486

Alcami 4221 Faber Place Drive North Charleston, SC 29405

Belimed Infection Control 8351 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, Suite 101 Ladson, SC 29456

Vikor Scientific 22 Westedge St. Charleston, SC 29403

ArborGen Inc.

2011 Broadbank Court Ridgeville, SC 29472

Blinkcns 635 Rutledge Ave., Suite 106 Charleston, SC 29403

South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA)

315 Sigma Drive Summer ville, SC 29486

NanoScreen LLC

4401 Piggly Wiggly Drive, Suite 1000 North Charleston, SC 29405

Vitrologic Inc.

1704 Old Towne Road Charleston, SC 29407

CellSEP LLC.

2265 Clements Ferr y Road, Ste. 309 Charleston, SC 29492

SCBIO 22 Westedge St., Suite 400 Charleston, SC 29403

Xequel Bio Inc. 1501 Belle Isle Ave., Suite 220 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Aquatic Analytics

1180 Drop Off Drive, Suite 101 Summer ville, SC 29486

Glycopath LLC

173 Ashley Ave., Suite BSB358 Charleston, SC 29425

BioAbChem Inc.

1010 W. Boundar y St., Suite C Summer ville, SC 29485

Avancen MOD Corp

1156 Bowman Road, Suite 200 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-760-4500 www.ati.org info@ati.org

800-575-4224 www.alcaminow.com sales@alcaminow.com

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

854-429-1069 info@vikorscientific.com

843-851-4129 www.arborgen.com info@arborgen.com

843-804-7828 www.blinkcns.com info@blinkcns.com

843-760-3200 www.scra.org info@scra.org

800-684-2191 www.nanoscreen.com

843-766-5544 www.vitrologic.com info@vitrologic.com

843-256-3464 cellseplabs.com studysupport@cellseplabs.com

864-397-5101 www.scbio.org info@scbio.org

843-388-3276 www.xequel.com info@xequel.com

843-471-1933 www.aquaticanalytics.com info@aquaticanalytics.com

540-229-6207 www.glycopath.com scottd@glycopath.com

800-772-0623

www.bioabchem.com info@bioabchem.com

800-607-1230 www.avancen.com info@avancen.com

Chris Van Metre 1998

Mike Walsh 1979

Bioscience, biotechnology, development, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, research

Andreja Tajnic, Susan Harley, Ross Brewer 1990 87 Biomedical, bioscience, biotechnology, research

Shea C. Harrelson 2018

Andrew Baum 2000 34 Bioscience, research

Ryan Fiorini Jackie Mckelvey Jeff Riley 2017 18 Biotechnology

Bob Quinn 1983 13 Biomedical, bioscience, manufacturing, research

Dean I. Sproles 2003

Bioscience, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research

Tony Bas 1979 10 Biomedical, biotechnology

Tony Bas 2022 8 Biomedical, biotechnology, development, pharmaceutical, research

James Chappell, Erin Ford 2017 6 Biomedical, bioscience, biotechnology, development, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, research

Wes Brazell, Jerr y St. Peter 2007 6 Development, pharmaceutical, research

Samantha Miller 2013 5 Bioscience

Danielle Scott, Anand Mehta, Richard Drake 2019 3 Biomedical

Narender Nath 2009 3 Biotechnology

Ned Buffington, Bill Westin 2008 1 Biomedical, bioscience, biotechnology, research

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.

Builds and manages research and development collaborations

Contract development and manufacturing; headquartered in North Carolina with over 40 years of experience advancing products through stages of the development lifecycle; leveraging four US-based scientific campuses

Surgical instrument sterilization and disinfection

Biomedical, emphasis on infectious disease

Specializes in applying the science of genetics and biotechnology to forestr y to produce more productive forest trees

EyeStat's application in the diagnosis, differentiation and management of neurological diseases and conditions such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and migraine

Chartered in 1983 by the state of South Carolina as a public, nonprofit corporation; accelerates technology-enabled growth in research, academia, entrepreneurship and industr y

Designs and manufactures instruments and consumables that are used by pharmaceutical and biotech companies

Collect biologicals for manufacturing controls, calibrators and purified human proteins for internal and pharmaceutical, diagnostic and academic research needs

Cell isolation and analysis for clinical trials, collects and provides cells for biomedical and pharmaceutical R&D

Life sciences public-private economic development organization representing over 1,030 organizations across the state in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, digital health, research and testing, bio-ag, bio-science distribution and support

Clinical stage biopharmaceutical company whose technology was licensed from MUSC; transforming proprietar y aCT1 peptide technology platform to develop drugs that will revolutionize the way the body responds to injur y

Water testing laborator y for commercial, industrial and private clients

Generating new applications utilizing MALDI MSI to study changes in the glycosylation of various disease states in order to introduce accurate simplified assays to improve patient care and treatment

Supplies biological products; including FBS, recombinant and natural proteins and lab consumables; products for researchers in universities and institutes

Manufacturer and sales of medical devices

843-747-5830 www.palmettobehavioralhealth.com

Vibra Hospital of Charleston 1200 Hospital Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Brad Hollinger 2004 59-

The Citadel Infirmar y 171 Moultrie St. Charleston, SC 29409

www.citadel.edu/infirmar y

occur. Email additions or corrections

Carey Capell 1843 38-

top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. Although ever y effort is made to ensure accuracy, errors

to Listresearch@bridgetowermedia.com.

New 52-acre housing development coming to the shores of Lake Murray

By Christina Lee Knauss cknauss@scbiznews.com

Anew 52-acre housing development that borders both the shores of Lake Murray and a popular local golf course is coming to Chapin.

WhiteWater Landing in Chapin will be developed by American Land Holdings based in Spotsylvania, Va. The new development is part of the company’s $40 million investment in three counties surrounding Lake Murray that also includes the recently developed Palmetto Pointe project in Saluda County and Stuart Landing in Newber-

ry County. The investment represents an estimated $250 million in current and future custom home instruction, according to a news release.

“It’s exciting that we finally get to get this going because design work started pre-COVID and it’s taken a good bit of time to get the design done right,” Dean Sinatra, American Land Holdings’ development partner, told SC Biz News.  “It’s a very unique location because it’s unusual to find a property that has both golf course frontage and waterfront recreational property tied together.”

The subdivision will offer views of holes 14 and 15 on the nearby Timberlake Golf Course as well as a stretch of

the Lake Murray shoreline.

WhiteWater Landing will be located at 122 White Water Drive in Chapin. It is the last of what is known as the Timberlake property to be developed.

All of the properties within WhiteWater Landing will be single-family, custom-built homes. Sinatra said the neighborhood’s design is being planned to enable as much of the tree canopy and natural hardwood trees in the area to remain as possible.

“We’re really conscious of now wanting this to be a cookie cutter development and we’re finding that people really want that custom home community experience,” Sinatra said.

The new development is expected to appeal to three markets fueling growth in the Lake Murray area: empty-nesters, retirees and families.

“We are seeing customers move from larger metropolitan markets who are taking advantage of market conditions and the ability to buy a lot now and build their dream home later,” Sinatra said. “They have decided they want to live on the water and Lake Murray is an ideal location.”

An initial open house and sale of property in the development will be held on June 17. More information is available online. CRBJ

Reach Christina Lee Knauss at 803-753-4327.

Charleston public affairs firm rebrands, hires executive

By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com

ACharleston public affairs team has rebranded and added to its executive team.

SPEAK Strategic Public Affairs LLC, a public affairs, strategic communications and political consulting firm, has changed its name to Bold South Strategies.

This long-planned expansion comes with new developments, including new hires, expanded services and a refreshed

vision for the agency, according to a BSS news release.

Bold South Strategies will continue to be led by CEO Tyler Jones, who has led the firm since its inception in 2016, the release stated. Joining the leadership team will be Renee Harvey as chief operating officer and managing partner.

Harvey, a 2011 graduate of the College of Charleston, most recently served as finance director for Annie Andrews’ 2022 campaign for Congress and co-founded a new PAC, Their Future PAC, with Andrews to help elect kids-first candi-

dates, the release stated. Before her work in politics, Harvey had an extensive career in the tech sector.

“We are excited to announce our new name and the appointment of Renee Harvey as our Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner,” Jones said in the release. “For the last seven years we have made a name for ourselves as one of the top political firms in the state. But the truth is our firm goes well beyond politics, and we want to go even further. Renee’s experience and leadership is exactly what this team needs as we

continue to grow and expand our operations.”

BSS will expand its offerings by launching a fundraising arm focused on raising money for candidates, committees, PACs and nonprofits.

“Renee is one of the best fundraisers I’ve ever worked with and her addition will allow us to provide a more complete set of political services to our clients,” said Jones in the release.

Finally, BSS will be launching additional divisions that will be announced in the coming weeks. CRBJ

All of the land developed for WhiteWater Landing will be for custom-built single-family homes. Developers said they are also designing as much as possible around existing trees to preserve the canopy. (Photo/Provided)

Business Digest At Work

Kiawah River honored with 2 awards

Kiawah River, a waterfront community developed by The Beach Co. near Charleston, was awarded two 2022 Best in American Living Awards by The National Association of Home Builders design committee in the categories of Detached Home up to 2,000 square feet; and Built for Sale: Single-Family Production and One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 5,001-6,000 square feet: Single-Family Custom. The community’s bungalows earned the platinum award for Detached Home up to 2,000 square feet, Built for Sale: Single-Family Production.

Built along a quiet creek, the bungalows are the latest addition to Kiawah River’s residential options of waterfront, wooded and village homes and homesites. These built-for-sale one-bedroom detached

Firm expands into commercial sales

Isle of Palms real estate agency McConnell Real Estate Partners is now serving commercial clients.

Its first commercial lease listing is The Gallery, a beauty studio designed by local designer Megan Molten located in the Shops at Shelmore Village. The salon features high-end finishes, custom cabinetry, storage areas, luxury salon chairs and washing stations. The herringbone tile throughout the floor space leads to a private porch with water views.

Software streamlines electrical bidding

Estimateguard has launched its new Construction Profit Ability software for electrical contractors who build competitively bid projects.

The software allows contractors to create master schedules that use their estimate data to drive the scheduling and manpower loading of tasks. From there, they can point and click to create twoweek employee rolling schedules that are automatically driven by the master schedule work breakdown structure. The program is designed to simplify the scheduling process and reduce the risk of errors.

The software also includes time reporting against employee schedules, which provides real-time feedback to the contractor and allows them to monitor the progress of their projects.

In addition, the Construction Profit Ability software provides daily profitability reporting on actual progress against estimate predictions, allowing contractors to track their progress and make adjustments as needed. This feature ensures that contractors can stay on top of their financ-

homes are inspired by Lowcountry seaside dwellings. The 11 bungalows offer water access with several launch points for exploring the Kiawah River and inland waterways and provide access to the community’s amenities, including the Spring House, trails, a goat dairy and cattle farm.

Kiawah River earned the silver award for One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 5,001-6,000 square feet: Single-Family Custom for the Darby home at 9832 Haven Loop. This 5,026-squarefoot custom home is situated in the Butterfly Cottages neighborhood. It was designed to blend into its surroundings while standing apart from the community and to maximize views of the marsh and the river by prioritizing outdoor living.

es and maximize their profits.

Estimateguard is offering a free trial of its Construction Profit Ability software. Electrical contractors can sign up for the trial to experience the software’s full range of features and see how it can improve their operations and profitability. The free trial comes with full training and data to test the software on a mock project.

Hotel earns triple 5-star rating

For the first time in its nearly 20-year history, The Ocean Room, Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s steakhouse, has earned a five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. It joins The Sanctuary and The Spa at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in being recognized by the world-renowned authority on excellence in hospitality.

By earning the five-star ranking in three categories, The Sanctuary becomes one of only 5 hotels nationwide and one of only 14 globally to claim a triple five-star rating for hotel, spa and restaurant. This marks the 15th consecutive year that the luxury hotel and spa have earned the distinction.

The community centers on outdoor pursuits. It has approximately 20 miles of shoreline and 2,000 acres of property that includes a working farm, a goat dairy and a community-supported agriculture program.

series by real-life best friends, comedians and moms Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley. One night over a glass of wine, they decided to tell different kind of story.

With a camera, two husbands, a babysitter and bottomless mimosas, Hensley and Smedley decided to speak openly about their fears and failures and show that the only way to survive motherhood is through laughter and friendship. Good thing, because, while shooting the first video for the series, Smedley forgot her newborn daughter’s name. The video sparked an online community of 2 million followers. Hensley and Smedley followed up with weekly videos about all things woman and mother: hemorrhoids, nipple hair, sex after marriage, mom bods, Spanx wedding dresses and swimsuits.

Store marks anniversary with market

We Are Family’s gender-inclusive shopping experience Closet Case Thrift Store celebrated its four-year anniversary with its free Rainbow Market at 1801 Reynolds Ave. in North Charleston. The Rainbow Market featured a free clothing swap, offerings from local jewelry designers, vintage shops, home goods sellers and more, along with live music, giveaways and a pop-up fashion show.

The store is located near restaurants Rebel Taqueria and Macho Pichu Chicken.

Lowcountry Heart Walk raises awareness that walking 30 minutes a day greatly reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the No. 1 and No. 5 killers in the United States. More than one in three adults in South Carolina have some form of cardiovascular disease.

The Lowcountry Heart Walk is a culmination of the year’s work for company and community teams in the area and was supported by local Life is Why sponsor MUSC Health and by Healthy for Good sponsor Choate Construction. The Lowcountry Heart Walk is among 300 Heart Walks held in communities across the nation.

SC Senate introduces tort reform

The South Carolina Senate recently introduced legislation to reform the Palmetto State’s civil liability laws. Sponsors of the bill say the intent is to ensure that South Carolina remains competitive in recruiting and retaining job creators while continuing to protect injured South Carolinians.

The bill — S. 533, the South Carolina Justice Act — changes the way South Carolina’s liability laws work to ensure businesses are responsible only for paying damages equivalent to their share of fault in civil lawsuits. Current South Carolina law can leave a defendant responsible for all damages in a lawsuit, regardless of percentage of fault.

The legislation, introduced by Senate President Thomas Alexander, is cosponsored by several senators, including a number of Senate committee chairs. The bill is also supported by many of South Carolina’s pro-business advocacy organizations.

Parker’s launches new website

Parker’s has a new website. Defined by the company’s blue and green color palette, the website’s modern design makes use of photos, videos and interactive, animated elements.

A new multimedia timeline tells Parker’s story, while an expanded blog section shares the latest company news, awards, media mentions and features. The locations page has been optimized to include live fuel pricing as well as an at-a-glance preview of amenities at each store, including Parker’s Kitchen food, Tesla superchargers, diesel and marine fuel, non-ethanol fuel, and 28-degree beer caves.

An updated careers page now includes an online application as well as expanded information about benefits, charitable giving and an FAQ

#IMOMSOHARD: Ladies’ Night coming

The Charleston Gaillard Center and NS2 will present #MOMSOHARD: Ladies’ Night for one performance at 7 p.m. on June 17.

#IMOMSOHARD began as a web

Heart Walk aims for $1 million

The American Heart Association Lowcountry Heart Walk took place in February at Brittlebank Park.

The goal was to raise more than $1 million for the fourth year in a row. The

Parker’s employs more than 1,200 individuals throughout Georgia and South Carolina and completes more than 125,000 transactions daily.

Bungalows at Kiawah River earned the platinum award for detached homes up to 2,000 square feet. (Photo/Provided)

Fund awards $5 million to hospital

A landmark $5 million gift from the

People in the News

REAL ESTATE

New to the Handsome Properties sales team is Meagan O’Keefe

O’Keefe has more than a decade of experience in real estate. Her career began in property management, first in multifamily and subsequently at a downtown Charleston property management company specializing in furnished 30-plus day rentals. During her time there, she led the executive rental division, where she was responsible for the management and oversight of a portfolio of nearly 100 executive rental properties, mostly in downtown Charleston.

O’Keefe is also an active real estate investor, personally owning, renovating and operating a number of short and long-term investment properties throughout Charleston.

Michelle McQuillan and Kalyn Smythe, both agents at William Means Real Estate, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, have been named to the Christie’s International Real Estate 2023 Masters Circle.

The National Association of Realtors National Commercial Awards recognized Ashley Jackrel, a vice president in Avison Young’s Charleston office, for exceptional service and contributions to the commercial real estate industry for 2022.

Jackrel was nominated by the South Carolina Association of Realtors. She is also a Realtor of Distinction with the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors and was honored as one of Forty Under 40 by Charleston

Parker’s Community Fund has established the Roper St. Francis Foundation Parker’s Community Impact Fund, which supports community health initiatives and the caregivers of Roper St. Francis Healthcare.

The Parker’s Community Fund investment, the largest gift in the history of the Roper St. Francis Foundation, was announced at the 17th annual Roper Xavier Society Gala

In recognition of the gift, Roper St. Francis Healthcare is naming its six existing emergency rooms in honor of the Parker’s Community Fund. This includes four acute care emergency rooms at Roper Hospital, Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital, Bon Sec-

ours St. Francis Hospital, and Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital as well as two freestanding emergency rooms at Roper Hospital Diagnostics and ER in Northwoods, and Roper Hospital Diagnostics and ER in Moncks Corner Medical Plaza.

The Parker’s Community Impact Fund will enhance numerous existing priorities, including Greer Transitions Clinic, assistance for uninsured and underinsured patients, debt-free degree programs and career development services for Roper St. Francis Healthcare teammates, youth apprenticeships, on-the-job training for historically marginalized communities, and emerging initiatives to help

Roper St. Francis Healthcare meet its 2030 vision.

In addition, this gift will establish the Parker’s Community Fund Healthcare Hero Award.

The Parker’s Community Fund was created by Parker’s convenience store founder and chief executive officer Greg Parker and Parker’s in 2020 and awards grants to qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that demonstrate positive, measurable impact in at least one of four focus areas: health care, education, hunger and heroes. Parker’s has donated more than $30 million to support charitable causes across coastal Georgia and South Carolina. CRBJ

Regional Business Journal.

In addition, Jackrel has been named vice chairperson for the national association’s commercial committee for 2023 and serves on the commercial real estate research advisory board and the public policy coordinating and commercial federal policy committees.

Jackrel joined Avison Young in early 2020, focusing on office and investments. She is involved in the Charleston community serving in numerous leadership and volunteer roles.

Paige Canaday Crone is now director of marketing and sales for Liberty Senior Living’s new project, The Peninsula of Charleston, a proposed luxury independent living residence co-owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living and Evening Post Industries. It is expected to break ground in 2024 with completion set for 2026.

With more than 30 years of public relations, television production, marketing and event planning experience, Crone is responsible for leading the project’s sales team. Previously, she worked with the American Cancer Society as the Southeast region’s director of communications and as community development director. Crone also held a position as the public relations and community events director at The Art Institute of Charleston, and prior to that served in the same capacity at Johnson & Wales University.

In addition, Crone has served on the board of directors for the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, was a James Beard Award judge for the Broadcast Media Awards and is a former board member and past president of Les Dames d’Escoffier.

Prior to her position at Johnson & Wales University, Crone worked at The Travel Channel and in various television markets, including Washington, D.C., Raleigh and Charleston. During her time as a senior writer, producer and promotion manager in these markets, she received numerous Emmy Awards, Addy Awards,

New York Film Festival Awards and the Vision Award. In 2016, Crone and business partner Wendy Thrower launched a lifestyle brand, Charleston Protocol.

The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors has recognized 11 William Means Real Estate agents or outstanding sales production in 2022.

The Realtors of Distinction award recognizes the top 10% of producing Charleston Realtors who also meet education requirements and adhere to the association code of ethics.

Lyles Geer and Kalyn Smythe qualified for the platinum category, which represents the top 2% of Realtors in the Charleston area. This category requires agents to have sold more than $26 million in volume and/or more than 50.5 sides. Geer and Smythe achieved $50 million and $43 million in sales, respectively.

Alex Brener, Jane Dowd, Farrah Follmann and Michelle McQuillan qualified for the gold category (top 5%), which requires agents to have sold $16.9 million to $26,599,999 in volume and/or 33-50 sides.

Etta Connolly, Mary deSaussure Cutler, Will Dammeyer, Leize Gaillard, Harrison Gilchrist, and agent Helen Geer qualified for the silver category (top 10%), which requires an agent to have sold $11.3 million to $16,899,999 in volume and/or 24.5-32.5 sides.

CONSTRUCTION

Frampton Construction Co. has brought in Alan Jones as vice president of strategy and growth, specializing in manufacturing. His focus is strengthening service offerings for manufacturing clients. In his 30 years of experience, Jones has established longterm client relationships in all aspects of construction, from economic development to site selection, design, utility coordination and corporate real estate. He is responsible for the strategic direction and development of the manufacturing segment of Frampton Construction’s business.

The appointment aims to leverage Jones’ network and knowledge to expand the depth and breadth of manufacturing projects, espe-

cially in such high-demand areas as food and beverage and electric vehicle batteries.

Jones joins Frampton from CRB, where he led a global business development team. His background also includes mission-critical building products, automotive, chemicals and electronics manufacturing.

Choate Construction Co. has promoted Dave Knudson to chief operations officer from executive vice president of operations.

Throughout his 20-year tenure with the company, Knudson was a driving force behind many of Choate’s strategic initiatives. In his new role, he continues to lead Choate’s pursuit of operational excellence while strengthening the firm’s relationship-focused culture. Knudson has more than 35 years of experience in the construction industry.

A graduate of the University of Florida’s M. E. Rinker School of Construction Management, Knudson is past chair of the Carolinas chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, past member of the association’s national board of directors, and an active member of its national legislative committee.

EDUCATION

Brookgreen Gardens has appointed Natalie C. Jones as vice president for creative education. She oversees development and implementation of all creative educational programming.

Jones, who has experience in the arts, education, nonprofits and community programming, served as the director of public art and programs for the Charleston Parks Conservancy during the last year. There, her focus was curating public art installations, fostering relationships with community partners of color and growing the public program offerings.

She has more than a decade of experience working in inner-city schools as a visual arts and analog photography teachSee PEOPLE, Page 26

O’Keefe

Smythe Jackrel

Crone

Jones

er. After teaching in several states, Jones returned to her roots and started working for a museum in Charlotte.

Jones completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Norfolk State University, where she also obtained her K-12 teacher certification. She holds a Master of Arts in art education with a focus on arts, policy, and administration from Ohio State University and a Master of Arts degree in historic textiles and material culture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Currently, she serves on the National Art Education Association board of directors and the curatorial committee for the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Becca Mathis, senior financial advisor at Jeter Hrubala Wealth Strategies, is now a certified financial planner.

Mathis joined Jeter Hrubala Wealth Strategies in 2018 after 11 years with Columbia Threadneedle Investments, in Boston, Mass. She began her pursuit of the certified financial planner designation by first becoming an accredited asset management specialist. From there, she continued the required coursework to qualify for the final exam.

Mathis develops customized financial plans, conducts investment research and analysis, and assists in all aspects of client relationships.

South Atlantic Bank has named Walk-

er Avant as Charleston market executive.

Avant, a senior vice president, joined the bank in 2020 as a commercial lender and has more than nine years of experience in the banking industry. His focus is business development and loan and deposit growth in the Charleston market.

HEALTH CARE

Melissa Camp, has been named director of clinical operations for Trident Health’s Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness. The 60-bed mental health hospital is scheduled to open on June 6, and will provide inpatient and outpatient care to adolescents and adults.

Camp has more than 20 years’ experience providing mental health services. She joins Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness from Colleton Medical Center, where she led the behavioral health program.

Camp earned her master’s in counseling at Webster University and her bachelor’s at Charleston Southern University, where she double-majored in psychology and sociology. Among her certifications are certified public manager by the South Carolina Department of Administration; crisis intervention trainer by the National Alliance on Mental Illness; and Sitcon trained crisis negotiator by the S.C. Department of Corrections.

Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina has named Heidi Hildreth senior

director of operations. Hildreth is responsible for budget and financial oversight, human resources and information technology and facilities. She also works with the leadership team to provide expertise on operations systems as the organization grows.

Hildreth joins Florence Crittenton from the Medical University of South Carolina, where she served as assistant director of operations under the finance and operations division. In addition, she has operational leadership experience managing MUSC’s department of microbiology and immunology as well as more than a decade managing operations in for-profit industries.

NONPROFIT

D. Jermaine Husser has been chosen to lead Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach. He has extensive experience as a philanthropy executive, previously serving as vice president of mission enterprise for Palmetto Goodwill and executive director of Goodwill’s Palmetto Warrior Connection, a community integration project. He is a TEDx Charleston speaker’s coach and owner of JMaxwell Consulting.

Before Goodwill, he served as the state director of Students First SC in Columbia, where he developed a five-year state plan, created outreach plans for members, and lobbied for progressive education reform at the Statehouse. Prior to joining Students First SC, he was the CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Before that, he was executive director of Lowcountry Food Bank.

Husser has been co-chair of Unit-

ed Way’s African American Leadership Council and vice chair of the South Carolina Food Bank Association; he has also been on the board of trustees of Trident Technical College Foundation.

Husser is a veteran of the U.S. Army. A graduate of Trident Technical College with an associate in business, he completed additional coursework in organizational management at Charleston Southern University. He is also a graduate of the American Express Leadership Academy and Leadership Charleston.

SALES

The new vice president of craft, wine and spirits in Southern Crown Partners’ sales department is Justin Crouch. He brings with him experience in brand rollouts, sales planning, marketing and developing brands from startups into regional and national players.

Crouch’s career began as an early employee for Wicked Weed Brewing, where he was promoted to chief operating officer. After Wicked Weed was acquired by Anheuser-Busch, Crouch became Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s general manager. His knowledge of managing craft brands, along with his expertise in supplier relationships and communication, is critical to accelerating growth for Southern Crown Partners.

Crouch graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in exercise sports science and entrepreneurship and has an MBA from UNC Charlotte. CRBJ

Viewpoint

VIEWS, PERSPECTIVES AND READERS’ LETTERS

Economic landscape: How bad off are you?

One of the biggest economic puzzles today is the surprising divergence between consumer confidence, which has plummeted, and consumer spending which has continued to climb at a moderate pace. That makes absolutely no sense. If we are as scared as we seem to be, then why hasn’t consumer spending fallen sharply?

One possibility is that the unemployment rate is at a 50-year low of 3.5%. If someone loses their job it does not matter much. They can easily find another. With no fear of their income stream being interrupted, why cut back on spending?

A second possibility is that real weekly earnings are not as far below where they ought to be as they seem. It is true that real weekly earnings have fallen for two years. But that ignores the fact that real weekly earnings surged in 2020 and 2021 as the government supplemented consumer income with huge stimulus checks. Thus, the decline in real weekly earnings in the past two years came from an artificially inflated level.

If real weekly earnings had continued to grow at the same pace as they had prior to the recession, the current shortfall would be only about $8.00 per week ($0.20 per hour) or 2.0% higher than they are currently. We are not as bad off as many suggest.

Consumer sentiment has plunged since the inflation rate began to climb in early 2021. It reached a low point in June 2022 which was far below the level of sentiment that existed at the bottom of the 2020 recession when consumers were petrified about the pandemic and the government shutdown which caused GDP to fall 30% in the second quarter. Also, the June 2022 level of sentiment was roughly in line with the lowest level attained in the 2008-09 recession. That was billed as “The Great Recession.” It makes no sense that Americans are as nervous today as they were in those two earlier periods.

If we are so fearful why has consumer spending not declined? It fell sharply in 2008-2009, and then plunged in 2020. But yet this time, when we are seemingly as nervous as we were then, consumer spending has been chugging along at a respectable 2.3% pace.

The relationship between many economic variables has changed dramatically since the pandemic, and this is

one of the more puzzling discrepancies. We suggest that one of the reasons why spending has not fallen is because the unemployment rate is completely unlike what it was in those two earlier recessions. The unemployment rate peaked at 10.0% in 2009. It peaked at 14.7% in 2020. Consumers had a legitimate reason to be worried. If they lost their job during those recessions they were not going to find a replacement quickly.

But today the unemployment rate is at a 50-year low of 3.5%. The full employment threshold is assumed to be 4.0%. At that level everybody who wants a job has one. If someone gets laid off today, why worry? They can easily find another job. With no worry about their income stream being interrupted, there is little incentive to significantly reduce spending.

It has been widely noted that real earnings have been falling for the past two years. As real wages decline consumer purchasing power is reduced. Both statements are true. But nobody seems to point out that real weekly earnings surged in the second half of 2020 and all of 2021 when the government was passing out stimulus checks.

Nominal and real weekly earnings surged during that 2020-21 period and consumer purchasing power skyrocketed. Consumers responded and began to spend vigorously. Firms were unable to boost production as rapidly as spending rose and, not surprisingly, the result was a dramatic pickup in the inflation rate. Earnings growth is yet another economic indicator that has been significantly distorted by the pandemic and the government’s response to it.

Given these wild swings in real weekly earnings, we wonder where real earnings would have been if they had continued to grow at their pre-recession pace. That path is shown by the red line in the bottom graph. Real earnings today are less than where they presumably would have been in the absence of the recession and subsequent stimulus, but not by a lot.

As shown, the difference today — three years later — is about $8.00 or 2.0%. To say that real earnings have been falling for the past two years creates an impression that consumers are in bad shape. Press articles highlighting that fact may be contributing to consumers’ surprisingly low level of confidence. But if consumer earnings are only slightly lower today than they were three years ago, consumer purchasing power has not fallen as much as one might think and, hence, they keep spending.

In the end, there is no doubt that consumer purchasing power is being eroded by inflation, but now that the inflation

rate is gradually subsiding and real disposable income is once again climbing, real weekly earnings may soon turn upward which will keep the economy going. We will see.

Former Lehman Brothers economist Stephen Sli er can be reached at www. numbernomics.com.

SLIFER