Charleston Regional Business Journal - July 10, 2023

Page 1

Open to History

$45M project at former Piggly Wiggly delayed Plans for a public-private development put on hold after City Council deadlocks on vote. Page 8

PAGES 12-16

The long-awaited International African American Museum officially opened in Charleston with a citywide celebration.
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Don’t panic over SC’s annual shark attack data!

We don’t want to scare off any of our beach-going tourists visiting the Palmetto State this summer, but South Carolina had the fourth-highest number of unprovoked shark attacks in 2022.

Before you call your relatives to change their short-term rental from the beach to the mountains, understand that fourth-highest is still only four unprovoked shark bites and zero fatalities for the year.

South Carolina tied with California, which also had four bites and no fatalities, according to data from the International Shark Attack File at the University of Florida. Not coincidentally, Florida had the highest number of run-ins between humans and the toothful fish with 16.

Worldwide, the U.S. had the highest number of shark attacks in 2022 with 41 bites, including one fatality in Hawaii. The next highest incidence of bites was in Australia with nine. Two fatalities were recorded in Egypt and two in South Africa.

Florida, with the nation’s longest shoreline of any state where sharks are typically found (Alaska actually has more shoreline), typically has the highest number of unprovoked bites. People come to Florida for the beaches, and that’s where the sharks live, so it’s more likely to happen in the Sunshine State.

Historically, South Carolina has had 111 confirmed shark attacks since recordkeeping started in 1837. Florida, by comparison, has had 910 confirmed shark bites going back to 1882. You won’t see this data on any tourism posters, but if you needed a reason to pick South Carolina over Florida, then you could do worse than fewer shark bites.

To be fair to humans and sharks, attacks are down worldwide, both fatal and nonfatal, according to the International Shark Attack File. The ISAF said that beach safety, medical resources, and public awareness have causes a reduction in fatalities going back decades.

Data from the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism show tourism resulted in a $29 billion economic impact for the Palmetto State. That’s an 11.5% increase from the previous year, and a 20.8% increase from 2019, the year before the global pandemic dented tourism numbers by many billions of dollars, sharks and all. By Andy Owens.

The International Shark Attack File documents encounters between humans and toothful fish. The annual report noted 41 unprovoked attacks in the U.S. for 2022, including four off the coast of South Carolina.

Source: International Shark Attack File, 2022 Shark Attack Report

Shark attacks by SC counties

Charleston and the Grand Strand hold the top spots for the most unprovoked shark attacks documented since 1837 in South Carolina.

Shark attacks for 2022 in U.S. waters

111 attacks

South Carolina waters experienced 111 unprovoked shark attacks since 1837.

Annual shark attacks by the numbers

108

Number of shark-human interactions worldwide in 2022.

57

Number of unprovoked bites.

19

Other encounters, including incidents such as boat bites, scavenging, unconfirmed encounters and even a collision with a shark.

41

Number of unprovoked bites in the U.S. in 2022, the highest worldwide.

1

Source: International Shark Attack File

THE RECORD

32 Provoked bites.

Fatality in the U.S., compared to five worldwide.

Source: International Shark Attack File, 2022 Shark Attack Report

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SC Biz News Briefs

Works begins on $700M BMW plant in Woodruff

The BMW Group took a crucial step toward building electric vehicles as the company broke ground last week for a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff — its second plant in the Upstate.

BMW Plant Woodruff will produce sixth-generation batteries to supply fully electric BMW X Models at Plant Spartanburg.

In October, BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse announced a new $1.7 billion investment in its U.S. operations, including $1 billion to prepare Plant Spartanburg to produce fully electric vehicles, and $700 million to build the new Woodruff facility. The more than 1-million-square-foot Plant Woodruff will be located on 315 acres near the city center and will include a technology building and support buildings such as a cafeteria, fire department, and energy center.

More than 300 jobs will be created onsite at Plant Woodruff with the opportunity for more growth.

“We are ready for the future,” said city of Woodruff Mayor Kenneth Gist. “BMW has been a great partner for the entire Upstate for decades. And now, we will be your partner as you carry this dream for this plant into the future.” CRBJ

Columbia-based Eagle Aviation now under new ownership

Columbia-based Eagle Aviation is now under new ownership. The aviation company was recently acquired by Lee Thomas, a longtime employee and a veteran of the aviation industry, according to a news release. Thomas is only the second owner of the company since 1967. Thomas brings with him more than 35 years of experience in the aviation industry. He joined Eagle Aviation in 1995 as an aircraft sales researcher and eventually became president of the company, a position he will maintain, according to the release. The current management team will also remain in place.

Thomas said he plans to create an experience that will expand the business and keep existing customers coming back. Noteworthy renovations are already underway, including a newly paved tarmac. Eagle has also recently been authorized as a maintenance service center for the Cirrus Vision Jet line. CRBJ

With publications in Charleston, Columbia and the Upstate, as well as a statewide magazine, SC Biz News covers the pulse of business across South Carolina. Above are excerpts from our other publications.

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Verizon upgrades Charleston network

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Verizon has recently made major upgrades to the network serving customers in Charleston.

These upgrades are part of a multi-year redesign of its network architecture to stay ahead of exponential data usage increases, upgrade the technology in the network and to pave the way for personalized customer experiences, according to a Version news release.

Network upgrades in Charleston include deploying new cell sites to extend coverage and capacity in local communities, the release stated. They also include adding more capacity on fiber optic cables to move more data through the network and adding bandwidth to the cellular network to accommodate new services like wireless internet service for homes and businesses.

Specifics on the upgrades include, according to the release:

• Engineers have deployed 5G Ultra Wideband service using C-band spectrum designed for fast speeds, high capacity and wide coverage. With the recent deployments and upgrades, more than 50% of people in Charleston now have access to 5G service from Verizon. Verizon’s 5G Ultra

Wideband service has recently expanded to areas throughout North Charleston, Summerville, Ladson, Cordesville, Bonneau, James Island, Johns Island, Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms and West Ashley. Additionally, new cell sites are providing coverage in Cordesville, Sugar Hill (west of Moncks Corner), Miles Jamison Road west of Ladson, near Summerville Elementary School, Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms, Hwy 17 East of Cottageville, and Round O Road between Canadys and Cottageville.

• Charleston’s 5G coverage uses Verizon’s recently acquired C-band spectrum. Verizon engineers are using 100 MHz of C-band spectrum to deliver 5G service to customers. By the end of the year, customers in Charleston will be able to take advantage of significantly more spectrum as it becomes available for 5G Ultra Wideband.

• Lastly, the addition of 5G service and the many additional wireless solutions allow far more data to travel on the wireless network in Charleston. That exponential increase in data carried into and out of the cell sites serving the community requires upgraded fiber optic cable links. Fiber optic cables are used to move data between cell sites and connect those sites to the rest of the network. Verizon has increased the

SUBSCRIPTION

Verizon’s Charletson upgrades are part of a multi-year redesign of its network architecture to stay ahead of exponential data usage increases, upgrade the technology in the network and to pave the way for personalized customer experiences. (Photo/Verizon)

capacity on the fiber connections in many cell sites in the Charleston area so they can carry 10 times the amount of data.

“We know customers count on us, and we work every day to ensure we deliver for them. Our reliable, secure network connects families, friends, homes and businesses in Charleston with best-in-class 5G Ultra Wideband technology,” said Eric Lia, vice president of engineering and operations for Verizon, in the release.

With these and other technology advancements on Verizon’s network, customers are able to use more data in more ways. This multi-service network powers, according to the release:

• Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices that do very little networking and stay in place;

• smartphones with countless opportunities to use data in a highly mobile environment;

• home and business internet which provides connectivity via the wireless network for homes, offices and retail environments; and

• complex solutions like Augmented Reality or enterprise real-time video and data analysis that require massive computing capabilities. CRBJ

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Avelo launches new nonstop flight

SCETV names new president, CEO

Adrienne Fairwell has been named the new President and CEO of South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) and will begin leading the agency on Aug. 17.

Fairwell is returning to South Carolina from Arizona PBS, where she served as general manager since 2021. Arizona PBS, located in downtown Phoenix, is a member-supported community service of Arizona State University. During her time at Arizona PBS, Fairwell led the completion of a comprehen-

Avelo Airlines has launched another new nonstop flight from Charleston to an East Coast destination steeped in history.

Avelo now offers nonstop service to the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley region from Charleston International Airport (CHS), according to an Avelo news release.

The twice-weekly nonstop service to Wilmington Airport (ILG) will operate on Mondays and Fridays utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.

“Getting to Philadelphia and the greater Delaware Valley is easier and more affordable than ever with Avelo’s exclusive nonstop service to Wilmington Airport — the region’s most travel-friendly airport,” Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said in the release. “Combined with Avelo’s industry-leading reliability, there isn’t a more convenient, faster and more relaxing gateway to The City of Brotherly Love from Charleston’s low country.”

Wilmington Airport is located a short drive south of Philadelphia — offering a an alternative to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). ILG’s adjacency to multiple major highways encompasses portions of four states: southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, South Jersey and the northern Eastern Shore of Maryland, the release stated.

“We are excited to welcome Avelo’s inaugural flight between Charleston and Wilmington, Delaware,” Charleston International Airport Executive Director and CEO Elliott Summey said in the release. “It not only illustrates the appeal of Charleston’s Lowcountry to residents of the broader Delaware Valley, which encompasses portions of southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and the northern Eastern Shore of Maryland, but also provides our travelers more affordable non-stop options to connect with friends, family, and vacation opportunities.”

Avelo serves 44 destinations spanning 24 states. CRBJ

Reach Jason at 864-568-7570.

sive market study and the development and implementation of a three-year strategic plan focused on growth, diversity and innovation. In addition, Fairwell restructured her executive team to better capitalize on record revenue and membership growth and oversaw a restart of the station’s local production activities.

Prior to leading Arizona PBS, Fairwell served as Assistant General Manager of SCETV and the Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Development. In her roles, she was responsible for SCETV’s brand management, promotional and advertising efforts, public relations, audience engage-

ment, revenue activities, partnership development, multi-platform content generation, studio and field production, local and national programming, broadcast programming, traffic and government transparency work. Fairwell has also been a leader in the areas of diversity and equity. She helped establish a new partnership between SCETV and Furman University’s Riley Institute to begin a series of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion classes to help train public media employees. She has also led the streamlining of the recruitment process to be more inclusive of women, people of color, people with disabilities and veterans.

“The ever-changing, seasonal menus at FIG and The Ordinary are labors of love. We celebrate local producers - farmers, fishermen, and purveyors - whose products inspire and define our work. Supporting our community and telling these producers’ stories has given our work a deeper meaning and the dedicated team at SouthState Bank has been with us every step of the way, ensuring that we are able to continue sharing these stories and even create new ones. SouthState’s outstanding customer service and sound financial advice has been key to our success, and we are proud to have SouthState as a financial partner.”

SouthState Bank takes great pride in serving local businesses, ensuring they have the tools, guidance and security they need to reach their unique goals.

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Union Pier project put under new stewardship

Contentious development plans for SC Ports Authority’s nearly 70-acre waterfront property in downtown Charleston are going back to the drawing board for at least a year, this time under the stewardship of The Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston.

The Ports announcement came roughly a week after more than 250 residents and representatives from non-profits and advocacy groups packed a City Planning Commission meeting to oppose the Planned Unit Development proposal by real estate company Lowe that would have created a waterfront park and allowed for two dozen mixedused residential and commercial buildings on the site, some that could have been built up to seven stories tall.

Citizens expressed concerns about the height, architectural design, the number of hotels that would be built, the density of the development, parking and traffic flow concerns and lack of green space for

the public to enjoy, among other points.

“People shared what they want to see at Union Pier — and just as important — what they do not want to see,” said Barbara Melvin, CEO of the Ports, at a press conference on June 16. “The difference now is the timing and the process.”

The new plan is to work with independent third-party consultant The Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities to guide and vet design plans as well as create the city’s first “Waterfront District” that would be added to the city’s overall comprehensive plan to guide development. The Port hopes to present new design and development plan for the site by July 2024.

Melvin said The National Trust for Historic Preservation will also be engaged in the process along with the city, members of the community and stakeholders. There will be a coastal resiliency compatibility study to outline flood mitigation measures as well as a robust parks and recreation programming plan for the site.

“We listened to the community and with this new process, we believe we will have a new plan that we can all embrace,”

Melvin said.

The current site is mostly abandoned warehouses and other industrial buildings. The Ports Authority is planning to sell the land, which is located between the Customs House and the Ansonborough neighborhood, after deciding not to renew Carnival Cruise Line’s home port contract.

Before putting the property up for sale, the Ports Authority was seeking to attach a planned unit development, a type of master plan that would guide development for whichever developer purchases the land.

Public meetings and citizen workshops about the development were held starting last summer, including four public engagement sessions with hundreds of residents before the first city meeting in December. In January, Lowe submitted a nearly 400-page document to city staff outlining stipulations and requirements for the planned unit development, followed by revised versions submitted in the spring.

The Ports still intends to continue the process for attaching a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Municipal Improve-

ment District (MID) on the property, in which the future developer would front infrastructure costs in lieu of city and county tax payments until the site is built out and collect payments from the site’s property owners for continued maintenance on the property. The Ports expects a proposed ordinance to be introduced for both the TIF and MID by January 2024.

City leaders and advocacy groups hailed the port’s decision to hit pause on the development process until more input is considered.

“We stand ready to work alongside the community, city, and State Ports Authority to determine a future for Union Pier that aligns with the needs of our citizens and the character of our world-renowned, historic city,” said Winslow Hastie, president and CEO of Historic Charleston Foundation.

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg added, “This agreement is a huge win for everyone who loves Charleston. I want to thank the port for listening when our residents spoke, and our residents for speaking so clearly. Now, let’s get to work and make sure that this is the kind of project our whole city can be proud of.” CRBJ

6 www.charlestonbusiness.com July 10-23, 2023
The Union Pier project is now under the stewardship of The Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston. (Photo/Provided)

Palmetto Moon continues to expand with new location

Charleston-based Palmetto Moon continues to expand.

The Southern lifestyle retailer will open its newest store in Bowling Green, Ky., on Saturday, July 15, according to a Palmetto Moon news release.

The new location will be at the Greenwood Mall, 2625 Scottsville Road, Suite 710, near the food court and next to Old Navy, according to the release.

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, the release stated.

“Bowling Green is rich in Southern hospitality and embraces everything Palmetto Moon represents, so we’re beyond thrilled to open our newest store location and cannot wait to welcome the local community and loyal fans who have been cheering on our arrival,” said Amber Dube, Palmetto Moon’s executive vice president and chief brand officer.

The new store spans 7,000 square feet and will offer popular brands including YETI, Simply Southern, Hey Dude, Southern Marsh, Chubbies, Vineyard Vines and Local Boy Outfitters, as well as up-and-coming brands and Palmetto Moon’s exclusive products, the release stated.

In step with Palmetto Moon’s legacy as a collegiate destination, the store, will feature custom University of Western Kentucky and University of Kentucky collegiate gear and apparel, the release stated. The retailer also partners with Kentucky makers such as Bourbon Barrel Foods, Doodles By Rebekah and Spirited Scents.

“We are excited to be part of the city’s growth and become a destination for tourists, collegiate fans and locals with our uniquely Southern shopping expe-

rience and gifts tailored for this vibrant community,” Dube said in the release.

The retailer celebrated its debut into the Bluegrass State in March 2023 at Fayette Mall in Lexington shortly before unveiling its Mall St. Matthews location in Louisville, according to the release.

“It’s a privilege to celebrate this latest milestone with the opening of our Bowling Green location,” said Palmetto Moon CEO John Thomas in the release. “From humble beginnings as a kiosk in Charles-

ton, South Carolina, our footprint has grown to 42 brick-and mortar locations in seven states and counting. We are committed to preserving the brand's authentic reflection of Southern lifestyle with locally inspired products, relentless customer service and an elevated shopping experience that resonates with all generations.”

With the addition of the new Bowling Green location, Palmetto Moon now has 42 stores in the Southeast. CRBJ

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For advertising information, contact Ryan Downing at rdowning@scbiznews.com Give the gift of awareness. Our Giving magazine is a special opportunity to support philanthropy in the Lowcountry. The articles tell the heartwarming story of the community’s generosity. The winners of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Lowcountry Chapter Philanthropy Awards are also featured, with bonus distribution at their National Philanthropy Day luncheon. Your advertising dollars enable the Business Journal to donate advertising space to Lowcountry charitable organizations in a section called “Nonprofit Spotlights.” Show your support of your favorite nonprofit in Giving, the magazine of philanthropy! Giving Affordable for all Lowcountrynonprofitshelpmake dreamofhomeownershipareality Your guide to community giving in the Lowcountry | 2022 - 23 Special thanks: Sponsored by: PUBLICATION DATE: October 27, 2023 | ADVERTISING DEADLINE: September 29, 2023
With the addition of the new Bowling Green location, Palmetto Moon now has 42 stores in the Southeast. (Photo/Palmetto Moon)

$45M plan at former Piggly Wiggly stalled

Public-private development in West Ashley on hold after council deadlocks

Plans for a public-private development project in West Ashley have been delayed after the Charleston City Council deadlocked on a crucial vote.

The council recently held an hourslong debate over whether to move forward with the $45 million investment plan for a public-private development project with a civic center, green space, fountains, commercial area and underground parking garage on the former site of a Piggly Wiggly grocery store.

The council ultimately voted 6-6 on the project for the city-owned property, which is bordered by Sumar Street, Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Old Towne Road. A tie vote means it fails. Members then voted to send the project back to a committee for further review.

The city bought the site six years ago after hearing about plans to turn the site into a gas station when the grocery store moved out. Council members had hoped a grand development would spur economic activity and revitalize a major suburb where 44% of the city’s residents live.

“It’s about delivering what West Ashley deserves. It’s time for West Ashley’s time in the sun,” said Council member Ross Appel.

Appel noted that Faison, the developers of the nearby Ashley Landing shopping center, are investing over $100 million into that site and relying on the Sumar Street development to help attract businesses.

Following more than a dozen community meetings where resident feedback was considered, council members were presented with three options for the site. All options included a performing arts center/civic space, shopping area and green space that members said would be able to host movies in the park, food truck rodeos and more social activities.

A look at the development options

The main difference between the options was cost and parking. Option 1, with the underground parking lot, would have been a $45 million investment by the city and a $30 million investment from development partner Landmark Enterprises. Option 2 included a parking deck (a $35 million to $37 million city investment) and Option 3 included surface parking (a $21 million to $23 million city investment). The underground parking lot itself would cost $23 million to create.

Only Option 1, with the underground parking lot, is shovel-ready. The city’s design and review board has already approved design plans for that option.

Jason Ward, president of Landmark Enterprises, said at the meeting that Options 2 and 3 would essentially be council “going back to the starting line” to get approvals.

Despite 15 residents speaking in favor of Option 1 at the meeting, the council ultimately deadlocked. Those in favor were

councilmen Ross Appel, Stephen Bowden, Karl Brady, Jason Sakran, Peter Shahid and Mayor John Tecklenburg. Those against were Boyd Gregg, William Dudley Gregorie, Robert Mitchell, Caroline Parker, Kevin Shealy and Keith Waring. Council member Mike Seekings was not in attendance.

Councilman Keith Waring said he

believes the support for the project was politically motivated.

“This (decision) is coming down to council members that Mayor Tecklenburg helped get elected and ones who won independent of the mayor’s support,” Waring said.

Those opposed said they were concerned about the cost, questioned how many community members really supported it and asked for a more comprehensive study with varying design options.

It’s a matter of cost

Councilman Gregg said he did not think the cost justified the project.

“Spending $45 million on a three-acre site (with a goal) to transform thousands of acres across West Ashley is a bit naïve,” Gregg said. By his calculations, Option 1 would have cost $1,700 per square foot to develop and would use all of the city’s tax increment financing to subsidize the development.

“This puts all our money into one very small basket,” Gregg said.

Council members noted that by sending it back to a committee, the city may be on the hook for $600,000 owed to Landmark Enterprises in termination fees. Members also said further delaying development plans will likely increase the overall cost.

Political drama continued in the days following the vote with at least two candidates for mayor releasing statements about the outcome.

Council member Shahid criticized the mayor for lack of leadership and candidate Clay Middleton called the delay “ridiculous,” stating “we deserve better and we can do better.” CRBJ

8 www.charlestonbusiness.com July 10-23, 2023
All options for the plan included a performing arts center/civic space. (Renderings provided by City of Charleston) A common area is expected to spur economic development in the area. The main difference between three design options was cost and parking.

Boeing’s Dreamliner selling faster than ever

The North Charleston-based Boeing program is selling planes faster than anytime in its history, the company says, with 250 order commitments in the last six months.

The latest sales were made official recently when Air India and Boeing announced a large order that includes 20 Dreamliners, with an option for 20 more, soon after Boeing and China Airlines firmed up an order for eight. Both orders were among the announcements made by Boeing from the Paris Air Show.

The Air India order is Boeing’s largest ever from southern Asia, the company said in a news release.

Boeing and Air India finalized an order for up to 290 new Boeing jets and expanded services. The order includes 190 737 MAXs, 20 of the North Charleston-based 787 Dreamliners and 10 777X jets, with options for 50 737 MAXs and 20 787 Dreamliners. Boeing and Air India have worked together for 90 years, the news release stated.

A comprehensive set of aviation services will also enable Air India to sustainably expand its operations in South Asia's rap-

idly growing aviation market. Over the next 20 years, south Asia is expected to more than triple its in-service fleet from 700 to 2,300 airplanes to meet passenger demand, according to Boeing.

The Boeing deal with China Airlines finalized an order for eight 787-9 Dreamliners that was previously posted to Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website as unidentified. It follows the airline's first-ever order

for 16 787-9s last year.

China Airlines also becomes the newest 787-10 customer as it converts six 787-9s to the 787-10, the largest member of the 787 family, to add flexibility and capacity on its regional network as passenger demand continues to rise above pre-pandemic levels, according to a news release from Boeing.

Boeing South Carolina is the home of the 787 Dreamliner, where crews fabricate, assemble and deliver the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 to customers all over the world. The North Charleston facilities are also home to Boeing Research & Technology, IT Center of Excellence, Propulsion Systems, Interior Responsibility Center and Engineering Design Center. The site has 300 suppliers across the state, according to the company website.

With the order, China Airlines will introduce 24 of the 787s over the next several years, strengthening the airline's existing global network. The 787 enables China Airlines to reduce fuel use and emissions by 20%, which will support the airline to meet its sustainability goals, the news release said. The 787 family is selling at the highest rate in its history, receiving more than 250 orders and commitments in the past six months. CRBJ

Iraqi Airways accepts delivery of first Dreamliner

Iraqi Airways recently celebrated the delivery of the airlines first South Carolina-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It is the first of 10 Dreamliners on order by Iraqi Airways, according to a news release from Boeing, which said the airline wants the efficient widebody jet to profitably grow its long-haul network and connect the country to more international destinations.

The delivery of the flag carrier’s first 787 follows delivery of four Boeing 737 MAX airplanes since February, the news release said. The airline has ordered a total of six 737-8s and 10 737-10s, providing its single-aisle fleet with more capability across its regional and medium-haul routes.

“We are proud to be taking delivery of an airplane with the capabilities of the 787 Dreamliner,” Manaf Abdel-Monem, director general of Iraqi Airways said in the release. “As domestic and international air traffic gains momentum, it’s crucial that our Iraqi Airways fleet matches growing demand with more efficient, capable and comfortable airplanes. The 787 and 737 MAX airplanes we have received are key to our fleet renewal program which aims to ensure we can fly our passengers around the world in the safety and comfort they expect from a modern and efficient airline like Iraqi Airways.”

Iraqi Airways currently serves more than 50 destinations from Baghdad and is expanding and renewing its fleet to support the anticipated increase in international business and leisure travel to and from the country. Iraq is seeing increased stability and economic growth, with the country’s annual gross domestic product growth rate expected to reach 7% by the end of 2023, the release stated. With global air traffic rebounding, Middle Eastern airlines are seeing more than a 40% traffic increase compared to last year.

“Today marks a new beginning for Iraqi

Airways, taking delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner that will support the airline in connecting Iraq to the world,” Omar Arekat, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for the Middle East, said in the release. “Boeing is committed to supporting Iraqi Airways’ ambition to bring greater optimization and new route possibilities to the region.”

The 787-8 Dreamliner can fly 248 passengers up to 7,305 nautical miles in a typical two-class configuration, according to Boeing. Using 25% less fuel and creating 25% fewer emissions than the airplanes it

replaces, the 787 family has reduced more than 141 billion pounds of carbon emissions since entering service in 2011.

Boeing South Carolina is the home of the 787 Dreamliner, where crews fabricate, assemble and deliver the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 to customers all over the world. The North Charleston facilities are also home to Boeing Research & Technology, IT Center of Excellence, Propulsion Systems, Interior Responsibility Center and Engineering Design Center. The site has 300 suppliers across the state, according to the company website. CRBJ

www.charlestonbusiness.com 9 July 10-23, 2023
Boeing South Carolina is the home of the 787 Dreamliner, where crews fabricate, assemble and deliver the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 to customers all over the world. (Photo/Boeing Co.) Iraqi Airways wants the efficient widebody Dreamliner to profitably grow its long-haul network and connect the country to more international destinations. (Photo/Boeing Co.)

Charleston companies collaborate on Upstate project

Frampton Construction Co. LLC has broken ground on the first phase of Mid85 industrial park in Spartanburg. Phase one consists of two speculative warehouse facilities totaling 1,195,342 square feet, according to a news release from Frampton Construction.

The park, which will total more than 2 million square feet when phase two is complete, is being developed by Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC, an investment, development and management company.

The two initial facilities will be constructed of tilt-up concrete wall panels and structural steel frames. Building one will total 277,648 square feet, with a rearload layout, 32-foot clear height, 58 dock doors, and 78 trailer parking spots. Building two will measure 917,694 square feet, featuring a cross-dock layout, 40-foot clear height, 88 dock doors, and 201 parking spaces.

Located off Interstate-85, Mid85 is being marketed for its proximity to Inland Port Greer, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, and the Interstate 85/26 interchange.

The cost of the project was not divulged.

“Our team is excited for the opportunity to collaborate with Greystar on this significant industrial park project as they continue to expand their operations in the logistics sector,” Chad Frampton, CEO of Frampton Construction, said

in the release. “The Spartanburg area is prime for industrial development, especially considering the ongoing expansion of Inland Port Greer.”

McMillan Pazdan Smith completed the design for the facilities. SeamonWhiteside is the civil engineer on the project, and WGPM Inc., is the structural engineer, the release stated. JLL is handling leasing for the park. Construction is expected to conclude in October 2024.

Greystar offers expertise in property management, investment management, development and construction services in institutional-quality rental housing, logistics, and life sciences sectors. Headquartered in Charleston, Greystar manages and operates more than $275 billion of real estate in 238 markets globally with offices throughout North America, Europe, South America and the Asia-Pacific region. Greystar is the largest oper-

ator of apartments in the United States, managing more than 803,000 units globally and manages more than $74 billion of assets.

Frampton Construction is a full-service construction firm offering planning and design support, preconstruction, and construction services. With offices in Charleston, Charlotte, and Tampa, Fla., the company manages projects in the Southeast and beyond. CRBJ

10 www.charlestonbusiness.com July 10-23, 2023
The Mid85 industrial park park, which will total more than 2 million square feet when phase two is complete, is being developed by Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC. (Rendering/Provided) Phase one of the Mid85 industrial park in Spartanburg consists of two speculative warehouse facilities totaling 1,195,342 square feet. (Rendering/ Provided)

Charleston hospitality group opens Greenville restaurant

Greenville’s newest downtown restaurant just so happens to be located in one of the area’s most visible spots — and it’s off to a quick start.

Indaco Greenville, a restaurant by Charleston-based The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, is located in the Main@Broad mixed-use development at 40 West Broad Street and started taking reservations on June 9.

The Greenville location has a main dining room in addition to a covered outdoor patio with access from Main Street. This is the fourth Indaco to open, with other locations in Charleston, Charlotte and Atlanta.

“We are the new thing in town, and everyone seems to be enjoying it,” said Begley. “The outdoor bar has been nonstop, it’s family-friendly, and we look forward to having our sister restaurant O-KU opening next door as well in July.”

Indaco, which took the place of Rick Erwin’s Nantucket Seafood, is led by executive chef Josh Begley, who has been in the restaurant industry for 15 years, and Indaco for the last two-and-a-half years.

Begley started cooking when he was 15 years old and started in the restaurant industry as a dishwasher in high school. He went to school for criminal justice in college and said it wasn’t for him, though.

He went on and worked for a chef who

FORT Y

This annual event recognizes forty Upstate professionals under the age of 40 who are making their mark with professional and community involvement.

went to Johnston and Wales, who then pushed him to further his education in culinary arts. Earlier in his career, he worked at Four Seasons and an Upstate New York Italian restaurant where he fell in love with this style of cooking and Neapolitan pizza, he said.

Begley moved to Charleston and worked at O-Ku eight years ago when he first moved there, then worked at Indaco.

“I’ve always loved Italian food,” he said. “There is something about pizza and pastas I gravitate toward as my favorite food

and favorite thing to make is pizza. There is something relaxing about it.”

So, being an executive chef at Indaco has been a dream for him.

“Everything here is chef-driven,” Begley said about the restaurant’s ever-changing menu.

See what’s on the menu

He said there are some staples, like their meatball recipes and margherita pizzas at all locations, that are the same, but most everything else is up to the chef and what’s

available at local farms.

“That’s how I like to cook, too,” said Begley. “The menu changes every week because it’s based on what farmers have locally, and it’s something different and unique we can bring to each location.”

Popular dishes include Indaco’s Peach pizza as they get their local peaches out of Holly Hill; their Radiatori pasta is another staple, classic but with a modern twist and pasta is made from scratch; and there are more “adventurous” recipes like their charcuterie board, said Begley.

Everything for the most part is made in-house, he said. For example, in Greenville, a whole hog is delivered and butchered every week from Providence Farms in Anderson — something the other locations have the inability to do because of space.

“We use everything thing out of it,” said Begley. “I’m a big believer in honoring animals for food and nutrition so nothing is wasted.”

The Greenville-based developer on the project is Windsor Aughtry Co., and they have partnered with The Indigo Road Hospitality Group to bring these two restaurant concepts to Greenville. Charleston-based David Thompson Studio is the architect and designer for the project alongside Clayton Construction Co., the general contractor.

“We are really excited and thankful for Greenville for welcoming us,” said Begley. CRBJ

MAXIMIZE YOUR MARKETING

2023

2023

Executives from more than 100 companies will gather to celebrate being named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina, and no event this year will provide better networking opportunities!

Executives from more than 100 companies will gather to celebrate being named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina, and no event this year will provide better networking opportunities!

2023 | SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING CONFERENCE AND EXPO

The SC Manufacturing Conference & Expo will be held in Greenville. This multi-day event includes the Salute to Manufacturing Awards Luncheon, a manufacturing expo, panel discussions, and several interactive, practical workshops.

June 29 August 10 October 12 November 9 - 10

July 26

The Columbia Women of Influence Awards celebrates the exceptional achievements of women in the midlands. We are excited to honor the trailblazers, visionaries, and leaders who are making a difference in our region’s business landscape.

September 14

FORT Y

This annual event recognizes forty Lowcountry professionals under the age of 40 who are making their mark with professional and community involvement.

October 25

The Charleston Women of Influence Awards celebrates the exceptional achievements of womeni n the Lowcountry. We are excited to honor the trailblazers, visionaries, and leaders who are making a difference in our region’s business landscape.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Ryan Downing at rdowning@scbiznews.com or 864-867-1928

www.charlestonbusiness.com 11 July 10-23, 2023
Indaco Greenville, a restaurant by Charleston-based The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, is located in the Main@Broad mixed-use development at 40 West Broad Street. (Photo/Provided)

In Focus

HISTORIC DISCTRICT

LISTS: Historical Register, SBA Loans, Page 17-18

STORIES OF TRAGEDY AND TRIUMPH

International African American Museum officially open in Charleston

Atriumphant celebration and dedication of the much-anticipated $94 million International African American Museum was held on Saturday, June 24, with many guests, including Congressman James Clyburn, former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and Consul General of Barbados Rudy Grant.

After 23 years in the making, the museum officially opened to the public on Tuesday, June 27.

Phylicia Rashad, former actress and dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University, emceed the event at the museum’s waterfront site at Gadsden’s Wharf. A simultaneous community celebration was held at Marion Square.

Former President Barak Obama and Michelle Obama sent a taped congratulations that was played for the several hundred in attendance at the museum site and the crowd enjoyed many musical performances, poetry readings, dances and speeches from distinguished guests.

In 2000, former Mayor Joe Riley spearheaded the creation of the museum as a place to tell the untold stories of African American history on the site of the most prolific slave trading port in the country.

“This museum will tell history where history took place,” said Riley. “This museum started with a book, Edward Ball’s award-winning ‘Slaves in the Family.’ I bought a copy as soon as it was published in 1998. I met Edward Ball years earlier when he was in Charleston researching and writing this book. Reading this book was transformative.

When I finished, I vowed we must build this museum in Charleston. It was long past time we told our true history, our country’s history. Stories of tragedy and triumph and extraordinary courage and genius.”

Museum located at a ‘sacred site’

Nearly 50% of all enslaved human beings who came to the United States entered at Gadsden’s Wharf — more than 100,000 people between the 1760s and the year 1808. The site of the museum is where enslaved Africans took their first steps onto U.S. soil following a nearly 100-day passage across the Atlantic Ocean.

In 2014, the city purchased the 2.3acre waterfront plot for $3.5 million for the museum to be built.

“We refer to it as hallowed ground,

a sacred site. Some folks even refence Ground Zero,” said Tonya Matthews, president and CEO of the IAAM. “We honor the fact that we have power of place and we have reclaimed this important site.”

The final design is an elevated building, floating in air, with thoughtful gardens and sculptures below.

“The building does not occupy the land, rather, it rests on 18 pillars allowing it to have a weightless effect and respect to these hallowed grounds,” Riley said.

Landscape designer Walter Hood, with California-based Hood Studios, said his team came up with 32 designs for the memorial gardens. The final design includes a powerful installation of figures outlined on the ground with tide pools

NEXT ISSUE’S FOCUS:
Startups
The IAAM simulcast was assisted through the use of an ASL Interpreter. (Photo/Andrew Sprague) IAAM CEO Dr. Tonya Matthews’ remarks were simulcast to the Marion Square audience. (Photo/Andrew Sprague) Marion Square was the site for the community celebration for the IAAM opening. (Photo/Andrew Sprague)
See IAAM OPENS, Page 13
Attendees dance in Marion Square during the IAAM opening celebration. (Photo/Andrew Sprague)

IAAM OPENS, from Page 13

filling in the etched lines at varying levels near the wharf line.

Inside the museum, a robust staff of 60 people make up learning and engagement teams and engagement for faith-based

community teams. There’s also the Center for Family History, a family genealogy center, which will help visitors trace their ancestry in a library-like setting.

What is inside the museum

This museum tells the stories of Africans from 300 B.C. through 2023 and the perseverance through the middle passage, resistance to enslavement, triumphs over

segregation and significant contributions to the country’s history. It mixes letters, items and artifacts, photos, art, histori-

See IAAM OPENS, Page 14

Make data driven decisions.

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www.charlestonbusiness.com 13 July 10-23, 2023
Ensemble Chior performs at the celebration in Marion Square. (Photo/Andrew Sprague) Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg addresses the celebration crowd. (Photo/Andrew Sprague) in numbers. Market Facts
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cal records, videos and touchscreens for many types of engagement.

Nine galleries explore themes of suffering, resilience and hope; how enslaved people brought their traditions of song, dance and prayer to their new lives. A South Carolina gallery includes the history of Carolina Gold Rice and the Gullah community. There is a replica praise house with video testimonials from local African Americans and spirituals songs

and quiet rooms for visitors to reflect with a box of tissues.

“When you ask me what I want people to ‘feel’ in the museum? It’s akin to everything. It’s not, ‘this exhibition talks about tragedy, this talks about victory.’ There is a little bit of all those stories in each step that you take,” said Dr. Matthews. “One of my beliefs is that the power and gift of truly understanding the African American journey is understanding our ability to simultaneously hold the sensations of (both) trauma and joy. It is constantly woven in there together.”

Riley said the IAAM had a robust fundraising team for its creation and construction and there was $125 million raised from tens of thousands of donors.

“I estimate we made 10,000 individual phone calls and at least 6,000 pre-planning sitdown fundraising meetings,” Riley said. “Our quest to seek and demand excellence in every single aspect of this museum is unrelenting.”

The funding behind the facility

Funding sources included $25 million in local funds from the City of Charles-

ton and $5 million from the state of South Carolina. In 2009, President Barak Obama earmarked $712,500 in his federal budget for the museum. Groundbreaking was held in October 2019.

The design team included Pei Cobb Freed & Partners as design architects, with Harry Cobb and Moody Nolan as the architects and Ralph Applebaum Associates as exhibition designers.

The museum has received national attention from major media outlets leading up to its opening, already being

14 www.charlestonbusiness.com July 10-23, 2023
IAAM OPENS, from Page 13 American R&B, pop, and jazz singer and songwriter Patti Austin performs. (Photo/Andrew Sprague) IAAM exhibits are meant to appeal to a wide array of people. (Photo/Jenny Peterson) IAAM exhibits. (Photo/Jenny Peterson) IAAM exhibits. (Photo/Jenny Peterson) Dr. Tonya Matthews, president and CEO of the IAAM, speaks at the opening event. (Photo/Jenny Peterson)

praised as one of the most important museums in the world.

Members of congress got a sneak peek over Memorial Day weekend at the invitation of Congressman James Clyburn, who chaired the museum’s steering committee and now sits on its board of directors.

“I hosted several hundred visitors, including members of congress. They were so impressed by the depth and breadth of that experience, several of them have already made plans to come back and bring their families,” Clyburn said. “In the early days, there were intense discussions about what kind of museum this should be. One school of thought was that the focus should be on slavery. Others felt it had to be much more. Thankfully, the latter thought prevailed.”

“These are institutions that are not easy to construct,” said Malika Pryor, chief learning and engagement officer at IAAM. “I’ve been in the business of non-profit programming for over 20 years. I’ve been in the business of museums for 13 years. In a moment where the idea of the African American experience being quincentennial to the American experience is being challenged around the nation, what a moment to be alive.”

e museum is located at 14 Wharfside St. and open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. ere will be timed entry tickets. e outside grounds and gardens are free to visit. Learn more at www. iaamuseum.org. CRBJ

www.charlestonbusiness.com 15 July 10-23, 2023
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Tide Tribute: Built on embedded tiling figures over the Charleston Harbor, the water feature visually honors the enslaved people who laid shackled on ships coming to the United States. (Photo/Jenny Peterson)
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BRINGING A DESIGN TO LIFE

IAAM’s site design, landscape architecture 7 years in the planning

SeamonWhiteside, a full-service site firm with offices throughout the Carolinas, recently completed a seven-year site design and landscape architecture project in partnership with Hood Design Studio for the International African American Museum in Charleston. After more than two decades of planning, fundraising, and construction efforts, the museum celebrated its grand opening on June 27.

As the landscape architect of record, SeamonWhiteside brought creative director Walter Hood and the Hood Design Studio team’s unique and intentional design ideas to life for the museum. From the Tide Tribute to the African Ancestors Memorial Garden, starting from the site itself, the significance of each design decision was carefully curated and installed, according to a news release.

“We are honored to have partnered with the prestigious Hood Design Studio to bring the artistry and storytelling in their designs to life,” said Gary Collins, vice president at SeamonWhiteside, in the release. “Usually you expect the interior of a museum to be breathtaking, and while that’s true with IAAM, the exterior site is just as remarkable.”

The museum is located 13 feet above the historic site of Gadsden’s Wharf, the port of arrival for nearly half of all enslaved Africans brought to North America. The design honors the history, impact and gravity of the stie through specific landscape and artistic selections, according to the release.

These installments include:

African Ancestors Memorial Garden: Adjacent to the elevated museum is a palm grove and sweetgrass field. As

part of the African Ancestor Memorial Garden, there are plants that are representative of Africa and Charleston, as well as stone stilo columns to reflect the deep-rooted history of African American culture in Charleston. Both Hood Design Studio and SeamonWhiteside wanted to create a garden that was reflective and tied both regions together.

Tide Tribute: Built on embedded tiling figures over the Charleston Harbor, the water feature visually honors the enslaved people who laid shackled on ships coming to the United States. Twice a day, the tribute fills and empties with water to mimic the tide, revealing the shapes of those enslaved men, women, and children who arrived at that exact harbor. This slightly sloped installment was in a very technical and precise location designed by Hood Design Studio and SeamonWhiteside.

Tabby-Based Columns: Being in the Lowcountry and wanting to reflect the early indigenous culture, a focus on coastal materials was at the forefront of every design. The columns that support the museum were formed using tabby, concrete made of oyster shells, and are indicative of traditional building methods of the coastal region.

Stainless Steel Band: Accurate from geographical maps, a stainless steel band runs the entire angled width of the property to identify the exact parameters of where Gadsden Wharf was once established. The steel band includes engravings of various countries to honor the places that enslaved people came from.

Footprint of Existing Building: On site of the museum is an outline of bricks that depict where a building known as the “Warehouse Wall” once laid on the Wharf years ago. CRBJ

16 www.charlestonbusiness.com July 10-23, 2023
As the landscape architect of record, SeamonWhiteside partnered with Hood Design Studio on the project. (Photo/Provided by SeamonWhiteside)

Historical Register

Beattie,

www.charlestonbusiness.com 17 July 10-23, 2023
Ranked by Years Established Company Phone / Website / Email Year Founded Years since founded Executive(s) Short description of company Specialty Ser vices City of Charleston 80 Broad St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-577-6970 www.charleston-sc.gov citizenser vices@charleston-sc.gov 1670 353 John Tecklenburg, Mayor Municipal government Municipal government Magnolia Plantation & Gardens 3550 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29414 843-571-1266 www.magnoliaplantation.com info@magnoliaplantation.com 1676 347 Susan Shallo, CEO Lowcountr y’s oldest public attraction Weddings and corporate events, romantic garden Town of Mount Pleasant 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-8517 www.tompsc.com communications@tompsc.com 1680 343 Will Haynie, Mayor Municipal government Boone Hall Plantation 1235 Long Point Rd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-4371 www.boonehallplantation.com info@boonehallplantation.com 1681 342 Jim Westerhold, General Manager; Rick W Benthall, Director Of Marketing and Public Relations One of America's oldest still working farms Plantation house, gardens and original slave street The French Protestant Huguenot Church 36 Church Street Charleston, SC 29402 843-722-4385 www.huguenot-church.org french@huguenot-church.org 1681 342 Philip C. Br yant, Pastor Reverend Independent and unaffiliated church First Baptist Church 48 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-3896 www.fbcharleston.org1682 341 R. Marshall Blalock, Pastor Earliest Baptist church in the South Rents out for WEddings The Powder Magazine 79 Cumberland St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-9350 www.powdermag.org info@powdermag.org 1713 310 Katherine Pemberton, Museum Director Museum interpreting colonial
Museum Legare Farms Pumpkin Patch 2620 Hanscombe Point Road Johns Island, SC 29455 843-559-0788 www.legarefarms.com info@legarefarms.com 1725 298 Thomas Legare,
One
Hopsewee Plantation 494 Hopsewee Road Georgetown, SC 29440 843-546-7891 www.hopsewee.com mail@hopsewee.com 1735 288 Raejean
Chef, General Manager; Frank Beattie, Owner Attraction-National Historic Landmark Visits, Weddings, dining, private events, tea room Dock Street Theatre 135 Church St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-720-3968 www.charlestonstage.com email@charlestonstage.com 1736 287 Romanie Heyward, Special Facilities Director; Julian Wiles, Founder and Director; Mar ybeth Clark, Artistic Director 1st building designed solely for theatre Upstairs drawing room available for intimate luncheons and lectures, private courtyard Drayton Hall Preser vation Trust 3380 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29414 843-769-2600 www.draytonhall.org info@draytonhall.org 1738 285 Carter C. Hudgins, President and CEO Southern colonial home open to the public Tour groups, gardens, nature walks, private events Middleton Place 4300 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29414 843-556-6020 www.middletonplace.org info@middletonplace.org 1741 282 Tracey Todd, President and CEO National historic landmark Landscaped gardens, group events, inn, meeting facilities, private dining options Middleton Place Restaurant & Pavilion 4300 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29414 843-377-0548 www.middletonplace.org/explore/ restaurant sgs@middletonplace.org 1741 282 Chris Lukic, Director of Food and Beverage Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark Lunch, dinner and picnics, indoor and outdoor seating, Sunday brunch Charleston Librar y Society 164 King St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-723-9912 www.charlestonlibrar ysociety.org info@charlestonlibrar ysociety.org 1748 275 Laura Pelzer, Executive Director Private lending librar y Programs on literature St.Michael's Church 71 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401 843-723-0603 www.stmichaelschurch.net/ office@stmichaelschurch.net 1751 272 Alfred T. K. Zadig, Jr , Rector Church College of Charleston 66 George St. Charleston, SC 29424 843-953-5670 cofc.edu admissions@cofc.edu 1770 253 Andrew T Hsu, President Liberal arts college Undergrad and graduate post-secondar y education The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon 122 E. Bay St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-727-2165 www.oldexchange.org education@oldexchange.org 1771 252 Tony Youmans, Director Historic site focusing on colonial Charleston Guided tours, education groups, guest lectures and book signings, gift shop Heyward-Washington House 87 Church St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-2996 www.charlestonmuseum.org info@charlestonmuseum.org 1772 251 Carl P Borick, Director Historic site and gardens Only 1740's kitchen building open to the public Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce 4922 O'Hear Ave., Suite 101 North Charleston, SC 29405 843-577-2510 www.charlestonchamber.org mail@charlestonchamber.org 1773 250 Br yan S. Derreberr y, President and CEO Professional Membership org.-1,600 members Goal is to oromote prosperous business environment The Charleston Museum 360 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29403 843-722-2996 www.charlestonmuseum.org info@charlestonmuseum.org 1773 250 Carl P Borick, Executive Director Museum of cultural, natural histor y of Lowcountr y Museum of cultural, natural histor y of Lowcountr y State of South Carolina (Lowcountr y) 1100 Ger vais Street Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-2320 www.sc.gov1776 247 Henr y McMaster, Governor State government State government Scottish Rite Center 1051 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Charleston, SC 29407 843-779-7533 www.scottishriterental.com info@scottishriterental.com 1801 222 James D. Cole, Sovereign Grand Commander Event space in Charleston Auditorium, stage, presentation floor, tiled dance floor, banquet hall and kitchen Evening Post Industries Inc. 134 Columbus St. Charleston, SC 29403 843-577-7111 www.eveningpostindustries.com info@eveningpostindustries.com 1803 220 Pamela Browning, President Newspaper publishing, TV broadcasting Newspaper publishing, TV broadcasting, commercial offset printing, computer typesetting ser vices, real estate, forestr y Medical University of South Carolina 171 Ashley Ave. Charleston, SC 29425 843-792-2300 www.musc.edu1824 199 David J. Cole, President; Patrick J. Cawley, Executive Vice President Integrated, academic health sciences center Health care, education, research MUSC Health 171 Ashley Ave. Charleston, SC 29425 843-792-1414 www.muschealth.org muschlth@musc.edu 1824 199 Patrick J. Cawley, CEO MUSC Health, Vice President, Health Affairs Health system in S.C. Health care, education and research
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Historical Register

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The Citadel Infirmar y 171 Moultrie St. Charleston, SC 29409 1843 180

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Glenn

1844 179 Alex

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C.T. Lowndes & Co. 749 St. Andrews Blvd. Charleston, SC 29407 173

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Wash, Associate Provost for Online and Graduate Programs; Darrell Parker Liberal arts university

Bank

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Life

Linder Full ser vice hotel located in the historic area Offers

seasonal catering menus, meetings for up to 200 people and direct access to Hibernian Hall S.C. Historical Society 100 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-723-3225 www.schistor y.org hannah.mooney@schsonline.org 1855 168 Faye Jensen, CEO Non-profit historical society Recently renovated national historic landmark designed by Robert Mills, the architect of the Washington Monument Gibbes Museum of Art 135 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-2706 www.gibbesmuseum.org1858 165 Angela D. Mack, Executive Director Charleston's premier art museum Beaux Arts building in Charleston's historic district that features Tiffany-style art glass dome in the rotunda galler y and a classical garden Moran Charleston 2075 Thompson Ave., Suite 200 North Charleston, SC 29405 843-529-3000 www.morantug.com charleston@morantug.com 1860 163 Jonathan Archer, Vice President and General Manager Marine towing, transportation and harbor ser vices Marine towing, transportation First Horizon Bank 651 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-971-6977 www.firsthorizon.com1864 159 D. Br yan Jordan, President, CEO Bank Banking, financial advice, insurance products Jantzen Lock and Safe Co. 276 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-8282 https://www.jantzenlockandsafe.com/1864 159 Locksmith Residential and commercial locksmith ser vices J. Henr y Stuhr Funeral Home 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway Charleston, SC 29414 843-723-2524 jhenr ystuhr.com/1865 158 John A. Stuhr Funeral Home Funeral ser vices, embalming William M. Bird & Co. Inc. 4210 Azalea Drive North Charleston, SC 29406 866-587-6884 www.wmbird.com1865 158 Gene Cor vino, President Flooring distributor Residential and commercial flooring products Porter-Gaud School 300 Albemarle Road Charleston, SC 29407 843-556-3620 www.portergaud.edu communications@portergaud.edu 1867 156 David DuBose Egleston, Head of School Independent, Episcopal, co-ed, pre-school -12 Charleston Animal Society 2455 Remount Road North Charleston, SC 29406 843-329-1542 www.charlestonanimalsociety.org info@charlestonanimalsociety.org 1874 149 Joe Elmore The Williams Mansion 1 14-16 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-8205 www.calhounmansion.net contact@calhounmansion.net 1876 147 Gilded Age Mansion-Museum Guided Tours Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP 5 Exchange St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-3400 www.womblebonddickinson.com communications@wbd-us.com 1876 147 Cordes Ford, Office Managing Partner Transatlantic law firm of more than 1,000 lawyers Patent experience in the electrical, technology and software, mechanical, materials science, chemical and pharmaceutical, biotech and genetics fields; many team members hold advanced degrees The Schachte Co. 24 Legare St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-9015joseph1952@comcast.net 1881 142 Joseph Schachte, Owner Oldest continuing Charleston real estate business residential and commercial leasing 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 formerly known as the Calhoun Mansion

18 www.charlestonbusiness.com July 10-23, 2023
Ranked by Years Established Company Phone / Website / Email Year Founded Years since founded Executive(s) Short description of company Specialty Ser vices 21 East Batter y Bed & Breakfast 21 East Batter y Charleston, SC 29401 843-556-0500 www.21eastbatter y.com info@21eastbatter y.com 1825 198 Julie Lucas, Innkeeper; Bradley Dickerson, General Manager Bed & Breakfast Intimate courtyard, second floor piazza, small ceremonies, reception venue Edmondston-Alston House 21 East Batter y Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-7171 www.edmondstonalston.com eahcoordinator@middletonplace.org 1825 198 Caitlin Smith, Director House Museum Furniture, paintings, silver and books reflecting family and American histor y Roper Hospital 316 Calhoun St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-724-2000 /www.rsfh.com/roper-hospital/1829 194 Troy Powell, Regional President The first community hospital in the Carolinas, 332 beds, including comprehensive ICU United Bank 288 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-973-6929 www.bankwithunited.com customerser vice@bankwithunited.com 1839 184 J. Huggins, EVP, Regional President, SC; Ryan Benton, SVP, Charleston Market President Full-ser vice financial institution
The Citadel, The Militar y College of South Carolina 171 Moultrie St. Charleston, SC 29409 1842 181
M. Walters, President Public university in Charleston College; higher education
843-953-6847 www.citadel.edu/infirmar y Citadel@musc.edu
Commercial
846-488-4370
1845 178
Health care for the South Carolina Corps of Cadets Health care for the South Carolina Corps of Cadets Nelson Printing - Direct Marketers of Charleston 100 Columbus St.
Charleston,
843-723-7233
Nelson, VP
offset and digital printing, direct mail, data management, binding, graphic design, wide format printing, specialty items Limestone University 4500 Leeds Ave., Suite 208 Charleston, SC 29405
Offers Virtual programs in addition to in-person
PNC Bank N.A. 100 Calhoun St. Charleston, SC 29401 Financial
843-958-3706 www.pnc.com karen.feagins@pnc.com 1845
William S. Demchak, President, CEO
1 Bishop Gadsden Way Charleston, SC 29412
843-762-3300 www.bishopgadsden.org contactus@bishopgadsden.org
Life plan retirement community
plan retirement community
843-513-1719 www.ctlowndes.com charleston@ctlowndes.com
1850
Henr y Lowndes, Jr , Owner; Carl Morrison Allen Group Benefits Manager; Rawlins Lowndes, CFO, Life Dept .Manager; Ian Philpot, Employee Benefits Manager Independent insurance agency Property and casualty, life, health
1853 170 Micheal
Mackay Marine
4208 Pace St., Suite A North Charleston, SC 29405 843-747-6250 www.mackaymarine.com charleston@mackaymarine.com
Marine electronics Marine electronics Mills House, Curio Collection by Hilton 115 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401
www.millshouse.com info@millshouse.com

Historical Register

1909

sightseeing bus tours and transportation 90 minute guided tour of historic Charleston, as well as transportation ser vices in the greater Charleston area for special events: weddings, corporate meetings, etc.; 8 20-25 passenger mini-buses

financial ser vices, lending, mortgages Stevens Towing Co. Inc.

4170 SC Highway 165 Yonges Island, SC 29449

Weil's Mattress Co.

4290 Piggly Wiggly Drive North Charleston, SC 29405

Bishop England High School 363 Seven Farms Drive Charleston, SC 29492

M. Dumas & Sons 294 King St. Charleston, SC 29401

Pinckney-Carter Co.

1956 Remount Road North Charleston, SC 29406

843-889-2254 www.stevens-towing.com b.smith@stevens-towing.com

843-722-2585 www.southernladymfg.com sales@southernladymfg.com

843-849-9599 www.behs.com pfinneran@behs.com

843-723-8603 www.mdumasandsons.com david@mdumasandsons.com

843-747-9073 www.pinckneycarter.com -

1913 110 Johnson Stevens, President Tugboat, barge and ship repair company Marine towing, barge freight, barge rentals, ocean towing, inland towing

1914 109 Ritchie Weil

Manufacturer of mattresses and foundations Manufacturing wholesale mattresses to retail stores, hotels and resorts, colleges, cruise ships and custom design

1915 108 Patrick Finneran, Principal; Mar y Anne Tucker, Associate Principal High school in the Catholic Diocese of Charleston Catholic education

1917 106 David Dumas, Co-Owner

Men's retail store and formal attire rental Men's Clothes

1918 105 Cooper Carter; J.D. Carter Insurance agency Group health and retirement; home, auto, commercial; workers' compensation

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.

www.charlestonbusiness.com 19 July 10-23, 2023
Ranked by Years Established Company Phone / Website / Email Year Founded Years since founded Executive(s) Short description of company Specialty Ser vices Berlin's 114 King Street Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-1665 https://berlinsclothing.com/1883 140 Steve Berlin Clothing Store Free parking Giant Cement Holding Inc. 320-D Midland Parkway Summer ville, SC 29485 843-851-9898 www.giantcement.com/1883 140 Jose A. Liontop, President & CEO The first cement company in South Carolina Cement, concrete and aggregate, building materials Smith Dray Line 8350 Patriot Blvd., N. North Charleston, SC 29420 843-804-8088 www.smithdray.com1887 136 Sam A. Turrentine, GM Moving company Household and industrial relocations, 48 state and international Charleston Branch Pilots' Association 6 Concord St. Charleston, SC 29401 843-577-6695 www.charlestonpilots.com dispatcher@charlestonpilots.com 1890 133 Pilotage ser vices for vessels Marine pilot ser vices Franke at Seaside 1885 Rifle Range Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-856-4700 www.frankeatseaside.org marketing@frankeatseaside.org 1892 131 Sandy Stoll, Administrator Non-profit continuing care retirement community American Metals 4301 Meeting Street Road North Charleston, SC 29405 843-744-70321893 130 Jonathan Steinberg Closed for remodeling Closed for remodeling Charleston Steel & Metal Co. 2700 Spruill Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405 843-722-7278 www.charlestonsteelandmetal.com jsteinberg@charlestonsteelandmetal.com 1893 130 Bernard Steinberg, CEO; Jonathan Steinberg, President ; Barr y Wolff, Executive Vice President / General Manager Scrap metal purchaser and processor Processed scrap steel and metals Sadler Group of Charleston LLC 22 Windermere Blvd. Charleston, SC 29407 843-766-0261 www.sadlergroup.net1893 130 Thomas Sadler Commercial and industrial realtors Herald Office Solutions 3250 Tile Drive North Charleston, SC 29405 843-556-1007 www.heraldoffice.com info@heraldoffice.com 1894 129 Lauren Livengood, Director of Furniture Sales Local, family-owned business since 1894 Supplies, furniture, equipment, printing, breakroom and janitorial Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP 151 Meeting St., Suite 600 Charleston, SC 29401 843-853-5200 www.nelsonmullins.com info@nelsonmullins.com 1897 126 John C. McElwaine, Managing Partner Full-ser vice law firm Securities law, corporate law, litigation-products, commercial, drug and device, intellectual property, labor and employment, environmental, state The Steadman Agency Inc. 8 Vandenhorst St Charleston, SC 29403 843-723-4001 www.steadmanagency.com1897 126 Paul Steadman, President Insurance agency Residential and commercial coastal properties Croghan's Jewel Box 308 King Street Charleston, SC 29401www.croghansjewelbox.com/1903 120 Mariana Hay Oldest family-owned jewelr y store in Charleston First Palmetto Bank 1636 Highway 17 North Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 843-329-2265 www.firstpalmetto.com support@firstpalmetto.com 1904 119 David Ryan, Vice President/City Executive Commercial and Residential lender Home Telecom 579 Stoney Landing Road Moncks Corner, SC 29461 888-746-4482 www.business.homesc.com weborders@homtelco.com 1904 119 Robert Edwards, Vice President of Sales Local telecommunications; internet provider High-speed internet, app-based video, voice, security and home automation Omar Shrine Convention Center 176 Patriots Point Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-606-2107 www.omarshriners.org rentals@omarshriners.org 1907 116 Dennis Weaver, Recorder Non-profit providing care for kids Hall, stage, audio/visual, two meeting rooms Charleston Harbor Tours & Events 10 Wharfside St. Charleston , SC 29413 843-722-1112 www.charlestonharbortours.com sales@charlestonharbortours.com 1908 115 Drew K. Yochum, VP Sales & Marketing Offering Charleston tours by land and sea Fleet of 4 vessels on Charleston Harbor for private dinner/cocktail cruises, special tours, weddings, rehearsal dinners and any special event Timrod Literar y & Librar y Association 217 Central Ave. Summer ville, SC 29483 843-871-4600 www.timrodlibrar y.org thetimrodlibrar y@gmail.com 1908 115 Carol Scally, Librar
Membership
A
172
Charleston,
843-722-4088
y Director
librar y
variety of print, audio, and video materials Ashley Hall
Rutledge Ave.
SC 29403
www.ashleyhall.org admission@ashleyhall.org
114
Private
Academics,
Gray
375
St. Charleston,
843-722-4444
113
Offering
221
843-761-8888
111
Banking,
Dr. Anne Thornhill Weston, Head of School
school for girls ser ving K-12th grades
arts, athletics, programs
Line of Charleston
Meeting
SC 29403
www.graylineofcharleston.com charleston@grayline.com 1910
Rick Mosteller, Owner
Farmers & Merchants Bank of South Carolina
E. Main St. Moncks Corner, SC 29461
www.fmbsc.com info@fmbsc.com 1912
Charles W Singletar y, Jr , Branch Manager Bank

Business Digest At Work

NOAA awards $6.2 million grant to Nature Conservancy in SC

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration transformational habitat and coastal resilience program has selected the Nature Conservancy in South Carolina for a $6.2 million grant.

The grant will support a three-pronged approach to scaling up the use of living shorelines to strengthen the state’s coastal resilience.

First, it will support installation and monitoring of the largest oyster-castle living shoreline in South Carolina, adjacent to Department of Defense infrastructure. This planned 2,000-foot reef will be built with concrete oyster castles and primarily will protect the Laurel Bay area in Beaufort, which houses personnel for the Marine Corps Air Station.

In addition, it will accelerate existing efforts to implement living shoreline projects in underserved communities in Jasper, Colleton, Georgetown and Horry counties through a partnership with the South Carolina Office of Resilience and Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.

It also will help stakeholder groups with a two-year planning process to develop a 10-year vision for coastal resilience projects in the state, focusing on living shorelines. The 2019 South Carolina floodwater commission report emphasized the connection between coastal ecosystems and coastal communities and called for an immediate scaling up of living shorelines for their direct impact in safeguarding coastal communities.

This funding is part of a larger NOAA announcement under the bipartisan infrastructure law. The projects aim to help strengthen the climate resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities across the country.

The report also recommended creation of the South Carolina Office of Resilience to address the immediate needs of communities and implement long-term solutions to address environmental changes and natural hazards. The office is responsible for planning and coordinating statewide resilience, long-term recovery and hazard mitigation.

In the first year of the project, the living shoreline will be installed next to the Marine Corps Air Station on the Broad River in Beaufort. This project also encapsulates the goals of the Lowcountry Sentinel Landscape partnership to connect military and community partners and strengthen military and coastal resilience by promoting activities outside the fence line, with the goal of reducing vulnerabilities to climate change, protecting critical infrastructure, and helping to sustain military mission capabilities.

Outreach center at The Citadel will support veteran small business owners

The Citadel is hosting a center designed to help South Carolina’s veterans start or expand their small businesses. The college has been awarded funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide training and counseling to aspiring and existing veteran small business owners as part of the Veterans Transformational Learning Initiative, which encompasses the Veterans Business Outreach Center.

The program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services, such as business training and counseling, to service members leaving the military, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and their spouses. The center works closely with the SBA to conduct Boots to Business classes and to offer workshops, training, counseling, and mentorship opportunities in the area as well as opportunities to secure business loans.

Housed inside the Tommy and Victoria Baker School of Business, The Citadel’s VTLI offers training and opportunities to service members and their spouses. In addition, it provides business planning, assistance accessing capital, marketing, and outreach and transitioning assistance to veterans and active-duty service members interested in starting or growing a small business.

The U.S. Small Business Administration allocated a total of $3.5 million in grant

awards to six support outreach organizations focused on veteran small business owners, with The Citadel representing the state of South Carolina.

The Citadel’s VTLI team consists of advisors with whom each veteran can work to conduct entrepreneurial development workshops, assess their entrepreneurial needs and requirements, prepare business plans, provide mentorship and more.

The VTLI is in Bastin Hall in Room 328. Those interested in, and who qualify for, the VBOC’s services are encouraged to make an appointment or stop by.

Roper St. Francis Healthcare Hospitals earn top safety ratings

Every hospital at Roper St. Francis Healthcare earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade for patient safety in The Leapfrog Group ratings. Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, Roper Hospital, Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital, and Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant received the highest marks given for protecting patients from preventable harm and errors.

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, runs a hospital ratings program based on preventable medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public.

The Leapfrog Group assigns A, B, C, D, or F grades to general hospitals across the coun-

try based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems that hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

than 40,000 South Carolina households. The child of a military family, Wright grew up in a home dedicated to helping others, her nominators said. Her mother worked as a family services volunteer on base. Her father served in the U.S. Air Force and achieved the rank of chief master sergeant. She credits her parents’ legacy as the inspiration for her enduring passion to serve.

Dominion employee who advocates for teachers is Volunteer of the Year

A Lowcountry resident who distributes free school supplies to teachers in need has been honored by her employer as a 2023 Dominion Energy Volunteer of the Year. Mary Ann Wright, a customer assistance supervisor for Dominion Energy in Charleston, has served on the Teachers’ Supply Closet board of directors since 2016. In April, she was recognized as a top company volunteer for her years of service to the North Charleston nonprofit.

The organization is also receiving a $5,000 donation from Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. Wright and her team attended more than 230 in-person community events in 2022, reaching more

Dominion Energy employees across 16 states are eligible for the Benjamin J. Lambert III Volunteer of the Year award. Wright was one of six winners selected for their outstanding contributions to education, the environment and other critical needs in the communities where they work and live.

Fore Foundation raises $15,000 for SC Alzheimer’s Association

The Fore Foundation raised $15,000 for

BUSINESS DIGEST | PEOPLE IN THE NEWS | HOT PROPERTIES
See BUSINESS DIGEST, Page 21
Volunteers work through the Nature Conservancy to strengthen South Carolina’s coastline. (Photo/ Provided) Mary Ann Wright is pictured with teacher Bridget Anderson at the Teachers’ Supply Closet. (Photo/ Provided) Representatives of the Fore Foundation present a check for $15,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association. (Photo/Provided)

the Alzheimer’s Association at its annual Fore Alz! Golf Classic. The charity golf event took place at Snee Farm Country Club in Mount Pleasant. The foundation’s annual event raised $5,000 in 2021 and $10,000 in 2022 for the Alzheimer’s Association.

This year’s sponsors included Michael Green (Apollon Wealth Management), Jennifer McKenzie (Brightway Insurance-The McKenzie Agency), Steve Kelleher (Kelleher Properties), Dominick Antonino (Quintessential Mortgage Group), Brandon Barnes (The Charleston House Guy), Nick Cantatore (Home Insurance Agency), Nathan Redmond (Crave Hotdogs and BBQ), The RiverDogs, Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co., Service Master, Biggby Coffee, Scramblers Golf, Joshua and Anna Marie Long (Senior Resource Specialists), Crescent Hospice, Kids Teeth, Iron Tribe Fitness Mount Pleasant, Robb Baker (Interim Health Care), Titleist, Island Brands USA, Blue Heron Research Partners, Service Master, and SWBC Mortgage Corporation.

Proceeds from the event benefit The Alzheimer’s Association, South Carolina Chapter, in Anderson, which serves 46 counties in South Carolina.

ed recently honored three local leaders in philanthropy with its 2023 awards.

The 2023 Nonprofit Leader of the Year is Stephanie M. Kelley, executive director of East Cooper Community Outreach. During her tenure, the organization tripled its funding, allowing it to serve a growing number of people in need. The organization has been named Nonprofit of the Year east of the Cooper several years in a row. In 2022 it was awarded the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award and received a grant of $175,000. Its partnership with Trident United Way has furthered the mission of both organizations. Kelley works with Trident United Way to coordinate Days of Caring efforts.

This year’s Hands-On Hero of the Year is Danielle Hardee-Richardson, of We Are Sharing Hope SC. Hardee-Richardson embraces volunteerism by involving her workplace in such service efforts as Trident United Way’s Days of Caring, Young Leaders United School Supply Drive, the African American Leadership Council’s Virtual Reading Project, and the Random Acts of Kindness Drive. At Trident United Way, she has been on the steering committee of the African American Leadership Council and served on the Program Investment Review Council and the Community Engagement Review Council.

In addition, Prioleau has sponsored three annual events for individuals with special needs and their families. During her nearly 30 years of teaching at Cross Elementary and Cross High, she was twice named Teacher of the Year.

Monique Wilsondebriano, of Charleston Gourmet Burger Company, delivered the keynote speech at the awards luncheon.

to three school districts in rural South Carolina for its Smiles for a Lifetime program. The Welvista school-based children’s dental program provides preventive and restorative services to children in grades K-12 in rural South Carolina counties.

School districts in Allendale, Clarendon and Hampton counties each received a new vehicle, enabling each school district to transport children to the Smiles for a Lifetime dental center in its region. Since 2001, the program has provided services to more than 20,000 children and performed more than 120,000 restorative services. It operates during school hours, provides transportation for the children, and doesn’t charge out-of-pocket cost for these services.

Pyramid Contracting Awarded Galeana CDR+ J Dealership Project

Pyramid Contracting has been selected as the general contractor for the new Galeana Automotive Dealership in Mount Pleasant. This ground-up project includes development of 22 acres and construction of a new 45,400-square-foot showroom/service building. The scope of work includes a body shop and paint booth on a design/build format. It is Pyramid Contracting’s fourth ground-up project with Galeana Motor Group.

Trident United Way’s Women United recognizes philanthropy leaders

Trident United Way’s Women Unit-

People in the News

BUSINESS SERVICES

Four clients of the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers were recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration-South Carolina District Office for outstanding achievement in special categories significant to the small business community.

Tremaine Moore, of Naturally Geechee, was named the 2023 South Carolina Female Small Business Person of the Year; Marvin Ross, of Peculiar Pig Farm, was named the South Carolina Minority Small Business Person of the Year; and Michael O’Shaughnessy Williams, of Calavera Tool Works, was named South Carolina Rural Small Business Owner of the Year. Joseph Wilson Jr., of Toll Solutions, was named the National Exporter of the Year. The Greenville area center, led by area manager and business consultant Earl Gregorich, was honored as the state’s Center of Excellence and Innovation.

The 2023 Role Model of the Year is community leader, advocate, and educator Theresa Prioleau. Through her organization, Communities Helping to Encourage Change in Kids, Prioleau has sponsored dozens of events to benefit the eight rural communities served by Cross High and Cross Elementary schools. These events have provided numerous joint-community youth fairs, afterschool tutorials and leadership programs. Theresa has also sponsored 25 annual Kids’ Day events for the students and their families in Cross, Eadytown, Pineville, St. Stephens, Pringletown, Ridgeville, Eutawville and Holly Hill.

EDUCATION

The Dorchester School District Two board of trustees has named two current district administrators to serve as principals. Jennifer Bates is now principal at Dr. Eugene Sires Elementary School, and Beth Fiorito is now principal at Alston Middle School.

Bates, who was assistant principal at Knightsville Elementary School, has 25 years of experience. Her previous roles include student teacher at Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary School, fourth and fifth grade, Read 180, and a special education resource teacher at Beech Hill Elementary School, district Elementary special education curriculum interven-

Welvista donates new vehicles to 3 School districts for Smiles for a Lifetime

Welvista has donated new vehicles

EcoSteris hosts grand opening reception

EcoSteris, a new South Carolina biomedical waste treatment facility, held its grand opening at 112 Fabricators St., Summerville. The event included a demonstration of its fully automated operation and explanation of its sustainable approach to biomedical waste treatment. Todd Friddle, chair of Dorchester County Council, attended the grand opening. The company’s chief executive officer and co-founder is Youmna Squalli. David Squalli is chief operating officer. CRBJ

tionist, Title I facilitator, and assistant principal at Windsor Hill. She earned her bachelor’s in elementary education from the College of Charleston, her master’s in special education from the University of Charleston, her master’s in elementary school administration and leadership from Charleston Southern University, and her National Board certificate as a middle childhood generalist.

Fiorito, who was assistant principal at Alston Middle School, has 22 years of experience. Her previous roles were on the elementary and middle school levels, including teaching third through fifth grade and then sixth and seventh grade English language arts and academic core extension at DuBose Middle School. Fiorito earned her bachelor’s in elementary education from the University of South Carolina, her master’s from Cambridge College, her educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Liberty

University, her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Liberty University, and her National Board certificate for K-12 literacy.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Marci Williams has joined First Reliance Bank as vice president account executive/ residential lending specialist and will work out of the Charleston, Mount Pleasant branch. She will assist customers with their mortgage financing needs and identify partner opportunities throughout the Southeast. She will be responsible for sales in retail and the correspondent/wholesale partSee PEOPLE, Page 22

www.charlestonbusiness.com 21 July 10-23, 2023
BUSINESS DIGEST, from Page 20
(left to right) Prioleau, Hardee-Richardson and Kelley were this year’s award recipients. (Photo/ Provided) This rendering shows Pyramid’s fourth project for Galeana Motor Group. (Rendering/Provided) Welvista made these three cars available to a program that provides dental services for school children. (Photo/Provided) Attendees gather at the biomedical waste treatment center’s grand opening. (Photo/Provided) Fiorito Williams

JULY 24 STARTUPS

Lists: Business Assistance Organizations

Advertising Deadline: July 10

AUGUST 7

REAL ESTATE

Lists: Commercial Real Estate Firms & Residential Real Estate Firms

Advertising Deadline: July 24

SEPTEMBER 4 EDUCATION

Lists: Colleges & Universities; Technical Colleges

Advertising Deadline: August 21

ner channels. Williams has more than 19 years of mortgage lending experience, with most of this time spent serving lenders and homebuyers throughout the Southeast as a vice president for a large mortgage insurance company.

She is a graduate of the College of Charleston, where she earned a degree in corporate communications and played Division I soccer. She earned the Accredited Mortgage Professional certification from the National Mortgage Bankers Association and currently serves on the board of the Mortgage Lenders Association of Charleston.

Afaxys LLC announced that Pamela Shepherd has been named senior vice president and chief financial officer. Shepherd will serve as treasurer of the company, as a member of the executive team and will oversee every aspect of financial management. Shepherd succeeds Doug Hooper, who recently retired. Shepherd was most recently managing director of Manna Tree Partners, a private equity firm dedicated to improving human health where she was responsible for investment underwriting and portfolio leadership. Prior to her role in private equity, she was the chief operating officer and chief financial officer of the Boppy Co., a global consumer products company dedicated to supporting mothers. About Afaxys Afaxys, whose name is derived from a combination of affordable and access, is a first-of-its-kind socially conscious health care company inspired by the need to solve a public health crisis.

LAW

For advertising information, contact Ryan Downing at rdowning@scbiznews.com

Burnie Maybank

III, a former two-time director of the South Carolina Department of Revenue and a state and local tax law and economic development attorney, has joined Adams and Reese in the intersection of business and government practice group. He works in both the Columbia and Charleston offices. Maybank represents public/private businesses, commercial real estate developers, manufacturers, and nonprofits in state and local tax controversy issues and in economic development incentives. He has additional experience in tax-exempt issues, charitable giving, conservation easements, alcohol beverage control, and regulatory work before the Public Service Commission.

Maybank co-authored economic development incentives and released Department of Revenue policy documents on the incentives when he served as director. In addition, he co-authored “South Carolina

Tax Incentives for Economic Development.”

State and local tax controversy work is a large area of Maybank’s practice. He represents taxpayers in Administrative Law Court, Court of Appeals, and South Carolina Supreme Court cases, as well as writing amicus briefs for various local and state tax councils, business chambers, and manufacturing alliances.

Maybank served two terms as chair of the job development credit act subcommittee of the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development. He was a part of several statewide transition teams and agencies for South Carolina governors and treasurers, including the transportation infrastructure study committee on the benefits of public/private partnerships to improve the state’s roads, highways, and bridges, and the SC Tax Realignment Commission, serving as chair to oversee the comprehensive state tax restructuring plan.

MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Makeready has hired Whitney Dang as director of sales and marketing at the Emeline hotel. She brings more than 10 years of experience in hospitality, with eight of those years in the sales and marketing department, to the Emeline team.

Dang leads the sales and marketing teams and works closely with the executive leadership team to continue to build the Emeline brand.

A graduate of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Dang has a bachelor of science in hospitality management. She most recently served as the director of sales, marketing and events at Andaz Savannah, a boutique hotel in Savannah’s historic district. Before that, she was the area director of sales and marketing for Quirk Richmond and Charlottesville, a boutique, arts-focused hotel group in Virginia.

Avery Ashley and Nick Escobar have joined Brandon’s client services team.

A graduate of Clemson University, Ashley, a junior project manager and account coordinator, maintains budgets, acts as liaison between internal teams, manages project scope, and communicates with clients. Escobar, a University of Kentucy graduate, focuses on building and maintaining working relations with clients through managing budgets, billing, approving all internal client work, and leading the strategic planning of programs and projects. CRBJ

22 www.charlestonbusiness.com July 10-23, 2023
Shepherd Maybank Dang
PEOPLE,
Ashley Escobar
from Page 21
your market in an upcoming issue of the Charleston Regional Business Journal
Target

AND READERS’ LETTERS

A recession is inevitable – but when?

With every passing month the Conference Board’s index of leading indicators continues to decline and economists become even more convinced that a recession is on the immediate horizon. The problem is that the economy is not cooperating. Businesses are still eagerly hiring workers. Hourly wages are rising. As a result, consumer income is climbing, which provides the fuel for further spending in the months ahead.

While spending remains solid for now it will eventually decline. For an early hint of when consumer angst has risen to point that a recession is imminent we focus on the two biggest ticket items in a consumer’s budget — housing and autos. The housing market is hanging in there. Existing home sales are struggling because there is little available supply so potential home buyers have switched to new homes which are more readily available. Car and truck sales have risen in recent months as supply constraints have abated.

If the economy were truly on the cusp of a recession, we would expect consumers to curtail spending on these two big ticket items but they have not done so. Why? Because interest rates are not high enough to cause employers to lay off workers. Once that happens, consumers worry about whether they will have a job

six months from now and will want to save some money. The resulting cutback in spending will begin with the two big ticket items and spread from there. But we are not at that point. Rates need to keep climbing.

The index of leading indicators declined again in May. It has fallen for 15 consecutive months and has been signaling recession for a year. This index has never fallen so far for so long without the economy slipping into a recession. Having said that, the long-anticipated recession is far overdue. While many economists are forecasting a recession in the second half of this year, we are not amongst them. For the expected recession to become reality we think the Fed needs to push rates higher than it or anybody else envisions at the moment.

When the economy is about to slide into recession we will initially see home sales and car sales begin to decline because these are the two biggest ticket items in any consumer’s budget. We can save more money by postponing the purchase of a new home and/or extending the life of the current car for another year or two. For now these two harbingers of troubled times ahead are not flashing warning signs.

Existing home sales hit bottom in January but the subsequent rebound has been anemic. But the lack of vibrancy has not been caused by a shortfall in demand. In fact, properties remained on the market for just 18 days in May which is one of the shortest lengths of time between listing and sale ever. Seventy-four percent of the homes sold in May were on the market for less than a month.

The anemic rebound in sales was caused by an acute shortage of homes available for sale. In May there was a three-month supply of homes on the market, which is roughly one-half of the six-month supply that is required to balance supply and demand. The realtor simply has few homes available to show prospective buyers, some of which will not be the proper size, not close enough to a school, too expensive, or in need of repair. So, what do they do? They check out a new home. At 683,000 new home sales are roughly in line with where they were prior to the recession because there is a more substantial 7.6 month supply on the market.

The other big ticket item, car sales, has risen in recent months as supply constraints that existed a year or so ago have disappeared. While somewhat lumpy from month to month, at 15 million units car sales are almost 20% higher than they were a year ago and seem to be climbing. The consumer is showing no reluctance to purchase a new vehicle.

We suggest that the economy is unlikely to fall into recession until such time as consumers begin to worry about their jobs. Currently the economy is cranking out 283,000 jobs per month. Meanwhile, job openings at 10.1 million have slipped from their peak but are far higher than the 7 million pace that existed prior to the recession. The demand for labor continues to far outstrip supply.

If firms continue to hire and hourly wages continue to climb, income will grow. After a long period of decline, real disposable income has risen 3.4% in the past year. Income growth will provide

fuel for the consumer to keep spending.

While the economy is continuing to expand and is frustrating the naysayers, it is not bulletproof. The day of reckoning will come when interest rates have climbed to a level that business leaders decide that they need to reduce headcount, and when consumers wonder if they will have a job six months hence. At that point they will begin to curtail spending — with houses and cars leading the way.

We are guessing that the peak in the funds rate will be around the 6.0% mark by late fall which will boost the real funds rate to +1.4%. Currently with the funds rate at 5.25% and the core CPI at 5.3%, the real funds rate is 0% which is not high enough to induce fear in anyone. The Fed needs to keep going.

From 1980 until 2003, when he retired, Stephen Slifer served as chief U.S. economist for Lehman Brothers in New York City, directing the rm’s U.S. economics group along with being responsible for forecasts and analysis of the U.S. economy. He has written two books on using economic indicators to forecast nancial moves and previously served as a senior economist at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C. Slifer can be reached at www.numbernomics.com.

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