The residential housing market for the first six months of 2023 continues a trend of fewer closings and higher prices across South Carolina, according to data from the S.C. Realtors Association.
That data follows figures from 2022 when the number of homes sold was down by 12.5% from 2021 but the average sales price was up 12.6% for the year, said the S.C. Realtors’ Housing Market Report 2022.
In 2022, home prices hit a sales price of more than $393,865 on average and a median price of $315,000. The highest median home prices were in the Hilton Head market, where homes sold for a median price of $485,000. The Charleston Trident market came in second highest with a meidan home price of $398,810.
The lowest median home price was in the Central Carolina market, which
includes Orangeburg, Calhoun, Bamberg, Clarendon, Barnwell and Lexington counties with an average median price of $189,900.
Across the state, four out of 16 markets reported median home prices above the statewide average for 2022.
Residential inventory for sale, which was a problem before the pandemic caused chaos in all areas of the economy, was down nearly 39% in 2020 and anther 32.5% in 2021. End of year inventory showed a significant bounce back in 2022 with a 67.4% increase with 19,181 homes up for sale.
Residential real estate also sold faster last year than any time during the past five years, the Realtor’s association reported. In 2022, homes stayed up for sale an average of 48 days, which is down an average of two days from the year before, but down from 76 days in 2020.
South Carolina’s average home price went up by more than 12% from 2021 to 2022, but the state actually saw fewer closings from the previous year.
Closings of homes hit a five-year high in 2021 after a post-pandemic bounce from 2020. However, that number dropped by more than 12% in 2022, annual data show.
From January to June, closings are down 19.2% statewide and median home prices are up 3.6% compared to 2022.
Sources: SC Realtors, Annual Report on the South Carolina Housing Market 2022
“We’re designing new programs from scratch with the participation of industry leaders and meeting all those needs that industry leaders tell us are important.”
— College of Charleston President Andrew Hsu
Greenville Rebel Rabbit co-founders Billy Goldsmith and Pierce Wylie both have personal experiences that shaped their new business venture — a nonalcoholic beverage brand — that they hope will “change the culture of drinking.”
Their manufacturing site is the former Brewery 85 location at 6 Whitlee Court in Greenville — a seven-acre property.
Upstate Beverage Consultants acquired the building. Services include research and development, custom flavor formulation, beverage co-packing, packaging, sourcing and procurement, supply chain management and logistics, and branding and marketing.
Wylie spent nearly eight years working in behavioral health, and he and Goldsmith have been friends since the first grade, he said.
“Billy was in (alcohol) recovery, and I was helping treat people with addictions,” he said.
Goldsmith said the business was more or less created out of need during a time he was abstaining from alcohol.
“These are experiences near to our hearts,” said Goldsmith. “To make a drink that is still fun but effective for us as well.”
Wylie said he and Goldsmith noticed a gap in the market, especially in the Upstate, for non-alcoholic beverage manufacturing, more specifically, cannabis beverages with natural ingredients.
“We spent a few years building our own boutique brand,” said Wylie. “As we were doing our due diligence, there weren’t really any in South Carolina.”
More broadly, he added, they also noticed what looked like a saturated brewery market, but no non-alcoholic manufacturing facilities.
“We want to change the culture of drinking and want to be inclusive of other things besides alcohol,” Wylie said. “Whether you’re younger or older, people are drinking less than ever before, especially in the Gen Z age group. We want to provide these safer and healthier options to drink and want to pioneer and normalize having a drink other than alcohol.”
Rebel Rabbit’s line of beverages contain hemp-derived Delta-9 THC. The beverages are alcohol-free but created to provide a similar feeling of relaxation and enjoyment without the dehydrating effects or “next-day hangover” of alcohol. Hemp-derived THC is federally legal at certain concentrations due to the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, according to a news release.
Wylie and Goldsmith are currently speaking with several different companies within a wide beverage range — crafts sodas, lemonades, energy drinks, ready-to-drink mocktails, etc.
“We want to emulate a feeling of creative functional ingredients in our beverage products to bring to the market,” said Wylie. “Society is dominated by alcohol, a large piece of all social gatherings, of social functions, and it was not helping us. Alcohol isn’t the best way to destress, it can cause anxiety and depression among other things. UBC and Rebel share this same mission and flipping the narrative upside down that alcohol is not the only way. There are other options, and we want to create a platform that supports this, using our life experiences of falling into the trap of drinking alcohol. We know our stories aren’t unique to us but reducing America’s alcohol consumption is the goal for us, and that’s why we are passionate about it.”
The pair want to get the ball rolling in the next 60-90 days while they wait on state licensing.
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Harbor Entrepreneur Center leaders were joined Aug. 4 by business and political leaders in celebrating the return of the center to Mount Pleasant. The center’s new offices are at 11 Ewall St.
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center was established to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem for students, veterans, career changers and businesses to develop new enterprises and ideas to grow in the Charleston region, according to a news release.
With major support from the town of Mount Pleasant, the 38,00-square-foot facility provides a collaborative space to inspire, educate and elevate entrepreneurial organizations, venture capital investment and innovation. The HEC currently houses more than 50 high-growth locally owned companies, the news release stated.
“Entrepreneurs are primary drivers of innovation, job creation and prosperity,” HEC Executive Director Grady Johnson said in the release. “The financial backing of the town of Mount Pleasant, the South Carolina Research Authority, Charleston County Economic Development, and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance gives us this incredible opportunity to make entrepreneurial resources available to all members of our community.”
Mayor Will Haynie welcomed the HEC by saying, “The town of Mount Pleasant is thrilled and honored to have been selected as the location for the Harbor Entrepreneur Center. Their being the lead agent in technology and entrepreneurship for the One Region Roadmap Commission, of which I’ve been a member since inception, is further proof that Mount Pleasant is the place for innovation, technology, and economic growth.”
The mission of the HEC is to support the economic vitality of the region “through
the collision of thinkers, doers and visionaries. When entrepreneurs collide, ideas are exchanged, relationships are built, and business growth accelerates.”
South Carolina Research Authority Executive Director Bob Quinn; Councilmembers Howard Chapman, John Iacofano and Jake Rambo; HEC co-founder Patrick Bryant; HEC Chaos Coordinator Kim McManus; Charleston County Economic Development Senior Director Ashley Richardson; Charleston Regional Development Alliance President David Ginn; Catch Talent founder Christina Lock; Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments Regional Economic Development Specialist Ryan Wilcox; Kevin Gathmann of Cushman & Wakefield Inc.; and Amin Yachnes of JRS Coding School took part in the ceremony.
For more information on available office space and programming at the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, email Johnson at grady@harborec.com. CRBJ
By Ross Norton rnorton@scbiznews.com
Australia’s Qantas Group has chosen Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner to modernize its widebody fleet to modernize its widebody fleet with an order for four 787-9 and eight 787-10 airplanes.
Boeing and Qantas said in a news release Aug. 24 the Dreamliner’s enhanced fuel efficiency and environmental performance is pivotal to the carrier’s global growth strategy to reduce its carbon emissions over the next decade.
"This is another multi-billion-dollar investment in the national carrier, and it's great news for our customers and our people," Alan Joyce, Qantas Group CEO, said in the news release. "The 787 and the GE engines fitted to them are thoroughly proven and extremely capable."
The 787 enables Qantas to meet its near- and long-term sustainability goals, reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 25% and featuring quieter engines compared to previous generation jets, the company said in the release. The airplanes are also capable of flying on a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, an important pathway to reducing emissions. The new order
is part of Qantas' major fleet renewal program that is significantly increasing the carrier's overall fuel efficiency each year.
"With its market-leading environmental performance, the 787 Dreamliner is central to Qantas' unwavering commitment to operate one of the most sustainable and capable fleets in the airline industry," Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in the release. "Both the 787-9 and 787-10 offer enhanced efficiency, flexibility and passenger
comfort to connect Australia and destinations around the world."
Capable of flying an expansive international route network, the operating economics of the 787 family enables Qantas to open new routes and add more flights to its existing network, the company said. The 787-9 can fly up to 7,565 nautical miles, connecting Australia to North America and Europe. The larger 787-10 with a range of 6,330 nautical miles, will enable the airline to serve many popular international and regional routes.
Currently, Qantas has a fleet of 14 787-9 jets.
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
Trident Medical Center in August submitted a Certificate of Need to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to build a $277 million hospital on Johns Island. The application is for a 50-bed acute care hospital between Maybank Highway and Cane Slash Road, across from the Live Oak Square development.
Projections for Johns Island Hospital show that within the first three years it will create nearly 300 jobs, contribute $10 million in non-income taxes to support the community and pay $70 million in salaries, wages and benefits, the organization said in a release.
“We are excited to continue making medical care more accessible to residents in our historically underserved communities,” Trident Health President and CEO Christina Oh said in the news release. “Currently on Johns Island and neighboring communities, it can take residents 30 to 45 minutes to drive to their nearest hospital, and often longer in heavy traffic and inclement weather. Our goal is to increase access to timely, high quality and affordable health care services.”
Trident Medical Center’s chief of the medical staff and medical director of emergency services, Dr. Scott Hayes, said he sees firsthand the results of delayed care.
“For residents who live far from emergency medical care and who may be experiencing a medical emergency like a heart attack or a stroke, minutes can mean the difference between life and death,” he said in the news release. “Access to care close to home is critical, especially in areas like Johns Island and the surrounding communities, that have frequent traffic delays.”
Trident Health surgeon Dr. Thomas Litton, who lived on Johns Island for 20 years and recently moved from
there largely due to increasing traffic congestion and limited access routes off the island, said, “The rapid population growth and development of Johns Island, as well as its role as the sole gateway to Kiawah, Seabrook and Wadmalaw Islands, has created a strong need for a full-service hospital in the area. Residents on those islands have never had a full-service hospital. Trident’s hospital on Johns Island and their freestanding ER on James Island will greatly improve residents’ access to much-needed medi-
cal care.”
Johns Island Hospital will be located seven miles from James Island Emergency, Trident’s new freestanding ER at 945 Folly Road, Charleston, that will open in the next few weeks.
Plans call for Johns Island Hospital to have 50 beds with space to expand to 150 beds, 40 medical/surgical/stepdown beds, 10 ICU beds, 20 ER rooms, four operating rooms, two endoscopy suites and a cardiac catheterization lab. The hospital also would have two CT scanners, an MRI, two diagnostic radiology suites and a fluoroscopy room.
In addition to the hospital, services would include medical offices for primary care and specialists as well as outpatient imaging and support such as breast imaging, rehabilitation and other outpatient therapy services.
“From our first discussions about building a hospital on Johns Island, we have been committed to creating a thoughtful plan that preserves the natural beauty of Johns Island,” Oh said in the release. “We will honor the strong Gullah Geechee cultures of the community; we will partner with the areas’ community and businesses; and will promote the important and unique contributions of Johns Island’s agricultural community.”
The proposed Johns Island Hospital is in addition to nearly $140M in capital investments currently underway at Trident Health’s hospitals, Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center. CRBJ
The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce has found a place to call home at 534 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.
With a 2,000-square-foot facility and partnership with Pinnacle Financial Partners, the location is designed to provide space for growing staff and have a physical presence in the community, according to a news release. The space will be used to host meetings with members, board meetings, committee meetings and some of their events such as new-member coffees. Once signage and staff are in place, the offices will be open to the public.
“The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce has been aspiring to have a physical location in Mount Pleasant for years,” MPCC President Jennifer Maxwell said in the news release. “It is very exciting that we were able to partner with Pinnacle Bank on a lease to make this a reality. This is crucial
as part of our plan to continue to grow and support the businesses and community east of the Cooper.”
The chamber’s mission is to encourage business and community success.
“The people of the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce are incredible partners to the entire business community and share Pinnacle’s passion for improving the quality of life for everyone who lives and works here,” Karina Garrison, office leader at Pinnacle Financial Partners and chamber secretary, said in the release.
“That made this a very easy decision. The chamber is a major driver of our community’s economic wins and has proven itself to be committed to business and community success east of the Cooper. We just feel fortunate to get to play a part in their future.”
A grand opening and ribbon cutting with the town of Mount Pleasant is planned for later. CRBJ
Staff Report
The dogs of Summerville soon will have a new place to play, enjoy a spa day and spend the night.
The new Dogtopia of Summerville is hosting an open house from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday at 619 Myers Road, ahead of its opening.
This event will give prospective pups and their families a look into the day care, boarding and spa services offered at Dogtopia, which is new to Summerville.
Dogtopia emphasizes the importance of socialization, exercise and education for dogs, according to a news release. Dogtopia
The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education is partnering with the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation to make $10 million in financial assistance available to students in graduate level nurse educator programs who are willing to become nursing faculty after graduation.
The new program is an effort to address the state’s nursing shortage, according to a news release.
The General Assembly has allocated $10 million for fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24 in general appropriations bills to address the shortage, the release said. The bill specified that half of the funding should be used to supplement nursing faculty salaries at public institutions, while the second half would be used for financial assistance.
The assistance will come in the form of tuition reimbursement and will cover up to $30,000 per academic year per student pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree or Ph.D programs at public colleges and universities for up to three years, with a maximum amount of $90,000, the release said.
The program is based on the Student Loan Corporation’s BOLD (Better Outcomes, Less Debt) tuition reimbursement model, which was designed to better integrate the application, education and employment processes. Standard BOLD repayment terms will apply to recipients who fail to fulfill the terms of the agreement.
In fall 2022, the Commission formed a working group to address the nursing shortage that included public and private institutions offering nursing programs, the South Carolina Hospital Association, the South Carolina Technical College System, South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities and the Student Loan Corp., according to the release. The group was charged with analyzing current data and developing plans to distribute the funds from the state. CRBJ
ensures dogs are placed in rooms with pups of similar size, play style and temperament
and are monitored by a staff of professionally trained canine coaches. Playrooms are
“LS3P brings a history of 60 years of design excellence to communities across the Southeast. With a visionbased commitment to create architecture that enriches community, our mission is simple – engage our clients and communities to design meaningful places with proven results that transform. We are proud to have SouthState as our financial partner working through leadership and volunteerism toward the shared mission of building strong, vibrant communities throughout the Southeast.”
Marc Marchant CEO | LS3P
climate-controlled and built with rubber flooring to protect dogs’ paws and joints, the release said.
“We are so excited to be opening Dogtopia in Summerville. We chose Summerville for its great sense of community, which matched the mission of Dogtopia perfectly,” owner Jackie Cotone said in the news release. “And now pet parents will have a place to bring their dog where they know they will be safe and loved.”
Dogtopia recently held a kickoff charity event, Pancakes for a Purpose, at Eggs Up Grill in Cane Bay, which raised more than $1,000 for the organization’s charitable arm, the Dogtopia Foundation. CRBJ
SouthState Bank takes great pride in serving local businesses, ensuring they have the tools, guidance and security they need to reach their unique goals.
South Carolina Ports enters fiscal year 2024 with numbers that continue to reflect a vigorous port operation as well as strength in the regional economy.
S.C. Ports handled 208,134 TEUs and 115,422 pier containers in July, according to a news release from the S.C. Ports Authority. TEU is a shipping industry measurement meaning 20-foot equivalent unit. Containers that take up most of the trailer on a tractor-trailer are 40-feet long.
Imports flowing into the Port of Charleston outperformed U.S. volumes with a 12% increase from June and a 3% increase year-over-year, the news release said. Exports were up 9% from last year.
Total container volume was down about 4% year-over-year in July, which the Ports Authority said was driven by lower exports of empty containers.
“Although overall volumes continue to reflect the tempered U.S. economy, the Southeast is booming and the U.S. East Coast port market continues to attract new cargo,” S.C. Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said in the release. “S.C. Ports is a powerhouse port on the East Coast with a reputation for providing reliable port service. We quickly work ships and efficiently
move cargo for our customers.”
While manufacturing and retail remain down in the United States, the Ports Authority says the Southeast market is thriving with an influx of new residents and industrial growth.
Port-dependent companies are investing in manufacturing facilities, electric vehicle operations and retail distribution centers.
These investments are expected to drive S.C. Ports’ cargo growth at a higher rate than national trends, the release said. The ports authority has invested more than $2 billion into critical port infrastructure and is currently building a $400 million intermodal yard to provide near-port rail to the Port of Charleston.
S.C. Ports’ two rail-served inland ports continue to yield strong vol-
umes, handling a combined 17,724 rail moves in July, which is a 55% increase year-over-year. Inland Port Dillon had a record-breaking July, reporting with 2,919 rail moves. Inland Port Greer also had a strong month with 14,805 rail moves in July.
The S.C. Ports are the eighth largest in the country and the deepest harbor on the East Coast. CRBJ
One of Charleston’s best-known private homes has new owners for the first time in generations.
58 Church Street, built around 1754, was represented by Middleton Rutledge of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty in the $3.35 million sale. Georgia Nettles, also of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, brought the buyer to this transaction before the home was put on the market, according to a news release from the brokerage.
The Pre-Revolutionary War residence was made famous by “Mrs. Whaley’s Garden,” a Loutrel Briggs-designed garden commissioned by Emily Whaley in the early 1940s and opened to the touring public for many years. Her best-selling memoir, Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden, is in its sixth printing. While owned by the Whaley family, Mrs. Whaley’s Garden was reportedly the most visited private garden in America.
Listing agent Middleton Rutledge said it was the firm’s desire to respect the home’s legacy through the sales process,
noting that it was once owned by Declaration of Independence Signer Thomas Heyward.
“This is an incredible piece of Charleston history, and representing the sale was a true privilege,” he said in the news release.
“We have an exceptional network of clients and a team of collaborative Realtors,” Chief Operating Officer Daniel Ravenel said of the in-house transaction. “This sale showcases what is possible when a client does their research and thoughtfully selects the right brokerage.”
Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty has closed more than $3 billion in real estate sales in 40 years in the Lowcountry. Joining the Sotheby’s International Realty brand in 2007, the company has taken its local market expertise and expanded into the international arena through a close partnership with the Sotheby’s Auction House and a referral network across affiliate offices worldwide. As of late 2021, the brokerage supports more than 110 agents throughout its home area of Charleston, with a newly-expanded presence in Savannah, Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. CRBJ
By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com
Frampton Construction Company
LLC, a full-service construction firm, has finished the construction of Delta Industrial Park in Gastonia, N.C.
The Class-A industrial park was developed by Trinity Capital Advisors and features an 876,587-square-foot facility, according to a Frampton news release.
Located on Delta Drive directly off Interstate 85, the park benefits from prominent roadway visibility and easy interstate access, the release stated. The cross-dock building is constructed of concrete tilt walls and structural steel, with a 40-foot clear height, 180 dock positions, and four drive-in doors.
Notable items in the scope of work included the installation of a fire water tank measuring 31 feet in diameter with a capacity of
138,000 gallons, and the construction of a 64-foot retaining wall consisting of approximately 10,000 segmental blocks, the release stated. Frampton also coordinated the complex construction of a new high-voltage transmission tower by Duke Energy.
“We’re very proud of our team and trade partners for delivering this high-quality industrial building,” Joey Smith, vice president of Frampton Construction, said in the release. “The site work on this project was a monumental task unlike any other project. Over one million cubic yards of dirt was moved to get the site pad-ready. The Frampton project team and all of our trade partners worked tirelessly through various challenges and delivered an incredible project.”
Merriman Schmitt Architects completed the design for the building. Thomas & Hutton served as the civil engineer, and JLL is handling leasing. Work on the site began in November 2021 and was completed in June 2023. CRBJ
The High Rise Cannabis Dry Bar, brought to Charleston by the team behind Charleston Hemp Collective and High Rise Beverage Co., is open for business.
The business serves a menu of mocktails featuring High Rise, a cannabis-infused seltzer.
Located inside the Charleston Hemp Collective retail location, guests can enjoy non-alcoholic libations while shopping Hemp Collectives’ full product line.
“Our goal with opening this ‘dry bar’ was to create a more elevated experience for those seeking nonalcoholic alternatives,” High Rise Beverage founder Matt Skinner said in a news release.
High Rise Cannabis Dry Bar is at 1989 Maybank Highway in Charleston. It is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The High Rise team plans to open a second location in Myrtle Beach this fall. CRBJ
Fetter Health Care Network has been awarded the Quality Improvement Fund Maternal Health grant, a $2 million award provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The grant, which totals more than $65 million dispersed amongst more than a dozen HRSA-funded health centers, is aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of prenatal care services throughout the Lowcountry, according to a news release. The award is part of a larger, whole-of-government strategy to improve U.S. maternal health, particularly in underserved communities.
As part of a larger two-year grant program, the award supports Fetter in improving maternal health services in racial and ethnic communities impacted by health disparities, the news release stated. Funds from this award will support initiatives to increase early access and dismantle barriers to prenatal care, improve maternal health outcomes and provide diabetes prevention. The grant also will assist in integrating maternal health with behavioral health services while introducing the CenteringPregnancy care model to Fetter’s prenatal offerings via an educational support group offered to expecting mothers.
“We are grateful for this support that enables us to make significant advancements
that promote the wellness of our community,” Fetter CEO Dr. Aretha Powers said in the release. “This grant will allow us to procure cutting-edge equipment and expand our care staff, ensuring that expectant Lowcountry mothers and their children receive the comprehensive care they deserve."
Fetter intends to invest in new equipment, including ultrasound machines, telehealth machines and exam beds, and increase availability of on-site and virtual prenatal care services, the release said. Funding will also support the expansion of its care staff.
Fetter women’s health services are available throughout its Lowcountry locations, with OB/GYN specialty services based out
of the Charleston Family Health Center in downtown Charleston and the Women & Children’s Annex of Thaddeus J. Bell MD Family Health Center in Summerville. For more information on Fetter’s services or to schedule an appointment, visit FetterHealthCare.org or call 843-722-4112.
The HHS award is provided through the Health Resources and Services Administration Health Center Program.
Fetter provides comprehensive services for insured, uninsured and underserved residents in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester counties. Fetter Health Care Network has 27 different sites, including mobile units, medical laboratories and pharmacies. CRBJ
WarriorWOD, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans, has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence Foundation.
The grant, provided as part of the foundation's goal to improve health care quality in the Carolinas, is intended to empower WarriorWOD to extend its mission and amplify its impact on veterans’ lives, according to a news release.
WarriorWOD's “Exercise is the RX” was designed to help veterans battling invisible wounds. These wounds, often stemming from traumatic experiences during service, can lead to increased substance abuse, self-destructive behaviors and suicide, the release said. With a focus on exercise, nutrition and mentorship, WarriorWOD is tackling those issues, offering veterans a path to recovery and a chance at renewed purpose.
One in five veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan experienc-
es post-traumatic stress or major depression, and the veteran suicide rate is 57.3% higher than that of their non-serving peers, the release said. One in 15 have a substance abuse disorder.
WarriorWOD's program addresses those challenges by providing veterans with tools to regain control over their lives. Through a six-month fitness regimen tailored to individual needs, bi-weekly support from certified nutritionists, and mentorship from fellow veterans who understand their experi-
ences, participants see an average 18% decrease in PTS symptom intensity. By focusing on exercise and nutrition, WarriorWOD also works to reduce dependency on anti-depressants, alcohol and illegal drugs.
With the additional funding from CCME Foundation, the organization aims to expand its reach, potentially doubling the number of veterans it supports from 150 to 300.
For more information about WarriorWOD and its life-changing programs, visit www.warriorwod.org.
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Contributing writer
The same group that has introduced the south to restaurants like Husk, Minero and Delaney Oyster House, has opened a new Charleston eatery.
The James is located at 1939A Maybank Highway and opened in mid-July.
Neighborhood Dining Group President David Howard said that it only made sense to open a new spot in a fast-growing locale.
“With the growth of James Island, we thought it was time to support people living in the communities of downtown Charleston,” he said.
The James’ chef, Mark Keiser, hails from Charleston’s Oak Steakhouse. Prior to that, he spent a dozen years as head kitchen manager and research and development chef at CentraArchy Restaurants.
Howard, who was a James Beard semifinalist for “Best Restaurateur,” said the goal is to keep everything consistent, free of formalities and approachable.
“In other words, we won’t be changing our menu frequently, nor should our customers need to consult their phone to look up a dish,” Howard said.
The manageable menu includes mushroom soup and mussels, a selection of salads, including the popular wedge and a spicy version of the Caesar, along with a choice of three sandwiches including a prime rib melt, a crab cake sandwich and a cheeseburger. About a dozen entrees are listed on the menu including Scottish salmon, pecan-crusted chicken, baby back ribs, crab cakes, prime rib and filet mignon.
Kenny Lyons, vice president of
operations at NDG, is especially excited about the libations offered at The James.
“We have a great cocktail program that offers a look back into the ‘90s-2000s martini culture with play-
ful, contemporary riffs on cocktails and a well-appointed whiskey list,” said Lyons, adding that the restaurant will also offer between 35-40 wines at any given time, along with a selection of craft beer. Lyons asserts that this, too, makes sense.
“There was a void in a mid-scale restaurant on James Island that is more bar centric,” he said, adding that he lives just a mile away from the restaurant and this became top of mind for the group since COVID.
“Data suggest that people want to get out, but are looking for places where they can become regulars close to their homes,” he said. “Now they have the opportunity to visit for a burger early in the week and return later for a filet mignon, mashed potatoes and broccoli. Our goal was to provide something for everyone from families with kids, to grandparents with grandkids.”
Howard said that it was important to the group to also be mindful of prices.
“Our menu is not inexpensive, but with the cost of ingredients being what they are, it is competitive, with generous portions,” he said.
Another ingredient in the NDG’s recipe for success is to communicate to the customer that their business is valued. “Management will visit tables; not because it’s mandated, but because they want to engage. We want customers to understand that we take a sincere interest in all of their needs being met,” said Howard.
Lyons and Howard said that they are currently focused on developing their existing team and once that is done, they may consider the possibility of lunch.
“As of yet, we don’t have a hard date, but we’ll be considering it in the future,” Howard said. CRBJ
Customers looking for more than the usual grocery store meat department offering have a new option in Mount Pleasant.
The owners of Heights Meat Market were joined by Mayor Will Haynie, members of the Town Council and the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of the new business at 426 W. Coleman Blvd. Heights Meat Market is in Suite D of the center.
This new establishment offers a wide range of premium meats and grilling essentials, according to a news release from the Chamber. Heights Meat Market fare will include American, Australian and Japanese Wagyu beef as well as Black Angus, prime, grass-fed, and dry aged beef that the proprietors say will
deliver tenderness, flavor and quality. Owners Maddy and Jeremy Park say they are dedicated to the guest experience, ensuring that that every visit is met with exceptional service, expert guidance, and a passion for culinary satisfaction.
“We are so proud to call Mount Pleasant home and we can’t wait to open our doors to this wonderful community," Maddy Park said in the news release. "Heights Meat Market promises an unforgettable experience for meat lovers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to taste the difference and take your culinary endeavors to new heights."
She said their business supports a commitment to animal welfare and sustainability.
Products include a line of rubs, sauces and grilling equipment.
Heights Meat Market also has locations in Florida in Tampa, Brandon, Clearwater and Land O’ Lakes. CRBJ
Two historic buildings at the corner of King and Market streets were sold for $6,525,000, according to an announcement from Beach Commercial.
The pair of neighboring, three-sto-
ry properties are located at 216 and 218 King St. and currently house groundfloor retail tenants with additional retail and residential units above. In the center of Charleston’s business district, the buildings offer walkability to the area’s shops, restaurants, hotels, entertainment,
services and historic and cultural attractions, the news release said.
216 King St. includes 4,996 square feet with apparel merchant 120% Lino as the ground-floor tenant. 218 King is 5,822 square feet and houses clothing and home-décor store Love Shack
Crews have started construction on the Palmetto Commerce Interchange project in Charleston County. The county is asking drivers to be careful when driving through the construction area on Weber Boulevard and Blue House Road near Ingleside Boulevard.
Equipment will be going in and out of that area and crews will be working along the side of the road, according to a notice from the county, which asked drivers to slow down in the area.
The new interchange will provide access to existing and planned developments directly from Interstate 26. It also includes a 10-foot shared multiuse path that is intended to improve mobility and accessibility options for the surrounding communities by providing connectivity between Weber Boulevard and Otranto Road. The project is scheduled to be substantially complete by the end of 2025 and fully complete in early 2026. CRBJ
Pair of historic downtown Charleston buildings sell for $6.5M
Aglobal manufacturer of expansion tanks, heat exchangers and other products for the heating and plumbing industries is establishing its first U.S. manufacturing operations in Georgetown County.
Zilmet USA, established in 2012, is headquartered in North Kingstown, R.I., and serves North America using products manufactured at the company’s flagship operation in Padova, Italy, according to a news release.
The Georgetown County plant will be located at 405 Technology Drive in Andrews. The company’s $32.7 million investment will create approximately 50 new jobs, the release said. Construction is currently underway on the 150,000-square-foot facility, with phase one tentatively scheduled to be completed in late 2024, with production beginning in 2025.
“We are very pleased to be partnering with South Carolina and Georgetown County,” said Scott Jacobsen, North American general manager for Zilmet USA. “This new facility will allow us to better serve our U.S. customer base in addition to freeing up existing capacity in Italy for our European and worldwide demand. The South Carolina team has been extremely helpful and accommodating every step of the way. Their readySC program, which helps recruit and train potential employees, was a decisive factor in our move here.”
Founded in 1955 by Ugo Benettolo, Zilmet is a global leader in the production of expansion vessels and heat exchangers, selling to more than 100 countries. The private, family-owned business has manufacturing plants in multiple global locations. Once complete, the Andrews plant will serve North American operations, according to the release.
“Georgetown County continues to grow its community and we are excited to welcome Zilmet USA to our family,” said Georgetown County Council Chairman Louis R. Morant. “We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with Zilmet USA and career opportunities that are sustainable for our residents.”
The Coordinating Council for Eco-
nomic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $500,000 Set-Aside grant to Georgetown County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.
People interested in joining the Zilmet USA team should visit the company’s contact page. CRBJ
Ahouse once owned by a Revolutionary War general is on the market.
The 957-acre South Carolina property originally built by Brig. Gen. Peter Horry and located on Winyah Bay is for sale at $14.75 million.
According to a news release from TopTenDeals.com, the home was rebuilt in 1949 by Cornelia Sage, a woman considered to be a pioneer in saving historic homes.
Horry was a South Carolina planter who joined Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion in a campaign of guerilla warfare against British troops during the Revolutionary War. He fought at the Battle of Fort Moultrie and commanded a light horse regiment at the Battle of Quinby Bridge. After the war, he retired to his plantation, Dover, and served in South Carolina’s Senate and House of Representatives, the news release stated.
Dover’s main house was built in the early 1800s but was destroyed by fire and later reconstructed by Sage who, along with husband Henry, bought the property
in the early 1900s, the release said. Cornelia Sage was a pioneer of deconstructing and reconstructing historic homes, carefully maintaining the original materials and workmanship. She built her new home in 1949, mostly from parts of other
homes, including the historic Woodlawn Plantation house that had previously been disassembled to make way for the Depression-era Santee Cooper Lakes project near Charleston. Sage had the disassembled house moved down the San-
tee River to Dover to keep it from being flooded. She then had it reassembled into the current home.
The listing is held by Elliott Davenport of The Wings Group and Alex Webel of Hall and Hall. CRBJ
Affiliates of Harbor Group International LLC purchased Artisan Carolina Forest, a 276-unit multifamily community in Myrtle Beach for $64.4 million.
Harbor Group International LLC is a privately owned international real estate investment and management firm which announced the sale on Aug. 25.
Located off Highway 31, Artisan Carolina Forest is centrally located near Myrtle Beach's recreation and leisure offerings. The community is adjacent to the Marketplace at the Mill shopping center.
Developed in 2022, the community features a premier amenity package, including a resort-style pool with a TV lounge and cabanas, a dog park, electrical vehicle
charging stations, a fitness and yoga center and coworking and conference rooms. Apartment interiors include luxury finishes, oversized kitchen islands, walk-in showers,
modern backsplashes and dual vanities.
Northmarq's John Currin and Andrea Howard facilitated the transaction.
"With affordable rents relative to other high-growth coastal cities, Myrtle Beach is one of South Carolina's most attractive multifamily markets," Yisroel Berg, chief investment officer for multifamily, said in a news release. "As a newly developed luxury community, we anticipate substantial opportunity to attain a strong renter base at Artisan Carolina Forest and achieve steady rent growth as the area continues to attract new residents."
This transaction represents HGI's second acquisition of a newly built multifamily property in one week following the acquisition of The Warner in Austin, Texas. CRBJ
Cushman & Wakefield and Greystone provided acquisition financing and arranged the sale of Retreat at Palm Pointe, a 112-unit apartment community at 2561 Fassitt Road in North Charleston.
Cushman & Wakefield’s John Phoenix, Richard Gore, Tyler Fish and Pat O’Brien represented the seller in the $13,250,000 sale while Greystone’s Donny Rosenberg originated a Fannie Mae DUS loan to finance the purchase. The multifamily property was sold by Cohen Investment Group and acquired by Prospect Lane.
“Retreat at Palm Pointe presented Prospect Lane the opportunity to acquire a well-maintained asset experiencing strong operational momentum and offering a proven value-add initiative on which to capitalize,” John Phoenix, senior director at Cushman & Wakefield, said in a news release.
Retreat at Palm Pointe was built in 1991.
“Fannie Mae loans provide an ideal permanent financing solution for multifamily investors, and it was a pleasure working with the Cushman & Wakefield team, the buyers and the sellers on this transaction,” Greystone’s Donny Rosenberg said in the release.
Other recent commercial real estate transactions include:
Publix Super Markets has executed a lease on a new store location in Goose Creek at The Market Place at Canes Crossroads. The 48,000-square-foot store will be located at the southwest corner of Highway 17 Alt. and Highway 76. The store is expected to open in 2025.
Brendan Redeyoff, Chip Shealy, Timothy Raber and Bob Barrineau of CBRE represented the landlord, RCB Development, in the lease of 10,564 square feet of flex space at 4221 Rivers Ave. in North Charleston. Pal-
metto Pump House represented the tenant.
Jing “Julia” Donovan of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic represented the tenant, Manqing Ye, in the lease of retail space at 1039 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. in Mount Pleasant from Caro-Cal Associates LLC. Mark J. Tezza of Kennerty, Ratner, Tessa LLC represented the landlord.
Keith Mayfield of Twin Rivers Capital LLC represented the buyer, Charleston Revival LLC, in the sale of 4,000 square feet of multifamily space at 3336 Kraft Ave. in North Charleston from 1800 Clements LLC. Chamberlain Chesnut of Chamberlain Chesnut Real Estate represented the seller.
Robert Pratt of Re/Max Pro Realty represented the landlord, RLP LLC, in the lease of 853 square feet of office space at 310 N. Gum St. in Summerville to Wholelife Counseling Center LLC. Guillermo Granger of Lee & Associates represented the tenant.
LLC, in the lease of 2,400 square feet of retail space in Suite 107 at 3365 S. Morgans Point Road in Mount Pleasant to Mount Pleasant Fitness Co.
Robert Pratt of Re/Max Pro Realty represented the landlord, TG102 LLC, in the lease of 1,929 square feet of medical space in Suite 107 at 1470 Tobias Gadson Blvd., in West Ashley, to Carolina Family Care Inc.
Robert Pratt of Re/Max Pro Realty represented the landlord, Sandlapper One Associates LLC, in the lease of 10,103 square feet of warehouse space at 7635 Sandlapper Parkway, Suite 200, in North Charleston to Crown Health Care Laundry Services LLC. Ed Kercher of Cushman & Wakefield represented the tenant.
Markus Kastenholz of Colliers represented GDMB Marina Land LLC in the sale of 14.4 acres of land on Grissom Parkway in Myrtle Beach to WPR Development Holdings LLC for $7.2 million.
Markus Kastenholz of Colliers and Remington Beatty represented Henry Kuznik Trust in the sale of 9.81 acres of land at 5069 and 5105 Highway 17 N. in Awendaw to CJM Investments LLC.
Dorchester Road Alex Irwin and Ryan Young of Avison Young represented the seller, MKB Properties LLC, in the sale of 18,000 square feet square of industrial space at 6470 Dorchester Road in North Charleston.
Caroline Boyce of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic represented the tenant, Sweet Moon Bakery, in the lease of 1,200 square feet of retail space in Unit 12 at 5131 Dorchester Road in North Charleston. Vitre Ravenel Stephens and Taylor Sekanovich of Harbor Commercial Partners represented the landlord.
Taylor Sekanovich and Vitré Ravenel Stephens of Harbor Commercial Partners represented the tenant, Scramblers Golf LLC, in the lease of 1,600 square feet of retail space in Unit 7 at 1291 Folly Road, James Island from Brixmore GA Apollo IV Sub LLC. Taylor Boyd of Carolina Retail Experts represented the landlord.
Taylor Sekanovich and Vitré Ravenel Stephens of Harbor Commercial Partners represented the landlord, NLP Park West LLC, in the lease of 1,329 square feet of office space at 1124 Park West Blvd., Suite 102, Mount Pleasant, to Abundance Home Healthcare LLC. Wade “Skip” Corn of SVN Peace & Co. represented the tenant.
Vitré Ravenel Stephens and Taylor Sekanovich of Harbor Commercial Partners represented the landlord, Buck Investments
Brent Case and Jing “Julia” Donovan of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic represented the buyer, Orangeburg Mall 2023 LLC, in the sale of 27 acres and 151,846 square feet of retail space at 1214 St. Matthews Road in Orangeburg. Nick Maylander of Keller Williams Realty represented the seller, IDK Investments LLC.
Jing “Julia” Donovan of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic represented the tenant, A4L Charleston LLC, in the lease of 4,000 square feet of retail space in Suite B7/B8 at 946 Orleans Road in Charleston. Lisa Minter of Continental Realty Corp. represented the landlord, CR West Ashley LLC.
Thomas Buist of Lee & Associates represented the landlord in the lease of 47,300-square-feet of industrial space at 101 Innovation Drive in Summerville.
Alex Irwin and Ryan Young of Avison Young represented the seller, Stout Ventures, in the sale of 18,000 square feet square of
Jenna S. Philipp of Palmetto Commercial Properties represented the landlord, RCB Development, in the lease of 15,315 square feet of industrial space at 1750 Signal Point Road to Waterside Business Logistics.
Kevin Shields and Trey Lucy of Belk Lucy represented the landlord in the lease of 1,496 square feet of office space in Suite 4 at 874 Orleans Road in Charleson to State Farm. Lisa Smith of Carolina One Plus represented the tenant.
Trey Lucy and Kevin Shields of Belk Lucy represented the landlord in the lease of 2409 square feet of retail space in Suite D at 1238 Camp Road in James Island to Hair Du Jour. John Davis of Carolina One Commercial represented the tenant.
Todd Garrett, Tradd Varner and Crawford Riddle of Harbor Commercial Partners represented the landlord, Kinder LLC, in the lease of four acres of industrial space at 4185 Chitwood Ave. in North Charleston to Freeport Transportation LLC. Dexter Rumsey of NAI Charleston represented the tenant. Look for Hot Properties each Monday at Charlestonbusiness.com. CRBJ
The College of Charleston has long been known as a storied liberal arts institution, but over the past several years, it has added its first-ever engineering degree programs to keep up with market demands.
College President Andrew Hsu, an Asian-born aerospace engineer who has had esteemed tenures with NASA and Rolls-Royce Aerospace, said it’s been important for the college to add these new industry-focused programs while still leaning into its liberal arts foundation for well-rounded graduates. Hsu took the helm as the college’s 23rd president in spring of 2019.
Under Hsu’s leadership, the college added a Bachelor of Science in software engineering for the first time starting in the fall 2022 semester.
Hsu notes that the College of Charleston’s rich liberal arts education tradition significantly influences the software engineering degree; all graduates must have a minor in a foreign language or culture studies as a complement to the major. Options include traditional foreign languages as well as international studies or Japanese studies.
Not surprisingly, Hsu said many engineering students are choosing to minor in German — a useful language as some of Charleston’s major players in the engineering field, such as Mercedes Benz Vans and Bosch, are headquartered in Germany.
“The interest in the German language and German culture all of a sudden increased because we have so many German companies in the Charleston area,” Hsu said, adding that many students sign up for internships with these companies in Germany to fulfill both their major and minor studies.
Other new engineering degree programs include the college’s first bachelor’s in electrical engineering, which launched in 2021. Touted as the first electrical engineering program of its kind in South Carolina, it was created with input from engineers and industry leaders and places an emphasis on autonomous electric vehicle design. The college launched its first B.S. in systems engineering in fall 2019.
Right after taking the position as president, Hsu hired Knudt Flor, former CEO of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg County, as the college’s senior vice president for innovation and industry engagement.
“Together we established an
industry advisory council formed from CEOs,” Hsu said. The council includes high-level local executives from more than two dozen companies, including Cummins Turbo Technologies, Google, Mercedes Benz Vans, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and more.
“The new programs that we developed are under their advice and we are constantly discussing what their new needs are and how our academic programs can better serve these companies,” Hsu said.
The college is continuing to identify new opportunities to serve high-paying, high-tech industry by leaning in to the added value of liberal arts curriculum not typically included in specialized and laser-focused programs that key in on just one skillset.
“Our students can make presentations, they have the global fluency to work on an international team. We're designing new programs from scratch with the participation of industry leaders and meeting all those needs that industry leaders tell us are important,” Hsu said.
Born in Beijing in 1956, Hsu grew up under the oppressive Cultural Revolution in China. As a teenager,
he taught himself English by studying a calculus textbook with the aid of an English-to-Chinese dictionary while being forced to labor in the countryside, picking cotton by hand and harvesting wheat with a sickle.
Hsu persevered and earned his diploma in hydraulic engineering from Beijing’s Tsinghua University, he earned his Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1986. He then worked in industry for 11 years with Sverdrup/NASA and was a staff scientist for Rolls-Royce, where he developed unique industry perspectives and leadership skills, before joining academia in 1997. He is a co-patent holder for Anion Exchange Membranes, which involves direct ethanol fuel cells.
Before joining the College of Charleston, Hsu was the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at The University of Toledo. Before that, Hsu served as the dean of engineering at San Jose State University and as the associate vice president for research and the dean of the Graduate School at Wright State University.
As the father of four daughters, Hsu is dedicated to increasing diversity in typically male-domi -
nated fields, especially in the STEM disciplines. He is passionate about increasing opportunities for the College of Charleston’s predominantly female student body, which is more than 67%.
Hsu took over as president one year before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person learning, and he guided the college through the financial difficulties of the pandemic, including tightening the budget, voluntary employee separation offers and administrative cuts.
Today, the college has emerged stronger than ever with new, relevant degree programs to feed into Charleston’s established and emerging industry landscape, both in engineering and beyond.
A new partnership between the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina allows selected College of Charleston students to earn both a Bachelor of Arts in biology from the college and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from MUSC in 4.5 years.
An executive MBA is offered mostly online, designed for working professionals.
These programs, as well as the college’s reputation, has resulted in more
students applying to the college than ever before and more choosing to attend after being accepted than ever before.
More than 26,500 students applied to the college for the 2023-24 academic year, a 17% increase over the previous year and more than twice the college’s historic average of 11,000 applicants from before Hsu took office.
He notes that in addition to new programs, the liberal arts degree programs — hallmark programs for the college — are also being enhanced.
“The communication major is one of the important ones on this campus along with our language program and our fine arts program,” Hsu said. “(Post-COVID), it was quite a surprise how quickly we recovered and how quickly we improved our enrollment. If
the College of Charleston is your alma mater and if you look at your degree like a stock, your stock just went up.”
Despite a shift in how some across the country view the value of fouryear degrees, Hsu said industry leaders still place an importance on obtaining a four-year degree and the courses required for graduation across many disciplines turn out well-rounded employees who bring many different skills to their future roles.
Hsu is constantly getting feedback about how the college can continue to be at the forefront of these advanced degrees.
“When we talk to industry partners in our engineering program about what engineering schools around the country could improve, it's mostly that while they're teaching the technology well, they're not teaching the so-called ‘soft skills,’” Hsu said. “I think liberal arts is still the most adaptable and versatile degree one can get because as we all know, technology is changing so rapidly. It doesn't matter how up-to-date you are in the degree, in 10 years, the technology that you learn will be outdated. However, the liberal arts education and lifelong learning we provide is going to be even more valuable in the future.” CRBJ
Clemson University researchers have devised a novel way of 3D-printing protonic ceramic fuel cells, a renewable energy device that shows promise for generating electricity more sustainably than burning fossil fuels. Instead of using coal or petroleum, protonic ceramic fuel cells run on renewable fuels, such as hydrogen, ammonia, hydrocarbons and alcohols. The challenge has been to move them from the lab to the real world because of how difficult they are to manufacture on a large scale, according to a news release from the university.
To solve this problem, a team working at Clemson’s Advanced Materials Research Laboratory turned to their expertise in 3D printing, a technology that can create complex, customizable objects with high precision.
The team 3D-printed protonic ceramic fuel cells in a tubular shape, which has several advantages over a planar design, including better durability and easier sealing.
Using hydrogen for fuel, the team tested a single fuel cell for 200 hours and found that it produced power consistently, researchers said in the news release. Researchers said 3D-printing protonic ceramic fuel cells offer greater precision, consistency and affordability than traditional manufacturing techniques.
The Clemson team reported its findings in the journal ACS Energy Letters. The first author was Ph.D. candidate Minda Zou, and corresponding authors were postdoctoral researcher Jiawei Zhang and Professor Jianhua “Joshua” Tong, all in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
“Our work suggests that 3DP could pave the way for the real-world applications of tubular PCFCs,” the team wrote in the paper, using an abbreviation for 3D-print-
ing and protonic ceramic fuel cell.
Tong said a big part of what makes the research unique was that the team was able to 3D-print all three layers required in a fuel cell — the anode, cathode and electrolyte.
“Nobody else has done that,” he said. “More importantly, the method is simple and cost-effective, which is promising for commercialization.”
Although it so far takes about three hours to 3D-print one fuel cell, the team said it plans to create a more advanced
design as a next step in its work. If all goes well, Tong sees potential for commercializing 3D-printed protonic ceramic fuel cells in about five years.
The name of the paper is, “3D Printing Enabled Highly Scalable Tubular Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells.” In addition to Zou, Zhang and Tong, co-authors are Jacob Conrad, Bridget Sheridan, Hua Huang, Shenglong Mu, Tianyi Zhou, Zeyu Zhao, Kyle S. Brinkman, Hai Xiao and Fei Peng. CRBJ
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!
August 10
The Charleston Women of Influence Awards celebrates the exceptional achievements of women in the Lowcountry. We are excited to honor the trailblazers, visionaries, and leaders who are making a difference in our region’s business landscape.
October 25
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.
October 25
This annual event recognizes forty Lowcountry professionals under the age of 40 who are making their mark with professional and community involvement.
November 9 - 10
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.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Ryan Downing at rdowning@scbiznews.com or 864-867-1928
Clemson University officials are urging South Carolina beekeepers and the public to be on the lookout for yellow-legged hornets after the invasive insect was discovered in the Savannah area.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is reporting that a Savannah-area beekeeper found an unusual hornet on his property and reported it to the GDA. On August 9, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the University of Georgia’s identification of this insect as a yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina). This is the first time a live yellow-legged hornet has been found in the United States
While the yellow-legged hornet — not to be confused with the Asian giant hornet — is no more harmful to humans than other hornets, it can have a devastating impact on both managed and wild bees, according to a Clemson news release.
Although the hornet has not been detected in South Carolina, Clemson’s Department of Plant Industry Apiary Inspection Program — the regulatory agency charged with protecting the state’s beekeeping industry — in collaboration
with Clemson Cooperative Extension Apiculture and Pollinator Program, will begin monitoring Lowcountry locations through an elaborate trapping system, the university stated in the news release.
The program’s coordinator, Brad Cavin, is also urging the state’s beekeepers and public to stay vigilant.
“While we are spearheading a robust trapping protocol in the South Carolina Lowcountry, beekeepers, and the public both play an important role in our efforts to minimize any potential impact from this invasive pest. That’s why we are asking for public assistance with monitoring for and reporting unusual hornet activity, especially around honeybee hives,” said Cavin.
People who suspect they have found a yellow-legged hornet are urged to report their findings to www.clemson.edu/public/regulatory/plant-industry/invasive/ ylh.html.
Clemson will work with federal officials to confirm suspected specimens and respond to active hornet colonies if they are located.
The yellow-legged hornet is native to Southeast Asia and has established itself in most of Europe and areas of the Middle East and Asia. The hornet builds egg-shaped paper nests above ground and often in trees. The nest can be large and house an average of 6,000 workers.
This exotic hornet may be confused with several native insects, including the cicada killer wasp, the bald-faced hornet, paper wasps, queen yellowjackets, wood wasps and robber flies, but is distinguished from these other stinging insects by its larger size.
The public can visit https://lgpress. clemson.edu/publication and search for “hornet” to learn more about the yellow-legged hornet.
“The yellow legged hornet is a predatory insect that has been reported to attack western honeybee colonies and has become a serious pest of beekeeping operations where it has been introduced,” said Ben Powell, who directs Clemson Cooperative Extension’s Apiary and Pollinator program. “Establishment of this exotic pest in the U.S. would pose a significant threat to our already embattled beekeeping enterprises.”
The yellow-legged hornet is not the Asian giant hornet that received a lot of media attention — in part because of its nickname, the “murder hornet” — in 2020 when it appeared on the West Coast. That one posed little danger to South Carolina, Clemson experts said at the time.
Although the Asian giant hornet was not an immediate threat in South Carolina, it did raise concerns for Palmetto State beekeepers who already were bat-
tling other invasive pests, said Ben Powell, Clemson Extension Service apiculture and pollinator specialist.
“Annual colony losses have increased after other exotic pests such as small hive beetles and Varroa mites were introduced into the United States,” he said in a news release. “Introduction of another hive pest could adversely impact apiculture in South Carolina and Asian giant hornets are just one of many overseas pests that regulators hope to keep out of South Carolina. Asian hornets (Vespa velutina), closely related to the Asian Giant Hornet, invaded western Europe several years ago and caused significant damage to honey bee colonies, and the concern is that Asian giant hornets could cause similar problems here were they to spread.” CRBJ
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Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. For a full list of participating organizations, visit scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Email additions or corrections to Listresearch@Bridgetowermedia.com. To be included for future lists or for omissions or corrections email listresearch@bridgetowermedia.com.
Lowcountry Food Bank held a Fueled by Fresh matching gift challenge in June to raise funds to purchase fresh produce for Lowcountry neighbors who experience food insecurity. During the challenge, the food bank raised $37,125.
Board of directors member Michael Wilson and his wife, Pam, provided a $20,000 Fueled by Fresh match, enabling donors to double their impact for a total of $57,125 raised. Fueled by Fresh proceeds help provide neighbors with access to healthy food at mobile food distributions
Nexton has added Brookfield Residential to the community’s builder program. Brookfield Residential’s planned entry-level townhomes will mark the company’s first project in South Carolina.
The other nine builders in Nexton’s builder program are Ashton Woods, Centex, David Weekley, Del Webb, Homes by Dickerson, New Leaf, Pulte Homes, Saussy Burbank and True Homes.
Located in Nexton’s Midtown neighborhood, the Brookfield Residential townhomes will feature 1,600 square feet on two finished levels of living space, with prices starting in the mid-$300,000s. The townhomes will have three-bedroom layouts, with an option for two primary suites. Interiors will include open floor plans and designer kitchens with stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops. The design-forward exterior façades will blend vibrant colors with classic architectural details and can be outfitted with extra driveway space and a one- or two-car garage. Pre-sales are set to begin mid-summer with a model residence opening later this year.
Neighborhood activities include food trucks, movie nights, and social events. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the community’s 2013 groundbreaking, Nexton is a lifestyle-driven community that blends live, work, and play with such conveniences as state-of-the-art schools, modern infrastructure, 20 miles of trails, and 2,000 acres of green space.
The community’s four residential neighborhoods include apartments, built-for-rent homes, townhomes, and a variety of for-sale single-family homes for first-time buyers, executives, and 55+ retirees. Nexton has currently sold more than 2,600 homes.
The homebuilder is an affiliate of Brookfield Properties, whose presence in the Carolinas includes 3,500 active employees and $4.8 billion assets under
in locations convenient to them.
The Wilsons established the Fueled by Fresh initiative with Lowcountry Food Bank in early 2020. These mobile food distributions enable neighbors who face hunger to access healthy food in their own community, breaking down barriers to food access like a lack of transportation and finding food at a convenient time and location. Mobile food distributions also help fill the summer meal gaps that our children face when school meals are no longer available once school is out of ses-
management. Assets include logistics, hospitality, and retail operations, among them Columbiana Centre.
sion A Fueled by Fresh mobile food distribution was held on June 1 at Cathedral of Praise Church in North Charleston.
The Wilsons, along with several Lowcountry Food Bank board members, helped pack and distribute food. Neighbors who came to the no-cost food distribution could choose the fresh fruits and vegetables they wished to take home.
Demand for food assistance remains high at 9.6% in the 10 coastal South Carolina counties the food bank serves.
Approximately 40% of the food dis-
tributed is fresh produce. Lowcountry Food Bank makes equitable food access a priority, and works strategically to reach neighbors and communities that have the highest food insecurity rates in the 10 coastal counties we serve. The challenges to families have been heightened by governmental, pandemic-era emergency food programs and unemployment benefits that were created to help families overcome new barriers to food access have expired, which creates a gap that threatens families’ overall wellbeing.
Field Day showcases how amateur radio works reliably under any conditions from almost any location to create an independent communications network. Operators hone skills associated with emergency portable operations such as antenna setup, radio setup, battery operations, generator operations, and logging for a 24-hour test of emergency communications.
Firefly Distillery released a special select Barrel Proof Bourbon in celebration of National Bourbon Day. The evening release party was an opportunity to purchase one of the limited Barrel Proof Bourbon bottles, tutorials on specialty cocktail creations, tasting flights, and a gift guide for Father's Day gifting.
Firefly has released only three other cask strength bourbons, each of which sold out within hours. This barrel was selected with Father’s Day in mind. The flavor profile is made up of cedar and smoky aromas with a hint of leather and vanilla. Bottled at 121 proof, the tasting notes are accompanied by a toasted oak, dark cherry, and tobacco mouthfeel, finished with a hint of honey.
With this single barrel release, only 150 bottles were available for purchase onsite at the distillery in Park Circle.
Architecture and engineering firm
Goodwyn Mills Cawood has relocated its Charleston office to the Charleston Technology Center on the Upper Peninsula.
Goodwyn Mills Cawood’s Charleston presence has expanded since bringing on Stubbs and aviation engineering leader Jack Mayfield, followed by geotechnical engineer Stephen Nickerson in October.
Earlier this year, Goodwyn Mills Cawood acquired Walker Concepts Architecture, adding architects Jimmy Walker, Josh Bagwell, and Ben Story to the team.
Walker Concepts has worked on numerous historically significant projects throughout the region as well as on a variety of multifamily, mixed use, office, retail education, and adaptive reuse projects. Goodwyn Mills Cawood is working on several local and regional projects, including the Daniel Island Yacht Club, the Kiawah River Farmstead Market, 35 Prioleau Street, and the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA.
Amateur Radio Field Day exercised amateur radio operator’s ability to setup and establish emergency communications without the use of the cell network or public power grid. Members of the Trident Amateur Radio Club participated in the national amateur radio Field Day exercise at a site near Summerville, operating radio stations on temporary antennas and non-commercial power while communicating with other hams across North America. Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations during Field Day to exercise their emergency operations skills.
Ham radio functions completely independent of the internet or cell phone infrastructure, can interface with laptops or smartphones, and can be set up almost anywhere in minutes.
As part of its eighth anniversary celebration, Oak Road Brewery released the #NeverForget beer, brewed through its Women in Brewing initiative. This limited series juicy IPA is brewed in support of Charleston Memorial Stair Climb’s mission of paying tribute to the 412 first responders lost on 9/11.
#NeverForget was released during the Charleston Memorial Stair Climb’s PreClimb Party hosted by Oak Road Brewery. This IPA, made with mosaic, citra, and el dorado hops, is available for a limited time through the taproom and fourpacks of cans to go.
Brandon has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by South Carolina Top Workplaces. The list is based on employee feedback from a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage. The confidential survey measures cultural drivers such as alignment, execution and connection that are critical to an organization’s success.
Of 2,470 South Carolina companies invited to participate in the survey, 69 companies were chosen as a top workplace in 2023.
In addition, Brandon has been awarded an Emmy for Short Form Content at the 49th annual Southeast Emmy Awards. Geneverse hired Brandon to produce the award-winning video and accompanying content as a part of the effort to document their Hurricane Ian relief efforts.
The work was a combined effort of Brandon’s in-house creative and production team, including Stephen Childress, Ben Cantrell, and David Thompson, and Geneverse’s Buck Buchanan and Rachel Stotts. Brandon’s in-house teams documented Geneverse’s humanitarian efforts as it donated solar-powered generators to people in southwest Florida affected by
Scott Rizer, of Cooper Chevrolet GMC, has been elected president of the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association for the 2023-2024 term.
Rizer has served on the association’s board of directors since 2004, when he was first elected as at-large director. In 2007, he was elected as a regional vice president and became treasurer in 2021, rising to first vice president in 2022.
Born and raised in Walterboro, Rizer was introduced to the family automotive business early on. His grandfather’s uncle, C.F. Rizer, opened the Ford Dealership in Walterboro in 1917. Scott’s grandfather, C.M. Rizer Sr., joined the business in 1934, and Scott’s father, Donald S. Rizer, worked at the Ford store until he founded Rizer Chevrolet Oldsmobile in 1982.
After earning his degree in finance from the University of South Carolina, Rizer began working full time at Rizer Chevrolet Oldsmobile. He became the dealer principal in 2003 and added the Pontiac Buick and GMC franchises in 2008. Earlier this year, Rizer Chevrolet GMC was purchased and established as Cooper Chevrolet GMC, where Rizer is both general manager and authorized representative.
Rizer has served on the board of directors for the Bonnie Doone Corp., US Land and Timber, and the Bank of the Lowcountry. In addition, he has been honored as the Lower Coastal Member of
Hurricane Ian. The video showcases the impact of Geneverse’s generators in providing vital power during natural disasters.
Site work began in February 2022 and the shopping center is expecting to be open to the public in the second quarter of 2024.
SeamonWhiteside recently completed a seven-year site design and landscape architecture project in partnership with Hood Design Studio for the International African American Museum. After more than two decades of planning, fundraising, and construction efforts, the museum opened on June 27.
American culture in Charleston. Hood Design Studio and SeamonWhiteside sought to create a garden that was reflective and tied both regions together.
Built on embedded tiling figures over the Charleston Harbor, the Tide Tribute water feature visually honors the enslaved individuals 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 harbor.
The
The Morgan Companies has signed more tenants at its new shopping center, Beaufort Station, in Beaufort, a 209,250-square-foot shopping center with outparcels on the corner of Robert Smalls Parkway and Paris Island Gateway.
New tenants Parkers Kitchen, Chicken Salad Chick, Surcheros Fresh Mex, Mattress Warehouse, and America’s Best will join the previously confirmed anchor tenants Aldi Grocery Stores, PetSmart, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Five Below, Rack Room Shoes, Hobby Lobby, Ross Dress for
As the landscape architect of record, SeamonWhiteside brought creative director Walter Hood and the Hood Design Studio team’s design ideas to life for the museum.
The museum is set 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 site through landscape and artistic selections.
Adjacent to the elevated museum is a palm grove and sweetgrass field. As part of the African Ancestor Memorial Garden, it features plants that are representative of Africa and Charleston as well as stone silo columns to reflect the history of African
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. A stainless steel band runs the entire angled width of the property to identify the exact parameters of Gadsden Wharf. The steel band includes engravings of various countries to honor the places from which individuals were brought. On the site of the museum is an outline of bricks that depict where a building known as the Warehouse Wall laid on the wharf years ago.
Also involved in the museum’s development were Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Moody Nolan, Guy Nordenson and Associates, Arup in the Americas, Aqua Design International, Turner Construction Company, Ralph Appelbaum Associates, and Forsberg Engineering.
the Year for the South Carolina Waterfowl Association and is also involved in Leadership Colleton, the Colleton Business Alliance, and the Edisto Beach Loggerhead Turtle Project.
Other officers elected to the board are first vice president Richard Pendarvis, of Pendarvis Chevrolet in Edgefield, and treasurer Joe Trainor, of Stokes-Trainor Chevrolet Buick GMC in Newberry. The five vice presidents are Fred Caldwell, of Fred Caldwell Chevrolet, Clover; Robert Burns, of Burns Ford, Lancaster; Robert Crews, of Crews Chevrolet & Crews Subaru of Charleston; David Walters Jr., of Jones Ford, North Charleston; and David Bunch, of Hughes Motors, Charleston.
Thomas & Hutton has brought in James Rhodes as a designer in its Myrtle Beach office. Previously, he worked with the city of Conway planning and building department. Rhodes is a civil designer who specializes in site development, construction drawings, and engineering design related to water, sewer, storm drainage infrastructure, and permit applications for residential projects throughout South Carolina. He recently graduated from Coastal Carolina University, where he
Williamsearned a degree in engineering science with an emphasis in physics.
The American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina has chosen Terracon’s Melvin C. Williams for its 2023 Engineer of the Year Award, in recognition of his service to the engineering industry.
Charleston native Russell Hopper has joined Red Iron Architects as a senior architect. In his 25-plus years as an architect and designer, Hopper has won numerous design awards and collaborated with such architecture firms as Maya Lin Studio. He graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Architecture.
No photo Ryan Swinson is the new director of marketing and communications at Tax Credit Marketplace. Swinson has more than 19 years of experience — most recently, she managed marketing programs for vendor manufacturers in the technology space. At Tax Credit Marketplace, Swinson is responsible for overall brand strategy, external communications, advertising, public relations, events and sponsorships.
Yasmine Atamna has joined Knowl-
edge Capital Group as an associate. Previously, she worked at Resilient Georgia as a health education intern. She also worked at Morehouse School of Medicine as a community health care worker.
Atamna earned her Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology from the University of Georgia and her Master of Public Health from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health.
Julianne Oehlbeck, formerly vice president of legal and associate general counsel for Chobani, has become chief legal officer and general counsel at MRB Group.
At Chobani, Oehlbeck provided legal and business advice to the company. She most recently advised Chobani’s supply chain (engineering, manufacturing, operations, new product development, procurement, quality, R&D, safety, environmental and sustainability), information technology
issue of the Charleston Regional Business Journal
SEPTEMBER 4 EDUCATION
Lists: Colleges & Universities; Technical Colleges
Advertising Deadline: August 21
SEPTEMBER 18
ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING/ CONSTRUCTION
Lists: General Contractors, Architecture Firms
Special Section: Under Construction
Advertising Deadline: September 4
OCTOBER 9
SUPPLY CHAIN
Lists: 3PL, Warehouse Services
Advertising Deadline: September 25
(including data security), and Chobani Café on day-to-day operations, legal matters, business risks, contractual matters, and strategic decisions.
Oehlbeck received her juris doctor from Albany Law School and her Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Clemson University. She is continuing her work with Chenango Memorial Hospital, where she serves on its board of directors as an executive and treasurer, chairing both the finance and audit committees.
Grain & Barrel Spirits has brought in John Drakeford as general manager. Drakeford leads the company’s executive team and is involved in growing its portfolio of spirits. Drakeford, who is based in Columbia, had been general manager of multiple regions and a member of the North American leadership team at Beam Suntory.
Drakeford has spent more than 38 years in the spirits industry working with Beam Suntory, Brown-Forman, and Seagram Americas, managing 24 states and markets throughout his career. He is helping to drive extensive growth for Grain & Barrel Spirits brands Chicken Cock Whiskey, Tequila Eterno Verano, Dixie Vodka, Elvis Whiskey, High Goal Gin, See The Elephant Amaro, and Virgil Kaine and Lowcountry Whiskey.
Brandon has promoted Haley Rojas to associate social media director from senior social media manager. In her new role, Rojas leads the ideation and building of content calendars for use on social channels for large agency accounts and guides social strategies for all clients including making recommendations for campaign-driven engagement and community building. Rojas has more than seven years of experience in social media management in the real estate, finance, and television production industries, among others. She graduated from the College of Charleston with a bachelor’s in communications.
ously served as regional director for Dollar General.
Trey Robinson has joined Maynard Nexsen’s Charleston office. His primary focus is general corporate and commercial real estate transactions. He regularly advises and assists his clients in such matters as drafting and negotiating supply, distribution, purchase and other commercial agreements and real property easements, covenants and leases, corporate and LLC formation and governance issues, joint ventures, and bond issuances.
Robinson was named to Best Lawyers in America, Corporate Governance Law, in 2023; Charleston Business Magazine listed him in the Legal Elite for Corporate Law and Mergers & Acquisitions in 2020. After graduating from Clemson University, Robinson earned his juris doctor from the University of South Carolina.
Ashley Walsh is now on the sales team at Handsome Properties. She began her career in real estate in 2017 in the Grand Strand coastal market. Walsh’s accolades include the Quality Service Award, Top Sales Production, and Agent of the Year.
For advertising information, contact Ryan Downing at rdowning@scbiznews.com
Jason Baril is now vice president of donated goods-retail at Palmetto Goodwill. In that role, Baril leads operations of the organization’s 33 retail stores and e-commerce while overseeing the transportation of donated goods across Palmetto Goodwill’s 18-county territory. Baril joins the organization with more than 20 years of experience as a retail store and operations management professional, having previ-
New at Engel & Völkers Charleston are real estate advisers Nicole Catalano and Ashley Dutton. Catalano is affiliated with the firm’s real estate and yachting divisions. On the real estate side, she specializes in coastal properties that feature water access and vacation rental properties. Nicole has been in the real estate industry since 2009 and moved to the Charleston area in 2017. Dutton brings 18 years of experience in real estate sales, with specialization in luxury homes, new construction and relocation. She is part of the Engel & Völkers development services team, which caters to builders and developers.
TMGOC, a partnership between The Montford Group and Opterra Capital, has brought in Krystal England as chief investment officer. England brings development lending and institutional knowledge to her new role and hospitality acquisitions and asset management experience across U.S. markets and all hospitality industry segments. CRBJ
South Carolina’s manufacturing sector provides a massive boost to the state’s economy and workforce. But it’s even more important than that: as China attempts to leapfrog America in global technological leadership, South Carolina’s advanced manufacturing capabilities can help to thwart Beijing’s ambitions. A new report explains how South Carolina’s expertise could help to keep the internet open and accessible by ensuring that our allies have access to high-tech goods and services produced in democratic countries. China aspires to lead the world in innovation. As part of its “Made in China 2025” industrial policy, China has particularly focused on investing in the technologies
of the future, like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and virtual reality. In comparison, American investment has been slow and plodding — China now leads America in total gross innovation and by many measures already leads us in dozens of key technologies.
Amid these threats, the United States must commit to maintaining a free and open internet. As three pillars of a robust policy agenda, America should slow the spread of foreign digital authoritarianism, promote free speech within and across border, and build a stronger internet to connect people to each other and to their governments.
Supply chain security is a cornerstone of this agenda. To protect our national security and to keep the internet open around the globe, policymakers should take steps to disrupt the deployment of Chinese technologies to our allies and reduce the world’s dependency on technology made in China.
In particular, American investment in technology should support new tools such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and virtual reality. Investment should extend to worker training and funding for academic research, as well as grant programs. When sanctions and export controls are necessary, the federal government should impose them clearly and narrowly so that American companies can easily comply, ideally without having to cede market share to foreign competitors.
South Carolina can help turn these policy goals into reality. Across the board, South Carolina produces a wide range of high-quality goods, including aerospace components, automotive parts and medical devices, all here at home. South Carolina also houses numerous research and development facilities that could help to disrupt China’s dominance in certain industries.
For example, Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive
Research is developing new technologies for autonomous vehicles, while BMW is investing $1.7 billion in a new manufacturing facility in the state. Moreover, South Carolina is training a more skilled workforce through programs at the high school, college and adult education levels. With autocracies like China and Russia on the move, the internet of the future could look very different from today. This policy agenda will slow the spread of digital authoritarianism and usher in an era of greater economic opportunity, increased political accountability and expanded human rights. This agenda also will help to protect America’s security and ensure that our values of free speech and democracy continue to resonate around the world.
Doug Kelly serves as CEO of the American Edge Project, a coalition dedicated to the proposition that American innovators are an essential part of U.S. economic health, national security and individual freedoms.
On June 24, the International African American Museum held its Grand Opening Community Celebration and dedication ceremony in Charleston, bringing community members and visitors together. The Museum illuminates Charleston’s role in the international slave trade, shares the undertold stories of the African American experience and connects visitors to the past.
The IAAM also offers educational opportunities, including the Center for Family History, designed to be a leading national genealogical family search center for descendants of enslaved people to discover their personal histories.
TD Community Development Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of TD Bank N.A., is proud to have played a significant part in funding the IAAM, using a $14.4 million New Markets Tax Credit
allocation to invest in the Museum and its educational programs. The South Carolina Community Loan Fund added an additional $3 million in NMTC allocation to the project. Together, these NMTC allocations attracted a sizable $5 million equity investment from TD Bank into the project.
Authorized by Congress in 2000, the NMTC Program incentivizes community development and economic growth through the use of tax credits (given as allocations) that then attract private investment to distressed communities.
The unique beauty of the NMTC program is that it is used effectively in rural and urban areas to support good jobs and strong wages and has historically held bipartisan support. In addition to creating high-quality jobs, NMTCs create and expand access to health care, early childcare and schools, job training, groceries, telecommunications, energy, arts, recreation and infrastructure in ways that traditional private sector financing cannot effectively meet.
Since 2003, the NMTC has provided much-needed investment and advance-
ment opportunities for underserved communities across the country and those right here in South Carolina. In just two decades, NMTCs have spurred an unprecedented level of investment in both rural and urban low-income communities, generating nearly $130 billion in capital investment through public-private partnerships and creating more than 1 million jobs across the country. The NMTC has an outstanding track record of revitalizing communities outside of the economic mainstream as a targeted, cost-efficient financial tool — and it has the potential to achieve even greater impact.
In Charleston, the IAAM project created 154 construction jobs and museum workers. Museum guests will continue to economically benefit the city as they frequent local restaurants, visit other neighboring attractions, and pay for lodging, parking and local transportation. This influx of tourists and regional visitors to the neighborhood provides an economic stimulus, producing revenue and creating jobs in the process.
The IAAM is estimated to welcome
145,000 visitors, including more than 25,000 guests of African descent in its opening year. Further, the IAAM allocated $3 million of its endowment to underwriting field trips for underserved students from the Southeast region. These funds are expected to support travel and admission for approximately 20,000 low-income students annually.
The IAAM will be a treasure in Charleston for decades to come — and that is thanks in part to the NMTC. The program is not a permanent part of the tax code and is set to expire in 2025, but Congress is likely to provide an extension.
Michael Cooper is President of TD Community Development Corporation, and a Board member of the New Markets Tax Credit Coalition.
Charleston Southern University’s Master of Science in human resource management provides an opportunity for human resources professionals and students to continue their education and advance their skills in the HR field. Our MS degree is offered year-round with the options of a flexible program featuring online and/or blended delivery methods each semester. If you’re looking to sharpen your skills and make your mark in leadership, employee relations, benefits administration, and HR management, this master’s degree gives you the opportunity to leap into your greatest potential.
