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September 2013
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2013
A Closer Look at Local Businesses. ELLEN PRIEST
September 2013
President & Publisher
2013
A Closer Look at Local Businesses.
A Special Publication of
CHRIS ZOELLER
Regional Advertising & Marketing Director
JUDY WATTS Executive Editor
FRANK JOHNSON Editor
CHERYL CARGILL Business Manager
WRITERS
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PROGRESS: 2013 is a special publication of the
Berkeley Independent and The Gazette. Visit us online at BerkeleyInd.com or OurGazette.com. Berkeley Independent publishes Wednesdays and The Gazette publishes Thursdays. To subscribe or advertise, call 761-6397 or 873-9424.
A Special Publication of
323-B E. Main St. | Moncks Corner 29461 104 E. Doty Ave. | Summerville 29483
Table of Contents AllCare Living Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Honest -1 Auto Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Edward Jones - Jim Rowan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Carolina Eyecare Physicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Pop’s Smoking BBQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Zion’s Rage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Dream Makers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Tupperway Tires & Service Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Saint Leo University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Carolina Ave. Dental Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Low Country ENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Trident Technical College - Berkeley Campus . . . . . 8 Cruise Control Driving School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Bridge at Charleston Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . 8 Donovan’s Custom Framing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Albany International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 A Chosen Child Adoption Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Palmetto Cataract & Eye Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Home Telecom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
September 2013
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AllCare Living Services, Inc.
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They’re going to visit family
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n 1998, Kelly Williams had a dream. Thirteen office personnel, a satellite office in Charleston, one new location in Columbia, and 15 years later, her
dream of AllCare Living Services, Inc., has become a booming reality. “Caring for elderly family members is a reality for many people today and we have been blessed to help them fill that need,” said AllCare’s Regional Director Rachel Sheridan. According to Sheridan, AllCare has continued to fill their niche in the expanding industry of home health care. “It’s a very competitive market to sustain in, much less to grow,” she said. And yet in 15 years, AllCare has grown into the largest locally
owned home care company in the area. So what, then, makes AllCare different from the multitude of competitors? “Our staff, without a doubt,” she said. “Everyone who works here has a personal connection; they all have their heart in it. We only hire someone who we would be willing to let take care of our own family.” If having heart is part of the job, than another part is having the skills to do it well. Luckily, for AllCare employees, Sheridan said the company provides them with ongoing training workshops to “equip them for success.” The workshops cover it all, from CPR certifications to disease training like “Dementia Dialogues.” AllCare doesn't just work with the elderly though. Their caregivers interact with clients in a variety of ages for a variety of reasons. The ages of their current clients range in age from 3 to 102. The length of relationships varies also;
some clients only use AllCare’s services once, while others have been with the company for years. “Some caregivers have worked with their clients for as many as six years,” she said. “It’s Address: 1675 N. Main Street come to Summerville, SC 29483 the point where Phone: (843) 832-9888 they’re not just Owner: Skip & Kelly Williams, ‘going to Frank Price work,’ they’re Years in Business: 15 going to visit their Website: www.allcarelivingservices.com family.”
business snapshot
Honest-1 Auto Care
Edward Jones - Jim Rowan
Honest-1, family friendly auto care
Rowan celebrates 10 years as Edward Jones Financial Advisor
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ith honest practices and upscale features, Honest-1 Auto Care in Ladson is designed to be family friendly. It’s especially aimed at busy moms, who are in a hurry and need auto repair
they can trust. “We are here to help educate customers so they can take care of their cars,” said owner Sherry Rector, who opened her business in January of last year. “We don’t pressure anybody.”
Honest-1 is located on College Park Road in Ladson.
It is located at 566 College Park Road and is the only one in South Carolina. Honest-1 is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. ¬to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
business snapshot
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im Rowan, Financial Advisor, will be celebrating 10 years with Edward Jones this month. A financial advisor for 25 years, Rowan and the Edward Jones team believes in doing business the right way, face to face. "We believe it's important to meet with people face to face to discuss their financial goals. Then we develop a
personalized plan to help reach those goals and monitor it to make sure we stay on track. At Edward Jones, we service the serious long-term individual investor," Rowan said. He also states two goals most people have are being able to retire comfortably and to educate their children. He invites anyone to come in for a free financial checkup.
Mr. Rowan is located at 106 Executive Parkway, Moncks Corner. Visit his website at www.edwardjones.com. Please contact the office at 843-899-5400 or jim.rowan @edwardjones.com to schedule a complimentary checkup.
business snapshot
Address: 566 College Park Road Ladson SC 29456
Address: 106 Executive Parkway, Suite 2, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Phone: (843) 899-5400
Phone: (843) 718-2413
Owner: James W. Rowan, AAMS
Owner: Sherry Rector Years in Business: Almost 2 years Website: www.honest1ladson.com
Jim Rowan offers a free financial checkup.
Years in Business: over 20 years experience, and has been with Edward Jones since October 2003 Website: www.edwardjones.com
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September 2013
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Carolina Eyecare Physicians
Eyecare that’s convenient, state of the art
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arolina Eyecare Physicians makes state of the art eye care convenient. The practice has provided comprehensive eye care services locally for more than 20 years and with six Lowcountry locations, Carolina Eyecare Physicians is never far away. “We have made it convenient for the community of Summerville to get top of the line, cutting-edge eye care,” Dr. Robert G. Reuther, principal partner and surgeon for the Summerville office, said. “Our patients enjoy a state-of-theart office and a full range of eye care services nearby where they live and work. Even pathologies requiring specialty care can be handled here.”
Dr. Robert G. Reuther
All Carolina Eyecare Physicians locations (Summerville, North Charleston, Walterboro, Moncks Corner, West Ashley and Mt. Pleasant) have a full optical shop and are equipped with the technology and modern equipment needed to provide treatment and surgery for cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The practice even has its own ocular plastic and pediatric specialists allowing them to offer complete care for patients of all ages and visual needs. “When it comes to eye care we provide not only the most comprehensive care and advanced treatments but more than that, we provide patientfocused care. We do everything we can to ensure our
patients have a good experience and that their expectations are met and exceeded,” Reuther said. “We take time with every patient. When our patients visit us, they sit down with one of our doctors, who often times is a specialist, to explain all of their options. Everyone’s needs are unique and not all options work for all people so our approach to eye care is a personalized one that takes into account their needs as well as their lifestyle.” With a staff of more than 120, Carolina Eyecare Physicians will be a place you can turn to for years to come. “We aren’t going to do a surgery for a patient and then send them off somewhere else,” Reuther said. “We are interested in their continuity
business snapshot
Address: 730 Stoney Landing Rd. Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Six Convenient Locations Phone: (843) 899-3393 Years in Business: 20+ Website: www.carolinaeyecare.com of care and are committed to caring for their eyesight forever.”
Pop’s Smoking BBQ
Zion’s Rage
Pop's and Pigskin
Zion’s Rage offers art, organic fragrance to community
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all your tailgate needs. BBQ Platters fixed to your likin’, with ribs, chicken, pull pork or other choice of meat along with your pickings from a variety of sides. To place your order, call 843761-0801 or come by Pop's Jan Bihlear and Momi Aldrich have always Smokin’ BBQ Restaurant and loved the building at 233 East Main Street. On June 22, 2013 they opened "Zion's Rage," a Catering, 310 N. Live Oak studio whose specialty is Essential art and Drive in Moncks Corner. Essential oils. business “We love art snapshot and like to support local Address: artists,” 310 N. Live Oak Drive Aldrich Moncks Corner, SC 29461 said. Phone: 843) 761-0801 “Art always Owner: Walter & Geneva reflects Fleming the heart Years in Business: 3 of the Website: commuwww.facebook.com/pag nity, and Pop’s Smokin BBQ is the place for tailgate es/Pops-Smokin-BBQ/ we want needs. 130978190314218
op’s Smokin’ Barbeque is putting the pig in pigskin this football season! Whether in Stag country or headed to a Gamecock /Clemson showdown, Pop's is ready to supply
to encourage our community. “Our ‘Parousia Oils’ and body products are organic and can be mixed to your signature aroma. Our African Black soap supports a community in Ghana. Many of our artists can also business be commissnapshot sioned.” There is a gift shop downstairs Address: 233 E. Main Street selling prints, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 jewelry, soap and other Phone: (843) 991-4267 pieces by local artisans. The Owners: Jan Bihlear & fine art gallery Momi Aldrich upstairs has sculptures, orig- Years in Business: New Business opened inals and June, 2013 Giclees. Art classes start in Website: www.zionsrage1.wix.com October.
Zion’s Rage
September 2013
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Dream Makers
Making your dreams a reality!
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ave a Social Event but just don’t have the time to Plan it? That’s when you pick up the phone and call Dream Makers. “At Dream Makers we do social event planning from baby showers to business meetings.” said Event Planner Mrs. Gibbs. “No function too small or too large.” Dream Makers, a family owned business that opened its doors in April 2013, is located at 219 North Highway 52 in Moncks Corner, Suites J, K, and L. Their facility is large enough to accommodate wedding
receptions, business meetings, baby and bridal showers, and family reunions. “We have our own facility on the premises or if the customer prefers we can go to an outside facility,” Gibbs said. “We provide the decorating, photography, music and catering if needed.” Dream Makers does it all so you don’t have to. “We try to make planning easy and affordable by doing everything,” Gibbs said. “Give us a date, time, and type of function and all you have to do is show up. The customer tells us what they want and we take care of the rest. Allow us to take care of
businesssnapshot
Dream Makers Address: 219 N. Hwy. 52, Moncks Corner, 29461 Phone Number: (843) 761-2305 Owner: Family owned and operated by Yeadon & Gibbs Family Years in Business: New business, opened in 2013. Website: www.facebook.com/
DreamMakerSocialEventPlanning/events
your planning within your budget.” Dream Makers even has an entity that sits in the middle of their business, M&N Louisiana Cajun Foods, to provide weekly lunch specials and some catering services. They have a unique and original flavor in authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. “M&N Louisiana Cajun Foods is part of Dream Makers,” Gibbs said. “When putting together your next social event we also work with small businesses when we set up the catering, decorations or photography. It’s a business opportunity for small and new businesses to help them promote their own businesses.” Dream Makers and M&N can cater all types of events. From dinner parties, school events, talent shows and hair shows to formal affairs, bridal showers, class and family reunions church functions, community events, and business meetings. For more information about how Dream Makers can plan your next social event call 843-761-2305 or visit their website at www.dreammakerssocialeventplanning.vpweb.com.
From baby showers to business meetings, Dream Makers does it all so you don’t have to.
“We try to make planning easy and affordable by doing everything ...give us a date, time, and type of function and all you have to do is show up.”
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Tupperway Tires & Service Inc.
Family owned, family oriented
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upperway Tires and Service has been helping Lowcountry families stay mobile for 34 years. The business, started in 1980 by John Tupper, is still familyowned and family oriented, said daughter Leiding Tupper Walters. Tupperway offers a full array of automotive services, from tires to engine maintenance, and tries to go the extra mile – pardon the pun – for customers, Walters said. “We do pick up and delivery, for example, all you have to do is let us know – we help out any way we can,” Walters said. Most important, Walters says the business has spent the last 34 years establishing and maintaining a strong reputation for honesty, fair dealing, and quality work. That means the business strives to provide the best service possible – and no one is going to
Todd and Leiding Tupper Walters, owners of Tupperway Tires and Service.
Saint Leo University
Affordable academic excellence
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ounded in 1889 just north of Tampa, Florida, Saint Leo University- a Catholic, liberal arts school serving learners of all faiths, is one of the topranked universities in the south as ranked by US News and World Report and has an established education center located in the Lowcountry right here in Charleston. Saint Leo is a nationally recognized leader in degree programs designed for adult learners and working professionals.
business snapshot
Address: 2430 Mall Drive First Federal Corporate Center Suite 185 North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: (843) 554-2111 Years in Business: 124 Website: www.saintleo.edu
Their Charleston center offers flexible schedules and classes offered on evenings and weekends to accommodate the needs of busy adults. Online classes are also available. Saint Leo offers affordable academic excellence, small classes and exceptional academic advisement. The North Charleston center is one of 40 across seven states and is conveniently located in the First Federal Corporate Center at 2430 Mall Dr., Suite 185. Please call (843) 554-2111 for more information.
try to talk customers into getting services or products they don’t want or need, especially in today’s economy. “We’ve spent the last 34 years building trust,” she said. “We’re very up-front with our customers – we want to help them make sure their vehicles are safe and reliable – but we’re not going to sell you anything you don’t need.” Walters, and the business, is also very community oriented, she said. “I’m a member of the Oakbrook Rotary Club and we all try to stay active in the community,” she said. Tupperway Tires and Service is located at the corner of Ladson and Dorchester Roads in Ladson. For more information call 8750800 or go to the website at www.tupperway.com.
business snapshot
Address: 4659 Ladson Road Ladson, SC 29456 Phone: (843) 875-0800
Owner: Todd & Leiding Walters
Years in Business: 34 Website: www.tupperway.com
Carolina Ave. Dental Care
Carolina Ave. Dental Care offers local, modern practice
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arolina Avenue Dental Care employees have personal relationships with their clients. They know their kids and grandkids. Dr. Gloria Pipkin has owned the practice for 16 years. “People are comfortable with us,” Jill Thornton, RDH, said. “We’re trying to get more progressive.”
Texts and emails are sent to remind clients of appointments and when cleanings are due. “We take a lot of continuing education classes to keep up to date with the latest technology,” Thornton said. “We recently changed to digital Xrays. If we send someone to a specialist, we can email the Xray. “We use laser dentistry to provide more comfortable dental treatment. We take pride in offering our patients state of the art dental treatment in a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere.
“It’s a great place to work and close to home.” Thornton said most clients are from Moncks Corner and St. Stephen.
business snapshot Carolina Ave. Dental Care Address: 214 Carolina Ave., Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Phone: (843) 899-5911 Owner: Dr. Gloria B. Pipkin DMD Years in Business: 16 Website: www.carolina avenuedentalcare.com
September 2013
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Low Country ENT
A comfortable, personalized experience
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Russell D. Kitch, M.D.
Julie M. Shoemaker, AuD
ow Country ENT is a relatively small, friendly, family-oriented medical and surgical ear, nose and throat practice. The staff combines their expertise with a personal, responsive and caring attitude to make you feel as comfortable as possible. They offer a refreshing alternative to the less personalized experience in a large corporate or academic practice. Dr. Russell Kitch believes the doctor who evaluates you in the office should be the same one who sees you in the follow up or takes care of you in the hospital if that becomes necessary. The practice treats children and adults experiencing ear, nose and throat complaints including dizziness, ear infections, hearing loss, sinusitis, nasal congestion, hoarseness, snoring/sleep apnea, sore throats, head/neck and oral cancers. Many symptoms associated with these disorders can be frustrating, but with proper treatment Low Country ENT can often restore and improve quality of life. “We strive to remain academically current, with the goal to continue providing state-of-theart medical, surgical and audiology care,” Dr. Kitch said. A board certified specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose and throat disorders, Dr. Kitch has been seeing patients in the Charleston area for over 20 years. He is one of only a few otolaryngologists in South Carolina who is also board certified in sleep medicine. Additionally, he is a partner at
Dr. Kitch exams a child’s ear.
“We strive to remain academically current, with the goal to continue providing state-ofthe-art medical, surgical and audiology care. – Dr. Russell Kitch
businesssnapshot
Address: 2850 Tricom Street North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: (843) 863-1188 Owner: Dr. Russell Kitch Years in Business: 21 Website: www.lowcountryent.com
South Carolina Sleep Medicine, a state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary, and fully certified sleep clinic in Summerville. His special interests and research are in vertigo, sudden hearing loss, Meniere’s disease, sinusitis, and sleep apnea. Low Country ENT has a board certified audiologist on staff, Dr. Julie Shoemaker. Dr. Shoemaker has been with the practice since 2004. Since that time she has
acquired many satisfied customers who have been relieved of benign positional vertigo, or have improved their hearing thanks to new hearing aids. According to the National Institute of Health, an estimated 28 million Americans suffer from hearing loss making it the third most frequently reported chronic medical condition in America. The goal of Low Country ENT’s physicians and staff is
to educate their patients so they are as relaxed and informed as possible. They believe informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health so they have created an extensive patient library on their website covering an array of relevant educational topics. If you have questions about Low Country ENT or would like to schedule an appointment, call 843-863-1188 or visit www.lowcountryENT.com
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September 2013
Trident Technical College - Berkeley Campus
TTC works closely with the community B ig things are happening at Trident Technical College’s Berkeley Campus. Just outside of Moncks Corner on Highway 17A, the campus has experienced significant growth over the last five years with enrollment increasing from a modest 474 in 2008 to more than 1,000 in the fall semester of 2013. Not just Berkeley County
Dean Karen Wrighten
residents are reaping the benefits of the local campus. Students from the Summerville area represent the second largest population at the rapidly growing campus, with folks from all over the tri-county region attending. The number of students isn’t the only thing growing in Berkeley. Trident has increased the number and variety of course offerings as well, allowing students to complete an entire Associate of Arts degree before moving on to complete a Bachelor’s degree at a fouryear college or university. This is in addition to the aeronautical, cosmetology and healthcare-related programs that have been staples at Berkeley for years. Students are also completing nearly all of their pre-nursing courses at Berkeley then fin-
ishing the program at the Main Campus. With courses conveniently offered in the mornings, afternoons and evenings, students with scheduling concerns can find the right fit. Never ones to rest on their laurels, TTC President Dr. Mary Thornley and Berkeley Campus Dean Karen Wrighten are always looking to the future of the campus. “We are always working closely with people from across the community to improve and enhance what we offer,” says the dean. “The Berkeley Campus is a gem that has been hidden for years. With our customer-service approach and increased course offerings, people are discovering this is a wonderful place to learn.” Berkeley has smaller classes, and, she says, parking is never
business snapshot
Address: Berkeley Campus 1001 S. Live Oak Drive (Highway 17A) Monks Corner, SC 29461 Phone: (843) 899-9000 TTC Berkeley Campus is located outside of Moncks Corner on Highway 17A. an issue. “We are a one-stop shop for student services, so enrolling is easier too.” Dean Wrighten reminds potential students that many Trident Tech credits transfer to four-year schools and there is a substantial cost savings in tak-
Cruise Control Driving School
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summer. In a class held on Sept 7, 37 students attended the class and 35 of them, or 95 percent, also signed on for the road test. “That is pretty typical,” according to the owners. “We owe our success to our instructors John Edinger, John O'Sullivan, Mike Watters, Karen Brown, and Jim and Amy Grant,” owners Kent Lee and Jeff Porter say. The husband/wife Grant team was just hired in the spring when the owners foresaw a busy summer with the addition of the road test option for students. “They were a welcome and timely addition to an already great group of instructors," says Lee. CCDS has been in business since 2000 and has trained over 5000 students. Although their students primarily come from the
Website: www.tridenttech.edu/berk eley.htm dents with guidance to help each student attain the tools he or she needs to become self-sufficient, strong and successful students.
The Bridge at Charleston Assisted Living
Driving School 4th in SC
ast summer, Cruise Control Driving School (CCDS) was certified by the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles as a Third Party Tester, meaning they can administer the licensing road test that was previously only given by licensed examiners at DMV locations. At the end of the first fiscal year following certification, CCDS gave 424 road tests, ranking them fourth among all driving schools in S.C. according to DMV statistics. Five of their six instructors, the most allowed at any one school, are certified to give the road test. The test has been extremely popular among parents and students when they register for the driving course. Classes are usually held every other weekend during the school year and 4-5 times a month during the
ing the first two years of a four-year degree at TTC. Trident Tech’s per semester cost is $771.14 after S.C. Lottery assistance. Dean Wrighten explains that because Berkeley is smaller, they are able to offer an individualized approach to stu-
Years in Business: 31
Summerville, Goose Creek and North Charleston schools, they have trained students from every high school in the tri-county area as well as hundreds of home-school students. Jim Snyder is the business manager, his 10th year doing so.
business snapshot Cruise Control Driving School Address: 4400 Ladson Road Ladson, SC 29483 Phone: (843) 875-0930 Owner: Kent Lee & Jeff Porter Years in Business: 13 Website: www.cruisecontroldriving.com
Assisted Living at its finest
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he Bridge at Charleston is the finest in assisted liv-
ing. Located in North Charleston, The Bridge offers its residents luxurious amenities and convenient services that allow seniors to continue living active lifestyles without worrying about errands and chores. The community features restaurant-style dining in their café and elegant dining room, plus other conveniences such as a hair salon, wellness center and library on-site. For the residents who would like a little help
The Bridge at Charleston, an assisted living community, offers luxury amenities and services to all of its residents. around the house, The Bridge provides housekeeping, healthcare and transportation services. By combining their topof-the-line amenities with outstanding services, The Bridge at Charleston can make a senior’s golden years shine even brighter.
business snapshot
Address: 2590 Elms Plantation Blvd. North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: (843) 553-6342 Owner: Century Park Associates Years in Business: 15 Website: www.thebridgeatcharleston .com
September 2013
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Donovan’s Custom Framing
No job too small
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hen it comes to framing something near and dear to a customer’s heart, no job is taken for granted said Dennis Donovan, co-owner of Donovan’s Custom Framing. “If it is only a new hanging wire you need or new glass, there is no project too small,” said Donovan. “We treat every project like it is a big project.” That is the key to growth! Opened in 2008 with his wife Maryann, Donovan’s has seen growth each year. The customer base has expanded greatly and it all stems from detailed customer service. The store is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. TuesdayFriday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, but it does not end there. “If a customer can’t come see us during business hours, just give us a call,” said Dennis. “We’ll meet them at midnight if we have to.” It all starts the moment the customer walks through the door. “We get to know the cus-
‘If we see a good food review, we might frame it and give it to the restaurant... The best form of advertisement you can have is referrals.’ … -Dennis Donovan tomer,” said Maryann. “We find what they need by listening.” And listening is what has kept them in business for over 35 years. If you walk in to Donovan’s you will see the wide variety of opportunities at your fingertips. They frame paintings, photographs, diplomas, jerseys and anything else you could imagine. Not only is there a wide variety of items they can frame but also a plethora of choices as you go to pick the frame that is right. They go the extra mile to help you figure out which frame is best for you.
businesssnapshot
Company: Donovan's Custom Framing Address: 428-C Old Trolley Road Summerville, SC 29485 Phone: (843) 871-9003 Owner: Dennis & Maryann Donovan Years in Business: 34 Website: www.donovanscustomframing.com
affordable and we think we are,” said Maryann. “We’re always better priced than the big-box craft stores, even when they offer a coupon deal.” This has proved vital to their winning of the Journal Scene’s Reader’s Choice Awards ever since 2009. “We’re aware of what our customer’s needs are, and we’ll bend over backwards and do whatever we can to make the customer happy,” said Dennis. “If you’re not happy when you walk out that door, we’re not happy.”
“If you need us to, we will come to your home,” said Dennis. “Maryann went to school for interior design. She has a good eye with color and design.” Around 10 percent of Donovan’s business is done with corporate jobs. They have helped out Santee Cooper, Force Protection, Alcoa and Knights Companies among others. Staying true to a community small business, they have donated gifts to schools and local businesses. “If we see a good food review, we might frame it and give it to the restaurant,” said Dennis. “The best form of advertisement you can have is referrals.” They are very active with The Chamber in Summerville as well as DREAM. Maryann volunteers for Children in Crisis with the Kitchen Tour. They use the best acid free and conservation materials available to keep the integrity of your artwork. Quality work and flexible hours are not the only things that Donovan’s value, they also feature affordable pricing. Dennis and Maryann Donovan have been serving Summerville since 2008. “We want to be
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Albany International
Albany celebrates deep ties to area I
n 1956, a New York manufacturer of a product called paper machine clothing, decided to expand its manufacturing base away from the Albany, New York area. After looking at many sites, the decision was made to locate to St. Stephen, a small town in upper Berkeley County. This move would place the Albany Felt Company in the heart of the burgeoning southern paper industry. At that time the St. Stephen area had a number of businesses; Highland Cleat and Veneer, Russellville Lumber Company, and Santee Hardwood. All of those entities are long gone now, but Albany Felt Company St. Stephen continued to grow and flourish. During that time Albany Felt acquired many other companies affiliated with the paper making industry, and eventually changed its name from the Albany Felt Company to Albany International. In doing this, Albany International became a world-wide organization, and the industry leader in paper machine clothing.
Albany International St. Stephen located in Berkeley County is a world wide organization and industry leader. Over the years, the raw materials used in the St. Stephen plant have changed; natural fibers such as wool and cotton have been replaced by synthetics, new processes have been added, and technology
businesssnapshot
Address: PO Box 608, St. Stephen, SC 29479 Owner: Publicly owned Years in Business: 118 Website: www.albint.com
has moved the paper industry forward. Albany International St. Stephen has been on the vanguard of many of the actions that have facilitated these improvements. Albany International St. Stephen is a pillar of the community, and a proud sponsor of local youth athletic teams. Albany also supports many of the local high school academic endeavors and sports programs. Albany is actively involved with the Callen-Lacey Home, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, United Way Day of Caring, and the American Heart Association Heart Walk, to name a few. A multi-generational company, Albany is a place
Occupying 300 plus acres in a building of over 275,000 square feet, Albany St. Stephen employs a work force of 260 women and men from many surrounding counties. where many mothers and fathers work beside their sons and daughters. Many of the leaders in the plant are from the local area, home-grown talent that have moved upward through the organization and have made the St. Stephen plant a world recognized leader in the paper machine clothing industry. Occupying 300 plus acres in a building of over 275,000 square feet, Albany
St. Stephen employs a work force of 260 women and men from many surrounding counties. The plant operates on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week schedule. With a competitive pay structure and excellent work environment, it is no wonder that many employees request that their family member be considered for the next open position. The average employee tenure at Albany
International St. Stephen is over 13 years. The annual employee turnover rate hovers at a number less than 2%. Even as the paper industry in North America continues to shrink and America’s use of paper declines, Albany International St. Stephen’s market share continues to increase, and their value in their company and their industry continues to rise.
September 2013
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A Chosen Child Adoption Services
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A Chosen Child helps parents and children
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A Chosen Child is at 300 Central Ave. in Summerville.
regnant, overwhelmed, scared and confused. Sometimes unplanned pregnancies can cause all of these emotions. But there is a Summerville agency to turn to ask questions, get answers, support and the right solution. A Chosen Child Adoption Services helps birth parent/s understand their choices and make decisions that are best for them and their child. Because there are many misunderstandings about the adoption process, the following may answer some of the big questions: Adoption sounds like I don’t care about my baby. In fact, making an adoption plan for your baby is the most caring, unselfish thing someone could do? What will my child think
of me? Adoptive families admire you for your courage and will share this deep respect with their child. What is an adoption plan? You may choose the baby’s adoptive family and get to know them prior to the birth and you may choose to develop a relationship with the adoptive family that continues after adoption. Will a counselor make me choose adoption? Their job is to give you truthful, helpful information, not to make the decision for you. Will I have to pay foranything when making an adoption plan? South Carolina law allows adoptive parents to be responsible for medical expenses and
other reasonable living expenses, including adoption counseling. Does the birth father have rights? Yes. It is our belief that in order for an adoption plan to be successful, the birth father should be involved in the adoption plan.However, there are certain circumstances in which there are legal means to terminate his rights. Does my family have to be involved in my adoption plan? You are our primary concern and if you would like to include your family in your adoption plan and counseling, we are happy to do that. What’s the next step? Please call us at 843-8514004 or email our birth parent counselor, Heather Bertauski,
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Address: 300 Central Avenue Summerville, SC 29483 Phone: (843) 851-4004
Executive Director: Denice Fisher
Years in Business: 11 Website: www.accadoptionservices.com
at heather@accadoptionservices.com. We can arrange to meet with you at a place and time that is comfortable and convenient for you.
Palmetto Cataract & Eye Specialists
High quality, comprehensive, eye care
Prat Itharat, M.D.
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fter residency, Dr. Prat Itharat practiced with several ophthalmology groups in the greater Charleston area. Disappointed with practicing medicine in a broken system, Dr. Itharat envisioned a modern, personable, accessible medical practice. In 2012, he opened Palmetto Cataract and Eye Specialists— a practice dedicated to providing high quality, comprehensive eye care designed around patients' needs. This meant opening his practice in Summerville, where residents from Dorchester and Berkeley counties could receive the highest quality specialty eye care without the hassle of commuting to Charleston or Mt. Pleasant. Palmetto Cataract and Eye
Specialists provides both nonsurgical and surgical eye care. A board-certified eye surgeon, Dr. Itharat specializes in cataract surgery with no sutures and no needles. With the latest lens implant technology, he is able to offer corrective procedures for reading and astigmatism. “Our philosophy is centered around patient focused care,” he said. “We’re the only eye specialty practice in or around Charleston that offers evening hours.” Understanding that your time is important, Dr. Itharat strives to maintain minimal wait times. And, instead of feeling rushed, you will have plenty of time to speak with Dr. Itharat. By using modern diagnostic instruments, laser treatments, electronic medical records and
electronic medication prescribing, Palmetto Cataract is able to provide you with the best care available. A yearly eye exam is recommended after 40 years of age. For most middle aged and older patients, an annual eye exam is usually covered by your medical insurance plans. Additionally, Dr. Itharat serves as a clinical instructor at the Storm Eye Institute (Medical University of South Carolina), where he teaches the next generation of ophthalmologists medical and surgical knowledge and techniques. To schedule an appointment and experience the Palmetto Cataract and Eye Specialists’ difference, call 843-259-2002. They accept all major insurance plans.
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Address: 1516 Old Trolley Rd. Suite 102A Summerville, SC 29485 Phone: (843) 259-2002 Owner: Dr. Prat Itharat Years in Business: 1 Website: www.palmettocataract.com
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September 2013
PROGRESS
Home Telecom
Home Telecom adds new services T
his has been a very busy year for Home Telecom with the addition of several new enhancements to their products and services. Home Telecom kicked off the year by launching new, faster Internet speeds up to 110 mbps in most of their service area with all Home customers receiving a free speed upgrade during this transition. Simultaneously Home Telecom launched MyWiFi, which allows wireless enabled devices to connect to high speed Internet wirelessly. As more customers are connecting to the Internet through tablets, laptops and smartphones within their homes, the demand for this service has been ever increasing. Home Telecom has also upgraded their home security services to provide customers with 24-hour monitoring of their home at the touch of a button. With HomeSmart Security, customers can now arm and disarm their security via the Internet, PDAs, cell phones, and other webenabled devices.
Home Telecom’s Stoney Landing Road location in Moncks Corner. Customers can also add Home Automation to their security package, which
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Address: 579 Stoney Landing Rd. Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Phone: (888) 746-4482 President & COO: William S. Helmly Years in Business: Over 100 years Website: HomeSC.com
provides advanced services such as thermostat and lighting control, door locks and more. HomeTV2Go is Home Telecom’s new venture into the TV Everywhere universe. With this product, customers are able to access popular applications and websites like HBOGo and MaxGo among others. Customers can view live TV, recorded video, read the latest news, browse the web and more. HomeTV2go will continue to grow this year as they add additional programming to enhance this offer-
ing. For instance, with the addition of EPIX, a popular movie driven entertainment channel, their customers will be able to connect like never before. The desktop platform of EPIX provides a feature called "Watch with Friends" where customers can invite other friends to
watch a show simultaneously over the Internet. This will be a great way for families to still enjoy a movie night every now and then with their child who may be away to college. As the fall season approaches, Home Telecom has several projects in the works with a focus on
staying ahead of the technology curve and providing the best products and customer service in the marketplace. For more information about all the home and business services available through Home Telecom, visit their website at www.homesc.com.
Home Telecom has also upgraded their home security services to provide customers with 24-hour monitoring of their home at the touch of a button.