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Table of Contents Cruise Control Driving School . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 The Charleston Angler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Tupperway Tires and Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Steel Magnolia’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Hearing Care of Summerville . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 DisasterCare by Carpet Care Services . . . . . . .6 AllCare Living Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Charleston Ear, Nose and Throat Associate . . .7 Low Country ENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Keys2Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 The Village at Summerville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Pop’s Smokin BBQ & Catering . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Alcoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Millie Lewis of Charleston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Oh Snap! Promotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 First Citizens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
2 Years
10 Years
Driving School
QRQ SURÀW RUJDQL]DWLRQ
www.keys2wellness.org
208 E. 2nd St. N. Summerville, SC 29483
4400 Ladson Rd. Ladson, SC 29456
www.lifeisworthhearing.com
www.CruiseControlDriving.com
843.571.7781
843.871.9669
843.875.0930
Serving the Lowcountry since
Serving the Lowcountry since
Serving the Lowcountry since
2010
14 Years
Cruise Control
Keys2Wellness.org
118 Springhall Dr., Ste A Goose Creek, SC 29445
12 Years
2002
2000
14 Years
ALLCARE LIVING SERVICES, Inc.
18 Years by
“ C e r t i f i e d I n - Ho m e C a re w i t h a He a r t ”
119 Spring Hall Dr. Goose Creek, SC 29445
1675 N. Main St. Summerville, SC 29483
403 E. 5th N. St. Summerville, SC 29483
843.329.0785
www.AllCareLivingServices.com
843.761.5690
843.832.9888
843.871.9628
Serving the Lowcountry since
1998
1998
Serving the Lowcountry since
5000 Epson Plantation Dr. Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Serving the Lowcountry since
www.DisasterCare247.com www.CarpetCareServices.com
1994
21 Years
32 Years
33 Years
54 Years
99 Years
2850 Tricom St. N. Charleston, SC 29406
3575 Hwy 52 Goose Creek, SC 29445
7475 Northside Dr. N.Charleston, SC 29420
201 W. 9th N. St. Summerville, SC 29483
212 E. Main St. Moncks Corner, SC 29461
843.863.1188
843.572.3700
843.571.7781
Serving the Lowcountry since
Serving the Lowcountry since
Serving the Lowcountry since
www.lowcountryent.com
1991
www.alcoa .com
1980
www.millielewischarleston.com
1979
www.preshomesc.com
ZZZ ÀUVWFLWL]HQVRQOLQH FRP
843.873.2550
843.761.8047
Serving the Lowcountry since
Serving the Lowcountry since
1958
1913
September 2012
PROGRESS
3
Cruise Control Driving School
Teaching new drivers since 2000
K
ent Lee and Jeff Porter chose that slogan when they started their driving school back in 2000 -and it holds true today. Kent taught their first class in March 2000. The class had two students—Kent’s daughter and a friend of hers. The school started out conducting one class a month with a handful of students in each for most of the year. They now have 2-3 classes a month, with one almost every Saturday during the summer. Classes now number over 20 students each and Cruise Control will soon welcome its 5,000th customer. In fact, the school outgrew its first two locations and now holds classes in a hotel meeting room. In addition, the SC Dept. of Motor Vehicles recently chose Cruise Control, as part of a statewide pilot program, to give the licensing road test, which they do by appointment. “This was a huge deal for the community,” Kent notes. “No more waiting at the DMV.” They have given over 90 road tests in the six weeks they have been certified.
Cruise Control Driving School staff (left to right): Jeff Porter, Mike Watters, John O'Sullivan, Jim Snyder, John Edinger, Karen Brown, and Kent Lee. The business eventually grew to a point they hired a full-time instructor. Kent and Jeff, both retired Air Force pilots, now fly for the same airline. Initially, they handled all incoming calls -- no matter where they were around the globe -- until growth required a full-time manager and, over time, several driving instructors and cars. “We’ve come a long way since the early days when Kent and I alternated teach-
businesssnapshot Company: Cruise Control Driving School Address: 4400 Ladson Rd., Ladson (843) 875-0930 Owner: Kent Lee & Jeff Porter Years in Business:12 1/2 Website: www.cruisecontroldriving.com
ing classes and driving the students when we were home on our days off,” says Jeff. Why a driving school? “We wanted the challenge of starting a small business to serve the community,” says Kent. “Our daughters and their friends had said it was tough getting drivers’ education in a timely manner, so we thought the local market could stand another driving school. Lastly, we enjoy working with youth, so a driving school seemed to be our calling.” Before conducting the first class, the owners met with the Small Business Administration to discuss their venture. The counselor told them that no matter how satisfied their customers were, the business would not succeed on ‘word-of- mouth’ alone--advertising was a must. They did this and eventually, the business did grow. Despite the great recession and high overhead – including skyrocketing gas prices -2012 has been a banner year.
… the SC Dept. of Motor Vehicles recently chose Cruise Control to give the licensing road test… “We saw it coming out of the winter,” says Jeff. “We had to rush to hire a new driver and buy a new car before spring --and we kept her busy!” “We owe the growth of our business to our employees,” Kent adds. “Our manager does a great job and our drivers are the absolute best -they love working with the students. It is rewarding to see the look on a kid’s face the first time one successfully parallel parks a car.” Four of their five employees are military retirees or military spouses. Two have 19 years combined with the business. Another ran his own driving school for 28 years before relocating here; he also conducts the classroom instruction before students get behind the wheel. All four drivers are certified
by the state to conduct the road test with students. In fact, no school in the state has more road test certified instructors. All of the instructors agree that if they could convince the community of one point, that would be to bring their kids to the school soon after they get their permit instead of making it the last thing they do before taking road test so they can teach the kids what they should know before they develop bad habits. The owners are proud of what they have accomplished. “We are proud that we beat the statistic that 90 percent of small businesses fail within five years,” Kent said. “We are also proud that we have given thousands of dollars in scholarships to graduating
local high school seniors over the last eight years. We are most proud that we have provided a highly reputable business with professional employees who do a fantastic job for our community.” Ultimately, it’s about building a good name, they say. Occasionally, the owners will visit the students during a class and thank them for choosing their school. When they ask why the students chose their school, without fail the majority response is that a friend of theirs or their parents told them about the school. In other words, Kent and Jeff say, it may have taken advertising to get the word out, but word of mouth is now the reason why teens are coming to Cruise Control – where learning to drive is a pleasure.
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Tupperway Tires and Service
Family owned, family oriented
T
Tupperway Tires and Service owners Todd and Leiding Tupper Walters.
upperway Tires and Service has been helping Lowcountry families stay mobile for 33 years. The business, started in 1980 by John Tupper, is still family-owned 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. “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 33 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 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 33
years building trust,” she said. “We’re very upfront 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
business snapshot
Address: 4659 Ladson Rd. Summerville (843) 875-0800 Owner: The John Tupper Family Years in Business: 33 Website: www.tupperway.com Dorchester Roads in Ladson. For more information call 875-0800 or go to the website at www.tupperway.com.
Steel Magnolia's Floral Design
The Charleston Angler
We have blossoms for you
Charleston’s premier fishing, fly tackle shop
S
teel Magnolias offers flowers for every occasion. DiAnn Hood opened the flower shop in 2010 after 25 years of wedding and events planning, which she still does. “We offer cutting-edge designs,” Hood said. “If you line mine up in a crowd you could pick them out. They look different.” Hood adds her personal touch to help
men pick flowers for their wives. “I love it around Mother’s Day when all these guys call and have sweet little things they want to tell their mama.” Hood currently carries Clemson and Carolina wreaths. She sells unscented dining table candles and Christmas ornaments. Her favorite flowers are lilies, roses and of course magnolias.
Steel Magnolias on Main Street in Moncks Corner offers creative flower arrangements, candles and ornaments.
business snapshot
Company: Steel Magnolia’s Floral Design Address: 105 W. Main St., Suite B Moncks Corner (843) 899-7385 Owner: DiAnn Hood Years in Business: 2 Website: steelmagnoliasfloral.com
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he Charleston Angler opened in May of 2000 as a small fly tackle shop. But over the past 12 years owners Dr. Malcolm and Caroline Rhodes have transformed it into so much more. Including its retail store at 2143 N. Main Street in Summerville, the business now has five locations around the Lowcountry. “We have the space and talent to cover all the bases,” Caroline said. “Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned angler, our friendly and experienced staff are ready to serve you.” In addition to live bait for fresh and salt water, the Summerville store offers a broad assortment of salt and fresh water lures featuring Zoom Plastics at a special price! Fishing and hunting gear, outdoor apparel, shotgun shells and
Robbie Byrne and manager Bart Manley can help you with all your fishing needs at Charleston Angler’s Summerville store. even gator-hunting equipment are also stocked. The Charleston Angler offers free monthly seminars that cover everything from fly-fishing to offshore rigging. To shop online, find seminars and post comments, visit www. TheCharleston Angler.com.
business snapshot
Address: 2143 N. Main St., Summerville (843) 871-9362 Owner: Dr. Malcolm and Caroline Rhodes Years in Business: 12 Website: www.TheCharlestonAngler .com
September 2012
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Hearing Care of Summerville
They believe your life is worth hearing
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he staff and doctors are committed to providing quality, compassionate hearing healthcare for all ages, from infancy to adulthood. Beth Alberto and Chuck Whitfield, Hearing Care of Summerville’s Doctors of Audiology, employ the latest technology and information to educate and engage each individual patient to select the best hearing solution to fit their needs and budget. They also have a knowledgeable and courteous staff that will be happy to answer any questions or schedule an appointment. “Our doctors have a combined 40-plus years of experience,” said Lolli Haugh, public relations representative for Hearing Care of Summerville. “What I love about our practice is they sit down with each individual patient to find out about their lifestyle and needs. They work hard to find the right solution for each patient because everyone is different.” Addressing hearing loss as early as possible is the key to minimizing the long-term
effects. Many people are in denial about their hearing loss and are slow to get checked. “It’s just as important as other screenings they will have. If people address hearing loss early on, they’re far more likely to return to a similar level of hearing before they had the hearing loss,” Haugh said. The practice offers a unique service for people who may be concerned about their hearing but aren’t sure where to begin. The hearing kiosk provides a self-administered hearing assessment that gives some basic information about a person’s hearing abilities. It is not diagnostic and instruments cannot be fit by the results. However, based on the results, a patient can better assess whether or not they should pursue additional testing by a licensed audiologist. “The best part of our job is when someone decides to act on the advice of the audiologist and investigate hearing instruments. They put hearing aids on and they’re so excited. They can hear the leaves rustle and they hear
businesssnapshot
Company: Hearing Care of Summerville Address: 208 East 2nd St. North, Summerville (843) 871-9669 Owner: Dr. Beth Alberto, Au.D. Years in Business: 28 Website: www.lifeisworthhearing.com
Doctors of Audiology Beth Alberto and Chuck Whitfield.
the birds outside. They hear their voices, and for a lot of them it’s the first time in a long time they’ve heard those things,” Haugh says. In addition to comprehensive hearing evaluations and hearing aid sales and service, Hearing Care of Summerville also offers custom earmolds and earplugs, assistive listening and signaling devices and tinnitus management and treatment. Tinnitus, more commonly known as a ‘ringing in the ears,’ is a widespread condition affecting up to 50 million people in the United States and is considered difficult to treat, but Hearing Care of Summerville can provide help. Dr. Alberto specializes in tinnitus management and has had great success in helping her patients find relief from this debilitating
“Our doctors have a combined 40-plus years of experience. – Lolli Haugh condition. Her success in tinnitus management in addition to other professional and civic accomplishments led her to be awarded the Healthcare Hero Award as a Healthcare Professional by the Charleston Regional Business Journal. The practice also received the Summerville Journal Scene’s Readers’ Choice Award: 1st PlaceAudiologist for three consecutive years. Hearing Care of Summerville is located at 208 East 2nd Street North and can be reached by phone at 871-9669. For more information The staff at Hearing Care of Summerville are online, please visit knowledgeable and courteous, and happy to answer www.lifeisworthhearing.com. any questions.
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DisasterCare by Carpet Care Services
Carpet Care has the experience and tools for the job
F
rom major fire or flood damage to a simple rug cleaning, Carpet Care Services and DisasterCare are equipped to handle jobs of all sizes. When Al Bradham purchased Carpet Care Services in 1994, it was a one-man, one-truck operation. Today it is one of the largest flood and fire restoration firms in the southeast with a fleet of trucks and an impressive inventory of drying equipment and state of the art tools. “We answer our phone 24 hours a day and can usually be on site within an hour,” operations manager Tommy Davis said. “For disaster jobs we keep a 38-foot trailer loaded and ready to go at all times and we always send a manager to handle the evaluation. Most of our employees have been with us
for several years and no matter what the size of the job, we aren’t going to send someone who isn’t fully trained.” The company has vast experience in commercial and residential carpet and upholstery cleaning, including Oriental Rug cleaning. It is also equipped to handle mold remediation. In 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 Carpet Care Services received the Summerville Journal Scene’s Readers’ Choice Award: 1st Place – Carpet Cleaner. The company has also received the prestigious "Best of the Best in Charleston, SC" designation. “We pride ourselves on our customer service,” Davis said. “We enjoy what we do and we go through all the appropriate certification courses and specialty classes to ensure we are knowledgeable in our field and
business snapshot
Address: 403 East 5th North St. Summerville (843) 871-9628 Owner: Al Bradham Years in Business: 18 Website: www.disastercare247.com
up to date on the latest technology.” For more information on the company, visit www.carpetcareservices.com.
AllCare Living Services
AllCare Living Services helps patients remain at home
T
hink of a typical scenario facing the elderly today: a widower, on his own, his only child living across the country, has Alzheimer’s and cannot be trusted to live on his own. Or an elderly couple, as committed and in love as they were decades ago, but the husband now too frail to physically care for his even more infirm wife. These are the types of situations in which an elderly person is likely to end up in a nursing home, even though most people would prefer to remain at home. That’s where AllCare Living Services comes in. Both situations are
actual cases in Summerville, and in both the caregivers of AllCare ensure these individuals can remain in their homes. For the Alzheimer’s patient, AllCare provides caregivers 24/7. Price said the man’s daughter tried to move him once to a facility, but it was too traumatic for him. For the couple, AllCare provides caregivers four hours each day to help the wife with physical tasks like bathing. “What makes us stand out are our employees,” said Frank Price, chief operating officer and coowner. All the caregivers receive special training
in dealing with the behavioral issues that often arise from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The business arose from Kelly Williams’ experience in home health and her conviction that it could be done better. “She saw a need for it. She’s been the driving force for us, especially in the early years,” said Price. Williams’ husband, Skip Williams, is the third co-owner. Price pointed to the company’s unusually low employee turnover rate of 10 percent, in an industry that typically sees 40 to 50 percent turnover, to show how
business snapshot
Address: 1675 N. Main St. Summerville Phone: (843) 832-9888 Owner: Skip & Kelly Williams Years in Business: 14 Website: www.allcarelivingservices .com the company cares for its people. A good environment for employees translates into better care for clients, he said.
September 2012
PROGRESS
Charleston Ear Nose and Throat Associates
Complete ENT care under one roof
W
hile simple in nature, offering comprehensive and convenient health care turned out to be quite an effective business plan for Charleston Ear Nose and Throat Associates. In 1998 when the practice first opened its doors in West Ashley it had two offices and four physicians. Today, it has expanded into the largest ENT group in the state with a dozen physicians working at nine locations. A new office will open in North Charleston next month. “All our offices offer a full range of services under one roof,” Executive Director Michael Grubb said. “There is no need to go somewhere else for diagnostic testing. Our physician can order a CT scan, it will be performed in our office, and he will review the results with you in less than 30 minutes.” The practice treats infants, children and adults experiencing problems associated with things such as: Sinuses and Allergies, Snoring and Sleep Disorders, Stuffy Nose, Deviated Septum, Ear Infections, Wax Build-up,
Hearing Loss, Thyroid conditions, Neck and Voice soreness and Enlarged Tonsils. Charleston ENT’s state-ofthe-art, nationally-accredited outpatient surgery center in West Ashley helps patients avoid trips to the hospital. The center offers skilled post-op care from ENT-specialized nurses and staff. They accept referrals from other doctors and also see patients who refer themselves. “All our physicians and surgeons are board certified and everything we do is very patient friendly,” Grubb said. “We have same day appointments available when needed and we accept all insurances, including Tricare.” The practice even offers free parking. A big part of the practice’s growth has been its audiologists, who are all nationally certified. “It’s an exciting time for us,” Director of Audiology Karen Moore said. “We’ve branched out all over the Lowcountry and that makes it really convenient for our patients. Our audiology services have grown right along with everything else
businesssnapshot
Address: 119 Spring Hall Dr., Goose Creek (843) 329-0785 5000 Epson Plantation Dr., Moncks Corner (843) 761-5690 Years in Business: 14 Website: www.charlestonent.com
Physicians Edward Behrens, MD, PhD Eugene Brown, RPh, MD Thomas Dozier, MD Mark Ghegan, MD Edward McNellis, RPh, MD Michael Noone, MD Matthew Scarlett, MD Willy Schwenzfeier, MD Shaun Scott, MD Erik Swanson, MD Keith Meetze, MD
Locations Karen Moore with audiology patient.
“All our offices offer a full range of services under one roof – Michael Grubb and now we are very proud of the services we offer patients of all ages. Of course we can help someone determine if they are a good candidate for a hearing aid, but we also offer balance testing, infant hearing screenings and educational services to teach people about preventing and managing hearing loss.” With years of experience under its belt, the audiology staff can help patients determine whether a medical procedure or amplification will be the best solution for their hearing difficulties. The staff is also equipped to handle anything from cochlear implant rehabilitation to brainstem testing. For more information on Charleston Ear Nose and Throat Associates, visit www.charlestonent.com. (At right) Dr. Ed McNellis with young patient.
Primary and Surgery Center: 1849 Savage Road, Charleston (West Ashley) 766-7103 119 Spring Hall Drive Goose Creek 329-0785 5000 Epson Plantation Drive Moncks Corner 761-5690 298 Midland Parkway Summerville 873-8733 497 St. Andrews Blvd Charleston (843) 763-0543 180 Wingo Way Mt. Pleasant (843) 216-8774 3510 N. Hwy. 17 North Mt. Pleasant (843) 654-7494 416-B Robertson Blvd Walterboro (843) 766-7103 266 Lake Park Drive, North Charleston (843) 793-6500
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Low Country ENT
A refreshing, personalized experience
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ow Country ENT is a relatively small, friendly, family oriented, one physician practice. This offers a refreshing alternative to the less personalized experience in a large corporate or academic practice. Dr. Russell Kitch believes that 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 become necessary. “We strive to remain academically current, with the goal to continue providing state-of-the-art medical, surgical and audiology care,” Dr. Kitch
said. A board certified specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose and throat disorders (otolaryngology), Dr. Kitch has been seeing patients in the Charleston area for over 20 years. He has advanced training in sleep medicine, and has special interests in vertigo, sudden hearing lost, sinusitis, and sleep apnea. Low Country ENT also has a board certified audiologist on staff, Dr. Julie Shoemaker. Dr. Shoemaker has been with the practice since 2004. In that time she has acquired many satisfied customers who have
business snapshot
Address: 2850 Tricom St. North Charleston (843) 863-1188 Owner: Dr. Russell Kitch Years in Business: 20 Website: www.lowcountryent.com been relieved of benign positional vertigo, or have improved their hearing thanks to new hearing aids.
The staff at Low Country ENT.
Keys2Wellness
‘Bringing health to the planet…one community at a time’ Dr. Bryan Aldrich noticed a health care concern in the community when he started working in the Goose Creek area four years ago. In 2010, Dr. Aldrich decided to address that health care need when he started the non-profit organization, Keys2Wellness.org. The mission of Keys2Wellness.org is to educate people about health at no charge. “People are often misinformed about
their own health concerns and they have a tendency to guess the reasons why they have particular ailments instead of finding out the cause, this is a big problem,” stated Dr. Aldrich, a chiropractor of 15 years. “They normally don’t pursue getting answers for their health problems, be it due to the insurance issues, fear or money issues.” “Our primary vision for start-
ing up Keys2Wellness.org is to help people get answers on a one-on-one basis, free of charge.” Professionally, Dr. Aldrich is a chiropractor that operates a spinal care clinic completely separate from Keys2Wellness.org. “As a chiropractic practitioner, people have preconceived notions that I’m going to sell them something or that they
Dr. Aldrich and staff of Keys 2 Wellness in Goose Creek
would run up a large expense just by speaking with me. “I had to take the money out of the way for people to feel comfortable enough with me to help them.” Keys2Wellness.org was born from this mission driven philosophy. “The first step in becoming healthy is educating yourself on what is wrong with you. Keys2Wellness delivers on what we promise by bringing a healthy, wellness driven lifestyle to the community through education. Too often, people are given medications immediately without a full and proper diagnostic procedure. This can be very dangerous.” Keys2Wellness.org offers chair massages, free health screenings and educational health talks at public events like the Coastal Carolina Fair and through more personal
venues such as small business locations and/or other nonprofit organizations. Dr. Aldrich has diagnosed problems such as hepatitis and esophagus problems at various screenings and has sent the patients to their appropriate medical specialist. Through a simple diet change, he even helped one patient lose 15 pounds in a week. All of these people were helped through Keys2Wellness.org’s community outreach at no charge. “Decreasing stress is all about being healthy,” Dr. Aldrich said. “Along with chair massages, we also conduct health education talks such as ‘Stay Fit While you Sit’ to inform others about their health and wellness needs.” Dr. Aldrich and Keys2Wellness.org has a mission to bring health to our
business snapshot Company: Keys 2 Wellness Address: 118 Springhall Dr., Ste A Goose Creek (843) 754-8954 Owner: Dr. Brian Aldrich Years in Business: 2 Website: www.keys2wellness.org planet, one community at a time. “We’re here to educate our community about their health and wellness at no charge with no strings attached.”
September 2012
PROGRESS
The Village at Summerville
Seniors enjoy high quality of life
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early 300 senior adults call The Village at Summerville home these days. It’s a testament to the quality of life the continuing care retirement community has been offering Lowcountry seniors for more than five decades. “We treat everybody like family, and for some of our residents, we are their family,” The Village at Summerville marketing director Beth Stoney said. “We not only have a lot of residents who are natives of the area, we have many who have moved to the Lowcountry from other cities and states because their children are now living here and they want to be closer to them and to their grandchildren. We embrace them as family, and we become an extension of their family.” The Village at Summerville opened in 1958 and is a not-for-profit ministry of the Presbyterian Church USA, though residents do not have to be Presbyterian to live at The Village. Its mission statement reflects its purpose: “We are a Christian ministry dedicated to enriching the
quality of life for seniors of all faiths.” The Village currently rests on 36 wooded acres at 201 W. 9th North Street and provides all options of residency for adults 62 and older, ranging from patio homes to independent living apartments, assisted living and health services that includes memory support. “We have a life enrichment team that works diligently to keep our residents active and engaged,” Stoney said. “We offer educational and cultural programs, along with a lot of fun activities to keep people stimulated… There is something for everybody.” For residents there is always something to do every day if they want to, including exercise classes and fitness training in the Wellness Center that also features an indoor pool, as well as musical and spiritual offerings in the Chapel. The soul is also fed through cultural events such as musical and theatrical performances from area artists, and, an in-house movie night is always an option. Active seniors choose The Village because it’s a great place to enjoy
maintenance-free living as well. A resident can live in a beautiful 1800-square foot patio home and enjoy life as if they were living in their own home but there is staff to take care of all the headaches. Residents don’t have to worry about climbing on a ladder to do the work, swinging a paintbrush, or trying to get that lawn mower started. “It’s a wonderful lifestyle,” Stoney said. “It frees up their time to do things that they’ve always wanted to do but maybe never had the time to do. That could be anything from taking up a new sport to writing a book, to painting a landscape or whatever they choose.” As part of the quality of life component, The Village at Summerville offers a fullservice health center for residents who require 24-hour skilled nursing care or any of the wide-ranging therapy options they may need.
Bess Lawton & Davis Lever enjoy a bike ride.
“We have a life enrichment team that works diligently to keep our residents active and engaged – Beth Stoney
businesssnapshot
Address: 201 West 9th North St., Summerville (843) 873-2550 Owner: Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina Years in Business: 54 Website: www.preshomesc.com
Chef & Dining Services Director Steve Scranton and dietician Sara Lynn Tuten celebrate Earth Day with a cooking demonstration in the Creative Arts Center.
Resident Shirley Ladouceur puts the finishing touches on a floral arrangement for the dining room.
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Alcoa
Alcoa Mt. Holly: A community partner
It is hard to imagine any business or organization that means more to Berkeley County – and the entire state – than Alcoa Mt. Holly. The aluminum smelting facility in Goose Creek,
business snapshot
Address: 3575 Hwy 52 Goose Creek (843) 572-3700 Years in Business: 32 Website: www.alcoa.com
where only 1,000 of the 4,500-acre plantation are developed for use, produces over 200,000 tons of primary aluminum annually while achieving aggressive corporate sustainability goals. Mt. Holly has been a member of the South Carolina Environmental Excellence Program since 2004. The plant is responsible for $900 million annual economic impact in South Carolina – $800 million of which impacts the Lowcountry directly. It provides stable, high-paying jobs to 600 employees: the average compensation earned is $91,000 a year. Since opening its doors in 1980, the facility has never had a layoff. A recent study by the Strom Thurmond
Institute estimates that Mt. Holly is responsible for 3,000 jobs in Berkeley, Dorchester and Charleston Counties, and 4,000 jobs statewide. The plant generates an estimated $25 million annually to local governments, and four times as much to state government. Just as impressive as its economic impact and environmental record is Mt. Holly’s commitment to the community. The company’s corporate culture of giving stems from the belief that industry must be a good neighbor, and employees demonstrate that culture through the 7,000 volunteer hours they give each year to the communities where they live and work. The Alcoa Foundation has funded $1.4
Mt. Holly employees and Alcoa executives sorted canned goods at the Lowcountry Food Bank, one of 12 service projects completed last October, the Alcoa Month of Service. million in local non-profit programs over the past 10 years, and also awards $1,500 and $3,000 grants to charitable organizations where employee groups volunteer.
Alcoa Mt. Holly employees have pledged over $1 million to Trident United Way since 2005, and the plant partners with a host of charity organizations and
schools across the Lowcountry. The facility is jointly owned by Alcoa Inc. and Century Aluminum.
Millie Lewis of Charleston
Pop’s Smokin’ BBQ andd Catering
The whole package
Good food, friendly atmosphere at Pop’s
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here’s a lot happening at Millie Lewis of Charleston this fall with something for everyone. “We do the whole package here,” said Suzanne Green. Millie Lewis offers modeling and acting classes, represents actors, models, singers and dancers looking for national exposure, and offers
Logan Ponce
classes for professional enhancement. Business people also have to know how to present themselves, Green said. Oct. 16, the Advanced/ Professional modeling and acting class starts. Nov. 3, the Kids/Teens class begins. Photo session included!
Barbara Cameron, mother of actors Kirk and Candace Cameron from hit show Growing Pains and Full House, will give a seminar October 22nd. For more information or to arrange an audition, go to www.millie lewis charleston .com or call 1800Star102.
Looking for good cooking and a friendly atmosphere? Pop's Smokin' Barbeque Restaurant is your place. Located at 310 N. Live Oak Drive in Moncks Corner, Pop’s is open Thursday
business snapshot
Address: 7475 Northside Dr. North Charleston (843) 571-7781 Years in Business: 33
Tammy Lecque
Website: www.millie lewischarleston.com
Owners and operators Walter and Geneva Levey-Fleming
through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on Sundays for a hearty buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The menu includes barbeque ribs, beef stew, ox tails, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, turnip greens, butter beans, chicken prioleau, and much more. And now, Pop’s is serving up its traditional Southern breakfast business every snapshot buffet Saturday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. featuring all your favorite Southern fare. Address: Pop’s also 310 N. Live Oak Dr. does caterMoncks Corner ing for all (843) 761-0801 occasions. Owner: Walter & Call (843) Geneva Fleming 761-0801 for more Years in Business: 2.5 information.
September 2012
PROGRESS
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Oh Snap! Promotions
Make A Lasting Impression With Oh Snap!
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Oh Snap! Promotions helps businesses find the perfect specialty advertising item for trade shows, corporate gifts, brand awareness products, product launches and event marketing.
ooking for a new way to stir up a buzz about your business while making the most of your marketing budget? Oh Snap! Promotions offers creative solutions to help businesses create a lasting impression through specialty advertising items with your business’ logo on them. From standard items such as koozies, pens and hats to unique items such as etched wine bottles and color-changing mood cups, Oh Snap! is here to come up with the perfect custom gift to truly make an impression and create top-
of-mind awareness. “We are excited to be able to offer this fun new service to our customer,” says Chris Zoeller, Director of Innovation. “Here at Oh Snap! we want to help businesses stand out in the sea of sameness. Specialty items are an excellent way for businesses to brand their name through useful items customers can use over and over.” Businesses are taking advantage of Oh Snap! Promotions for trade shows, event marketing, giveaways, corporate gifts and more. Recently, Oh Snap! offered
canteens and survivor tool cards for business participating in a “survivor-themed” trade show. Keepsake mason jars were a hit at Summerville DREAM’s inaugural Sweet Tea Festival. Specialty items like these are not only useful, they create can create buzz which builds brand reconition. In today’s competitive market, making an impression is important. Oh Snap! Promtions wants to understand your marketing needs. Call us today at 843873-9424 and let us help your business make an impression.
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September 2012
PROGRESS
First Citizens
New branch: Same friendly customer service
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ew building. Continued commitment to exceptional
service. Same experienced team of bankers ready to serve the community’s financial needs. First Citizens on Main Street in Moncks Corner is building a new branch. “We are extremely excited about our new branch and look forward to providing customers with an even better banking experience,” said First Citizens Market Executive Dot Gatlin. The new First Citizens branch will be approximately 6,500 square feet, significantly larger than the former office. The new branch is expected to be a state-of-the-art facility that fits well into the downtown Moncks Corner landscape. “We have enjoyed serving the Moncks Corner and Berkeley County communities over the past 18 years,” Gatlin said. “Our new, upscale branch will include enhanced digital mer-
Rendering of new building expected to be complete by years end. chandising and an image deposit ATM, which makes deposits easy and worry-free for cus-
businesssnapshot
Address: 212 E. Main St., Moncks Corner (843) 761-8047 Owners(s): Predominantly family owned and privately-run Years in Business: 99 Website: www.firstcitizensonline.com
tomers.” The bank’s former branch was demolished in July, and construction plans have run smoothly except for a few rain delays. First Citizens is currently operating in a specialized modular unit for banks, which is located behind the site that will be the home for the new and improved building. It has been “business as usual” in the makeshift modular unit, and customers have not experienced any interruption of their banking services. Gatlin said she was told that construction is expected to be complete
“I’m glad First Citizens Bank is making this commitment to Main Street and Moncks Corner,” – Mike Lockliear by the end of the year. When plans of the new facility were presented to Moncks Corner Town Council in early 2012, council members Mike Lockliear and David Kizer praised First Citizen’s commitment to Moncks Corner. “I’m glad First Citizens Bank is making this commitment to Main Street
and Moncks Corner,” Lockliear told The Independent. “It will be a welcome addition to Main Street,” added Kizer. First Citizens has been in business at the current location since 1994 and has grown into one of the top banks in the tri-county area. Gatlin said one question
customers are asking is, “Will the same faces work in the new branch once it opens?” The answer to that is yes, according Gatlin. First Citizens is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and stays open until 5:30 p.m. on Friday. It is located at 212 E. Main St.