Charleston Regional Business Journal's Newsmakers 2013

NEWS MAKERS

2013 Dec. 30, 2013

www.charlestonbusiness.com

Vol. 19, No. 27

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lowcountry newsroom Managing Editor - Andy Owens aowens@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3142 Senior Copy Editor - Beverly Barfield bbarfield@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3115 Staff Writer - Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3119 Staff Writer - Ashley Barker abarker@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3144

D

on’t bother reading this introduction. Just turn the page and race through the past year’s most interesting and compelling stories and photos from the Charleston Regional Business Journal. Our team of writers, page designers, photographers and editors pored over

About this publication the piles of papers and terabytes of images until we distilled down an entire year of news, photos and graphics. Newsmakers is like coffee or a fine bourbon — you sip it.

You can dip into the publication, spend a little time and get a lot of information. Newsmakers doesn’t give you an entire story but

offers small bits of news and information to remind you of the past year and what might influence the Lowcountry economy in 2014.

So if you haven’t done it by now, step back into this past year. If you have ideas, suggestions or comments, please connect with our staff at www.charlestonbusiness.com.

FROM OUR SPONSORS

Editorial Assistant - Chris McCandlish chrism@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3123 Research Specialist - Melissa Verzaal mverzaal@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116 Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly jmattingly@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118 Graphic Designer - Andrew Sprague asprague@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3128 midlands newsroom Editor - James T. Hammond jhammond@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7545 Staff Writer - Chuck Crumbo ccrumbo@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7542 Special Projects Editor - Licia Jackson ljackson@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7546 Upstate newsroom Editor - Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677, ext. 102 Copy Editor - Don Fujiwara dfujiwara@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677, ext. 106 Staff Writer - Bill Poovey bpoovey@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677, ext. 104 Staff Writer - Ashley Boncimino ashleyb@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677, ext. 103 Graphic Designer - Jean Piot jpiot@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677, ext. 105 Graphic Designer - Mallory Baxter mbaxter@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677, ext. 115 Lowcountry Account executives Senior Account Executive - Sue Gordon sgordon@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3111 Senior Account Executive - Robert Reilly rreilly@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3107 Account Executive - Sara Cox scox@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3109 Account Executive - Bennett Parks bparks@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3126

Charleston Southern is one of South Carolina’s largest accredited, independent universities, enrolling 3,300 students. CSU offers undergraduate and master’s degree programs on campus or online. Earn your degree in Business, Technology, Nursing, Education, Computer Science, Christian Studies, Criminal Justice, Graphic Design, Engineering and more. Explore your opportunities today! Visit CharlestonSouthern. edu or call our enrollment office at 843-863-7050 to speak to an enrollment counselor. Charleston Southern has been named to America’s 100 Best College Buys, Military Friendly Schools, America’s Best Christian Colleges, VA Yellow Ribbon Program and The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Charleston Southern University’s vision is to be a Christian university nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving.

South Carolina Federal Credit Union is a locally owned, not-for-profit cooperative. In 1936, 14 Navy Shipyard employees pooled resources to start this credit union, and today over 140,000 member-owners enjoy using our full range of financial services to meet their banking needs. The credit union is committed to providing competitive products and services for consumers and small business owners, simple and timely technology, and friendly, knowledgeable people to deliver LifeSimplified™ solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can make your LifeSimplified.™

Welcome to Newsmakers 2013, sponsored

by Trident Health. On behalf of the many talented physicians, staff and volunteers who serve the community at Trident, it is quite an honor to introduce you to the highlights you are about to read.

We are fortunate, here in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, to live and work among so many remarkable people. All of us together – large organizations and small – have created a vibrant, dynamic region that we are proud to call home. Trident Health is honored to be your neighbor. Enjoy reading!

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth

Nexton – the 4,500-acre community MWV is developing in Summerville – is South Carolina’s first Gigabit community. Powered by an extensive fiber-to-the-user network called GigaFi, Nexton is new thinking in community design, coming to life at I-26 and Highway 17A in the heart of metro Charleston’s most vibrant growth. Nexton is creating a revolutionary community for the people, the commerce and the future of South Carolina in a fresh response to what people and businesses need today to be creative and successful.

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NEWS MAKERS 2013

Best of Upfront

The Best of Upfront Ports authority CEO, executive team get raises

The S.C. State Ports Authority board approved raises for its CEO and members of his executive team during a December board meeting. Board member David Posek said the board reviews CEO Jim Newsome and his executive team’s salaries each year as required by state law. Posek said the board reviews cargo growth, current compensation and competing ports’ salaries, among other goals before recommending salary increases. Newsome received a 6% raise, bringing his 2013 salary to $370,000, and his six direct reports received the following raises:

4% INCREASE

8% INCREASE

$245,000

$215,000

3% INCREASE

$190,000

10% INCREASE

INCREASE

INCREASE

$170,000

$170,000

$170,000

10%

4%

Dig into some of the most interesting and (somewhat) relevant factoids from the biweekly Upfront feature from the pages of the Charleston Regional Business Journal in 2013.

You’re not going to keep your New Year’s resolutions How do we know? Because Google says your interest will wane in the next 30 days.

Checking Google Trends for the first few days of January, everyone’s all excited and searching for diet, fitness and yoga. That’s how it was in 2012, too, but it didn’t take long for interest to drop off as the year went on.

Here’s a health analysis Paul McClintock

Peter Hughes

Bill McLean

Barbara Melvin

Jack Ellenberg

Philip Lawrence

Source: Pitney Bowes Software Co., U.S. Census Bureau Infographic/Jean Piot. Originally published 1.14.13

Smallbusiness owners prefer iPad over iPhone Folio magazine recently reported on some data mining

by Flurry Analytics, a digital data research and mobile ad company, on the kinds of people who use Apple’s most popular mobile devices. We selected 10 types of people from the data presented, which is based on data usage from more than 44,000 device users. This might help in your marketing or app creation for your business, or it might just reveal something about yourself.

Use iPhone

Search Term Jan. 2012 June 2012 Dec. 2012 Inventory 76 69 76 Hiring 69 83 72 Bankruptcy 65 57 51 Startup 64 68 82

Use iPad

Value Shoppers

Single Adults

Urban Lifestyle

New Moms

Here’s a business analysis

Since hitting an indexed high of 86 in January 2012, interest in “bankruptcy” has been trending downward as a search term, but even then it was overshadowed by “inventory” and “hiring,” according to Google Trends.

Business Professionals News/Magazine Readers

Casual Gamers

Moms (not new)

Jan. 2012

Feb. 2012

March 2012

Jan. 2013

100

Small-Business Owners

The number represents an indexed number of hits. A score of 100 would be the most out of any time period’s search. The data for January 2013 represent the first few days of the month.

50

Pet Owners O%

2O% 4O% 6O% 8O% 10O%

0

Fitness

Diet

Health

Yoga

Gym

Each indexed number above is an average of the month.

Source: www.google.com/trends Infographic/Jean Piot Originally published 1.14.13

Source: Folio, Flurry Analytics. Infographic/Ryan Wilcox. Originally published 10.21.13

Gaillard graves

Crews working on the Gaillard auditorium came across 37 graves that date back hundreds of years. Here's what they've found so far.

37 total graves

2 graves had iron artifacts

5 graves had buttons

30 adults (four females, 3 males, 23 yet to be determined)

???????????????????????

4 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

1 grave had a gun flint

2 graves had coins

5 graves had ceramic artifacts

1 coffin

Infographic/Jean Piot . Originally published 4.8.13

NEWS MAKERS 2013

Best of Upfront

Telecommuting: It’s about the people Lifehack recently reported data from Careerbuilder about telecommuting habits in the United States. If you’re thinking of offering it to your employees, check this out.

If you’re considering trying to convince your boss it’s a good idea, you might want to rip this page out right now and shred it.

Time spent working during a typical day 2011 All workers Telecommuters

8 hours

5-7 hours

2-4 hours

< 1 hour

Office snacks you’ll swear aren’t as bad as they are We’ve been there. Walking through the office and seeing a bag of this or a box of that. What’s a few of those and one of these going to do to you? If you’re trying to be more health-conscious and a little less chunky with beach season around the corner, the office snack room is like a minefield.

The online magazine AskMen put together a list of 15 snacks that are really just little fat bombs waiting for you to swallow. You can find the online magazine’s entire list at www.askmen. com. Here are five of the worst snacks and our take on what’s required to de-calorify yourself from them.

Office Snacks You Wish You Hadn’t Eaten Starbucks blueberry muffin It’s just one muffin with 380 calories.

To burn this one off, pretend you’re a gazelle wearing a meat suit, running from a lion for 23 minutes at 8 mph or bike for 30 minutes.

If you’re more into weightlifting, welcome to nearly an hour to de-muffin your body.

48% 35%

45% 40%

5%

8%

2%

17%

Biggest distractions working from home

Chores 31%

TV 26%

Pets 23%

Errands 19%

Internet 18%

Children 15%

Telecommuters say they’re more productive … at work When remote workers were asked where they were most productive, more said they got more done at work than at home. The adjacent chart shows why they might be right: When they’re at home, most don’t work a full day.

37%

34%

More productive at office

About the same

Dried fruit mix It’s fruit. It’s dried.

It’s 440 calories per cup.

Granted, the Del Monte marketing team will tell you a “serving” is only 1/4 of a cup, and we’ll tell them that we don’t read directions. You can knock off an entire cup of this food with 59 minutes of weightlifting or nearly half an hour of running at 8 mph.

Energy drinks Black coffee: 16 ounces, 4 calories.

Energy drinks: 8.5 ounces, 280 calories.

You might as well buy the four-pack because you’re going to need the extra boost when you’re on the bike for 22 minutes or lifting weights for nearly 40 minutes.

Microwave popcorn This vehicle for salt and butter checks in at 210 calories. If they sell it at the movies, you shouldn’t have any delusions that this food is healthy; but a handful of popcorn seems so light, until you’re halfway through your 28 minutes of weightlifting or 17 minutes of biking at 14 to 16 mph.

29% More productive at home Source: Lifehack, Careerbuilder Infographic/Jean Piot .Originally published 6.3.13

6 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Infographic/Jean Piot. Originally published 5.20.13

NEWS MAKERS 2013

Best of Upfront

Here’s looking down on you, Myrtle Beach We noticed the Grand Strand got some recognition from the International Space Station crew when one of the Canadian astronauts orbiting around the Earth posted a photograph with this commentary: “Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — one of the legendary name resort destinations in the U.S. Looks inviting! 7 Mar 2013, 11:51 AM” Turns out, Cmdr. Chris Hadfield, who posted a photo of Myrtle Beach from about 200 miles above Earth, is a prolific photographer and Twitter user who recently became the first Canadian commander of the space station, taking over the floating lab from NASA’s Kevin Ford.

Now don’t feel slighted; Canadians probably know more about Myrtle Beach, because of the annual Can-Am Days, than they do about Charleston, where every day is a great day, eh? But that didn’t stop us from asking the commander (via Twitter) about taking a photo of our illustrious and majestic Holy City during one of his 17,000 miles-per-hour moments. We’ve yet to hear back — it is 200 miles in space after all — but here’s his Twitter handle if you want to see more of his photos: @Cmdr_Hadfield Other photos from space: Go online to see a map of other images shot from the International Space Station. So far, only one image from South Carolina has been posted. http://tinyurl.com/issphotomap

Cmdr. Chris Hadfield

Keeping your talent just keeps getting harder

C

ompanies are reporting more turnover as the job market unseizes, with an improving economy unfolding across the nation. OI Partners-j2 Group, a coaching and leadership consulting firm with a location in Charleston, took a look at why your top talent is leaving and how you might retain their majestic services.

Here are some numbers: Myrtle Beach From Space

Top tourism areas in S.C.

Every few years, the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism surveys the impact of tourism dollars and visitors on the state’s economy. Here are a few pieces of the latest data from 2010, with an annual impact of more than $15 billion.

Tourism spending sources

Cmdr. Chris Hadfield

Other U.S. residents Merchandise S.C. residents International visitors Investment Government

$8 billion $2.6 billion $2.7 billion $767 million $517 million $355 million

Top 5 tourism

revenue generators

Tourism dollars account for the bulk of income for these industry sectors.

Sources: NASA; Canadian Space Agency; S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism; Canadian astronaut Cmdr. Chris Hadfield.

Infographic/Jean Piot Originally published 4.8.13

8 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Sector

Tourism dollars

Hotels Airports Recreation Dining Automotive

90% 80% 50% 30% 15%

58% Companies that have added or plan to add workers during 2013.

8% Companies that expect staffing to decrease.

34% Companies that anticipate no change in staffing.

Who is leaving?

Front-line workers 51% High-potential employees 34%

Senior executives 29%

Middle managers 27% Whom do businesses care about keeping?

1. High-potential employees 2. Middle managers 3. Front-line workers 4. Senior executives Source: OI Partners-j2 Group Infographic/Ryan Wilcox Originally published 7.29.13

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 1.14.13 Issue

January 14 -

27, 2013 • www.charle

Families consider impact of I-526 extension

stonbusines

s.com

Cruise opponent s cite Pigskin profits

A list of the most college football valuable teams in the U.S. includes one from S.C. Page 2

In Focus:

The year ahead Businesses prepare new fiscal policy. for Page 11

Moment of truth As consumers wake up and rates stay low, can economy survive uncertainty?

Page 11

By Matt Tomsic

2011 case in DHE C request Volume 18, No.

S

Neighbors to a

highway

See tErmINal,

T

The residents of Delaney Drive Island will soon on James look out their front doors and onto part of Interstate 526 roadway is completed. once the Similarly, the neighbors across the creek will their homes directly likely lose in the road’s Page 8 path.

Top execs at S.C. Ports Authority State get raises.

Page 4 Photo/Leslie Burden

INSIDE

By Lauren Ratcliffe

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

See BOEING,

Upfront ..........................

...2

In Focus: 2013: The Year List: Brokerage Fitness Centers

Ahead ..11 Firms ...16

.............17

At Work ..........................

19 People in the News .........20 Business Digest ..............22 Calendar .........................2 2

Viewpoint........................2

3

Page 6

At Work

Dr. Stephanie Singleton is the area’s only female reproductive endocrinologi st.

Page 19

L

ess than 200 feet from his garage door, Isaac Godfrey Jr. stares at a marsh view and overgrown woods. When Interstate 526 is built across Johns and James islands, Godfrey’s home will be among those that will be nearest to the roadway. His family has owned the property since the 1930s, and his niece, grandniece and 94-year-old sister still live there.

“We are deeply concerned because at 180 feet, no matter what, we are going to be affected,” Godfrey said.

Godfrey and his relatives who live on the plots of land next to his along Delaney Drive aren’t counted among the official estimates of homes directly affected by the proposed completion of the roadway.

Official S.C. Department of Transportation projections indicate 21 properties are in the path of the proposed roadway. Sixteen of those properties are condominiums; five are single-family homes. Many more families live within several hundred feet of the proposed project, according to Nix526, a group opposed to the roadway.

The original Godfrey family tract has been subdivided over the years, and a number of relatives own and live on the smaller plots. Godfrey’s family farmed the land, and his parents sold the produce out of their trucks.

Charleston County Council voted 5-4 to move ahead with the project in December 2012. Their decision means

editor’sNOTE

“Human lives would be affected (by the road). After all, we are our brothers’ keepers. The decisions that we make in life … should be based with the fear of almighty God.” Isaac Godfrey Jr. Delaney Drive resident

Interstate 526 will run next to the street Isaac Godfrey has lived on for most of his life. (Photo/Leslie Burden)

county staff and the S.C. Department of Transportation began working to finalize an environmental impact study. A draft study was released in 2010, and a permit application was submitted. That permit was ultimately denied.

“This is a continuation of what was going on in 2010,” said David Kinard,

project manager with the S.C. DOT. “What Charleston County did is they voted to move forward with the project and continue the development of the (environmental impact study).”

Finalizing that draft will require plotting the right-of-way, determining all impacts from the plan, and address-

ing mitigation efforts. Kinard said the DOT and county will make modifications to address concerns raised in the previous permitting attempt. The study is expected to be completed within the next 12 months. cr bj

otherNEWSMAKERS The fight over cruise ships coming into Charleston continued in fits and starts in 2013. In September, a federal judge sided with downtown and environmental groups opposed to the terminal when he issued an order requiring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to redo its terminal study. The S.C. Ports Authority is appealing the order.

10 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Page 7

Land deal gives Boeing more options

he Lowcountry ing Co. airplanecould attract new Boeprograms and work on more space analyst the 787 Dreamliner, an aerosaid, decision to more because of the company’s North Charleston.than double its footprint in On Dec. 20, County AviationBoeing and the Charleston Authority began tions for the negotiaaerospace company 320 acres of to acquire undeveloped rights of first airport refusal for another property, and a purchase 488 option in 2025 for acres South Carolina’s Boeing acres currently main campus, which is 265 leased from authority. the aviation “This move cements Charleston piece in Boeing’s as a vital commercial for decades to airplane jigsaw come,” gicAero Research. said Saj Ahmad of Strate“I believe that Carolina) now has a great shot (Boeing South first. I’ve said of landing work all viewed Charlestonalong that Boeing has never to be a one-trick pony.”

Employment data Job gains and losses in top sectors in 2012.

Page 11

Ports Authorit y raises pay

1 • $2.00

mtomsic@sc tal Law Project filed biznews.com the request with Department the S.C. the local everal Lowcountry of Control on behalfHealth and Environme chapter of groups hope state Supreme ntal a 2011 of of the Preservatio The organizatio the Surfrider Foundation Court case provides Charleston, n Society . framework ns are the Charleston the Communities board to host a review asking the DHEC for a new cruise to reverse a permit issued for Cruise Control, proceeding the Historic reverse the permit terminal on and waterfront.

Ansonborthe Charleston ough Neighborhood to DHEC’s staff or to send the decision to Association al Conservatio back On Jan. 2, the South so it can analyze n League, the , the Coast- minal alternate terNeighborho locations, Carolina Environme Charlestowne make mandatory require onshore power n- Condomini od Association, the Anson and House um Owners the conditions Association of the S.C. and

➤

➤

From the 1.28.13 Issue

Jan. 28 - Feb.

FAA gave Boein g go-ahead to use

D

stonbusines

s.com

See bATTEry,

Blackbaud layoffs

The software company dropped 150 jobs, including 50 in Charleston.

Page 12

Local hospital

ity Charleston hotels end 2012 with 24-month upward trend.

Page 3

S

8

Parliament, Pecha Kucha drives Lowcountry creative brand

10, 2013 • www.charle

By Matt Tomsic

S

Volume 19, No.

CULTIVATES CREATIVI TY

Photo/Ryan Wilcox

INSIDE

Inside

➤ FAA reviewing 787.

..2

Care ...17

.................24

...................25

At Work ..........................2

7

Economics Column People in the

........28

News .........29

Business Digest

..............30

Calendar .........................3 0 Viewpoint........................31

8

8 echa Kucha 16 and its predecessors celebrate the Lowcountry’s creative class and people like David Lee, who talked about his journey from music to bicycle building.

Lee was one of eight speakers who gave presentations on urban development, beer, surfing, jazz and other creative topics in December 2012.

The Charleston Creative Parliament and Pecha Kucha drive retention and recruitment for creative professionals, showing them the Lowcountry is a place where creative talent exists and thrives.

“Creative talent attracts creative talent,” said Steve Warner, an adviser for parliament and vice president of

By Lauren Ratcliffe lratcliffe@sc biznews.com

Page 14

At Work

The Palmetto Palace helps families of hospitalized loved ones.

Page 27

S

Photo/Ryan Wilcox

Left: Lee Deas, a member of the Charleston Creative Parliament’s Strategic Posse, said Pecha Kucha provides opportunities for the Lowcountry’s creative class to socialize and put faces with names. (Photo/Leslie Burden)

global marketing and regional competitiveness for the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. “They want to be (around) people like themselves. They want to be where interesting work is happening.”

Charleston Creative Parliament got together years ago and began considering an event in late 2008 to get the Lowcountry’s creatives together, Warner said. The group planned the first local Pecha Kucha, a night that gives a handful of participants six minutes and 40 seconds — 20 images for 20 seconds each — for presentations on creativity.

In three weeks, CRDA bought $400 worth of beer, Trident Technical

otherNEWSMAKERS Michael Bartley, ex-police chief at S.C. State University, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in federal court.

Former Board Chairman Jonathan Pinson and associate Eric Robinson also were indicted on racketeering charges.

12 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

College’s culinary institute prepared food and New Carolina helped rent the facility. Parliament sent an email blast with an event flyer and 200 people attended.

“And we said, ‘Wow, what just happened?’ ” Warner said. “ ‘Why don’t we try to do this again?’ ” Since then, parliament has commissioned an economic impact study that found gross sales of the creative industries in the Lowcountry surpassed $1.4 billion in 2009 and workers earned more than $474 million. The group has also organized 16 Pecha Kuchas, the most recent one in December.

Lee Deas, a member of the parlia-

Page 6

tate Rep. Jerry ments of two Govan said the indictformer of South State University Carolina more than yearlong officials following a investigation the school to will allow move Michael Bartley, forward. a former university chief, pleaded police guilty to conspiracy in a kickback for his role scheme in which former board the university’s of ida businessma trustees chairman and a Florn are also accused.

Jonathan N. chairman, and Pinson, the one-time board businessman, Eric Robinson, a Greenville also acy and extortion were indicted on conspircharges. They not guilty to each pleaded all charges.

Bartley was fired chief in February from his position as police as board chairman2012. Pinson stepped down the board entirely that same month and left in “I think it’s good December. moved forward,” news that finally they have Govan said. wise it’s like a cloud hanging “Because othersity.” over the univerGovan, a 1982 he didn’t foresee graduate of S.C. State, said any legislative action as a See SC STATE,

Upfront ...........................

In Focus: Health List: Hospital Urgent Care

Page 10

S

S P

2 • $2.00

Ex-university officials accused of corruption

S

S

CHARLESTON PARLIAM ENT

Vaccine debate

General Assembly consider providing to HPV vaccinations.

Page 17

By Matt Tomsic

batteries

mtomsic @scbiznews. designed completely com previous airplanes,” differently from all other uring developmen said Paul The FAA sor emeritus t of the 787, of aeronautica Czysz, profes- lithium-ion has renewed its focus Boeing Co. the St. Louis tapped on the batteries, University. “The l engineering at Jan. type for commercial a novel battery 16 after a series grounding all 787s on helps provide aerospace that Administration) granted (Federal Aviation teries. of power and Boeing a release That same day, incidents with the batbackup electricity use the lithium-ion for its newest an All Nippon airplane. had not approved batteries because the to 787 made an emergency Airways “Commercially, FAA that battery landing in the 787 is an for use on air- after the flight crew Japan airplane that’s planes. So they got a received sages about dispensation them to use the plane’s battery. several mesto allow that battery.”

About a week

8

NEWS MAKERS 2013

ment’s Strategic Posse, said the events and parliament give creatives opportunities to socialize and put faces with names. It also gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to tell their stories.

“You can knock it out in a couple hours while getting inspired, while drinking good beer,” Deas said.

The posse plans the group’s events and each Pecha Kucha.

Parliament isn’t a nonprofit or limited liability company; it operates by using the proceeds from each event to fund the next.

“These events generate enough money to do the next event,” Warner said. “And nobody makes money from it.” cr bj

Left: Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Moore talks about indictments involving former S.C. State University officials and an Upstate businessman.

(Photo/Leslie Burden) Right: Michael Bartley, a former S.C. State University campus police chief, walks into federal court in Charleston, where he pleaded guilty to conspiracy.

(Photo/Lauren Ratcliffe)

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 2.11.13 Issue

Febuary 11-24,

2013 • www.charle

deals

Mergers and acquistions attorney helps us put together the biggest deals of last year.

Page 3

SPAWAR small business office connects government, industry

stonbusines

s.com

Doctors urge lawm akers to expand Medicaid Volume 19, No.

Top 5 M&A

H

lratcliffe@sc biznews.com

ExEcutiV

See WHITE COATS,

By Matt Tomsic

Page 15

BOOKofLISTS Photo/Leslie

Burden

Upfront ........................... ..2 In Focus: Residential Real Estate: Rental Market ...15 List: Residential Real

Estate Cos. ....................22 Home Builders ..............24

n a windy, chilly January day, Nikki Haley praised Google Gov. expanding for its data center operations in Berkeley County and a 2012 law that ExEcutiVE provides incentives for summary data centers in the Palmetto In 2012, the S.C. State. legislature passed “What you’ll an incentives packa lot of data see is age that tries to centers are coming attract data centers together because of legislation to the Palmetto that was passed State. last year that encourages data centers across the board,” Haley said, standing undeveloped in a tent on portion of an Google’s Berkeley County campus its new facility. after the groundbreaking for “And ple here. They’ve Google is another exammillion invested already established $600 in Berkeley County; today, See GOOGLE,

At Work ..........................2 7 People in the News .........30 Business Digest ..............29 Calendar .........................3 0 Viewpoint........................31

Page 10

At Work

The general manager of Fish restaurant guide wine sales helps restaurant group. at

Page 26

SPAWAR and small business

bout once a week, Timothy Wiand and Robin Rourk host meetings with small businesses, answering questions and pro- *Small business eligible actions means any action that results in the purchase, viding information about contracts rent or lease of supplies or services worth more than $3,000 or modifications to those actions. at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic.

SMALL BUSINESS ELIGIBLE ACTIONS*/DOLLARS Wiand and Rourk meet with anyone who asks, and if the business SMALL OTHER THAN doesn’t fit within SPAWAR’s portfolio, BUSINESS SMALL BUSINESS they’ll connect them with other government agencies that might be able 14,827 17,801 to use their services.

Wiand said they’ve met with the inventor of the laptop and one of the Washington D.C. executives who launched DirecTV. “Those are the kind of people we meet.

Tidewater They just walk in out of nowhere.”

5,000 The meetings are one of several steps taken by Rourk and Wiand as part of their duties as director and deputy director at the SPAWAR Office of Small 2011 Actions 2012 Business Programs. The office serves as a conduit from small businesses Charleston to SPAWAR, providing details about $2,968,023,685 upcoming SPAWAR work, answering $2,826,565,830 questions about current contracts and handling any other issues.

Wiand and Rourk’s work also provides an important piece of advocacy within SPAWAR for small businesses in 1B New Orleans the Lowcountry and at SPAWAR’s other Tampa sites along the East and Gulf coasts.

“They’re advocates for the small Source: SPAWAR Infographic/Jean Piot

2011 Dollars 2012

o/Leslie Burden

Phot

businesses,” said Wolf Kutter, managing partner of Netcentric Management Associates Inc., which has connected small businesses with SPAWAR. “SPAWAR is one of the very few that is extremely proactive in ensuring that a percentage of the work (is) provided to the small busi-

nesses. They have an important role to play in this community.”

Rourk said the Office of Small Business Programs’ goal is to maximize small business participation at SPAWAR through outreach, training, policy and planning.

They also coordinate small business operations in Norfolk, Va., New

otherNEWSMAKERS “It is good politics to oppose the black guy in the White House right now, especially for the Republican Party.” Taken out of context, this quote from a Florence County Republican made national news, but the issue was about doctors asking legislators to expand Medicaid.

14 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

About 75 hospital doctors from across the state met with legislators to urge them to consider the expansion of Medicaid’s eligibility. The state did not expand Medicaid.

(Photo/Leslie Burden)

Orleans and other SPAWAR sites.

Rourk said they field calls from small businesses to answer questions about anything, including payment issues, upcoming contracts and small business policies.

“That’s part of training, and that’s a daily, constant thing as well,” Rourk said. cr bj

Page 7

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

SPAWAR’s small business works with Lowcountry office contractors to connect them with for the Department opportunities of Defense’s “information dominance” agency.

Page 8

Vacation properties

Vacation homes weathered the recession mostly unscathed.

INSIDE

A

expansion included in the health law. care reform Doctors from Charleston third of the doctors present. made up onearound Rep. Chip Limehouse They grouped of the people and told stories who would expansion and be their concerns helped by the if it is denied.

Linking Inc entives SPAWAR target data With SmALL centers buSineSS O

Lottery money

Looking at the stats that define the S.C. Education Lottery.

Page 4

Find corrected pages for the Residential Real Estate section of the 2013 Book of Lists.

INSIDE

By Matt Tomsic

4 • $2.00

By Lauren Ratcliffe

E summary ospital doctors Doctors use their lab coats to make took off part from across the state to lawmakers statement of their work about expansion traveled to Columbia day and of Medicaid. white coats — clad in — to lobby legislators to their mob of white amid Medicaid eligibility. expand lobby the sea of black of the State suits in the The group of House. The about 75 doctors lawmakers to doctors urged created a educate themselves aspects of the optional Medicaid about all eligibility

➤

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 2.25.13 Issue

Feb. 25 - Mar.

10, 2013 • www.charle

Lowcountry tech firms chase mobile

stonbusines

s.com

Solar energy sys tems power Ma rines Volume 19, No.

Van plant

Outfitter opens doors in North Charleston near Mercedes operation.

Page 2

See MarineS,

State’s top SBA lender says program is just another tool.

Page 4

W

Battery issues

NTSB identifies source of 787 Dreamliner fire.

Page 10

mobile APP-etite

Photos/Leslie Burden

Cruise impact

Lowcountry tech firms see growing demand for mobiLe appLications Page 6

INSIDE Upfront .......................... ...2 In Focus: Energy & the Environment ..................11

By Matt Tomsic

A

t Sparc, an iPad and mobile app have replaced the visitor sign-in sheet.

“There’s no pen and paper anymore,” said Dayel Ostraco, at the time a “mobile evangelist” for Sparc. “We wanted some way to make it easy for people to check in and get badges.”

The program, Tukawaka, is one of Sparc’s mobile offerings; Sparc and other Lowcountry tech companies are adapt-

List: Heating Conditioners Boat Dealers

ing and creating products for the growing number of people using gadgets instead of desktops to work and play.

“Where we see it going, we went from the mobile device being a personal device to an at-work device,” Ostraco said. “Most software development efforts, a good majority of engineering efforts, are going to be on the mobile devices.”

Ownership has increased for cellphones, laptops and tablets during the past six years, while ownership of desktops has declined, according to an Internet project from the Pew Research Center.

In December 2012, 87% of American adults owned a cellphone — up from 73% in April 2006 — and 45% of adults owned a smartphone. Tablets have also seen a 22% increase in ownership during the past two years, according to Pew; and laptop ownership has doubled.

Meanwhile, desktop computer ownership has declined from 68% in 2006 to 58% in 2012.

“The emerging trend is for everyone to move to a mobile offering of some sort,” said Erik Rothwell, senior developer and architect at Life Cycle Engineering. “That’s where everything is moving.”

Life Cycle Engineering has bolstered its mobile offerings and has a business unit dedicated to custom mobile enterprise. One of the business unit’s products is an application customized to a customer’s software system.

Rothwell said consumers are pushing toward mobile, in part, because it’s easier to carry a smartphone or tablet than a laptop.

Blackbaud engineers have introduced a mobile app for its Raiser’s Edge software. About 1,600 organizations and 8,000 users downloaded the app.

“This is the year that nonprofits go from testing the mobile experience to delivering the mobile experience,” said Larry Mishkin, vice president of engineering at Blackbaud. “The bottom line is this is where our clients are going. It’s pretty obvious that the people that support them are already there. It’s exciting to us to be able to take advantage of this technology.”

Blackbaud officials said the mobile push could change the way people work, and Ostraco’s seen mobile development bleed into programming for websites viewed on laptops or desktops.

“If they’re in the office, they’re not raising money,” said Blackbaud spokeswoman Melanie Mathos. “Being able to access data and program information out in the field is really where mobile is going.” cr bj

16 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

& Air

..................16 .................18

By Lauren Ratcliffe lratcliffe@scbiznews.com

hen Erika Wiggins got a bank account through Savannah initiative, the Bank on learn how to it helped her better budget her money.

“I was doing check cashing the money orders from the places,” she introduced said. “The bank me to a second account that chance bank they had through Savannah.”

Bank on Bank on Savannah is an offshoot national Bank of the Francisco in On initiative started in San 2006. That same program spreading to Charleston. is Many of the rely on check underbanked and unbanked cashing services, pawn shops and rent-to-own payday loans, survive, many arrangements times because to other options they don’t know exist.

Wiggins said saved by having she was able to use money an account to car and take buy gas for her care of “I’ve been able a few day-to-day needs. to put more groceries and the necessities money towards in life,” she said.

See Literacy,

At Work ..........................

19 People in the News .........20 Business Digest ..............22 Calendar .........................2 2 Viewpoint........................2 3

Page 9

➤

At Work

Entrepreneurs start climbing wall business on King Street.

Page 19

Mobile Data

Percentage of people who own Smart phones VS tablet Devices

ages 18-29

25% 66%

ages 30-49

31% 59% ages 50-64

27% 34%

ages 65+

13% 11%

26%

of cell owners say that their phone has made it “a lot” easier to be productive while doing things like Low sitting in traffic or waiting in line.

otherNewsmakers The growing Dreamliner fleet was grounded after a battery caught fire in Boston and a 787 made an emergency landing in Japan. The FAA eventually approved a battery redesign for the Boeing aircraft.

Page 12

Joseph Kolly, director of the National Transportation Saf ety Board, identifies component s of the battery involved in a Boeing 787 incident during a media briefing Jan. 24. (Photo/Pro vided)

9%

➤

Groups push for financial literacy

Optimistic mayors

Lowcountry leaders say future bright for Charleston region.

Page 3

Access to capital

Environmental groups debate cruise ships at symposium .

Page 11

5 • $2.00

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc and plug them biznews.com Arun Shankar into the GREENS,” said n Helmand Capt. during in a news release Ground Renewable expeditionary about the Marines at two province Afghanista operations.” n, Network Expeditiona UEC’s solar medical clinics ry Energy Systems, or terrupted backup have uninseveral solar power system, consisting GREENS. “GREENS the perfect solar and built by panels, rechargeabl of power solution is and a controller, UEC Electronics power designed tions e batteries for communica infrastructure, in Hanahan.

“In the event - Corps initiative is part of a broader and I definitely of a power outage, becoming a Marine ply unplug see this to cut fuel solution for users simnetwork switches usage tactical networks logistical footprint. from the wall Remote bases and its ate independen tly with GREENS, can operreducing

I

of cell owners say that their phone makes it “a lot” harder to disconnect from work life. This concern is particularly acute among cell owners in high-income households.

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 3.11.13 Issue

March 11 - 24,

2013 • www.charle

Inland port creates shipping hub to link business

stonbusines

s.com

Boeing says Dream lifter Balance of power

Natural gas and nuclear are changing electricity.

Page 12

Money Matters

By Matt Tomsic

CHARLESTON UNDER

CONSTRUCTION

Inland Port

TO BE S.C. ’s GOLDEN

INSIDE

I

Politicians and business leaders shook hands in the Upstate over the site for the S.C. Inland Port in March. S.C. State Ports Authority CEO Jim Newsome said the Upstate is vital to the Port of Charleston.

Officials broke ground March 1 on the project in Greer. The port opened in November, and Adidas and BMW are two customers using the facility. (Photo/Leslie Burden)

Norfolk Southern. It will have slots for about 550 shipping containers, and the development will sit on about 40 acres.

Newsome said the port first bought land in Greer for an inland port during the 1980s, but then the idea was ahead of its time.

Haley said the inland port gives economic developers another reason to sell South Carolina, and Graham said it

takes advantage of two economic drivers: the port and Interstate 85 corridor.

The inland port is now open 24 hours a day, six days a week, and up to nine trucks are there every hour. Currently, Adidas and BMW are customers.

The ports authority declined to name others.

“Now we’re in the process of attracting more customers,” Newsome said.

otherNEWSMAKERS Construction crews working on the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium expansion project uncovered 37 Colonial-era graves. Archaeologists estimate that the graves date to the early 1700s and likely were indentured servants, workers or members of Charleston’s poorest class who did not have access to church cemeteries.

18 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

cr bj

SPIKE

Port, political break ground and business leaders join on an intermoda in the and export business l facility that Upstate to will fuel across South Carolina’s primaryimport markets.

Upfront ........................... ..2 In Focus: Architecture, Engineering & Construction ..............15 List: General Contractors ...................31 Landscape Architecture

n late January, Anyware Express opened an office in Greenville in anticipation of the S.C. Inland Port’s completion later this year.

“We had Greenville on our horizon for the past couple years,” said Adam Lawrence, president and CEO of Anyware Express, which is headquartered in Charleston. “The inland port was the main straw that really forced us to want to have an office. That was really the linchpin of the decision to open there.”

Officials broke ground on the inland container terminal in Greer on March 1.

The inland port — located within a few miles of Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Interstate 85 and BMW — opened in November.

A Norfolk Southern freight train rocketed past the future site of the S.C. Inland Port about 30 minutes before its groundbreaking, showing those who arrived early an example of the site’s future use: linking the Upstate to the coast.

Hundreds attended the groundbreaking, and the ceremony featured Gov. Nikki Haley, Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and S.C. State Ports Authority CEO and President Jim Newsome.

The inland port links docks in Charleston to the Upstate through an overnight train service operated by

6 • $2.00

Page 10

Megamerger links statewide banking giants

W

On the horizon

Two finalists chosen for development of biotech cluster in Charleston.

Page 2

Volume 19, No.

y commitment

See DREAMS,

PeopleMatter secures another $19 million venture financing. in Page 9

Graves under the Gaillard

Construction workers uncover 37 Colonial-era graves.

Page 17

Page 15

By Matt Tomsic

center shows Lowc ountr

mtomsic@sc the city of North biznews.com Charleston in at that time, December, and oeing South the company hoped to complete long time. As we’ve Carolina the project by Dreamlifter Operations is building a the end of 2013, said before, creating jobs records. according to in South Carolina; we’re not just Center, est developmen city careers we’re creating t at its North the newfor generations “Boeing South campus and Charleston to come.” one Gross said the a new Dreamlifter Carolina is constructing familiar refrain: that has furthered a Operations Center now North logistics for the operations center will support the Lowcountry Boeing continues to invest Charleston site, Dreamlifter, a 747-sized aircraft . ” said company at the that ferries Dreamliner in man Rob The aerospace Gross spokes- ing components giant submitted suppliers to mitted to South in an email. “Boeing is its final assembly from Boesite plans to comCarolina, and demonstrates facilities in this actively North Charleston and Everett, that we plan Wash. to be here for a very

B

Page 8

Photo/Leslie Burden

By Chuck Crumbo

ccrumbo@sc biznews.com

hen Columbia-b ased SCBT Financial Corp. and First Financial Holdings Inc. first each other, the attraction was laid eyes on mutual.

SCBT, parent Trust, offered of South Carolina Bank and a and a growing strong footprint in Columbia presence along corridor between the Charlotte and Interstate 85

First Financial, Atlanta. ton-headquartered parent of North Charlesentrenched along First Federal Bank, was – from Hilton the booming coastal region Head Island N.C. to Wilmington , “We’ve been dating a Robert Hill Jr., president long time,” said and CEO of founded in SCBT, 1933. “The longer we dated more we felt like the very complemen these two companies were tary.”

Two of the Southeast’s oldest banks ed their relationship cementFeb. 20 by announcing plans to merge and create the est bank with state’s fifth-largmore and 115 branches than $5 billion in deposits in South Carolina Throughout alone. its system in South Carolina, See SCBT, Page

Firms ........................... ..33 At Work ..........................

35 Economics Column ........36 People in the News .........37 Business Digest ..............38 Calendar .........................3 Viewpoint........................3 8 9

At Work

6

MeadWestvaco’s director of design merges creativity, livability and business.

Page 35

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➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 3.25.13 Issue

Mar. 25 - Apr.

7, 2013 • www.charle

stonbusines

s.com

SELLINg Sou TH CAroLINA’ Networking nev S porTS er stops SPECIA REPORTL

Volume 19, No.

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc of Commerce, biznews.com S.C. State Ports and Newsome and his ONG BEACH, shaking hands Authority staff had been Calif. — Jim since some disappeared New- we walked from that morning, when into a crowd an Italian restaurant their hotel at through introducing one evening, downtown Long Beach, himself as he passing the city’s 30-story World went.

It was after 6 Trade Center — about of TPM 2013, p.m. on the second day 150 feet taller than the steeple at St. Mattime conference an international mari- thew’s Lutheran Church in Charleston hosted by the — Journal

L

Demand drives explosive growth in Charleston’s craft brewing industry

See COLumn,

Rapid Rail

Ports authority launches rail drayage program.

Page 8

Craft brews

Lowcountry industry expects growth.

Page 15

Page 4

➤

Aviation wrangler

THE rEporT:

Business

Journal reporter Matt Tomsic flew to California this month to gain insight into how port officials sell S.C.

L

ONG BEACH, Calif. — Dockworkers and ocean carriers built decades have of history recent labor negotiations into the affecting See LABOR,

As the importance Charleston County of the Aviation Authority has grown with an increased focus economic developmeon nt, new Chairman Andy thinks the authority Savage board needs to change as well.

Page 12

INSIDE

Photo/Leslie Burden

Upfront ...........................

By Lauren Ratcliffe

In Focus:

..2

Hospitality & Tourism ...15 List: Area Attractions ...23 Hotels ........................... .24

At Work ..........................2 Business Digest

7

..............27

People in the

News .........27

Hot Properties

.................30

Viewpoint........................31

Boeing and

Boeing 787 clears its batteries first hurdle to Page 10 resume flights.

BEER INDUSTRY

In 2011, South Carolina ranked 38th among craft breweries per capita with 16 breweries and brewpubs operating statewide or one brewery for every 289,085 people.

U.S. breweries operating

U.S. craft facts

as of July 1, 2012

1,072

922

81

22

29

Craft brewers provide an estimated 103,585 jobs in the U.S., including servers in brewpubs.

Craft brewing sales share in 2011 was 5.7% by volume and 9.1% by dollars.

Craft brewer retail dollar value in 2011 was an estimated $8.7 billion, up from $7.6 billion in 2010.

Brewpubs

Number of U.S. Breweries

G

iant beer fermenting tanks destined for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s new plant in Mills River, N.C., near Asheville, were unloaded one by one at the Port of Charleston on March 12.

While those 28 tanks weren’t staying in Palmetto State, local brewers are hopeful that someday soon, large national craft brewers might choose to expand their operations here.

“We compare ourselves to North Carolina a lot,” said Jaime Tenny, founder of the S.C. Brewers Association and co-owner of Coast Brewing in North Charleston. “They are our neighbor, and they are doing extremely well.

The reason North Carolina is where it is at is because things came together and came together a long time ago.”

Breweries in Charleston are seeing explosive growth, and many that aren’t already expanding have plans to.

Chris Winn of Palmetto Brewing Co. said the brewery has seen doubledigit growth every year for five years and struggles to keep up.

“We’ve consistently come up just short with what the demand has been,” he said.

To meet the growing demand for local craft beer, Palmetto was having new fermenting tanks delivered and installed to double the brewery’s production capacity.

Winn said the expanded capacity will allow the brewery to be more creative with crafting beers while still maintaining enough production of its regular labels.

“Because of capacity limitations, we’ve not been able to produce the specialty one-off beers, which is something we would like to address.”

Holy City Brewing opened in July 2011, has already expanded once and

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

Patriots Point

Authority plans to repay loans, repair ships.

Page 18

Health care hospitality and

Restaurants consider health care surcharge.

Page 20

Microbreweries Regional Craft Large Non-Craft Other Non-Craft Breweries Breweries Breweries

125-Year Brewery Count 2,500

2,011 1,179

1,500

703

1,000

89

500

1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

plans to add bottling operations.

“It’s a good time for beer in Charleston,” said Chris Brown, Holy City’s head brewer and co-owner. “There is a really high demand for local product.”

Last year, Holy City produced 3,000 barrels of beer and hopes to double that this year with the added capacity.

“The local demand is what keeps all of us alive,” Brown said. “Charleston is a food and beverage town. There are bars and restaurants opening all the time and

For some or all of 2011, there were 1,940 craft breweries operating, including 1,063 brewpubs, 789 microbreweries and 88 regional craft breweries.

2,126

(1887-June 2012)

2,000

In total, 1,989 breweries operated during 2011, the highest total since the 1880s. U.S. beer sales were approximately 200 million barrels and imported beer sales were 27.2 million barrels in 2010.

Year

Infographic: Jean Piot. Source: Brewers Association

a lot are focusing on their beer lists.”

Brown said seeing laws change has helped lift some of the barriers that kept brewers from launching their own production facilities.

The state’s alcohol laws have been a focus of Tenny’s and the S.C. Brewers Association’s since 2005, when she and her husband wanted to open a brewery.

The association began as Pop the Cap S.C., an initiative to change the law to raise the alcohol limit for beer to more

than 6%; that passed in 2007. The law helped set in motion the growth of the craft brewing industry across the state.

Coast Brewing began after the alcohol cap was lifted as the second production craft brewery in Charleston.

Palmetto Brewing Co. started in 1993 as the first post-Prohibition brewery.

The legislative change “was the catalyst,” Tenny said. “If it didn’t pass, we were opening a brewery outside of South Carolina.” cr bj

otherNewsmakers When Andy Savage became chairman of the Charleston County Aviation Authority, he vowed transparency and soon found himself surrounded by controversy as the airports director resigned and a state senator took the job.

20 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

7 • $2.00

Labor negotiations compete with history

Criminal law attorney and Charleston County Aviatio n Authority Chairman Andy Savage made changes to the Aviation Authority immediately after being elected to lead the board.

(Photo/Leslie Burden)

Page 5

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NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 4.8.13 Issue

April 8-21, 2013

Feeding the food and beverage industry

• www.charle

stonbusines

Sale price of Bo eing land disput ed s.com

Volume 19, No.

Union opportunity

Organized labor marches across the Southeast.

Page 6

PeopleMatter grabs PeopleClues

Upper King-based company finishes tech first acquisition.

Page 8

SEC charges

Charleston attorney disputes accusations in Facebook pre-IPO shares case.

Page 10

biznews.com

ExECutIVE SuMMAry

A member of the Charleston County Authority argued the board undervaluedAviation hundreds of acres it sold to the Boeing Co.

The aviation authority board sale price of approved $12.5 million during its Marchthe 21

Feeding the restaurant industry Charleston's restaurants need workers, and local programs need by preparing are trying to meet that students for a variety of positions in the business.

Page 21

Dig South

Tech expo to highlight Southeastern knowledge economy.

Page 14

Entrepreneurial spirit

CofC guides students through starting a business.

Page 24

INSIDE Upfront ........................... ..2 In Focus: Education & Workforce Development .................21 List: Commercial Moving & Storage Cos. ..............28 List: Certified Minorityowned businesses ........30

By Lauren Ratcliffe

Photo/Leslie

Burden

board meeting with man Andy Savage an 8-3 vote. Board Chairand board Richter and Mallory Factor members Larry approval. voted against the “They agreed rush,” said Tommyto take it, and it was a big Hartnett, a board who also is chairman member of the Land Sale Special See BOEING,

S

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@scbiznews.co

a growing need among restaurants for trained workers in the front of the house. The program planned to expand to eight schools in the fall.

“Every restaurant I talk to is looking for people,” Bakst said. “They are all having a hard time finding employees.”

The Culinary Institute of Charleston also trains students for work in any facet of the industry. Michael Saboe, dean of the culinary institute, said its different programs help students specialize in an area of the industry. He said the

At Work ..........................

33 Economics Column ........34 People in the News .........35 Business Digest ..............38 Hot Properties .................38 Viewpoint........................3 9

See PORT, Page

cr bj

22 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Dignitary Concierge Kate Little (left) and Event Director Nicole Garrigan talk about Dig South with conference organizers before the event.

(Photo/Leslie Burden)

13

➤

At Work

At Palmetto Moon, it's all about the stuff.

Page 33

school’s goal is to “give an interested person the fundamentals they need to go out and get a job.”

Bakst said he thinks his program is complementary to the collegiate programs at Trident Technical College and the Art Institute of Charleston. He said he hopes some students who graduate from his program would consider furthering their restaurant education after graduation.

“We’re looking at how to move these kids,” he said. “They don’t know that I made a 40-year career out of being in the front of the house in a restaurant.”

otherNewsmakers Dig South brought 100 presenters from companies such as Facebook, TechCrunch and Coca-Cola to talk about the convergence of technology, arts and commerce at the first digital conference in Charleston.

m

en. Lindsey Graham is working on bill to reform a the way the country funds and ExECutIVE improves its port infrastructu SuMMAry re, including measures Sen. Lindsey Grathat could benefit ham has proposed Charleston reforming the and proharbors involvedother cess used by the deepening projects. in federal government “The goal is to fund port deepthis in as part to plug of a big- enings and harbor ger package on infra- maintenance. structure modernization,” Graham earmark any said. “The fact that we don’t longer has made side the box. us think out” Congress used to fund local ture projects through earmarks infrastrucself-imposed but issued a earmarks ban then, Graham years ago. Since said, he has alternatives been studying to fund port projects. The hampered momentum ban behind deepen-

Joshua Brown practices his knife skills as a student with Trident Technical College’s Culinary Institute of Charleston. (Photo/Leslie Burden)

employment. The changes were designed to help students have a reliable and professional way to communicate with teachers and employers.

“Each student who enrolled in the class and was accepted had to start a Gmail account with a basic name,” Bakst said. “They have access to computers at schools and had to send us emails to let us know they were in communication with us.”

Bakst said he launched the program to address

Page 18

Graham promotes port infrastructure reform

W

hen the more than 1,000 attendees of the 2013 Chefs’ Feast approached the Charleston Area Convention Center in March, they were greeted with a smile and a firm handshake by one of several student volunteers.

Those 85 students came from one of the city’s two culinary collegiate programs and five participating area high schools. They volunteered for the chance to learn about the industry and network with the chefs and employers who help make it run.

“Events like this prepare them to enter any industry,” said Frankie Miller, former dean of the Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College and a volunteer with the Chefs’ Feast. “If they are going into hospitality, tourism or culinary, they better be able to work with a community, because you can’t open or run one of those businesses without interacting with the community.”

Miller said the event allows students to learn real-world restaurant skills and to network. She said she begins training the students with exercises as mundane as giving a handshake.

To train a workforce to feed Charleston’s food and beverage industry, Mickey Bakst, general manager at Charleston Grill, said programs need to target students in area high schools.

He and Michael Miller, a local entrepreneur, launched Teach the Need to target high school students with an interest in working in restaurants but not necessarily in the kitchen.

The program launched in fall 2012, and 18 students graduated from the sixweek program in December that year.

Bakst said that the program’s first semester was “eye-opening” and that he’s tweaked the course to facilitate a more successful transition from coursework to

8 • $2.00

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc

The Charleston County Aviation ity agreed to Authorsell hundreds acres to the of undevelope Boeing Co. at a “bargain-ba d ment price” that was millions sethan an initial appraisal, thoughof dollars less the accuracy of the first appraisal.some dispute

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 4.22.13 Issue

Apr. 22 - May

5, 2013 • www.charle

Boeing continues expansion into South Carolina

stonbusines

s.com

Boeing expansio n validates Low country, S.C. Volume 19, No.

Execs sue The Pig

Former Piggly Wiggly execs sue company retirement paymentsafter stop.

Page 6

Charleston brand

S

Study says higher education should be part of sell.

Page 4

See EXPAND,

I

Angels investin

To IPO or not to IPO?

Benefitfocus isn’t answering the question, but analysts say it makes sense.

Page 15

g

ExEcutIV

infecti

Summerville Medical Center monitor hand helped GE Healthcare hygiene. develop technology acquired infections, Hand-washing is a simple to which cost tool to prevent the annually acrosshealth care system billions hospitalthe U.S. Page of dollars 8.

INSIDE

The ship E SuMMAry 9,300 20-foot carries equiva- Ocean lent units, or carriers are TEUs, and increasingly using was the longest ship to the ever call on Suez Canal to the Port of carry goods from Charleston.

The also one of an ship is Asia to the East increased Coast in a trend number of vessels trav- that’s eling from Asia boosted the the Suez Canalthrough size of ships calling to the on East Coast East Coast ports. instead of the using the Canal, which Panama doesn’t have the capacity dle ships as large to hanas Maritime officialsthe Axel Maersk. say more el to the East Coast through ships will travof the Panama the Canal to save Suez instead ing more containers costs by packon larger that trend could send more — ships, and and larger — See CANAL,

..2

In Focus: Financial Services.............

............13

List: Banks ....................38

People in the

..............41

.................46 7

S

though the aerospace giant could hire more manufacturing technicians as well.

Jones said the additions could be incremental or come in chunks, noting Boeing reached its employment goal under the last bond package in three years.

“I think this definitely shows we’re committed to this state,” Jones said.

“They’ve been good to us, and we definitely feel we’ve been good for them.

This is just further validation that we think we’ve got a good business model moving forward.”

In March, Boeing announced plans to reshuffle some of its IT workforce to

Meet the 2013 class of exceptional professionals young in the Charleston region. Page 17

North Charleston. In December, Boeing announced plans to add roughly 400 research jobs to the area.

“This is family,” Haley said, adding the expansion wouldn’t have happened without the work already done by Boeing’s roughly 6,000 employees. “When family does well, we get excited.”

Jones said in December the Lowcountry and Puget Sound operations are producing up to 10 Dreamliner’s a month. cr bj

otherNewsmakers Middleton Place received more than 400 name suggestions before visitors picked “Leon” for the plantation’s new lamb in an online poll. Leon was the first spring lamb of 2013 at the historic tourist attraction, which includes a plantation with stableyards, a restaurant, an inn and gardens.

Photo/Middleton Place

24 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Page 11

News .........42

Business Digest Hot Properties

Viewpoint........................4

Six 787 Dreamliners are parked on the flightline at Boeing’s final assembly plant and delivery center in North Charleston. At right, Boeing S.C. Vice President and General Manager Jack Jones talks about the company’s expansion in the Lowcountry. (Photos/Andy Owens)

tate Sen. Hugh Leatherman reached across the rostrum on the Senate floor around noon April 9 to submit a bill to issue $120 million in bonds for site development needed by the Boeing Co., which plans to add 2,000 jobs and invest another $1 billion during the next eight years. Later that month, Gov. Nikki Haley stood atop the Boeing S.C. Delivery Center in North Charelston to sign the bill.

Jack Jones, vice president for Boeing South Carolina, said the company anticipates those 2,000 jobs to be more technical, including IT workers and engineers,

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

n early April, the into Charleston Axel Maersk skulked Harbor, blocking view of the the Ravenel Jr. BridgeArthur from the peninsula.

prevention on Upfront ...........................

By Matt Tomsic

Page 7

➤

Shipping lines not waiting on Panama Canal

More workers

Labor force increasting in larger markets.

Page 3

New investment group seeks local investors to fund startups.

Page 13

9 • $2.00

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc another $1 billion biznews.com “We are going during the next eight years. tate Sen. Hugh to be talking About the about someacross the rostrumLeatherman reached thing extremely important,” Bobby Harrell same time, House Speaker from the Senate Leatherman on the state introduced a floor around said floor before Senate similar bill.

“From the start, noon April he highlighted a bill to issue 9 to submit the job creation statistics. this of those will “(One thousand) nership between Boeinghas been a true partsite developmen $120 million in bonds be engineers. and for another na,” Harrell t needed by In addition which plans said in a release South Carolito add 2,000 the Boeing Co., nology. 1,000 jobs will be informationto that, legislation.

“As a legislature, announcing the jobs and invest Boeing tech- create it’s our job information is saying that this will be an environmen to technology center their t that fosters economic of excellence.”

➤

2013

From the 5.6.13 Issue

May 6 - 19,

2013 • www.charle

Cyberspace

Digital security offers opportunity, jobs.

Page 2

College of Charleston, MUSC consider merger

Ready to fly

Dreamliner battery fix to be completed by midmonth.

Page 9

stonbusines

s.com

Opportunity exp ands for

Y

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

ExECUtIV

E SUMMAry ears after leaving The Lowcountry’s Kathy Meis grabbed Forbes magazine, design, arts and communities tech a copy of the could help make lication after pubthe not seeing it for digital publishing. region a hub “I picked it for a while. much smaller up one day, and it was just a magazine,” Meis wild to see a said. “It was its clout. People stopped brand that was paying for great tent.” so powerful conlose Meis said the transition from print to dig-

See E-PUB,

HIGHER m

ED

Immigration reform

Lowcountry officials College of Charleston have begun very preliminary discussions and Medical about combining public instituions University of South Carolina. the consolidated, In Augusta, two but officials say that might similar not be the model Page 6 to follow.

Forced R&R

Trucking regulations to kick in July 1.

Page 13

INSIDE

Forwarders....................23

I

otherNewsmakers After a Boeing employee died from injuries in a fall at the aircraft manufacturer’s North Charleston plant, an analysis by the Business Journal found a record decline in worker fatalities in South Carolina from 2003 to 2012.

26 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Page 4

O

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

See FATALITIES, Industrial Staffing Agencies .......................25 At Work ..........................2 6 People in the News .........27 Business Digest ..............30 Viewpoint........................31

➤

Worker fatalities in S.C. decline to all-time lows

Page 7

At Work

Irvin-House Vineyards sees its product line grow and diversify.

Page 26

n mid-April, Lowcountry officials said they had begun exploring the possibility of combining the Medical University of South Carolina and the College of Charleston.

“We’re at a very preliminary discussion at this point to figure out what’s the value added to these institutions,” said Dr. Ray Greenberg, then president of MUSC, who resigned from the school in July to take a job at The University of Texas System.

“This is finding advantages for both institutions, and that takes a bit of time.”

Greenberg said officials raised the idea during the 1980s and 1990s but it never got far.

“Charleston and what Charleston needs are very different today,” Greenberg said. “There’s sort of a natural tendency to jump to ‘Let’s just merge the institutions.’ I could just caution people, (it) is a much more complicated thing than one might imagine.”

George Benson, then president of the College of Charleston, who tendered his own resignation in August to spend more time in the classroom, said the talks are a reaction to the growth of the Charleston economy, including Boeing’s entrance into the Lowcountry and the tech sector’s expansion.

Before the end of the year, the schools had clarified their position on a possible merger, saying opportunities existed for collaboration between the institutions but talk of a merger that would result in one university was effectively off the table for the immediate future. cr bj

10 • $2.00

n March 18, David Priester working in fell while the Boeing’s North aft-body building at Charleston campus, and 11 days later, he Priester is one died from his injuries. of a handful involved in workforce fatalities, of workers those fatalities and though several years, have declined during the last and the S.C. state officials say employers Occupational Safety and Health Administrat ion must still work to continue lowering on-the-job deaths.

“No fatality or able,” said Lesia workplace injury is acceptKudelka, spokeswom the S.C. Department an for of Labor, which oversees S.C. OSHA. “On the job fatalities and injuries are at a record low in the state. Still, employers and state OSHA can’t relax

E-Verify already required for S.C. businesses.

Page 11

Upfront ........................... ..2 In Focus: Port, Logistics & Distribution ..................13 List: 3PL/Freight

By Matt Tomsic

Volume 19, No.

e-publishing

ital publishing magazines beforebegan with newspapers and moving into she saw that transition, Meis books, and as initial idea to came up with provide a digital an lishers, authors space for pubfind new work. and readers to connect and She won The Award at a publishing People’s Choice showcase in 2012 and

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 5.20.13 Issue

May 20 - June

2, 2013 • www.charle

Statewide briefs

Partnership helps students dig under and build over Colonial site

Senators disagree on Internet sales tax, 3D Systems stock offering and more.

Page 6

Contract vs. direct workers

Manufacturers mix workforce needs for added flexibility.

Page 15

stonbusines

s.com

Alcoa again exam ining capacity amid

Dollars for dredging

U.S. House representati ve proposes harbor deepening reform.

Page 10

F

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

ExEcuTIV

E SuMMaRy or the second Alcoa won’t specify time in two the facilities under years, Alcoa is examining faces a deadline review and its smelting to renegotiate capacity and may reduce an electricity contract for its Berkeley County dozen facilities, output from its nearly smelter. two County smelter, which include a Berkeley Alcoa Santee Cooper The review comes Mt. Holly. face a June negotiations as Alcoa Mt. 30 deadline over Holly and for current contract Alcoa’s power rate.

The expires in 2015, and the two

DIGGING THE PAST

Colonial Dorchester’s provides a glimpse historic site commercial hub into a former and a lab to learn new skills. PagE 7

See ALCOA,

Burden

INSIDE

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

See RECOVERY,

Upfront ...........................

..2

In Focus: HR

Trends .....15

List: Employee

Benefit

Brokers..........................

At Work ..........................

23

25

Business Digest

News .........26 .................30

cr bj

rican College of the Building Sam Friedman, a freshman at the Ame State Historic Site in Summerer Arts, worked at the Colonial Dorchest ville. (Photo/Leslie Burden)

28 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

➤

Lights, camera, action

1

A

S.C. Ports Authority CEO Jim Newsome hopes to deepen the Charleston Harbor to at least 50 feet. The Army Corps will recommend a depth to Congress in September 2015. It still needs federal authorization and reimbursement.

Page 18

..............25

People in the Hot Properties

Viewpoint........................3

el of dirt from s Dru Tremain gently sliced a trow ra homestead in the basement wall of a Colonial-e student plastered Dorchester County, another college yards away. mortar into a brick wall about 50 w ground at the Colonial belo and ve abo The work going on Summerville is telling the Dorchester State Historic Site in most well-preserved Colonial archaeological story of one of the towns in the United States. the American College of The project is a partnership among Department and MeadWestvathe Building Arts, the S.C. Parks one time and has made money co, which owned the property at ibit. available for the archaeological exh ogy interns such as Tremain pol hro ant ton College of Charles enting, piece-by-piece, the are opening town lots and docum piles to tell the story of the artifacts, property lines and debris ary South Carolina.

Colonial town and pre-Revolution comes from its being The Colonial site’s historic value eral generations. Park managsecluded and abandoned after sev onial Dorchester to Charleser Ashley Chapman compared Col continuously developed. ton — if Charleston hadn’t been of the Ashley River Settlers built the town in the crook ian tribes, plantations, in the 1690s. Nearby American Ind e into town to work, worship, churches and homesteaders cam e of that commerce included eat and conduct commerce. Som slaves. The slaves were sold agriculture, deer hides, wigs and and worked in the town. ore, a Building Arts For students such as Carson Whitm , Ga., the project is a final freshman from Lookout Mountain e rebuilding part of the founexam. He and other students wer ich belonged to a 16thdation walls of the Izard house, wh itician. century landowner, planter and pol tangible sense of how a tors visi k par The goal is to give lining walls with brick the homes there were built by out g corners of the house pavers on the ground and buildin t Whitmore was workseveral courses high, which is wha erent from others at the ing on. He said the project was diff n after being graded. school because it won’t be torn dow on a real construc“It’s just a little different getting out he said. tion site, seeing it start to finish,”

otherNewsmakers

Page 12

➤

Government workforces see stability

L

Eastward, ho!

By Andy Owens

11 • $2.00

ocal governmen ts faced their workforce challenges own during the recession, and they’re looking as the economy recovers, ing efficiency for a balance between buildand ing populations providing services to grow.

The Great Recession, which lasted December 2007 from ed Lowcountry through June 2009, impacteach came up governments differently, and with es and increased methods — hiring part-time workers, freezother tactics among — to address downturn. fallout from the Localities still saw some hiring despite the recession, growth especially vice department s, which were in public serfrom hiring mostly spared freezes economy improving,and cutbacks. With local government the seeing workforces s are stabilize, to focus on adding services allowing them needed. and positions as

Boeing rearranges its workforce.

Page 16

Photo/Leslie

Volume 19, No.

power talks

sides find themselves in a position to last year, similar when corporate smelting Alcoa Mt. Holly dodged contract negotiationcutbacks in the midst of s that led to extension. the one-year “As we have stated in the competitive power contract past, securing a is essential for the

Photo/Leslie Burden

Lowcountry TV show picked up by CBS. Page 21

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 6.3.13 Issue

June 3 - 16,

2013 • www.charle

Rezoning challenge

Developers sue North Charleston over Continental Tire rezoning.

Page 6

Statewide briefs

Upfit preserves urban history of historic Kress building

Lockheed Martin business model eyes new in Upstate, GE invests in Florence facility and more.

Page 8

Preserving history

stonbusines

s.com

Boeing IT wor kforce bolsters tech

By Matt Tomsic

T

Uncharted wate

rs

In May, the U.S. deepening projectsSenate passed a water developmen in Charleston t bill that could authorizing port and Savannah. infrastructure The bill establishes impact harbor projects, new methods House must pass but before those methods for become law, its version of the U.S. the bill. PAGE 9

Upfit of Kress building captures its history.

Page 13

Telecommuting

Survey reveals what workers say about their telecommuting habits.

Page 4

CHARLESTON UNDER

CONSTRUCTION

Page 18

Pictured above:

the Glenn Edwards

dredges Charleston

Harbor’s entrance

INSIDE

T

he upper floors of downtown Charleston’s historic Kress Building, which was built in the 1930s as an Art Deco retail temple, now houses law firm Moore & Van Allen’s lofty, open vision of a modern firm.

After a yearlong, multimillion-dollar design and construction project, the firm moved in late March from the Carolina First Center on east Calhoun Street to its new, 25,000-square-foot space at 78 Wentworth St. The original, multilevel space now has glass-walled offices and conference rooms that line the perimeter of the huge interior. The offices rise only about halfway to the exposed original 18- and 20-foot white concrete coffered ceilings.

The building’s original vertical windows and glass-brick skylights send daylight from King and Wentworth streets.

There is no sign of traditional lawoffice mahogany for the firm’s staff of 75, which includes more than 30 attorneys. High-tech, functional, sit-stand

In Focus:

..2

Architecture, Engineering & Construction ..............13 List: Architecture

channel.

See BOEING,

Firms ........32

SIOR Members

..............34

At Work ..........................

35 People in the News .........36 Business Digest ..............38 Viewpoint........................3 9

Businesses across South Carolina waste time and money when vehicles make detours to avoid the state’s aging roads and bridges. So lawmakers put $600 million into the state’s budget to throw some cash at the infrastructure problem, which is estimated to cost $29 billion to fix over 20 years.

30 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Page 5

T

By Mike Hembree news@scbiznews.com

rucks that haul Timber Co., lumber for Log Creek based in Edgefield, weigh 80,000 can pounds.

The company harvests timber ties in the in 10 counSavannah River corridor, typical distanceand the from ExECutIVE timber tracts to mills SuMMARy in Augusta, Newberry DOT estimates or Eastover the is 50 miles. But that to 80 loss to businesses is sometimes mileage from choked and extended limited because loaded access trucks are not timber roads and bridges to cross agingallowed at $2.6 billion over state seven bridges that years. are repair. Detours in distypically add 10 to 15 miles to each trip.

This is one of the costs of South continuing problem Carolina’s with highway ture. According to a December infrastrucpared by an report preS.C. tation Commissio Department of Transporn task force, of the state’s highway system the condition and the current Page 10

At work

MyPhoneMD gives option for a commonanother issue: What to do with a broken cell phone?

Page 35

“It was very much of a maze,” said Irene Vogelsong, senior interior project designer with the Charlotte office of Perkins & Will Inc. “There were all kinds of different spaces that were seemingly put up without regard to the structure of the building itself.”

Project manager Richard Grubbs of Perkins & Will added, “And the building had an amazing structure. We wanted to celebrate the proportions and the bones of the old Kress building.”

Retail mogul Samuel H. Kress built more than 200 “5- and 10-cent” department stores from New York to Hawaii.

He saw his stores as works of public art and hired staff architects to design the The Kress renovations for the Moore & Van Allen law firm created an open floor plan outlined by structures, according to the National conference rooms and offices. (Photos/Leslie Burden) Building Museum. The Charleston Kress store opened in 1931 and added desks on new hardwood floors will have more,” Meyer said. “We wanted progres- another building in 1935. The building treadmills, said Don Meyer, of Moore & sive and functional.” brought Mayan Revival architecture, Van Allen’s management committee.

When architects first walked through which was pioneered by Frank Lloyd “We didn’t want to do the old, the building, they found a dark warren Wright and other prominent architects expensive-furniture operation any- of offices and storage spaces. in the 1920s and 1930s, to Charleston.

otherNewsmakers

12 • $2.00

➤

S.C.’s aging bridges, roads cost business

See AGING,

Upfront ...........................

By Harriet McLeod

Volume 19, No.

economy

mtomsic@sc and a very, biznews.com very positive way that the ware industry softhe Boeing Co. in Charleston Andrade said tainable and is absolutely the high tech absolutely durable,” country’s tech is boosting the Lowsus- 4.7% sector makes of Charleston’s Andrade, executive sector and said Ernest up its diversity increasing economy, and with plans to ton Digital Corridor.director for the Charles- age wage in the sector the information bring 600 is roughly $77,000.avertechnology employees multiplier “It’ll clearly of the Charleston.

The to North ton. anchors of the IT industry become one by high effect for local job creation tech and manufactur driven We continue in Charles“It absolutely to exceed extremely ing is 4.3 reaffirms in a “We very, very strong but now you’ve just added well, we can have successfully demonstrat jobs. a lot of fuel to growth.” build a sustainable ed that that knowledge econo-

cr bj

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

Year in pictures

Sometimes words arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re offering a look at some of the moments captured by the photography and editorial staff of the Charleston Regional Business Journal during 2013.

The S.C. Aquarium helps rehabilitate injured and sick sea turtles at its turtle hospital on the Charleston waterfront (above). At left, LS3P Associates, one of the legacy architectural firms in the city, marked 50 years of building and designing structures across the U.S. in 2013.

(Photos/Leslie Burden, Andy Owens)

32 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Trident Technical College continues to grow its culinary influence (right) throughout the Lowcountry. Below, post-Panamax ships continue to call on the Port of Charleston as efforts continue to deepen Charleston Harbor. (Photos/Leslie Burden)

33 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 6.17.13 Issue

June 17 - 30,

2013 • www.charle

road to flight

Charleston County road improvemen plans Boeing expansion.ts for Page 7

Kiawah Partners sold to N.C. firm

stonbusines

s.com

Questions swirl around doctor, clinic in DHEC inquiry

I

biznews.com

ExECutIV

Kiawah chan ges hands Charlotte firm acquire

s Kiawah Partner s, undeveloped retail space land, resort, and other assets Page 10

Columbia-to-Charleston highway has the worst bridges.

Page 11

Corporate matters

Some companies more legal work move in-house.

Page 13

INSIDE Upfront .................... ........ 2 In Focus: Law.............. . 13 List: Law Firms ............ 23 Payroll Companies At Work ........................... 26 ..... 27 People in the News Business Digest ........ 29 Hot Properties ............. 27 ................

Viewpoint.................... 30 ... 31

Profiles in

Business rEaD about thE buSINESS ES makINg aN ImPaCt IN thE CharLESt oN arEa. SEE INSIDE

iming and singularity drove the acquisition of Kiawah Partners by a Charlotte-based real estate

firm.

On June 3, South Street Partners and Kiawah Partners announced the acquisition, which include the remaining developable residential inventory on the island, a planned luxury resort development, Kiawah Island Real Estate and other assets, including Kiawah Island Utility and Freshfields Village. The sale terms were not disclosed.

Kiawah Partners’ holdings also include properties in Ireland and St. Kitts. South Street will manage all of the properties, including sales, development and operations.

“We are excited to be involved with the most distinguished residential community on the East Coast,” Patrick Melton, managing partner of South Street Partners, said in a news release.

The acquisition partially came out of a lawsuit that was settled in December. A host of minority owners in the development sued Charles Darby, CEO of Kiawah Partners. The lawsuit argued Darby tried to freeze minority owners out of businesses and their ownership interests, among other accusations. The plaintiffs filed the case in June 2012, and about six months later, a confidential settlement was accepted.

Mike Touhill, spokesman for Kiawah Partners, said South Street would continue developing the island according to

A Charlotte firm bought Kiawah Partners’ holdings for an undisclosed amount. (Photos/Kiawah Partners)

Kiawah Partners’ plan, which includes a 50-home development near Capt. Sam’s Spit. Conservationists challenged the development, and the state Supreme Court reheard the case June 5. The case

is centered on a concrete bulkhead and a wall that would control erosion; the builders want to put the wall and bulkhead at the spit for the development.

The S.C. Department of Health and

otherNewsmakers Venture capitalists in South Carolina can get income tax credits worth 35% for investments supporting qualified startups in South Carolina, after the General Assembly passed an angel investor bill. Individuals and organizations can invest a maximum of $100,000 a year for the tax credit, for an aggregate maximum of $5 million.

34 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

13 • $2.00

asked to undergo testing for hepatitis atitis C and B, hepHIV. DHEC, officials The clinic isn’t regulated by said.

DHEC “has confirmed three atitis B involving cases of heptracted physician,”patients treated by the conthe S.C. Departmenaccording to an order from Regulation, which t of Labor, Licensing licenses chiropractic and examSee DHEC, Page

Historic space

Courtenay Square firefighting past. honors Page 2

infrastructure issues on i-26

By Matt Tomsic

T

Volume 19, No.

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc

n September E Summary 2011, Tri-County The state medical Care Center Spinal began offering board suspended of a doctor at injections, and the license pain relief Tri-County Spinal eron Wills, hired the facility’s owner, authorities investigate Care Center as Cama physician to the clinic.

Since then, three patients provide them. injections at who received Tri-County and Environmen have tested for hepatitis positive in tal B; the S.C. Departmen infection control Control has found lapses t of Health and injection and hundreds procedures; of the clinic’s patients have been

Environmental Control denied the permit for the wall, and the state Supreme Court heard the case, finding against the developer. But in 2012, the court reheard the case and reversed its decision. After that, the S.C. Environmental Law Project asked the court on behalf of the Coastal Conservation League to hear the case for a third time.

South Street and Kiawah Partners worked for several months to put the acquisition deal together, and it culminated in the summer.

“We’re not anticipating major changes to our operation, and they’re really looking to continue to build on what we’ve created here, and enhance it where they can,” Touhill said. “They feel that this is a very well-executed community, and they’re looking forward to continuing what’s been here and what’s been done the last 25 years.” cr bj

8➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 7.1.13 Issue

July 1 - 14,

2013 • www.charle

s.com

Volume 19, No.

on

CARTA launches North Charleston bus route.

Page 6

The Lowcountry’s hidden STEM economy

stonbusines

Ports authorit y approves ‘agg ressive’ budget

Circulating in North Charlest

Hidden STEM

Report finds new measurement of science and technology jobs.

Page 9

IT boost

Boeing S.C. begins information tech hiring workers.

Page 9

It’s triplets!

Charleston to purchase land for third incubator.

Page 10

INSIDE Upfront .................... ........ 2 In Focus: Technology Innovation ....................& .. 9 List: IT Support Cos. ... 24 At Work .................... ..... 27 Business Digest People in the ............. 27 News ........ 27 Hot Properties ................

Viewpoint.................... 30 ... 31

ExECuTIVE Summary

“As we all see, it’s a very aggressive said Bill Stern, plan, chairman of the ports authori-” ty board. “I think it’s a good plan. plan. As we’ve It’s a doable all said, it’s a little stretch.”

The authority has budgeted increase in a 5.9% pier containers fiscal 2013’s projections, compared with pushing its container

Continuing to Climb See PORT BUDGET,

A

irlines are rearranging their and though the consolidatio flight offerings across the many small country, n has led to airports, Charleston decreases in counter to the service at International trend.

Airport has From 2007 to run 2012, small of their seat capacity, but hub airports across the country lost during that national Airport 13.5% same period, Charleston Interers more options increased its number of seats by 6.5%, the Massachuse when flying from the airport, according giving travela 14% increase tts Institute of Technology to a study by . during that time,in the number of people Charleston has also seen flying from the ation Administra according to statistics from the Federal airport tion and the Aviairport.

“The airport is really a reflection and the community of the economy of the Charleston ,” said Andy Savage, chairman “We feel strongly County Aviation Authority. that if we can environmen create t that an lines, it’s good is good for the airfor the public serve.” we See AIRPORT,

Page 8

6.5%

The increase in seats at Charlest on Internat ional Airport from 2007 to 2012

➤ Anita Marshall,

customer agent at US Airways, service travelers. (Photo/Leslie assists Burden)

2013 gui de to m ainta

What to do before,

ining y our bus ines

during and after

s throu g

a disaster to

Page 11

h chall e

nges

keep your business

intact.

Facts for the CharlestonNorth Charleston-Summerville MSA

Jobs

Job share

57,920

21.3%

Rank: 70 out of 100

Rank: 23 out of 100

STEM jobs by degree required

After the Charleston Digital Corridor hosted the CodeShow technology conference in March, participants gathered at Southend Brewery for the after-party. (Photo/Leslie Burden)

A

bout one-fifth of Lowcountry jobs are related to science, technology, engineering and math, putting the region at 23rd out of the 100 biggest metro areas, according to the Brookings Institution.

Nationwide, Brookings found that STEM-related fields constitute 20% of all U.S. jobs, with the largest occupations including registered nurses, auto technicians, mechanics and engineers.

The study analyzed 100 metro areas, including the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville metro area.

In the Lowcountry, STEM jobs make up 21.3% of all jobs. In the San JoseSunneyvale-Santa Clara metro area in California, STEM jobs make up 33% of all jobs, ranking that metro area first out of the 100. Wages for STEM jobs in the Charleston area average $60,150, compared with $35,080 for non-STEM jobs.

Brookings also found that 50% of STEM jobs do not require a bachelor’s degree.

STEM workers without a college degree earn $53,000 on average, which is 10% higher than other jobs that also don’t require a college degree. Metropolitan areas with more STEM-related jobs perform strongly on a variety of economic indicators, including employment, job growth, patenting and wages.

“The overemphasis on four-year and higher degrees as the only route to a STEM career has neglected cheaper and more widely available pathways through community colleges and even technical high schools,” according to the report. “Because the focus has been on professional STEM jobs, a number of potentially useful interventions have been ignored. In this sense, jobs that require less than a bachelor’s degree represent a hidden and unheralded STEM economy.”

Bachelor’s or more

55.3%

44.7%

Rank: 34 out of 100

Rank: 67 out of 100

STEM wages All jobs

STEM Jobs requiring a bachelor’s or more $72,052

$60,150

$59,830 $35,080

Jobs requiring an associate degree or less $50,529 $30,797

Top 10 STEM Occupations

otherNewsmakers North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey was one of the first riders for the North Area Shuttle service that connects Boeing and the Charleston International Airport to retail shops, outlets and hotels in the city with free fares for riders.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey took a ride on the North Area Shuttle, which was decked out in special livery for the new free service connecting parts of the city. (Photo/North Charleston)

36 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Non-STEM

# of jobs % requiring bachelor’s Health diagnosing and treating practitioners 13,030 26.8% Computer occupations 5,870 83.5% Engineers 4,720 100.0% Construction trades workers 4,040 0.0% Health technologists and technicians 3,630 16.2% Financial specialists 3,030 93.3% Business operations specialists 2,010 83.8% Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers and repairers 2,000 0.0% Other management occupations 1,820 80.7% Drafters, engineering technicians, mapping technicians 1,660 17.5%

cr bj

Page 4

Charleston ’s despite airlin aviation sector increa e consolidatio ses seats n

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

By Matt Tomsic

Associate degree or less

14 • $2.00

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

T

he S.C. State The S.C. State Ports Authority Ports Authority revenues to expects cargo volumes to grow grow by nearlyexpects by nearly 6% during fiscal and anticipates spending $123 11% million on capital year 2014 as budget officials part of a projects during characterize fiscal year 2014. but doable. as aggressive, The ports authority budget during board approved June’s meeting. the fiscal year The agency’s begins July 1.

Note: Rankings are out of 100 U.S. metros Source: Brookings Institution / Graphic: Ryan Wilcox

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 7.15.13 Issue

July 15 - 28,

2013 • www.charle

Cybercamp educates students about STEM. Page 9

Higher-ed funding cut in half since 2009

stonbusines

s.com

Higher-ed fundin g cut in half sinc e ’09 Volume 19, No.

Spy for a day

New market for new homes

Homebuilders responding to increase in market demand.

Page 11

A

Turtles & Lasers

See FUNDING,

Turtles brought to the S.C. Aquarium’s often have painful, Sea Turtle Hospital slow-healing injuries. A partnership involving an S.C. business, an anonymous aquarium helped donor and the bring technology to the hospital turtles recover help the faster. Full story, Page 7 Dr. Shane Boylan, aquarium staff injured sea turtle. veterinarian, uses laser therapy (Photo/Leslie Burden) on an

➤

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

he Boeing Co. expects to spend million by the $50.3 structure costs end of 2013 on infraassociated with ond phase its secin ments show, the Lowcountry, state docuand Public Railways S.C. plans to acquire property to support the ExECuTIVE expansion.

During the SummARy first of 2014, Boeing half Boeing to spend $32.5 plans to spendexpects roughly and during the million, $110 million on site back half of that year, the aero- development by the space giant will spend end of 2014 for its $37.2 million second phase on of structure needs infra- development. associated with its expansion, which is expected bring an additional to $1.1 billion and 2,000 more investment jobs.

The expenditure s will be paid a $120 million as part South Carolina.bond issuance by the state of of The timeline during an S.C. was released State Budget and Control meeting in Board June, when the board approved See BOEING,

By Matt Tomsic

Page 8

Public Railways to acquire land for Boeing expansion

T

Inland port to boost development

Officials expect the inland port in Greer to lure new companies.

Page 14

INSIDE Upfront .................... ........ 2 In Focus: Commercial & Residential Real List: CommercialEstate ..11 Estate CompaniesReal ........ 23 At Work .................... ..... 25 People in the News Business Digest ........ 25 ............. 25 Viewpoint.................... ... 31

15 • $2.00

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com School leaders think the funding leveled off, cuts have but they’ve cross the Lowcountry and budget for still about half as the leges and universities , public colmuch money been left with “South Carolinafuture. as they received are scrambling since fiscal year 2009. to make up really is where in my To mitigate schools have for state funding which have opinion we needat a point now the cuts, decided to impacted their cuts, not just how to think about defer maintenanc students and ability to educate costs, hire fewer teachers we support support higher education, The state funding and raise tuition.e but how we are going economic developmen existing industry to position shortfalls have and the universities’ be competitive t. also pulled with other states the state to attention and to-day operations, among dollars to day- nation,” said Thomas Elzey, executive the leaving less time to plan vice

Page 6

➤

Good Busine

ss Summit

Lowcountry Local First holds panel discussions and investor pitches.

PAGE 25

A

cross the Lowcountry, public colleges and universities are scrambling to make up for state funding cuts.

School leaders think the funding cuts have leveled off, but they’ve still been left with about half as much money as they received since fiscal year 2009.

To mitigate the cuts, schools have decided to defer maintenance costs, hire fewer teachers and raise tuition. The state funding shortfalls have also pulled the universities’ attention and dollars to day-to-day operations, leaving less time to plan and budget for the future.

“South Carolina really is at a point now where in my opinion we need to think about not just how we support higher education, but how we are going to position the state to be competitive with other states among the nation,” said Thomas Elzey, executive vice president for The Citadel.

Since fiscal 2009, The Citadel has seen its state funding cut by 43%, totaling millions of dollars.

“There’s opportunity costs associated with what we didn’t get,” Elzey said. “Without making those necessary investments, you find yourself looking back wondering and wishing what could have been done and what could have been accomplished.”

MUSC has seen its state funding cut by 38% since fiscal 2009.

MUSC also receives funding from the federal government, which provides grants through the National Institutes of Health and Medicaid payments for patients at the hospital. Those sources have also have been cut.

“I think this is the new normal,” said Dr. Ray Greenberg, former president of the Medical University of South Carolina.

Trident Technical College has been forced to defer maintenance and slow hiring despite enrollment increasing by 46% since 2003, said David Hansen, a spokesman for the college.

At The Citadel, the cuts have also led to deferral of maintenance, which impacts Internet connectivity, HVAC needs in campus buildings and other maintenance.

The statewide cuts to higher education don’t seem to mesh with what state leaders have said about the importance of education in the state and of building the workforce needed by S.C. businesses.

“There’s no way you can underfund something and say it’s important. ... We want to be a first-class institution, not third-rate.

We can’t be first-class relying only on state funds,” Thornley said. cr bj

Adjunct networking instructor Mary Barefield assists Itti Simuang, then a second-year networking systems management major at Trident Technical College. (Photo/Leslie Burden)

S.C. funds allocated to higher-ed institutions School

FY ’09

FY ’14

% Change

The Citadel

$15,745,501

$8,940,908

-43.2%

College of Charleston

$33,252,307

$19,449,861

-41.5%

Medical University of South Carolina

$94,622,513

$58,244,151

-38.4%

Trident Technical College

$16,031,159

$13,900,000

-13.3%

Sources: S.C. General Assembly and Trident Technical College

otherNewsmakers An anonymous donor helped bring medical laser technology to the S.C. Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital to help reduce pain and recovery time for injured turtles brought to the medical and rehabilitation facility.

Dr. Shane Boylan, Aquarium staff veterinarian, uses laser therapy on an injured sea turtle. (Photo/Leslie Burden)

38 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Lowcountry Turtle Rescue By the Numbers

$36

9

112

Daily average cost for each turtle’s treatment.

Average number of months a turtle stays in the hospital.

Number of sea turtles the S.C. Aquarium has successfully rehabilitated and released.

Source: S.C. Department of Natural Resources, S.C. Aquarium

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 7.29.13 Issue

BROKEN OATH: Is S.C.’s medical board too lenient?

July 29 - August

11, 2013 • www.charle

BROKEN OATH : Is S.C. stonbusines

s.com

’s medical boar d too lenient?

S.C. ranks last for actions in medic disciplinary al profession

By Matt Tomsic

S

See MEDICAL

BOARD, Page

Value

4

➤

Volume 19, No.

SPECIAL REPOR T

mtomsic@sc biznews.com ince 2006, the S.C. Board of last or second Medical Examiners to against the state’s last in serious disciplinary has ranked actions taken doctors.

The rankings are part of a lic Citizen, a watchdog group yearly report put together ical professiona

by Pubthat analyzes ls per 1,000 the who have their number of medlicenses revoked,

South Carolina has one of the lowest disciplinary rates nationwide for medical professional s. One argues the rankings nonprofit state is too lenient, mean the but medical professional s say the stat means the medical board weeds out bad doctors before licensing them.

Column: Medical Board president study shows says S.C. among best.

Page 31

I

See DOCTOR,

The knowledge economy isn’t the only way startups are making money in the Charleston region.

Two entrepreneur use ideas that s leverage technology don’t depend but on it for their businesses, and that’s more reflective of American entrepreneur ship, says one expert.

Full story, Page 10

A

Hannah Davis

holds Bangs

Hard to keep talent

sex, Drugs, Goats

cr bj

Selected examples of other disciplinary actions against S.C. medical professionals from the S.C. medical board.

In 2012, the medical board reprimanded a Rock Hill doctor for performing a breast examination on a 19-year-old female patient who arrived at the medical center after being hit by a car. The medical board publicly reprimanded him; fined him $1,063; ordered a $1,000 civil penalty; and required him to take a sexual boundaries course and disruptive physicians course.

In 2003, the medical board reprimanded a Charleston doctor for recording videos of people using the staff bathroom. The doctor said he installed the video camera in an effort to enhance office security.

The board temporarily suspended his license, then reinstated it with conditions about a month later. The medical board publicly reprimanded the doctor; fined him $10,000; suspended him for one year

but stayed the suspension; and placed conditions on his license.

In 2010, the medical board reprimanded an Abbeville County doctor who had been arrested for criminal sexual conduct, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. The doctor had also abused and diverted painkillers; killed three of his hunting dogs after they had killed a neighbor’s goats; and had sexual affairs with two patients and three staff members. The doctor’s license was suspended for about six months, then reinstated. The medical board also publicly reprimanded the doctor; suspended his license, then stayed that suspension as long as he met certain conditions; required board approval for workplace settings and schedule; and fined him $10,000.

shoes. (Photo/Andy

Owens)

See GREENBERG,

see positive trends in several sectors.

Page 11

40th 30th 20th 10th

2011

Note: Public Citizen stopped calculating yearly rankings and began three-year averages in 2003.

Source: Public Citizen, “Ranking of State Medical Boards’ Disciplinary Actions”

Total Investigations in S.C., 2004-2012 A breakdown of investigations and penalties given by the S.C. medical board against physicians in the state.

Investigations.......................................3,821 Indefinite suspension.................................23 Indefinite suspension (stayed)....................14 Relinquish license......................................30 Revocation.................................................16 Definite suspension.....................................1 Definite suspension (stayed)........................7 Undefined suspension................................24

After leading the Medical University of South Carolina for 13 years, President Ray Greenberg left at the end of August to become executive vice chancellor for health affairs for The University of Texas System in Austin. MUSC’s board launched a national search for his replacement, and candidates are expected to visit Charleston in April.

Source: S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

➤

Businesswomen honored by peers for impacting business, community.

Page 13

50th

0 1992

Page 3

Midyear Econom Snapshot ic Economists

Public Citizen analyzes serious disciplinary actions taken by medical boards nationwide and ranks states by actions per 1,000 professionals.

otherNewsmakers

40 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

By Liz Segrist

lsegrist@scb iznews.com

fter leading the Medical University of South Carolina for 13 years, President Raymond announced Greenberg he August to becomeis leaving at the end of for health affairs executive vice chancellor System in Austin.for the University of Texas The same day ture announcemGreenberg made his deparboard of trusteesent, July 10, the MUSC MUSC’s provost unanimously appointed and vice president demic affairs as interim president. for acaMark S. Sothmann will take the late August, helm in as the board launches a national search for a new president months. in the coming

S.C. Rankings

U.S. Ranking

S

ticing good medicine...” said Dr. Sidney Wolfe, founder and senior adviser of Public Citizen, which monitors state medical boards across the country. “Conversely, there are some doctors who are not practicing good medicine. So the question is do they get investigated, do they get disciplined? And it varies. It is a serious public health threat in the states that have medical boards that aren’t doing their job.”

From fiscal year 2004 through fiscal 2012, the S.C. Board of Medical Examiners has revoked 16 licenses and suspended 68 licenses after investigating more than 3,000 medical professionals, according to statistics compiled by the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Since fiscal 2004, 30 doctors have voluntarily relinquished their licenses.

In the 1990s, South Carolina ranked in the top 20, according to Public Citizen. In 2000, the state ranked 27th, but in 2001, it fell 20 places to 47th.

“The real issue is what happens to the small fraction of doctors in every state that are doing things that merit discipline,” Wolfe said. “In some states, year after year, they’re much more likely to get disciplined. And year after year in other states, they’re much less likely.”

Costa criticized Public Citizen’s rankings. The board has stronger revocation laws than other states, and when it revokes someone’s license, that doctor can never practice again in the state. The board also uses other penalties, such as restricting practices or charging fines, to ensure physicians practice safely after being investigated.

Page 7

➤

MUSC president to leave for University of Texas System

proposition

Business worry most about retaining high-potenti employees. Page al 2

ince 2006, the S.C. Board of Medical Examiners has ranked last or second to last in serious disciplinary actions taken against the state’s doctors.

The rankings are part of a yearly report put together

by Public Citizen, a watchdog group that analyzes the number of medical professionals per 1,000 who have their licenses revoked, suspended or surrendered, among other penalties, and ranks them based on the number of serious actions taken by the medical boards. Some doctors criticize the rankings, though, saying the model is flawed.

“The supposition that a serious sanction means that doctors in that state are of a lower-caliber doctor is absolutely counterintuitive,” said Dr. Louis Costa, president of the medical board, adding that it’s like saying the safest state is the one with the highest level of criminal convictions. “It takes a lot to get a medical degree and get licensed, and in some instances we feel the doctors are capable of rehab and can offer safe services in the future.”

In South Carolina, doctors have kept their medical licenses after abusing drugs, having sex with patients, botching operations, leaving surgery while patients are sedated and performing surgeries on incorrect limbs, according to a Charleston Regional Business Journal review of medical board orders. Sometimes, those medical professionals are reprimanded and suspended but the suspension is stayed as long as certain conditions are met and fines are paid.

“The assumption is most doctors in all states are prac-

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com n August 2006, the first time, Dr. Steven A. Matzinger snorting the hunting trip. drug through used cocaine for a straw while “I was with on a deposition. “Wea friend,” Matzinger said, going to sit out were going hunting in according to a 2012 the evening, on a deer stand, and I was and I took a hit.”

The Farm Stand’s Cade Shelley and John Moye serve at S.C. Federal Credit Union.

(Photo/Leslie Burden)

By Matt Tomsic

16 • $2.00

Doctor, addict ed to cocaine, continued to practi ce in S.C.

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 8.12.13 Issue

August 12 -

25, 2013 • www.charle

Goodbye, Mr. Presiden ts

CofC and Art Institute presidents step down.

Page 2

Health care reform delays

Bike path plans gathering momentum

Experts say to use the extra time to prepare for new requirement s.

Page 3

stonbusines

s.com

Aviation auth ority

By Matt Tomsic

offers director job

I

Good to the

Pedal, pedal, pedal

Plan for regional bike paths gains momentum.

Page 9

Volume 19, No.

See AVIATION,

last Price Dr Declining

global coffee

prices boost

profits for

oP

local roasters

Full Story, Page 9

Driving exports

European demand for biomass could up exports.

Page 14

INSIDE

Upfront ..................... ....... 2 In Focus: Clean, Green & Sustainable Business ....

9 List: Recycling Cos. ..... 16 List: Office Supply Cos. ..18 At Work ..................... .... 19 People in the News Business Digest ........ 19 Hot Properties ............. 19 ................

Viewpoint..................... 22 .. 23 Island Coffee

A roast master checks in Ravenel. (Photo/Gibsobeans at n Pitts)

C

By Liz Segrist

lsegrist@scbi znews.com

harleston School agreed to allow of Law officials have a private company that owns manage its school. three other law schools to Uncertainty student body circulated among an anxious after the school managemen t services agreemententered into a Fla.-based The InfiLaw System with Naples, “Our concern late last month. for the most have a special part is that relationship with the faculty, we staff and the community. the We have a special culture for a law don’t have, and school that other law schools we don’t want said Daniel Cooper, president to lose that,” Student Bar of the school’s Association. someone to come in and “We don’t want change that if they have resources.”

— even Owned by Partners, The private equity firm Sterling InfiLaw System of independen is a consortium t the Charlotte law schools. It currently owns School of Law, School of Law Florida Coastal which are all and Phoenix School of Law, for-profit and accredited by the See SCHOOL,

Page 4

Forecast: A windy Novemb

By Liz Segrist

Isle of Palms

Downtown Charleston re ga

Shem Creek

City Market

Legend

The Battery

James Island Connector

Wapoo Cut

Le

James Island County Park

e

dg

Bri

Patriots Point

Isle of Palms County Park

Mt. Pleasant

Charleston Harbor

James Island

on a roll Bike paths alereto rid e from

d

oa

yR

ll Fo

Cyclists will be ab Isle of Palms Folly Beach to the cured for the once funding is se oject. Charleston Battery2Beach pr cycling nonprofit, Moves, a local profor the bike paths is adding signage project. for the long-term Source: Charleston

Folly Beach County Park

te

Battery to Beach Rou Alternative Route

Sullivan’s Island

The West Ashley Greenway is one of the region’s green spaces developed for bikers and walkers.

(Photo/Gibson Pitts)

Moves

Folly Beach

B

ike path development is on a roll in Charleston, but lack of financing could stymie plans.

Charleston Moves, a nonprofit that promotes regional cycling, plans to connect Folly Beach to the Isle of Palms through the Battery2Beach project, which could also connect to other communities in the future.

And Charleston County aims to connect every park in the county with a bike trail, which could add up to 100 more miles of trails in the region. Both projects seek funding and could take decades to complete. Cost projections were not available for either project.

“The demand for cycling options, particularly better cycling options, is an absolutely

otherNewsmakers The Charleston School of Law first entered into a management agreement with InfiLaw and later announced the school was being sold to the organization. Students expressed concern over the company’s reputation by some as a diploma mill for attorneys.

huge demand,” said Tim Keane, planning director for the city of Charleston. “This isn’t a frill when it comes to our transportation plan. It’s an essential component to our downtown strategy for our residents and tourists.”

Progress has been made in the past few years as cycling is seen as another transportation option and a healthier mode of transit, said Tom Bradford, Charleston Moves’ executive director. Still, Charleston has a long way to go to be on the level of Chicago, for example, which has more than 600 miles of urban bike paths planned. On a long list of transportation projects that need funding, bike lane paving and trails can be a low priority. Pro-cycling entities want bike lanes included in the repaving of any road or as any part of new construction. cr bj

Schools associated with InfiLaw Charleston School of Law Tuition (full-time resident) Student body Bar passage rate Applicants accepted Employment rate

Charlotte School of Law

Phoenix School of Law

$37,874

$38,606

$39,370

$39,533

631 students

1,392 students

1,594 students

1,092 students

87.5%

92.86%

71.26%

100%

50%

69%

67%

73%

74%, with 57% at law firms

89%, with 34% at law firms

74%, with 43% at law firms

90%, with 49% at law firms

Source: lawschoolnumbers.com and American Bar Association

42 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Florida Coastal School of Law

Page 6

➤

New Charlesto School of Law n management causes concern

er Clemson wind turbine testing facility set to open this year.

Page 12

Ravenel Bridge

17 • $2.00

to S.C. senator

mtomsic@sc er to open biznews.com the other than state job to interested candidates n a span of Sen. Paul Campbell candidates would seven County Aviation days, the Charleston was eventually offered — who cation be negligent the tor of six years Authority lost its direc- cial board meeting in late job during a spe- board of the board’s power. and an abdiEventually, the July and offered state senator. the job to a decided not to consider other after the board to offervoted 7-6 during a four-hour the job to Campbell. applicants.

Charleston Mayor meeting Following Sue Joe Riley Stevens’ departure, ball metaphor, ity board members saying the airportused a foot- Refusing author- middle to ‘play ball’ her job immediatelydebated the need was in the of its season and didn’t At 8:43 p.m. and discussed to fill go search for a on July director. Other have time to board wheth- disagreed, Chairman Andy 23, aviation authority board members saying that Savage sent to not consider an email other

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 8.26.13 Issue

August 26 -

September 8,

Downtown development marching northward

2013 • www.charle

stonbusines

Complaints mou nt against deb t collectors s.com

Volume 19, No.

Benefitfocus files for IPO

Charleston company hopes to raise $75 million.

Page 2

Gender wage narrows a bit gap over 50 years

S.C. slightly above national average for pay gap. Page 3

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

I

ExECutIV

n June 2012, E SummAry You can’t be receiving calls Jaclyn Vehlewald began jailed for owing money in S.C., S.C. Consumer but Solutions about from Dynamic Recovery Affairs says the state doesn’t consumer debt a strong law The callers have to deal with bad she owed. collectors. coworker, who spoke with Vehlewald’s personal calls told them she couldn’t receive suit filed in October at 2012. In other gency and took work unless it was an emer- the callers reached instances, Vehlewald, a message, according them to a law- her to stop calling her office; and she asked she could lose job if the calls continued.

See DEBT COLLECTORS

, Page 6

North Charleston’s Apparel expanding Vapor offerings. Page 12

Audit sees issues

First Steps lacks assessment tools, audit finds. Page state 15

Upfront .................... ........ 2 In Focus:

Education & Workforce Developmen t ................ 13 List: Postgraduat Degree Programse ......... 21 Printing Companies At Work .................... ..... 23 ..... 25 People in the News Business Digest ........ 25 Hot Properties ............. 25 ................

Viewpoint.................... 30 ... 31

New residential developments like Elan Midtown East Bay Street, (above) are going development of The Cigar Factory up along upper Meeting Street. (below) could Nearby on begin soon. (Photos/Liz Segrist)

Trending Up

Downtown Charleston’ s growth heads north as developers build more residential and commercia l projects along upper Meeting and King streets.

Full Story. Page

8

Just the Facts

T

By Matt Tomsic

mtomsic@sc biznews.com

he Medical University of South Carolina and College of Charleston stricken have as the schools “merger” from their lexicon focus on creating and collaboratin g, officials said. a consortium “ ‘Merger’ is a ple, so whenever pejorative term to many peoyou just throw ‘merger,’ that out the word really does good,” said Bill more Hewitt, an MUSC harm than member of trustee and the bi-college studying the committee that’s issue.

The committee consists of from each two trustees institution, two provosts, CFOs, a representati two ve from the Metro Chamber Charleston sentative from of Commerce and a repreCharleston Mayor office.

Joe Riley’s The committee has met throughout summer and the plans to continue through the meeting next school year.

In April, the they were in two schools announced that preliminary discussions ways to collaborate. about At the time, MUSC PresiSee MERGER,

Page 17

The data and factoids economy in graphics, driving the region’s charts and quick Inside hits.

By Liz Segrist 17

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44 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

St.

e Am

A recent audit reported numerous transparency, participation and funding issues with S.C. First Steps, the state agency charged with increasing school readiness for young S.C. children. It does not have an adequate tool to measure its effectiveness, and First Steps wants the state to create one since it eliminated such a tool in 2008.

Sp

g rin

t. ke S

otherNewsmakers

Dra

cr bj

St.

Sp

g rin

Mall Playground

St.

O

nly a few decades ago, stores closed before dark along King and Meeting streets north of Calhoun Street in downtown Charleston.

Today, four residential developments are planned or recently opened within less than a mile of one another near these streets in downtown Charleston. East Central Lofts, Elan Midtown, 400 Meeting St. Apartments and the first residential component of Courier Square, a development by Evening Post Industries, will bring roughly 600 units to the area.

Lots that have been vacant for decades are under construction or recently opened. Hundreds of square feet of commercial space are set to open in mixeduse projects. An undisclosed buyer recently bought the Cigar Factory on Meeting and Columbus streets with plan to make it office space.

Many residents have lived in this area for generations. Today, more city growth continues to head for the Crosstown Expressway — and the upper streets of downtown anticipate an explosion of commercial and residential activity.

“Upper King has become the exciting place to be in the city of Charleston. It’s the new frontier,” said Charlie Carmody, managing broker at CB Richard Ellis Carmody LLC, a CBRE affiliate.

Robert Gurley, the advocacy director for the Preservation Society of Charleston, said he’s worried the developments will disrupt historical aesthetics and longtime residents, as well as increase traffic and parking congestion.

t. eS

Lin

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Developers see potential for residential units near the Crosstown Expressway. East Central Lofts (above) and 400 Meeting St. Apartments, (below, right), are nearing completion in downtown Charleston. (Photos/Liz Segrist)

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Upper peninsula development 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

East Central Lofts Cigar Factory Evening Post Industries development Elan Midtown 400 Meeting St. Apartments

➤

MUSC, CofC merger talks off the table

Make it where you sell it

INSIDE

18 • $2.00

But Dynamic calling Vehlewald’s Recovery Solutions kept three times each office, ringing her two caller said there week until July 18, when to the was an emergency.

Vehlewald’s coworker connected who told Vehlewald the caller, Dynamic Recovery she had four hours to pay Solutions or to jail. she would go

Map/Andrew Sprague Sources: East Central Lofts, The Simpson Organization Inc., Evening Post Industries, Greystar Real Estate Partners and Davis Property Group

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 9.9.13 Issue

September 9-22,

2013 • www.charle

Foundation halts demolit ion

Zoning board to hear Historic Charleston’ appeal of produce s demolition. Page stand 3

Clinical trials need diversity in S.C.

By Liz Segrist

A

nn Ramsdell wanted to see her kids grow up.

That was her first thought when a routine mammogram five years ago revealed she had stage 3 breast cancer. She was 43.

“The news was terrifying. My first thought was not so much for myself, but for my children,” said Ramsdell, whose children were ages 3 and 5. “As the mother of two young kids, I wanted to throw everything at the cancer that I could.”

Development of new medicines is a lengthy, complex and expensive process that relies heavily on volunteer participation in clinical trials to evaluate the drugs’ safety and effectiveness. More than 150 Charleston-area clinical trials are actively recruiting participants.

The state’s biopharmaceutical industry, research institutions and hospitals continually develop new drugs to improve residents’ health and the state’s economy, said Chip Davis, vice president of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

The state needs more participation in clinical trials, specifically from minorities who are at a higher risk for certain types of diseases but are less represented in clinical trials, say MUSC physicians.

“Blacks are more likely than others to die from asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. ... However, blacks are less likely than others to participate in (the) clinical trials testing therapies to treat these diseases,” said Marvella Ford, a public health sciences professor at MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center.

Clinical trials need to be offered in more locations, to more diverse patients and for more types of cancers and diseases, said Dale Gaines, who is nearing his third year of a clinical trial

stonbusines

s.com

The Decision s gain access to potentially drugs not available on the market, there are risks but and challenges associated with them. For Dale Gaines (at left), a clinical trial at the Medical University of South Carolina was the only option left to treat his sarcoma.

In Focus: Aerospace

Full Story. Page

General aviation Small planes are business in the big skies and on the ground.

Page 9

787 training

site Boeing uses two full-size Dreamliner simulators at its training facility Miami Internationa at l.

Page 12

INSIDE Upfront ................... ......... 2 In Focus: Aerospace ...... 9 List: Aviation & Aerospace Cos. List: Regional ............ 24 Airports At Work ................... ...25 ...... 27 People in the News Business Digest ........ 27 ............. 27 Viewpoint................... .... 31

Volume 19, No.

Law school would look other offers at

Clinical trial participant lifesaving

History still sells , broadens the prodand Charleston uct offerings Photo/Julia

By Harriet

Lynn

C

System.

By Liz Segrist

lsegrist@scb iznews.com

harleston School of Law students are anxious about the pending sale of their school to The InfiLaw

The school’s other buyers directors would consider but private suitors said neither public nor have approached about taking them ownership.

“We will consider anyone that’s ous party that a seriwants to step about the survival up and of the school,” talk Judge Robert said Carr, one of founders. the school’s The private, for-profit law entered into school a manageme nt services agreement with InfiLaw in late July, concern from the student body drawing ni. InfiLaw manages and alumthree other schools: the Charlotte School for-profit Florida Coastal of Law, the Phoenix School School of Law and the of Law. For weeks after the announcem the school ent, would not say whether it

6

See INFILAW,

McLeod

Contributing “History and writer reason visitors ambience” remains the top ehind storefronts give for visiting lowed by food, the area (folrestaurants and and coffee shops, ity), according shopping and local hospitalmarketplaces, es and golf courses to the College beachof Charleston’ is the No. 1 reason Office of Tourism to visit the Charleston s Analysis, which samples a evidence, preservatio area: the ubiquitous sliver of the 4 million people a year the area. n and storytelling nearly 350-year who visit of its history.

B

See HISTORY,

Page 4

➤

Photo/Matt Tomsic

The Afforda ble Care Act

Hear from a panel

of experts about

the impact of Page 13

health care reform

on large employers.

Clinical trials

employing, treating thousands 18,000

Jobs supported by the state’s biopharmaceutical sector in 2011.

3,200

Clinical trials performed in South Carolina since 1999.

300

4,800

Active clinical trials statewide.

$73,000

Clinical trials performed in the Charleston area since 1999.

$2.4 billion

Charleston-area clinical trials performed since 1999 that focus on the nation’s top chronic diseases: asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental illness and stroke.

Employees working directly for the biopharmaceutical sector.

The average salary for this sector.

The sector’s direct economic output in the state in 2011.

$1.8 billion

The sector’s additional economic output in the state in 2011 through vendors and suppliers.

1,388 730

152

Active Charleston-area clinical trials recruiting patients with those chronic diseases.

Source: U.S. National Institutes of Health, www.clinicaltrials.gov Note: Some clinical trials appear in more than one disease category.

for sarcoma at the Hollings Cancer Center. And health professionals say too few patients are aware that clinical trials exist.

Ramsdell, a scientist at MUSC, was diagnosed in June 2008 and received her first clinical trial treatment in July

2008. After nearly two years in the trial, along with a bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy, she is in remission.

“Clinical trials offer opportunities to patients and access to therapies not currently available otherwise,” Ramsdell said. cr bj

otherNewsmakers History is big business in Charleston, with preservation, historic tourism and storytelling ranking high among the region’s annual $4 billion tourism economy. Visitors say “history and ambience” are the top reasons for coming to Charleston.

Photos/Matt Tomsic

46 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Photo/Julia Lynn

“Drug companies give participants the drugs for free in clinical trials, which could benefit those without enough financial means if they knew about them.”

Dale Gaines Clinical trial participant

19 • $2.00

Page 8

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 9.23.13 Issue

September 23

- October 6,

Piggly Wiggly sells 29 stores

2013 • www.charle

Health care pre mium costs in dispute stonbusines

s.com

Volume 19, No.

He’s a Wine Spectator

Chef Ken Vedrinski among top Italian listed chefs.

Page 2

Veep says go deep

Vice president visits Charleston to talk about importance of the port.

Page 5

By Liz Segrist

Bi-Lo, Harri s Teeter buy stores

Charleston-based Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. entered Harris Teeter into agreements to sell 29 of its with Bi-Lo and stores, 23 of which are in South Carolina.

Full Story. Page 10

In Focus: AEC

Building dreams for 50 years LS3P has been designing buildings across the South for five decades.

Page 17

INSIDE

Upfront .................... ........ 2 In Focus: Architecture , Engineering & Construction List: Engineering............. 17 List: CommercialFirms ..37 Property Managemen t Firms......

At Work .................... 40 ..... 49 People in the News Business Digest ........ 49 ............. 49 Viewpoint.................... ... 55 at 1739 above, was soldMaybank Highway on John’s to Harris Teeter.

Island, (Photo/Liz Segrist)

T

See PREMIUMS,

A less big Pig

The Piggly Wiggly

Hear from a panel

of experts about

the impact of Page 43

W

By Liz Segrist

lsegrist@scb iznews.com

ith the Panama Canal expansion more than halfway complete and the U.S. Army Corps in Charleston refining potentialof Engineers plan to deepen routes, the feet edges closer.the Charleston Harbor to 50 “The deepening important strategic of our harbor is our most priority, because to be able to we have handle those restriction,” big ships without S.C. dent and CEO State Ports Authority PresiJim Newsome recent trade said during conference. a “Those lines going to wait. are not ” Newsome was speaking trend toward of an industry bigger containersh expected as a ips, which are result riers are forming of two major factors: Caralliances for routes, and some shipping the Panama Canal expansion on target for a 2015 opening. is sion opens, After the expanlarger, expected to flood post-Panamax ships are require harbors the East Coast — and could at least 50 feet “We’re the world’s deep. leading maritime In order to stay power. that way, we have modate the to accomfuture,” said Vice President Joe See PORT, Page

health care reform

on small employers.

wenty-three S.C. Piggly Wiggly grocery stores will soon bear “Bi-Lo” and “Harris Teeter”

signs.

Charleston’s Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. announced plans Sept. 12 to sell 29 stores in total in Georgia and South Carolina. Twenty-two stores are being sold to Bi-Lo Holdings — 16 of them in South Carolina — and seven stores are being sold to Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc., one of which is still under construction on the Isle of Palms.

Piggly Wiggly, a private, employeeowned company, did not disclose financial terms of the transactions.

The family-owned grocery chain has deep Charleston roots. Joseph Newton Jr. opened the chain in a former cotton warehouse on Pritchard Street in down-

The downtown Charleston Piggly Wiggly at 445 Meeting St. was sold to and converted into a Bi-Lo. Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. sold 29 of its stores to Harris Teeter and Bi-Lo. (Photo/Liz Segrist)

town Charleston in 1947. It has since become a household name.

Billboards around Charleston showcased its slogan: “Local – Since Forever!”

Some of the remaining stores in the Charleston market will stay open, although a specific number was not given at press time. The Northbridge Piggly Wiggly at 14 Sumar St. closed in

September.

Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. spokesman Christopher Ibsen said the company is not bankrupt.

“This really reflects that there’s been a dramatic acceleration of M&A activity in the grocery industry, particularly in the last eight to nine months,” Ibsen said.

After the acquisitions, Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. will own roughly 30 stores in South Carolina and coastal Georgia.

More than 30 other stores will continue to operate through independently owned franchises.

Stores have been converted to their new banners. More than 1,200 employ-

otherNewsmakers How many times did Vice President Joe Biden shut down Interstate 26 in 2013? At least twice, but every time he visited the Lowcountry, we knew we would be stuck in traffic.

In September, he toured the Port of Charleston to talk about infrastructure’s role in growing the U.S. economy and the effort to deepen Charleston Harbor.

48 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

ees were affected, all of whom will have job opportunities with Harris Teeter and Bi-Lo, according to the companies.

“The departure of employees and stores from the Piggly Wiggly team will be acutely felt, but we know that Bi-Lo Holdings will benefit from these outstanding folks,” Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. President and CEO David Schools said in a statement about the Bi-Lo sale.

Thomas W. Dickson, Harris Teeter board chairman and CEO, said in a statement that the locations and employees make the acqusitions attractive.

“This transaction strengthens our company a great deal,” Ibsen said. cr bj

Page 6

Push to deepen Charleston Harbor continues

The Affordab le Care Act

By Liz Segrist

20 • $2.00

lsegrist@scb mated increases iznews.com include wide Department ranges. The U.S. of 40-year-old S.C. has challenged Health and Human Services estimated that health paying anywhere resident could be those predictions soon-to-be-establishedinsurance rates on “Due . from 2% to the more on 162% ments to a number of new federal federally facilitated exchanges will eral exchange, health insurance on the going increase from requirefed- Affordable into effect next year according current averages as part of the by 50% to 70% in the individual The S.C. Departmen to state estimates.

Care by 10% to 20% for premiums Act, consumers should market and t of Insurance health care in the small plan The to increase expects Ray premiums to group market.

U.S. significantly, Farmer, director increase from rent rates in ” said Services Department of Health South Carolina curof the S.C. Departmen and Human is — and the esti- of Insurance. t cy came asking to see how the state up with its figures.

The S.C. Departmen agenIt wants to ensure t of Insurance has

A

16

➤

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 10.7.13 Issue

October 7 -

20, 2013 • www.charle

Event Planning Guide 2013

The latest go-to guide for event planners Charleston area. in the

Honeybee decline stings

stonbusines

s.com

Development could buoy

INSIDE

Roundtable, Part Three

Info for individuals under the Affordable Care Act. Pages 19-24

Commercial Space & Busines s Parks Guide

A detailed listing of available commercial space in the Charleston Pages 36-42 area.

D

By Liz Segrist

lsegrist@scb iznews.com

Patriots Point ’s maintenance funds Volume 19, No.

evelopment ExECUtIVE SUMMary of Patriots Point land surrounding Patriots Point’s could help leadership is and keep restore looking for increase profits Charleston Harbor.the site’s historic ships to restore decades-old ways to in ships.

Patriots Point Developme plans to talk with developers nt Authority nue generated could the coming months about and investors in expensive fund leasing its remaining 50 acres restoration and much-needed and for mixed-use maintenance decades-old projects. The of the ships. reve“You could argue that this is some of the

BUZZKILL Commercial beekeepers expect the of food to rise with the continuous cost of the honeybee decline across S.C. and the U.S. Full Story, Page 4

See PATRIOTS

INSIDE Upfront .................... ........ 2 In Focus: Manufacturi ng ............. 25 List: Manufacture rs ..... 35 At Work .................... ..... 43 People in the News Business Digest ........ 43 ............. 43 Viewpoint.................... ... 47

Photo/Liz Segrist

By Liz Segrist

lsegrist@scb iznews.com

Page 16

2013 Econom

➤

ic Scorecard

By Liz Segrist

Read an analysis of the Charleston as compared to similar markets. region INSIDE

Photo/Liz Segrist

T

By the Numbers Impact of honeybees nationwide: 1 in 3: Mouthfuls of food that directly or indirectly benefit from honeybee pollination. $15 billion: Increase in crop value each year from bee pollination nationwide.

Honeybees’ decline nationwide: 2.5 million: Number of managed honeybee colonies today, down from 5 million colonies in the 1940s.

Larry Haigh, president of the Charleston Area Beekeepers Association, houses rooughly 120,000 honeybees in boxes in the backyard of his Mount Pleasant home. (Photo/Liz Segrist)

five or 10 years. If they don’t, and bee populations continue to decline significantly, these big commercial beekeepers will go out of business,” said Mike Hood, a professor emeritus of entomology at Clemson University. “That will cause consumers to start paying more for all the produce that’s grown here or shipped here. Prices could double at least for some crops.”

South Carolina is experiencing colony collapse disorder at a 25% loss, compared with the 35% loss nationally, Hood said.

South Carolina is in the smaller beekeeping game, with roughly 4,000 beekeepers, compared to 1.4 million beekeepers in California. South Carolina

has a handful of large, commercial beekeepers that manage several thousand colonies each. Local beekeepers usually manage five to 10 colonies, often from their own backyards.

The honeybee is essential to the state and the nation, said Kerry Owen, owner of Bee Well Honey Farm in Pickens County. Owen manages more than 1,000 colonies and sells his honey at Mast General Store, Whole Foods, Bi-Lo, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart.

“That insect has to pollinate the fruits and vegetables we consume. It would be hard to replace that natural pollinator with something else,” Owen said. “Without the honeybee, our plates would look a lot different.”

editor’sNOTE otherNewsmakers No onePatriots in South Carolina ever thought theAuthority Jasper Port was a good The Pointreally Development plans toidea. The only side of the Savannah River. Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal — awesome name for a governor — also talk with developers about leasing its remaining 50 flew in to ask for Haley’s help. acres for mixed-use projects to help buoy restoration • and maintenance funds for its decades-old ships.

• The authority also plans to revamp exhibits to attract • more visitors.

50 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

cr bj

10

ew bars and restaurants opening in some downtown Charleston borhoods neighbefore the current will have their last call well 2 a.m. closing.

Charleston initial approval City Council recently gave change closing to an ordinance that would restaurants and times to 11 p.m. for new borough and bars in parts of the CannonElliotborough Existing restaurants neighborhoods. and bars will abide by the not have to new closing times.

Bars didn’t have until 2000 when a closing time in the city tious ordinance council approved a contenthat enforced a 2 ing. Earlier a.m. closthis summer, Charleston County Council approved a 2 a.m. encompass all unincorporated bar closing to The continued areas. growth from of downtown has moved into the epicenter ough-Elliotborough the Cannonbor area, bringing bars, restaurants and businesses, with it new influx of new as well as an residents.

Area residents complained hours during for nearly two a recent meeting about lateSee ORDINANCE,

he decline of honeybee populations impacts nearly one in every three bites of food consumed by Americans.

Commercial production of many crops — including almonds, watermelons, cucumbers, lemons, celery and cherries — depends on honeybee pollination. Pollination increases crop value by $15 billion nationwide each year, according to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report. In South Carolina, farms depend on pollination for $25 million worth of agricultural receipts annually, the S.C. Beekeepers Association said.

Growth in the human population increases the demand for hives to pollinate more crops, but honeybees are either dying or fleeing their colonies. Researchers are still unsure what’s causing “colony collapse disorder,” a phrase coined to describe the phenomenon when bees don’t return to their hives at night after pollination.

Researchers suspect mites, beetles and viruses are among the culprits in honeybee population declines. Humans are also partly to blame, because of their depletion of forests that honeybees need for nectar and use of pesticides that poison bees’ food sources, the USDA report said.

Honeybee colonies have decreased from 5 million in the 1940s to 2.5 million colonies today. Colony collapse disorder impacts commercial beekeeping in the U.S. “Hopefully things will improve in

POINT, Page

➤

Closing Time

Charleston gives initial OK to close some new bars and restaurants at 11 p.m.

N

Demolition day

Upper King prepped for commercial developmen t.

Page 8

21 • $2.00

most valuable real ting on Charleston estate in the Southeast, sittor Mac Burdette Harbor,” Executive Direcsaid. “Our board focused on is very developing a strategy for those 50 acres.” leasing The authority enormous costs has struggled to fund the of maintaining maritime museum’s the naval and ships, which near the base sit in water of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

33%: Annual losses from the winters of 2006-2011, with one-third attributed to colony collapse disorder.

22%: Annual loss from winter 2011-2012, an exception to the larger losses.

S.C.’s agriculture industry relies on honeybees: 4.9 million: Acres of farmland statewide. $2 billion: Annual value of farm cash receipts from the state’s agricultural crops.

Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture, S.C. Department of Agriculture, S.C. Beekeepers Association

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 10.21.13 Issue

October 21 -

November 3,

Summerville launches Sweet Tea Trail to promote regional history.

Page 2

Housing, wages don’t sync in Lowcountry

2013 • www.charle

stonbusines

s.com

Business, city optimistic abou t final

Sweet tea in the pines

Ready to wind

up

Clemson University’s wind turbine drivetrain test facility ready to crank up.

Page 4

Boo! without

risk Haunted tourist attractions and ghost tours require their own brand of insurance. Page 19

INSIDE

W

By Andy Owens

aowens@scb iznews.com

ExECUtIVE

SUmmAry

hen Palmetto North Charleston Railways bought says final deal last 50 acres the could help lure more investment of the former after years of Noisette developmen disputes and t, it marked moment in financial difficulties. the final the fered through history of a project that suf- month a crippling recession, lawsuits and multiple railwaysby the S.C. Departmen a foreclosure sale.

The $10 million division included t of Commerce’s under lease to several properties purchase earlier businesses this Noisette redevelopment that bought into the project.

Payin

the Pricg e

the tough

Wages

Pay increased almost 20% from 2005-2011, but the region still sits 15% below the U.S. average.

equation for housin g afford in the charle ability ston region housing affordability

+

$45.11 per hour is the wage that would be required to afford the average home in the Charleston region.

Charleston’s average wage is $19.80 per hour.

+

Populatio n growth

The region’s population is growing at three the U.S. average times and is expected to hit 1 million people by

2027.

Upfront ....................

Wages in the ........ 2 Charleston In Focus: region aren’t housing. Many Financial Services keeping pace residents are with the cost List: Credit Unions ....... 19 opting to live housing, causing of far from work List: Companies ....... 26 congestion to find affordable and frustratio LEED Accredited with n on the region’s Professional roads. s ...............

Full Story, Page At Work .................... 27 12 ..... 31 People in the News Business Digest ........ 31 Hot Properties ............. 31 ................

Viewpoint.................... 37 ... 39 Photo/Liz Segrist

ECONOMIC OVERVIE

A

ffordable housing issues drag down businesses’ recruitment efforts across the Charleston region, community leaders say.

The Charleston metro area is one of the least affordable metros in the Southeast, with a high cost of living and below-average wage levels. Workers who can’t afford to live near their jobs move farther away, increasing sprawl, traffic congestion and commute times.

Time spent in the car means money spent on gas and time away from work or family.

“I guess the affordable housing is here, but it’s too far from the city to retain young families with kids, and/ or people who want to experience the social nightlife of the city,” said Alice Hamilton, a new resident of Summerville. “Who wants to sit in traffic for three hours a day in Charleston? You sort of expect that if you opt for L.A. or Tokyo.”

The region’s population grew by 15% from 2005 to 2011, three times faster than the overall U.S. population, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

And the growth shows no signs of slowing. The Census Bureau projects that the region’s population will reach 1 million residents by 2027, which will mean more people searching for housing — and likely sitting in traffic.

As new jobs and the quality of life here continue to attract newcomers to the region, the disparity between wages and housing costs continues to be an

See NOISETTE,

T

By Liz Segrist

lsegrist@scb iznews.com

he Center for Women needs the governmen in Charleston t to reopen.

The nonprofit launched the Women’s Business S.C. eral grant from Center in 2011 with a fedistration. The the Small Business Adminbusiness center start, grow or helps women save their businesses.

See SHUTDOWN,

Page 8

The tough equation for housing affordability in the charleston region Housing Affordability Wages Pay increased almost 20% from 2005-2011, but the region still sits 15% below the U.S. average.

+

issue.

A worker would have to earn $45.11 an hour to afford the average home in the region, which was priced at roughly $280,000 as of June, according to the Lowcountry Housing Trust. Charleston’s average hourly wage is $19.80.

Although average wages have increased by 20% since 2005 to more than $40,000 a year, they remain 15% below the national average.

“People want to live in our community,” said Mary Graham, senior vice president at the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. “In order for us to attract and retain talent that we obviously need for our business community to succeed,

we need to tackle the issue of affordable housing.”

Officials at the Lowcountry Housing Trust said there’s a tremendous need for affordable housing in the region for buyers and renters. Community members, particularly elderly residents, often can’t afford housing, and a growing population of young transplants are often forced to live far from their jobs.

“People choose to come here, but do they stay here? Not everyone wants a bunch of roommates. They want to be able to afford their housing and live near their jobs,” said Michelle Mapp, executive director of the Lowcountry Housing Trust. “It creates challenges at

Photo/Liz Segrist

otherNewsmakers Palmetto Railways, the intermodal arm of the state Commerce Department, purchased the last 50 acres of the Noisette redevelopment project in North Charleston, effectively putting the Noisette Co. out of the Naval base development business after 12 years. The sale also signaled the end of years of political debate, foreclosures and legal fights.

52 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Population Growth

+

The region’s population is growing at three times the U.S. average and is expected to hit 1 million people by 2027.

the business level.”

A multipronged approach will be needed to help close the gap, community leaders say. More jobs need to come to areas that are still developing, such as Berkeley and Dorchester counties; and more affordable housing needs to come to areas flush with jobs, such as downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant and North Charleston.

Wages also need to increase to keep pace with the cost of living. Graham and Mapp both advocated for mixeduse communities that have housing options, retail components and jobs within walking distance or a short drive. cr bj

Page 10

The nonprofit receives roughly federal grants $37,000 in each quarter business center’s to reimburse the Amy Brennan expenses. Executive Director was waiting for on Oct. 1 for the last quarter reimbursement ment’s fiscal of the governyear, as well as for months of the next fiscal year. the first three grant funding The $75,000 never in “While we are arrived. nization to have solvent enough as an orgalast three months,covered those costs over the we are depending grant money on that to come in and expenses,” Brennan reimburse those said. “We have about two

Manufacturing leads postrecessio n rebound. Page Scorecard notes 5 challenges, opportunitie Housing, wages s. Page 6 don’t sync up in region. Page 12

$45.11 per hour is the wage that would be required to afford the average home in the Charleston region. Charleston’s average wage is $19.80 per hour.

22 • $2.00

Government shutdown ripples across Lowcountry

W Charleston continues to evaluate itself through the postrecessio n economy:

By Liz Segrist

Volume 19, No.

Noisette land sale

Jack Burnett, at 10 Storehouse co-owner of Vapor Apparel buildings sold, Row, which was among said the sale the could move for the land at the former be a positive “There are a Navy Base. ments that are lot of infrastructure improveneeded out here. some real money Now you’ve got and really developthat can get behind this place it,” he said. “I think timing

➤

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 11.4.13 Issue

November 4

- 17, 2013 •

Angel Oak: Land trust races to buy land

www.charle

stonbusines

s.com

Uncertainty help s fuel Inland port opens

The intermodal yard and rail line begins connecting the Upstate and Lowcountry.

Page 6

Land deal

MWV sells all U.S. forestland in $1.5 deal. Page 19 billion

Put in their

place Law requires bicycles in Charleston to be designated areas in of King Street. on parts Page 4

Cash for history

D

By Liz Segrist

lsegrist@scb iznews.com

Volume 19, No.

sea Islanders and Lowcountry residents

who feel a link to the Angel Oak are trying to buy land around the to prevent developmetree of nearby property. nt Full story. Page

20

Samantha Siegel created the Save the Angel Oak (Photo/Liz Segrist) petition.

Giving Guide

Special section on philanthropy focuses on businesses in the Lowcountry and organization more than money toward community s that give InsIde service.

Photos/Liz Segrist

D

evelopers have been eyeing the available land near the Angel Oak on Johns Island as a prime spot for mixed-use development for years. Conservation groups say development would hurt the tree’s water sources and its shallow, massive and far-reaching roots.

The Lowcountry Open Land Trust has been working to buy the 34 acres surrounding it. Last month, the S.C. Conservation Bank allocated roughly $890,000 to the trust to purchase the 17 acres closest to the tree that was previously planned for development until the developer foreclosed on it, said Adrian Cain, the trust’s development director.

As for the other 17 of the 34 acres, plans are being considered for a resi-

dential community. If the deal doesn’t come to fruition, the land trust would like to eventually purchase that land as well for a 34-acre community park.

More than 50,000 visitors seek out the Angel Oak every year. On any given day, tourists speaking a variety of languages can be found spilling out of buses to see the tree. Visitors stare up through its branches while children run around it, ducking to dodge its massive limbs.

The tree is a cherished Johns Island landmark, said Samantha Siegel, who started an online petition to raise awareness about the tree. More than 11,000 people have signed Siegel’s petition in the hopes of preventing development on the acreage surrounding the massive tree.

“It’s just truly the first place that ever felt like home for me. I think it’s like that for a lot of people,” said Samantha Siegel, founder of the Save the Angel Oak website, www.savetheangeloak.org. “It’s my sanctuary. It’s my happy place.”

The Angel Oak’s huge trunk takes five people holding hands to encircle it. Its canopy covers more than 17,000 square feet. Some branches shoot up in the air, others lay near the ground, and almost all of them grow toward the east. Generations of Johns Island residents have gathered at the Angel Oak. “It’s something about the energy of this area. Everybody is always happy here. ... It’s just a special, special place,” Siegel said.

otherNewsmakers The International African American Museum is slated to open by 2018 at the exact location in Charleston where tens of thousands of Africans landed in the United States to be sold into slavery. The $75 million project will be paid for by the city of Charleston, Charleston County, the state and private donations.

54 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

cr bj

“I was unsure what I wanted to do with my life when I first started coming here. I always credited the tree with saving me. It’s just interesting that my life has now become about saving the tree.”

Samantha Siegel

founder of the Save the

See MEDICINE,

Page 10

Ports work to keep pace with bigger ships

Charleston is trying raise $75 million to to tell the story of enslaved Africans. Page 12

By Liz Segrist

23 • $2.00

ship with my physician, so that when I walk the door, my doctor doesn’t in I am and what have my issues are, to learn who Charleston resident ” said Warner, a Physicians often who works in sales. es as personalize refer to concierge practicd care; the American Association Medical calls them retainer practices.

growin ConCerng E

INSIDE Upfront .................... ........ 2 In Focus: Top Regional Economic Assets ......... 25 List: Colleges & Universities .................. 31 List: Private Schools At Work .................... .... 26 ..... 35 People in the News Business Digest ........ 37 Hot Properties ............. 38 ................

Viewpoint.................... 38 ... 39

concierge med ical model

ExECUTIVE SUmmARy

oug Warner Some doctors knew and patients frustrated with a waiting room, the routine: Sit in insurance claims and large patient 15 minutes and see his physician for loads opt for model that requires a go home. cash and offers At age 38, he time. tionship with wanted a more personal relahis doctor. That ago. Today, was 10 years be a patient of Access Healthcare, he pays roughly practice in Charleston. a concierge $1,200 a year to “I like being able to actually have a relation-

Angel Oak website

By Liz Segrist

lsegrist@scb iznews.com

ast Coast ports authorities are deepen their waters to what racing to will accommoda they te the shipping hope try’s trend toward indusJim Newsome, bigger and bigger ships.

S.C. State Ports president and CEO of the Authority, said that the Port he’s confident of at least 50 feet Charleston’s plan to deepen will accommoda to larger ships, te most of the although some large. might still be too Most of these bigger ships have the ity for either capac8,000-9,000 20-foot container units, known as TEUs, equivalent 14,000 TEUs. or 13,000Newsome expects the smaller the “workhorse ships to Panama Canal on the East Coast” once be the higher-capacity expansion is completed.

The trated in Europe,ships will mainly be concenbut Newsome infrastructure said several projects will ence here. buoy their presThe completion of the Panama expansion is Canal anticipated to flood the Coast with larger ships.

East Additionally, the See BIGGER

SHIPS, Page

16

➤

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 11.18.13 Issue

November 18

- December

Flood insurance spikes for homeowners

1, 2013 • www.charle

stonbusines

s.com

Fears Flood home owners Volume 19, No.

Propelling industry

Boeing digs in on North Charleston propulsion facility for 737 MAX. Page 9

Turbulence over 777X

Back-and-forth between union and Boeing leads to contract vote.

Page 8

24 • $2.00

A law to reform the National Flood Insurance Program removes subsidies many homeowne for rs with flood coverage, causing premiums to spike and hindering people from buying and selling homes.

Full story. Page

12

Using educatio to lure talent n

Entrepreneur tells business leaders that education is critical drawing workers. to Page 5

In Focus: Defense industry Cuts

not over Defense sector expects more from federal sequestration.

Page 19

INSIDE Upfront .................... ........ 2 In Focus: Defense Industry ......... 19 List: Defense Contractors .................. 24 List: Commercial Insurance Cos. Multiperil ............. 24 At Work .................... ..... 27 People in the News Business Digest ........ 27 Hot Properties ............. 27 ................

Viewpoint.................... 30 ... 31

Some homes near the water, like the ones insurance rates seen on Folly increase under Beach, are seeing a new federal flood reform law.

(Photo/Liz Segrist)

Film incentives

By Liz Segrist

put S.C. ‘back

in the game’

lsegrist@scb Commission iznews.com are actively recruiting productions and have a few that roduction companies’ Clark is referring ested in filming are interto the legal interest in set in Charleston here in 2014, South Carolina commission although that plans to drama is rolling in director Tom months after wrap up Clark said the filming of its pilot season new incentives six projects can’t be approved. this month. The new incentives made public were yet.

“We’re back are With bigger in the game,” films and televisionexpected to lure more Clark said. shows to South pockets, the film rebates in their back “Almost the minute the legislation olina, members of Carpassed, small generating millions of the S.C. Film CBS called us and said: dollars businesses and ‘We would like do Reckless there.’ creating more for to ” jobs

P

See FILM INCENTIVES,

Page 16

➤

Energized

By Liz Segrist

Read about the latest developmen ts and regional trends in the nuclear and green energy cluster growing throughout the Carolinas.

INSIDE

Some homes near the water, like these on Folly Beach, are seeing flood insurance rates increase under a new federal reform law. (Photo/Liz Segrist)

The National Flood Insurance Program, by the numbers 40%: The percentage of the U.S. population that lives in areas directly or indirectly affected by flood risk.

5.6%: The percentage of the U.S. population that lives in the highest risk coastal and riverine flood hazard areas, making flooding the most costly and prevalent natural risk in the United States.

5.6 million: The number of NFIP policies nationwide, which provide more than $1.2 trillion in coverage. $3.5 billion: The amount the NFIP collects in annual premium revenue. $1.5 billion: The amount FEMA estimates it needs annually from subsidized policyholders.

20%: The percentage of policyholders that now pay subsidized rates.

Rating factors

S

ome Lowcountry home owners are seeing their flood insurance rates spike.

Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act in July 2012 in an effort to pay off some of the National Flood Insurance Program’s debt, and to end policyholders’ subsidies.

The law, much of which went into effect Oct. 1, removes subsidies that kept federal flood insurance premiums artificially low for policyholders who own homes that were built before the federal program went into effect in certain communities.

For much of the country, the flood

insurance program went into effect in 1974. Homes built before then received a discount because the maps that determined their flood risk weren’t implemented when the homes were built.

With the 2012 law in effect, those subsidies are going away and premiums are increasing significantly.

Those with a flood policy in effect before July 6, 2012 will see rates increase by an average of 10% annually, starting at the renewal date. Incremental increases will continue until rates reach levels that reflect the actual risk from flooding.

The new rates will be enacted immediately and in full, though, if the property

is sold; if coverage lapses; if substantial damage or improvement occurs; or if a property was uninsured when the new law was enacted, FEMA said.

Jeannette and Michael Kornahrens were planning to sell their James Island home. Their flood insurance quotes came in — one for $22,000 annually and the other for $38,000 — and their potential buyers backed out.

“That anticipated nest egg we were counting on from selling our house is gone,” Jeannette Kornahrens said. “Supposedly our house is worth $349,000, but in reality since we can’t sell it with these premiums, it is worth $0.” cr bj

• Lowest floor elevation compared with the property’s base flood elevation.

• Amount of insurance.

• Location/flood zone.

• Building type.

• Foundation type.

• Age of construction.

What can policyholders do?

• Look at their current flood maps.

• Obtain an elevation certificate, if impacted.

• Talk with the local floodplain administrator to learn whether a preliminary flood insurance rate map is available.

• Know their risk and start planning for mitigation actions.

• Call their insurance agents for details on their policy.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

otherNewsmakers Soon after the General Assembly approved permanent incentives for film productions, CBS called the S.C. Film Commission to commit to filming the legal drama Reckless in Charleston. Previously, film projects had to wait for state lawmakers to approve a budget proviso each year.

56 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 12.2.13 Issue

December 2

- 15, 2013 •

World’s largest drivetrain testing facility opens

www.charle

stonbusines

s.com

Deep water alon e

Where will it land?

Boeing to pick site 777X within three for months.

Page 5

Road hazards

Regulations and driver shortage hindering trucking sector.

Page 11

T

By Liz Segrist

lsegrist@scb iznews.com

won’t do it, says ports CEO Volume 19, No.

ExECutIV

he future E SummARy success South Carolina’s Charleston hinges of the Port of port can only grow with more improvements on improving structure to highways and infraservice, said access to rail roads and more with deeper waters, President and better rail CEO Jim Newsome the annual State S.C. State Ports lines. in of the Port address.

CEO Jim Newsome Authority President and ferred said he wants Charleston to port for customers the Port of be the deepest on the East Coast.

Shipping carriers and most preare ordering Infrastructure improvements bigger ships. are needed to

DRIVIN

G FORCE

Companies from all over the world drivetrain test facility at Clemson’s are expected to use the wind turbine next generation Restoration Institute to of turbines as stress-test the a path toward sustainable energy production .

Full Story. Page 16

Vendue redo

Large part of historic district hotel closes renovations. Page for 15

The tax draw

State’s tax laws another reason to move to S.C. Page 20

INSIDE

Upfront ....................

In Focus: Retirement........ 2 ... 19 List: Retirement Communities ................ 22 List: Accounting Firms ........ 24 At Work .................... ..... 27 People in the News Business Digest ........ 27 Hot Properties ............. 27 ................

Viewpoint.................... 30 ... 31

John Kelly, Clemson’s

economic development in North Charleston vice president, will change said the wind the energy industry. turbine drivetrain (Photo/Craig testing facility Mahaffey of Clemson University)

See PORT, Page

W

By Ashley Barker

abarker@scb iznews.com

hen Jeff Lehrich became the of Palmetto Primary Care CEO cians Physicompany’s healthin May, the cost of his new care plan was Lehrich learned a shock. he’d have to month after pay $1,200 a the plan that includedemployer contribution a $3,000 deductible for a and his wife. for him He was told employees didn’t 66% of the company’s 600 purchase health through the insurance plan.

Lehrich questioned his CFO, then the broker at went to their provider, Shield of South BlueCross BlueCarolina. He find a valid reason for the said he couldn’t discovered that plan’s his organization costs and increase in premiums faced a 39% “For me personally,for 2014. it was have a lot of employees here a body blow. We low-income who are relatively and have families said. “There had to be another to support,” he Within four answer.” own network weeks, Lehrich had built his of health care named it the providers and Palmetto Healthcare Network.

See INSURANCE,

Page 12

Retired executives businesses avoid help and go beyond pitfalls the startup phase. Page 19

John Kelly, Clemson’s economic development vice president, said the wind turbine drivetrain testing facility in North Charleston will change the energy industry. (Photo/Craig Mahaffey of Clemson University)

Other headlines from innovation center opening Researching the smart grid A three-person smart-grid technology research team was formed by Duke Energy’s $5 million contribution to fund a smart-grid technology endowed chair, lab infrastructure and an educational program, as well as the SmartState Program’s funding match to establish two professorships.

Engineering partners The center also will house engineers with two partner companies: Savannah River National Laboratory and Germanybased FEV Inc., which will establish a research and development center of excellence.

T

he world’s largest wind turbine drivetrain test facility began four years ago with a hopeful group and a grant proposal.

A team of Clemson University administrators from a variety of backgrounds decided to compete for a $45 million grant from the U.S. Energy Department to build and operate a facility in North Charleston to test next-generation drivetrain technology.

“We got the last page in right before the deadline. It was absolutely incredible,” said Elizabeth Colbert-Busch, the Clemson University Restoration Institute’s business development director.

Four years later, on Nov. 21, more than 1,000 people filed into the 82,000-square-foot facility for the dedication in North Charleston. The wind turbine drivetrain testing facility, recently named S.C. Electric & Gas Co. Energy Innovation Center, is now open for business.

The $98 million project on the former Navy base, which is led by the Restoration Institute, will stress-test the largest wind turbine drivetrain systems from across the world. It’s capable of highly accelerated mechanical and electrical testing. The center also houses a simulated electrical grid for manufacturers to test electric devices.

“This is the most collaborative project I’ve ever worked on in my life. ... Who would have dreamed a few years ago that we would be standing in the world’s most advanced drivetrain testing facility?” said John Kelly, Clemson University’s vice president for economic development.

FAST FACTS Weighing more than a Boeing 787 jet filled with fuel, passengers and luggage, the facility’s 15-MW test rig is so large that many of its components have never before been designed, according to specifications from Clemson University.

Source: Clemson University

cr bj

otherNewsmakers You’re not going to know if Charleston gets to build Boeing’s next big aircraft, the 777X, until the company vets 54 sites offered up by 22 states — presumably with S.C. in the mix.

But right until the end of 2013, the company kept adding to its Lowcountry footprint, securing hundreds of acres for expansion and adding a propulsion center and paint facility.

58 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

Personnel changes Nick Rigas, who helped lead the testing facility grant application and facility design, was named executive director of the Clemson University Restoration Institute. Curtiss Fox, the former Clemson student who envisioned the groundbreaking electrical grid simulator, was named director of operations for the grid center.

Financial support The wind turbine drivetrain testing facility was renamed the SCE&G Energy Innovation Center. SCE&G supported the center with a $3.5 million gift. Duke Energy named the electric grid simulator the Duke Energy eGRID center.

Source: Clemson University

8

➤

Palmetto Prim Care Physician ary to market healts insurance plan h

Business plans

By Liz Segrist

25 • $2.00

handle the increase of cargo heading East Coast. for the The heavier cargo will require deepwater channels with a 50-foot for 24/7 access, as well as expandedminimum facilities and terminal improved roads ities. and rail capabil“We can do fines of the port,all we want within the conbut if the rest of the package

➤

NEWS MAKERS 2013

From the 12.16.13 Issue

December 16

- 29, 2013 •

Changing of the dog

Landowners plan massive project on Cainhoy

Citadel retires two mascots and adds new ambassado two rs with fur. Page 2

Statewide expansion

The Lowcountry Housing Trust has a new name and a wider reach.

Page 4

Boeing land

deal

Could an effort to 267 acres help secure lure the 777X to S.C.?

Page 5

www.charle

stonbusines

s.com

Venture capital fund

By Liz Segrist

lsegrist@scb iznews.com

L

launches for tech sector Volume 19, No.

ExECutIV

E SummAry ocals with tech A new venture capital group to spare could expertise and $250,000 aims to funnel funding to Charleston’s become investors more Charleston’s growing tech in newest venture scene. fund. capital panies in the Charleston Charleston-based area and to Silicon Harbor much-needed launched a fund bring capital to the earlier this month Ventures tech scene, region’s growing early and said Mike to target ner growth-stage for Silicon Harbor Knox, managing parttechnology comVentures.

The initial $1 million that launched the

CHANGING CAINHOY A mixed-use community is planned for more Cainhoy Plantation’s than half of 9,000 acres.

Developers hope Daniel Island’s to mirror success; conservatio nists are concerned the developmen about t’s density and proximity to the Francis marion National Forest.

Full Story. Page

CHARLESTON UNDER

12

CONSTRUCTION Page 28

INSIDE Upfront .................... ........ 2 In Focus: Architecture , Engineering & Construction ............. 25 List: Professiona l Staffing Companies At Work .................... ..... 41 ..... 43 People in the News Business Digest ........ 43 Hot Properties ............. 43 ................

Viewpoint.................... 46 ... 47

The Cainhoy

peninsula, part of which sits along the Wando is poised for major development.

River (Photo/Liz Segrist) (above),

See VENTURE

By Liz Segrist

Looking to the right of Cainhoy Road, plans call for industrial developments. The Francis Marion National Forest sits directly across the road.

Inset photo: Clements Ferry Road, already a commercial and residential area, is zoned for mixed-use and commercial developments. (Photos/Liz Segrist)

C

ainhoy Plantation in Charleston could become the next Daniel Island — but bigger.

More than half of the 9,000-acre plantation is on track to become a massive, mixed-use development.

The land sits between Daniel Island and the Francis Marion National Forest, and Clements Ferry Road runs through it. Industrial sites, offices and suburban neighborhoods are already developed along the Clements Ferry thoroughfare, but much of the area remains forestland.

The development’s density limit is set at 2.1 units per acre for up to 4,300 residences. An estimated 20,000 people could call it home over the next two decades.

Family members of the late Harry Frank Guggenheim have owned the plantation for more than 80 years and were among the original Daniel Island developers. They plan to create a community where residents can walk to places where they work, live, play and learn.

“The basic design elements here are similar to Daniel Island in that they incorporate integrated mixed uses at a variety of price points,” said Matt Sloan, who represents the landowners, Cainhoy Land & Timber.

Historic Charleston Foundation and the Coastal Conser-

vation League have expressed concerns about the density of the development and its proximity to the national forest.

“I think what’s being proposed and what’s going to the planning commission is a little scary. It’s so huge and it’s not clear how it’s going to be phased,” said Winslow Hastie, chief preservation officer for Historic Charleston Foundation.

Development plans for Cainhoy Plantation call for commercial, retail, industrial and green spaces, as well as residential components, according to planning documents submitted to the city of Charleston.

Sloan, who is also president of the Daniel Island Co., is seeing the landowners through the entitlement approval process, which covers the plantation’s entire 9,000 acres.

Development of the land will be limited to 5,000 acres, since the remaining acreage is designated as wetlands or set aside for recreational use for the owners, Sloan said.

Roughly 800 acres, all of which are on the south side of Clements Ferry Road, are being considered for development at this time, Sloan said. It could take more than 30 years to build out the entire master plan.

“This is a large place and an important piece of property,” Sloan said. “There’s no urgency or rush to do it quickly.” cr bj

otherNewsmakers Trident Technical College and The Citadel Graduate College launched academic programs to focus on manufacturing and engineering. Trident Tech also began work on an expanded aerospace program that includes a $79 million aeronautical center with space for open bays, classrooms, labs and a 100,000-square-foot aircraft ramp.

Photo/Mic Smith, Trident Tech

60 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers

9

T

By Ashley Barker

abarker@scb iznews.com

wo Lowcountry new programs colleges are offering to develop a of talent local pool growing defense,to support the needs of the turing industries. technology and manufacThe Citadel Graduate College offering a mechanical will begin uate degree beginningengineering undergradwith a in May, and Trident Technicalsummer session new manufactur College starts ing certification in January. track classes In October, the S.C. Commissio er Education n on Highapproved a request from Citadel to build The a Bachelor in mechanical of engineering. Science degree to full-time It will be offered members of the Corps of and non-cadet Cadets of Engineering students, according to School Dean Ronald tracks include Welch. Available power and turing, aeronautica energy, manufacl systems, materials mechatronics. and Welch said the program established 50 years ago, should have been mechanical but engineers became the need for when he met clear to him with officials from the Boeing

of this year’s group of honorees.

Page 15

Cainhoy Plantation’s history runs deep

I

CAPITAL, Page

➤

College programs designed to build industrial labor

See PROGRAMS,

Read profiles

26 • $2.00

fund came from Johns Island-based Ridge Asset Managemen t, where Knox Gold as president. serves Using the Charleston Digital Corridor’s network, the fund’s leaders will invite roughly 20 investors to will be required join the team. Each member least $250,000 to make an investment of at to join the venture capital fund.

n the 1700s, the Wando River and Cooper River that bound the Cainhoy and Daniel Island areas played a huge role in the region’s economy. The rivers transported residents, visitors and the region’s major crops, according to Suzannah Smith Miles’ historical analysis of Cainhoy and Daniel Island.

Rice plantations lined the rivers on the Cainhoy Plantation. Timber and bricks were harvested for construction purposes, said Winslow Hastie, chief preservation officer for Historic Charleston Foundation.

Originally, two Cainhoy villages existed, Miles wrote. Today, the original area is known as the Beresford Bounty tract off Cainhoy Village Road.

In the 1800s, the second Cainhoy settlement, and the site of the existing plantation today, served as a summer resort and a transportation hub between the plantations and Charles Town, Miles wrote in her 1999 analysis of the area.

In the 1980s, Berkeley County began discussing putting a high school on the site, said Jake Libaire with the Coastal Conservation League.

In the 1990s, Charleston annexed Daniel Island and the Cainhoy Plantation into its jurisdiction, and the mostly rural area was transformed when Interstate 526 was built.

“The annexation of Cainhoy came in on the coattails of Daniel Island’s annexation into the city of Charleston, but it didn’t really catch the public’s attention,” Libaire said.

The property has not had extensive archaeological or historical surveys performed to document the area’s significance, said Hastie, who would like to perform a historical study before development takes place.

“There is still an abundance to be learned through research and exploration,” Miles wrote.

“Progress, however, is rapidly changing the physical and societal landscape of the area.

Hopefully, this will be the first of many works which promote a continued desire to understand and respect this land, its history and its people.”

Page 8

➤

Final Frame

The Charleston waterfront frequently offers scenes you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find in many other places.

In this photo taken from the Battery, the moon rises over the Cooper River looking toward Mount Pleasant on a November night. (Photo/Ryan Wilcox)

62 Charleston Regional Business Journal | Newsmakers