AT WORK W. Ford Graham, K&L Gates LLP partner.
PAGE 21 VOLUME 27 NUMBER 11 ■ CHARLESTONBUSINESS.COM
Lowcountry leader Local business advocacy organization names new executive director. Page 6
Part of the
network
TEEING OFF Phil Mickelson won big on Kiawah Island recently, but the PGA Championship signified more for South Carolina’s post-pandemic recovery. Page 8
MAY 31 - APRIL 13, 2021 ■ $2.25
Rapid bus passes major mile marker By Jenny Peterson
A
rapid bus service that will shuttle passengers on mainly dedicated transit-only lanes between 20 station-stops from the Exchange Park/Fairgrounds in Ladson to downtown Charleston hit a significant planning milestone recently. Project leaders expect the system will spark business development along the 21 miles of stops once the project is operational. When expected to be operational in late 2026, the $360 million Lowcountry Rapid Transit rapid bus transit system — the state’s first “rail on rubber” transit system — will not only have the physical benefit taking cars off straining infrastructure, but have far-reaching business development benefits, said Bryan Derreberry, president and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. In other cities that have implemented a rapid bus transit system, like Richmond, Va.; Nashville, Tenn.; Salt Lake City and Cleveland, development around the “nodes,” or stops, spur development. “On our last trip to Salt Lake City, we saw that 40-60% of all new growth is occurring within a 2.5-mile radius of new bus stops, getting people closer to where they can live, shop and eat,” Derreberry said. “You can have little communities that grow up around each of those density nodes that will be specific to where they are on the line, plus ancillary businesses.” Officials from North Charleston, Summerville and Charleston are working with the LRT to create zoning that would complement the 21.5-mile-long bus line, such a allowing for high-density housing, restaurants and retail near the stops, according to project leaders.
Flexing fitness
Fitness association hopes to give business sector a voice with state regulators. Page 4
Made safe
Johns Island biotech company develops product to fight substance abuse. Page 11
Settled
Nephron to receive multimillion dollar payout over trade secrets case. Page 3
INSIDE
Upfront................................. 2 SC Biz News Briefs................. 3 Vantage Point............... 12-13 In Focus: Life Sciences........ 15 List: Life Science Companies.......................... 19 Bonus List: Home Health Care Companies ..... 20 At Work............................... 21 Viewpoint............................23
Contributing Writer
Phil Mickelson celebrates after making a putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the 2021 PGA Championship in May on Kiawah Island. (Photo/Darren Carroll/PGA of America)
See BUS, Page 11
Chemical reaction
Life sciences sector brings entrepreneurship, high-paying jobs from lab to boardroom. Page 15