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Charleston Regional Business Journal - December 14, 2020

Page 1

BEST ADVICE Rodly Millet, East Cooper Medical board chairman.

PAGE 4 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 26 ■ CHARLESTONBUSINESS.COM

Part of the

DECEMBER 14 - 27, 2020 ■ $2.25

network

Companies shift to give employees sense of balance By Teri Errico Griffis

Special Section

Honoring health care workers and first responders for keeping businesses, communities safe. Page 12

Dorchester’s DC

Walmart, port break ground on 3 million-square-foot distribution center in Dorchester County. Page 10

Not so tiny

Entrepreneur opens store front as sales increase with demand for handmade products. Page 8

T

tgriffis@scbiznews.com

he rules of workplace engagement have changed, especially for families. It’s no longer taboo for a doorbell to ring, a dog to bark or a child to interrupt a Zoom call. In fact, the growing presence of children in the workday has provided a creative outlet for Blackbaud employees, Chief People Officer Maggie Driscoll said. Starting in September, the software company rolled out the pilot version of Blackbaud Afterschool Program, a series of live and on-demand videos to tutor, entertain and

SMALL BUSINESSES, BIG INFLUENCES Many small businesses like Turning Page Bookshop in Goose Creek are working to survive the pandemic downturn. Page 11

On the fairway

Golf club undergoes $6.5 million renovation on Johns Island. Page 27

INSIDE

Upfront................................. 2 SC Biz News Briefs................. 3 Best Advice........................... 4 In Focus: Architecture, engineering and Construction................27 List: Commercial Property Management Companies..... 41 At Work...............................23 Viewpoint............................29

engage children of employees in the evenings. “We created ASP knowing that our caregivers’ children will be going back to school whether hybrid or 100% virtual. So we took 30-plus days to create and curate a program to support our caregivers around mealtime and end of business time,” Driscoll said. She hoped for the best when she sent out a company-wide casting call, and was blown away the company’s talent outside of work. While some offered tutoring in math, reading and history, others gave lessons on knitting and hosted live storybook readings for younger children. One executive walked children through how to nurture a fish tank. Volunteers recorded 115 sessions, includ-

VaLinda Miller, owner of Turning Page Bookshop (Photo/Teri Errico Griffis)

ing 14 composed by Blackbaud customers like the S.C. Aquarium. By Thanksgiving, participants logged 380 hours watching the sessions, Driscoll said. Sarah Simpson, senior manager, software development at Blackbaud, said that the afterschool program has been a gift during the pandemic. “My daughter loves the program, and it has made me feel so much better about how she spends some of her downtime at home,” Simpson said. “Without siblings or playdates during the pandemic, this program provided a way for her to connect with other kids her See FAMILIES, Page 9

Owners, officials tout power of local spending By Teri Errico Griffis

D

tgriffis@scbiznews.com

id you know small businesses make up 99.4% of South Carolina’s private businesses? Defined as having 500 employees or less, these businesses combine to employ more than 817,000 residents, according to a 2020 report by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and S.C. Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt is encouraging everyone to support them Nov. 28 for Small Business Saturday. The annual initiative created by American Express in 2010 falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and promotes the support of mom and pop shops across the country. This year data from the Small Business Administration revealed more than 63,000 South Carolina companies filed for emergency Paycheck Protection Loans. See SMALL, Page 5

CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION Who is building what in the Charleston area? Projects, companies, prices, projected timelines, photos and stories. Page 27


Upfront

BRIEFS | FACTS | STATEWIDE NEWS | BEST ADVICE

South Carolina votes by absentee

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ore than half of the votes cast in the Nov. 3 General Election were absentee, data from the S.C. Election Commission show. Total voter turnout was 72.1% for 2020, an increase of 19.3% from 2016. President Donald Trump won the Palmetto State in 2016 and in 2020, and data show that the state, while mostly red, also has pockets of blue and purple. SC Biz News editors analyzed the data from the S.C. Election Commission to pull out some of the more interesting data points from this year’s election.

2,533,010 1,325,334 Total ballots cast for the Nov. 3 General Election in South Carolina.

Number of absentee ballots cast for the Nov. 3 election, which is 52.3% of all votes cast.

72.1%

62.7%

With 3,513,225 registered voters, South Carolina saw a voter turnout of more than 72% this year, up from 67.9% in 2016.

Allendale County had the lowest voter turnout of any county in the state.

429,983 1,385,103

More than 400,000 more votes were cast in the General Election in 2020 in South Carolina than in 2016.

Number of ballots cast for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in South Carolina. The GOP ticket received 55.1% of the vote, and the Democratic Party ticket came in second with 43.4% of the vote.

27,916

33

Map/S.C. Election Commission, Google

Absentee ballots in S.C.

Absentee ballots played an important role in South Carolina’s General Election in 2020, with Gov. Henry McMaster allowing anyone to vote absentee based on concern over the coronavirus pandemic, more than half of the votes cast were absentee. Here’s how absentee ballots played out for the presidential race in S.C.

Trump/Pence

Biden/Harris

593,005 42.8% 423,363

Total absentee % of total votes In-person

718,083 65.8% 454,526

169,642

By-mail

263,557

Other than the Republican Party and Democratic Party tickets, the Libertarian Party ticket received the third-most votes in South Carolina, registering 1.1% of the vote.

The GOP ticket won 33 counties in the state with the Democratic Party ticket winning 13 counties in South Carolina.

Source: S.C. Election Commission

ON THE

RECORD

“I always reiterate to other women: Do the work. Do your research. No matter what, you’re going to get through and make it if that’s where’s you’re meant to be. I encourage others to take the first step and get started.” — Mimi Striplin, owner of Tiny Tassel, which is opening a physical location on Spring Street in Charleston

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SC Biz News Briefs UPSTATE

GSA Business Report

Brazing company doubles capacity Just more than a year after a $13 million expansion of its Garlington Road facility, Greenville’s Accurate Brazing is doubling its capacity to serve the aerospace and medical industries. Last year’s upgrade included the installation of a hot isostatic press and the addition of eight jobs, the S.C. Commerce Department said. February will bring the region’s second hot isostatic press with an additional $5 million investment from Accurate Brazing. Brent Davis, vice president of Accurate Brazing, said the company already has hired a general labor and maintenance technician, production manager and quality control engineers and expects to double capacity and hire three others. Last year’s upgrade at Accurate Brazing included the installation of the only The company is on commercial hot isostatic press in the Southeast, said the company’s vice the lookout for shift president. (Photo/Provided) supervisors and general labor. A hot isostatic press uses high temperatures and the pressure of a gas, often argon, to compact certain metals and reduce air bubbles that may have formed in the material. The company, a subsidiary branch of Aalberts N.V., heat treats stainless steel, super alloys, copper and refractory materials for the commercial and defense aircraft, aerospace, ground turbine, power generation and medical additive manufacturing markets. The company also has a facility on Pelham Road and a presence in Connecticut and New Hampshire.

MIDLANDS

Columbia Regional Business Report

“United Community Bank has been a catalyst to assist us with our growth.” Robert Downing, CFO and COO, Palmetto Primary Care Physicians, Customer Since 2015

East Bay Deli coming to Parkland Plaza Cayce’s Parkland Plaza will be home to Charleston-based East Bay Deli’s newest Columbia-area location. Colliers International South Carolina vice president Rox Pollard and senior brokerage associate Danny Bonds represented the landlord in the lease of 3,200 square feet of space in the plaza to the tenant, represented by Mike Edwards of Wilson Kibler. “East Bay Deli is a strong addition to Parkland Plaza,” Pollard said in a news release. “They will benefit immensely from the growth and vibrancy of the rapidly changing Cayce/West Columbia riverfront district. The store will be state-of-the-art and offer attractive and comfortable indoor and outdoor dining options. East Bay Deli is a real asset to dining in the central South Carolina region, and we are thrilled to have them in Parkland Plaza.” East Bay Deli, which originated in Charleston in 2001, is a New York-style delicatessen with Midlands locations in Irmo, West Columbia, and on Main Street in downtown Columbia. VOLUME 23 NUMBER 22 ■ GSABUSINESS.COM

VOLUME 13 NUMBER 18 ■ COLUMBIABUSINESSREPORT.COM

Part of the

network

Digital skills program launches in S.C. Page 2

Nimble supply chain pulls weight Manufacturers get through crisis with agile pivots. Page 6

Business merger

Falling numbers

S.C. tourism numbers down $5.2 billion since February. Page 11

INSIDE

Upfront ................................ 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 In Focus: Architecture, Engineering and Construction .......................................... 13 List: Engineering Firms ...... 14 At Work .............................. 21 Viewpoint ...........................23

Boeing’s consolidation of the 787 Dreamliner assembly lines in North Charleston could lead to future economic development deals as workers, suppliers and aerospace customers continue to rely on the Palmetto State See story on Page 18

Greenville company on a mission to make electric cars safer. Page 8 The SC Housing Trust Fund’s emergency home repair program covers up to $10,000 in essential reapairs necessary for the safety of the homeowner. Leaking roofs are a frequently seen issue. (Photo/File)

By Melinda Waldrop

E

mwaldrop@scbiznews.com

very so often, Ed Causebrook gets a phone call that always makes him smile. The caller is an elderly lady, living alone, who received emergency home repairs several years ago through a partnership between Causebrook’s organization, the Housing Development Corp. of Rock Hill, and the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority’s Housing Trust Fund. The woman received a new heating system, roof, and flooring, along with a few seasonal extras. “Being near Thanksgiving, we were able to

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CU-ICAR working to create synchronized production. Page 5 $25,000 in home repairs and requires a greater in-home presence by contractors. The emergency repair grant program, which covers up to $10,000 in essential repairs necessary for the life or safety of the occupant, is still operating and in need, officials say, of more nonprofit participants as the pandemic drains organizations’ staff and resources. “The pandemic has definitely put a dent in the number of nonprofits that are participating in the program,” Jennifer Cogan, director of community development for SC Housing, said. “We have 40 or 41 that are approved to participate, and what we’re seeing is only about half of those right now are actively submitting (repair) applications.” See HOUSING, Page 20

Architecture honors

Balancing act

Bankers work to serve small business during pandemic. Page 10

INSIDE

Leading Off .......................... 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 C-Suite ................................ 4 In Focus: Aerospace ........... 15 LIST: Aviation and Aerospace Companies - Statewide ......24 At Work ..............................28 Viewpoint ........................... 31

Fall 2020

Hitt says manufacturing leads state through crisis By Ross Norton

Autonomous workforce

get her a turkey and food,” said Causebrook, the Rock Hill group’s housing rehabilitation coordinator. “And she still calls me, every once in a while, just to see how I’m doing. That’s what’s rewarding.” Causebrook’s caller is one of hundreds of people helped each year by a pair of SC Housing Trust Fund programs which reimburse eligible grantees for essential repairs on homes owned by those meeting income requirements. The two program categories, emergency repair and owner-occupied repair, made up more than half of a total of $6.8 million HTF awards for fiscal year 2020 in the state. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of the owner-occupied program, an extensive initiative which covers up to

NOVEMBER 16 - NOVEMBER 29, 2020 ■ $2.25

The Boeing S.C. Delivery Center is where customers pick up the keys to their newly built 787 Dreamliner. The signature building overlooks the Boeing S.C. campus, including the flightline of Dreamliners in different stages of construction. (Photo/Boeing Co.)

rnorton@scbiznews.com

ommerce Secretary Bobby Hitt thanked S.C. manufacturers for leading the rest of the state through the early months of the COVID-19 crisis and pledged the state’s resources will be there for them as the pandemic continues. “I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to commend the manufacturing community for stepping up to help in the fight against COVID-19,” Hitt said in an address livestreamed during the S.C. Manufacturing Conference and Expo, held virtually Oct. 29-30. “Our state’s manufacturing sector has shown incredible resilience during the pandemic. South Carolina companies have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to not only overcoming challenges associated with the coronavirus but doing it with an emphasis on safety.” Hitt said manufacturers are accustomed to difficult and sometimes dangerous challenges,

Find a business banking solution built for you: ucbi.com/business

Headwinds

S.C. aerospace industry meets challenges, embraces new opportunities

See HITT, Page 13

Is your workforce sleepy?

Clemson professor researches the effects of sleeplessness on the workplace. Page 12

SC Biz News 1439 Stuart Engals Blvd. Suite 200 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

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WHY SOUTH CAROLINA?

Advantages of disintegration

Pair of law firms combine in West Columbia home. Page 6

Speculative park being developed near CAE. Page 7

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DECEMBER 7-20, 2020 ■ $2.25

Repair program keeps residents safe at home

Online resource

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

With publications in Charleston, Columbia and the Upstate, as well as a statewide magazine, SC Biz News covers the pulse of business across South Carolina. Above are excerpts from our other publications.

Columbia firms win various state, regional design awards. Page 17

County Spotlight: Spartanburg | Trending: Aerospace in S.C. | S.C. Delivers

ColumbiaBusinessReport.com

GSABusiness.com

SCBIZmag.com

Member FDIC. © 2020 United Community Bank


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LOWCOUNTRY NEWSROOM Executive Editor - Andy Owens aowens@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3142

Best Advice

December 14 - 27, 2020

RODLY MILLET

EAST COOPER MEDICAL CENTER BOARD CHAIRMAN

Editor, Custom Publishing Division Steve McDaniel smcdaniel@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3123

“THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED

Staff Writer - Teri Errico Griffis tgriffis@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3144

was from my mother. I’m her oldest child and

Research Specialist - Paige Hardy phardy@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3125

her only son, so she was particularly protective

Digital Editorial Assistant - Alexandria Ng ang@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3124

out there on the streets of Brooklyn, New York,

of me. She understood the pressure to fit in was where we lived at the time. She would often say

Research Assistant - Anne Puckett apuckett@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3145

to me ‘Be proud of who you are’ and ‘Manage your own expectations.’ What she meant by

MIDLANDS NEWSROOM

that was don’t let someone else influence you

Editor - Melinda Waldrop mwaldrop@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7542

in making decisions or conform to someone else’s expectations of who you are or should

UPSTATE NEWSROOM

be. Life experiences requires me to regularly

Editor - Ross Norton rnorton@scbiznews.com • 864.720.1222

self-reflect to make sure I continue to grow

Associate Editor, Custom Publishing Division Jim Tatum jtatum@scbiznews.com • 864.720.2269

important to have a sense of openness about

and develop. During times of reflection, it is my strengths, weaknesses, and biases. I believe that before I can really help anyone else, I have

Staff Writer - Molly Hulsey mhulsey@scbiznews.com • 864.720.1223

to know who I am and what I’m about. Keeping this in mind has helped me build inner strength

LOWCOUNTRY ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

and self-confidence. It has also made it easy for

Senior Account Executive - Robert Reilly rreilly@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3107 Account Executive - Sara Cox scox@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3109 Account Executive Thomas J. Giovanniello, Jr. tomg@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3104

me to listen to the ideas of others.”

‘I HAVE A PLAN’ Rodly Millet grew up in Brooklyn, New York. During his youth, he said it was sometimes difficult to say no to his peers, but he realized they respected him more when he stood his ground. “I understood that the adults knew more than I did, and I was willing to listen. I learned a lot from my mother. I learned about sharing what you have with others, having empathy for others, and working together is more important than trying to be an individual – and I practice these things in my personal and professional life,” he said. Millet served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, and he attended college at night and on weekends, earning a master’s degree in educational administration from Central Michigan University and two bachelor degrees from in

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth

President and Group Publisher Grady Johnson gjohnson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3103 Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox rwilcox@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117

psychology and sociology from Chapman University. When his friends would question why he was working so hard, he would say: “I have a plan.” He serves on several boards, including Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities and Housing for All Mount Pleasant, among others.

INTERESTING FACT

Millet was born in Hatti and spoke French and Creole. He said his family came to the United States when was 8, which immersed him in a melting pot of Caribbean and African-American cultures.

Events Account Executive - Melissa Tomberg mtomberg@scbiznews.com • 864.720.1220 Events Manager - Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116 Accounting - Robin Tillotson ar@pbmbrands.com • 336.605.1025 Subscription Services service@bridgetowermedia.com • 877.615.9536 CUSTOM MEDIA DIVISION Director of Business Development Mark Wright mwright@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3143

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Charleston Regional Business Journal (USPS 18822) is published biweekly, 27 times per year, including one special issue in February, by SC Biz News. P.O. Box 446, Charleston, SC 29402. Periodicals postage paid at Charleston, SC. Mailing address: 1802 Dayton St., Suite 101, North Charleston, SC 29405. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Subscription Services PO Box 1051 Williamsport, PA 17703-9940

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The entire contents of this newspaper are copyright by NWS Company LLC with all rights reserved. Any reproduction or use of the content within this publication without permission is prohibited. SCBIZ and South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.


December 14 - 27, 2020

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SMALL, from Page 1

“Small and medium-sized firms are truly the backbone of our state’s economy, employing nearly half of all South Carolinians. Last year alone, small businesses created more than 44,000 net new jobs,” Hitt said in an email. “But, many are struggling to keep their doors open this year because of COVID-19.” Sharon Payer, owner of The Station Park Circle — an eclectic shop that sells art, furniture, crafts and thrifted goods — credits the community’s desire to support small businesses as the reason her own has survived the pandemic so far. “When you shop here, 80% of every dollar you spend stays within the community,” she said. “And when you spend locally, the people that are getting that money spend locally as well.” Since her opening in 2018, Payer’s product base has grown from a handful of local vendors to nearly 50 in her 3,000-square-foot space on Spruill Avenue. Inventory includes handmade creations from artist Tami Boyce, illustrator of Frothy Beard Brewing Co.’s logo, and Black Octopus Mercantile LLC, a surf sticker and apparel shop that had been featured on Netflix’s hit show Outer Banks. “With small businesses you can get to know and see the people that you are supporting,” Payer said. “You can shop at Target and Amazon, which I do too, but you don’t know where that money is going.” Elizabeth Ward, general manager at Summerville’s Matthew Ward Landscapes and its Holly Golightly Gift Shop, feels that small businesses also are more helpful and provide a more personable shopping experience. “When people come in here, they know us by name. They even know our pets’ names,” Ward said. “We’re not just a small business, we’re family owned, too.” The eight-acre garden center that Ward runs with her ex-husband offers plants, shrubs and palmetto trees, which Ward said make great holiday gifts that provide healthier alternatives to the clutter. The boutique then offers an array of goods from other small businesses. “If people don’t support small businesses, I don’t know what this country will be like. Even Ford and other companies that are big now were at one point a small business,” she said. “They definitely have their pros and cons, but if you don’t support small business, then you’re just going to be at the mercy of big corporations who don’t care about you personally.” Saturday also marks the one-year anniversary for Michael’s Barkery on Daniel Island, a pet spa and boutique that provides employment for adults with cognitive disabilities. “We don’t have the same level of bail out that big corporations do, and our

The Station Park Circle opened in 2018 and has grown to include 50 vendors in 3,000 square feet on Spruill Avenue in North Charleston. (Photo/The Station Park Circle)

The Station Park Circle, which sells art, furniture, crafts and thrifted goods, credits local support for small businesses for allowing the company to survive the pandemic so far. (Photo/The Station Park Circle)

business in particular hires a population of individuals who would otherwise not be able to have employment at all,”

Shawna Hall, exceptional employee facilitator, said. “By supporting our business, it allows us to continue giving opportu-

nities to these individuals in the community.” Michael’s Barkery has taken a hard, unexpected hit as it ramped up its first year. The business was forced to cancel plans for selling goods via a treat truck, visiting farmers markets and introducing its teammates to the Lowcountry. Even still, the mission has sustained, hiring eight disabled individuals for full-time job with competitive wages, in addition to eight neurotypical employees. While some workers are fully independent, Hall is there to help those who need support on a daily basis. Like Payer, Hall is thankful to the close-knit community support that has helped Michael’s Barkery get back on track after a tough setback. This is why Hitt said now more than ever South Carolinians need to step up to support the companies that “operate within our borders.” “Our year-round backing promotes more vibrant, prosperous communities — something we can all get behind,” he said. CRBJ

Reach Teri Errico Griffis at 843-849-3144.


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December 14 - 27, 2020

PGA hiring local workers for 2021 championship By Teri Errico Griffis

P

tgriffis@scbiznews.com

GA of America Championship Director Ryan Ogle is focused on making a long-term economic impact on the region with the 2021 PGA Championship on Kiawah Island. One way is to hire local, diverse talent to execute the event. Through the organization’s JobMatch program — which has been running in some iteration for years but has now been structured formally — the PGA is opening up short-term employment opportunities for people interested in gaining experience in business, retail, communications and sports management. In total, 20-25 operations assistant positions will support the construction, daily operation and deconstruction of the national sporting event, which will take place from May 17-21 at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. Another 10-15 merchandise assistant positions will focus on the merchandise receipt, set up, execution and tear down of PGA shops. Taking the initiative a step forward this year, the organization is collaborating with minority-serving institutions to recruit workers, in addition to its previous recruitment pipelines.

PGA of America Chief People Officer Sandy Cross takes a selfie with students interested in careers in the golf industry at the 2019 PGA Championship. (Photo/Provided)

“This gives us the chance to broaden the net and open the opportunities for people from all backgrounds, which is so

important as we strive to make the golf industry look more like the world,” said Ogle, who in September came on board

as the new championship director. These JobMatch roles are the No. 1 entry level positions for PGA’s events and

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December 14 - 27, 2020

www.charlestonbusiness.com 7

have led to more full-time, permanent employment than any other avenue in PGA of America, Ogle said. In fact, more than 80% of his current team members on Kiawah Island started out as operations assistants, including the two women who oversee volunteer operations. “If we can impact even just a few lives locally, I think that’s going to have a longterm implication on top of the economic impact and the exposure,” he said. “We can change individuals’ lives with this program.” In the past, PGA of America sought out applicants for the entry-level roles through sports management programs at local colleges and through industry connections. Some applicants were found among individuals who reached out to inquire about a role. But times are changing, PGA of America Chief People Officer Sandy Cross said in a statement. “The PGA of America is committed to creating a golf workforce that mirrors America, and one of the greatest impacts we can make is to support skill development and the creation of job opportunities in conjunction with our major events,” she said. While plenty of other sporting roles provide great experience, Ogle said golf events are unique in that everything has to be constructed from scratch, providing workers with a well-rounded, behindthe-scenes look of putting on a major

sporting event. And it all occurs within a series of two to three months. “You can see how things come together from the ground up. You learn the importance of organization skills, communication skills, some of those foundational skills,” Ogle said. “Then you also get to see some of the specific skills around our operations and timelines that we have to adhere to.” While people from all over can apply for these temporary JobMatch positions, Ogle hopes to hire locally as he sees the value in hiring people who understand and have access to the community. Overall, he feels this is one small way to make a lasting impact on the community. “My personal goal, and our team’s goal locally in South Carolina, is that five or 10 years from now when people look back, they think, ‘Wow that was such a positive impact to have the PGA Championship here. We’re so glad they came.’ And this may be one reason why,” Ogle said. In addition to positions on Kiawah Island, individuals also can apply for PGA’s other major 2020 events, including the 2021 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the 43rd Ryder Cup. Applicants must apply by Dec. 19 for consideration. CRBJ

Reach Teri Errico Griffis at 843-849-3144.

Former Connecticut PGA Works Fellow Sofia Alvarez poses outside of the onsite media center at the 2019 PGA Championship in New York. (Photo/Provided)

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December 14 - 27, 2020

Small business gains traction, opens shop downtown By Teri Errico Griffis

O

tgriffis@scbiznews.com

n a whim in 2015, Mimi Striplin began her jewelry company Tiny Tassel out of her 500-square-foot apartment. She sold her signature tassel earrings on her website and at weekend markets for less than $20. In June, that same business grew 1,022% — a major success for the small, female- and Black-owned company — and now, just in time for the holidays, the 28-year-old Striplin is opening her first flagship shop at 46 Spring St., one block off of King Street. “It’s surreal. There were a lot of times over the summer that I almost felt guilty because there were so many terrible things going on in the country, and I was experiencing so much success all at once,� she said. What started as a side hustle for a pair of hand-made earrings has now expanded to include bracelets and necklaces, garments and accessories — all named with local nods to things, like the Pineapple Fountain, Avondale, azaleas and influential women Striplin has met along her journey. Tiny Tassel also sells wholesale party goods from other small businesses. Other than her father who supported Tiny Tassel since the start, Striplin’s entire staff is made up of women. Among others, that includes her mother, who hand sews all the clothing, and her sister, who designs a curated collection of jewelry. “At first, I did a ton of markets every weekend, starting at the Celadon Sunday flea market, which is still one of my favorites when it happens,� Striplin said. “I would do events every Saturday and Sunday when not working a full-time job, then made an Etsy shop, and it grew from

Mimi Striplin wears one of her company’s signature products. (Photo/Provided)

Tiny Tassel opened in 2015 with a line of handmade jewelry. The company’s business has grown 1,000% this year. (Photo/Provided)

there.� Eventually, Striplin quit her day job to focus solely on Tiny Tassel. This summer, she celebrated her shop’s five-year anniversary, as well as her birthday, with a special gift: a featured spot on NBC’s Today Show that catapulted her business. She followed up that success with this month’s nod from Facebook COO Sheryl Sanberg nominating her to the company’s #BuyBlackFriday initiative. To uplift the Black community, Facebook is highlighting Black-owned businesses every Friday in November to curate into a gift guide. “I never thought this would be a full time job,� Striplin said. “It’s been a roller coaster but it’s been amazing. The support here in Charleston has been mind-blowing.� In June, Striplin said she reviewed Tiny Tassel’s numbers and realized that

her small-business had grown more than 1,000% year-over year. Her excitement at how it happened was almost instantly met with worry as to whether her small business’ growth was sustainable with handmade pieces. “That was a big wake up call to start growing the different facets of the business, to promote our clothing more and to have more curated designs that I don’t hand make,� she said. While a pandemic can be a potentially unnerving time to open a brickand-mortar shop, Striplin said her push came from the consistent sales surge over the summer because people want to support a Black-owned business. As she rises, Striplin has made it her mission to highlight the women who supported her business — mentioning the photographers, the videographers, the

jewelers and accessory makers she works with on the Today show and across her platform. She also wants other women to realize they don’t have to wait to find success in their careers because they’re “too young.� “You don’t have to stick to the status quo of going to school, getting a corporate job and all these things we’re trained in society to do. I never would have imagined I could do this so young, in downtown Charleston, as a Black business owner,� Striplin said. “I always reiterate to other women: Do the work. Do your research. No matter what, you’re going to get through and make it if that’s where’s you’re meant to be. I encourage others to take the first step and get started.� CRBJ

Reach Teri Errico Griffis at 843-849-3144.

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FAMILIES, from Page 1

age and enjoy socializing and learning at the same time.” Driscoll has seen how hard it is for employees like Simpson to balance their jobs as the workday now blends with home life. Along the way, she has worked with managers to stress the importance of empathy and flexibility. For some that means bumping down to part-time hours while others have staggered their start and end times to help their children with school. “They’re working 24/7 times two, and that’s not possible to sustain. Their day is being pulled constantly in breaks, whether it’s 15 minutes or half an hour. … I don’t think anyone has the 100% answer, but it has to start with realizing that we’re all struggling,” she said Looking into 2021 and beyond, the company has rethought its in-office policies, creating formalized hybrid models where employees will have rotating schedules that allow them a few days in the office and others at home. “They’ve earned the trust that they can deliver on the work and support each other and our clients,” Driscoll said. “So we have changed.” BoomTown also has reconsidered its work-from-home polices as it’s on track for a record year, even with closing its physical office this spring. The outcome’s been an eye opener for Julie Edwards, vice president of client

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success, who has always been pro-office. Even without the daily face-to-face interactions, she said it has done wonders for morale that employees can get in a run at lunch, do laundry between meetings and spend more time with their families. “I’ve seen a change in some people who were moderately happy at BoomTown now tell me this is the happiest they’ve ever been because they have so much freedom. Some people are surprised how happy they are working from home,” she said. Another positive of remote work is that it helps recruit and retain top talent. “For a lot of them, having the flexible lifestyle is becoming more important than the feeling of coming into an office and being surrounded by other people,” Edwards said. Some employees have even seized the opportunity to move away from downtown, such as to McClellanville, now that they don’t have to worry about the commute. While BoomTown’s office will remain closed through June, leadership still has much to figure out for 2021. That includes how continue making investments in its culture while working remotely and solidifying a stronger remote onboarding plan for new hires. In hindsight, Edwards said there could have been value in preparing the company for work-from-home scenarios so everyone could have figured out their space, routine and how to make it

The Blackbaud After School Program gives parents, students and mentors a chance to work together to get through the pandemic. Volunteers read stories, tutor, provide art lessons and other instruction to children. (Photo/Provided)

work pre-pandemic. The adjustment’s been especially hard for green employees who’ve neither held a full-time job nor worked remotely prior. “But it’s great to let people test it out. They’re learning a lot about themselves,” she said. Another company aiming to help struggling employees, particularly financially, is Science Applications International Corp., which has two North Charleston offices. The Virginia-based company recently established the SAIC Charitable Foundation that will provide emergency funds to employees and their families enduring hardships because of the coronavirus and other disaster-related emergencies. Amy Rall, senior vice president of

SAIC’s Homeland and Justice Business Unit and president of the SAIC Charitable Foundation, understands the responsibility an employer has to its workforce and their health and safety. “The SAIC Charitable Foundation represents the next step in our company’s ongoing actions to provide for our colleagues during this unprecedented and challenging time,” Rall said in a statement. Throughout these times, Driscoll said it’s most important not to wait for workers to reach out but instead to ask proactively how managers can best help them. “From our perspective, it’s what we can do to pay it forward further to our employees,” she said. CRBJ

Reach Teri Errico Griffis at 843-849-3144.

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Gov. Henry McMaster (left) and Greg Smith, executive vice president of Walmart’s U.S. supply chain (right), listen to S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome discuss the importance of Walmart opening a 3 million-square-foot distribution center in Dorchester County. (Photo/Stephen Blackmon, S.C. State Ports Authority)

Construction begins on Walmart distribution center in Dorchester County By Teri Errico Griffis tgriffis@scbiznews.com

T

he retail supply chain is changing and Walmart is paving the way, S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome said during a news conference Thursday. After four years of collaboration, he, along with Gov. Henry McMaster, Sen. Sean Bennett and Greg Smith, executive vice president of Walmart’s U.S. supply chain, broke ground on the $220 million Walmart Ridgeville Import Distribution Center 7. The 3-million square-foot storage and cross-dock facility will be one of Walmart’s largest distribution centers and will play a significant role as SCPA expands its cargo base into retail. Upon completion, the IDC’s operations are expected to create 1,000 local full-time jobs and increase port volumes by 5%. Construction will take approximately 14 months. “I would say without equivocation that there’s no more significant day in the history of this port and the supply chain complex in the state of South Carolina than this day when we celebrate the groundbreaking of Walmart IDC 7,” Newsome said. “The reason is very simple: Without a significantly expanding

“I would say without equivocation that there’s no more significant day in the history of this port and the supply chain complex in the state of South Carolina than this day when we celebrate the groundbreaking of Walmart IDC 7. The reason is very simple: Without a significantly expanding cargo base, none of the significant infrastructure investments that we make are possible.” Jim Newsome President and CEO, S.C. Ports Authority

cargo base, none of the significant infrastructure investments that we make are possible.” While it the IDC will open in phases, once fully functional, it will support six Walmart distribution centers and 850 Walmart and Sam’s Club stores across South Carolina and other Southeastern states. “In the past you thought of supply chains as being in the back, as not being seen. What we’re learning through the pandemic is quite frankly, supply chains are lifelines. They have to be healthy, and they have to be robust,” Smith said. He called the years-in-the-making project an exemplary partnership for public and private sectors. At Walmart,

he oversees all product flow, distribution and fulfillment center operations; domestic and global transportation; and ecommerce replenishment — the latter of which is up nearly 80% year over year. “We’re very eager to be a part of the economic success of this region and want to come in with competitive job opportunities, but also the opportunity for people to grow their careers and be able to stay for years with Walmart,” Smith said. The fact that Walmart, the largest retailer in the world and a recognized leader in supply chain innovation and efficiency, recognizes what Ridgeville has to offer is validating for Bennett. “Walmart is able to help us spread that

word even further about the value and opportunities available in Dorchester Country,” he said. For McMaster, the distribution center represents success and progress. It also emphasizes the role that residents make in attracting business. “A lot of companies around the world that could go anywhere are coming to the same conclusion because they decide to come to South Carolina to invest hundreds of millions and billions of dollars,” he said. The IDC’s operations will provide Dorchester Country residents with opportunities to work where they live, rather than exit the community, a significant detail that Bennett said is often overlooked. “Truly Ridgeville is an example of our investments that are strategic for us and are going to help us win with our customers in the future, to be able to supply customers with products where, when and how they want them,” Smith said. Supply chains are no longer “one-dimensional,” he said, and Walmart must continue to rise to meet geography, speed, and cost challenges. Walmart serves customers in 120 retail locations across South Carolina with 32,000 employees. CRBJ

Reach Teri Errico Griffis at 843-849-3144.


December 14 - 27, 2020

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Saving small businesses from crisis could save economy By Teri Errico Griffis

V

tgriffis@scbiznews.com

aLinda Miller, owner of Turning Page Bookshop in Goose Creek, hasn’t fallen into the pandemic statistic of closed businesses yet, but she’s been close. Her business was soaring from its June 2019 opening until it shut down temporarily in March. Since then, the state’s only female Black bookstore owner has applied for every grant and small business loan she can to keep her business afloat. She received a small Paycheck Protection Program loan in May and immediately used it for payroll for her staff of two, which includes the general manager, Arrylee Satterfield. She then received another $3,500 in June that helped pay rent. The process was excruciating with so much paperwork, explanation and waiting, she said. “That’s the thing about applying for these loans and programs. They can take 30-90 days before you hear anything,” she said. “I have a few friends who have small businesses, and they’re all telling me the same thing. They don’t know if they’ll make it through Christmas because they’re still waiting for grant applications to go through.” The statistics are stark. Since February, 25% of all small businesses across the country have closed at least temporarily, according to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The hit has been especially devastating to Blackowned businesses, which have seen a 41% decline in active businesses from February to April, the Federal Reserve of New York reported. Analysts point out that small businesses are what will get the nation’s economy back on track. They’re also the businesses that need the most help — especially those run by women of color. College of Charleston Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship David Hansen has made it his mission to increase support for area entrepreneurs, whether at the Dec. 2 Charleston City Council budget discussion, through his Women of Color Entrepreneurship Forum held Nov. 19 or within the courses he teaches. He said what’s keeping many small businesses afloat during this time is pivoting and rethinking how their services can help the community rather than how they can make the community still buy their goods. Having just revamped her website before the pandemic hit, Miller pivoted with online sales and community connections. Ideally she sees her business supporting schools or libraries, buying books for them at wholesale and keeping the money in the community rather than giving more to national retailers like Amazon.

Turning Page Bookshop owner VaLinda Miller sought out pandemic relief through grants and loans for her store in Goose Creek, but the process has been complex and unreliable, she said. (Photos/Teri Errico Griffis)

In particular, Hansen referenced the 2019 State of Women Owned Businesses report by American Express that determined minority women-owned businesses contributed more to the growth of entrepreneurship between 2014 and 2019 with 65%. “But they make the least amount of money because they get the least amount of support,” he said. “The city could do so much to help, particularly women of color, in starting businesses, keeping their businesses alive and growing their businesses. That then leads to jobs and becoming role models who discourage criminal activity.” The city then benefits with fewer demands on police officers, a stronger economy and an increased tax base. “It makes a lot of sense to support small businesses, but it just doesn’t make great publicity. Think of saying, ‘We just got Boeing,’ as opposed to, ‘Oh hey, look at these shops that opened up,’” Hansen said.

Capitalize it

Turning Page Bookshop opened in 2019 as the state’s only female, Black-owned bookstore. The shop closed briefly in March but has remained open since.

It would be a welcomed form of revenue. Miller was recently deemed ineligible for another round of state funding because she made too much money in June and July during the nationwide push to support Black-owned bookstores. That patronage was temporary, though. “I told the SBA that they were penalizing me for something that wasn’t caused by me. I may have received income for two months, but like everything else, what goes up must come down,” Miller said. “I still have the rest of the year to deal with.”

Small businesses, big influences

Overall, small businesses employ 47% of the country’s workforce and generate two-thirds of new jobs, leading to economic self-sufficiency, the Kauffman Foundation stated. “There is a ton of evidence that’s been around for ages that shows the real generator of economic growth and employment is small business, not big business,” Hansen said. “When you see employment rising, that’s the small businesses growing,

and it’s been that way since the 1970s.” This statistic brought Hansen to the December city council meeting to address the amended Charleston budget. If approved, it would allocate more than $54 million to the city’s police department. “The reason why I think this lines up with the police budget is that the police are there not to prevent crime. They’re there to arrest people after they commit one,” he said. “If you want to prevent crime, you find out what’s the cause of it, and a large portion of this is no money and no jobs.” The professor of 14 years thinks the city must commit to building the small business sector and he encouraged council members to divert some of the budget into supporting entrepreneurship, particularly in Black communities. The investment would more than pay for itself, he said, noting various studies around the world show that financial training and the support of small businesses reduces crime and poverty.

Right now, people of color have far less access to capital and major obstacles include lack of banking connections, financial literacy and generational wealth. Having to work two jobs, without family who could loan you money or teach you how to invest it, makes it that much harder to accrue startup capital. Hansen calls this “working nine-to-five to pay for your five-to-nine,” which is what Miller — who still works full-time for the government — and most of the women on his Women of Color Entrepreneurial Forum have had to do. One conversation to come out of the forum was how to foster growth for women of color entrepreneurs, from an education perspective, an entrepreneurial ecosystem and policy. Support could be as small as offering free classes on balancing a checkbook or in conversations in Hansen’s class — which he said are predominantly attended by white male students despite 66% of College of Charleston admissions being female. Based on those statistics, Hansen was thrilled to have two Black women in a single class last year, and sought their advice on how he could encourage more minority students to enroll. Through them, he learned that people of color don’t typically see entrepreneurship as a path that’s open to them, and it only fueled his mission to increase publicity and representation. “Women are starting more businesses than men, and African-American women are starting more businesses than anybody else,” he said. “We just need to help them.” CRBJ

Reach Teri Errico Griffis at 843-849-3144.


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December 14 - 27, 2020

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HELP US HONOR HEALTH CARE HEROES ON DECEMBER 9! Health care professionals and first responders perform critical roles in ensuring the safety and well-being ealth of our communities, families and businesses. has never been more Care Heroes honors the everyday heroes whoThis are living and working in theobvious than it is today. Sign up to celebrate atsection our virtual event on December 9. Lowcountry with recognition in thisthem special and, in normal years, at an annual event. However, this year isn’t typical, so we took the event online and expanded the are honoring these categories: conversation withWe one-on-one interviews heroes with eachfrom of our honorees. You can find Health Care Heroes 2020 at the SCBIZtv channel on YouTube. The direct link is bit.ly/crbj2020hchvid. • Community Service • Health Care Professional • Service/Therapy Animal • New category! COVID-19 Health Care Researcher Trident Construction Each year, the Business Journal•and its partners honor the professionals• and volunteers in several Response • Nurse Health Care health-related, research and community service areas. These individuals go beyond the callEngineer of duty • Firstfor Responder • Physician • Volunteer their communities and professions.

H

A panel of judges reviewed the nominations for Health Care Heroes and scored honorees in theexcited categories of Community Outreach, COVID-19 Response, Responder, Health We are to include the Trident Construction Health CareFirst Engineer category again this year. Care Professional, Nurse, Physician, Health Care Researcher, Service/Therapy Animal, Trident Health Care Engineers are individuals who are directly employed by a health care facility and are Constructionresponsible Health Care Engineer and Volunteer. for the physical environment of the health care facility. In the following pages, you will read about all of those honored and learn what they have done to make our community safer and stronger.

Free event!were Reserve your today: bit.ly/crbjhch2020reg Nominations judged on the overallticket impact each individual or team made, as well as on difficulty and challenges beyond the call of duty. Please join us in congratulating the Health Care Heroes for 2020.

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December 14 - 27, 2020

HERO

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

HONOREE

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Traci Ray

Natcha Vicente-Lopez

DIABETES NURSE EDUCATOR Roper St. Francis Healthcare

PHARMACIST Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Traci doesn’t believe her work ends when patients leave her clinic. One vivid example is her work with an elderly diabetes patient who was sent home in a whirlwind of discharge instructions covering medications, food, exercise, insulin and more. Concerned that the woman would not be able to keep up, she reached out to the pharmacy and discovered the pharmacist had the same thought. Traci paid for the remaining medications and visited the woman and her husband, listening to their concerns and walking them through the process. For Traci, who has had Type 1 diabetes since age 10, being an educator about diabetes is not so much a career as a calling. “The challenges I face help me to put myself in someone else’s shoes,” she says.

When a series of earthquakes pummeled her native Puerto Rico, Natcha channeled her grief into action. She secured a $2,000 grant from the hospital system and asked her native community what they needed. They pointed her to a single family displaced by the storms and living in a tent with their autistic son. Natcha used the funds to purchase materials needed to build a shelter for the family and, with donated labor, a one-room home has been constructed for the family to live in. And it’s all because Natcha Vicente-Lopez has never forgotten where she came from or those she left behind. She says, “This recognition is not for myself, but for my family and friends back home who took the time and effort to aid this family in need.”

HONOREE

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

HERO

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Andy Lyons

Dr. Chris Hawk

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Roper St. Francis Healthcare

PALLIATIVE CARE PHYSICIAN Roper St. Francis Healthcare

They say a crisis doesn’t create character; it reveals it. If that is true, Andy Lyons is a man who believes in the power of good communication and makes it happen. At no time has that been more true than in the past year as the coronavirus pandemic overtook the country and world. As clinicians struggled with its effects, Andy spent countless hours responding to the communication needs of various stakeholders, including clinicians, news media and the community at large. At the center of hourly updates, Andy held forth over a flurry of emails, news releases, posts and tweets, and good old-fashioned personal outreach to ensure that the latest and best information was being disseminated to everyone who needed it. “Transparency wins,” Andy says. Andy’s passion and professionalism has helped our community weather the COVID-19 storms with the best information possible.

Dr. Chris Hawk jokes that he flunked retirement. Following a distinguished career as a surgical oncologist, he hung up his stethoscope — for three days. Then he began practicing palliative medicine at Roper Hospital. When the pandemic hit, his age qualified him as high risk, preventing him from seeing patients. So he pivoted to a support function, calling patients’ families and updating them on their loved ones’ conditions. Families of patients on the COVID-19 unit have a limited ability to visit or communicate, so Dr. Hawk’s conversations with them are especially important. Dr. Hawk could have put his feet up on the beach — his reward for all the lives he has saved in his career. Instead, he jumped right back in to where he was needed. When it comes to flunking, Chris Hawk gets an A.


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Congratulations

Roper St. Francis Healthcare Heroes COMMUNITY OUTREACH Traci Ray – Hero Natcha Vicente-Lopez – Honoree Andy Lyons – Honoree FIRST RESPONDER Lieutenant Ronnie Dubose – Honoree HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL Jimmy Wilkerson – Hero

HEALTHCARE RESEARCHER Suzannah Bagwell – Hero NURSE Colleen O’Brien – Hero COVID-19 RESPONSE Dr. Chris Hawk – Hero SERVICE/THERAPY ANIMAL

TRIDENT CONSTRUCTION HEALTHCARE ENGINEER Leon Platt – Hero Cleveland Robertson – Honoree John Goff – Honoree VOLUNTEER Noel Johnson – Honoree Emily Russell – Honoree

Meg & Beasley – Honoree

rsfh.com


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December 14 - 27, 2020

HONOREE

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Charleston County Medical Society In the early days of the pandemic, when doctors’ offices and small clinics were struggling to stay open because personal protective equipment was difficult to procure, Charleston County Medical Society knew it had to act. PPE supplies were being shunted to large hospital systems while non-COVID patients were being encouraged to visit doctors’ offices and small clinics rather than hospitals. The smaller providers had to remain open and ready to treat patients. In just 10 days, Charleston County Medical Society organized a group-buying project that distributed 100,000 pieces of personal protective equipment in the first month. CCMS shared its platform with other medical societies, which have accounted for 2.7 million PPE units across the country. Under the leadership of Dr. Marcelo Hochman, CCMS has donated 100,000 PPE supplies to free medical and dental clinics and homeless shelters in the Lowcountry. Without the Medical Society’s quick action, the crisis could have been worse in the Lowcountry.

HONOREE

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center The need for services aimed at children suffering abuse and neglect doesn’t ebb just because there is a pandemic. But the techniques used to help these children had to adapt to the times. Under Carole Swiecicki’s leadership, Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center has switched its interviewing and therapy techniques from the very personal to virtual, with therapists and children in different rooms. It was not an easy transition for an organization that has for three decades employed high-touch methods to help children and families deal with a heart-breaking tragedy. Fortunately, children already weaned on the digital age have demonstrated immediate comfort with teletherapy and forensic interviews. Dee Norton is the only program in the country delivering evidence-based treatment for youth with problematic sexual behaviors via telehealth in its originally-developed group format. COVID-19 is not preventing them from their mission of preventing abuse, protecting children and healing families.

HERO

FIRST RESPONDER

HONOREE

FIRST RESPONDER

Joyce Kirk

Jon Rogers

CEO Jaxon Mattison Consulting LLC

POLICE CHIEF Summerville Police Department

A longtime 911 medic, Joyce Kirk brought together the entire parliament of the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago for the first time in 30 years for an intensive, monthlong emergency management training. This followed the storming of parliament by a terrorist group in an unsuccessful coup. Over the years, Joyce has educated more than 1,000 first responders and military service members in our own community on new practices in their field. She teaches day or night to accommodate shifts and often pays for courses out of her own pocket when funding is insufficient. During the last two hurricanes to hit Charleston, she has set profit aside and volunteered to support the Emergency Operations Center staff because, well, that seems to be what this low-key hero does.

Imagine running a police department in a town growing at warp speed the way Summerville has. Now add anti-police demonstrations that turned violent in other cities and a pandemic that has complicated the delivery of all services. 2020 has been a formidable challenge, but Chief Jon Rogers has kept a steady hand on the wheel while increasing his own personal community involvement. Chief Rogers has organized food drives, maintained an active Police Athletic League, and instituted a clothing drive for children going back to school and a program pairing adults and underprivileged youth on fishing trips. “After decades of being in law enforcement I am hopeful that I am responsible for changing someone’s life for the better,” he says.


December 14 - 27, 2020

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muschealth.org/cancer

trust is strong medicine Janet McGrew Cancer Survivor

Strong Medicine_VIP_Smith_8.625x11.127.indd 1

12/7/20 2:25 PM


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December 14 - 27, 2020

HONOREE

FIRST RESPONDER

HERO

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

Ronnie DuBose

Jimmy Wilkerson

PARAMEDIC AND BATTALION CHIEF Roper St. Francis Healthcare and Mount Pleasant Fire Department

MANAGER OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Roper St. Francis Healthcare

It was all in a day’s work for Ronnie DuBose when he stopped to perform a second ECG on a cardiac patient about to be transported to telemetry and found the patient in active cardiac arrest. He raced the patient directly to the Cath Lab and likely saved their life. Ho hum. That’s just what Ronnie does. By day, he serves as a battalion chief in the Mount Pleasant fire department, now serving the fourth largest municipality in the state. As if being a firefighter isn’t enough heroism by itself, by night he’s a paramedic at Roper Hospital, providing even more service to community members in crisis. And in his spare time he pours his leftover compassion into his family and community. Ronnie is lauded in the fire department for motivating and guiding his crew and creating a positive work environment that delivers excellent service, whether to citizens of the town or patients at the hospital.

HONOREE

Jimmy Wilkerson is an all-action-no-talk kind of guy. That’s why you’ll never hear him tell this story. A 12-year leader at Roper, Jimmy saw the COVID-19 crisis coming and took it upon himself to deep-clean every room occupied by patients with confirmed cases. Outfitted for battle, he sanitized and scrubbed until not a single virus could survive. Asked why he didn’t assign this task to someone else, Jimmy said, “you’re basically at war, and this is what you signed up to do.” It wasn’t a surprise that Jimmy did this, says a vice president in the hospital. “Whether it’s a pandemic or a hurricane, Jimmy is one of the first leaders to step up. He’s the one who arrives first with his sleeping bag.”

HONOREE

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

ASSISTANT DEAN, GRADUATE PRACTICE PROGRAMS MUSC College of Nursing

CHIEF CLINICAL AND QUALITY OFFICER/ PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT Fetter Health Care Network

Dr. Catherine Durham When the pandemic arrived on our shores, you needed to stay home. The United States Navy needed Catherine Durham in New York to lead reservists from all over the country sent to support health care services in the hard-hit city. A captain in the Navy Reserves, Catherine led the establishment of a team-nursing model to partner noncritical care specialties with critical care specialties. This team provided over 3,500 patients with over 20,300 hours of patient care and staff education during Operation Gotham 2020. While in the Big Apple, Catherine provided weekly video updates back to MUSC, so hospitals here would benefit from the lessons learned the hard way at U.S. Ground Zero for COVID.

Anthony Poole

The pandemic has hit minority and low-income communities harder than others, a fact not lost on anyone at Fetter, a federally qualified health center serving low-income individuals. Anthony and his team responded quickly to the pandemic, arranging testing sites for rural areas of upper Berkeley County, creating mobile testing across the Lowcountry, and establishing the first walk-up testing booth in the state. In the first 12 weeks, Anthony’s team tested 14,000 people and continues its outreach at businesses, schools, churches and other entities. All this while he continues fulfilling his clinical responsibilities as a physician assistant and caring for three young children under the age of 6.


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HERO

HONOREE

HEALTH CARE RESEARCHER

HEALTH CARE RESEARCHER

REGISTERED NURSE, CLINICAL RESEARCH Roper St. Francis Healthcare

LABORATORY MANAGER Phi Life Sciences

Suzannah Bagwell Suzannah is the ultimate teammate, chipping in whenever and wherever needed. Frequently working extra hours to lighten the load of her teammates, she mentors new staff and chipped in to provide educational programming about Alzheimer’s disease to the community. Working closely with Alzheimer’s research participants and their families can often be challenging and emotionally taxing, but Suzannah excels in this area with her calm, supportive kindness constantly on display. Perhaps Suzannah’s greatest contribution is this: her co-workers say she motivates them to be the best version of themselves every day.

Kim Winkeler

When the novel coronavirus became widespread in the U.S., Phi Life Sciences began pivoting its work to test for the virus, returning results in 24 hours. Critical to that effort has been Kim Winkeler, a molecular biology researcher. After educating herself about how staff could handle highly contagious patient specimens, Kim established a program to keep employees safe and COVID-free. While staff at other labs and hospitals have tested positive, Phi Life Sciences has avoided the spread to a single employee, while still producing results within 36 hours. The founder and CEO of the company admits, “Kim is our superstar!”

CO N G R AT U L AT I O N S to all of the 2020 Health Care Heroes!


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HERO

NURSE

HONOREE

NURSE

Colleen O’Brien

Savannah Hill

REGISTERED NURSE Roper St. Francis Healthcare

RELIEF STAFF LEADER, REGISTERED NURSE MUSC

Caring for a patient with metastatic cancer, Colleen could be seen massaging his legs and speaking tenderly to him while advocating for his wife, who was confused about hospice, and his daughter, who was quietly grieving. That’s the kind of compassionate nurse she is. Since March, Colleen has been on the front lines as a caregiver for critically ill COVID-19 patients. As an ICU nurse, she’s been intimately involved in caring for complicated situations involving numerous COVID patients. She’s known as an exceptional advocate for her patients and always works for what’s best for them. Colleen applies her exceptional patient care in 12-hour shifts while raising three energetic boys as a single mom and working toward her doctorate in nursing.

Savannah is an exemplary nurse on ordinary days, but when the pandemic arrived, she did the extraordinary. Volunteering to work in a COVID-19 hotspot at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Savannah didn’t think twice about contributing her efforts to stop the virus. Savannah began her career as a patient care tech and went on to become an RN on the digestive health unit. She is back in school seeking a higher degree and has taken a leadership position in the hospital as chair of its Unit Based Shared Governance Council. Her teammates respect and admire her and appreciated the cutting-edge knowledge she brought back from her time in Atlanta to help patients recover more quickly in Charleston. She says about that experience, “I had to overcome my fears and push through not only for myself but for my fellow nurses.”

HONOREE

NURSE

HERO

PHYSICIAN

Kelly Pelletier-Owens

Dr. Assaad Merchak

RELIEF STAFF LEADER, REGISTERED NURSE MUSC

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT MEDICAL DIRECTOR Summerville Medical Center

Like her teammate, Savannah Hill, Kelly headed into the pandemic to save lives and bring back useful intelligence about the virus to Charleston. Leaving Charleston temporarily for work in a COVID hot spot at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Kelly said, was not a difficult decision. “I felt the need to do it,” she told a co-worker. With a college business degree, Kelly found her passion for nursing after starting her career in hospital administration. Along the way she has demonstrated her leadership qualities, for example as a member of the hospital’s Exemplary Practice Organizational Council. Kelly’s teammates appreciated the cutting-edge knowledge she brought back from her time in Atlanta to help patients recover more quickly in Charleston. Says one co-worker about Kelly and fellow RN Savannah Hill, “they are both fabulous, really!”

“I have never met a physician that was so emotionally in tune with what a mother giving birth in a high-risk situation is feeling,” says a mother of twins delivered by Dr. Merchak. She remembered the fear and anxiety she felt as she gave birth prematurely, and the gift of understanding and connection he offered her. Recognizing the challenges facing mothers like her, Dr. Merchak organized a neonatal “cuddler” group to provide support. Why go the extra mile like that? “The greatest reward comes from seeing the joy and relief on the faces of a family when their infant graduates from the NICU and heads home,” he says. Another mother is grateful for his friendship. Her baby was born not breathing. Dr. Merchak and his team brought the baby back to life and proceeded to care for the new parents, explaining what had happened and how they would take care of their new daughter. “This man is amazing,” the mother said. “He saved my daughter’s life.”


December 14 - 27, 2020

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HONOREE

PHYSICIAN

HONOREE

PHYSICIAN

Dr. Louis Hassell

Dr. Loren Frankel

DENTIST Cuspids Inc.

PHYSICIAN Palmetto Women’s Health

The first African American dentist to practice outside of the Charleston peninsula, Dr. Louis Hassell has a long record of community action dating to the beginning of his practice 36 years ago. Dr. Hassell regularly hosts students in his office, providing exposure to a health care setting and mentoring them about careers in health care. He has donated time, money and materials to health fairs both here and across the country and recently organized other practitioners to provide meals for practitioners caring for COVID-19 patients. Spurred to a career in science by an 8th-grade insect collection, Dr. Hassell has continued to provide dental services to patients during the pandemic, a decision of particular consequence because many other offices in North Charleston had closed. He has become a beacon of light for patients suffering dental emergencies or dealing with pain.

Loren Frankel was diagnosed with Stage 2, Grade 2 adenocarcinoma and is currently receiving chemotherapy for her condition. But that has not kept Dr. Frankel from continuing to provide the most personal care for her patients, even during a pandemic. Her staff says she knows the details of every patient’s case and has stayed open to patients even during lockdowns, offering her cellphone number to all of them and providing telehealth visits. Here’s what one patient says about her: “She’s literally risking her life to see patients who need her. I’ve never had a doctor who takes so much time and determination to get to the bottom of your problem as she does. If that isn’t a dedicated hero, I don’t know what is.”

HERO

SERVICE/THERAPY ANIMAL

Max, trained by Colleen Sullivan THERAPY DOG & HANDLER Justice Works A little girl in DSS custody for neglect had a hard time talking about her upcoming adoption and foster care experience. The first time she met Max she asked if Max was adopted, and he was. Once she heard Max’s story, she opened up about her own feelings and experiences related to her neglect, foster care and adoption. Another child met Max on her first in-person visit after months receiving her therapy virtually. He was his usual warm, calming self who regularly brings light to patients’ dark days. That day was the first time she opened up in detail about the sexual abuse she had suffered. Max was a revelation to children who have suffered trauma. He knew exactly when to raise patients’ spirits and when to calm them. Sadly, we lost Max suddenly this fall to a brain tumor. His handler Colleen says his nomination is a special way to honor his memory.

HONOREE

SERVICE/THERAPY ANIMAL

Lacie, trained by Ruth Dalpee THERAPY DOG & HANDLER MUSC Boasting ears like velvet, Lacie and her human sidekick, Ruth, are a dynamic duo delivering exactly the kind of therapy needed at a given moment. Around patients experiencing pain and discomfort, Lacie tiptoes about. At the cancer centers, Lacie curls up on patients’ laps. Around those in need of a morale boost, Lacie generously allows belly rubs and has even been known to fall asleep in a patient’s arms. Lacie, a member of the Vizsla hunting breed, was the first therapy dog invited to MUSC’s traditional Chemo bell ringing ceremony signifying the end of a patient’s chemotherapy. The bell is loud, but Lacie and Ruth stand unfazed and proud as the crowd roars in celebration. Patients and staff alike burst into smiles when they see Lacie and she returns the favor with vigorous wags of her tail.


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December 14 - 27, 2020

HONOREE

HERO

SERVICE/THERAPY ANIMAL

Beasley, trained by Meg Mauro THERAPY DOG & HANDLER Roper St. Francis Healthcare

TRIDENT CONSTRUCTION HEALTH CARE ENGINEER

Leon Platt

MANAGER, ENGINEERING SERVICES Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital

A long-term patient whose two favorite things are a soap opera and visits from Beasley and Meg has asked that they time their visits for the soap opera, so she could snuggle with her miniature dachshund friend while watching. It was a regular pattern until the patient moved to assisted living. Now Beasley watches the soap opera with her in her new apartment, which he has scoped out stem to stern with his nose. “He has a gift,” Meg says. Beasley has had his own health issues and when he missed a few weeks after surgery, Meg was moved to receive a get-well card full of personal messages offering hope for a speedy recovery so the duo could return ASAP. Beasley was also moved … because the card was accompanied by a doggie biscuit.

Imagine doing your job leading the engineering services team that keeps things operating 24/7 at a 190-bed hospital and then adding all the challenges the pandemic has wrought. Leon Platt and his team have met the ever-evolving list of needs at St. Francis, most notably converting nearly every room to negative pressure. Folks who work with Leon say the Navy veteran himself exudes negative pressure, always calm and prepared for the next challenge. They say his solutions often precede the problem as he works closely with Trident Construction personnel, St. Francis management and his own crew. “Never has there been a time for an engineering hero like Leon as there is in the year 2020,” says the hospital’s CEO.

HONOREE

TRIDENT CONSTRUCTION HEALTH CARE ENGINEER

HEAR FROM ALL OF OUR HONOREES IN THIS SPECIAL VIRTUAL EVENT VIDEO ON SCBIZtv: bit.ly/crbj2020hchvid

Cleveland Robertson MULTI-SKILL TECHNICIAN III Roper St. Francis Healthcare

CJ has worked at the new Berkeley Hospital in Goose Creek since before it even opened, and he has kept it running ever since. He does everything from troubleshooting a communication system to unstopping drains, bringing comfort, security and safety to patients and staff. In response to the pandemic, hospital brass realized they needed to put up sneeze barriers in the ER waiting room ASAP, but they wanted to minimize the unexpected cost. CJ devised a plan to build stands that would hold the barriers that worked so well his solution has been expanded to the ICU as well. Various other Roper St. Francis business units have kept him busy installing the plexiglass barriers in their facilities as well. Now the sneeze barriers are protecting patients, visitors and staff all over the hospital, and CJ is being recognized as indispensible.

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December 14 - 27, 2020

www.charlestonbusiness.com 23

HONOREE

TRIDENT CONSTRUCTION HEALTH CARE ENGINEER

HERO

VOLUNTEER

John Goff Sr.

Pimlico Ladies Club

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN Roper St. Francis Healthcare

VOLUNTEER MUSC

An Air Force veteran, John Goff is known at the Berkeley Hospital as a friendly, helpful individual who is always willing to lend a hand. Hospital leaders know him as the person who suggested the idea, since implemented, of recognizing patients who were veterans by offering red, white and blue bracelets indicating their service. The idea has been expanded to all Roper St. Francis hospitals. At a hospital he previously worked at before moving to the Lowcountry, John made a point of visiting every admitted patient who was a veteran. It went over really well, and he loved hearing the old timers tell their stories. John hopes to do the same at Roper St. Francis Berkeley. They will be easy to identify thanks to his idea.

Imagine being rushed to the hospital and then being admitted – without a single thing you own except what is on your back. No toothbrush. No comb. Not even any soap. It’s bad enough that you’re sick or injured; not having your toiletries is demoralizing. What you need is a Comfort Kit, and at MUSC, the Pimlico Ladies Club will make sure you get it. The 24 members of the club have provided Comfort Kits to 125 patients each month for the past 15 years — that’s 22,500 people served and counting. Besides the obvious like shampoo and conditioner, the hand-sewn kits include things you might not consider, like moisturizing lotion, pen and paper, and a breath mint. Parents particularly express their gratitude for receiving these items. It’s one less thing for them to worry about when their children end up in the hospital.

HONOREE

VOLUNTEER

HONOREE

VOLUNTEER

Emily Russell

Noel Johnson

VOLUNTEER Roper St. Francis Healthcare

VOLUNTEER Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Who says kids today don’t know anything about writing letters? Inspired by her grandmother’s volunteering, Emily Russell has been writing them since she was in fifth grade and sending them to the hospital for in-patients. She designs and colors them and they say things like “Get Well” and “Congratulations on Your New Baby.” Nurses put them on meal trays and watch them bring cheer to their patients. Emily is 16 now and has made more than 1,000 cards in her time. She’s even recruited her mother and now makes cards for every hospitalized patient on Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. If you ever find yourself at St. Francis Hospital and a handmade greeting card arrives to make your day, now you know whom to thank — a student at the School of the Arts who plays the violin and has a secret hobby putting smiles on the faces of hospital patients.

If you ever find yourself being pushed in a wheelchair at Mount Pleasant Hospital on St. Patrick’s Day or Valentine’s Day, no, you’re not seeing things. The guy in the Scottish kilt, or the tuxedo looking like Cupid is Noel Johnson, a long-time volunteer with a hefty wardrobe and a good sense of humor. Noel makes the short ride out the door in a wheelchair memorable. More than that, he makes it possible. When he discovered that wheelchairs regularly went missing, he helped create a tracking system. It has helped keep more of them in use. Noel has logged more than 1,500 hours of service since 2013 and everyone wants him to keep on logging. Says one staffer, “We’d be lost without Noel.”


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December 14 - 27, 2020

Translating your care and concern into immediate action.

South Carolina’s Top-Rated Nonprofit 7 Years in a Row!

CharlestonAnimalSociety.org

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December 14 - 27, 2020

www.charlestonbusiness.com 25

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSION STATEMENT: Since its founding, the mission has always stayed the same: The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

QUICK FACTS: NAME OF ORGANIZATION: Charleston Animal Society YEAR ESTABLISHED LOCALLY: 1874 TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE: Joe Elmore, President and CEO, CFRE, CAWA CONTACT INFORMATION: 2455 Remount Road North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: 843-329-1541 Fax: 843-747-1012 Website: CharlestonAnimalSociety.org CORPORATE GIVING CONTACTS: Erin Nosker, Manager of Business Partnerships 2455 Remount Road North Charleston, 29406 Phone: 843-329-1541 E-mail: enosker@charlestonanimalsociety.org AVERAGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2019: Over 2,500 volunteers contribute approximately 2,000,000 hours of service each year. TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET (2019-2020): $7.3 million PERCENT OF REVENUE DEDICATED TO PROGRAM SERVICES: 76% GEOGRAPHIC AREA OR SPECIFIC POPULATION SERVED: The primary areas of lifesaving and educational services are in Charleston County and the Lowcountry. Disaster and emergency response services along with professional educational efforts are both national and international. GREATEST NEED: These three gifts make our lifesaving work possible: 1. Gift of Homes (Adopters) 2. Gift of Time (Volunteers) 3. Gift of Funds (Donors)

A CLOSER LOOK: 2020 TOP ACHIEVEMENTS: No Kill Charleston Project *Charleston Animal Society built the first No Kill Community in the Southeast in 2013! • Taught thousands of children compassion through 20,000+ humane education lessons. • Found lifesaving homes for homeless animals through 5,000+ adoptions. • Prevented the births of unplanned litters through 6,500 spay/neuter surgeries. • Reduced the number of free-roaming cats through 2,000+ trap-vaccinate-alter-return to habitats. • Fostered the most at-risk animals until they were healthy enough to be placed in 2,200 homes. • Reunited furry loved ones with their families through 650 found animals. • Contained outbreaks of deadly diseases through 16,400 rabies and other vaccinations. • Saved the lives of nearly 6,000 abused, abandoned and unwanted animals through medical care. • Fought animal cruelty through assisting law enforcement with 35 investigations. • Helped families keep and care for their pets through 60,000 pounds of food and additional support. • Reaccredited with the American Animal Hospital Association – less than 10% of veterinary clinics/animal hospitals in the Tri-County area have achieved this accreditation for veterinary care.

• Sustained No Kill Charleston for all of Charleston County for eight consecutive years. • Earned top-rated nonprofit honors (out of 22,000+ nonprofits in S.C.) for seven consecutive years. • Achieved exemplary audit for eight consecutive years. • Rescued 175 animals from harm’s way (disasters and cruelty operations) across South Carolina and the Southeast. No Kill South Carolina Project *Charleston Animal Society aims to build the first No Kill State in the South by 2024! • Organized animal shelters across the state to realize thousands of fewer animals dying and improved shelter conditions than the previous year. 2021 GOALS: • Eliminate unnecessary euthanasia throughout South Carolina. • Reduce the overpopulation of dogs and cats. • Prevent animal cruelty. Fundraising events: • Applause for Paws Gala • Charleston Gaillard Center • Friday, April 16, 2021 • https://www.charlestonanimalsociety. org/applause-for-paws-gala/ • 21st Annual Celebrity Chili Cook-Off & Oyster Roast • Saturday, November 20, 2021 • https://chili.charlestonanimalsociety.org/ • Events throughout the year • https://www.charlestonanimalsociety.org/


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The definitive resource guide for business professionals in the Lowcountry.

December 14 - 27, 2020

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In Focus

ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION LISTS: Commercial Property Management Companies, Page 41

Renovations at the Golf Club at Briar’s Creek on Johns Island include re-grassing and the addition of a performance center and three on-site cottages. (Photo/Tripp Smith Photography)

CHARLESTON UNDER

CONSTRUCTION Construction, engineering and architectural firms are working

hard in Charleston. Thank you to everyone who submitted projects and photos for this section. Feature your project in the next edition of Charleston Under Construction. The submission deadline is Jan. 15 for the next edition. Submit projects to tinyurl.com/CUCsubmit. Emailed

submissions are no longer accepted.

Johns Island golf club completes $6.5 million renovation A Staff Report

fter two years and $6.5 million in renovations, the Golf Club at Briar’s Creek is taking a mulligan on its course and facilities. The Rees Jones-designed golf course that spans 900 acres on Johns Island underwent a complete transformation. Tees, fairways and greens were re-grassed and restored to their original size and an updated drainage system was installed. Specific holes were further improved upon to create more challenges for players and allow for

water features and maximum course views. “The improvements have undoubtedly added to the superb quality of our course and facilities while maintaining its character,” Superintendent Kyle Bibler said. “We are committed to providing our members with the most excellent golf experience in the Low Country.” Additions to the private club, which is majority owned by McNair Interests, include the opening of the Robert C. McNair Golf Performance Center and three on-site cottages that feature a ninehole putting course in front.

Within the 1,000-square-foot performance facility, golfers can practice their strokes in a dedicated putting room, course simulator and hitting bay that provides cameras and swing and ball flight monitors. There’s also a club fitting room. The Heron, Ibis and Osprey cottages are now open to guests. “Each of these improvements have realized Bob McNair’s vision to create a golf club that offers state-of-the-art facilities along with the highest possible level of service,” Director of Golf Eve VanderWeele said. CRBJ

Charleston Technology Center 997 Morrison Drive, Charleston Developer/owner: Iron Bridge Capital, Charleston Architect: Bello Garris, Charleston General Contractor: Samet Corp., North Charleston Estimated completion date: Fourth quarter 2020 This project includes a six-floor office building and an eight-floor parking garage with a public park. It includes graphic paper from Europe on precast panels, vertical and horizontal architectural fins on glazing, a sixth-floor terrace with bridge views. custom architectural metal work and UV light HVAC filtration system.

NEXT ISSUE’S FOCUS: The Year Ahead


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IN FOCUS: ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

December 14 - 27, 2020

Carolinas Project Center offers database of projects, leads

S

The Carolinas Project Center provides a searchable database of procurement opportunities for companies working in South Carolina and North Carolina. (Photo/File)

Staff Report

C Biz News has launched the Carolinas Project Center, a searchable, trackable online database of public and private procurement opportunities. The proprietary database includes thousands of construction projects along with other public and private leads to help local businesses find opportunities to grow. The database is updated daily with new bid opportunities from more than 40 public agencies and dozens of private companies across South Carolina and North Carolina. Projects are updated from inception to bid award, and the database provides information necessary to bid on projects in addition to access to project contacts, dates and documents.

President and Group Publisher Grady Johnson said behind-the-scenes work has been ongoing for months to build the infrastructure and database to help businesses track projects and stay informed about opportunities for companies. “We are thrilled to provide this resource as a way to help businesses grow their revenues,” Johnson said. “Our local team is in the field 24/7 identifying trends, updating databases and sourcing opportunities in the market, and Carolinas Project Center brings all those leads together in one place,” BridgeTower Media CEO Adam Reinebach said. For more information about the Carolinas Project Center and what it offers to small and midsize businesses, go to www. carolinasprojectcenter.com. CRBJ

Hospitals follow rooftops, move to suburban areas By Teri Errico Griffis tgriffis@scbiznews.com

Commercial real estate professionals are seeing trends that medical offices are moving away from larger complexes and seizing retail space in growing suburban communities. While campuses like downtown’s medical district aren’t going anywhere, they’re also starting to max out on space, said David Grubbs of NAI Charleston, a commercial brokerage firm. The limited room for expansion, combined with patients’ increasing demands for easier access, hassle-free parking and more convenient office locations as populations move farther outward are leading the way for a shift. “What we’re seeing now, which is good for commercial properties, is that while we have lost retail centers, physicians’ offices can backfill that,” he said. MUSC’s expansion into the vacant J.C. Penney store at the Citadel Mall is an example. The West Ashley Medical Pavilion provides family medicine, COVID-19 screening and other services, with nearby access to Interstate 526, Savannah Highway and Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority bus stops, ample parking and an easily identifiable location in the landmark shopping center. MUSC also plans to create a facility on Seabrook Island Road on Johns Island to add emergency health care options for the community. Having developed medical office space specifically for physicians over 15 years, Grubbs is always looking to see what a retail or commercial building can be repurposed for, adding that empty spaces like former Blockbuster storefronts are

Ashley River Tower on Courtenay Drive is one of the well-known Medical University of South Carolina buildings in the Charleston area. Realtors says medical offices are moving away from urban areas regionally. (Photo/Google)

great locations since they’re central to everything. Reid Davis, managing principal of Lee & Associates, said a majority of the medical office spaces he has available for lease right now are in growing suburban markets. “Office leasing is now a little different because we’ve seen an uptick on the medical side,” Davis said. Spaces include new construction on Daniel Island and the recently developed Nexton medical office building, which is situated in the heart of the evolving mixed-use community in Summerville. Current tenants of the Nexton medical office building include a plastic sur-

geon, an orthopedist, a cardiologist and primary care physicians, which Grubbs said aligns with the current trend toward clusters of multispecialties miles from the closest hospital. Davis pointed out other office spaces, including West Ashley’s Truluck Center that was recently developed on St. Andrews Boulevard next to restaurants, a CVS and a Doctor’s Care, as well as downtown’s WestEdge. As medical tenants breed more medical tenants, Cameron Yost, an associate at Lee & Associates Charleston, said landlords are seeking complementary uses in buildings, which will help promote a strong referral system between the practices.

“The vision for buildings like Nexton’s is to have everyone all under one roof with a great referral network,” Yost said. Having an office setup within a community is also prime advertising, Grubbs said. People moving from other markets or those who don’t already have a particular doctor see an office next to their new home and often choose that physician out of convenience. “With some of these properties, it provides doctors opportunities to care for people in convenient locations so that they can reach a broader group,” Yost said. CRBJ

Reach Teri Errico Griffis at 843-849-3144.


December 14 - 27, 2020

www.charlestonbusiness.com 29

CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION

We Are Sharing Hope SC Henry Tecklenburg Drive, North Charleston Developer/owner: We Are Sharing Hope SC, North Charleston Architect: LS3P, Charleston General Contractor: Hill Construction, Charleston Engineers: ADC Engineering, Hanahan (structural); RMF Engineering, Charleston (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection); Forsberg Engineering and Surveying, Charleston (civil); Design Works, Charleston (landscape); REI, Charleston (roofing and envelope; RSP Architects, Minneapolis (associate architect) Estimated completion date: August 2021 We Are Sharing Hope SC’s new headquarters uses natural materials, such as zinc, wood, bluestone and cast-in-place concrete.

BUILDING SPACES THAT INSPIRE MULTI-FAMILY | COMMERCIAL |

Coastal Community Church 460 Arlington Drive, Charleston Developer/owner: Coastal Community Church, Charleston Architect: LS3P, Charleston General Contractor: Hill Construction, Charleston Engineers: ADC Engineering, Hanahan (structural); DWG Engineering, Mount Pleasant (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection); E.M. Seabrook Jr. Inc., Mount Pleasant (civil) Estimated completion date: 2021 This project consists of an approximately 12,000-square-foot expansion and a 7,000-square-foot renovation to its education and support space building, the Coastal Kidz building. The facility’s new layout will provide teaching space for its growing congregation, improved security and access control, and an enclosed courtyard. A new foyer and atrium will connect the current worship facility to the new and improved Coastal Kidz building.

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CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Lennon Construction is dedicated to quality craftsmanship and building lasting relationships. We offer a full service team of the finest craftsmen, subcontractors and specialists in the southeast and take pride in constructing high-end projects with expertise and precision.

December 14 - 27, 2020

Loluma S.C. Highway 165, Ravanel, Developer/owner: Sha Sha Harnik, Charleston Architect: Red Iron Architects, North Charleston General Contractor: Branks Construction, North Charleston Engineer: Fortress Engineers LLC, Jacksonville, Fla. (structural), Hatcher Engineering, Plant City, Fla. (mechanical, electrical plumbing), Earthsource Engineering, Mount Pleasant (civil) Estimated completion date: Mid-2021 The building is a warehouse with an office in front.

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commercial, neighborhood, institutional, residential, and multi-family landscape architectural services

Berkeley County Animal Center 131 Berkeley Drive, Moncks Corner Developer/owner: Berkeley County Government, Architect: John E Gardner, Huger General Contractor: SouthCon Building Group LLC, Mount Pleasant Engineers: Steve Merek, Hanahan (mechanical, plumbing); Dean Engineering, Hanahan (electrical); ADB Engineering LLC, Hanahan (structural) Estimated completion date: June 3, 2021 This project consists of new construction of a pre-engineered steel building frame with office space, surgical space and interior and exterior kennels. Construction consists of brick masonry cladding, stained concrete floors, storefront doors and windows, acoustical ceilings, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and finishes.


December 14 - 27, 2020

CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Cirque Salon Moncks Corner 337 East Main St., Moncks Corner Developer/owner: Cirque Salon Studios, Moncks Corner Architect: Bill Huey Architects, Charleston General Contractor: Chastain Construction Inc., Charleston Engineers: Rickborn & Associates LLC, Charleston Estimated completion date: December 2020 Estimated total cost of project: $460,500 This project includes the renovation of the former SouthCoast Community Bank into a multi-use space. The first floor will be renovated for retail use, and the second floor will include 15 separate studios for Cirque Salon. The scope includes demolition, new walls, flooring, ceiling, casework, HVAC, mechanical, plumbing and an additional outdoor staircase as a second means of egress.

www.charlestonbusiness.com 31

Ashley River Road 215 Renken Road, Summerville Developer/owner: Dorchester County Architect: Liollio Architecture, Charleston General Contractor: Edcon, Peak Engineers: SeamonWhiteside, Summerville (master planning, civil, landscape) Estimated completion date: July 2021 Estimated total cost of project: $12 million This project is a new public park project for Dorchester County located on an 87-acre site on the Ashley River, including an outfitters building, restroom and pavilion facility, a centrally located restroom building, interactive splash pad, dog parks, playground areas, outdoor event space, kayak launch, natural walking trails with boardwalks, fishing piers in the large on-site pond, parking lots and walkways, internal park roadways, preserved wetlands and natural tree save areas.

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December 14 - 27, 2020

CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Ten Mile on Rivers 5841 Rivers Ave., North Charleston Developer/owner: Cityvolve LLC, North Charleston (development consultant) Architect: The Middleton Group, Charleston General Contractor: 4S Builders, Summerville Engineers: Hensley & Goerling Consulting Engineers, Charleston (mechanical, electrical, plumbing); Tobias & West, Mount Pleasant (structural); HLA Inc., Charleston (civil, landscape) Estimated completion date: Spring 2021 Ten Mile on Rivers is a 23,000-square-foot adaptive reuse project on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston. Formerly an elementary school built in phases in the 1950s and 1960s, the building will be transformed into Ten Mile on Rivers. The 60’s-inspired redesign will house leasable office spaces ranging from 200-square-foot, single executive offices, small- and medium-sized suites and the opportunity to combine contiguous spaces up to 12,000 square feet.

New Middle School for Dorchester District Two Beech Hill Road, Summerville Developer/owner: Dorchester School District Two, Summerville Architect: SGA | NarmourWright Design, Charleston General Contractor: Thompson Turner Construction, Mount Pleasant Engineers: RMF Engineering, Charleston (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection); ADC Engineering, Hanahan (civil and structural) Estimated completion date: Fall 2022 Estimated total cost of project: $35 million The new Dorchester District 2 middle school will be located behind Beech Hill Elementary School. The new school will be approximately 120,000 square feet and have a capacity of 1,000 students. The cafeteria will have a capacity for seating 400 students at a time, and the gym will also serve as an auditorium with sporting event bleacher seating of 500 and performance seating for 1,000.

South Carolina’s leader in Metal Recycling

FLSC Hugh Leatherman Terminal

This 560,000 square foot industrial warehouse is the brand new anchor for the major developments in North Charleston, South Carolina. Constructed of architectural quality tilt-up concrete panels and steel framing, this warehouse offers optimum storage space with a strong, weathertight shell. Located close to the future rail center, the rail spurs provide easy access to the North side of the building with ample truck loading docks on the South. The warehouse office facade provides a contemporary look to the facility.

Container & Onsite Service

Fire protection is paramount and the building is protected by a well-designed fire protection system. Exterior detailing and colors complement the surrounding buildings. A large retention pond handles rainwater from both the warehouse and the neighborhoods along the street. Extensive landscaping finishes the project. Trees and shrubs line the roads and many of the historic trees have been preserved near the town center and neighborhoods.

Usable Steel Sales

Architect Clay Wine and Construction Manager Jordan Behringer spearheaded the project for Berenyi.

Engineers + Architects + Construction 49 Immigration Street | Charleston, SC 29403 O: 843-284-2000

www.berenyi.com

Since 1893

Dismantling & Removal

843-722-7278 | charlestonsteelandmetal.com | 843-722-1340


December 14 - 27, 2020

CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Softball Press Box for Lucy Garret Beckham High School 855 Von Kolnitz Road, Mount Pleasant Developer/owner: Charleston County School District, Charleston Architect: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, Charleston Project manager: Cumming Management Group Inc., North Charleston General Contractor: Hill Construction, Charleston Engineers: ADC Engineering, Hanahan (civil, site, structural); RMF Engineering, Charleston (mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire protection) Estimated completion date: December 2020 This new softball press box for Lucy Garret Beckham High School is located offsite at J.B. Edwards Elementary School. It will serve both the practice and game field for the softball team. It includes a 1,200-square-foot press box with concessions and restrooms on the first floor. Bleacher seating for 200 fans also will be included. The project also includes two new dugouts and batting cages.

www.charlestonbusiness.com 33

677 King Street Mixed Use Office & Retail 677 King St., Charleston Developer/owner: Atlantic South Development, Greenville Architect: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, Charleston General Contractor: Trident Construction, Charleston Engineers: Forsberg Engineering & Surveying, Charleston (civil); Britt, Peters and Associates Inc., Mount Pleasant (structural); Barrett, Woodyard & Associates Inc., Norcross, Ga. (mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire protection) Estimated completion date: June 2021 This project includes a new five-story, mixed-use office building on Upper King. The finished building will consist of two ground-floor retail spaces, three floors of 17,000-square-foot Class A office space and a top-level fifth floor with 13,000 square feet of Class A office space. The steel framing has been completed.

Experience The Difference. WE BUILD STRONG FOUNDATIONS

COMMERCIAL ■ INDUSTRIAL ■ INSTITUTIONAL ■ RETAIL ■ UPFITS

At Landmark Construction, we love what we do. We provide quality construction services across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. From land clearing, site grading, earthwork and road construction to utilities, concrete, and stormwater control, our in-house experts do it all.

843.552.6186

w w w. l a n d m a r k- s c . c o m S I T E WO R K | U T I L I T I ES | C O N C R E T E | S O I L S TA B I L I Z AT I O N

682 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Suite 101, Mt. Pleasant SC 29464 www.southconbuilding.com ■ 843.225.2845


34

www.charlestonbusiness.com

CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Buckeye Terminal Offices 5150 Virginia Ave., North Charleston Developer/owner: Buckeye Partners LP, Breinigsville, Pa. Architect: LFK Architects, Charleston General Contractor: Chastain Construction Inc., Charleston Estimated completion date: March 2021 Estimated total cost of project: $225,000 Chastain Construction is teaming up with LFK Architects to complete the conversion of Buckeye Partners storage warehouse into an up-to-date office expansion, including new walls, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and interior finishes.

Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina Summerville Memory Care 201 West 9th North St., Summerville Developer/owner: Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina, Columbia Architect: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, Charleston Project manager: Matrix Program Management, Charlotte General Contractor: Boyer Construction, Columbia Engineers: CMTA, Irmo (electrical); Fine Tuned Structures LLC, Summerville (structural); GMK Engineering, Columbia (mechanical, plumbing, fire protection); Cypress Engineering, Summerville (civil) Estimated completion date: Summer 2022 This new one-story 16,500-square-foot memory care facility will be constructed in The Village at Summerville. The facility contains 24 private rooms with full, private bathrooms, and will also include living and dining spaces, activity and lifestyle areas, beauty salon and barber services, and outdoor areas. Program guidance is provided by Brush Development, a leader in the application of Montessori for Dementia.

1156 King Street Renovation

Before

Building with Integrity

654 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407 • 843.225.0406 www.jmusselmanconstruction.com

December 14 - 27, 2020


December 14 - 27, 2020

www.charlestonbusiness.com 35

CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Carolinas Project Center is a brand-new project leads database. You'll find well over 1,000 projects to bid on in a searchable, trackable database where fresh projects are loaded daily. It's simple:Â The more projects you see; the more you will bid on; and the more opportunities you will have to make money. Construction, government, and project bid listings and documents for North and South Carolina - together in one database New bids uploaded daily on an efficient, streamlined platform PLUS industry news on a dedicated page of the website "View Projects" page allows you to search in a multitude of ways, tag projects you like in one easy click, and easily see new projects when they are loaded "My Preferences" custom account criteria automatically identifies jobs that fit your profile and notifies you of them in the daily email "My Projects" maintains a list of your tracked projects so you can refer back to them

Carolinas Project Center is a new service brought to you by

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36

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CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION

December 14 - 27, 2020

THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE SC BIZ NEWS FAMILY What’s new on SCBIZtv this week? Check us out on YouTube. With more than 100 archived videos (and counting), you’ll find a wide variety of businessrelated content, including: Virtual awards shows, Power Events, interviews with high-level business executives and several ongoing video series, including Coffee With…, 120 Seconds, Industry Trends and Coping with Covid. Here’s just a taste of what you’ll find on SCBIZtv this week

VIRTUAL AWARDS SHOWS

120 SECONDS

COFFEE WITH…

COPING WITH COVID

From Women of Influence in the Upstate to Forty Under 40 in the Lowcountry to Icons and Phenoms in the Midlands, you’re sure to find executives you know being honored in a variety of ways.

Business executives sharing insight about their business, the industry in which they work and the community in which they live.

CEOs answering as many questions as they can in two minutes. You’ll definitely learn something personal about the executive and get a thoughtful answer on a serious topic to boot.

Explores the impact the Coronavirus is having on our daily lives, both at home and at the office.

This is just a sampling of what you’ll find on SCBIZtv. Check us out on YouTube to find a complete library of archived videos.


December 14 - 27, 2020

www.charlestonbusiness.com 37

CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Family Owned & Locally Operated for

69

Years!

SCDOT DBE & SBE, Charleston County SBE, City of Charleston WBE

• • • • •

Geotechnical Engineering Construction Materials Testing Chapter 1 & 17 Special Inspections Nondestructive Testing Contract Drilling

ENGINEERS@SOILCONSULTANTSINC.COM

Charleston Digital Corridor 997 Morrison Drive, 2nd Floor, Charleston Developer/owner: Charleston Digital Corridor Foundation, Charleston Architect: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, Charleston General Contractor: J. Musselman Construction Inc., Charleston Engineers: Barrett, Woodyard & Associates Inc., Charleston Estimated completion date: Feb. 21, 2021 This project is located in the new Charleston Tech Center building on Morrison Drive. Charleston Digital Corridor provides office space for startups and growing tech companies. This approximately 14,000-square-foot space on the second floor will include polished concrete floors, exposed ceilings in the corridors, shiplap and millwork details, and many windows to bring in natural light.

CHARLESTON OFFICE P: 843.723.4539 F: 843.723.3648 WWW.SOILCONSULTANTSINC.COM

www.CharlestonBusiness.com

Local business news from your local business source. Get your message in front of thousands of business owners, managers and decision-makers who use www.CharlestonBusiness.com as their source for local business news.

For advertising information, contact Grady Johnson at (843) 849-3103 or gjohnson@scbiznews.com

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a CONSTRUCTIVE NEW YEAR! From all of us at Wild Dunes Resort Retail Renovation 5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms Developer/owner: Wild Dunes LLC, Isle of Palms Architect: John E. Gardner, Huger General Contractor: J. Musselman Construction Inc., Charleston Estimated completion date: March 2021 This project consists of the renovation of 4,745 square feet of retail space in an existing shopping plaza at Wild Dunes. This project is on the main thoroughfare of the new hotel project. The renovation will consist of interior demolition and the upfit of the four spaces to relocate a salon and buildout for three future tenant spaces, including metal stud framing, luxury vinyl tile flooring, plumbing, electrical and HVAC.

Trident Construction’s sponsored charity for 2020


38

www.charlestonbusiness.com

CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION

December 14 - 27, 2020

PROUDLY SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE 2008 6 Licensed Professional Surveyors • 17 Survey Crews Latest Trimble Robotics and GPS • LEED AP Professional Staff Charleston County “SBE” Certified • 3D Laser Scanning • Power Generation • ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey • Boundary • Construction Staking • Dock Permits Charleston | Georgetown

• Residential • Commercial • Aviation • Topographical • Landfills

843.554.7777 | www.plssc.com

@CRBJ

1156 King St. 1156 King St., Charleston Developer/owner: King Street Office Park, Charleston Architect: M. Brennan Architects Inc., Charleston General Contractor: J. Musselman Construction Inc., Charleston Engineers: Epic Engineering, Mount Pleasant Estimated completion date: Jan. 31, 2021 This project consists of interior renovations to King Street Office Park, located in historic downtown Charleston. The upfits include new tenant-specific floor plans, along with updated mechanical, plumbing and fire protection systems.

Follow us on twitter for the inside scoop on local business news.

Follow @CBRJ on twitter to get breaking news and information on businesses in the Lowcountry. For advertising information, contact Grady Johnson at (843) 849-3103 or gjohnson@scbiznews.com

www.CharlestonBusiness.com Local business news from your local business source.

Get your message in front of thousands of business owners, managers and decision-makers who use www.CharlestonBusiness.com as their source for local business news.

For advertising information, contact Grady Johnson at (843) 849-3103 or gjohnson@scbiznews.com

Student Life Center 361-G Egypt Road, Mount Pleasant Developer/owner: East Cooper Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant Architect: James P. Verkaik Architect LLC, Mount Pleasant Project manager: Mike Colavita, Brantley Construction Co. LLC, North Charleston General Contractor: Brantley Construction Co. LLC, North Charleston Engineer: Seamon Whiteside & Associates Inc., Mount Pleasant (civil) Estimated completion date: March 2021 Estimated total cost of project: $6,232,921 This project consists of a new 43,958-square-foot, two-story Student Life Center with a gymnasium and an education wing. The education wing consists of technology, math and bible classrooms, science labs and student collaborative spaces. The gym has a 1,052-seat capacity, home and visitor team locker rooms, and a weight room. The pre-engineered structural steel building will have a brick and exterior insulation and finish system veneer facade. The storefront entrances and large window throughout the building will allow for natural light.


December 14 - 27, 2020

CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Folly Beach City Hall 21 Center St., Folly Beach Developer/owner: City of Folly Beach Architect: Cummings and McCrady Inc., Charleston General Contractor: J. Musselman Construction Inc., Charleston Engineers: MECA Inc., Columbia; CDDC LLC, Bluffton; Lambert Engineering Co., Mount Pleasant Estimated completion date: March 2021 This project consists of a 9,300-square-foot interior renovation of the Folly Beach City Hall for the City of Folly Beach. The scope includes complete interior demolition of both floors, floor plan changes to include new offices, conference rooms, break rooms, bathrooms, council chambers, permit and licensing, and other city offices. The renovations will include luxury vinyl tile, ceramic tile, resinous flooring, custom casework, bullet resistant glass and walls, and new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

www.charlestonbusiness.com 39

Cast in Place CMU/Masonry Flatwork Foundations ICF Stucco

ETE SERVICES R C N O C L A N IO S P RO F E S EST OF TIME T E H T D N A T S T A TH

cfi www.redbayconstructors.com

5581 Woodbine Ave. North Charleston, SC 29406 843-745-0071


40

www.charlestonbusiness.com

December 14 - 27, 2020

CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Hugh Leatherman Terminal Buildings and Canopies Hugh Leatherman Terminal, North Charleston Developer/owner: S.C. Ports Authority, Mount Pleasant General Contractor: Samet Corp., North Charleston Estimated completion date: March 2021 This project consists of buildings and canopies for new port terminal operations.

Mashburn’s Mount Pleasant Office Expansion 1210 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant Developer/owner: Mashburn Construction Co. Inc., Mount Pleasant Architect: LS3P Associates Ltd., Charleston General Contractor: Mashburn Construction Co., Charleston Engineer: Live Oak Consultants, North Charleston (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) Estimated completion date: December 2020 Mashburn Construction is currently renovating its 2,000-square-foot office building in Mount Pleasant. The building is adjacent to its current Charleston office and will expand its operations in the coastal and surrounding areas. Interior renovations include the addition of reclaimed wood trusses, ceilings and barn doors. The space will also include feature walls built from the materials of a historical project on King Street.

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For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, contact Melissa Tomberg at mtomberg@scbiznews.com

www.scbizupskill.com


IN FOCUS: ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

December 14 - 27, 2020

www.charlestonbusiness.com 41

Commercial Property Management Companies Ranked by No. of Property Managers Company

Phone / Website / Email

Top Official(s) / Year Founded

Property Managers

Properties Managed / Sq. Ft. Managed

Holder Properties 75 Port City Landing, Suite 100 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-409-0888 www.holderproperties.com fgray@holderproperties.com

Billy Cooke, Friend Gray 1980

11

8 900,000

Island Realty 1304 Palm Blvd. Isle of Palms, SC 29451

843-886-8144 www.islandrealty.com rentalsinfo@islandrealty.com

Alexander D. Stone 1977

11

520 -

Lee & Associates - Charleston 960 Morrison Drive, Suite 400 Charleston, SC 29403

843-747-1200 www.lee-charleston.com leecharlestonhelp@lee-associates.com

Bob Nuttall 1999

11

75 4,008,119

Flex, health care, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Re/Max Pro Realty 9209 University Blvd. North Charleston, SC 29406

843-767-7777 www.remaxprorealty.org brenda.ray@remax.net

Velvaleen Thurber-Everett 2006

8

435 2,000,000

Agricultural, flex, health care, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, sports, entertainment, warehouse

Durlach Associates 1127 Queensborough Blvd., Suite 105 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-723-2801 www.durlach.com

John R.N. Durlach 1979

7

5 351,000

JLL - Jones Lang LaSalle 701 E. Bay St., Suite 308 Charleston, SC 29403

843-805-5111 www.jll.com/charleston brooke.eyrich@am.jll.com

Lee B. Allen 1939

6

11 2,067,573

Adams Property Group 2298 Mount Pleasant St. Charleston, SC 29403

843-941-4001 www.adamspropgroup.com info@adamspropgroup.com

Franklin Adams, Casey Lowery 2008

5

10 567,714

Beach Commercial, a Division of The Beach Co. 310 Broad St., Suite 600 Charleston, SC 29401

843-722-2615 www.thebeachcompany.com cblanding@thebeachcompany.com

Jenny Dickerson, John Darby, Donna Brashier 1945

5

39 1,288,046

Ravenel Associates 960 Morrison Drive, Suite 100 Charleston, SC 29403

843-768-9480 www.ravenelassociates.com info@ravenelassociates.com

Jules Deas 1985

5

105 -

Flex, income-producing, industrial, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Southeastern Management Group Inc. 151 King St. Charleston, SC 29401

843-577-8595 www.semgsc.com semg@semgsc.com

Chad Yonce 1997

5

83 589,293

Flex, health care, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Alliance Commercial Property Management Inc. 141 Williman St. Charleston, SC 29403

336-383-5901 www.alliancecommercialpropertymanagement.com jimmy@alliancecompanies.com

James A. Black 2007

4

65 4,500,000

Flex, health care, income-producing, industrial, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

CBRE Inc. 200 Meeting St., Suite 202 Charleston, SC 29401

843-577-0702 www.cbre.us/charlestonsc cindy.new@cbre.com

Stephen B. Smith 1992

4

47 4,543,097

Flex, income-producing, industrial, office, retail, warehouse

Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic 3506 W. Montague Ave., Suite 200 North Charleston, SC 29418

843-744-9877 www.cbcatlantic.com info@cbcatlantic.com

Brent A. Case 1986

4

73 824,695

Agricultural, flex, health care, hotel, motel, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Lane Properties of Charleston LLC 746 St. Andrews Blvd., Suite B Charleston, SC 29407

843-769-9919 www.laneproperties.com administrator@laneprops.com

Mark C. Lane 1967

4

34 449,632

Flex, health care, income-producing, industrial, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Avison Young - South Carolina Inc. 1315 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29407

843-725-7200 www.avisonyoung.com chris.fraser@avisonyoung.com

Charlene Massey, Christopher B. Fraser 1978

3

75 1,500,000

Flex, health care, income-producing, industrial, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Caldwell Commercial 2456 Remount Road, Suite 308 Charleston, SC 29406

843-367-7000 www.caldwellcommercial.com bob@caldwellcommercial.com

Robert Caldwell 2000

3

38 2,500,000

Flex, health care, income-producing, industrial, land, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Kennerty Ratner & Tezza LLC 1035 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite B-11 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-388-9818 mark@krtrealestate.com

Mark J. Tezza 1989

3

24 325,729

Flex, income-producing, industrial, office, retail, warehouse

Landmark Enterprises 311 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-884-8166 www.landmark-enterprises.com info@landmark-enterprises.com

Jason M. Ward, Gene W. Blanton 1974

3

65 1,650,000

Agricultural, flex, health care, hotel, motel, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, sports, entertainment, warehouse

NAI Charleston LLC 141 Williman St. Charleston, SC 29403

843-720-4944 www.naicharleston.com info@naicharleston.com

Thomas M. Boulware 2017

3

14 2,255,000

Flex, health care, income-producing, industrial, office, retail, warehouse

Wilson Kibler Charleston LLC 1629 Meeting Street Road, Suite 6 Charleston, SC 29405

843-881-8660 www.wilsonkibler.com

Henry H. "Hank" Beckham 1987

3

25 100,000

Bridge Commercial 25 Calhoun St., Suite 220 Charleston, SC 29401

843-535-8600 www.bridge-commercial.com info@bridge-commercial.com

Peter S. Fennelly 2017

2

15 2,782,858

Charleston Industrial 225 Seven Farms Drive, Suite 401 Charleston, SC 29492

843-377-8383 www.charlestonindustrial.com mike.white@charlestonindustrial.com

Michael G. White 2007

2

4 210,000

Creekbend Property Management 1223 Midvale Ave. Charleston, SC 29412

843-557-9840 www.creekbendpropertymanagement.com info@creekbendpropertymanagement.com

Sherry Hering 2002

2

1 6,000

DeSeta Realty Group LLC 2457 Aviation Ave., Suite 120 North Charleston, SC 29406

610-656-8017 www.desetagroup.com alex@desetagroup.com

Alexis DeSeta 2015

2

15 850,000

Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, errors sometimes occur. Email additions or corrections to research@scbiznews.com.

Types of Properties Managed Office, retail

Flex, income-producing, multifamily

Office

Flex, industrial, retail

Flex, income-producing, office, retail

Flex, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Flex, income-producing, industrial, office

Agricultural, flex, health care, hotel, motel, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, sports, entertainment, warehouse

Flex, industrial, land, office, warehouse

Income-producing, multifamily, office, retail

Industrial, multifamily, office, retail, warehouse

Researched by Business Journal staff


42

IN FOCUS: ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

www.charlestonbusiness.com

December 14 - 27, 2020

Commercial Property Management Companies Ranked by No. of Property Managers Company

Phone / Website / Email

Top Official(s) / Year Founded

Property Managers

Properties Managed / Sq. Ft. Managed

Oswald Cooke and Associates 870 Walt Miller St., Suite 100 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-388-5650 www.oswaldcooke.com info@oswaldcooke.com

Benjy Cooke, Edward G. Oswald 2010

2

11 102,922

Flex, income-producing, industrial, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Palmetto Commercial Properties LLC 578 E. Bay St., Suite A Charleston, SC 29403

843-577-2550 www.palmettocommercialproperties.com info@pcpsc.com

Eddie Buxton, Joe Keenan, Richard Morse 1996

2

48 825,854

Agricultural, flex, health care, hotel, motel, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, sports, entertainment, warehouse

The PrimeSouth Group LLC 418 King St., Suite 201 Charleston, SC 29403

843-722-4450 www.primesouthgroup.com clprice@primesouthgroup.com

Christopher L. Price 1996

2

40 520,000

Hotel, motel, income-producing, industrial, office, restaurant, retail

Twin Rivers Capital LLC 656 Ellis Oak Ave., Suite 201 Charleston, SC 29412

843-722-9925 www.twinriverscap.com jj@twinriverscap.com

Jeffrey J. Lamberson 2002

2

10 50,661

Flex, income-producing, industrial, land, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Ziff Properties Inc. 200 Wingo Way, Suite 100 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-724-3500 www.ziffcre.com hwoods@zpi.net

Tim Walter, Curt Schade, Christian Chamblee 1991

2

43 3,000,000

Flex, income-producing, industrial, land, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Belk Lucy 636 King St. Charleston, SC 29403

843-856-4600 www.belklucy.com trey.lucy@belklucy.com

Blair Belk, Trey Lucy 2013

1

19 443,627

Flex, health care, income-producing, land, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Carolina Commercial LLC 880 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 3 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-805-6060 www.carolinacre.com info@carolinacre.com

Debi Jones, Dunston Powell, Charles L. Moore 2010

1

2 40,398

Flex, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Choice Realty Inc. 8550 Dorchester Road Charleston, SC 29420

843-991-4848 www.wefindspace.com jonathanlee@choicerealtyusa.com

Jonathan C. Lee 2004

1

2 33,600

Flex, income-producing, multifamily, office, retail

Colliers International 40 Calhoun St., Suite 460 Charleston, SC 29401

843-723-1202 www.colliers.com liz.mccary@colliers.com

Jim Garrett 1909

1

14 2,473,478

Commercial Investment Group LLC 1910 Capri Drive Charleston, SC 29407

843-406-7979 www.cominvestgroup.com pjd@cominvestgroup.com

P. John DeStefano 2006

1

1 45,000

Income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, retail, warehouse

Complete Real Estate 2248 Lamb St. Charleston, SC 29414

843-270-8899 barbarahunter2248@gmail.com

Barbara Hunter 2002

1

700,000

Agricultural, flex, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail

Cushman & Wakefield Thalhimer 115 Central Island St., Suite 175 Charleston, SC 29492

843-724-0100 www.thalhimer.com info@thalhimer.com

Ed Kercher 1913

1

8 388,058

Flex, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, errors sometimes occur. Email additions or corrections to research@scbiznews.com.

Committed to delivering you directly to South Carolina’s newcomers. Your brand reaches your target audience. We customize these magazines for leading real estate companies, who, in turn distribute the magazines directly to their prospects who are actively looking for homes, to local school districts, large and small businesses and their local Chambers of Commerce. CONTACT US TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE. Grady Johnson (843) 849-3103 or gjohnson@scbiznews.com.

Types of Properties Managed

Agricultural, flex, health care, hotel, motel, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Researched by Business Journal staff


IN FOCUS: ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

December 14 - 27, 2020

www.charlestonbusiness.com 43

Commercial Property Management Companies Ranked by No. of Property Managers Company

Phone / Website / Email

Top Official(s) / Year Founded

Property Managers

Properties Managed / Sq. Ft. Managed

Dunes Commercial Properties 835 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

(843) 881-5600 www.dunesproperties.com lyamashita@dunesproperties.com

Luiz T. Yamashita 2014

1

10 42,398

Agricultural, flex, health care, hotel, motel, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, sports, entertainment, warehouse

East Bay Co. Ltd. 215 E. Bay St., Suite 504 Charleston, SC 29401

843-577-9060 www.eastbaycompany.com info@eastbaycompany.com

Hilton Smith 1965

1

3 125,000

Multifamily, office, restaurant, retail

Flyway Management LLC 1640 Meeting Street Road, Suite 300 Charleston, SC 29405

843-735-5489 www.flywaymanagementsc.com rent@flywaysc.com

Lindsay N. Nevin 2004

1

56 124,100

Flex, hotel, motel, income-producing, multifamily, office, restaurant

Holcombe, Fair & Lane 1071 Morrison Drive Charleston, SC 29403

843-722-2642 www.hflcharleston.com info@hflcharleston.com

Charles G. Lane 1927

1

40 781,000

Agricultural, flex, health care, income-producing, industrial, land, office, restaurant, retail, warehouse

Howell & Associates 242 Mathis Ferry Road, Suite 200 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-884-8976 karen@howellandassociates.net

Shawn Howell 1972

1

8 110,000

Agricultural, flex, health care, hotel, motel, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, sports, entertainment, warehouse

Joe Griffith Inc. 946 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-577-2230 www.joegriffithinc.com

Louis Griffith 1957

1

7 100,000

Flex, income-producing, land, office, retail

Laurel Properties of Charleston LLC 742 Lakenheath Drive Charleston, SC 29464

843-224-1342 gerrymccord@gmail.com

Gerry McCord 1975

1

2 3,000

Maybank Properties LLC 1 Cordes St. Charleston, SC 29413

843-740-9202 www.maybankproperties.com mmcfall@maybankproperties.com

David Maybank, Michael G. McFall 1997

1

20 1,500,000

Radekopf & Associates LLC 1563 Meeting Street Road Charleston, SC 29405

843-514-0761 www.radekopf.com info@radekopf.com

Steve Radekopf 1992

1

3 70,000

Agricultural, flex, health care, hotel, motel, income-producing, industrial, land, multifamily, office, restaurant, retail, sports, entertainment, warehouse

Raven Cliff Co. LLC 706 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29403

843-371-4564 diane@ravencliffco.com

Michael Wooddy 2006

1

2 250,000

Office, restaurant

Strategic Asset Management 353 N. Shelmore Blvd., Suite 200 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-416-1062 www.readvisors.com hmyers@sreadvisors.com

Harris Myers 2004

1

22 600,000

Flex, income-producing, industrial, office, retail, warehouse

Wm. Iselin Co. LLC 198 E. Bay St., Suite 101 Charleston, SC 29401

843-729-7782 www.webcharleston.com wiselin@aol.com

William J. Iselin 1987

-

-

Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, errors sometimes occur. Email additions or corrections to research@scbiznews.com.

Types of Properties Managed

Income-producing

Industrial, land, warehouse

Agricultural, industrial, land, office, restaurant

Researched by Business Journal staff

Service you deserve. Partnership you trust.

Vacation Rentals | Long-Term Rentals | Property Management 1304 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451 • collins@islandrealty.com • (843) 242-1076


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It’s your story. Let us help you share it. Has your business created a new division? Are you offering new services? Are you moving? Are you celebrating an anniversary or company milestone? Do you simply need to get the word out about your organization? These are just some of the reasons to share your story in Profiles in Business. You’ll work collaboratively with a Business Journal marketing writer and photographer to craft the story of your business.

s e l fi o Pr 2020

s s e n i s u B in

ING CONNECT TRY LOWCOUN S E BUSonI’sNleEadinSgScompanies Charlest ccess keys to su reveal the

We’ll share it in both print and digital format, including 12 months of SEO exposure on our website, a feature in the Charleston Daily Journal, inclusion in Profiles in Business magazine, and promotion on our social media channels.

PUBLICATION DATE: June 14, 2021 | ADVERTISING DEADLINE: April 30, 2021 For advertising information, contact Grady Johnson at (843) 849-3103 or gjohnson@scbiznews.com


At Work

BUSINESS DIGEST | PEOPLE IN THE NEWS | HOT PROPERTIES | PEER TO PEER

People in the News

Business Digest

California-based truffle company expands in South Andy Hagedon, owner of smArt Image in Charleston, has introduced Truffle Shuffle’s truffle products to retail locations throughout the South, including Charleston, Columbia and Greenville. Hagedon partnered with world-class chefs in 2018 to launch a new consumer product goods company called Truffle Shuffle. He took over wholesale operations this summer and doubled the number of locations carrying the products, including 140 new Whole Foods Market stores in three new regions. Truffle Shuffle has grown in 2020 with the launch of private, corporate and public live online cooking classes and is preparing to close on a round of funding this year.

Liollio Architecture receives AIA regional design award

The American Institute of Architects South Atlantic Region has recognized Liollio’s design of Richland Library Ballentine in Irmo with a 2020 AIA SAR Design Award. The library includes an outdoor deck, reading great room, community living room, puppet theater, builtin activity wall with reading nooks, small and medium gathering spaces, a maker space and an art studio.

nacle Award in both the new home construction and remodeling categories. The company received an award for best new home construction for the Friend Street project, a custom home built in the heart of the Old Village in Mount Pleasant. The 3,540-square-foot, four-bedroom and four-and-a-half-bathroom home was a design-build collaboration with Alan Smith & Associates. The award for best remodel in the state was for the second row beach house project on Isle of Palms. Anita King, architect for Sea Island Builders, served as lead project architect, and interior designer Christyn Dunning-Gauss of The Guest House Studio provided interior architecture and design services.

Sea Island Builders was recognized as one of the best home builders and remodelers in South Carolina by the Home Builders Association of S.C. Sea Island Builders was the only firm to win a Pin-

Warrior Surf Foundation has received two donations from Boeing’s grant program, including $5,000 from the Employees Community Fund and $5,000 from the Military Fund.

Summerville/Dorchester chamber receives award from U.S. Chamber

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Greater Summerville-Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce with five-star accreditation for its policies, organizational procedures and positive impact on the community.

Nexton named best master-planned community in South Carolina

Custom home builder achieves honors, state awards

Warrior Surf Foundation receives grant from Boeing

Nexton was awarded the 2020 Pinnacle Award for Best Community by the Home Builders Association of South Carolina. Located on 5,000 acres, Nexton is considered a national model for master-planned communities, including four residential villages, three luxury apartment communities, 300,000 square feet of office space, state-of-the-art schools, 20 miles of trails, 2,000 acres of green space and multiple commercial nodes.

Residents raise $70,000 to support lung health

The American Lung Association in South Carolina’s virtual Lung Force Run and Walk raised almost $70,000 to fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung disease and support its COVID-19 Action Initiative. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies. The event was sponsored by Atlantic Respiratory Services, Buckhannon Tile and Design, Select Health of South Carolina, Grace Outdoor, Truist Bank and Vision Software Solutions.

ACCOUNTING Moore Beauston & Woodham LLP has hired Heather E. Jervey as a staff accountant in the Charleston office’s tax and consulting practice. Jervey received a Jervey Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of South Carolina. She has two years of public accounting experience and is a member of the S.C. Association of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Charleston Young Professionals. Jarrard, Nowell & Russell LLC has hired Drew Butterfield as staff accountant in the firm’s downtown Charleston office. Butterfield will prepare Butterfield tax returns, review financial statements and perform monthly bookkeeping duties. Butterfield previously served as the team’s intern from the summer of 2019 to the spring of 2020. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from The Citadel. Legare Bailey Hinske LLC has hired Erin Kyser as an associate at its Mount Pleasant office. With a background in accounting and auditing, Kyser will focus on business accounting, auditing and financial statement preparation and testing for clients. Previously, Kyser served as assistant controller with Atlas Technologies. She also worked eight years as a financial analyst and contract administrator with Fluor Corp.’s Government Group, and as an auditor with Ernst and Young. Kyser earned a Master of Science in accountancy from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science in finance from Clemson University. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

NONPROFIT Bernie Mazyck, president and CEO of the S.C. Association for Community Economic Development, was awarded See PEOPLE, Page 46


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People in the News PEOPLE, from Page 45

Target your market in an upcoming issue of the Charleston Regional Business Journal

JANUARY 11, 2021

2021: THE YEAR AHEAD

List: Executive Recruiting Firms

Advertising Deadline: December 28 JANUARY 25, 2021

HEALTH CARE

List: Hospitals Bonus List: Urgent Care Centers

Advertising Deadline: January 11 FEBRUARY 8, 2021

ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION (AEC) List: Engineering Companies

Advertising Deadline: January 25 FEBRUARY 22, 2021

TRENDS IN ENERGY

List: Recycling Companies Bonus List: Solar Companies

Advertising Deadline: February 8

For advertising information, call Grady Johnson at (843) 849-3103

the top leadership award by the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations. Mazyck has led for 21 years, growing the state’s community economic development movement from four community development organizations to more than 100 with a statewide economic impact of more than $350 million. He was involved in the creation of the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations, serving on the board of directors for 10 years. He also served as board chair from 2011-2014. Robert Smith, president and CEO of Palmetto Goodwill, has been honored with the 2020 Kenneth K. King Outstanding Management Award for Executive ExcelSmith lence. Smith has worked at Goodwill for the past 38 years. He started his career as a truck driver picking up donations. He has since worked in numerous positions within Goodwill, before becoming CEO in 1998. Palmetto Goodwill has grown from serving approximately 400 people a year to more than 20,000 people annually.

TECHNOLOGY Somo has hired Jack Reinelt as president and Scott Sarasin as vice president of business development. Reinelt will lead Somo’s commercial expansion. He has experience building companies in the automotive technology space, including digital mapping pioneer Tele Atlas, industrial auction leader GoIndustry DoveBid and Ann Arbor-based Software Services Corp. Sarasin will be expanding the company’s technology solutions, client projects and partnerships, including the establishment of a Detroit-area office. He has a sales and marketing background, most recently as head of sales and marketing at InfoReady Corp., and previously with IBM’s Rational software division and CDI Business Solutions.

FINANCIAL SERVICES Colm Bailey, an investment advisor with CUSO Financial Services LP, recently earned the Bronze Pacesetter Award, which honors the top-producBailey ing registered representatives among more than 200 investment programs. Bailey was recognized for generating

significant revenue while providing high quality investment and retirement planning services to S.C. Federal Credit Union members. Bailey has been with Investment Solutions since 2012 and has more than 11 years of financial service industry experience, including previous positions at Merrill Lynch and Smith Barney. He graduated from the Dublin Institute of Technology’s School of Humanities.

REAL ESTATE The Cassina Group has hired Henry Robinson as a Realtor. Previously, Robinson sold high-end beachfront and golf course real estate at some of the world’s Robinson top private clubs and resorts in the Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, Belize and Ireland, including The Abacao Club and Cap Cana. He holds dual degrees from Wake Forest University. Island House Real Estate has hired Erin Q. Hanhauser, who also recently earned The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s Certified Luxury Home MarHanhauser keting Specialist designation. Hanhauser has been in real estate since 2007 and specializes in listing and selling homes in the Charleston region. Hanhauser is also a Certified Negotiation Expert. Courtney L. Marous, vice president at Avison Young, has earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation by the CCIM Institute. Marous Marous specializes exclusively in industrial properties, users and investments. Marous started at Avison Young in fall 2014, where she launched her career as one of the first females in the region to specialize exclusively in the industrial sector. She has a background in global business, international supply chain and logistics. Marous is a founding partner of the B.I.M.Y. Industrial & Investment Services Team of Avison Young South Carolina and Savannah, Ga. As a core broker and strategic business development lead for the B.I.M.Y. Team, Marous drives the innovation, research, materials development, financial and network analysis, online marketing, and technology efforts and operations of the team.


Viewpoint PPP’s reauthorization funds must be secured from fraudsters VIEWS, PERSPECTIVES AND READERS’ LETTERS

C

OVID-19 has wreaked havoc on South Carolina, costing lives and livelihoods all across the state. My heart aches for all who have lost loved ones to this horrific disease or have suffered in any way themselves. Even the hopeful news of a vaccine on the horizon can’t do anything to negate the hurt DON and anguish they’ve WEAVER experienced. It is imperative that as South Carolinians, we come together at this crucial time to bolster our friends and neighbors in whatever ways they may need. In times of crisis, we are all responsible for the well-being of the communities we are a part of, challenged to employ our own tools and skillsets for the cause of collective rehabilitation and healing. I take that duty seriously; for me, it means ensuring that all government spending and stipends doled out throughout the

COVID-19 pandemic — both to businesses and individuals — makes it into the right hands, guaranteeing that not a penny of taxpayer money is wasted. I serve in a volunteer capacity as the President of the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers, an independent and privately funded research group that encourages government transparency and efficiency when it comes to tax policy. In order to carry out our work, we study the way South Carolina’s elected officials spend money and formulate tax policy, keeping track of bills in the legislative pipeline in order to ensure that only the best tax policy is implemented. Needless to say, because of my local experiences, I’ve kept a close eye on Congress’ efforts to support Americans and our country’s economy during the pandemic through federal programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Though I am encouraged by these efforts, the original program lacked the level of safeguards and transparency measures that an investment of $525 billion across the country warranted. Ultimately, given the amount of what some

viewed as “free money,” bad actors, large corporations and foreign entities were keen to take advantage of the program’s pitfalls and shortcomings. This deprived smaller- and medium- sized businesses — like those that comprise now-darkened Main Streets all across the country — of the funds they desperately needed to stay afloat. Given that hundreds of billions of dollars are still on the line, Congress must ensure that any reauthorization of the PPP is accompanied by reforms to safeguard the transfer of taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse. The lack of transparency and accountability measures in the initial stimulus program provided an entryway for those undeserving of these funds, and this entryway must be sealed off in its reauthorization — which is critical. A nonpartisan independent watchdog of the federal government called the Project On Government Oversight found that unqualified individuals and corporations as defined by PPP successfully obtained $113 million dollars of the program’s initial loan grants. That

is more than 100 million dollars that could’ve — and should’ve — made its way into the hands of small- and medium-sized businesses across the country which have been forced to halt operations and lay off employees because they couldn’t withstand the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government cannot let this recent history repeat itself as it will work to the detriment of what makes our country and its local communities so great. Small and medium-sized businesses — once pillars of communities across the country and certainly in The Palmetto State — were already fighting for survival prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP has been a lifeline, but bad actors have deprived the opportunity of financial resuscitation from some. Congress must ensure that the PPP’s reauthorization happens, but that it is accompanied by in-depth reforms that ensure bad actors are kept away from this precious and badly needed relief. Don Weaver has served as the president of the S.C. Association of Taxpayers since 1994.

4 reasons employers need to provide financial security benefit to employees

A

financial security benefit that helps employees pay for and manage their out of pocket health care expenses allows an employer to not only keep health care costs down, but to provide a much-needed benefit to their employees, one that pays dividends for AMY years to come. Here O’MEARA are 4 reasons why CHAMBERS employers need to provide a financial security benefit to their employees as part of their offering. 1. Restore the “benefit” in your health benefit offering. The standard employer-sponsored health plan comes with nearly an $8,000 out-of-pocket expense. Considering that the vast majority of Americans live paycheckto-paycheck and 40% struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense, it’s no wonder why so many individuals consider themselves functionally uninsured despite being covered by an employer’s health plan. And, when an employer’s price tag to purchase that insur-

ance for a family now exceeds $20,000 a year, it is painful for employers to witness their employee “benefit” suddenly become an employee “liability.” Providing employees with guaranteed access to credit for medical expenses on consumer-friendly terms that they may not have access to on their own is of tremendous benefit. A benefit like this gives employees something their health plan alone can’t — financial security. 2. Remove barriers to care. More than ever, employees with high deductible health plans are skipping care, which has costly consequences. Employees who skip care stay sicker for a longer period of time and, as a result, employers lose worker productivity. When outcomes erode and care is delayed, employers will see an increase in health plan expenses. By providing a financial security benefit from the start, employees can seek care with confidence, and prevent this unhealthy ripple effect from happening. 3. Increase participation in Health Savings Accounts. HSAs are great additions to an employer’s benefit line-up. In some cases, they are also the only plan design that an employer

can afford to offer. Employees who are presented the choice of an HSA often bemoan that while the program should work well for them, and that the pricetag for the premium is right, the specter of a one-time deductible exposure makes them hesitant to enroll. And, while lower premiums paired with some employer HSA contributions can often cover that exposure, employees worry about the timing of these expenses, particularly if they arrive early in the plan year. Providing an affordable way for employees to pay for their health care expenses whenever they are incurred removes a major barrier to HSA plan election. Further, adding a financial security benefit is much more cost effective for the employer than front-loading the HSA with hard dollars at the beginning of the plan year. 4. Recruitment and retention tool. According to a recent Gallup poll, the availability and affordability of health care tops the list of concerns in America. As employers grapple with objectives, such as attracting and retaining talent and balancing costs, a financial security benefit not only addresses a major employee concern, but also can

help organizations differentiate themselves from their competitors. With COVID changing the landscape of health care for all of us and open enrollment around the corner, employers need to rethink their benefit strategy while keeping costs down. Attracting and retaining employees remains a high priority for employers, and providing a financial security benefit will not only attract top talent but will also save on an employer’s overall bottom line. Amy O’Meara Chambers, JD, is the CEO and Co-founder of HealthBridge. She has more than 25 years of experience working in the health care industry as both an employee benefits attorney and as a business builder. Amy is the author of Health Savings Accounts for Dummies and holds a JD from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. from the University of Chicago.

Correction A story in the Nov. 30 edition of the Charleston Regional Business Journal, “On Laurel Island, affordable housing with no expiration,” incorrectly stated the location of the bridge, which will be at Cool Blow Street.


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