Redefine Your Business Future with Smart Financial Insights
Running a small business requires more than effort and determination; it involves understanding the financial elements that contribute to success. A solid grasp of finance enables business owners to navigate decisions with confidence. Whether it's setting prices or managing risks, financial knowledge can turn obstacles into chances for growth. It helps streamline operations, improve credibility, and foster lasting stability. Effective financial management is key to thriving in a competitive
Leadership Berkeley Class Partners with Unity Bay for November Supply Drive
(Berkeley County, SC) – The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce is excited to share that this year’s Leadership Berkeley class has decided to partner with Unity Bay for this year’s Supply Drive, running November 1–30, 2024. This collaboration will support over 250 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by Unity Bay through Berkeley Industries and other programs. The Leadership Berkeley class is lending its energy and expertise to promote the collection of essential items that empower
PUBLIC OPINION POLL AFFIRMS PIVOTAL ROLE OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
U.S. adults recognize the wide-sweeping impact of their local chamber, ACCE/Harris Poll survey finds [Berkeley County, SC] (November 21, 2024) — Results from a nationwide public opinion poll indicate chambers of commerce are vital to the prosperity of their communities. The Harris Poll survey, conducted on behalf of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), finds 81% of U.S. adults agree that their local chamber of commerce is a trusted resource and partner for businesses. Around nine in
Home Telecom Grants $68,000 to Local Nonprofit Organization
MONCKS CORNER November 19, 2024 — In partnership with the Coastal Community Foundation, Home Telecom will grant $68,000 through the annual Home Community Fund grant program this month. The funding will go to 22 local nonprofits in the Tri-County coastal region of South Carolina, that will work to make communities a better place. Since Home Telecom joined with the Coastal Community Foundation in 2002 to create the Home Community Fund, they have contributed $595,228 to hundreds of well-deserving nonprofit
Home Telecom Launches Free SmartTown Wi-Fi in Nexton
MONCKS CORNER, SC October 30, 2024 — Home Telecom is now offering free SmartTown Wi-Fi access to Home Telecom customers in the Nexton community! In 2022, Home Telecom increased average Wi-Fi speeds by about 600% in Nexton Square, Brighton Park Great Lawn, The Hub and Brown Family Park to ensure patrons would not struggle with network overcrowding and intermittent access, even during large events. The upgrade ensured a faster and more consistent Wi-Fi experience for anyone enjoying the parks. Home Telecom
SUMMERVILLE MEDICAL CENTER OPENS NEW SURGICAL UNIT TODAY
Summerville, SC (October 14, 2024) –Summerville Medical Center is thrilled to announce today’s opening of the hospital’s new surgical unit, which is the phase 1 of a Inpatient Tower construction project. The new 30-bed unit is dedicated to high quality post-surgical care. This $66.8 million project marks a significant milestone in Summerville Medical Center’s vision to be the healthcare provider of choice for the community they serve and is the latest investment of more than $250 million in recent years
TRIDENT MEDICAL CENTER NAMES MAURY BAKER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
(CHARLESTON, SC, October 7, 2024) – Trident Medical Center has named Maury Baker as its new Chief Operating Officer. He will start October 29, 2024. Baker joins Trident from sister Trident Health hospital, Summerville Medical Center, where he served as the hospital’s Chief Operating Officer. Jeff Wilson, President, Trident Health, and CEO, Trident Medical Center, said, “Maury has impressed me, and the other members of our leadership team, with his servant leadership and his demonstration of
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of South Carolina Affected by Tropical St
WASHINGTON – South Carolina businesses and residents affected by Tropical Storm Debby on Aug. 4-22, are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced today. Administrator Guzman made the loans available in response to a letter from South Carolina Governor Henry Dargan McMaster on Sept. 16, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. Businesses and residents in the declared area can now apply for
Summerville Medical Center celebrates opening Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Summerville, SC (September 16, 2024) – Imagine having to travel 40+ minutes each day to visit your newborn – for weeks. That’s what new parents in Summerville, N. Charleston and surrounding communities have been doing for decades and it’s why Summerville Medical Center is proud to announce the opening of a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Elevating critical care for sick babies from a Level II Special Care Nursery to a Level III NICU is a significant milestone for Summerville Medical Center’s
Berkeley Community Resource Hub Unveiled at the Alvin Recreation Center
BERKELEY COUNTY, SC) — On Friday, August 9th , the Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce, community partners, service agencies, and non-profits will unveil the third Berkeley County Resource Hub at the Alvin Recreation Center at 2191 Santee River Rd., St. Stephen, with an Agency Expo. The Expo will be from 10:00 to 1:00 and showcase the service agencies and non-profits that have agreed to provide services to the HUBS. This is part of a broader plan to establish five centers to enhance connectivity in the
Waterleaf at Foxbank Apartments Celebrates Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
(BERKELEY COUNTY, SC) — The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Waterleaf at Foxbank Apartments. The event marked a significant addition to the local community, offering modern living spaces and enhanced amenities for residents. Local elected officials attended the ceremony to include Town of Moncks Corner, Mayor Tom Hamilton, and Council Member Latorie Lloyd, along with Berkeley County Delegation Member Representative Sylleste
Home Telecom Renews $200,000 Diamond-level Partnership with SCRA as SC Innovation Economy Continues
MONCKS CORNER, SC July 25, 2024 — For the third consecutive year, Home Telecom has renewed its Diamond-level Partnership with the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), contributing $200,000 to SCRA’s Industry Partnership Fund (IPF). Contributions to the IPF are used by SCRA to support companies and researchers advancing impactful technologies in South Carolina. “Home Telecom understands the challenges companies face when developing technology aimed at solving industrial, commercial and lifestyle
Trident cuts the ribbon on a $30M OR expansion project
Charleston, SC – Trident Medical Center executives, physicians, colleagues and community supporters held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of a $30 million surgical services expansion. The project is one of many on a list of capital projects totaling nearly $300 million earmarked for Trident Medical Center, Summerville Medical Center and the construction of more Trident Health free standing ERs. Jeff Wilson, President of Trident Health and Chief Executive Officer of Trident
Home Telecom Announces Extensive Internet Network Upgrade in Rural Berkeley & Dorchester Counties
MONCKS CORNER, SC July 9, 2024 — Home Telecom announces their latest grant award that will enable them to further expand and improve their robust internet network in rural Berkeley and Dorchester counties. The construction is slated to kick off in early 2025. The more than $9 million project is partially funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) 3.0 Grant Program. The funds seek to expand broadband infrastructure to households, business, and communities in the
Berkeley County Resource Hub Groundbreaking Ceremony
On Thursday, May 23, The Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce joined local and state leaders and community partners to unveil the first Berkeley County Resource Hub. This event is the first of five planned centers to improve connectivity to rural parts of the county, providing two years of free Wi-Fi for access to telehealth, well-being resources, and job and educational training opportunities. The Hubs also have printers, webcams, desks, chairs, and eight new Google Chromebooks available for the
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Summerville Medical Center welcomes Michael ''Logan'' Rawlins, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Summerville, SC – Summerville Medical Center is thrilled to welcome bariatric and general surgeon Michael “Logan” Rawlins, MD, FACS, FASMBS as the new Bariatric Medical Director to lead the hospital’s 13+ year bariatric program providing high quality bariatric and weight loss care for our community. Dr. Rawlins is a board-certified and fellowship-trained bariatric and general surgeon with more than 12 years in practice as well as 14 years of active duty service in the United States Air Force. He
McElveen Buick GMC Earns 2023 GMC Dealer of the Year Award
Summerville, SC – For its commitment to excellence and dedication to GMC’s “Professional Grade” ethos, General Motors is proud to announce that McElveen Buick GMC has earned the title of 2023 GMC Dealer of the Year. The award is presented to the top 1 percent of GMC dealers who excel at delivering premium and capable products to customers, coupled with outstanding sales and exceptional customer service. "GMC stands for delivering vehicles that are the epitome of Professional Grade, and our Dealer of the
Biden-Harris Administration Awards Record-Breaking $178 Billion in Federal Procurement Opportunities
10 Federal Agencies Earn A+ in SBA’s Annual Scorecard Released During National Small Business Week WASHINGTON – Today, at a roundtable discussion hosted by the White House and attended by several federal agencies to mark National Small Business Week , SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced the agency’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 federal procurement “Scorecard” results, which measure how well federal agencies meet their small business contracting goals each year. T he Biden-Harris Administration
The Comfort Suites Hotel in Summerville, SC Wins Prestigious 2024 Platinum Award from Choice Hotels
Summerville, SC. May 6, 2024– The Comfort Suites of Summerville, SC has been recognized with a prestigious 2024 Platinum Award by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's leading lodging franchisors. Choice will present the award to the owner, Ms. Carol Wiggins, and the team of the Comfort Suite on Thursday, May 9th at 12:00 noon. The media is invited to attend the presentation. The designation is awarded to the top 3% of hotels within the brand, representing a tremendous
Home Telecom Hosts Rural Broadband Celebration at Tri-Community Center in Cross
MONCKS CORNER, SC April 2, 2024 — On March 26th, Home Telecom welcomed residents and leaders from the tri-county region to their Rural Broadband Celebration. The event served as a milestone to reflect on the Fiber expansions that have positively impacted the Lowcountry to date and also to kick-off Home Telecom’s next $14.7 million rural broadband expansion project, beginning this week in north Berkeley County. “I am here to announce a total project investment of $7.3 million from the Capital Project Funds
TRIDENT HEALTH NAMES JEFF WILSON PRESIDENT
Will Also Serve as Trident Medical Center Chief Executive Officer (February 26, 2024) – Trident Health has named Jeff Wilson as the health system’s new President. He will also serve as CEO of Trident Medical Center. Trident Health employs nearly 3,000 and has a medical staff of nearly 800 physicians. Next year, Trident Medical Center will celebrate its 50 th anniversary. Jeff joins Trident Health from Methodist Hospital Stone Oak in San Antonio, TX, where he served as Chief Executive Officer for
Congratulations to Home Telecom’s 2024 Directory Art Challenge Winners
Stratford High School Senior’s The Verdant Beauty of Cypress featured on Directory coverMONCKS CORNER, SC February 15, 2024 –The Verdant Beauty of Cypress, drawn by Stratford High School senior Ash Trespicio, will grace the cover of the annual Home Telecom Directory this year after winning first place in the 2024 Home Telecom Directory Art Challenge competition. In its 10th year, the challenge is one of Home Telecom’s ongoing education outreach programs directed at art departments across the Berkeley
LIVE OAK MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS LAUNCHES SUBSTANCE USE AND RECOVERY PROGRAM
Program Led by Reaghan Hicks, MD, Board Certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry Ladson, SC (January 8, 2024) – According to a report published by the Partnership to End Addiction (https://drugfree.org/article/fast-facts-about-addiction/), only about 1 in 10 people who need treatment for substance problems receive any form of care. Of those who do receive treatment, most do not receive anything that approximates evidence-based care. To expand access to experienced substance use
Home Telecom Awarded Two Rural Broadband Expansion Grants Toward Nearly $14.7M Projects
MONCKS CORNER, SC December 18, 2023 — Home Telecom has been awarded two state grants totaling over $9.5 million from the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS), to expand rural broadband to 2,640 structures throughout Berkeley County and parts of Dorchester County. The areas most affected by the expansion are portions of Cross, Huger, Harleyville, Bates Pond/Huger South, Jedburg Road, and Lebanon. Announced this week by the South Carolina Broadband Office (SCBBO) and funded through its American
The Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 2023 Leadership Berkeley Graduating Class
(Berkeley County, SC) – On November 16, the Leadership Berkeley class of 2023 celebrated a successful year and completion of the program at a graduation luncheon at the Greeting House in Summerville, SC. The 2023 Leadership Berkeley class kicked off their ten-month long program in February 2023. The program designed to expose businesses and area leaders to the opportunities and challenges facing our community and by promoting and fostering leadership creates a strong and diverse pool of community
Berkeley Chamber Frontline Manager Workshop Pilot Program
(BERKELEY COUNTY, SC) — The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce completed a pilot workshop for Frontline Managers. Picture: From left to RightDan Matheys, Kloeckner Metals; Rocky Bowers, Cooper River Partners; Heather Kirkland, BD; Instructor Dr. Keith Plemmons; Robin Shedd, Cooper River Partners; Jordan Eddins, Cooper River Partners; Andrea Hoffman, BD; Lynard Gardner, Cooper River Partners. This two-day workshop focused on providing frontline basics, including focusing on the customer, path of leadership,
THOMAS & HUTTON NAMES NEW SHAREHOLDERS 2023
Savannah, GA, October 17, 2023 — Thomas & Hutton is pleased to announce the addition of two new company shareholders: Cecilia Arango, CPSM and Brian Riley. Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President Ben Jones states, “For 77 years, Thomas & Hutton continues to focus on growth and sustainability, and ownership transition is an integral part of our plan. We are excited to welcome Cecilia and Brian as shareholders at Thomas & Hutton. With both having over 20 years of experience at the firm, their
Trident Technical College to hold presidential search public forums
Nov. 28, 2023 … The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) has been selected to assist Trident Technical College with its presidential search process. The college began the search process after its long-time president, Dr. Mary Thornley, announced her retirement effective June 1, 2024. ACCT’s assistance will include providing support with the development of a presidential profile and recruiting highly competitive candidates. ACCT has conducted over 750 community college searches and brings a
TRIDENT MEDICAL CENTER EARNS SECOND CONSECUTIVE ‘A’ HOSPITAL SAFETY GRADE from LEAPFROG GROUP
Trident Medical Center’s Patient Safety Grade Reflects Top National Performance (Charleston, SC), November 14, 2023 –Trident Medical Center has earned a second consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as
Leadership Berkeley Completes Community Class Project 2023
(Berkeley County, SC) – Each year, The Berkeley Chamber’s Leadership Berkeley graduates select a class project. The project is directly related to circumstances or wishes of the community that the class has recognized through the participation in the Leadership Program. This year’s Leadership Berkeley Project highlighted the needs for displaced and underprivileged children in the Berkeley County area by partnering with Jean’s Angels in packing 500 backpacks with essentials, such as food and hygiene kits
TIME TO SHINE CAR WASH TO CELEBRATE NEW CANE BAY LOCATION
Summerville, South Carolina, November 29 -- Time To Shine Car Wash will celebrate the opening of its newest location in Cane Bay with free car washes. The new location is located at 1727 State Road in Summerville. The Grand Opening will provide all customers with a free $32 Extreme Graphene Car Wash from Friday, December 1, through Sunday, December 10. Friday, December 1, will have a ribbon cutting with the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce at 11 a.m. “We are so excited to continue to grow through Charleston
Summerville Medical Center welcomes Stephen Chandler as new Chief Executive Officer
Summerville, SC – Today Summerville Medical Center welcomes Stephen Chandler as the hospital’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Chandler has more than 10 years of healthcare administration experience, including his most recent role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at HCA Healthcare’s Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond, VA, and prior to that, 3 years of policy and legislative experience in Washington, DC. “Summerville Medical Center has a proud past of providing extraordinary care to our community
FSIoffice Announces Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce Benefit Program
(BERKELEY COUNTY, SC) – FSIoffice, one of the nation's largest independent office supply dealers, announced today the signing of an agreement with the Berkeley County (SC) Chamber of Commerce that offers members savings when purchasing office supplies, office furniture, and cleaning and breakroom supplies. “The Berkeley Chamber is thrilled to offer this member saving program to our members,” said Elaine Morgan, Berkeley Chamber of Commerce CEO. “Managing a workplace is more complex than ever so businesses
2023 Berkeley County Election Schedule & Voter Registration Information
Deadlines Approaching for Municipal Elections MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Tuesday, September 19, 2023) To vote in South Carolina, state law requires a person to register to vote at least 30 days prior to an election. This election cycle there will be no countywide offices of Berkeley County on the November ballot. However, there will be municipal elections in the Town of Moncks Corner, Town of Jamestown, Town of Summerville, and portions of City of Charleston located within Berkeley County. View the full
Trident United Way Announces New Leadership Hires
Astad, Johnson and Reams to join the organization this month North Charleston, SC- Trident United Way (TUW) is thrilled to announce three new leadership hires who will join the organization this month: Vice President of Institutional Funding, Director of Health and Director of United for ALICE. Ilze Astad will become the Vice President of Institutional Funding, leading the organization’s grant proposals and compliance planning. This is a new role for Trident United Way as we look to diversify funding
Trident Technical College President Mary Thornley Announces 2024 Retirement
“It is with deepest gratitude and humility I submit this retirement letter. I realize I will never be ready to leave, so I must leave Trident Tech without being ready.” With these words, Trident Technical College President Mary Thornley announced her retirement effective June 1, 2024, during a meeting of the college’s Area Commission Sept. 26. Thornley is the college’s fifth and longest-serving president. She began her 50-year career at the college as an adjunct instructor in 1973. She became a
Global Paint Manufacturer Celebrates New Facilities with Oktoberfest Groundbreaking Event
WHY: Choate Construction Company is building new logistics and warehouse facilities for Mankiewicz Coatings, facilitating the paint manufacturer’s growth at its North Charleston campus. Plans for the two-story logistics facility include space for logistics and shipping operations as well as an office and training space. WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony followed by Oktoberfest Celebration, with 500+ guests from all over the world encouraged to wear traditional lederhosen and dirndls to fully immerse
Choate Construction Company Celebrates Topping Out at Palmetto Coast Industrial Park
CHARLESTON, SC, September 13, 2023 - Choate Construction Company celebrates the major milestone of structural steel and concrete completion on two distribution facilities for Edgewater Ventures in North Myrtle Beach’s Palmetto Coast Industrial Park. In honor of the individuals whose hard work and dedication are driving these projects forward, Choate Construction held a trade partner appreciation event to commemorate the “topping out” of the Pepsi Bottling Ventures (PBV) distribution facility and an adjacent
Summerville Medical Center closer to opening Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Summerville, SC – Imagine having to travel 35+ minutes each day to visit your newborn – for weeks. That’s what new parents in Summerville, N. Charleston and surrounding communities have been doing for decades and it’s why Summerville Medical Center is excited to announce they’re closer to receiving Certificate of Need (CON) approval to elevate to a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). “We’re committed to ensuring that families don’t have to travel far from home to receive compassionate care,”
Home Telecom Celebrates Relocation of Customer Service Teams to New Office
MONCKS CORNER August 24, 2023 — Home Telecom, driven by their commitment to provide an exceptional customer experience, has relocated their current Customer Service Center from their corporate headquarters at 579 Stoney Landing Road in Moncks Corner to a new location less than a mile away at 551 Rembert C. Dennis Blvd. The heart of the move comes in response to Home Telecom’s extraordinary growth. To bolster that growth, both their support and customer service divisions required more space to ensure the
Trident Tech offering tuition-free enrollment for fall and spring semesters
July 27, 2023 … Trident Technical College will offer tuition-free enrollment to eligible South Carolina residents for both fall semester 2023 and spring semester 2024, covering all the college’s 150-plus programs of study. The free tuition initiative is part of the college’s continuing commitment to make higher education accessible to all area residents. This is the second year the college has offered tuition-free enrollment for all its programs. Trident Tech President Mary Thornley said it could be the
Home Telecom to Match a New $6.2M ReConnect Grant; Over $12M Investment to Bring High Speed Internet
MONCKS CORNER June 27, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that Berkeley County is one of the beneficiaries of the Biden administration’s $65 billion Internet for All initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to connect all Americans to high-speed internet. Local award-winning internet company Home Telecom will match a $6.2 million U.S.D.A. ReConnect grant, bringing the total project investment to $12.4 million. The initial project will connect nearly 4,000 residents, 49
Choate Construction Delivers Newest Senior Living Center to Summerville
CHARLESTON, SC, May 30, 2023 – Choate Construction Company partners with Seasons Living and Studio+ to deliver Wildcat Senior Living to the residents of Summerville. As the first South Carolina location, Wildcat Senior Living brings a new style of senior living to the Cane Bay area, featuring 144,000-SF of independent and assisted living spaces, a memory care facility, full-service kitchen, and much more. “It has been a privilege to work alongside our talented trade partners in bringing this stunning new
Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic Hosting Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at New Indigo Shopping Center
Keith Summey, Mayor of North Charleston and Other Dignitaries Expected to Attend WHO: Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic is pleased to welcome Hardy World, LLC, sponsor of the New Indigo Shopping Center, with Mayor Keith Summey of North Charleston and other members of the local business community to the ribbon cutting of its new Shopping Center, Indigo. This event will be hosted by Brent Case, CCIM, President and Broker in Charge of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic of North Charleston. Hardy
The Village at Summerville Celebrates National Senior Health & Fitness Day®
Local Organization Part of National Event to Promote Healthy Lifestyles for Older Adults – 2023 Theme: “Move More to Do More!” Summerville, SC — The Village at Summerville will join an estimated 1,000 local groups to celebrate the 30th Annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day (NSHFD) on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023. As an official host site, The Village at Summerville will hold a mini Health Fair, fitness and health seminars on May 31st from 10am to 2pm. The Village at Summerville will join with an
Home Telecom Congratulates 2023 Directory Art Challenge Winners
Choate Receives Two Awards for Excellence in Construction, ABC Carolinas
Choate Construction Company was recognized with two Merit Awards at the 2022 Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards, presented by the Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas (ABCC). As these Awards honor the year’s most outstanding construction projects and contractors for remarkable achievements in quality, leadership, safety, innovation, and inclusion, diversity, and equity, it was an honor for Choate Construction to be celebrated among such esteemed industry peers for the work performed