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NOTE: The Charleston Currents staff will be taking the holiday off and will not publish on Monday. Next week, we'll publish only on Wednesday.We hope your celebration is full of watermelon and fireworks. |
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CALENDAR: This week ... and next :: FEEDBACK: Send us your thoughts ::
SPOTLIGHT: Rural Mission :: QUOTE: Texas hair :: BROADUS: Finally, a sidewalk |
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JUNE 30, 2011 - On Monday, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and several other groups held a press conference to call into question the merits of the recent lawsuit filed against Carnival Cruise Lines and to discuss its negative impact on both the Port of Charleston and our regional economy. The suit filed asks the court to find Carnival's use of the Union Pier Terminal illegal, claiming the cruise line is in violation of a number of city of Charleston zoning regulations when it is docked at the Union Pier Passenger Terminal.
Everyone one of the organizations represented, including the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, Charleston Regional Development Alliance, Charleston Restaurant Association, Maritime Association of South Carolina, Mount Pleasant Business Association, World Trade Center Charleston, Trident CEO Council, Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Trident Home Builders Association, had the same reaction to the lawsuit. Is our region prosperous enough to turn its back on jobs and one of its top economic platforms? Does our metro area want to stand idly by while a single-issue, obstructionist group sues a private sector business that has done nothing wrong other than increase our region's economic prosperity? The clear answer to both questions from the 10 organizations, which represent more than 3,500 businesses and more than a quarter of the Lowcountry's labor force, is a strong no.
The Port of Charleston is a dominant economic engine that fuels the economy of both our region and the entire state. It provides thousands of direct and indirect jobs in our community. Every few days when a Carnival or other cruise ship is docked at Union Pier, there are hundreds of people working to support the ship and its passengers - hardworking people who live in our community and are able to support their families because of the jobs provided by cruises and the Port.
The lawsuit against Carnival is nothing but an attempt of a single-issue interest group to disrupt the commerce of our Port and a meaningful downtown revitalization project. The vast majority of our community supports the continued growth and development of our Port, and the commitments that Carnival is making to build a strong cruise industry component as a contributor to the Charleston region's economy.
The 1,850 businesses that comprise the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and their 75,000 employees have clearly told us that without question, the number one issue facing our region right now is the growth of our economy and the creation of jobs. Peer Chambers and fellow business organizations throughout our region are hearing the same message from their business members. As Elaine Morgan, CEO of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce so aptly said, "Our Port has a significant economic impact on not only our region, but the entire state of South Carolina. This lawsuit impedes on the well-being of our state, puts up another roadblock for our businesses trying to come out of an economical valley, and implies that South Carolina is not a business friendly state." This lawsuit is wrong and sends the wrong message to businesses around the world about our region. We are not, in fact, a place that doesn't want business. We are instead a community that welcomes new business and new jobs and opportunities for all. Our business community and our voices are going to aggressively champion the rights of South Carolina free enterprise proponents and the sustainable growth of our region and advancement of our state economy. This lawsuit is wrong and we believe it should be dismissed. This is not a downtown issue, this issue impacts our entire region and we will do all that we can to continue to support the Port of Charleston going forward.
Dear Reader: Please name that dog By MARSHA GUERARD, editor JUNE 30, 2011 - When you go through the steps of choosing the right dog breed for you and your family, be prepared for some surprises.
We're officially empty-nesters, with one daughter and her husband helping to plant Soul City Church in Chicago and the other pursuing a film production career in Los Angeles. I wanted a little dog who'd sit on my lap and look adoringly into my eyes. Not that either of my daughters ever did that once they began crawling. The desire for a lapdog eliminated the mastiff, although I met one recently and fell in love. He was a sweet gentleman, but bigger than my teeny house. I wanted a pup who didn't require a ton of exercise, since I am a bit exercise-challenged. That eliminated the whippet and Jack Russell, who make me tired just looking at them. I wanted something relatively low-maintenance on the furry scale, having experienced the shock that comes when a groomer has shaved my mutt and revealed a polish sausage where once a bichon had been. That eliminated all those cute, curly balls of fur. I hoped to find a dog that didn't shed much. My two female cats must have male-pattern baldness, considering the tufts of fur all over the carpet. And I wanted a dog smart enough to work with me on the daily Sudoku and crossword puzzles. Someone like Lassie of TV fame, who could tell me when Timmy has fallen down the well or fetch the C-clamp for me when I'm trapped in the barn. According to the AKC, that left … the Chihuahua. I confess, I have never even considered owning one of these dogs. But I spent days on the research, which was a bit like doing computer dating. This, apparently, is the dog for me. Easily groomed but still long-haired, minimal exercise required for those tiny legs, and a smart little companion, the perfect size for laps. I found a reputable breeder online, and a puppy I've seen only in photos whose ears are currently larger than her body. I go to pick her up on Saturday. Now, I'm hunting for a girl Chihuahua's name. Any suggestions? The winner will be awarded a free subscription to Charleston Currents.
The public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring CharlestonCurrents to you at no cost. This issue's featured nonprofit partner is Rural Mission on John's Island. The organization is many things to man people: a hand up in times of crisis and need … a mission, service and faith volunteer experience for the young and older … a caregiver and advocate for young migrant children and a support system for migrant families … a provider of a warm, comfortable home in winter and … a greatly appreciated giver of desperately needed home repairs to make low income homes safe, healthy and decent. For all, Rural Mission is a source of hope for low- and very low-income residents, the elderly and families living in the rural underserved Sea Islands of Charleston County, from Johns Island to Wadmalaw to Edisto and Yonges Islands. To learn more about this extraordinary organization, visit Rural Mission online. To talk to someone about giving your time or money to help, phone: 843.768-1720.
JUNE 30, 2011 -- Charleston's Adam Witty hit on a stunningly simple idea - help professional speakers develop and "publish" a book. A nice niche, apparently, for his Advantage Media, as Inc. magazine just named him one of its "30 under 30". Nice.
Google
kills off Health and PowerMeter
Trident Technical College will offer a new Environmental Technology program this fall to address the need for skilled technicians in the environmental field.
"The
goal of the Environmental Technology program is to provide students with
skills that will help them acquire jobs or improve their current employment
situations," says Laurie Fladd, department chair of Physical Sciences
at Trident Technical College. "Each of the three career paths has
a solid core of environmental science courses and provides specialized
skills in different areas of the environmental technology field." Fladd says the employment outlook for environmental technicians is very good. "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there will be a nearly 30 percent increase in environmental technician jobs into 2018, with the addition of more than 10,000 technicians to the workforce in that time," she says. Postsecondary education, such as an associate degree or a certificate in environmental technology, is a prerequisite for many technician positions. For more information on the Environmental Technology program, call Fladd at 843-574-6081. To enroll in courses, students must apply to the college. Application deadline for Fall Semester is Aug. 8. Apply online or request an application at www.tridenttech.edu. Local nonprofit wins national award SC Launch, an SCRA affiliate, has been named Nonprofit Organization of the Year by the 2011 American Business Awards. This national award, known as The Stevie Award, recognized SC Launch for its role in leading collaborative entrepreneurial and economic development efforts.
Since its inception by SCRA in 2006, and with initial funding of $12 million in SCRA earnings, SC Launch has supported and funded 188 start-ups in South Carolina, helped draw 11 business relocation landing parties to the state, provided business services to 230 early stage technology companies through a powerful Resource Network and helped position emerging South Carolina Knowledge Economy companies to secure more than $130 million in follow-on funding from angel, venture and other private capital sources. Riley wins Chamber leadership award named for his father The Charleston Metro Chamber presented Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. with the Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award at the Chamber's 238th Annual Meeting & Gala on June 24. The award is given each year to an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities and uses his skills to make this region a better place. The Joseph P. Riley Award was created in 1992 by the Chamber's Board of Directors in honor of Riley's father.
"Mayor Riley is a true partner with the Chamber and leader in doing everything he can to make sure not just the city of Charleston, but the entire greater Charleston area is the America's best place to live, learn, work and play. He shares the Chamber's priorities - job creation, economic growth, ensuring we have the infrastructure for our community and improvement of education - understanding these are all key areas of focus for him just like they are for all of us," said Bryan Derreberry, Chamber president and CEO. In his
36 years in office, Mayor Riley has been a visionary leader, transforming
Charleston into one of the world's leading communities. Charleston was
the first community in the country to develop a tourism management plan
to ensure the character of the community is balanced with this vital economic
sector. Wine + Food Festival seeks poster artists The BB&T
Charleston Wine + Food Festival invites tri-country residents to submit
entries to its seventh annual poster competition. Gibbes
Museum administrator selected for key role Zinnia
Willits, director of collections administration for the Gibbes
Museum of Art, has been selected to serve as a Museum Assessment Program
peer reviewer for the American Association of Museums. Selection for this
program is extended only to qualified museum professionals who have significant
museum experience and a proven understanding of the museum field. Applicants
to the Peer Review Program are expected to demonstrate a record of active
participation in the field-wide dialogue of museum operations, standards,
best practices, and emerging issues.
Willits
has served on the curatorial staff of the Gibbes Museum of Art-a museum
accredited with the American Association of Museums-for seven years. Prior
to joining the Gibbes, she worked at the College of Charleston Jewish
Heritage Collection, the Augusta Museum of History, and the Michael C.
Carlos Museum at Emory University. Willits is extremely active in the
museum profession and speaks at conferences throughout the country. She
is a member of the Registrars Committee of the American Association of
Museums, has chaired sessions for the annual Southeastern Museums Conference,
and serves as Professional Development Committee Chair of South Carolina
Federation of Museums. The Citadel student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers has been named the winner of the 2011 ASCE Richard J. Scranton Outstanding Community Service Award in recognition of exceptional service by a student chapter. The Citadel chapter was chosen from 281 ASCE student chapters at colleges and universities across the United States and from 11 countries. This is the second consecutive year The Citadel has received this award. Civil engineering students logged more than 1,000 hours of volunteer service on community projects such as the Battery2Beach (B2B) Benefit-Cost Analysis, Patriots Point Parking and Traffic Study, Morris Island Save the Light Foundation, K-12 student bridge competitions in Greenville and Charleston and the Wagener Terrace Neighborhood Association. In the
Battery2Beach project, students partnered with Charleston Moves, the College
of Charleston, and other organizations to conduct a benefit-cost study
on a 30-mile pedestrian and bicycle route that will link Charleston's
Battery with Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms and Folly Beach.
Bluffton originated as a summer resort for antebellum plantation owners of St. Luke's Parish in Beaufort District. Located on the 20-foot-high bluffs of the May River and facing the cool, southerly winds, it was an ideal summer refuge for planter families. The town, known first simply as May River and then later as Kirk's Bluff, was officially named Bluffton in 1844. The town's streets were formally laid out in the late 1830s, and Bluffton was incorporated by the General Assembly in 1852.
Cotton wealth and steamboat service from Savannah led to the construction of a growing number of summer cottages in antebellum Bluffton. Additional construction included several general stores along Calhoun Street, two churches, and a school for the children of planters. With the capture of Hilton Head Island by Union forces in November 1861, residents evacuated Bluffton, which was subsequently attacked and burned by Union troops in June 1863, destroying more than two-thirds of the homes. The attack may have been retribution for the role played by Blufftonians in the secession movement. The first secession movement in the state was started in 1844 by the planters of St. Luke's Parish and became known as the "Bluffton Movement." The building of the Coastal Highway (U.S. 17) and bridging of the Savannah River in 1926 ushered in a new phase in Bluffton's history, when its status as a center of local trade gradually diminished following the discontinuation of riverboat service to the town. Bluffton's economy depended mainly on its seafood business and construction of oyster sloops. While Bluffton continued to draw summer residents, its economy declined until the construction of the Talmadge Bridge, which created a shorter route to Savannah, and the construction of a bridge connection to Hilton Head Island. The development of Hilton Head as a major tourist destination in the early 1970s marked a revitalization of Bluffton. Annexations and the spread of Hilton Head's resort and tourism economy led to a seventy-five percent increase in Bluffton's population during the 1990s.
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Immigration form tips
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has begun notifying 1,000 businesses nationwide it wants to review their I-9 forms and other documents to make sure they are hiring only people authorized to work in the United States. The government is focusing on companies vital to national security and other government and economic functions, but other businesses may be subject to inspection at any time. "Employers must take the ICE investigations very seriously," said J.J. Darby, South Carolina director of the National Federation of Independent Business, the state's largest small-business association. Fines for I-9 violations range from $110 to $1,100 for one single, minor, or technical violation. Incorrect I-9 forms can be used as evidence of knowingly hiring an illegal alien that can result in a fine of up to $3,200 per violation. Here's how to prepare for an ICE investigation:
The NFIB Employment Hotline is available to assist members with I-9 and immigration questions. Members can call 866-678-NFIB. "I get a lot
of cracks about my hair, mostly from men who don't have any."
Plantation Singers:
10:30 a.m., June 30, Cooper River Memorial Library, 3503 Rivers
Ave., and 2 p.m., June 30, Dorchester Road Regional Library, 6325 Dorchester
Road. Sing along with the Plantation Singers, a group known for telling
many stories through singing.
Party at the Joe:
7 p.m., June 30, Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park. Although there is not
a scheduled baseball game, fans of the Charleston RiverDogs can still
soak in the sights and sounds of Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park. Presented by
Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, "Party at The Joe" features $1 beer,
live music by local band Gaslight Street, cornhole, Firefly and food specials
with proceeds benefitting Windwood Farm, a non-profit organization that
is a home for children. Advance tickets are $5, while day-of-performance
tickets will be $7 at the gate. For additional information, click
here or call Melissa Azevedo at 843-577-DOGS. Red, White and Blue on the Green: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., July 3, Summerville. Hutchinson Square in downtown Summerville will feature games, face-painting, and jump castles & a watermelon-eating contest sponsored by businesses and community organizations. Food vendors on site. Costume contest for the best patriotic garb. Decorated bicycles, wagons, families and pets parade around the park, and the most original and best-decorated entrants are awarded prizes. For more info, contact 843-821-7260 or click here. (NEW) Fourth of July Fireworks
(NEW) Hooves and Hides: 3:30 p.m., July 6, Charleston Museum. Kid Tours is a series designed to highlight artifacts from the museum's collection that have fascinated children for years. Kid Tours meet every Wednesday in July at 3:30 p.m. and include a craft project or activity. This week, kids can encounter some of the large animals in the collection, including a horse, a camel and a bison. Free for Museum members and free with admission ($10/adults, $5/children, under 3 free) CALENDAR: ONGOING AND SOON SOAR on Folly 5K: 8 a.m., July 9, Folly Beach. Runners, walkers, supporters and athletes are invited to take to the course together to run or walk 3.2 miles on the hard sands of Folly Beach. Celebrate the Special Olympics community as athletes run and walk beside you or cheer you on near the finish line. Stay after the event for a day on the beach or join us at Loggerhead's Grill for discounted brunch and beverages. Parking is limited, carpooling is recommended. All proceeds from the event will benefit Special Olympics South Carolina. Cost: $25 for adults (over 12) and $15 for kids (11 and under) until June 30; $30 for adults and $20 for kids starting July 1. (NEW) Reggae Nights Concert: 8:30 p.m., July 9, North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and music by Mystic Vibrations begins at 8:30 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket. Hungry concert-goers can purchase Caribbean-style dishes, pizza and other festival foods at the event. Crafters and other vendors will be on site. Children 12 and under, as well as Gold Pass holders, enjoy free admission. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Tickets are $8 for adults. No outside alcohol or coolers. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
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These
10 business organizations have come together on this issue because we
are committed to supporting our region, the lifestyle, jobs and businesses
of our residents. The cruise industry has been part of the Charleston
working waterfront for decades, bringing jobs and business to our area.
Business, civic and elected leaders recognize the vital contributions
of this sector and are rallying behind the Port and city of Charleston
by supporting the renovation of the passenger terminal and the redevelopment
of Union Pier.
Facebook
sees member losses in U.S., Canada
Peter
Lucash is a Charleston-based businessman who runs 
The
program includes associate degrees and certificates. Students can choose
from three career paths for the associate degree: Environmental Technology,
Environmental Safety and Health and Sustainable Technology. The college
also offers certificates in Environmental Safety and Health and Sustainable
Technology, which can be completed in three semesters. The Environmental
Technology certificate can be completed in four semesters.
"SC
Launch is overwhelmed to receive such an honor from the American Business
Awards," SCRA Executive Vice President and SC Launch Executive Director
Dave McNamara said. "I would like to thank our staff, our investment
board and our outstanding resource partners for their hard work and dedication
in building our program."
The
winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and the title of Official Poster
Artist. The design will be featured on official Festival merchandise and
showcased in storefronts across the Lowcountry. The official poster design
will be unveiled at a later event in the fall.
Living
Local: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., June 30, Sweet Olive garden and
gift boutique in I'On at 264 N. Shelmore Blvd., Mount Pleasant. With the
wide variety of creative local artists and local products in the Lowcountry,
Sweet Olive will hold a new free monthly happy hour to celebrate everything
local. The first Living Local Happy Hour will have a culinary twist showcasing
the creations from local vendors such as Purple Palmetto Dips, Neita's
Charleston Vinaigrettes & Marinades, Charleston Mix Bloody Mary Mix
and more. Future monthly themes will include locally made home products,
artists and authors and horticulture. Wine and beverages will also be
provided. Admission: Free.
Revolutionary
War focus tours: 4 p.m., July 5, 12, 19, 26, Heyward-Washington
House, 87 Church St. The Charleston Museum's Heyward-Washington House
will offer special Revolutionary War focus tours every Tuesday in July.
Reservations are not required. Admission is $10/adult and $5/child (free
for Charleston Museum members). For more information, Call 722-2996 ext.
235. Please note: the July Revolutionary War Focus Tours are not available
to tour groups during this time slot.