Berkeley Means Business
Berkeley County Economic Development
(Post and Courier) SUMMERVILLE — A vital part of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution is built here, and Gov. Henry McMaster paid a visit Tuesday to celebrate it.
Horizon Scientific Inc. has recently gotten more attention after being the only manufacturer in South Carolina selling ultra-low temperature freezers. The equipment has become vital in safely storing the Pfizer vaccine for the coronavirus.
Horizon President Laura Steiner gave the governor a personal tour of the Summerville facility. McMaster said between 200,000 and 300,000 vaccines are slated to come through the state by the end of the year.
“We never expected to get the attention of our governor,” Steiner said. “We’re very proud and honored to be a part of this solution.”
While highlighting each component of the freezers during the tour, she also touched on the growing orders to the company.
In the past month, the number of orders for freezers from Horizon have been the highest the company has seen in the past two years. Steiner said overtime to meet demand has become necessary.
Horizon is also currently looking to hire more employees to build the freezers, which it made for vaccine storage even before the pandemic. Steiner said it was mostly selling to the academic community doing research.
The company’s products include a broad range of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-compliant, medical-grade refrigerators and freezers that are also used for medication and patient sample storage.
With South Carolina health care workers starting to get the vaccine this week, the company is expecting more demand as the months go on.
Following the tour, McMaster held a small press conference to further commend the company for its work. He also reiterated that officials had plans ready for a vaccine rollout months ago.
Smith has a lengthy resume of relationship building and management, including 22 years with Berkeley County alone. His prior County experience includes 17 years with Berkeley County Public Works under the roles of Project Management and Utility Coordination and Vegetation Management/Licensed Applicator. For the last five years, Smith served in the County’s Safety and Risk Management Department—specifically in the area of Workers’ Comp. His vast certifications and titles range from County Infection Control Officer to OSHA 10 & 30 General Industry Certified and CPR/AED Instructor Certified.
“I feel that my years of work experience with Berkeley County Government, coupled with my love for its people, rich history and natural resources, allow a unique insight in helping guide and build its future.”
–Bidd Smith, Project Manager, Berkeley County Economic Development
“We are excited to welcome Bidd to the Economic Development Team as Project Manager. Bidd’s passion and knowledge of the County will prove to be a beneficial asset for our team. We look forward to witnessing how his skills will help further the County’s industry success and build upon our key “OneBerkeley” mission. -Kristen Lanier, Director, Berkeley County Economic Development
When not conducting County work, Smith can usually be found exploring his County. His favorite hobbies center on outdoor recreation and waterway relaxation, including hunting, fishing, and boating. Smith is also a PADI Certified Scuba Diver whose deep-water discoveries frequently include fossils and other unique finds.
Smith and his wife Norma call Moncks Corner home. The couple, who’ve been married 22 years, have two children and multiple grandchildren.
“A&R’s new facility provides our customers with unprecedented optionality and the highest level of quality and service,” said Chris Ball, president of A&R Logistics. “With two high-speed packaging lines, sea bulk operations, liquid transload capability, rail service via CSX and proximity to the Port of Charleston, we provide supply chain solutions specifically engineered for the chemical industry. Every step of the build out was done with an eye toward safety, quality, sustainability and innovation, which are of the utmost importance across our entire operation.”
Developed in close cooperation with the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) and the state of South Carolina, rail tracks run along the building’s south side to facilitate the offloading of product from railcars, while the north side of the building features 72 dock doors where product is then loaded onto trucks for export. The facility has been designated a CSX Select Site, ensuring efficient and reliable capacity and service. Combined with industry-leading equipment and A&R’s trademark customer service, the new location provides complete packaging and supply chain solutions for global chemical customers.
“SC Ports is thrilled to celebrate the opening of A&R Logistics’ import and export transloading facility in Berkeley County,” said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. “Their sophisticated warehousing and packaging operation will further support growth in the chemical industry. A&R Logistics selected the Port of Charleston as one of their east coast load ports due to SC Ports’ efficient operations, ample capacity and knowledge of the petrochemical industry. We welcome the company to South Carolina and look forward to our continued partnership.”
A&R’s ribbon cutting event marked the official debut of the space. In addition to Newsome, speakers included South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, Senator Larry Grooms, SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome and Berkeley County Supervisor and Chairman Johnny Cribb.
A&R emphasized during the event its commitment to being a good steward of the local area not only through economic development, job creation and environmental safety but also through community involvement. The company highlighted its partnerships with groups like Keep Berkeley Beautiful and Habitat for Humanity. It also announced a $10 thousand donation to Keep Berkeley Beautiful in addition to sharing that A&R’s Vice President of Operations Brandon Boyd has joined the organization’s board.
To learn more, visit www.ardoingitright.com and www.linkedin.com/company/a&r-logistics-inc.
MONCKS CORNER, S.C.– (September 30, 2020) —Kristen Lanier has been named the County’s new Economic Development Director.
Lanier, a Berkeley County native, has worked in Berkeley County since 2015. She served as the County’s Workforce Development Director in Economic Development. She then took on the role as Interim Director in April 2020 when former Economic Development Director Barry Jurs retired.
Born and raised in Moncks Corner, Lanier boasts a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Marketing from the College of Charleston. She started with the County in February 2015 as the Marketing
and PR Coordinator for the Berkeley County Library System and joined Economic Development in July 2018. Since then, she has helped greatly expand the ManuFirstSC program, started the welding programs at Cross and Timberland high schools, and increased the participation of local industries with the Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeship Program.
Kristen Lanier has been instrumental for Berkeley County, connecting citizens with job opportunities and industries with the workforce they need. She is a born leader with a proactive drive and passion for Berkeley County. I look forward to seeing her help Berkeley County reach greater heights. -Supervisor Johnny Cribb
I’m incredibly honored to be named to this role. I’m thankful for having worked and gained valuable career experience at Berkeley County. This area has not only been my workplace for the last several years but also my home. I have a special place in my heart for the County, and I will continue to passionately serve her citizens and business community. –Kristen Lanier
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– Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office –
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCIV) — An master-planned industrial park in Moncks Corner is receiving national recognition.
Camp Hall was named the No. 7 best industrial park in the nation according to “Business Facilities Magazine’s” 16th annual Rankings Report.
“We are incredibly proud that Camp Hall has been recognized as a top industrial park in the country,” said Mark Bonsall, Santee Cooper President and CEO. “Camp Hall stands out not only because of its environmental, workforce and technology focus, but because it’s ready for action. Infrastructure, permits and approvals are in place with designated sites ready for development as we speak.”
Camp Hall is home to Volvo Car USA’s first North American manufacturing plant and continues to provide a wide range of business opportunities.
28% of the site will also be preserved to maintain wildlife habitats and the local ecosystem. Camp Hall is working to restore 365 acres of wetland and is implementing more than 15 miles of a multi-use trail system.
Camp Hall is home to Volvo Car USA’s first North American manufacturing plant and continues to provide a wide range of business opportunities. (Photo: Santee Cooper)
“Camp Hall’s architecture centers on blending ‘man and machine,’ which goes hand in hand with our focus on the relationship between community, nature and technology,” said Dan Camp, Santee Cooper’s Senior Director of Real Estate and Camp Hall. “We’re providing a place where businesses will reap the benefits of advanced connectivity, while their employees can enjoy the trails on their lunch breaks and access the amenities of the Village Center.”
The Village Center will include a convenience store, places to eat and recreational space.
Demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development practices, Nexton, an innovative and walkable community in South Carolina, was awarded the Grand Award for Best Community Land Plan during the 2020 Gold Nugget Awards’ virtual ceremony on July 24.
According to a news release, the award is presented annually by the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC). The international event recognizes the industry’s most innovative architects, land planners, builders and developers.
Developed by Newland, Nexton is a 5,000-acre, mixed-use community located just outside Charleston. Featuring three residential villages, luxury apartments, office space, state-of-the-art schools, miles of trails, more than 1,000 acres of green space and multiple commercial nodes, the community is a lifestyle-driven destination that artfully blends the best of live, work and play – all within close proximity to the area’s top employers.
“Years before Nexton’s first neighborhood or nature trail, we embraced the cornerstones of wellness and innovation to optimize the land plan and create value,” said Paul Milana, AIA, one of Nexton’s land planners and partner at Hart Howerton. “A decade later, Nexton’s popularity demonstrates a blueprint for success, and we are proud to see its continued growth.”
The Gold Nugget Awards acknowledge achievements in more than 50 categories, including mixed-use, affordable housing, educational, special-use and senior housing design. This year’s 57th annual competition received nearly 600 entries from around the world.
“This design reflects an ergonomic community plan with a fine-grained mix of uses connected by a network of trails, walkways and bike lanes,” said Newland’s Marketing Director, Cassie Cataline. “Newland has preserved an incredible 30 percent of land for open space, wooded preserves, parks and trails. The master plan has been recognized as a game-changer in the Charleston region for its thoughtful planning.”
Source: Post and Courier, Joy Bonala
New Multi-Tenant Office Building Currently Leasing Retail & Concept Collaborative Workspace
MONCKS CORNER, SC July 22, 2020 – Home Telecom announces the virtual opening this week of their new two-story, 20,000-square-foot Home Telecom Technology and Retail Center located at 1247 Nexton Parkway in Summerville. Home Telecom’s 2,800-square-foot customer service center, located on the ground floor of this new building, and featuring a 20-foot media wall, is not yet open to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, Home Telecom will staff a dozen customer relationship specialists and technicians on-site who will be available to support the Summerville service area.
Designed by Charleston architecture and interior design studio, The Middleton Group, this impressive multi-tenant office building is meant to be a statement of intent for the Nexton development’s commercial corridor, mixing traditional brick with large expanses of glass and metal panel. Located prominently at the junction of Nexton Parkway and Brighton Park Boulevard, the building portrays a combination of the long-standing tradition established by Home Telecom and the progressive design that highlights its high-tech business that Nexton seeks to showcase.
“With Nexton’s rapid growth and plan for major innovation in mind, it was crucial for the design for the Home Telecom Technology and Retail Center to set the tone for the rest of the area. We incorporated a variety of materials and textures to ensure a modern, yet timeless design, that would lead the office building and its tenants far into the future,” said Blake Middleton, Principal of The Middleton Group.
In addition to Home Telecom’s customer service center, this building will house leasable office and retail spaces. Available now, Home Telecom has partnered with Bridge Commercial to begin leasing 5,200 square feet of office and retail space on the ground floor, which can be finished to either meet the needs of one large business or two or three individual businesses. The Concept collaborative workspace, 20,000 square feet of gigabit-capable office space on the second floor will be opening this fall.
According to Home Telecom President and CEO, William Helmly, while Home Telecom is eager to open the new retail space to the public, the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the area, and the continued construction on the second floor, makes it unsafe to do so at this time.
“This high-tech building equipped with additional office space and Concept shared workspace fills a void for Summerville’s growing entrepreneurs and business owners,” Helmly said. “We’re looking forward to showing off the space in the very near future.”
With easy access to I-26, the new high-tech office building powered by multi-gigabit wired internet and WiFi in one of the Lowcountry’s fastest developing commercial centers, helps Home Telecom better serve the growing population in the Summerville area, and to provide entrepreneurs and start up technology companies, amenity-rich office space in a like-minded environment.
An official grand opening and ribbon-cutting event for the entire building is planned for later this fall when Concept is complete. The 8,000-square-foot shared, conceptualized office space is designed for technology entrepreneurs, small startup businesses, and work-from-home professionals looking for a place to collaborate.
For more information about the round of activity currently happening at the new Home Telecom Technology and Retail Center in Summerville, contact Gina Shuler at Home Telecom, gina.shuler@hometelco.com or (843) 761-9178.
Home Telecom
Home Telecom is an integrated communications provider headquartered in Moncks Corner, SC providing telephone, high speed Internet, video, and security services to residents and businesses in the Charleston region of South Carolina. They utilize a variety of state-of-the-art technologies, most notably FTTP technology, making them a leader in providing the fastest broadband internet services in the state. Visit HomeSC.com for details about a local company with a history that spans more than 100 years.
The Middleton Group Architecture Studio
The Middleton Group, an architecture and interior design studio based in Charleston and founded by Laura and Blake Middleton in 2007, is dedicated to creating beautiful, healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings for their clients. They focus on delivering exceptional design and service, treating every project with the same level of quality and attention, and valuing their client’s input throughout the design process. They use the latest technology to enhance the design process and expand the client’s understanding of the design through 3D visualization, modeling, and renderings. The firm has received multiple local and state-wide design awards for their projects. Please visit www.themiddletongroup.net and follow @themiddletongroup on Instagram for more information.
Bridge Commercial
Bridge Commercial is a regionally focused commercial real estate firm headquartered in Charleston, SC. Bridge’s brokers are best in class and known nationally for their experience and expertise. Bridge’s mission is to best serve our clients with the combination of collaborative teamwork, experienced and dedicated talent, and the leverage of technology and innovation. For additional information regarding leasing and availability, please contact Mike Palmer at mike.palmer@bridge-commercial.com.
Berkeley County Economic Development Team welcomes its newest team member, Corey D. McClary. McClary will serve as the Workforce Development Manager.
McClary is married to his best friend, his bride, Kimberly McClary. Goose Creek has been home to the McClarys since 2003.
Raised by two professional educators, McClary has a passion for helping others and education. His mother, Eartha McClary, was a teacher at Howe Hall Elementary and Goose Creek Primary for many years and has since retired. She still continues to serve as a mentor and long -term substitute for Berkeley County School District. His dad, John McClary, was a high school teacher, coach, and Athletic Director in Charleston County School District. He has since retired as well. They both serve as leaders in several local civic organizations and in their local church. Together they raised four sons.
McClary was raised that God and family were the backbone to what shaped one’s character. He was also taught and trained that true leadership was developed with respect, integrity and discipline. These characteristics helped McClary develop a passion early on in life to become a “servant leader”, or one that leads by serving others.
As such, McClary has had the privilege of serving in the United States Army, also serving as a full time Youth Pastor here in Goose Creek, serving as a Citizen Advisor for the City of Goose Creek, serving as a Berkeley Electric COOP Community Outreach Board Member, serving as a Community Arbitrator for Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, being the founder of the Berkeley County Teen After School Center with the SC Dept. of Juvenile Justice, and serving as a mentor to dozens of students. McClary also serves in his local church as a teacher for Children’s Church, a media team member, and Pastor’s Aid.
McClary is a graduate of The Citadel, loves sports, and has five children, Destiny, Danielle, Kaitlyn, Cayden and Cameron.
Kristen Lanier, the former Workforce Development Manager, has now transitioned to serve as Project Manager.
June 17, 2020, Source: crda.org
CHARLESTON | SC | USA – Charleston has topped the lists of global, luxury travel magazines as the Best U.S. City for the past 10 years. This discerning visitor demand makes this community attractive as a business location as well. The region’s fast-growing automotive manufacturing sector has added a new key player, Arkonik Ltd. This world leader in creating custom Land Rover Defenders for the most exacting American and Canadian clients has selected Charleston for its first U.S. location and North American headquarters.
Established in 2006 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, Arkonik Ltd., specializes in the restoration and customization of Land Rover Defenders for customers all over the world. With a workforce of more than 70 at its Bath, England headquarters facility, Arkonik anticipates steady growth potential for its new Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) location in the City of Charleston in Berkeley County, South Carolina.
Arkonik SVO will serve as the company’s flagship operation for engine and transmission upgrades. Arkonik SVO has been developed for two reasons: to offer clients an array of upgrades appropriate for today’s Defender driver and to provide a physical presence in North America where clients can test drive the vehicles, meet the team, and discuss their custom options face to face. An electric vehicle platform is planned for 2021.
“Less than a year ago, within the foundry of Arkonik’s ambitions, a brand-new objective was cast: locate and develop a U.S. business hub from which to better serve our North American clients. Multiple prospective locations in various states were considered, visited, and then reviewed. In the final analysis, no other setting came close to offering the unique home we felt Charleston could provide. Arkonik is thrilled to call Charleston home.” – Arkonik Ltd. CEO Andy Hayes
In January 2020, Arkonik secured a lease on a facility located at 2300 Clements Ferry Road in Berkeley County. The company suspended operations shortly thereafter due to COVID travel restrictions. With social distancing and safety protocols in place, renovations will begin immediately to accommodate a fully operational shop, and a customer design and delivery center. Arkonik SVO expects to hire 5 to 10 employees within the next five years, including mechanical and electrical technicians, and administrative support.
“In helping Arkonik become established on U.S. soil, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance and Rebecca Ford have consistently provided expert guidance and balanced advice. They have made it fun and they have made it easy. That Rebecca would choose to join Arkonik as our Managing Director is a tremendous and fortunate turn of events.” – Arkonik Ltd. CEO Andy Hayes
Rebecca “Becky” Ford has been hired to run the SVO unit in North America. Currently a Director of Global Business Development for the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, Becky will assume her leadership role as Arkonik SVO Managing Director effective July 1, 2020.
“I am honored to represent Arkonik Ltd. in the North American market. I look forward to putting the team together and supporting our global customers.” – Incoming Arkonik SVO Managing Director Rebecca Ford
Arkonik is the eighth company to locate here as part of South Carolina Department of Commerce’s and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance’s Landing Pad program, which is designed to support global companies as they enter the U.S. market, often simplifying what could be an overwhelming experience and minimizing risks through the process.
“South Carolina’s undeniable prowess in the manufacturing industry continues to help attract companies from around the world. We’re proud that Arkonik Ltd. selected Berkeley County to base its first North American operations. We welcome Arkonik SVO to South Carolina and look forward to watching them succeed in our state.” – SC Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“Bringing new jobs and opportunities to Berkeley County, with limited impact on the County’s resources and infrastructure is an incredible win for the County and the region. Berkeley County welcomes Arkonik into the Country and especially our community. We look forward to working with this company for a successful future.” – Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb
“I am pleased to welcome Arkonik to Charleston and am honored they chose our city to house their North American headquarters. I wish them great success and look forward to seeing their future growth and development.” – Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg
“Charleston’s highly-skilled workforce, business-friendly climate, and globally-connected infrastructure like the Port of Charleston, influenced the company’s decision to locate here to better serve its customers. Arkonik SVO will be a tremendous asset to our growing automotive cluster.” – Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman John Hagerty
About Arkonik
With over 250 builds to their name, Arkonik is the world leader in creating custom Land Rover Defenders for the most exacting American and Canadian clients. Working with D90 and D110 models, each vehicle that receives the Arkonik treatment will be of a 15-25 year old vintage, depending on its destination. Arkonik performs a full restoration whilst retaining as much of the original vehicles as possible, to render a ‘better than new’ vehicle tailored to clients’ specifications. Their mission has evolved over the last 14 years, but the founding principle has remained constant; to create the most authentic, restored Land Rover Defenders in the world. Defenders that are as influential and inspirational as their clients. Arkonik’s adventurous and intrepid founder Andy Hayes has instilled the mantra ‘we are excellence’ into every employee since the company’s humble beginnings.
About Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA)
Charleston Regional Development Alliance is a professional economic development organization representing Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties in South Carolina. With a large and growing network of business, academic and governmental partners, CRDA directly assists companies with competitive location or expansion projects by connecting them with the right people, the appropriate resources and the most meaningful and relevant information. CRDA promotes the Charleston region’s business, academic, and lifestyle strengths worldwide to attract the world’s best companies, entrepreneurs and professional talent. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen regional employment, build our base of high-value industries, and significantly improve the economic future for all who live and work in the greater Charleston area.
Media Contacts:
Claire Gibbons, CRDA Director, Global Marketing & Communications
+1 843.760.3351 | cgibbons@crda.org
Andy Stacey, Arkonik Creative Brand Manager
+44 (0)1373 476100 | andy.stacey@arkonik.com
A Goose Creek manufacturer of high-voltage cables for the energy industry has signed a contract to design, manufacture and install cables for the first phase of the large wind power farm that will rise from the sea off of Scotland.
French-owned Nexans inked the deal for the Seagreen 1 project with SSE Renewables.
Construction of the 1,075-megawatt project, roughly 17 miles off the coast of Angus, will start next year.
The Nexans plant at Charleston International Manufacturing Center will build three 40-mile-long underwater cables that will transport electricity generated by Seagreen’s turbines to land. A second Nexans plant in Belgium will build land cables connecting to a new substation, where Seagreen power will feed into the United Kingdom’s national electricity transmission system.
The wind farm will be Scotland’s largest source of renewable energy, able to power 1 million homes.
Nexans, based in Calais, France, is also building a cable-laying vessel called Aurora to transfer underwater cables from its Berkeley County site along the Cooper River. That vessel is expected to be completed in the second quarter of next year.
Production of the underwater cables involves lowering a copper conductor into a 426-foot-tall tower, where it is encased in melted plastic and then cured and cooled with nitrogen. The landmark structure at the Goose Creek site is among the tallest in South Carolina.
Nexans, which opened the 350,000-square-foot plant in 2014, underwent an $80 million expansion in 2018 to convert from above-ground to underwater cable production. It’s the only Nexans site in North America that makes those cables.
The expansion also includes a shipping terminal where the company’s cable-laying vessels can load up before heading to offshore projects.
Reach David Wren at 843-937-5550 or on Twitter at @David_Wren_
