November 2015 - Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

INVESTOR UPDATE
NOVEMBER 2015
MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT
WWW.CHARLESTONCHAMBER.NET OR CALL 843.577.2510
DRIVING GROWTH.
Becoming a world-class metropolitan region.
CONTENTS
Letter from Leadership
1
Innovation2
Talent4
Advocacy6
AGC Investors
8
4500 Leeds Avenue, Suite 100
North Charleston, SC 29405
www.charlestonchamber.net
p: 843.577.2510
Dear Accelerate Greater Charleston Partner:
With the end of the year rapidly approaching, it is inspiring to see the continued progress and impact
of Accelerate Greater Charleston on our metro. Whether in the area of Innovation, Talent or Advocacy,
your support of Accelerate Greater Charleston allows us to hone and further develop our assets which
in turn, propel our business community.
The Chamber’s Catalyst Center is attracting more entrepreneurs and businesses, who see this
resource as a valuable place to connect and grow a business. In operation for just over a year, traffic
in the Catalyst Center is now reaching the 2500 user mark; a significant measure of community
impact. The number of small-and medium-sized companies who are now export-ready due to the
training provided by World Trade Center Charleston and the Chamber has also grown. The Export
Training class now in session is the largest class to date with eight companies enrolled.
The talent pipeline, which we know is a universal concern for all employers, is showing steady growth
as various talent initiatives are producing career- and college-ready students. Additional resources for
educators, students and business professionals will increase our talent footprint through digital tools
designed to increase collaboration and learning across multiple avenues.
In our section on Advocacy, you will see that responsible growth management is at the forefront of
efforts to educate and support the needs we face throughout the region. In Mt. Pleasant, the state’s
4th largest community, our advocacy and growth management campaign has attracted many new
followers including members, non-members and young professionals who are each important added
voices to smart growth management.
While the floods experienced throughout the region in October were devastating for many, it has
illuminated the immediate need for infrastructure funding, something we have been advocating
throughout the year. We look forward to a renewed effort in the legislature to identify, secure and
pass much needed legislation to improve our state’s roads and bridges. Our advocacy team is closely
following the process and will represent the business community in our support of dedicated funding
for infrastructure improvements.
We are proud of the accomplishments, made possible by your partnership in this important work for
the future of metro Charleston. Accelerate Greater Charleston is working, thanks to your continued
support and investment.
Respectfully yours,
Laura G. Varn
2015 Chair of the Board
Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
Bryan S. Derreberry
President and CEO
Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
1
INNOVATE TO CATALYZE
DYNAMIC AND FAST-PACED
BUSINESS SUCCESS
Building a thriving economy to secure our region
on the global commerce stage is made possible
through Accelerate Greater Charleston.
Catalyst Center Anniversary
Members of the Charleston Metro Chamber and the Chamber’s eCrowd (Entrepreneur Crowd)
celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Catalyst Center in September. The event featured keynote
speaker entrepreneur Patrick Bryant, founder of Go To Team and more, who spoke on his experiences in
several start-up ventures and provided advice for new entrepreneurs. Attendees enjoyed connecting with
others and learning of upcoming programs scheduled in the Catalyst Center.
Perfect Pitch
The Chamber’s annual Perfect Pitch event, showcasing entrepreneurs competing for seed money
and support, has developed into a multi-organization collaboration drawing increased attendance and
recognition. The 2015 Perfect Pitch event, which will be held on November 18th at the Sottile Theatre,
is hosted by the Charleston Metro Chamber, the College of Charleston Interdisciplinary Center
for Applied Technology (ICAT), DIG SOUTH and The Harbor Entrepreneur Center. Perfect Pitch
features numerous teams pitching their business ideas, success stories from previous pitch winners
and seasoned entrepreneurs and a high-impact celebration. Winners in two categories will each be
awarded up to $10,000 in prize money.
Received from eCrowd member in the Catalyst Center on October 23, 2015
“THERE IS NO PLACE IN CHARLESTON LIKE THIS.
THANK YOU CHARLESTON METRO CHAMBER FOR
TAKING A STEP TO HELP THE LITTLE GUYS.”
eCrowd member
2
“THERE ARE SOME SUCCESS STORIES IN THE WORLD TRADE
CENTERS ASSOCIATION THAT ARE WORTHY OF SHARING. IN
NORTH AMERICA, WORLD TRADE CENTER CHARLESTON IS
ONE OF THEM. THE DYNAMIC PROGRAMS THEY OFFER ARE
GREAT EXAMPLES OF WHAT WORLD TRADE CENTERS CAN
ACCOMPLISH TO FACILITATE GLOBAL TRADE.”
Martin Salloum, Regional Development Manager,
North America World Trade Center Association
Export Training
World Trade Center Charleston and the Charleston Metro Chamber began the fourth cohort of the Export
Training Program in September with the largest class to date. Leaders from eight companies are mid-way
through their intensive training to learn how to expand their sales of products or services to other countries
and will graduate in December. This brings the total number of companies trained to 21.
The Export Training Program, designed for small-and medium-sized companies, is taught by a nationally
awarded export leader and results in customized export plans that can be implemented immediately. The
next Export Training Program will begin in February, 2016.
Catalyst Center Utilization
Traffic in the Catalyst Center continues to rise as more entrepreneurs and Chamber members seek
the space and assets of the region’s resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners. 974 visits
during the third quarter brings the total utilization since opening to 2288 visits.
International Trade Roundtables
World Trade Center Charleston hosted two International Trade Roundtables in September; one in
partnership with the State Department and one in partnership with U.S. Senator Tim Scott’s office
(SC 1st District). The purpose of the events is to attract those in and serving international trade
for informal conversations on issues affecting global business including international regulations
and foreign trade agreements. Senator Scott’s office has staff focused on international trade
who research trade issues, review and monitor trade legislation and identify the needs of U.S.
businesses to successfully trade internationally.
3
TALENT FUELS SPEED TO
IMPLEMENTATION AND
ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY
Accelerate Greater Charleston works to provide our region’s
employers with a highly skilled, work ready talent pool.
Career Academy Onboarding Events
Career Academy teachers, counselors, administrators and business partners jumped into the new
2015/2016 school year by participating in Career Academy Onboarding events held at the Charleston
Metro Chamber in late summer. During the events, attendees received new handbooks, heard from
school district personnel, shared information and welcomed new Academy participants and partners.
There are now 60 Academies operating in 21 area high schools and 140 business partners working
alongside educators to teach relevant curriculum for a 21st century workforce. Career Academies are
attracting students to the following industry clusters, creating alignment between educational output and
industry demand:
• Arts/Humanities
• Health Professions
• Business/Finance
• Hospitality/Culinary
• Computer Science
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Engineering firms are of particular interest in many schools. Businesses interested in participating in
this important collaboration are encouraged to contact the Chamber for more information on how to
get involved.
From Scholarship Students to Near Graduates
In spring of 2014, the Chamber awarded 12 students with AGC Scholarships to Trident Tech, paying
full tuition and books for these graduates of area Career Academies. An additional group of 15 students
received the same scholarships in the spring of 2015. The Chamber is pleased to report that of the first
group, all but one has successfully started their 2nd year of college and are eager to reach graduation
in spring 2016.
The student who left the program did so to pursue a Bachelors degree in Engineering at Clemson
University; a never-before imagined goal until his experience with Career Academies, Trident Tech and
the AGC Scholarship. The 2015 AGC Scholarship students entered college this fall.
4
“WORKING TOGETHER, AREA BUSINESSES AND INDUSTRIES,
SCHOOL DISTRICTS, THE CHAMBER AND TRIDENT TECHNICAL
COLLEGE HAVE DEVELOPED STRONG INDUSTRY-DRIVEN
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, LIKE THE YOUTH
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM, THAT PROVIDE STUDENTS
WITH HIGHLY MARKETABLE SKILLS WHILE FILLING
CRITICAL WORKFORCE NEEDS.”
Dr. Mary Thornley, President, Trident Technical College
Youth Apprenticeship Programs
The region’s Youth Apprenticeship Programs for high school juniors and seniors continue to expand,
attracting both students and companies to this career track. In the Hospitality, Manufacturing and
Information Technology programs, there are now 58 student apprentices, who will also continue their
classes and begin college course work, through scholarships paid for by Accelerate Greater Charleston.
Thirty companies have hired students thus far and a total of 43 companies have registered to participate.
Industry additions are also being made. A new HVAC apprenticeship program will open in 2016
and in 2017, apprenticeships will be available for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and
Office Medical Specialists.
Career Headlight Illuminates Paths for Students
A new online tool designed to help users learn about available jobs in the community and the skills
required for them has been developed jointly by the Charleston Metro Chamber, Charleston Regional
Development Alliance and SC Works. Currently in beta testing, Career Headlight will help students,
teachers, counselors, parents and working adults find the careers best suited for them and learn where
in the region to get the skills needed. The new tool will soon be distributed to counselors and students
throughout metro Charleston and will be made available on the Chamber website.
Career Academy Intranet
The previously reported Career Academy Intranet, developed by the Charleston Metro Chamber for
all educators and business partners, now has 131 users since its introduction this fall. This dynamic
communications platform allows all academy professionals to share information and collaborate across
the region to enhance career education. With three school districts participating in Career Academies,
tools such as the Career Academy Intranet will enhance teaching, planning and connectivity for all,
adding to the power of our regional education initiative.
5
ADVOCACY IS CENTRAL
TO ADVANCING OUR
REGION’S PROSPERITY
Accelerate Greater Charleston’s advocacy efforts are designed
to guarantee our region’s sustainable and prosperous growth.
Floods Prompt Renewed Pressure for Infrastructure Funding
The disastrous flooding throughout the Lowcountry and Midlands in early October has thrust the issue
of needed infrastructure funding into the spotlight. Whether or not the State’s legislature convenes for
a special session prior to the opening of the second term in January, support for infrastructure funding
has increased dramatically. Governor Haley has said publicly that she will support a motor fuel user fee
increase. The Charleston Metro Chamber is working to mobilize the business community to push for the
Senate bill to pass in the coming legislative session.
TOGETHER Mt. Pleasant
A grassroots communications campaign aimed at increasing support for the Chamber’s Partnership
for Responsible Growth was launched in the fall. The TOGETHER brand is designed to show the need
for collaboration and unity when planning and managing the region’s accelerating growth and is an
extension of the Chamber’s growth management efforts.
The campaign started by focusing on Mount Pleasant due to the November elections and numerous
candidates running for seats on the Mount Pleasant Town Council who are steadfastly anti-growth.
The campaign included numerous digital and social communications platforms, information on
Charleston Metro Chamber PAC endorsed candidates and information to diffuse false statements
shared throughout the growing community. The TOGETHER Mt. Pleasant Facebook page quickly
attracted more than 1700 followers.
TOGETHER campaigns will be launched in other areas of the region as needed.
6
“REALIZING THE NEED TO HAVE A SAY IN THE FUTURE OF
THEIR COMMUNITIES, CHARLESTON YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
HAVE MOBILIZED TO SUPPORT REGIONAL ADVOCACY
EFFORTS. OUR RECENT EVENTS ON GROWTH MANAGEMENT
ARE EXAMPLES OF WHAT MEMBERSHIP IN CYP OFFERS
– NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES TO SIT AT THE TABLE AND
COLLABORATE WITH CIVIC AND BUSINESS LEADERS
THROUGHOUT THE REGION.”
Lauren Newman, Carolina One Real Estate
Charleston Young Professionals Advocate for Growth Management
Members of Charleston Young Professionals continue to increase their advocacy knowledge and
participation through growth-related programs and events. At a summer YP Connect event titled Growing
Pains: Managing Growth in Mount Pleasant, more than 80 attendees heard panel members discuss
issues related to growth in the state’s 4th largest community. Panelists included Stuart Whiteside,
Seamon Whiteside + Associates; Michelle Mapp, South Carolina Community Loan Fund Inc.; and Zach
Bearden, Origin Development Partners, LLC.
Members of Charleston Young Professionals also gathered with the Chamber’s Developers Council,
elected officials and industry experts for a Growth and Visioning Forum in November where attendees
developed solutions to the region’s growing pains. The Growth and Visioning forum included a keynote
address from Thom Penney, President and CEO of LS3P architectural firm. Penney is also the recently
awarded 2015 Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award honoree.
Increased advocacy efforts will continue to be a goal for CYP as they prepare for the new year’s
Roadmap event in January, 2016.
Joint Base Charleston Community Partnership
Called P4 (public/public, public/private) Initiatives, the Chamber, local communities and Joint Base
Charleston have been working over the past year on implementing an initiative that is one of the Air
Force’s top priorities. P4 Initiatives are innovative partnerships between military facilities and the
communities in which they are located, to develop collaborative delivery of services. Here in Charleston,
the working teams have identified nine potential projects including consolidated 911, recreational
facilities, chaplain services and others. The Charleston Metro Chamber continues to work closely with
Joint Base Charleston and the area’s military commanders to retain, strengthen and expand the region’s
military bases and services.
7
THANK YOU AGC INVESTORS
Abi Angel
Cooper River Partners
Adams Outdoor Advertising
CRBE
AECOM
CresCom Bank
ALCOA Mt. Holly
Daimler Vans Manufacturing LLC
Anderson Insurance Associates LLC
Dale Carnegie Training of SC LLC
Avison Young
Daniel Island Company, Inc.
Baker Motor Company
Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Dunhill Staffing Systems
BB&T
East Cooper Medical Center
Benefitfocus
Elliott Davis Decosimo LLC
Bently World Packaging
Francis Marion Hotel
Cady Nell West
Go To Team
CB Richard Ellis Carmody
Greg Barrett
CC&T Real Estate Services
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd PA
CCCS International
Hendrick Automotive Group of Charleston
Chad Woods
Ingevity
Charleston Branch Pilots Association
Island Realty
Charleston County
Jay Werth
Charleston Defense
Jessica Jackson
Contractors Association
8
John Osborne
Charleston Water System
John Rizzo
Chernoff Newman
Johnson Controls
Choate Construction Company
Jules Deas III
City of Charleston
K&L Gates LLP
City of North Charleston
KapStone Charleston Kraft LLC
Clawson and Staubes, LLC
Laura Alberts Tasteful Options
Colin Ross
Life Cycle Engineering
Limehouse Produce Co.
Scientific Research Corporation
Lowcountry Residential Builders LLC
SCRA
LS3P ASSOCIATES LTD
Seamon Whiteside + Associates
Maverick Southern Kitchens
Seidler & Associates LLC
Maybank Properties LLC
Showa Denko Carbon, Inc.
McKesson Corporation
Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP
McRae Hamer
Solvay
Medical University of South Carolina
South Carolina Aquarium
Meridian Energy & Environment LLC
South Carolina Federal Credit Union
Moody CPA’s & Advisors LLC
South Carolina Ports Authority
Mount Pleasant Waterworks
South State Bank
Mungo Homes
SteelFab of South Carolina
NAI Avant
Stryker Communications
Nexsen Pruet LLC
Stubbs-Muldrow-Herin Architects, Inc.
Nucor Steel
SunTrust Bank
O.L. Thompson Construction Co.
TD Bank
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart
The Beach Company
Pegasus Steel
The Boeing Company
Premier Logistics Solutions
The InterTech Group Inc.
PURE
The Post and Courier
Rawle Murdy
Town of Mount Pleasant
Residence Inn by Marriott - Charleston Riverview
Trident Health
Richard Guerzon
Trident Technical College
Robert Bosch Corp.
WebsterRogers LLP
Roper St. Francis Healthcare
Wells Fargo
Santee Cooper
WestRock
SCE&G
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLC
Young Clement Rivers LLP
9
Thank you for reviewing this Accelerate Greater
Charleston Investor Update and for your ongoing
support of our region’s metro advancement plan.
P.O. Box 975
Charleston, SC 29402-0975
www.charlestonchamber.net