Hello Saturday.
April 20 2024
Charleston attracts companies with its pro-business environment, high quality of life, low business costs, skilled workforce, below-average taxes, international airport, and deepwater port — according to the Charleston County Economic Development Department.
Among the diverse businesses here are several key industries that have a major impact on county residents, affecting all aspects of life in the Lowcountry, from the job environment to transportation. Without further ado, here are the top six industries in Charleston County.
Nothing says CHS like shipping containers + sunset views | Photo by @station28.5
Aerospace
- Aerospace provides 336% more jobs in Charleston County than the national average. From 2011 to 2021, the industry saw an increase of 48% in jobs.
- Thanks to Boeing, which first opened here in 2011, North Charleston is one of just three places across the globe that assembles + delivers wide body jets.
Automotive
- The automotive industry provides 141% more jobs in Charleston County than the national average. From 2011-2021, the industry experienced a 100.7% increase in jobs.
- Mercedes-Benz Vans is an industry leader that opened in Palmetto Commerce Park in 1999. The plant underwent a major expansion that was completed in 2018, and employs over 1,300 people.
Defense
- The county has approximately $2.6 billion in annual contracts from the Naval Information Warfare Center, which designs cyber networks for communication, computers, and space systems.
- The Charleston Defense Contractors Association formed in 2002 + advocates for the defense industry’s growth.
Tech
- Often named one of the “next Silicon Valleys,” the Lowcountry is one of the fastest growing mid-sized metros for computer hardware engineers.
- The Charleston area has 400+ tech companies, including businesses such as Blackbaud, Phish Labs, and Benefitfocus that are headquartered in the area.
Life Sciences
- The Charleston area has 35 pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, 50+ research and development labs.
- According to a 2020 report, MUSC has a $4.5 billion economic impact and provides 30,582 jobs in the Lowcountry. Roper St. Francis Healthcare is another top employer in the region, providing 6,000 jobs.
Logistics
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Today
- Paws on the Patio | Thurs., Jan. 6 | 6-8 p.m. | Dashi, 1262 Remount Rd., North Charleston | Free | It’s Mastiff night — bring your pup along and snag brews and bites to benefit the Charleston Animal Society.
Friday
Saturday
- “Bring Your Own Shuckers” Oyster Roast Series | Sat., Jan. 8 | 12-5 p.m. | Firefly Distillery | Free admission, $25 all-you-can-eat tickets | Grab your shuckers for a roast with Lowcountry Oyster Co. featuring five local food trucks, live music, and speciality cocktails — blankets and chairs welcome.
Sunday
- Bend and Brews: A Pop Up Yoga Experience | Sun., Jan. 9 | 9:30 a.m. | Ghost Monkey Brewery, 522 Wando Ln., Mt. Pleasant | $5 | Start your Sunday with a 45-minute yoga class led by Lowcountry Yoga + stay for locally-crafted beer and bites from Dashi’s food truck.
Monday
- Swamp Fox Comedy Night | Mon., Jan. 10 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Dreamers Restaurant, 312 Rembert C Dennis Blvd., Moncks Corner | $12 | Catch a lineup of professional comedians during this full-service show.
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Weather
- 66º | Sunny | 7% chance of rain ☀️
Sunrise + Sunset
- Rise: 7:21 p.m.
- Set: 5:30 p.m.
Tide
- Low: 4:25 a.m. + 5:06 p.m.
- High: 10:58 a.m. + 11:19 p.m.
Civic
- Mt. Pleasant wants your input. The town is asking the public for its opinion on alignment, uses + proposed features for Whipple Trails — a multi-use path between Mathis Ferry and Long Point roads. Take the online survey or attend the public meeting tonight from 5-7 p.m. at the Jones Center to vote. (WCSC)
Coming Soon
- New year, new location. Two Charleston restaurants plan to open new locations this spring. Ye Ole Fashioned Café & Ice Cream Parlor will expand to a second West Ashley location at 1319 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. by March or April + breakfast and frosé eatery The Co-Op will open at 81 Cannon St. in late spring or early summer. (The Post and Courier)
Biz
- Another Broken Egg Cafe has debuted a new look for 2022. The egg-citing café redesign will feature a New South design + double the amount of bar seating by providing bar access to patio diners. Join in on the week of celebration Jan. 10-15 for a chance to win giveaways and special promotions. 🍳 (Holy City Sinner)
- Local nonprofit Charleston Playhouse will be in residence at the College of Charleston Sottile Theatre. The 785-seat theater recently reopened after a $4.7 million, 18-month renovation with an upgraded fly system, new lighting, automated orchestra pit, and restored grand murals.
Question
- Throwback Thursday. Does anyone have a photo of the Grace, Pearman, and Ravenel bridges together in 2004-2005? Or a photo driving over the Grace and Pearman bridges? Send it here — we’d love to share it with photo credit.
Plan Ahead
- Tickets are now on sale for the Preservation Society of Charleston’s 68th Carolopolis Awards, which has recognized achievement in historic preservation in the Lowcountry since 1953. There will be 11 winning projects this year. The Feb. 2 event at Sottile Theatre will feature a champagne toast, reception + silent auction.
Number
- 43%. The approval rating of the Mark Clark Extension Project, which includes plans for a 9.5-mile, 4-lane highway between West Ashley and the James Island connector. The rating was determined through public input meetings, where common concerns included environmental impact, traffic, and historic preservation. (WCIV)
DYK
- Charleston writer Stacy Willingham’s debut novel “A Flicker in the Dark” will be published on Jan. 11. The thriller is set to become an HBO Max series created by actress Emma Stone's production company. There will be a virtual meet-the-author hosted by the Wando Mt. Pleasant Library on Jan. 15, with more local events to follow.
Learn
- New year, new you, new language. If your goal in 2022 is to start speaking a new language, Babbel’s got your back. The app’s lessons are based on real life situations and help you become conversational in just 3 weeks. Get up to 60% off when you sign up today. 🌎*
Correction
- Well, we got it half-right. Shoutout to Reader Rebecca H. for pointing out that Charleston County handles tree recycling, not the City of Charleston. Yesterday’s resources included county info, but we hate to cause any confusion. 🎄
*This paid content, brought to you by our advertising partners, helps make this newsletter free.
Need a coworking spot in 2022? We stumbled upon this green space called Local Works, created by nonprofit Lowcountry Local First. Request a tour or become a member at this spot located at 1859 Summerville Ave., which was designed for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and teams.
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Editor's Pick: The Charleston Library Society shared a photo of this colorful stack of books that members will be reading this year, including "Accidentally Wes Anderson" by Wally Kova, "Outlawed" by Anna North, and "Three Women" by Lisa Taddeo. 📚
Missed yesterday's newsletter? Learn how to recycle your Christmas tree here.
CHStoday Team
Editorial: Alexandra, Tatum, Callie, Kaylee
Sales: Anne
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