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Marion Square Rev War History Comes to Life In New Installation

Charleston, S.C. –  The Liberty Trail today unveiled a series of interpretive markers outlining the historic footprint of an archaeological and historical treasure in Charleston’s popular Marion Square. The 32 bronze plates follow the path of the Revolutionary War Horn Work, each marker sharing a part of the story of this large fortification built in 1758 to defend the state’s oldest port city.

“Today’s celebration honors the craftsmen who constructed this intimidating fortification and the Patriots who defended Charleston from the British,” commented Rick Wise, interim executive director and CEO, South Carolina Battleground Trust. “Just as we are grateful for those stalwart hearts of nearly 250 years ago, we are immensely thankful for the many partners who helped document this incredible historic resource and contributed to its interpretation.”

Constructed of tabby, a mixture of shells, sand and lime, the Horn Work was a massive fortification spanning almost three city blocks. The structure and its surrounding ditch, or moat, occupied a space measuring approximately six to eight acres. The tabby walls, which extended to the east and west of the city gate that entered on King Street, measured between six and seven hundred feet across. The elevation of the front (north) wall was about 24-feet high. A small remnant of the Horn Work has long remained visible in Marion Square, intriguing generations of visitors, but the exact location of the underground foundation traces was only discovered by the project using ground-penetrating radar in 2020.

Speaking at today’s ceremony Governor Henry McMaster reflected on the state’s Revolutionary War history and the significance of this site. “Through the Liberty Trail and other historic preservation initiatives throughout the state, we better tell the history of South Carolina and give those who bravely fought for our freedom the recognition they deserve,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, let us continue to tell our story and take pride in being a South Carolinian.”

Pinpointing and interpreting the Horn Work location took the combined effort of many experts and the cooperation of many entities. Nic Butler with the Charleston County Public Library and author and Charleston County Museum Director Carl Borick provided ample research. The Board of Field Officers of Fourth Brigade, which owns Marion Square, Clemson University, College of Charleston, the City of Charleston, Charleston County Public Library, Charleston Museum, and the South Carolina Institute of Archeology and Anthropology were all invaluable with their assistance.

“I believe that it speaks volumes about the rich and complex history of Charleston that as we enter what I intend to be a new era of smart growth for this city, we continue to make historical discoveries that inform our past and thus our future,” said Charleston Mayor William Cogswell. “It is important to honor history, to learn from history so that we can continue to prosper in ways the brave soldiers who died here never could have dreamed. That is their legacy. This is how we honor them. And this is how we serve the citizens of this fine city.”

The Marion Square markers are the most recent addition to The Liberty Trail, an innovative driving route and heritage tourism initiative designed to connect key Revolutionary War battlefields throughout South Carolina. David Duncan, president of the American Battlefield Trust, noted that ultimately this work will yield a gateway experience for The Liberty Trail.

“Visitors to Charleston are steeped in the city’s historic fabric,” he said. “When they experience this piece of the Liberty Trail, we invite them to continue their journey through time by venturing out to the South Carolina battlefields on which the question of American independence was decided.”

The Liberty Trail will expand the interpretive experience in Marion Square later this year through the use of augmented reality (AR). Visitors will be able to see a digital recreation of the Horn Work and events that took place there nearly 250 years ago.
For more information on The Liberty Trail initiative, including historic background and a list of those sites that are part of the Initial Phase of the project, visit www.thelibertytrail.org or download The Liberty Trail Mobile Tour app from the Apple Store or Google Play. As The Liberty Trail takes shape, partners, friends and history enthusiasts are invited to follow its progress on social media using the hashtag #TheLibertyTrail.

About The Liberty Trail
The Liberty Trail—developed through a partnership between the American Battlefield Trust and the South Carolina Battleground Trust—connects battlefields across South Carolina and tells the captivating and inspiring stories of this transformative chapter of American history. For more information on The Liberty Trail, visit www.thelibertytrail.org.

Charleston’s Leading Real Estate Firm, The Cassina Group, Reflects On a Record-Breaking 2023

In a year marked by triumphs and challenges in the real estate market, The Cassina Group emerged as Charleston’s #1 boutique firm. With an impressive $481 million in closed sales across 338 transactions, the firm’s commitment to cutting-edge marketing and personalized client service set it apart in this competitive real estate landscape.

“Despite external challenges, including extremely low inventory across the Lowcountry, 2023 was a remarkable year for The Cassina Group,” said founding partner and broker-in-charge Robertson Allen. “We are so grateful to our clients who placed their trust in us and continue to allow us to be part of their real estate journey.”

Highlighting the strength of the firm’s intimate team of 46 REALTORS, founding partner and broker-in-charge Jimmy Dye affirms, “our agents are the best in the business, consistently delivering stronger results for their clients. Their commitment to excellence has been a driving force behind our success.”

The Cassina Group’s online presence has also been a key factor in its achievements, with over 41,000 users visiting TheCassinaGroup.com monthly. Their focus on cutting-edge marketing techniques allows the company to connect with a broad audience and find matches for their buyer and seller clients.

“2023 marked our highest average sales price, setting the stage for a successful 2024. We are excited about the opportunities the future holds for The Cassina Group and are so thankful for our wonderful agents and clients,” said Owen Tyler, Managing Broker and Partner of the company.

The Cassina Group works with clients throughout the Lowcountry with a focus on accessible luxury. Nearly a third of their transactions were $1,000,000 or more, with an average sales price of $1,425,674. The firm’s top sale for the year was 13 & 15 Meeting Street, South of Broad. Known as The John Edwards House, it is an iconic Charleston residence located footsteps away from White Point Garden and The Battery. It sold for $12,600,000 with Robertson Allen representing both the sellers and the buyers.

The Cassina Group also finished the year as the #1 firm on Sullivan’s Island. The company’s top sales on the island include 2411 Atlantic Avenue (which sold for $10,100,000 with Robertson Allen representing the sellers), 812 Conquest Avenue (which sold for $8,700,000 with Tim Schneider representing the buyers), 2502 Myrtle Avenue (which sold for $4,775,000 with Robertson Allen representing the sellers and Jimmy Dye representing the buyers), and 3021 Middle Street (which sold for $4,700,000 with Robertson Allen representing the sellers and Charles Baarcke representing the buyers).

Other notable sales include four stunning homes located in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village: 205 Ferry Street (which sold for $8,400,000, with Robertson Allen representing the sellers), 362 Schweers Lane (which sold for $8,000,000, with Robertson Allen representing the buyers), 204 Pitt Street (which sold for $6,600,000 with Will Prendergast representing the buyers), and 734 Pitt Street (which sold for $6,100,000 with Will Prendergast representing the sellers and Ashley Graham representing the buyers). The firm also participated in the sale of 76 On the Harbor Drive (which closed for $6,360,000, with Margaret Todd Truluck representing the buyers) and 10970 Hwy 17 (which closed for $4,100,000 with Charles McIntosh and Robertson Allen representing the sellers).

To learn more about The Cassina Group and its many accomplishments, please visit TheCassinaGroup.com.

About The Cassina Group
The Cassina Group is a boutique real estate brokerage with offices in Mount Pleasant, SC and Charleston, SC. The firm is managed by Owen Tyler, partner and managing broker, and founding partners Jimmy Dye and Robertson Allen. Recent awards include top honors from Charleston Magazine, Inc. 5000, T3 Sixty, and SC Biz News. For more information, visit www.TheCassinaGroup.com or call 843-628-0008.

Trident Health Hospitals Earn America’s 250 Best Hospitals Award

Trident Medical Center is a 321-bed acute care hospital and a part of Trident Health

Charleston, SC – Trident Health announced today its two acute care hospitals – Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center – are among America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2024, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. This achievement puts Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance.

Trident Health Chief Medical Officer Jane Appleby, MD said, “In addition to the 250 Best Hospitals Awards, we’re also honored to receive recognition by Healthgrades as among the:
50 Best Hospitals in America for Surgical Care
100 Best Hospitals in America for Critical Care
100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery
100 Best Hospitals in America for Prostate Surgery
100 Best Hospitals in America for Spine Surgery
These awards recognize the commitment that our front line teams have to provide high quality care for complex and specialized medical conditions to the patients that trust us with their care.”

Trident Health’s hospitals have earned the America’s 250 Best Hospitals Award

“Being recognized by Healthgrades as a recipient of their 250 Best Hospitals in America Award for the second consecutive year is evidence of the continued commitment our physicians, nurses and other colleagues make every day to ensure the care our patients receive is consistently among the best in the nation,” said Landon Smith, Chief Operating Officer and interim Chief Executive Officer at 321-bed Trident Medical Center.

Stephen Chandler, Chief Executive Officer of 124-bed Summerville Medical Center, said, ““We’re honored to be named one of the best 250 hospitals in the nation for clinical excellence by Healthgrades for the second year in a row. Chandler added, “This recognition is a testament of the commitment to the care and improvement of human life our colleagues and physicians have for the Lowcountry.  We are continuously focused on putting the safety and experience our patients first in all that we do.“

In addition to Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center, Trident Health includes Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness, a 60-bed freestanding mental health hospital, and four freestanding ERs – Brighton Park Emergency, Centre Pointe Emergency, James Island Emergency and Moncks Corner Medical Center.

To determine the top hospitals for 2024, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for more than 30 conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide. Unlike other hospital studies, Healthgrades ratings are based solely on what matters most: patient outcomes. The 2024 Healthgrades analysis revealed significant variation in hospital performance, making it increasingly important to seek care at top-rated programs. From 2020-2022, if all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to America’s 250 Best Hospitals, on average, 178,402 lives could potentially have been saved.*

“Healthgrades commends Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center for their leadership and continued dedication to high quality care,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Data Science at Healthgrades. “As one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals, Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center are elevating the standard for quality care nationwide and ensuring superior outcomes for the patients in their community.”

Consumers can visit Healthgrades.com to learn more about how Healthgrades measures hospital quality and access a patient-friendly overview of how we rate and why hospital quality matters here.

*Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for 2020 through 2022 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. Click here to view the complete 2024 America’s Best Hospital Awards Methodology.

FoodShare Berkeley County Increases Online Access to Reduce Food Insecurity

Berkeley County, SC- FoodShare Berkeley County received approval from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to accept SNAP online for purchases of fruits and vegetables sold through its Fresh Food Box program.

Launched in 2023, FoodShare Berkeley County (powered by Trident United Way) is a member of a state-wide network of FoodShare South Carolina partners operating hubs and distributing Fresh Food Boxes to local communities. FoodShare SC is one of a small number of community-based organizations in the United States selected to participate in the SNAP online purchasing program.

Many communities in South Carolina do not have access or financial resources to eat fresh, healthy foods on a daily basis. Barriers to healthy foods can include geographic location, age, income and the availability of reliable transportation. Without options for fresh, healthy foods, numerous health risks can arise.

One in 10 people in South Carolina (approximately 515,000) face hunger. More than 20% of children live in “food insecure” homes, meaning there isn’t enough food for every family member to lead a healthy life. According to Feeding America, 48.3% of South Carolina households that receive SNAP benefits have children.

By accepting SNAP/EBT benefits, FoodShare SC ensures that recipients can routinely access healthy and affordable food. A 20-pound box, packed with up to 11 varieties of fruits and produce can be purchased for $5 when using SNAP/EBT instead of the base price of $20.

The 2014 Farm Bill laid the groundwork to test the feasibility and implications of allowing vendors to accept SNAP benefits through online transactions, stating “individuals who receive SNAP benefits should have the opportunity to shop for food the same way more and more Americans shop for food – by ordering and paying online.”

“New USDA data indicates that the level of food insecurity in S.C. is higher than the national average,” said FoodShare Interim Executive Director Omme-Salma Rahemtullah. “The ability to order affordable produce online increases the options and access families have for buying nutritious food.”

SNAP participants can learn more about the online ordering process at foodsharesc.org/foodsharesc-snaponline.

The ARK of SC receives $3,000 from The Employees Community Fund of Boeing South Carolina

The ARK of SC receives $3,000 from The Employees Community Fund of Boeing South Carolina

The ARK of SC is pleased to announce being a grant recipient of The Employees Community Fund of Boeing South Carolina. Each year, Boeing employees not only go above and beyond by offering hundreds of thousands of hours of volunteer work in the community but by giving back monetarily with donations. The ARK was awarded $3,000 to support caregiver programming for the 2024 fiscal year.

“We are incredibly thankful to have the support from the employees at Boeing South Carolina,” said Peg Lahmeyer, Executive Director/ Co. “These funds will allow The ARK to continue to grow and expand our services in the community.”

For over 28 years, The ARK has been a local nonprofit organization assisting families throughout five counties (Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston, Orangeburg and Colleton County) in the Lowcountry. The ARK helps families cope with daily challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia through respite care, family support programs, caregiver consultations and educational classes. The ARK is funded primarily by grants, donations and fundraising events.

Respite programs are offered in Summerville (Monday-Thursday) and in Harleyville (Wednesday) to give family caregivers a much-needed break from the stress of around-the-clock caregiving. Support groups, lunch & learn educational workshops, memory screenings, resource referrals, caregiver workshops, and First Responder/Law Enforcement training are also offered.

For more information about The ARK, visit www.TheARKofSC.org or call 843-471-1360

ABOUT THE ARK, ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
Based in Summerville, The ARK is a local nonsectarian nonprofit outreach program providing hope and relief to families living with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementia (ADRD). Support services include social respite care, support groups, education, caregiver consultations, resource referrals, and community development. For more information, call 843-471-1360 or visit thearkofsc.org.

International African American Museum Opens Doors for Educational Field Trips

Charleston, S.C. – The International African American Museum (IAAM) is calling out to students and educators to come explore the rich cultural and historical narratives by booking a field trip to one of Charleston’s newest and most significant cultural landmarks.

The museum gives students the opportunity to engage with African American history and culture through a series of curated exhibitions and interactive experiences. The self-guided school group tours, offered at free or reduced rates, are designed to enrich a student’s understanding of African American history and culture outside the traditional classroom setting.

IAAM Director of Education, Dr. Felice Knight, says, “The purpose of IAAM’s school field trip program is to support elementary through high school students in their formal academic pursuits by using the power of informal learning at one of our nation’s most inspiring historical and cultural institutions. This initiative reflects IAAM’s dedication to education and its role in shaping informed and respectful future generations.”

All South Carolina public, private and independent school groups will receive free admission to the museum. Out-of-state public and accredited school groups will receive reduced rates. A field trip at IAAM is a 75-minute self-guided experience curated by IAAM education staff. Offered Tuesday through Thursday at 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, and 11:30 a.m., they should be scheduled at least a month in advance. Special arrangements and accommodations have been made to cater to the diverse needs of visiting groups, including accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Schools interested in booking a field trip for their students should review the guidelines and FAQs for helpful information about visiting the museum. Field trips can be booked by submitting a request form. Museum staff is prepared to assist educators in planning their visit, ensuring a seamless and impactful experience for students.

The International African American Museum (IAAM) explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, the nation, and the world, shining light and sharing stories of the diverse journeys, origin, and achievements of descendants of the African Diaspora. Across eleven galleries and a memorial garden with art, objects, artifacts, and multi-media interaction, IAAM is a champion of authentic, empathetic storytelling of American history. As a result, the museum will stand as one of the nation’s newest platforms for the disruption of institutionalized racism as it evolves today. The mission of IAAM is to honor the untold stories of the African American journey at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf and beyond. For more information, please visit iaamuseum.org or call 843-872-5352.

Building Business East of the Cooper: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Announces New Board

The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce (MPCC) is pleased to announce its 2024 Board of Directors, a diverse and accomplished group of individuals committed to encouraging business and community success East of the Cooper. The incoming board brings a wealth of experience across various industries, coupled with a shared passion for serving the local business landscape.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome our new board members,” said Kathleen Herrmann, President. “Their expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication will be invaluable as we work together to navigate the evolving needs of our members and the community as a whole.”

The newly appointed board members include:
President: Kathleen Herrmann, Marketing Director, Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
President Elect: Tammy Becker, CEO, Pigtails and Crewcuts
Vice President: Karina Garrison, Senior Vice President, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Immediate Past President: Jennifer Maxwell, Regional Director of Sales, Raines Company
Secretary: Benjamin Nesvold, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments
Treasurer: Louis Tyson, Founder, Tyson Accounting Services
Foundations Committee Chair: Michael Cochran, Agent, Farm Bureau Insurance
RISE Committee Chair: Kendall Koste, Founder, Shine Brightly
Young Professionals Committee Chair: Josh Kramer, Owner, Private I Print Productions

Additionally, the following board members will continue their terms in 2024:
President Emeritus: Chris Staubes, Staubes Law Firm
At Large: John Carroll, Unlimited Performance Inc.
At Large: Rick Giecek, Nothing Bundt Cakes
At Large: Joe Hinske, Legare, Bailey & Hinske CPAs
General Counsel: Edward Phipps, Phipps Law Firm
Community Engagement Committee Chair: Brian Sherman, The Publications Specialist
Expo Committee Chair: Ben Knight, Vikings Mergers & Acquisitions
Marketing Committee Chair: Mike Compton, rūmbo Advertising
Membership Committee Chair: Scott Labarowski, Horizon First Insurance

“We are also grateful to our returning board members who continue to bring their wisdom and leadership to the table,” said Kathleen Herrmann. “Their experience and guidance are crucial for ensuring the chamber’s ongoing success.”

The 2024 Board of Directors is poised to lead the chamber through an exciting year of initiatives, including the opening of MPCC’s first physical location. With their combined expertise and passion, the board is confident in making a lasting impact in Mount Pleasant.

About MPCC: Since 1992, the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce has brought together business leaders from the East Cooper community for mutually beneficial purposes. The membership is a mix of professions including advertising, publishing, finance, health care, food and beverage, hotel, retail, insurance, legal, and service businesses of every description. The MPCC’s mission is to encourage business and community success East of the Cooper. MPCC was named a Noteworthy Network in the 2023 Lowcountry Diversity Leadership Awards by the Charleston Regional Business Journal and Best Activist Group or Effort in Best of the Best 2023 by Moultrie News.

Safety, Sustainability, Success: The Ingevity Model in Charleston

Safety, Sustainability, Success: The Ingevity Model in Charleston

The final OpExChange plant visit in 2023 led the team to Ingevity in Charleston. Established in 1948, this extensive chemical manufacturing plant is easily recognizable from the Don N. Holt Bridge on Highway 526 when heading towards Mount Pleasant.

Ingevity is widely known for its commitment to sustainability, evident not only in their processes but also in their products. During our visit, Bob Heck, EH&S Manager for the site, emphasized that the Charleston plant has been “environmentally cool before it was cool to be environmentally cool.” Their sustainability efforts date back to their beginnings as they converted waste into useful products.

The spotlight of the OpExChange visit was on Ingevity’s safety culture. They have a strong history of making safety an integral part of their processes. It is in their DNA. Over the past several years, the plant has experienced a continuous improvement trend in its safety record that is worthy of recognition. While they credit specific tools and techniques for this progress, the foundational element enabling sustained improvement is their ingrained safety culture.

OpExChange members from seventeen counties and twenty-two different organizations journeyed from various regions to partake in this collaborative event with Ingevity.

PLANT PROCESSES
The facility is extensive, featuring two sub-plants, namely the North plant and the South plant. Initially linked directly to the neighboring paper mill, it spun off in 2016 into its Performance Chemicals division. There are large tanks, kettles, heaters, and distillation columns spread across the vast campus. In their processes, they extract fatty acids, rosin, and lignin from the “black liquor” waste obtained from paper mills, converting these into valuable products for various industries. Through their processes, they manufacture emulsifiers, rosin, tall oil fatty acid (TOFA), and lignin. The final products are packaged and transported to customers via rail cars, tank trucks, and flat-bed trucks.

The purpose of the plant fits very nicely into the theme of lean operations seen in other OpExChange companies – reduction and elimination of waste. This also fits nicely with South Carolina’s efforts to achieve a more sustainable and resilient future.

While the site does incorporate some advanced automation, the nature of their processes still necessitates a fair amount of manual operations. Given the scale of their operation, involving complex chemicals and processes, safety awareness and engagement play a crucial role in their culture.

SAFETY RESULTS
As a member of the American Chemistry Council, Ingevity utilizes the number of “Tier 1” and “Tier 2” process safety events (PSEs) per month as a key metric for monitoring and reporting safety in their operations. In the context of chemical manufacturing, a tier 1 PSE involves a loss of primary containment (LOPC) with the most significant consequences, while a tier 2 PSE is an LOPC with lesser consequences. Notably, they have not encountered any Tier 1 or Tier 2 events since November 2018.

The chart below illustrates the continuous improvement in the rolling 6-month average of these events as Ingevity consistently enhanced their safety program and culture. When asked about the primary reason for this notable improvement, Bob Mussat, Senior Process Safety Engineer, clarified that there was no singular factor driving this success. Rather, it resulted from a combination of improvements, including increased near-miss reporting, improved safety incident reporting, and focused process change management. The resilience of their safety culture played a crucial role in allowing these improvements to take root and endure.

SAFETY CULTURE IS AN IMPERATIVE
Plant Manager Mike Strohm underscored the significance of instilling a safety culture from day one with new employees. Emphasizing that “first impressions matter,” Mike shared that he wants all their employees to understand that he and his team genuinely care about them and their welfare, and that their safety and the others around them are their responsibility. Mike, his staff, and the direct supervisors will each meet with all new employees for at least one hour as part of this indoctrination. He emphasized that “accountability” is part of their culture. Everyone is responsible for not only their safety but also that of their co-workers.

Many programs and activities are in place to promote and prioritize safety across all plant operations. Notably, the initiatives below emphasize teamwork and shared accountability and are staffed voluntarily by members of the workforce.

* Safety Work Team – Comprising hourly and salaried, union, and non-union members, this team meets monthly to review safety policies and procedures. Actively engaging in decision-making ensures that procedures not only meet requirements but are also assessed from various perspectives. This promotes collaborative alignment with implemented procedures.

* Weekly Safety Area Meetings – Every area of the plant conducts a weekly meeting dedicated to safety. Interactive discussions take place regarding incidents, concerns, improvement recommendations, and feedback. This time is also utilized for group training sessions.

* Safety Action Team – This cross-functional team of hourly and salaried employees meets to identify and address opportunities for improvement within the plant. The goal is to achieve actionable engagement with immediate or near-immediate results.

* Incident Accident Review Team – This diverse team is responsible for reviewing all completed incident investigations. Their role ensures thorough investigations, identification of root causes, and the assignment of action items to address identified root causes.

* Emergency Response Team – This team is trained and qualified to perform emergency activities such as administering immediate medical attention, providing confined space rescue expertise, and providing incipient firefighting activities.

SAFETY INCIDENT REPORTING
Thorough and standardized reporting of safety incidents is one of the key tools contributing to their improved safety track record. They employed a safety software system to facilitate the investigation and documentation process for each incident. The system guides the team through their investigation, requiring a standardized trouble-shooting process that delves into identifying potential root causes. Incident investigations are wrapped up within ten days, and action items are concluded within sixty days.

Additionally, all near misses are incorporated into the incident investigation process. Ingevity deems this another incremental step in the continuous improvement of their safety system. Recognizing issues and addressing their root causes before they escalate into incidents is considered pivotal.

The safety software plays a further improvement role by creating insightful analytical analysis of incident reporting data, identifying trends, and steering the team towards further preventive measures.

PROCESS CHANGE MANAGEMENT
For any company holding ISO 9001 certification, change management is a mandatory procedure. Ingevity guarantees that every change, no matter how small, undergoes this evaluation process. Bob Mussat explained the workflow, emphasizing the significance of adhering meticulously to the process and obtaining all necessary approvals. He highlighted the enhanced efficacy of this workflow transition from a paper system to its integration into their safety software system.

IT’S ALL ABOUT ENGAGEMENT
During the collaborative discussion following the plant tour, participants engaged in insightful conversations about the tour’s observations, additional perspectives shared by the Ingevity team, and recommendations provided by visiting peer manufacturers.

The Ingevity team underscored that enhancing safety, just like any operational endeavor, hinges on ownership, accountability, responsibility, and, most importantly, engagement. Their robust safety program is substantiated by the shared results.

Brian French, the Continuous Improvement Manager at the site, conveyed that the safety journey is an ongoing evolution spanning many years. With humility, he acknowledged, “We are not perfect, and we are not claiming to have everything figured out.” However, he shared with a knowing smile, “We have implemented numerous initiatives that have significantly enhanced the safety performance of this plant and fostered a positive cultural shift.”

ABOUT INGEVITY
Ingevity provides specialty chemicals and high-performance carbon materials and technologies that help customers solve complex problems. These products are used in a variety of demanding applications, including asphalt paving, oil exploration and production, agrochemicals, adhesives, lubricants, printing inks and automotive components that reduce gasoline vapor emissions. Through a team of talented and experienced people, Ingevity develops, manufactures, and brings to market products and processes that purify, protect, and enhance the world around us. Headquartered in North Charleston, S.C., Ingevity operates from 25 locations around the world and employs approximately 1,500 people. The company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NGVT). For more information, visit www.ingevity.com.

ABOUT OPEXCHANGE
The OpExChange, sponsored by the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, is a peer-to-peer network of manufacturers and distributors in South Carolina known for generating success for members through benchmarking and best practice sharing. Member companies host events and share practical examples of industrial automation, lean manufacturing improvements, and leadership development. It is an invaluable resource to South Carolina companies that provides access to others who are on similar improvement journeys. If your company is interested in participating in this collaborative effort to improve both the competitiveness of your operation and South Carolina, contact Mike Demos (Mike@OpExChange.com). More information and upcoming plant visits are available on the OpExChange website www.OpExChange.com.

SeamonWhiteside Outpaces Volunteer Time and Fundraising Through 2023 Philanthropic Efforts

Charleston, S.C. – SeamonWhiteside (SW+), a full-service site design firm with offices throughout the Carolinas, has surpassed previous fundraising and volunteer efforts throughout the communities in which it operates in 2023. Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to community enhancement across its five offices, these philanthropic endeavors were outstanding due to the close ties employees have with the local organizations. From breaking new fundraising records in Mount Pleasant, S.C., mentoring youth in Charlotte, N.C., and providing civil engineering and landscape architectural services to a non-profit in Greenville, S.C., SeamonWhiteside has given back tremendously to the Carolinas in 2023.

“This year has been an exceptional mix of blending employee passions with community involvement,” says Russ Seamon, President at SeamonWhiteside. “We love to give back to our communities, and it’s even better when we can participate in causes that are near and dear to our employees’ hearts. Our people get immense pride in donating time, expertise, and funds to make a difference in our surrounding neighborhoods.”

The SW+ Lowcountry Offices supported the Lowcountry Heart Walk by raising $21,000 this year, setting a new record and doubling efforts from the year prior. While SeamonWhiteside has contributed to the Lowcountry Heart Walk for seven years, in 2023, the company showed up in an even larger way to support an employee with a personal connection to this cause. Additionally, SW+ continued its community efforts by volunteering for Sea Island Habitat for Humanity and sponsoring three therapy play modules with the Lowcountry’s PlayToday Foundation.

The SW+ Charlotte office was equally involved in multiple philanthropic efforts within the community. In an effort to share knowledge and expertise, SeamonWhiteside team members helped lead an impactful mentorship program at Myers Park High School, offering guidance and encouragement to those students interested in pursuing a career in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (A.E.C.) industry. In addition, employees in Charlotte raised $3,000 for Community Matters Café, volunteered to pack lunches for a local shelter, and adopted a stream and street to provide ongoing cleanup, ensuring roads are safe and clear of debris for drivers.

The SW+ Greenville Office spearheaded civil engineering and landscape architecture design services for the future service hub for Mill Village Ministries. This 14,000+ square foot center will unite all four Mill Village enterprises under one roof to multiply the non-profit’s impact within the Greenville community. Additionally, team members volunteered quarterly at Judson Mill Feed and Seed, where individuals packed over 250 boxes of fresh, locally-grown produce. This effort allows individuals in Pickens and Oconee to have access to healthy and affordable food while fostering community sustainability.

In 2023, SeamonWhiteside’s efforts among all five offices impacted countless lives across North and South Carolina communities. Moving into the new year, SW+ is committed to finding even more ways to give back and inspire employees to identify causes they are passionate about to drive positive change within their local communities,

For more information about SeamonWhiteside, visit www.seamonwhiteside.com.

ABOUT SEAMONWHITESIDE
SeamonWhiteside (SW+) is a full-service site design firm providing master planning, civil
engineering, landscape architecture, urban design services, and permit coordination to public and private clients throughout the Carolinas. SW+ elevates the site design experience through a full commitment to people, clients, plans, and communities. Their passion, collaboration, quality, and care results in innovative spaces that enrich lives and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Headquartered in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, SeamonWhiteside also has offices in Summerville, Greenville, Spartanburg and Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information on SW+, visit www.seamonwhiteside.com.

South Carolina Auto Dealer Wins Top Franchise of the Year

Byrider leaders, and Gandolfo with team

Marco Island, Fl. —  The Gandolfo Byrider collection in South Carolina, with locations in Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston, has been named the 2023 Franchise of the Year. Byrider, one of America’s largest buy-here-pay-here used car dealerships and franchise systems, presented the honor to Byrider South Carolina’s President, Jonathan Gandolfo, for the performance of his dealerships throughout 2023 at the company’s annual convention. The convention was celebrated in Marco Island, Fl. from November 16 to 18.

The Franchise of the Year Award recognizes the best overall performance by a franchise owner based on internal store rankings and its contribution to the Byrider franchise community. Two of Gandolfo’s dealerships claimed two of the top twenty-five location rankings in the country.

Craig Peters, chief executive officer at Byrider, said, “Jonathan and his team continue exceeding our customers’ expectations by doing everything possible to maximize our customers’ opportunity to advance with us. Their commitment powers their operation and contributes to the overall success of Byrider every year.”

“Congratulations to the team at Byrider South Carolina on their much-deserved recognition. Their efforts to advance our customers and reinforce Byrider’s purpose are vital to Byrider’s growth,” said Walter Scott, Byrider’s chief marketing and franchise growth officer.

About Byrider: Byrider, one of America’s largest buy-here-pay-here used car dealership and franchise systems, has sold more than 1.34 million cars at more than 125 locations across the country. Founded in 1989 as J.D. Byrider, the company recently rebranded and changed its name to Byrider. As part of its commitment to customer service, Byrider offers high-quality autos, trucks, and SUVs with on-site financing and features warranties and optional service plans with each vehicle sold. Each Byrider store features a state-of-the-art service department offering low-cost maintenance. Consumers who have been turned down for traditional bank financing are often able to “Buy, Finance and Drive On” with Byrider at www.byrider.com.