Economic Development Clusters

In addition to quality of life issues like greenbelts, I'm glad to see Charleston County intentionally creating an environment to attract business . . . the sort of business that can in turn provide the revenue to support the programs that contribute to a desirable quality of life! For a long while we sort of coasted on our natural charms, and I'm glad to see such thoughtful, inclusive planning for the future instead of just taking what comes. It's great to know this place that I love is going to be a a place my children can love, too!

"In Charleston County, like other places, economic development often centers on feeding the small fish, rather than trying to catch the big one. That’s why the county sees its small business enterprise program as an economic engine. It’s limited to companies with revenues under $7.5 million, but the idea is that they’ll grow and attract other companies.

The program, which helps business locate bid opportunities on government contracts, launched after a report showing disparities in the county’s hiring of minority- and women-owned businesses to provide goods and services. But the county is now emphasizing it as 'race and gender neutral' in an effort to ensure the entire small business community can benefit.

Not only will those companies grow themselves, they’ll add the groundwork to attract more business, he said.

'When big companies come here, you have to have these small feeder companies that are going to need to supply support to these firms,' Tolbert said. 'When you can tell a large corporation we already have the firms here to give you the technical support that you need, that’s a recruitment tool.'

To date, 268 businesses have registered in the program, which started in Dec. 2007.
Another 50 have pending applications, Tolbert said.

The program stems beyond identifying ways to secure government contracts. It also helps companies gain enterprise certification that will help them connect with other contractors as well. In addition, the county sponsors numerous workshops for businesses registered in the program, which essentially provides a professional network for companies seeking information and work, Tolbert said.

'Our concern is helping them grow so they can hire more people. We’re forming a resource network of information and technical assistance,' he said. "

For the full Charleston Regional Business Journal article: http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/current/14_16/news/12520-1.html

Charleston Greenbelt Project

It's encouraging to see Charleston County take such a proactive stance toward acquiring public green space, helping to ensure that the Lowcountry will be just as beautiful for my grandchildren! Careful planning to preserve areas of natural beauty throughout the area maintains the integrity of our whole community, rather than allowing strip mall corridors leading into perfectly preserved historic pockets.

"The goal of the greenbelt is to protect 40,000 acres from suburban sprawl as area population continues to grow. Projections by the S.C. State Budget and Control Board and the U.S. Census Bureau show that the region will have an estimated 200,000 more residents by the year 2030. In the past, those estimates have been conservative.

In the first year and a half that funds have been available, the county has preserved more than 7,400 acres of undeveloped land by providing $30.37 million in grants to nonprofit agencies and municipalities. Rather than becoming high-rises, gas stations or residential subdivisions, the land will be parks, playgrounds and nature preserves.

The other was a small, yet expensive, piece of land, and the applicant was unable to generate matching funds. Matching funds are not required but are preferred, Ruff said. To date, projects have generated matching funds of $50.5 million, or 166% of what the county has spent.

Approved projects include $1.41 million for a 232-acre Charleston park that will abut Long Savannah, a 1,300-acre mixed-use development in West Ashley and $4 million for the 900-acre Tibwin Project in the Francis Marion National Forest.

Greenbelt funds are split into two pots of money: one for rural projects outside of the county’s Urban Suburban Growth Boundary and one for urban projects within it.

Rural project areas include the West St. Andrews area in West Ashley, Wadmalaw Island, Edisto Island, the St. Paul’s area, Hollywood, Meggett, Ravenel, Rockville, Awendaw,
McClellanville and portions of Johns Island, West Ashley and East Cooper.

Urban project areas include the cities of Charleston, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and North Charleston; the towns of Mount Pleasant, James Island, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Sullivan’s Island and Lincolnville; and other unincorporated parts of Johns Island, West Ashley and East Cooper."

For the full Charleston Regional Business Journal article: http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/current/14_16/news/12518-1.html

For a pdf list of existing Greenbelt purchases: http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/issues/pdfs/Greenbelt_Proejcts.pdf

The Green House

The Green House is a wonderful resource right here in Charleston – an up and coming, revitalizing neighborhood in North Charleston to be precise! It's exciting to have these sorts of resources available at just the time and place we in the Lowcountry are ready to use them!

"The GreenHouse [on Montague Avenue] is usually a beehive of activity, though the full-time staff of four hardly qualifies as a swarm on their own. Bryan and his team rely on a volunteer network of more than 100 activists from across the state, not to mention supporters and partners throughout the business and education communities.

Day to day, The Sustainability Institute performs energy audits of area homes and businesses; conducts workshops and events to educate the public; and advises businesses, homeowners, and builders on sustainable design and space management. While enthusiasm and popular awareness of these issues are clearly on the rise, much work remains to be done. With that in mind, the team splits its time between outreach (coalition-building and partnerships with business, government, and education groups), training (workshops and seminars on everything from water conservation to home energy-saving), and services (execution of community projects and initiatives).

It doesn’t hurt that The Sustainability Institute’s environmental aims align with energy-saving practices that can impact builders’ and homeowners’ pocketbooks. More than 2,000 South Carolina residents have been trained to make their homes more durable and healthier through the organization’s free monthly workshops, and they have more to show for it than just an easy eco-conscience. Since 2003, workshop attendees have collectively reported saving more than $500,000 on their energy bills. According to Cordell, the dual attraction of financial savings and environmental responsibility has been the driving factor behind their success."

For the full Charleston magazine article: http://charlestonmag.com/chashome.html

For the Sustainability Institute: http://www.sustainabilityinstitutesc.org/

For Troy's site devoted to the area: http://parkcircleonline.com/

Housetrology: What's Your Sign?

I'm enjoying a lot of things about Coldwell Banker, including fun tools like the Housetrology quiz, and I really love their concept of the dreaming phase in the home buying process. Some professionals would suggest that you more or less "get that out of your system" before you start considering particular properties with the idea that your actual decision should be based on cold, hard facts alone. I appreciate an approach that helps you incorporate your tastes and emotional responses as a critical component for a satisfying long-term decision.

"Encouraging consumers to think beyond such standard home buying variables as square footage or school districts, 'Housetrology' examines how emotional instincts can factor into the type of house a person might want to live in. Answers to such questions as, 'Which TV show’s house would best suit you?' or 'What would you see out of your dream home window?' include images and descriptions. At the conclusion of the quiz, consumers learn their ideal home style. The Coldwell Banker 'Housetrology' quiz is now also available on the ColdwellBanker.com Web site, giving everyone who participates a fun and unique way to uncover their inner 'house signs' and better understand the various factors influencing their home style preferences.

'As a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience, and through my partnership with Coldwell Banker, I’ve seen how emotions can influence major life decisions such as finding a home,' said Dr. Peters [a family psychologist and special correspondent on NBC’s Today show]. 'And while validating our emotions and trusting instincts are important, it’s essential to look past emotional triggers like perfect white picket fences, and consider practical factors as well to make the most informed decision for your family.'
'Before visiting an open house or reaching out to speak with a sales associate, consumers research and collaborate online in what we call the ‘dreaming phase’ of the home buying process,' says Michael Fischer, senior vice president, marketing, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 'By delivering this fun and informative ‘Housetrology’ quiz, we’re helping future homeowners dream and identify the kinds of homes they like most, and through innovative, interactive channels.'"

For the Housetrology quiz: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/home/learn/housetrology/housetrology_landing.jsp

$15,000 Makeover Money Sweepstakes!

One more reason it's great to be affiliated with a large, national company like Coldwell Banker – fun perks to pass along!

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To enter: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,HGTV_22056_69186,00.html

We All Live On the Edge of America

While the bulk of the article is about the attempt to regulate – or at least refine – the atmosphere of the town, the paragraphs below describe in microcosm what is happening throughout the Lowcountry. Just zoom out a step or two in Google maps, and today's blog title is clearly illustrated. From Folly to Summerville we all live on the edge of America, and while the coast isn't growing, the population is. Putting aside all social and sentimental questions and implications, I'll tell you one thing for sure: Right now is an incredible time to own property in Charleston!

"A decade ago, the total assessed value of Folly Beach properties was $11.2 million. This year: $64 million. Before 1997, America’s edge included not a single condominium complex. Today, there are 18 developments with roughly 400 units total.

In that same time frame, the city has revitalized the Center Street business district and grown it an extra block wide, where businesses such as the Lost Dog Cafe and the Surf Bar now reside, plus a brand-new City Hall.

In recent years, Folly Beach also has seen the addition of a Design and Review Board, several new parks and a revitalized pier. In 2005, Folly Beach fattened up by 30 acres and extended its reach toward James Island, annexing the property where Piggly Wiggly and the Treasure Island beach store now sit. It also picked up both Bowen’s and Peas islands.

At the same time, living on Folly Beach has become a much more expensive venture. Median home prices on the island have more than doubled, from about $200,000 during the first six months of 1998 to $413,000 during the same period this year. Five years ago, the median home price on Folly Beach was $330,900, meaning home prices have jumped almost 25% in the past five years."

For the full Charleston Regional Business Journal article: http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/current/14_16/news/12512-1.html

Biotech Incubator Planned Downtown

I love this! What an exciting time to live and work in the Lowcountry, seeing the city I love revitalized in so many really interesting and positive directions! And as a realtor I truly get to be part of it all! Better and better!

"A research incubator in downtown Charleston should not only create high-tech jobs but also improve the neighborhood around the Cooper River bridge, said Charleston Mayor Joe Riley.

The S.C. Research Authority plans to spend up to $5 million to refurbish a downtown Charleston building into an incubator for biotech research and business development. In partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina, the incubator will focus on biomedical and biopharmaceutical research that could spawn commercial ventures.

The city negotiated a lease with the SCRA for a 28,000-square-foot building at 645 Meeting St., near the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Charleston City Council still must approve the lease, which is $1 per year for 30 years.

'It’s really hard to overstate the importance of this,' Riley said. 'That part of town has a terrific future, and obviously to have a biotech incubator right in the heart of it is great for that area.' Riley called the former mattress factory that will house the incubator 'creative space.'

'One thing about old buildings is you adaptively use them, and there’s a very creative accomplishment just in that,' he said. If the lease is approved, Mahoney hopes to open the incubator in fall 2009."

For the full Charleston Regional Business Journal article: http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/current/14_15/news/12429-1.html