By Jay Kramer, Existing Industry Specialist

STEMersion is a regional effort between Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties to connect educators with industry to build tomorrow’s workforce. Educators learn exactly what the region’s top employers are looking for in a workforce, develop relevant lesson plans, and rollout these lessons in their classrooms the following semester.

A big thank you to team STEMersion and our company partners in shifting this year’s program to a remote setting. With momentum and interest from educators and industry growing each year, we are both proud and excited to have successfully hosted STEMersion virtually in 2020.  In an action packed week, over 30 virtual and interactive presentations in five days took a herculean effort from every partner and educator involved.  This new format for 2020 allowed us to keep participants safe while continuing our mission to connect educators with industry to help build the workforce of tomorrow.

Thank you to Ingevity, Ingredion, The Urban Electric Co. and Boeing South Carolina for making time for such an important program that exposes educators to modern manufacturers interested in growing their future workforce. Thank you for your investment in cultivating Charleston’s workforce of tomorrow.

LESSONS LEARNED

Ingevity took the educators to school on the chemistry of a pine tree. We learned the wide variety of products and uses this renewable resource provides, from packaging to cleaning supplies, to environmentally friendly asphalt paving additives! Every single part of the pine tree is used as shown through Ingevity’s fascinating pine value chain demonstration. Hunter Harris (Director of Sustainability), Monifa Ellington (Senior Coordinator, Site Communications and Community Relations) and Eric Walmet (Plant Manager) prepared and delivered a compelling presentation for the educators who will certainly bring back lessons of communication, innovation, and problem solving back to their classrooms. It was a treat to spend quality time with a global company so enthusiastic about their people, the planet, and profits.

Ingredion, lead by Michelle Schaffer (Regional Manufacturing Manager) and her team, coached the educators on key skills they look for in employees. They stressed the importance of soft skills, communication, complex problem solving, and teamwork as educators were guided through a virtual facility tour. Educators learned about quality control and the chemistry necessary for producing consistent ingredients for pudding, salad dressing, yogurt and candy. Educators also learned that in a process-driven manufacturing environment, many opportunities exist in industrial maintenance. From mechanical (Welding/Grinding) to pumps, valves, electrical, and even robotics; it was exciting to lean the breadth of the industrial maintenance field as it relates to Ingredion’s facility, and the variety of problem solving skills needed for success.

The Urban Electric Company took time to show educators under the hood of their recently expanded manufacturing operation. As Sean Sykes (Chief Financial Officer) presented the importance of a structured problem solving framework, and root cause analysis, you could hear light bulbs turning on with the educators. Sean detailed the exciting history of Urban Electric and their positive culture of “Yes, and” which has helped fuel innovation and growth in recent years. Opportunities are abundant at Urban Electric; from design, to engineering, manufacturing and marketing. For success in any of these fields, communication was the top soft skill cited.

The Boeing Company shared their renowned DreamLearners program with the educators to demonstrate a few of the disciplines critical to success in the Aerospace industry.  Teamwork and problem solving topped the list. Frank Hatten (Education Relations Specialist) and his Boeing teammates each took a moment to share their respective backgrounds so educators could witness the diversity of career pathways that could lead to employment at Boeing. Educators were excited to learn about the array of educational backgrounds of employees that make up Boeing South Carolina.

Thank you to the Charleston County Companies that took the time today to invest in the region’s workforce of tomorrow. Your leadership in your involvement in STEMersion continues to help shape the bright future of Charleston County.

EXISTING INDUSTRY IS OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL

Charleston County Economic Development’s Business Concierge Program focuses specifically on the needs of the companies who call Charleston Count home. Our team regularly meets with our companies, and offer resources to fuel growth. If we may be of assistance to your company, please visit CharlestonCountyDevelopment.org and contact us.

By Existing Industry Specialist Jay Kramer

Charleston County Economic Development’s Business Concierge Team attended the SC Automotive Summit to support our automotive companies as we continue to build a diverse and globally competitive supply base. The summit is known for its impressive speaker line-up and inspiring forecasts and delivered just that. Automotive industry leaders from across the country traveled to Greenville, including Dr. Marchel Schäfer, Senior Research Scientist at Fraunhofer, USA and Gary Silberg, National Automotive Sector Industry Leader, at KPMG. Here are some key highlights:

Software & Technology

• Software currently contributes to about 10% of a vehicle’s value, in the next few years it will contribute to 40% of a vehicle’s value. Yes, software.
• Gary Silberg presented findings from his paper “The New ICE Age.” He stressed the importance of the Internal Computing Engine, instead of the Internal Combustion Engine. Better computing = more efficiency, safety.
• Vehicles are becoming electrified, autonomous, and connected while software companies and semiconductor manufacturers continue to play a growing part of tomorrow’s automotive industry.
• In the coming years Quantum Computing could have an accelerating effect on the computing power in vehicles.
• Infotainment systems in vehicles will continue to improve driver experience and safety.

Sustainability

• Continental Tire will begin to introduce tires and other automotive components made from dandelion rubber which is considered a more sustainable compound.
• Smart cities will help improve traffic patterns and improve efficiency by leveraging connectivity of vehicles.
• Start-up electric vehicle companies such as Rivian (currently fulfilling an order of 100,000 delivery vans for Amazon) could soon be major players in the automotive industry

Safety

• With many automotive manufacturers working toward zero auto-related deaths or serious injuries in the coming years, safety is taking priority in R&D departments across the globe. Headrests that detect impaired driving or mirrors that analyze for distracted driving might not be to far off.

Global Trade

• Global automotive production continues to align in key customer countries.
• Automotive companies should prepare for additional capital outlay to navigate tariffs successfully.

SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance

• South Carolina has partnered with Fraunhofer USA to help fuel innovation between industry and research universities. The Fraunhofer organization has helped develop inventions such as the MP3, white LED light, and dandelion-based tires.

Workforce Development

• South Carolina continues to throttle up on workforce development activities. The state has seen tremendous success with workforce around Charleston as Mercedes-Benz Vans and Volvo brought facilities on line in the last year.
• Apprenticeship programs continue to increase in popularity as manufacturers are committed to cultivating their own talent.

Hot Tip

• The B2B Matchmaker Event that kicked off the summit was incredible for business development. If you missed it, be sure to sign up next year.

Existing Industry is our #1 goal

Charleston County is humming on all cylinders with Mercedes-Benz Vans leading the pack. Our manufacturing snapshot shows a diverse industry providing significant value to the region. We regularly meet with our companies, and offer resources to fuel growth.  If we may be of assistance to your company, please visit CharlestonCountyDevelopment.org and contact us.

The Charleston Digital Corridor, along with title sponsor Charleston County Economic Development, is pleased to announce that registration for the 2020 iFiveK is
officially open. The race will be once again held at Riverfront Park on April 9th, 2020 at 6:30pm. Proceeds from the iFiveK support CODEcamp Kids scholarships and other education-related initiatives. Additional sponsors of the 2020 iFiveK feature prominent companies associated with the development of Charleston’s tech economy including: Benefitfocus, Blackbaud, BoomTown, Google, Tabula Rasa HealthCare, Workiva, Charleston Digital Hub of Booz Allen Hamilton, Atlatl Software, BiblioLabs, CarePoint, eGroup, Immedion, MAU Workforce Solutions, Moovila, Omatic Software, Samet Corporation, Somo, and Bridge Commercial.

“We firmly believe in Charleston Digital Corridor’s mission and are proud to be returning as the title sponsor of the iFiveK race for the fourth year in a row,” said Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Steve Dykes. “We look forward to a fun evening celebrating the competitive spirit among our community’s top talent.

“For the past decade we have been delighted to participate in the i5k, proud to take home the Spirit Award, and we remain passionate about supporting the tech community in Charleston,” said Grier Allen, CEO & President of BoomTown.“This race gives us the opportunity to gather with fellow Charleston tech community members, celebrate the hardworking, competitive and fun-loving atmosphere that drives so many of these companies, and put that culture to work for important initiatives.”

The iFiveK is the favorite athletic and networking event for Charleston’s tech community. Immediately following the race, the after-party kicks into full gear. After refueling with delicious pizza and cold beer, the coveted SPIRIT Award will be presented to the most spirited team.

“Since 2007, the Charleston Digital Corridor has hosted the annual iFiveK, an event that has grown to over 1,200 participants,” said Corridor Director, Ernest Andrade. “The iFivek represents the largest gathering of folks from Charleston’s tech industry coming together for a weekday evening race and networking event while supporting tech education.”

About: Innovators’ 5K (iFiveK): The iFiveK is an annual event that brings together Charleston’s tech community for an evening of spirited competition and networking. Proceeds from the iFiveK support the execution of the Digital Corridor’s talent development and attraction strategy. More: ifivek.com Charleston Digital Corridor: The Charleston Digital Corridor is a community-sourced initiative to attract, nurture and promote the regions tech economy through an array of impactful programs, products and events while leveraging Charleston’s renowned livability. More: charlestondigitalcorridor.com

Contact: Ernest Andrade | 843.607.1264 | ernest@charlestondigitalcorridor.com

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By Warren L. Wise wwise@postandcourier.com

Low-cost carrier Allegiant is trotting out a seventh nonstop route from Charleston International, and this one connects the Holy City to the heart of horse country.

The Las Vegas-based airline announced Tuesday it will start twice-weekly service between the Lowcountry and Louisville, Ky.

Flights will run Monday and Friday through mid-August to the Kentucky Derby city, but they won’t start until after the famous race runs on May 2. The Louisville-bound flights will begin on May 22.

In launching the new service, Allegiant is offering one-way fares as low as $55, but seats and dates are limited and fares are not available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by Jan. 16 for air travel by Aug. 17. Optional baggage charges and additional restrictions may apply.

The flight leaves Charleston at 4:53 p.m. and lands in Louisville at 6:25 p.m. Eastern time. The flight from Louisville departs at 7:15 p.m. and arrives in Charleston at 8:41 p.m.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch this new, nonstop service,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant vice president of planning and revenue. “These ultra-low-cost flights give everyone the opportunity to experience all the live entertainment and world-famous sporting events hosted in Louisville.”

A liaison between Charleston’s airport and tourism agency Explore Charleston called the new route “a big deal.”

“It’s a good-sized market,” said Gary Edwards. “With the Allegiant business model, there are a number of cities it can service on less than a daily basis.”

Helen Hill, chairwoman of Charleston County Aviation Authority which oversees the airport and CEO of Explore Charleston, called Allegiant’s new route “clearly a win” for residents of the Derby City and the Holy City.

“Last year was exceptional for the airport, and (the) announcement of new nonstop service to Louisville is evidence the positive momentum continues,” Hill said.

Allegiant launched service in Charleston in 2018 and already offers seasonal flights to Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus in Ohio as well as Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and Punta Gorda, Fla.

All of the routes will return this year, and the winter flight to Punta Gorda is expected to be extended, Edwards said.

The Cincinnati and Columbus flights resume Feb. 13. Routes to Cleveland and Pittsburgh start back on Feb. 14, and the Indianapolis leg returns March 6.

The new Louisville route strengthens Allegiant’s commitment to Charleston, said airport CEO Paul Campbell.

“Allegiant’s unique business model has clearly been well received by our travelers, some of whom may have not considered air travel an option in the past,” Campbell said. “It has been rewarding to see the partnership with Allegiant flourish in such a short time.”

The new Louisville route will give Charleston nonstop flights to 28 cities in 18 states, the District of Columbia and London by this summer.

British Airways will resume twice-weekly seasonal service between Charleston and the capital of England on March 29.

Allegiant also is adding new seasonal routes twice a week from Myrtle Beach International Airport.

On June 5, the airline will connect the Grand Strand with Providence, R.I.  The following day it will add flights to Knoxville, Tenn., and Elmira, N.Y. One-way fares from Myrtle Beach to Providence and Elmira start at $55, while the one-way leg to Knoxville comes in as low as $44.

Reach Warren L. Wise at 843-937-5524. Follow him on Twitter @warrenlancewise.

Chief Executive

By Craig Guillot

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston International Airport’s passengers will continue to enjoy nonstop air service between the British Isles and the Palmetto State in 2020. British Airways announced it will return for a second season of service, beginning next March.

Earlier this year, the carrier launched twice-weekly seasonal service between London’s Heathrow Airport and Charleston International. British Airways’ current schedule runs through October 24. Next year’s service will start on March 29.

Similar to the inaugural flights, service in 2020 will operate on Thursdays and Sundays. Flights leave from Charleston at 11:20 P.M. and arrive in London the next afternoon at 12:20 P.M. Returning flights will depart London at 5:30 P.M. and arrive in Charleston the same day at 9:30 P.M., local time.

British Airways utilizes a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 for the service. North Charleston is home to one of two final assembly lines for the Dreamliner program.

When it began in April, the London to Charleston service marked the first transatlantic passenger flight for both the Lowcountry and South Carolina.

Tickets for remaining flights this fall and next year’s service are available now at www.BA.com.

QUOTES
“The continuation of British Airways’ direct transatlantic service is great news for our state. These fl ights make South Carolina an even more viable candidate for economic development, giving us additional tools to compete in the global economy, and enhance the state’s marketability for both international business and leisure.” Bobby Hitt – Secretary, South Carolina Department of Commerce

“This is big news for tourism across South Carolina. Not only can it boost the number of international visitors to the state, it can spur new tourism investment and economic development. British Airways’ direct service is a win-win on so many levels.” Duane Parrish – Director, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

“Building on our existing partnership with a world-class airline like British Airways allows us to maintain a direct, convenient connection between two world-class cities. We are obviously pleased with their decision of a timely return in March 2020, as Charlestonians will begin the 350th anniversary celebration of the British settlement of Charleston. We also believe that British Airways can grow to year round service with increased frequency over time.” Helen Hill – CEO, Explore Charleston; Chair, Charleston County Aviation Authority

“To have our friends at British Airways committed to returning next spring is a testament to the strength of our relationship and the success of the inaugural service since it launched in April. We are excited to be part of the future growth that British Airways will have on international air service between the U.K. and Charleston.” Paul Campbell – CEO, Charleston County Aviation Authority

“We strongly believe in the long term viability of nonstop service from Charleston to London, and the British Airways’ decision to return indicates a shared belief. London’s Heathrow is a gateway, and it’s wonderful to know that the door to other parts of the world will remain open next year. Increased air service stimulates our economy and enhances the quality of life for citizens across our region.” Elliott Summey – Chair, Charleston County Council

QUICK FACTS
• Due to the success of the inaugural season in 2019, British Airways will operate nonstop flights between London’s Heathrow Airport and Charleston International Airport in 2020.
• The current seasonal service runs until October 24, 2019.
• The twice-weekly flight will continue to operate on Thursdays and Sundays beginning March 29, 2020.
• British Airways utilizes a South Carolina-built Boeing 787-8 for the service.

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Release from Charleston Digital Corridor

July 16, 2019

Iron Bridge Capital Partners, LLC and the Charleston Digital Corridor are pleased to announce the commencement of construction of the Charleston Tech Center (CTC), an architecturally modern, six-floor office building located in Downtown Charleston. The CTC is targeted to start-up, early-stage and mature tech companies. The development of the CTC, a 92,000 square foot building is scheduled for completion in late 2020, includes an adjacent 816 space parking garage that will be owned and operated by the City of Charleston.

The development team has partnered with Hunt Real Estate Capital, a division of Hunt Capital Holdings, and leader in investing, financing and managing commercial real estate throughout the United States, for equity financing; Synovus was selected for debt financing. The CTC will offer companies a unique combination of high-quality space, large floor plates, attractive amenities, and an accessible downtown location. The Charleston Digital Corridor, whose diverse offerings will allow tech-focused companies to grow through this landmark building, will be the anchor. The CTC development will include a mix of lifestyle retail and restaurant uses on the ground floor, conference facilities and a rooftop terrace.

“The CTC represents a significant milestone for Charleston’s tech economy, one that has grown from 17 companies in 2001 to over 450 today. With this building, we are well-positioned to serve an expanded base of tech companies through a broader offering of business, professional and education services,” said Digital Corridor Chairman, Kirk King.

“South Carolina’s technology sector is booming, with more than 7,400 tech-based businesses pumping $12.6 billion into the state’s economy. The Charleston Tech Center will be a creative hub that fosters ingenuity and gives innovative companies a place to plant their roots. Partnerships like this will further support, attract and advance South Carolina’s technology-focused and entrepreneurial business environment.” – Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

The project is located in the evolving Upper Peninsula of Charleston in a federally designated Opportunity Zone. The development comprises a collaboration between the City of Charleston, the State of South Carolina, the federal Opportunity Zone Incentive, the Charleston Digital Corridor Foundation, and the private sector that has been five years in the making.

Commenting on the project, Tim Scott, United States Senator for South Carolina noted, “The Charleston Tech Center is a prime example of my Opportunity Zone initiative coming to life. When the private and public sector come together to invest in some of the most overlooked parts of our nation, big things can happen. I’m looking forward to the new jobs, small businesses, and potential that this partnership will bring to the Holy City.”

“Building on the proven model of the Flagship business incubators, the Charleston Tech Center will provide much-needed space to help support and grow our entrepreneurial, technology sector, while enhancing the vitality of the Upper Peninsula.” –Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg

“The Tech Center project is a great fit for Iron Bridge Capital and our focus to work with states and municipalities to develop projects that have a positive community impact while also being economically viable. We are excited to be a part of the CTC project that will help promote the technology industry and create higher paying jobs in Charleston for many years to come.” said John Hand, Iron Bridge Founder & Managing Partner. “We are excited about the early interest in the project, including 4-5 space commitments in progress and a full floor committed to the CDC for its Flagship3,” he added.

The project is one of the first developments in Charleston, SC to commence construction under an Opportunity Zone structure. “We are thrilled to provide Opportunity Zone equity financing for this unique project,” noted Rachel Diller, Senior Managing Director at Hunt Real Estate Capital. “This project meets our thesis of backing inclusive economic growth, and we are excited to be a part of a collaboration between the Charleston Digital Corridor, the City, the State, and the federal Opportunity Zone program.”

By Bella English, Boston Globe

When I first heard about Sweet Tea Vodka, I knew that Firefly Distillery had created it just for me, combining two of my favorite drinks in one bottle. And when I looked at the Firefly website and saw the headline: “Wadmalaw Island. 2,611 people. A whole mess of gators. And one still,” I knew I had to go.

So on a recent visit to Charleston, S.C., I made arrangements to meet the two men behind this brilliant endeavor, glimpse the grapes, and sample their moonshine. They’ve got eight kinds and they sell it in Mason Jars, just like you might see on the TV series “Justified.” The moonshine includes various fruit flavors — I’m slowly sipping the peach as I write — as well as Caramel and White Lightning.

The moonshiners are Jim Irvin and Scott Newitt. As they tell it, Irvin is responsible for what goes inside the bottle, while Newitt is responsible for what goes on outside the bottle. Irvin, a chemistry and biology graduate of Vanderbilt, spent 40 years in the construction business before he “retired” 20 years ago and bought a 50-acre farm on rural Wadmalaw Island not far from Charleston. He and his wife were going to start a chicken farm, but there was too much red tape.

“So I planted vines,” says Irvin, who is 72. “The only grape that thrives in the heat here is muscadine.”

Then Irvin met Newitt, who had worked in sales and marketing for Gallo. They teamed up to form Firefly Spirits. “I make it and he sells it,” says Irvin.

But first, they had to lobby to get a bill passed in the state Legislature that would make it legal to distill and sell spirits in South Carolina. Once that was settled, they had to come up with a still. They couldn’t afford to buy one, so they built their own: a 55-gallon stainless steel tank on top of a propane burner.

Their first product was muscadine vodka. In 2008, they hit upon a distinctly southern flavor: sweet tea vodka, which quickly became their flagship product. (Their motto: “This ain’t your grandma’s sweet tea!”)

Much of the tea they use comes from the Charleston Tea Plantation, also located on Wadmalaw Island. Their products now include six types of vodka, including mint tea, which in 2009 took a double gold award from the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco. The following year, Firefly vodka won Best in Class in the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

The company has expanded to produce several kinds of rum, whiskey, liqueurs, and of course, the moonshine. A trip to the distillery is a hoot, with high-class hooch. The tasting room is ringed with shelves bearing the products, and a bar offers sips.

Mitchell Simpson is the tasting room manager, and has seen it all, including a busload of Chinese tourists. “They were not the biggest drinkers, but when they tucked into the White Lightning, everyone got a little more relaxed,” he says. (Sweet Tea Vodka remains Newitt’s fave, while Irvin loves Apple Pie Moonshine.)

My favorites were the Sweet Tea Vodka and the Peach Moonshine. And then there’s the Chocolate Pecan Pie Liqueur — when we got home, we took the partners’ advice and poured some of it over vanilla ice cream. Better than hot fudge. Firefly also makes a Coconut Cake Liqueur and a Banana Puddin’ Liqueur, each a hat-tip to its southern roots.

I don’t have to worry about running out of the stash I bought down yonder. Firefly now sells Sweet Tea Vodka and select moonshines in all 50 states — including dozens of liquor stores in Massachusetts — as well as in the Caribbean. Irvin and his wife, Ann, spend some time at their Firefly Sunset Resort in the Bahamas, while their son is now the head master distiller and general manager of the distillery.

A victim of its own success, Firefly Distillery has run out of room on Wadmalaw Island, and in January 2020 plans to move to North Charleston. Irvin is philosophical about his and Newitt’s endeavor: “We didn’t know we couldn’t do it.”

So they just went ahead and did it, and I’m glad they did.

Read the full story here

By Warren L. Wise wwise@postandcourier.com

Charleston airport’s list of distant destinations continues to grow.

On Friday, Delta Air Lines will launch nonstop service between Minneapolis-St. Paul and the Holy City, bridging the Twin Cities of the upper Midwest with history-steeped Charleston. The return flight from Charleston starts Saturday.

When announced last fall, the flight was said to be daily and year-round, but the airline’s website shows some days without daily service and the flight ending in early September.

The flight from Charleston will now be six days a week with no service on Sunday, according to Gary Edwards, a liaison between the Lowcountry airport and Charleston’s tourism agency, Explore Charleston. There are no nonstop flights July 7-14, he said.

Passengers will travel on a 76-seat, single-aisle Embraer 175 aircraft with first-class and coach accommodations for the roughly three-hour flight, according to the airline’s website.

The upper Midwest city is considered not only a destination for business and leisure travelers but also a connecting point, including international travel, since the Minnesota airport is a hub for Delta, Edwards said.

“This is more exciting news for Charleston and the airport,” said Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston. “It provides another link between Charleston and the Midwest.”

Delta is not the first airline to offer a route to the Minnesota cities from South Carolina’s busiest terminal.

Frontier Airlines ran seasonal service between Charleston and Minneapolis from August to November last year.

Delta is Charleston’s oldest carrier and its largest by passenger volume with about 27 percent of the market, currently offering 20 daily flights to five airports in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit and New York.

The airline established its Minneapolis-St. Paul flight hub through its 2008 acquisition of Northwest Airlines, which was headquartered in the Twin Cities.

Atlanta-based Delta said it operates more than 400 daily departures from the Minnesota airport, including nonstop service to major West Coast cities and to Asia.

Charleston’s airport now serves nonstop service to 31 airports in 27 cities, including the first transatlantic flights to London on British Airways.

By Jay Kramer

REGIONAL APPROACH TO A TALENT PIPELINE

It is no secret that the workforce of tomorrow will need technology and engineering skills to fuel industry innovation. Companies across industry sectors from advanced manufacturing to life sciences and High-Tech/IT fields continue to look toward educators to provide work-ready interns and applicants, ripe with skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Educators continue to seek out ways to innovate lesson plans, gearing them toward real-world situations that students will encounter in their careers.

After a successful 2018 pilot in Dorchester County, Charleston County Economic Development partnered with our allies in Dorchester and Berkeley Counties, along with the SC Department of Commerce, to deliver Tri-County STEMersion: an immersive, 2-week experience, connecting teachers with industry. Geared toward middle school and high school teachers, the goal was to create a hands-on learning environment designed to align lesson plans with industry’s real-world demands. With Charleston’s inherently collaborative environment, the area’s top teachers, and the region’s leading companies all on board as participants, the outcome was unforgettable. With “Alignment” the core mission of the 2-week experience, STEMersion 2019 delivered much more, including problem solving techniques, career path ideas, mentoring, and plenty of inspiring stories.

LESSONS LEARNED

Visiting world-renowned companies such as Boeing, Bosch, Lincoln Electric and Volvo, the educators had their eyes opened to today’s clean, quiet, organized and safe manufacturing environments. Technical topics of discussion ranged from A3, 5S, 6Sigma and pre-emptive problem solving. The educators heard first-hand the importance of apprenticeships, and heard inspiring stories of career paths from team members at each manufacturer. An intern at Boeing shared her story and spoke of the empowerment her mentor gave her during her internship. She discussed the importance of a mentor in the classroom and on the job. An engineering and design associate shared his story, describing the importance of students not only consuming technology, but creating it; and what that looks like in today’s fast-paced work environment.

Beyond technical discussion, the educators took away a few words of wisdom from each company they visited. One of the most impactful messages delivered to the educators came from a Boeing team member. He said, “Attitude inspires altitude,” and that he can associate any success in his career to a positive attitude.

TOP TEACHERS & INSPIRING INDUSTRIES

Connecting the region’s most influential middle school and high school teachers with the region’s leading companies was nothing short of amazing. Educators left each day more enthusiastic than the day before and their accompanying lesson plans undoubtedly reflect this. Each company that hosted the STEMersion educators asked to become further involved in this initiative, and are eager to further connect with area schools.

A big “Congratulations” is in order for the educators selected to participate in STEMersion 2019 and a big “Thank you” for companies that hosted our educators. It’s said that “Today’s teachers have tomorrow’s future in their hands,” and the future is looking very bright.

EXISTING INDUSTRY IS OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL

Charleston County Economic Development’s Business Concierge Program focuses specifically on the needs of the companies who call Charleston Count home. Our team regularly meets with our companies, and offer resources to fuel growth. If we may be of assistance to your company, please visit CharlestonCountyDevelopment.org and contact us.