Charleston County Economic Development (CCED) received two 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The awards were bestowed for the organization’s work on its 2024 Annual Report, earning a Bronze award, and the Business Resource Guide, earning a Silver award. Both projects served residents and businesses across Charleston County, a community of more than 400,000 people. CCED was honored at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, September 14-17.

“Charleston County Economic Development is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its 2024 Annual Report and Business Resource Guide projects. These awards shine a spotlight on Charleston County Economic Development’s commitment to its community and showcase the significant impact of economic development,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “IEDC is honored to present these awards to Charleston County Economic Development to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.”

Each year, IEDC honors organizations, government entities, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field of economic development. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.

“We are incredibly proud to receive these prestigious awards from the IEDC,” said Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Merle Johnson. “Our team’s dedication to creating high-quality, impactful resources like our Annual Report and Business Resource Guide is essential to showcasing Charleston County’s vibrant and supportive business environment. We look forward to continuing our mission of promoting sustainable economic growth for all of our citizens.”

About the International Economic Development Council 

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in a full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at https://www.iedconline.org/.

About Charleston County Economic Development

For over three decades, Charleston County Economic Development Department has been dedicated to establishing and maintaining business relationships with new and existing industries to preserve the Charleston area’s exceptional business climate and quality of life. To learn more about Charleston County Economic Development, visit www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org.

The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), the largest regional economic development association in North America, representing 17 states and the world’s best economy builders, has recognized Charleston County Economic Development as a top performer in the American South for communications. Each year, SEDC reviews marketing and informational content from organizations across its 17-state footprint, evaluating design, strategy, innovation, and impact. At this year’s 2025 SEDC Annual Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Charleston County was awarded as the Best-in-Class for Printed Reports for their 2024 Annual Report.

“The American South is the strongest and best-positioned economy on the planet. Within our membership are professionals responsible for billions in corporate investment, millions of created jobs, and those who tell our story across the globe,” stated SEDC President Matt Tackett. “SEDC members compete successfully in a global marketplace, which is why our communications content is truly world-class. The SEDC Communications Awards showcase the best of the best.”

SEDC reviewed member submissions across approximately twenty categories. Judges for the Communication Awards competition included site selection consultants and marketing professionals from across the southern United States. The Communications Awards are presented annually at the SEDC Annual Conference, the Council’s largest event. The 2025 conference brought together 650 professionals over three days to celebrate and advance economic development in the American South.

About Charleston County Economic Development

For over three decades, Charleston County Economic Development Department has been dedicated to establishing and maintaining business relationships with new and existing industries to preserve the Charleston area’s exceptional business climate and quality of life. To learn more about Charleston County Economic Development, visit www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org.

About SEDC

SEDC is the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America, with over 1,800 members representing a variety of sectors. From local, regional, and state economic development agencies to chambers of commerce, business and industry, utilities, transportation, finance, and education, members share a common goal: to accelerate economic development in the American South. To learn more about SEDC, visit www.sedc.org.

Holy City Linen, a commercial laundry service company, today announced plans to expand operations in Charleston County. The company’s $12.4 million investment will create 254 new jobs.

Founded in 2016 in Mount Pleasant, Holy City Linen provides a quality, eco-friendly commercial laundry service throughout the Charleston area.

Opening a second facility at 1275 Remount Road in North Charleston, Holy City Linen’s expansion will allow the company to increase capacity to meet growing demand in the medical and hospitality industries.

The expansion is expected to be online by summer 2020. Individuals interested in joining the Holy City Linen team should contact careers@holycitylinen.com.

“This expansion will allow Holy City Linen to further its mission in providing a hygienically clean product and quality commercial laundry service in an eco-friendly manner.” –Holy City Linen Owner Ann Son

“We work every day not only to recruit new businesses to South Carolina, but to also take care of our existing companies like Holy City Linen. Charleston County and our entire state have a real reason to celebrate today, as this $12.4 million investment will create more than 250 jobs for our people” –Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina continues to be a great place to do business. Holy City Linen reinforces the fact that our business-friendly climate is helping create new jobs. We thank Holy City Linen for the company’s continued commitment to our state.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“The investment Holy City Linen is making in our community is appreciated by Charleston County. We strive to foster a receptive, business-friendly ecosystem designed for optimal growth opportunities. Our team is ready to assist Holy City Linen, as they will undoubtedly succeed as they expand their presence in the Lowcountry.” –Charleston County Council Chairman Elliott Summey

“The expansion of Holy City Linen gives us confidence that North Charleston remains a ripe environment for businesses to flourish. We applaud the company’s success and are thankful for the capital investment and job creation, which will greatly benefit our community.” –North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey

“We couldn’t be prouder to work with Holy City Linen on their expansion, and the announcement of 254 jobs in our community. Our Business Concierge team is willing to roll up their sleeves and work tirelessly to help our companies, especially during periods of economic uncertainty.” –Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Steve Dykes

“Ann Son was a delight to work with and, with her business acumen, there is no doubt her venture will be a success.  We at the SBDC are truly thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Holy City Linen’s expansion as it will have a positive economic impact on our community.” – Charleston Small Business Development Center Director Darrell Jones

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Holy City Linen is expanding operations in Charleston County.
• The $12.4 million investment will create 254 new jobs.
• Holy City Linen is a commercial laundry service company.
• Operations are located at 1275 Remount Road in North Charleston, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Holy City Linen team should contact careers@holycitylinen.com.

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In an awards luncheon at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Travel, Governor Henry McMaster recognized people and places who made significant contributions to tourism in South Carolina.

The industry’s highest award, the Governor’s Cup, was presented to Explore Charleston for leading the state’s efforts in establishing direct flights between London’s Heathrow Airport and Charleston International via British Airways. The airline began South Carolina’s first transatlantic passenger air service in April 2019 for the summer season and will resume service in March.

The years-long recruitment effort involved the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Charleston County Economic Development and the Charleston County Aviation Authority. Explore Charleston also launched a significant marketing strategy, including a Facebook Live broadcast called Transatlantic Takeoff, an Instagram campaign called How to BA Local, and hosted the annual meeting of the British Guild of Travel Writers, which included trips around the state. Additionally, Conde Nast Traveler and British Airways’ digital and social platforms hosted a two-month vacation getaway contest, engaging 2.2 million followers.

To date, advance ticket sales are 40 percent higher than last year. The advertising value of international earned media about Charleston grew 78 percent from 2017 to 2019 while the promotion was ongoing ($9.3 million to $16.7 million.) The College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis estimated the total economic impact generated by the initial season of service was $9.7 million.

The Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Travel is held every winter in South Carolina as an opportunity for industry leaders to network, collaborate and leverage opportunities to grow tourism. For more information, contact Dawn Dawson-House at ddawson@scprt.com or 803-734-1779 or 803-467-0202.

Jay M. Kramer, Existing Industry Specialist for Charleston County Economic Development, graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute on October 24, 2019, at the OU EDI Fall session held in Denver, Colorado.

OU EDI is an intensive 117-hour certificate program that provides a broad spectrum of advanced education for the economic development professional.

OU EDI Dean Mary Ann Moon said, “OU EDI is the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals. These graduates represent some of the finest economic development practitioners in the U.S. working to support their local communities. My congratulations to them.”

Charleston County Economic Development Director Steve Dykes commended Kramer in his efforts, stating, “continuing education ensures a high standard of professional service and quality here in Charleston County. We want our community to know that we are always seeking to enhance our knowledge base and competency in order to encourage Charleston County’s growth and vibrancy.”

OU EDI classes focus on three major core areas including: Business Retention and Expansion, Real Estate, and Credit Analysis, as well as areas of concentration in Marketing, Strategic Planning, Entrepreneurship, and Managing Economic Development Organizations. Students typically take 1-2 years to complete the program through a series on intensive in-person or online courses.

Beginning in 1962, OU EDI is celebrating its 57th year of service to the economic development community. Fully accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the program has trained more than 5,500 professionals and remains the world’s leading economic development teacher.

Kramer has been with Charleston County Economic Development since 2016. He has a BS degree in Management, and a BA degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Appalachian State University, a Masters in Project Management, and an MBA from The Citadel Graduate College.

Staff Report
gsanews@scbiznews.com

The Salute to Manufacturing awards closed out the S.C. Manufacturing Conference & Expo held this week at the Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston.

The award winners were announced during a special luncheon following the two-day conference and a keynote address by Gov. Henry McMaster.

McMaster also presented the awards to 12 companies in several categories, including Outstanding Manufacturing Lifetime Service Award to J. Steven Dykes.

Steve Dykes has served as director of Charleston County Economic Development since its inception in 1993. For the past 25 years as economic development director, he has spearheaded the county’s recruitment, retention and expansion efforts, leveraging more than $6.3 billion in capital investment and the creation of more than 33,000 jobs in Charleston County.

© Jessica Yurinko

Charleston County Economic Development received one of the top honors for a communications piece at the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) Communication Awards Ceremony. The awards ceremony was held during the 2019 SEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans in August.

“These annual Communication Awards recognize and showcase the leading communication and marketing work done by economic development professionals throughout the south. Charleston County Economic Development hit the mark this year with this communication piece. Its entry in the Audiovisual (URL) category titled, Charleston Tech: Our Time is Now, won a Special Judges Award for Talent Attraction. This piece not only showed creativity, but also solid messaging and effectiveness at reaching their target audience. We were wowed by all the entries we received this year and were impressed with the high level of marketing work being done in economic development by SEDC members,” said SEDC president, Gene Stinson, after the ceremony.

In a partnership between Charleston County Economic Development and Charleston Digital Corridor, the four-minute video displays and celebrates some of the tech companies responsible for making Charleston the preferred destination for professionals and tech businesses.

“The Charleston tech community has grown from 18 businesses in 2001 to more than 450 today,” stated Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Steve Dykes. “The Charleston Digital Corridor has played an integral role in that success. It was a natural partnership to work together to highlight our assets and promote our thriving tech industry to the world.”

The Communication Awards are given each year by SEDC at its annual conference.  More than 20 categories of communications and marketing work submitted by SEDC members are evaluated within four divisions. The awards are: BEST OF SHOW, BEST OF CLASS, SUPERIOR, EXCELLENT, MERIT, and SPECIAL JUDGES’ AWARDS. Judging criteria for General Entry Awards include Graphic Appeal, Clarity of Message, Quality of Information, Positioning/ Differentiation and Format. All winning pieces were on full display for attendees to view during the conference.

Charleston County Economic Development also received a recognition level of excellence for their Technomic Development Annual Report and a recognition level of merit for their Business Resource Guide. These pieces, along with the Charleston Tech: Our Time is Now video can be viewed at dev-cced-migrate.pantheonsite.io/.

About the Southern Economic Development Council

SEDC is the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America, with more than 860 members representing a variety of backgrounds. From local, regional and state economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, business and industry, utilities, transportation, finance and education, members share a common interest: the promotion and enhancement of the economic development profession. To find out more about SEDC, please visit www.sedc.org.

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By Emily Williams – EWilliams@postandcourier.com

Charleston is the No. 1 U.S. city for the seventh year in a row, according to the Travel + Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best” awards.

Charleston also ranked 12th on the magazine’s list of the 15 best cities in the world, making it one of only two U.S. destinations to make the cut. Charleston came in at No. 10 on the world rankings last year and took the top spot in 2016.

The magazine’s editor-in-chief, Jacqui Gifford, announced the results of the annual reader survey Wednesday morning on NBC’s “Today” show.

This is the sixth consecutive year Charleston is ranked the No. 1 City in the U.S. We are so honored and extend a sincere thank you to everyone who voted! In addition, Travel + Leisure readers ranked Charleston as the only U.S. domestic destination among the Top 15 Cities in the World.

The news was shared by Jacqui Gifford, senior editor of Travel + Leisure, on the TODAY Show on July 10. Charleston exceeded other destinations in the categories of sights/landmarks, arts/culture, restaurants/food, people/friendliness, shopping and value to earn the No. 1 City in the U.S. and No. 10 City in the World rankings.

Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief Nathan Lump said, “Charleston continues its run as Travel + Leisure readers’ pick for the top city in the United States with good reason. This is a city that is not content to rest on its laurels as one of the most beautiful and well preserved historic urban environments in the country. Thanks to a creative local population intent on creating world-class experiences, there is always something new and exciting going on here, from a vibrant cultural scene to innovation in food and drink to fresh takes on style and design.”

Please help us congratulate the following recognized in Travel + Leisure’s 2018 World’s Best Awards.

TOP 10 ISLANDS IN THE CONTINENTAL U.S.

• No. 3  Kiawah Island, South Carolina

TOP 10 CHARLESTON CITY HOTELS

• The Spectator Hotel
• Planters Inn
• French Quarter Inn
• Zero George
• The Dewberry
• Wentworth Mansion
• The Vendue
• John Rutledge House Inn
• HarbourView Inn
• Market Pavilion Hotel

Join in the 2018 World’s Best Awards conversation with @ExploreCHS and @TravelLeisure, and share your love for the Holy City by tagging #ExploreCharleston and #TLWorldsBest.

KALAMAZOO, Michigan  – Consultant Connect, a consulting agency designed to bridge the gap between economic developers and site consultants, announces its 2019 list of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. The economic development professionals selected for this list were nominated by their colleagues in both the economic development industry and the site consultant community for excellent practices, innovation and success in building the communities they serve.

Each top 50 economic developer will be featured individually starting May 20 through the selected social media channels of LinkedIn and Twitter. Each award winner will share leadership insights and wisdom for other practitioners in the profession. Consultant Connect strives to lift up this industry by recognizing remarkable economic developers for the entire economic development community to learn from. Each recipient will receive their award at Consultant Connect’s ECONOMIX event in Charleston, South Carolina this December.

“This annual list recognizing North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers is designed to acknowledge the hard work of the top leaders in this field and elevate the conversation around economic development and job creation,” said Ron Kitchens, managing partner of Consultant Connect. “Each of the leaders represented on this year’s list are beyond deserving of this recognition for their efforts in building our communities.”

The complete list of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers of 2019 includes:

Adam Gawarecki, Denton Economic Development Partnership

Adrian Cannady, Temple Economic Development Corporation

Alan Tio, Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation

Andrew Nave, Greater Wichita Partnership

Angie Gheesling, Houston County Development Authority

Ashley Savieo, Indiana Michigan Power

Barrett Thomas, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development

Blair Patacairk, Invest Ottawa

Bo Martinez, City of Miami Beach Economic Development Department

Brad Thomas, Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

Bryan Brackemyre, Indiana Municipal Power Agency

Charlie Moseley, Georgia Power

Charlie Walker, Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation

Chris Moyer, Cecil County Office of Economic Development

Chris Pumphrey, Douglas County Development Authority

Craig Richard, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation

Crystal Stiles, Florida Power & Light Company

Dennis Fraise, Lee County Economic Development Group

Jamie Gilbert, Lancaster County Department of Economic Development

Jeff Seymour, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber

Jennifer Conoley, Gulf Power

Joey Roberts, Mississippi Development Authority

John Lummus, Upstate SC Alliance

John Sampson, Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership

Justin Bickle, Columbus 2020

Karla Moran, Salt River Project

Kevin Johnson, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

Kiley Miller, Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation

Lara Fritts, Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development

Larry Holt, Greater Portland Inc

Leonard Sledge, Henry County Development Authority

Mandy Brawley, South Carolina Department of Commerce

Margaret O’Riley, Duke Energy

Marla Akridge,  Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation

Matt Buchanan, Pearland Economic Development Corporation

Michael Haley, Wake County Economic Development

Nate Groover, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

Patricia Horvatich, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

Patrick Barker, Frederick County Economic Development Authority

Phil Santer,  Ann Arbor SPARK

Quentin L. Messer Jr., New Orleans Business Alliance

Rodney Hitch, Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

Scott Luth, Florida West Economic Development Authority

Stephen Moret, Virginia Economic Development ,Partnership

Steve Dykes, Charleston County Economic Development

Steve Vierck, New Mexico State Land Office

Steven Pearce, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance

Tammy Nolan, Greater Wichita Partnership

Thomas Tyson, Alabama Department of Commerce

Wendy Dupley, City of Abbotsford Economic Development Department

About Consultant Connect
Consultant Connect is designed to bridge the gap between leading economic developers and location consultants through exclusive networking events, educational services and leadership development. Consultant Connect not only gives economic developers an inside look into the world of site selection – it gives them the applicable information necessary to propel their careers and communities forward. For more information, please visit www.consultantconnect.org.