BY ANDREW T. HSU

Post & Courier 

Innovation is the buzzword of the moment. You hear it everywhere: in industry, in education, in almost every Ted Talk. Innovation, most everyone agrees, is the key to the future.

At the College of Charleston, we teach innovative thinking and creative problem-solving in all of our academic offerings — from A to Z (think anthropology to zoology). However, for more than a century — since 1906, to be exact — the College has not offered coursework in the one area that contributes most to innovation: engineering. Simply put, engineering is the study of making things or making those things better.

When I was a professor, I would ask my students to take note of their surroundings in the classroom, and I would challenge them to find something that was not engineered. After a moment of looking at chairs, desks, walls and maybe a tree out the window, I would say, “You see two kinds of things — things made by God and things made by engineers. This is why engineering is so important to the world in which we live.”

And there is a great need for engineers here in South Carolina. The demand in the marketplace is far outpacing the labor supply. To address this shortage, for the past year, the college has been working with regional industry partners, elected officials and higher education leaders around the state to create a new systems engineering program at the college.

Our faculty worked closely with industry representatives of AmplifiedAg, Boeing, Bosch, Capgemini, the Charleston County Economic Development Department, the Charleston Digital Corridor, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, Hill-Rom, Mercedes-Benz, Sapience Automation and Volvo to build a curriculum that combines the hard and soft skills necessary for a 21st-century engineer. Their insights were critical in developing this interdisciplinary program, which will include elements of all of the engineering disciplines. Of special note, the new systems engineering program will be the only one of its kind in South Carolina at the undergraduate level.

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education recently approved the college’s proposal for a bachelor’s degree program in systems engineering. On behalf of the college, I would like to thank the commissioners for their support.

I would also like to commend the leadership of Gov. Henry McMaster and Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt. They were both early proponents and vocal supporters of the college’s efforts and saw the benefits of our new engineering program and its potential to not only fulfill the needs of current industry, but to also recruit future businesses to the state.

The College of Charleston has a ready-made home base for engineering in our newly renovated Rita Liddy Hollings Science Center. It is a state-of-the-art facility on one of the country’s most beautiful campuses and will prove a wonderful laboratory for training tomorrow’s engineers.

Like many of our faculty, I can’t wait to welcome our first class of engineering students in fall 2020. And I really can’t wait to see the many things they will make – and make better.

Andrew T. Hsu is the 23rd president of the College of Charleston.

CHARLESTON, S.C. – “Welcome aboard British Airways Flight 221 with nonstop service to Charleston, South Carolina.” That announcement becomes a reality today for passengers departing London’s Heathrow Airport on the inaugural nonstop flight between the British Isles and the Palmetto State.

Shortly after that flight lands, an enthusiastic group of passengers at Charleston International Airport will board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for the first outbound flight from the Lowcountry to London. The departure is scheduled for 11:20 P.M. EST.

“Years of relationship building and months of preparations led us to this momentous occasion. Loved ones will be able to reconnect more easily while business travelers anticipate higher productivity and new opportunities,” said Paul Campbell, CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority.

The twice-weekly service between Charleston and London was announced last October.

British Airways’, airport and community leaders will celebrate the inaugural flights with festivities at Charleston International on Thursday night. A red-carpet welcome, ribbon cutting, musical entertainment, and British-themed decorations, among other activities, will mark the occasion for arriving and departing passengers.

A special Facebook Live production will be broadcast to allow the public to be part of the celebration from anywhere in the world. The Livestream begins at 7:30 P.M. and can be viewed at www.Facebook.com/ExploreCharleston.

“I am really excited about this new service between Charleston and London, two world class cities with rich histories and strong cultures,” said Simon Brooks, British Airways’ Senior Vice President, Sales, North America. “We have an extensive global network— more than 200 destinations in 75 countries across the globe—and I’m pleased that British Airways can offer this service to the Charleston community.”

Since the announcement last fall, the new flight has been touted as a game changer by state and local officials. It is expected to boost international tourism and business opportunities across the state.

“The planes may land in Charleston but the impact extends well outside of the Lowcountry. South Carolina’s popularity with overseas travelers is strong and growing. We are confident this flight means more people from the United Kingdom can more conveniently enjoy all our state has to offer,” said Duane Parrish, Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.

Parrish noted that London’s Heathrow Airport is considered a gateway. “British Airways offers service between Heathrow and over 130 destinations in Europe, Asia and Africa. The Charleston to London route opens South Carolina’s door to a larger international audience.”

The flight is projected to generate an estimated economic impact of $20.2 million annually through new spending, job creation and other associated activity in tourism.

“Greater connectivity through increased air service makes us an even more viable candidate for international commerce. Today, we strengthen our ability to compete in a global economy,” commented Elliott Summey, Chairman of Charleston County Council.

“A partnership with British Airways is desired by many other communities. We are honored to celebrate this endorsement of the greater Charleston area and our incredible people. We look forward to extending our southern hospitality and sharing the authentic attributes that make this region so unique,” said Michael Tall, Chair of Explore Charleston’s Board of Governors.

Charleston International Airport saw a record 4.47 million passengers in 2018. It is also in the midst of a master campus plan to expand passenger amenities, parking facilities and support functions that serve air carriers.

“Collaboration between local, regional and state entities makes accomplishments like the state’s first transatlantic flight possible. More flights to more destinations enhance the quality of life for citizens across the region and serve as a catalyst for new economic development,” said Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston and Vice Chair of the Charleston County Aviation Authority.

British Airways operates the service 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.

Tickets can be purchased at www.ba.com.

By Jennifer Brown & Jay Kramer

Spending two days with automotive manufacturing thought leaders at the 2019 SC Automotive Summit, it became clear that the future of mobility will be about connectivity, autonomy, electrification, and the industry’s workforce.

Representatives from OEMs and suppliers from every tier come together each year as South Carolina celebrates the success of our automotive industry at the SC Automotive Summit. Typically held in Greenville, the exchange of best practices, industry forecasting and high-impact networking is phenomenal.

Mike Mansuetti, President – North America, Bosch presented on the importance of adaptability and how to turn industry disruption into opportunity. He spoke of the success Bosch has seen in piloting “The Adaptive Space” at their firm to bridge the gap between R&D/innovation and operational effectiveness. “The Adaptive Space” provides an internal startup framework for employees to contribute innovations, products and ideas, and helps the firm develop and take great ideas to market… Intrapreneurship.

Joanie Martin, Chief Administrative Officer, Michelin North America, spoke about Michelin’s positioning as a sustainable mobility company. She touched on the importance of sustainable sourcing of raw materials, to new joint ventures expected at Michelin and the exciting future of Michelin’s next generation of the “tweel.”

As the most anticipated speaker at the event, Gary Silberg, America’s Head of Automotive at KPMG, built on his previous year’s presentations on autonomous driving through deep learning, the neural net and continued electrification. Gary’s presentation titled, “Autonomy Delivered” laid out an extremely bright future for delivery vehicles and the integration of autonomous systems to satisfy the massive demand for online order fulfillment. Three years after Mercedes-Benz Vans’ announced their “Vision Van” concept, all of these autonomous delivery solutions appear to feature elements forecasted by Mercedes back in 2016.

Mercedes-Benz Vans full OEM assembly plant in North Charleston is undoubtedly positioned to play a significant role in the future of delivery vehicles. Governor Henry McMaster and Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt both stated that the growing automotive industry in South Carolina and the exceptional collaboration of OEM’s and suppliers will continue to drive our state and region’s automotive industry success.

Workforce Development

With a bright future, automotive industry success cannot be made without a talented and skilled workforce. Workforce development was the underlying theme at the Summit.  Each speaker and panelist spoke highly of his or her respective manufacturing facilities. However, without training and retention efforts, valuable workers will be lost. Appreciation of employees, their contributions and collaborative efforts are celebrated. Culture of a company and adapting to worker needs is paramount.

The apprenticeship model has been a mainstay in the automotive industry sector. Training for a lifetime will sustain the workforce needs. Here in Charleston County we boast a remarkable Youth Apprenticeship program along with Adult Apprenticeships through Trident Technical College and Apprenticeship Carolina. Creating a pipeline of talent that reaches down into high school and elementary school is at the forefront. Manufacturers and workforce development allies are working hard to illustrate that with a technical college pathway or ManuFirst certificate, doors open to a successful and prosperous career.

Existing Industry is our number one goal

Charleston County is humming on all cylinders with Mercedes-Benz Vans leading the pack. Our automotive 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.

DeepBD, a developer and operator of artificial intelligence platforms, today announced new operations in Charleston County. The company’s $1.6 million investment is projected to create 30 new jobs.

DeepBD’s technology is a comprehensive software system for the acquisition, absorption and curation of large-scale datasets integrated with data analytics, using the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. The company’s platform uses cutting-edge technology to remove physical computing limitations, allowing DeepBD to inspect and analyze vast amounts of data as it is collected.

The company has established its offices at the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) / Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Innovation Center, located at 645 Meeting Street in Charleston, S.C. Hiring for the new positions is already underway, and interested applicants should visit the company’s careers page online for more information.

QUOTES

 “Our decision to relocate all technical development to Charleston, S.C. was an easy one thanks to the tremendous support we have received from the great people at the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, SCRA, Charleston County and many others. DeepBD greatly appreciates the support it continues to receive from everyone in the state of South Carolina. Our company is committed to being a great partner to support this incredible community and invest in the future of this great city and state.” –DeepBD, Inc. Chairman Patrick McCollum

“DeepBD is a welcome addition to our burgeoning tech economy in South Carolina. In a field where a company can locate anywhere in the world, their decision to locate operations in Charleston is proof that we’re succeeding in making South Carolina the best state in the nation to live, work and play. I wish them the best and look forward to watching them thrive in the Lowcountry.” –Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina is blazing a trail and remains at the very forefront of technological development, and today’s announcement by DeepBD is further proof of that. I congratulate this innovative company on their new operations and wish them years of success in Charleston County.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“DeepBD’s decision to locate in Charleston County is a great win for our community. It demonstrates how entrepreneurship, the tech skills and educational offerings available and the support we can provide our growing businesses, can combine to attract the brightest and most innovative companies. We wish them a long and successful presence in our county.” – Charleston County Council Chairman Victor Rawl

“DeepBD is a natural fit for the city of Charleston’s vibrant and growing tech sector. We wish the company great success in the years ahead, and appreciate the high-wage, high skill jobs it will bring to our area.” –Charleston Mayor John J. Tecklenburg

“DeepBD’s decision to locate in the Charleston region demonstrates that this global market offers the competitive advantages which innovative companies and entrepreneurs need to succeed – a highly-skilled talent pool, engaged education institutions, access to capital, a world-class lifestyle and the available space to locate or expand. Charleston is a robust and growing technology hub, offering tremendous opportunities for career mobility, and we look forward to DeepBD’s continued success and impact here.” – Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chair Robert Pratt

 FIVE FAST FACTS

 DeepBD is launching its first operations in Charleston County.

• $1.6 million investment to create 30 new jobs.
• DeepBD is a developer and operator of artificial intelligence platforms, utilizing the latest technology to remove physical computing limitations of data analysis.
• The company has established its offices at the SCRA / MUSC Innovation Center, located at 645 Meeting Street in Charleston, S.C.
• Hiring for the new positions is already underway, and interested applicants should visit the company’s careers page online for more information.

The demand for workers in high-tech lean manufacturing is expected to continue to surge in the Lowcountry in the coming years and Trident Technical College’s Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development is gearing up to train the employees that can fill those jobs.

The college has modified its Lean Manufacturing program, originally developed in conjunction with local manufacturers to provide workers with the equivalent of one year of manufacturing experience, to conform to the state of South Carolina’s ManuFirstSC Grant program. The ManuFirstSC Grant program completely covers the cost of tuition, background checks and drug screening for a total of 84 participants for Trident Tech’s ManuFirstSC (Lean Manufacturing) continuing education classes running from January to May 2019. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Trident Tech Continuing Education is hosting a series of free information sessions about the ManuFirstSC Grant program in December 2018. Information sessions are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, Dec. 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Trident Tech’s Berkeley Campus Library, 1001 S. Live Oak Dr., Moncks Corner
• Wednesday, Dec. 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Dorchester County QuickJobs Training Center, 5164 E. Jim Bilton Blvd., St. George
• Saturday, Dec. 8, 10-11 a.m. at Trident Tech’s Thornley Campus (formerly Main Campus), 7000 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, in Bldg. 910, Rm. 122

The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce 2018 Talent Demand Study projected nearly 35,000 new jobs are being created in the Charleston Metro area within the next five years and approximately 18 percent of those are production or mechanical in nature. Additionally, it noted the demand is surpassing local graduate output by 300-500 positions. The ManuFirstSC Grants and Trident Tech’s Lean Manufacturing program can help train Lowcountry residents to fill that void.

To qualify for a ManuFirstSC Grant participants must:

• be at least 18 years old;
• be able to legally work in the United States;
• provide documentation of South Carolina residency;
• have a high school diploma or GED;
• provide proof of a Silver WIN/WorkKeys score;
• pass a SC SLED background check (paid for by the grant);
• pass a basic panel drug screen (paid for by the grant);
• enroll in the SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) system

Interested students should attend the free information sessions to get more detailed information about all of the requirements. For additional information, visit www.tridenttech.edu/ce and click on Funding Opportunities or call 843.574.6152.

Bintelli LLC, an Inc. 5000 company and manufacturer and distributor of mopeds, scooters and electric vehicles for a variety of applications, today announced another expansion of its Charleston County operations. The $2.9 million investment is projected to create an additional 20 new jobs over the next five years.

Headquartered in Charleston, S.C., Bintelli is a powersports manufacturer and distributor that represents Bintelli scooters, electric bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, go-karts, golf carts and electric vehicles. The company offers more than 40 customizable electric vehicles, including electric golf carts, electric shuttles, street-legal golf carts, low-speed vehicles and Americans with Disabilities Act-compatible shuttles, along with a full line of parts and accessories.

Bintelli has purchased a new facility at 2137 Savannah Highway in Charleston, S.C. in order to house its new headquarters and retail showroom.

“We are so excited about this new Bintelli Powersports facility! We were able to quickly renovate it, so we could be open in time for the holidays. To be able to provide Charleston, and specifically West Ashley, with an affordable option for their powersport needs is something that has really excited the local market. We welcome everyone to come tour our new facility, where you will quickly see why our slogan is ‘We Sell Fun!’” –Bintelli President Justin Jackrel

“It’s always exciting when a company decides to invest in our state, but it’s a real reason to celebrate when it’s one of our existing firms that is choosing to expand. Bintelli’s new $2.9 million investment speaks to the pro-business environment we’ve worked hard to cultivate across South Carolina, and I look forward to watching them continue to grow here.” –Gov. Henry McMaster

“The expansion of Bintelli’s existing operations in Charleston County signals yet another vote of confidence by this great company in Charleston County, the workforce and the strong business environment in South Carolina. Congratulations to Bintelli, and we look forward to your continued success.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“Another electrifying announcement for Bintelli and Charleston County! The strategic advantages the Port of Charleston and our workforce offer have proven successful for Bintelli and for our community. The new Bintelli complex and its new jobs are an invaluable contribution to the redevelopment of West Ashley.” – Charleston County Council Chairman Victor Rawl

“On behalf of the City of Charleston, I would like to offer Bintelli my sincere congratulations on their upcoming expansion. I hope that they continue to find success in West Ashley as a valued member of our city’s thriving business community, and I wish them the very best in this next phase of business.” – City of Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg

“Our Business Concierge team has assisted Bintelli since 2015, and we are thrilled Justin Jackrel and his team continue to experience so much success in Charleston County. This expansion confirms Bintelli’s steadfast and long-standing commitment to our community.” – Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Steve Dykes

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Bintelli LLC is growing its Charleston County operations.
• $2.9 million investment to create 20 new jobs.
• Bintelli is a powersports manufacturer and distributor of scooters, mopeds and electric vehicles.
• Bintelli has purchased a new facility at 2137 Savannah Highway in Charleston, S.C.
• The facility will house its new headquarters and retail showroom.

By David Wren dwren@postandcourier.com

The Charleston region alone boasts more than 140 international businesses, including big names like Sweden’s Volvo Cars and Germany’s Mercedes-Benz Vans.

But there’s one thing that’s missing: a major company headquarters.

Bobby Hitt, the state’s Commerce Secretary, hopes the British Airways flight between the Lowcountry and London, announced earlier this month, changes all that.

“We’ve had numerous examples of where we fought to get a headquarters in one part of the state or the other, and essentially in every instance we lost because we didn’t have an international airport,” Hitt said. “You can’t overcome the lack of access to international travel.”

Having a true international airport within the state’s borders “puts Charleston and South Carolina in a different category” for economic development, Hitt said, elevating the Palmetto State as both a site for branch manufacturing and corporate operations and strategy offices.

Ted Pitts, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, said the new U.S.-U.K service “will serve as a catalyst for economic development opportunities as international companies look at where to locate.”

British Airways will operate the nonstop, twice-weekly flights between Charleston International and Heathrow Airport on Sundays and Thursdays on a Boeing 787-8. The service is starting out as seasonal — from April 4 to Oct. 24 — but Hitt hopes there’s enough demand to extend the schedule and perhaps add a third weekly flight.

Read more at Post & Courier…

Service to Delta’s MSP hubs opens up dozens of connecting opportunities to Western U.S. and Asia; Delta is Charleston’s leading airline with more available seats than any other carrier.

New nonstop daily service between Charleston, S.C. and Delta’s hub at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport beginning June 20, will bring more choice and connections to customers traveling to and from Charleston.

“Delta is proud to have served Charleston for decades, so we are especially pleased to offer this new service to our Minneapolis/St. Paul hub beginning next June,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Network Planning. “These flights will open up dozens of Midwest, West destinations for customers through a single, easy connection at MSP.”

Flights will operate on the following schedule:

Delta’s MSP hub features more than 400 daily departures including nonstop service to the largest West Coast destinations including Seattle, Portland, all three San Francisco Bay-Area airports, Los Angeles and San Diego. To Asia, Delta offers Tokyo-Haneda service and will begin Seoul-Incheon service in April.

“The announcement of Delta Air Lines today is yet another indication of why Delta is the longtime market leader in Charleston. The addition of Minneapolis-St. Paul from Charleston International on a daily, year-round basis demonstrates that Delta is keenly aware of the needs of both business and leisure travelers of the region,” said Paul G. Campbell Jr., Executive Director and CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority.

“The hospitality industry welcomes the Delta Air Lines decision to link the Twin Cities to the Charleston region,” said Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston. “With the addition of this new route, we not only gain access to a new target city of discerning travelers, but we also gain access to a rich part of Delta’s extensive network beyond MSP.”

“We’re very excited about this new service to one of America’s greatest historic vacation destinations,” said Brian Ryks, Executive Director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. “This will be the first daily, year-round non-stop service between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Charleston, making the trip faster and easier than ever.”

North Charleston, South Carolina, USA/ Stuttgart, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Vans has opened its new Sprinter plant for the North American market. After considering the high market potential for the new Sprinter in North America, the decision to build a new production facility in time for the launch of the new Sprinter model in the USA was announced in March 2015. The facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, is now up and running following a two year construction period. The total investment adds up to approx. 500 million dollars with more than 900 people working at the expanded North Charleston site, that number is set to grow up to 1,300 by the end of 2020. According to estimations, suppliers will create an additional 600 new jobs in and around North Charleston.

“The USA is already the the second largest market for our Sprinter today. With the new, state-of-the-art production site in South Carolina, we will be able to supply our customers in North America even faster and with more flexibility in the future. This makes better use of the dynamic market potential, placing our new plant in North Charleston as a central component of our growth strategy ‘ Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global’,” said Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

“The new plant in North Charleston combines our global expertise and experience resulting in a state-of-the-art facility in every respect. It is a valuable asset that completes our global production network. Our priority at Mercedes-Benz Vans during the planning process for this facility was maximum flexibility. This enables us to react in an agile and anticipatory manner to current developments and customer desires. Additionally, it guarantees excellent quality within our proven, standardized production system,” said Frank Klein, Head of Operations Mercedes-Benz Vans.

To coincide with the opening, Mercedes-Benz Vans also announced it will be producing Amazon branded Sprinter vans for the retail company’s new Delivery Service Partner program at the new plant. Small business owners will work with third-party fleet management companies to procure their customized vans and get special leases in order to keep their startup costs low.

“We’re proud to partner with Mercedes-Benz Vans to contribute to local economies through the order of Amazon branded Sprinter vans produced at their new plant in North Charleston,” said Dave Clark, Amazon’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations. “Thanks to the tremendous response to Amazon’s new Delivery Service Partner program, we are excited to increase our original order of branded Sprinter vans to 20,000 vehicles so new small businesses will have access to a customized fleet to power deliveries of Amazon packages.”

Read more here. 

By Dave Munday 

Post & Courier

Charleston is the No. 1 city  in the U.S. for the sixth year in a row, according to readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Charleston also made the list of the World’s Top 15 Cities. At No. 10, it’s the only U.S. city to make the list this year. In 2016, Charleston was voted the world’s top city.

The results of the 2018 World’s Best Awards survey were announced Tuesday morning on The Today Show.

Charleston keeps winning because it doesn’t just tout its history but is always coming up with something new, according to Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief Nathan Lump.

“This is a city not content to rest on its laurels as one of the most beautiful and well-preserved historic urban environments in the country,” Lump said in a statement before the award was announced. “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 innovative food and drink to fresh takes on style and design.”

Linn Lesesne, board chair of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, called the award “a reminder that Charleston’s charm shines brightly through its people, historic streetscape, award-winning restaurants, world-class accommodations, pristine beaches, culture and shopping scene.”

The magazine’s readers picked Kiawah Island — a beachfront resort that’s part of the greater Charleston area — as the nation’s No. 3 island destination, up from No. 10 last year.

While the city remains a favorite destination for visitors, residents often worry that the increasing number of hotels and amenities for upscale tourists threaten the quality of life of those who live here.

For example, at least 20 more hotels are either under construction or in the design phase on the peninsula, with more in the pipeline in Mount Pleasant and North Charleston. Planners have been grappling with ways to limit their impact on traffic and keep a healthy mix of residential, commercial and retail.

Helen Hill, the Visitors Bureau’s CEO, stressed that tourism creates business and keeps property taxes low for residents.

“Tourism drives tremendous direct and indirect economic growth in a community,” she said. “The competition has never been greater for these national accolades and the associated downstream benefits for a region. A stronger tax base generated by hospitality and tourism reduces some of the pressure on property taxes within our local communities.”

The College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis estimates the economic impact of tourism in the greater Charleston area last year at $7.4 billion, employing 40,000 workers.

Charleston County Aviation Authority CEO Paul Campbell observed that these awards prompt airlines to add flights and lower prices, which not only bring in more visitors but also benefit residents who travel.

“We strongly believe this expanded service improves the quality of life for local residents as we simultaneously serve the needs of the business community,” he said.

Travel + Leisure readers also picked their top Charleston hotels for 2018. They are the French Quarter Inn, HarbourView Inn, John Rutledge House Inn, Market Pavilion Hotel, Planters Inn, The Dewberry, The Spectator, The Vendue, Wentworth Mansion and Zero George.

The 2018 World’s Best Awards will be in the August issue of Travel + Leisure, on newstands July 27. They will be online at TravelandLeisure.com/Worlds-Best. The twitter hashtags for conversations on the subject are #tlworldsbest and #explorecharleston.