South Carolina FYI

Menu

Guest Columns

Featured

Opinion: South Carolina Economy Relies on Efficient Truck Transportation

Over the past year, we’ve all had to adapt to new norms because of the pandemic. When we were told to stay at home to slow the spread of COVID, we banded together as a country and did so. With so many people unable to leave their homes and travel to their local stores to purchase essential products, our country turned to online shopping.

Online shopping isn’t going anywhere either, as e-commerce sales are expected to grow even after the pandemic reaches an end. With this major uptick in online ordering comes a heightened need for U.S. cargo carriers. From delivering masks, hand sanitizer, and critical vaccines to food and clothes, cargo carriers helped maintain supply chains and our economy in a time when we saw countless businesses forced into closure.

Online retailers rely heavily on freight delivery carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and a number of other surface transportation companies to get the American people what they need. Nearly 70 percent of the freight moved each year in the U.S. is transported by truck. With the U.S. heavily dependent on freight trucks for shipping, it’s important that our country’s transportation system and trucks are positioned to match up with increasing cargo and demands for capacity.

To further stimulate economic recovery from the pandemic, delivery trucks need to be able to carry cargo at maximum capacity. However, the solution of a modest length increase in freight trailers continues to be thwarted by a 40-year old regulation that limits tandem truck trailers to be 28-feet in length. It’s hard to believe that our country’s transportation system is still held back by a regulation enacted before the emergence of the internet, e-commerce and cell phones, and it’s time to modernize regulations to meet our current needs.

Though 20 states currently allow twin-33 trailers, the trailers are banned from crossing state lines which hinders a huge amount of interstate commerce. According to Americans for Modern Transportation, “studies have shown that twin 33’ trailers can move the same amount of freight with 18% fewer truck trips, reducing the congestion and allowing consumers and businesses to realize the $2.8 billion annually in lower shipping costs with quicker delivery times.”

The federal law limiting twin trailers to 28’ in length directly holds back South Carolina’s economy, as we are missing out on a chance to more rapidly push out our goods, especially given that our top export is transportation equipment. As South Carolina continues to grow as one of the largest state exporters, experiencing a 74% growth in state exports between 2008 and 2018, our state needs to set itself up for even more growth in the next 10 years. Our people rely on the success of our exports as well, and in 2016 alone South Carolina exports supported over 157,000 jobs.

Additionally, if we were able to add a mere five feet to our trailers, the results would not only benefit our economy, but also our environment. The adoption of 33-foot twin trailers, commonly known as twin-33s, would save hundreds of millions of gallons in fuel, significantly lower carbon emissions, and lead to fewer trips on the road. Twin-33 trailers increase the capacity of each truck trip by more than 18 percent over the current twin-28’ configuration, and their efficiency and sustainability would help ensure economic and environmental success for our state and country.

As our country climbs out of the pandemic, our cargo carriers should not be hindered by decades-old regulations. We need our lawmakers to remove these regulations in order to add desperately needed capacity to our transportation system and help fuel our economic recovery. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and  Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) needs to recognize this issue and fight for our economy, our environment, and the South Carolina businesses and consumers who depend on efficient truck transportation and supply chains. It is time for our country and industry to move forward.

Guest Columns

Tackling Tough Issues in the African-American Community, from Coronavirus to Santee Cooper

Featured Image: Georgetown Harbor/Marina.com

A Georgetown-based organization finds itself uniquely positioned to deal with a crucial aspect of the coronavirus pandemic: its unequal impact on marginalized communities. For weeks, experts have been reporting that COVID-19 is affecting people of color at a higher rate.  According to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control,

African Americans account for 41% of the positive COVID-19 cases in the state.

Stepping up to address that disparity is the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce. Founded by Georgetown businesswoman Marilyn Hemingway in 2018, the organization promotes entrepreneurship in the coastal African-American community, offering resources and information that help the community thrive and overcome challenges. Today that means dealing with a pandemic that is hitting the community hard, physically, and financially.

“We’re in the business of helping our Gullah communities grow economically and this is even more crucial during the coronavirus pandemic,” Hemingway recently told the Charleston Chronicle.

The Gullah Geechee community stretches along coastal areas and the sea islands of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida — from Pender County, North Carolina, to St. John’s County, Florida.

Through weekly, online forums available through the Chamber’s Facebook page, Hemingway interviews a variety of guests offering advice to small businesses trying to stay afloat, gain access to assistance, as well as health and wellness tips.

Hemingway has also taken a strong stand on environmental and energy issues and has been a frequent voice advocating for the sale of Santee Cooper.  In a letter published by FITSNews, she wrote,

“We know that Santee Cooper’s reform plan places an unfair burden on a marginalized community that can least afford to fix the problem.  Problems created by a Board of Directors and management that does not reflect the demographics of the state.”  Hemingway recently submitted a Freedom of Information Act request for Santee Cooper’s record on diversity management programs and has launched a petitionadvocating for a sale of Santee Cooper.

Hemingway’s online talk shows, called “The Gathering Place, feature guests talking about a range of issues from telemedicine, health insurance to aid for struggling businesses, and are held every Sunday and Wednesday at 4.p.m.

Guest Columns

Portuguese Man-of-Wars Spotted In South Carolina

Featured Image Credit: Fox News

Thinking about taking a dip in the ocean anytime soon? If so, be on the lookout. Poisonous Portuguese Man-of-War’s have been spotted on the coast of South Carolina once again this summer season. A Portuguese Man-of-War is not a jellyfish, nor is it a singular creature. It is a colony of multiple organisms, called polyps, that are unable to survive without each other.


If you see one of these creatures lying on the beach, please do not touch it. Immediately seek help from a lifeguard or beach patrol, they will properly dispose of it. Even if it looks dried out and dead, these creatures are still extremely venomous, stepping on one or touching its tentacles will cause a sharp sting.

 

Guest Columns

Charleston Company Brackish Bowties Represents South Carolina At “Made In America” Showcase

Featured Image Credit: Brackish Bowties Instagram

Early this week, President Donald Trump invited a local company from each state to the White House to showcase products made in America.

 

Representing South Carolina in the “Made in America” showcase was Brackish Bowties from Charleston, SC. Brackish Bowties co-founders Ben Ross and Jeff Plotner attended the event and kept us all updated on social media.

“As an American made brand, (we) are extremely honored to represent the place we call home,” the company wrote in a post.

Check out Brackish Bowties here!

The full list of companies representing each state includes:

Alaska – The ULU Factory – Knives

Alabama – Red Land Cotton – Cotton Linens

Arizona – Lanternland Lighting – Outdoor Lighting

Arkansas – Ranger Boats – Boats

California – K-CO Products, LLC – Little Big Shot–Hose extension

Colorado – Never Summers Industries – Snowboards

Connecticut – The Wiffle Ball Inc – Plastic Baseball bats and balls

Delaware – Masley Enterprises – Custom Military Gloves

Florida – Bullett Blues – USA Sourced Jeans

Georgia – Winton Machine – Copper Pipes

Hawaii – Kamaka Hawaii, Inc. – Instruments

Idaho – Kuma Stoves – Stoves

Illinois – Klein Tools – Tools

Indiana – Newmar Corporation – Campers

Iowa – Kent Nutrition Group Inc. – Livestock Feed

Kansas – BG Products, Inc. – Equipment to Service Vehicles

Kentucky – Stoneware & Co. – Dining Sets

Louisiana – Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights – Lighting

Maine – Bartlettyarns, Inc. – Yarn

Maryland – Lockheed Martin – F 35

Massachusetts – Ginger Betty’s – Cookies

Michigan – Ford Motor Company – Ford F 150

Minnesota – Wintergreen Northern Wear – Clothing

Mississippi – Viking Range, LLC – Stove

Missouri – St. Louis Pneumatic – Pneumatic Tools

Montana – Montana Instruments Corporation – Cryostations

Nebraska – Lincoln Industries – Metal Finishing

Nevada – Shallus Pen Company – Pens

New Hampshire – White Mountain Puzzles – Puzzles

New Jersey – Serratelli Hat Company, Inc. – Hats

New Mexico – Ernest Thompson – Furniture

New York – Sherrill Manufacturing-Liberty Tabletop – Flatware

North Carolina – C.R. Onsrud Inc. – Industrial Cutting Machines

North Dakota – Giant Snacks Inc. – Sunflower Seeds

Ohio – City Machine Technologies, Inc. – Industrial magnets

Oklahoma – Round House Jeans – Clothing

Oregon – FLIR Systems – Military Cameras

Pennsylvania – BWP Bats – Baseball Bats

Rhode Island – Colonial Mills – Rugs and Home Accessories

South Carolina – Brackish Bowties – Bowties

South Dakota – Glacial Lakes Rubber and Plastics – Rubber soles for military shoes

Tennessee – Moon Pie – Marshmallow Snacks

Texas – Beck Cowboy Boots – Cowboy Boots

Utah – Liberty Safe – Gun Safes

Vermont – Ann Clark Ltd. – The American Cookie Cutter – Cookie Cutters

Virginia – Capps Shoe Company – Shoes

Washington – Mauk Fishing Stuff – Fishing Gear

West Virginia – Chico Enterprises – Pepperoni Rolls

Wisconsin – Jack Links – Beef Jerkey

Wyoming – Mountain Meadow Wool Mill – USA Sourced Wool Products

50 states – Space Launch System – Model of SLS (Orion and SLS models)

Guest Columns

Best South Carolina Beaches

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash


Kiawah Island

Kiawah is a coastal island with 10 miles of pristine beaches, approximately 10,000 acres of natural woodlands and every amenity to meet the needs of the entire family. Located a short distance from Charleston, this island is perfect for a weekend getaway.

Myrtle Beach

As the largest resort along South Carolina’s 60-mile Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is the East Coast’s ultimate vacation hub. The town is full of summertime action: beaches, restaurants, shops, & waterparks. You’ll find yourself busy fishing, swimming, sunbathing, sailing and surfing at this beautiful beach.

Isle of the Palms

IOP is the Lowcountry hideaway outside of the busy Charleston. Open to the public for swimming and sunbathing, and also nesting sea turtles stop here to lay their eggs in the tall dunes. Come here to take a break from your busy work week.

Folly Beach

The Edge of America, aka Folly Beach, is a charming southern small town surf vibe. Bring some bait and a fishing rod for saltwater fishing at the end of the pier. This busy little city will keep you entertained and in a sunny state of mind.

Hilton Head

One of the largest islands on the East Coast, Hilton Head is perfect for families and individuals who are looking for a large resort area with an array of activities to enjoy. With 12 miles of beaches, countless bike trails, over 30 golf courses and more than 300 tennis courts, you’ll find the perfect on- and off-shore activities.

Guest Columns

South Carolina City Spotlight: Fort Mill

Featured Image Credit: Visit York County

One of the fastest growing communities in the greater Charlotte area, yet still has managed to retain its small-town atmosphere and southern hospitality.

Fort Mill received its name from the colonial-era fort, built by the British, and a grist mill near Steele Creek. With its prime location near Charlotte, NC, everyone will love visiting Fort Mill. For the adventurous individuals, take a 25-minute drive to Carowinds Amusement Park. Carowinds has many roller coasters for children and adults, host shows, and even has a waterpark for those hot, summer days.

For the athletic crowd, plan your trip during your favorite sports season. Winthrop University, a Division I school in athletics, will not disappoint no matter which sport you prefer.

For the nature enthusiast, take a trip to Glencairn Gardens located near Winthrop University. These gardens provide a beautiful place to spend a day with friends, whether you just spend a few hours walking around or if you spend a whole day with a picnic in the gardens. You can also visit Manchester Meadows. The meadows are home to playgrounds and walking trails.

For the historians, with more than 2,000 specimens at your fingertips, visit the York County Museum. And of course, the shoppers out there will love taking a trip to Charlotte. With the variety of shops and boutiques, you could spend several days in this beautiful city.

Fort Mill is home to many attractions and is a prime location to visit if you are looking for a small town to spend a few days.

Eat & Drink

Freshening Up South Carolina’s Outdated Liquor Laws

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

Mix together being the buckle of the Bible belt with old school self-dealing politics and you get a cocktail called South Carolina’s liquor laws.

The Palmetto state is known for many things. But progressive liquor laws are not something South Carolinians can’t point to. It wasn’t until 2005 when bars and restaurants were allowed to serve liquor from something other than mini-bottles (‘nips’ to you folks from up North). The state held out for a long time with mini-bottles. In fact, South Carolina was the last state to allow free pour from regular sized bottles.

Around the country and around the world the growing popularity of craft beer has forced states to progress with the times. States like North Carolina revised their laws to allow small craft brewers to serve their product at their breweries. Brew-pubs exploded in the Tar Heel state.

South Carolina, on the other hand, held out on updating their laws. Change like this needed to be studied for a long time, over one and a half ounce mini-bottle beverages.

Then a nationally known brewery set its eyes on locating and setting up shop in the state. The only problem was their business model would have been illegal in South Carolina. At the time, you could only make the beer and over small amounts of product samples. No brewpubs, like in North Carolina.

A coalition of craft brewers, beer fans, and small business banded together to go up against Big Beer forces in the statehouse. Armed with common sense arguments honed over many samples of IPA batches, the coalition made their economic development case to lawmakers.

The “Pint Law” and the “Stone Bill” legislation packages passed. South Carolina is now experiencing a boom in brewpub growth.

Cheers!

But how the craft beer and other forms of booze get to you is still a throwback to a bygone age where Big Liquor and Big Beer controlled the market and distribution.

The state’s notoriously rigged three-tiered licensing distribution system is the next fight to modernize South Carolina’s liquor laws.

The coalition that successfully advocated for the “Stone Bill” and “Pint Law” are eying changes to the antiquated distribution systems. Retailers are banding together to level the playing field with efforts for Sunday sales across the state and product sampling opportunities for shoppers.

South Carolina’s liquor laws are on the verge of getting an upgrade.

Guest Columns

Hurricane Season Is Here Yet Again And It’s Time To Get Prepared

Featured Image Credit: NOAA

Within the past century, South Carolina has been hit with billion-dollar storms and hurricanes causing nearly 100 deaths. This year, with the predictions leaning towards a more active Atlantic storm year, the first day of hurricane season isn’t something to be happy about.

Here are some of the worst storms to hit South Carolina in the last century:

Hurricane Hugo:

According to the Department of Natural Resources, when Hurricane Hugo landed on Sullivans Island in 1989 top winds were measured at 140 miles-per-hour. This Category 4 storm managed to travel all the way from West Africa to South Carolina. Hugo traveled up to Columbia during the early morning hours, causing about $7 billion in damage and killing 49 people. About 60,000 people lost their homes due to the storm.

Image Credit: Hugh Morton. North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives, UNC Chapel Hill

Hurricane Hazel:

Hurricane Hazel’s winds were at about 140 miles-per-hour when it hit near Little River. In 1954, this Category 4 storm made landfall in the little border town between North and South Carolina. The residents were only given a 24-hour heads up about the hurricane, which caused it about $163 million in damage and 95 deaths, and it continued to move north towards Canada. According to the Department of Natural Resources, every pier in Myrtle Beach and many beach-front homes were destroyed.

Image Credit: Beaufort County Library

Hurricane Gracie:

As Hurricane Gracie took aim at South Carolina, the residence on the coast prepared for a Category 4 hurricane. Luckily, before making landfall, Gracie was downgraded to a Category 3, with maximum winds at 125 miles-per-hour. Overall, the storm wracked up $14 million worth of damage and 22 deaths. About half of that damage was in Charleston County.

Image Credit: Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel

Hurricane Matthew:

Although only a Category 1 storm, Hurricane Matthew caused enough damage to retire its name from the list of Atlantic Hurricane names, according to the National Weather Service. The storm was the most powerful of the 2016 storm season. Before hitting South Carolina, the hurricane made three different landfalls. Winds were measured at 87 miles-per-hour in Hilton Head. Matthew cause 25 deaths in North Carolina and 4 deaths in South Carolina and an estimated $10.3 billion in damage.

Learn more from our source here.