Charleston Regional Development Alliance

We are excited to announce that Melissa Levesque will join our team as VP Strategic Operations, effective Nov. 11, 2024. Melissa has more than 15 years’ experience in executive leadership roles in operations, strategy, and organizational management, most recently with the Coastal Community Foundation of SC. She has a passion for community and economic development and will be a tremendous asset for CRDA. Please join us in welcoming Melissa to our team!

The Charleston Regional Business Journal's 2024 Reader Rankings highlight the crucial role that local businesses and community engagement play in our region’s success. Voting for your favorite businesses not only supports those driving Charleston’s economic growth but also strengthens our community by recognizing excellence and fostering local pride. Cast your vote daily up until September 27th to celebrate and uplift the companies that make the Charleston region thrive. Winners will be honored in December, showcasing the best of our vibrant business landscape. Vote today! https://loom.ly/E30jXvY

We are proud to sponsor the AI for SMBs Conference on September 17 in Summerville, SC, hosted by GCM. This conference is the only one of its kind in the country, specifically designed to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) integrate AI into their everyday workflows to become more efficient, productive, and grow revenue. As an alliance committed to economic growth and innovation, we recognize that AI is not just a trend but a transformative force that can drive substantial growth and efficiency for local businesses. Attend this one-day, bootcamp-style training to gain step-by-step strategies you can implement immediately, and start seeing tangible results. Engage with industry leaders and experts to strengthen Charleston's position as a hub of innovation. Secure your spot today with our exclusive $200 discount! Register now at https://loom.ly/CLfUgg0 and use code CRDA-AI. #AIforSMBs24 #CharlestonInnovation #EconomicGrowth #AIRevolution

Eager to make an impact with your strategic marketing and leadership skills? Charleston Regional Development Alliance is seeking a Marketing Communications Director to help attract top companies, talent, and entrepreneurs to the Charleston region. Apply now to join our mission-driven team! Initial interviews begin in late September. https://loom.ly/_Ls29Sc

In 2017, Trey McMillan founded Lowcountry Oyster Company, transforming it into South Carolina's largest oyster farm. Now, amid a $6.4 million expansion that will create 30 new jobs, McMillan emphasizes that the company's success is rooted in its dedicated team and strong ties to the Charleston community. “I want to see growth, obviously, I want to see responsible growth. I want to see the people that have been with me from the get-go, I want to see them grow as well,” McMillan said. “All ships rise with the tide, so it’s so much bigger than just us, or just me. It’s the community that’s going to benefit.” https://loom.ly/rMAGfec

Attention job seekers and employers! SC Works Trident is teaming up with leaders from Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston counties to host career fairs every Wednesday this September. Don’t miss the next one in Summerville on Sept. 18, followed by the final event in North Charleston on Sept. 25. South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, Berkeley County (SC) Government, Dorchester County Government, Charleston County Government https://loom.ly/km_gD5c

Erin Thumann and her sister fell in love with Charleston during a Nicholas Sparks movie-themed road trip and later decided to make it their home. Their story reflects a growing trend of influencers drawn to Charleston’s charm, beautiful backdrops, and vibrant community, transforming it into a hotspot for content creators. “With the rise of TikTok, anyone can go viral from their Midwest bedroom, and it has really leveled the playing field,” says Clara Peirce, a TikToker and YouTuber who moved from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Charleston last year. “You no longer have to live in these entertainment cities to be successful or noticed by brands,” Peirce adds. “In my opinion, it’s diminished that pressure.” https://loom.ly/raND_pU

Passionate about using your strategic marketing and leadership skills to make a difference? Join Charleston Regional Development Alliance as our next Marketing Communications Director! Help us build a thriving economy by attracting top companies, talent, and entrepreneurs to the Charleston region. Initial interviews start in late September—apply today to be part of our mission-driven team! https://loom.ly/_Ls29Sc

Exciting news from SCRA: South Carolina Research Authority! Their three-year SACT (SCRA-Academic Collaboration Team) grant program is driving innovation through two focused tracks: Track One: Lab to Market ?? Clemson University is developing a compact, long-lasting hydrogen fuel cell prototype. ?? MUSC - Medical University of South Carolina is advancing three innovations: a cancer vaccine, an antibiotic-eluding implant, and a burn-wound gel. Track Two: Capacity Building ?? College of Charleston is enhancing collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and industry partners to innovate in global logistics. Learn more: https://loom.ly/xWBAeo4

The MUSC - Medical University of South Carolina is paving the way for Charleston’s future as a knowledge-based economy with the launch of Blue Sky Labs, the first major step in its Innovation District. This initiative will spark new ideas, inspire future scientists, and bring lasting economic growth to the region. “A young person who grows up in Charleston, if we have a vibrant education district and a culture that engenders, they should be able to physically see themselves there and maybe something might spark an interest,” Medical University of South Carolina President Dr. David Cole said. “They would understand what’s going on rather than ‘I don’t know what they do in that building, (so) I don’t see how that’s relevant to me.’” https://loom.ly/yIZyYkQ