Charleston Business 101

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Which industry do you work in? | Photo by @donniewhitaker

Approximately 400,000 people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Charleston region’s ~$45+ million gross regional product. But have you ever wondered about the Holy City’s heaviest hitters?

Consider this Charleston Business 101 — your guide to five of our region’s key industries and major employers.

Note: When we say Charleston region, that refers to Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.

The key industries

There are five key industries that represent ~76% of the Charleston region’s economy, based on data from the Charleston Regional Data Center. We’ve listed them in order of employment numbers.

Trade, transportation, and utilities | 66,000+ employees

This industry cluster in Charleston includes the transportation of people, the movement of goods, and water and power services. The Port of Charleston, for example, offers the deepest harbor in the South Atlantic and provides global access to 150+ countries.

Government | 62,000+ employees

The military, public schools, and public hospitals make up a large portion of the regional workforce. Charleston has a significant military presence in particular with a $12.7 billion economic impact.

Professional + business services | 51,000+ employees

Around 15% of the labor force in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties is made up of professional + business services. These include legal, accounting, architecture, engineering, management, and office administration.

Leisure + hospitality | 46,000+ employees

With 7.43 million visitors annually, the Charleston region is known for its historic architecture, gardens, food, golf, arts + culture, and miles of beaches. Most international visitors arrive from the UK, Germany, and Canada.

Education + health services | 40,000+ employees

Educational institutions in Charleston improve the quality of life, raise average salaries, and contribute to the global economic competitiveness. The region also has several nationally-recognized hospital systems and medical centers.

Keep reading to learn about Charleston’s top five major employers.

NOW SEE WHO’S HIRING

QUIZ

Test your business knowledge: Which company employs the most people globally?

A. Amazon
B. McDonald’s
C. Walmart
D. Starbucks

See the answer in the Wrap.

TAKE YOUR PICK

EVENTS

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Wednesday, Nov. 30

A Christmas Carol | Wednesday, Nov. 30-Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 7:30-10 p.m. | The Historic Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St., Charleston | $15+ | Charles Dickens’ immortal classic returns in an all new theatrical production.

Thursday, Dec. 1

Name that Christmas Carol | Thursday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Otranto Road Library, 2261 Otranto Rd., North Charleston | Free | Test your knowledge of holiday music by participating in daily trivia and be rewarded with a sweet treat.
Park & Grove Holiday Market | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Park and Grove, 730 Rutledge Ave., Charleston | Free | Sip on festive cocktails, shop local vendors, and groove to live music by Midwest Casual — pets are welcome.

Friday, Dec. 2

Daniel Island Tree Lighting Concert | Friday, Dec. 2 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Dr., Charleston | Free | This year’s tree lighting ceremony on Daniel Island will feature holiday music performances by Charleston Concert Band.
The Nutcracker | Friday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 4 | 7 p.m. | Sottile Theatre, 44 George St., Charleston | $40 | Enjoy a ballet performance showcasing the classic tale of “The Nutcracker” by Mt. Pleasant Performing Arts Company.

Saturday, Dec. 3

College of Charleston vs. The Citadel | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 1 p.m. | McAlister Field House, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston | $8+ | Grab tickets to watch the Cougars face the Bulldogs during this men’s basketball game at The Citadel.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

EAT

New restaurant Iron Rose open at The Mills House

A hotel courtyard with table, chairs, and a fountain.

The name Iron Rose pays homage to iconic Charleston symbols, including the Noisette rose, an heirloom variety in the South, and the city’s rich tradition of ironwork. | Photo provided by The Mills House Curio Collection by Hilton

Looking for a fresh dining destination? Enter: Iron Rose, bringing clean, elevated Southern coastal fare to Charleston’s historic French Quarter. 🌷

Tucked away inside the iconic (pink) walled garden courtyard at The Mills House, Iron Rose is serving up shareable bites, vegetable-forward plates, and a selection of entrées featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Notable menu items include:

Tuna tartare with Benne crackers
Autumn panzanella with squash, pears, beets, radicchio, pumpernickel, and white balsamic
Local market fish with roasted sunchokes, hen of the woods mushrooms, mustard greens, and salsa verde

Guests will also find a curated selection of beverages like local craft beers, wines by the glass + bottle, and specially-crafted cocktails (we recommend the Dusky Maiden).

Dine indoors at an intimate table or at the bar, or on the courtyard with a beautiful fountain view (while staying warm by the fireplace). ⛲

Pro tip: The Insta-worthy atmosphere makes it the perfect choice for brunch with friends, a celebratory event, or a romantic dinner.*

MAKE A RESERVATION

NEWS NOTES

Weather

72º | Rain | 66% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:02 a.m.
Set: 5:15 p.m.

Tide

Low: 7:03 a.m. + 7:50 p.m.
High: 1:00 a.m. + 1:36 p.m.

Coming Soon

In case you missed it, Hugh-Baby’s BBQ & Burger Shop is headed for Charleston with plans to open soon in West Ashley. The eatery is owned by the same team behind Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint on James Island. We can’t wait to try the BBQ Burger with slow-smoked pulled pork at 1028 St. Andrews Blvd. 🍔

Civic

Today at an 11 a.m. news conference, the City of Charleston + Intellicheck Inc. will announce the new ID scanner pilot program for fake ID detection. The program will be available for up to 31 bars and restaurants in the King Street area. 🪪 (WCIV)

Biz

The South Carolina Aquarium received a $2 million gift from Boeing and plans to expand educational programming. The Boeing Learning Lab at the Maritime Center will help the aquarium reach twice as many students annually + is expected to open in 2024. 💡 (Charleston Regional Business Journal)
Zeltwanger LP, a Germany-based manufacturing service provider, is expanding operations in Charleston County with a $12.5 million investment — creating 24 new jobs. The company will be relocating to 9551 Palmetto Commerce Pkwy. in North Charleston next year. Visit the careers page. (WCSC)

Open

Sticky Fingers Ribhouse has opened its new location in North Charleston. Visit the new spot for brisket nachos and award-winning hickory smoked wings at 5060 Dorchester Rd. in Suite 320. The eatery will be hosting a grand opening event in a few weeks — stay tuned for the details. (WCIV)

Development

A new hotel is coming to Summerville. Sharbell Nexton, LLC has announced the development of an A.C. Hotel by Marriott headed for Downtown Nexton in 2024. The 117-room boutique hotel at the corner of Sigma Drive + Session Street will include a fitness center, outdoor pool, courtyard, and lounge. 🏨

Announced

Take your love for CHStoday to the next level by joining our new membership program. Support local journalism while enjoying perks like: exclusive birthday deals, shoutouts on our member wall, discounts from our online shop (Six & Main) + more. 🎉

Health

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month — making it the perfect time to get a low-dose lung CT scan, which is proven to detect lung cancer at an early stage. We recently spoke to Roper St. Francis Healthcare pulmonologist Michael Spandorfer, MD, our top questions about lung cancer + screenings. See the Q+A. 🫁 *

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CONCERT

Celebrate the season 🎶

Enjoy a holiday experience on King Street. | Photo provided by Obviouslee Marketing

On Friday, Dec. 16, there will be a special holiday performance at The Riviera Theater + the community can attend for free. “There’s Snow Place Like Charleston” will be performed by local Grammy Award-winner Charlton Singleton with The Beehive Orchestra.

In honor of Giving Tuesday, The Riviera is offering complimentary passes to this show with code GIVINGJOY while tickets last. Grab your tickets.

Pro tip: Before the show, enjoy cocktails + concessions at the third-floor rooftop bar overlooking King Street.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Tatum.

Editor’s pick: This time of year, you can usually find me sipping on hot chocolate + watching a Christmas movie. I heard Charleston Music Hall is showing holiday classics this December including “Love Actually,” “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” and “Elf.” Grab tickets and may your movie night be merry + bright. 🎬

Quiz answer: C. Walmart

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Take a look at our winter weather guide, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alexandra Garian, Tatum Jacaruso, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Stephanie Zapiecki | Advertise with us.

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