Dozens of interviews were completed with industry leaders both within and outside of the Charleston region to create the vision. | Photo by @jonathan.mcrae
Charleston is taking the next step toward a prosperous future with its newly unveiled five-year economic strategy, “Charleston Inspired: Discover the Possibilities.” Developed by Ernst & Young LLP and commissioned by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA), this plan aims to strengthen the region’s economy while fostering innovation and inclusivity.
Charleston has attracted major companies like Boeing, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volvo Cars, and SHL Medical. This new strategy ensures that these industries remain competitive while also investing in high-impact industries, entrepreneurship, and talent development.
Three key goals:
Boost Charleston’s reputation as an innovation hub
Attract and retain top talent
Close funding and research gaps to drive new economic opportunities
Research shows that an increased focus on innovation could add $13 billion in regional economic output and $10 billion in earnings by 2040.
Tuesday, March 4 Bone Strength Class | Through Tuesday, April 15 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Daniel Island Recreation Center — Governors Park | $10 | All ages and abilities are welcome to this class that focuses on balance, Pilates, flexibility, coordination, and strength.
Fifth Annual Carryin’ of the Keg | 5-6 p.m. | Commonhouse Aleworks, North Charleston | Free | Join the brewery and Madra Rua as they kick off St. Patrick’s season and celebrate the food, beverage, and service industries.
Ward’s 9th Brass Band | 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. | Pour House | $10+ | Celebrate Fat Tuesday with live music from Ward’s 9th Brass Band.
Wednesday, March 5 BARKADA dinner | 5-10 p.m. | Kultura | Price of purchase | Don’t miss this special takeover featuring Chef Modou Jaiteh, whose Gambian roots inspire his cooking as he bridges the flavors of West Africa and the Lowcountry to tell stories through food.
Country Themed Jane DO Sculpt Class X Lone River | 6-7:30 p.m. | Frontier Lounge | $6+ | Try this high-energy, low-impact total body sculpting class that combines resistance training with flexibility exercises.
Thursday, March 6 Good Business Summit 2025 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Charleston Music Hall | $55+ | A business conference with soul—this one-day event spotlights ideas and solutions for growing your company with profit and purpose.
Toast Under the Oaks | 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. | Johns Island County Park | $20+ | Enjoy beer or wine under the oaks and live music; attendees can purchase food from Uhane and Smash City Burgers.
Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday.” Let the good times roll with Hutson Alley’s Big Fat Tuesday — an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil and Mardi Gras party on Hutson Alley.
Open
Did you know Daniel Island has a new place to grab a bite to eat? Buck’s Deli & Market is located on Island Park Drive, and offers sandwiches, pastries, chef-prepared to-go meals, and fresh produce. Follow along on Instagram.
Real Estate
Sold. The historic John Ravenel House on the Battery just sold for a record $18.25 million, plus $3 million in renovations, totaling $21.25 million. Built in 1848, the 9,407-sqft home has views of the Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)
Drink
Graft Wine Shop is turning seven. Celebrate today, March 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. with live tunes, snacks, and, of course, great wine.
Closing
Aubergine Home Collection Inc., the Kiawah Island coastal home interior store + workroom, which has been operating for ~30 years, is closing on Wednesday, April 30. The owner is shifting her business design and will offer design services, working from an office. (The Post and Courier)
Art
Mary Walker’s “Down the Rabbit Hole & Beyond” opens today at Corrigan Gallery. The “Alice in Wonderland"-inspired series includes an opening reception this Friday, March 7, and a Mad Hatter Tea Party with an artist talk on Saturday, March 22.
History
History buffs: A bus tour of Revolutionary War sites in Berkeley County departs this Thursday, March 6, at 8:30 a.m. at the Berkeley County Museum. Meet historical reenactors and enjoy a Dutch supper to wrap up the day. (WCIV)
Jobs
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach will host a free career fair is on Wednesday, March 16 at its Johns Island location from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Participating employers include Palmetto Goodwill, Charleston County School District, Boys & Girls Club, and Charleston RiverDogs.
Edu
Charleston Southern University (CSU) has purchased Chucktown Flight Training, expanding its aeronautics program. CSU remains the only four-year collegiate program in South Carolina offering a professional pilot degree.
Festival
Get ready for jambalaya, crawfish, and Cajun flavors at the Lowcountry Cajun Festival on Saturday, April 12, from 12 to 6 p.m. Enjoy Zydeco music, a crafters’ market, kids’ activities, and Southern BBQ. Tickets start at $35 per vehicle.
Biz
Small business owners, employers, and hiring managers — if you’re struggling to find the right candidates, it’s time to try CHStoday Job Board. Post your first job listing for free + get connected with top-quality local talent.
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring over at our newest market. We are looking for a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at the NOVAtoday and lead the charge in crafting daily, hyper-local content. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
Category
Development
🚧 Answered: How would you redevelop?
What would you like to see at this site? | Photo provided by the City of Charleston
With last week’s news of the long-abandoned Ryan’s restaurant being demolished, we asked you to put on your developer hats and share what you would build on the site if it were up to you. Here’s what some of you had to say:
“Trader Joe’s: — Maddy L., Beth C., Gretchen B., Chrissy F., Leslie A., Emily B., Jane T., Mark L.
“I would like to see a public green space for walking or sitting under trees — something that offers a break from the monotony and crowding of St. Andrews Boulevard.” – Lissy T.
“A performing arts center — a venue for small- to medium-sized performances with parking” — Iris M.
“Maybe build a beautiful park like the one in Goose Creek.” — Katherine C.
A cast-iron smash burger press. Made from high-quality cast iron, this grill press uses pressure to improve flavor and texture, get restaurant-quality sear marks, and speed up cooking time of fish, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
I still can’t get over our experience checking out the new menu at Coterie last week. That lush dining patio — absolutely perfect for enjoying some nice weather. Plus, we got to meet the husband-and-wife duo behind the concept, and they are the sweetest. Do yourself a favor and check this place out.
}})
