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How AI can support Holy City businesses
Our readers have been asking for more AI coverage — how it’s being used and where local opportunities are.
We rounded up a mix of practical, local resources — some free, some paid — worth knowing about.
If you’re just getting started
University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications + Palmetto College offers two free public courses: Generative AI for Beginners and Using AI for Your Business, hosted through iCarolina Labs.
If you’re looking for practical business use cases
BoomTown is based in Charleston and uses AI in real estate marketing and lead generation tools, offering a real example of local AI adoption.
Blackbaud integrates AI into nonprofit fundraising and data tools — relevant for marketing and CRM use cases.
If you want to go deeper
College of Charleston offers programs and talks tied to data science and AI applications.
Keep scrolling for a tech-focused session exploring AI this Wednesday, April 15.
Asked
Asked
What does “LLM” stand for in AI?
A. Large Language Model B. Logical Learning Machine C. Linked Language Matrix D. Large Learning Module
Charleston has reduced its permit backlog and improved processing times at its Permit Center following operational changes — including expanded online services. Why it matters: Faster permitting means faster development timelines. (Who’s on the Move)
Development
Council of South Carolina Professional Archaeologists formally opposes College of Charleston’s plans to build new dorms on a historic burial site. The college has stated that, without the site, it can only house a third of its students. (Charleston City Paper)
Job
HCA Healthcare is hiring a Leadership Development Director ($100,000–$130,000). The role will design and lead organizational development programs and oversee training teams. Apply online.
Open
Insomnia Cookies is expanding in the Charleston area with a new location on University Boulevard near Charleston Southern University. The opening builds on the brand’s popular downtown shop at 509 King St.
Number
$16,700. That’s the top nightly rate at The Cooper. The newly opened downtown property is the city’s only waterfront hotel. (SC Biz)
Network
Pro tip: Use LinkedIn’s “Jobs” tab and filter by “in my network” to find roles at companies where you already have a connection. Another reason to build strong relationships like our own Callie Putnam.
State
South Carolina Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Transportation have begun replacing the I-95 bridges over Lake Marion, backed by a $175 million federal grant. The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow along one of the Southeast’s most critical freight corridors. (Who’s on the Move)
Edu
College of Charleston earned national recognition in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings. Its one-year full-time MBA rose five spots to No. 83, while its newly launched Executive MBA debuted at No. 88.
Tech
Editor’s pick: Prompt Perfect. I don’t like to waste prompts, so this free extension is great for better results.
Events
Agenda
Editor’s Picks
April Coffee Meetup with the Chamber | Tuesday, April 14 | 7:30-9 a.m. | Paradiso Charleston | $8+ | A morning networking event featuring open and structured connections with local business professionals.
AI Use Cases in Research & Analytics | Wednesday, April 15 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | A tech-focused session exploring how AI is transforming research workflows, data analysis, and insight generation.
5070 International Blvd. | ~3,000 sqft | $26/sqft NNN | Retail space at McCall Center with high visibility at International Blvd. and Tanger Outlet Blvd., near major anchors like Tanger Outlets, Walmart, and Topgolf.
Betsy Kerrison Pkwy & River Rd. | Up to 82,000 sqft | Negotiable | New mixed-use retail development on Johns Island with curated shops, dining, and residential integration, offering strong growth potential near Charleston.
Industrial, for lease
2026 Meeting Street Rd. | 4,000 sqft + ~2 acres | $17,500/month | Industrial outdoor storage site with warehouse, grade-level doors, and office space, located near port terminals with easy I-26 access.
Land, for sale
7263 Cross Park Dr. | 0.57 acres | $500,000 | Cleared, graveled, and partially fenced industrial-zoned lot in Palmetto Commercial Center with utilities on-site and easy access to I-26 and Charleston International Airport.
0 N. Hwy 17 | 4.6 acres | $180,000/year | High-visibility development site with 195 ft of frontage along Hwy 17, offering flexible planned development zoning for retail, office, restaurant, and mixed-use opportunities in Mount Pleasant.
My overall tip for AI users is to treat it like an enthusiastic intern: it’s great with structured guidance and really eager to please — but that can lead to inaccuracies or wasted research.
Then again, gen AI has come a long way from whatever this was.
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