Kiawah Island course on Zagat’s Top 10 list

Kiawah Island Golf Resort's Ocean Course is listed among the nation’s Top 10 golf courses, according to the Zagat Survey, which on Wednesday released its 2007/08 Guide to America’s Top Golf Courses.

The guide covers 1,075 golf courses in the United States, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The Zagat Survey is based on the experiences of 6,250 golfers who played 560,000 rounds of golf in the past 12 months.

The Ocean Course, which ranks No. 7 on this year’s list, won Zagat’s award for Best Instruction/Practice Facility. The golf course also ranked high in a number of other categories: outstanding accommodations (No.2); best pro shop (No. 3); best 19th hole (No.2); and environmentally friendly (No.2).

Every course in the Zagat guide is rated on a series of variables, including course, facilities, services and value. On average, each course in the guide was visited by at least one surveyor every day of the year.

Zagat’s statistics revealed that nearly 72% of U.S. golfers have been playing at least 10 years and play an average of 7.5 rounds per month. Nearly two-thirds have scheduled trips specifically so they could play a famous course and 70% say they are planning to take between one and three golf-oriented vacations in the next 12 months.

By Daily Journal Staff

Aquarium earns top association accreditation

The South Carolina Aquarium Monday received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Kevin Mills, aquarium president and CEO, and Jason Crichton, director of husbandry and facilities, accepted the accreditation during a hearing Monday in Denver.

“Only the very best zoos and aquariums can meet tough Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standards,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy.

“The leadership and staff of the South Carolina Aquarium are to be congratulated for the hard work and commitment that they put into the accreditation process.” The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of accredited zoos and aquariums in the areas of animal care, wildlife conservation, education and science.

AZA is America's leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums, and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animal health, education, wildlife conservation and science.

To receive this honor, the South Carolina Aquarium participated in a lengthy evaluation process, which required the completion of a detailed questionnaire including copies of aquarium policies, procedures, records, lists and reports.

After the accreditation commission studied the application, a team of inspectors visited the aquarium. Each AZA accreditation team consists of at least one veterinarian along with animal and operations experts.

The inspectors spent several days at the aquarium, visiting every area, interviewing staff, checking records and examining the physical facilities. “We are delighted to be one of a select number of institutions accredited by AZA,” Mills said.“This designation reflects the hard work of our staff, board and volunteers in adhering to very rigorous standards.”

The accreditation commission noted the progress the aquarium is making in its strategic planning. The draft document, which will be presented to the aquarium board for approval in May, includes plans for an expanded animal health program to continue to meet the needs of a growing collection and to provide for veterinary research related to sea turtles.

An on-site medical care facility will begin construction later this summer, and the aquarium will retain the services of a full-time veterinarian.

By Daily Journal Staff

30th Annual - CHARLESTON, SC - COOPER RIVER BRIDGE RUN and WALK

March 31, 2007 - Time to get ready is running out!  The Charleston, SC Cooper River Bridge Run is set to take place this weekend.

Check out the new Cooper River Bridge Run poster for 2007.

Read about 6 great charities in connection with the bridge run.

If you need dining information for the Charleston, SC Metro Area, check-out our great Charleston restaurant list with address's and phone numbers.

For up-to-date traffice conditions for the Charleston, SC Cooper River Bridge.

For information on the building of the Cooper River Bridge in Charleston, SC or the history of the bridge.

For news and updates related to the Cooper River Bridge in Charleston, SC.

To access Camera's on the Cooper River Bridge in Charleston, SC  or photos.

Today is World Water Day!

See how you can do your part whether you live in Charleston, SC or on the other side of the world! Donate, volunteer and spread the word for clean drinking water around the world!

March 23, 2007

Sanford offers coastal insurance-relief plan

COLUMBIA--Gov. Mark Sanford wants to blunt the impact of the coastal property-insurance crisis by offering a slew of tax credits and tax exemptions for homeowners willing to spend money to protect and self-insure their homes.

Read more at The (Hilton Head) Island Packet...

as provided by South Carolina's Media Engine for Economic Growth

Google confirms its involvement in project

After months of cat and mouse, Google Inc. has confirmed it is behind the swarm of activity on slightly less than 514 acres in the Mount Holly Commerce Park in Berkeley County.

“We are the ones responsible for the activity on the site, which amounts to continued preparation,” said Google spokesman Barry Schnitt on Wednesday.

Last December, an entity called Maguro Enterprises LLC purchased the land in the commerce park for the price of $1 and “other valuable consideration” totaling more than $16.9 million.

On March 5, the Office of the Berkeley County Registrar of Deeds filed yet another deed related to Maguro Enterprises LLC, this one conferring the ownership of approximately 9.8 acres of the total it had purchased to Berkeley Electric Cooperative Inc.

The deed filer claimed an exemption from deed recording fees due to the fact the deal represented a transfer of realty “in which no gain or loss is recognized.”

The document also stated that the electrical cooperative and Maguro would share common entrance and egress from the acreage.

Given the players, and the proximity to the site now confirmed to be Google’s, the speculation is that the 9.8 acres will be used for a power substation or some other power-related infrastructure.

Laura Varn, spokeswoman for the Santee Cooper utility, which operates the commerce park in partnership with Berkeley County and Alcoa Mt. Holly, said the utility sells power to the Berkeley Electric Cooperative, which is the direct supplier of power to businesses in the commerce park.

She said she had no knowledge of what will become of the 9.8 acres, but suggested a call be made to Eddie McKnight, vice president of marketing and public relations for the co cooperative. McKnight could not be reached for comment as this article went to press.

Schnitt said Google hopes to have more details to share soon on its plans for the Goose Creek site.

as provided by Charleston Regional Business Journal by By Dan McCue , Staff Writer

Barbecue Bash

The Charitable Society of Charleston, a local volunteer organization made up of young professionals, is raising money for Happy Days and Special Times. Join in the charitable efforts by attending a Barbecue Bash Sunday at Bowens Island Restaurant on James Island, where you can arrive by boat or car.

Stuff yourself with all-you-can eat barbecue, red rice, coleslaw, banana pudding and tea. Beer and wine will be for sale; no coolers allowed.

Calvin Taylor will be providing live music on the dock.

Tickets are $15; $5 for children ages 10 and under. Purchase tickets in advance online or by calling (843) 571-4336.

Tickets also will be available at the door.

Google: Yep, It's us

GOOSE CREEK--After months of cat and mouse, Google Inc. has definitively confirmed it is behind the swarm of activity on slightly less than 514 acres in the Mount Holly Commerce Park in Berkeley County.

“We are the ones responsible for the activity on the site, which amounts to continued preparation,” said Google spokesman Barry Schnitt on Wednesday.

Last December, an entity called Maguro Enterprises LLC purchased the land in the commerce park for the price of $1 and “other valuable consideration” totaling more than $16.9 million.

On March 5, the Office of the Berkeley County Registrar of Deeds filed yet another deed related to Maguro Enterprises LLC, this one conferring the ownership of approximately 9.8 acres of the total it had purchased to Berkeley Electric Cooperative Inc.

The deed filer claimed an exemption from deed recording fees due to the fact the deal represented a transfer of realty “in which no gain or loss is recognized.”

The document also stated that the electrical cooperative and Maguro would share common entrance and egress from the acreage.

Given the players, and the proximity to the site now confirmed to be Google’s, the speculation is that the land will be used for a power substation or some other power-related infrastructure.

Laura Varn, spokeswoman for the Santee Cooper utility, which operates the commerce park in partnership with Berkeley County and Alcoa Mt. Holly, said the utility sells power to the Berkeley Electric Cooperative, which is the direct supplier of power to businesses in the commerce park.

She said she had no knowledge of what will become of the 9.8 acres, but suggested a call be made to Eddie McKnight, vice president of marketing and public relations for the coop.

McKnight could not be reached for comment as this article went to press.

Schnitt said Google hopes to have more details to share soon on its plans for the Goose Creek site.

as provided by Charleston Regional Business Journal by By Dan McCue , Staff Writer

Daniel Island Co seeks approval for Marina

The Daniel Island Co. has requested permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control to build a commercial marina and dry stack facility on the Wando River south of Interstate 526.

Daniel Island Co. spokeswoman Julie Dombrowski said the permitting for the project, outlined in a public noticed filed with federal and state regulators March 16, will likely take as long as a year.

“As a result, we haven’t determined a construction start or opening date yet,” she said. “At the earliest I would say construction will likely begin in about 18 months.”

The proposal consists of a marine facility that will include 341 wet slips in the Wando River, providing moorage for boats ranging from 35 feet to 115 feet in length.

The plan for what’s going to be called The Marina at Daniel Island includes the creation of 12 individual dock structures that in total will add up to 288 designated commercial slips, 20 designated public slips, and 33 designated commercial tie-up slips along about 3,894 linear feet of side tie moorage.

As part of the complex, the Daniel Island Co. intends to build a harbormaster’s office, fuel and sewage pump out facilities on a 24-foot by 330-foot floating dock, a floating breakwater and a dry-stack facility with a capacity to store up to 208 boats ranging from 15 feet to 30 feet in length. Forklifts will be used to move boats to and from the building and the launch-and-retrieve pier in the marina basin.

This is actually part of a larger two-mile stretch of planned public-access waterfront development along the Wando River that the city of Charleston and our company are jointly developing,” Dombrowski said.

The Daniel Island Co. plans for the slips to be made available to the public at market rates, she said.

The company has told federal and state officials that no fill or excavation in existing wetlands or the Wando River is proposed in connection with the project. It further states that the marina will be operated in accordance with criteria for participation in the South Carolina Clean Marina Program.

During and after construction the existing city of Charleston public dock will continue to be used as a public, day-use facility.

As provided by the Charleston Regional Business Journal by By Dan McCue , Staff Writer

Is Google breaking ground in Berkeley County

A mystery company long rumored to be a front for Google, Inc. has begun to seek permits to build a massive facility in the Mount Holly Commerce Park, while also selling approximately 9.8 acres of land on the site to a local electric cooperative.

Last December, Maguro Enterprises LLC purchased roughly 514 acres in the commerce park for the price of $1 and “other valuable consideration” totaling more than $16.9 million.

A county official dismissed speculation about Maguro being a state or county entity securing and clearing the land as part of an incentive package for Google, saying the language was merely a phrase of art in land contracts.

However, on March 5, the Office of the Berkeley County Registrar of Deeds filed yet another deed related to Maguro Enterprises LLC, this one conferring the ownership of two portions of parcels it had purchased previously to Berkeley Electric Cooperative Inc.

This deed again listed a purchase price of $1, but also claimed an exemption from deed recording fees due to the fact the deal represented a transfer of realty “in which no gain or loss is recognized.”

Clearing of the property has been ongoing for months, with dump trucks full of soil and debris driving through the gate and past a guard house that stands sentinel over the site.

Maguro has also reportedly filed for a permit from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental control to build on nearly 170 acres of the site. According to DHEC officials, up to 152 of those acres will be built features, such as building, roads and parking lots.

A Google spokesman did not return calls and an e-mail seeking comment.

As provided by Charleston Regional Business Journal

Business state of Mind

For the third consecutive year, the state of South Carolina has been named among "America’s Top 10 Pro-Business States."

The ranking is part of "Keeping Jobs In America: Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States in 2007," an independent study published by Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc., a corporate site relocation expert. The study, which evaluates the job creation and retention efforts of state and federal governments, was unveiled earlier this week at the International Economic Development Council Federal Forum in Arlington, Va.

"As we work to compete in a global economy, our ability to maintain and improve economic soil conditions for business growth is critical," said Gov. Mark Sanford. "This recognition is further evidence that our efforts are paying dividends in terms of job creation and retention. Our administration remains committed to continuing these efforts to keep growing existing business and creating new opportunities for our state through changes like continuing to lower taxes, workers' compensation reform, and bettering health care access for small businesses."

In the annual Pollina study, South Carolina was honored for its progressive pro-business policies that result in job growth. Coming in second on the list, South Carolina ranked closely behind Virginia. Rounding out the top five are Florida, North Carolina and Utah.

"From A to Z, South Carolina understands economic development and is clearly making the effort to continue its attractiveness to business. The state has one of the nation's best incentive programs and has a highly-trained and professional economic development department. When it comes to economic development, it's a state that other states should emulate," said Ronald Pollina, company president.

The S.C. Department of Commerce produced a record-setting year for capital investment and job creation in 2006. The Department of Commerce generated $2.99 billion in capital investment and 14,420 new jobs. Those numbers do not include Duke Energy’s new nuclear power plant that will generate an investment of $4 billion and create 800 new jobs.

“Keeping Jobs In America: Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States” is published annually by Chicago-headquartered Pollina Corporate Real Estate. The study evaluates and ranks states based on 28 factors including taxes, human resources, right-to-work legislation, energy costs, infrastructure spending, workers’ compensation legislation and jobs lost or gained.

as provided by South Carolina's Media Engine for Economic Growth

Town center coming to Goose Creek

Monarch Development LLC plans to build a town center on 60 acres in Goose Creek at the intersection of U.S. Highway 52 and Montague Plantation Road.

The community, located within the Goose Creek city limits, will have a mix of residential and commercial properties connected by sidewalks and parks.

"It’s a true town center concept,” said Jamie Price, managing partner of Monarch Development.

The $45 million project, called Monarch Plantation, is expected to take about two years to complete, Price said.

Monarch is negotiating with a supermarket and a drug store to anchor the 11 acres of commercial space at the development, which is also expected to include a bank. The project will contain 400 residential units, including three-bedroom town homes and one-and two-bedroom condominiums located above office space.

Monarch is also redeveloping Shipwatch Square, formerly Pinehaven Shopping Center, on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston. The new, mixed-use development will be called Chelsey Point and will include 280 one- and two-bedroom condominiums. Commercial tenants will include Eckerd, which has announced plans for a 14,000-square-foot drug store at the development’s corner, a space formerly occupied by a bank.

Town center coming to Goose CreekTown center coming to Goose CreekThe north area projects are a new niche for Monarch, which is also completing construction on two condominiums with ground-floor retail space at its Corinne Street project in downtown Charleston. Monarch built 35 homes on 1.18 acres at the development at the intersection of Morris and Coming streets. The development sold out in September 2006.

as provided by Charleston Regional Business Journal 

Healthy Home Foods, Inc.

Recently my Husband and I were referred by a friend to a local organic food delivery service. At first we were a little reluctant to change any of our shopping, eating or cooking habits, but with the basis of organic food at the same price as what we were spending at the local grocery store we decided to hear them out.

The 5 basic priorities of Healthy Home Foods are:

1. Food Safety
2. Convenience & Service
3. Health & Nutrition
4. Taste
5. Affordability

After Craig, or Food Counselor, explained the quality of organic food that we would be receiving, the satisfaction guarantee and the comparable cost he had our attention. Then he fired up the stove. After thawing the flash frozen packages of meat and vegetables, Craig cooked for us. We were amazed that he was able to cook two free range chicken breasts, two ozark belgain beef burgers and two bison burgers in one pan with no oil or seasoning. There were no fat splatters, grease to drain or signifigant shrinkage of the meat. The taste was incomparable. Fresh, juicy, lean and delicious!

We signed up for 6 months of food service and referred a few friends as well!  We are very excited about less trips to the store, healthy food and supporting a local business. So, if you recieve an invitation to a BBQ at our house it would be in your best interest to attend.

Interested? Contact Halthy Home Foods: Toll Free (866) 913-3663 or visit www.healthyhomefoods.com

Summerville, SC Local Market Update

Two words - GROWTH EXPLOSION! Summerville, SC is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States of America. Dorchester II school district is one of the best in the state. High school sports rule here Summerville High school has won many, many state titles in multi-sports. The Summerville High Football team is coached by the legendary "John McKissick" who in 2003 became the first football coach in America to win 500 games at any level(and he's still winning!). Summerville, SC is a very lovely town with lots of big southern oak trees with moss hanging down from the branches. There's plenty to do and see and within 30 minutes to downtown Charleston, SC.

Summerville, SC continues on a rapid growth rate. New neighborhood developments are springing up on all sides of town. 72 Houses sold in Jan. 2007 for 98.05% of list price with an average sales price of $204,875 with the average days on the market at 82 days.

Mount Pleasant, SC Local Market Update

Mount Pleasant, SC is close to everything.  Our beaches (Isle of Palms & Sullivan's Island) are within a couple minutes, downtown Charleston is just over the new Cooper River bridge, shopping is convenient & plentiful, schools are some of the best in the area. The town recreation department has been voted the best in the State for many years running. There's always something to do around the area. The people are friendly and love the outdoors. There's plenty of top notch golf courses, and tennis courts. Boating & Fishing is also big in the area.  When it comes to QUALITY of life - Mount Pleasant, SC "HAS IT ALL".

The number of Homes in the Mount Pleasant, SC Real Estate market has continued to increased this year. Currently, homes are sitting on the market a little longer with prices equal to, to slightly more than last year. In my opinion by the end of spring to early summer this year (2007) - my forecast is for the prices and sales to rise slightly through the summer and steady in the fall before declining slightly around the holidays and end of the year. This year (2007) will be a good year for real estate in the area somewhere between the record year of 2005 and the third best year on record of 2006.

(100) Houses sold in Feb. 2007 for 95.42% of list price with an average sales price of $452,138 with the Average days on the Market at 130 days

Mount Pleasant's convenience, stability, overall charm and beauty help lead the way in attracting new home owners and business' to the area from all over the world. Mount Pleasant, SC is truly one of the premiere places to live in the USA.

Moncks Corner, SC Local Market Update

Moncks Corner, SC - IS small town America. The population in July 2002: was 6,057 but is quickly growing. The are many new neighnorhoods (Moss Grove Plantation, Oak Hill, Foxbank Plantation, Spring Grove Plantation, Stoney Creek, Oakley Pointe, Cypress Ridge, Inglewood, and Stoney Creek to name a few) springing up all over the outskrits of town. Downtown Charleston is about a 30 minute drive. Summerville is about 15 minutes away. Lake Moultrie is located here, as well as the tailrace canal which leads to the Cooper river and out to the Charleston Habour. You can take a boat from Charleston, SC through Moncks Corner, SC all the way to Columbia, SC in the middle of the state. Needless to say boating and fishing are big here. Fishing in the area is some of the best in the country have yielded some world records.

Moncks Corner, SC continues on a rapid growth rate.  Houses sold in Feb. 2007 for 98.93% of list price with an average sales price of $196,660 with the average days on the market at 137 days.

Life here is laid back and full of southern charm and hospitality.  Everyone knows their neighbors and their neighbors family.  High school football is big in town.   Moncks Corner, SC is poised for big growth in the future with its short distance to the Charleston, SC Metro area, laid back life style and lower than average prices for the area.  There are more than 8 new neighborhood developments in Phase I (or soon to be) construction in the area.

Isle of Palms, SC - Local Market Update - March 19, 2007

Isle of Palms, SC 29451 - A Mix of Family homes, 2nd homes, rental homes and vacation homes nestled in Palm trees and sand dunes all come together here by the Atlantic Ocean.  The Isle of Palms has one of the best beaches along the Atlantic Coast.  Once tourist come to the Island they tend to come back year after year (most eventually buy an island home here).  The Isle of Palms area has much to offer - a short drive to Mount Pleasant (5-minutes), and about 20 minutes to downtown Charleston, SC.  The average home price is above 1-million dollars and rising.

The housing market on the Isle of Palms remains  strong. Prices have continued to rise even through homes are staying on the market a little longer. Sellers over the last year have on average been willing to negoitate a little but are still realizing a heathly gain on their investment. 1031 Tax exchanges are a popular way to purchase homes on the Isle of Palms. (9) Houses sold in Feb. 2007 for 94.87% of list price with an average sales price of $709,433 with the Average days on the Market at 140 days.

Huger, SC - Local Market Update - March 19, 2007

Only a few minutes to Mount Pleasant, SC and around ~15 minutes to the beaches of the Isle of Palms, SC. This rural community is poised for big growth in the future with its short distance to the Charleston, SC Metro Area and lower than average prices for the area. If you are into Horses this is the PLACE for you with several Horse Farms, Stables, and riding trails in the area. Take a look at M&M Farms that we currently have listed for sale http://www.RealEstateCharlestonArea.com/MMFARMS. The Francis Marion National Forest is at the very heart of this community - Lots of Nature trails, Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Horseback Riding / Trails.

Huger, SC 29450 - Houses sold in the last 12 months for 92.10% of list price with an average sales price of $190.682 with an average of 52 days on the market.  This area is in the beginning stages of growth explosion. There are plans to replace the bridge over the Wando River on Hwy-41. When this happens it should open the area to much more development.