Self service DVD rentals
VENDflix, Inc., is a two year old Charleston based company that operates 45 self service, DVD rental kiosks in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. The company’s business is part of a national trend in renting movies with high technology self service machines. Barry Emerson, president of VENDflix, believes there is a great opportunity to expand this service to the Southeast part of the U.S.
Families and shoppers are renting movies this way for a number of reasons:
•It saves money. The movies typically rent for less than going to a video store or belonging to a club. This also saves money for gas.
•The machines are easy to use, by swiping a credit or debit card. All transactions are quick, efficient and secure.
•It saves time. One can rent movies when shopping for groceries, without making an extra trip to a video rental store, and avoiding the potential wait in line.
•The machines offer a wide variety of the latest movies, covering family, action thrillers, comedy and other categories.
•Returns can be made at any VENDflix DVD machine location.
VENDflix, Inc. has rented over 100,000 movies in 2007.  The VENDflix machines are typically placed in high traffic locations such Piggly Wiggly, Newton Farms and IGA supermarkets, as well as other select locations. VENDflix was a sponsor at the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston on April 5.
 For further information on VENDflix, check www.venflix.com.

Healthy Realty
Healthy Realty is one of the newest real estate companies in the Mount Pleasant area.  Mikki Ramey is the broker in charge and has lived in Mount Pleasant for over six years.  She is originally from Johnson City, Tenn. and graduated with a B.A. from Furman University and a Masters in Education in School Counseling from the Citadel. She is licensed as a real estate broker in Florida and South Carolina and is a member of the National Association of Realtors.
“Many people have asked me why I decided to start another real estate company in the Charleston area. I have seen many friends in the last several years make unwise and risky real estate decisions. I wanted to use my counseling background to help people make healthy financial choices.  All too often, buyers are emotionally motivated when purchasing a home and find themselves struggling to pay their monthly mortgage payments. I have a team of professionals that can help you evaluate your financial situation before making your purchase. Your home can be a great financial investment as well as a place to enjoy,” Ramey said.
“We want our clients to enjoy living in their new homes and not be concerned about how they will make their monthly payments or if they can continue to make their payments if their mortgage rate adjusts.”
Beth Rowlett has recently joined the Healthy Realty team. She is originally from Salem, Va., and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in psychology and religious studies. She also has a Masters in Divinity in Pastoral Counseling from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.
Contact Healthy Realty at 843-881-9662.

Japanese facelift
Japanese facelift massage is the newest anti-aging treatment available at MoM Spa. Lead Skin Care Therapist, Elizabeth White, has been specially trained in the technique by Terry Liew, principal of the Shiatsu School in Singapore.  
Liew is known the world over for this advanced modality of massage that treats superficial and deep tissues with highly refined hand techniques in accordance with traditional Japanese medical theory. Japanese facelift massage works over time to improve sagging skin, wrinkles and to detoxify the lymphatic system therefore helping to clear sinuses, alleviate allergies and improve overall health.
White is the only esthetician in South Carolina that is currently offering this highly specialized service.  
Her clients have received tremendous results from the treatment.
“Japanese Facelift Massage has taken my skin care practice to a whole new level. It is so fulfilling to perform this treatment and see how it has enhanced my client’s quality of life,” she said.
Even smiling can take a toll on the face muscles. This facelift massage can relieve tension that builds up in our faces during the course of our day. It is helpful in treating sunburn, dry skin, oily skin, acne, wrinkles, and sagging facial skin. It has also been beneficial in addressing more complicated conditions such as headaches and Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ disorders).  
To make the treatment even more specialized, White includes cleansing, exfoliation and a masque, along with very unique massage techniques on the décolleté, neck, face, scalp and feet.
For more information on the Revolutionary Facelift Massage at MoM Spa call 843-849-4955 or go online at www.themomspa.com

Weichert Realtors        
Palmetto Coast, located at 3090 Highway 17 North in North Mount Pleasant, has opened as the second company for Weichert Real Estate Affiliates in the Charleston area.  Owners are Mark Vallario, who opened the location under another banner four years ago; Broker-in-Charge Annalisa Jordan, who is a former Weichert office manager, and veteran Realtor Ellen Gansen.
The Weichert brand first came to the marketplace in 2003, two years after launching its first franchised office in Florida. Since then, more than 330 real estate companies in 37 states have joined the Weichert network.
Vallario came to Charleston as a real estate investor after relocating from New Jersey, where he was president of a wholly owned subsidiary of a publicly traded company. Among his credentials are Weichert Certified Relocation representative and the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) designation from the Luxury Home Council, together with membership in the Charleston Trident Area Association of Realtors Circle of Excellence and Realtors of Distinction.
“We are all very excited about this opportunity,” Vallario said, commenting that they “see the market picking up and are eager to help buyers and sellers throughout the community.”  
For Jordan, “it’s a dream come true,” she said. The native South Carolinian has been in real estate since 1983 and said she “wanted to own a Weichert franchise ever since joining the organization as a part-time agent in 2003.”        
During her Weichert tenure, she became a full time realtor and was also a sales manager  before relocating to Knoxville where she served for a while as regional vice president for another Weichert franchise.  Jordan holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, a master’s in education from Coastal Carolina University, and worked as a teacher specialist for the South Carolina State Department.   She is a Weichert Certified Relocation representative and holds the ALHS designation.  She is also a CIPS candidate (Certified International Property Specialist) and member of FIABCI, The International Real Estate Federation.  
Gansen has spent her local real estate career in partnership with Vallario, first in sales and now as a co-owner of the new company.  She specializes in luxury and waterfront properties and is likewise Weichert Relocation Certified and holds both the ALHS and ABR (Accredited Buyer Representation) designations.  Gansen also was a member of the “Rookies Circle” in the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors - Realtors of Distinction awards.
Gansen holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Michigan State University.        

                
Buist, Byars & Taylor
Buist, Byars & Taylor, LLC, a real estate law firm based in Charleston, S.C., has named Amanda L. Callander and G. Hamlin O’Kelley, III as principals of the firm. Callander, who joined the firm in 2004, focuses her practice on the commercial real estate division and is located at the firm’s Mount Pleasant office. O’Kelley, who has also been with the firm since 2004, leads the firm’s litigation practice area and is also located in Mount Pleasant.
“We are honored to have two such accomplished professionals rise to the ranks of principal within our firm. This designation of partner level status reflects the firm’s confidence and trust in the skills and character of these two attorneys,” according to Custis Byars, managing partner of the firm.
Prior to joining Buist, Byars & Taylor, Callender served as an associate attorney at McNair Law Firm in Charleston. A native of Snyder, Texas, Callander holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston and a law degree from the University of South Carolina.
O’ Kelley previously served as an associate attorney at the Charleston law firm of Leath, Bouch & Crawford. A native of Beaufort, S.C., O’Kelley holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a law degree from the University of South Carolina.Both are members of the South Carolina Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the Charleston County Bar Association.
The firm has offices in six locations, serving Mt. Pleasant, the resort islands of Kiawah and Seabrook, the Hilton Head/Bluffton area, Charleston (West Ashley), Daniel Island and North Charleston. For more information, visit www.buistbyars.com.
 
Scott Johnson
Scott Johnson, an eight-year real estate professional, has joined WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Dean-Kelby in Mt. Pleasant.  Specializing in residential and new home construction sales, he serves Charleston and surrounding areas. He is a member of the Charles Trident Association of REALTORS®. An award-winning agent, he was honored as #1 in Sales from 2001 through 2004 while with another agency in Indiana.
The Elkhart, Indiana native earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Butler University before beginning a career in real estate.  He is a two-year plus resident of downtown Charleston.
Johnston can be reached at the agency office located at 900 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Suite 103 in Mt. Pleasant, telephone (843) 881-6825.  WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Dean-Kelby has two Charleston area offices.
    
Coastal Grocery Express
Coastal Grocery Express is a new Mount Pleasant based business offering grocery shopping and delivery service to the East Cooper area and the Islands.  Coastal Grocery Express is owned and operated by Chris Carter, whose experience in the retail grocery industry includes six years as an owner/operator of a small, full service supermarket on the coast of Maine. Through his experience as a grocer, Chris recognized the need for grocery delivery service to persons who were unable or too busy to shop for themselves. Chris provided full shopping selection and delivery to a steady clientele on a weekly basis. Chris’ product knowledge, value consciousness and attention to detail ensure that your order will be selected and delivered as if you had shopped it yourself.
Coastal Grocery Express is fast, convenient and easy!  You contact us with your grocery list and we will go to the store of your choice, shop for your groceries and deliver them to your home.  It's that simple!
 You can phone in your order at (843) 834-5883 or place an order on our website at www.coastalgroceryexpress.com. Your order is custom shopped immediately prior to delivery and delivered directly from the store to your home at an agreed upon time frame to insure your order is fresh from the market. We are also available to make additional errand stops such as shopping the pharmacy, movie rental store, dry cleaners, etc. for an additional fee.
Orders are charged a flat delivery fee with no grocery markups! We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard and debit cards.  No personal checks please!
Hours of Operation are Monday through Saturday 7 a.m - 7 p.m.
 
George Veterinary Clinic
George Veterinary Clinic of Mount Pleasant has again received accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association. The evaluation includes a quality assessment review of the hospital’s facility, medical equipment, practice methods and pet health care management.
Only 15 percent of all small animal veterinary practices in the U.S. have achieved accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association. In order to maintain accredited status, George Veterinary Clinic must continue to be evaluated regularly by the association’s consultants.
“George Veterinary Clinic belongs to a select group of practices that are committed to meeting the highest standards in veterinary medicine,” says Thomas A. Carpenter, DVM, AAHA president. “AAHA hospitals pass a stringent evaluation of over 900 standards covering patient care, client service and medical protocols. By attaining accreditation, George Veterinary Clinic is demonstrating its dedication to offering the best care to its patients and clients.”
The American Animal Hospital Association is an international organization of more than 40,000 veterinary care providers who treat companion animals. Established in 1933, the association is well known among veterinarians for its high standards for hospitals and pet health care. For pet care information or a referral to an AAHA hospital, pet owners can visit the AAHA website at www.healthypet.com.
George Veterinary Clinic, located at 993 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, has been an accredited practice member of the association since 1980 and can be reached online at www.georgeveterinaryclinic.com.
 
Lynne Cotton
WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Dean-Kelby has welcomed Lynne Cotton to its Mt. Pleasant sales team.  She serves the residential needs of clients in Charleston and surrounding areas.  
A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Cotton resides in Charleston where she is a member of the Center for Women.  She holds a degree in business and is trained and certified in Rhode Island banking laws.  Prior to real estate, she worked in the banking industry and in retail sales.
Cotton can be reached at the agency office located at 900 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Suite 103 in Mt. Pleasant, telephone (843) 881-6825.  WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Dean-Kelby has two Charleston area offices.
                
Kenneth Ray
WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Dean-Kelby has announced the addition of Kenneth M. Ray to its growing sales team.  A lifelong resident of North Charleston, he specializes in residential sales to clients in the Charleston Tri-County area.  He is a member of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors®.
Ray holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration/management from Savannah State College.  Prior to real estate, he worked in the fields of insurance sales, telecommunications and information technology.
He can be reached at the agency office located at 900 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Suite 103 in Mt. Pleasant, telephone (843) 881-6825.  WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Dean-Kelby has two Charleston area offices.
                
McAlister-Smith
McAlister-Smith a Charleston-based Funeral Home Founded in 1886, now serves ALL Members of the Family with its Faithful Forever Pet Loss Care.
McAlister-Smith Funeral home announces it now serves ALL members of the family with its Faithful Forever Pet Loss Care program out of their new chapels in West Ashley and Goose Creek.  Both new chapels will have an on-site pet crematory and will offer private cremations whereby only one pet is placed in the crematory at the time of cremation.  A special receiving room is in each chapel for the family to have an opportunity to say, “Good-bye.”
Families will have many options to honor their pet through various memorials including:  garden memorials of granite and stone markers; unique cremation urns; keepsake jewelry; and gift memorials of plaques, picture frames and memory boxes.
Mark M. Smith, funeral director and co-owner of McAlister-Smith says, “We understand what it means to lose a cherished family pet; after all, we are pet owners too.  That is why we now offer Faithful Forever, a service that will help families remember and honor the memory of their companion in a meaningful and special way.”
Smith adds, “Since I became a partner with McAlister-Smith  in 1999, we’ve received many requests to assist families with the loss of their pet and have always had to tell these grieving families that we were sorry, but we do not take care of “pets,” we serve only humans.  So when designing our new chapels in West Ashley and Goose Creek, we decided that this was an important service to our community, thus adding  a separate pet crematory in both new chapels.  We invite and encourage people to stop by any of our chapels for a tour.”
McAlister-Smith’s new West Ashley Chapel is located at 2501 Bees Ferry Road and opened in February 2008.  McAlister-Smith’s new Goose Creek Chapel will be located at 869 St. James Avenue and will open in July 2008.  They also have a chapel in Mt. Pleasant at 1520 Rifle Range Road.  Please feel free to contact McAlister-Smith at (843) 722-8371 or visit their website at www.mcalister-smith.com

deGuise Interiors
Second generation interior designer, Gigi Champman has taken her 30 years of design and retail experience into a collection of exclusive lines for home. Furniture, carpet and rugsm fabric, wallpaper, linens, lighting and decorative accessories are all avaliable in stock and speical order at the new deGuise Interiors, located at 152 Civitas Street in I'on Square in Mount Pleasant.

Combat Ready
A newly developed organic skin cream is providing relief to U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and is now available in the Charleston-area at MOM SPA and Lowcountry OB/GYN- Skin and Laser.
“I passed it around to everyone in the unit,” says Marc Popchak of the 876th Engineering Battalion stationed in Iraq. “If you put that balm on overnight, the next day the sand flea bites were just gone!” Popchak added that his fellow service members started using the special balm for all skin-related ailments, with success.
The balm has caught the attention of the medical world as well. Dr. Virginia Barlow, the Medical Director at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, PA, says of Combat-Ready Balm: “It’s healing. It’s restorative. It stops itching and burning.  I have never seen one cream that does it all.  I recommend it without reservation.”  In fact, the Combat-Ready Balm is one of the top-selling products in its pharmacy.
Sara Damelio, the Combat-Ready Balm creator, who has and continues to donate dozens of care packages containing the product to US troops, said “I’m delighted that my product is useful to our servicemen and women. It was intended to provide skin relief to different people with varying skin conditions without the use of harsh chemicals and preservatives.”
Damelio, an organic beauty specialist and licensed esthetician, created a line of earth friendly skin care products as an alternative to the standard chemically-laden products that have saturated the market in recent years.  “More people need to be made aware of the potentially harmful ingredients out there,” said Damelio.
Damelio makes all of her Combat-Ready products to order by hand. She continues to dedicate herself to supplying her clients with pure, fresh products containing the highest quality certified natural and organic ingredients available.
Combat-Ready Balm not only moisturizes dry skin but contains all-natural ingredients which counteract bug bites and soothe sun burn along with many other types of skin issues, making it the only product of its kind on the market.
For more information about Combat-Ready Balm, or to schedule an interview with Sara Damelio, contact her at 202-215-8991 or   skincando@aol.com" skincando@aol.com.

Green Hotel  
The greenest hotel in South Carolina will start taking shape soon on Daniel Island. The 90-room Hilton Garden Inn – scheduled to break ground this fall with a projected completion date of fall 2009 – is the state's first hotel to seek certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. LEED is a building rating system developed by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council that promotes sustainable building design, construction and operation.
Currently there are only three buildings in the U.S. in the hotel and resort category that are LEED certified, although a number are in the process of seeking certification, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.
The Hilton Garden Inn, which will be built adjacent to the Hampton Inn on Fairchild Street on Daniel Island, is being designed by the Mt. Pleasant architectural firm of Stubbs Muldrow Herin and will be built by Hill Construction of Charleston.
The owner, architectural firm, engineers and builder are working together to make sure the hotel meets LEED criteria for site sustainability. Energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning, sustainable cleaning materials, access to alternative transportation such as bicycles and landscaping that requires minimal water are among the eco-friendly elements that are considered for LEED certification.
“Certification includes all aspects of the building process, from initial design to final landscaping,” said Judy Dixon AIA, LEEP AP, architect with Stubbs Muldrow Herin. “It requires commitment from everyone who has a hand in the project.”
There is growing evidence that consumers are weighing environmental impact of the businesses they choose to patronize. According to TripAdvisor, an online travel consultancy, 26 percent of respondents to a recent survey said they will be more environmentally conscious in their travel decisions this year.
LEED ceritification for the Hilton Garden Inn on Daniel Island is one of several green initiatives supported by the Daniel Island Company, developer of the 4,000-acre island town. In 2007, Daniel Island was selected as one of 10 national winners of the Urban Land Institute's Awards for Excellence, widely considered the real estate and land planning industry's most prestigious recognition program.
Other examples of the island's environmental friendliness include a program to reforest the island, which was previously cleared for farming in the early 1900s, by planting more than 5,000 trees; the designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary; and its receipt of the prestigious "Building With Trees" award of excellence from the National Arbor Day Foundation for the preservation of trees during construction of the Daniel Island Club's two golf courses.
Located in the City of Charleston, Daniel Island is a 4,000-acre island town that is centrally located within the region.  

Glasspro
Glasspro Inc. and Carolina Car Care have recently joined forces to launch the Glasspro Pit Stop Quick Lube & Car Wash in Mt. Pleasant on Hwy. 17 South across from Towne Centre.  Formerly Carolina Car Care, the new Glasspro Pit Stop will offer quick lube service, car wash packages and detailing, as well as Glasspro’s 20 minute auto glass repair service.
The new facility will continue to be managed by current Carolina Car Care owner Doug Clarke, formerly General Manager of Glasspro.
In addition to basic oil change services, Glasspro Pit Stop will offer several routine automotive maintenance services, as well as a several car wash and detailing packages.  On-site Glasspro auto glass repair service will also be available.
According to Doug Clarke, Managing Partner of Glasspro Pit Stop, “Our merger with Glasspro has enabled us to offer our customers one stop shopping for oil change and car maintenance services, car washes and detailing, and auto glass repairs under the same roof. I’ve known Glasspro President Paul Heinauer for over 15 years, and was convinced that our common philosophy of superior customer service, as well as Glasspro’s proven operating systems and reputation for excellence, would be a perfect match for us to reach our business goals.”
Paul Heinauer, President of Glasspro, added, “Following the success of our Goose Creek Car Wash, we’re delighted to be joining with Doug to launch the Glasspro Pit Stop.  This facility is a natural extension of our auto glass business, and we feel it will result in a win-win for both of our companies and our customers.”
Glasspro also operates eight auto glass repair and replacement centers in the Lowcountry, including Mt. Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville, Walterboro, Goose Creek Georgetown, Myrtle Beach and earlier this year in Bluffton.

FireFly Distillery
FireFly Distillery, which produces FireFly- Southern Premium Vodka, launches a new flavored spirit, Sweet Tea Vodka. This new product, made from five-time distilled muscadine grapes, is handcrafted in small batches and infused with American tea grown on Wadmalaw Island and sugar cane grown in Louisiana. Sweet Tea Vodka, certified South Carolina product, will hit the marketplace on April 15, 2008 in South Carolina.
Charleston’s own Sweet Tea Vodka already has its following in Charleston, SC.  The company, which has recently launched a new distillery on Wadmalaw Island where all its spirits are produced, is also currently distilling a fine Southern brandy and other FireFly spirits are to follow.
“Our goals are to create the finest Southern spirits, and 2008 will be a great year for us as we are in the process of producing three new, unique products,” said Scott Newitt, co-owner of the company.
Sweet Tea vodka will retail for around $17.99 for 750ml sizes. The company will also make 1.0L sizes for restaurants. Sweet Tea Vodka can be consumed watered down or pure.
Introduced in April 2006, the first product made by FireFly Distillery, FireFly Vodka, is distributed in South Carolina, Georgia, New York and Nevada. It received the Silver Medal by the Beverage Testing Institute, outscoring popular vodkas Absolut, Finlandia, Fris and Ketel One, and has received rave reviews by renowned spirit critics. For more information on FireFly Vodka, visit www.fireflyvodka.com.

Phase II Daniel Island
With the delivery of 35,000 square feet of new retail and commercial space, the James Doran Company will complete Phase II of Downtown Daniel Island (DDI) in just a few months. The new space is set for delivery on July 22, 2008, and tenants expect to open for business in late summer and early fall.
Located in the Publix Shopping Center adjacent to Guggenheim Park, this new space consists of an office over retail building and a pure retail building on Seven Farms Drive, as well as a retail building on Island Park Drive. With the completion of Phase II, DDI provides office space from 1,000-10,000 square feet and retail space from 900-3,000 square feet; additionally, there is one pad available for a “build to suit” opportunity (retail or office) up to 4,800 square feet.
In keeping with the “new urban village” concept, DDI combines retail and office uses with nearby residences and amenities to promote walkability, cross shopping, and best practices for commercial land use. As the only anchored retail project on the island, DDI is the commercial core of the community. Additionally, DDI has exclusive rights to operate a grocery store for twenty years, insuring its long-term success.
Several tenants have already signed leases, including Miss Ellie’s Island Soul, Lucia’s Premium Pet, Thera M Women’s Clothing, Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse, Carolina First Bank, and Ali Baba Mediterranean Restaurant. Additionally, talks are well underway with a coffee shop, a sporting goods store, a bar and grille style restaurant, a consulting firm, and two large engineering firms.
For leasing information, call (843) 881-7550 or email cchamblee@jamesdoranco.com.

The Boathouse
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet has received its second honor this year from the Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SSI). In addition to being named “Partner of the Year” for 2007, the restaurant is now one of only three Platinum Partners of SSI.
The Boathouse was named SSI’s partner of the year for its dedication to the promotion of SSI through educational dinners and special events.  Additionally, the restaurant submitted its menu for review by SSI.  The menu review takes into account all seafood served at the restaurant, rating it on a scale of 0 (unsustainable) to 5 (sustainable) to determine the restaurant’s commitment to providing its customers sustainable products. The Boathouse scored a 4/5, which qualified the restaurant for Platinum Partner status.
Megan Westmeyer, Coordinator for SSI said “The Boathouse at Breach Inlet has been one of our most dedicated and involved partners over the past few years. I am delighted to now be able to officially promote them as one of the best choices for an eco-conscious seafood consumer.”
Poised at the "breach" between the Intracoastal Waterway & the Atlantic, guests enjoy spectacular sunset views and balmy ocean breezes of the Isle of Palms. Guests arrive early for cocktails on the Rooftop Bar and enjoy live music before dining. Inside, the pine and mahogany interior creates a richly warm atmosphere with a distinctly nautical feel.  Dinner is served nightly from 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended, call 843.886.8000 or visit www.boathouserestaurants.com.

Century 21 Properties Plus
Tracy Fox Low joined Century 21 Properties Plus, Inc. as a REALTOR® and will work out of the Mount Pleasant office located at 1200 Two Island Court.
“I am thrilled to be a part of Century 21 Properties Plus, a corporate team with small town values,” said Fox Low, who began her real estate four years ago. Before becoming a REALTOR®, Fox Low worked as a mortgage broker for 10 years with American Trust Mortgage in Mount Pleasant.
Century 21 Properties Plus, Inc. is the #2 producing Century 21 franchise in South Carolina.  It remains one of the Top 5 Century 21 firms in the Carolinas Region.
To learn more about how Tracy L. Fox Low can assist you, call 843-452-4752 or visit www.century21properties.com.
 
Arcadia
Arcadia Publishing welcomes Dana Marion in her new role as production editor in the Charleston office. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Journalism. Dana comes to us from Graffiti magazine where she was the managing editor.
Arcadia Publishing, located in Mount Pleasant, SC, is the nations leading publisher of local and regional history books with more than 5,000 titles. The 14-year-old company continues to thrive and was recently named one of the top 20 fastest growing companies in Charleston by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.   
 

Local Executive Awarded Top Business Designation
 
Russell Long, President of Change Innovations, LLC, has been awarded the top designation, “Master Certified Coach” (MCC) available from the International Coach Federation (ICF). The MCC designation is awarded to only 4% of their international membership of over 15,300 professionals and it includes documentation of over 2500 hours of his professional work with business leaders, adherence to the ICF code of ethics and real time evaluation of his work with executive clients. The ICF is the oldest and largest international organization that gives accreditation to academic programs and certifications to professional coaches.
 
Mr. Long is also a certified consultant and coach to executives at local and national businesses such as Comcast, IBM, FAA, Merck and the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors. He is a native Charlestonian, graduate of The Citadel, Medical College of Virginia and St. Francis University with a Masters in Business Administration and in Hospital Administration. He has been the CEO of a healthcare consulting firm in Maryland and a coalition of major businesses in the metro Washington, DC area. Mr. Long stated, “This designation is quite an honor and responsibility to assist executives and business leaders with whom I work. Our work is confidential and they choose significant personal and professional improvements to undertake that effect many people”.
 
Mr. Long is the President of the Daniel Island Rotary Club and is a member of the Daniel Island Business Association. He is active in several national professional associations and has been quoted in the Financial Times, MSN Business News and the Charlotte Observer. He has published several articles on executive coaching and been a selected speaker at conferences in Australia, Europe and the US. For more information please visit: www.changeinnovations.com.
 
 
THE BRICK INDUSTRY, SOUTHEAST REGION ANNOUNCES WINNERS
OF 2008 SOUTH CAROLINA AIA BRICK DESIGN AWARDS
 
Charlotte, NC (May 2, 2008) – Five South Carolina based architectural design firms were recognized for exceptional skill and creativity in designing with brick at the The American Institute of Architects, South Carolina Chapter Design Awards Celebration on Saturday, April 26 at the Hilton Columbia Center in Columbia, S.C. The brick design awards, presented by The Brick Industry, Southeast Region, recognize and honor design achievements by South.

Buist, Byars  & Talylor  name new principals of firm.

Buist, Byars & Taylor, LLC, a real estate law firm based in Charleston,  has named Amanda L. Callander and G. Hamlin O’Kelley, III as principals of the firm.
Callander, who joined the firm in 2004, focuses her practice on the commercial real estate division and is located at the firm’s Mount Pleasant office.
O’Kelley, who has also been with the firm since 2004, leads the firm’s litigation practice area and is also located in Mount Pleasant.
 “We are honored to have two such accomplished professionals rise to the ranks of principal within our firm. This designation of partner level status reflects the firm’s confidence and trust in the skills and character of these two attorneys,” according to Custis Byars, managing partner of the firm.
 Prior to joining Buist, Byars & Taylor, Callender served as an associate attorney at McNair Law Firm in Charleston. A native of Snyder, Texas, Callander holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston and a law degree from the University of South Carolina.
 O’ Kelley previously served as an associate attorney at the Charleston law firm of Leath, Bouch & Crawford. A native of Beaufort, S.C., O’Kelley holds a bachelor's degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a law degree from the University of South Carolina.
Both are members of the South Carolina Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the Charleston County Bar Association.