With Masters Week under way in Augusta, the Heritage Classic Foundation is making final preparations for next week’s RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing taking place at Hilton Head’s famed Harbour Town Golf Links and South Carolina’s only annual PGA TOUR event.

Foundation officials have now unveiled plans for the Heritage Lawn, a brand new tournament feature offering new and existing highlights to enhance fan experiences and amenities.

“Our goal during tournament week is to ensure every spectator has the best experience possible at the RBC Heritage,” said tournament director Steve Wilmot.

“Our plans for the Heritage Lawn are to ensure just that. The Heritage Lawn is located between holes 17 and 18 — prime real estate at Harbour Town Golf Links just steps from the Calibogue Sound and sure to become a favorite gathering spot for fans.”

Among the variety of activities offered on the Heritage Lawn, fans can enjoy a refreshing beverage at the Grey Goose Lounge, stop by the Hilton Head Island Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Social Media Lounge to share experiences and get all the latest Hilton Head Island Insider travel information, participate in the RBC Fan Experience and the Bridgestone Interactive Tent.

“Fans can watch some great golf on a new video board that will play the Golf Channel and CBS Sports’ broadcasts each day or visit the Heritage Classic Foundation tent where volunteers will be giving away Birdies Buttons to anyone who makes a Birdies For Charity pledge to their favorite charity,” said Wilmot.

On Saturday, April 20, Sir Willie will host his annual Tartan Day contests on the Heritage Lawn from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and later that night The Headliners will perform once play ends until 8 p.m. Buses will continue to run until the concert is over.

For more information on the RBC Heritage PGA TOUR golf tournament, visit www.rbcheritage.com.

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And The Winner of "March Madness with CRESCENT" Is

While Jim Nantz reveled in the fact that he only had to drive two-and-a-half hours to his next CBS Sports assignment, the Louisville Cardinals ended their Monday night defeating the Michigan Wolverines by a score of 82-76 — becoming the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Champions.

You want to know who won March Madness with CRESCENT and who had his or her own “One Shining Moment.”

With more than twice as many entries as last year, nobody got all of the picks correct, but Grant Varner of Greenville, SC filled out the most accurate bracket submission we received, picked Louisville to win, and will receive some great CRESCENT gear.

Thanks to everyone who entered, and don’t worry. We’ll do it all again in 2014.

DISCLAIMER: Contest is free to enter. Winner(s) and prize(s) is/are determined by CRESCENT. Contest is applicable to the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship Tournament. Contest ends at the conclusion of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship Tournament. All decisions are final. Any times referenced should be considered as Eastern Daylight Savings time unless otherwise noted. Contestant names and likeness may be used for promotional use by CRESCENT without additional financial consideration. CRESCENT, its officers, agents, and/or employees are not liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from claims against this contest even if CRESCENT, its officers, agents, and/or employees has/have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

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Where To?

If you haven’t looked at a map lately or driven from the Upstate to the Lowcountry (or vice versa), you may not know that South Carolina is actually a pretty small state. If you’re interested, we’re 40th in area.

Well, it means that we can get from one corner of the state to another in a matter of hours or less…without having to hop a plane.

CRESCENT exists to talk about people, places, and things that are uniquely South Carolina.

We want to showcase what’s good about and what’s good in our state, and we want you to help us figure out what we’re missing.

What are your favorite things about our state? What’s your favorite South Carolina destination? What about your favorite place to eat – whether it’s a greasy spoon, meat and three, fine dining, or anything in between? What are we making in South Carolina that we need to showcase? Who’s a South Carolinian – either a native son/daughter or Sandlapper by choice – you want to know more about or want to tell us about?

CRESCENT is your magazine, so please, send your suggestions to input@crescentmag.com.

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FORE! SC to Become TaylorMade's North American Golf Ball Manufacturing Headquarters

With the South Carolina weather beginning to warm and become ideal for the state that’s “First in Golf,” officials with TaylorMade Golf Company announced that they will establish a new state-of-the-art golf ball production facility in Pickens County with an investment of $13 million.

“The opportunity to have a permanent home in Pickens County was too good of an opportunity for our company to pass up,” said John Kawaja, executive vice president at TaylorMade Golf. “We are getting a new building in a booming area that will improve our unit production, quality, and margin position. Most important, we are committed to keeping jobs in South Carolina.”

TaylorMade will establish a new 120,000-square-foot golf ball production plant in Liberty and will move current golf ball manufacturing operations to the new plant in January 2014. The new manufacturing and research and development facility will be located in the Pickens County Commerce Park and will serve as TaylorMade’s North American golf ball production headquarters.

“South Carolina is home to a number of world-class, well-known brands, and it’s great to see another one choose to grow in the Palmetto State. We celebrate TaylorMade Golf Company’s decision to invest $13 million in Liberty with its new plant. Announcements like this are another indication that South Carolina is becoming the ‘it’ state for business,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $8 billion in capital investment and more than 21,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Today’s announcement is the product of the solid work done by Team South Carolina. The company had a choice between keeping operations in South Carolina or moving to a site in Georgia. State and local officials were able to work with the company to keep TaylorMade here and convince them to grow their investment in the Palmetto State,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

The company expects to break ground on the new plant next month, have construction completed next January, and complete the transition to Liberty in July 2014.

“We are very excited about TaylorMade’s decision to locate its new golf ball production facility at the Pickens County Commerce Park,” said Pickens County Council Chairman Neil Smith. “To have another industry leader choose Pickens County and the Upstate is a testament to the pro-business approach of South Carolina.”

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UPDATED -- CRESCENT to Merge with Charleston-Based Magazine?

Launching in October of 2011 as the state’s only true cloud-based magazine, CRESCENT has proudly converged current events and lifestyle issues focusing on “South Carolina life, politics, and a little bit in between.”

Our subscribers, casual readers, Twitter followers, Facebook friends, and Google + network have responded with nothing but positive feedback since Day 1.

Our readership continues to grow, and through CRESCENT’s electronic presence, our Monday morning emails, and our social media outlets, we are now reaching approximately 20,000 people each month. Not too shabby for a form of media that is still in its relative infancy.

Our success hasn’t gone unnoticed, and while it’s still too early to provide details, I can tell you that CRESCENT has been purchased by a certain Charleston-based magazine looking to expand its readership at home with an outlet that provides a Palmetto State focus.

We have been assured that CRESCENT will continue publishing South Carolina-centric content, and the addition of more resources will allow CRESCENT to evolve in to a complete multimedia infotainment outlet like we have planned to follow our continued growth.

I will pass along more details as I can, but I want to thank everyone who has been with us from the start, and personally, I’m glad you’ll be there with us for the ride as we begin CRESCENT’s next adventure.

Thank you all, and we look forward to bringing you more of what makes South Carolina such a great place.

UPDATE: I promised I would give you more details about this when I could, and since the day has passed, I can do that now. As the late Lewis Grizzard used to say, “It was a Ho-Ax.”

I want to thank everyone who wrote, called, and sent messages to me personally and to us at CRESCENT about this yesterday.

On the one hand, you made me feel guilty about pulling that little stunt (against wise advice), but at the same time, it makes me appreciate our friends, subscribers, and readers even more.

Yesterday we heard how people feel about what CRESCENT is and does. I heard about excitement for good news but a sense that friends would miss what we’ve built.

So, to recap, we aren’t merging with any other outlets. We are going to continue developing CRESCENT in to a media outlet that can fully utilize the benefits of being a cloud-based magazine and promote South Carolina’s great people and great stories, and I am personally humbled for the outpouring of support so many people extended yesterday.

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UPDATED -- Former Gamecock to Swing for the Fences on Baseball's Opening Day

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Former Gamecock Standout Jackie Bradley, Jr. Signs a Ball for a Young Fan at the Greenville Drive’s Annual Hot Stove Event.

When the Red Sox and Yankees face off in the Bronx for baseball’s first game of the season, South Carolinians should look closely at a familiar face in left field.

The Boston Red Sox announced that former Gamecock standout and Greenville Drive alum Jackie Bradley, Jr. made the opening day roster and will start against the Yankees — jumping straight to the major leagues from the Red Sox AA affiliate Portland (ME) Sea Dogs after a strong Spring Training performance where he batted .419.

Manager John Farrell said that the Red Sox organization expected to give Bradley more time in the minor leagues to get additional experience, but his batting kept moving him through the club’s ranks.

“I don’t want to say he’s unflappable, but at the same time he’s got a very consistent approach. He really focuses on the things that he can control. I know these are somewhat cliché, but this is a young guy that seems very polished at a very early stage of his pro career, and because of what we know about the individual, it gives us a lot of confidence and comfort to put him in the position,” Farrell said.

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Jackie Bradley Jr. Ready for Opening Day Announcements in His First Game as a Red Sox Starter. PHOTO CREDIT: Boston Red Sox

According to Farrell, the Red Sox initial plan is to get Bradley as much playing time as they can and then reevaluate when left-handed hitters Stephen Drew and David Ortiz are ready to return from the injuries that helped Bradley get his Opening Day spot.

“I think it really hasn’t hit me yet,” Bradley said. “Until my name is called, and then I’m pretty sure I’ll probably go numb a little bit. It’s great. It’s an honor, and I can’t wait.”

First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. today (EDT) at Yankee Stadium, and the game will be televised on ESPN.

The Palmetto State’s version of the matchup will take place Thursday night (April 4) at 7:05 p.m. (EDT) as the Charleston RiverDogs (Class A Affiliate of the Yankees) visit Fluor Field in Greenville to take on the Greenville Drive (Class A Affiliate of the Red Sox).

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Class A Advanced Affiliate of the Texas Rangers) will open at home at 7:05 p.m. (EDT) on April 4, as well.

POSTGAME UPDATE: Bradley’s first regular season outing in a Red Sox uniform was a success by any measure.

Although he was hitless in each of his at-bats, he reached base 3 times (on walks), scored 2 runs, and had his first career RBI when he hit a shot to bring in fellow Greenville Drive alum, Will Middlebrooks.

Capping Bradley’s first game in Boston’s 8-2 win over the Yankees, ESPN named him “Player of the Game.”

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Upstate Alliance Receives Grant for Labor Market Analysis

The Upstate SC Alliance is pleased to announce the Duke Energy Foundation has awarded The Upstate South Carolina Educational Foundation a grant of $82,500 over four years. This grant will allow the Upstate SC Alliance to purchase a subscription to Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI) for customizable labor market data for the region. This grant follows closely on the heels of a previously announced sponsorship from the South Carolina Power Team in support of this effort.

“We are fortunate to have strong partners such as Duke Energy who recognize the value of our mission,” said Hal Johnson, president and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance. “By offering a high-quality product such as EMSI, the Upstate SC Alliance will be more credible in its marketing efforts. This helps us stand apart as a top-tier provider and ultimately bring more projects to the region.”

In 2012, the region’s local economic developers expressed an urgent need for updated labor market information for the region. In response, the Upstate SC Alliance has been working to identify a solution for both present and future data needs.

“At Duke Energy, we understand how important it is to have the most accurate labor force information available,” said Steve West, Duke Energy economic development manager. “EMSI will help the Upstate be more successful at recruiting industry and preparing the workforce of the future.”

“Access to a high-quality workforce is the number one deciding factor cited by most projects looking to relocate or expand in the Upstate,” West said. “Our partnership with the Upstate SC Alliance and other regional organizations is key to giving this region a competitive edge for continued success in economic development.”

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Three More PGA TOUR Champions Commit for Hilton Head

Three American golfers who are no strangers to the leaderboard have committed to the RBC Heritage. Bill Haas, Webb Simpson and Kevin Streelman will be playing in the 45th annual event, taking place April 15-21, 2013 over the famed Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island.

They will be joined by other PGA TOUR Professionals including defending champ Carl Pettersson, KJ Choi, Nicolas Colsaerts, John Daly, Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Brian Gay, Martin Kaymer, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Graeme McDowell, Brandt Snedeker and Boo Weekley. The entire group will be shooting for the top prize of $1,044,000 from a purse of $5,800,000.

Haas has earned 4 PGA TOUR victories and was the 2011 FedEx Cup winner. The Greenville, South Carolina resident has cracked the top ten 3 times this year. He is following in his dad Jay’s footsteps and making the RBC Heritage a tradition. Bill hasn’t missed the Harbour Town event since finishing Q-school in 2005. Jay Haas competed at The Heritage for 30 years before moving onto the Champions TOUR. Bill also has a long relationship with the Heritage Classic Foundation. He won the Players Amateur, held in Bluffton, South Carolina in 2002.

Simpson was born in Raleigh and now calls Charlotte, North Carolina home. He has 3 wins on the PGA TOUR including last year’s US Open where he beat Graeme McDowell and Michael Thompson by one shot after carding a final round 68. The Wake Forest alum will be making his fourth appearance at Harbour Town.

Streelman is still enjoying his first PGA TOUR win at last week’s Tampa Bay Championship. Earlier in the year, he tied for tenth at the Humana Challenge. The Illinois native graduated from Duke in 2001 and joined the PGA TOUR in 2008. He will be competing in the RBC Heritage for the fifth time.

UPDATE: As of March 27th, Vijay Singh, Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey, Stuart Appleby, and Robert Allenby added their commitments to this year’s field.

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Legislative Leaders Highlight American Diabetes Association Fundraiser

South Carolina’s top legislative leaders will join The Dome Team Wednesday night to raise money for the American Diabetes Association.

They’ll be working hard for the money as “celebrity” servers at The Blue Marlin Restaurant in Columbia’s Vista district.

“This is a great night where we can all put aside our partisan differences and raise money for a good cause,” said Rep. Garry Smith R-Simpsonville, the captain of the Dome Team. “Diabetes is an epidemic in South Carolina. We have the 10^th highest rate of the disease in the country, and more than two-thirds of the medical costs for diabetes are paid for by Medicare and Medicaid. Diabetes has touched my family personally, and I’m proud to have so many people at the State House coming together to help raise money to fight it.”

The Dome Team is a bi-partisan cycling team, founded in 2011. Members of the team will be riding on May 4 at the Tour de Cure in Little Mountain, SC. Team members will ride anywhere from 5 to 100 miles.

If you would like to help The Dome Team and the American Diabetes Association, please call (803) 799-3838 to make a reservation (and you can ever pick your celebrity server). Come listen to live music before and after, have a chance to win a door prize, and choose from a menu of the best-selling meals at the Blue Marlin.

For more information on the Tour de Cure, or to make a donation, go to www.sctourdecure.com and search for “Dome Team.”

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SC Again Recognized for Culinary Excellence

During today’s press luncheon at the historic Lowndes Grove Plantation in Charleston, James Beard Foundation president Susan Ungaro and JBF board chair Emily Luchetti announced the finalists for the 2013 James Beard Foundation Awards, the nation’s most prestigious recognition program honoring professionals in the culinary world—from restaurants and chefs to cookbook authors and media.

“The Lowndes Grove Plantation is the perfect setting for this year’s finalist announcement as we celebrate Charleston’s rich culture and culinary excellence,” said Ungaro noted.

Finalists were announced in the Foundation’s various awards programs, and two South Carolina nominees were named among them. They are (by category):

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2013 March Madness with CRESCENT

OK, so the State of South Carolina may not have any teams in the Big Dance this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be watching, and it doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun with this year’s tournament.

Send your completed bracket (you can download a blank bracket HERE) along with your name, address, and phone number to us by Noon on Tuesday, March 19 for a chance to win CRESCENT merchandise.

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The Lee Brothers Present THE LEE BROS CHARLESTON KITCHEN — Part

In this segment, Matt and Ted Lee demonstrate “Skillet Asparagus with Grapefruit,” another selection from their new book “The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen.”

Filmed at “Charleston Cooks!” in Columbia, SC, Ted and Matt “bring together that early March mojo” as the asparagus is just popping up on Johns Island. As Matt said, “We want people in Seattle to cook Southern.”

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National Journal to Partner with SCGOP for 1st Congresstional District Debate

National Journal will serve as co-host for the “South Carolina Republican Party/National Journal First Congressional District Debate” to be held Thursday evening, March 28, at Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, according to SCGOP Chairman Chad Connelly.

“As the race to replace Sen. Tim Scott in the First Congressional District is narrowed down to two Republicans, the South Carolina Republican Party is proud to partner with National Journal to facilitate this important debate just five days before the runoff,” said SCGOP Chairman Chad Connelly. “National Journal’s excellence in journalism and unparalleled commitment to in-depth coverage of elections makes them a natural fit with our goals of providing a meaningful and substantial debate between our Republican candidates for the voters of the First Congressional District.”

“We are very pleased to participate in the coverage of this special election in South Carolina,” said Bruce Gottlieb, President of National Journal. “We are looking forward to a spirited and informative debate, and we hope voters walk away with a better understanding of what separates and defines the candidates.”

Former Congressman Henry Brown will serve as the Honorary Debate Chairman and Honorary Co-Chairmen will be former Governor Jim Edwards and Mrs. Ann Edwards.

Sponsorships for the debate start at $10 and can be purchased by visiting http://2013.scgop.com. Local broadcast partners and the debate format will be announced after the primary next week.

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CBS is Going to Get "Reckless" in Charleston. You Can, Too

If a food court restaurant competition isn’t for you, but you still want to get on television, CBS may have the option you’re looking for.

The recently announced “Reckless” is a new series from CBS set in Charleston and is described by the network as “a sultry legal show” where “a gorgeous Yankee litigator and a Southern City Attorney struggle to hide their intense attraction while clashing over a police scandal.”

While the hourlong series is set up at CBS Television Studios, the show’s pilot episode will be filmed, at least in part, in the Charleston area, and the show is currently casting for extras through a new Facebook page or at extrassignup.com. Aspiring extras are also encouraged to email recklessextras@gmail.com with any questions.

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Greenville to Lose Landmark at the End of March

Lunch Service Keeps “The Clock” Running.

On March 31, The Clock, an old-school greasy spoon drive-in and a Greenville institution, will close its doors for the last time.

Owner George Madeckas told the Upstate FOX affiliate that based on a recent rent increase, he cannot afford to operate the restaurant at its current location.

With Bob Jones University resting in the shadow of the namesake restaurant’s iconic clock, owners of the property at the intersection of Wade Hampton Boulevard and North Pleasantburg Drive will be forced to find a new tenant to occupy the space. It’s doubtful anyone will have the longevity of its current occupant, though. The Clock opened in mid-1953.

The Clock may continue ticking, though. Madeckas told FOX that he hopes to reopen in a new location.

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A New Battle for the Food Court

South Carolina continues becoming a food destination, and a lot of new restaurants are opening across the state.

One thing you rarely hear, though, is, “I have this great idea for a new restaurant in a mall’s food court.”

It doesn’t mean that nobody’s saying it, and if you’re one of the people who is, now may be your chance to shine as Greenville-native, celebrity chef, television personality, and author Tyler Florence hosts Food Network’s “Food Court Wars.”

With chef, author, and television personality Gordon Ramsay as executive producer, the show features teams battling head-to-head to win a year of mall restaurant space rent free – a prize valued up to $100,000 – and Spartanburg is among the contest cities slated for filming.

The program’s casting group is currently looking for “teams with pre-existing relationships (i.e. friends, family, couples, co-workers) who believe they have the winning formula to successfully run their own locally inspired and original eatery.”

If you have a team and a vision to open a successful food business, contact FoodCourtWarsCasting@gmail.com with the following information:

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Maintain Local (Bow) Ties

The unofficial start of Spring in South Carolina is just a couple of weeks away as more than 60,000 of my closest friends prepare to gather in the state’s oldest inland city for one of the nation’s premier steeplechase events.

Ladies are planning tailgate menus, picking out the perfect dresses, and searching for hats envied at a British royal wedding.

Over the past several years, as they increased in overall sartorial popularity, bow ties now dot Springdale Race Course’s landscape.

Corporate sponsorships are a big business. Companies want their products seen and used where they get the most bang for their buck. The Carolina Cup is no stranger to these arrangements, and there is again an “official bow tie” sponsor for The Cup.

Unfortunately, although we have a number of Palmetto State-produced clothiers, this sponsor “ain’t from around here.” Instead, it’s a company who operates in a “vineyard” environment with “vines” that grow to our north.

In full disclosure, I own one of their ties. It’s a good tie, and I really like it, but it’s not what I’ll be wearing on March 30. Why? The Cup is a Carolina day. We celebrate the end of winter, the coming of Spring, and showcase one of the state’s great social events.

We take pride in our “Certified SC Grown” agricultural products. We actively promote the state’s tourism destinations. We brag as we continue being listed on every foodie list of places to travel for great eats. Why, then, would we not support local clothing companies at an event like The Cup?

I’m not endorsing a particular brand, but the folks at R. Hanauer are a prime example of a local company that would make a perfect fit for a local “official sponsor” of such a high-profile event.

To officials at The Cup and other notable events in the state, I would urge you to court home-grown sponsors before stepping outside the state line.

To soon-to-be Cup attendees, I would urge to you “buy local” when you can. We have a number of people and companies in South Carolina to be proud of. Let’s remember to support them and continue showing the rest of the country what we have to offer.

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The Lee Brothers Present "The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen" -- Part

We were going to sit down with Charleston’s Lee brothers, Matt and Ted, to ask them about their new book The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen. Then we asked ourselves, “Why?” We thought you’d much rather see them in action while talking about the follow-up to their James Beard Award winning book Simple Fresh Southern.

In this segment, filmed at “Charleston Cooks!” in Columbia, SC, Ted and Matt transport us to 1932 and a restaurant called “Henry’s” and show that great old Southern recipes don’t have to take four hours to prepare.

Thanks also to General Manager Danielle Wecksler and Maverick Southern Kitchens.

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Girl Scout Troop 1912. It's Not Your Average Troop

Senator Katrina Shealy receives her Honorary Girl Scout Troop 1912 pin from Belinda Copeland, Chair of the Board, Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina, and Mary Winter Teaster, Chair of the Board, Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands.

You probably won’t find Girl Scout Troop 1912 selling cookies in front of your local grocery store, but you may find a box of cookies or two in the Statehouse, and there’s a good reason for that.

The troop is made of members of the General Assembly, and recently elected South Carolina female legislators were officially welcomed as new members of nonpartisan Honorary Girl Scout Troop 1912.

Established on May 11, 2011, the troop membership is composed of all women in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Until the election of Senator Katrina Shealy, there had been no Senate representation.

The event took place at a monthly breakfast meeting of the South Carolina General Assembly Women’s Caucus at the Blatt Building in the Statehouse complex. The state’s two Girl Scout councils (Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina and Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands) were among the breakfast hosts.

The new members who were present participated in an investiture ceremony conducted by Mary Winter Teaster, Chair of the Board, Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands and Belinda Copeland, Chair of the Board, Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina.

This ceremony welcomes new members into Girl Scouting, and as part of the ceremony, legislators made the Girl Scout Promise and recited the Girl Scout Law after they received their official membership pins. New Honorary Girl Scout Troop 1912 members are: Representative Beth Bernstein, Representative Heather Ammons Crawford, Representative MaryGail K. Douglas, Representative Raye Felder, Representative Mandy Powers Norrell, Representative Leola C. Robinson-Simpson, Representative Donna Wood, and Senator Katrina Shealy.

Girl Scouts’ legislative focus, both on a state and national level, encompasses four primary areas: promoting girls’ physical, social and emotional health; increasing girls’ involvement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); advancing the cause of girls in leadership; and strengthening their financial literacy

According to Kim Hutzell, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands, “With the involvement of these exceptionally bright, talented, and diverse women, we couldn’t ask for more effective advocates for girls and young women in those areas. They will play a critical role in educating other state legislators and branches of South Carolina government about the barriers that hinder girls and young women from leadership opportunities.”

Joining the newly invested members, founding members also recited the Promise and the Law. Already invested members are Representative Rita Allison, Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter, Representative Chandra E. Dillard, Representative Shannon S. Erickson, Representative Laurie Slade Funderburk, Representative Phyllis Henderson, Representative Jenny Anderson Horne, Representative Patsy G. Knight, Representative Deborah A. Long, Representative Mia S. McLeod, Representative Elizabeth R. Munnerlyn, Representative Wendy K. Nanney, Representative J. Anne Parks, and Representative Anne J. Thayer.

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South Carolina’s Exports Reach Record Numbers in

Breaking ground on the new South Carolina Inland Port (SCIP) in Spartanburg County among 200 port users, stakeholders, community leaders, and elected officials, Governor Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and the State Ports Authority announced today that the state’s 2012 exports totaled nearly $25.3 billion in goods sold to 197 countries around the world, according to US Commerce Department data. Figures represent a 2.23 percent increase over 2011 totals and a record for the state. In 2012, South Carolina’s export growth ranked the state 17th in the United States.

“It is great to see South Carolina’s export numbers continue to grow. Companies want to be able to reach world markets with their products, and our state certainly provides that opportunity with world-class port facilities. These numbers also show the strong economic ties our state has with countries around the globe,” Gov. Haley said.

The state’s top 10 export industries last year were vehicles, machinery, rubber products, electrical machinery, plastics, optical and medical equipment, paper and paperboard, organic chemicals, wood pulp, and cotton yarn and fabric.

Of the top product sectors, the three experiencing the largest percentage increase were optical and medical equipment at a 19 percent increase, rubber products at more than an 8.6 percent increase, and plastics at more than an 8.2 percent increase.

“Our state manufactures the things people and industries around the world want to buy, and our growing export numbers show it. Canada, Germany, and China remain very important export markets for South Carolina,” said commerce chief Bobby Hitt. “We look forward to building on our relationships with all our trading partners. Commerce’s export program is one way to do that, by helping South Carolina’s small- and medium-sized businesses enter new export markets.”

South Carolina ranked first among US states in tire exports — holding nearly 30 percent of the share of American-made exported tires for the second consecutive year.

Posting a 5.37 percent increase from 2011, Canada overtook Germany for the top spot as South Carolina’s number one export market in 2012, purchasing nearly $4 billion in products. Germany was a close second, purchasing more than $3.7 billion in products. China remained at number three in 2012, purchasing more than $3.2 billion. Rounding out the top 10 export markets in 2012 in order of rank were Mexico at number four, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

“South Carolina is rich in exports, both finished goods and agricultural products, which tend to be heavier to ship and which require access to deep water facilities like the Port of Charleston,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA). “We expect exports from our port to outpace imports in the coming years, and we are making major strides to enhance our port’s infrastructure and deepen Charleston Harbor in order to continue the positive impacts trade brings to our state.”

When complete, the South Carolina Inland Port will extend the reach of the South Carolina Ports Authority’s marine facilities 212 miles to the interior. Opening this September, the facility will improve the efficiency of international freight movements between the Port of Charleston and companies across the Southeast region while spurring additional economic investment in the area.

New Heritage Lawn Enhances Fan Experience

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And The Winner of "March Madness with CRESCENT" Is

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Where To?

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FORE! SC to Become TaylorMade's North American Golf Ball Manufacturing Headquarters

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UPDATED -- CRESCENT to Merge with Charleston-Based Magazine?

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UPDATED -- Former Gamecock to Swing for the Fences on Baseball's Opening Day

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Upstate Alliance Receives Grant for Labor Market Analysis

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Three More PGA TOUR Champions Commit for Hilton Head

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Legislative Leaders Highlight American Diabetes Association Fundraiser

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SC Again Recognized for Culinary Excellence

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2013 March Madness with CRESCENT

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The Lee Brothers Present THE LEE BROS CHARLESTON KITCHEN — Part

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National Journal to Partner with SCGOP for 1st Congresstional District Debate

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CBS is Going to Get "Reckless" in Charleston. You Can, Too

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Greenville to Lose Landmark at the End of March

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A New Battle for the Food Court

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Maintain Local (Bow) Ties

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The Lee Brothers Present "The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen" -- Part

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Girl Scout Troop 1912. It's Not Your Average Troop

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South Carolina’s Exports Reach Record Numbers in

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