Published Date : July 9, 2012
Author : admin
By: Taft Matney
So last week, I expressed my disappointment in the fact that the US Senate discontinued “Seersucker Thursday.”
I also said, “I’m not going to turn this in to a column about when it (seersucker) should be worn, if you should wear socks with it, or what kinds of shoes and belts should be worn with it (although if you want to know, email me at taft@crescentmag.com, and I’ll give you my two cents).”
A lot of people accepted that invitation.
One of the most comprehensive questions came from a former South Carolina mayor.
He wrote:
OK, Mr. Seersucker promoter, you volunteered to share your opinion about the appropriate seersucker “accessorizing,” so answer these questions I’ve always asked myself as I aggrandized myself in my “sucker suit.”
- Proper tie for Southern Gentleman? Bow or not? Solid or striped? Same hue as color of suit or contrasting complimentary? Paisley?
- Leather; Black or brown belt and shoes? Tan/brown or Walnut/brown? White buck? Tan buck? White belt with white buck?
- Socks, or no socks? Color?
- Braces? Color? Clip or button?
- Shirt; White or blue? Solid or striped? Oxford button-down collar or spread collar?
- Pocket square? Matching tie or contrasting tie?
- Boxers or briefs?
Wearing a seersucker suit is a very complicated thing and should not be taken lightly by a true Southern Gentleman. That’s why I rarely wear one. Because I’ve often observed you dressed in the classic sky blue version and looking sharp, I look forward to your carefully considered and seriously presented reply.
By the way, great job with CRESCENT!
D.W.
I promptly responded.
Ah, you came to the right place, Mayor. Yes. You’re right. Wearing a seersucker suit is indeed something that should not be taken lightly by a true Southern gentleman, but it isn’t complicated.
1 . Proper tie for Southern Gentleman? Bow or not? Solid or striped? Same hue as color of suit or contrasting complimentary? Paisley?
For me, I go with a bow. As long as the colors don’t clash with the suit, don’t worry about it. Let the tie be an extension of you and an outward expression of your personality. Let the tie say something about who you are.
2 . Leather; Black or brown belt and shoes? Tan/brown or Walnut/brown? White buck? Tan buck? White belt with white buck?
For shoes, if you go with leather, go with black. If you go with bucks, go with white. Never go brown. For a belt, depending on the shoe, go black or white. If you’re in shape (i.e. skinny), go with a grosgrain ribbon belt. I used to be able to do that.
3 . Socks, or no socks? Color?
I try not to wear socks from April to November unless I have to. I hate them, but if you must wear them with your seersucker, stick with black, white, or something really off-the-wall so that your socks can speak like your tie (NOTE: Don’t wear funky socks and a funky tie at the same time. Wear one or the other.).
4 . Braces? Color? Clip or button?
Thank you for calling them “braces” instead of “suspenders.” Always go with the button variety, and while I know I don’t have to tell you, there are some other folks who need to know this. Don’t wear braces and a belt together.
5 . Shirt; White or blue? Solid or striped? Oxford button-down collar or spread collar?
Stick with a solid white spread collar oxford. It offers the most versatility. Only go to a button down if everything else it dirty or if you aren’t wearing a blazer/jacket/sport coat/suit coat.
6 . Pocket square? Matching tie or contrasting tie?
Ditch the pocket square with the seersucker suit. The suit’s material has enough inherent personality. It doesn’t need that as an accessory.
7 . Boxers or briefs?
As my son would say, “Whatever tickles your peach. That’s a personal call only you can make.
I do have the classic blue as a suit, and I also have a pair of pants with thin orange stripes. Aside from the classic look, when it’s a typical South Carolina summer with 100 degrees and 100% humidity, seersucker is about being comfortable.
Thank you for reading CRESCENT, D. W. I really appreciate it, and I can’t say it enough. It truly means a lot. South Carolina is so much more than national media would have people believe. I just want to help tell our story. CRESCENT is becoming a great vehicle to do that, and we’re looking forward to watching it grow.
Thanks, D. W. I hope I answered these questions OK.
Taft
He let it all sink in.
Well, I’ve been doing EVERYTHING wrong! I appreciate your feedback. I’ll take your advice and go shopping for all the cool stuff. I see a bow tie with cool pastel stripes in my future.
You may use all of my inquiry if you think it may help others like me, who love the tradition and comfort of the seersucker suit.
You don’t need to ask me to continue reading CRESCENT. I do it enthusiastically. You’re doing a great job of writing about informative and entertaining subjects that are interesting. I hope it’s a great success.
D.W.
Thanks to D.W. and to everyone else who asked. Hopefully, this helps answer most other questions about wearing this time-honored staple of Southern wardrobes.
I also want to say to everyone reading this the same thing I said to D.W. Thank you for reading CRESCENT. I really appreciate it and can’t say it enough. It truly means a lot.
Published Date : July 4, 2012
Author : admin
Today, we celebrate our country’s independence.
We celebrate our ups and downs.
We celebrate our triumphs and sacrifices.
We celebrate that we have gotten to this point together and without being under the rule of any nation other than our own.
On this and every 4th of July, we remind ourselves why we first fought for our freedom and say thanks to those who helped make our freedom possible.
Happy Independence Day from your friends at CRESCENT.
Published Date : July 2, 2012
Author : admin
U.S. Senate’s “Seersucker Thursday” in 2006
By: Taft Matney
Have I mentioned it’s hot?
I know. This probably isn’t a newsflash since your local television station’s Super Duper Doppler Viper 5000 High Definition Weeklong Forecast At-A-Glance looks like a string of binary code and your Facebook timeline is flooded with people taking pictures of their car thermometers.
Nevertheless, it’s pretty stinkin’ hot.
I went to a meeting the other day and kept thinking to myself, “As hot as it is, these people better be glad I didn’t show up in shorts and a t-shirt,” because the thought crossed my mind more than once, and only half-jokingly.
I wore the next best thing. I wore seersucker.
Getting its name from the Persian “shir o shakar” which means “milk and sugar,” this lightweight material (get the cotton or linen made versions, not synthetics) would be the next best thing to shorts and a t-shirt.
Known for its thin stripes and slightly rippled texture, it’s a great daytime/summertime fabric that works well in a number of types of clothing items. I’m not going to turn this in to a column about when it should be worn, if you should wear socks with it, or what kinds of shoes and belts should be worn with it (although if you want to know, email me at taft@crescentmag.com, and I’ll give you my two cents), but I will say that the United States Senate has gone too far.
They banned seersucker.
OK. They didn’t exactly ban seersucker. They banned Seersucker Thursday, a tradition started by former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott of Mississippi that was scheduled to take place on the third Thursday of each June.
It was a way for Southern senators so introduce and share this fabric with fellow senators who may have not been so lucky to have it in their closets during summers in D.C.
This year Seersucker Thursday would have been June 21, but instead of placing a call to remind senators about the next day’s annual tradition, cloakroom staffers spread the word that Seersucker Thursday was being discontinued because some senators felt participating would be seen as frivolous when there are so many problems we’re facing.
Maybe it’s just me, but the fact that they had a meeting and a deliberative discussion about a tradition known about by only a few outside of Washington seems much more insulting than wearing a comfortable suit when it’s 110 degrees in the shade.
I actually think the opposite should be done. Wear seersucker every day. When it’s this hot, do you find that you have a shorter fuse? Yes. Are you a little bit more irritable when the thermometer begins to climb? Yes. When you get bothered, are you as willing to listen to other people’s points of view? No.
Make yourself comfortable. For my money, a lot of times, that means seersucker. When it’s this hot, dress for it…whether or not you sit in the United States Senate.
NOTE: Hat tip to the wife for giving me the “binary code” math joke.
PHOTO CREDIT: United States Senate for “Seersucker Thursday 2006”
Published Date : July 2, 2012
Author : admin
EDITOR’S NOTE: We suffered triple digit temperatures across South Carolina this weekend, but never fear. Our friend Chef John Malik has a way to beat the heat (if you’re 21 or over, of course).
I believe I read somewhere that watermelon is the most popular fruit in the world. Embraced by all cultures, all ages and all nationalities, watermelons were first grown by the Egyptians almost 5,000 years ago. And aren’t the early Egyptians the same guys that first brewed beer? Genius.
Once you cut into an average size watermelon, good luck eating the whole thing before it runs all over your refrigerator. A small one weighs in at five pounds and they’re 92 to 93% water so once opened up, they’re going to drip, it’s inevitable. So next time you crack open one of these, try juicing the melon and turning that into a mojito.
Start with a fine mesh strainer and a large bowl and make sure you have a mop bucket with plenty of hot water waiting nearby.
Make sure you wash the outside of your melon before slicing.
Cut or scoop chunks of the melon, then just squeeze.
I said squeeze!
From half a melon I extracted over a half gallon of juice.
Now, let’s make that Mojito.
Muddle the lime, sugar and mint leaves at the bottom of the glass. Add the peach and rum then stir. Add ice, club soda then top with watermelon juice and garnish with a sprig of mint. Aaahhh…
John Malik is an award winning chef in Greenville, SC. Along with his wife Amy, they owned and operated 33 Liberty Restaurant from 2001 until 2008. Following that he was Excecutive Chef at two upscale retirement communities in the Greenville area. John has a BA in English from Southeastern Louisiana University and has written for Smithsonian Air & Space, Saveur, The Greenville News, Greenville Journal, e-Gullet and has been featured in Southern Living, Bon Appetit and Chile Pepper magazines. John holds the whimsical title of Kingsford Charcoal Flame Master and was named Who’s Who in America Barbecue for his sophisticated take on traditional smoking. While 33 Liberty was open John hosted the entire team of Michelin’s “Red Guide” inspectors for a private meal and lived to talk about it.
John has made numerous guest chef appearances including the Food Network, Fox & Friends, the International Food & Wine festival at Disney World, Great Chefs of the South (Beaufort, SC) “Fixin to Eat” a Salute to Southern Chefs (Paso Robles, CA), the Epicurean Evening (Los Angeles, CA) Charlotte Shout! (Charlotte, NC), Drager’s (San Mateo, CA) and Greenville’s own Euphoria.
PHOTO CREDITS: John Malik, Microsoft
Published Date : June 29, 2012
Author : admin
Have you ever felt the excitement of watching your bobber suddenly jiggle, then dive out of sight or feeling the tap-tap-tap of a bass as it tastes the worm on the end of your line?
If you are new to the sport of fishing and not sure if you will enjoy it enough to get a license, the South Carolina General Assembly recently passed a law designating July 4th as “Free Fishing Day.”
All South Carolina residents may fish free in freshwater on July 4 without a recreational license. The legislature also included Memorial Day as a free fishing day.
All fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits and gear restrictions remain in place during Free Fishing Days.
“It’s a chance for families to get outdoors and experience the joys of fishing,” said bill sponsor Sen. Darrell Jackson (D-Dist. 21), “and Free Fishing Days provide a great, low-cost way to give fishing a try.”
For those who may need some instruction before taking to the water, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a series of introductory Family Fishing Clinics around the state that will teach skills like how to tie fishing knots, how to rig a rod and reel, and casting. Participants will learn how and where to fish and have someone to fish with to become confident anglers.
Designed to introduce the basics of fishing, Family Fishing Clinics are sponsored by the DNR Aquatic Education Section and are free of charge.
Register online by clicking at: www.dnr.sc.gov/aquaticed/fishingclinic/index.html.
The scheduled clinics are as follows:
Published Date : June 28, 2012
Author : admin
On June 28, 1776 on Sullivan’s Island in an unfinished fort made of beach sand and palmetto logs, a group of South Carolina volunteer soldiers led by Colonel William Moultrie defended the coast from Commodore Sir Peter Parker and nine warships.
Defeating what is now known as Fort Moultrie would have given the British control of the Port of Charleston, but in the nine hour battle, Moultrie and his soldiers defended the fort, retained control of the port, and turned back British forces seeking to occupy Charleston.
Today marks the 236th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, and as the first decisive American victory over the British during the American Revolution, many South Carolinians view June 28 or Carolina Day as South Carolina’s “Independence Day.”
Happy Carolina Day from CRESCENT.
IMAGE CREDIT: James Peale’s oil on canvas “Sir Peter Parker’s Attack Against Fort Moultrie”
Published Date : June 27, 2012
Author : admin
Officials with PyroTec Inc. announced plans today to establish a new domestic and global corporate headquarters in Charleston County. The $10 million investment is expected to generate 75 new jobs.
PyroTec will recover component materials from waste and other feedstock and sell those materials. For example, its patented process extracts oil, carbon black, syngas and steel from scrap tires and those components are then sold to the open market as commodities.
“We are pleased to move forward with setting up our new operations in the Charleston area. South Carolina gives us an excellent business environment, and we look forward to growing our business here. We appreciate the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said John Burns, CEO of PyroTec.
The company meets 2012 EPA regulations, as well as California Clean Air requirements. Scrap tires are not the only feedstock PyroTec can use. Other items such as plastic bottles, textiles, lumber, garbage, oil sands and tar pits could also become feedstock for the company’s operations.
“We celebrate PyroTec’s decision to establish its new headquarters in South Carolina, and invest $10 million and create 75 new jobs in Charleston. Announcements like this show that we are on the right track with regards to economic development,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
PyroTec will locate its corporate headquarters in Fresh Fields Village on July 1. Additional announcements on future factory locations are expected in the coming weeks. The company will initially focus on extracting oil and other raw materials from plastics and tires.
“Today’s announcement is the second this month we’ve had in the recycling-related sector. PyroTec’s investment is another indication that our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are attracting investments that create jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“We congratulate PyroTec on their corporate relocation to the Kiawah Island area,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “This high-tech company will create a lot of excitement with their recycling technology and their business plans for the area. The company’s efforts to find more and better ways to reclaim and recycle materials and create energy are nicely in sync with the similar goals of Charleston County’s long-standing solid waste, recycling and conservation initiatives. We wish the company great success!”
“We are excited to welcome PyroTec to the Charleston region,” said R.M. Singletary, Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board chairman. “The Port of Charleston, our community’s distinctive quality of life, and our ready supply of highly-skilled workers were critical factors in PyroTec’s decision to locate its headquarters here. The company will be an invaluable asset to our region.”
The company is supported by two other South Carolina companies. TRC, located in Greenville, is the company’s global environmental engineering consultant. Johnson Development, located in Spartanburg, is the company’s business construction and land management consultants.
PHOTO CREDIT: Fresh Fields Village
Published Date : June 25, 2012
Author : admin
“Here’s your lunch and if you’ll excuse me” I announced as I handed the paper plates to Juan and Jimmy. I was serving lunch to two professional racing drivers that I respected and admired yet at that moment I was certain no one wanted me near them. The producer was having none of it. She had a cameraman, a sound guy dangling a protruding microphone over my shoulder and two a/v techs all trying to put together a show and she wasn’t going to let me out of this tiny room.
“Ask them how it is” she whispered as she poked me in my back.
Not four weeks earlier I had convinced the Food Network to send me to the Chicago Speedway so I could cook for Chip Ganassi’s Indy car team. It was all for Food Fantasy, one of their new shows for 2000. To say that I’m a racing fan doesn’t quite cut it. I love it. The high technology of the cars and the driver’s ability all fascinate me. A 1500 pound car that can accelerate to 100 mph in less than four seconds, hit 230 in a straight line and pull hard enough through a turn to burst the blood vessels in your eye takes a very special person to control. And of all the drivers that have come and gone in this sport one of my favorites was Jimmy Vasser. A fast, talented and energetic Californian, Jimmy seemed to be a guy that was in love with his sport and all its trappings. He was constantly signing autographs, shaking hands and giving interviews. I’m not going to use the word hero (that word should only describe someone that risks their life to save someone else) but he was certainly the guy I rooted for when it was time to go racing. So when I decided to try to get onto Food Fantasy, why not go for broke? I asked to cook for Jimmy Vasser. Within a week’s time the production company, Food Network and Chip Ganassi’s team had all agreed and three weeks later Amy and I boarded a plane for Chicago.
At the track I was introduced to Ganassi’s chef, Jon Wheeler. Jon was incredibly accommodating and thrilled to be getting some attention. The Ganassi team is enormous, maybe only a third of the folks actually travel to the races. For one weekend Jon represented all of the hard working team members that made sure Jimmy was ready to go when the green flag dropped. He gave me an extended tour of the inner workings of the team then we spent the morning prepping three different meals; mustard and herb crusted grouper with asparagus and Parmesan risotto for the VIP’s, lasagna and Caesar salad for the mechanics and a very simple grilled chicken with noodles for the drivers. Since this was a Friday the drivers were on track for timed practice from ten in the morning until twelve noon. After this the drivers retreated to the sanctity of the engineer’s room built into the back end of the team’s custom tractor-trailer where they were debriefed by a slew of dour engineers that specialized in specific aspects of the car. Now keep in mind that this sport is deadly serious and as much time as the drivers spend in the limelight, they need to balance that with time spent their engineers and mechanics. Through a myriad of adjustments, an Indy car can be tailored to suit the nuance of each track and the driver is the interface between the car and the engineers. When Jimmy Vasser twists into a corner at 165 mph, he needs to know that his car is going to follow him. So as soon as Jimmy climbed out of the car he heads for the sanctity of the team’s trailer.
Jon and I were working away, his kitchen is maybe eight feet by six feet wide and on race day he’ll cook for roughly 400 guests. Today it’s only 125 and Jon asks me to prepare the driver’s meals. These guys don’t want anything unfamiliar on their system when they climb into their cars so during a race weekend they’ll eat the same meal: chicken with penne pasta, a touch of cream, butter and some Parmesan cheese. We set up the VIP’s buffet, then the mechanic’s buffet, then we wrap up the two plates for the drivers and Jon hands them to me. I turned to the camera and smiled then asked Jon if the drivers know we’re coming. When I say “we” I mean myself and the five folks from Banyan productions. As we’re exiting the kitchen Jon nods to Brenda, their PR gal and she exclaims, “Let me go give the guys a heads up!” Brenda bolts off in front of us. Jon and I are headed to the engineer’s room with our own team of intruders in tow.
“Jimmy and Juan do know that we’re here, right Jon?” Jon smiles and shrugs his shoulders. We make our way through the maze of activity then Jon opens a tiny door that leads into the engineer’s room, says hello then pushes me in. There are at least 12 guys in this room and 11 of them are frowning or diverting their eyes. One guy shakes his head and looks away as another mumbles WTF under his breath. The team manager puts his head in his right palm as if to say “How the hell did this happen?” I’ve never felt more unwelcome in my life and my confidence and excitement have gone right out the window. Juan Montoya reaches for his plate and looks away. I’m mumbling something like “hope you enjoy it” when Jimmy Vasser stands up, looks me in the eye and smiles. He takes the plate then makes a big deal of saying how great it smells, mugs for the camera, offers a thumbs-up.
“Man I’m hungry, thanks chef!” I felt the producer’s hand ease off of my back and we made our exit. Whew! I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. We then chatted with the mechanics who between huge bites of lasagna offer us high-fives and thumbs-up. Jon slaps me on the back then asks if I can stick around long enough to help him clean up.
“Sure thing Jon.” We chat outside the kitchen for a few minutes when Jimmy Vasser walks up to me. He’s carrying his helmet and smiling as if he’s just won the lottery. With the cameras rolling Jimmy thanks me, hands me a couple of signed hats and shirts, complimentary race tickets and two VIP passes to the race. He offers me a surfer’s hand shake then pats his stomach. And even though when he’s racing, he eats the same meal for lunch and dinner for those three days, he puts his hand on my shoulder and turns to the camera.
“Lunch sure was delicious chef.” I know he’s putting on a show and he certainly didn’t have to, but he wanted to. I suddenly feel ten feet tall. Jimmy Vasser, the 1996 Indy car Champion, a guy I followed through glossy racing magazines and auto enthusiast websites is telling me what a great cook I am.
“Thanks for putting up with us Jimmy.”
Most of us admire our sports super stars from a distance and far too often these multi-millionaires end up in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons, disappointing their fans and those that believed in them. Yet our worship of a celebrity is often misguided, based on their ability in a particular discipline and nothing more. Jimmy Vasser is now a team owner and I can say from personal experience that there’s at least one gentleman in my favorite sport.
John Malik is an award winning chef in Greenville, SC. Along with his wife Amy, they owned and operated 33 Liberty Restaurant from 2001 until 2008. Following that he was Excecutive Chef at two upscale retirement communities in the Greenville area. John has a BA in English from Southeastern Louisiana University and has written for Smithsonian Air & Space, Saveur, The Greenville News, Greenville Journal, e-Gullet and has been featured in Southern Living, Bon Appetit and Chile Pepper magazines. John holds the whimsical title of Kingsford Charcoal Flame Master and was named Who’s Who in America Barbecue for his sophisticated take on traditional smoking. While 33 Liberty was open John hosted the entire team of Michelin’s “Red Guide” inspectors for a private meal and lived to talk about it.
John has made numerous guest chef appearances including the Food Network, Fox & Friends, the International Food & Wine festival at Disney World, Great Chefs of the South (Beaufort, SC) “Fixin to Eat” a Salute to Southern Chefs (Paso Robles, CA), the Epicurean Evening (Los Angeles, CA) Charlotte Shout! (Charlotte, NC), Drager’s (San Mateo, CA) and Greenville’s own Euphoria.
John and Amy celebrated 25 years of marriage in May 2012.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the author are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of CRESCENT: The Magazine.
To submit an op-ed for CRESCENT’s “Your Turn” section, please email it to input@crescentmag.com.
Published Date : June 25, 2012
Author : admin
She’s a 14 year old finishing her freshman year of high school.
She talks with friends. She texts. She loves Twitter and Facebook. She laughs at her brother’s jokes, and by her own admission, she is an aficionado of dumb jokes (For example: What do you call a nosey pepper? I don’t know. Jalapeño business.).
She’s also on her way to being a pop sensation.
Simpsonville’s Kylie Hinze writes her own songs and has played in front of audiences that range from camps to serving as the opening act for Colbie Callait and Gavin DeGraw.
We’ll talk with her soon, but this week, we wanted to introduce you to her music.
Here’s Kylie Hinze with “Romeo Superhero.”
Stay tuned for Part 2.
Published Date : June 18, 2012
Author : admin
Cummins Inc. is expanding its Turbo Technologies operations in Charleston County with a $19.5 million investment that is expected to generate 76 jobs.
Cummins Turbo Technologies, which designs and manufactures turbochargers for diesel engines, is adding a new building and expanding its office space at its campus in the Palmetto Commerce Park in North Charleston. As part of the expansion, Cummins is building a 125,000-square-foot warehouse. Another 10,000 square feet of new office space will be added to the existing building and 10,000 square feet of existing space will be renovated.
“We are excited about the chance to expand in Charleston County. South Carolina has provided an excellent environment in which to do business, and this expansion will help us to better serve our customers. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Cummins Turbo Technologies Plant Manager Willis Pugh.
“It’s another great day in South Carolina when a company like Cummins Turbo Technologies chooses to expand here. We celebrate the company’s $19.5 million investment and the 76 new jobs they will create in North Charleston. South Carolina’s business-friendly climate continues to attract job-creating investments like this one,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Cummins Turbo Technologies opened its first Charleston area manufacturing plant in 1989, operating under the name Holset Engineering until 2006. The company previously announced an expansion at the plant in July 2008. The current expansion is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter.
“Cummins has had a presence in the Lowcountry for a number of years and it’s exciting to see them grow in Charleston. We continue to see manufacturers across the state expand and create new jobs. Today’s announcement builds on that trend,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“Our heartiest congratulations go out today to Cummins on this fabulous expansion project,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie E. Pryor. “Cummins and Charleston County have written three decades of great business history together, and we welcome this expansion of the Turbo Technologies campus, which we know will create great synergies and keep the North Charleston operation globally competitive. Our hats are off to the Cummins management and workforce today, and you will always find a partner in Charleston County.”
“The expansion of Cummins Turbo Technologies in Palmetto Commerce Park gives us confidence that the City of North Charleston and the greater Charleston region remains a ripe environment for businesses to flourish. We applaud Cummins’ success as an industry leader and are thankful for the sizable capital investment and new jobs that our community will receive,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey.
Published Date : June 18, 2012
Author : admin
A second project created by South Carolina-based Dark Corner Films will gain a national audience of more than 27 million subscribers next month.
Landlocked tells the incredible story of how freshwater striped bass were spawned due to the formation of South Carolina lakes. It will air July 22 on the Documentary Channel, which is channel 197 on Dish Network and channel 267 on Direct TV.
This is the second time a Dark Corner Films project has aired on The Documentary Channel. The Dark Corner aired last June.
“While we are very humbled to again garner national exposure for our work, we also believe this shows the quality storytelling that Dark Corner Films can create,” said Dark Corner’s Bryan Tankersley.
Landlocked’s executive producer was Rich King, who employed Dark Corner Films to create the project that premiered at February’s Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in Charleston.
The film chronicles the story of how the State of South Carolina changed fishing history forever with a controversial project that began during the Great Depression.
Through the use of federal funds, 40 miles of dams and dikes were constructed to flood 160,000 acres from the moss-hung Lowcountry all the way inland to Columbia to create Santee Cooper. This was done to create hydroelectric power for the surrounding rural areas, but when the locks were closed, the originally ocean dwelling fish striped bass became landlocked and unable to get back to saltwater. After several years, fishermen and biologists realized the fish were thriving and reproducing, incredibly for the first time ever in freshwater. Now, the striped bass is stocked in nearly 40 states’ lakes and is one of America’s greatest game fish.
Published Date : June 18, 2012
Author : admin
One is a four generation family business in the same location for over a hundred years. The other is a multinational corporation among the world’s largest manufacturers of polyester films. Outside of that, Mitsubishi Polyester Film (MPF) and Suber’s Corn Mill are just neighbors with each genuinely vested in the successes of the other, and last week, Greer-based Mitsubishi presented the Suber family with a dedicated historical road marker chronicling the family’s importance to the area.
One of the only water-powered mills still grinding corn and selling cornmeal in South Carolina, Suber Mill is located on Princess Creek, a branch of the Enoree River. The mill traces its history to before the Civil War when James A. Suber operated a saw mill and a, ahem, “spirits distillery” (See: whiskey still) near the site. He added the grist mill after returning from the war.
The current mill was built between 1908 and 1912 by James Suber’s son Walter Hillary Suber and has been in almost constant operation ever since, with the Suber family running it entirely since 1955 when Walter H. Suber, Jr. took over.
The idea for the $1800 marker came several years ago when the president of the Greenville County Historic Perseveration Commission approached the Suber family, but Linda Suber credits her corporate neighbor with the project’s completion.
“If it hadn’t been for them, we would not have gotten the historical marker,” she said referring to her family’s relationship with MPF as “a good partnership.”
She said that after MPF construction was complete, the company continuously worked with the Suber family to conserve and cultivate the land around the plant.
“Mitsubishi’s been just wonderful,” she said. “They always let Mr. Suber, when he was alive and able, plant oats or wheat or something. As a matter of fact, Mitsubishi built on Suber land. Their plant’s on Suber land, and when they built the plant, they let him rent it for, like, $80 a year just to plant. They wanted to keep it cut down, and he’d plant oats or wheat or whatever.”
Bill Radlein, president and chief operating officer with Mitsubishi Polyester Film, said the plastics manufacturer became involved in the project for two reasons. The first being that the MPF plant is built on former Suber family land. The second is that MPF retiree, Al Futrell, has been long involved with Greenville County Historic Perseveration Commission.
“We are always pleased to help honor the Upstate’s legacy and history,” Radlein said. “Our company’s connection to the Suber family made this a great fit.”
“Mitsubishi’s always been so nice to us. The nicest people you’ll ever meet,” Suber added smiling.
Published Date : June 14, 2012
Author : admin
Britax Child Safety Inc., a manufacturer of premium car seats, strollers, baby carriers and accessories, today announced plans to build a new state-of-the-art U.S. headquarters and operations facility in York County. The company’s investment of more than $26 million is expected to bring 243 new jobs to the county.
“This new facility offers us the opportunity to expand and enhance our work environment. The new, open floor plan will foster collaboration and innovation in product development – further enabling us to bring the best products to our customers and consumers. We are pleased to relocate to York County and appreciate all the support we’ve received from South Carolina state and local officials,” said Jon Chamberlain, president of Britax Child Safety.
Britax will build a new 500,000-square-foot facility located on Pleasant Road in York County. The new facility is expected to begin operations during the second half of 2013 and will house the company’s U.S. headquarters and operations including product development, testing and assembly, warehousing and distribution.
“With today’s announcement, another household name company is making a home in South Carolina. We celebrate Britax Child Safety’s decision to invest more than $26 million and bring 243 new jobs to York County. Investments like this one show that South Carolina’s business-friendly climate is continuing to attract companies and create jobs,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January, South Carolina recruited more than $2 billion in investment and more than 3,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“Britax is a world-class company and it’s great to see them establish operations here in South Carolina. The Palmetto State continues to see our manufacturing sector grow and add jobs, and announcements like this one serve as another sign of that trend,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
York County Council Chairman Britt Blackwell said, “Britax is a premier manufacturer of infant safety seats whose reputation is unparalleled in the market. Their combination of innovation and style has established a world-wide reputation for quality and performance. York County seeks to attain a similar position in economic development, and we feel this new investment and job creation announcement helps us in achieving that goal.”
Published Date : June 13, 2012
Author : admin
Encore Container, a manufacturer and re-conditioner of industrial containers, today announced that it will locate its new corporate headquarters, manufacturing and recycling facility in Greenville County. The $3.9 million investment is expected to generate 89 new jobs over the next three years.
“Encore Container is focused on providing our industrial customer base with quality plastic drums and intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes, along with the most dependable service in the industry,” said CEO Chad Odom. “We pride ourselves on providing the fastest service in the industry, reducing our customers’ environmental liability and inventories while improving their cash flows. We are pleased to locate our corporate headquarters, manufacturing and reconditioning operations here in Greenville County.”
The company has established operations in an 80,000-square-foot existing facility at 7021 Augusta Road in Greenville and has already begun hiring, equipment installation and the ramp-up process. Encore Container’s services include national trip leasing, pick-up service for plastic drums and IBC totes (including 55 gallon drums and 275 gallon totes), and tote cleaning, reconditioning and recycling.
“Seeing a new company choose South Carolina as the place to start its operations is always exciting. We celebrate the decision by Encore Container to locate its initial operations in Greenville with a $3.9 million investment and the creation of 89 new jobs,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
“Entrepreneurship is an important part of our economy and it’s great to see Encore Container put its roots down in South Carolina. This announcement also provides a boost to our reputation in two sectors – manufacturing and recycling,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
Encore Container is committed to sustainability and to being a good steward of the environment. Recycling industrial containers, and extending the useful life of these containers, limits environmental impact through recycling exercises and water conservation. The company recycles plastic fallout from its reconditioning process to make new drums, and recycles steel fallout through arrangements with steel recycling companies. Encore conserves water through an innovative design of its wash process that minimizes use through reverse plumbing, solids removal and filtration, and water reuse. The result is a zero discharge of wastewater.
“Encore Container is a fine example of an entrepreneurial company that is using advanced technology, performance-based processes and local talent to grow and succeed here in the Upstate,” said Chris Riley, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “The company is a great reflection of the opportunities to be found here in Greenville County.”
Odom cited the company’s veteran management team, including partner and Chief Operating Officer Blayne Henderson and partner and Chief Compliance and Quality Officer Chas Key, as instrumental in the company’s ability to move quickly to fill a void in the marketplace.“Encore’s management team has worked successfully together in this industry before. We understand our customers’ requirements, we know the equipment to purchase and the space and water/sewer requirements to be successful, and we found Greenville County to be accommodating and focused on meeting our needs for success,” said Odom. “We considered other locations in Georgia and North Carolina, but we have operated other businesses in Greenville and South Carolina previously, and we feel the community is open-armed, the quality of life outstanding and the economic environment very appealing. We’re happy to be in Greenville.”
Previously, Odom was founder and CEO of Greenville-based Innovative Container for five years, which was in a similar line of business to Encore Container. The business grew rapidly, including being named fastest-growing company in South Carolina in 2003, before being purchased. Both of Odom’s partners in Encore Container – Henderson and Key – were members of the leadership team at Innovative Container as well.
Published Date : June 12, 2012
Author : admin
Dusted Cover, an Upstate company that resells used Christian fiction and non-fiction books as well as the classics and homeschool curriculum online, has the worst website in the region.
Temporarily.
Dusted Cover was the winner of the inaugural “Upstate’s Worst Website” competition, which was put together and coordinated by web company Engenius. The reward will be a brand new website.
The search for the worst website started in late April and was open to any business in the Upstate as long as the owner or a legitimate representative submitted the information, said Chris Manley, the managing partner at Engenius.
Scores of companies entered the competition before being whittled down to three finalists for the worst site. The search was then opened to the general public for voting. Manley said the tallies were very close, but Dusted Cover pulled away from the pack.
“Websites are the storefront for many businesses,” he said. “So many decisions are made just on the look and feel of a homepage. We started this competition to help companies get more people in the door.”
Jenna Kochenauer, the owner of Dusted Cover, said she entered the Upstate’s Worst Website competition after seeing media coverage. A self-described “Web poser,” she created a site for Dusted Cover earlier this year, but could never make it work and used it as a holding page that redirected to her blog.
She will soon meet with the Engenius creative team to begin work on the new site for Dusted Cover.
“Winning this contest is a huge blessing, and I’m looking forward to working with Engenius and seeing what miracles they can perform on my website,” she said.
Published Date : June 11, 2012
Author : admin
CEL Chemical & Supplies, a maker of chemicals for the paperboard and packaging industries, today announced the establishment of its new facility in Anderson County. The $900,000 investment is expected to generate 15 new jobs over the next five years.
“We are pleased to set up new operations in Anderson County. This investment marks an important milestone for our company and we look forward to continuing to grow our customer base. South Carolina has provided an excellent business environment for us over the years,” said Sharlan Messenger, CFO of CEL Chemical & Supplies.
CEL Chemical & Supplies is a family-owned business that was started in 1998 and makes adhesives, waterproofing resins and performance additives. The company has recently located its manufacturing facility at 1927 Elrod Road in Piedmont.
“Small businesses are an important part of South Carolina’s economy and we celebrate the decision by CEL Chemical & Supplies to invest in Anderson County and create new jobs. We are committed to strengthening our state’s business-friendly climate, which will help existing businesses of all sizes create new jobs here,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January, South Carolina recruited more than $2 billion in investment and more than 3,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“Our state’s manufacturing sector continues to grow with investments like this one by CEL Chemical & Supplies. Every one of these new jobs will have an impact in Anderson County,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“Competing for jobs and investment is top on our list of priorities,” said Anderson County Councilman Ken Waters. “District 6 is happy to announce another homerun and welcome CEL Chemical to our industry family. This means 15 more jobs and $900,000 in investment in our community. Their new product technology and environmentally-friendly culture is a perfect fit for our area and we expect them to prosper alongside our County.”
Published Date : June 11, 2012
Author : admin
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, and Third District Congressman Jeff Duncan today all spoke out in support of legislation which will open the South Carolina coast to oil and gas drilling.
“America desperately needs an all-the-above energy plan,” said Duncan. “We all support a comprehensive approach to energy, but also understand that South Carolina shouldn’t wait on other states to be able to create jobs here at home. I commend Senator Graham for his work on the South Carolina Offshore Drilling Act and plan to introduce a version of this legislation in the U.S. House. Utilizing our abundant natural resources is a crucial step in ending our dependence on Middle Eastern oil, and creating thousands of jobs right here in South Carolina. This legislation will help our state continue to lead the nation in energy innovation.”
“Two months ago, I introduced the EXPAND Act, which in addition to expanding nuclear power and other sources of energy, includes opening the entire Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) for energy leases and permits. I specifically included the Southern Atlantic OCS to ensure that South Carolina gained access to its natural resources. We are committed to helping South Carolina lead the way towards energy independence for the United States, and create thousands of new energy jobs,” Duncan said.
“South Carolina is leading the way toward energy independence,” said Graham, who is introducing the legislation in the United States Senate. “By authorizing offshore leasing for oil and gas exploration, South Carolina will lead a long, overdue effort to open up American-owned energy reserves. We want to break the dependence on imports from unstable areas like the Middle East and dangerous regimes like Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez. The more closer-to-home energy we utilize, the less we must rely on them. Additionally, this legislation will help reduce our national debt and the state of South Carolina will receive 37.5 percent of revenues generated from leasing.”
Under the South Carolina Offshore Drilling Act:
The South Carolina Offshore Drilling Act also calls for revenue sharing from the lease sales. Under the legislation, 50 percent of the revenues will be returned to the federal government for deficit reduction, 37.5 percent will go to the State of South Carolina, and 12.5 percent will be directed to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The funding formula is consistent with current federal law governing revenue sharing from offshore drilling leases.
Background on South Carolina Offshore Drilling Act
Drilling Areas
- 0 to 10 miles off the South Carolina coast would be designated a Buffer Zone with no drilling allowed.
- 10-50 miles off the South Carolina coast would be designated an Opt-In Zone. The state, with the approval of the Governor and State Legislature, could make these areas available for leasing. The Governor and State Legislature would decide the exact offshore location where the Opt-In Zone begins (10 miles off the coast, 12 miles, 15 miles, etc.) before leases are issued.
- 50-100 miles off the South Carolina coast will be declared Open and available for leasing.
Revenue Sharing
- 50 percent to federal deficit reduction
- 37.5 percent to the State of South Carolina
- 20 percent of which is dedicated to counties on the coast.
- 12.5 percent to the Land and Water Conservation Fund
Process
- The State of South Carolina, upon approving the lease, would then submit a petition to the Secretary of Interior requesting the area be added to any five-year plan.
- Should the Secretary fail to approve the petition within 90 days of receipt, the petition shall be considered approved.
Published Date : June 11, 2012
Author : admin
Remember the tie in the photo of this feature’s first segment? There’s a story behind that.
When we interviewed Randy Hanauer, it was only days before the Carolina Cup in Camden, and our photojournalist was without a new bow tie for the state’s annual kickoff to spring.
He told Randy about the sport coat he was planning to wear. The resulting video is a new tie from first cut to final stitch, and it went perfectly with the sport coat.
The initial conversation went just like this…
—————————
Carolina Cup is a week from tomorrow. I’ve got to get my new tie for The Cup. The jacket…I just got a new jacket. It’s plaid with dark reds and blues. What would you suggest for a tie to go with that?
Do you have the jacket with you?
No, I don’t. It’s actually getting the sleeves knocked up about an inch and a half.
We’ve got some silk with some colorful jockey caps on them I think will probably fit the bill for that.
For Part 1, click HERE. For Part 2, click HERE.
Published Date : June 11, 2012
Author : admin
By: Taft Matney
If you’ve opened a paper or watched the 6:00 news lately, you have a pretty good idea that there are a lot of questions surrounding this Tuesday’s party primary elections in South Carolina. It’s even gotten to the point where one county went so far as to postpone its primary.
Hundreds of candidates, both Democrat and Republican, have been kicked off their respective party ballots for not complying with the law as it relates to filing for candidacy.
What it boils down to is this. If you’re not a public official, you have to file a Statement of Economic Interests (SEI) when you file your candidacy. If you’re already elected and have to file your annual SEI in accordance with the ethics laws, you can file it at your regular time and don’t have to turn it in when you file for reelection or for election to another office.
If you don’t file the right forms at the right time and in the right way, the court says you cannot be certified as a candidate. The South Carolina Supreme Court has said the law is very clear. Unfortunately while the law may be clear in its requirements, the methods to fulfill those requirements are murky at best.
The primary is one day away, so short of postponing the elections across the state, the primary will go on as scheduled.
That means you need to do two things.
First, vote. Whether you’re political or not, whether you’re Republican or Democrat, there’s no reason not to vote. Find the candidate or party that comes closest to matching your views, and cast your vote.
Second, there are going to be a lot of new faces in the General Assembly next year – some due to retirement and others who won’t win reelection. Call or email your House and Senate members. Let them know the confusion that’s happening with this primary election shouldn’t happen again. Tell them the law should be clear enough that anyone wanting to file for public office shouldn’t need a team of lawyers to decipher candidate requirements.
No matter what else you do this week, on Tuesday speak, and be heard. It’s your responsibility.
Published Date : June 7, 2012
Author : admin
As you may have heard, a few weeks ago, the South Carolina Supreme Court issued a ruling that caused many candidates running for office to be thrown off the ballot.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued another ruling that impacted even more candidates. To make matters worse, the ruling didn’t impact everyone equally since incumbents have a different filing process.
While my race for United States Congress was not affected because it’s a Federal position and the ruling only applied to state races, I still felt the need to speak up.
The South Carolina Supreme Court’s ruling means there are no longer any contested Republican Primary races in Oconee County. Across the Third District, and across the state, literally hundreds of candidates no longer have the chance to run for office.
The law is supposed to exist to protect the rights of the people, but instead the court has taken away people’s rights.
What has happened in South Carolina is deplorable. Through a technicality, the court has denied hundreds of people the right to run for office, and has essentially denied hundreds of thousands the right to participate in a free and fair election.
You deserve better, and I’m disgusted that such an injustice has taken place in our state.
As I said before, this is a state issue that involves a state court and a state law. While I don’t have the power to solve this problem in the halls of Congress, I wanted to let you know what’s going on, and encourage you to contact your State Representative and Senator before the General Assembly adjourns. Let them know how you feel, and ask them how they plan to solve this problem.
I’m continuing to look into this issue as a concerned South Carolinian who believes that we need to do whatever we can to protect the electoral process.
Also know, that while it won’t remedy the situation here at home, that I’m talking to other Congressmen from across the country about what’s happened in South Carolina to help prevent this abuse of the legal system from happening anywhere else.
Jeff Duncan represents South Carolina’s third district in the U.S. Congress.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the author are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of CRESCENT: The Magazine.
To submit an op-ed for CRESCENT’s “Your Turn” section, please email it to input@crescentmag.com.