It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Charleston, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine,”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years”
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive and supportive and for that I love my Job.”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six months and are grateful for the assistance provided to my elderly parents. Initially Rick, one of the owners, met with us along with my parents to closely assess their needs. His warm, friendly manner was helpful in persuading my father to give the assistance a try for two days per week. Rick listened carefully to choose the best match in caregivers, and we could not be more satisfied than we are with our parents' caregiver. She has quickly become essential in their lives and makes a huge difference in whether or not they can remain in their home. Her manner with my parents is professional, but loving, always--- always--- going the extra mile to meet their needs. She is knowledgeable, hard-working, caring, and trusted to do what is in their best interest. We are thankful that someone told us about Always Best Care and ever grateful for our caregiver.”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team! Christine and Rick are very dedicated to the work that they are doing, and it shows in everything they do. I have never had the pleasure of working for a company with more passionate and involved owners. They show up for their clients and caregivers in every way possible. They go above and beyond to treat everyone like family and enrich the lives of those around them. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of this journey and cannot wait to see all the great things they will accomplish!”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We appreciate Christine and Rick very much. Quentin, Ann, Alexus , you and others have been a joy to have in our home and doing whatever needs to be done. You show your care and concern for Dad’s physical and emotional well being and you have become part of our family. I really rely on you when we can’t be home and know Dad is in good hands!!! Keep up the good work!!! Love you all.”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for my Mom. Looking back there were signs of memory decline but after emergency surgery and move to rehab the combative paranoid person my sweet, witty, well read , soft spoken Mom became was shocking. Medication and skilled care were prescribed. Several missteps were made with both. Mom’s dark side resulted in first skilled care company dropping us which I totally understood. I was very straight with Christine and Rick regarding Mom’s recent ‘trips out on the ledge’. Rather than politely taking a pass on us...they spent 2 hours in person with us, 3 cumulative hours on the phone asking me questions and strategizing how to avoid the triggers that put Mom ‘on the ledge’, and 2 twelve hour days observing, testing and tweaking strategies. We are approaching 2 months with no major or reportable incidents. I don’t know how long this again found quality of life will last. I am thankful that one of the nurses referred me to ABC. I am tremendously thankful to be their client for the remainder of this journey.”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy with, then we found Rick and his staff with Always Best Care. There name says it all ... always the best care. Their staff are warm, caring and assist my Mother seven days a week, and she loves seeing Rick. I couldn't ask for better care & highly recommend them to anyone who needs this type of service.”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad LOVES Rick and so does Amya!! I can't thank you guys enough for all that you guys are doing, not only for my father but me! Rick went out of his way today and that truly meant a lot :) My dad is so happy and that makes me happy! you guys rock!! thank you!!!”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine, loving individuals which make them amazing business owners/ bosses. They do not hesitate to make their employees and clients happy. I’m so thankful to have met these amazing people and be apart of their outstanding company.”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for my aging mother. Previous agencies we used had high turnover and repeated no-shows, leaving us scrambling to adjust and worried sick about Covid exposure from a revolving door of caregivers. Christine and her staff came to our rescue and changed all that. Their caregivers were patient, loving, dedicated and RELIABLE. They provide service at the highest level and we would wholeheartedly recommend them to others. My mother deserves the best care and I wouldn't use anyone else.”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months of required assistance. The caregivers provide professional services with a loving touch. They have always addressed any questions or concerns immediately with kindness. The administration checks with me, periodically, for a review and any input for improvement. I highly recommend this company.”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick and Christine are the kindest and most genuine people. Their years of work in the customer service industry truly show through the care they provide to others. Aside from the physical and emotional care they provide, which is most important, they are reliable, punctual, trustworthy, and their connections with others last a lifetime. Everyone is family with Rick and Christine.”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust and choose to care for my aging loved ones. They are loving, patient, knowledgeable and extremely detail oriented. They have decades of experience in the customer service industry and truly value the relationships with each of their clients.”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend their services! They've built businesses from the ground up and this one is / will be a perfect fit for them and their clients. They come from, and have created, a large family where assisting others is part of their everyday lives. Their caring nature, solid work ethic and integrity will be highlighted through Always Best Care Senior Services Charleston and will be to the benefit of clients' loved ones.”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I bring 15 years experience in senior living to this brand new non medical home care company. We have put together an excellent team of personal assistant’s and are ready to accept new clients.”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their high expectation of what it takes to nurture a loving family and to be active members of a positive, supportive community. Both clients and employees will benefit from their consistent standard of compassionate honesty & integrity as well as the positive energy they bring to every encounter. I recommend them without reservation.”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior Services. From years of experience in dedicated customer service to the love and care of their own (and extended) family, this is a wonderful fit! The Johnson's tireless work ethic, attention to detail and heart for people should give family members of clients absolute confidence and trust in their care. Bravo!”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs of seniors. Rick and Christine Johnson, known for their dedication to helping others, have prayerfully commited to finding and nurturing the best team possible to assist them on this mission. Thank you, Rick and Christine, for offering families peace of mind for the care of loved ones.”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years now. I know them to be caring and loving. I with no reservations would have them care for my 93 year old father, If I still lived in the Charleston area. I can not state a higher praise to their character and integrity than that. Allen Sandridge”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Hampton Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Magnolias or visit Middleton Place, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Charleston, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Charleston, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Charleston, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
MOUNT PLEASANT — A local restaurateur is spreading the love for his Italian sandwiches east of the Cooper.Downtown Charleston’s pint-sized Italian deli The Pass Panino and Provisions is opening a second location, bringing its piled-high sandwiches and antipasti platters to Mount Pleasant.The new location will feature an expanded dining room with roughly 25 seats and a small provisions market stocked with Italian specialty items.The Pass will be located at 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd., at the corner of Coleman ...
MOUNT PLEASANT — A local restaurateur is spreading the love for his Italian sandwiches east of the Cooper.
Downtown Charleston’s pint-sized Italian deli The Pass Panino and Provisions is opening a second location, bringing its piled-high sandwiches and antipasti platters to Mount Pleasant.
The new location will feature an expanded dining room with roughly 25 seats and a small provisions market stocked with Italian specialty items.
The Pass will be located at 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd., at the corner of Coleman Boulevard, next door to La Pizzeria.
Owner Anthony Marini expects the location to open by mid-November, serving lunch only. Evening dining will remain exclusive to the downtown location under his chef’s table-style dining experience “Italian Boy After Dark.”
Marini, a Philadelphia native who spent 35 years in fine dining and moved to Charleston during the COVID-19 pandemic, said he never imagined expanding to a second location just four years after opening his first.
The downtown deli faced a major setback when a Maserati crashed through the front windows in 2024, forcing months of closure. That incident delayed plans for a second location, he said.
“I've been very happy with the reception that we've received from Charleston, and we get a lot of customers from Mount Pleasant and I thought it was a natural place to land for a second shop,” Marini said. “We are thrilled with the amount of support that we got, certainly after the accident, and from the restaurant community and the community at large.”
The Pass in Mount Pleasant will employ six to 10 staff members and offer the same menu.
Marini plans to bring a personal touch to the space with memorabilia on the walls alongside a large display featuring the restaurant’s name.
The Mount Pleasant location occupies a space that had been outfitted for a poke bowl restaurant that never opened, giving Marini the chance to create a clean, inviting environment for lunch-goers. Patrons can look forward to enjoying their sandwiches alongside a glass of wine or beer.
The Pass joins a growing list of restaurants recently announced for that area of Mount Pleasant, which includes a new wine bar and tapas restaurant, Charlotte’s Wine Bar.
Matt Brady, economic development manager for Mount Pleasant, said, “We are thrilled to welcome the expansion of Pass Italian deli to its new Houston Northcutt location, further enriching Mount Pleasant's vibrant culinary landscape. We have no doubt they will absolutely crush it in their new spot.”
CHARLESTON — When a large soybean processing facility in South Carolina suddenly closed last spring, erasing demand for millions of bushels of soybeans from area farmers, SC Ports partnered with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and private stakeholders to quickly develop export outlets around the world.As a result of this collaboration, South Carolina farmers were able to quickly work through the surplus, exporting more than three million bushels of soybeans through the Port of Charleston between May and Augus...
CHARLESTON — When a large soybean processing facility in South Carolina suddenly closed last spring, erasing demand for millions of bushels of soybeans from area farmers, SC Ports partnered with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and private stakeholders to quickly develop export outlets around the world.
As a result of this collaboration, South Carolina farmers were able to quickly work through the surplus, exporting more than three million bushels of soybeans through the Port of Charleston between May and August.
Soybeans were loaded in shipping containers at grain facilities near the coast and around Inland Port Dillon, which moved more than 2,800 export containers, boosting exports at the facility by 35 percent for the first two months of fiscal year 2026.
“Everyone involved — shippers, traders, grain facilities, logistics service providers—showed great commitment in working through a challenging situation,” said SC Ports President and CEO Phil Padgett. “We’re also grateful to the ocean carriers, including Evergreen, CMA-CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and ONE, that engaged commercially to support the effort. As the 2025 harvest approaches, we look to build on this momentum into the new season with new soybean export consolidation capacity.”
The SCDA was directly engaged in supporting the program, by coordinating with agribusinesses.
“By working together, we were able to quickly develop new soybean markets and make a real difference for South Carolina farmers this year,” said S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “SC Ports’ work to develop the Inland Port Dillon in recent years is a huge benefit to the agribusiness industry. In addition, I thank the General Assembly for authorizing the Growing Agribusiness Fund, which has allowed us to move quickly to bolster our agribusiness industry.”
SCDA is using the Growing Agribusiness Fund, established in 2023, to incentivize other projects in support of soybean farmers, including the expansion of South Carolina Farm Bureau’s Anderson Elevator.
The state’s farmers harvested 390,000 acres of soybeans last year, making it South Carolina’s largest crop by acreage.
SC Ports opened Inland Port Dillon in 2018 to provide importers and exporters with a direct connection to the Port of Charleston via CSX.
Here's a fun answer next time Jennifer Garner, actress and spokesperson for Capital One, asks, "What's in your wallet?" Lowcountry Local First, a nonprofit that promotes locally owned businesses, has launched an exclusive card specifically to support year-round spending at Charleston businesses.The Localist Card program offers access to dozens of exclusive perks at shops, restaurants and service providers around the city.Physical and digital cards for 2026 can be pre-...
Here's a fun answer next time Jennifer Garner, actress and spokesperson for Capital One, asks, "What's in your wallet?" Lowcountry Local First, a nonprofit that promotes locally owned businesses, has launched an exclusive card specifically to support year-round spending at Charleston businesses.
The Localist Card program offers access to dozens of exclusive perks at shops, restaurants and service providers around the city.
Physical and digital cards for 2026 can be pre-purchased now for $25 and will be honored at participating businesses from Nov. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2026.
More than 35 local businesses have already signed up to participate in the program, including Holy City Brewing, Monster Music & Movies, Blue Bicycle Books, Odd Duck Market, Orange Spot Coffee, Cane Pazzo and Ted’s Butcherblock, among others.
And Lowcountry Local First is continually adding more businesses, with the goal of 50-plus signed up before the end of the year.
"The Localist Card is designed to promote year-round local spending, drive consistent support to small businesses, and strengthen the relationships that make the Lowcountry so special," said Jacquie Berger, executive director of Lowcountry Local First. "Every time you use your card, you’re putting your dollars where your heart is — supporting local businesses, preserving the character of our region, and building a more resilient local economy."
The last cruise ship based in the Holy City is in search of another home port.
The nearly 30-year-old is being replaced by the newer Carnival Freedom in Norfolk, Va.
The vessel switch is scheduled to take place in May 2027, according to an announcement last week. Both ships can accommodate about 3,000 passengers.
The Freedom, which made its debut in 2006, currently sails from Port Canaveral in Florida. Once it repositions up the coast to Virginia, it will offer six- to eight-day cruises to the Bahamas, Bermuda, the eastern Caribbean and Canada.
The Sunshine is in its first year of service from downtown Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center.
The ship left its home of about five years at Charleston’s Union Pier for the last time in January after Carnival’s contract with the S.C. State Ports Authority wasn’t renewed under a plan to sell the downtown marine terminal to a private developer.
The subsequent $250 million deal with hospitality industry investor Ben Navarro includes the passenger building.
Carnival stationed its first year-round pleasure ship at Union Pier in 2010 with the Fantasy, which was replaced in 2016 by the Ecstasy. Both have since been scrapped.
The Sunshine, which underwent a $155 million overhaul about 12 years ago, . Carnival had no details last week about the ship’s future. A spokesperson said several ships in the cruise line’s fleet “are on the move as part of our new plans for 2027/28” and that the company will have “more updates soon” as it firms up the schedule.
Charleston-based TMGOC Ventures opened another Moxy hotel, but this one isn’t in downtown Charleston — it’s in Uptown Charlotte. In a post on LinkedIn, Charleston hospitality developer Sunju Patel called the hotel “a space as bold and vibrant as Charlotte itself.”
The 208-room hotel opened this month, with a rooftop bar, event space and Starbucks, just like its sister Moxy hotel at 547 Meeting St. in Charleston.
When the Moxy in Charleston opened in 2023, it became the northernmost hotel on the peninsula. It was the first of four lodgings that Montford and Opterra Capital, doing business as TMGOC Ventures, had envisioned along that stretch of the city.
Patel’s TMGOC Ventures has plans for other hotels in Charleston and across the Southeast. One of those Holy City projects in the queue, at 510 Meeting Street, has been on the market since last fall.
An oil-rich Mideast kingdom that has accounted for dozens of 787 deals dispatched a trade delegation to Boeing South Carolina last week to check out firsthand where the widebodies are built.
The group representing Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation swung by the Dreamliner plant in North Charleston on the second day of an official two-day industry visit to the United States, according to a written statement.
The delegation also met with a deputy director at the Federal Aviation Administration and visited Boeing Co.’s headquarters in Arlington, Va. The trip was not announced in advance.
“By engaging with global aviation regulators and manufacturers, GACA is supporting … objectives to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub connecting three continents, delivering greater connectivity and travel experiences for the kingdom’s passengers,” according to the statement.
The delegates also discussed collaboration opportunities in civil aviation, aircraft manufacturing and maintenance services, sustainability and advanced technologies initiatives.
About two years ago, Boeing announced it had landed orders for at least 78 and up to 121 jets to be built at its local 787 factory from startup Riyadh Air and from Saudia Airlines, respectively, both owned by the nation’s sovereign wealth fund. Earlier this year, the newer of the carriers announced it would delay its launch from early to mid-2025 to later in the year because of delays for its first 787-9 aircraft.
"I am confident, given the latest forecast, that we'll get deliveries this year," Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas told Bloomberg.
Saudia Air announced its first Dreamliner purchase in 2008 for six of the largest “Dash 10” models. The order was filled in 2023.
A Charleston wine bar has landed as one of the top wine bars in the country determined by editors of the wine industry bible Wine Spectator magazine.
Graft Wine Shop at 700 King St., Suite B, Charleston, was chosen due to its unique and thoughtful “deep cuts” of wine selections by the bottle that tell a story.
The feature includes a photo of the co-owners at their Upper King Street shop, with Miles White pouring Femi Oyediran a glass while perched on his shoulders, a nod to the two’s enduring friendship that began while both bussing tables at Charleston Grill.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - More than 130 feet below homes and businesses in West Ashley, a team of experienced construction workers are not-so quietly at work tunneling across the region.Back in June, the r down a massive shaft to start work on the West Ashley Sewer Tunnel Extension project. It’s CWS’s most expensive project ever and promises to fix sewage overflow issues that are common in the area.Kathleen Wilson is the vice chair of the Charleston Water System Board of Commissioners.“The total cost is...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - More than 130 feet below homes and businesses in West Ashley, a team of experienced construction workers are not-so quietly at work tunneling across the region.
Back in June, the r down a massive shaft to start work on the West Ashley Sewer Tunnel Extension project. It’s CWS’s most expensive project ever and promises to fix sewage overflow issues that are common in the area.
Kathleen Wilson is the vice chair of the Charleston Water System Board of Commissioners.
“The total cost is about $135 million, but what it will accomplish is fantastic. It’s going to take all of the problems that we’ve had in West Ashley with sanitary sewer overflows. Those will be eliminated,” Wilson said.
The tunnel itself is 8 feet wide and will be nearly 4 miles long. Water system officials say it should last at least 150 years and keep up with the surging population growth in the area. Inside the tunnel, a 5-foot-wide sewage pipe will be placed. They will then fill the remaining space with grout and refill the shaft.
“It’s built to a large enough diameter and size and scale that we can handle all of West Ashley and even out beyond, getting into Hollywood and Ravenel. So, it’s a fantastic project that’s very much needed,” Wilson said.
The project is made possible by a geologic feature called the Cooper Marl that starts about 70 feet below the ground and protects deep aquifers from pollutants.
Professor Norman Levine is an expert in geology at the College of Charleston. He says the marl is a major geological feature, or unit, unique to coastal plains.
“The Cooper Marl is a dense clay that keeps water from flowing through it,” Levine said. “The Cooper Marl is the perfect place to put the West Ashley pipe since it is a thick unit, and it’s a very tight unit, meaning anything that might leak will not penetrate through the unit.”
SAK Construction crews are currently about half a mile into the project. They’re able to go anywhere from 60 to 100 feet a day. The tunneling is expected to take several more months, and then several more years for the infrastructure to be finalized.
“Most people have no idea what’s going on, and they’re very, very surprised upon learning of it. So, in a sense, no news is good news because we haven’t had complaints about the drilling or noise or any problems related to construction. And it’s going beautifully, and it’s going according to plan,” Wilson said.
The tunnel starts where the West Ashley Greenway begins on Albemarle Road near the Porter-Gaud baseball field. It will follow the Greenway all the way down to the end of Interstate 526.
It’s expected to be completed Jan. 1, 2028.
In the spring, South Carolina faced an increase in demand for local farmer’s soybean production following the closure of a large soybean processing facility.According to a news release, SC Ports, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and other private stakeholders, partnered to fill the export gap. Even with the closure, the Port of Charleston saw three million bushels of soybeans exported between May and August,“Everyone involved — shippers, traders, grain facilities, logistics service providers—...
In the spring, South Carolina faced an increase in demand for local farmer’s soybean production following the closure of a large soybean processing facility.
According to a news release, SC Ports, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and other private stakeholders, partnered to fill the export gap. Even with the closure, the Port of Charleston saw three million bushels of soybeans exported between May and August,
“Everyone involved — shippers, traders, grain facilities, logistics service providers—showed great commitment in working through a challenging situation,” Phil Padgett, interim SC Ports president and CEO, said in the release. “We’re also grateful to the ocean carriers, including Evergreen, CMA-CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and ONE, that engaged commercially to support the effort. As the 2025 harvest approaches, we look to build on this momentum into the new season with new soybean export consolidation capacity.”
Soybeans were loaded from Inland Port Dillon and grain facilities around the coast to export, seeing more than 2,800 containers shipped, the release said. The shipments boosted exports at the facility by 35% for the first two months of fiscal year 2026.
“By working together, we were able to quickly develop new soybean markets and make a real difference for South Carolina farmers this year,” Hugh Weathers, South Carolina commissioner of agriculture, said in the release. “SC Ports’ work to develop the Inland Port Dillon in recent years is a huge benefit to the agribusiness industry. In addition, I thank the General Assembly for authorizing the Growing Agribusiness Fund, which has allowed us to move quickly to bolster our agribusiness industry.”
South Carolina soybean farmers harvested their largest crop last year of 390,000 acres, according to the release.
It’s a timely issue, as soybean farming has taken center stage globally, with China, the world’s top soybean buyer, has largely stopped buying U.S. soybeans this year, as retalitation to President Donald Trump’s new round of tariffs, according to Yahoo! Finance.
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