Building Business w/ the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

Ever wonder what happens when you combine Southern charm, culinary expertise, and literary talent into one dynamic personality? Meet Victoria Benton Frank, the daughter of beloved bestselling novelist Dorothea Benton Frank, who has found her own voice in the literary world after living what she calls "eight lives already."

From the moment Victoria begins speaking, her magnetic energy fills the room. Self describe...

Ever wondered how a thriving community balances rapid growth with maintaining an exceptional quality of life? Matt Brady, Economic Development Officer for the Town of Mount Pleasant, takes us behind the scenes of this delicate balancing act in our latest podcast series, Mount Pleasant Made.

Brady reveals that economic development in Mount Pleasant isn't about pursuing any and all business opportunities – it's str...

What does it take to build a thriving tech recruitment company while navigating the challenges of being a female entrepreneur? Christina Lock, founder of Catch Talent, pulls back the curtain on her remarkable 10-year journey in Charleston's evolving "Silicon Harbor" ecosystem.

Starting as the second employee at software company Sparc before launching her own venture, Christina shares how she took just three ...

What happens when a coastal town becomes the fastest-growing municipality east of the Mississippi? Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie joins us to reveal how this thriving community balances explosive growth with quality of life—and why he's fighting to keep it a "town" despite its booming economy.

The conversation demystifies Mount Pleasant's unique government structure, where contrary to what many newcom...

Tucked away on 110 acres of pristine Lowcountry forest sits a place where healing happens every day. Rick Lhotan, Major Gifts Manager at Windwood Farm and Home for Children, pulls back the curtain on this remarkable organization that has kept over 5,000 local children with their families instead of entering protective custody over the past decade.

The numbers are staggering, but the stories behind them are even more powerf...

Get ready to feast on a culinary journey through Charleston with our latest episode featuring Alyssa Smith, the Executive Director of the renowned Charleston Wine and Food Festival. This week, we delve into the heart of what makes this festival a must-visit for food enthusiasts near and far. From its humble beginnings in 2005 to becoming a significant economic force for local businesses, the festival not only promises delicious dis...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Allison Hunt, the Executive Director of Patriot's Point Development Authority, as she takes us through the illustrious history of the USS Yorktown and USS Laffey. These iconic World War II museum ships, stationed in Mount Pleasant, offer more than just a glimpse into the past. Discover how the Patriot's Point Development Authority is preserving history while contributing to the ...

John Wright, the iconic Past President of The African American Historic Settlement Commission in Mount Pleasant, takes us on a captivating journey through his life and career, sharing stories from his childhood in Mount Pleasant to his 23 years of service in the United States Army. As he recalls his upbringing, working on Shem Creek, and the tight-knit community that shaped him, John reveals how embracing both his birth name, John ...

Jenny Dennis, our guest and the creative powerhouse behind Trio Solutions, takes us on a captivating journey from her roots in New England to the sunny shores of Charleston. Her story is a fascinating testament to the unexpected twists that can define a career, as she shares how a simple suggestion from restaurant patrons led her from biology to advertising. Jenny's experiences highlight the power of perseverance, a passion fo...

What if libraries could revolutionize your business strategy and community involvement? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Angela Craig, Executive Director of Charleston County Public Libraries, Kathleen Herrmann, Marketing Director for the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, and Tammy Becker, co-owner of Elements Massage in West Ashley and Summerville. Angela shares her incredible journey and vision for libraries as essential com...

Ever wondered how a brave move can catapult you into a lifelong dream career? Carolyn Murray from WCBD TV 2 in Charleston shares her inspiring journey from a snowy birth in New York to becoming a celebrated news anchor in Charleston. Carolyn recounts her bold approach to WPAL radio’s general manager, landing her first broadcasting job before even graduating from the University of South Carolina. With deep ties to Charleston and a p...

Ever wondered how to retain top talent and create a thriving organizational culture? Join us for an essential conversation with Dr. Troy Hall, a celebrated talent retention consultant, international speaker, and best-selling author, as he unpacks the secrets behind his award-winning success. From his humble beginnings in West Virginia to his influential life on Daniel Island, Dr. Hall offers a deeply personal glimpse into his exper...

What if you could transform a simple love for cooking into a thriving multi-faceted business empire? Tune in as Carrie Bailey Morey, founder of Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, takes us on an incredible journey from her mother Callie's kitchen to becoming a culinary powerhouse. Carrie shares how she navigated the early challenges of launching a mail-order biscuit business in 2005, long before the convenience of today's d...

What happens when a Division I soccer dream turns into a rock and roll reality? Join us as we sit down with Jim Sonefeld, the drummer for Hootie and the Blowfish, and the author of "Swimming with the Blowfish: Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride." Jim recounts his remarkable journey from the Midwest to South Carolina, and shares the touching story of meeting the band after a devastating fire, capturing the essence of ...

When Stephanie Kelley, the heart and soul behind East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO), stepped up to share her story, we knew we were in for an unforgettable conversation. From her evolution from donor to Executive Director, Stephanie unveils the intricate tapestry of support and service that ECHO weaves throughout our community, touching lives in ways only the most profound acts of kindness can.

Our discussion traverses ...

Mount Pleasant's Mayor, Will Haynie, steps into our studio to weave a narrative of a town that's as deeply rooted in tradition as it is invested in progress. His insights into the region's transformation reveal a delicate tapestry of economic growth, cultural preservation, and community spirit. Listeners will journey through the ways Mount Pleasant cherishes its Gullah Geechee heritage, and how it ingeniously folds h...

Discover the heartbeat of Mount Pleasant's business community as Kathi Herrmann, chamber president and marketing maven at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, engage in a vibrant conversation with Rebecca Imholz and Mike Compton. Rebecca, steering the Chamber of Commerce, and Mike, the creative force behind rūmbo Advertising, join her to unfold the narrative of our local Chamber from its modest beginnings to the vigorous, influential ...

Get ready to be inspired by Joe Elmore, the charismatic president and CEO of Charleston Animal Society, as he recounts his fascinating shift from engineering to the helm of a leading animal welfare organization. Through engaging stories and invaluable insights, Joe exemplifies how strategic innovation and heartfelt compassion have skyrocketed the society's success in saving animal lives. Our vibrant discussion not only highlig...

Imagine stepping onto the grounds of Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, enveloped by the whispers of history and the echoes of stories untold. Today's conversation with Jim Westerhold, the General Manager of this historic Charleston landmark, along with co-hosts Kathi Herrmann and Scott Labarowski, is a journey that began with a serendipitous summer job and led to a lifelong dedication to the preservation of a site steeped in ...