Investment in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery strengthens comprehensive cardiovascular care and expands access for Lowcountry patients

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. - Local custom residential builder Ragland Homes has been named a recipient of the 2026 "Builder of Integrity" Award by Quality Builders Warranty (QBW). This marks the second time the Summerville-based home builder has earned the prestigious national honor, reinforcing its reputation for technical excellence, financial stability, and steadfast commitment to client trust across the Lowcountry. The Builder of Integrity Award is an exclusive recognition presented to a selective group of residential builders nationwide. Award recipients undergo a rigorous screening and ongoing performance review process evaluating technical skill, ethical business practice, craftsmanship, and customer service. "Building a custom home is one of the most significant investments a family will make and earning the trust of our clients is at the center of everything we do," said Bryan Ragland. "Receiving the Builder of Integrity Award for a second time validates our team's daily commitment to transparent communication, superior craftsmanship, and doing things right". This national recognition follows a period of strong local support for Ragland Homes, which was also voted Best Home Builder by readers of the Summerville Journal Scene for three years in a row. To learn more about Ragland Homes visit Raglandhomes.com or contact the team at (843) 284.3133. For details regarding the Quality Builders Warranty Builder of Integrity program, visit www.qbwc.com/BOI About Ragland Homes Founded in 2018, Ragland Homes is a premier custom home builder, led by Certified Master Builder Bryan Ragland based in Summerville, South Carolina. Serving clients throughout the Lowcountry, Ragland Homes specializes in custom home construction, build-on-your-lot projects, and personalized design solutions built on a foundation of integrity, quality, and transparency. About Quality Builders Warranty Corporation Quality Builders Warranty Corporation (QBW) is the nation’s premier 10-year new home warranty program. Operating since 1985, QBW screens builders nationwide to ensure members demonstrate superior craftsmanship, technical excellence, and financial integrity, providing structural warranties backed by Liberty Mutual.

Serve Your Community! Citizen Boards, Commissions, and Committees

Industry and Workforce Appreciation Luncheon Highlights Aviation’s Role in the Lowcountry

CHARLESTON, S.C. – ForgePoint Partners, a new executive-led advisory firm, today announced its launch with a mission to help manufacturing, industrial, logistics, and other operationally complex businesses strengthen leadership, build healthy cultures, improve performance, and create lasting organizational value. Founded by Chris Elliott, Lisa-Jane Elliott, and Vincent Lombardy, the firm brings together decades of executive leadership experience across manufacturing, operations, supply chain, organizational transformation, leadership development, and business growth. ForgePoint Partners was founded on a simple belief: exceptional results are achieved when leadership is aligned, culture is healthy, processes are effective, and people are equipped to succeed. The firm works alongside business owners and leadership teams to identify the barriers holding their organizations back and implement practical solutions that strengthen capability, improve performance, and build long-term value. Unlike traditional consulting firms, ForgePoint Partners was created by operators who have spent their careers leading organizations, developing people, improving operations, navigating adversity, and delivering results. The firm's advisory approach centers on four critical pillars: Leadership. Culture. Process. Performance. "Organizations rarely struggle because they lack talented people," said Chris Elliott, Co-Founder of ForgePoint Partners. "More often, they struggle because leadership, culture, and execution become disconnected. We help leaders align their organizations, strengthen accountability, and create sustainable business performance." For Vincent Lombardy, culture is often the differentiator between businesses that continually struggle and those that consistently succeed. "Culture is not a soft issue. It drives how people communicate, solve problems, make decisions, and perform," said Lombardy. "When leadership teams are aligned and cultures are healthy, organizations move faster, execute better, and achieve stronger results." Lisa-Jane Elliott believes sustainable success is built through people and leadership development. "Strong cultures don't happen by accident," said Elliott. "They are built through intentional leadership, clear expectations, meaningful development, and genuine engagement. Our passion is helping organizations create environments where people, teams, and businesses can thrive." ForgePoint Partners supports organizations in a range of areas, including: Leadership team alignment and executive effectiveness Culture assessment, development, and transformation Leadership development and employee engagement Operational excellence and process improvement Quality, delivery, productivity, and profitability enhancement Organizational transformation and change management Succession planning and leadership capability building Supply chain and supplier performance improvement Fractional executive leadership and strategic advisory support The firm primarily serves manufacturing, industrial, logistics, distribution, and other operationally intensive organizations seeking to improve performance while creating stronger, healthier cultures and more effective leadership teams. The founders believe that sustainable results are achieved when organizations address both the people side and the operational side of the business simultaneously. "ForgePoint Partners was founded on a simple belief: businesses achieve exceptional results when leadership is aligned, culture is healthy, processes are effective, and people are empowered to perform," said the founders in a joint statement. "Our mission is to help organizations strengthen these foundations, solve meaningful challenges, and build stronger businesses for the future." About ForgePoint Partners ForgePoint Partners is an executive-led advisory firm that helps manufacturing, industrial, logistics, and operationally complex organizations strengthen leadership, build healthy cultures, improve processes, elevate performance, and create long-term enterprise value. Founded by experienced operators and business leaders, ForgePoint Partners works alongside organizations to develop practical solutions that deliver measurable and sustainable results.

Dogtopia of Summerville Celebrates Fall While Raising Funds for a Third Service Dog for a Veteran Monthlong lineup includes Veteran tributes, community fundraising, fall festivities and a Halloween costume contest

Chamber Welcomes Jaydee Wood as Director of Marketing & Communications

Sew Fabulous Named One of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO—100 list celebrates businesses driving growth and innovation in their communities and around the world September 9, 2026 SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO—, its award-winning digital platform for small businesses, have named Sew Fabulous LLC to the CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses list. Sew Fabulous was selected from more than 12,000 applicants by an esteemed panel of judges in recognition of its impressive growth, innovative strategies and commitment to its customers. The 2026 honorees represent 36 states and Washington, D.C., and include groundbreaking startups, innovative manufacturers, community builders and next-generation consumer brands. “To be named one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses is an extraordinary honor,” said Angela Humphries, founder and owner of Sew Fabulous. “Sew Fabulous began with a sewing machine and a desire to serve people well. Today, we are creating meaningful local employment, developing the next generation of skilled professionals and helping individuals and organizations throughout our community look and feel their best. This recognition belongs to our dedicated team, our loyal customers and the Summerville community that has supported us throughout our journey.” Each CO—100 honoree receives a one-year paid membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, national brand exposure, exclusive access to expert business insights and networking opportunities, and membership in a national community of business leaders. Humphries will travel to Washington, D.C., October 19–21 to participate in events at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s historic headquarters. The experience will include the Small Business Forum, networking opportunities and an awards dinner recognizing outstanding achievement across 10 categories of excellence. Ten businesses will receive a $2,000 award for achievement in their respective categories. One company will be named the CO—100 Top Business of 2026 and receive a $25,000 prize. “Small businesses embody the spirit of opportunity that drives America’s economy forward. This year’s CO—100 honorees are solving problems, creating jobs, and strengthening their communities in remarkable ways,” said Jeanette Mulvey, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Their success stories remind us that when entrepreneurs have the freedom to innovate and grow, the impact extends far beyond their own businesses.” About Sew Fabulous Founded in 2015, Sew Fabulous is a Summerville-based alterations and embroidery company serving individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the Lowcountry. Its services include everyday alterations, bridal and formalwear alterations, professional embroidery, uniform services and custom branded apparel. Sew Fabulous has earned more than 1,200 five-star Google reviews and numerous local awards for its craftsmanship, customer service and commitment to the community. To learn more about Sew Fabulous, visit SewFabulousSummerville.com. Media Contact Angela Humphries Founder and Owner, Sew Fabulous LLC [email protected] 843 277 7101 SewFabulousSummerville.com

Edward L. Kabine Receives SCMEP Lifetime Service Award