SUMMERVILLE MEDICAL CENTER OPENS NEW SURGICAL UNIT

Member Submission • October 23, 2024

Phase 1 Opening of a $66.8 million inpatient project

Summerville, SC (October 14, 2024) – Summerville Medical Center is thrilled to announce today’s opening of the hospital’s new surgical unit, which is the phase 1 of a Inpatient Tower construction project. The new 30-bed unit is dedicated to high quality post-surgical care. This $66.8 million project marks a significant milestone in Summerville Medical Center’s vision to be the healthcare provider of choice for the community they serve and is the latest investment of more than $250 million in recent years to expand their facility, services, and team to meet the needs of the growing community.

“Summerville Medical Center is situated in one of the fastest growing areas in Charleston, and while we work to meet the health needs of our community, it is vital that we also add capacity and clinical programs,” commented Stephen Chandler, Chief Executive Officer at Summerville Medical Center. “Every patient who enters our doors is our neighbor, a member of our church, the owner of a local business we frequent. They are the heart of our mission to provide comprehensive, high quality care for all those who need us, for many years to come.”

General surgeon Dr. Gerald Warren performed Summerville Medical Center’s first surgery the day the hospital opened in 1993 and recently had the honor of cutting the ribbon for the opening of this new unit. Over the past three decades, Dr. Warren has been an active member of Summerville Medical Center’s medical staff and has saved countless lives.

He commented, “When a patient is on my operating room table, I take a moment to think about how I would feel if they were my wife or son or grandmother. Every patient I care for truly feels like my own family. It’s been an honor to be a part of the hospital’s remarkable growth over the past thirty years and to be a part of a team who are so committed to our community.”

“Our weight loss surgery patients will be overjoyed for the new private state-of-the art rooms to ease their recovery after surgery,” said Dr. Logan Rawlins, Director of the Bariatric Surgery Program. “This project is a testament to the dedication of Summerville Medical Center to the care of our patients.”

“Summerville Medical Center is well on its way to establishing itself as a regional destination for minimally invasive and robotic spine surgery,” added spine surgeon Dr. Sabino D’Agostino. “This new unit will provide my patients with private rooms and the post-surgery care they need to recover quickly and return home.”

“We are constantly developing new approaches to better meet the needs of our community and this new unit will provide the clinical and care support resources more aligned to each patient’s specific post-surgery needs,” commented Theresa Kloewer, Chief Nursing Officer at Summerville Medical Center.

“It allows us to provide a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach with providers and patients during their pre- and post-surgery experience all together in the same unit.”

This year Summerville Medical Center and Trident Health were recognized as Top 50 Best Hospitals in the U.S. for Surgical Care, Top 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery, Top 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery, and Top 100 Best Hospitals for Critical Care by Healthgrades.

Project Details:

• Increases Summerville Medical Center’s licensed bed count by 40% to 174 licensed beds

• 30 Medical/Surgical private beds in the new 3rd floor post-surgery unit – opening October 14, 2024

• 14 Intensive Care Unit private beds on the new 4th floor – opening Q1 2025

• 12 Progressive Care Unit private beds on the new 4th floor – opening Q1 2025

• 5th floor shell for future expansion – opening Q1 205

• 64,000 square feet of new space

Summerville Medical Center is a 124-bed, acute-care hospital serving families in Dorchester County, Berkeley County and surrounding communities for more than 30 years. The hospital has a 24-hour emergency room, including a dedicated ER for children, and a wide range of surgical services and comprehensive medical services. Summerville Medical Center is recognized for its emergency, women’s and children’s, cardiac, imaging, orthopedic and stroke services. Surgical services includes gynecological, orthopedic, spine, reflux, breast, robotic and weight loss procedures.

Summerville Medical Center is part of Trident Health, which has earned recognition as a leader in the delivery of healthcare in the Lowcountry. For the second consecutive year, Healthgrades named Summerville and Trident Medical Center’s as America’s 250 Best Hospitals™, which places them among the top 5% of the nearly 4,500 hospitals Healthgrades reviewed for 30 quality indicators.

Learn more at www.SummervilleMed.com. For almost 50 years staff and physicians at Trident Health have provided acute healthcare services to families in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Services are provided through its two hospitals, Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center; three freestanding emergency departments, Brighton Park Emergency, Moncks Corner Medical Center, and Centre Pointe Emergency; and two urgent care centers, CareNow Urgent Care Goose Creek and CareNow Urgent Care North Charleston. Both hospitals have received top ranking as Joint Commission Top Hospitals for Quality Performance and are Joint Commission Certified for Advanced Heart Failure and Advanced Primary Stroke Centers. Trident Health is one of the South Carolina Lowcountry’s largest employers with more than 3,100 employees and has a medical staff of nearly 600 physicians. In 2022 it provided $50 million in uncompensated care and paid $41.8 million in local, state and federal taxes.

To learn more about how Trident Health is growing to meet the needs of our growing region and how to join our team go to www.tridenthealthsystem.com.

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2026 Member Appreciation & Awards

By Jaydee Wood • October 21, 2026

Now Accepting Applications & Nominations for 2026 Chamber Awards

Summerville's Sew Fabulous Named One of America's Top 100 Small Businesses by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

October 19, 2026

Woman-owned business selected from more than 12,000 applicants nationwide for its resilience, innovation and commitment to workforce development SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — A Summerville small business is earning national recognition for its resilience, innovation and commitment to developing the next generation of skilled workers. Sew Fabulous LLC, a woman-owned alterations, bridal and embroidery business, has been named one of America's Top 100 Small Businesses through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's prestigious 2026 CO—100 program. Selected from more than 12,000 applicants nationwide, Sew Fabulous is being recognized as a 2026 Champions of Adaptability honoree , a distinction celebrating businesses that have demonstrated exceptional resilience, determination and innovative problem-solving in overcoming challenges. Founded in 2015 by British-born entrepreneur and military veteran Angela Humphries, Sew Fabulous has grown from a small alterations operation in her home into a thriving business offering everyday tailoring, bridal and formalwear alterations, corporate embroidery, uniform services and custom branding solutions. A defining part of Sew Fabulous's success has been its investment in workforce development and preserving the skilled trade of sewing. Recognizing a growing shortage of experienced sewing professionals, Humphries developed the curricula for two U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs, creating structured career pathways for individuals interested in professional sewing and alterations. To date, the company has supported 11 apprentices through its training initiatives, including five who successfully graduated in 2026. The company also established Sew Fabulous Academy, an initiative designed to expand access to sewing education, strengthen technical skills and introduce new generations to career opportunities in the industry. Rather than relying solely on an increasingly limited pool of experienced workers, Humphries has made workforce development a central component of the company's long-term growth strategy. Humphries will travel to Washington, D.C., in October to participate in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's CO—100 celebrations alongside fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the country. About Sew Fabulous LLC Founded in 2015, Sew Fabulous LLC is an award-winning, woman-owned business headquartered in Summerville, South Carolina. The company specializes in everyday alterations, bridal and formalwear alterations, corporate embroidery, uniforms and branded apparel. Through its two U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs and Sew Fabulous Academy, Sew Fabulous is committed to preserving skilled trades, developing talented professionals and creating meaningful career opportunities. The company has earned more than 1,300 five-star Google reviews and numerous business recognitions. About Angela Humphries Beyond her business accomplishments, Humphries has demonstrated an enduring commitment to serving her community. Humphries was also honored with the Community Service Award by Summerville Chief of Police Doug Wright. She was one of the first two civilians to receive the award, recognizing her dedication to serving and strengthening the local community. Her community involvement includes supporting individuals experiencing hardship, contributing to charitable initiatives, and working alongside organizations dedicated to strengthening the local community. For Humphries, business success is measured not only through growth and profitability but also through the opportunities created for others and the positive impact a company can have on its community.

2027 Volvo Accelerator Program

October 16, 2026

St. Paul’s Anglican Church to Present Check to Dorchester Habitat

October 15, 2026

Summerville S.C.- Dorchester Habitat for Humanity is grateful to St. Paul’s Anglican Church for their generous $1,000 donation in support of the organization’s Building the American Dream initiative. This contribution will help Dorchester Habitat continue its mission of building safe, affordable homes for families in Dorchester County. Through the Building the American Dream initiative, the organization is expanding homeownership opportunities and helping local families create a stronger foundation for their futures. “We are incredibly grateful to St. Paul’s for its generosity and commitment to our community,” said Erin Roach, Director of Development and Marketing. “Support from local churches and community partners move our mission forward and bring us one step closer to a future where more families have a safe, affordable place to call home.” Dorchester Habitat partners with qualifying families to achieve homeownership through home construction, financial education, and a 30-year, zero-interest mortgage. Homebuyers also contribute at least 425 hours of sweat-equity, working alongside volunteers and staff to help build homes. The organization’s Building the American Dream initiative reflects its continued commitment to transforming Dorchester County one home at a time. Through the generosity of churches, businesses, individuals, and volunteers, Dorchester Habitat is creating lasting opportunities for families to establish stability, build equity, and pursue brighter futures. Learn more about Dorchester Habitat at www.dorchesterhabitat.org

Greater Summerville Chamber Lays Groundwork for Next Three-Year Strategic Plan

By Jaydee Wood • October 13, 2026

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — 10/13/2026 — As it enters the final year of its current three-year strategic plan, the Greater Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce is already looking ahead. Chamber leadership, board members, staff, and stakeholders recently convened for a comprehensive planning session to map out the organization's vision and priorities for the next three years. Facilitated by Claire Louder of Louder Nonprofit Strategies, the session was designed to align the Chamber’s future trajectory with the region's explosive growth and evolving community needs. To ensure alignment with the region, the day kicked off with vital insights. Attendees heard directly from representatives of the Town of Summerville, Dorchester County, and Berkeley County regarding their current municipal and county-wide plans, ensuring the Chamber’s roadmap complements ongoing local government initiatives. Discussions were also guided by the goals of Envision 2047, keeping key components at the forefront. The planning conversation heavily emphasized: Thoughtful planning and smart growth Housing accessibility and variety Vibrant gateways and distinctive places Quality economic growth Fostering a robust entrepreneurial culture Top-tier education “We were very intentional about incorporating ENVISION 2047 as a guiding tool for our planning as it strategically parallels with what the business community and our members value and feel is important to achieve long-term success," said Rita Berry, President and CEO of the Greater Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce. In addition to regional collaboration and big-picture visioning, the session focused inward on member value. Leadership closely analyzed feedback and data from the Chamber’s most recent membership survey, brainstorming innovative ideas and actionable plans to enhance membership benefits and elevate programs for local businesses. More details regarding the official launch and specific pillars of the Summerville Chamber’s next strategic plan will be announced in the coming months. About the Greater Summerville Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce The Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce is a five-star accredited chamber dedicated to advancing economic prosperity through business advocacy, leadership development, workforce initiatives, and meaningful member engagement. Serving businesses of every size and industry, the Chamber works to create a stronger community throughout Summerville and Dorchester County. About Envision 2047 ENVISION 2047 is a long-term community vision and strategic action plan developed to guide the future of Summerville and Dorchester County over the next 20 years and beyond. Led by the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber Foundation, in partnership with Dorchester County and the Town of Summerville, along with a steering committee of business and community leaders, the initiative reflects a unified commitment to thoughtful, sustainable growth.

Knight’s Companies Rebrands Ridgeville-based Murray Mines as “Knight’s Materials”

October 13, 2026

RIDGEVILLE, S.C. - Knight’s Companies is pleased to announce the rebranding and name change of Murray Mines to Knight’s Materials, effective immediately. The name change reflects the company’s continued growth in the construction materials industry and brings the operation under the Knight’s Companies brand. Knight’s Materials will continue to provide quality sand and other construction material products to customers throughout the region, with the same commitment to service, quality, and reliability that customers have come to expect. “We’re excited to officially bring Knight’s Materials into the Knight’s Companies family,” said Pete Knight, President and CEO of Knight’s Companies. “This is a natural next step as we continue to grow our materials business and expand the products and services we can provide to our customers and partners.” Customers can expect a seamless transition, with existing operations, relationships, and service continuing under the new Knight’s Materials name. Knight’s Materials is part of Knight’s Companies, a South Carolina-based construction materials and services company serving customers throughout the Southeast. Visit knightscompanies.com for more info on other products and services.

HCA HEALTHCARE TRIDENT HOSPITAL EXPANDS CARDIOVASCULAR SERVICES WITH ADDITION OF TWO SPECIALTY SURGEONS

By HCA Healthcare • October 7, 2026

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

Ragland Homes Earns Second Consecutive ''Builder of Integrity'' Award

By Ragland Homes • October 7, 2026

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.