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

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.

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.

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.