October 19, 2021
Ernest Andrade, the driving force behind the Charleston Digital Corridor and a 20+year veteran of economic development strategy, visited the club. He offered his views on the importance of developing a diversified economy in the Lowcountry, with tech innovation as the linchpin for growth and jobs. Don’t forget our next social event on November 10 at Palmetto Brewery, which will double as an Operation Warm coat drive (see more below)
Ernest Andrade is the visionary, founder and director of the Charleston Digital Corridor. He formerly worked for the City of Charleston for 28 years. Under his leadership, the Digital Corridor has grown from 18 companies to 450+ companies today and is recognized as a model for high-wage, tech-focused economic development.
His attendance at Jesuit schools instilled in him the idea that we can always do better. And that was the cornerstone of his desire to make Charleston a leading tech city. As he looked around, he noted the “haves and the have nots” and realized it wasn’t acceptable. “We have to realize that the middle class is the backbone of America,” he explained.
In the initial phase of development, he clarified that we have to raise wages and become more economically diverse and resilient. “That way if one sector doesn’t do well, they don’t all go down,” he said.
“We also have to seriously invest in education as we’re evolving into a knowledge-based economy.
He discussed changing the dynamic of what has historically been Charleston’s backbone, expanding is reliance on hospitality and acknowledging that the cost of living is increasing.
“It just happened that tech was the means to the end,” he said.
His strategy included one on one meetings with tech companies and collaborating with local leaders. He shared that now, the average salary for a tech job is $90,000 which is above the national average.
Charleston has been the benefactor of the tech community. Highly skilled talent has flocked to our region. They’re young, energetic and talented. He also noted there’s plenty of capital to maintain vibrancy.
The new Charleston Tech Center is a manefistation of the momentum and progress of the tech community in Charleston and it’s already field to capacity with discussion for a second building in the works.
To learn more about the Charleston Digital Corridor, go here.
Click here for a recording of last week’s meeting.
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
- Dwayne Green gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Stefany Ceccato introduced our visiting Rotarians & guests.
- President-Elect Virginia Lee presented Health and Happiness.
- Mike Sottak introduced our guest speaker, Ernest Andrade, who discussed the Charleston Digital Corridor.
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
October 26, 2021 | Issue 5025 President: Rob Dewey
COMING EVENTS
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- Oct. 26 – Mary Howell, Water Mission
- Nov. 2 – TBD (ZOOM ONLY)
- Nov. 5 – Gloria Gaynor concert
- Nov. 9 – Veteran’s Day Observed; Judge Peter Kouten
- Nov. 10 – November Social/Coat Drive
- Nov. 16 – James Dusenberry / New Member Orientation @ 11:15am
- Nov. 23 – NO MEETING. Happy Thanksgiving!
- Nov. 30 – Gil Kerlikowske (former director of DEA and Border Patrol)
NEWS BRIEFS
Important – Masks Required at Meetings
In alignment with the new CDC recommendations, the Rotary Board has determined that the club needs to make adjustments to our Rotary meeting procedures. Effective immediately, we will be requiring all guests (vaccinated or unvaccinated) to wear a mask except when eating or drinking. We will not be taking temperatures upon arrival or requiring attendees to sign a waiver at the door.
The staff and servers at Hall’s will continue to wear masks and seating will appropriately social distanced.
For the safety of our members and guests, we ask all members to please comply with the CDC guidelines and our protocols.
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION SESSIONS
Join Past-President and current District Membership Chair Digit Matheny and Past-President Brian Johnson for an upcoming Rotary Club of Charleston New Member Orientation/Information session. Attending one of these sessions will provide you with the information and tools to help you make the most of your Rotary membership.
Our next session is Nov. 16, at 11:15am, prior to our regularly scheduled Rotary meeting at Hall’s 5 Faber St.
Please use the following link to the Doodle Poll to register for the session.
https://doodle.com/poll/rrw2gcuharmphdfp?utm_source=poll&utm_medium=link
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Membership Chair, Cleave Ham.
ROTARY SOCIAL – Gloria Gaynor Concert
Currently, our club has a block of 100 seats for sale – 50 tickets at $63.48 and 50 tickets at $50.60 each. The more expensive tickets will be on the floor in the front to middle of the Orchestra and the lower priced seats will also be on the floor but in the middle to rear of the main Orchestra seating area. Tickets may be purchased by check to the Rotary Club of Charleston or (Rotary) Venmo @rotaryclubofcharleston.
**Also, tickets will be available to purchase for a “Meet and Greet” with Gloria after the show. Details forthcoming.
DETAILS OF EVENT:
The Charleston Gaillard Center Presents
2020 Grammy winner GLORIA GAYNOR (I Will Survive)
Nov 5, 2021 at 7:30 pm
A Portion of Proceeds to Thrive SC
SC Domestic Violence/Human Trafficking non-profit www.thrivesaveslives.org
Everyone is familiar with Gloria Gaynor’s award-winning anthem “I Will Survive,” but did you know about her recent work in Nashville with the GRAMMY® winning team who delivered her new album, “TESTIMONY?” It debuted in the Top 5 of the BILLBOARD Top Gospel Albums Chart, the Top 3 on the iTunes Gospel Chart and the Top 20 on the Amazon Overall Album Chart. “TESTIMONY,” received rave reviews from Rolling Stone, Billboard, The Herald-Standard, CBS Sunday Morning, The TODAY Show and more! The album received two GRAMMY® nominations for Best Roots Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance / Song for Gloria’s duet with Yolanda Adams on the song, “Talkin’ ‘Bout Jesus.” Gloria took home the Best Roots Gospel GRAMMY® at the 2020 Award Ceremony. Gloria also headlined the 2020 GRAMMY® Celebration. Gloria Gaynor’s legendary career spans five hit-filled decades as a global music icon. With the world facing unimaginable challenges in 2020 due to Covid19, Gloria helped usher in 2021 by singing her global anthem, “I Will Survive,” in New York City’s Times Square, honoring first responders and essential workers. Her performance was streamed around the world to a global audience of billions. Gloria continues to write and record new music.
November Rotary “Share the Warmth” Coat Drive
Wednesday November 10th from 5:30pm-7:30pm
Palmetto Brewery -289 Huger Street Charleston, SC 29403
Parking- extra parking available under the bridge
Benefit Charities: Coat Drive Social benefiting East Cooper Community Outreach, Charleston County School District, and One80 Place
Please Bring-worn coats, jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, hats, gloves, socks, winter gear, or any other clothing we can donate to our less fortunate brothers and sisters to help keep them warm during this upcoming winter time.
Live Music- We will have live music at the venue
Food and Drinks- Will be provided by Palmetto Brewery and paid for by guests.
*This is should be a great Share the Warmth Coat Drive event and we encourage every Rotary member to bring one prospective member to the event. We will be co-hosting the event with the Charleston Breakfast Rotary Club. We look forward to seeing you there!
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
Continuing the legacy of our founder, the Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. This past Tuesday our Rotary Foundation Chair, Karl Riner, proudly recognized Kerby Teller with a Paul Harris Fellow + 3. Congratulations to Kerby, whose continuous support of the Rotary Foundation is much appreciated.
No cash? No problem. We now take Venmo!
Thanks to overwhelming demand by our younger, cash-fee members, the club will now accept Venmo payments. Venmo can be used to pay dues, meals for guests, contribute happy dollars and conduct other transactions which previously required cash, check or credit cards. Simply add @rotaryclubofcharleston as a payee on your Venmo account. Thanks Joseph Tecklenburg for helping us reach this incredible technology milestone!
Rob Dewey is now looking into how we can use Bitcoin to pay our dues.
Charleston 50: Year Two
Charleston50, a fundraising campaign launched by the Rotary Club of Charleston to fund community grants, has already reached 58% of its 2021-22 goal during the first 24 days of our fiscal year!
Begun last year when traditional events were canceled due to COVID, the project is continuing thanks to the overwhelming response by members who donate $500 annually to support deserving non-profits in our club’s service area.
The Rev. Rob Dewey, club president, said, “Charleston50 was a surprise success for us. After decades of supporting projects by selling tickets and sponsorships, we quickly learned that our members value the impact our club has in the community and the easy way they can give through Charleston50.”
Charleston50 members receive several visibility benefits including being listed on the club’s website and on a slide deck visible for 20 minutes before each meeting; a pin; a sticker; and an opportunity to briefly greet club members. Donations to Charleston50 are made through the non-profit arm of our club and are 100% tax-deductible.
Please download and complete the Pledge Form here, and return it via email to Phoenicia Miracle at [email protected].
Support The CART Fund
It is easy for club members to make individual contributions and support The CART Fund electronically. The CART Fund has a new portal www.mycartfund.org, which you can easily access. As a Rotarian and a DACdb user, you automatically have an account already set-up in your name. Your user name and password are the same as it is for the DACdb.
Become a PHF & Support the Rotary Foundation
Do not forget your opportunity to be recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Eighty-five dollars a month gets you there. Please reach out to Karl Riner, Club Foundation Chair, to sign up or ask questions.
Our Club is on Social Media
Members are encouraged to follow all of our social media channels and share posts with their followers too! We also need members to send us pictures of anything they do that relates to Rotary – service projects, meetings, events, etc. We would love to keep our accounts full of smiling Rotarians! Photos can be sent to Mike Sottak, [email protected], or Rob Byko, [email protected].
MEMBER NEWS
Tracy Christopher was inducted as our newest member this past Tuesday! Tracy was sponsored by Membership Chair, Cleave Ham and will hold the classification of Mortgage/Executive. Welcome to our Rotary family, Tracy!
Proposed New Members
The following membership candidates have submitted an application and signed letter of agreement to the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston:
Allen Tate – sponsor: Michael Smith; classification: Insurance/Commercial
Matt Miller – sponsor: Cleave Ham; classification: Eleemosynary/Executive
Christopher “Chip” Wyatt – sponsor: Jan Luth; classification: Engineering/Civil
In the event you know any of these prospective members, please tell a member of the Board how he will serve the ideas of Rotary.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Rotarian: Marrion Platt
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- JOINED: 8/24/2021
- SPONSOR: Sandy Morckel
- MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT: New Member
- CLASSIFICATION: religion & Community Service
- PROFESSION: Star GospelMission
- SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF
in the West Ashley area by two sets of grandparents – one white and one black. Marion served in the United States Army. He is a former Rotarian of the following Rotary clubs: Atlanta, GA – West end, Savannah, GA – downtown and Memphis, TN – downtown. Marion was born in Charleston and raised
- JOINED: 8/24/2021
Birthdays
- 10/27 – Joel Cardwell
- 11/1 – Ricky Bailey, Kay Minson, Marion Platt
WELLNESS TIP
Defuse Stress With Friendship
Fall is a good time to come back together after the summer scattering of vacations and busy schedules — a great time to relax with friends.
Soothe away stress by making contact in person or by phone with someone you care about, someone you haven’t talked to in awhile because life got in the way. The positive emotions will make you feel good, and when joy and stress meet up, the joy wins out.
AREA CLUB MEETINGS
Mondays
Summerville – Oakbrook: 7:30 a.m., Monday, Westcott County Club, 5000 Wescott Club Drive, North Charleston
North Charleston: 12:30 a.m., Monday, Hilton Garden Inn, 5265 International Blvd, North Charleston.
Summerville Evening: 5:30 p.m., Monday, Montreux Bar and Grill, 127 W. Richardson Ave., Summerville
Tuesdays
East Cooper Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Cooper River Room at Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant
Charleston: 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber, Charleston
Goose Creek: 12:45 m. Tuesday, Gilligan’s, 219 St. James Ave., Goose Creek
Wednesdays
Daniel Island: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Daniel Island Club, 600 Island Park Dr., Daniel Island
St. John’s Parish (John’s Island): 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, 2817 Maybank Highway, Unit 1, John’s Island
Mount Pleasant: 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Harbor Breeze Restaurant, 176 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant
Summerville: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sticky Fingers, Summerville
Thursdays
North Charleston Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Embassy Suites, 5055 International Blvd., North Charleston
Moncks Corner: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Gilligan’s Restaurant, Moncks Corner
St. Andrews (West Ashley): 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Bessinger’s BBQ, 1602 Savannah Highway, Charleston.
Fridays
Charleston Breakfast: 7:30AM Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber, Charleston
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our Rotary club actively uses social media — and we encourage you to interact 
with us through social media.
We’re on Facebook. Take a look at our page and be sure to “like us”.
We’re on Twitter. You can follow us @chasrotaryclub.
We’re on Instagram. You can follow us @ChasRotaryClub.
ABOUT THE KEYWAY
The Keyway has been published weekly as a newsletter for the Rotary Club of Charleston for more than 90 years.
President: Rob Dewey
Keyway editor: Don Baus [email protected]
Executive secretary: Carroll Schweers, [email protected]
Mailing address: Rotary Club of Charleston, P.O. Box 21029, Charleston, SC 29413-1029
Copyright 2018, Rotary Club of Charleston. All rights reserved