The iconic Ravenel Bridge isn't just visible from every angle of Charleston—it symbolizes Mount Pleasant's rising prominence as an economic and innovation hub in South Carolina. In this engaging conversation with Town of Mount Pleasant Economic Development Officer Matt Brady, we explore how this thriving community balances growth with livability.

Discover the exciting public space developments enhancing Mount Pleasant's appeal, from the new waterfront park at Alhambra Hall to the completed "micro-mobility" project at Pitt Street Bridge. Brady shares how these investments create premier destinations for residents and visitors alike, strengthening the community fabric that makes Mount Pleasant special.

Looking for career opportunities? The Chamber's 15th Annual Business Expo on September 18th introduces an integrated job fair featuring major employers including the Town of Mount Pleasant, Port Authority, Charleston County Dispatch, and emerging businesses. With competitive salaries and benefits, these organizations seek talented individuals across diverse fields. The event offers free admission and represents the largest networking opportunity in the Charleston area.

As hurricane season approaches, we discuss preparedness strategies with insights about regional coordination and community education efforts. Learn about the upcoming "Coffee with a Cause" session on August 7th featuring emergency preparedness expert Shannon Whitehead—and discover the folklore behind local hurricane indicators like the Coburg Cow and Waffle House Index.

The podcast concludes with an exploration of Mount Pleasant's innovation economy initiatives, particularly the town's involvement with Charleston Hacks. This collaborative approach brings together tech professionals, marketers, and creative thinkers to solve community challenges while building connections that could spark the next generation of local ventures.

Join us at our upcoming "Know Your Lawmaker" reception on August 13th aboard the USS Yorktown for an opportunity to connect with local elected officials. Subscribe and follow the Building Business Podcast for monthly updates on Mount Pleasant's economic development landscape!

Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Production Sponsor: RMBO.co

Design Sponsor: DK Design

Committee:
Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co
Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director
Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs
Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones

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 described as "Southern on the inside and Northern on the outside," she effortlessly blends "y'all" and "schlep" into conversations that bounce between laugh-out-loud funny and profoundly touching. After careers as a dancer, actress, playwright, and chef, Victoria has found her true calling as a novelist – continuing a family legacy while blazing her own distinct path.

Her debut novel "My Magnolia Summer" draws inspiration from her great grandmother's restaurant, "The Magic Lantern," which operated on Folly Road in the 1920s and 30s. Victoria reveals how Sullivan's Island serves as the beating heart of her stories, explaining that "setting is really your protagonist." When discussing her second novel "The Violet Hour" (releasing August 12th), she shares how grief and self-discovery shaped this continuation of her first book's universe, providing readers both connection and fresh perspectives.

What truly sets Victoria apart is her refreshing transparency about the writing business. She candidly discusses the advantages of her literary pedigree while emphasizing that "no one gives you anything for free in New York." Her all female team reflects her commitment to supporting working mothers, and her approach to negative criticism is memorably straightforward: "Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from." Between managing two young children, a chef husband, and her writing career, Victoria grabs creative moments whenever possible – sometimes writing at 6 AM, sometimes in voice memos between school pickups.

Pre-order "The Violet Hour" now through your favorite independent bookstore! And follow Victoria on Instagram (@victoriabentonfrank) to keep up with her book tour dates and get a glimpse into the life of a writer who's mastering the art of reinvention with every page she writes.

Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Production Sponsor: RMBO.co

Design Sponsor: DK Design

Committee:
Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co
Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director
Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs
Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones

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 strategically focused on attracting companies in the innovation economy, tech sector, life sciences, and service-related industries that create white-collar jobs. "Quality of life is at the forefront of that calculus," Brady explains, noting that every development decision begins with the question: "Is it going to improve the lives of the people that already live in Mount Pleasant?"

This approach has yielded impressive results, with the tech industry growing by 92% in recent years. The town has created a standalone brand, "Mount Pleasant Made," to showcase economic opportunities and connect entrepreneurs with resources. Another key component is the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, which houses over 100 companies ranging from solo entrepreneurs to established businesses, creating an environment of "collision" where ideas cross-pollinate across different disciplines.

What makes Mount Pleasant unique? Brady points to its exceptionally well-educated population, high-earning households, excellent schools, and good infrastructure – all crowned by that enviable quality of life with beaches just minutes away. His passion for economic development stems from personal experience, having witnessed how BMW's arrival in his hometown of Spartanburg transformed the community after textile industry losses. "Economic development changes family trees," he notes, revealing his hope that his own children might someday find opportunities to live and work in the area.

Curious about growing or relocating your business in Mount Pleasant? Visit mountpleasantmade.com to learn more about the resources available to help your business thrive in this innovation-focused community.

Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Production Sponsor: RMBO.co

Design Sponsor: DK Design

Committee:
Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co
Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director
Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs
Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones