Mattress storein Ridgeville, SC

Redwood Materials, a producer of anode and cathode battery components for electric vehicles, plans to establish its Battery Materials Campus at Camp Hall Commerce Park in Ridgeville, South Carolina. The $3.5 billion project is expected to create 1,500 jobs in Berkeley County.

The more than 600-acre campus will initially produce enough anode and cathode material for 100 gigawatt-hours of battery cell production or 1 million electric vehicles each year, according to state officials. Operations are scheduled to begin in 2023.

“South Carolina’s commitment to creating a secure energy future and a competitive landscape for electric vehicle manufacturing, supported by a world-class workforce, fast and efficient logistics, zero-carbon electricity and a phenomenal site made it a smart decision for Redwood to invest here. Redwood’s South Carolina Battery Materials Campus will recycle, refine and remanufacture anode and cathode components allowing us to support our current and future customers in the heart of America's battery belt. We're ready to support this region and U.S. electrification by driving down battery costs, emissions, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains,” said Redwood Materials Founder and CEO JB Straubel.

After the Joint Bond Review Committee recommended approval, the State Fiscal Accountability Authority authorized the issuance of General Obligation State Economic Development Bonds not exceeding $226 million, and notes in anticipation thereof, to offset the cost of acquiring the site, site improvements, related infrastructure and bond issuance costs.

"The future of the automotive industry is paving a path through South Carolina, and Redwood Materials establishing operations in our state proves that point. The company’s historic announcement and the 1,500 new jobs it will create mean we are strengthening sustained, long-term economic growth that will benefit South Carolinians for years to come. We applaud Redwood Materials for their commitment to creating a circular economy here and working to shorten the supply chain through recycling efforts,” noted Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development also awarded job development credits related to this project.

“South Carolina Ports is excited to welcome Redwood Materials to South Carolina. SC Ports is a critical supply chain partner for many of South Carolina’s advanced manufacturers, efficiently importing goods for production and exporting finished products to global markets. SC Ports looks forward to supporting Redwood Materials’ new investment that will strengthen our state’s position as a leader in automotive, electrification and sustainability,” added SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin.

Redwood Materials works to recover more than 95% of the critical minerals and rare earth elements from batteries, like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper, and then reintroduce those materials into the supply chain through the anode and cathode materials it produces for U.S. battery manufacturers. The company works with multiple partners that have existing operations across the U.S., such as Volvo, Envision AESC, Proterra, Panasonic, Volkswagen and Audi, for reclaiming and recycling end-of-life batteries and production scrap to produce battery components.

“This record-setting economic development win will have a significant positive return on investment for our community. Congratulations to Redwood Materials, our partners in Berkeley County, and to everyone involved in this impactful economic development deal that will bring not only high-paying jobs to our residents, but innovation opportunities to our region,” Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman and President and CEO of Berkeley Electric Cooperative Mike Fuller said.

“Redwood Materials represents a tremendous opportunity for South Carolina to increase our sustainable manufacturing footprint and supply chain security. Redwood Materials fits perfectly with Santee Cooper’s vision in developing Camp Hall, and we are proud to welcome JB Straubel and his team to Berkeley County, South Carolina,” Santee Cooper Director Stephen H. Mudge added.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster, Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette, and First Lady Peggy McMaster's schedules for the week of December 19 will include the following:

Monday, December 19 at 2:30 PM: Gov. McMaster will hold a press conference to announce Probation, Parole, and Pardon Service’s new Electronic Detection Canine Unit, State House, first floor, 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C.

Monday, December 19 at 6:00 PM: Gov. McMaster and First Lady Peggy McMaster will participate in the annual Menorah Lighting, State House, north steps, 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C

Gov. Henry McMaster’s Weekly Schedule: December 12, 2022

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gov. Henry McMaster’s schedule for the week of December 12, 2022, included:

Monday, December 12

Gov. McMaster was in the Office of the Governor for office hours, State House, first floor, 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C.

11:00 AM: Gov. McMaster joined Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers for a press conference, State House, first floor, 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C.

12:30 PM: Gov. McMaster presented the Order of the Palmetto to Steve Tuttle, Wachovia Rooms, Archives and History Center; 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, S.C.

Tuesday, December 13

9:00 AM: Economic development call.

Gov. McMaster was in the Office of the Governor for office hours, State House, first floor, 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C.

10:00 AM: Gov. McMaster oversaw a State Fiscal Accountability Authority (SFAA) meeting, Room 252, Edgar Brown Building, State House grounds, 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C.

12:45 PM: Gov. McMaster joined United Airlines and Boeing Commercial Airplanes for an announcement, Boeing South Carolina Welcome Center, 5400 International Boulevard, North Charleston, S.C.

Wednesday, December 14

11:00 AM: Gov. McMaster attended an Economic Development Announcement, Avian Commons, Camp Hall, Three Point Drive, Ridgeville, S.C.

Gov. McMaster was in the Office of the Governor for office hours, State House, first floor, 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C.

3:15 PM: Policy meeting.

3:30 PM: Policy meeting.

4:00 PM: Agency meeting.

Thursday, December 15

11:15 AM: Gov. McMaster attended the Synnex Share the Magic event and presented the Order of the Palmetto to Velda Hughes, Avenue, 110 East Court Street, Suite 600, Greenville, S.C.

12:40 PM: Call with a member of the South Carolina Senate.

12:45 PM: Agency call.

12:50 PM: Call with a member of the South Carolina Senate.

Gov. McMaster was in the Office of the Governor for office hours, State House, 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C.

2:00 PM: Policy meeting.

2:45 PM: Policy meeting.

3:00 PM: Agency meeting.

Friday, December 16

11:30 AM: Call with a member of the South Carolina Senate.

For the past several years, the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens have been incredibly popular, as the competition to earn a spot on the Bassmaster Elite Series has become more intense than ever.

Now, the Opens will feature the added intrigue of a trail within the trail — and some of the biggest names in bass fishing will make up that field.

The Opens Elite Qualifiers division will consist of 175 anglers who’ve signed up to fish all nine events on the 2023 schedule. Though Opens tournament winners will still earn a berth into the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, only those in the EQs division — the ones who fish all nine events — will be eligible to qualify for one of nine coveted invitations to fish the Elite Series.

Veteran California pro Ish Monroe — one of the giants of the sport who is returning to B.A.S.S. after several years away — hopes to achieve an Elite invitation while swinging nine times for his 11th career Classic berth.

“I’m gonna fish every tournament to try to win,” said Monroe, who has one previous Bassmaster Opens victory in addition to four Elite Series wins. “My dream is to win the Classic, and you can’t win the Classic if you’re not in it. I feel like, if I go out and fish to win every event — even if I don’t win — I’m still going to fall in that check range. If I fall in that check range at every event, I qualify for the Elites.”

Another superstar of professional bass fishing who has joined the Opens EQs field is Florida veteran Bobby Lane, a two-time winner with B.A.S.S., a 12-time Classic qualifier and the reigning Redcrest champion.

Like Monroe, Lane has publicly stated that his goal is to not only requalify for the Elites after several years away but to win a Classic title like his brother, Chris, did in 2012. Lane has four Top 10 Classic finishes, including a second-place showing in the 2015 event at Lake Hartwell.

Tennessee pro Brad Knight, the 2015 Forrest Wood Cup champion, has also entered the EQs fray, along with a string of former Elites, including Destin DeMarion, Charlie Hartley, Dale Hightower, Harvey Horne, Shane Lineberger, Yusuke Miyazaki, Kyle Monti, James Niggemeyer, Garrett Paquette and Casey Scanlon.

Joining the seasoned veterans will be a long list of talented up-and-comers with true star potential, including former Bassmaster High School All-American and college superstar Logan Parks, former College Classic Bracket winner and High School All-American Trevor McKinney and Louis Monetti, part of this year’s Bassmaster College Team of the Year and winner of the 2022 College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s.

Monroe said the field will be formidable, but he’s glad to see the Bassmaster Opens make the format switch, requiring anglers to fish all nine events to qualify for the Elites instead of just three in one part of the country.

“It’s an avenue to the Classic; it’s an avenue to the Elites; it’s a lot of different things,” he said. “I’ve got so many mixed, good emotions about the EQs. I love that you have to fish all nine now to qualify because it takes that regional guy who is phenomenal in his region and forces him to travel. It forces him to be good enough to actually be on the Elite Series.

“The Elites [are] the top level of bass fishing. It’s the deal. You have a hundred guys who are good everywhere they go — and to be thrown into that, you have to be better than just good in your region. You have to be good everywhere.”

B.A.S.S. Executive Director of Tournaments Hank Weldon, who oversees the Opens trail, was thrilled with the overwhelming response to the EQs format — the 175 anglers who signed up this year more than double the number who fished all nine events last year.

He says he’s anxious to get started with the new season.

“I was already looking forward to the new year, just because I feel like we have one of the best schedules we’ve had in a long time,” Weldon said. “But now you throw in the format change and all of the people who are so excited to take part in the EQs; I absolutely can’t wait.”

2023 Opens Elite Qualifiers Field:

Alabama

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Vermont

Virginia

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Canada

Japan

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics, a specialist in modern cold storage solutions, today announced plans to establish operations in Dorchester County. The more than $70 million investment will create 69 new jobs.

Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics is a third-party cold chain services provider that focuses on handling, storage, distribution and value-added services for the food industry. The company works to bridge supply gaps within the cold chain industry through modern cold storage warehouse development and services.

Located at Ridgeville Industrial Campus, Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics’ new operation will support high-volume throughput handling services including a variety of value-added services, full pallet handling, case picking and transportation management. The company will utilize the Port of Charleston to support both import and export trade.

The facility is expected to be operational by early 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also approved a $250,000 Set-Aside grant to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

“We are extremely excited about this project and want to express our sincere thanks to the South Carolina Ports Authority, Dorchester County, our Saxum Real Estate partners, the Governor and the Department of Commerce in the great state of South Carolina for their support. We are very bullish on the Charleston market — the advantages of the Port of Charleston as a Southeast gateway out of and into the U.S. — and on our ability to provide the specialized and unique handling and storage services that will be required for retailers, frozen and refrigerated food manufacturers, and fruit and produce importers to grow their market share in the region. Most importantly, we are proud to bring new jobs to Dorchester County and the surrounding communities.”-Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics Chief Executive Officer Chris Hughes

“The demand for efficient food distribution across the United States will only continue to grow, and it’s innovative companies like Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics that are answering the call and addressing supply gaps. We are proud to welcome this company to Dorchester County, and look forward to the positive impact they will make in South Carolina and on the U.S. food supply chain.”-Gov. Henry McMaster

“We are excited to welcome Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics to Dorchester County and celebrate the 69 new jobs that the company will create. South Carolina’s talented workforce, ideal East Coast location and efficient infrastructure network make our state the perfect location for Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics’ new operations.”-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“South Carolina Ports is thrilled to support Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics’ impressive new cold storage facility at SC Ports’ Ridgeville Industrial Campus. Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics’ investment will bring substantial new cold storage capacity to the Charleston market. SC Ports has expanded on-terminal refrigerated cargo capacity and capabilities to efficiently handle fresh, refrigerated and frozen imports and exports. The booming Southeast market and growing population requires more cold storage capacity, and Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics’ new operation will further support retailers’ and grocers’ supply chains.” -SC Ports President and Chief Executive Officer Barbara Melvin

“We welcome Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics to Dorchester County. We are excited to offer advanced world-class port logistics and a healthy business-minded environment to support their growth and ensure that their investment here will be successful.”-Dorchester County Council Chairman Bill Hearn

FIVE FAST FACTS

· Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics is establishing operations in Dorchester County.

· More than $70 million investment will create 69 new jobs.

· Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics is a specialist in modern cold storage solutions.

· Located at Ridgeville Industrial Campus in Ridgeville, S.C.

· Individuals interested in joining the Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics team should visit the company’s careers page.

The phrase “recharge my battery” has more than one meaning. It can mean, taking a break or vacation to recharge your personal energy levels. In the case of this week’s tester, Recharge is right now in the vehicle trim name and is literally a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that can have its battery recharged.

This week I’m driving the Chinese-owned, but Swedish-made 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge. The “recharge” part adds 143 extra horsepower and also provides extended fuel economy range with a battery that provides around 40 miles of gas-free driving (if you recharge it).

With all that out of the way, the S60 Recharge is pretty indicative of where many of today’s vehicles are heading, and certainly where the entire Volvo line is headed. With a push toward electrification of some kind, the PHEV serves as a great transition and introduction into this technology. There’s no range anxiety as if you choose not to charge up the S60, you can just put gas in it and achieve about 31 mpg (average). And from a performance standpoint, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has an electric-motor assist for a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque.

This combined power for such a small car is exhilarating. For a vehicle that weighs around 4,440 pounds that is a good amount of horsepower to fling the S60 through twists and turns. The smaller styling combined with the optional all-wheel drive (AWD) makes this high-performance, fun-to-drive sedan that’s full of personality.

Adjustable drive modes add to the distinction and an 8-speed automatic transmission goes unnoticed, which is a good thing with no noticeable turbo lag.

Aesthetically the S60 looks the part of a sedan. There are far fewer sedans on the road today, so it seems to have more personality than it does. All in all, the fit and finish of this sedan are handsome, although somewhat conservative. The highlights of the exterior are the High Gloss Black finishes that can be found on the grille, window trim and mirror caps. These looks will hold up over several model years, which could help the resell value of the S60.

Inside, Volvo’s reputation for providing comfortable, high-quality interiors holds true. The S60′s Nappa leather seats are plush and comfortable. The 12.3-inch digital vertical touchscreen is well-organized. It does not overpower the dashboard and rather centers it stylistically. It will feel comfortable and familiar like an iPad. New for this model year is the addition of Google-based systems to drive the entire infotainment system.

There’s a steep learning curve to some of the setup and function, but the touch commands are responsive and once you learn them all, it’s chockfull of technology. Additionally, smart phone integration is simple with either Apple or Android platforms.

The S60 has an 11.6-cubic-foot trunk, which is small for this segment. The smaller cargo room is acceptable because rear passenger legroom is quite spacious. So, there’s some give and take when it comes to cabin space.

My tester was the Ultimate trim, which is the top-of-the-line offering. It has a base price of $57,950 and comes with several additional niceties including air purifier, seat extenders, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, head-up display and driver and parking assist features.

Other add-ons were the Climate Package, which includes headlight cleaning (think windshield spray but for the headlights), heated rear seats and heated steering wheel along with a Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system. Final MSRP, including destination fee, for my tester was $63,690.

The average fuel economy rating for the S60 (without battery usage) is 31 mpg. But with the electric-motor assist, it has an EPA rating of 74 MPGe, combined. Charge time to get the full capacity of electrification is around 7 hours on a 220 outlet.

Whether you agree or disagree with the electrified future of the automobile industry, vehicles like the S60 Recharge are becoming more common. Rather than reject out of an anti-EV stance, why not consider an outstanding vehicle with plenty of power, no range anxiety and tremendous fuel economy? Oh, and it’s luxurious and fun to drive too. Talking about recharging your batteries.

Jimmy Dinsmore is a freelance automotive journalist. Email him at jimmydinsmore73@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @driversside

Price/As tested price................................................ $57,950/$63,690

Mileage.......................................... 31 mpg/combined; 74 MPGe

Engine............................................. 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Horsepower................................. 455 hp/523 lbs./ft.

Transmission................................. 8-speed automatic

Drive Wheels................ All-wheel drive

Final Assembly Point................ Ridgeville, SC