Mark Rapp

Credit Mike Switzer/SC Public Radio

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but jazz is making a comeback in popularity not only across the country but here in our state, as well.  Which means that jazz musicians are also becoming more in demand, which is leading to the necessity for training and instruction.

Ceramics and More is a family-owned and operated walk-in studio offering ceramics, canvases, and clay hand building. The business was previously owned by Jennifer Elkins’ in-laws, before they passed it down to her family in 2017. Ceramics and More offers something for everyone – no experience required. Owner Jennifer Elkins says, “I feel like art is super therapeutic and it’s an outlet for a lot of people.

It’s probably safe to say that most everyone looks forward to retiring someday.  But when that day comes, how will you know for sure that you are ready?  Our next guest says the answer involves successfully accomplishing five critical steps first. Mike Switzer interviews Bryan Ballentine, a certified financial planner with Ballentine Capital Management in Greenville, SC.

CHARLESTON, SC – JUNE 24, 2019 – S.C. Ports Authority (SCPA) was recently named as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina.

The 14th annual awards program recognizes the best employers in the state, highlighting companies that benefit the state’s economy, workforce and businesses. SCPA facilitates 187,200 statewide jobs and generates a $53 billion economic impact annually in South Carolina.

We continue to be amazed at the unlikely economic links we discover between our state and other countries around the world.  The latest involves a Lowcountry rug dealer and his attempts to build the same industry in Afghanistan.

Mike Switzer interviews Rob Leahy, owner of Fine Rugs of Charleston in Charleston, SC.

Andy Owens Credit Mike Switzer/SC Public Radio An update of the news, events and issues that are trending right now across South Carolina's business community.

With BMW, Michelin and many other major companies now located in the Upstate, this area has become known as a manufacturing hub. One more company has recently made Greenville its home. Lockheed Martin held a celebration in honor of its new F-16 aircraft production line that will be produced in the upstate of South Carolina.

The opioid crisis may not be in the news as much as last year, but our next guest says significant challenges remain in our state for not only affected individuals, but physicians and our workforce, as well.

Mike Switzer interviews Dr. Kenneth Perry, an emergency room physician at Trident Medical Center in Charleston, SC.

As with most any coastal state, South Carolina has a vibrant, multi-billion dollar tourism industry that brings a lot of value and importance to our beaches.  That’s why, a few years ago, the mayors and administrators of these beach communities came together to form a nonprofit to educate people about the importance of our beaches.

Mike Switzer interviews Nicole Elko, executive director of South Carolina Beach Advocates in Folly Beach, SC.

Handmade is a family-owned and operated basket-making company that has existed for over 20 years. The business was previously owned by Jeff Long's mother and father, before being passed down to him and his wife, Becca, during his parents' retirement.