Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, Brings Literacy, Service, and Lasting Impact to North Charleston During 2026 Biennial National Youth Trip
Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, a premier African American family organization, brought its 2026 Biennial National Youth Trip to the Lowcountry to immerse families in the region's history and cultural legacy while making an impact through a community service activation in North Charleston.
Held under the theme Journey to History: Lineage and Legacy in the Lowcountry, the trip gave Jack and Jill families from across the country the opportunity to engage with the stories, traditions, and historical significance of the region in ways that felt immediate, meaningful, and deeply personal.
As part of that experience, Jack and Jill families partnered with Jenkins Youth & Family Village and Murray Hill Recreation Association for a literacy-centered day of service supporting children and families in the North Charleston community. Together, families helped build permanent community libraries, distributed more than 400 books and literacy resources, and donated to the Jenkins Freedom School Summer Program to help students maintain and strengthen their literacy skills throughout the summer.
"This year's theme calls us to listen more closely, to see more deeply, and to help our children understand that history is not simply something to be memorized — it is something to be encountered," said Darlene McGhee Whittington, 28th National president of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.
"With books and literacy resources being donated to the community, it became a really meaningful and fun literacy day for everyone," said Ja'nister Herring, interim executive director of Jenkins Youth & Family Village.
The service activation also received local media coverage from Live 5 News and Let's Talk Podcast
An additional highlight of the trip's literacy focus was an interactive storytelling and creative writing session led by South Carolina author Antwan Eady, whose award-winning picture book Nigel and the Moon has been widely acclaimed. The session encouraged imagination, storytelling, and literary expression among Jack and Jill youth
Throughout the weekend, Jack and Jill families encountered the richness of the Lowcountry through learning, reflection, fellowship, and service. By pairing cultural engagement with hands-on service, the 2026 Biennial National Youth Trip reflected the organization's enduring commitment to leadership development, literacy, and community impact.
Officials with Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated said they are honored to have partnered with Jenkins Youth & Family Village and Murray Hill Recreation Association on an activation that reflected the power of literacy, the importance of representation, and the lasting value of community-centered service. This event was supported by the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and Target Corporation.
Moovila Earns Multiple AI Industry Honors, Highlighted by Second Consecutive CRN AI 100 Recognition
Moovila, the leading AI-driven project automation platform for managed service providers (MSPs), has been named to the 2026 CRN AI 100 list in the AI Software category. This marks the second consecutive year Moovila has been recognized on the prestigious list, which highlights companies driving innovation in AI across the IT channel.
Now in its third year, the CRN AI 100 recognizes vendors across key areas of the AI ecosystem. Honorees are selected by the CRN editorial team for their ability to help IT solution providers build AI-driven solutions that improve business outcomes and unlock new opportunities for growth.
"Being recognized again on the CRN AI 100 list is a strong validation of the approach we've taken to AI," said Mike Psenka, founder and CEO of Moovila. "We've focused on applying AI in ways that solve real operational challenges for MSPs and that deliver measurable outcomes. As the role of AI continues to evolve across the channel, there's a growing need for solutions that are grounded in real-world use, not hype, and that help teams operate more efficiently and reduce risk."
This latest recognition builds on a broader pattern of industry acknowledgment for Moovila's contributions to AI innovation. The company was named the 2025 GTIA Innovative Vendor of the Year and has been recognized for its leadership in advancing AI within the IT channel, reinforcing its position as a trusted provider of AI-driven solutions for MSPs.
Psenka has also been active in shaping the future of AI in the channel as a member of the GTIA AI Council since 2024. In this role, he collaborates with other industry leaders to identify opportunities, accelerate adoption, and help define how AI can drive meaningful outcomes for service providers.
"We're thrilled to recognize the technology vendors on the 2026 AI 100 list for their commitment to advancing artificial intelligence across the IT channel," said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. content, executive editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. "As AI transformation accelerates, the demand for innovative offerings that help channel partners meet customer expectations and sharpen their competitive edge continues to grow. Congratulations to this year's honorees for standing out in such a fast-moving AI landscape."
The 2026 CRN AI 100 list is available online at crn.com/ai100.
Citadel Cadet Wins the 12th Annual Baker Business Bowl
Stone Fish, an innovative fishing apparel brand, has won the 12th annual Baker Business Bowl, sending Cadet Bryson Barrett home with a $10,000 check.
Barrett said Stone Fish will go from the classic polyester fishing shirts that have no features, like pockets, to a more technical design that will introduce different features, such as waterproof pockets, magnetic front enclosure and more. The idea struck him last summer.
“I was at the beach and wearing a shirt I’d just bought for $70, a Columbia PFG, performance fishing gear. And I realized there is nothing ‘performance’ about the shirt at all, there’s nothing to it, it’s just a plain t-shirt. I kind of had an ah-ha moment that there’s a big gap within the fishing apparel market, and the fishing industry period, that we’ve been ignoring. And these big companies have been able to push the same product, and everyone continues to buy it at a premium price, but it’s not a premium product,” said Barrett.
One of the main features of Stone Fish designs will be a magnetic enclosure, a patent that Barrett is working on securing now, since it’s never been used before in apparel. He said the idea is almost like a self-buttoning shirt because they have the opposite polarity on all the buttons.
“When you’re on a boat or in the water, your shirt gets wet, and it’s a pain to take off the shirt, and if it’s a button up shirt, it’s hard to fiddle with the buttons. They’re these small, strong magnets called neodymium magnets. I’ve done a lot of research into it, and I think it’s a great idea that’s been ignored this whole time,” said Barrett.
It’s easy to assume that Barrett is a business major; after all, he did just win a business competition. But the senior is majoring in biology, a major that, seemingly, has nothing to do with business, so how did he win? He said it took a village.
“I have a good friend who’s very business-oriented. I’ve known him my whole life and he helped me with understanding the business side, because we needed a business plan, we needed financial projections, all that,” said Barrett. “I have an idea and I can tell everybody about it, I can write about it, but I don’t understand how that worked. So, my friend, Nolan, helped me with the financial side. I have another friend, Nate, in November Company who helped me with the presentation. My dad has been helping me as well, guiding me towards getting my LLC, setting up a business bank account, everything.”
The Baker Business Bowl includes three rounds. Teams first submit a written overview of their idea; a judging committee selects up to 10 semi-finalists. Those teams deliver an elevator pitch, which narrows the field to five finalists. The final five develop and present a full business plan, covering marketing, pricing and financial projections, before a panel of judges.
Even without the Baker Business Bowl, Barrett said this idea was about more than the competition; it’s something he knew was going to happen, with or without winning. He had already put $4,000 of his own money into Stone Fish, money he’d worked for and had been saving up. And he already has a game plan for his winnings.
“About $2,000 will go towards filing and applying for a provisional patent. That gives me 12 months of having some type of security over my idea. Then, the rest of the $8,000 will go to the shirts themselves,” said Barrett.
His biology degree did come in handy, though.
“I love to fish, and the stonefish, which I learned about in biology a long time ago, is the most venomous fish in the world. But it’s been going through millions of years of evolution to get to where it is, to adapt, to be resilient, to thrive in its environment. And so that’s what I wanted my company to be defined as — adaptive, durable, resilient and it does its job well,” said Barrett.
In five years, Barrett hopes anyone can go into a local tackle shop and see Stone Fish on the racks — hopefully, empty racks, of course. He sees Stone Fish eventually expanding into other types of apparel and products.
The win itself was a rollercoaster. When Barrett heard there was a tie for second place, he started to wonder if he’d placed at all.
“Once I heard there was a tie for second, I was like, ‘This is a tight competition.’ And I ended up not getting called there for a second and I was like, ‘Wow, then maybe I just didn’t win at all,'” said Barrett. “It was probably one of my biggest accomplishments and something that I’ll remember forever.”
The two runners up were Lowcountry Lifesavers and Charleston Family Golf. Lowcountry Lifesavers is a private lifeguarding company that services both pools and open water events. Charleston Family Golf is a comprehensive golf development featuring a massive driving range, short-game areas, club fitting/repair, simulators that provide advanced ball and club analytics, and professional instruction. And, thanks to a generous donation from one of the sponsors, each runner up team received $5,000 to start their business venture.
The other finalists for the BBB were Quala and SeatSweep.
This year’s panel of judges included:
Judge Irvin G Condon
Mark Dajani
Herbert Drayton III
Edward James “EJ” Healey (Class of 1995)
AJ Richichi
Kevin Swan
Campbell Wiltshire
This event is made possible through the generous donations of The Citadel Class of 1989, Mr. Kevin Swan, the Brittingham Group, South Carolina Research Authority and Pinnacle Financial Partners. Click here to learn more about this program and the Tommy and Victoria Baker School of Business.
Capital Square's The Nickel Hotel Wins 2026 CoStar Impact Award for Charleston Commercial Development of the Year
Capital Square, a leading sponsor of tax-advantaged real estate investments and a national developer and manager of housing communities, has announced that The Nickel Hotel has been named Charleston's 2026 CoStar Impact Award winner for Commercial Development of the Year by an independent panel of industry professionals.
"The Nickel Hotel reflects our commitment to delivering distinctive, experience-driven development in high-demand markets like Charleston," said Louis Rogers, founder and co-chief executive officer of Capital Square. "We are honored to be recognized by CoStar for a project that blends thoughtful design, historic inspiration and long-term investment value."
Completed in spring 2025, The Nickel Hotel draws inspiration from the ornate ironwork found throughout Charleston — also known as "the Holy City"— including its gates, passageways, historic homes and churches.
The five-story property features 50 units, including two penthouse suites, with full-size kitchens, custom wood vanities, marble countertops and in-unit washers and dryers. Select rooms include arched, floor-to-ceiling windows, while others offer private balconies with double French doors. Amenities include a lush interior courtyard, private guest lounge and the rooftop bar and lounge, Rosemary Rose. Street-level retail space on historic King Street is leased to Greyson Clothiers, a premier lifestyle apparel brand.
Development of The Nickel Hotel was funded by Capital Square's fourth qualified opportunity zone fund, CSRA Opportunity Zone Fund IV, LLC, as well as proceeds from Method Co., the project's co-developer and operator.
As designed under opportunity zone legislation, the development has already delivered significant economic benefits. Construction supported 250 annual jobs and generated $1.6 million in annual tax revenue. The property is also expected to contribute $1.9 million to GDP and $1.2 million in annual labor income beginning in 2025, when the doors opened. Since its launch, the boutique hotel has quickly become a new destination that supports the continued transformation and expansion of Charleston's urban and cultural core.
The CoStar Impact Awards recognize exemplary commercial real estate transactions and projects with significant influence in neighborhoods or submarkets across 129 major markets in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The award celebrates commercial real estate professionals that have brought leadership, innovation and professionalism to their markets, by spotlighting commendable transactions and projects.
Since 2012, Capital Square has completed more than $8.9 billion in transaction volume. Its mixed-use development projects total over 2,000 apartment units with a total development value in excess of $800 million.
EY US Unveils Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Southeast Award Finalists
Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) has announced the finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Southeast Award. Now in its 41st year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and uplifting communities. The program honors entrepreneurs whose innovations drive economic growth and help shape the future of business. The Southeast program celebrates entrepreneurs from Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
An independent panel of judges selected 35 finalists based on their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, company growth and lasting impact in building long-term value. “Every finalist has a story defined by resilience — building through uncertainty, innovating with purpose and leading with conviction,” said Chevy Arnold, Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program Co-Director.
“Today, we want to thank these CEOs and their teams for the extraordinary work it takes to create successful, dynamic businesses that make a lasting impact. Founded in 1986 and now spanning nearly 80 countries and territories, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates a select group of leaders — and being named a Southeast finalist is a powerful moment of recognition. Congratulations to this year’s class,” added Kimberly Kicklighter, Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program Co-Director.
Entrepreneur Of The Year honors many different types of business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company, transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory, and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.
The 2026 Southeast finalists are:
Chris Lemay | Alliance Technical Group, LLC | Decatur, AL
Chip Russell | Amwaste | Forsyth, GA
Jose Diego-Arozamena | Arglass, LLC | Valdosta, GA
Somdutta Singh | Assiduus Global Inc | Atlanta, GA
David Berkal | Banyan Software | Atlanta, GA
Puneet Singh | CareBridge Health | Nashville, TN
David Spratte | Carpe | Durham, NC
Kasper Kubica | Carpe | Durham, NC
Michael Malakhov | Carpool Logistics, Inc. | Atlanta, GA
Cody Campbell | Community Concierge Services, LLC |
Charlotte, NC
Jessica Blackburn | Crown Paving, LLC | Greenbrier, TN
Tyler Traudt | DebtBook | Charlotte, NC
John Treece | DMA Industries LLC | Tabor City, NC
Rex Adams | EyeSouth Partners | Atlanta, GA
Justin Draplin | Fortified Solar LLC | Taylors, SC
Brian Dally | Groundfloor Finance | Atlanta, GA
Spencer Baird | Inmar Intelligence | Winston-Salem, NC
Adam Newsome | Lazer Logistics | Alpharetta, GA
Tisha Thompson | LYS Beauty | Kennesaw, GA
Aaron Thomas | Metcon, Inc. | Pembroke, NC
Michael Uchrin | Monogram Health | Brentwood, TN
Connor Ryan | NutraSky | Alpharetta, GA
John Bradford, III. | PetScreening | Mooresville, NC
Eric Young | Reeves Young | Sugar Hill, GA
Robin Gregg | RoadSync | Atlanta, GA
EJ Reed | Slim & Husky's | Nashville, TN
Derrick Moore | Slim & Husky's | Nashville, TN
Clinton Gray | Slim & Husky's | Nashville, TN
Sean Henry | Stord | Atlanta, GA
Jacob Boudreau | Stord | Atlanta, GA
Zach Maurides | Teamworks | Durham, NC
Nicholas Ogden | The Clear Blue Company | Nashville, TN
Jason Burke | The New Primal | Charleston, SC
Chau Nguyen | Vintage Modern, Inc | Buford, GA
William Fogler | WM Events | Hapeville, GA
Learn more about the finalists at ey.com/us/eoysoutheast.
Regional award winners will be announced live during an awards celebration on June 18. The winners will then be considered by the national independent panel of judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum.
Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA, SAP and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In the Southeast, sponsors also include Vaco LLC as the regional platinum sponsor; ADP and King & Spalding as the regional gold sponsors; and Babbit Bodner as the regional silver sponsor.
SPOTLIGHT
Picnic for the Parks Sets Fundraising Record and Inspires Community Support for Charleston Parks
A sellout crowd of more than 550 guests gathered beneath the oaks of the Rose Pavilion in Hampton Park on Sunday, April 26, making the sixth annual Picnic for the Parks, presented by Biom, the most successful fundraiser in the event’s history. The afternoon raised more than $60,000 to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy and its mission to cultivate exceptional public gardens and experiences in Charleston’s city parks.
“Charleston’s parks are where families gather, children explore, and our community connects,” said Jason Kronsberg, executive director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “Picnic for the Parks celebrates those places while helping ensure they remain vibrant and welcoming for everyone. The strong turnout reflects the essential role parks play in Charleston’s quality of life.”
Through events like Picnic for the Parks, residents are reminded that these shared spaces rely on community stewardship and support. The Conservancy secures 90 percent of the funding needed to maintain 26 parks across the city through private and corporate donations.
As one of the Conservancy’s signature annual fundraisers, alongside Shucked & Sauced in February and Party for the Parks in November, Picnic for the Parks helps sustain year-round park care, beautification projects, volunteer programs, and free events such as Teddy Bear Picnic, Music in the Parks, and the Bird Walk series.
In partnership with Keep Charleston Beautiful, the event also worked toward Zero Waste standards, diverting 80.3 percent of waste, or 279.2 pounds of trash, from landfills through recycling and composting efforts.
The event’s success was made possible through 54 volunteers who donated 204 hours, more than 40 sponsors and partners, and five local restaurant collaborators who created an all-inclusive tasting experience for guests.
This event would not have been possible without the leadership and commitment of the 2026 Picnic for the Parks committee co-chaired by Kensey Rabun and Jessica Perkal. Other committee members include Molly Basile, Emma Boyle, Melissa Carsile, Carleton Gremaud, Lucy Harrigan, Christyn Lansing, Abby Lipsey, Alex Malloy, Annika Moffett, Markey Mossman, Lauren Netter and Sara Rossi.
Lead sponsors included Biom (Presenting Sponsor), United Community Bank (Stage Sponsor), The Beemok Hospitality Collection (Photo Booth Sponsor), and Beau & Ro Sister Shop (Picnic Blanket Sponsor).
The family-friendly afternoon featured 15 activity stations including face painting, field games, the giant slide and a petting zoo sponsored by Gedney & Mae Howe. Activity sponsors included Berolzheimer family, Harrigan/Beazley family, Perkal family, Rabun family, Access Healthcare, Alfresco Treasures, Croghan’s Jewel Box, Lowcountry Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Kiawah Partners, Maison Real Estate, and Refuel.
Event Partners included Babas, Baylye Burnette Events, Bevi Bene Brewing Company, Costco, D’Alessandro’s Pizza, Dermhaus, Dino Bars, Graff Wine Shop & Wine Bar, Hatch Cove Design, Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery, Melody Music, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Over the Horizon Brewing, Pitt Street Pharmacy, Ross Printing, Santi’s, Séchey, The Dewberry, Tinto y Crema, Trader Joe’s, and White Leaf Provisions.
The Conservancy looks forward to welcoming the community back for the seventh annual Picnic for the Parks on April 25, 2027.
Residents of all ages can support Charleston’s parks by volunteering, attending events, donating, or sponsoring future initiatives. For more information, visit charlestonparksconservancy.org.
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