2020 Charleston Digital Corridor Annual Report

2020 was truly a year I don’t think any of us will forget. No one could have imagined how profoundly all our lives would be changed in the year to come. It would be difficult, if not somewhat naïve, to look back and assess this past year ignoring the turmoil and change brought about by the pandemic. Certainly, tech jobs and businesses in our region were affected significantly and, in a few cases, permanently. But, as chair of the Digital Corridor board, I am heartened and encouraged greatly by the resilience of our tech community throughout this crisis. It’s especially gratifying to see how effectively the Digital Corridor adapted and responded to the unique and changing needs of our members.
 
At the start of the year, the iron and steel framework of the new Charleston Tech Center was already rising into the sky. Thankfully, the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis had minimal to no impact on this landmark project. Now, at the close of the year, both the Tech Center and the adjacent new parking garage are less than a month away from occupancy. And we now eagerly anticipate the grand opening of our new Flagship facility and all the exciting programming this special space will enable as we roll ahead. I’m particularly delighted that we’ve already pre-leased nearly 70% of the available array of flexible workspace options at the Flagship where we’ll continue to support and nurture an even greater number of Charleston’s emerging tech companies.
 
I want to commend and congratulate the outstanding CDC team for their relentless dedication and determination in what was truly a challenging year. I look forward to a brighter and even more successful 2021 for the Corridor and, in fact, all who are a part of Charleston’s vibrant and dynamic tech community. Onward!

I believe that challenging economic times provide the perfect opportunity to conduct an audit of every aspect of a company and make strategic adjustments to advance the business. We did just that in 2020 as we did during economic downturns in 2000 and 2010. While the loss of life due to the pandemic is tragic, I am proud of the progress we made despite it all.

We did have a bit of good fortune with the construction of the Charleston Tech Center underway and the Westedge facility complete. In addition, many of our member companies in the biomedical industry were actually well positioned to prosper and indeed grow this year. So much so that Flagship–Westedge is now fully leased and occupied.

While the cancellation of the iFiveK this year was certainly regrettable, I was tremendously grateful that many of our 2020 race sponsors chose to redirect their sponsorship dollars toward the soon to be launched CDC Diversity program, an initiative that I feel is important to support individuals and companies under-represented in the tech industry.  

With the grand opening of the Flagship at Charleston Tech Center around the corner, we look forward to a year of renewal, growth and even some fun! Watch your inbox for an invitation to the dedication soon, and give me a call if you’d like an early tour of the facility.

Thank you for your continued support and all you do to make our tech community stronger than ever here in our beloved Charleston. Back to work!