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Welcome to the 2004 Year in Review
By Aleigh Acerni
Assistant Editor
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2004 Year in Review issue of the Charleston Regional Business Journal.
To start out 2005 fresh, the Business Journal offers you an in-depth look at business news over the past year—both our successes (such as the new Verizon Wireless call center in North Charleston) and disappointments (the loss of a Boeing Inc. manufacturing plant to Everett, Wash.).
The tri-county definitely had a banner year in 2004. The real estate market showed no signs of stopping, construction on the new Cooper River bridge is proceeding at breakneck speed and we’ve seen many major companies choose to create or grow operations in our region. Plus, the Lowcountry has managed to keep a tight grip on the tourism market by car, cruise ship and low-fare airline. But that’s far from everything we’ve experienced as members of the Lowcountry’s business community. To explore 2004’s major moments in business, simply turn the page, or use the index below to lead you to the business stories that most interest you.
How to read this issue
This issue is divided into categories: economic development, commercial real estate, the port of Charleston, retail, technology, health care, transportation, residential real estate, education and a look at Charleston’s growing Hispanic population. The Business Journal’s editorial staff chose these categories based on what issues emerged after a review of the past year’s business news.
Our center spread looks at the construction of the new Arthur J. Ravenel Jr. Bridge, with photos from each month of 2004 (page 24). It is astonishing the way the bridge seemed to rise overnight. I am looking forward to driving over it in 2005, a full year ahead of its proposed completion.
As you read this issue, you will get a sense of how business in the Charleston region has grown. And as we turn our attention to 2005, I wonder how the events of the last year will affect this year. What will drive our economic growth? Who will be the movers and shakers? And how will the face of Charleston’s business change?
Congratulations on a great 2004. Here’s to an even better 2005.
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