Primetime for Lowcountry business and services: Masses flock to MP Chamber Expo
Moultrie News 9/27/24
The scene was electric at the Sept. 26 14th Annual Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Community & Business Expo, as nearly 90 Lowcountry vendors filled the Omar Shrine Temple in the interest of promoting their offerings.
Among the many exhibitors on hand was Mitchell Heating & Cooling General Manager Josh Roper, who explained that while the contractor is a relative newcomer to the Tri-County area, the business has been in operation since 1951.
Originally founded in Rolesville, North Carolina, Mitchell Heating & Cooling specializes in HVAC system replacements, maintenance and 24/7 service in the Charleston area.
When rattling off a few common issues he typically sees, Roper mentioned how many home systems tend to be undersized or don't have their ductwork properly installed.
"Every job we go to, we do a load calculation to verify that the system that's there can handle the load for that home. And sometimes, when homes get older they open up, they expand [and] you get more heat penetration around windows and doors," said Roper.
As for basic maintenance tips all homeowners should adhere to, Roper advised that people switch out their air filters in a timely manner and schedule bi-annual maintenance checkups with a professionally licensed provider.
Joining Roper at the Chamber networking event was the husband and wife team of Jason and Jessica Jones of Rx Gene Therapy, which helps folks identify solutions for assorted health concerns.
The clinical pharmacists offer that service via two genetic tests based on pharmacogenetics indicators and nutrigenomics data.
Pharmacogenetics, explained Jessica, is the practice of examining which medications work best for a single individual.
"So, instead of the doctor getting spaghetti and throwing it at a wall to see if it'll stick, we can see if you're an ultra metabolizer or a slow metabolizer of different medications," she shared.
Similarly, nutrigenomics testing involves gathering information on how one's body is processing nutrients.
To that end, Rx Gene Therapy will also find out what common diet staples might be causing someone to experience chronic listlessness. Someone searching for ways to boost their energy levels, for example, can gain insight on whether coffee is helping or hurting the cause, added Jessica, a MUSC grad.
The Joneses and two additional pharmacists operate virtually and not from a physical site, as genetic test results are typically mailed to each customer.
"My goal is to make sure healthcare is very personalized, and it's not just one-size-fits-all," observed the Gaffney, South Carolina native.
The hot spot at this year's expo was the Charleston Animal Society (CAS) booth that featured an enclosed play area occupied by two Staffordshire terrier blends in need of a forever home.
CAS Events Coordinator Anna Lansford and Director of Community Engagement Kay Hayman manned their area, filling in visitors on the nonprofit's mission to prevent animal cruelty.
In the current year alone, reported Hayman, there have been more than 78 cases of cruelty countywide.
While animal abuse manifests in different forms, Hayman acknowledged rampant neglect within her area. In particular, she comes across several animals left outside 24/7 with no medical care to keep them healthy.
An array of dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, hamsters, among other species, are currently available for adoption at CAS headquarters in North Charleston. Up-to-date information can be accessed at www.
"Another goal is to make South Carolina no-kill by 2025," continued Hayman, in hopes of ensuring that animals aren't being unnecessarily euthanized.
Summerville-based business owner Joan Feria of Feria Landscape Concepts was also ready, willing and able to dispense helpful knowledge for homeowners considering outdoor renovations.
"We do the full outdoor, except the pool," said Feria while listing his range of services, including: outdoor kitchens, outdoor covers, hot spot pads, sod installation, lighting and irrigation.
A increasing number of homeowners, he stated, are looking to tear everything up and meticulously set up their outdoor space to their liking.
Among the items that have seen a marked increase in popularity are firepits, according to Feria.
"Fire pits bring a lot of people together. You spend time, and you actually get to talk to each other and not just be on the phone."
