Southeast Shoutouts | Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing announce new Myrtle Beach location
Governor Henry McMaster replaces longtime Chair of the SCRA board.
From Myrtle Beach, SC:
Ole Smoky Distillery, one of the nation’s fastest-growing spirits companies based in Gatlinburg, and Yee-Haw Brewing Co., known for its high-quality, craft beers made in the Southeast, have announced plans to open a distillery and brewery concept in the heart of Myrtle Beach in 2026.
The venue will be located inside Broadway at the Beach, the area’s premiere shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. Visitors can expect a one-of-a-kind experience; with an indoor and outdoor property where they can make memories with friends and family, both new and old. Features include a beer garden, full-service distillery, tasting rooms, guided tours, food and beverage offerings, and event spaces designed to host concerts, festivals, and private events. With a prime location near Myrtle Beach’s bustling attractions, the location will become a must-visit destination for visitors to the area as well as the local community.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring the Ole Smoky and Yee-Haw brands to Myrtle Beach,” said Joe Baker, Founder of Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing. “This vacation destination’s passion for great beverages and world class entertainment makes it the perfect place for us to share our traditions and craft. We look forward to offering an experience that’s as rich and distinctive as our beer and spirits.”
Being the first joint location outside of Tennessee, this will mark a major milestone for both Ole Smoky and Yee-Haw Brewing, two brands that have been widely recognized for their innovation in the craft beverage industry. Ole Smoky, the leading distiller of premium moonshine in the world, is famed for its commitment to flavor innovation and quality production, while Yee-Haw Brewing is known for its vibrant and fun craft beer experience. This new location represents the second shared location for the two brands joining the companies’ 6th and Peabody location in the heart of Nashville.
From Durham, NC:
There’s another changing of the guard at American Underground, the Durham-based co-working community that launched in the basement of the historic American Tobacco Campus and now has multiple locations in downtown Durham.
According to a report by GrepBeat, Tim Scales is stepping down from the Executive Director position, with his longtime teammate Laura Zabinski set to take over. He joined American Underground just before COVID-19 struck in February 2020 and became Executive Director in May 2022. One of his predecessors was Doug Speight, a colleague from our time at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
From Columbia, SC:
After Japan-based Automotive Energy Supply Company (AESC) put its plans for a battery plant in Florence on hold, the State Fiscal Accountability Authority voted last week to approve a request to revoke $111 million in bonds for that facility.
The funds were intended to support the expanded project, helping to offset the costs of additional off-site infrastructure, site preparation, subterranean construction support, and an expanded training center. The expansion included a new battery manufacturing facility adjacent to the original building.
It was said to extend AESC’s partnership with BMW to create battery components for BMW’s assembly in Mexico.
From Summerville, SC:
The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) board of trustees has replaced Don Herriott with a new chairperson chosen by Governor Henry McMaster. William Kirkland will take over the role following his time as the Executive Director for the University of South Carolina’s (USC) Office of Economic Engagement, according to a news release. Kirkland collaborated with SCRA during his time at USC.
“Bill brings a wealth of knowledge to this role. In addition to his work at USC, he has an extensive background in business, including serving in senior leadership at both IBM and Pfizer as well as multiple startups,” Bob Quinn, SCRA President and Chief Executive Officer, said in the release. “His experience will be an asset to the board and the organization. I also want to thank our former Board of Trustees Chair Don Herriott for his many years of leadership and unwavering support.”
From Baton Rouge, LA:
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) has announced the launch of Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO), a new division of LED dedicated to making Louisiana a leader in the development of more high-growth, technology-enabled start-up companies. The first LA.IO initiative is the creation of the Louisiana Growth Fund, with initial federal funding of $50 million that innovators can utilize in establishing and scaling start-ups across Louisiana.
Among LA.IO’s first initiatives will be development of the Louisiana Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI). This 501(c)(3) will serve as the state’s lead anchor for our statewide AI strategy, which is focused on applied research and development, commercialization, workforce development, and policy. The Institute’s first project will be to upgrade 5,000 small businesses across Louisiana with AI tools that will enable them to scale their business and improve their competitiveness.
“Successfully positioning Louisiana to win demands that we not only attract new businesses, but grow new businesses from the ground up,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Louisiana Innovation is dedicated to working with startups as well as existing companies to grow Louisiana’s innovation economy. Meta’s $10 billion Richland Parish data center project is proof positive that a focus on innovation is the right strategy for our state. We are redefining the Louisiana opportunity by investing in the next industrial revolution.”
In addition to the new Louisiana Growth Fund, Louisiana Innovation unites partners that are already doing the hard work of supporting innovators. LED is currently participating in seven seed capital funds across Louisiana with plans to add more in 2025. Currently, partners include Ochsner Louisiana’s Innovation Fund; Tulane University’s Innovation Institute; the New Orleans Startup Fund; Innovation Catalyst; Boot64 Ventures; The Idea Village; and Propeller. Using previously established funding streams such as the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), these partners will provide additional capital to promising start-ups, boosting the total available funding to over $100 million.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!