Snapshots from the Lowcountry

Entertainment Resort Article - Bluffton Today 2/1/12

2012-02-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

Signs of progress are popping up in our community. The Wharf Street redevelopment is just one recent example. But it is a shining one.

News of a hotel/casino resort entertainment complex in Hardeeville is good news for the region.

The proposed project is a economic development windfall and could lead to 2,250 jobs. Although it’s physically going to be located in Jasper County, there’s no doubt many Beaufort County and Chatham County, Georgia, people will end up visiting it.

Plans for the complex, which would be located within Hilton Head Lakes on U.S. 278 three miles off Interstate 95 at Exit 8, were discussed by Hardeeville City Council and Jasper County Council. The group passed a resolution of support for the project. And with good reason.

The project is in its infancy and already there have been whispers of discontent by those who feel this kind of project would bring bad things to the area.

We have a little shocking news for those who feel this way: That kind of thing already goes on in our communities and it does so with or without a casino/resort.

Let’s not fall prey to fear of the unknown.

Casinos and resorts work well in other communities and they can play well here as well.

One of the groups involved in the project has more than 40 years of experience in the Carolinas and would not risk its reputation on a project that would have a negative impact on any community.

Investors in the complex own Hilton Head Lakes. That 4,600-acre mixed-use community includes a Tommy Fazio championship golf course, clubhouse and lake amenities.

The proposed complex would include a 400-room, 4-diamond quality hotel and casino, the existing 18-hole championship golf course, various restaurant facilities and a 1,500-2,000-seat events center.

The resort would be owned by the United Keetoowah Band (UKB) of Cherokee Indians in Tahlequah, Okla., working in conjunction with SB Investment of Myrtle Beach and Stratford Land of Dallas.

Before passing judgment on the project, let’s get all the facts. From where we sit — with initial plans and information — the project looks sound and one worth supporting.

Bluffton Today Article Link

SAVE THE DATE!

2012-01-30T06:55:00.000-08:00

You Don't Want to Miss This!

SAVE THE DATE

Ticket Price: $10 (children under 12: Free)

CAROLINA B GEORGIA BORDER BBQ COOK-OFF FESTIVAL

FRIDAY, MARCH 2ND, 5:00PM - 8:00PM & SATURDAY, MARCH 3RD, 10:00AM – 5:00PM

HARDEEVILLE, SC Exit 8, I-95, HILTON HEAD LAKES (Hwy 278, 3171 Independence Blvd.)

Organized by the Greater Hardeeville Chamber of Commerce

Contact Renee Pendergrass for more information;

Email: info@hardeevillechamber.com or call (843) 784-3606; (843) 338-6759

HARDEEVILLE, SC—The Greater Hardeeville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce

that the 2nd Annual Carolina – Georgia Border BBQ Cook-Off will take place on Friday and

Saturday, March 2-3, 2012 at Hilton Head Lakes, located along Highway 278 and just 5

minutes from Exit 8, I-95. This is an SC BBQ Association certified competition open to anyone

wishing to participate. The entry fee is $185 and the Grand Prize winning team takes home

$1000. Trophies and other cash prizes will also be awarded to competing teams.

Lake High, president of the South Carolina BBQ Association will join us, along with special

guests and 1200 attendees to enjoy great food, live music, and family fun.

Sponsoring companies will display their banners at the site and are encouraged to wear

company T-shirts, “adopt” a cooking team and cheer them on.

Friday Night will feature the “Anything But Pork” Party with cooking teams offering their

favorite dishes. Guest judges will select the winning dish.

Saturday is when official judging for the BBQ will take place and the “People’s Choice” winners

are announced.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Directions to Hilton Head Lakes — From Exit 8, I-95 turn onto Highway 278 heading East for approx. 5 miles.

Follow signs to the BBQ site on the left.

From Savannah take Talmadge Bridge heading towards Speedway Blvd/Hwy 17. Continue along Hwy 17 to traffic

light in downtown Hardeeville. Continue straight for approx. 4 miles. Turn right onto Hwy 278, heading East for

approx. 5 miles. Follow signs to the BBQ site on the left.

Proposed Casino will bring jobs, revenue: By Gwyneth J. Saunders

2012-01-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

Proposed Casino will bring jobs, revenue: By Gwyneth J. Saunders

A plan to bring an entertainment complex with a casino to the commercial part of Hilton Head Lakes brings three groups together to create jobs and boost the economy.

SB Investment of Myrtle Beach, Stratford Land of Dallas and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee have partnered in a proposal that received a unanimous support from officials in Jasper County and Hardeeville. And is headed to Gov. Nikki Haley.

“The casino could bring 2,200-2,500 new jobs to the area with $92 million in salaries and benefits,” said Hardeeville Mayor Bronco Bostick, “and another $70 million to state taxes. It’s going to bring in more businesses.”

Bostick said the governor has been keen on bringing in more jobs and strengthening the economy and he feels she will support it.

“She has not seen the proposal package yet since she has been on the campaign trail, but it will be in her office when she gets back,” he said. “Sometime last year she did tell developers to do an economic study and a feasibility study and she would look at it, so they went forward. It could be bigger than BMW and Boeing. Hilton Head averages 200,000 tourists a week and this could double that.”

Jasper County Administrator Andrew Fulghum said the county is operating in a supportive role to the city of Hardeeville project.

“The developer has approached the county in a professional manner and has taken the time to educate the staff members from both the county and city on the project,” he said. “It is a project that is truly driven by the private sector. It involves no government incentives and will get no government incentives. From that perspective that is new and fresh to us and we’re at a point we’re looking to the developer to move the project forward. I think they’re going about it the right way trying to educate people and everyone owes them the opportunity to learn about it.

“The casino is a very small portion of the entire project. It is a residential and commercial mixed-use project which could have tremendous financial impact on the county,” said Fulghum.

“The governor desperately wants to bring jobs to Hardeeville,” said Rob Godfrey, Haley’s spokesman. “She works every single day to recruit new jobs, expand existing companies and put South Carolinians back to work. However, she believes South Carolina does not have to settle and that there is a better way.”

Few details shared

“This came up in executive session about two months ago,” said Hardeeville councilman Sal Arzillo. “This will provide jobs, substantial tax relief in the millions of dollars.”

Arzillo added that the casino would be on the order of the Sands Casino-Resort in Bethlehem, Pa., which hosts shows and limits access to most areas of the resort to those age 21 and older.

Because it is a federal project, Haley will have to sign off on it, but it will not require any state legislative action. Arzillo noted that the UKB have another casino on their reservation in Tahlequah, Okla., where the bulk of the tribe now lives but it is not their home.

“That was considered our homeland, where we came from. I believe that’s not the only reason but we’ve been in partnership with SB Investment of Myrtle Beach and Stratford Land of Dallas,” said Sammy Still, UKB communications officer. “They were interested in building a casino in that area and they knew we were from that area. I guess that’s why they chose to build it there. At this time, it’s in the really early stages and we’re not really prepared to make any other statements. The tribe and these companies have been talking for a while and it’s just now coming out to the public.

County support

“I’d like to see the project stand on its own merit. I think it would be premature for many people in the community to have a knee-jerk reaction without understanding the full ramifications of this project,” said Jasper County Council Vice Chairman Martin L. Sauls IV. “I don’t believe the true facts of the project have been conveyed to the entire region.

“I think that Jasper County specifically is in dire straits in terms of economic development and job creation. Jasper County has many opportunities that we’ve been trying for years to solidify, such as the Jasper Ocean Terminal. We can’t get any support for that. We have here another opportunity with the Cherokee Indian tribe, which has a proven track record with properties that have a casino and are first class operations. This county and both municipalities are going to stand behind this project and we’re going to do everything we can to convey the positive impact of it so we can hopefully see the results of it,” Sauls said. “I hope that the governor realizes the situation that Jasper County is in, both in terms of unemployment and underemployment, both. With 60-plus percent of our citizens traveling out of the county for a job, this is the type of opportunity we need to focus on within our boundaries, even beyond our boundaries. You’re looking at immediate creation of 2,300 jobs on the site and spin-off on jobs for a total of both onsite and off-site 4,000 jobs. You’re looking at sales tax figures in the Lowcountry that exceed $14 million.”

Sauls added that the private corporations proposing the complex are not asking for tax incentives.

“This is a private sector, private company economic development project, They’re not coming to us asking for tax incentives or fee in lieu of. Nothing whatsoever,” he said. “This resort complex is a small component of the overall master plan of Hilton Head Lakes. In my opinion — from a developer’s standpoint, they would not invest in a project that would have an adverse affect on the residential component of their development. They’ve invested millions of dollars in this existing property. I think that the region as a whole needs to allow the process to work its way through the development.”

WHAT IT MEANS FOR JASPER COUNTY

Tribal gaming consists of 26 percent of the gaming industry, which includes lotteries and commercial casinos as well as racing and OTB establishments. Total revenues in 2010 for tribal gaming was $26.5 billion. The numbers for Jasper County, which are based on established figures from similar casinos, would be impressive. There are an estimated 10,780 unemployed workers in the Lowcountry. This project would hire 3,850 of them, plus another 860 elsewhere in the state. Of those 3,850 jobs, 2,250 would be on the casino-resort premises.

The project would also have an estimated statewide financial impact — just in employee compensation — of $184 million. Of that, $92 million would be to employees of the casino-resort.

The federal government would garner $15.7 million in Federal Income Tax and South Carolina would receive $8.4 million in State Income Tax. Social Security would receive an estimated $17.4 million, with another $4 million going to Medicare.

Statewide sales tax revenues are estimated to be $20.3 million, with $14.2 million going to the Lowcountry.

Savannahnow.com Article: "Proposed casino will bring jobs, revenue"

PRESS RELEASE: January 13, 2012

2012-01-17T08:43:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Proposed Hardeeville Resort Would Create 2,250 Direct Jobs

An investment group led by prominent South Carolina businesspeople announced preliminary plans to build a first-class hotel/casino resort entertainment complex in Hardeeville that would create 2,250 jobs on-site with estimated employee compensation (wages, salaries and benefits) of $92 million a year.

In addition, it is estimated that another 1,600 jobs in the Low Country (Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton and Hampton counties) would be created with $64 million in employee compensation as a result of economic activity generated by the resort, not including the construction jobs to be created.

The spinoff in business generated outside the Low Country would produce another 860 jobs and $29 million in wages, salaries and benefits for Palmetto State businesses.

In all, the total impact on South Carolina is estimated to be more than 4,700 new jobs with nearly $185 million in employee compensation, not including the construction jobs.

The economic impact analysis was conducted by Marquette Advisers of Minneapolis and Seattle, an international real estate consulting firm.

Plans for the resort entertainment complex, which would be located within the recently built mixed use resort community of Hilton Head Lakes on Highway 278 three miles off I-95 Exit 8, were discussed Thursday night during a meeting with Hardeeville City Council and Jasper County Council. The Councils passed a Joint Resolution of support for the project, and requested the support of other governments for the project as it goes through the approval and permitting process.

Investors in the resort complex own Hilton Head Lakes, which is a 4,600 acre mixed use community that includes an existing Tommy Fazio championship golf course, clubhouse and lake amenities.

The proposed resort entertainment complex would include a 400-room, 4-diamond quality hotel and casino, the existing 18-hole championship golf course, various restaurant facilities and a 1,500-2,000-seat multi-purpose events center.

The exact location of the resort within the Hilton Head lakes property has yet to be determined.

The resort would be owned by the United Keetoowah Band (UKB) of Cherokee Indians in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, working in conjunction with SB Investment of Myrtle Beach and Stratford Land of Dallas, Texas.

SB Investment is a partnership with 40 years of successful development in the Carolinas. Included in its portfolio are Cyprus River Plantation, Plantation Lakes, River Landing, and Wild Wing Plantation, along with several developments in North Carolina (HiltonHeadLakes.com).

Stratford Land has a quarter century of successful land management investment on behalf of institutional investors (StratfordLand.com).

SB Investment and Stratford Land jointly own Hilton Head Lakes in Hardeeville, SC.

The UK Band of Cherokee Indians is a federally recognized Indian Tribe, with most members living in Oklahoma. In its federal designation, the Tribe traces its history and ancestral territory back to South Carolina.

The economic impact analysis of the resort estimates it will attract more than four million annual visitors, with about 70% coming from outside South Carolina.

“We are talking about a tremendous economic surge for the entire area,” said Ralph Teal of Myrtle Beach, managing partner of SB Investment/Development. “People from out of state who normally bypass South Carolina will bring their money here, which will benefit businesses and individuals throughout the Low Country and South Carolina.”

Other findings in the economic impact analysis indicate the resort will generate:

$15.7 million in federal income taxes
$8.4 million in state income taxes
$20.3 million in statewide sales taxes, including $14.2 million in the Low Country
$17.4 million in employer/employee payments to Social Security
$4 million in employer/employee payments to Medicare

###

Contact: Dave Wilson for the Investment Group—803-254-1154

Andrew Fulghum, Administrator for Jasper County—843-717-3690

Bob Nanni, Manager for the City of Hardeeville—843-784-2231

Save the Date!

2012-01-12T06:14:00.000-08:00

Click Here to View Your VIP Invite

You're Invited

to join us for the

Hilton Head Lakes Model Park Opening!

Click the link above for your VIP Invite!

Special Incentives on our spacious lowcountry lifestyle designed homes including homesite starting from the $180's
Come see our Model Home Park with 5 fully furnished models representing 4 of our lowcountry collections.
5 Showcase Homes under construction for immediate move-in.
Homesites available with 90% Financing
$129 Lowcountry Discovery Visit - Call Today!

www.HiltonHeadLakes.com

866.396.3230

Let there be BBQ!

2012-01-06T06:18:00.000-08:00

2nd Annual Carolina-Georgia Border BBQ Cookoff & Brew Fest

March 2, 2012 - March 4, 2012

Hilton Head Lakes

Calling All Cook Teams, Chefs, Backyard BBQ Enthusiasts, and all who love BBQ!

Highlights for the 2012 Border BBQ Cook-Off will Include:

"Anything But Pork" Night on Friday
"Hot and Spicy" Wing Eating Contest
The "Biggest BBQ Gift Basket...Ever!"
Microbrew and Wine Tasting
Live Entertainment
And, of course, the amazing Cook Team Competition

Cal 843.784.3606 for more details or email info@hardeevilechamber.com!

We're Coming to Your Neck of the Woods...

2012-01-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

You're Invited!

Please join us if you are in the Melville, NY area this weekend!

RSVP and Print Your Pass...it's that Easy!

We hope to see you there!

2012-01-02T13:19:00.000-08:00

Hilton Head Lakes promises to be first-class living By Carol Weir of the Island Packet...

If the owners of Hilton Head Lakes ever design a flag for their new development in Hardeeville, it should include a pontoon boat.

Families boating on the system of lakes in the 4,700-acre development are part of Hilton Head Lakes' marketing materials and neighborhood design concept; residents will be able to arrive by water at their neighbors' homes, future commercial area and amenities center.

This week's groundbreaking ceremony for the Lake Club laid to rest any doubt the developers will carry out their promises to build a first-class community, said Matt Peebles of Hilton Head Lakes."In the current economy, most developers are just holding on and not really doing anything," Peebles said. "We made the decision this year to get after it." The lake club will include a fitness center, banquet rooms and catering kitchen. Outside, a beach, infinity-edge pool, boat docks and a boat ramp will be built. The community's lakes range from 8 to 15 feet deep and will be stocked with bream and bass. The amenities center will open in July, Peebles said. "Next year we'll build a resort-style swimming pool with a lazy river," he said. Developers from North Carolina and Stratford Land of Dallas own Hilton Head Lakes in a joint venture.

Their real-estate portfolio includes communities such as Wild Wing Plantation, Plantation Lakes and Cypress River Plantation in Myrtle Beach and Governors Club in Chapel Hill, N.C. At the end of last year, the group also bought the 1,900 acre, bank-owned Tradition community on the north side of U.S. 278; it's now called Hilton Head Lakes North. Residents of both areas of Hilton Head Lakes will have access to the Tommy Fazio championship golf course on the north side and the Lake Club on the south side. The golf course is open to the public and is doing well, Peebles said."Eventually, we'll build some type of club house there," he said.

The private investor group is led by managing members Joe Brinn, Ralph Teal, Gary Ingersoll and Gilford Edwards, working in conjunction with Stratford Land. Peebles said prospective buyers are reassured that Hilton Head Lakes doesn't have bank debt.

On the community's north side, furnishings are being moved into a five-home model park built by the developers' construction company, Citizens Homes. The model homes are 1,400 to 3,000 square feet, and all homes in the community have natural gas. Custom homes also are being built, mostly on the south side. Several spec houses will be built in addition to the model homes, Peebles said. At work in the community are Reardon Custom Homes, Sea Castle Construction, H2 Builders and others. Peebles said buyers can choose to put a custom or Citizens' home "on any lot they wish, which is different than in most communities. The buyer can bring in any builder they want."Peebles said the developers are known for building communities that are sustainable without requiring high dues from owners.

They have pledged that property owners association dues at Hilton Head Lakes will never be higher than $130 a month.Home prices on the north side will range from $170,000 to $300,000, including the lot, and on the south side from $300,000, he said. For now, only the south side is boatable, but Peebles said lakes might be added on the north side in the future. The entrance to the north side of the community is being rebuilt to add waterfalls similar to those on the south side of Hilton Head Lakes. Lots start at less than $40,000. Peebles said the developers' in-house finance company provides most of the loans for lot purchases. Also, the developers are partnering with the city of Hardeeville to continue the Saturday farmer's market in the former Tradition sales center. The farmer's market will reopen in the spring, Peebles said.

Full article

Recipe Alert!

2012-01-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

The Captain's Carolina BBQ Sauce

1 Gallon of Heinz Cider Vinegar
4 oz. Light Brown Sugar
4 oz. Black Pepper
12 oz. Salt
3 to 4 oz. of Crushed Red Pepper
Juice of 3 fresh Lemons

Combine all ingredients in large pot and bring to a boil. Remember to pour a little of the vinegar out to make room for the spices, etc. Boil for just a couple of minutes and let cool overnight in the fridge. Keeps a long time and is excellent for ribs, pork and chicken.

A must have for any kitchen:

Bad Byron's Butt Rub

Let's Get Connected!

2012-01-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

There is so much going on at Hilton Head Lakes...

you don't want to miss a single second of it all!

Twitter

Connect with us on Linkedin!

Check us out on YouTube!

Email Us

1-866-396-3230 or 843-784-5253

Lifestyle Interview with Matt Peebles, Director of Sales

2012-01-02T08:06:00.000-08:00

Enjoy watching our Director of Sales, Matt Peebles, talk to you more about the Lifestyle awaiting you at Hilton Head Lakes!

Top 10 List of 2011

2012-01-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

With 2011 winding down and coming to a close we want to take this opportunity to reflect on all that has happened this year and look forward to all that 2012 holds for us! We hope you enjoy our 1st annual Top Ten list and we look forward to sharing all of our successes with you in 2012!

Hilton Head Lakes 2011 Top 10!

#1: Acquisition of Hilton Head Lakes North - December 2010/January 2011

#2: Grand Opening of The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes - February 2011

#3: The First Home built by Citizens Homes - March 2011

#4: Designs completed for Lakeside Collection Homes for Hilton Head Lakes South - June 2011

#5: Host Site for Hardeeville Farmers Market - July 2011

#6: Lake Addition to the Lake Club Completed - September 2011

#7: Renovation of Hilton Head Lakes North Towers - October 2011

#8: Beginning of Construction of the Hilton Head Lakes North Waterfall Entrance - November 2011

#9: The Lake Club Groundbreaking - December 2011

#10: Citizens Homes Model Home Park Completion - December 2011

**And above all else, we are grateful for each and every property owner who has joined our Hilton Head Lakes family! Welcome Home!**www.HiltonHeadLakes.com