CDC Tech Life Podcast Episode 3 features Thomas Kaiser, Co-Founder of Avicenna Biosciences

Episode 3 of the CDC Tech Life Podcast features Thomas Kaiser, Co-Founder and Vice President of startup Avicenna Biosciences. Thomas talks about the unique challenges of launching a pharma-tech venture and how Avicenna is using machine learning to streamline the discovery of new pharmaceuticals.

This episode is sponsored by Charleston County Economic Development and the iFiveK.

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eGroup Acquires Enabling Technologies Corp

eGroup, a leading IT solutions and managed services provider, announced that it has acquired Florida-based Enabling Technologies Corp (Enabling). The acquisition - which closed on April 29, 2022, will expand eGroup's reach nationally in the U.S. and dramatically expand its Microsoft 365, Azure, Security & Compliance, and Business Application cloud services.

With decades of experience, and a comprehensive cloud and data center solutions portfolio, eGroup enhances and accelerates the digital transformation journey, delivering outstanding results for businesses across the nation. Founded in 1992 and based in Estero, FL, Enabling Technologies offers innovative Microsoft solutions and services around Microsoft 365, Azure, Security & Compliance, Business Applications, as well as Adoption & Change Management, and Managed Services. Merging the expertise of the two companies will bolster eGroup's cloud capabilities and offer Enabling's clients an expanded portfolio of solutions in the areas of data center, disaster recovery, backup, IT strategy, and optimization, and digital infrastructure.

"As a multi-year, repeat winner of the prestigious Microsoft Partner of the Year award, Enabling Technologies has built an incredible reputation for the highest quality of service delivery with Microsoft 365 and Azure solutions," said Mike Carter, CEO of eGroup. "We're thrilled to join forces with a premier team of business and technology professionals that execute with the same speed and certainty as we do. And in this 'new world' where talent and skillsets are the key enablers to organizational growth and acceleration, we recognize and anticipate the immediate value this expanded set of capabilities provides to our clients, in addition to the numerous opportunities for individual growth this union creates for our combined team members. It's thrilling to bring this kind of 'force multiplier' to the market in the pursuit of excellence for our customers and team."

"I am extremely thrilled and eager to join forces with Mike Carter and his outstanding team at eGroup. Our corporate culture, strategic vision, and uncompromised commitment to deliver service excellence for our clients now and in the future are in perfect alignment. By merging our two companies, we're reinforcing our position to serve as a trusted cloud advisor by leveraging our strengths to enable our clients to achieve more from their investment in Microsoft Cloud technologies. Our alliance with eGroup creates a juggernaut in the Microsoft ecosystem and will pay major dividends for our highly regarded associates and global clients going forward. This new chapter in our 30-year history is a continuum of our quest to take our business to greater heights and new destinations.," said Bill Vollerthum.

Enabling's cloud business has been a leader in the market of Microsoft tools and services since the beginning of Microsoft's Office Communication Server (OCS) voice days. As experts in the areas of Communication and Collaboration, and as a five-time Partner of the Year Award winner with Microsoft, Enabling delivers predictable and successful business outcomes for all their clients.

Founded in 1999 by Mike Carter who was recently recognized for the second time as one of the "50 Most Influential" by Charleston Business Magazine, eGroup is recognized as an industry-leading Solutions Provider and trusted IT Advisor. eGroup has been awarded several Year-Over-Year accolades including 12 consecutive annual recognitions on CRN's Tech Elite 250 List, and most recently as Nutanix's 2021 Global Portfolio Champion of the Year. eGroup has been a proven leader in delivering outstanding results to their clients for decades.

In October of 2021, Evolute Capital, along with Hunt Technology Ventures made a substantial investment in eGroup that is allowing them to advance their current capabilities and continue to build a best-in-class IT services platform. With the acquisition of Enabling, it will allow eGroup to accelerate its strong industry position in cloud and managed services and build upon its expertise and positioning within the Microsoft ecosystem. A few of eGroup's top partners include Microsoft, Nutanix, Citrix, Cisco, and Rubrik.

Enabling's capabilities will be immediately integrated into the eGroup portfolio, giving mutual clients instant access to both groups' additional offerings and value.

CDC Tech Life Podcast Episode 2 features Uncommon Giving CEO, Earl Bridges

Episode 2 of the CDC Tech Life Podcast features Earl Bridges, CEO and President of Charleston SC technology startup, Uncommon Giving. Earl talks about his current Workplace Giving venture, Uncommon Giving, as well as his docu-series, "The Good Road", and his experiences as a serial entrepreneur and self-described philanthropologist.

This episode is sponsored by CharlestonWorks.

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Charleston Digital Corridor Announces Downtown iFiveK

The Charleston Digital Corridor (CDC), along with title sponsor Charleston County Economic Development, is pleased to announce the 2022 iFiveK will once again be hosted in Downtown Charleston. The race, scheduled for June 2, 2022 at 6:30pm, will start and finish at the newly completed Charleston Tech Center.

The new 5k route leads participants through the CDC's rapidly redeveloping neighborhood along the way, including the many new restaurants and bars that are quickly becoming favorites for the 400 employees at the Charleston Tech Center, and visitors alike. Proceeds from the iFiveK support the CDC's Diversity and CDCu initiatives.

"We are passionate about supporting the tech community and this event provides an amazing atmosphere to network and showcase our community's top talent," said Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director, Steve Dykes. "And what a great opportunity to see the Tech Center first-hand."

The iFiveK has become the favorite athletic and networking event for Charleston's tech community. As one of only a handful of evening, weekday races in the region, the iFiveK historically sells out ahead of the event each year. Registration for the June 2 race opens today.

"After a two-year hiatus, we are excited to bring the race back downtown, where it all started," said CDC Director, Ernest Andrade. "We're grateful to all our sponsors and know they are eager to get their employees together for an evening of fun, wellness, and networking."

In addition to the run, the CDC is partnering with neighboring restaurants and bars to provide a few specials and discounts for participants after the race. Those include: Revelry, Edmund's Oast, Kickin' Chicken, and Crust.

HabitNu Selects Charleston, South Carolina For Business Expansion

The Charleston Digital Corridor (CDC) is pleased to announce that HabitNu, a Chicago, IL based company, has selected Charleston, SC for their business expansion. The company, which expects to hire additional employees to support growth, will open an office in the Flagship @ the Charleston Tech Center in April 2022. HabitNu is a health and wellness company that leverages AI-based technology and behavioral economics to help individuals shape healthier habits and prevent chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, and behavioral weight loss.

HabitNu delivers the programs using its health coaches and partners with organizations such as Walmart Health, Walgreens, US Veterans Health Administration, commercial insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare and Aetna, and several state departments of health, health systems and employers across the country.

Charleston, SC offers HabitNu a second location that is more centrally positioned within the southern and southeastern United States where the highest concentration of their customer base and target market resides.

"While Charleston represents an opportunity to be closer to our target markets in the Carolinas and Florida, the competitive business environment, multiple options for direct air service to Chicago and high quality of life made for an easy decision to be located here," said HabitNu Chief Growth Officer, Vernon Mathias.

"We are honored HabitNu has selected Charleston for their expansion," said CDC Director, Ernest Andrade. "Vernon's point regarding Charleston's competitive business environment, dramatically improved air service, and lifestyle speaks to why tech companies are increasingly choosing Charleston for their business expansion."

CDC Tech Life Podcast Episode 1 Featuring Blackbaud CIO, Todd Lant

Episode 1 of the CDC Tech Life Podcast features Todd Lant, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Charleston SC Technology Company Blackbaud Inc. Todd talks about his role and the ongoing growth of Blackbaud and shares insights on the Charleston Technology community and the impact of remote work. Listen to this episode on BuzzSprout or wherever you get your podcasts!

This episode is sponsored by Charleston Open Source and Comcast.

Thanks to the Charleston Digital Corridor, the Tech Life Podcast has returned to share stories from the rapidly growing Charleston SC Technology and Entrepreneur communities. Join us each month for a new episode and subscribe to make sure you don't miss a beat!

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