SAME Charleston Monthly Luncheon – August 2024
WHEN: Wednesday, 14 August 2024 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
WHERE: ECPI University, 3800 Paramount Drive North Charleston, SC 29405
Join us for an exciting event where the Mayor of North Charleston will provide updates on the latest happenings in our city, as well as upcoming procurement opportunities. This in-person event will be held at ECPI University, so mark your calendars and come ready to hear about all the important news and developments. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged with your community!
North Charleston has a strong economy based on its success in commercial and industrial development. As such, it has continued to be a significant employment hub in the region which continues to grow. In 2018, an estimated 5,662 businesses in the City of North Charleston employed slightly fewer than 95,000 people. Principal industry groups in the City include Manufacturing, Transportation and Warehousing, Retail Trade, and Healthcare Services. Major employers located in the City include:
- Boeing SC
- Trident Medical Center
- Trident Technical College
- Mercedes-Benz Vans LLC
- Detyen’s Shipyard
- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
- Scientific Research Corporation
- Joint Base Charleston
SPEAKER – Mayor Reginald L. “Reggie” Burgess
Reginald L. “Reggie” Burgess, a native of North Charleston’s historical neighborhoods Union Heights and Liberty Hill, is a man of dedication and diverse achievements. His early love for sports led him to excel in track & field, baseball, football, and basketball during his youth, with football emerging as his true passion. Reggie’s prowess on the field earned him a full scholarship to Morgan State University, where he shone as a wide receiver for the Bears. His college career was marked by numerous accolades, including Sporting News Division 1-AA All-American honors, a spot on the Historical Black College Sports All-American 1st Team, and multiple All-MEAC selections. Despite his aspirations for the NFL, life had other plans, and Reggie returned to South Carolina, embarking on a distinguished law enforcement career.
Joining the North Charleston Police Department in 1989, Reggie’s commitment to justice and community service propelled him through the ranks. His roles ranged from Patrol Officer, DARE and GREAT Officer, to various investigative and supervisory positions, reflecting his versatility and leadership skills. By 2018, he reached the pinnacle of his police career as the Chief of Police for North Charleston, a testament to his dedication and expertise. His journey didn’t stop there, as on January 2, 2024, he was inaugurated as the Mayor of North Charleston, marking a new chapter in his service to the community.
Reggie’s educational pursuits complement his professional journey, holding a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Claflin University and completing advanced training at the Southern Police Institute, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the US Secret Service Academy. These experiences reflect his commitment to continuous learning and excellence.
Guided by his mother’s wisdom, “to thine own self be true,” Reggie balances his professional endeavors with a rich personal life. He cherishes his family, including his wife Tracy Riggins Burgess, his high school sweetheart, and their two children, Reggie II and Kristen. A lifelong member of Royal Missionary Baptist Church and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Reggie embodies a deep commitment to his faith and community. His story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to public service.