Arcadia Publishing to expand corporate offices and consolidate national distribution center in the Charleston region

March 20, 2003 – The Charleston region will benefit from the growth of a local publisher, whose specialty titles have driven the company to become one of the industry’s fastest growing. Arcadia Publishing, the largest publisher of books on local history, announced today that the company will expand its corporate offices and consolidate its national distribution center to a new $1.8 million facility. Today’s announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

Arcadia is part of the United Kingdom-based Tempus Publishing Group. The company was named one of the fastest growing publishers by Publisher’s Weekly in 2000, and one of South Carolina’s fastest growing companies in 2002. Company President, Geoff Holmes, said the move to Mount Pleasant will allow Arcadia to remain and further expand in the Charleston region.

“Arcadia has enjoyed rapid growth over the past several years, and this trend is projected to continue,” Holmes said. “Being located in Charleston has certainly contributed to our continued success, and a new, larger facility will allow the company to both expand and increase operational efficiencies.”

Arcadia, with revenues of $8.2 million and 52 employees, operates three regional publishing offices in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Chicago, Illinois; and San Francisco, California. The company locally employs 35 people, and expects to grow its local operation to more than 60 employees over the next few years.

Gene Williams, Chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, welcomed news of Arcadia’s expansion in the region. “The Charleston region is indeed steeped in history, providing the ideal setting for a company like Arcadia. We’re extremely pleased that this dynamic company has chosen to remain and grow here. Their decision is further evidence that the Charleston area has the right ingredients for business success. ”

“Congratulations to Arcadia on this important expansion, with which Charleston County is delighted,” said Timothy E. Scott, Chairman of Charleston County Council. “Arcadia fills a very significant niche in the publishing world. The talented management and employees of Arcadia Publishing add to our ever growing ‘creative class’ here in Charleston, and are further evidence of the fertile ground which our coveted quality of life is creating for business.”

Mount Pleasant Mayor Harry M. Hallman, Jr. noted: “The Town was fortunate to have an available facility and a strong working relationship between Town Council and Mount Pleasant Waterworks to provide an attractive assistance package. Once again, we are aggressively working to create more high quality jobs and generate significant economic development investment in our town. I am very pleased by today’s announcement and the company’s decision to remain in our region and expand in the Town of Mount Pleasant. I appreciate the efforts of the Alliance, and I look forward to a continued working partnership between the Alliance and our Town Council.”

The Alliance works with numerous groups to facilitate new business investment, and a prime relationship exists with the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“South Carolinians understand the importance of preserving history,” said Bob Faith, Secretary of Commerce. “Arcadia’s announcement today will have a huge impact on the types of history we’re able to read about and preserve. We welcome them as they renew their commitment to our state.”

According to company officials, Arcadia also considered locations in North Carolina, New Hampshire and Baltimore for this expansion. “We needed to be in a new facility and fully operational early this summer in order to minimize disruption prior to our fall peak period,” said Holmes. “Fortunately, Trident Construction’s shell facility was available and we were able to do a build-out to meet our needs. We turned to the Alliance, Charleston County and the Town of Mount Pleasant to make the project a reality.”

In producing its specialty books, Arcadia employs state-of-the art digital publishing processes, and contracts with an international network of printers for final production. The company’s new 27,000-square-foot facility, located at 420 Wando Park Boulevard, will include Class “A” corporate offices, a digital production center and distribution space. The 3.7-acre site will allow for the company’s future expansion.

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Its mission is to broaden and diversify business investment in this region, with a new emphasis on technology-intensive business sectors. Since its inception, the Alliance has worked with thousands of companies to help promote business investment and quality growth in the area. To learn more, go to www.charleston-for-business.com.

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Media Contact:
Colleen Troy
843-577-7327
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