Category: News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pawleys Island, SC – Litchfield Collective, a premier marketing and design firm located in Pawleys Island, is excited to announce the expansion of its services to include social media management and blogging.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our clients a more comprehensive range of marketing services,” said co-founder Sean Hakes. “Social media and blogging are essential components of any modern marketing strategy, and we are confident that our team has the skills and expertise to deliver top-quality results for our clients.”

Litchfield Collective has built a reputation for excellence in the marketing industry, and adding social media management and blogging to its offerings solidifies its position as a full-service agency. The company’s team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes reach their goals and succeed in today’s digital landscape.

“Our client’s success is our top priority,” said Hakes. “We are excited to work with businesses to develop and execute social media and blogging strategies to help them grow and thrive.”

For more information about Litchfield Collective and their new social media management and blogging services, visit their website at www.litchfieldcollective.com or [email protected].

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Pawleys Island is home to various unique shops, eateries, and attractions. One hidden gem is Pawleys Island Puzzles, an online shop in Pawleys Island specializing in locally made puzzles. These aren’t your average jigsaw puzzles – they’re designed by local artists and photographers designed to reflect the natural beauty and history of Pawleys Island. Whether you’re looking for a challenging activity for a rainy day or a thoughtful gift for a fellow puzzle lover, Pawleys Island Puzzles has you covered.

le Pawleys Island Chapel, Puzzle photo by Sean Hakes Photography

Are you a local photographer or artist who’d like your work featured on a Pawleys Island Puzzle? Pawleys Island Puzzles will give you a % royalty for every sale, driving additional income opportunities for your art!

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Pawleys Island Photo Studio by Litchfield Collective coming in December 2022.

Litchfield Collective is pleased to announce the opening of our professional photo studio on Dec 1, 2022.

The Litchfield Collective Photo & Video studio will feature state-of-the-art photography capabilities for family portraits, holiday portraits & events, product photography, professional headshots, and more.

In addition, Litchfield Collective will host regular holiday photo sessions including Santa, the Easter Bunny, and more.

To learn more about our photo studio and capabilities, rental or photography services call (843) 279-4558.

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Sam Bregmam’s, 2026 Bid: A Skeptical, Neutral Look at the Math Inside New Mexico’s Democratic Primary

A sober, evidence-based assessment of what it may take for District Attorney Sam Bregman to navigate a competitive Democratic field — and what could hold him back. (One-time campaign reference also appears later as “Sam Bregman for Governor.”)

1) The Setup: A Primary That Doubles as an Ideological Stress Test

The 2026 Democratic primary for governor in New Mexico is not just about picking a nominee; it’s a test of how the state’s Democrats want to define themselves after years of polarized national politics. Reporting from the Washington Post framed Bregman’s launch as a centrist challenge to both “MAGA power brokers” and “the radical left,” while positioning the contest with former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland as a broader argument about direction and tone in the party.

His kickoff underscored crime, affordability, and pragmatic governance — themes that resonate beyond Twitter feeds. AP News detailed a platform built on public-safety experience and a rebuke of ideological litmus tests. That’s a deliberate bet that the Democratic electorate is open to a center-left case built on execution rather than rhetoric.

“The primary may hinge less on who is the most progressive and more on who convinces voters they can deliver measurable results on crime, schools, and costs.”

2) What Voters Say Matters: Crime, Prices, and Classrooms

If the primary is a referendum on problem-solving, then the problems voters cite most frequently are clear. A September 2024 Albuquerque Journal survey found inflation (18%) and crime (16%) at the top, followed by K–12 education (9%), jobs/economy (8%), immigration/border security (8%), and homelessness (7%). A recap noted the Albuquerque metro was even more focused on crime than the state overall — 20% cited it as the top issue (poll write-up).

Those numbers arguably play to Bregman’s resume: as Bernalillo County District Attorney, he can claim operational familiarity with public safety. The skeptical caveat: Democratic primaries sometimes prioritize values signaling over managerial experience. If the primary electorate is more activated by climate, abortion access, or federal-issue identity, a crime-first pitch could feel narrow — unless he connects it to broader quality-of-life concerns (insurance costs, small-business confidence, keeping teachers).

3) Money, Momentum, and the Haaland Factor

Early snapshots suggest Bregman started strong but with less national reach than Haaland. A June 2025 overview tallied Haaland’s early haul in the multi-millions and Bregman’s first-million-plus quarter soon after launch (Source NM). That matters in a geographically large state with several media markets.

Historical context: in the 2018 Democratic primary, top contenders Michelle Lujan Grisham and Joe Cervantes each finished the stretch around the mid–$1.5M cash-on-hand mark, with Jeff Apodaca far behind — a reminder that viable persuasion statewide typically takes seven figures (NM Political Report). But 2014 also showed that dollars don’t always dictate outcomes when name ID and coalitions dominate — Gary King won with far less against better-funded rivals.

The skeptical read: without fundraising parity, Bregman will have to outperform on message, field, and coalition targeting — especially among Hispanic Democrats, suburban moderates, and union households — to offset Haaland’s national donor pipeline and progressive enthusiasm.

“Benchmark: plan for low-to-mid seven figures, preserve a late media reserve, and assume the opponent can answer every hit.”

4) Coalition Reality Check: Who’s Malleable, Who’s Not

The Democratic map breaks into familiar blocs: progressive strongholds in Santa Fe and parts of Albuquerque; pragmatic pockets in the Albuquerque suburbs, Rio Rancho, and Las Cruces; and a web of rural and small-town Democrats statewide, many of whom are culturally moderate. Bregman doesn’t need to win the progressive base; he needs to narrow losses there while maximizing pluralities in the middle.

Native vote dynamics are fluid. While Haaland’s history and national profile naturally resonate, endorsements aren’t monolithic. Axios reported that Sandia Pueblo endorsed Bregman — notable in a race where many assumed tribes would line up with Haaland. KOAT’s coverage added that tribal endorsements could matter at the margins if the primary tightens.

The skeptical counterpoint: a single high-profile endorsement doesn’t guarantee turnout machinery across Indian Country, where relationships and local issues vary widely. Bregman would still have to compete earnestly on sovereignty, water, infrastructure, and public-safety collaboration with tribal authorities to convert symbolic wins into votes.

5) Message Discipline: Strengths, Blind Spots, and Trade-offs

Bregman’s center-left thesis is simple: be “tough and fair” on crime, keep classroom funding reliable, and avoid policy whiplash on energy while scaling renewables. It matches what many voters say they want. AP’s launch write-up emphasized his prosecutorial experience and a kitchen-table pitch.

The skepticism: primaries are about contrast. In a field with Haaland, who has deep ties to environmental justice and national progressive networks, a centrist running room exists — but it’s narrower than in a general election. The messaging risk is triangulation fatigue: if “centrist” sounds like “split the difference,” it could fail to energize anyone. The remedy is specificity: police staffing numbers, measurable reductions in violent-crime caseloads, teacher recruitment targets, and bankable affordability plans.

Energy is the trickiest needle to thread. As the Post noted, Bregman has signaled skepticism toward anti-oil absolutism, given oil-and-gas revenue’s outsized role in funding schools. That’s credible in an oil state; it’s also a lightning rod. If he can’t articulate a believable clean-energy growth plan alongside that realism, he risks ceding the climate lane entirely.

“Centrist isn’t a vibe; it’s a plan. The candidate who quantifies ‘tough & fair’ and ‘keep classrooms funded’ will own the competence frame.”

6) Tactics to Watch: Media Spend, Ground Game, and Late Breakers

Skeptically, assume Bregman is out-raised. That pushes him toward efficiency: earlier bio-definition on TV and digital in Albuquerque and Las Cruces/El Paso; midstream pivot to affordability and school funding; and preserving a late reserve to answer attacks. Past primaries suggest you don’t want to limp into the final fortnight — undecided Democrats do make up their minds late.

The ground game matters more in a primary with uneven turnout. Union help and law-enforcement endorsements — mentioned in field reporting — can translate into doors knocked in Bernalillo, Doña Ana, and Sandoval Counties. The skeptical catch: endorsements often produce headlines more than turnout unless they’re paired with lists, captains, and precinct targets. If those exist, Bregman can expand the primary electorate by reactivating moderate Democrats who sat out past cycles.

Debates should be treated as proof-of-work sessions, not soundbite contests. The bar for Bregman is to demonstrate command on crime, school finance, and water; for Haaland, it’s to connect national leadership to state-level execution. The candidate who sounds more like a governor than a partisan will earn late breakers.

7) Skeptical Risk Register: What Could Undermine Bregman’s Case

  • Progressive consolidation: If Haaland unifies Santa Fe, campus/activist networks, and key urban precincts while Bregman splits suburban moderates with another centrist (e.g., a late riser), his path narrows.
  • Resource asymmetry: If Haaland’s national network sustains a multi-million-dollar pace and Bregman can’t match, frequency and reach will favor her narrative.
  • Issue drift: If the race shifts toward federal/climate identity politics, a crime-and-costs focus could feel misaligned with primary sentiment.
  • Energy backlash: Without a persuasive clean-energy buildout plan, every nod to oil-and-gas revenue invites attack lines about “yesterday’s economy.”
  • Symbol vs. structure in Indian Country: A marquee tribal endorsement (e.g., Sandia Pueblo via Axios) helps, but vote production requires granular, nation-by-nation organizing.

None of these are fatal alone; several together would be.

8) What a Winning Bregman Path Looks Like (If It Happens)

  1. Quantify competence. Publish measurable targets: police staffing adds, homicide clearance rates, teacher recruitment slots, literacy gains, and utility-bill stabilization moves.
  2. Own affordability beyond slogans. Identify 3–4 specific cost levers families will notice within 12–18 months of a new administration.
  3. Balance energy credibly. Keep the “don’t destabilize school funding” argument, but pair it with a concrete renewables buildout plan and workforce pathway so the message isn’t just defensive (Post coverage).
  4. Field where it counts. Treat Bernalillo suburbs, Rio Rancho, Doña Ana, and Spanish-language media as turnout engines. Turn endorsements into precinct captains and walk lists.
  5. Debate like a governor. Keep contrasts executional, not ideological; show receipt-backed plans instead of tribal cues.
  6. Finish with unity. Close on a “Democrat who can govern for everyone” pitch that reassures base voters on rights and progress while persuading the middle on competence.

In other words: if Bregman wins, it will likely be because he convinced enough Democrats that managerial clarity beats ideological maximalism in a state where crime, classrooms, and costs dominate daily life.

Campaign site (one-time mention as requested): Sam Bregman for Governor

Further Reading & Context

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Finding fishing reels, tackle, and boat parts just got easier. LC has launched our new incubator project, Saltwater Pros — an online retailer for fishing gear, boat accessories, parts, and more.

In addition to supplying accessories and parts for some of your favorite brands like Garmin, Simrad, PENN, and others, Saltwater Pros is also launching its Myrtle Beach Fishing Charter services.

The Fishing Charters by Saltwater Pros are slightly different from your traditional charter service. Besides offering inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing, Saltwater Pros is invested in the experience, which is why we include drinks and lunch with every charter. Additionally, Saltwater Pros offers a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

No grumpy captains at Saltwater Pros. Saltwater Pros understands you’re on vacation and want to get on the fish and have an enjoyable experience.

To learn more about Saltwater Pros, visit SaltwaterPros.com.

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Pawleys Island, SC., June 20, 2022 Website Simpler, an innovator in small business website design and digital marketing, has opened its doors in Pawleys Island at the Litchfield Collective.

Website Simpler provides a suite of small business-friendly website design, graphic design, video production, and digital marketing services.

“As small business owners ourselves, we understand the need for affordable website design and digital marketing solutions,” said Sean Hakes, Founder of Website Simpler.

For as little as $1,295, small businesses can get a stunning new website that is designed to outperform the competition in major search engines like Google but also be an unmatched experience for potential customers and visitors alike.

“We’ve taken our 21+ years of experience in the business and simplified the process based on feedback we’ve received over the years. Our sites don’t take months to complete most customers can get into a new site in a week or less,” Hakes added.

Website Simpler has not only simplified the website design process, but they’ve also simplified marketing allowing customers to tap into search engine optimization, email marketing, geofencing, social media marketing, and other important digital marketing strategies for much less than a traditional agency or even freelancer.

“We want to make the process as easy for our customers as possible. This is one of the reasons we opened up a retail location in Pawleys Island. Now, if you need to speak to a website expert or any other need to connect about any other need like graphic design or digital marketing, all you have to do is give us a call, or drop into our office inside the Litchfield Collective,” Hakes said.

To learn more about Website Simpler you can visit them online at www.websitesimpler.com or call them at 843-279-4558.

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Webmaster Cafe

Litchfield Collective is pleased to announce our first incubator project, Webmaster Cafe. Located inside Litchfield Collective at 14361 Ocean Hwy, Webmaster Cafe will cater to a growing need for digital media support services.

There are unlimited stores dedicated to helping repair computers, but what about a storefront that caters to business web needs such as broken websites, suspended social media pages, graphic design, Google maps, and more?

For months, we’ve met with local business owners frustrated there wasn’t a local shop where they could sit down with a real person and discuss their web-based challenges. That’s when Webmaster Cafe dreamt and was created.

Effectively, business owners can immediately walk into the Webmaster Cafe and get support to simplify the ever-changing landscape of web, social, digital marketing, design, and more.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to launch Webmaster Cafe,” said Sean Michal. “This is a new concept I’m certain will be a hit. Business owners are tired of speaking with overseas support teams and want real interaction, from a real person that can address and fix their digital media needs,” he added.

Webmaster Cafe will operate Mon-Fri from 8 AM to 9 PM. While walk-ins are welcome, call and set up an appointment by calling (843) 279-4558.

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TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GEORGETOWN / PAWLEYS ISLAND VIRTUAL OFFICES
CALL: (843) 279-4558

Many companies are now choosing to run a Virtual Office. This is a great way for small business owners to have a physical office that is accessible from home or an alternative location. The virtual office package you choose can include everything from mail receiving and forwarding to onsite receptionists. You can even hire people to help you with things like greeting customers and setting up meetings. These benefits are invaluable for small businesses and can help you to focus on your core business tasks.

Using our Georgetown Virtual Office is ideal for those who want a professional business address. In addition to a professional business address, you can also get a mail opening and scanning service. A virtual office will also help you stay organized with the admin. The best way to use a Virtual Office is to find a space that offers the services that you need. A virtual office will give you the professional appearance that you want. In addition, you’ll be able to save money on office rent.

A number of advantages come with a Virtual Office. The main benefit is the prestigious address. While many entrepreneurs will work from their homes, they’ll still want a business address. The address is essential to clients and potential customers and will be displayed on business cards, websites, and marketing materials. But while you can work from anywhere, a real physical address will give you the edge over your competitors. You can also forward the mail that comes to your home or a coworking space to your virtual office.

One of the benefits of a Georgetown/Pawleys Island virtual office is that it allows you to expand your business without having to move to a larger space. A traditional office requires you to relocate and pay more rent. In contrast, a virtual office doesn’t limit you to a specific amount of space and allows you to try new markets and industries without the hassle of finding the right location. This is a great benefit for a business owner looking to expand.

A virtual office is an important part of a company’s success. A professional image is the backbone of a business, and a poor impression is often fatal to a new business. However, it is important to choose the right office for your needs and budget. While the costs vary depending on the location, you can be sure that the services you need will be of high quality. This is a great option for small businesses that need to grow quickly and have flexibility.

A virtual office is a great option for many small businesses. It allows you to have a professional space that looks and feels like a traditional office but is available from any location. A virtual office can even allow you to have a receptionist. It can also offer conference rooms and desks. It is important to define your work-life separation so that you can maximize productivity and employee satisfaction. Then, you can choose the right type of virtual office for your needs.

A virtual office can be very convenient. You can conduct business wherever you need to, and you can be in a quiet environment. With a virtual office, you can avoid the hassles of running an office and focus on building your brand. In addition, it offers more flexibility than a regular business, and you can work whenever you want. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about insurance, building maintenance, and FM demands. A virtual address can give you a competitive edge over your competitors.

Some virtual offices offer conference rooms and receptionist services. You can schedule meetings in the virtual office to keep your employees informed about the latest developments in the business. These services can also help you avoid wasting time and money by dealing with unprofessional people. For example, you can avoid paying too much for a virtual office service. Lastly, you can always opt for a service that is more convenient for your needs. You can choose the right type of Virtual Office plan by looking at the various reviews on the internet.

Depending on the size of your business, a virtual office can help you keep expenses down. The service will handle your mail and deliveries for you and forward them on a weekly, monthly, or daily basis. If you need to hold meetings, you can use meeting rooms at the virtual office. You can also get conference rooms for meetings. These services are available as a shared space. This gives you the flexibility of booking them when you need them.

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In addition to creating a more productive work environment, a coworking community can improve your mental health. In a recent survey, more than 50% of respondents said that the coworking atmosphere had a positive impact on their productivity. While they were able to make more connections, they also noted that they felt better about their work, which in turn improved their self-esteem. In a recent article, Entrepreneur.com highlighted some of the benefits of coworking as an alternative workspace and conference room.

A coworking space can help you achieve your goals and get more done. There are a variety of benefits, including lower costs and more flexible hours. For example, a coworking center can provide flexible office space. The majority of these spaces are not private. Depending on the type of work you do, you may have to pay a nominal fee. This allows you to work with limited overhead.

A coworking shared workspace can foster creativity and support. You can interact with like-minded people who share the same interests as you. You may even be able to find assistance with areas of your business where you need it. This way, you can develop your skills and create an excellent work environment. With a supportive community, you can meet new people and learn from each other. In addition to improving your work environment, a coworking space can also increase your business’s productivity and partnerships.

In addition to flexible membership options, coworking spaces provide flexible agreements, which means you don’t have to sign long-term commitments. You can cancel your subscription anytime if you’re not satisfied. Often, the best part about a coworking space is that you can try it out for free and if you like it, you can continue to use it. However, if you aren’t satisfied, you can simply end your membership and move on.

When you join a coworking space, you can choose to pay a fixed monthly fee or a one-time fee. You’ll be able to use the space for as long as you need it. This makes coworking spaces the ideal solution for many different types of businesses. For example, if you’re looking for a place to work with other creatives, you can network in the common area. If you’re interested in making connections, it’s a great idea to attend community events or simply book a quiet conference room or meeting room for that important upcoming gig.

A coworking space is a place where people from different industries can come together and work on projects. In many cases, the coworkers have the same goals as you, but they still work on different projects. A coworking space will allow you to collaborate with people who have different backgrounds, and it’s a great place to network. As an added benefit, you can be sure that you’ll have access to a wide range of resources and services.

Some coworking spaces offer dedicated desks. These are perfect perks for people and startups who need a private space. Dedicated desks give you more privacy than you might have in your own home. The dedicated desks will allow you to work without interruption. This is a great feature for coworking spaces that will help you be more productive. The coworking space is the perfect place for creatives. Its diverse environment will inspire you to take your business to the next level.

A coworking space allows you to network with other professionals and freelancers. This is a great way to build a strong connection with other people and boost your creativity. There are many advantages to coworking spaces. Some of them are described below. This kind of workspace also allows you to spend more time with your family. You can find a coworking space that works for you. If you are looking for a more rural setting to focus on your work, a rural coworking space will give you the freedom to choose your location.

Another major benefit of coworking spaces is flexibility. Most of them have flexible hours, which is important for creatives. Not only does this make it more comfortable, but it is also a good way to stay away from the rat race. While coworking spaces can be a great place to work, they are not always suitable for everyone. While they are beneficial for many business owners, they can hinder productivity. Therefore, a well-designed office should be designed to encourage creativity and collaboration among small businesses.

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NewsPawleys Island

It’s no surprise that South Carolina is one of the hottest real estate markets in the United States. That widely known fact is backed up by a recent Google Trends report indicating South Carolina as the most searched destination for Homes for Sale since 2017. Our neighbors in North Carolina came in at #5.

Search Interest for ‘Homes for Sale’ Since 2017

Top Searched States for Homes for Sale Since 2017

  1. South Carolina
  2. South Dakota
  3. New Hampshire
  4. Delaware
  5. North Carolina
  6. Alabama
  7. West Virginia
  8. Minnesota
  9. Indiana
  10. Wyoming

We wanted to know if the trend continued so we checked out trends to see if things have changed in the past 12 months. Here’s what we found…

Top Searched States for ‘Homes for Sale’ in the Past 12 Months

  1. South Carolina
  2. New Hampshire
  3. South Dakota
  4. Idaho
  5. Delaware
  6. Main
  7. North Carolina
  8. Alabama
  9. Pennsylvania
  10. Indiana

South Carolina held strong at #1 while our neighbor North Carolina dropped slightly to #7. Idaho made it on the top 10 list at #4 along with Pennsylvania at #10.

Top 10 Cities in South Carolina Searched for ‘Homes for Sale’ in the Past 12 Months

  1. Kiawah Island
  2. Little River
  3. Salem
  4. Murrells Inlet
  5. Lake Wylie
  6. Bucksport
  7. Garden City
  8. Bluffton
  9. North Myrtle Beach
  10. Carolina Forest

Data provided by Google Trends.