U.S. Housing official coming to Lowcountry

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's No. 2 official is coming to the Lowcountry.

Deputy Secretary Ron Sims has been lined up to speak at the 2010 South Carolina Community Economic Development Conference set Sept. 13-14 at the Sheraton Charleston Airport Hotel on Goer Drive in North Charleston.

The event will focus on creating jobs and growing a so-called green economy.

"In light of the problems South Carolina is having with unemployment, foreclosures, community revitalization and individual and family development, we are fortunate to have national and state leaders coming to this historic meeting of community economic development leaders from throughout South Carolina," Bernie Mazyck, president of the South Carolina Association of Community Development Corporations, said in a written statement.

As second-in-command to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, Sims helps manage the department's $40 billion annual budget, a portion of which trickles down to agencies like the state Commerce Department, S.C. State Housing Finance and Development Authority and a scattering of nonprofits.

Short-term rental

Charleston entrepreneur Nike Kern has opened Conference Room Charleston, a 325-square-foot space on East Bay Street for professionals who need to borrow some business space just for a bit.

The room, at 180 East Bay, is on the building's second floor. Rates are given for the hour, a half-day or full day.

"It's evident that a professional, elegant and reasonably priced workspace is needed for those conducting business in the heart of the city," Kern said in a press release.

The eight-person meeting space also offers other business services, such as catering or access to a notary public. Rates start at $200 for a half day.

Reach Katy Stech at 937-5549 or kstech@postandcourier.com.