The new leaders of the Spartanburg Chamber have big plans to harness the city’s growing millennial base - p. 10
JANUARY 1, 2016 | VOL. 5 ISSUE 1
d ar u G e h T f O g n i g Chan
2 | BIOTECH |
UBJ
INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO RETIRE? WE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO TELL YOU.
EKF writes off $62 million APRIL A. MORRIS | STAFF
Upstate-based biotech firm
Pat Fitzsimmons, AIF® First Vice President, Investments
Matthew Foster, AAMS® Financial Advisor
Karen Alexander Sales Associate
Visit us at www.fosterfitzsimmons.com to learn more. Or call 864.289.2166. 112 Haywood Road, Greenville, SC 29607 ©2014 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC Raymond James is a registered trademark of Raymond James Financial, Inc.
01.01.2016
Selah Genomics buys company back from British firm amorris@communityjournals.com
Beach Foster, AIF® Managing Director, Investments
|
“We feel blessed to have the opportunity to harvest value from the investments that have been made to this point.”
Selah Genomics has bought its company back from EKF Diagnostics Selah Genomics co-founder Holdings PLC of the United Kingdom. Michael Bolick Selah Genomics co-founder Michael Bolick said last week that EKF’s new This year, Selah Genomics launched chairman had been focused on develits Precision Path molecular test for oping point-of-care diagnostic busicolon cancer for sale in the internanesses and “our type of testing and tional market. The company recently where we are going is not along the hired its first sales staff to sell the new path that he wants to take EKF.” assays and Precision Path, he said. “We certainly stepped in and said, “We feel blessed to have the oppor‘We believe in this, greatly value the tunity to harvest value from the inbusiness partnership we have with the vestments that have been made to this Greenville Health System and we want point,” said Bolick. to push through,’” said Bolick. “I think The company was established in it’s a win-win for both companies.” 2006 to commercialize technology In 2014, EKF Diagnostics acquired licensed from Clemson University. Selah Genomics for approximately Selah Genomics developed its Preci$40 million in shares and additional sion Path technology with the Greendeferred consideration of $35 million. ville Health System’s Institute for According to UK’s Alliance News, Translational Oncology Research Selah reported a loss of 2.6 million (ITOR) where Selah Genomics bases GBP (British pounds) – equal to apits research lab. Selah will continue to proximately $3.87 million – for the 11 have a lab at ITOR and in the NEXT months ending November. Innovation Center, said Bolick. EKF is writing off 41.4 million GBP (British pounds) or approximately $62 million for the Laboratory scientist Shawna Fulcher loads a sample onto a Selah Genomics PrecisionPath value of Selah, according to chip used in the genomic sequencer at the Alliance News. Greenville Health System’s ITOR lab. Bolick could not disclose the amount of the sale, but said it was of “nominal value.” If Selah Genomics profits, it will share 10 percent with EKF, he said. In January, the company is poised to launch new business health-focused assays that will complement corporate wellness programs, said Bolick. “These tests are helping business to work with their employees to improve their wellness instead of waiting until diseases like strokes or heart attacks occur,” he said. The tests can detect genetic clues to health conditions and how a weight loss program may be effective for certain people, he added.
upstatebusinessjournal.com
INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
Where the money went
$300M $250M $200M $150M $100M $50M
GREENVILLE
*This list is ranked by total investment $ figures
# Deals Announced: 0 $ Announced: $0 Jobs Announced: 0
OCONEE
s
Pi ck en
ille
ion
Ab be v
Un
d
ee
nw oo
ee
Gr
# Deals Announced: 8 $ Announced: $260,550,000 Jobs Announced: 1140 $ Unannounced: $202,817,360 Jobs Unannounced: 823
$ Unannounced: $99,900,000 Jobs Unannounced: 401
Total $: $0 Total Jobs: 0
# Deals Announced: 6 $ Announced: $53,350,000 Jobs Announced: 425
SPARTANBURG
# Deals Announced: 21 $ Announced: $289,835,000 Jobs Announced: 1678
PICKENS
ANDERSON
Total $: $114,400,000 Total Jobs: 475
LAURENS COUNTY ED DEALS
# Deals Announced: 3 $ Announced: $27,790,000 Jobs Announced: 175
545
Cobb-Vantress $22,000,000 13 Inteplast
$20,000,000 40
Mogul
$17,800,000 38
3S International
$15,000,000
120
Brawo USA
$8,000,000
30
RAI
$5,500,000 0
CB&I
$4,400,000 56
UTI Logistics
$0
Totals
$147,200,000 892
50
Total $: $27,790,000 Total Jobs: 175
# Deals Announced: 10 $ Announced: $147,200,000 Jobs Announced: 392 Total $: $147,200,000 Total Jobs: 392
SPARTANBURG COUNTY ED DEALS
Firm $ Jobs AstenJohnson $32,000,000 0
Total $: $58,200,000 Total Jobs: 235
UNION
LAURENS
# Deals Announced: 6 $ Announced: $114,400,000 Jobs Announced: 475
# Deals Announced: 2 $ Announced: $58,200,000 Jobs Announced: 235
Total $: $463,367,360 Total Jobs: 1963
Total $: $389,735,000 Total Jobs: 2079
Total $: $53,350,000 Total Jobs: 425
$22,500,000
Oc
er Ch
CHEROKEE
2015 ED DEALS BY COUNTY
ZF Transmissions
on
ok ee
n so de r
An
re La u
nv
g
ille
ns
$0
ee
*Upstate Business Journal sourced data directly from each county’s economic development organization for calendar year 2015, with the exception of Pickens and Cherokee counties, which could not be contacted for confirmed in time for publishing.
$350M
Gr
county Upstate region attracted just over $1.3 billion in capital investment commitments associated with nearly 6,000 new jobs. Projects ranged from the hundreds of millions – such as the $104.4 million Dollar Tree project between Spartanburg and Cherokee counties – to projects of just a few thousand dollars. The top three grossing counties by announced and unannounced investment dollars were Spartanburg, Greenville and Laurens counties re-
$400M
bu r
For calendar year 2015, the 10-
Unannounced
$450M
spectively, though top job creation counties were Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson counties respectively. Spartanburg, Greenville and Greenwood counties chose to disclose 2015 project commitments that were not formally announced by S.C. Department of Commerce.
ashley@communityjournals.com
Announced
$500M
Upstate pulls in $1.3B in investment in 2015 ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | 3
2015 ED DEALS IN $ BY COUNTY
tan
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Sp ar
01.01.2016
ABBEVILLE # Deals Announced: 3 $ Announced: $8,000,000 Jobs Announced: 98 Total $: $8,000,000 Total Jobs: 98
GREENWOOD # Deals Announced: 1 $ Announced: $500,000 Jobs Announced: 0 $ Unannounced: $44,360,000 Total $: $44,860,000 Total Jobs: 0 ED DEALS continued on PAGE 5
Firm Rite Aid Dollar Tree Kobelco Construction Machinery Draexlmaier Auriga Polymers Mairec Schaeffler Group NA King Automation Unannounced & Committed Total
$ Jobs $90,000,000 600 $52,200,000 200 $41,000,000 131 $35,000,000 94 $35,000,000 0 $4,600,000.00 35 $1,400,000 0 $1,350,000 80 $202,800,000 823 $463,400,000 1963
4 | THE RUNDOWN |
TOP-OF-MIND AND IN THE MIX THIS WEEK
UBJ
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01.01.2016
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 Featured this issue: 2015’s biggest economic development deals A beer garden for the Swamp Rabbit Trail Resolutions for a healthier workplace
3 9 14
MONEY SHOT: Boeing South Carolina marked a major milestone in December as the site’s 100th 787 Dreamliner rolled out of the North Charleston factory. The airplane now begins system checks, fueling and engine runs on the flight line. The 787-8 will be delivered to American Airlines next year.
WORTH REPEATING “When people say Spartanburg, they say George Dean Johnson. They say Roger Milliken. They say Jimmy Gibbs. They say Bill Barnett. Well, they’re ready to turn the guard over and they’re willing to turn the guard over.” Page 10 “Just like in a lot of communities, there are half a dozen people that sort of control the network, but we are now a community here in Spartanburg where you can lead without permission.” Page 10
TBA Word is Tin Lizzy’s Cantina and Taqueria is coming to Magnolia Park in 2016. The popular eatery has 10 restaurants in Georgia and a newly opened location in Columbia. The Megan Diez Salon will be relocating and expanding its services to the Stone+Main development downtown. Construction on the boutique Manhattan-style salon should start by March for a summer opening.
VERBATIM
On the New Year “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” Benjamin Franklin
01.01.2016
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | 5
ED DEALS continued from PAGE 3
GREENVILLE COUNTY ED DEALS Firm Mitsubishi Polyester Film Magna International Bausch & Lomb Cold Mountain Material Corp CH2M Pantex Americas, Inc. MarleyLily Cott Beverages Associated Packaging SYNNEX ScanSource Inc. Aran Packaging O’Neal Engineering Utility Partners Earth’s Creation USA Sutera USA, LLC JTEKT North America Kirchner Design, Inc. CareCam Health Systems WYNIT Distribution, LLC Unannounced Total
$ Jobs $100,000,000 0 $50,800,000 153 $30,000,000 36 $24,000,000 109 $11,000,000 50 $10,400,000 45 $10,000,000 69 $10,000,000 0 $8,700,000 125 $6,885,000 150 $6,000,000 100 $5,200,000 63 $5,000,000 60 $4,200,000 426 $2,850,000 44 $2,000,000 20 $1,750,000 27 $1,000,000 30 $50,000 60 N/A 111 $99,900,000 401 $389,735,000 2079
CLOSE MORE DEALS. Over 100,000 readers look to the UBJ every week to help them close more business.
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Strong local knowledge and talent National perspective and resources The Greenville office of Jackson Lewis is best known for its sophisticated employment litigation practice, its national ERISA practice, and its Fair Labor Standards Act work. We advise businesses on all aspects of employment law and regularly defend businesses in employment law disputes. To learn more about the services we offer in Greenville, please contact Office Managing Shareholder Stephanie Lewis at (864) 232-7000 or lewiss@jacksonlewis.com. With 800 attorneys practicing in major locations throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Jackson Lewis provides creative and strategic solutions to employers in every aspect of workplace law. Recognized as a “Powerhouse” in both Complex and Routine Employment Litigation in the BTI Litigation Outlook 2015 and ranked in the First Tier nationally in Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment in U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms,” our firm has one of the most active employment litigation practices in the world. To learn more about our services, please visit us at www.jacksonlewis.com.
JACKSON LEWIS P.C. 15 South Main Street • Suite 700 Greenville, SC 29601 • (864) 232-7000
6 | TRANSPORTATION |
UBJ
INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
GSP reports 3-year monthly passenger record for October, November ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF
aboncimino@communityjournals.com Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greer reported record highs for monthly passenger traffic for October and November this year, growing 8.7 percent to 186,344 passengers and 7.6 percent to 170,565 passengers year over year, respectively. October’s 15,000-passenger increase from the previous October is the largest reported monthly gain for the last two years, according to documents from the airport’s November commission meeting. “If this trend continues, GSP could see as much as a 2 percent overall increase in passenger traffic for the period ending Dec. 31, 2015,” said GSP Airport District President and CEO Dave Edwards. Year over year, monthly passenger traffic growth has been a mixed bag for GSP International Airport. Monthly passenger traffic dipped for the months of March, May and June compared to the same period the previous year. Compared with two years ago, passenger traffic dropped by 3.4 percent and 4.2 percent for February and March during 2015 for net losses of 4,200 and 6,300 passengers during that period.
The remaining eight months of recorded passenger traffic saw positive gains between 2014 and 2015, with October and November reporting the strongest year over year gains. October’s 8.7 percent monthly increase year over year is a recovery from a 3,000-passenger dip – or 1.6 percent – between 2013 and 2014. The nearly 15,000-passenger jump between October 2014 and October 2015 was the largest percentage gain recorded this year for GSP International Airport. For November, traffic grew by 12,000 monthly passengers compared with November 2014, a 7.6 percent increase from a year ago and an 11 percent increase from two years ago. Other high-increase months were July with an increase of 4 percent, or nearly 7,000 passengers, year over year, and September, with an increase of 3.7 percent, or 5,800 passengers. Annual passenger traffic grew 1.6 percent from 2013 to 2014, and annual growth could reach 2 percent if the same number of passengers traffic GSP International during December 2015 as one year before. Passenger growth for December fell 2.9 percent between 2013 and 2014, however, and totals for December will not be available until early 2016.
You need more ROI, NOI and EBITDA. And less OMG. This is what we do.
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01.01.2016
GSP PASSENGER TRAFFIC
2015
1-yr change
2-yr change
JAN 133,961
2.1%
5.7%
FEB 120,469
0.8%
-3.4%
MAR 146,714
-4.9%
-4.2%
APR 163,861
1.4%
6.5%
MAY 169,796
-2.6%
0.6%
JUNE 172,977
-0.3%
3.1%
JULY 178,967
4.0%
7.2%
AUG 171,614
2.8%
5.5%
SEPT 165,873
3.7%
6.4%
OCT 186,344
8.7%
7.0%
NOV 170,565
7.6%
11.0%
DEC N/A AVG 161,922
N/A 2.4%
N/A 4.1%
A.T. LOCKE has a team of experts ready to help with your financial or accounting needs. From personal finance to bookkeeping to reporting, we can provide valuable insight to help grow your business. We’re thorough, we’re timely, and we can help you avoid big surprises.
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01.01.2016
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF sjackson@communityjournals.com |
REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
@SJackson_CJ
Canada’s Alair Homes eyes Upstate expansion Canada-based homebuilding franchise Alair Homes has set its sights on South Carolina and the Upstate as part of a rapid expansion plan and one of its first key growth markets going into 2016. “South Carolina is a very highly targeted market for us,” said Rob Cecil, chief development officer for Alair. “There is a consistently strong presence of developers across the state.” Alair first began as a custom homebuilder in 2006 in British Columbia. Rapid growth propelled the company to open in a second Canadian market in Edmonton and then expand to 35 units across Canada in less than three years. As owner Blair McDaniel quickly learned, homebuilding practices really hadn’t changed in the past 100 years. He saw a niche that wasn’t being filled with scalability and back-office processes in the industry, especially in the custom homebuilding, home renovation and remodeling markets. “That’s when we realized that this company had ‘wheels to be more,’ using the systems and processes that we had fine-tuned,” said Adam McCaa, Alair’s chief communications officer. “At first we didn’t think we would ever franchise, as there aren’t a lot of franchises in this industry, but it was the only way to scale,” he said. OUTSOURCING THE BACK OFFICE It doesn’t matter how much work a contractor has – marketing, accounting and operations activities all still have to be done, said McCaa. “When you look at the industry, it’s very cyclical and hard to thrive and dominate in a market. That’s we you see so much turnover. It’s the biggest obstacle and challenge that contractors have.” Alair offers contractors the ability to outsource the back-office functions, providing website, software, accounting and other systems on a pay-onlywhen-needed support model to “let them focus on what they do well.” “Overwhelmingly we hear that the entire back-end accounting is massive,” said Cecil. “As business continues to grow, risk continues to grow. Then, the overhead has gotten
so big, it’s out of control. We take that risk right off and offer the ability to plug into a premium brand with CFOs, controllers, clerks and others at their disposal 24/7. Our units make more paying royalties than other companies make not paying them and doing it themselves.” The homebuilding franchise also focuses heavily on transparency and offers a client control system which gives homeowners online access to real-time information such as scheduling, progress pricing and even disclosure of mark-up costs. SEEKING A REGIONAL PARTNER Alair currently has 69 franchisees, or “units.” The company has a master franchise/regional partner model. For example, South Carolina would be a master franchise and then individual units within the state can be assigned under the master franchisor. In South Carolina, Alair is looking for a regional partner first, which could then bring on single unit partners. Most of Alair’s “units” are conversions of successful contractors in an area. “We take a business that’s successful and make it more successful,” said McCaa. Most single-unit levels are conversions of remodeling contractors wanting to expand and break into custom homebuilding. Arizona was Alair’s first U.S. market launched in 2015. Cecil said the company wanted to make sure all systems and processes would transfer seamlessly into the U.S. market before rolling out nationwide. Another franchise recently came online in Ohio, and Alair expects to have 10-15 new regional partners in 2016. For more information, visit alairfranchise.com.
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8 | SQUARE FEET |
UBJ
REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF
sjackson@communityjournals.com |
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01.01.2016
@SJackson_CJ
7 new cottages coming to Village of West Greenville As the Village of West Greenville continues its renaissance, new housing options are continuing to crop up. The latest? Seven new cottages on Burdette Street. Priced from the mid-$200,000s, Burdette Street Cottages will feature a two-story floor plan with different exterior options and include three bedrooms and 2.5 baths in approximately 1,600 square feet of living space. Hardwood floors, granite countertops and fireplaces are all standard. A rear detached garage/workshop will be available as well. “I love the Village for a lot of reasons – walkability, vibe, the arts, to name a few,” said developer Drew Parker of the Parker Group. “When I look at new projects, one of the most important questions I always ask myself is, ‘Would I like to live here?’ The answer in this case is yes.” Reservations are now being taken. Construction will begin as each home is sold; the first is expected to begin April 2016. The Parker Group is also handling the sales of M West, an 18-townhome development at South Main SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 37
BURDETTE STREET COTTAGES PROJECT PARTNERS BUILDER: J. Francis Builders
DEVELOPER: Parker Group
Street on the former Blandin’s auto-detailing property already under construction. Phase 2 construction began last week, and the market has shown “strong interest” in the future phase 3, said Parker. Another six-townhome project, West Park and SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 38
The Small Business Issue
ARCHITECT: Thomas Croft
Townes, will also be underway soon. One unit is currently under contract and construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2016. For more information on all three projects, contact theparkercompanyre.com.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 39
PLUS SMALL BU : SIN TOOLBOX ESS
DREAMING BIG WHILE
STARTING SMALL Networking on the course isn’t just an old boys’ club anymore - pg. 7
NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 46
DECEMBER 18, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 51
suiting up
CRATE expectations
FOR THE RECORDS
Zach Etkind’s Suiseys—half-suits, half-jerseys—are making major play for Upstate college sports fans - pg 14
After 40 years, Horizon Records stays in the groove as a Greenville institution
After two years, has Greer’s Inland Port lived up to its initial projections? - pg. 2
From online consignment shops to your next favorite family game, small businesses are making a huge impact in the Upstate
THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS, READERS, CONTRIBUTORS & COMMUNITY FOR ANOTHER BANNER YEAR.
THE PROOF IS IN OUR PAGES. OCTOBER 9, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 41
OCTOBER 16, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 42
OCTOBER 23, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 43
NOVEMBER 20, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 47
COMPLIMENTARY
NOVEMBER 27, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 48
COMPLIMENTARY
IN IT WITH
BIG FISH,
LITTLE FISH Despite national trends, Upstate community banks are thriving – and competing – in an increasingly crowded pond pg 5
WOMEN’S WORK For more than 50 years, Barbara League has led the way for Upstate women in manufacturing — and the next generation is on its way up pg 14
A WHOLE NEW CLEMSON For more than $469 million, the school transforms with its largest campus renovation project in 50 years - pg 12
What does Greenville’s newest tenant mean for downtown development? - pg 12 Pete Richichi, COO of WYNIT Distribution, at the ONE building in downtown Greenville
DIG IN The Upstate puts its eating pants on, ready for an ever-expanding food and restaurant scene
APRIL A. MORRIS | STAFF amorris@communityjournals.com |
@ashleyboncimino
Downtown Greenville may have
encourage people with dogs to come,” he said. “It’s going to be really neat for Greenville.” A public hearing for the special exception permit is scheduled before the City of Greenville’s Board of Zoning Appeals at 4 p.m. on Jan. 14.
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29601
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864.561.4031
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info@parkplaceonhudson.com
www.parkplaceonhudson.com
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ville-based JHM Hotels; and a 750space parking garage. The apartment complex developer, which has other local projects, is expected to be made public early next year, according to a Centennial representative. Construction is slated to begin in early 2016, with completion of the first building set for 2017 and the entire project in 2018.
Osc
WB
a German-style beer garden located alongside the Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail in 2016. HKV LLC has applied for a special exception permit to establish a beer garden at 1 Riley St. at the corner of Westfield Street. Partner Frank Krimmel said the 3,500-square-foot site would have a 1,200-square-foot serving area and capacity for approximately 144 people. The focus will be on German imported beers, but would also potentially feature local brews, he said. The property is currently zoned office development and the establishment would serve beer and wine, but no liquor. Krimmel estimates the business to open in the first or second quarter of 2016. The beer garden would be for families, too, said Krimmel. “We encourage people with kids to come and
em
surged
ahead for the future Camperdown project – the current Greenville News site – as Greenville-based developer Centennial American Properties closed the sale of the 4-acre site for a price of $13.25 million, the company confirmed this week. Centennial bought the site from Gannett Co. Inc. with plans for a four-building development and parking garage at 305 S. Main St., located directly across from the Peace Center. The project will include a 240-unit apartment complex; a 12-story building with 125,000 square feet of office space and 18 luxury condos by Centennial; a 150-room AC Hotel by Green-
Greenville, SC
Plans
German beer garden could come to Swamp Rabbit Trail
cad
Camperdown development site sold for $13.25M
@amorris_CJ
ld St
ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF aboncimino@communityjournals.com |
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REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
West fie
upstatebusinessjournal.com
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104 S. Hudson Street
01.01.2016
t
xperience in old Greenville. ience in Greenville’s coveted West End District? A place at once steeped in the
thoroughly forward-thinking in its conception and vision for the future. A place
s storied downtown setting, and also points the way to a dynamic, one-of-kind-
best of both worlds: a rich heritage and a modern living experience, all bound
igned, original townhomes.
A new living experience in old Greenville. GRANITE COUNTERTOPS | HARDWOOD FLOORS | GARAGE PARKING NEARBY PARKS & RECREATION | OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE | KROC CENTER MEMBERSHIP
www.parkplaceonhudson.com 104 S. Hudson Street | Greenville, SC | 29601 864.561.4031 | info@parkplaceonhudson.com
What if there was a vibrant, new living experience in Greenville’s coveted West End District? A place at once steeped in the history and charm of old Greenville, and yet thoroughly forward-thinking its conception and vision for the future. A place that celebrates all that has come before in this storied downtown setting, and also points the way to a dynamic, one-of-a-kind-lifestyle that’s altogether unique. This is the best of both worlds: a rich heritage and a modern living experience, all bound together by a collection of 24 thoughtfully designed, original townhomes.
Renderings and Plans presented are illustrative and shall be used for general information purposes only. Actual layout, room dimensions, window sizes and locations and steps to grade vary per plan and are subject to modification without notice.
UBJ
Allen Smith and Todd Horne, the Chamber’s new leaders, have their eyes on millennial momentum Read the conversation on page 10
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12.25.2015
01.01.2016
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COVER | 11
upstatebusinessjournal.com
“THERE’S ONLY ONE SPARTANBURG. WE HAVE SUCH A UNIQUE IDENTITY. WE’RE EDGY. WE’RE ARTSY. WE’RE FUNKY.” - ALLEN SMITH
“NOBODY ELSE ACROSS THE STATE IS GIVING TWO YOUNG GUYS THE CHANCE TO DO THIS.” - TODD HORNE
12 | COVER ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF
aboncimino@communityjournals.com Long is the list of names that built Spartanburg, and that list is set to grow as a new generation of leaders begins to make its mark. For the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, the changing of the guard is none more apparent than its 34-year-old President and CEO Allen Smith, and its 33-year-old Board of Directors chair-elect Todd Horne. They’re not alone, as nearly half of the Chamber’s 2016 executive board are under 40, and the pair’s plans for the county and city rely heavily on harnessing the energy and momentum from its growing millennial base.
UBJ ON THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF SPARTANBURG SMITH: I was at the Chamber of Commerce in Greer and had no intentions of leaving. If you’ve been to a lot of manufacturing operations, and when you’re in the parking lot of one of those places, you can hear a hum. You can hear a hum of activity that’s going on in that building. From Greer, I could hear and sense and feel a hum coming from Spartanburg. It’s palpable. When I was approached about applying, that’s when I realized it wasn’t a hum, it was a scream. That’s the momentum this community has. HORNE: In 2001, I graduated high school. I’m from Greenville [S.C.] originally, and I came over here to USC Upstate with plans to transfer to Columbia after my freshman year. I haven’t left Spartanburg since. That was 14 years ago. During Leadership Spartan-
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01.01.2016
burg, Lewis White asked me to be a part of the Spartanburg Young Professionals board, and fast-forward a year later, Lewis decides to go to Aiken with his fiancé and asked me to serve as board chairman. That led to the opportunity at the chamber with Sue Schneider, who wanted some young leadership on the board at the Chamber, and she asked me to serve on that board as well as the executive board.
ON THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD HORNE: A lot of these leaders have been here for a long time. When people say Spartanburg, they say George Dean Johnson. They say Roger Milliken. They say Jimmy Gibbs. They say Bill Barnet. Well, they’re ready to turn the guard over and they’re willing to turn the guard over. That is where, when Allen says we have their support, we meet with them reg- >>
Photos by Carol Stewart
TODD HORNE Age: 33 Hometown: Greenville, S.C. Position: Chairman, Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Firm: VP of business development, Clayton Construction Education: USC Upstate
ALLEN SMITH Age: 34 Hometown: Greenville, N.C. Position: President & CEO, Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce Previous: President & CEO, Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce Education: East Carolina University
01.01.2016
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COVER | 13
upstatebusinessjournal.com
>> ularly. The two of us are sitting down with them and communicating what we’re doing and we have nothing but their full support. SMITH: There is a vacuum coming. When you look at the names that are most synonymous with Spartanburg, they’re not young, but this community has done a really good job of recognizing that and backfilling. We’re examples of that. The average age of somebody running a chamber, of being the chair of a chamber, is 60-something. If you add both of our ages together, that’s what you get.
ON THE GOOD-OLD-BOY NETWORK SMITH: To steal somebody else’s quote, this is no longer a community where you have to lead by permission. Just like in a lot of communities, there are half a dozen people that sort of control the network, but we are now a community here in Spartanburg where you can lead without permission. If you’re young, and you’ve got a good idea, and you’re willing to roll your sleeves up and not talk but act, you’ll be embraced here. [Horne is] an example of that. He’s not from here. I’m an example of that. I’m not from here. And we’ve had nothing but support from the people that perception would say are holding Spartanburg back. The old stories about Spartanburg and the people that tell them are fading. HORNE: The difference between a Greenville and a Spartanburg, or a Spartanburg and anywhere else, is you can come here as a millennial and you can have an opportunity to be part of the change. You can have an opportunity to lead. If you are a doer, and you will come in and do things in the community and be a part of the momentum that is taking place right now, the community will embrace that. You can’t do that in other communities at our age. The two of us raised, in 30 business days, $163,500 to fund a community vision plan. We got zero “nos.” The community supports us. My daddy’s a Methodist pastor from Saluda, S.C. This guy’s from Greenville, N.C. But we’ve come to this town and we’ve decided we want to be a part of what’s happening. We want to be a part of the change. We want to be part of the momentum.
ON PERCEPTIONS SMITH: Do you know all the cultural amenities that exist within half a mile of where we sit? People have no clue, and we have to do a better job messaging that. We’re in a region that undoubtedly there is a city that is the best at it. The best. And we’ve got to do a good job not in competition with but in concert with our neighbors and people in the region and talking about the Upstate and Spartanburg. The communities that are winning right now are the communities that have cracked that nut. By any economic measure, you show me a community that is successful and I’ll show you a community that is successful in recruiting the 25-to-40-yearold demographic. HORNE: Perception is reality. You have to market yourself in the right way. Everything is relationship-based over here. There’s not a guard up, and people in Spartanburg are not closed to doing business with people outside of Spartanburg; it’s just relation-
ship-driven over here. We’re still a small town in a lot of ways, and that’s how we treat ourselves.
ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SMITH: Obviously our bread and butter is manufacturing. We don’t want to undermine that, we only want to strengthen it, but we do also have an opportunity to diversify the base a little bit. A lot of people say we would love to get in the business of recruiting higher-wage jobs, but in order to do that we have to have the education system to backfill them. We have seven colleges in Spartanburg. We have the resources here to provide the intellectual capital necessary to meet the demand for professional service, higher wage jobs. HORNE: If you look at where we are right now, and you said, “Hey, let’s go get dinner at Cribb’s,” you’d be like “OK, let’s get in our cars and go drive down.” The connectivity piece is that [Montgomery Building] right there, it’s the connecting piece between the Marriott and downtown, it’s the connecting piece between the Chapman Cultural Center and the center of downtown. I would spend a billion dollars tearing that thing down and investing in connectivity for downtown.
“YOU SHOW ME A COMMUNITY THAT IS SUCCESSFUL AND I’LL SHOW YOU A COMMUNITY THAT IS SUCCESSFUL IN RECRUITING THE 25-TO-40YEAR-OLD DEMOGRAPHIC.” - ALLEN SMITH ON CHALLENGES SMITH: For me, the statistic I worry a lot about is per capita income. I mean, South Carolina in general has got to think about that. SCEDA has placed on their legislative agenda this coming session the need for our elected officials to have incentives ready for professional services and white-collar opportunities in South Carolina, because we realize we’ve got to move the needle on per capita income. The WYNIT announcement in Greenville was such a great announcement because if as a state we’re going to move that per capita income number up, more announcements that we get like that, the better off we’ll be. HORNE: The one thing that keeps me up at night is the fact that so many people work here but don’t live here. I would say of our office staff, maybe 15 percent lives and works in Spartanburg. But the demand has to be there. People aren’t going to come build spec homes in Spartanburg until the demand begins. In Greenville, it’s a no-brainer.
ON THE SPARTANBURG IDENTITY HORNE: You have to have a strong city to make a strong county. You have to. Look at what Greenville’s done. Think about it. If you live in Simpsonville, where do you say you live? You say you live in Greenville. If
you live in TR, where do you say you live? Greenville. If you live in Boiling Springs, where do you live? Right now, you say you live in Boiling Springs. If you live in Woodruff, people say you live in Woodruff. If you live in Duncan, you say you live in Duncan. It’s about time those people start saying they live in Spartanburg. That all comes back to, are they coming down here, and are they taking pride in what the city is developing? The push towards redevelopment and urban redevelopment are so big right now. SMITH: For any community, if a major operation is looking to come to a community and they ask about quality of life, [Greenville Area Development Corporation President Mark] Farris is going to put them in a car and drive them to downtown Greenville, right? Downtown has to be a priority of ours, too, which is why what we’re about to embark on in February is so critically important. We can’t be a mile wide and an inch deep, and this will help narrow our focus. There’s only one Spartanburg. We have such a unique identity. We’re edgy. We’re artsy. We’re funky. We’re dirty. There are not a lot of places here that are cosmetically pleasing. We get that. There’s so much work to do, but the potential is what wakes me up every single day.
ON CHANGES IN THE LAST DECADE HORNE: I don’t think they saw the need [for change 10 years ago]. I think 10 years ago, Spartanburg was in a position of comfort. There was this sense of, they were happy with where they were. That was ’05. Nothing was happening downtown. I feel like there’s a change in the guard, and the thing is it’s all about timing. And across the state, there’s nobody else that’s doing this. Nobody else across the state is giving two young guys the chance to do this. SMITH: I’ve only been here three years and I’m not the ultimate authority on what could have happened… but today I can speak to what Spartanburg will allow, and what Spartanburg will be like 10 years from now based on the conversations we’re having now. I think both of us are blessed to be in a community that allows a 34- and a 33-year-old to not only have those conversations, but lead those conversations.
ON THE NEXT FIVE YEARS HORNE: I always go to two quotes. The first is from Abraham Lincoln saying, “The best way to predict the future is to create it yourself,” and the next one is a Rocky Balboa quote, “It’s not about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and take it and keep moving forward.” Spartanburg has taken a lot of hits in the past and yet we’re continuing to move forward. I think it’s all about momentum. SMITH: Spartanburg in a lot of ways is what everybody wants to be. People are going to read that and think, “That guy is crazy.” But we’re leading economic development, by the numbers. Everybody wants to lead in health care. We are. Everybody wants to lead in education. We are. We’re trending towards and we’re building towards that.
14 | WORKING WELL |
UBJ
GOOD HEALTH IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS
|
01.01.2016
4 New Year’s resolutions for a healthier workplace By CHANCEN BLACKWOOD Wellness coordinator, ScanSource
We’ve all been there: It’s January and we are ready to kick-start the New Year with “This will be the year of the new me, a leaner, smaller and more active version of myself!” The enthusiasm and drive might last through mid-January, but the five-day-a-week training sessions start getting shorter. Then they turn into three-day-a-week training sessions, and finally you are making excuses about how you will get back on track next Monday. Our job as wellness professionals is to provide our employees with the tools they need to extend their enthusiasm and to encourage them to stick with their resolutions all year long. The New Year is our time to take full advantage of a driven population. How can we do this? How can we provide our employees with the motivation to make smart and achievable resolu-
tions? Here are four easy guidelines that can help your team develop sustainable wellness-driven resolutions. 1. Start small – Small achievable goals are not only rewarding when achieved, but they can be stepping stones to bigger goals. Know full-heartedly Rome was not built in a day! 2. One step at a time – Don’t try to stop all bad habits at once. Start the first of the year by kicking one bad habit at a time! For example, if you eat out each workday for lunch and have a soda with each meal, start by eliminating the soda consumption and then try to bring a healthy lunch from home more often. This will help eliminate extra sugars in your diet and in return will have a direct impact on your caloric value each day (not to mention saving a little cash!). 3. Run in a pack – Surround yourself with like-minded individuals
and continue to support one another for small daily victories. Have fun challenges between cube mates. For example, have a “junk jar” around your office, and each time a person has a high caloric snack (candy/ pastries/cake/etc.), they must put a dollar into the “junk jar.” At the end of the challenge, take that money and give it to charity. This will help you think twice about having that slice of cake or cookie your co-worker brought in. 4. Never give up – One failure or one bad weekend of indulging does not have to be the end of your resolution. What happened, happened and there is nothing you can do about it. Continue to hit the reset button and push yourself to get better each week. These are just a few key factors to take into consideration when setting and supporting New Year’s resolutions. Each one is a positive step toward ensuring this year’s resolutions last throughout the year.
For more information on healthy workplace initiatives, visit LiveWell at Work at bit.ly/ live-well-at-work.
Results Matter Townes Johnson focuses his practice on construction law, commercial and civil litigation, corporate law and creditor’s rights matters. The construction law team at Roe Cassidy has experience representing clients throughout the construction process on commercial, residential, private and government projects from the bidding/contract negotiation stage to project completion and beyond. We pride ourselves on being effective litigators and advisors on contract claims, mechanics’ lien claims, construction defect claims, design defect claims, payment or performance bond claims, and all other forms of payment, performance or delay claims. When results matter, count on Roe Cassidy.
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01.01.2016
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MOVERS, SHAKERS AND DISRUP TORS SHAPING OUR FUTURE
upstatebusinessjournal.com
| INNOVATE | 15
Marketing’s new secret ingredient: purpose By BRENT WARWICK Partner, ipsoCreative
While the methods of branding and marketing have changed significantly in our new age of online exploration, the overall goal remains the same: Tell your organization’s story in a way that compels others to act in response. The increasing challenge, however, is how to set one’s brand apart amid ever-mounting piles of content clutter. Now, more than ever, a brand’s purpose is its key differentiator. Once upon a time, the boundaries of your brand’s presence were marked by media gatekeepers: print directories, newspapers, TV stations, trade show organizers, etc. Nowadays, everyone has access to the Web and its primary outlets for brand presence: websites, YouTube and various social media platforms. This has resulted in a leveling of the playing field for most everyone. So, while it was once difficult for brands, especially smaller ones, to gain access to the field, the field is now so crowded that it’s difficult for a brand to be heard above the din of marketing white noise. Consumers, as they always have been, are drawn to the thing that seems apart. Different. Intriguing. Potentially worthwhile. Enter the new secret ingredient: Purpose. purpose |'pərpəs| noun the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists Purpose begins internally. Otherwise, it’s not an actual purpose – it’s just window dressing that upon entering, the audience is disappointed through experiencing a lack of fulfillment with the brand engagement. And if purpose is not obvious, then it’s time to go back and internally reassess it before external marketing efforts diminish the first impression with your target audience. It should also be noted that purpose is one aspect of the broader organizational culture, but it may
very well be the one aspect that all other cultural elements rest upon. It must, therefore, be authentic, wound in the double helix of an organization’s essence. Typically, and historically, organizations (particularly businesses) haven’t thought in these terms. More often, vision and mission statements are considered to be the substance behind a brand. However, those two statements really only speak to a deeper understanding of the “what,” not the “why.” Purpose, on the other hand, is the expression of a cascade of “whys.” Any practitioner of lean methodology and Six Sigma will tell you that at the core of root cause analysis exists “the five whys.” Below the surface problem lies a reason why. Below that is another reason why, and so on. A brand’s purpose is derived using a similar methodology of examination. For example: Why does our audience (or The new Web-literate audience is bombarded by potential audience) engage with us? Why content clutter and digital space junk. The way to does our brand’s people, product or speak to them is not with more noise in an process matter to them? Why does our attempt to grab their attention. brand’s people, product or process matter more than what others offer? Why does it matter to us that we provide what we to one’s work in the service of others, which builds provide? Finally, why does our brand one’s sense of vocation, which enhances interperultimately exist? This is far deeper and more signifsonal interactions, which cultivates culture, and icant than a typical mission and vision statement, which ultimately elevates the brand. Notice that and as such it resonates with humans on a deeper purpose’s authentic point of origin is others-centric. emotional level as well. And it’s not just a marketing tool, because the Along these lines, purpose reaches its zenith in question of why can’t be answered with sincerity the service of others. Brands that the audience without a reference point that anchors its integrity feels truly exist to serve its needs are set apart and credibility. in its awareness from those that it views as inauThe new Web-literate audience is bombarded by thentic facsimiles. If a brand is a myriad of touch content clutter and digital space junk. The way to points with an organization, its people, its products speak to them is not with more noise in an attempt and/or its processes, then the one common denomto grab their attention. Ironically, a clear and simple inator among all of them is the audience member. presentation of your brand’s purpose will do just And as such, purpose is fulfilled in that audience fine. Purpose has always mattered. It just matters member’s service. more now, while its rarity is being highlighted by From an internal perspective, an organization’s superfluous online noise. authentic, stated purpose increasingly gives weight
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16 | FORWARD |
WHAT ’S NEXT FOR THE UPSTATE, AND HOW WE’LL GET THERE
UBJ
|
01.01.2016
What’s Greenville’s pitch? And that leads to a question: Does By JOHN BOYANOSKI Greenville have a President, Complete Public Relations clear identity? Going back in Every business needs an elevator time, Greenville was known as the pitch – that short, to-the-point, “Textile Capital of the World.” It may rock-solid and insightful 100 or so not have been true, but that words that explain what the company was the identity. When I moved here does and why it is important. Creating in 2000, the phrase was “Detroit of a good one is not as easy as it should the South” because of BMW, Michelin seem, and often takes a lot of refining. and the hope that more and more So, if a business needs an elevator big wheels of the auto industry would pitch, why not a business community? come. I also heard we had more Which begs the question: What is engineers per capita than anyplace Greenville’s business pitch as we head else in the world. So when I travelled into 2016? What is that identity that north, back to the places my family sets us apart from other places when called home, I could explain to it comes to doing business? them exactly where I lived and why it The reason this comes up now is was important. because I was part of a group of But what is our identity now? When 80-plus business leaders who attendwe explain Greenville to outsiders, ed the Greenville Chamber’s trip to what is the pitch? Austin in November. We went there Well, hey, you say, we don’t need no to see what that city is doing to lure stinkin’ pitches because everything is talent, jobs and all of those little things cruising along just fine. We have that our economic engines love. While downtown Greenville and we just saw we saw a lot of successes and heard National Geographic highlight how about solutions on a lot of the same awesome we are. That comes on top issues that Greenville also faces (think: of numerous stories in numerous infrastructure, affordable housing, outlets. Ben Stein loves us. We win entrepreneurs, etc.), one of the interawards for downtown. People come esting takeaways was identity. here to see what we are doing right. Austin has been hailed as “the Music That is where “Yeah, that Greenville” Capital of the World” and “Weird.” But comes from – a great tagline, sure, but our group saw and learned that those it is a tourism tagline. It says what we monikers may not seem all they are, but not really who we are. Greenappear. The music scene is struggling ville needs more than a tagline. We in Austin. The weird really wasn’t actually need an elevator pitch. What there. But the identity for Austin is can we say that makes us different rock-solid, which is why we went. from other communities across the
NEW TO THE STREET
Open for business Hardee’s recently opened at 3 Pelham Road, Greenville. For more information, visit hardees.com.
CONTRIBUTE: Know of a business opening soon? Email information to bjeffers@communityjournals.com.
What can we say that makes us different from other communities across the nation, that is immediately recognizable and will draw people here to experience and help our growth?
nation, that is immediately recognizable and will draw people here to experience and help our growth? That is what can set us apart. This pitch is not about parks and weather and smiling faces. Everyone does that. Greenville is unique and our pitch needs to show that uniqueness. What can that be? Is that becoming the Beer Capital of the South? The Transportation Hub of the Future?
The Home of the Laser? The Cycling Capital of America? America’s Art City? America’s Downtown? Home of America’s Best Downtowns? The plural for “downtowns” in that previous sentence is not a typo. Greenville County has some amazing downtowns right now that are just humming along. The pitch possibilities are all there – now we have to find them.
01.01.2016
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
$4.9B Duke-Piedmont deal gets FTC approval Consumer protection agency the Federal Trade Commission approved Duke Energy’s proposed $4.9 billion acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas, clearing a key antitrust hurdle on the road to finalizing the deal. Regulators granted early termination of the 30-day waiting period for approval under the Hart-Rodino Scott Act, according to a Piedmont Natural Gas news release. The FTC approval means the two companies need only the approval of Piedmont Natural Gas shareholders along with the approval of the North Carolina Utilities Commission in order to close the deal. The companies are also providing information regarding the purchase to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina and the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. Based in Charlotte, Duke Energy is the largest electric power company in the U.S., and serves 7.3 million electric customers across six states. Piedmont Natural Gas serves residential, commercial, industrial and power-generation utility customers in parts of North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Former Faurecia manufacturing plant in Spartanburg sold for $3.5M Global automotive manufacturer and BMW supplier Faurecia sold its previous Spartanburg manufacturing facility for $3.5 million to real estate investment company Reger holdings LLC, according to a news release by Colliers International. Faurecia announced plans to close the 133,240-square-foot plant in June 2014 as part of a plan to restructure its manufacturing resources, and said it would continue operating its Fountain Inn facility. The Spartanburg site at 261 New Cut Road will be added to Reger Holdings’ Carolina Industrial Properties portfolio. Reger Holdings’ portfolio contains more than 4 million square feet over 30 buildings across 13 South Carolina counties. The company has leased more than 2 million square feet of industrial space to 32 companies that employ 650 workers. Colliers International’s industrial specialists represented the seller, Faurecia Emissions Control Technoogies LLC, and the purchaser Reger Holdings.
BUSINESS BRIEFS YOU CAN’ T MISS
| THE FINE PRINT | 17
TOP FIVE DESTINATIONS FOR INBOUND MOVES State Outbound Inbound
Net Change
2014 Rank
2015 Rank
Rank Change
TX
4,394 6,952 2,558 1
1
-
FL
3,903 5,514 1,611 2
2
-
AZ 1,364 2,259 895 3
3
-
OR
677 1,132 455 7
4
3
SC 1,322 1,634 312 4
5
(1)
Source: Allied Van Lines Magnet States Report
from this year’s annual Allied Van Lines Magnet States Report. Allied Van Lines calculates rankings by the difference in inbound moves and outbound moves performed by the company. Allied recorded 1,322 outbound and 1,634 inbound moves for South Carolina. The state’s net 312 moves ranked it behind Oregon (+455), Arizona (+895), Florida (+1,611) and Texas (+2,558). Last year, Allied reported net 501 moves for South Carolina, behind Arizona (+732), Florida (+1,751) and Texas (+1,973). Texas has taken the top spot in the Allied report for the last 11 years. Top outbound states included Virginia (-1,343), Illinois (-1,240), Pennsylvania (-949), New York (-814) and New Jersey (-775).
Regional Management sells $112M of existing charged-off loan portfolio Greenville-based consumer finance lender Regional Management Corp. announced closing the sale of $112 million of its existing charged-off loan portfolio. Pre-tax proceeds from the sale, net of commission and other expenses came to $1.7 million, and will be represented as a reduction of the company’s provision for credit losses on its Q4 2015 income statement. The company announced intentions to market $100 million of existing and forward-flow charged-off loan portfolio in October, which was advertised to represent an aggregate balance of $102.1 million across 79,810 accounts with an average balance of $1,280, according to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Regional Management operates across South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Georgia.
HBA announces new president, board
S.C. slips as top destination for movers South Carolina ranked as one of the top five destinations for inbound moves in 2015, but slipped from fourth to fifth according to internal migration data
The Home Builders Association of Greenville has elected its new president and board of directors. Joe Hoover, APB, of Hoover Custom Construction, was elected at the association’s annual meeting this month and will take office on Jan. 1, 2016. Bob Barreto of GBS Building Supply will serve as president elect. James Speer, APB, of Carson Speer Builders was elected vice president. New board of directors members include Ben Moseley, Alan Wilson, Matt Shouse, Matt Ruth, Thomas Dillard and Bill Kane. Jon Statom, Susan Peace-Vernon, Chuck Childress and Scott Warren will continue on the board of directors.
18 | #TRENDING |
INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW
UBJ
OVERHEARD @ THE WATERCOOLER
> Colleen Meister Christian “TRAFFIC NIGHTMARE NOW! Not one condo or apartment in the proposed Northpointe or North +Main developments are occupied. Inner city sprawl = tax collector greed, with no infrastructure support. Typical Greenville lack of forethought!” > Lauren Thorne Maxwell “Between this and 2 Chefs moving to N. Main, our neighborhood will be hoppin’.” > Mg Macauley McGowen “YES! I have missed Harris Teeter for YEARS! Greenville definitely needs more grocery store brands. J” > Leslie Ann Hoyt “Harris Teeter hasn’t made it the last few times it’s been here... Here’s hoping it thrives this time! As an off-Stone Ave. Historic District dweller, I don’t know whether to be thrilled about this or petrified, lol!!” > Elizabeth Hotaling Cline “Wow, 2 downtown locations! Also, hooray for finally fixing the Wade Hampton / Stone intersection!” > CD upstatebusinessjournal.com “Would love to see as many safe biking routes, crosswalks and walkways to help connect all areas within a mile of this new development. It looks like the plans include safe connections from Stone, hopefully plans will also connect Wade Hampton, on both sides, safely with sidewalks, crosswalks and bike paths. There are many adjacent neighborhoods within walking/ biking distance to be considered for connectivity.” > P. Glaser upstatebusinessjournal.com “My greatest concerns are those of increased traffic volume and noise, especially during late & early hours The questions I’ll be asking to have addressed at the Jan. 21 Planning Commission mtg will include those about noise abatement, backing up the “walkable community hub” with more detail about crossings and sidewalk improvement, and the plans to regulate traffic flow up& down E. Earle St., which based on the map posted on the UBJ would be an ideal “shortcut” to the HT for drivers from North Main.”
DECEMBER 25, 2015
had people talking and A look back at the news that
| VOL. 4 ISSUE 52
business moving in 2015
12 MONTHS, 10 STORIES
DIGITAL FLIPBOOK ARCHIVE >>
bility lated’ to capital availa Proterra HQ move ‘unre Greenville’s CertusBank b’ bom time ing could call a halt winds down with ‘tick capacity Limits on sewer growth deposits, loans, to Greenville’s rapid nd? branches sales 2020 and beyo I-185 into a collaborative health
Hot Growth Economist: Volvo more
along IMED’s vision: Transform property Upstate innovation corridor in the care, life science and biomedical
Upstate Greenville and the d growth in had unprecedente is looking 2015, and 2016 to be just as busy.
impact much than $500M
Bank er with Palmetto United closes merg it In it withionWyn Michelin COO WYNIT Distribut Nextstructure,3.0 toward looks Richichi to Pete expansion moves out company With a streamlined the future of his with MIT and e downtown and collaborations l development of Anderson in downtown Greenvill Michelin, the entrepreneuria its next phase organization prepares to
01.01.2016
BIZ BUZZ
Distilled commentary from UBJ readers
RE: HARRIS TEETER COMING TO NORTHPOINTE PROJECT ON STONE AVENUE
|
enter
The layout of print meets the convenience of the web: flip through the digital edition of any of our print issues at >> upstatebusinessjournal. com/past-issues
>> WEIGH IN @ THE UBJ EXCHANGE Got something to offer? Get it off your chest. We’re looking for expert guest bloggers from all industries to contribute to the UBJ Exchange. Send posts or blog ideas to eprice@communityjournals.com. > Amy Hackney Blackwell upstatebusinessjournal.com “Oh, man, how are we North Main residents going to get to and from Laurens Road and I-385? It’s already super slow at rush hour. Are we going to be completely stranded? I realize high-end mixed-use dense development is the way of the future – I’m just worried that this is going to be a serious detriment to our quality of life. Crossing my fingers that instead it’s awesome! (And the construction will happen concurrently with the redo of I-85 - Woodruff Road – it just doesn’t get better than that.)” > BH upstatebusinessjournal.com “It is difficult to tell by the rendering, but hopefully there are plans to widen Stone Ave. in order to accommodate a median for people turning left into this development (or any other businesses along Stone for that matter)? Being a N. Main resident I am looking forward to the conveniences that Main + Stone and Northpointe are going to bring, but I am dreading the additional traffic to an already congested corridor.” > Ms. E Smith upstatebusinessjournal.com “It’s also an island for pedestrians to get to. Perhaps under- or overpasses for access from both sidewalks (north and south sides) of Stone, and the west side of Wade Hampton for the neighborhood people... Both Stone and Wade Hampton are speedways through there... esp. at rush hour!” > @brantlyvest “Teet subs > Publix.”
The top 5 stories from last week’s issue ranked by shareability score
>> 1,491
1. Harris Teeter coming to Northpointe project on Stone Avenue
>> 306
2. Upstate Craft Beer Co. launches U-Brew in former Claussen Bakery space
>> 219 3. Sky’s the limit for CU-ICAR
>> 93 4. Selah Genomics buys company back from British firm
>> 57 5. Greenville startup Constructis plugs for kinetic roadways
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01.01.2016
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upstatebusinessjournal.com
DATE Tuesday
1/5
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1/13 Wednesday
1/20 Friday
1/22
| PLANNER | 19
EVENT INFO
WHERE DO I GO?
HOW DO I GO?
Non Profit Alliance Meeting Learn best practices pertaining to 501(c)3 organizations
Greenville Chamber 24 Cleveland St., Greenville noon-1 p.m.
Cost: Free for Chamber investors, $20 non-investors Register: bit.ly/nonprofit-jan2016
Quick Jobs with a Future Open House
Greenville Technical College Buck Mickel Center 216 S Pleasantburg Drive Greenville, 9 a.m.-noon
Cost: Free Register: bit.ly/quick-jobs-jan2016
NEXT Capital Series: Understanding Private Equity
NEXT Innovation Center 411 University Ridge, Greenville, 4-5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free Register: bit.ly/next-dec2015
Tech After Five Networking for tech entrepreneurs
Pour Lounge 221 N. Main St., Greenville, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free Register: bit.ly/taf-jan2016
FYI Friday with Todd Horne and Allen Smith: Spartanburg's Community Vision Plan
Spartanburg Marriott 299 N. Church St., Spartanburg, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $15 Chamber members, $25 nonmembers Register: bit.ly/fyifriday-jan2016
Tuesday
1/12
EVENTS YOU SHOULD HAVE ON YOUR CALENDAR
ART & PRODUCTION
IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE OF UBJ? WANT A COPY FOR YOUR LOBBY?
JAN. 15, 2016 THE MARKETING AND BRANDING ISSUE Getting the word out on local businesses.
ART DIRECTOR Whitney Fincannon
PRESIDENT/CEO
Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com
UBJ PUBLISHER
ADVERTISING DESIGN Michael Allen
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Kristi Fortner
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE STORY IDEAS:
STAFF WRITERS
EVENTS:
DIGITAL TEAM Emily Price, Danielle Car
MARKETING & ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Nicole Greer, Kristi Jennings, Donna Johnston, Annie Langston, Lindsay Oehman, Emily Yepes
DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & ACCOUNT STRATEGY
1997 Jackson Dawson launches motorsports Division 1993
1990 Jackson Dawson acquires therapon marketing Group and moves to Piedmont office Center on Villa.
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with a majority of them utilizing the general aviation airport as a “corporate gateway to the city.” In 1997, Jackson and his son, Darrell, launched Jackson Motorsports Group. The new division was designed to sell race tires and go to racetracks to sell and mount the tires. Darrell Jackson now serves as president of the motorsports group and Larry Jackson has two other children and a son-in-law who work there. Jackson said all his children started at the bottom and “earned their way up.” Jackson kept the Jackson-Dawson branches in Detroit and others in Los Angeles and New York until he sold his portion of that partnership in 2009 as part of his estate planning. The company now operates a small office in Charlotte, but its main headquarters are in Greenville in a large office space off Woodruff Road, complete with a vision gallery that displays local artwork and an auditorium Jackson makes available for non-profit use. The Motorsports Group is housed in an additional 26,000 square feet building just down the street, and the agency is currently looking for another 20,000 square feet. Jackson said JMG has expanded into other verticals such as financial, healthcare, manufacturing and pro-bono work, but still has a strong focus on the auto industry and transportation. It’s
Chairman larry Jackson, Jackson marketing Group. Photos by Greg Beckner / Staff
Jackson Marketing Group celebrates 25 years By sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com
Solve. Serve. Grow. Those three words summarize Jackson Marketing Group’s guiding principles, and according to owner Larry Jackson, form the motivation that has kept the firm thriving for the past 25 years.
Jackson graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in video and film production and started his 41-year career in the communications industry with the U.S. Army’s Public Information Office. He served during
Vietnam, where he said he was “luckily” stationed in the middle of Texas at Fort Hood. He left the service and went to work in public affairs and motorsports at Ford Motor Company in Detroit. After a stint at Bell and Howell, where he was responsible for managing Ford’s dealer marketing and training, the entrepreneurial bug hit and he co-founded Jackson-Dawson Marketing Communications, a company specializing in dealer training and product launches for the auto industry in 1980. In 1987, Jackson wanted to move back south and thought Greenville would be a good fit. An avid pilot, he
learned of an opportunity to purchase Cornerstone Aviation, a fixed base operation (FBO) that served as a service station for the Greenville Downtown Airport, providing fuel, maintenance and storage. In fact, when he started the Greenville office of what is now Jackson Marketing Group (JMG) in 1988, the offices were housed on the second floor in an airport hangar. “Clients would get distracted by the airplanes in the hangars and we’d have to corral them to get back upstairs to the meeting,” Jackson said. Jackson sold the FBO in 1993, but says it was a great way to get to know Greenville’s fathers and leaders
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2003 motorsports Division acquires an additional 26,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space
1998 1998 Jackson Dawson moves to task industrial Court
also one of the few marketing companies in South Carolina to handle all aspects of a project in-house, with four suites handling video production, copywriting, media and research and web design. Clients include heavyweights such as BMW, Bob Jones University, the Peace Center, Michelin and Sage Automotive. Recent projects have included an interactive mobile application for Milliken’s arboretum and 600-acre Spartanburg campus and a marketing campaign for the 2013 Big League World Series. “In my opinion, our greatest single achievement is the longevity of our client relationships,” said Darrell Jackson. “Our first client from back in 1988 is still a client today. I can count on one hand the number of clients who have gone elsewhere in the past decade.” Larry Jackson says his Christian faith and belief in service to others, coupled with business values rooted in solving clients’ problems, have kept
2009 Jackson Dawson changes name to Jackson marketing Group when larry sells his partnership in Detroit and lA 2003
2009-2012 Jackson marketing Group named a top BtoB agency by BtoB magazine 4 years running
him going and growing his business over the years. He is passionate about giving back and outreach to non-profits. The company was recently awarded the Community Foundation Spirit Award. The company reaffirmed its commitment to serving the community last week by celebrating its 25th anniversary with a birthday party and a 25-hour Serve-A-Thon partnership with Hands on Greenville and Habitat for Humanity. JMG’s 103 full-time employees worked in shifts around the clock on October 22 and 23 to help construct a house for a deserving family. As Jackson inches towards retirement, he says he hasn’t quite figured out his succession plan yet, but sees the companies staying under the same umbrella. He wants to continue to strategically grow the business. “From the beginning, my father has taught me that this business is all about our people – both our clients and our associates,” said his son, Darrell. “We have created a focus and a culture that strives to solve problems, serve people and grow careers.” Darrell Jackson said he wants to “continue helping lead a culture where we solve, serve and grow. If we are successful, we will continue to grow towards our ultimate goal of becoming the leading integrated marketing communications brand in the Southeast.”
2011 Jackson marketing Group/Jackson motorsports Group employee base reaches 100 people
2008 2012 Jackson marketing Group recognized by Community Foundation with Creative spirit Award
pro-bono/non-proFit Clients American Red Cross of Western Carolinas Metropolitan Arts Council Artisphere Big League World Series The Wilds Advance SC South Carolina Charities, Inc. Aloft Hidden Treasure Christian School
CoMMUnitY inVolVeMent & boarD positions lArry JACkson (ChAirmAn): Bob Jones University Board chairman, The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center board member, Gospel Fellowship Association board member, Past Greenville Area Development Corporation board member, Past Chamber of Commerce Headquarters Recruiting Committee member, Past Greenville Tech Foundation board member David Jones (Vice President Client services, Chief marketing officer): Hands on Greenville board chairman mike Zeller (Vice President, Brand marketing): Artisphere Board, Metropolitan Arts Council Board, American Red Cross Board, Greenville Tech Foundation Board, South Carolina Chamber Board eric Jackson (Jackson motorsports Group sales specialist): Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board
November 1, 2013 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal 21
20 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal November 1, 2013
AS SEEN IN
NOVEMBER 1, 2013
Anita Harley, Jane Rogers
Jerry Salley jsalley@communityjournals.com Ashley Boncimino, Sherry Jackson, Benjamin Jeffers, Cindy Landrum, April A. Morris
jackson Marketing Group’s 25 Years 1988 Jackson Dawson opens in Greenville at Downtown Airport
1988
Holly Hardin
CLIENT SERVICES
MANAGING EDITOR
UBJ milestone
OPERATIONS
Ryan L. Johnston rjohnston@communityjournals.com Susan Clary Simmons ssimmons@communityjournals.com
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
UBJ milestone
ideas@upstatebusinessjournal.com events@upstatebusinessjournal.com
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Kate Madden
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