Jan. 17, 2014 UBJ by Community Journals

JANUARY 17, 2014

Effective wellness programs are becoming crucial to business health

VITALSIGNS H E A L T H

Cynthia Hardwick works out during her lunch break at ScanSource.

I N

T H E

W O R K P L A C E

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

January 17, 2014

UBJ TRANSPORTATION

GSP Closes Parking Lot for Construction By Joe Toppe | staff | jtoppe@communityjournals.com

As of midnight Tuesday, the daily parking lot at GSP International Airport will be closed until late February while improvement are made. Rosylin Weston, the Airport District’s vice president of communications, said once construction is complete, guests of the airport will enjoy a greater parking convenience. “We are installing a new entrance, crosswalk and sidewalk,” she said. “We are also installing additional equipment at the entrance to the daily lot. Today there is only one ticket dispenser at the entrance, but once construction is completed there will be two.” The daily parking lot is located next to parking garage B at the north end of the terminal. Weston said the airport elected to close the parking lot for construction because it would allow contractors to complete the work much quicker without the necessary restrictions of an open construction site. January and February are the least busy months for this parking lot

when it usually remains only a third full, she said. Weston said the improvements are made possible by a terminal renovation program called WINGSPAN. Airport funds cover 80 percent of the program, and the remaining 20 percent of funding will come from a combination of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program Fund and the Transportation Security Administration, she said. “All of these improvements are being made to provide passengers with more convenient access to the parking lot, the terminal and the North Wing currently under construction,” Weston said. “When finished, the North Wing will temporarily house airline ticket counters and offices. The North Wing is also the first phase build-out of the future second baggage claim area and will eventually house the airport’s administrative offices.” Construction on the daily parking lot is expected to be complete on Feb. 28.

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UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

Volume 3, Issue 3

January 17, 2014

WORTH REPEATING

TBA A new housing development is in the works for Greer, with 194 singlefamily homes proposed for four parcels at Snow and Burns roads. Greer City Council voted to annex the property Monday night…

“We’ve got to be thinking about the workforce we’re raising up now. What happens when this next generation goes to work, and what do they look like?” Greg Crowe, business health services director for Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, on the need for employee health programs.

“We were surrounded by a group of mentors who gave a damn, frankly, whether we survived or failed. We started to ask ourselves why we should go back to Houston.” Jon-Michial Carter, CEO of ChartSpan Medical Technologies, on his experience in the Iron Yard accelerator which prompted him to establish his business in Greenville.

Selling ballet – talk about the hardest thing in the world to sell.” Anita Sleeman, executive director of Carolina Ballet Theatre, on attempts to broaden CBT’s business model.

MONEY SHOT: Raj Walia, left, and Lee Clup take part in a fitness class at ScanSource.

VERBATIM

On New South Carolinians… “South Carolina has held a spot on the top inbound list 16 out of the past 18 years.” United Van Lines, which recently published its inbound and outbound moving data for the 48 contiguous states. With 60.1 percent of moves being inbound, South Carolina was second on this year’s list, below Oregon and above North Carolina. See it at bit.ly/atlas-map.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

January 17, 2014

Look for a pop-up restaurant opening for Valentine’s Day at the Old Cigar Warehouse on Main Street…

“The Commerce Club is where present and future leaders of Greenville and the Upstate forge business and social relationships to grow our progressive community.”

As 2014 begins... The Commerce Club wants to say, “Thank

you” to

Arnold Burrell for his 9 Year Tenure as the Commerce Club Board of Governor’s Chairman. For Membership Information or to Host your Event at the Commerce Club, please contact:

And we welcome the new Commerce Club Board of Governor’s Chairman Ingrid Erwin and

Dylan Petrick

Vice Chairman Philip Reeves.

General Manager 864.232.5600, Ext. 201

January 17, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ TRANSPORTATION

International Auto Show Held in Greenville Industry’s leading manufacturers attend auto show with new models, prizes, and giveaways By Joe Toppe | staff | jtoppe@communityjournals.com

Car enthusiasts and curious shoppers alike descended upon Greenville’s TD Convention Center last weekend to get a look at the latest in automobiles and participate in a national giveaway. More than 250 new cars and trucks were on display from over 20 participating manufacturers at the 2014 South Carolina International Auto Show, said Shaun Foley, Motor Trend auto show spokesperson. “The show provided a great opportunity for folks in the Upstate region to shop freely,” he said. “It is a no-pressure, non-selling environment, which means they could come in and kick the tires or pop the hoods without being hassled to buy a new car. They could also register to win prizes because several manufacturers and vendors were doing a variety of promotions.” The Chrysler Ride and Drive Experience allowed participants to testdrive a car and become eligible for a national giveaway of $45,000 towards a new Chrysler Group vehicle. Michael Curmi, head of experiential marketing for the Chrysler Group,

said the company set out to offer visitors a multi-brand test-drive experience “by allowing them to get behind the wheel and get a true feel for our vehicles from across the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands,” he said. Joe Esposito of Asheville, N.C., said he participated in the Chrysler promotion but made the trip with something already in mind. “I came down here to see the car show, but in particular, 2014 Laguna Blue Corvette the Ferrari.” The auto show also featured a the cars they’re already thinking variety of American manufacturors about buying,” he said. “Auto shows and industry leaders such as Ford and are perfect for this because they are very customer-friendly.” Chevrolet. Ford’s auto show manager Larry Chevrolet took advantage of the Creel said the event provided custom- event by unveiling its new Corvette ers with a great venue to shop for a Stingray, a model that has not been variety of models without visiting a made in more than 35 years, said number of dealerships. Chevrolet products specialist Ter“They can come in with an idea of rence Daniels.

2014 Toyota

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

January 17, 2014

Photos by Joe Toppe

“The last time Chevrolet released a Corvette Stingray was in 1976,” he said. “We completely redesigned the car, and with 460 horsepower, the 2014 model will be the most powerful and fuel-efficient Corvette.” Daniels said it was important to include the Stingray in Greenville’s auto show because it has been a very popular model in the area.

Effort for Downtown Theater Receives Boost By Joe Toppe | staff | jtoppe@communityjournals.com

The addition of an independent movie theatre to downtown Greenville is one step closer to becoming a reality after capturing the attention of a statewide business organization. The South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce has selected The Film House as the initial project for its online donation portal called SCcrowdfund. com. The portal was designed to provide access to capital for small businesses, and The Film House is an exciting first project, said Frank Knapp Jr., president of the Small Business Chamber. “This theatre will help drive the economic development of downtown Greenville and we are thrilled to provide a fundraising portal for the supporters of this project to make their donations,” he said. The Film House founder Daryn Zongrone has identified the Keys Building on McBee Avenue as a tentative location. Plans call for three theatres totaling 300 seats, plus a concession stand and bar serving beer and wine. Zongrone believes the city of Greenville is primed for such an establishment. “The Film House will also serve as a showcase for independent and foreign films, classic and limited-release films as well as local films and artists,” she said. Fundraising to date has produced $5,000 of the necessary $1 million required to open, she said. City Councilwoman Jil Little-

“The Film House will also serve as a showcase for independent and foreign films, classic and limited-release films as well as local films and artists.” Daryn Zongrone

Tailored

by the Purveyors of Classic American Style

What is in a name? Discovering the history of a product or business can be fascinating. For example, take the Dopp Kit, a toiletry bag owned by most men. The kit was designed by Jerome Harris for his uncle, Charles Doppelt, a German immigrant to Chicago in the early 1900s. The toiletry bags thus came to be known as Dopp Kits, and became a common household name when each GI was issued one during WWII. Most people know a cummerbund is worn with a tuxedo and usually with a matching bowtie as a form of expression. It was inspired by a scarf worn around the waist of a man’s dress in India. The word itself comes from the Persian words band (close) and kamar (waist), so it means to enclose the waist. The cummerbund has forward facing pleats with several overlapped areas of fabric which makes it easy to hold small items, therefore making it both functional and formal. At Rush Wilson Limited, we too love to tell the rich history of our familyrun upscale menswear clothing store in downtown Greenville. Our history began in 1950 in Davidson, NC where Rush Wilson opened the first store. He expanded to Greenville in 1959 and in 1978 moved the store to its present location at 23 West North Street. Today, as always, we specialize in classic American style. Our focus is to offer our customers clothing and products that fit their lifestyle. Although the physical location has changed a few times, the goal of Rush Wilson Limited has remained the same for 63 years, to offer our customers exceptional service and an unparalleled experience in shopping for their clothing. So what’s in a name? For Rush Wilson Limited, it is quality, service, honor, history, community, values, experience and above all a desire to enrich the lives of all of our customers.

john said garnering community support is vital to the theatre’s long-term success. “By getting the interest of a statewide organization like the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, the theatre project is on the right avenue for creating public awareness. The support of the community is crucial for this theater to make it,” Littlejohn said.

23 West North Street, Greenville, SC 29601 864.232.2761 | www.rushwilson.com Open Mon.-Sat. 9:30am - 5:30pm Wed. 9:30am - 1:00pm

January 17, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

J13

UBJ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

UBJ HEALTHCARE

CON Program Delay Could Cost State $60M Many hospitals putting off Certificate of Need projects By April A. Morris | staff | amorris@communityjournals.com

State Certificate of Need (CON) Health Laws, 2013

Funding to administer a state program that authorizes health care facility expansion and equipment purchases was cut last year, and some state health care providers are feeling the pinch. In June, Gov. Nikki Haley vetoed the $1.7 million funding for the Certificate of Need (CON) program, a move the state Legislature failed to override. This left the administrator of the program, the South Carolina Department of Health and

BY THE NUMBERS In 2009, South Carolina community health centers:

$291 million overall economic impact

$170 million

operating expenditures that went into local economies

1,865

full-time jobs generated

1,089

jobs in other industries supported

$2.8 trillion

spent on healthcare in the U.S. in 2012

$48 million

estimated cost of delayed capital investment related to suspension of the state’s Certificate of Need (CON) program, according to the S.C. Hospital Association

$60 million

estimated potential project costs delayed by defunding of the state’s Certificate of Need (CON) program, according to the S.C. Hospital Association Source: South Carolina Primary Healthcare Association

Compiled by NCSL November 2013; based on data from AHPA & State Agencies.

Environmental Control (DHEC), without funds to operate the program. Consequently, DHEC Director Catherine Templeton suspended the CON process – both awards and compliance enforcement – for the 2013-14 year. Roughly 60 applications for CONs are waiting for approval, according to the South Carolina Hospital Association. The association surveyed its 91 institutional members in October and learned 29 hospitals were holding CON applications that represent approximately $48 million in capital investment and nearly 140 full-time jobs. The 29 reported that delayed capital projects totaled approximately $60 million. The hospitals also reported they

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

January 17, 2014

are not submitting progress reports on projects required by a CON because there was no division in DHEC available to handle the reports. Some health care providers have gone ahead with license applications, but they are primarily from home health providers and others, not hospitals, said S.C. Hospital Association executive vice president Allan Stalvey, The law requiring CON approval by DHEC is still in effect. Shortly after the suspension of the program by DHEC, multiple hospitals and other providers appealed to the state Supreme Court for guidance on how to proceed without the CON program. Oral arguments could come in March. Many hospitals statewide are

reportedly delaying projects pending the court decision. However, Greenville Health System said it does not have any projects requiring a CON that are delayed. Bon Secours St. Francis declined to comment on any delayed projects. According to a June 2013 CON update document from DHEC, Bon Secours St. Francis had purchase of a da Vinci surgical system and construction of an outpatient oncology center at the Millennium campus under review. Spartanburg Regional’s Gibbs Regional Cancer Center at the Village Hospital was also under review. Sen. Joel Lourie filed a bill in December requiring the refunding of the CON program. The bill is pending in the Senate’s Medical Affairs Committee.

UBJ RESTAURANTS

Closing Time for a Greenville County Landmark

After 50 years in Greer and Taylors, proprietors of Gene’s Dairy Bar are retiring By Greg Beckner | staff | gbeckner@communityjournals.com

After feeding hungry diners in Greer and Taylors for more than 50 years, Gene’s Dairy Bar is closing its doors at the end of January. Proprietors Gene and Caroline Jolley, who are both in their 80s, have mixed feelings about closing the restaurant. “We’ll miss our customers,” said Caroline Jolley, “but it’s time to retire.” Gene Jolley and his brother Clarence started the restaurant in 1963, in a time before fast-food restaurants were commonplace. Food is prepared fresh while the customer waits, and

the menu is simple, affordable and displayed behind the counter where diners order. One of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, called Jo-Jos, is a baked potato that is cut into fourths, dipped into a secret-recipe batter and then deep-fried. A large dining area gives customers plenty of elbow room, and a small stage at the front of the restaurant at 5330 Wade Hampton Blvd. serves as a reminder of when live music used to entertain diners. Caroline Jolley said that she

will miss working and isn’t quite sure what she and her husband will do all day without going into the restaurant, but is also looking forward to taking a much-needed break. Staff writer Sherry Jackson contributed to this story. Jo-Jos from Gene’s Dairy Bar.

PHOTOS BY GREG BECKNER / STAFF

Gene Jolley of Gene’s Dairy Bar in Taylors.

$25,990

January 17, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ TECHNOLOGY

ChartSpan Raises $1M for Post-Accelerator Launch Iron Yard alumnus to base health data company in Upstate By Jennifer Oladipo | senior business writer | joladipo@communityjournals.com

The Upstate is now home to a new cutting-edge health care data company, one of the most notable launches from the Iron Yard accelerator to date. ChartSpan Medical Technologies LLC has developed the world’s first commercial automated software for digitizing paper health care records. The company is filling 11 new positions immediately, and as many as 30 positions over the next 18 to 24 months, said CEO Jon-Michial Carter. About half of those new hires so far have come from the Upstate, the other half from other states. New chief technology officer hire Terry Horner came to Greenville from Cleveland as part of the Iron Yard’s first class. ChartSpan secured just over $1 million in its first fundraising round.

Investment was led by Don Byrne of Mediators Inc. in Houston, who will take a board seat along with Carter and Iron Yard CEO Peter Barth. The next larger funding round will occur in about one year. The app will be released to the public next month, free of charge. Revenues come from opt-in advertising and non-personal data aggregated for organizations in the health industry and public health agencies, Carter said. So far, 14 out of 19 companies that completed the Greenville accelerator have a full-time presence in Upstate, either headquarters or staff, said Marty Bauer, managing director of the Iron Yard’s accelerator programs. Most of the 10 companies that graduated from the Spartanburg health technology accelerator this summer are expected to stay in the Upstate as well, though not all have made solid plans yet. Those include Ractiv, which raised

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

January 17, 2014

$180,000 in its he was surprised Kickstarter crowdwhen the Greenville funding in SeptemEconomic Developber, and Prime Gement Commission nomics, whose asked what it would cancer-screening take the keep the technology is undercompany here. going clinical trials “More than anyat the Mayo Clinic. thing we were surBauer said tech rounded by a group companies often of mentors, many in have remote staff the GSP area, who and their low-key gave a damn, physical presence frankly, whether we keeps them off most survived or failed,” people’s radar. But Carter said. “We started to ask ourtheir regional conCEO JON-MICHIAL CARTER nections and attenselves why we should tion from investors make an impact go back to Houston.” on growing the Upstate’s tech presHaving worked on entrepreneurial ence. endeavors in various parts of the ChartSpan has set up its headquar- country, Carter said the willingness ters in a small office in the NEXT to help among Upstate organizations Innovation Center. The original plan was unique. SCBIO, the Greenville was to return to and launch from Chamber’s NEXT initiative and many Houston after Spartanburg, but the others reached out with assistance. The app will undergo user testing level of community interest here was in the next few weeks and should be enticing. Carter said released to the mobile market in February. “ChartSpan is a great example of a company combining highly refined technology with the Upstate’s exceptional talent base to launch and grow their business,” said Bob Taylor, a director of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and chairman of Greenville County Council, in a release. “The company has found a formula for success keyed on research and innovation. This is a case study of our region’s collaborative approach to expanding its knowledge economy, and a great example of the opportunities to be found in Greenville County and South Carolina.”

3690-UpstateBusinessJournal-RD1.pdf

UBJ MANUFACTURING

1/10/14

12:32 PM

Home Equity Lines No Closing Costs

Proterra Raises $34M in Funding Round By Joe Toppe | staff | jtoppe@communityjournals.com

I N T R O D U C T O R Y R AT E F O R 1 8 M O N T H S

In a series of funding initiatives, electric bus manufacturer Proterra has raised millions to bolster its infrastructure and ongoing product development. The second round of Series C funding recently closed after securing $34 million through investment from venture capital firms and large organizations, said Heidi McNary, vice president of marketing. Proterra’s Series C is the third major series of funding and was made up of two rounds, raising $24 million in the first round and $10 million in the second round. Series A raised a total of $41 million and Series B raised a total of $25 million, she said. The second round of Series C investment was led by Nick and Joby Pritzker of Tao Invest and selected existing shareholders. Some of the existing Upstate shareholders who participated in the round include Edison Energy and Constellation, Kleiner Perkins Cau-

field & Byers, GM Ventures, Mitsui & Co. Global Investment, Vision Ridge Partners, Hennessey Capital and 88 Green Ventures. The trend towards re-urbanization and energy-efficient transit systems will continue to grow, said Nick Pritzker in a press release. “There is no doubt that cities and campuses alike are choosing to explore and invest in more energy-efficient clean transit options to help reduce costs, meet environmental mandates and improve the quality of life,” he said. Proterra’s BE35 model is the only electric transit bus to ever pass federally required Altoona testing. The company has grown rapidly in recent years and has doubled its production capacity and headquarters staff over the last 12 months, McNary said. “Right now, we employ approximately 300 people in Greenville, and that figure is only expected to grow,” she said.

To take advantage of our specials on home equity lines, stop by a branch, contact us at 800.262.7175, or visit us at bncbanksc.com * Qualified borrowers can get up to 89% loan to value of your home. APR (Annual Percentage Rate) of 1.99% is an introductory rate for 18 months available for lines of $20,000 or more with a combined loan to value ratio of 89% or less; requires a minimum draw of at least $10,000 at closing. This rate reflects a discount for using auto debit from any Bank of North Carolina/BNC Bank checking account. The rate without auto debit from a Bank of North Carolina/BNC Bank checking account will be higher. Thereafter, the APR will vary based on the “Prime Rate” as published in the Wall Street Journal with a floor of 3.25% effective the first day of the month following a change not to exceed 18%. Subject to credit approval, income verification, collateral evaluation and beacon score of 675 or greater. Property Insurance required. Limited time offer, promotion may be discontinued without notice. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.

January 17, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ BANKING

Greenville Heritage to Expand in Former Luthi’s Space

GREG BECKNER / STAFF

By Jennifer Oladipo | senior business writer joladipo@communityjournals.com

Greenville Heritage Federal Credit Union completed the purchase Monday of the building recently vacated by Luthi’s Outfitters at Washington Street and Butler Avenue downtown. The new location will nearly double the space for the credit union, which says it has grown 42 percent in the past three years. “We were fine up until probably a year ago, then we really started just running out of space in terms of parking and everything else,” said Alan Berry, president and CEO of Greenville Heritage. Berry said the bank has grown steadily, moving from about $27 million in assets in 2007 to $74.5 million today. The Butler Road location is about 11,000 square feet on 1.36 acres, up from the 5,600-square-foot space the credit union currently occupies. Berry said he was very excited

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

January 17, 2014

about the new location with better visibility and access just half a mile from its current spot. The space had not been on the market, but the credit union approached Luthi’s about selling. Greenville Heritage was represented by Laurens Nicholson of Lee and Associates. Luthi’s Outfitters announced on Facebook the day before it was scheduled to close that it will move to Pleasantburg Shopping Center on Laurens Road. Its grand opening is tentatively scheduled for March 1. The store will specialize in hunting, archery and fly-fishing equipment.

When you are done reading this paper, please recycle it.

UBJ ARTS

Carolina Ballet Theatre Expands Business Model

THE INBOX

By Jennifer Oladipo | senior business writer joladipo@communityjournals.com

The desire for a clearer identity,

ballet. With an emphasis on moveincreased revenues and greater comment, the nonprofit is introducing munity impact is driving recent classes that are truly unique offerings changes at the Carolina Ballet for adults in this area. They include Theatre (CBT). modern dance and Alexander TechOne of the first points nique, and Friday-night of concern is clearing up dance parties. Prenatal just who CBT is and what and senior classes target more specific audiences. it does, said Executive Director Anita Sleeman. There is also an innovaAlthough the indepentive partnership with dent nonprofit profesSteadman Hawkins Clinic sional company legally of the Carolinas, which carries the CBT name, specializes in orthopedics the for-profit school and sports medicine. CBT Dance Arts Inc. is comis working with the clinic ANITA SLEEMAN monly known as the on research that examines School of Carolina Ballet dancers and student performers Theatre. The two groups such as marching band split several years ago, members and athletes. The but both kept the name, two are currently partneroffer public classes and ing on a study on injury have one common studio prevention. location, creating lingerPerforming arts mediing confusion for the public cine is also a new venture for and for donors. Steadman Hawkins, said Jocelyn Putting more energy into its out- Szeto, sports medicine fellow. She said reach program might help solve the the goal is to establish CBT as a hub problem, Sleeman said. “I put it to for community outreach and educathe board that we really need to tion for professional and pre-profesinvest in this program, which would sional dancers about health issues. benefit the company both financialSleeman sees the work with Steadly and also for marketing.” man Hawkins as a chance to position She said it’s a challenge to spread CBT as more than just a place to take the word about an activity that scares dance classes, but also a catalyst in people, which is why the group is improving community health. using the CBT acronym rather than As CBT reworks its business model, the full name as much as possible. Sleeman said discussions are ongoing “Selling ballet – talk about the about which services CBT and Dance hardest thing in the world to sell,” Arts Inc. will claim in the market, or she said. whether they might someday combine In fact, the CBT outreach program operations in some way. has added a slew of community “Those are discussions that take classes for 2014 that go far beyond years to figure out,” she said.

The best of each week’s UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL emailed directly to you, every Friday. Subscribe to the Inbox at

UpstateBusinessJournal.com January 17, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ INNOVATE

By MARTHA WINEBARGER

Changing the Game Eben Bayer’s innovations combine sustainability with entrepreneurship I don’t know about you, but I seem unable to be in a room filled with entrepreneurs and innovators and not look for common characteristics and qualities. I find myself wondering how these traits make a difference in their perspectives when identifying a disruptive solution to a problem, or even the next “great” idea. My observations have led me to a list of common denominators that I believe that innovators and entrepreneurs possess, including: willingness to break or ignore the conventional rules that most of us follow; having a vision – and the passion and belief in the importance and value of that vision; being flexible and adaptive to the myriad challenges and possibilities that arise; being persistent despite repeated failures on the way to success; and finally, possessing an unbelievably high sense of confidence and belief in self. The keynote speaker at our 15th annual InnoVision Technology Awards celebration in November was Eben Bayer, cofounder and CEO of Ecovative. Eben fits the bill as an innovator and entrepreneur. Eben grew up on his family’s farm in central

ABOUT INNOVISION: For 16 years, the InnoVision Technology Awards have defined the mark of distinction for outstanding leadership, innovation and technological excellence in South Carolina. As the only awards program of its kind, InnoVision Awards distinguish businesses, individuals and educators who set new standards for innovation in finding, developing and retaining profitable business. The InnoVision Awards Program, founded in 1999 and presented by McNair Law Firm P.A., is dedicated to the advancement of technology in the state through communication, education and recognition of the spirit of innovation and technological progress.

A sample-grown mushroom figure stands against one variety of Ecovative’s mushroom material. Photo by Stephen P. Nock

“Solve a real problem, something that’s real and important. If you’re doing that, there’s a greater chance of greater success. Secondly, be tenacious and resilient.” Eben Bayer

Vermont, and for his first 18 years he studied agriculture and farming through hands-on learning. These experiences gave Eben a unique perspective on a wide range of subjects, including respect for the environment and healthy living, and while attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he formed Ecovative with a friend and classmate, Gavin McIntyre. In a campus building basement, Eben and Gavin created a mushroom-based insulation, originally called Greensulate – a compostable, affordable, eco-friendly replacement for petroleum-based foams, using farm waste that cannot be fed to animals. At the time, Gavin and McIntyre believed their revolutionary, new manufacturing process, using mushroom “root” fibers to turn waste cellulose into a rigid biological resin, was destined to land the firm in the eco-friendly building business. They filed patents for the material and process while in the RPI business incubator, and went on to enter and win a $700,000 prize at the 2008 Postcode Lottery Green Challenge (the

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

January 17, 2014

largest annual worldwide competition for sustainable entrepreneurs who can instigate change) for Greensulate. A short time later, the innovators decided to turn their focus from creating eco-friendly building materials to creating eco-friendly packaging materials, using the same process. It was a risk

Eben Bayer and Gavin McIntyre

that landed the company partnerships and contracts with Sealed Air Corporation, Dell, Crate and Barrel, and other Fortune 500 companies who are committed to sustainable packaging. This past year, Ecovative has reopened the door to sustainable, high-performance building and construction applications. The company has come full circle, so to speak, to their original goal six years ago. Eben shared the Ecovative Design story with over 240 guests who attended the recent InnoVision Awards Dinner. Every year, InnoVision’s advisory board seeks the “perfect” keynote speaker, who will inspire the audience as well as reaffirm and validate the sometimes frightening, often thrilling, surely at times frustrating, but always uniquely satisfying process of developing and retaining a profitable business through innovation, technological excellence and entrepreneurship. South Carolina is a growing hotbed for innovators and entrepreneurial ventures of all kinds. For years, InnoVision has been a valued resource for many of these firms. Monthly InnoVision Forums provide inspiration, guidance, and often give a nudge to many to pursue one’s dreams and go for it. This year, the advisory board is planning to host forums on topics including big data analytics, social design, leveraging the cloud, new product development, crowdfunding and Kickstarter projects, IT, and logistics, to name but a few. We welcome your ideas and suggestions for forum topics. Email info@innovision.org or contact Kate Ham at kham@mcnair.net to share your thoughts with us. We look forward to seeing you soon at an InnoVision Forum and at the 2014 InnoVision Technology Awards banquet. Martha Winebarger, principal with [en-gage] solutions, is an advisory board member of InnoVision.

A GUEST LIST THAT LIVES UP TO ITS NAME JOIN THE INAUGURAL MEMBERS OF “WHO’S WHO” AND OUR VIPS IN HONORING

8 OF THE UPSTATE’S NOISEMAKERS, GAMECHANGERS & SPARK STARTERS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2014 AT 5:30 PM CLEMSON MBA’S 5TH FLOOR & ROOFTOP TERRACE ONE BUILDING Limited Corporate Event Sponsor Ticket Packages available starting at $1,000. Please contact Kate Madden for details at kmadden@communityjournals.com or 864-679-1254

N LONG LIVING Michael Fox turns passion for fitness into growing business

By April A. Morris | staff | amorris@communityjournals.com 16

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

January 17, 2014

New York native Michael Fox has always been interested in bodybuilding, and this passion led him to begin selling nutritional supplements. Fox soon struck out on his own and founded LiveLong, a Seneca-based company which distributes products worldwide.

How did you come to the Upstate?

Our family business is commercial window repair. In 1989, most of my family moved to the area from New York because of the high cost of doing business there â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we got sick of the winters. After looking at Columbia, Charleston and Jacksonville, Fla., we ended up visiting and fell in love with Greenville.

How did you transition from windows to nutritional supplements?

I was into bodybuilding and nutrition and began selling nutritional supplements. In 2005, I looked deeper into distribution and began to research creating my own brand. In 2007, we launched LiveLong on bodybuilding.com. We had a warehouse in Piedmont and outgrew it in three years. In 2013, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen the biggest jump in sales, 600 percent growth, and now have 30 products. >>

It seems that nutritional supplements is a competitive business. What sets LiveLong products apart?

It is difficult to market to those who may be taking a different supplement, but we want to be a one-stop shop where customers can purchase multiple products. We also create the products, so you know exactly what you’re getting, and the customers choose the dosage.

K gether because each product is a single ingredient.

How does your manufacturing process work?

What is a typical day like for you?

We work with a manufacturer to create a new product or ingredient. We will make it into a capsule or powder; they bottle it and put a label on it. They are produced in compliance with the FDA. We then receive it and distribute it to different customers and vendors.

I handle emails in the morning, contacting customers and vendors. Also I spend time contacting new clients. Then I see if there are any orders – we ship out of here, as well. At this point, I’m pretty much doing everything. We have a few people helping with accounting and online marketing.

How do you maintain work-life balance?

Well, it’s a struggle because you’re always trying to be ahead of the game. It’s really a juggling act. It’s taking time to put the phone down or schedule email during the day. Little things like that help.

What is the newest product?

We recently launched Greentrim, a non-stimulant fat burner, which is targeted for more mainstream use beyond the bodybuilding community, like for moms at home who want to work out and lose a few extra pounds. It’s a more-user friendly product. Herbal-based products are also big right now and we have those, too.

Is there a standout?

Our most popular is 4mula, a branch chain amino acid powder. People use it for recovery. You drink it during your workout and it helps with fatigue. It’s actually very popular in Mexico.

Where are LiveLong products distributed?

Online we distribute in the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico and Australia. Europa Sports in Charlotte, N.C., also distributes our products.

What’s coming over the next five to 10 years?

My goal is to expand distribution even further, and we are pursuing distribution in GNC and The Vitamin Shoppe. We want to create a one-stop brand where we have multiple products and people can pick and choose which items they want to stack to-

January 17, 2014

What is one of the most important things you’ve learned?

I’ve learned about branding and marketing by actually having to do it. I’ve also learned about business through working in our family business. I was able to learn from the successes and failures, and we have each other’s backs. I’ve also learned that it’s not just about having the dream, but carrying out those dreams.

“You have to be persistent and don’t take anything personally. There’s always another day and another store you can go after.”

What advice can offer to other entrepreneurs?

You have to keep pushing along to make something happen that you believe can happen. If you believe in what’s actually going to happen, whether it’s building a brand or a product, you have to be persistent and don’t take anything personally. There’s always another day and another store you can go after.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

G O O D

F O R

As employers increase investment in a healthier workforce, the results are paying off for all concerned

I Photos by Greg Beckner

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

BUSINESS

Cynthia Hardwick uses a large tire as part of her workout during a fitness class at ScanSource.

GOOD HEALTH I S

COVER STORY

January 17, 2014

By Jennifer Oladipo | senior business writer joladipo@communityjournals.com

It turns out that when it comes to workplace health programs, it’s not enough to just do it. Faced with health epidemics among workers and rising health care costs, employers are investing money – and thought – into a healthier workforce. The trend is a shift from incentives to intentions that seems to be paying off for everyone.

programs say there is also a growing desire beyond the bottom line to help employees simply live better lives. Jane McBride, director of the Business Health clinical rehabilitation and wellness program at Greenville Health System (GHS), said some of her clients’ companies are simply looking to reduce health risk factors among workers.

What Moves Employers

A Solid Investment

Covering employee health care and staying profitable has become increasingly difficult, according to Greg Crowe, business health services director with Workwell Occupational Health at Bon Secours St. Francis hospital system. “[Employers’] health care spending has become disconcerting. I mean, we’ve got a cultural crisis on our hands,” Crowe said. A wave of health epidemics more than 20 years in the making has finally crashed, and “it’s gotten into the employers’ pockets to the degree that they can’t ignore it any more.” But people like Crowe who help employers implement wellness

Companies with successful programs find that good health is good for business. The most common estimate is that every dollar spent on employee wellness nets a $3 return on investment. The wellness program at Greenville-based manufacturer Hartness International has helped the company better control its health care costs, said John Hart, HR director at Illinois Tool Works, Hartness’ parent company. Hart headed HR at Hartness three years ago when the company sought a wellness program for its 450 employees, most of them males with an average age of 46 who do a >>

“Employers’ health care spending has become disconcerting. I mean, we’ve got a cultural crisis on our hands.” Greg Crowe, business health services director, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System

>> mix of technical and highly phys- participation. ical jobs. The program not only helped slow rising insurance costs, but resulted in lower rates of absenteeism, less turnover due to employee burnout, and better morale overall, Hart said. What’s more, it has been a literal lifesaver, preventing “major catastrophic illnesses because we’ve been able to catch the high diabetes up front. We’ve been able to prevent the heart attacks,” he said. Health costs were a major motivator, but Hart said his management team from the very beginning considered the program a way to give back to the community, no different from its other community service activities.

What Motivates Employees

No matter whom you ask, money talks when it comes to wellness

Crowe said programs that offer no incentives generally see 25 to 35 percent participation, mostly from the “worried well” who are already prioritizing their health. Add an incentive valued at $200 to $300 and participation can jump up to 70 percent. Hart said the program at Hartness that offers a $130 discount on medical premiums for health screenings and another $130 discount for healthy action has about 80 percent participation. That is a typical offering, but some companies get creative. Verizon has offered iPhones and tablets and a day off the phones for Greenville call center employees who participated in 5K races. Competition has proved a great motivator, said Jessica Howard, wellness program manager at

BEFORE & AFTER Greenville Health System employee Jane Witowski lost an impressive 80 pounds as a result of joining her workplace health program, LoseWell.

ScanSource employees take part in a fitness class, lead by fitness trainer Katie Money (center, in black), offered during their lunch hour.

ScanSource. “With a very competitive population, putting a challenge out and seeing the interaction between departments and even individuals sometimes is the best incentive. Bragging rights are hard fought here and well deserved,” she said. On-site services such as fitness centers and group classes are a growing trend. ScanSource opened a clinic with a nurse practitioner available to family members. “Many employees would try to work through an illness,” said Howard. “Now it takes no time for employees to set up a same-day appointment, visit with the nurse, and return to their desk with proper diagnosis and medication to help them on the road to recovery.” Experts say a healthier work environment is a strong motivator for employees. Incentives like healthier dessert options in the cafeteria and banning smoking on the property are more and more

“A lot of companies go wrong with wellness programs where they focus only on physical activity. It needs to be more holistic.” John Hart, HR director for Hartness International’s parent company Photos Provided

January 17, 2014

common. One-on-one coaching is also a popular incentive, experts say, and crucial to making lasting change. Employees are also more likely to participate when the objectives go beyond exercising and data tracking to serve their own personal goals. “You figure out what they want to talk about,” advised Samantha Hooper, a health educator with the GHS workplace program. Maybe somebody who won’t or can’t exercise will discuss dietary changes. She said the tobacco cessation program is successful largely because it doesn’t encourage quitting, which might seem impossible, but only smoking less. Penalties for behaviors such as smoking or non-participation in programs appear not to be prevalent among local employers.

Taking It Further

For employers, it pays to have a more all-inclusive view of health. A data-focused approach only goes so far. “Before last year, it was only about knowing your numbers, but not the actions, so we continued to see our health care costs trending higher and higher,” Hart said. So the company widened its focus to behaviors. It tackled dietary choices by color-coding cafeteria items GOOD HEALTH continued on PAGE 20

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

GOOD HEALTH continued from PAGE 19

UBJ THE FINE PRINT

according to healthfulness and replaced most of the unhealthy sacks. Hartness became a smoke-free campus to decrease smoking during work hours and also began to deal with issues such as the effects of stress and even family behaviors. “I think that’s where a lot of companies go wrong with wellness programs where they focus only on physical activity,” Hart said. “It needs to be more holistic.”

What Hasn’t Changed

Regular old physical fitness remains a big motivator, however. Jane Witowski, manager of children’s advocacy programs at GHS, Greenville’s largest employer, said she joined its LoseWell program specifically to lose weight and maintain the loss. She succeeded, dropping an impressive 80 pounds. She earned cash for lowering her body mass index, completing a certain number of classes and losing at least 5 percent of her total body weight. “In my opinion, the whole program is an incentive,” she said. “To have a team of experts including a health coach, a registered dietitian, physician, and exercise physiologist available to educate and support me throughout the 12-week Lose Well program at no cost to me – that is amazing.” She said better health makes her more effective at work, and “a little extra cash in my pocket isn’t bad either.” Those who work to mend the health breach are hoping workplaces will generate more Witowskis – or at least people motivated to change for good. “To be frank, we’re meeting those needs with the hope of developing a relationship with that employee who works toward future behavioral change,” Crowe said. And it’s not just about today’s workers. “We’ve got to be thinking about the workforce we’re raising up now,” Crowe said. “What happens when this next generation goes to work, and what do they look like?”

WELL AT WORK Area employers offer a whole host of activities and incentives to foster a healthier workforce. They include: Obesity, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings Remote testing of glucose levels Screening for employee’s family Personal coaching Making sure programs are covered by health plan Fitness centers 5K and marathon races Consumer goods and gift cards Time off work or reduced duties Walking trails

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

Greenville, Simpsonville Chamber Young Professional Groups Merge The Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals’ organization, PULSE, is now open to Simpsonville Chamber of Commerce members between the ages of 22 and 39. It is a merger of PULSE with LAUNCH, the Simpsonville Chamber of Commerce’s own young professionals group. “PULSE’s goal is to foster the next generation of leadership in Greenville County,” said Berri Hicks, PULSE chairwoman, in a statement. “Simpsonville offers so many opportunities and we are very excited about our members becoming more active in this community.” PULSE will hold events in Simpsonville and work on ways to become more active in that area. Activities include luncheons, social networking night events, and volunteering opportunities, as well as the opportunity to

take part in PULSE PaceSetters, PULSE in the Arts and PULSE Sports programs. Simpsonville Chamber members can join PULSE at the Greenville Chamber member fee.

SCRA Releases Public Audit Results SCRA, an applied research and commercialization firm, recently announced the results from their fiscal year 2013 annual public audit. The company’s financial statements have been deemed “true and fair” for the 30th consecutive year, SCRA said. The unqualified opinion, which is an assertion of the independent auditor’s judgment that a company’s financial statements are fairly presented in all material aspects and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, was rendered by nationally recognized public audit firm BDO USA LLP. The audit found normalized revenues up by 25

January 17, 2014

percent, normalized operating earnings up by 15 percent, and backlog up 11 percent yearover-year. “SCRA continues to meet and exceed our strategic objectives of ongoing business growth and sustained re-investment in both our clients and our public mission,” stated SCRA CFO Julia Martin in a release. “We are pleased to report record audited revenues of over $266 million for FY13. The favorable audit conclusions demonstrate SCRA’s commitment to transparency and accountability.” “The past fiscal year was a banner year for SCRA, with the record revenues, operat-

ing earnings and total backlog,” said SCRA CEO Bill Mahoney. “We currently manage approximately $2 billion in national and international R&D programs and continue to invest in emerging S.C.-based technology companies through our Technology Ventures’ SC Launch Program. I am delighted to report that in our 30 years, we have never received anything other than the highest ratings in audit and compliance examinations.” View the SCRA FY13 public audit report at scra. org.

UBJ THE FINE PRINT

Haley Unveils 2014-2015 Executive Budget Gov. Nikki Haley this week unveiled her fiscal year 2014-2015 Executive Budget, which calls for K-12 education reform, tax cuts and fixing roads without raising taxes among other highlights. “This year’s budget builds upon the themes that have been at the core of our priorities from the very beginning – creating jobs and improving the business climate, providing a better education for our children, making our state a safer place to live and work, strengthening our infrastructure without raising taxes, and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Haley at a press conference. Her K-12 Education Reform Initiative includes: $97 million for children in poverty; a $29.5 million reading coach program that offers funding for a reading coach in every S.C. public elementary school; and $29.3 million to improve technology access in schools by improving bandwidth in school

PackIQ to Expand in Anderson

facilities, bolstering wireless connectivity in schools, and helping to ensure every student has a computer or tablet. Haley also wants additional tax cuts during the 2014 session that would eliminate the 6 percent bracket and allow that income to be taxed at 5 percent, which would provide three-quarters of filers who have a net income tax liability to save $29 per year. The income tax bracket is between $11,520 and $14,400. The budget also calls for over $1.35 billion more for roads in the next decade to address state transportation needs, without raising taxes. She proposes that $106.9 million of the expected additional general funds in FY 2014-15 could be used to generate nearly $737 million for major construction projects in addition to $614 million more for maintenance and repair over the next decade by using funds in a combination of bonds and “pay-as-you-go.” Read Haley’s full Executive Budget at governor.sc.gov/ExecutiveOffice.

PackIQ, manufacturer of packaging for automotive, aerospace, defense, armed forces, heavy trucking and power sports in Anderson County, announced that it will expand its existing operations. The $1.2 million expansion is expected to generate 50 new jobs. According to PackIQ, the additional space will include a shipping rack fabrication facility, featuring powder coat paint and polyurea coating systems. The company’s headquarters are located in Williamston, S.C. The state’s Coordinating Council for Economic De-

velopment approved a $159,845 grant for infrastructure improvements related to the project. PackIQ was established in 2000 as a supplier of returnable packaging solutions for the automotive industry and now serves clients such as Bosch, BMW, Volvo, Yamaha, Northrop Grumman and GE. It also is the North American provider for Clip-Lok systems, which use a collapsible plywood case held together with steel spring clips.

Stueken Announces Fountain Inn Expansion Stueken LLC, which provides precision deep-draw and metal stamping components to the automotive, electronics and consumer goods markets, announced Tuesday a $3.2 million investment that will create at least 27 new jobs and expand its Fountain Inn location. “Our Fountain Inn location is seeing more opportunity as manufacturers realign suppliers to enhance local

supply-chain initiatives,” said Deric Frisch, North American sales and marketing manager for Stueken LLC, in a release. “We are pleased with the opportunity to expand in South Carolina which, we believe, is becoming a hub for precision manufacturers.” Stueken creates precise shapes from copper, stainless steel, aluminum and other metals for their preci-

sion metal components used in automotive fuel injection and braking systems, as well as the pharmaceutical, medical device, electronics and consumer goods industries. The expansion is expected to be complete in spring 2014 with the facility growing to more than 110,000 square feet and employing more than 100 associates.

Third Annual S.C. Automotive Summit Set for Feb. 18-20 The third annual S.C. Automotive Summit will be held Feb. 18-20 at the Hyatt Hotel in Greenville. The event, which is geared toward original equipment manufacturers, automotive suppliers and service

suppliers throughout the Southeast, is expected to draw more than 175 attendees with a concentration of S.C. auto executives, said James Richter of the South Carolina Automotive Council.

The summit will feature speakers such as Jason Stein, publisher of Automotive News; Gov. Nikki Haley; U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy; and execu-

January 17, 2014

tives from Bridgestone, the National Association of Manufacturers, GM, BMW and others. For more information, visit myscma.com.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

UBJ SQUARE FEET

Keller Williams Unveils Markley Station Plans By Sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com

At its annual meeting earlier this

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week, Keller Williams Realty Greenville Upstate unveiled plans for its new space at 118 N. Markley St. in Greenville’s West End. “The West End is poised for growth and we want to be part of that growth,” said Dan Hamilton, operating principal at KW. The 10-year-old company’s current space on Airport Road “isn’t ideal,” he said, and the new space will combine the Airport Road and Augusta Road office locations. KW hopes to occupy the new building in late 2014. Hamilton said the new space will be a “world-class, state-ofthe-art facility with every inch designed with agent productivity in mind.” The offices will offer a mix of open spaces with room for about 300 agents. Hamilton predicts a “lot of glass with a modern feel. There will also be a grand café area where agents can socialize and communicate. It’s going to be how the agent of the future does business, and technology will play a key role.” A high-tech training center will also be part of the plan, he said. The company has contracted with a designer from Colorado who specializes in real estate company design. The purchasers of the property were Dan Salle and Dan Hamilton from Keller Williams and Worthwhile cofounder Dan Wooster. Hamilton said each company will buy its own building after construction is complete. There are currently four buildings between 116 and 122 N. Markley St. The building at 122 N. Markley will be demolished to make room for 52 new parking spaces. Keller Williams will occupy one of the two-story buildings with 8,761 square feet allocated for its new office. The new develop-

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“It’s going to be how the agent of the future does business, and technology will play a key role.” Dan Hamilton, operating principal at Keller Williams

ment will be called Markley Station. Next door to Keller Williams is a second two-story building with a total of 9,430 square feet available for office and retail space. Worthwhile, a Web design and digital strategy company, plans to relocate in some or all of that space, though final plans “are still very much up in the air,” said CEO Dan

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

January 17, 2014

Rundle. All 20 of Worthwhile’s Pelham Road employees will take part in the move, which will make the office more convenient for employees and more accessible to its customers, he said. “It’s a very strategic location.” A grass courtyard area will provide picnic tables, benches and shade trees adjacent to the third building. The

owners are currently in talks with a restaurant that may locate in the 5,000 square foot space. The restaurant would also have outdoor space and a bar area on the roof. KW currently has 177 agents and six supporting staff members with a goal to increase the number of agents to more than 250 in 2014, said Michael Brown, KW team leader. Nick Sabatini, CEO of the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors (GGAR), also spoke at the meeting, announcing that “Keller Williams was No. 1 in GGAR and No. 2 two in the marketplace,” according to 2013 numbers. Sabatini said home sales in 2013 surpassed highs seen in 2008 with 9,160 units sold and an average time on the market of 93 days. GGAR’s 2014 goal is 10,000 units sold. Mayor Knox White also addressed the crowd of realtors, receiving a standing ovation and telling the group “the next great opportunity for the city is West Greenville. It’s the back yard of Greenville. There’s a lot of property that is raw land and we need to continue to remove the remnants of the old industrial era,” referring to some of the abandoned structures that remain. White said the city needs to move forward with plans to move the city public works department to property already purchased on Fairforest Way and then to develop the park area for which initial renderings have already been drawn up in the West Greenville master plan. “The magic of Greenville is that it’s a catalyst that spreads out,” said White. “Taking the Camperdown Bridge down was like taking a boulder and dropping it downtown. West Greenville is the next place to drop the boulder.”

UBJ NEW TO THE STREET 1

1. Gymboree Play & Music recently relocated to 980 Batesville Road in Greer. The business offers Play & Learn classes, a six-level program designed to let children grow at their individual paces. The classes range from sensory stimulation to problem-solving games and storytelling. They also offer music and art classes. For more information, call 864-288-1774 or visit gymboreeclasses.com.

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2. Complete Public Relations recently relocated to 702 Pettigru St. in Greenville. President and owner John Boyanoski spent more than a decade as a journalist for newspapers and magazines in South Carolina before moving into the public relations business in 2010. The firm focuses on all types of clients, from large international companies to entrepreneurial businesses to nonprofits to government agencies. For more information, visit completepr.net or call 864-289-9772.

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UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

New hires, promotions & award winners can be featured in On The Move. Send information & photos to onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com.

UBJ ON THE MOVE ELECTED

HIRED

HONORED

HIRED

Tyson Smoak

Lisa Gilstrap

Bryant Puntch

Dan Graham

Jennifer Hudson, M.D.

Elected chairman of the board of 2014 for Loaves & Fishes. Smoak is a broker at NAI Earle Furman focusing on office and health care real estate. He was recently named the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors (GGAR) 2013 Commercial Realtor of the Year and chairs the GGAR Commercial Steering Committee.

Recently joined Southern First Bank as mortgage executive. Gilstrap joins the bank’s residential mortgage team and brings 18 years of mortgage lending experience in both wholesale and retail mortgage lending. Most recently, she was a mortgage originator with Prime Lending.

Joined United Community Bank as vice president and commercial relationship manager. Prior to joining United Community Bank, Puntch was retail sales manager at First Citizens Bank in Greenville. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and management from Erskine College.

Joined United Community Bank as senior vice president and director of loan operations. Graham has 30 years of banking experience, most recently as senior vice president and director of operations solutions at CertusBank. He also held leadership roles at Bank of America, Meramec Valley Bank, TD Bank and The South Financial Group.

Received the 2013 Pediatrician of the Year Award at the 22nd annual DeLoache Seminar. Hudson is the medical director for Newborn Services at Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System. She was recognized by her colleagues for teaching and mentoring trainees and for her work with newborn services.

VIP – APPOINTED ELIZABETH MANN Appointed to the Commission on the Profession by the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court. The commission is intended to recognize the need for emphasis upon and encouragement of professionalism in the practice of law. Mann is assistant dean for business and public service at Greenville Technical College.

ARCHITECTURE/ ENGINEERING: DP3 Architects Ltd. recently announced the addition of Ashley C. Ritchie to assist with DP3’s Restaurant Studio. Ritchie has a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Colorado, and a Bachelor of Science degree in design from Clemson University. She has previously worked with Tokyo DisneySea project under Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, Calif. BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES: Financial advisors taxadvantagegroup recently hired Scott Chaffee as compliance and asset manager. Previously, Chaffee served as chief credit officer at Magnolia Financial in Spartanburg. Other experience in the financial services

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

January 17, 2014

industry includes vice president and commercial relationship manager for SunTrust Bank and for CapitalBank in Greer; and assistant VP and branch manager for Carolina First and Bank of America in Greenville. United Community Bank recently announced the addition of Chuck Valerio as senior retail credit officer. Valerio has more than 30 years of experience in the consumer banking industry. Prior to United Community Bank, he served as the executive vice president for retail and small business credit for CertusBank. Scott and Company LLC recently welcomed David Knobeloch as a senior tax accountant with the firm. Knobeloch is a CPA and a

member of the firm’s tax and advisory services team, and is based in the firm’s Greenville office. EDUCATION: The University of South Carolina Upstate recently hired Dr. Laurie Hillstock as the first full-time director of its distance education programs. Hillstock has been involved with instructional technology and distance learning for 16 years. She earned her master’s degree, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership (higher education), from Clemson University, and her bachelor’s degree from Converse College. LEGAL: Collins & Lacy P.C. recently announced the election of Ross Plyler as shareholder. Plyler practices in the areas of insurance

litigation, employment law, transportation law and college and university law. Steve W. Sumner Attorney at Law LLC recently announced that attorney Mark Foster was selected for membership into The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 professional organization for the state of South Carolina. The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 is a new professional organization comprised of America’s top young trial attorneys. LOCAL GOVERNMENT: The City of Spartanburg recently announced that Robert Reeder, Spartanburg City Council Member District 3, has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2014 Community and

Economic Development Steering Committee. This committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC federal policy positions on issues involving housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation and international competitiveness. NONPROFIT: The Mary Black Foundation recently announced the addition of Kimberly D. Stravolo as controller/finance manager, Tamela Spann as the program specialist in early childhood development, and Matthew C. Manley as the program specialist in healthy eating/active living. Stravolo is a CPA with 20 years of experience in public accounting in Spartanburg County. She has worked for Upstate CPAs PA, Stravolo & Company PA, and Ernst & Young LLP. Spann has served as the community investment manager for the United Way of Greenville since 2009. Previously, she was the program officer for The Spartanburg County Foundation. Manley has served as a Safe Routes to School planning consultant and the community planning coordinator for LiveWell Greenville. Ten at the Top (TATT) recently announced its officers for 2014-2015. Serving as officers for Ten at the Top for the next two years will be: Carol Burdette as chair; Hank McCullough as first vice chair; Sue Schneider as second vice chair; Lisa Jones as secretary; Erwin Maddrey as treasurer; Sam Erwin and Terence Roberts as development co-chairs; and Neal Workman as immediate past chair. Friends of the Reedy River recently announced its 2014 officers and additions to its board of directors. They are: Nikki Grumbine as president; Bob Lloyd as vice president; Paula Wynn as secretary; Bill Stephenson as treasurer; and Rick Huffman, Brock Koonce, Melanie

Ruhlman, and Wade Kolb as board members. Loaves & Fishes of Greenville recently announced the election of Jake Cluverius as its board’s vice chair. Cluverius, a litigation attorney in the Greenville office of Rogers Townsend & Thomas PC, concentrates his practice on insurance defense, community association law, and commercial litigation and development. PLUMBING: Five Star Plumbing Heating Cooling recently welcomed Mike Keller as service manager to its team.

EMERGENCY

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PUBLIC RELATIONS/MARKETING: Jackson Marketing Group recently added Sandy Farrey as traffic coordinator and Jesse Qurollo as IT technician. Farrey joins JMG with more than 16 years of experience in the advertising industry. Qurollo has served as a contract IT technician at JMG since July 2013. He previously worked as an IT technician for ParTech Solutions Inc. and is currently pursuing multiple IT industry specialist accreditations. Infinity Marketing recently hired Jane Finney as director of integrated marketing services. Prior to joining Infinity, Finney was senior vice president and group account director at Arnold New York, overseeing Hershey’s Sweets & Refreshment, Food & Beverage Enhancement and Innovation businesses for the Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, Hershey’s Syrup and Brookside brands. TRAINING: Sandler Training recently welcomed Ryan Kouvolo as director of sales and marketing. Kouvolo possesses more than 15 years of sales, training, development, and customer service experience with Fortune 500 companies as well as small businesses. Prior to joining Sandler, he was the sales director at a local leadership training company.

Automatic Standby Generators • Professionally Installed • Around-the-Clock Service

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January 17, 2014

888-407-7233 blueridgegenerators.com

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

GOT A HOT DATE?

UBJ PLANNER FRIDAY JANUARY 17

Contribute to our Planner by submitting event information for consideration to events@upstatebusinessjournal.com

Auditorium Room 204, Greenville; noon-1 p.m.

COST TO VISIT: $5 to cover meeting space and one drink at the bar

CONTACT: Jeff Alfonso at jeff@ alfonsointerpreting.com Southern Thymes, 219 Trade St., Greer; 8-9 a.m. NORTH GREENVILLE ROTARY CLUB

COST: Free for Greer Chamber members

The Poinsett Club, 807 E. Washington St., Greenville; 12:30-1:30 p.m.

COST: Free to attend, lunch $16 CONTACT: Shanda Jeffries at 864968-2319 or sjeffries@ flynnwealth.com

TUESDAY JANUARY 21 BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS H&R Block, 655 Fairview Road, Suite K, Simpsonville; 7:30-9:30 a.m. COST: Free to attend CONTACT: Jennifer Richardson at jrichardson@ simpsonvillechamber.com TOASTMASTERS BILINGUE University Center, 225 S. Pleasantburg Dr.,

GOLDEN STRIP TOASTMASTERS Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 739 N. Main St., Mauldin; 7-8 p.m. FOR INFORMATION: bit.ly/gstm01212014 CONTACT: Prasad Patchipulusu at pprasa1@hotmail.com UPSTATE PC USERS GROUP

TECH AFTER FIVE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; GREENVILLE Carolina Ale House, 113 S. Main St., Greenville; 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Free to GSA Technology Council members.

Five Forks Baptist Church, 112 Batesville Road, Simpsonville; 7:30-9:30 p.m.

FOR INFORMATION: ucpcug.org

HANDSHAKES AND HASHBROWNS

THURSDAY JANUARY 23

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL TOASTMASTERS Commerce Club, 55 Beattie Place, Suite 1700, Greenville; 6 p.m.

Score.org; 1-2 p.m. SPEAKER: Jennifer Cowden, senior consultant, ProModel Corporation TOPIC: Why should your business use software simulation? COST: $17.50 in advance, $20 at the door

BUSINESS NETWORK INTERNATIONAL

COST: Free for guests

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22

FOR INFORMATION: visit yptm. toastmastersclubs.org

SCORE LIVE WEBINAR

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes, 1175 Woods Crossing Rd., Greenville; 8:15-9:45 a.m. SPEAKER: Shannon Harvey, Allstate TOPIC: How to Protect Your Finances from Accidents and Cancer

SPEAKER: Phyllis Khare, author and social media marketing expert TOPIC: Should You Spend Your Time and Money on Facebook? Five Questions to Ask Yourself FOR INFORMATION: visit score.org

REGISTER AT: uwitsc.com BUSINESS PLAN CLINIC CommunityWorks Carolina, 107 W. Antrim Drive, Greenville; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. COST: $25 per person, dessert provided

COST: Free to visitors

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UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

January 17, 2014

UBJ SNAPSHOT

Historic photos available from the Greenville Historical Society. From “Remembering Greenville: Photographs from the Coxe Collection,” by Jeffrey R. Willis

PHOTO PRO VIDE D

Today, the site of the Mackey and Sons Mortuary building is a parking lot. Mackey Mortuary continues to operate at 311 Century Drive off of North Pleasantburg Drive near Interstate 385.

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com UBJ ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Ryan L. Johnston rjohnston@communityjournals.com

CURRENT PHOTO BY GREG BECKNER / STAFF

From 1926-1927 James F. Mackey and Sons constructed a new home for its funeral business in the 300 block of North Main Street. Mackey and Sons Mortuary was first established in 1872 and for many years was located on East Washington Street. Its new building, which was separated from the Carolina Theater complex by a parking lot, was on the corner of North Main and Elford streets. Elford Street at the time was a narrow two-lane street. Proximity to Springwood Cemetery was an obvious factor in the site selection for Mackey. The building, which was in the Neoclassical Revival style, had a well-proportioned portico supported by ionic columns and corner quoins of brick. When Mackey moved in 1969 to a new building off of Highway 291, the Main Street building became a bank. The building was demolished in 1998.

SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER Jennifer Oladipo

ART & PRODUCTION

STAFF WRITERS Sherry Jackson, Cindy Landrum, April A. Morris, Joe Toppe

PRODUCTION MANAGER Holly Hardin

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenny Munro, Jeanne Putnam, Leigh Savage PHOTOGRAPHER Greg Beckner MARKETING & ADVERTISING

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Susan Clary Simmons ssimmons@communityjournals.com

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Lori Burney, Kristin Hill, Kristi Jennings, Donna Johnston, Annie Langston, Pam Putman

MANAGING EDITOR Jerry Salley jsalley@communityjournals.com

MARKETING & EVENTS Kate Banner DIGITAL STRATEGIST Emily Price

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ART DIRECTOR / DESIGN Kristy M. Adair

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ADVERTISING DESIGN Michael Allen, Whitney Fincannon

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Copyright @ 2014 BY COMMUNITY JOURNALS LLC. All rights reserved. Upstate Business Journal is published weekly by Community Journals LLC. P.O. Box 2266, Greenville, South Carolina, 29602. Upstate Business Journal is a free publication. Annual subscriptions (52 issues) can be purchased for $65. Postmaster: Send address changes to Upstate Business, P.O. Box 2266, Greenville, SC 29602. Printed in the USA.

January 17, 2014

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UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

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