Feb. 28, 2014 UBJ

FEBRUARY 28, 2014

THE LONG HAUL Canal Insurance keeps on trucking after 75 years

UBJ UP FRONT

Best in Class

Spring merchandise arriving daily

By Ryan Johnston | associate publisher rjohnston@communityjournals.com

Bravo! Thank you to everyone who helped make last week’s inaugural Who’s Who event a success. As we hoped, the crowd that turned out was truly a “Who’s Who” of Greenville. It was a C-suite crowd of leaders celebrating leaders.

Thank you to the sponsors and panel that put their faith in us to create this new and exciting brand.

Based on initial feedback, they will be there toasting next year’s class with us.

Just like any Community Journals event, we always aim to set the bar higher year after year. We will be making a few tweaks to the process we use to recognize the Who’s Who Class of 2015, and would appreciate any suggestions you might have. If you have ideas, please send me an email.

Thank you to our editorial team who put together a special issue that was best in class. Like anything new, there were challenges, but they put together a cohesive presentation that highlighted these individuals in an interesting and unique way that I hope you have not seen before.

Each award winner was highlighted in a four-minute video presentation. If you couldn’t make it to last week’s event at Clemson MBA’s new space and rooftop terrace at the ONE building downtown, you can see these presentations on our website at upstatebusinessjournal.com. I encourage you to make the time to watch them.

The one common theme that resonated in our honorees’ interviews was how much they enjoyed motivating others, building teams and growing their industry. How important it was to build a business community that attracted young talent.

And how they enjoyed the responsibility of working and transforming

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2/25/14 4:56 PM

Young professionals: Take advantage of the fact that this community is full of leaders who want to see us succeed. this talent into the business leaders of tomorrow.

My personal takeaway is this: The young professionals in this community need to leverage this opportunity. Take advantage of the fact that this community is full of leaders who want to see us succeed. But most importantly, these leaders want to play a part. Reach out to them. Take them to lunch. Put yourself out there. Speak up. These leaders are ready, willing and able to help keep Greenville’s young professionals here, and help them grow.

This city is where it is today because of people like these. Greenville will be what it is tomorrow because of the people these leaders inspire.

Make yourself one of them.

February 28, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 3

Volume 3, Issue 9

February 28, 2014

Look for an international real estate company to announce it will be opening an Upstate office.

More details coming in late March…

Word is that a high-tech supplier of precision components to the aerospace and gas turbine industries is looking to significantly expand its operations and add dozens of jobs to its workforce in Greenville County in the near future…

The historic Wilkins House on Augusta Street may be moving down the road to the old YWCA…

MONEY SHOT: A red carpet at downtown Greenville’s ONE building welcomes attendees to UBJ’s first annual Who’s Who event last week.

VERBATIM

On Being on the Rise…

“Quietly basking in the shower of prestige it has received in recent years, Greenville is a city on the rise with a kid sister’s unassuming attitude.”

Southern Living magazine, which features Greenville in the “High-Low Guide” in its March 2014 issue.

4 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 28, 2014

WORTH REPEATING “I wanted to get an education so I wasn’t baling pine straw the rest of my life.”

Herb Dew, president of Human Technologies Inc., on the motivation he found at his first job.

“If you’re a good business partner and fair and consistent – that’s the kind of company other people want to do business with.”

Rick Timmons, senior vice president of Canal Insurance, and grandson of the company’s founder.

“Persistence pays off. You don’t always get what you want, but you can get somewhere.”

Richard Davis, of TV’s “Flip This House,” speaking at a recent Successful Entrepreneurship Series event at Greenville Tech.

Photo by Patrick Cox

28

TBA

UBJ BANKING

First Financial Rebrands 5 Banks

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

Columbia-based First Financial Holdings Inc. will consolidate its five bank brands under one name, South State Bank, the company announced at a press conference last week.

The company operates in the Carolinas and Georgia as First Federal, North Carolina Bank and Trust (NCBT), Community Bank & Trust (CBT), The Savannah Bank and South Carolina Bank and Trust (SCBT), all of which have been acquired or merged since 2009. The holding company name will also be changed to South State Corporation, subject to obtaining shareholder approval at the 2014 annual shareholder in April.

All of these bank divisions will

operate as South State Bank when they transition to the new name this summer.

SCBT locations throughout South Carolina will see the name change June 30. First Federal locations, located in the coastal region, will rebrand July 21.

Customers will be able to bank at any of the 138 branches throughout the network once rebranding is completed later in the summer.

The combined assets total $7.9 billion and will make South State

Bank the largest publicly traded bank headquartered in South Carolina.

Earlier this month the company began closing 20 branches in North and South Carolina, including three in Greenville. The closings resulted from the merger of SCBT Financial Services and First Federal Bank. Company officials said that about half of the closings would be completed by the end of the first quarter.

Upstate Regional President

February 28, 2014

Michael Coggin said no other changes are planned at this time.

“Continued growth for our company is inevitable [but] we will not acquire any more banks in 2014,” he said. “We are focused on our current integration with First Federal Bank… making sure that system conversion goes well.”

The bank was one of the few that did not experience losses during the Great Recession, instead acquiring other troubled banks.

“We acquired five banks and you could say that’s aggressive, but we probably passed on 100 banks,” Coggin said. He said the rebranding will increase the company’s visibility throughout its service area.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 5

3690-UpstateBusinessJournal-RD1.pdf

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UBJ MANUFACTURING

Japanese Company to Invest $1B in Spartanburg County Toray will create 500 new jobs with carbon fiber plant

By Joe Toppe | staff | jtoppe@communityjournals.com

Amid an expected renewal of

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6 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 28, 2014

American manufacturing, a Japanese company is planning to invest $1 billion on 400 acres in Spartanburg County. Toray, a carbon fiber company based in Tokyo, will create 500 new jobs with its expansion to Moore, S.C. In a release issued by the company, Toray officials predict the United States will regain its industrial competitiveness with the shale gas and oil revolution and the subsequent revival in manufacturing.

The company plans to accelerate its production in the U.S. by making investments worth 100 billion yen (approximately $1 billion at the current exchange rate) by 2020 and expects American business to spearhead expansion while serving as a valuable access point to its other markets in Mexico and Brazil. Once the new carbon fiber plant in Spartanburg County is operational within a year and a half, Toray will actively invest its management resources to ensure the facility becomes its advanced material business base.

“Carbon fibers have typically been used in combination with an epoxy resin in high-performance products where light weight and high strength are desired,” said Chris DeSoiza, vice president of research, Milliken & Company.

Global researchers at Milliken have studied a variety of manufacturing materials including carbon fibers, and anticipate them playing a major role in the future of the industry.

As the availability of carbon fiber materials has grown and the cost has

been reduced, its application has expanded into more areas, DeSoiza said.

Today, carbon fibers are found in car bodies, wind blades, golf clubs, helmets, luggage, recreational vehicles, and concrete reinforcement as well as many other areas, he said.

DeSoiza said the use of lighter and more efficient materials have shaped manufacturing and will continue to replace the obsolete equipment of the industry.

“Over the years we have seen many components once made of steel convert to aluminum,” he said. “As a lighter weight material, aluminum enables an increased efficiency while requiring less energy to move and power the machines made from it.”

DeSoiza said this trend will likely continue as carbon fiber replaces both steel and aluminum as staples of the manufacturing industry.

Carbon fiber will take the place of outdated materials because of its significant improvement in energy efficiency, he said. An industrial robot made of carbon fiber material would weigh less than a steel or aluminum robot but would require much less energy to operate.

Manufacturers in the Upstate are actively pursuing the use of advanced materials using lightweight composites to make products that perform better, DeSoiza said.

The need for advanced materials like those made from carbon fibers will improve a product’s performance and enable the production of items that were previously unachievable, he said.

UBJ MANUFACTURING

O’Neal Eyes Expansion

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Deep Local Roots.

Manufacturing resurgence spurs growth, says CEO

By Joe Toppe | staff | jtoppe@communityjournals.com

With more than $200 million under contract and a revival in stateside chemical manufacturing operations, an Upstate industrial engineering and construction company is looking to expand.

O’Neal Inc. added over 125 new jobs last year and is expecting to add more in 2014 to remain ahead of the demand.

“We plan to aggressively grow our process engineering and process construction groups,” said Kevin Bean, president and CEO. The company’s expansion will include approximately 25 construction professionals and 20 to 40 engineers needed for future contracts, he said. O’Neal intends to fill the positions organically or by specifically targeting firms that fit their mark.

Bean said the resurgence in American production will lead to future manufacturing facilities.

The projected need for new plants is spurring O’Neal’s growth demands, he said. The company anticipates heavy manufacturing of automotive components and an uptick in both plastics and the pulp and paper industry.

Bean credited the lowered price of shale gas for the renewal of indigenous manufacturing.

Natural gas is a key component to what is used to produce plastics, and with its lowered cost, raw materials can be produced cheaper than 15 years ago, he said.

The reduced cost of natural gas in the United States is due to the advances in extraction technologies such as drilling techniques and the ability to access new and deeper reserves, said Brian Gallagher, O’Neal’s director of marketing.

Manufacturing is important to the U.S. and to South Carolina because

of the job creation opportunities and the capital investment it represents, he said. In South Carolina, when there is a manufacturing investment, there are typically other companies that benefit, such as firms that are building the manufacturing plants and the suppliers of its materials Gallagher said this is referred to as the “BMW effect” in South Carolina.

The capital investment of BMW attracted other manufacturers and suppliers to relocate here, he said.

In addition to the lowered cost of natural gas providing a stimulant to homegrown manufacturing, Bean said companies in the private sector were sitting on their cash reserves during the recession waiting for it to end.

With shale’s impact on manufacturing and available cash ready to be invested, shelved projects are now being put into play, he said.

The Upstate will benefit from the return of manufacturing because of the high quality and high-paying jobs that come with it, Bean said.

“We are going to be bringing professionals to the area that will participate in the economy,” he said. “If we achieve our hiring goals for this year, it will represent a $5 million investment in salaries when you include benefits, support, computers and software.”

A study conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers revealed every dollar invested into American manufacturing yielded $1.45 return to its economy, creating a ripple effect benefitting infrastructure and logistics.

According to the study, manufacturing in the U.S. produces $1.8 trillion of value each year, while the average manufacturing worker earns $77,060 annually compared to the average worker in all industries earning just $60,168.

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February 28, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 7

UBJ MEDIA

Entercom Upstate Becomes ESPN Affiliate

PRESENTS

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

Congratulations to the Greenville Chamber’s

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

FunneLicious ™

Cheryl Cowart Taylor (Award Committee Representative/Cowart Awards) presents the award to Funnelicious owners Mike Pennington, Malinda McAleer Pennington, and Steve McAleer Pennington.

Located in downtown Greenville, Funnelicious is known as the city’s smallest restaurant, but that doesn’t mean business is not big. Funnelicious offers a full assortment of deli sandwiches, fried hot dogs, hand dipped corndogs, festival-style food and of course funnel cakes.

Learn more at www.funnelicious.com.

Impressed by a local small business lately? Nominate them for the Greenville Chamber’s Small Business of the Month Award at www.GreenvilleChamber.org.

The Small Business of the Month Award is sponsored by Charter Business.

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8 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

WWW.GREENVILLECHAMBER.ORG

February 28, 2014

This week, Entercom Communications Corp. launched its sixth brand in the Greenville market, ESPN Upstate. It will broadcast coverage of local and national sports via radio broadcasts and online streaming.

ESPN Upstate airs on 950 WORDAM, 1330 WYRD-AM, 97.1 FM, and WFBC-FM HD-3, and will stream 24 hours a day at ESPNUpstate.com.

Steve Sinicropi, Entercom vice president and market manager, said ESPN Upstate will have exclusive rights in the market to air major sports events from college playoffs up to the Super Bowl. The company plans to expand pre- and post-game coverage for local college affiliates and give more time to high school sports.

In addition to national programs such as ESPN SportsCenter, local sports will be covered on “The Afternoon Huddle” with Greg McKinney.

He currently anchors College Football Today on 93.3 WTPT-FM prior to each Clemson football game. McKinney has done playby-play for Greenville, Byrnes and Dorman high schools since 2012 and was inducted into the Wofford College Hall of Fame for his contributions to their play-byplay broadcasts.

“Once we get

the format up and running the way we want it, I think you’ll see some more local content,” Sinicropi said.

Team coverage includes Upstate high schools and colleges, the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Braves.

“This past year we have had tremendous success in the sports arena with Clemson football play-by-play, Greg McKinney anchoring our College Football Today pregame show, and Carolina Panthers football with our Carolina Kick Off pre-game show hosted by The Rise Guys,” Sinicropi said. “Adding ESPN is another major step as Entercom Upstate becomes the place for sports radio in the market.”

Entercom Communications Corp. is one of the largest radio broadcasting companies in the United States, with more than 100 stations in 23 markets.

UBJ INSURANCE

Esurance to Open Office, Hire 450 in Mauldin

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

The insurance company Esurance announced last week that it chose Greenville County to open its fifth claims and sales office in the United States.

The company announced an investment of $2.1 million to open an office in Mauldin and hire 450 employees. The office will be located in the space currently occupied by Ahold Information Systems in Brookfield office park. Ahold will relocate locally to a smaller space.

“Greenville [County] was chosen because of its large and talented workforce and a cost of living and quality of life that was very attractive to Esurance and prospective employees,” said Esurance spokesman Danny Miller. “It’s also becoming a hub for high-tech companies and venture capital startups, which fits with our tech-centric approach to insurance.”

Other offices are located in Sacramento, Sioux Falls, Tampa and Phoenix. Another office will open in Ogden, Utah, in the next 90 days.

“Esurance’s decision to locate here is a direct result of several key factors including having national-caliber talent here to draw from, an attractive and diverse community to draw outside talent to, and the presence of superb Class A office space appropriate for the organization’s needs at the ready,” said Dr. Bob Taylor,

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“Greenville [County] was chosen because of its large and talented workforce and a cost of living and quality of life that was very attractive to Esurance and prospective employees” Esurance spokesman Danny Miller

board member of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, in a statement. “We celebrate their addition as the newest member of Greenville County’s growing business community.”

Miller said the new office will have about 300 inside sales positions and 150 claims positions in a variety of claims roles. Applicants should visit esurance.com/about/jobs.

Esurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate and provides auto, homeowners, motorcycle and renters insurance direct to consumers. The company was acquired by Allstate in 2011 and has since seen dramatic growth.

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February 28, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 9

UBJ INNOVATE

Open, Connected, Successful What does Facebook’s acquisition of WhatsApp mean for local startups?

Striking it rich, dreaming of

mobile phone carrier pricing. Additionally – and maybe even more importantly – WhatsApp is a stark reminder of how much money phone carriers are losing out on as competitors let users text and chat at no charge.

According to research done by Ovum Ltd., free social-messaging applications like WhatsApp cost phone providers around the world $32.5 billion in texting fees in 2013.

That figure is projected to reach $54 billion by 2016.

As more customers switch to smartphones with increased and better Internet access, people are relying more on applications such as WhatsApp to communicate. This is particularly true in areas outside the United States where carriers do not include unlimited texting into voice and data plans. The rise of these instant messaging applications has offered a cheaper source of communication, especially between users located in different countries, and they are undercutting the texts that, up to now, had been a key source of income.

more open and connected.” But did Facebook really acquire WhatsApp because it wants to enter the mobile phone market? (This reason has been suggested with other acquisitions).

J.P. Morgan analyst Doug Anmuth said, “Facebook’s acquisition of WhatsApp gives the company a strong position in mobile messaging, which we think is a crucial part of the company’s core mission of connecting the world.”

Still others speculate that Facebook wants to expand its global social media footprint. As TechCrunch’s Josh Constine noted, “WhatsApp is huge in developing countries. Facebook could also use WhatsApp to help bring more people online through subsidized Internet, which Facebook already offers in some countries. The acquisition is a shortcut to owning those growing markets.”

Others believe that Facebook wants to corner the photo-sharing market. With a user base of 450 million (compared to 1.23 billion for Facebook), WhatsApp users send 500 million pictures back and forth per day, about 150 million more than Facebook users generate. Maybe Facebook is weeding out the competition as it has with Instagram while blocking any future deals with other rivals like Twitter.

What is certain is WhatsApp will provide mountain loads of data about the things that people worldwide are truly interested in – information which, until the acquisition, Facebook didn’t have access to. This new data can then be used for targeted advertising on other Facebook properties.

Why the Acquisition?

The Big Deal?

endless wealth, and finding the veritable pot of gold is part of the dream that most every entrepreneur who creates a software application in today’s business environment is shooting for. Entrepreneurs hope that the business will be attractive and sell for a ridiculous sum of money based on the evaluation.

WhatsApp Messenger definitely struck it rich this past week when Facebook bought the relatively new firm for $19 billion – $4 billion in cash and another $15 billion in Facebook stock options.

Connecting the World

WhatsApp Messenger, a five-yearold-company, is a (not so) proprietary, cross-platform instant messaging subscription service for smartphones. In addition to text messaging, users can send each other images, videos and audio messages as well as their location using integrated mapping features. Competing with a number of Asian-based messaging services (including LINE, KakaoTalk and WeChat), WhatsApp has over 450 million monthly active users around the world, and has been adding a million users daily. According to the Financial Times, WhatsApp ➤ BY

THE NUMBERS

$32.5 billion

Amount free social-messaging services cost phone companies in 2013 in lost texting fees

$54 billion Projected figure by 2016

3-4%

Expected decline in U.S. text-messaging revenue this year Source: Bloomberg

“has done to SMS on mobile phones what Skype did to international calling on landlines.”

Essentially, this application allows users to communicate between all different types of mobile phones on all different carriers, worldwide. All you need to do is enter your phone number and WhatsApp “looks” through your contact list for other people who are using the app. Then you can message those users all you want without limits or overage charges.

The technology behind WhatsApp is not very complicated or even that proprietary. The application allows for multimedia messages (an image, audio or video) to be sent to an HTTP server. Then, a link to the content along with its Base64 encoded thumbnail is sent to the contact indicated. In the simplest of terms, the user sending the information does so by sending the information to a Web server via the mobile app. The designated user(s) receive the message in the form of a link on the same mobile app. The app is free to download and has no ads, but it costs $1 per year after the first year.

WhatsApp allows for the circumvention of regular SMS messaging which basically exploits a “loophole” in

10 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 28, 2014

According to Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook acquired WhatsApp because it wants to “make the world

Facebook’s acquisition of WhatsApp is definitely setting precedents in the acquiring of newly >>

By DEVEREN WERNE

With a rapidly developing coding community taking off in South Carolina, this news is both thrilling and exciting.

I know I am encouraged. >>

formed user-based startup companies. Using an “evaluation” process of the firm (number of users that currently use the application, combined with the potential income that may be derived from advertising to the user base, or from an increase in the cost of the app, or the possibility of adding additional revenue based services) instead of structuring an offer based on actual revenue (WhatsApp declined to comment on their sales figures) has stirred up the financial world.

With a rapidly developing coding community taking off in South Carolina, this news is both thrilling and

exciting. I know I am encouraged. I am a serial entrepreneur with two established businesses in the Upstate, and beginning a third – a new social application called SocialSprig. It is my dream, and the dream of many entrepreneurs like me, who hope that our startups ultimately have a higher evaluation than XEROX, Marriott and American Airlines.

Have a bone to pick with your BIG bank?

Deveren Werne is the owner of Mojoe. net and Liquid Video Technologies Inc. He serves on the InnoVision advisory board. Mojoe.net is the website/video production and event sponsor for the InnoVision Awards.

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UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 11

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During the recent snowstorm, many businesses closed for a few days. With impassable roads and icy sidewalks, it may have been hard to get

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to keep your business going when a short- or mid-term event occurs, such as a weather event that closes roads or knocks out power for days or a week.

Another is disaster recovery planning, which is resuming business after a disruptive event occurs. Sometimes large events – a fire or a major computer virus – can damage files and equipment, cause business disruption and require significant remediation to get back to normal.

With our “that-can’t-happen-to-me” approach, we often don’t allow for the possibility of a major disaster, so we don’t plan well for one. But a good business continuity plan usually has elements necessary for recovery from a

Train, Test & Maintain

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behind?” The poet Percy Bysshe Shelley encompassed much hope in those eight words. But he didn’t articulate the corollary: Winter returns.

It is easy to forget the record snowfall, treacherous roads and shuttered businesses of just a few weeks ago, be relieved it wasn’t worse and go back to business as usual. But why not take the opportunity to review what worked and what didn’t and how prepared you might be for an event that could take a bigger bite out of your business?

There are two terms used here, and they are not interchangeable. One is business continuity planning, designed

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12 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 28, 2014

By LAURA HAIGHT

>>

update your website and post on social media – and do you have the logins and procedures for how to do that? Do you know how to program a new message on your business answering machine?

Whether or not you can just shut the doors for a day or two really depends on the kind of business you are. The time of the month can also factor in, such as payroll or close week.

A lot of things can get pushed off, but employees still need to be paid on time.

Ensure you have a plan so that this critical process never suffers.

While we’re talking about critical processes, do you know what yours are? And, for that matter, what is required to complete them? Access to company resources like databases, account information, customer files, etc., may be critical. In the past, data like this was often locked down safely in locally based servers that might be inaccessible in the event there was a power failure at your facility. But accessibility is a non-issue for businesses that have moved to cloud-based servers and services, making it possible for staff to work remotely with little more than their home computer and an Internet connection.

Having the capability and using it are two different things. Part of your plan must be that each person knows that they have responsibilities during an emergency, what those responsibilities are and how to access the necessary resources. Do all the critical people have remote access and the ability to get into your cloud services?

Have they ever used it; do they have their account information?

People are your biggest resource.

So make sure you identify all your key employees, and that you know their home email address, cellphone number and alternative number (such as a beach house). You should also know if they have the tools to work at home, such as an appropriately configured computer and a solid Internet connection. Sure, you say, we have all this in our HR software. But if you aren’t in your building, can you access that information? Maybe not. Make

In an emergency, do you know what your critical processes are?

And, for that matter, what is required to complete them? sure you have a digital copy on a secure resource accessible outside your business network.

Like data, people need backups.

Every critical person needs a backup and everyone needs to know what their responsibilities are. For critical staff, staying home may not mean the same thing as a snow day. Staff members need to understand the expectations and be informed of when the emergency plan is in effect.

Part of your business operations during an emergency has to be remote collaboration. Ensure you have access to a service that can bring your team together to make sure key tasks are getting done, discuss issues and make critical adjustments. It could be a Skype call (you’ll need Business Skype for group calling), an online meeting or even a group text chat. But determine what service you will use, make sure everyone knows how to access it and that you distribute a communication list that includes IDs and account names for these services.

Often with weather emergencies, we have a day or two to plan for the worst.

Use that time to go through your plan and make sure all information is current, everyone has a copy of the plan and communication touch points are established. Don’t expect business as usual, but identify the truly critical tasks that must be accomplished during the duration of the emergency.

These tips just scratch the surface of what a complete plan should have, but with a significant event fresh in our memory, it’s a good place to start.

Laura Haight is the president of Portfolio (portfoliosc.com), which works with small businesses to incorporate emerging media and technology into its business communications, operations and training.

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February 28, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 13

UBJ CONSERVATION

Conserving Nature and Business Rob Sisson of ConserveAmerica argues that sustainable practices can be good for the environment and the bottom line

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

The keynote speaker at Upstate Forever’s annual ForeverGreen Awards Luncheon, Rob Sisson, tackles issues at the crossroads of business, conservatism and environmental conservation. For 20 years, he has been president of ConserveAmerica, whose mission is “to restore the Republican Party’s great conservation tradition.” Sisson’s background is commercial banking, and he is author of two books about financing small business. He shared his thoughts with UBJ on why conservation is good for business.

Q& A

What’s the biggest misconception about the relationship between business and environment?

That all businesses exploit the environment for profit. In reality, the vast majority of businesses understand that sustainable practices

enhance the bottom line and continuity of the business.

What are the most effective arguments for convincing conservative businesspeople that a healthy environment is good for business?

Case studies or examples of how similar businesses have adopted environmentally friendly practices and profited from it. There are thousands of examples in the U.S. alone. One of the most common is manufacturers who discover that reclaiming, cleaning or reusing water is more efficient than inputting clean water, then sending it into a sewer or drain. A new car wash in my hometown reduced its water bill at least 60 percent that way and can offer lower prices than competitors. The environmental benefit is a bonus.

Which arguments don’t work?

“It’s the right thing to do.” Businesses exist to make money and must

Infographic Courtesy of Upstate Forever

compete with other businesses in the marketplace, so there is a tendency to not go the extra mile for altruistic reasons if it impacts competitiveness.

How have conservative attitudes about conservation changed in the past 20 years?

The definition of what it means to be a conservative has changed, so many people who rally to the conservative banner today have no idea of the principles of people like Russell Kirk. He was known as Ronald Reagan’s conservative conscience and said, “Nothing is more conservative than conservation.”

Today, many would say that “conservation” is not part of the definition of a conservative. Helping redefine or take back the term is, in itself, worthy of a major national campaign.

What factors have contributed most to that change?

“The vast majority of businesses understand that sustainable practices enhance the bottom line and continuity of the business.”

14 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 28, 2014

Conservative talk radio, cable networks, and special-interest money invested in politics.

Have you ever spent time in the Upstate?

Unfortunately, no, only the coast.

Upstate Forever, though, is well known

to me, and probably all conservation leaders in the country, as one of the premier organizations in the U.S.

What advice would you give businesses in our area?

“Conservation” is not a code word for “expensive.” If businesses have not yet considered how sustainable practices could help their business model, there are many resources to help them determine what, if any, strategy can help their bottom lines.

Also, the millennial generation expects the businesses where they work or shop to have an environmental conscience. And citizens from the faith community view Creation Care as part of living their faith. Businesses should get ahead of the curve, if only for competitive reasons.

MAR

11

ENGAGE Upstate Forever 2014 ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon Tuesday, March 11, at Embassy Suites in Greenville More information: upstateforever.org

By Molly Gunson, Smoak Public Relations

UBJ THE TAKEAWAY

Passion and Commitment Richard Davis of TV’s “Flip This House” on finding your entrepreneurial style

You’re passionate about something, but how committed are you? he believes to be the key elements of a successful entrepreneurial career.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

EVENT: Successful Entrepreneurship Series @ Greenville Tech WHO WAS THERE: 2014 Spring Successful Entrepreneurship series members

Davis stressed to entrepreneurs the importance of finding a passion and using that passion to give back to the community. Davis’ passion is basketball. His love for the game led him to create a program for teams of the most talented high school players in South Carolina to not only develop their technical skills, but also transition into college basketball careers. Davis explained that, for him, it is all about paying it forward, without expecting pay back.

TOPIC: Defining your entrepreneurial style

HOW COMMITTED ARE YOU?

SPEAKERS: Richard Davis, “Flip This House”

“You’re passionate about something,” stated Davis, “but how committed are you?” After reading

TV personality Richard Davis, founder, president and CEO of Trademark Properties, has a distinct view on entrepreneurship, shaped by his experience in the real estate and television worlds. Throughout his address at this spring Successful Entrepreneurship Series event, Davis posed probing questions to the group in order to illuminate what

Tom Wolfe’s “A Man in Full,” Davis was struck by the idea that the book should be made into a film. He has pursued this idea since 2006, and run into roadblocks, barriers and flat-out rejection. Nearly eight years later, his idea has begun to take shape and a movie based on “A Man in Full” is now in its beginning phases.

Davis recognized the commitment the Successful Entrepreneurship members show by attending presentations each week, but challenges them by asking how long they’ll stay committed. He explained, “Persistence pays off. You don’t always get what you want, but you can get somewhere.”

Persistence pays off. You don’t always get what you want, but you can get somewhere.

ARE YOU A SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR OR A STRATEGIC ENTREPRENEUR? Davis pointed out that many people “slide under the entrepreneur umbrella,” but clarified that there are two very distinct types of entrepreneurs. “Serial entrepreneurs” are inventors. They constantly come up with new ideas, see these ideas through to fruition and then move on to their next inspiring idea.

In contrast, “strategic entrepreneurs” tend to seize on one idea,

taking it from conceptualization to completion. They also aim to make a difference in the world by using their idea as a tool for change. Davis emphasized that neither type of entrepreneur is the “right” one to be. It’s possible to be a successful serial or strategic entrepreneur, but identifying your working style will benefit you and all the people you work with.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER SUCCESS? Finally, Davis asked the group to define success, explaining “It’s all relative. It’s different for everyone.”

He explained his belief in human capital, and that a group of good people pushing in the right direction towards a common goal can achieve great successes. Davis realizes that entrepreneurs have tasks to accomplish, but always want results first.

He cautioned that the best way to achieve your intended results is to first determine how to get there.

Using a “roadmap” to help guide your entrepreneurial journey will help you see those results and ultimately achieve success.

MAR

4

NEXT SPEAKER IN THE SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SERIES Jane Robelot, WYFF-TV; Dave Wyman, College of Charleston.

More information: successfulentrepreneurship.com

The Successful Entrepreneurship series is a program developed by Serrus Capital Partners that encourages individuals to develop ventures that benefit the community. A group of industry experts share experiences and insight, offering proven advice on how to foster business success. Topics include marketing, social media, financial and accounting basics, human resources, leadership and international business.

February 28, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 15

FOUNDERS

THE HUMAN TOUCH

In helping others find their life’s work, HTI’s Herb Dew also found his own

A

By Joe Toppe | staff jtoppe@communityjournals.com

After spending much of his young life on the road as part of a military family, Herb Dew, president of Human Technologies Inc. in Greenville, pictured a life in professional baseball or computer programming until a simple suggestion changed his career path. Dew soon realized he had a knack for helping others find their life’s work, founding HTI in 1991 and establishing his own livelihood in human resource solutions.

Where did you grow up?

Photos by Greg Beckner

16 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 28, 2014

I am an Army brat. I was born at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Denver, Colo. I lived in Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio; and in Boston. I moved to Boston when I was young to stay with my grandfather while my father was in Korea.

>>

>>

Did you have any mentors growing up?

Both my father and my grandfather are my mentors. Their work ethic was exceptional and my grandfather taught me to win and be successful with heart and integrity. Sometimes in business you have to be careful to not be cutthroat and make brutal decisions.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a professional baseball player, and I actually tried out for the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals. After trying out, I knew I was not going to play pro ball.

What was your first job?

A friend of mine’s father owns several thousand acres down in South Georgia, so one summer I followed a pine straw baler around. I had to lift pine straw bales and stack them on the back of a truck.

It was a valuable experience because it taught what I didn’t want to do. I wanted to get an education, so I wasn’t baling pine straw the rest of my life.

What inspired you to go into this field and start this company?

I got a degree in computer science from Augusta State, so I was looking for a programming job.

While on an interview with an IT director, he told me I needed to be in sales and work with people.

He gave me the name of a company that was in staffing, and I applied with them and they gave me a job as a recruiter. I loved it and it was a fun job. I worked there for 15 years until getting the itch to do something on my own. I wanted to start a staffing company that was more of a human resource company, so I started HTI back in 1999.

What would a co-worker say about working with you?

I think they would say I am fun and I love sports.

I think they would also say that you could be great and have fun.

What is your greatest strength, weakness and character trait?

My greatest strength is that I am willing to take risks. My greatest weakness is that I become bored easy, and my greatest character trait is that I am honest.

“My grandfather taught me to win and be successful with heart and integrity. Sometimes in business you have to be careful to not be cutthroat and make brutal decisions.”

What has been your best business decision?

Where I showed my greatest strength and decision-making skills was in working through the recession in 2008 and 2009. Half of our industry went out of business, but we kept selling, focused on a goal, and pushing our name out there.

How do you motivate?

If you hire good people and you let them know they will not be fired for making a mistake, that is what gets people motivated.

What advice would you give a new boss?

Be available and willing to give up control, learn to delegate responsibility, and don’t be a micro-manager.

underutilized assets?

I think the lack of skilled labor is an issue, and Greenville needs to start building trade and craft skills again.

What is your idea of work-life balance?

I think it is important to take time, because you are more productive and creative if you are refreshed.

The effective balance of your work life and personal life will bring a better person into your job.

Who is the person outside of your professional circle with the most influence on your work?

My wife.

What, if anything, keeps you up at night? What is your favorite app on your The company has gotten so big now that if I phone or tablet? make a poor decision it could affect someone’s job.

I worry about making a decision that would result in me having to lay someone off.

What was a game-changing moment in your career?

As a young man, I had an issue with someone I worked for at a staffing company before HTI. I lost my temper and tipped a table over in his office and cussed. The way he handled that with me changed me and taught me humility. He had such an impact on my life as a leader.

What do you still need to learn about your business?

Candy Crush.

What is your worst habit?

My worst habit is that I am TV junkie.

What are you a snob about?

I am a shoe snob.

Where do you get your local and national news?

I read a lot of different things, including the Wall Street Journal and all of the local publications.

What is your biggest fear?

We’ve gone from a small business to a large business, so I still need to learn a lot about running a bigger company.

What are some of Greenville’s most

My biggest fear is that something would happen to me before my kids are grown.

If you could change places with someone, who would it be and why?

I would enjoy the lifestyle of a pro golfer.

February 28, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 17

75 UBJ MILESTONE YEARS

‘A Wheels Business’ Commercial auto and trucking insurer Canal Insurance celebrates 75 years in the Upstate

By SHERRY JACKSON | staff sjackson@communityjournals.com

was released in theaters, the newspaper comic strip “Superman” debuted, the first NFL Pro Bowl game was held at Wrigley Field (the one in Los Angeles), World War II began and Canal Insurance was formed.

The founder of Canal Insurance was William R. Timmons, an enterprising entrepreneur who began his career by investing in real estate, focusing on commercial development on Hogback Mountain along with properties in North Hills at Hillcrest Drive and Gallivan Avenue and Bennett Street.

Timmons was so successful that in the 1920s he was hired by a group of Florida developers to take Florida residents who came to Greenville to the top of Hogback Mountain as they developed a golf course and a country club.

Sydney Taylor, Timmons’ granddaughter, said that her grandfather “had about four touring sedans that Cadillac made at the time, and he would load those touring sedans up with Florida people who came up to see Hogback Mountain. That was the big boom mountain then.”

Once the developers figured out Timmons was making more money on commissions from his tours than they were, they decided to do the tours

themselves. Timmons sold his touring sedans, moved into the Poinsett Hotel building and began a real estate and insurance agency named Central Agencies that would later become Central Realty Corporation and the Wm. R. Timmons agency, respectively. The Wm. R. Timmons agency remains a distribution company for Canal Insurance today.

SHAPING GREENVILLE’S CULTURE

William R. Timmons also helped shape Greenville, serving as CEO of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce in the 1920s. Timmons was instrumental in leading the efforts to raise funds for the construction of the Chamber of Commerce building that was built in 1925 on South Main Street. He was also part of the Chamber of Commerce acquaintance tours, where a delegation of Greenville businessmen would visit businesses in other states, touting Greenville as a good place to relocate.

It was also in May 1920 that 28-yearold William married Eva McDonald.

They shared a love of music, William as a second tenor and Eva as a pianist.

The Timmons family continues to honor that love of the arts by supporting several institutions in the >>

Canal Insurance Senior Vice President of Investments William “Rick” Timmons III, left, and President and CEO David Firstenberg sit in front of a portrait of company founder William Timmons in the boardroom of the company.

The Canal Insurance Company’s first office on Church Street in Greenville.

18 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 28, 2014

Photo by Greg Beckner

In 1939, “Gone with the Wind”

Photo Provided

UBJ MILESTONE >> Greenville area, such as the Peace Center, the Warehouse Theatre and the Upcountry History Museum. The family also funds the Eva Music Scholarship that benefits approximately 14 music students at Furman University each year and more than 200 to date.

At the company’s 50th anniversary celebration were, from left, Charlie Timmons Sr., Jean Timmons Pelham, Bill Timmons Jr., Gordon Rodgers, T.J. Mims.

The Canal Insurance Company is located in the former Sears and Roebuck building on Stone Avenue. Photo by Greg Beckner

1942-1948 (6 YEARS):

William R. Timmons Sr. – founder, president & CEO

1945-1993 (48 YEARS): Gordon Rodgers – VP, agency & underwriting

SEIZING OPPORTUNITY

In the 1930s the remnants of the Depression left the Southeast poor and “made truckers the riverboat gamblers of the transportation industry,” said Rick Timmons, William R. Timmons’ grandson and third-generation family member, who came to the company in 1976 and has served as senior vice president of investments since 1981.

South Carolina, followed by North Carolina and Georgia, passed legislation demanding long-haul vehicles be properly insured. “William R.

SENIOR LEADERS

1946-2005 (59 YEARS): William R. Timmons Jr. – first VP investments, secretary & chairman

1948-1995 (47 YEARS):

T.J. Mims – president & CEO (1948-1992)

1949-1998 (49 YEARS):

Charles Timmons Sr. – controller, treasurer, president & CEO (1992-1998)

Timmons saw an opportunity to create a niche for his insurance agency if he could solve the insurance needs of these customers,” said Rick Timmons. On Feb. 27, 1939, Canal Insurance was incorporated.

By 1942, the William R. Timmons Agency was writing more insurance on truckers and commercial passenger vehicles than any other agency in the three states.

In 1945, Gordon Rodgers was added as vice president to the management team, playing a significant role in developing a coast-to-coast network of independent agencies.

Rogers would remain with the company for 48 years.

OVERCOMING TRAGEDY

The company was successful and

growing when tragedy struck Canal on June 22, 1948. William R. Timmons was on a business trip to Columbia and was killed in an automobile accident. “The family quickly rallied around the company,” said Rick Timmons.

Bill Timmons Jr., a retired army captain and senior at Furman University, was 23 years old at the time.

He “had to go into the business with all four feet,” he said. Bill Timmons Jr. left school to serve as secretary, manage investments and run the real estate company. A longtime employee, T.J. Mims, stepped up to serve as president and CEO. In 1949, Charlie Timmons Sr. came to Canal to serve as treasurer and controller to work alongside his brother, Bill Jr.

1976-2009 (33 YEARS):

Charles Timmons Jr. – VP underwriting, president & CEO (1998-2009)

1977-PRESENT (37 YEARS): William R. (Rick) Timmons III – senior VP, investments

2009-2010 (1 YEAR):

John Pollock – president & CEO

2010-PRESENT (4 YEARS): David Firstenberg – president & CEO

Canal Insurance continued to grow and prosper, and by 1958 the company was licensed in 27 states and the District of Columbia. In 1960, Canal was operating in 42 states.

In the early years, Canal remained CANAL continued on PAGE 20

75 Years of Canal Insurance 1920s: William R. Timmons creates Wm. R. Timmons agency May 1920: William R. Timmons marries Eva McDonald 1920

Feb. 27, 1939: Canal Insurance formed

1940 1925: William R. Timmons helps raise money for the Greenville Chamber of Commerce building

1960 June 1948: William R. Timmons killed in a car accident and children take the reins

1924: Timmons is part of the Chamber of Commerce acquaintance tours to visit businesses in other states to tout Greenville as a good place to do business

1950s: Company moves to East North Street 1960: Canal operating in 42 states

1980 1958: Canal is licensed in 27 states and the District of Columbia

February 28, 2014

2010: Company hires second CEO outside the family and creates an oversight board

2000 1991: Canal Insurance moves into current location in the former Sears building

2014: Canal Insurance celebrates 75th anniversary

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 19

UBJ MILESTONE CANAL continued from PAGE 19

“a relatively small business” located at 10 S. Church St., behind what was then the post office, said Taylor.

When the city began the Church Street bridge improvement project, that property was condemned and the company moved in the 1950s to 417 E. North St. Canal outgrew that space, and in 1991 moved into the former Sears, Roebuck and Company building, where the company still remains today. Remnants of the department store remain inside with a set of escalators featured prominently in the middle of the building. “Those escalators were the first set of escalators installed in South Carolina,” said Rick Timmons.

In the 1990s Canal suffered another loss. Three quarters of the management team (T.J. Mims, Gordon Rogers, Bill Timmons Jr. and Charlie Timmons

CELEBRATION PLANS: Canal is holding a party Thursday, Feb. 27, at Zen for its employees to mark the 75th anniversary. Mayor Knox White will read a declaration proclaiming it Canal Insurance Day. On March 13, Canal will host an event at the Poinsett Club for its agents, shareholders and board of directors to celebrate the anniversary.

People visiting Canal Insurance this year will see the large sign in the lobby promoting the company’s 75th anniversary.

Sr.) that had led Canal for nearly 50 years, passed away – all while still on the job. But a new generation took the reins and Charles Timmons Jr. was

named president in 1998.

CREATING “A COMPELLING STORY”

In 2005 Canal created a company oversight board of seasoned executives in the industry, and in 2010, for the second time, brought in a non-family member, David Firstenberg, to run the family business.

Firstenberg was a seasoned leader, having served in several executive positions at national and international insurance companies. Upon his hire, he was also added to the board of directors. “Canal is a very compelling story in the insurance business and very iconic,” said Firstenberg. “Being a part of that tradition of success is attractive” and is what led him to accept the position.

Today, there are 14 third-generation family members, 51 family shareholders and 237 employees that make up Canal Insurance. The company’s main office is in Greenville with two small offices in Charlotte and Atlanta. The 14 family

Other celebratory events will be held throughout the year. members own 90 percent of the stock of the company.

The key to Canal’s longevity is its “consistent approach” to the business that Canal has always had, said Rick Timmons – not just to the insurance market, but also to its business partners and agents. “If you’re a good business partner and fair and consistent – that’s the kind of company other people want to do business with,” he said.

Firstenberg said the most important element that has brought the company to where it is today is “a culture of extreme diligence.”

Going forward, the company will likely build shareholder value by continuing to diversify the business into other forms of insurance and become even more profitable, Firstenberg said. In the past few years, Canal has already expanded into other forms of automobile and transporting insurance. But, said Firstenberg, “this is a wheels business, and Job One is to continue to get better and better at it.”

“If you’re a good business partner and fair and consistent – that’s the kind of company other people want to do business with.”

Rick Timmons

20 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 28, 2014

UBJ SQUARE FEET – DEALMAKERS

Residential Market Returning to Stability

DEALMAKERS COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCED:

By Sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com

Richard Barrett represented Coble Properties in the lease of 7,200 SF of flex space at 8 Progress Road, Greenville.

The same factors that catalyzed inventory was down 15.2 percent to

Richard Barrett represented the Thomas Centre LLC in the lease of 1,544 SF of flex space at 111 Smith Hines Road, Suite H, Greenville.

widespread market recovery for the past couple of years are likely to continue throughout 2014, though perhaps at a moderate pace. Those are the findings from the January Statewide Market Report released

by South Carolina Realtors.

That’s not a bad thing, says the report, since the market is returning to a stable, healthy state. Potential trends to keep an eye on in 2014 include increased seller activity, more new construction and fewer foreclosures on the market.

Overall, new listings in the state of South Carolina decreased 3.1 percent to 8,943. Pending sales were down 6.0 percent to 4,497 and inventory levels shrank 4.1 percent to 44,472 units. But prices moved higher as the median sales price increased 5.3 percent to $154,743.

Days on market were down 10.8 percent to 116 days and absorption rates improved as months’ supply of

8.4 months.

In the Greater Greenville area, the number of homes sold was 527 for January 2014 compared to 512 in January 2013, representing a 2.9 percent increase. Spartanburg was down 14.2 percent from 226 homes sold in January 2013 compared to 194 sold in January 2014.

The median price of homes in the Greater Greenville area rose 1 percent from $148,000 to $149,500 from January 2013 to January 2014.

In Spartanburg, the median price rose 13.4 percent from $104,051 in January 2013 to $118,000 in January 2014, according to the report.

Other positive results show the average days on market decreased in Greater Greenville from 99 days to 90 days, a 9.1 percent decrease. In Spartanburg days on market decreased from 159 days in January 2013 to 133 days in January 2014.

Lyn Tyner represented Hillside Partnership II in the sale of 26.29 acres of land on Howell Road, Duncan.

2 MORE WAYS TO CONNECT:

1. MOBILE

NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL HOMES, CONDOS & VILLAS SOLD

JAN. 2013 JAN. 2014 % CHANGE Greater Greenville 512 527 +2.9% Spartanburg 226 194 -14.2% State Totals 3,641 3,567 +2.0% MEDIAN PRICE OF RESIDENTIAL HOMES, CONDOS & VILLAS SOLD

Greater Greenville Spartanburg State Totals

JAN. 2013 JAN. 2014 % CHANGE $148,000 $149,500 +1.0% $104,051 $118,000 +13.4% $147,000 $154,741 +5.3%

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET UNTIL SALE (DOM)

JAN. 2013 JAN. 2014 % CHANGE Greater Greenville 99 90 -9.1% Spartanburg 159 133 -16.3% State Totals 130 116 -10.8% Sources: SC Realtors

2. ONLINE www.UpstateBusinessJournal.com

For print subscription and email subscription to the “In Box.” Stay up to date with the business of the Upstate.

February 28, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 21

UBJ SQUARE FEET

Concept Front Elevation – Study 1

Developers Announce Markley Row Plans

By Sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com

Markley Row, a new, luxury six-home

of ID Studio Interiors will be the lead consultant on all interior design elements.

The site was recognized by 19th-century city planners as having the only uninterrupted panoramic view of the Blue Ridge within downtown, the developers said. The anticipated completion date is fall 2015.

Renderings Courtesy of Croft Architecture

community at the corner of Markley and Rhett streets in Greenville’s west end “warehouse district,” is set to begin construction spring 2014.

Local investor Ron Rallis and Highland Homes announced details of the development at an unveiling party held at the Zen event space on Tuesday.

The homes will be in a gated community and feature garages, elevators and private yards. Units will range from 4,000 to 7,000 square feet and will be built to suit.

Markley Row will boast an urban, modern flair, with a high-efficiency building envelope of tumbled brick, hard-coated stucco and glass curtain walls, the developers said. Each home will feature rooftop terraces, open floor plans, reclaimed wood accent walls, polished concrete and contemporary stairwells.

Thomas Croft of Croft Architecture will provide consulting on custom architecture and Amy Emery

Concept Front Elevation – Study 2

Concept Front Elevation – Study 3

Greenville News Building May Be Demolished

By Sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com

The Greenville News building at 305 S. Main St., across from the Peace Center, may be demolished once the property is sold, according to CBRE, the company listing the property.

There has been a lot of speculation since Gannett announced plans to sell the building in July 2012, with several city officials saying it would be a great place for a downtown convention center.

Initially, Gannett was going to only

list the building for sale and keep the print operations at that location, said Doug Webster with CBRE. But after preliminary research, that was determined to be impractical.

Earlier this month, The Greenville News reported that its parent company, Gannett, reached an agreement with Halifax Media Group to move printing of The Greenville News and the Asheville Citizen-Times from Greenville to Halifax printing facilities in Spartanburg and Gastonia,

22 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 28, 2014

N.C., effective April 2014.

Once CBRE puts together the marketing package, they expect to start qualifying developers for the four-acre site and asking for proposals. “We hope to have the building under contract and closed by the end of 2014,” said Webster. No listing price has been set, as CBRE is going to send it out for bid and “see what the market will bear.”

Both Webster, a senior associate at CBRE, and Charles Gouch, first vice

president at CBRE, will handle the listing.

It will be up to the developer chosen whether to tear down the building or not, but Webster said it would be hard to revitalize the space and expects the building to be razed and turned into a mixed-use, multistory facility.

Mayor Knox White said the process has just started and he does not know what will happen, but he hopes that a buyer “would favor a full mixed-use project on the site.”

UBJ SQUARE FEET

GHS Corporate HQ to Complete Downtown Move

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

Late next month, more Greenville Health System (GHS) administrative offices are set to move into a downtown Greenville space at the SunTrust building on East McBee Avenue.

The move is prompted by the need for more space for clinical services at the Greenville Memorial Hospital campus, according to GHS officials.

Approximately 130 employees will be moving into the space, they said.

Blaine Hart and Charles Gouch of CBRE represented the landlord in the transaction.

In 2010, the communications, philanthropy, accounting and finance departments moved to the same downtown space. By late May, government affairs, a portion of human resources, clinical integration and corporate administration will be moved into the SunTrust building. A total of 286 GHS employees will be in the 93,000-square-foot space at the end of May.

An artist’s rendering shows the proposed new Greenville Health System signage on the SunTrust building in downtown Greenville.

“The clinical needs of our patients will always be our top priority,” said Mark Loukides, executive director of facilities development for GHS. “This move will help us meet vital clinical

“The clinical needs of our patients will always be our top priority.

This move will help us meet vital clinical needs.”

Mark Loukides, executive director of facilities development for GHS

needs.”

In addition to freeing up more space on the Greenville Memorial Hospital campus, the health care system is also working to have a strategic corporate presence in downtown Greenville, according to one GHS source. It has been dubbed internally as “GHS Downtown.”

Greenville Memorial Hospital leadership will move into space vacated by corporate officials, and the existing GMH leadership space will be backfilled by series of about seven other

moves, ultimately resulting in more clinical space, said GHS officials.

According to an application filed with the City of Greenville, GHS has requested installation of two lighted signs on the building, including a 4-foot-tall logo, which will face South Spring Street and Church Street. The signs would be in addition to the SunTrust logo signs.

Other changes at Greenville Memorial Hospital include expansion of the intensive care unit and dialysis center, according to officials.

MIKE GREER | INVESTMENT SALES

NEW HIRE: ONE MORE STRONG Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Greer, CCIM, SIOR to the Greenville office. Mike will serve as Vice President and will focus on the sale of investment properties in the region.

(843) 370 8155

Contact Mike today for your investment needs: (864) 704 1361 | michael.greer@thalhimer.com

February 28, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 23

UBJ THE FINE PRINT BlueCross Offers Metabolic Health Programs

Clemson Generated $1.9B For South Carolina According to a study conducted by the Regional Economics Analysis Laboratory at Clemson University’s Storm Thurmond Institute, the school generated approximately $1.9 billion in economic output for South Carolina last year, and its activities accounted for nearly 25,000 jobs.

The study showed that Clemson’s net impact on the state’s government revenue was $81.8 million more than its state appropriation, and its net return to local governments was $128.2 million.

“In other words, Clemson is a net funder of state and local government, generating millions of dollars more in economic output than it receives in annual appropriations,” said Rob Carey, director of the Regional Economics Analysis Laboratory at the Strom Thurmond Institute at Clemson.

Local governments netted $65.6 million in revenue. Clemson’s economic impact in the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson Combined Statistical Area (CSA) was $1.647 billion in 2013 and it generated 21,454 jobs, $874 million in disposable income and $106.1 million for local governments. In the tri-county region of Anderson, Oconee and Pickens, Clemson’s economic output was $896.9 million. It generated 13,315 jobs and disposable income of $587.1 million.

According to Carey, the study did not include the impact of nearly 60,000 Clemson alumni who live in the state, nor the jobs created by private companies located at innovation campuses in Greenville, Charleston and Anderson.

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina’s large group accounts can now add metabolic health programs.

Metabolic health focuses on prediabetes, which occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis, and metabolic syndrome, which is a collection of factors that increase the risk of developing heart disease, depression, stroke and several other chronic

Quest Achieves Zero-Waste-to-Landfill Status Quest Brewing Company recently announced its facility has achieved zero-waste-tolandfill (ZWL) status through a partnership with Junk Matters LLC of Spartanburg.

The company originally set its goal to convert to ZWL by 2015.

“This achievement reflects our brewery’s commitment to reduce our environmental impact while continuing to

brew the highest quality craft beer,” said Andrew Watts, CEO of Quest Brewing Company, in a release. “Our new business seeks to be a leader in commercial sustainability in the Greenville area.

This is something we are passionate about and our staff is 100 percent behind this effort.”

Quest’s facility reduced its overall waste streams and in-

creased recycling rates to approximately 95 percent to achieve ZWL status.

Greenville Businesses Win Houzz 2014 ‘Best Of’ Award Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home and Dillard-Jones Builders LLC both recently received Houzz’s 2014 “Best Of” awards.

Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home received the Houzz “Best Of” award for 2014 in the design category. Dillard-Jones Builders

24 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

conditions.

“By identifying group plan members who have metabolic health issues and enrolling them in our program, BlueCross can assist South Carolina businesses who want to help

employees stay healthy who are headed for worse problems without aid,” said Matt Shaffer, senior vice president of large group accounts, in a release.

The program includes educational materials and telephone coaching for highrisk individuals.

BlueCross’s disease management programs were recently accredited by Washington, D.C.based URAC, who establishes quality standards for the health care industry.

February 28, 2014

LLC received an award for customer service.

Houzz is an online platform for home remodeling and features a large residential design database, with information on more than 1.5 million remodeling and design professionals worldwide.

Winners are announced after an annual survey, and analysis of 16 million monthly users reveals the top-rated U.S. professionals. They are also recognized with a badge on their Houzz community profiles

UBJ THE FINE PRINT

GHS Names Military, Government Liaison Director Greenville Health System recently named Kevin McBride, a retired Marine gunnery sergeant and seven-year GHS employee, as director of its newly formed Military and Government Liaison Office, which oversees the hospital’s projects with organizations serving veterans.

McBride served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 23 years and is an active volunteer with many veterans’ groups.

He is also manager of environmental services on GHS’ Patewood Medical

Campus and is teamed with the coordinator of the GHS Peace House in the new liaison office.

“GHS’ military and government liaison office will allow us to strengthen our relationships with veteran organizations, while getting a better understanding of where there is a need and an opportunity to identify innovative solutions with teams across our health system,” said Stan Healy, a GHS senior administrator and a Marine corporal, in a release.

South Carolina is

KEVIN MCBRIDE among the six states experiencing an increase in its veteran population, and more than 100,000 veterans call the Upstate home.

The new office will allow the hospital system to collaborate with veterans’ organizations and explore initiatives with other agencies across the Upstate, state and the nation. It will also organize meetings and volunteer opportunities for veterans employed

by GHS. GHS currently works with veterans in research, such as the Acceleration Sport Institute’s traumatic brain injury study, and driving simulator exercises tested

by Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research and DriveSafety in conjunction with work at GHS’ Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital. The simulators help veterans who have experienced combat-related injuries return to driving.

Provident Community Bancshares Inc. to Deregister Rock Hill-based Provident Community Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Provident Community Bank, recently announced it will deregister its common stock and suspend reporting obligations with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to reduce the legal, accounting and administrative costs

associated with being an SEC reporting company.

“The decision by the board of directors to deregister was made after careful consideration of the

advantages and disadvantages of being a public reporting company and the high costs and demands on management’s time arising from compliance with our ongoing SEC reporting requirements,” said Dwight V. Neese, president and CEO, in a release.

Once the deregistration takes

effect, Provident Community Bancshares will not have to file reports or forms with the SEC. The deregistration process is expected to be completed in late March, but the company will continue to report to the Federal Reserve Bank and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

PLANNING FOR A LASTING LEGACY Margaret Southern lived modestly but left a magnificent gift to the Community Foundation to benefit her most cherished interests—early childhood education, special needs children and animal welfare—forever.

We make it easy to give back to the place we all love to call home.

February 28, 2014

www.cfgreenville.org

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 25

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

UBJ ON THE MOVE ELECTED

ELECTED

HIRED

HIRED

PROMOTED

PROMOTED

Jack Griffeth

Ken Finch

Tori Moon

Mike Giordano

Kathy Weeks

Jim Kaltenbach

Elected to the American Board of Trial Attorneys, a national association dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Seventh Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to jury trials. Griffeth is a shareholder in Collins & Lacy and is past president of the Greenville Bar Association and the South Carolina Bar Foundation.

Appointed to serve as 2014 chairman of the board for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of South Carolina. Finch is president of Countybanc Insurance.

He has been with the company since 2003 and is also licensed in North Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee.

Joined High Cotton as private dining coordinator.

Most recently Moon was the event and operations coordinator at T.L. Norris Gallery. She has also worked as front-of-house manager at McCutchen House in Columbia. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina.

Joined Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor in the Greenville office. Giordano was previously a sports anchor at WYFF News 4 for the past eight years.

Named regional vice president for Allen Tate Company’s Upstate region and will continue to serve as branch leader of the Greenville and Easley/ Powdersville sales offices.

Weeks is an award-winning career professional with 18 years of real estate experience, establishing the top-producing Kathy Weeks Team with Allen Tate.

Promoted to manager of major gifts within Greenville Health System’s Office of Philanthropy and Partnership. Since joining GHS in 2008, Kaltenbach has worked with the GHS Cancer Institute and its medical director. Prior to joining GHS, he led national and regional donor programs for the National Arthritis Foundation and the American Red Cross.

BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES: Capital Design Associates Inc. recently announced that J. Kent Giguere Jr. has been awarded the CFP certification. Giguere has worked at Capital Design Associates as a portfolio management consultant since 2009. He also specializes in asset management, insurance and retirement planning.

CertusBank recently announced that Scott Frierson has been named as the state executive for South Carolina. Frierson previously served as the head of wholesale banking for CertusBank. Craig Robinson has been named as the retail strategy executive. Robinson has previously served as the bank’s regional executive for Upstate South Carolina and led small business banking. Additionally, Stacy Brandon has been named as wholesale banking strategy executive. Brandon previously served as a leader of the bank’s wholesale team.

COMMUNITY: The Rotary Club of Greenville recently recognized law enforcement officers who serve the Upstate at the city, county and federal level. The winners of the Rotary Officer of the Year award were special agent Jason Durgin of the U.S. Secret Service, Lt. Brad Stepp of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and Detective David Garrison of the

Greenville City Police Department.

al area. Hogan works with medical, consumer and industrial products.

CONSTRUCTION/ENGINEERING: Addison Homes recently announced the addition of Matt Jones as estimating and purchasing manager. Jones previously worked for South Point Construction in Aiken.

O’Neal Inc. recently hired Mark Hudson as structural engineer and Ron Roberts as process engineer. Hudson has more than five years of professional engineering experience.

He previously worked with Bailey and Son Engineering in Greenville. Roberts has more than 40 years of professional engineering experience. He previously worked with O’Neal from 2002 through 2005.

Garvin Design Group recently announced that David Sickinger has been made corporate partner of the firm.

Sickinger joined the firm in 2004. He became a LEED Accredited Professional in 2008 and is currently on the board of the Greater Columbia Section of the American Institute of Architects as the past president, having served as the president in both 2012 and 2013.

CONSULTING: TBM Consulting Group recently chose Kevin Hogan to lead the Upstate region-

26 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 28, 2014

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The Greenwood Partnership Alliance (GPA) recently announced that Heather Simmons Jones was named CEO. Simmons Jones has led the GPA’s initiatives while serving as the organization’s interim CEO since August 2013, when she was named to succeed Mark Warner, who resigned to join a regional engineering, architectural and environmental firm.

INTERIOR DESIGN: Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home recently added Ashton Hantjis as an interior designer and Wesley Morrow to its downtown boutique. Hantjis worked with a Greenville-based architectural firm. Prior to joining the firm, Morrow worked with several high-end businesses, including St. John Knits, Ralph Lauren and Sothebys.

P.C., recently announced the addition of Julia Jones Foster. Foster previously served as counsel for the S.C. Lieutenant Governor’s Office. She is a 2010 graduate of the Charleston School of Law.

MEDIA: WORD 106.3 FM recently announced the addition of Vince Coakley as a new on-air personality on a Sunday show. He will fill in as an occasional stand-in when Bob McLain and Russ Cassell are on vacation. Coakley has spent 20 years in television news, including 18 as a local news reporter and anchor in Charlotte.

MEDICAL: Palmetto Physical Therapy recently welcomed Ryian Smith as a physical therapist. Smith attended the University of South Carolina majoring in exercise science. She went on to receive a master’s and a doctorate in physical therapy at MUSC in 2005 and 2008, respectively.

LEGAL: Wyche recently announced that Jo Hackl is one of 41 leaders across the Upstate and surrounding areas selected to participate in the 17th Upstate class of the Riley Institute at Furman’s Diversity Leaders Initiative.

Harrison, White, Smith & Coggins,

REAL ESTATE: Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer recently announced the addition of Michael Greer as vice president. Greer brings 15 years of commercial real estate experience in Greenville/Spartanburg and was one of the top industrial brokers at his previous firm.

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UBJ NEW TO THE STREET

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February 28, 2014

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3 Drive Alert Training Academy (DATA) LLC recently held its grand opening at 1325 Miller Road, Suite L, Greenville.

For more information, visit drivealerttraining.com or call 864-297-7878.

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2 The South Carolina National Guard’s new dual-use flight facility recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center, 129 Connecticut Court, Greenville.

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 27

UBJ SOCIAL SNAPSHOT INAUGURAL CLASS OF WHO’S WHO AWARD WINNERS UBJ celebrated its inaugural class of eight Who’s Who award winners in an event held last Thursday, Feb. 20, in Clemson MBA’s new space and rooftop terrace at the ONE building on Main Street in Greenville.

A large and diverse group of Upstate professionals gathered to honor the 2014 Who’s Who class – a group of innovative and determined individuals who have devoted their talents and efforts to changing not only their organizations and industries, but the entire Upstate community.

28 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 28, 2014

Photos by Greg Beckner/Staff and Patrick Cox/CoxPhotography.net

February 28, 2014

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 29

GOT A HOT DATE?

UBJ PLANNER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 THE FRIDAY FORUM Embassy Suites, 670 Verdae Blvd., Greenville; 8-9:30 a.m.

SPEAKER: Leighton Cubbage, chairman, Serrus Capital Partners TOPIC: 21 Points for Success COST: $12 for Greenville Chamber members, $20 for non-Chamber members Includes full buffet breakfast REGISTER AT: greenvillechamber.org NORTH GREENVILLE ROTARY CLUB

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

MONDAY, MARCH 3 GCS ROUNDTABLE The Office Center at the Point, 33 Market Point Drive, Greenville; 8:30-9:30 a.m.

SPEAKER: Myles Golden TOPIC: The Collective Genius Theory Call Golden Career Strategies at 864-527-0425 to request an invitation GSHRM COMMITTEE PLANNING MEETING Greenville Technical College, Buck Mickel Center, 216 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville; noon-1 p.m.

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

TOPIC: HR Management Conference

COST: Free to attend, lunch $16

CONTACT: greenvillehr@gmail.com

CONTACT: Shanda Jeffries at 864-968-2319 or sjeffries@flynnwealth.com BIDS FOR BIRDS Old Cigar Warehouse, 912 S. Main St., Greenville; 6-9 p.m.

COST: $50 per person; $500 for 10 people REGISTER AT: greenvillechamber.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 1 COMPREHENSIVE SMALL BUSINESS START-UP WORKSHOP Greenville County Library, Hughes Main Branch, Heritage Green, Greenville; 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

COST: $59 per person, includes lunch and materials CONTACT: 864-271-3638 REGISTER AT: piedmontscore.org

FOR INFORMATION: greenvillehr.shrm.org

NEXT CEO FORUM NEXT Innovation Center, 411 University Ridge, Greenville; noon-1:30 p.m.

SPEAKERS: Michael Bolick and Ken Morgan, Selah Genomics; Mat Franken and Logan Metcalfe, Aunt Fannie; and William Haynes and Anja Simith, Sabai Technology TOPIC: What Makes a Successful CEO & Secondin-Command Team FOR INFORMATION: nextupstate.org ROTARY CLUB GREENVILLE EAST MEETING

Spartanburg Marriott, 299 N. Church St., Spartanburg; 5-8:30 p.m.

SPEAKER: Lynn Good, president and CEO, Duke Energy AWARDS: The Neville Holcombe Distinguished Business Person of the Year Award; the James B. Thompson Small Business Person of the Year Award; Recognition of the Teachers of the Year; the Duke Energy Community Service Award; the Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award; the Economic Futures Award; and Young Professional of the Year.

COST: $75 for Spartanburg Chamber members, $100 for non-members REGISTER AT: spartanburgchamber.com GREENVILLE WOODWORKERS GUILD Education Center, 209 Hollyridge Drive, Greenville; 6:45-7:45 p.m.

FOR INFORMATION: facebook.com/ GreenvilleEastRotary CONTACT: president@ greenvilleeastrotary.org

TOASTMASTERS BILINGUE University Center, 225 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Auditorium Room 204, Greenville; noon-1 p.m.

CONTACT: Jeff Alfonso at jeff@ alfonsointerpreting.com

FEE: $195 for 6 weeks CONTACT: Beth Smith at es2@clemson.edu

NON-PROFIT ALLIANCE

REGISTER AT: clemson.edu/centersinstitutes/sbdc

Greenville Chamber of Commerce, 24 Cleveland St., Greenville; noon-1:30 p.m.

TOPIC: Pay for Success Cost: Free to Greenville Chamber members, $20 for non-members CONTACT: 864-242-1050 REGISTER AT: greenvillechamber.org GSHRM MEMBERSHIP MEETING Thornblade Club, 1275 Thornblade Blvd., Greer; 5:30-8 p.m.

TOPIC: Developing the Intersections of Higher Education, Industry, and the International Community

TUESDAY, MARCH 4

CONTACT: greenvillehr.gmail.com

FOR INFORMATION: greenvillehr.shrm.org

BUSINESS IMMERSION: NXLEVEL FOR ENTREPRENEURS – 10 WEEK PROGRAM

TOPIC: Facing Migraine Pain Head On

Tri-County Technical College-Pendleton Campus, 7900 Hwy. 76, Pendleton; 5:30-8:30 p.m.

REGISTER AT: spartanburgchamber.com

COST: $295 per person, includes materials

CONTACT: 864-594-5030

CONTACT: 864-646-1700

February 28, 2014

NXLEVEL FOR ENTREPRENEURS

FOR INFORMATION: tmbilingue. toastmastersclubs.org

COST: $25 per person

SPARTANBURG HEALTHCARE NETWORK

REGISTER AT: piedmontscore.org

USC Upstate, The George Business College, Room 270, 160 E. St. John St., Spartanburg; 6-9 p.m.

FOR INFORMATION: greenvillewoodworkers. com

Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, 105 N. Pine St., Spartanburg; 10:30 a.m.-noon

CityRange, 615 Haywood Rd., Greenville; 12:30-1:30 p.m.

30 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPARTANBURG AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S 96TH ANNUAL MEETING

GOLDEN STRIP TOASTMASTERS Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 739 N. Main St., Mauldin; 7-8 p.m.

COST: Free for guests FOR INFORMATION: goldenstriptoastmasters. toastmastersclubs.org CONTACT: Prasad Patchipulusu at pprasa1@hotmail.com

WEDNESDAY MARCH 5 SBA SMALL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE Spartanburg Library, 151 S. Church St., Spartanburg; 9:15 a.m.-noon TOPIC: SBA Resource Day COST: Free to attend REGISTER AT: clemson.edu/sbdc CONTACT: Beth Smith at es2@clemson.edu or 864-592-6318

THURSDAY MARCH 6 GREENVILLE OFFICE BREAKFAST SERIES Commerce Club, 55 Beattie Place, Greenville; 8-9:30 a.m.

TOPIC: Employee Classification Challenges: Exempt

v. Non-Exempt Status and Common Issues with Independent Contractors/Contingent Workforce COST: Free to attend CONTACT: Michelle Tyler at 864-672-8035 or Michelle.Tyler@ jacksonlewis.com BUSINESS NETWORK INTERNATIONAL Southern Fried Green Tomatoes, 1175 Woods Crossing Road, Greenville; 8:15-9:45 a.m.

SPEAKER: Mike Jannise, Paychex COST: Free to visitors REGISTRATION: Invitation required CONTACT: Shanda Jeffries at sjeffries@ flynnwealthy.com or 864-968-2319 GCS TOASTMASTER TD Convention Center, 1 Exposition Drive, Greenville; noon-1 p.m.

CONTACT: Ann or Myles Golden at agolden@ goldencareerstrategies. com or myles@ goldencareerstrategies. com NETNIGHT Hyatt Regency Greenville, 220 N. Main St., Studio 220, Greenville; 6-8 p.m.

COST: $10 for pre-registration until March 3, $15 at the door Includes light appetizers and a cash bar with special prizing CONTACT: 864-239-3727 REGISTER AT: greenvillechamber.org

UBJ SNAPSHOT

PHOTO PRO VIDE D

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com

A group shot of Canal Insurance employees in the 1960s.

The company celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. (See our story starting on page 18.)

SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER Jennifer Oladipo

ART & PRODUCTION

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

PRODUCTION MANAGER Holly Hardin

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jeanne Putnam PHOTOGRAPHER Greg Beckner

UBJ ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Ryan L. Johnston rjohnston@communityjournals.com

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

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

ART DIRECTOR Kristy M. Adair

STORY IDEAS:

ADVERTISING DESIGN Michael Allen, Whitney Fincannon UBJ welcomes expert commentary from business leaders on timely news topics related to their specialties. Guest columns run 700-800 words. Contact Executive Editor Susan Clary Simmons at ssimmons@communityjournals. com to submit an article for consideration.

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.

February 28, 2014

ideas@ upstatebusinessjournal.com

EVENTS: events@ upstatebusinessjournal.com

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, AWARDS: onthemove@ upstatebusinessjournal.com

UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 31

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