MARCH 7, 2014
2013 EXPORTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM SC $46,136 – $4,872,187
$424 – $V1
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$2 – $424
ZERO TOTAL IN THOUSANDS ($ USD)
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GLOBALLY Locally and statewide, companies are tapping in to billions in overseas opportunities
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UBJ MANUFACTURING
BMW Reports Slack MINI Sales By Joe Toppe | staff | jtoppe@communityjournals.com
The BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) in the U.S. is blaming the winter weather for the MINI brand’s sluggish sales the first two months of the year. In a statement issued by the company on Monday, BMW North America’s president and CEO, Ludwig Willisch, said the inclement weather in much of the country has kept potential buyers from the showrooms. MINI USA reported a decrease of 42.8 percent in its February 2014 sales as 1,843 fewer automobiles were sold than in the same month one year ago. According to the report, U.S. sales for the brand were also down in both January and February, selling nearly 3,000 fewer vehicles than in the same two
months last year. Although MINI sales are down, the BMW brand is up 6.5 percent as nearly 2,500 more vehicles were sold in January and February this year than in the first two months of 2013. Pre-owned vehicles with the BMW brand are also showing an increase in sales the first two months of 2014, as 2,200 more vehicles were sold than in January and February of 2013. Overall, the BMW Group reported February sales of 24,476 vehicles, a decrease of 4.4 percent from the 25,613 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group is down 1.2 percent on sales of 45,272 the first two months of 2014 compared to 45,808 during the same period in 2013.
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UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 3
Volume 3, Issue 10
March 7, 2014
21
MONEY SHOT: Bre Byrd, a student at the S.C. Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, sang the national anthem at the Greenville Chamber’s 125th Annual Meeting. See more pictures on page 21.
TBA Downtown Simpsonville may be getting another pizza joint. Molina’s Pizza at 1100 NE Main St. has applied for a liquor permit…
WORTH REPEATING
VERBATIM
On Focus…
“Greenville supports a well-balanced life. It is still small enough where one person can make an impact in the community.”
“My focus was jobs. My focus continues to be jobs.” Gov. Nikki Haley, addressing a recent Greenville Rotary Club meeting, explaining why she waited three years to push for education changes in the state.
4 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL
March 7, 2014
Sydney Cooke, cofounder of marketing and consulting company theideagroup.
“People really enjoy their time in Greenville. For many, it’s difficult to have to go back.” Karen Summers, relocation and international mobility manager for Michelin, on the experience of employees temporarily assigned to the Upstate.
“It’s all happened extremely quickly. What seemed like some vague, distant idea became a reality overnight and we’re still in a state of shock ourselves!” Chef Lauren Zandarelli, announcing on Facebook that she and Graham Foster, proprietors of the Neue Southern food truck, would be leaving Greenville for Portland, Ore.
UBJ TRANSPORTATION
Self-Driving Car Demos in Greer By Joe Toppe | staff | jtoppe@communityjournals.com
What may seem like science fiction to some has become reality for one European company. Induct Technology, an automotive and robotics company near Paris, visited the Upstate last week to share its latest addition to innovative transportation. The company provided a demonstration for its self-driving vehicle at the Cottages at Brushy Creek in Greer as part of a search for U.S. partners in the technology. Induct Technology launched Navia last month at the Consumer Electronics Show and won Popular Science’s Best of
the Future Award. Officials for the company say the vehicle is designed to shuttle people to and from their destinations and is the world’s first commercially available self-driving vehicle that relies solely on electricity. Navia is self-charging and self-parking and can run 24 hours a day, while intelligently navigating congested streets with pedestrians or traffic without the use of a rail or designated path, officials said. The shuttle can be summoned by mobile phone, and users can tap its touchscreen to indicate destination.
Induct Technology has targeted hospitals, airports, college campuses, amusement parks and city centers as specific needs. “Imagine a city without noisy, polluting buses, replaced by environmentally friendly, robotic shuttle buses that can be summoned by your mobile phone,” said Pierre Lefèvre, CEO of Induct. “Navia is completely self-driving, 100 percent electric, emission-free, safe and simple to use. It is the ideal solution for taking pedestrians that ‘last mile’ in city centers, industrial sites, theme parks, campuses, complexes and more.”
Watch a video of the Navia in action at bit.ly/navia.
South Carolina stands out as a top destination for foreign investment, ranking #1 nationwide in attracting jobs through foreign investment for the second year running.*
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March 7, 2014
UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 5
UBJ BANKING
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March 7, 2014
Greg Beckner/Staff
BNC’s newest Greenville location is in Augusta Village on Augusta Street.
BNC Bank Opens Augusta Village Branch By Jennifer Oladipo | senior business writer | joladipo@communityjournals.com
N.C.-based BNC Bank opened a new retail location in Augusta Village on Augusta Street last week. “We’ve been interested in the Augusta Road market for a couple of years and the opportunity came available to occupy the location in a former institution,” said Charles Eldridge, Greenville market president. “We couldn’t pass that up.” The space at 1818 Augusta St. was previously occupied by First Federal Bank. BNC has one other Greenville location on McBee Avenue. Eldridge said more Upstate branches are expected as opportunities arise but there is no definite timeline. The bank has 39 full-service banking offices in the Carolinas. BNC Bank’s parent company, BNC Bancorp, recently announced it will
acquire North Carolina banks South Street Financial Corp. for $23.7 million and Community First Financial Corp. for $24.2 million in stock deals. According to BNC Bancorp, the two transactions provide approximately $275 million and $228 million in assets in the Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill markets. The acquisitions are expected to close in the second quarter of 2014. BNC Bancorp’s stock was the highest-performing bank stock in the Southeast United States, according to a recent study by Banks Street Partners.
UBJ DINING
sc.edu
Neue Southern Announces Departure Greenville food truck pioneers are hitting the road to Portland By Sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com
The Neue Southern food truck, one of the first food trucks to open in the Greenville food truck scene in August 2012, is packing up and moving to Portland, Ore. Chefs Lauren Zanardelli and Greenville native Graham Foster began their mobile food service business in Greenville after spending time in New York City kitchens. They quickly determined that they wanted to own their own business after seeing the streets in their East Village neighborhood were lined with food carts and trucks. Some of the best food they tasted came from these vendors, they said, and they decided Greenville would be a great place to have a food truck business serving up European cuisine with a Southern twist. Earlier this week the team announced to their more than 4,200 Facebook and 2,200 Twitter followers that they would be moving this spring. “We know this comes as a huge surprise. It’s all happened extremely
quickly. What seemed like some vague, distant idea became a reality overnight and we’re still in a state of shock ourselves!” posted Zanardelli. “Graham and I knew when we started our business that our future would always be a little unpredictable. From the time we opened until now, we’ve been asked what our next step will be, and that question, at best, has been met by us with shrugs,” the post said. “We’ve known that in a few years’ time we want to be working toward opening our brick-and-mortar restaurant. But until recently, we didn’t know what the years in between would hold. We spent the last six months exploring every possible direction. What can I say? We’ve both dreamed about one day living on the west coast. And we’re so fortunate to have this opportunity to spend a few years in a progressive culinary city. We’ll be learning and absorbing everything we can before we move back east to kill it in OUR restaurant. We feel like we need to take it.” For those patrons needing a final fix of Neue Southern’s renowned Brussels sprouts, the last food service will be on Saturday, March 15, at The Community Tap, 205 W a d e Hampton Blvd.
more honors Whether it’s the 47 programs nationally ranked by U.s. news & World report or the nation’s no. 1 public university honors college, UsC boasts more honors than any other higher education institution in the state. That’s the kind of excellence you expect from south Carolina’s flagship university.
NO LIMITS.
March 7, 2014
UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 7
UBJ TECHNOLOGY
Apps on the Go Clemson Ph.D. students develop award-winning, automotive-friendly applications By Joe Toppe | staff | jtoppe@communityjournals.com
As the automotive industry begins to churn out more vehicles with online capabilities, researchers at Clemson University are working on specific Internet applications to enhance the driving experience. Ph.D. students Pablo Sauras-Perez and Andrea Gil submitted their ideas to the 2013 Global Connected Car Contest, winning two out of the six categories. The researchers will now travel to Silicon Valley to meet with industry experts to begin work on the prototypes. “It was an international contest, so there were submissions from all over the world,” Gil said. “It means we’re doing something right.” Gil’s app, Ready2Pick, would allow drivers to stay on the road as they order from businesses with drive-thru service, while Sauras-Perez’s app, ParkinGain, would help drivers find the best parking spots and feed the meter without going back to their cars. Research professor Joachim Taiber said the ideas struck the right balance with their business models, market opportunities and technology. “The trip to Palo Alto will give Sauras-Perez and Gil an opportunity to introduce their ideas to a larger team,
including companies that could turn their concepts into reality,” he said. “I hope they can make some connections to startup teams that bring this to the next level.” Sauras-Perez said ParkinGain would help drivers find a spot based on location, travel time and how far they would have to walk to reach their destination. The app would make parking cheaper, more convenient and less time-consuming for drivers while increasing business for parking companies, he said. Once parked, drivers would receive a message when their time is expired and have a chance to renew their parking time without walking back to the meter. Sauras-Perez said users would be faced with a choice: “‘Do I want to pay more to park in front of the place I’m going to, or do I want to pay less and walk five minutes?” The app could also reduce traffic congestion and emissions, he said. Drivers looking for parking cause an average of 30 percent of the downtown traffic in cities, according to Donald Shoup, a professor of urban planning at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“It was an international contest, so there were submissions from all over the world. It means we’re doing something right.” Andrea Gil
Sauras-Perez has also identified the possibility of restaurants and shops offering digital coupons when drivers park close by. The app could be used in a car, smartphone or global positioning system, he said. The business would be supported through a participation fee paid by on-street and parking garage companies, shops and restaurants. While ParkinGain would steer drivers to better parking, Ready2Pick would help both drivers and passengers stay busy while idling in traffic, Gil said. The app would suggest restaurants and stores closest to the users, she said. Drivers could place an order with voice or touch control, or a passenger could use a mobile device or in-car display. The app focuses on food and gro-
ceries because the drive-thru infrastructure is already in place, but it could be broadened to include any kind of service, Gil said. Ready2Pick would also show estimated wait times at drive-thrus and routes to restaurants and stores, she said. It would notify drivers about sales in the area while providing digital coupons. Gil said ads played on the radio would match driver preferences, and they would be able to click the dashboard to share on social media or have a coupon downloaded to a phone. “From the moment a car is connected to the Internet, you are opening a new marketing channel for location-based services,” she said. “This will help to broaden the reach of behavioral advertising, and >>
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March 7, 2014
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UBJ TECHNOLOGY “You have to see the big picture. Technology is awesome, but you need business models to make its development sustainable.” Pablo Sauras-Perez
>> when you are connected to the Internet, you become more aware of your surroundings and can exchange information with it.” Gil said the main source of revenue would come from a transaction fee paid by companies that use the application for advertising. Both Gil and Sauras-Perez said their applications could be ready for market in one to three years. “You have to see the big picture,”
Sauras-Perez said. “Technology is awesome, but you need business models to make its development sustainable.” Frederick Cartwright, executive director of CU-ICAR, said industry and consumers are looking for smarter mobility solutions. “Projects such as these reinforce CUICAR’s global reputation as a source of innovation for the automotive and transportation markets,” he said.
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UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 9
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UBJ INTERNATIONAL
Monthlong Celebration of Global Culture Offers Business Boost Upstate International continues throughout March By April A. Morris | staff | amorris@communityjournals.com
Residents from more than 100 countries make their homes in the Upstate, and there are more than 240 international companies with a presence here, according to the Greenville Area Development Corporation. Throughout the year, the International Center supports international residents who relocate with these companies and also works to increase awareness and foster international diversity and harmony. Throughout March, the International Center is helping to spearhead
Upstate International, a monthlong series of events to celebrate the Upstate’s diverse culture. Beyond the art exhibits, performances and lectures, multiple events focus on international business, its impact in the area and global finance. This week, the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business hosts a panel discussion on International Business Month. Professor Douglas P. Woodard of USC, Didi Caldwell of Global Location Strategies and Janet Krupka, director
“If the people at the top are relying on one person or one department to make it happen, it’s not going to happen.” Whitney Walters
of recruiting at Michelin North America, will discuss the impact of international business on the Upstate and the future.
Twice each month, the International Center of the Upstate hosts lunch-and-learn programs, which feature discussions on the global economy in March. Many international companies have become involved, said International Center director Whitney Walters, as the center has extended its reach for the second annual event. “We’ve had a lot more awareness and participation,” she said, adding that more businesses have stepped forward to host events. >>
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UBJ INTERNATIONAL >> The center is not organizing events, but is serving as the information hub, said Walters. Upstate companies have organized events ranging from globally themed lunches to one multinational company holding an employee celebration. New this year is the Clemson University International Center for Automobile Research (CU-ICAR) hosting the Millennium Drive on March 22, a parade featuring the future of transportation, she said. Michelin is also sponsoring an art contest, which will award $5,000 for a charity, school or nonprofit in recognition of a work incorporating four scrapped tires. In addition, the Greenville Chamber will present the International Economic Development Award at its Annual International Event on March 25. Walters said highlighting different cultures and their impact beyond the monthlong celebration is not only educational; it’s good for business.
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LUNCH & LEARN International Center of the Upstate, 9 S. Memminger St., Greenville; 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Speaker: Vincent Huygen Topic: The Global Economy Cost: Free to attend. Attendees are asked to bring lunch, with coffee, tea and water to be provided. Information: 864-631-2188, info@internationalupstate.org, and internationalupstate.org
MAR
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GREENVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 22ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL EVENT Hyatt Regency, 220 N. Main St., Greenville; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cost: $50 for Greenville Chamber members or $75 for non-Chamber members Contact: Jennifer Powell at 864-239-3731 or jpowell@greenvillechamber.org Register at: greenvillechamber.org
Being sensitive to the customs of international employees is beneficial – something as simple as how you offer
water at a meeting can make a difference, she said. “For Americans, it’s always ice water. But for most people
in the world, it’s no ice at all. For Asian cultures, they expect hot water.” That type of awareness is “going to make your employees realize that you care, you understand cultural differences and you are making the effort to do something about them and make them feel welcome,” said Walters. She conceded that water is a small example, but being aware is “really important in today’s global economy and the climate we live in, especially in the Upstate because there are so many nationalities here.” Consideration of international customs is not something just for the diversity representative or event planner, she said, but should come from the top leadership down. “If the people at the top are relying on one person or one department to make it happen, it’s not going to happen.” To see all the Upstate International events, visit upstateinternational. org.
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March 7, 2014
UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 11
UBJ TRAINING
New Flight School Caters to Busy Professionals By Joe Toppe | staff | jtoppe@communityjournals.com
Greenville’s busiest professionals interested in flying will now have the time to learn, thanks to a new flight school’s modern curriculum. Dimitri Partafyllas has launched Stratos Aviation at the Greenville Downtown Airport for students who wish to study at their own convenience. The school’s training program will utilize a computer-based curriculum and contain an online syllabus for students to access prior to their upcoming flight lessons, Partafyllas said. The program involves the use of a DVD containing study materials and is considered the most time-efficient manner of teaching future pilots, he said. The study materials can drastically shorten the one-on-one time with the flight instructor during live lessons. Partafyllas said the innovative program allows the student to study on his own time or when weather does not provide ideal conditions for flight. “This method of teaching will allow students to remain connected with the material so the instructor does not have to spend a great deal of time on
review,” he said. “This program will use both online study materials and live lessons with a flight instructor.” Partafyllas said Stratos Aviation offers introductory discovery flights, pilot training and aircraft rental. Stratos Aviation is a Part 61 flight school of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with flexible hours to accommodate any schedule, he said. The school offers both primary and advanced flight training for private instrument and commercial pilots. Upon completion of the program, the student must take the FAA’s written pilot exam before a license is issued, Partafyllas said. The written exam will include questions on FAA regulations, meteorology, flight planning, airplane systems, navigation and physiological matters, he said. A native of Greece, Partafyllas began learning to fly in 1996 while working as a mechanical engineer in Bavaria, Germany. “I have always had a passion for aviation,” he said.
After being transferred to the U.S. in the late ’90s, Partafyllas said he completed his pilot training in Greenville and became a flight instructor in 2007. “I have been flying over Greenville for 13 years and I really enjoy teaching people to fly,” he said. “Now that my daughters are 19 and 21, and along with my wife’s support, I am able to follow my dream.” Joe Frasher, director for Greenville’s downtown airport, said the city is becoming more diverse because of the region’s international companies and the many well-educated, adventuresome people who love to travel and now call it home. “Dimitri Partafyllas is a great ad-
dition to the city and is helping others with similar interests learn to fly,” he said. “As Greenville moves further into the global marketplace, there will be many others who wish to explore our country by air.” According to Expansion Management Magazine, the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson region was ranked as a top area for European expansion in the U.S., while Site Selection Magazine rated Greenville No. 1 in the nation for both new and expanding international firms over the past decade, Frasher said. “If these trends continue as they are predicted to, this longtime instructor should have sunny skies ahead for his new company,” he said.
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March 7, 2014
UBJ INNOVATE
By DR. GREGORY M. PICKETT
Entrepreneurship Is for Everyone Most people recognize that startup companies have a huge impact on economic development, including being the main driver in new job creation. The dataset from the U.S. government called the Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS) (Haltiwanger, Jarmin, and Miranda, 2008) presents summary data showing that firms in their first year of existence add 3 million jobs per year. In addition, Tim Kaine’s observations in the July 2010 Kauffman Foundation of Entrepreneurship Research Series Report entitled “The Importance of Startups in Job Creation and Job Destruction” duly capture the importance and sense of urgency around fostering entrepreneurial innovation and leadership. The report and its references confirm that “startups aren’t everything when it comes to job growth. They’re the only thing!” The Clemson University Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership supports developing entrepreneurial innovators and leaders both on and off campus. Spiro embraces collaborative efforts of all types, including the technology certificate which is available to all Clemson students seeking advanced knowledge managing emerging technologies, a joint graduate degree between the bioengineering and MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation (MBAe) programs, and our ongoing partnerships with successful entrepre-
neurs and community leaders who share their insights in forums such as Entrepreneur in the Round, the First Friday Speaker Series, and the soonto-be-launched Master Entrepreneur Speaker Series. Spiro is committed to encouraging the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem and promoting entrepreneurial culture in S.C. A core belief of the Spiro Institute is that entrepreneurship and innovation are not constrained to a single discipline or philosophy. I am often struck by the stories of entrepreneurs who visit Greenville ONE to speak with our students and how often their stories tell of how their unique backgrounds and skill sets melded to create a successful enterprise. While we’re all familiar with the success of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs creating international technology empires, the truth is entrepreneurs come in all shapes and sizes with varied backgrounds and experiences. I am proud that Clemson’s MBAe, now in its second year, has attracted students from a wide range of undergraduate academic backgrounds including engineering, political science, health care, fine arts, computer science and law. In 2013 the first class of 21 students graduated the program, and nine of them have launched and are running startup businesses. The current class – which will graduate in August – has already incorporated five businesses, with more to come.
These startups include such diverse ideas as a line of clothing for residents of assisted-living facilities, mobile apps targeted at creating a more seamless way for college students to meet one another, a Web-based handyman service now operating in four cities, and the cultivation and culturing of local yeast strains for craft breweries, to name just a few. These startups will have a lasting impact on our local, regional and state economy. The MBAe is just one of many Spiro initiatives. The Institute also hosts the Upstate LaunchPad SC competition and offers the eight-week SEED (Sustainable Entrepreneurs & Economic Development) program with McNair Law for budding entrepreneurs. On Clemson’s main campus we have launched a variety of new initiatives which are tailor-made to be targeted and scalable for the different colleges and departments, and also to be part of creating a thriving Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. These efforts have been Spiro-sponsored but “student-powered” to create an authentic I&E community as well as support a “virtual accelerator” to generate, enrich and refine new ideas. Many of these programs are very action-oriented, and we have begun to refer to them as “Impact Labs.” We have not only created programming to promote entrepreneurial ex-
citement and ideas beyond the classroom, but we have also piloted programs to provide support in developing those ideas. For example, this year we have been piloting Pitch Spiro, a weekly venue where students get other students to help them with their ideas. This help may include assistance in applying to the LaunchPad competitions, Think Tanks to enrich ideas, Creative Jam Sessions to help with marketing their ideas, and Entrepreneurial Round Tables to refine those ideas. These sessions usually involve bringing together top I&E students with creative types, analytically strong students, subject matter experts and experienced business professional entrepreneurs. Students are able to receive this help for a standalone project or in conjunction with enriching their class work. These new initiatives emphasize the importance of education beyond that which is provided by classroom instruction. There has never been a better time to embrace these initiatives and launch your own business. Dr. Gregory M. Pickett is associate dean for Clemson’s College of Business and Behavioral Science and director of the Arthur M. Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership. He was recently named Innovator of the Year by Business Black Box Magazine.
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March 7, 2014
UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 13
UBJ INSIDE
PHOTOS BY GREG BECKNER/STAFF
Michelin’s Relocation Office Makes Homes Away From Home
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By JENNIFER OLADIPO | senior business writer | joladipo@communityjournals.com
One of the distinctive characteristics of Greenville’s foreign-born population is that a large number come under the auspices of a multinational company. If that company was Michelin, they’ve passed through the hands of the seven-member relocation group responsible for helping about 230 internationals feel at home in the Upstate, in addition to a few hundred more throughout 19 North American plants. At the helm is Karen Summers, relocation and international mobility manager. She says there are no typical days for her, though there are typical experiences. Having such a large department specifically
14 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL
for international assignments is uncommon. But at Michelin, international stints are not a perk, but the status quo. Employees often work in several different job functions throughout their careers in order to have the chance – or multiple chances – to work outside of their home countries. About 12 different nationalities are represented among Greenville’s local employees. The majority comes from France, Canada and India. Most assignments last from three to five years, but an increasing number of six- to 18-month assignments are coming from startup markets in Brazil, India and China.
March 7, 2014
First Steps
International flights usually arrive late at night at GSP Airport, which can mean late nights for Summers and her team. They also rely on “ambassadors” to help with some details. Usually from the same country as newcomers, ambassadors are the ones who help arrange welcome baskets with favorite foods from the home country, a welcome sight in an unfamiliar kitchen after a long overseas flight. New arrivals to the Upstate start with English-language lessons if necessary. In fact, the relocation office serves employees from around the world who come to Greenville for language >>
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training and acculturation into the company. Local partners such as the International Center of the Upstate provide services from language lessons to social activities. Greenville’s large and diverse international presence makes acculturation easier for Michelin’s expats, Summers said. The relocation team facilitates area tours and helps employees find the right neighborhoods and schools. Many choose the Sugar Creek neighborhood in Greer because the Bilingual French School is nearby. Just figuring out who does what can be a trial, Summers said. She recalled how one parent who had yet to hear about a child’s application to Southside High School’s International Baccalaureate program began lobbying Summers instead. Summers had to explain that school and work were totally unconnected and the best course of action was to pay a visit to Southside.
Big Surprises
Most newcomers to Greenville are shocked that they need to have two cars per family, having come from communities that are pedes-
trian-friendly or have works, taking turns extensive public transwith children, offerportation. ing rides when That local habit of emergencies occur. waving and chatting with The relocation group members strangers is also rather striking. Many aren’t share an emergency used to that kind of phone that receives friendliness. calls about once a week, but people Then there are the free refills at restaurants, the learn to depend on each other. extra chips and bread, which children in particAnd they carry on. In Greenville, ular tend to find delightthey try to do the fully astonishing. It’s part Karen Summers, right, talks with Jeff Li about attractions in and things they would of a general culture of around Greenville in her office at Michelin. back home. They customer service that many foreigners wouldn’t experience everything Greenville’s internationattend art and music events. The back home. als experience. Canadians play lots of hockey, and There’s the loss of familial support the French and others join soccer Building a Life systems. Michelin pays for one trip clubs. Some fall in love with new Summers herself spent eight and home per year for employees, but activities such as swimming, and a half years on assignment outside the time away from family in the attend local street festivals. It doesn’t last forever, though. of the country before taking her interim can be difficult. “I had a six-month-old when we current position last July. She had The temporary assignments mean went to France,” she said. “Who do previously spent 12 years in human that for every welcome to the you leave your baby with when you resources positions and felt that Upstate, there is a potentially sad need a babysitter?” relocation would be a good fit after good-bye. And those are sad, her own experiences with two overYet Summers said those are the Summers said. “People really enjoy their time in Greenville. For many, seas assignments. In Montreal and kinds of challenges that bring the it’s difficult to have to go back.” Clermont, France, she went through expats together. They build net-
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UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 15
THINK GREAT AND DO GREAT
Founders of theideagroup are modeling a new concept for the marketing industry
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By Joe Toppe | staff | jtoppe@communityjournals.com
After a chance meeting led to a series of discussions, seasoned marketers Tim Pecoraro and Sydney Cooke combined their years of relative experience to model a new idea for their industry. Formed on the concept of both thinking and doing, theideagroup has become an award-winning marketing and consulting company in less than two years.
Amy Pecoraro, owner and account specialist with Peculiar, a company of theideagroup; Tim Pecoraro, partner and director of thinking of theideagroup; and Sydney Cooke, partner and director of doing of theideagroup.
What brought the two of you together?
SC: It was a random meeting that led to many conversations on the marketing industry. We were both already in the field, and after talking about what we liked and didn’t like about marketing, we decided to go into business together. TP: It was pure chance, and our skill sets lined up, so we decided to go for it.
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Why a marketing and consulting agency?
TP: We chose this field because it is all-inclusive and it is integrated. Marketing is not separated; you have to think strategically with marketing and consulting, and that includes the people you hire. We want to meet with our clients and spend time looking at their resources before we create their marketing plan. We want to consult first and market second.
Are your backgrounds relevant to your current positions?
SC: Absolutely. I studied art, design and advertising in college and immediately started working in the field. My career goal was to gain experience in all areas of the marketing world. I started in events then went to Web and digital such as social media. I worked my way through the industry until >>
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developing a broad spectrum of experience, and here I am now putting it all to work. TP: I was always the dreamer and bounced around in college a lot. After getting into manufacturing and building prototypes, I met someone that encouraged me to serve a nonprofit. I worked with one for 10 years and was involved in the creative and marketing aspects of what they did. I decided to get into this world and take what I learned while working in nonprofits.
“It is a partnership of thinking and doing, and we leverage that strength in our company. Think great and do great.”
Is your company becoming what you first envisioned?
SC: I don’t know that we had a direct pathway or map in the beginning, but we had a strong concept of “organize, refine, design and distribute” that has developed. It is a partnership of thinking and doing, and it has continued. We are doing what we set out to do. TP: It is evolving, and we are getting better at what we were already good at.
Tim Pecoraro
What makes Greenville a great place to start a business?
Do you feel a partnership assists your company’s development?
TP: I like Greenville because I believe in their vision. They are trying to be more diverse, inclusive. From big-time corporations to small businesses, from the Peace Center to the Children’s Museum, they are bringing in eclectic ideas. SC: Greenville supports a well-balanced life. It is still small enough where one person can make an impact in the community. I chose Greenville because it is a great place to make a home and raise a family.
What is your business concept?
TP: It is a partnership of thinking and doing, and we leverage that strength in our company. Think great and do great. We have four areas of focus. First, we organize what you have. Second, we refine it. Third, we design whatever is needed; and fourth, we distribute. SC: We are a full-service agency. We do everything from social media and website design and development to advertising collateral and marketing collateral.
What is your client demographic?
TP: Our demographic are international businesses all the way down to small startups.
Work underway at theideagroup in Greenville. PHOTOS BY GREG BECKNER/STAFF
What makes your agency stand out from the others?
SC: It is our process. We start on the front end with conversation to understand who our clients are, what they want, and their goals, and from there, we develop a strategy and plan.
With so many channels of communication available, is it important for your company to utilize all of them or home in on a few formats?
TP: We believe you do only what is necessary and make sure they are integrated.
TP: We both can do what the other one does, but we also know what is in our wheelhouse. Collaboration is the admission of weakness, but it does not mean we are weak; it means we are bringing things together that will make us successful. We are the perfect complement to each other’s weaknesses, but our strengths work together as well and we are greater together than apart.
What is your idea of growth?
SC: We want to work with more clients that fit our model, challenge us, and will be a good fit. We want to learn as much from them as they learn from us.
Can you identify one thing during your company’s grassroots phase that made it all possible?
TP: When we sat down in front of a prospect and were able to communicate together as one. It was a great proving ground because you can have a partnership and still be at odds.
Have you received any special recognition or awards in your first year and a half of business?
SC: The Greenville Chamber awarded us the 2013 Minority Business of the Year.
Where do you see theideagroup in 10 years?
SC: I would like to see our core group of people grow to include others that are just as talented. I also see us working with more international clients, and I see us getting better. TP: I would like to see us develop other services. I would like to see us have a top-tier individual on business deployment, data and analysis, and HR and marketing.
Amy Pecoraro, owner and account specialist with Peculiar, a company of theideagroup, right, meets with clients from Miracle Hill Ministries (from left), Jocelyn Slaughter, Susan Pottberg and Frankie Powell.
March 7, 2014
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After S.C.’s record export numbers in 2013, local companies continue the search for global opportunities By Jennifer Oladipo | senior business writer | joladipo@communityjournals.com
COVER STORY
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AFTER EXPLORING THE OPTIONS and talking with those
We’re Already There Denis Csizmadia, manager of the U.S. Export Assistance Center. The Export Assistance Center is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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The Upstate already has a notable international presence. The Greenville-Mauldin-Easley statistical area ranked 27th in the nation’s top 50 metropolitan export areas in 2012. >>
PHOTOS BY GREG BECKNER/STAFF
who have done it, it’s hard to come up with many reasons why a business shouldn’t consider exporting. One of the first things proponents will point out is that 90 percent of the market for goods and services is outside of the United States, and that number makes it worth rethinking the struggle for elbowroom in domestic markets. Somebody, somewhere, likely wants what you’ve got, said Denis Csizmadia of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA). His trade promotion office in Greenville has a database of about 2,000 companies exporting from South Carolina. He said even products that aren’t considered revolutionary or high-tech could be just the thing missing from a foreign market. A good example is the booming market in Africa for apps that perform sophisticated functions such as financial services and telemedicine on simpler, old school cellphones. Jennifer Miller, interim president and CEO at the Upstate SC Alliance, said exporting companies tend to grow and hire more employees faster. What’s more, diversification through exports helps to insulate a company from economic shocks. The Great Recession, for instance, prompted several Upstate companies to search for overseas markets, and the trend has continued to increase since then.
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a nontoxic fruit fly pesticide made from natural ingredients, is crossing the border less than one year after the company was founded by Mat Franken and his wife, Jodi. “It was always on the radar,” said Franken, “but if I’m being honest there’s so much [opportunity] domestically it was almost too pie-inthe-sky.” Finding the right support system convinced him to make the leap, however. Aunt Fannie’s signed a deal in February with with St. Louis-based Busch Global Ventures, founded by former ITA chief of staff Adam Wilczewski, who gave a talk at the NEXT Innovation Center last month. Expanding overseas allows Aunt Fannie’s to sell year-round a product that is generally seasonal in the United States. Manufacturing is currently outsourced, but Franken expects that to evolve with expansion. He also expects the need for employees to grow from 10 people to as many as 25 within two years. Franken is more excited than anything, though some worries naturally exist. He said an entrepre-
Mat Franken of Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch at work in Open Works in downtown Greenville.
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That’s thanks to companies such as Just Aircraft, which exports its small-aircraft kits from Seneca, and Sabai Technology, which exports routers for virtual private networks from Fountain Inn. Spartanburg’s Sun Surveillance has found markets for its solar-powered wireless camera systems in overseas markets where remote areas require monitoring. It’s true throughout the state, which had record export numbers in 2013, according to February’s report from the U.S. Department of Commerce. At $21.6 billion, exports increased four percent from $25.1 billion in 2012.
Although Michelin and BMW generate a large portion of that revenue, Csizmadia said most of the companies exporting are quite small. About 60 percent have 20 employees or fewer, and most of the rest are not much bigger.
Size Doesn’t Matter
Manufacturers are S.C.’s most active exporters, followed by distributors and consultants. But the world is open to any competitive product. Greenville-based Aunt Fannie’s Inc., creator of FlyPunch,
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$21.6 billion
in SC exports in 2013 (up 4% from 2012)
$4.9 billion
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5,847 companies
exported from South Carolina locations in 2011
85 percent
were small and medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 500 employees
neurial desire for control over aspects such as supply chain along with the challenges of navigating new business and social cultures haven’t disappeared. “Those are going to be components that at this point in time are a leap of faith,” he said.
There’s Plenty of Help
President Obama announced goals to double U.S. exports in 2014, and organizations from the national to the local are working to make that happen. The Upstate SC Alliance just began conducting surveys to identify potential exporters and any possible gaps in local services. As part of its participation in the Brookings Institution’s Global Cities initiative, the group will create a comprehensive list of world trade centers, export organizations, banks, law firms and others who can assist exporters. Csizmadia said small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) are the target audience at his federal Export Assistance Center (EAC). The EAC does much of the initial legwork, finding and connecting with potential partners that are not only qualified but are also interested in speaking with a particular company the EAC is pitching. GLOBAL continued on PAGE 20
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➤ WHO’S BUYING OUR STUFF?
When to Stay Put
Even with all those resources, some companies can’t make it work. Csizmadia said a company’s leadership is the number one reason why. “It’s not because of a poor product or market, but a lack of managerial commitment. They don’t treat overseas markets as they would their domestic customer.” They make mistakes like replying too slowly to foreign inquiries. Or they fail to maintain relationships after the sale and remain responsive to market demands in the same ways they would be at home. Some companies stick to rigid payment terms that won’t work overseas, not knowing about export credit insurance that could reduce the risk of cutting a partner some slack. “Here’s a giveaway: If a company is looking at a market as a way to get rid of excess inventory, they’re not ready,” Csizmadia said. The cause might be a bit of parochialism or perhaps cultural insensitivity, he said, but in any case it leads to lost opportunities. He suggests companies develop an international department, even if that department is just one person. That said, retailers tend to have a hard time profiting overseas because too many parties take a cut along the way. They must take extra care that their products are highly competitive.
Transportation equipment is the biggest category, accounting for some $9.8 billion, followed by machinery (except electrical), chemicals, plastics and rubber and paper.
CHINA – $4.9 billion
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“It’s not because of a poor product or market, but a lack of managerial commitment. They don’t treat overseas markets as they would their domestic customer.” Denis Csizmadia of the U.S. Export Assistance Center
CANADA – $3.7 billion
GERMANY – $3.2 billion
“It was always on the radar, but if I’m being honest there’s so much [opportunity] domestically it was almost too pie-in-the-sky.”
MEXICO – $1.8 billion
dozens of trails for would-be exporters. The wheels are greased, quotas set and beneficial relationships established. During the past 10 years, exports from South Carolina to such markets grew by 71 percent, with NAFTA, Australia, Korea, Chile, and CAFTA-DR (Central America and Caribbean) showing the largest dollar growth. That’s where to start, and after that it is a matter of matching product to market, just as any company would do stateside. Then the regulatory environment in each country is considered. Companies serious about exporting will need to start buying airline tickets. Much can be done by phone and email, but relationships are built in person, Csizmadia said, and he suggests participating in scheduled trade missions. The trips cost about $2,000 for SMEs, plus travel, lodging and other expenses. Csizmadia said the biggest misconception about exporting is that it’s too difficult. But the real challenge is diligence, not difficulty. The payoffs can be huge. “I’ll tell you something. When most of our clients taste that success, they’re hooked,” he said.
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Matt Franken of Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch
Where to Go Now
UNITED KINGDOM – $1.4 billion
FlyPunch won’t be in China because of that country’s weak patent protections, Franken said. The company is looking at Colombia, and Indonesia has expressed interest. Right now, businesses are looking south, as in Central and South America. Trade agreements negotiated by the ITA have blazed
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PREPARING FOR OVERSEAS PARTNER NEGOTIATIONS Clemson Small Business Development Center, 1 Main St., Greenville (time TBA) Contact: 864-250-8429, Denis.Csizmadia@trade.gov
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GREENVILLE CHAMBER’S 125TH ANNUAL MEETING The Greenville Chamber held its 125th Annual Meeting, presented by TD Bank, last Thursday at the TD Convention Center. At the meeting, the Chamber also gave out its 2013 annual awards. Merl Code (above) served as master of ceremonies. Clemson University President James Clements (left) was keynote speaker at the event.
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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 (Left) The ATHENA Leadership Award was presented to Jennie Johnson, executive director of the Liberty Fellowship. (Center) Anna Kate and Hayne Hipp were winners of the Buck Mickel Leadership Award. The Hipps’ daughter-in-law, Brice Hipp, and granddaughter, Camilla Hipp, accepted the award. (Right) John Boyanoski of Complete PR won the Young Professional of the Year Award.
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(Left) The Arts Leadership award was presented to the Graham Foundation. (Right) The Leadership Greenville Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Brad Wyche of Upstate Forever.
March 7, 2014
UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 21
UBJ THE FINE PRINT Upstate Advertisers Awarded at AAF Greenville AAF Greenville recently announced its 2014 American Advertising Award Winners including Erwin Penland, Jackson Marketing Group and Ferebee Lane + Co. Erwin Penland’s “Respect” broadcast television campaign for Advance America won the Best of Show award; “Blackberry Farm Farmstead Catalog” by Ferebee Lane + Co. earned a Judges Choice Award; and Jackson Marketing Group also earned a Judges Choice Award for Copywriting for their four-color “Sports Program Campaign” for Carolina Pride. Cargo, Gibbons Peck, Photoelectric, Worthwhile and ZWO were the other professional winners. The Student Best of Show prize went to Emma Klak and Ricky Altizer of Bob Jones University for “Ragueneau’s Bakery Branding” design. Micah Peek won a Special Judges Award for Collateral for his “Invisible Children Poster” campaign, and Annie Churdar’s “Test Drive a Mini: Microsite Intro Video” was awarded a Special Judges Award for Digital. Both Peek and Churdar attend the South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University. There were also student winners from Anderson University, Bob Jones University and the University of South Carolina Upstate.
Oconee Federal to Acquire Stephens Federal Oconee Federal Savings and Loan Association’s holding company Oconee Federal Financial Corp. announced plans to acquire Stephens Federal Bank of Toccoa, Ga. The combined institution will have approximately $519 million in assets once the merger closes in the third or fourth quarter of 2014. The acquisition would add Stephens Federal’s Toccoa
and Clayton, Ga., locations into Oconee Federal’s fourbranch network in Oconee County, with Stephen Federal’s offices operating as Oconee Federal when the merger is complete. Depositors and borrowers of Stephens Federal will become customers of Oconee Federal with all the same rights and privileges, and Oconee Federal Charitable Foundation will support Stephens Federal’s charities.
LS3P | Neal Prince Studio Receives Best of Houzz Award LS3P | Neal Prince Studio was recently awarded “Best Of Houzz” by Houzz, a platform for home remodeling and design. The Best Of Houzz award is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Winners will receive a “Best Of Houzz 2014” badge on their profiles to help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz. “We strive for good, innovative design, but find success in the happiness of our clients,” said Matt Tindall, leader of LS3P | Neal Prince Studio’s
residential practice, in a release. “It is very rewarding to read such great reviews from our clients and industry partners. Houzz has become a tremendous resource for us and our clients, and we hope that we can continue to set a high standard for great design and customer satisfaction.”
Meyer Tool Announces $5 Million Expansion Meyer Tool Inc. (MTI), a high-tech supplier to the gas turbine engine industry, announced a $5 million investment that will add at least 50 new jobs with the purchase of an 85,000-square-foot facility at 7640 Pelham Road. MTI will renovate and upfit the facility before moving
from its 22,000-square-foot facility in Mauldin.
“Meyer Tool takes great pride in offering the aerospace and gas turbine engine industries a ‘one-stop’ approach to doing business, and this expanded facility is a key strategic investment in our future growth and success,” said Chris Urban, general manager of Meyer Tool’s
Greenville operations, in a release. “We appreciate the support and leadership of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Greenville Works, and all who assisted in making this expansion a reality.”
Greenville Chamber Names HTI Small Business of the Year The Greenville Chamber of Commerce recently named Human Technologies Inc (HTI) as its 2013 Small Business of the Year. “Being named the 2013 Small Business of the Year by the Greenville Chamber is an outstanding honor and we are
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incredibly grateful for this recognition. We are proud of our roots in the Greenville community and we attribute our success to the strong business climate that the Greenville Chamber works tirelessly to develop,” said Herb Dew, president of Human Technol-
ogies, in a release. “We are committed to doing all we can to support their efforts and
continue to make Greenville a great place to live and work.” HTI is a human resources advisory firm that provides professional recruiting, industrial staffing, human resources consulting and logistics/ warehouse management services.
UBJ THE FINE PRINT WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards Presented to Upstate Businesses WeddingWire Network recently presented its Bride’s Choice Awards 2014 to Upstate businesses and individuals in 15 different categories. The award recognizes the top 5 percent of wedding professionals in their network. Belle-maquillage Makeup & Hair Artist Isabelle, Cotton Rouge-Makeup and Hair by Katie Cotton, La Bella: Hair & Makeup by Jessica Bagwell, Mattie R Makeup Artistry, and Shantel the Make-Up Artist LLC won the beauty and health category. In catering, Larkin’s Catering and Events/Larkin’s on the River, Liquid Catering, Reeves Catering and Tim Holmes Catering all won. Duncan Estate, Indigo Hall, the Commerce Club, the Gassaway Mansion, the Loom at Cotton Mill Place, Twigs Tempietto, Upcountry History Museum-Furman University and Zen won the ceremony or reception venue category. Trio 864 won for ceremony music, and Carolina Party Professionals, Epic Entertainment LLC, ProsOnly Entertainment, S&D Mobile DJs, Sound Solution Ent, the Beat Box – DJ Services, the Party Machine, the Wedding DJ & SC Party DJ, and Uptown Entertainment all won in the DJ category. The Dress won for dress and attire; Event Rentals and Shutterbooth won the event rentals and photobooths category; and Dahlia a Florist, Fairytale Florist, Patricia Kinley, and Willow Florals won for flowers. Izzy Designs and Sara Theisen Design
won for invitations; and Brenda M. Owen, Danielle M. Baker, Rev. Jason K. Buddin, Wedding Ceremonies by Kendall, and Weddings by Lisa won in the officiant category. The photography category winners were: Aperture Vision Photography, Davey Morgan Photography, J Jones Photography, JAC Photography, Jana Candler Photography, Jennifer Stuart Photography, Magnolia Studios, Muse 10 Photography, Photography & Design by Jenny, Red Apple Tree Photography, Seasons Photography, Seek Joy Photography, Stanton Photography and Wetzel Photography. Better Tie Productions LLC, Kaminski Wedding Films, and Reel Video & Stills / Special Moments Video won in videography; Art Eats Bakery, Melinda’s Marvels, and Pammy the Cake Lady won in the wedding cake category; and Amanda Cox Weddings, B&R Events, LLC, Christine Faust Events, Creating Your Moments LLC, and I Do won as wedding planners. In addition to single award winners, some businesses won multiple categories. Events at Sapphire Creek won in ceremony or reception venue and flowers; Formal Affairs Professional DJ Services LLC won for both ceremony music and DJ; FamZing Photography & Video won for both photography and videography; and Laurendas’ Catering won for both catering and wedding cake.
Verizon to Hire 98 Across State Verizon Wireless will add 98 full-time customer specialists and retail employees across South Carolina before April 1. “Verizon Wireless is a growing company in an exciting industry, and we are expanding here in South Carolina,” said Jerry Fountain, president of the Carolinas/Tennessee region for Verizon
Wireless, in a release. “We are committed to offering resources to all our employees that help them enjoy work and grow their careers without sacrificing the things that are most important to their families.” The company currently employees 3,700 in South Carolina. For more information, visit vzwcareers.com.
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SHHH!! THERE’S A MAJOR CELEBRATION COMING SOON!
UBJ PLANNER FRIDAY MARCH 7 FIRST FRIDAY LUNCHEON
Call Golden Career Strategies at 864-527-0425 to request an invitation
Greer City Hall, 301 E. Poinsett St., Greer; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
ROTARY CLUB GREENVILLE EAST MEETING
SPEAKER: Reno Deaton, Greer Corporation
CityRange, 615 Haywood Road, Greenville; 12:30-1:30 p.m.
TOPIC: Economic Update COST: $10 for Greer Chamber members, $15 for non-members CONTACT: katie@ greerchamber.com REGISTER AT: greerchamber.com
CONTACT: president@ greenvilleeastrotary.org
TUESDAY MARCH 11 BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS Commerce Club, 55 Beattie Place, Greenville; 7:30-9 a.m. COST: $8.50 for pre-register or $12 at the door. Open only to Chamber members.
NORTH GREENVILLE ROTARY CLUB
Lafayette Scientific Cleaners has a Big Birthday Surprise for the upstate you will not want to miss! Serving the Upstate for 60 years
The Poinsett Club, 807 E. Washington St., Greenville; 12:30-1:30 p.m. COST: Free to attend, lunch $16 CONTACT: Shanda Jeffries at 864-968-2319 or sjeffries@flynnwealth.com
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The Office Center at the Point, 33 Market Point Drive, Greenville; 8:30-9:30 a.m. SPEAKER: Salley Ouellette TOPIC: Using Social Media in Your Transition
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CONTACT: Lorraine Woodward at 864239-3742 or if you are a Commerce Club member, contact Dot Drennon at ddrennon@ greenvillechamber.org REGISTER AT: greenvillechamber.org MARKETING SERIES Tri-County Technical College, 7900 Hwy. 76, Pendleton, 5-7:30 p.m. TOPIC: Spreading Your Message COST: $25 per person
160 E. St. John St., Spartanburg; 6-9 p.m. FEE: $195 for 6 weeks CONTACT: Beth Smith at es2@clemson.edu REGISTER AT: clemson. edu/centers-institutes/sbdc
WEDNESDAY MARCH 12 PELHAM POWER BREAKFAST Carpet One Floor & Home, 226 Pelham Davis Circle, Greenville; 8-9 a.m. COST: Free for Greer Chamber members REGISTER AT: greerchamber.com LUNCH AND LEARN Mauldin Cultural Center, 101 E. Butler Road, Mauldin; 11:30 a.m. CONTACT: info2@ mauldinchamber.org DIVERSITY CONNECTIONS LUNCHEON CityRange Steakhouse Grill, 774 Spartan Blvd., Spartanburg; noon-1:30 p.m. SPEAKER: Brian Conner, Consumer Choice Health Plan CONTACT: 864-594-5000 REGISTER AT: spartanburgchamber.com
cover meeting space and one drink at the bar FOR MORE INFORMATION: yptm. toastmastersclubs.org
THURSDAY MARCH 13 BUSINESS NETWORK INTERNATIONAL Southern Fried Green Tomatoes, 1175 Woods Crossing Road, Greenville; 8-9:30 a.m. SPEAKER: John Yarusinsky, Nine Yards Landscaping COST: Free to visitors REGISTRATION: Invitation required CONTACT: Shanda Jeffries at sjeffries@flynnwealthy. com or 864-968-2319 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS The Springs of Simpsonville, 214 E. Curtis St., Simpsonville; 5-7 p.m. COST: Free to attend
REGISTER AT: scwbc.net
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL TOASTMASTERS
REGISTER AT: simpsonvillechamber.com
CONTACT: Janet Christy at janet@scwbc.net or 864-244-4117
Commerce Club, 55 Beattie Place, Greenville; 6 p.m.
CONTACT: Jennifer Richardson at jrichardson@ simpsonvillechamber.com
NXLEVEL FOR ENTREPRENEURS USC Upstate, The George Business College, Room 270,
COST TO VISIT: $5 to
GOT A HOT DATE? Contribute to our Planner by submitting event information for consideration to events@upstatebusinessjournal.com
UBJ SQUARE FEET
Reserve at Lake Keowee Named Best Lake Community By Sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com
The Reserve at Lake Keowee has received the 2014 Bliss Award for Best Lake Community of the Year by Real Estate Scorecard for the second time in three years. Real Estate Scorecard’s annual Bliss Awards “define excellence created by Southeastern master planned communities.” Winners are selected every January from on-site evaluations made by Real Estate Scorecard’s staff, feedback from surveying each community’s own members, and by public voting through the Real Estate Scorecard website. “The Reserve at Lake Keowee is an exquisite example of private country club living,” says Real Estate Scorecard. “Amenities are top notch and its location is fantastic. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this lakefront gated community is surrounded by breathtaking waterfalls, renowned state parks, Clemson University and the chic redeveloped downtown Greenville.” In addition to this award, The Reserve has been named The Greenville News’ 2013 Best of the Upstate
PHOTOS BY GREG BECKNER/STAFF
Best Community and BestRetirementDestinations.com’s No. 3 Community in the US ($500,000 to $1,000,000 range) in December 2009. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of The Reserve at Lake Keowee,” says Mike Agee, the community’s director of marketing. “Sales in 2014 are already off to a promising start on the heels of a very successful 2013. The Reserve is opening two final waterfront neighborhoods this spring, and our membership continues to expand in a way that makes this place even that much more special.” Other 2014 Bliss Best Community Award winners include Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C.
The earth is moving at South Ridge, The Beach Company’s new mixed-use development project at the corner of Church Street and University Ridge. The development will feature an upscale 360-unit multifamily apartment community with 10,000 square feet of commercial space. Apartments will offer a variety of floor plans including studio, one, two and three bedrooms and amenities will include a club room with a billiard area and bar, fitness center, outdoor pool and sun deck, and an outdoor grill area. Construction is expected to be completed summer of 2015. Commercial leasing will be managed by CBRE.
Comedy Zone Planned for Downtown By Sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com
Plans have been submitted for a new downtown comedy club and restaurant called the Comedy Zone at 221 N. Main St. The nationally franchised comedy club would be on the second floor of the former Grille 33 space and operate from 7 p.m. until midnight
on Friday and Saturday nights. Local and national comedians would do two shows per night. The first floor of the venue would cater to young professionals 21 and older. The lounge will have a strict dress code, exclusive VIP seating and high-end bottles of wine and
spirits. The space will also be available for private parties, special events and meetings. A full-service kitchen will provide food for both levels and include a tapas menu with fish tacos, flatbread pizzas, crab cakes, burgers and salads.
March 7, 2014
The owner has submitted a request to the zoning board of appeals requesting approval to stay open until 2 a.m. three days a week, Wednesday through Saturday. The zoning appeal will be reviewed at the March 20 meeting.
UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 25
UBJ SQUARE FEET
Industrial Spec Building Set for Fountain Inn By Sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com
Construction will begin this spring on a new industrial spec building in the Southchase business park in Fountain Inn. The building will be a 250,000-square-foot, 30-foot clear, single or multi-tenant industrial light manufacturing and distribution facility located on a 40-acre site within the business park. The site was acquired by TDI-Southchase, a partnership led by principals from the TPA Group based in Atlanta. Once it’s complete, TDI-Southchase will own the building. NAI Earle Furman, a Greenville commercial real estate firm, is leading the development, marketing and management services for this project, and TPA Group is providing investment and capital services. “We are pleased to be able to partner with TPA Group and their capital partners on this project,” said Tom Daniel, an industrial real estate broker with NAI Earle Furman. “They have successfully developed similar properties across the country, and their experience coupled with NAI Earle Furman’s expertise and local market knowledge makes for a comprehensive team that can provide a highly de-
sirable building. Until recently, there has been a shortage of available inventory like this in the Upstate market, and we believe this building will help address the demand for this type of space.” Additional partners on the project include architectural firm Wakefield Beasley & Associates, out of Atlanta, and Bluewater Civil Design, based in Greenville. The new Southchase building, located just off I-385, will offer tiltwall construction, ample parking, truck access and storage with both dock-high and grade-level docks, ESFR sprinkler system, and T-5 lighting. The office space within the building will be built to suit. Southchase is home to other companies such as Caterpillar, W.W. Grainger, AVX Corporation and Bosch Rexroth. Once complete, TDI-Southchase plans to either sell the building to a user or lease the building to one to three tenants. Estimated completion of the project is first quarter of 2015.
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UBJ SQUARE FEET LISTED: McAlister Marketplace, Antrim Drive and Laurens Road, Greenville
Quinn Satterfield Advances Maydell Park Plans By Sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com
Local homebuilder Quinn Satterfield hopes to build a new traditional cottage-style neighborhood called Maydell Park located near Laurens and Parkins Mill roads. The company has submitted an application for a land development permit to the Greenville planning commission to be reviewed at the March 13 meeting. If approved, the subdivision will consist of 34 homes and include two large parks with lots of green common space. Quinn Satterfield President Rick Quinn says the development will be unique to this area as “no houses will front a public road.” Garages and parking pads will all be located in the rear of the homes, along alleyways, and each home will have a deep, usable
front porch. Quinn says he got the idea from architect Ross Chapin who has created similar developments across the country. “It’s really an old idea that makes a lot of sense. Big front porches and green space in the front instead of a street lets people see their neighbors,” he said. Most homes in the new subdivision will have three bedrooms and range in size from 1,200 to 2,300 square feet. There will be two different lot sizes, each of which will have three or four plans with a mixture of one-and-a-half to two-story to choose from, Quinn said. Prices will range from $175,000 to $275,000. If approved March 13, the project will go out to bid for site work, and Quinn hopes to start building in about six months.
McAlister Marketplace has been reduced by $400,000. The property consists of 48, 50-64 E. Antrim Drive and 1147 Laurens Road, Greenville. PRICE: $5,800,000
PROPERTY TYPE: Retail
GROSS LEASABLE AREA: 59,830 SF
PROPERTY SUB-TYPE: Strip Center
PRICE/SF: $96.94
PROPERTY USE TYPE: Vacant/Owner-User
LOT SIZE: 7.35 Acres LISTING BROKER: Langston Black (langston-black.com)
as hard as you work with Club events, parties, and mixers designed to help you kick back and relax
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UNIT TENANT SIZE 48 E. Antrim Drive: Camelot Cinemas 29,830+- Sf 50 E. Antrim Drive: All About You 1,000+- Sf
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52 E. Antrim Drive: Luxury Nails & Spa 56 E. Antrim Drive: Foundations Of Faith 60 E. Antrim Drive: Available 14,000+- Sf
64 E. Antrim Drive: Elite Golf Academy 7,000+- Sf 1147 Laurens Road: Nevada Bob’s
Celebrate exciting accomplishments with family, friends or co-workers in your choice of private dining rooms
55 Beattie Place | commerce-club.com | 864.232.5600
UBJ ON THE MOVE ARCHITECTURE/ CONSTRUCTION/ ENGINEERING: DP3 Architects Ltd. recently announced that Amanda L. Thomas has successfully completed the requirements of the Architect Registration Exam in the state of South Carolina. Thomas is a graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, and Georgia Tech with a Master of Architecture degree. Seamon Whiteside’s Greenville office recently welcomed Garrett Wine, Les Phillips and Matt Dugan as project coordinator/civil engineer EITs. Wine has four years of civil engineering and project management experience with Alliance Consulting Engineers Inc. Phillips has six years of civil engineering and project management experience with Thomas & Hutton. Dugan has experience with Infrastructure Engineers Inc. Harper Corporation’s Environmental Systems Division recently announced the hiring of Mike Odom as senior project manager and Kyle Snipes as director of business development. Odom brings more than 20 years of experience specializing in water treatment facilities and wastewater treatment plants. Snipes has more than 11 years of business development experience. BANKING/FINANCIAL SEVICES: Greer State Bank recently announced the addition of Kevin Duncan as branch manager/private banker and assistant vice president for the bank and Melody Owens as the public relations and client strategy manager. Duncan joins the team with seven years of banking experience as a financial services representative, assistant manager, licensed banker and branch manager/business banker. Owens brings more than seven years of marketing, event planning and community relations experience to this new position.
EDUCATION: The Greenville County School District recently announced that retired educator Truman Humbert received the Sam Ethridge Award for his contribution to education in the African-American community. Humbert retired with 30 years of experience as a social studies teacher, guidance counselor, and speech and debate coach. The Clemson University-Medical University of South Carolina (CUMUSC) bioengineering program recently named Hai Yao as interim director. Yao is the associate chair and associate professor of bioengineering at Clemson University and associate professor in the department of oral health sciences at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine. HOSPITALITY: The Commerce Club recently announced their employee partners receiving ClubCorp’s 2013 National Service Awards. Dylan Petrick, general manager; Kevin McPhee, service director; and Chris Kirtner, executive chef, were recognized with 2013 SuperStar awards. Additionally, the front-of-the-house employee partners were awarded with the 2013 Team of Excellence award. PUBLIC RELATIONS/ MARKETING: Full Media recently hired Brandon Turner as an Internet marketing analyst in the company’s Greenville office. Turner is a graduate of Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, and holds a degree in e-marketing. REAL ESTATE: NAI Earle Furman recently announced the following awards and professional achievements: Stuart Wyeth attained the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) designation. Wyeth was awarded a scholarship from NAI Global toward his SIOR education and was selected for the scholarship from a pool of
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March 7, 2014
approximately 100 professionals from NAI’s member firms across the world. Tyson Smoak was named the 2013 Caine Halter Commercial Realtor of the Year by the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors. This award is selected by a committee of Realtor peers based on demonstrated leadership in the industry and service to GGAR and the community. Ted Lyerly was elected as the 2014 president of the South Carolina chapter of the Certified Commercial Investment Member Institute (CCIM).
VIP – HONORED ED ZEIGLER One of 139 architects in the nation elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Zeigler is the president of Craig Gaulden Davis and has been involved with the AIA since 1980, where he has served as president of AIA Greenville and AIA SC, and as South Atlantic regional director on the national AIA board.
Coldwell Banker Caine recently welcomed Jeff Biney and Sarah Gilley as residential sales agents to its Greenville office. Biney rejoins Coldwell Banker Caine with several years of sales experience. His prior positions include salesperson at Hyundai of Asheville, Caine agent from 2008-2013 and store manager at GameStop. Gilley joins Coldwell Banker Caine with six years of real estate experience. Spectrum Commercial Properties recently welcomed Richard L. Cox and Rachel Neves Veltri as brokerassociates. Cox previously worked at the Florida-based Ginn Company in Charleston and as a development consultant for FOX Commercial Properties in Greenville. Veltri has 17 years of experience working in office development, industrial development and construction management. STAFFING: Phillips Staffing recently named Kim Ruud as client services specialist. Ruud holds the professional in human resources (PHR) certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute and has more than 15 years of experience in staffing and human resources. TECHNOLOGY: TSAChoice Inc. recently welcomed engineer Nick Fisher to its IT and voice teams. Fisher brings experience to TSAChoice with Microsoft, VMware, and Mitel certifications, including:
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), VMware Technical Solutions Professional (VTSP), VMware Sales Professional (VSP) and Mitel Sales Professional (MSP). SynTerra recently hired Todd Plating, Francine Chittum and Cula Wylye “Mike” Hutchinson. Plating joins as a geologist and has previously worked SC DHEC. Chittum joins as a mechanical engineer. Hutchinson will be a group leader in the company’s civil engineering group. Green Cloud Technologies recently announced that Dan Sterling has been named one of CRN’s 2014 Channel Chiefs. CRN Channel Chiefs were selected by the CRN editorial team
ELECTED
HIRED
HIRED
PROMOTED
PROMOTED
G. Jackson Hughes Jr.
Russ Madray
Fred Hill, M.D., M.B.A.
Jon Price
Jonathan Stano
Elected president of the Carolinas Golf Association. He succeeds Dr. J. Richard Dosek of Advance, N.C., who served a two-year term. Hughes is president of Hughes Commercial Properties Inc.
Will act as scholar-inresidence for Elliott Davis’s Assurance Practice. Madray is a senior lecturer at Clemson University and an author of several best-selling books. He is a graduate from Clemson in accounting and professional accountancy.
Joins the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies as chief medical officer for the Southern region. Hill is a board-certified family practitioner with more than 30 years of clinical and administrative experience. He was previously chief medical officer for Aetna’s Florida Medicaid product.
Named as SBA business development officer for TD Bank for the Upstate and Western N.C. markets. Price previously served as a business development associate and SBA analyst for TD. He also previously served as a SBA credit analyst for Square 1 Bank in Durham, N.C.
Promoted to director of financial planning at FinTrust Investment Advisors. Stano joined FinTrust after working for a fee-only advisory firm near Chicago. He is an honors program graduate from a CFP Board-Registered Program at Central Michigan University.
based on channel experience, program innovations, channel-driven revenue and public support for the importance of IT channel sales. Synnex executives Bob Stegner, Steve Jow and Adnon Dow have also been named CRN 2014 Channel Chiefs.
Stegner is a senior vice president of marketing for North America. Jow is senior vice president of sales. Dow is vice president in charge of global mobility solutions. TRAVEL: Practically Perfect Travel recently
announced that co-owners Erin Mercer and Heather Parrott were recently presented with the Rising Star Award by The Travel Center for Excellence in Family Travel. Mercer and Parrott are both graduates of Disney’s College of Knowledge.
New hires, promotions & award winners can be featured in On The Move. Send information & photos to onthemove@ upstatebusinessjournal.com.
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March 7, 2014
UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 29
UBJ NEW TO THE STREET N. A cad emy St.
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1 Lima One Capital, a hard money lender specializing in providing first-mortgage loans to real estate investors, recently unveiled their new 9,000-square-foot company headquarters at 201 E. McBee Ave. in Greenville on the third floor of the NBSC Building. For more information, visit limaonecapital.com or call 404-908-0080.
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2 Babaziki Mediterranean Grill recently opened in Greenville’s Magnolia Park at 1025 Woodruff Road, Suite D-102. They are open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information, call 864-288-1120 or visit babaziki.com..
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3 Wagner Wealth Management recently opened a new and larger office at 301 S. McDuffie St., Anderson, across from the Bleckley Inn. The building is almost 3,000 square feet. For more information, visit wagnerwealthmanagement.com or call 864-231-5494.
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UBJ SNAPSHOT The Greenville Municipal Airport opened in 1928. As the airport grew, it became a stop for airmail service in 1930. The 1930s also saw construction of the airport’s first “modern” terminal. The terminal served Eastern Airlines and Delta passengers with commercial service. With the advent of the Second World War the airport served as a U.S Army Air Corps glider base until 1945. By 1953 the terminal building was too small to serve the growing passenger and general aviation markets and a new terminal building was erected in its place. In 1954 Charles Lindbergh dedicated the new terminal. The airport was renamed the Greenville Downtown Airport.
Photo courtesy of
Joe Jordan Photo
graphy
By the early ’90s the facility needed an update and a complete renovation was begun of the Greenville Downtown Airport terminal. The renovation of the building was funded by operating revenue from the Greenville Airport Commission and a grant from the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. Architects for the project were Piedmont Olsen Hensley Inc. of Greenville, and the general contractor was the Triangle Construction Company of Greenville. The renovation and modernization was completed in 1992, winning a national award. GREG BECKNER / STAFF
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com
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.
March 7, 2014
ideas@ upstatebusinessjournal.com
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NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, AWARDS: onthemove@ upstatebusinessjournal.com
UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 31