Mar. 29, 2013 UBJ

march 29, 2013

Schools Get Technical Lesson One for the Upstate’s students: Technology drives opportunity

BOSCH EXPANDS

Big donation to Greenville Tech, 160 new jobs in works page 12

LEARNING CURVES Pathwright founders aim to make education accessible page 18

SALUTING MANUFACTURERS

Boeing CEO on global manufacturing excellence page 20

UBJ Table of Contents PRESIDENT/Publisher Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com Senior Vice President Alan P. Martin amartin@communityjournals.com UBJ Associate Publisher Ryan L. Johnston rjohnston@communityjournals.com eXECUTIVE Editor Susan Clary Simmons ssimmons@communityjournals.com MANAGING editor Jerry Salley jsalley@communityjournals.com staff writers Cindy Landrum, April A. Morris, Charles Sowell SENIOR BUSINESS writer Dick Hughes

16

Mary Grace Sanders works on a class assignment using an iPad in Jennifer Chamberlin’s 5th grade class at Monarch Elementary.

Photo by Greg Beckner

F e at u r e s

colu m ns

de pa rt m e n t s

Cover Story 16 High-Tech Teaching

by Leigh Savage

Digital Maven 8 Building Technology Into Your Business Plans

by Laura Haight

3 Verbatim 4 Worth Repeating 4 TBA 20 The Takeaway 22 Square Feet 24 The Fine Print 26 Planner 28 On the Move 30 New to the Street 31 Snapshot 31 Social

Entrepreneur 18 Jump Start: Pathwright Tackles the Course of Education

by Jennifer Oladipo

Statehouse Report 9 New Envision SC Project Offers Good Guidance for State

by Andy Brack Guest Column 13 Nullification Makes Good Government

by Winston McCuen Guest Column 15 A Face-to-Face Approach

by Hal Johnson

2 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

contributing writerS Jenny Munro, Jennifer Oladipo, Jeanne Putnam, Leigh Savage EDITORIAL INTERNS Shelby Livingston, Casey Dargan art & production art director Richie Swann photographer Greg Beckner CONTRIBUTING photo EDITOR Gerry Pate PrODUCTION Holly Hardin marketing & advertising Marketing Representatives Lori Burney, Mary Beth Culbertson, Kristi Jennings, Donna Johnston, Pam Putman MarketinG Katherine Elrod Marketing & EVENTS Kate Banner Billing Shannon Rochester Client Services ManagerS Anita Harley, Jane Rogers ADVERTISING DESIGN Kristy Adair, Michael Allen, Whitney Fincannon, Caroline Reinhardt IDEAS, FEEDBACK, OPINIONS opinions@upstatebusinessjournal.com HOW TO REACH US 148 River Street., Suite 120 Greenville, SC 29601 864-679-1200

Copyright @2013 BY COMMUNITY JOURNALS LLC. All rights reserved. Upstate Business Journal (Vol. 2, No. 12) is published weekly by Community Journals LLC. 148 River Street, Suite 120, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601. Upstate Business Journal is a free publication. Annual subscriptions (52 issues) can be purchased for $65. Visit www.UpstateBusinessJournal. com. Postmaster: Send address changes to Upstate Business, 148 River St., Ste 120, Greenville, SC 29601.

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on doing your life’s work…

765 Haywood Road • 864.297.6458

“Do all you can, while you can.”

864-281-3820 743 Congaree, Suite 2 Greenville, SC 29607 www.clothesmakestheman.us

Former Clemson football standout Perry Tuttle, who went on to a career in the NFL and Canadian Football League. Now an author and inspirational speaker, Tuttle shared his perspective on how to identify and overcome barriers to maximize performance in last week’s TEDx Greenville conference.

Layoffs Coming at BI-LO approximately 130 employees in BI-LO Supermarket’s Mauldin headquarters are being terminated in a “reduction in workforce” arising from the merger of BI-LO and Winn-Dixie and the corporate office move to Florida, the company said.

Brian Wright, senior director of communications and community, said the terminations are effective April 17.

“This is not a new announcement or initiative within the company,”

Lone Star, a Texas private equity firm that owned Bi-Lo, was completed a year ago, the company said Winn-Dixie’s larger building space and infrastructure made it the logical choice for the combined corporate office.

Anthea Jones, president of the BI-LO division, remains with a divisional staff in Mauldin. In addition, the company added 40 jobs for a customer service call center serving both BI-LO and Winn-Dixie.

At the time of the merger, BI-LO had 450 corporate employees in Mauldin. Many transferred to Jacksonville.

ClothesThat Single UBJ 0329.indd 1

he said. “All associates, and particularly those in affected positions, were made aware of the plan to reorganize many months ago.”

Wright said the company is providing severance pay, benefit information and career transition services. He said terminated employees are invited to apply for open or new positions in Jacksonville, Fla., where corporate headquarters are based in WinnDixie’s space.

When sale of Winn-Dixie to

3/25/13 5:11 PM

Anthea Jones

March 29, 2013 Upstate business journal 3

UBJ Worth Repeating | TBA “While the rest of the country has been talking about a ‘manufacturing renaissance,’ the Upstate has been building it.”

Hal Johnson, president and CEO of the Upstate Alliance

80 years of coming home to forts made from sofa cushions and blankets.

The real estate professionals of the Caine Companies have always known real estate is about more than buying, selling or leasing houses and buildings.

It’s about helping people come

“We need to stop selling ourselves to business and industry as ‘we’ve got a cheap labor force,’ and start selling ‘we have a highly educated workforce.’”

Linda Ketner, business leader in Charleston and Envision SC participant

“We work with real-world problems to foster inquiry. We want children to understand the purpose for learning what they are learning.”

Vaughan Overman, principal of Monarch Elementary School

“It was awesome how they got to hang on the back of the truck and throw around trash.”

Paul Johnson, co-founder of online learning platform Pathwright, on his very first career aspiration – garbageman.

home—which we’ve been doing for the past 80 years. Let us help you find your dream home—visit cbcaine.com

TBA

Word is a new urgent care medical facility will be locating in the vacant space at 75 East McBee near the CVS pharmacy downtown. More to come in April…

Chuy’s, a Tex-Mex restaurant chain that started in Austin, Texas, is 4 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

opening at 1304-B Woodruff Road early this summer…

You know those four recent announcements for new Woodruff Road restaurants? Well, at least two are now said to be on hold. Too much competition, maybe…

UBJ News LiveWell to recognize healthy workplaces Awards applications being accepted; Expo set for April 25

HEALTHY

EXPO

livewell greenville is launching the first LiveWell Workplace Awards, designed to recognize local businesses with successful workplace programs and policies.

The organization is accepting applications through April 12, and there is no cost to enter, according to Richard Osborne, a consultant heading up the project.

The application includes more than 60 questions designed to assess the effectiveness of workplace wellness programs, and should take most organizations less than an hour to complete, he said.

Based on the application, companies of all sizes may receive a gold, silver or bronze designation.

The application score will also

2013

By Leigh Savage | contributor

WORKPLACE Presented by LiveWell Greenville

provide a benchmark for those companies just starting wellness programs and those wanting to expand their offerings.

The awards, sponsored by Sportsclub, will be announced at the inaugural LiveWell Healthy Workplace Expo on Thursday, April 25, at the TD Center. If business leaders want to learn more about improving health and wellness at their company, the expo will be a great place to start, Osborne said.

“It will be filled with local and

regional resources,” he said, from gyms offering corporate memberships to specialists who focus on substance abuse or mental health.

Vendors will include Greenville Health System, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Sportsclub, Target Care, Wellness Coalition of America and more.

“We’ll have educational sessions on our Workplace Awards applications and help companies who want to apply next year, as well as Q&A sessions with our winners and sessions discussing how to create a culture of wellness,” Osborne said.

The keynote speaker will be Lewis Schiffman, president of Atlanta Health Systems, who

will speak on strategies for a healthier workforce.

LiveWell Greenville is a partnership of public and private organizations working to make Greenville County a healthier place to live, work and play. The coalition has brought together more than 100 partners working on projects such as bringing healthier foods to schools and workplaces, offering better access to parks, and creating safe places to bike and walk.

The LiveWell Workplace Award designation application is available at 10.selectsurvey.net/livewell greenville, and the survey ID is 02102013.

To find out more about the Healthy Workplace Expo or to sign up to attend, visit livewellgreenville.org. The vendor expo and education sessions are free, with tickets to the luncheon available for $20.

GE seeks machine apprentices

after a successful year of training gas turbine machine apprentices in 2012, GE is seeking a new class.

GE Power & Water has partnered with Greenville Technical College to train skilled machinists through the GE Gas Turbine Machinist Apprentice Program, which combines academic studies with on-the-job training to teach the fundamentals necessary to become a skilled GE machinist.

Those chosen for the two-year

Photo Provided

Students get training in high-tech energy production

GE’s 7F 5-Series Gas Turbine

program receive compensation equal to a 40-hour workweek from GE, which also covers the cost of tuition and books. Apprentices

receive five semesters of academic training with at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. They work two days per week and attend three

days of classes during the first two semesters, then reverse the order for the next three semesters, working three days per week and attending class for two. Apprentices work full time during semester breaks.

The courses prepare apprentices for jobs in blueprint reading, machine operation and CNC operations, all of which are in-demand, skilled crafts, according to GE and Greenville Tech. Apprentices receive certificates in Basic Machine Operations (CIT.BMO6), CNC Prep (CIT.CNP6) and CNC Machine Operator (CIT.CN6) upon successful completion of the program.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate at the time of the program start date to qualify. Individuals with a strong mechanical and mathematical aptitude are preferred. Interested candidates may apply through May 4 at gegasturbinejobs.com.

March 29, 2013 Upstate business journal 5

UBJ News Ashburn Hill Sold to INVISTA

LEARN

invista, a global maker of polymer and fiber products, has acquired Ashburn Hill Corp., a Greenville company that makes flame-resistant clothing for firefighters and others working in dangerous environments.

The sale, which was completed Monday, includes INVISTA’s acquisition of Ashburn Hill’s two trademarked TECGEN clothing brands, its administrative office and personnel in Greenville and its manufacturing plant in Angleton, Texas.

TECGEN administration will remain in Greenville, a spokesman said.

The sale price was not disclosed.

Both companies are privately held.

INVISTA is a subsidiary of Koch Industries and had held a minority interest in Ashburn Hill.

Jon Heard, who left INVISTA in 2008 to become chief executive of Ashburn Hill, will continue as CEO of the TECGEN business unit under INVISTA, the company said.

A spokesman for INVISTA said

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all Ashburn Hill’s employees, including the marketing and administrative staff in Greenville and those in the Texas plant, are retained.

Jeff Brown, vice president of INVISTA performance materials, said the TECGE “flame-resistant brands have quickly gained trust in the marketplace, and by coupling that expertise with INVISTA’s existing global work-wear capabilities, we have high expectations for the specialized garment segment.”

In 2010, Ashburn Hill brought TECGEN SELECT, lightweight, breathable moisture-wicking flame-resistant protective gear to market specifically for the electric, oil and gas and manufacturing industries. In 2011 the company doubled its sales and marketing staff and tripled customer service personnel.

Its other brand, TECGEN Xtreme, is tailored for firefighters in wildland and technical rescue applications.

GREENVILLE

JET

New Incentive Plan for GE CEO

CENTER

greenvilledowntownairport.com/LearnToFlyContest.html

L E A R N T O F LY C O N T E S T NAME

ADDRESS

PHONE

EMAIL *Mail or drop off entry during business hours to:

*Entry must be received by 5pm, 05/18/13. Must live and/or work in Greenville or Spartanburg County.

Must be 17 by 05/19/13 and winners, if under age 18, must have signature of parent/legal guardian.

Must be US Citizen; weigh less then 250 lbs.; capable of passing a third-class flight physical; & sign liability waiver. If Grand Prize winner is unable to accept prize, offer will default to Runner-Up. Training must be completed by May 19, 2014 with at least one lesson per week. Multiple entries accepted.

Winners will be notified on 05/19/13 – International Learn to Fly Day!

6 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

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Airwolf Aviation Services, 100 Tower Dr., Unit 8, Greenville, SC 29607

thanks to a new incentive pay plan, General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt has a new motive to tap $16.7 billion from last month’s sale of the rest of NBC to fund industrial acquisitions, Bloomberg reported this week.

The grants were made to Immelt and several other GE executives, and “will be payable only if the Company achieves, on an overall basis for the three-year period from 2013 through 2015, specified goals,” according to a filing the company made last week with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The three-year program will pay Immelt in part for increasing the share of GE’s profit from manufacturing businesses, according to the SEC filing.

“Immelt, who earned $12.1 million under the previous pact, must also boost earnings per share while amassing cash and increasing return on capital to receive the maximum payout, which the company didn’t disclose,” reported Bloomberg.

GE is one of Greenville County’s largest industrial employers, with 3,200 employees making gas turbines and turbine generator sets in its Greenville facility.

Spartanburg’s Morgan Square

“A lot of people are trying to find their way through today’s economy.

They mostly know where they want to go, but they need a little help navigating. That’s where I can make the greatest contribution.

A personal financial plan puts the odds in your favor here to help the obstacles along the way – byI'midentifying you the navigate and ways to get around them.” this complex financial world.

— Charlton Armstrong III, Financial Consultant

I'm I'm her h e I'm here to help you y nav n youou navigate this this com c this complex financia finan financial world.

Whether your investment goals include increasing your net worth, With for so many optionsor creating a comprehensive financial Photos by Greg Beckner saving retirement available, it's difficult planning strategy thatto includes insurance and estate planning decide which way to go. techniques, Charlton Armstrong can assist you in your journey. You That's where I can help. can count on him to to your financial goals and objectives and Call me for advice to listen set then turn them into actionable strategies. your financial plan on the right course.

“Arm”, as he is known to his friends and colleagues, completed Jenny Munro | contributor his undergraduate work at Duke University and received his MD With With With so many so options m s degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He also Charlton Armstrong III, available, available, it'surology difficult it Financial Consultant completed specialty work inavailab general surgery and at theto spartanburg’s industrial and turning the corner. Our company is 630 East Washington Street | Suite A University of Cincinnati, resulting in Urology board certification. retail real estate markets are poised poised for this coming growth.” decide decide decide which way whi to go.

Greenville SC, 29601 for a year of growth in 2013.

Hines said he’s optimistic about Under the supervision 864-467-0007 | 877-467-0007 of his father, Arm began his parallel interest That's where can help.

CArmstrong@ hilliard.com Spencer/Hines Properties, to the retail and industrial markets in in finance and investing byThat's tradingThat's stocks and bondsI whe while still www.hilliard.com which CoStar attributes more than Spartanburg County although he in high school. He took courses atCall Duke with for the thought Call Call me me adviceofto setm fo 40 percent of the county’s commer- doesn’t expect much growth in the Securities offered through J.J.B.school, Hilliard, and while in medical school completed attending business W.L. Lyons, LLC Member NYSE, your your yourfinanc financial plan on thefi cial real estate market, is “very busy,” office market. & SIPC 2007 course with Dun and Bradstreet. After completing anFINRA investment said Ben Hines, Spencer/Hines “Retail, I believe, is going to conright right right cours c his training, Arm then served in the US Aircourse.

Force as Major, Chief president. The company, led by tinue to grow,” Hines said. The of Urology, S.W. March AFB in Riverside, California. Arm returned Hines and his partner Lynn Spencer, economy has improved so that home to Greenville, South Carolina where he became a partner broker in charge, has nine agents. people are spending more money with Greenville Urology. He also had staff appointments with and Carter Smith, executive vice in retail establishments. Most of theC ha C r lt ha Charlton Armstrong on r lt III, A o served as Chairman of the Department of Urology at Greenville president of Spartanburg’s Eco- retail growth in Spartanburg CountyF inancial inancial Financial Consultant Cons Hospital System andF Saint Francis Community Hospital.

He retired nomic Futures Group, said the ma- is found on the East Side, the West 630 East 630 630 East Washington East W Street |ash Suite A W in August 2008 after three decades of service.

While it is evident jority of his organization’s activity Side and the North Side.

Greenville Greenville Greenville SC, 29601 SC, that Arm put much thought, dedication and care into his medical is with manufacturing, but “from The industrial sector, overbuilt in 864-467864-467-0007 | 877-467-0007 our standpoint, it’s looking very many areas, did not overbuild in Spar-864-467-0007 practice, he also became a student of the financial markets. And encouraging.” tanburg, Hines said. “Spartanburg isC CArmstrong@ hilliard.com so, inArmstrong@ September of C 2008, ArmArmstro joined Hilliard Lyons to fulfill his The years of 2009 to 2011 “were not into speculative buildings” sowww .hilli furloughed career aswww a.hilliard.co financial www.hilliard.com professional. dreadful” for Spartanburg County construction tends to occur when a Call Charlton Armstrong today and see what he can do for you. as well as the real estate industry, tenant or owner wants a space.

Spartanburg Real Estate Poised for Growth

Hines said. It pretty much mirrored the situation with the state and nation, but business in all sectors picked up in 2012.

“I think we’re out of the woods,” he said. “I think our economy is

Securities Securities Securities offered offered through J.J.B. Hilliard, o The office market is not particuSECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH J. Lyons, J. B. HILLIARD,.L. W. L. LYONS, LLCLLC MEMBER NYSE, FINRA & SIPC 2007 W .L. W W.L. Lyons, Member Lyon NYSE, L LC larly strong in the county, he said.FINRA FINRA FINRA & & SIPC 2007SIPC & “I don’t see any new office specu201 West McBee Avenue | Suite 401 | Greenville SC, 29601 lative space being built” although Phone: 864-467-0007 | Fax: 864-467-9113 occupancy of its Class A and Class CArmstrong@hilliard.com | www.hilliard.com B office space is high.

Contact Jenny Munro at jmunro@communityjournals.com.

March 29, 2013 Upstate business journal 7

UBJ Digital Maven

By laura haight

Building Technology Into Your Business Plans does your business have a technology plan for the next five years?

No? Well, you aren’t alone. Quite a few businesses make the mistake of not planning for technology – an oversight that can result a pretty big unscheduled expense.

At the same time, though, a technology plan should be based on business needs, not the newest, coolest tech advances. If the new technology doesn’t support your business goals, then the expense doesn’t make sense.

Technology is a means to an end, not an end on its own.

Here are some key factors in developing and executing a tech-informed business strategy.

By the Numbers Approximate lifespans of business technology mobile technology

2-3 years laptops

5 years business-class servers

7-10 years

Look forward: If you are moving, you can never know exactly where you are because by the time you have identified your location, you are past it. This is nowhere more true than in technology. Today’s hot tech is tomorrow’s eBay daily deal.

Purchasing new technology means creating a replacement plan and budgeting for it. Mobile tech may have a two- to three-year cycle, laptops might hold out for five years and business-class servers (if you maintain your own datacenter) have a usable life of seven-10 years, depending on how upgradable they are.

Don’t overspend: It is easy to overbuy in technology. Servers are a good example. A business-class server can easily cost more than $20K – depending on how geeked out you want to get. But is that what you need? How many users will connect to it? What is it used for – interactive applications or storage?

Make sure you aren’t buying a Ferrari if you really need a Cadillac.

Get IT out of the datacenter: Set up a working group (I don’t like “committees”) to include technologists and savvy business users. They are best positioned to know how things are really used, what their challenges are and what would really help. User input has to be balanced by some technical acumen since people often can’t see beyond what they know. Involve people who are open to new ways and then mash them up with your technical staff. Both will benefit from the experience.

Don’t fly blind: For any new deployment or system, set up small targeted pilot programs designed to find the flaws. There are problems with every tech deployment. The key is to identify them early and correct them at a time when the impact on your business will be minimal, not monumental. Take your pilot program seriously, and implement – or at least consider – the suggestions that come from it.

Training: Time spent training and developing staff to understand and use the technology is the best way to ensure high adoption rates for your project. And that’s where the ROI payoff really comes. Adults learn differently. They need repetition and reinforcement – to see the same message in some different ways before it sinks in. A hybrid training program should include a mix of sit-down, classroom-style training, some printed materials for reference, and online accessible videos or screencasts (where possible) that show users how to do things properly. Remember that training is an ongoing process and building a library of materials, webinars, how-to documents and a user community is important to maintaining the integrity and efficiency of your operations.

Reinforce: Make sure everyone knows that you see the work they are doing and that you make them aware of the benefits the technology is bringing. Bring it to levels they understand, such as increased sales, fewer customer service complaints,

more revenue, reduced errors.

People want to have pride in their work. Let them take some credit for things working out.

Roll down: Never plan on replacing everything at once. Work on a 10-20 percent replacement plan each year, depending on what your budget can handle. It is easy – but inefficient – to take out the old computer and put the new one right there. But if the employee who is going to get the hottest new tech is not a power-user, that’s a poorly aligned resource. Come up with a roll down plan that puts the newest and most powerful technology in the hands of your power users and those who will most influence business results. Then roll their equipment down to others.

Waste not, want not: Even after rolling out and rolling down, you may have plenty of uses for older equipment. If your business continuity plan (you have one, right?) requires that you be able to set up shop in a temporary location, you will need some computers. Some of your older equipment may still be serviceable in an emergency. Load it up with your mission-critical software and store it offsite. Don’t forget to re-evaluate your offsite equipment AND your BCP when new software or systems are deployed.

Technology for technology’s sake is often a waste of money. But driving your business with good technology moves make you more nimble, more proactive and more responsive. Your entire team must be a part of making that happen.

Not only your IT department.

Laura Haight is the president of Portfolio (portfoliosc.com), a communications company based in Greenville that focuses on harnessing the power of technology to communicate effectively with clients, customers and your staff. She is a former IT executive, journalist and newspaper editor.

8 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

UBJ Statehouse Report

By Andy Brack

New Envision SC Project Offers Good Guidance for State

Charles Bolden

George Hincapie

south carolina needs more visionaries and dreamers to engage South Carolinians of all shapes and sizes in ways we can leap forward.

That’s exactly what the College of Charleston’s George Benson and consultant Phil Noble are doing with Envision SC, a “bold experiment” through which people can have their say about the state’s direction.

“Envision SC is unique in that it uses new technology to connect everyone – individual citizens, media companies, students, businesses, colleges – to all share their individual visions so that we can create a shared South Carolina vision of what our state’s future can be,” Noble said.

“No state has ever used the new technology to try and do this before. This is just the beginning – and no one knows what will happen.”

Benson, whose college is sponsoring the project, adds, “Envision South Carolina is intended to help us take action – to think about how South Carolina can be a leader on the world stage.”

Envision SC (EnvisionSC.org) offers videos from a dozen state leaders on their dreams and ideas of how the state can move forward.

It also allows people to submit ideas through the Connect-LearnShare project, which must be submitted by April 15. In the middle of May, the project will celebrate what it’s churned up.

Kerri Forest

Linda Ketner

Phil Noble

“Envision South Carolina is intended to help us take action – to think about how South Carolina can be a leader on the world stage.”

George Benson

Through the project, world-class cyclist George Hincapie, who has ridden in a record 17 Tour De France races, tells why he picked Greenville as his home.

“When you get here to South Carolina, you immediately see that the communities are so friendly,” he said. “It’s a great place to raise families. The cities are so full of culture. We have big international companies like Boeing and Michelin that also bring in culture and smart, successful people.

“There’s just so much the state has to offer. I think the state needs to do a better job of putting that message out worldwide and promoting what we have more. I could live anywhere in the world that I want to. I’m not really tied to South Carolina or Greenville, but I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Charles Bolden, the retired Marine Corps general and astronaut whose hometown is Columbia, says South Carolina made him

who he is.

“I tell people all of the time, despite the segregation I faced, the standards of living, respect and discipline were just incredible,” he says. Bolden currently is the administrator of NASA, the nation’s space agency.

Emmy-award winner Kerri Forrest, back in her hometown of Charleston, observes that the state needs to deal with remnants of segregation to become world-class.

“Laws are in place to put down overt segregation and we’re still fighting some of that today. But what I think concerns me more is this subconscious segregation that ‘we can’t do that,’ or ‘we can’t hang out there,’ or ‘we can’t go there,’ or ‘we can’t achieve this, unless someone gives us permission to do it.’ And the reverse of it is ‘they don’t come here, so we shouldn’t worry about them.’

A lot of people move down from the

George Benson

north and love Charleston and automatically get separated into these two groups or social circles and very rarely do they ever mix.”

Several interviewees pushed the need for better education as a linchpin for the state’s future success.

Business leader Linda Ketner of Charleston suggests the state’s leaders need to do more than pay lip service to education.

“First, we need to stop selling ourselves to business and industry as ‘we’ve got a cheap labor force,’ and start being and selling ‘we have a highly educated workforce.’ The source of our economic problems, our poverty problems, our crime problems begins with education.

“I think the political body doesn’t understand education as the source of the problem. They would rather give tax breaks to a company to come here, which costs us as taxpayers to fund those tax breaks, than focus on the source of the problem. In order to take advantage of our natural resources and have a long-term economic success story, we must without a doubt have laser focus on the part of the political body to fix the educational system.

I don’t see that happening.”

Send your dreams for South Carolina to Envision SC today.

Andy Brack is publisher of Statehouse Report, a media partner of Envision SC. He can be reached at brack@statehousereport.com.

March 29, 2013 Upstate business journal 9

UBJ News FAA Announces SC-TAC Tower Closing the donaldson center air control tower at the S.C. Technology and Aviation Center will be one of three towers closed in the state due to automatic sequestration budget cuts, the FAA announced last week.

The budget cuts went into effect March 1. The Donaldson tower is one of 149 that will be closed nationwide beginning April 7, the FAA said.

Towers on Hilton Head Island and North Myrtle Beach will also be closed, according to the agency.

“We heard from communities across the country about the importance of their towers and these were very tough decisions,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

“Unfortunately we are faced with a series of difficult choices that we have to make to reach the required

cuts under sequestration.”

“We will work with the airports and the operators to ensure the procedures are in place to maintain the high level of safety at non-towered airports,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

The towers at the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport and the Greenville Downtown Airport will remain open.

Leslie Farmer, a spokeswoman for Lockheed Martin, which services military aircraft at SC-TAC, told the media that air traffic controllers at GSP will help keep flight operations moving.

“However, we are concerned that an extended closure could have significant impact on attracting future business to our Greenville facilities,” Farmer told GSA Business magazine.

McLendon Plans More Aerospace Business for Upstate greenville aviation executive and former F-15 fighter pilot Bill McLendon is reportedly set to begin a new venture in the Upstate that would acquire aviation companies under the auspices of H. Ross Perot.

McLendon told reporters he will take over as head of Perot Aerospace on April 1, launching a Greenville-based venture he said he has been planning in conjunction with The Perot Group in Dallas.

“We’d like to open branches of great companies here (in Greenville) where it makes good business sense,” McLendon told the

Greenville News.

The Perot Group manages the business interests of the family of Texas billionaire and former presidential candidate H. Ross Perot. The Perot Group was not available for comment.

In 2010, McLendon became president and CEO of CAV International, a Greenville-based U.S. government-outsourcing contractor with expertise in airfield services and logistics. McLendon is a former USAF F-15 instructor pilot with more than 25 years aerospace industry experience, a US Air Force Academy graduate and a Rhodes Scholar.

Sonoco Pumps $1B Into SC Economy sonoco, the darlington county-based packaging giant, annually contributes more than $1 billion to the state’s economy, creating approximately 9,300 jobs and generating more than $473 million in income for Palmetto State residents.

Those are the findings of a study released this week by the Division of Research at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.

“Sonoco’s impact is wide-ranging and extends to every county in South Carolina,” said Moore School economist Joseph Von Nessen, who conducted the study, in a press announcement.

The company employs more than 1,700 employees statewide, with several locations in Greenville and Spartanburg counties, and supports an extensive supply chain network throughout the state.

The study reveals that the 114-year-old Hartsville-based company is a major contributor to

10 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

a rebirth of manufacturing in South Carolina that has taken place since 2009, the press announcement said.

The areas of South Carolina benefitting the most from Sonoco’s economic activities are the Upstate ($403 million), Pee Dee ($402 million) and Midlands ($195 million) regions. In addition, Sonoco’s $1 billion annual economic impact contributes nearly $35 million to state tax revenue each year.

The study underscores the economic value that a global company headquartered in South Carolina can have on the state, Sonoco chairman and CEO Harris DeLoach said in the press release.

“Sonoco is South Carolina’s largest company, based on sales, and we have the largest global impact with operations in 34 countries selling products in more than 85 nations. This study proves that having a global corporation headquartered in the state provides tremendous economic impact. But equally important is the intangible value that I believe Sonoco brings to South Carolina’s reputation for business innovation and success,” DeLoach said.

“We’re proud to call South Carolina our home.”

Sonoco funded the Moore School study. The complete report is available online at mooreschool.edu.

UBJ News the-art technology.

“Finding technically skilled associates has become one of the most pressing issues in our business, Company makes big donation to Greenville Tech, plans to add 160 new jobs especially as we expand to meet the

By Jenny Munro | contributor needs of our customers,” said Bracht. “Greenville Technical College has The Bosch Rexroth Group manufacturing plant in Fountain Inn recently celebrated its grand opening. worked with us closely to establish programs that address this critical need. The top-ofthe-line training equipment is a further, significant step in making the training center even better.”

The lab will serve Greenville Tech students and act as a training center for Bosch customers and associates. Bosch is supplying equipment, manuals, components, a drive-up trainer and textbooks, online training materials and bosch rexroth in fountain inn handling and heavy industries.

38 percent and 20 manuals for students recently donated equipment and a The company expects to add 160 percent was achand teachers.

TOP: Gov. Nikki Haley makes new lab to Greenville Technical new jobs by the middle of the decade, ieved in the past her remarks to the crowd; “We are committed BOTTOM: Berend Bracht, College during its grand opening of with 60 already added to the payroll. three years. to partnering with inan $80 million expansion.

By the end of the project in 2016, “In part, this explo- president and CEO of Bosch dustry to shape the Rexroth Americas, welcomes Berend Bracht, president of the Fountain Inn plant expects to sive growth came attendees to the opening of workforce of today and Bosch Rexroth Americas, present- have 735 full-time employees. from our head start in the Fountain Inn plant. tomorrow,” Miller said. ed Keith Miller, Greenville Tech With the addition of the new developing energy“We are grateful to have president, with a check as part of building, Charlotte-based Bosch saving hydraulics to help our custom- Bosch aid in this initiative by providthe company’s gift of more than Rexroth has doubled its production ers meet the reduced diesel emissions ing us what we expect to be an out$420,000. Bosch Rexroth donated capabilities at the location, making requirements specified by the Tier 4 standing addition to our program.” more than $400,000 in equipment the Fountain Inn campus its largest emissions standard,” he said.

The new facility lab, able to acto the college. Also, the Bosch Com- hydraulics manufacturing site in The expansion also is good for commodate 18 people, will be used munity Fund awarded a $20,000 the Americas. The investment also Fountain Inn and the state. for hydraulic technology training, grant to the college to create a new is the largest by Bosch Rexroth in “We truly value the commitment hydraulic performance testing and hydraulic lab on campus.

North America.

Bosch has made to be a part of our industry research. The lab will be Officials announced the gift “The Bosch investment for ex- state’s business community, and we housed at the Buck Mickel Center during the ceremonies for a five- panded production in Fountain Inn are excited to see them invest in on campus. year project to expand production increases our ability to serve the South Carolina,” said Gov. Nikki Bosch Rexroth AG is a leader in and convert an existing needs of our local and regional cus- Haley. “We celebrate the 160 new drive and control technologies. As 260,000-square-foot warehouse tomers,” said Bracht. “In turn, this jobs the company will create with part of the Bosch Group, Bosch into a manufacturing facility that enhances their opportunity to par- this campus and look forward to its Rexroth and its 38,400 associates will initially produce Rexroth’s ticipate in industrial and mobile continued success.” generated approximately $8.9 A10VO hydraulic pump, used in a equipment markets on a global basis.”

Officials said Bosch Rexroth is billion in revenue in 2011. Other variety of applications such as He said the expansion, announced committed to enhanced training Bosch plants in South Carolina mobile construction and agricul- in late 2011, was needed to meet for a skilled workforce. The on- include auto parts makers in North tural machinery, mining, materials demand. Sales growth of 46 percent, campus lab will provide state-of- Charleston and Anderson.

12 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

Contact Jenny Munro at jmunro@communityjournals.com.

Photos by Greg Beckner

Bosch Expands in Fountain Inn

UBJ Guest Column

Nullification Makes Good Government the statehouse report column (Feb.1) by Andy Brack titled “Nullification Talk Is Irresponsible” was itself irresponsible.

The entire piece was based on an incompetent reading of the U.S. Constitution and a thoroughly unhistorical and tyrannical conception of the American union.

Mr. Brack holds the common but woefully mistaken view that, according to the Constitution, the states and their governments are inferior and subordinate to the general or “federal” government of the union.

He cites the so-called “supremacy clause” and the preamble expression “We the people...” as evidence of his nationalist-centralist view.

The problem is that the “supremacy clause” (Article VI) refers to the fact that state government officials are obliged, as are federal government officials, to respect the Constitution as the solemn terms of a voluntary political compact agreed to by the peoples of the member states. From his fundamentally flawed and

delusive interpretation of the Constitution and of American political history, Mr. Brack derives a bizarre, tyrannical and thoroughly alarming implication. He thinks that “any legislator who openly believes in nullification should be removed from office” for violating his oath to support the U.S. Constitution.

But the truth is that nullification was and is a fundamental and indispensable operating element within the system of federalism established when the first nine states ratified the Constitution. The people of any state of the Union, acting through organs of government of their own choosing, may render void or of no force within that state any act of the general or “federal” government. This means that states may nullify laws passed

by Congress, executive orders issued by the president, and Supreme Court decisions. So, for example, Obamacare, Roe v. Wade, and the executive order for the

killing of Americans by drones would indeed be fair, legal and constitutionally allowed targets for nullifying states.

For those folks really interested in understanding the U.S. Constitution and nullification, I recommend a work by America’s greatest statesman and philosopher, John C. Calhoun, titled “A Discourse on the Constitution and Government of the United States,” found in the anthology “Union and Liberty: The Political Philosophy of John C. Calhoun” (Liberty Fund).

Here Calhoun, with his genius and clarity, gives a complete and penetrating exposition of the Constitution and its history before, during and after ratification. He explains, for example, why the expression “We the people” was employed by the framers. It was because the document, in order to be submitted to the individual states for consideration for ratification, had first to be drafted. And of course, at the time of its being drafted, it could not be foretold which states would ratify and if any

would not. So the general expression “We the people” was selected to allow for any exigency.

Mr. Brack’s view that nullification would lead to chaos is, again, based on his pitiful ignorance of the nature and operating principles of true federalism and the Constitution.

When the people of the states are denied that fundamental right to self-protection that nullification affords, that denial in itself is proof of the tyranny of our current imperial government. To understand this, one doesn’t have to be very bright.

Winston McCuen is a philosopher and John C. Calhoun scholar. He holds B.A, M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in history and philosophy from Furman University and Emory University. He is author of “The Constitution of Man: John C. Calhoun and a Solid Foundation for Political Science.”

UBJ News

Belgian company plans to ‘be here for 50 more years’

By Dick Hughes | senior business writer

picanol, the belgian company that leads the global market in weaving machines, has based its U.S. headquarters in Greenville for nearly 50 years and plans to be here 50 more.

Last week, Picanol brought more than 150 customers from around the country to show off its new building – and new weavers – on Kitty Hawk Road in the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center.

The site is the company’s fourth home since moving to Greenville in 1970 from North Carolina, where it opened its first U.S. location in 1966. Picanol “saw very early that this market was going to be huge,” said Cyril Guerin, president of Picanol of America.

With 80 to 90 percent of Picanol’s business within a four- or five-hour drive from Greenville, Guerin said the company wants the new location to affirm its commitment to the Upstate.

“Many customers were very worried” about Picanol’s longevity when it sold Steel Heddle, the Greenville maker of weaving machinery accessories, in September 2011, meaning Picanol would lose its space in the Steel Heddle building on Rutherford Road. Picanol had owned Steel Heddle for 10 years.

“What better proof was there than to put our money where our mouth is when we bought this building and renovated it very quickly so we could assure the customers we are staying?” Guerin said.

Within six months, Picanol refitted, remodeled and expanded what had been a warehouse in SCTAC and moved into its new 18,000square-foot home the week before

Cyril Guèrin, president of Picanol of America, with the company’s Opitmax machine weaving machine.

“One thing that is interesting with weaving is the technology has not changed in 5,000 years. The way ancient Egyptians and Greeks were weaving, we are still doing.”

Cyril Guerin

Christmas. From that location, Picanol handles sales, service, repairs and training.

Picanol employs 19 people in Greenville. While it has no open positions now, Guerin said, “We have colleagues in this building in their 60s and have 30 years of experience or more. Sooner or later – and later is better – they will retire.

“I think our toughest challenge

14 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

in the next two to five years is to bring new blood to our team. We know how to keep people. Now we are faced with attracting them.”

Picanol, which has been in business since 1936, is considered the clear market leader in weaving machines. All are built and exported from Ypres, Belgium. The company has had a plant in China since 1995 to make more basic machines for mass production of lowgrade fabric weaving in China and some other Asian markets.

What distinguishes Picanol, Gurerin said, is that it has developed computer-driven machines that are faster, more energy-efficient and adaptable to weaving of all kinds of materials – from the most technologically advanced to that for shirts and towels.

“One thing that is interesting with weaving is the technology has not changed in 5,000 years,” he explained. “The way ancient Egyptians and Greeks were weaving, we are still doing. You still have yarns in running one direction and other yarns running perpendicular that interrelate.”

The breakthroughs in speed came from the late ’70s to the mid-to-late ’90s, and the advances since primarily have been to optimize rates of production, consistency of quality and reduction of energy consumption.

“Some of our machines go faster than machines we were producing

Picanol: A Brief History

1936 Founded by Belgian industrialist Charles Steverlynck as Weefautomaten Picañol NV

1966 Picanol of America established

1970 American subsidiary moves to Greenville

1971 Exhibits the MDC, the world’s first electronically controlled flying shuttle machine, at the ITMA exhibition in Paris in 1971

2001 Acquires Verbrugge NV in Belgium and Steel Heddle Inc. in the USA

2011 Sells Steel Heddle, losing its space in the Rutherford Road building

2012 Moves into new space at SCTAC

15 years ago, but the differential is a bit smaller. Now we are seeing quality and efficiency with a very high rate of production with efficiency at 90 percent, so the machines virtually never stop.”

What is “very important” to users is the rising cost of energy, and Picanol has responded with weavers running 20-30 percent faster but

Contact Dick Hughes at dhughes@communityjournals.com.

Photos by Greg Beckner

Picanol Weaves Strong Commitment to Upstate

UBJ Guest Column “consuming 20-30 percent less energy,” Guerin said What had been a “huge” textile industry in South Carolina and the Southeast when Picanol first came to the United States in the 1960s is quite different today. Back then, “this market was weaving … everything that goes on the person or in the house. The market was so big, and plants were able to export” throughout the world.

Then the market went to China where “labor costs were dirt cheap, virtually at zero,” forcing U.S. textile companies to reinvent themselves and “do something different – smaller volume, more complicated fabric construction and fabric compounds.”

Picanol survived in the U.S. market, too, because its weavers were versatile enough to be easily adaptable from production of virgin materials to the most sophisticated advanced materials, Guerin said.

Now that the technical material Instructor Ramesh Patel, left, gives directions to Jesse Beversdorf at Picanol of America. The company offers its space for training customers on its equipment in its new location at SCTAC.

industry has moved beyond survival to growth, Picanol sees reason to be encouraged for the market of its equipment, Guerin said.

“In fact, we’ve been seeing a lot of investment in the weaving industry here in the U.S. in the last three or four years. We expect to see a larger amount of investment in the next three to five years.”

By hal Johnson

A Face-to-Face Approach Marketing the region person-to-person is best method for Upstate SC Alliance the upstate sc alliance is always busy marketing the Upstate to the world. These efforts are ongoing, far-reaching and effective ways of bringing more attention to the Upstate’s unique business proposition as a global business center. By combining our public and private resources and staying focused on marketing the region, we are able to cover an amazing amount of ground and get the Upstate counties and cities as much exposure as possible.

The Upstate SC Alliance conducts marketing by using traditional printed marketing, digital channels such as our website and social media such as our Facebook page, Twitter and our YouTube channel. We also frequently travel to places where businesses are or where they are meeting to meet with them in person. Lately we have been traveling to spread the word about the Upstate.

Last month, Erin Ford attended the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA) meeting in Atlanta. This is an important regional show for companies in the medical industry and we were there as part of our focus on life-science-oriented businesses.

Also last month, Amy Redick attended the Site Selectors’ Guild meeting in New Orleans for three days. This is the largest gathering of site selection consultants in the

world. It has become very popular and the event was sold out last fall. She was there to carry the Upstate flag and improve relationships with as many site selection people as possible.

Aimee was able to learn more about what site selectors feel about the importance of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the advantages international companies look for when investing in North America and how to best prepare information to favorably impress them. She

came back with the names of several people who are interested in coming to learn more about the advantages of an Upstate business location. So far we have already been included in one site search that is a direct result of her attendance.

Earlier this month, Jacob Hickman attended the HelioExpo in Las Vegas. This is the world’s largest helicopter trade show. The point of this visit was to gather more intelligence on companies doing business in the aerospace sector. The idea for this visit came directly from the Aerospace Task Force that was put together to guide our marketing efforts in this important target industry for the Upstate. From

there he traveled to the Los Angeles area and met with companies who have expressed an interest in the Upstate. Jacob had seven appointments with businesses and consultants during the three-day trip.

This week I am attending the Industrial Asset Management Council Spring Professional Forum in Charleston. This meeting is a veritable “Who’s Who” of corporate real estate executives from across the United States. This gives us an opportunity to learn what’s on the minds of corporate real estate executives of companies such as the Kellogg Company, Johnson and Johnson, and the Weyerhaeuser Company. I will have an opportunity to connect with and convey information about Upstate business advantages while these executives are in our state learning more about the advantages that brought Boeing to South Carolina and the important role a deepened South Carolina port will play in U.S. distribution.

Even in this digitally connected world, nothing can take the place of meeting with someone face-toface. More than 50 percent of everything we convey when communicating with others is not done with words, but with emotion and body language. That is why we use digital and traditional media to support, not replace, a marketing program based on meeting with people face-to-face to discuss the wealth of opportunities here. The opportunity to respond to questions, observe reactions, and convey the enthusiasm we have for living and working in the Upstate gives us one advantage that is just too important to be left to words alone.

Hal Johnson is the president and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance, a nonprofit organization made up of a public and private investors aimed at promoting economic growth. Additional information is available through the Alliance’s website, upstateSCalliance.com.

March 29, 2013 Upstate business journal 15

cover story

Photos by Greg Beckner

High-tech teaching

Sadera Allen, left, and Mary Everett Grant work on a puzzle in the Monarch Elementary Tech Lab.

Upstate Schools use tech tools to prepare 21st century workforce

By Leigh Savage | contributor 16 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

At Bell’s Crossing Elementary,

students take virtual field trips, visiting the Archives of London and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. At Monarch Elementary, fifth-graders use iPads to research water pollution in Third World countries. And at Buena Vista, book reports – some prepared on devices brought from home – are displayed via QR code.

It’s a different world at area schools, as district and school staffs work to engage students, prepare them for the 21st-century workforce and make the wisest use of their budgets.

“Technology drives business and you would be hard-pressed to find a career that does not rely heavily on technology to get the job done in some form or fashion,” said Jeff McCoy, director of academic innovation and technology for Greenville County Schools.

John Moore, executive vice president of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, agrees that teaching kids to use high-tech tools prepares them for the future and helps businesses and the economy as well.

“Technology is in every sector of our economy – every manufacturing job, every service job, biomedical,” he said. “So it’s critical.”

Availability of technology varies widely within the district, which serves 70,000 students at 82 schools and 12 special and early-education centers.

Some schools, such as Monarch and Berea elementary schools, provide iPads for entire grades, which the children can take home.

Other schools, such as Bell’s Crossing, are looking into tablets while shoring up supplies of laptops, interactive whiteboards and other technology.

The reasons for improving access to technology are many, said Greenville County Schools Superintendent Burke Royster, though engagement may be the most important.

Pumped for iPads

the district has a “refresh plan” that provides funding to update and replace aging technology at each school every five years. On top of that, schools can use funds raised by PTAs or through after-school childcare to purchase technology.

Buena Vista Elementary’s Boosterthon fundraiser netted $20,000 to purchase a set of 30 iPads – complete with an Otterbox cover and

Monarch Elementary School fifth-grade student Caleb Fitzpatrick gives a class presentation using his iPad and smart board in Jennifer Chamberlin’s class.

Contact Leigh Savage at lsavage@communityjournals.com.

By the Numbers K-12 Spending Breakdown hardware

55-60%

($5.2-$5.7 billion) software

18-22%

($1.7-$2.1 billion)

Apple Cares insurance – to supplement the 30 they have on hand, network/telecom said Dr. Ann Mohr, principal at the Greer school.

Because achieving the goal of ($1.6-$1.8 billion) having one device for each child district-wide is so costly – an estiprofessional development mated $93 million for infrastructure, training and implementation according to one estimate – the ($285-$760 million) Greenville County School Board in December approved letting students Source: Center for Digital Education, 2011 bring devices from home for use on school projects.

McCoy said iPads are increasingly popular district-wide. Newer schools such as Monarch and A.J. Whittenberg used their funding allocation – based on the number of students attending – to purchase the devices.

Title 1 schools such as Berea and Welcome are able to use federal funds to bolster technology offerings, and McCoy said those schools will have iPads for all students next year after offering them to certain grades this year.

17-19% 3-8%

Real-World Projects

monarch has full wireless capability, and even uses wireless technology to dismiss children at the end of the day, with staffers using iPads to scan QR codes given to each parent.

Having devices for each child is a top priority for principal Vaughan Overman. Monarch was designed to focus on health sciences infused with technology-rich experiences, and she has found that project-based learning using high-tech tools has kept kids interested in their studies.

“We work with real-world problems to foster inquiry,” she said. “We want children to understand the purpose for learning what they are learning.”

Overman does not yet have data to back up the effectiveness of her school’s technology initiatives, “but we know the kids are interested and working in groups to figure out solutions to problems. We know that’s where the workforce is – no one tells you how to solve problems. We believe everything we are doing will end up being positive in our test scores.”

It’s difficult to gauge how technology affects scores, McCoy said, since so many factors influence student achievement. Technology alone doesn’t make an impact, he said, but requires innovative teachers who can apply the tools to real-world issues and problems.

Royster said the benefits of prioritizing technology are numerous, including tailoring instruction to specific needs and providing immediate feedback. “If used correctly and creatively, technology has the ability to revolutionize education even more than it already has,” he said, “and help ensure the efficient use of every minute of the instructional day.”

March 29, 2013 Upstate business journal 17

Photo by Greg Beckner

Mark Johnson, left, and Paul Johnson of Pathwright.

Pathwright tackles the course of education

The Johnson twins’ online learning platform has launched more than 100 courses

By Jennifer Oladipo | contributor

18 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

With a rare role in the world of online education,

Greenville-based Pathwright provides a platform for educators to create courses or entire schools online. It was one of the companies in last year’s Iron Yard accelerator. Co-founders and twin brothers Mark and Paul Johnson, along with Justin Hall and Greg Taylor, intend to make quality education more affordable and accessible. Their customers have launched more than 100 courses in which more than 17,000 students have registered.

UBJ sat down with Paul Johnson last week for an interview.

When did Pathwright launch?

We launched publicly in March of 2012. We started designing and developing in 2010, and launched the first version with a significant customer partner privately in 2011.

What are your biggest expenses?

Like any small company, our biggest expense is payroll.

Why did you choose to start a business in the education field?

Mark and I started designing and developing websites and software when we were just 13 years old and we loved it. Later, while attending Bob Jones University, we helped develop education software for the university.

We saw a stark contrast between what we knew was possible for education software and what it currently did.

When we formed our own software company, DUO Interactive, in 2009, our biggest customer wanted software that would let them teach fully online courses anywhere in the world. Finding no suitable options, we pitched them the idea of partnering to kick-start Pathwright, and they agreed.

Also, a college degree does not guarantee meaningful employment, and leaves students in debt by an average of $27,000. Educating oneself should not be a gamble; we see the old model as ripe for disruption and re-invention. Pathwright is a product of our passion to change education coupled with our love for designing and developing software.

Who are your main users?

Our target customer is any person or organization who wants to offer online courses under their own brand. We’re useful in several market segments, including employee and customer training, for-credit higher education and K-12 schools, continuing education, curriculum publishers, and coaching organizations.

While most of our users are in North America, we have users active in 122 countries.

What were the major learning curves for you?

The biggest thing that I’ve personally had to learn (and continue to learn) is how to effectively sell a software product. While I knew that even the best product wouldn’t sell itself, actively selling software as a service has been a new experience.

What was your strategy for securing funding beyond the Iron Yard seed money?

We currently haven’t taken any outside investment since our launch. Our product has been funded primarily through partnership with customers, platform revenue, and many long days, nights and weekends.

Contact Jennifer Oladipo at joladipo@communityjournals.com.

“We believe that educators are craftspeople who make paths for others to follow and then guide them along the way.”

Pathwright co-founder Paul Johnson What’s your personal way of dealing with challenges and tough days?

The biggest aspect of getting through challenges is having an awesome team to work with. Knowing that our team could operate just fine without me for a few weeks and can solve any problem that comes up makes new challenges easier to face.

The design of Pathwright’s website is notably different from your competitors like Litmos and Udemy. Was this a deliberate decision?

While we didn’t set out just to be different, our design is unique because it reflects our philosophy. We believe that educators are craftspeople who make paths for others to follow and then guide them along the way. Our designer, Justin Hall, captured these elements of our view of education using hand-drawn lettering and symbols along with craftsman-style typography and journey-based imagery.

Where do you see Pathwright in five years? 10?

In five years, I see us with a 10-20 person team doing what we do now, but in a bigger way. I’d imagine we’d have 25 or more partners who are major educational players within their field of study, each educating thousands of students all over the world and offering resources for thousands of teachers to use in their own physical classrooms. This includes our own school, The Lamp Post Guild, along with a few other schools we’re planning to launch.

In 10 years, who knows?

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

First, a garbageman. It was awesome how they got to hang on the back of the truck and throw around trash. Second, a movie director. Finally, a software business owner. That one stuck, and we’re getting to do a little video production now with our self-produced courses. Now if I can just find a tie-in with waste management, my childhood dreams will be complete.

March 29, 2013 Upstate business journal 19

UBJ The Takeaway

By Sam Patrick, president of Patrick Marketing & Communications

Saluting Our Manufacturers EVENT: 2013 Salute to Manufacturing Luncheon

With overall leadership responsibility for Boeing’s 6,100employee South Carolina operations and 787 Dreamliner facilities in North Charleston, Boeing South Carolina vice president and general manager Jack Jones is a busy guy. Still, he made time away from running Boeing’s first-ever passenger aircraft manufacturing facility outside of Washington state to update manufacturing and business leaders attending the March 21 Salute To Manufacturing in Greenville on progress to date, challenges ahead – and how South Carolina can become the epicenter of global manufacturing excellence.

The annual event was preceded by an inaugural Best Practices Forum for manufacturing executives that drew an additional 100plus attendees, and featured highimpact presentations on innovation, long-term commitment, employee engagement and workforce development. Here is some of what the Boeing executive had to say.

vanced technology and capabilities to South Carolina. Using a video to show Boeing’s world-class technologies in aviation, aerospace, defense and other applications, Jones noted, “We’ve brought our full complement of technologies to South Carolina, and Boeing will continue to lead and make advances through innovation.”

SOUTH CAROLINA: “A great place to do business” “South Carolina’s business community greeted Boeing with open arms from day one. We knew right away that we were wanted, and I learned that coming to South Carolina is like being accepted as part of a family.

And that family welcome and support comes from the top down.”

INNOVATION IS KEY Boeing has brought its most ad-

BOEING IS HERE TO STAY… AND GROW “In three years, we have gone from nothing in place to 6,100 associates and a world-class manufacturing and assembly facility. Boeing is here to stay in South Carolina, and the opportunities are huge for us to expand our production in this state.”

PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE “At the end of the day, it’s the people here, the workforce, which attracted us to South Carolina. South Carolinians are proud, committed and have a great work ethic, and they make a great addition to the Boeing team.”

“We need to have and provide the infrastructure necessary to support future growth in this state. Whether that is water, sewer, roads, bridges or power, it’s paramount to support future growth.”

WHO WAS THERE: Over 350 manufacturing, business and political leaders from across South Carolina SPEAKER: Keynoter Jack Jones, vice president and general manager of Boeing South Carolina TOPIC: “S.C. Manufacturing: A Bright Future” INFRASTRUCTURE IS KEY “We need to have and provide the infrastructure necessary to support future growth in this state. Whether that is water, sewer, roads, bridges or power, it’s paramount to support future growth.”

SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURERS: “All winners” “All 11 finalist companies being honored and the three winners being named as recipients of the Silver Crescent Award for Manufacturing Excellence today are winners in their own right, and deserve applause and celebration. Boeing is honored to be among all of these very fine companies in consideration.”

Note: Cytec Industries, Southern Weaving and Nucor Steel were named 2013 honorees as South Carolina’s top manufacturers for 2013.

For over a decade, the exclusive annual Salute to Manufacturing Awards program has honored manufacturing organizations from across South Carolina for their financial performance, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, citizenship, innovation, environmental stewardship and longevity planning in South Carolina. The annual gathering also provides an opportunity for manufacturers and business, governmental and community leaders to come together and celebrate the accomplishments of South Carolina’s best and brightest companies. More information on the Salute to Manufacturing and its Best Practices Forums can be found online at SaluteToManufacturing.org or by calling 864-657-6183.

20 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

Photo Provided

Jack Jones

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A portion of ticket sale proceeds will benefit the Spartanburg Regional Foundation’s Village at Pelham General Fund. This fund is used to assist the Village at Pelham’s community outreach programs, education and other priority projects and needs identified by the Village at Pelham.

22 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

UBJ Square Feet DEALMAKERS Langston-Black Real Estate Inc. announced: Brad Toy recently represented Mauldin Road Investments LLC in the leasing of their 1700 SF space located in the Augusta Pointe Shopping Center at 104 Mauldin Road, Greenville. The lessee, Better Built Storage, also occupies another 2,249 SF at the shopping center in addition to this recently added space.

Bobby Hines recently assisted Mesa Corporation with their purchase of a 37,000 SF building (situated on 3.43 +/acres) located at 200 Bi-Lo Blvd., Greenville.

Mesa plans to relocate their business from Travelers Rest to the new location in Greenville. The need for expansion came about when Mesa Corporation signed new contracts with their customers. Mesa Corp. manufactures large containers for heavy machinery.

Jim Griffin recently represented Purple Tuna Tees, Inc.in the purchase of a +/- 10,000 SF warehouse (situated on 1 acre) at 16 International Court, Mauldin. Michael Greer and Towers Rice of NAI Earle Furman represented the seller, Earl & Gale Crawford.

Purple Tuna Tees Inc. will be relocating and expanding its business in this new location. The company provides graphic design, screen-printing, dye sublimation and embroidery of company, team and business logos and graphic for T-shirts, hats, uniforms and a

variety of other clothing and marketing items.

Colliers International announced: Richard Barrett brokered the sale of 600 Airport Road, Greenville. Barrett represented the seller, R&J Investments. Frank Hammond represented the buyer, Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet.

expanding their operations in the Upstate. The new facility includes an indoor showroom, customer lounge and a fully equipped vehicle service area.

Spencer/Hines Properties announced: Andy Hayes, an agent with Spencer/Hines since 2002, has completed a

DEAL of the WEEK Richard Barrett represented the buyer, R&J Investments, in the acquisition of three new properties, 520, 524 and 528 in Gateway International Business Center, Greer. These three properties total 45,600 SF and are a significant addition to the buyers’ leasing portfolio, which already includes Golden Oaks Business Park and Mauldin Centre. Barrett will handle the leasing for R&J Investments at these properties.

Lee & Associates announced: Randall Bentley represented the lessor, PS Buildings Limited, in a +/- 12,461 SF flex lease transaction at 640 Congaree Road, Greenville. Accessible Mobility Center LLC, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is

10-year lease extension for PetSmart on Blackstock Road in Spartanburg. The transaction totaled $2.6 million.

PetSmart came to Blackstock Center in December 1995. It is one of the largest specialty pet retailers in the country.

PetSmart operates 1,269 stores.

Plans for the Brooks Brothers store in the ONE project continue. The retailers have released this photo of what they plan the entrance at 1 N. Main St. to look like.

Richard O. Barrett

Flex Space: The Flexible Solution

For companies considering moving into the Greenville market, this type of space is a good way to establish a presence. And, with the continued growth of small to medium companies and industries already in the market, and the variety of flex units currently available, now is a great time to evaluate your business need options.

By Richard O. Barrett

space that can be changed as the needs of your business change.

Typically, businesses in growth mode have changing needs over time. And those needs within a business can necessitate modification of space. Owners and landlords with this type of space are generally anxious to provide tenants with an environment that works for the tenant and keeps them happy. Therefore, the “flexibility” of this space

allows for easy modification by landlords and specialized space planning by tenants.

Flex spaces are generally a starting point for some of the larger, more dynamic companies. This type of property is typically located near business centers that provide synergy for all concerned. Due to the “neighborhood” in a flex business park, a business can often find additional sales opportunities within the park/campus setting.

Richard O. Barrett is a brokerage associate at Colliers International. For more information on flex space opportunities, contact him at 864-527-5448.

y

st

Continental Flavor Coming to Falls Park

s a c a de m

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ing the menu, which will consist of casual bistro fare with a French flavor. According to Table 301, the

menu will continue the tradition locally sourcing many ingredients.

Demolition at the site has been

st

sc hur ch s

there’s one in lyon, france, and now downtown Greenville will have its very own Passerelle bistro.

Located in the former Overlook Grill at 601 S. Main St., which closed in December 2012, the casual bistro is slated to arrive this spring.

According to owners Table 301, Passerelle is named for the French word for footbridge, fitting as the location faces Falls Park’s emblematic Liberty Bridge. The bridge’s form is also reflected in the restaurant’s logo.

Chef Teryi Youngblood, who most recently worked at Table 301’s Soby’s New South Cuisine, is craft-

t

Passerelle Bistro latest from Carl Sobocinski’s Table 301 group

sm ain

flex space – a term often used in commercial real estate – may be the best fit as you grow your Greenville area business opportunities. As defined by CoStar Group (a commercial real estate information service), flex space is designed to be versatile and may be used in combination with office, research and development, and quasi-retail sales, and can include industrial, warehouse and distribution uses.

In other words, flex space is

completed and construction should begin as soon as final permitting is complete.

The Table 301 restaurant group includes Soby’s New South Cuisine, Devereaux’s, The Lazy Goat, Nose Dive gastro pub, Soby’s on the Side and Table 301 catering.

LET HUFF CREEK PROPERTIES TURN YOUR DREAM INTO A SOUND REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT.

Huff Creek Properties, a timber and recreational land division of NAI Earle Furman, offers unmatched brokerage and land management services throughout the Carolinas and Georgia.

Buyer Representation • Seller Representation • Management

Contact Rusty Hamrick to learn more: rhamrick@naief.com • 864 232 9040 HuffCreekProperties.com

UBJ The Fine Print surrounding communities now and in the future.”

Greer State has three branches in Greer and one in Taylors.

Good Recruiting Year

Please join us for Advancing Minority Leadership and Corporate Board Service Thursday, April 18, 2013 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Guest Speakers

Location Poinsett Club 807 East Washington Street Greenville, SC 29601

Walter L. Davis Co-Chief Executive Officer CertusBank

Bridget-Anne Hampden Deputy Chief Information Officer Office of Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education

Contact and Registration Nika White 864-239-3727 or nwhite@greenvillechamber.org Tickets are $25 each www.greenvillechamber.org

24 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

George Burdette, Greer State Bank

Bank Gets Regulatory Relief

In a vote of confidence, the FDIC has lifted the consent order that placed Greer State Bank under tighter regulatory scrutiny for two years.

“The bank has successfully met all criteria stipulated within the order, including significant improvements in earnings and operational performance,” a spokesman for the bank said.

“The bank has improved its capital position by bringing its Tier 1 capital ratio to 9.08 percent and its total risk weighted capital ratio to 15.14 percent as of Dec. 31, 2012.’’

The FDIC and the S.C. Board of Financial Institutions placed Greer State under the consent order March 1, 2011.

In addition to improving its capital ratios – measures of capital available to cover loan losses – Greer State returned to profitability in the last quarter of 2011 and has remained profitable since.

It had net income of $4.2 million in 2012. In the four prior years, it lost a total of $17 million.

George W. Burdette, president and CEO, said that while the “past few years have been challenging,” the steps Greer State took improved “our market position as we continue to provide the financial solutions needed by the local and

More than $2.28 billion in capital investment and 4,117 new jobs in 66 companies were attracted in promised development in the Upstate in 2012, according to the Upstate SC Alliance.

“Three years ago, we set a goal for the region to gain $5 billion in new investment and 16,000 new jobs. We’re now three years into it, and we’re practically there,” said Hal Johnson, Upstate Alliance president and CEO. Since 2010, the region has gained $4.85 billion in capital investment and added 15,847 jobs, the Alliance said.

In collaboration with other development agencies, the Alliance’s marketing priorities for targeting for recruitment are aerospace, automotive, advanced materials, biosciences and energy.

“This region is becoming a strong and globally competitive center for business,” said Johnson. “While the rest of the country has been talking about a ‘manufacturing renaissance,’ the Upstate has been building it.”

Additionally, the Alliance announced Tuesday that the Duke Energy Foundation has awarded the Upstate South Carolina Educational Foundation a grant of $82,500 over four years. This grant will allow the Upstate SC Alliance to purchase a subscription to Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI) for customizable labor market data for the region. This grant follows closely on the heels of a previously announced sponsorship from the South Carolina Power Team in

support of this effort.

The Upstate Alliance presented its annual report at the BMW Zentrum on Wednesday. Harris Pastides, president of the University of South Carolina, was scheduled keynoter. Jack Ellenburg, vice president of the South Carolina Ports Authority, was scheduled to give an update on the inland port being built at Greer.

Banks Extends Hand

Wells Fargo said its charitable giving totaled $2.8 million in South Carolina last year.

In addition, the bank’s employees contributed more than 25,000 volunteer hours in community philanthropic activities.

“Our team members and company are highly committed to invest time and money into finding local solutions for local needs,” said Rick Redden, Wells Fargo South Carolina president.

Among the highlights, the bank said, were a $150,000 challenge grant to the SC Food Bank Association that resulted in $556,000 for four food banks; $325,000 to 10 technical colleges to support workforce development; $500,000 to United Way

campaigns; and participation in a home preservation workshop conducted by the Greenville Human Relations Commission.

PRESENTS

Small Business Honored

EDTS, a technology consulting firm with offices in Greenville, Columbia and Augusta, Ga., is the Greenville Chamber’s Small Business of the Month for March.

From a one-man office in Greenville, EDTS has expanded twice and now occupies several thousand square feet in the NEXT Innovation Center, an entrepreneurial enterprise operated by the chamber.

Charles Johnson, president and CEO, and Elliott Davis, the accounting and consulting firm, started the business in 1999 as Elliott Davis Technology Solutions.

Johnson purchased the business 10 years later and established it as EDTS with a handful of employees.

The EDTS today has 50 professionals providing service 24/7 365 days a year throughout the Southeast from its offices.

It has been recognized as among the nation’s 5,000 fastest-growing companies and the seventh fastestgrowing company in South Carolina.

l ik e us on facebook.com/ theupstatebusinessjournal

Congratulations To Our Charter Business

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Chamber President/CEO Ben Haskew, 2013 Chair Luanne Runge, Small Business Awards Committee David DeVita and Charter Business/Award Sponsor Ken Pelanda present the March 2013 Small Business of the Month Award to EDTS Director of Sales Jonathan Philipsen.

“We believe strongly in the value of our Greenville Chamber membership and gratefully accept this honor.”

-Charles Johnson, EDTS Founder & CEO

EDTS is a leading provider of technology consulting and IT solutions for growing Southeastern organizations. EDTS delivers customized IT and technology consulting services to hundreds of satisfied customers throughout the region. Their responsive, flexible, and cost-efficient solutions can meet a diverse range of needs – helping businesses increase productivity and profitability. For expert managed services, networking, IT security, telephony, and tech support, turn to EDTS. Learn more at www.edtsolutions.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.

24 CLEVELAND ST. GREENVILLE, SC 29601

864-242-1050

WWW.GREENVILLECHAMBER.ORG

March 29, 2013 Upstate business journal 25

UBJ Planner Saturday, March 30 Comprehensive Small Business Start-up Greenville County Library, Hughes Main Branch, 25 Heritage Green Place, Greenville; 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $59, includes lunch and materials Register at: piedmontscore.org/ workshops

monday, April 1 NxLevel for Entrepreneurs (Existing Businesses) Upstate Workforce Investment Board, 102 Commerce St., Spartanburg; 6-9 p.m.

#1 AGENT FOR PRUDENTIAL FOR 2 CONSECUTIVE YEARS TOP PRODUCER FOR PAST 10 YEARS FINE HOME SPECIALIST CERTIFIED RELOCATION SPECIALIST CHAIRMAN’S GOLD CIRCLE – TOP 2% NATIONALLY

Planning a move in the Upstate?

I’ll take you from dreaming about a new home to owning one.

864-918-1734

WWW.GREENVILLEAGENT247.COM

26 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

For entrepreneurs who want to expand an existing business and need the skills to make it grow.

Cost: $195 per person Register at: bizbuildersc.com

tuesday, April 2 Spartanburg Healthcare Network Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, 105 North Pine St., Spartanburg; 10:30 a.m.-noon Speaker: Mary Reid, BSN, RN, CNOR Topic: Robotic Surgery: How It Is Beneficial to Patients and Providers Attendees must be members of the Spartanburg Chamber and a healthcare provider.

Prospective Chamber members may attend one meeting as a guest.

Cost: Free, but please RSVP Contact: Meric Gambel at 864-5945030 or mgambel@ spartanburgchamber.com

Metro Toastmasters Club City Hall, third floor conference room, 206 S. Main St., Greenville; 7-8 p.m.

Open to all Contact: 864-350-0044

wednesday, April 3 AM Think Tank Chamber Office, 211 N Main St., Simpsonville; 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Event Description: The purpose of this group is to discuss ideas and challenges you might be having within your own business with other members that might have faced the same circumstances and how they got through it. Bring a beverage and a snack if you like.

Cost: Free to attend as part of your Chamber membership.

Contact: Becky at 864-963-3781 to RSVP.

Is My Business Idea Feasible?

Simpsonville Chamber of Commerce, 211 N. Main St., Simpsonville; 4-6 p.m.

Cost: $10. Refreshments will be provided by the Simpsonville Chamber.

Register at: scwbc.net/ events/upstate

Mauldin Chamber Leads Group Mauldin Chamber of Commerce, 101 East Butler Road, Mauldin; noon-1:00 p.m.

Contact: Don Johnson at dfjj1141@yahoo.com

thursday, April 4 Cloud?

Compliance?

Confusion!

Workshop Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, 105 North Pine St., Spartanburg; noon-1 p.m.

Cost: Free, but register at spartanburgchamber. com. Lunch will be provided.

Contact: Meric Gambel at 864-594-5030 or mgambel@spartanburg chamber.com

Becoming a Leader Clemson University, Brackett Hall, Room 100, 321 Calhoun Drive, Clemson; 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Speaker: Walt Ehmer, CEO of Waffle House Topic: The Waffle House Way Cost: Free Contact: Leah Hughes at leahh@clemson.edu

friday, April 5 First Friday Luncheon Greer City Hall, 301 E. Poinsett St., Greer; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Speaker: Greg Boone, Executive Director, Look Up Lodge Christian Camp Cost: $10 for members; $15 for non-members.

Register at: greerchamber.com

wednesday, April 10

First Friday Leadership Series

Pelham Power Breakfast

Clemson at the Falls, 55 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville; 5-7 p.m.

CORE Health, 103 Regency Commons Drive, Greer; 8-9 a.m.

Speaker: Julie Seitz, Director, Workplace 2020, The Coca-Cola Company Topic: Designing Tomorrow’s Workplaces: Coca-Cola 2020 Cost: Free, but space is limited.

Register at: firstfriday seitz.eventbrite.com Contact: Amy Burka at burka2@clemson.edu

Register at: greerchamber.com.

monday, April 8

Diversity Connections

Mauldin Chamber Leads Group Mauldin Chamber of Commerce, 101 East Butler Road, Mauldin; noon-1:00 p.m.

Contact: Don Johnson at dfjj1141@yahoo.com

NxLevel for Entrepreneurs (Existing Businesses)

CityRange Steakhouse and Grill, 774 Spartan Blvd., Spartanburg; noon-1:30 p.m.

Upstate Workforce Investment Board, 102 Commerce St., Spartanburg; 6-9 p.m.

Open to all Spartanburg Chamber members and guests.

Contact: Doug Gregory at 864-594-5000 or dgregory@spartanburg chamber.com

For entrepreneurs who want to expand an existing business and need the skills to make it grow.

Price: $195 per person Register at: bizbuildersc.com

tuesday, April 9 Lunch & Learn The History Center, 102 Depot St., Fountain Inn; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Speaker: Mary Sigmann, Certified Professional Organizer Topic: Clearing the Office Clutter Lunch will be provided.

RSVP by Apr. 5 to yepps@fountaininn chamber.org

FemCity Greenville April “Around Town” Girls on the Green Social Green Valley Country Club, 225 Green Valley Road, Greenville; 4:30-7 p.m.

thursday, April 11 Under Construction – Updating planned commercial development in Upstate KROC Center, 424 Westfield St., Greenville; 7:30-9 a.m.

Panelists: Rick Sumerel, President & COO, Verdae Development, Inc. Bryson Thomason, President, Professional Mortgage Co. Marc Yavinsky, Exec.

Vice President, Menin Development, Inc. Cost: $30 for a single ticket, $295 for corporate table Register at: eventbrite. com/event/ 5521757726#

BMW Tier 1 Supplier Diversity Matchmaker Conference TD Convention Center, 1 Exposition Drive, Greenville; April 11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Free to attend, but registration required.

Continental breakfast and lunch provided.

Register or more information: carolinasmsdc.org or qwbc.biz

Former LGPA player Brandi Jackson will lead this Girls Golfing event, teaching all levels from beginners to pros. There will be a reception with food, wine and networking in the clubhouse.

Cost: $30 for members and $45 for non-members Register at: femfessionals.com/ FemCities/Greenville/ Calendar.htm

March 29, 2013 Upstate business journal 27

UBJ On the Move

APPOINTED

HIRED

HIRED

HIRED

Robert H. Demere, Jr.

Greg McPhee

Kauthar Rahman

Penny Mashtare

Appointed to SCBT Financial Corporation’s board of directors.

Demere is president of Colonial Group Inc., a petroleum marketing company in Savannah, Ga., and has been employed by Colonial since 1974. Demere also worked as a stockbroker with RobinsonHumphrey Company.

Hired as High Cotton’s executive chef.

McPhee brings to the downtown Greenville restaurant the culinary talents developed in two exceptional venues: in Coastal Georgia at the legendary Five-Star luxury resort, The Cloister, and in Charleston at Husk, Bon Appetit’s Best New Restaurant in the country in 2011.

Joined the Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) Greenville as Operations Manager. FAVOR Greenville is a volunteer based-organization dedicated to the recovery of those afflicted by substance use disorders.

Rahman’s previous work experience includes case management and donor relations for two Upstate nonprofits. .

Hired as Creative Builders Inc.’s project management/engineer assistant. With a degree in architecture, Mashtare worked previously as an architectural project manager with LaBella Associates in Rochester, NY. She has over 25 years of experience in architectural design and project management.

BANKING/FINANCE: Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network has for the eighth consecutive year designated A. Robert Nachman II, Ben K. Norwood III, and John F. Parrott, managing directors, as members of the firm’s Premier Advisors Program.

Nachman entered the financial services industry in 1986. A Greenville native and University of South Carolina graduate, Norwood has been in the financial services industry since 1987. Parrott entered the financial services industry in 1983 with Interstate Johnson Lane, followed by serving as branch manager for Nations Securities, as well as for Wheat First Butcher Singer.

Beauvais, RN, BSN, at the Greenville location as a home health case manager; Michelle Kampf, DPT, at the Spartanburg office as a physical therapist; and Amy Hicks, RN, BSN, MSN, at Interim Healthcare Hospice as a hospice nurse. Metts received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of South Carolina. Beauvais received her Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of South Carolina Upstate. Kampf received her Bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy both from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

Hicks received her Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of South Carolina Upstate and her Master’s in Nursing from Western Governors University.

senior marketing specialist, and hired Steven Laiewski as a graphic designer, Kyia Chandler as an administrative assistant, and Lauren Robbins as an intern. Daly started at Infinity in August 2012 as a media assistant, working with health-care and telecommunications clients. Freeman began working at Infinity in 2011 with the endorsements team. Previously, she worked for Comcast, where she helped formulate new methods for product marketing. Laiewski started as an intern at Infinity in August 2012.

He received a digital publishing certificate from the Savannah College of Art and Design and earned his bachelor’s from the University of South Carolina Upstate. Chandler, a former executive assistant at YWCA Greenville, graduated from the University of South Carolina Upstate with a bachelor’s in nonprofit administration. Robbins is a senior at Lander University in mass communications.

PROMOTED

CONSTRUCTION/ENGINEERING: Dillard-Jones Builders recently hired Thomas Major as senior project manager. Major has more than 20 years of residential design and construction experience, and has handled numerous design/build projects throughout The Cliffs Communities, Waterford Pointe and other developments.

HEALTH CARE: Interim Healthcare recently welcomed Steven Metts, DPT, at their Spartanburg location as a physical therapist; Aubrey

INSURANCE: Herlong Bates Burnett recently welcomed Kenzie Bullard as a life & health account manager. Bullard will be responsible for marketing and servicing life, health, and disability policies. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Bob Jones University.

PUBLIC RELATIONS/MARKETING: Infinity Marketing in Greenville recently promoted Shannon Daly to media coordinator and Karli Freeman to

28 Upstate business journal March 29, 2013

DNA Creative Communications recently announced that Mayra Gonzalez has joined the team as a public relations intern. A graduate of Winthrop University, Gonzalez has spent the past three years in health care where she provided

Molly Talbot-Metz Recently promoted to vice president of programs at the Mary Black Foundation. Talbot-Metz joined the foundation in 2001 as its first program officer. She has a Masters in Public Health from the University of South Carolina. She is actively involved in the community through the Nurse Family Partnership Community Advisory Board, the Northside Development Corporation Board of Directors, the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy board of directors, the Downtown Rotary Club, Spartanburg Toastmasters, and Leadership Spartanburg Board of Regents. Molly recently served as interim president of the foundation between presidents.

PROMOTED

HONORED

Rick Graham

John R. Markel

Recently promoted to vice president of Sunland Distribution’s Automotive Group. Before joining Sunland in 2008 as the general manager of the Automotive Group, Graham worked as plant manager for Faurecia Interior, coordinator for BMW’s Manufacturing Quality Systems, and assembly quality engineering coordinator for Honda.

President and principal analyst of Markel Valuation PC; was recently awarded the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation from the American Institute of CPAs and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Markel has been a practicing CPA in Greenville for more than 30 years, specializing in valuation and litigation services for the past 18 years. engineering coordinator for Honda.

language services to Spanish-speaking patients and managed a local hospital’s medication assistance program.

REAL ESTATE: Coldwell Banker Caine’s Greer office recently welcomed April A. Breton as a residential sales agent. A seasoned real estate professional, Breton has been in the business since 1987, with much of her time spent in property management.

She holds the Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) designations.

TECHNOLOGY: Technology integrator TSAChoice Inc., with offices in Asheville, N.C., and Greenville, announces that field technicians Bill Keehan and Ben Bruce completed networking certifications through TSAChoice’s business partner, Cisco. Keehan renewed his CCNA certification for Network Specialists, Administrators, and Support Engineers with 1-3 years of network engineering experience. He joined TSAChoice in 2012 and has worked in the telecommunications industry for over 14 years. Bruce completed training and exams to earn his CCENT certification, validating his ability to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise

Note: This announcement ran in the March 22 UBJ accompanied by the wrong photograph. We regret the error. branch network, including basic network security. He has been with TSAChoice’s Greenville office for one year after working as a Mitel Direct certified technician for four years.

Sealevel Systems Inc. recently added Jane VanBergen as their new marketing director and promoted Sarah Beasley to vice president of brand strategy.

VanBergen comes to Sealevel with 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations. Most recently, she was product marketing manager for T&S Brass in Travelers Rest. Prior to that, she was director of marketing for Techtronic Industries in Anderson, where she was responsible for marketing strategy and implementation for six brands across two product lines.

Beasley was previously marketing director at Sealevel. A graduate of Clemson University, she serves on the board of The Children’s Museum of the Upstate and the Greenville County Museum of Art.

A Program of The International Center

A MONTHLONG CELEBRATION OF CULTURES

MARCH 1 - 31

UpstateInternational.org

March 29, 2013 Upstate business journal 29

Photo provided

Photo provided by Emilie Carol Photography

UBJ New to the Street

Google and Adobe. For more information, visit regus.com, or contact Denita Kozeny at 864-315-1480 or Denita.kozeny@regus.com.

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2. The Greer Commission of Public Works recently cut the ribbon on its Compressed Natural Gas Fast Fill Station, located at 115 Duke Street in Greer. This is the first public natural gas fueling station in the City of Greer and surrounding area. The station will be open 24 hours a day to the public, using a credit card for payment.

3. Christophillis & Gallivan P.A. recently opened at 300 N. Main St., Suite 200 in Greenville. Jessica Christophillis and Amanda Gallivan are partners in the new venture and are accepting new clients. The practice will offer a variety of legal services but will focus primarily on family law, estate planning, criminal defense, and litigation. For more information about the firm, visit cglawsc.com or call 865-233-4445.

ai n

1. Regus recently opened their first Greenville location at 128 Millport Circle, Suite 200.

It is the world’s largest provider for flexible workspace solutions. Regus features business tools such as fully furnished office space, virtual offices, meeting rooms, business world solutions, day offices, business lounges, IT, telecom phone, fax, office support, video conferencing and meeting rooms. Their services can be used by small businesses or entrepreneurs, but they have also worked with companies like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn,

ew a sh ing ton

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Decades of Trust. Confidence in the Future.

1993 1994 1995

1997

2001 1999

2003 2002

After 25 years in real estate, Seabrook L. Marchant proudly announces the formation of The Marchant Company to offer real estate marketing services to builders and developers.

2005 2004

2009 2007 2008

2010

2013 864.467.0085

WWW .M ARCHANT C O . COM

UBJ Snapshot

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

Photo Provided

Photo by Greg Beckner

The first city school system was established in Greenville in 1886.

There had previously been several schools in the city but without organization and coordination. The first superintendent of schools, W.S. Morrison, was given an annual salary of $950. Two years later, in 1888, two new schools were opened. Oakland School was on Pendleton Street and Central School was on what would become Westfield Street. In 1920 Greenville Senior High School (shown in this photograph) was built on Westfield Street. To clear the site, the Central School was demolished as well as Prospect Hill, one of Greenville’s oldest homes. Built by Lemuel Alston in 1799 and bought by Vardry McBee, the house had become the property of John Westfield after McBee’s death in 1864. After only 16 years, the Senior High School moved to a new building on Augusta Street in 1936. The Westfield Street school then became the Greenville Junior High School. In the 1950s and 1960s, as subdivisions proliferated around Greenville, the concept of a central junior high school became obsolete. The Westfield Street school was demolished to make way for the Greenville Water works.

Today, the site is used by the Greenville Water System in a building that resembles a scaled-down House of Burgesses. A monument to Prospect Hill and the former schools was dedicated in 1988 and stands in front of the building on Broad Street at Westfield Street.

UBJ Social Delta Apparel hosted the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce for their monthly “Handshakes and Hashbrowns” networking event.

Photo by Amy Clifton Keely

March 29, 2013 Upstate business journal 31

Dream it.

We’ll help you build it.

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