June 19, 2015 UBJ by Community Journals

JUNE 19, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 25

BUSINESS or PLEASURE In the Upstate, entertainment, recreation and travel mix freely with business PAGE 12

upstatebusinessjournal.com

NEWS

| LEGISLATION & DEVELOPMENT | 3

Tax exemption helps nonprofits build more homes BENJAMIN JEFFERS | STAFF

bjeffers@communityjournals.com Nonprofits building homes for low-income residents will get a sales tax exemption under legislation signed into law by Gov. Nikki Haley last week. The law exempts nonprofits from paying sales tax on materials to build or repair homes for low-income individuals. The bill’s author, Rep. Garry Smith (R-Simpsonville), said he introduced the legislation so organizations throughout the state could help provide stable home lives to more people. He said, “I’ve never been without a home and I can’t imagine what it would be like to live without one.” The exemption applies to all materials used to build the homes. Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County President and CEO Monroe Free said he expects the new law to save the organization an average of $4,000-

$5,000 per new build. Habitat builds about eight to 12 homes a year in Greenville, which would translate to $32,000-$60,000 a year, he said. New homes cost the organization about $70,000 each to build, according to Habitat. “The basic impact of this new legislation is that Habitat, across the state of South Carolina, will be able to help more families,” Free said. One of the largest nonprofits to provide housing for low-income individuals, Habitat has 36 affiliates across the state and pushed hard to get the legislation passed. In Greenville, Habitat will start construction in a couple of weeks on its 330th home, Free said, adding the tax exemption will also help them repair and weatherize houses. He said he was grateful state legislators made this bill a priority. “I think it shows their care for the poor in their communities.”

EMERGENCY

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Harper Corp. expanding to Spartanburg SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

sjackson@communityjournals.com The Harper Corporation, a full-service general contracting and construction management firm in Greenville since 1950, announced it will be opening a second office later this year in downtown Spartanburg. The new office will be located in 1,745 square feet at 320 E. Main St., suite 430, and is expected to open sometime in the fall.

“With the roots my family and other team members have established in Spartanburg, it just made sense for Harper to add a location in Spartanburg,” said David Wise, president. “Spartanburg is an outstanding city full of potential, and we look forward to what the future will bring.” Project managers Hootie Solesbee and Kipp Cox, along with assistant project manager Andrew Gable, will relocate full time to the Spartanburg office. Kyle Snipes, director of business development, and Wise will work at the Spartanburg office on an as-needed basis. For Solesbee, the expansion hits close to home, as he looks to carry on the legacy of his grandfather who built his career and reputation in Spartanburg with the JM Solesbee Construction firm, founded in 1936.

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4 | THE RUNDOWN |

TOP-OF-MIND AND IN THE MIX THIS WEEK

UBJ

06.19.2015

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 25 Featured this issue: A sweet deal for old Sara Lee site 10-story hotel to remake Spartanburg’s skyline Pendleton Street Baptist to sell 3 acres

8 25 29

WORTH REPEATING “That gets everyone a little more anxious than they should be.” Page 11

“Just because you received a standing ovation last night, does not mean you can take it easy today.” Page 14

“When opportunity knocks, you still have to get off your butt and answer the door.” Page 28

MONEY SHOT: For her 21st wedding anniversary, Mary Wolters’ husband, Roger, gave her a string of Wal-Mart pearls and a used bulldozer. Wolters used the dozer to grade what would become the Red Horse Inn property near Gowansville. Read more on page 17.

VERBATIM

TBA Adams Recycling will soon install a $3.5 million automobile shredder (the nearest two now are in Spartanburg) and is seeking rezoning to expand the footprint of its storage and processing operation on Old Easley Bridge Road.

t Taziki’s Mediterranean Café opened this week at 3604 Pelham Road. The fast-casual restaurant chain offers made-toorder gyros and other Mediterranean dishes.

On work and play “People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” Dale Carnegie

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UBJ

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

06.19. 2015

Insurance rates likely to change before approval THE INBOX Stay in the know with UBJ’s free weekly email.

Double-digit health insurance rate hike requests are not final increases, says SC Department of Insurance director APRIL A. MORRIS | STAFF

amorris@communityjournals.com Insurance companies offering

health care coverage on the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace were required for the first time this year to publicly release requested double-digit premium rate increases under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “That gets everyone a little more anxious than they should be,” said SC Department of Insurance Director Ray Farmer. The actual rate increases could be much different after state or federal review and Marketplace competition, according to the federal Department of Health and Human Services. His department’s analysts and actuaries are in the process of reviewing the requests along with an outside actuary, said Farmer. Farmer’s agency must also review rates for companies offering

non-Marketplace coverage, he said, and all of the approved rates will be released after the Oct. 9 deadline to avoid unfair FARMER advantages. Health insurance companies say rates are increasing due to a variety of factors: increased utilization of health care, rising health care costs, the failure of Medicaid and Medicare to reimburse the full cost of care (forcing hospitals to shift the difference onto private insurers), and utilization of new, more expensive technology. In addition, two federal programs that were helping to defray the cost to insurers are expiring or changing in 2016. Double-digit rate increase requests

are also the result of the insurers’ additional experience with the ACA, Farmer said. This is the third year of submitting rate requests; the first year, companies had no experience with the newly passed legislation and the second year only offered about three months before rate increases had to be submitted, he said. If the Department of Insurance does not approve a rate increase request, insurers must adjust to one the department approves, Farmer said. Rate increases are currently under review and the public can comment at doi.sc.gov/595/Insurance-Rates. To view rates, visit ratereview.healthcare. gov. Enrollment in the federal Marketplace reopens on Nov. 15. “We stress that consumers shop around and compare rates and metal levels [bronze, silver, gold or platinum],” Farmer said.

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8 | DEVELOPMENT |

UBJ

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

06.19.2015

Dessert manufacturer gets sweet deal for old Sara Lee site ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF

aboncimino@communityjournals.com

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long-vacant former Sara Lee building, which saw two potential developments – including Amy’s Kitchen – rise and fall before Reading, Penn.-based Sweet Street Desserts announced plans in 2013 for an additional manufacturing facility. Now, the $61.7 million investment project is one step closer to reality after the company secured $10 million in new market tax credit financing, potentially leaving $2.8 million in tax credit subsidies to help it along. The facility could have a direct local economic impact of $92 million by adding up to 100 quality jobs that pay significantly higher than those in the area, said Tammy Propst, president of Tax Advantage Group, the community development entity that manages the deployment of these kinds of tax credit allocations. The facility also has the potential to attract other manufacturers and spur further development that benefits the community, she said. “The whole premise behind the program was to pull outside capital into markets that generally wouldn’t have been able to find that capital,” said Propst. The Sweet Street project fits into the group’s fund mission of either creating quality jobs or adding to the health and wellness of a community, she said. The project is expected to add up to 100 jobs that pay an average of $18 per hour, which is 109 percent higher than the county’s average living wage and 189 percent greater than that census tract’s per capita income, she said. Sweet Street – which plans to begin operations this summer – is working to upfit the 120,000-square-foot space at 1916 Piedmont Highway with new machinery and equipment. Sweet Street is working with Apprenticeship Carolina to create nine separate apprenticeship programs for the facility, and is working with the former Sara Lee plant manager to locate Sara Lee employees still in the area who lost their jobs when the plant originally closed, Propst said. New market tax credits are substantially below-market seven-year loans with equity-like features aimed at revitalizing communities and neighbor-

hoods. The credits are behind other major Upstate projects such as the NEXT Innovation Center, RiverWalk, Project ONE, The Claussen Bakery redevelopment, The Children’s Museum and the TDC Cutting Tools project, she said. This form of federal financing is awarded to certified community development entities around the country aimed at bringing subsidized financing to projects that improve communities through economic development. Propst and her team at Tax Advantage Group and her colleagues at the Greenville Local Development Corporation manage the Upstate-targeted community development entity Greenville New Markets Opportunity II. The entity received $38 million in the allocation of new market tax credits, of which it has $6 million remaining. Headquartered in Reading, Penn., Sweet Street Desserts has more than 700 employees who manufacture gourmet desserts for 60 countries. “We are extremely pleased to establish new operations in Greenville, and very appreciative of the New Markets Tax Credit funding from GNMO II,” said Sweet Street Desserts Founder and CEO Sandy Solmon in a news release. “It allows our company to maintain industry leadership while bringing new jobs to South Carolina – a win/win for all.”

NMTC-FUNDED PROJECTS IN THE UPSTATE Upward Star Center, Spartanburg – $10 million The Claussen Bakery redevelopment, Greenville – $5 million TDC Cutting Tools/Greenfield Industries, Oconee – $7 million Sweet Street Manufacturing, Greenville – $10 million The Children’s Museum, Greenville – $19.2 million Main at Broad, Greenville – $17.3 million NEXT Innovation Center, Greenville – $8.1 million Daughters of Charity, Greenville – $9 million RiverWalk, Greenville – $16.8 million Project ONE, Greenville – $18.6 million Source: Tax Advantage Group

upstatebusinessjournal.com

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

| TECHNOLOGY | 9

Hack-a-Thon to stream live STAFF REPORT

Presentations from two days of the iMAGINE Upstate’s Transportation Hack-a-Thon will broadcast live beginning at 7 p.m. June 27 at upstatebusinessjournal.com. The data and software coding programmers’ presentations will show how groups of participants leveraged public information to help improve transportation issues in the Upstate. Teams of computer coders and programmers will create projects beginning June 26 related to four categories: infrastructure, parking, bikes and trails or public/mass transit. The effort is intended to spur use of creativity, technology and public records to find solutions to local transportation challenges. Teams will pitch their work to a panel of judges, who will determine who receives prizes based on the quality of the projects. Also as part of the weekend-long competition presented by Robert Half Technology, middle school students

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UBJ

MOVERS, SHAKERS AND DISRUP TORS SHAPING OUR FUTURE

06.19. 2015

Grand challenges of our time require new engineers By LEIDY KLOTZ, associate professor, Clemson University

Summer officially begins next week, and we’ve already had temperatures breaking 90 degrees. We probably have a few days of triple-digit heat in our future. It’s not a big deal for those of us who have the option to stay inside in the air conditioning. And if we spend a lot of time outdoors, we stay hydrated by going to the tap for a drink of water. The convenience makes it easy to take our good fortune for granted. More than a billion people around the world don’t have electricity. No electricity means no air conditioning and no escape from the heat and humidity. Our drink of clean water is not an option for nearly a billion human beings – and billions more lack access to adequate sanitation, which is directly linked to whether their water is drinkable.

Grand challenges like these require a new breed of empathetic, diverse and entrepreneurial engineers. For example, we need engineers to make solar energy more economical, which would provide power to those who don’t have it. (Economical solar energy would also let me run my ceiling fan without feeling guilty about how my power use is contributing to climate-changing emissions). We also need engineers to provide worldwide access to clean water – without which good health is impossible. And that’s just for starters. We’ll also need to engineer better medicines and restore and improve our urban infrastructure. As the world becomes more interconnected, it is increasingly critical that we secure cyberspace and prevent nuclear terror. The list goes on. If we hope to meet these complex, interconnected challenges, we need to rethink what it means to be an engineer. That’s why it’s so encouraging

to see Clemson University students demand changes in their education. They appreciate that learning engineering fundamentals in the classroom is essential, but they also recognize that it’s not nearly enough. Clemson students are joining students around the world and thinking

broadly about what skills they will need to solve the world’s grand challenges. Students are jumping at chances to build their cultural awareness, often while working with new populations, perhaps even abroad. Students are choosing classes with more work >>

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upstatebusinessjournal.com

MOVERS, SHAKERS AND DISRUP TORS SHAPING OUR FUTURE

CresCom plans fall opening for Greenville branch BENJAMIN JEFFERS | STAFF

bjeffers@communityjournals.com CresCom Bank, the wholly owned bank subsidiary of Carolina Financial Corporation, will open its first Greenville branch. The full-service branch will be located at 3695 E. North St. and is expected to open in the fall of 2015. Last summer, CresCom Bank added local market leader Scott Frierson to its team to help lead efforts for its newly created loan production office in Greenville. CresCom Bank has 26 branch locations throughout the Carolinas, in addition to the loan production offices in Wilmington, N.C., and Greenville. The new Greenville branch will represent the 27th branch location and adds to the community bank’s growing presence throughout the Carolinas.

“ W e ’ r e excited for the opportunity to open our first full-service branch within the Greenville community later this year,” FRIERSON said Carolina Financial Corporation President and CEO Jerry Rexroad. “The Upstate is a growing market and we’re pleased to bring our relationship-based banking services and products to its residents.” In addition to its branches, CresCom Bank currently owns and operates Crescent Mortgage Company which lends in 45 states and partners with 2,000 community banks, credit unions and mortgage brokers, and offers access to various loan programs.

If we hope to meet these challenges, we need to rethink what it means to be an engineer. That’s why it’s so encouraging to see Clemson University students demand changes in their education. They appreciate that learning engineering fundamentals in the classroom is essential, but they also recognize that it’s not nearly enough. >>

just so they can work with real-world clients. Students are seeking opportunities, even when there is no “credit,” to work across disciplines. Consider Amanda Farthing. Before the end of her sophomore year, she: • Took wind-speed readings in Haiti to help evaluate whether the island nation could generate energy from wind turbines. • Studied inequality in South Africa and swung through Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland to learn about how the European Union works. • Began a research project examining the factors influencing cost of solar energy in South Carolina.

of 20 universities with such a program. He and Amanda are two of the 10 Grand Challenge Scholars in the first cohort at Clemson. In March, Amanda, Aaron and their collaborators decided it would be a good idea to present the grand challenges to nearly 1,000 first-year engineering students at Clemson. Now, it’s my job to figure out how we are going to meet the exploding demand this year. This is a good problem to have! Amanda and Aaron are just the tip of the iceberg. Students today truly want to change the world, and we should do all we can to help them. Building an education around grand societal challenges is a good start.

Or consider Aaron Gordon. As a first-year student at Clemson, he decided we should have a Grand Challenge Scholars program. By the end of Aaron’s second year, he had made it happen. Now Clemson is one

Leidy Klotz is an associate professor of civil engineering and engineering and science education at Clemson University. He leads education initiatives for Clemson’s Institute for Sustainability.

| INNOVATE | 11

12 | COVER |

UBJ

THE BUSINESS OF ENTERTAINMENT

06.19. 2015

RETREAT, RECHARGE, REFOCUS Corporate retreats are making a post-recession comeback at these regional centers SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

sjackson@communityjournals.com Once viewed as an extravagant “free” vacation for company executives, corporate retreats have been quietly making a post-recession comeback as companies look for ways to get busy team members away from the office to focus on strategic initiatives. Away from the day-to-day grind and interruptions, corporate retreats are a way to focus and recharge. Some companies bring the whole office, while others bring key decision-makers – all in an effort to build morale, increase productivity and brush up on communication skills. Team-building exercises, short- and long-term planning sessions and training opportunities are just a few of the activities that can take place at resorts and facilities geared towards corporate retreats. Here’s a look at a few nearby.

1. PLEASANT RIDGE CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER, GREENVILLE COUNTY Operated by the Greenville County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, this 240-acre facility is just 45 minutes from downtown Greenville and includes group cabins, a swimming pool, activity sites, a fishing pond, a five-mile hiking/biking trail, open fields and picnic shelters. Groups from 10 to 160 can be accommodated. “We can provide an experience to help your group develop effective communication, enhance trust and enable greater cooperation,” said Kevin Lausch, recreation coordinator at Pleasant Ridge. “Whether you want to spend a half day, full day, weekend or a week building your corporate team, we have a variety of options.” The Luttrell Lodge serves as the dining hall and main meeting area and includes professional food service and commercial kitchen, dining room, bathrooms, stage with audio/visual equipment, fireplaces, plaza, deck and Wi-Fi. The site can be configured to meet needs and can seat up to 220 for meals or 250 for conferences. The BI-LO Charities Fireside Hall is an open-air pavilion that seats 120 for meals or 180 conference-style. It includes a stage

Peachtree City, Ga. – host a large number of corporate retreats for companies such as Chick-fil-A, Microsoft, IBM, GE and many others that prefer to be near Atlanta but not right in the city. In fact, Pitney Bowes built what is now the Dolce Resort as its corporate conference center in the 1980s to be away from the gentleman clubs in downtown Atlanta and free from distractions. The Dolce Hotel and Resort is located on 40 acres of lush grounds. Dolce has 233 guest rooms, some with a lake view. The conference center has 63,000 square feet 2. of meeting space. The hotel also has bicycle rentals, tennis courts and an indoor heated pool. The Wyndham sits on 18 acres overlooking the Flat Creek Golf Course. The hotel and conference center offers 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 250 guest rooms, two pools, four fire pits, tennis courts and a fitness center. INFORMATION: dolceatlantapeachtree.com and bit.ly/wyndham-preachtree 3.

with audio/visual, arts and crafts room, restrooms, canteen, fireplace and large activities field. For team-building activities, an on-site challenge course combines ropes, logs, cable, platforms and games offering mental and physical challenges. It includes a universally accessible zip line, alpine climbing tower and giant swing. The Team Development Course is a must for groups looking to build a tighter bond and greater understanding of one another, said Lausch. Large fields and provided equipment are available for volleyball, basketball and disc golf. Pleasant Ridge is also home to Camp Spearhead, a camp for children with disabilities; Camp Courage, a program of the Greenville Children’s Hospital which serves youth with cancer or other health conditions; and MDA Camp, a program of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. INFORMATION: pleasantridgecampandretreatcenter.org

2. DOLCE RESORT AND THE WYNDHAM PEACHTREE, PEACHTREE CITY, GA. Two resorts – Dolce and The Wyndham Peachtree, both located just south of Atlanta in

3. LUTHERIDGE CONFERENCE AND RETREAT CENTER, ASHEVILLE Located just south of Asheville, Lutheridge is a 160-acre gated facility that can accommodate up to 180 adults in housing ranging from hotel-style rooms to rustic cabins. Twelve meeting rooms can serve from 10 to 550 guests at a time. A multipurpose building accommodates up to 552 people in theater-style seating and includes two breakout meeting rooms, a board/conference room and a fitness room. It’s equipped with sound, projectors and screens. Moveable walls allow the breakout rooms to provide flexibility. On-site amenities include hiking trails, 24-hour fitness room, 24-hour guest service staff, professionally trained chef, indoor climbing wall, group interaction course, climbing tower, lake for fishing or canoeing and disc golf course. INFORMATION: novusway.com/our-sites/lutheridge

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14 | COVER |

THE BUSINESS OF ENTERTAINMENT

UBJ

06.19. 2015

‘Every day is a new performance’ Westin Poinsett Hotel GM Fabian Unterzaucher continues his 10-year quest to delight business and leisure guests SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

sjackson@communityjournals.com German-born Fabian Unterzaucher has been at the helm of the Westin Poinsett Hotel in downtown Greenville for the past 10 years, serving as a partner and general manager. In his career, he’s traveled the world and worked at some of the finest hotels, including Four Seasons hotels in Boston, Chicago and Berlin. Recently UBJ had the opportunity to sit down with Unterzaucher and talk about what it takes to run a successful hotel.

“It is a 24-hour operation, 365 days a year. You need to have your finger on the pulse, stay involved and prepare your team to make good decisions.” HOW DID YOU GET HERE? The hospitality field was something that I knew would fit my personality. Germany has a terrific apprenticeship system which, followed by academic studies, provides a solid foundation in any field. So, after pursuing an education in the culinary arts, I attended the Hotel Management School in Lausanne, Switzerland, to advance and move in to management. Then, after working several positions within the Four Seasons Company in various cities, I truly enjoyed my last position at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Mass., right next to Harvard University. Through our management company, I was sent to Greenville to assist the Poinsett Hotel over the 2004 holiday party season, which then turned into a permanent position. Clearly one of my best decisions ever.

HOW HAS GREENVILLE CHANGED IN THE 10 YEARS YOU’VE BEEN AT THE WESTIN POINSETT? We all have witnessed a very positive, controlled growth. Meaning there is a lot of thought behind how Greenville expands and keeps its European city feel that makes it so attractive. It is important to keep it this way, because that sets us apart.

HAS THE CLIENTELE AT THE POINSETT CHANGED? ARE YOU SEEING MORE LEISURE TRAVELERS AS OPPOSED TO BUSINESS? WHAT IS THE MIX? We are predominantly a business hotel through-

Photos by Greg Beckner

out the week, but turn into a leisure hotel over the weekend when our wedding guests arrive. More recently, with all the great hype that “Yeah, that Greenville” is getting, we are becoming a destination as a weekend getaway, which would have been unheard of 10 years ago. Quite a few of our business travelers discover Greenville and return with their families at a later date.

WHAT ARE THE DAY-TO-DAY CHALLENGES YOU FACE AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM? We have a very good reputation and with increased rates, guests are becoming more demanding. However, we enjoy a challenge and consistently come up with creative ideas to impress our >>

upstatebusinessjournal.com

THE BUSINESS OF ENTERTAINMENT

| COVER | 15

FABIAN UNTERZAUCHER Age: 53 Languages: Fluent in German, English and French Family: Married to Elizabeth Brophy. Two children; Julia is a freshman at Clemson and Alexander is a junior at Greenville High School Education: Hotel Management School of Lausanne, Switzerland, diploma 1991; Commercial and language studies, Alliance Francaise, Paris, diploma 1988; Chef apprenticeship, Spatenhaus an der Oper and Professional School for Chefs, Munich, diploma 1986; Baccalaureate diploma, Walther Rathenau Gymnasium, Berlin, 1983

>> guests. We listen attentively to feedback, which is, for example, why we stopped charging for Internet service five years ago, way before most full-service hotel chains gave up that revenue stream. Listening to and sincerely caring for our guests is why we rank in the top five of all Westin Hotels in the U.S. for guest satisfaction and receive equally good reviews on Trip Advisor. Consistency is very important because it instills the confidence that when you book with us, there are no surprises. Event planners know we deliver and they trust us. WALK US THROUGH A TYPICAL DAY. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a typical day, because you never know what is coming your way. With being fully occupied every day and guests staying only for a short time, you can imagine there are a lot of ins and outs on a daily basis. My role is to make sure we have the right amount of staff who are well trained and know how to handle all kind of situations. It is a 24-hour operation, 365 days a year. I check email around the clock and meet with my management team every morning.

You need to have your finger on the pulse, stay involved and prepare your team to make good decisions.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE PLACES WITH SOMEBODY, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? Despite all the craziness that naturally comes with my job, I would not like to change with anyone. There is never a boring day. A GM interacts with guests, associates, owners and corporate; deals with challenges; tries to solve problems; improves the operation; ensures the budget is being met and everyone is happy.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB AT YOUR HOTEL? There is not one that stands out. It is like a machine; if one piece is missing, the wheel is not turning. It is only when everyone pulls in the same direction that we are successful. The idea is to keep everyone constantly motivated. It is like a theatre play. Just because you received a standing ovation

“Quite a few of our business travelers discover Greenville and return with their families at a later date.”

Stay in the know.

Upstate Business Journal

last night, does not mean you can take it easy today. Every day is a new performance.

WHY DO YOU DO THIS JOB? This job makes you discover the world. I lived in Germany, Switzerland, France and England, and in the U.S., in Chicago, Boston and now Greenville. I enjoy the challenge to start over again, learn new things, different languages, and interact with a variety of people and cultures. It is a profession you can exercise anywhere in the world; hospitality is such a wide field, you can chose what you want to do and where you want to go. It enriches you tremendously.

FOR BUSINESS TRAVELERS AND EXECUTIVES, WHAT ARE SOME PERKS THEY MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT THAT THEY CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF? People are generally becoming savvier when it comes to travel and getting deals and perks. With social media playing such an important role, hotels are trying their very best to accommodate guests’ wishes, as long as they are halfway reasonable. Often you just have to ask and as a general rule, we are much more willing to do something for you if you ask nicely instead of being demanding.

@UpstateBiz

TheUpstateBusinessJournal

16 | COVER |

THE BUSINESS OF ENTERTAINMENT

OUT OF THE OFFICE W I L L

R E T U R N

F Th

M T W

rward@communityjournals.com Greenville resident and outdoors enthusiast Hunter Garrett enjoys taking his boat out to fish along the Georgetown coast. Hunter Garrett the NAI Earle Furman principal and real estate broker also loves taking current and potential clients out on the water to fish and perhaps talk a little business. About a decade’s worth of clients have framed photos from deep-sea fishing excursions, images of fish bigger than most people will ever hold. Garrett believes the experiences created opportunities for him and business partners to learn more about each other while having a good time – conveniently away from cellphone service range. “You’re disconnected from all of the distrac-

While successful entertaining can lead to professional and financial payoff, experts say missteps can kill an important deal. Before evaluating the risks and rewards of business entertaining, business professionals need to make sure creating such events make sense. “It depends on the size of the Hunter Garrett with NAI Earle Furm an (right) enjoys taking clients out deep-sea company and the fishing. value of the customers,” said E.G. Sebastian, a client attraction and retention and business growth strategist. “It’s not always appropriate.” However, Sebastian offers tips to gauge when business entertaining offers a desirable return on investment: does it provide value, make clients feel like they’re part of a community and build trust and credibility? While offering a round of golf or a cruise in some extreme cases, Sebastian said the experience should offer more than a pleasurable experience. He uses an example of identifying clients with similar interests. “If they’re all into martial arts, a cruise ship experience with martial arts workshops and demonstrations makes a good fit,” he said. “It all depends on the value of the client.” Depending on the attractiveness of events and shared company in attendance, Sebastian said some clients wouldn’t mind paying their own expenses.

STRENGTHENING TIES

Fishing, hunting, golfing or even an off-site workshop: Business entertaining is a must for high-value clients – but keep an eye on the ROI, say experts ROBBIE WARD | STAFF

06.19.2015

tions that keep you from having fun,” Garrett said. “You have a very captive audience.” The immediate payoff usually included tuna, dolphin, blue marlin and other fish. Garrett said long-term benefits included clients who turned into long-term business associates. “You have a captive audience out there away from cellphone coverage,” he said. “It’s also something you don’t experience every day.”

EVALUATE RISKS, REWARDS OF RECREATION Business and pleasure have mixed for years and seem unlikely to separate anytime soon. However, this form of business entertaining usually requires significant time and financial investment, in-depth research about clients’ personal interests and a willingness to host an event.

Clients of all income and value to businesses don’t always expect businesses to show extra consideration by creating entertaining events. However, the result can strengthen business ties. Atlanta-based corporate consultant Constance Dierickx of CD Consulting Group has advised dozens of business leaders to host entertaining events for clients through the years. She recommends limiting the number of people in attendance to create a sense of exclusivity, along with incorporating an aspect that allows professionals to share their knowledge, such as workshops and breakfast discussions. “It’s a professional experience – they want to feel like they just didn’t take something,” said Dierickx, who has consulted for Spartanburg-based Milliken & Company. “They want to feel like they added to the experience.” Dierickx periodically creates her own client events to show her appreciation. She said client breakfast events with executives usually require limited time investment to produce but often succeed in achieving positive experiences. “People think well of who I am because of who I know and I’m conversant on the topics,” she said. “It can be for any sized company.” As for Garrett, the real estate broker, he sold his offshore boat last summer but still takes clients fishing in a smaller boat. He also invites clients on hunting trips. “Whenever you can take someone to something unique they may not have done, it helps create a bond,” he said. “Sales is all about building relationships.”

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THE BUSINESS OF ENTERTAINMENT

| COVER | 17

The Red Horse Inn

Photos by Greg Beckner

NOT HOT FOR HOTELS? Business travelers can book B&Bs instead

ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF

aboncimino@communityjournals.com Despite the plethora of hotels jostling for business across the Upstate skyline, the business travel industry just got a new contender: bed and breakfasts. “That’s who fills our rooms during the week – it’s mostly business travelers,” said Swamp Rabbit Inn founder Wendy Lynam. As much as 50 percent of her guest stays are business related, she said. “There’s a reasonable demand and I’m trying to meet it.” Traditionally associated with vacations, weddings and romantic getaways, Upstate bed and breakfast owners are taking advantage not only of Greenville as a travel destination, but a corporate one. “They are usually choosing us because they want something different,” said Mary Wolters, who runs The Red Horse Inn in Landrum 30 miles north of Greenville. The 200-acre property sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which means the views from rooms and standalone cottages don’t have a city in sight, she said. “It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful, just a great serene place to stay, especially for the business traveler.” In addition to regular single travelers, conferences can draw groups looking for accommodations outside the norm, said Lynam. Conventions, company retreats, Swamp Rabbit Inn corporate meetings, job in-

terviews, site visits – the list goes on, and she’s had them all. For example, she hosted an executive team from Google who came in for the Synnex convention in May. She saw six different candidates come through who interviewed for a professor position at Furman University. “We have several training camps for athletes. We have retreats for companies,” she said. “The Peace Center puts their artists at the inn because they like to have a more home environment.” But with different clientele comes different needs, which can sometimes make it hard for traditional bed and breakfasts to cater to the business traveler, said Rick Landerer, who owns and runs Park House Bed and Breakfast in Greenville with his wife, Jessica. “We do have a two-night minimum, and I’ve noticed

“We’re not your grandmother’s B&B.” Wendy Lynam, founder, Swamp Rabbit Inn that a lot of the business travelers stay for one night,” he said. “For us, the vast majority is vacation and travel … and I don’t mind having a couple days off during the week.” Wolters said each room has a “kitchen in a closet” that includes a microwave and mini refrigerator packed with frozen options for business guests who often have early meetings. “We don’t make people come to the dining room at a specific time, and that’s what a lot of our business travelers like,” she said. The Swamp Rabbit Inn, which expanded to new properties this spring, has proven to be a draw for companies interested in an unconventional meeting space even if they have offices elsewhere, Lynam said. “This whole environment, it’s just a way for them to relax and see different types of collaboration they can’t do in an office setting,” she said. The open spaces can be converted to presentation spaces that include whiteboards and an Apple TV. “It’s a very personal approach to lodging in Greenville and I think it draws people who want them,” she said. “We’re not your grandmother’s B&B. … Our property rentals are resonating with business travelers and people who are looking for something a little different.”

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UBJ

THE BUSINESS OF ENTERTAINMENT

06.19. 2015

‘A real custom experience’

Cliffs corporate memberships offer amenities for executives, partners, clients and prospects SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

sjackson@communityjournals.com

relationships takes time, patience and sometimes the ability to offer a few perks. As businesses vie for potential customers, executives are looking for new ways to grow, maintain, cultivate and impress potential new clients by offering unique experiences that make their businesses stand out. For the first time in its 20-year history, The Cliffs is offering a Corporate Membership program, which offers access to all seven of its private communities and their amenities. Previously, one had to be a Cliffs property owner to take advantage of the golf courses, boating, restaurants and outdoor recreation activities that the communities offered. Memberships at the Cliffs offers access to seven championship golf courses, six wellness centers, more than 40 restaurant and private event venues, clubhouses, marinas, a beach club, tennis complexes, an equestrian center, hiking trails, wine clubs and an organic farm and lodging. While anyone can apply, the memberships are really geared towards business owners and executives who typically do a lot of business entertaining, said David Sawyer, managing partner of The Cliffs Clubs. A stringent interview process gives Cliffs property owners the knowledge that prospective corporate members are “people like them with similar background and life experiences,” he said. To date, the program has added 22 corporate members, a mix of small and medium-sized business owners, CEOs of companies, attorneys and other

BY THE NUMBERS:

$75,000 $10,000 7

initiation fee per year memebership dues

– Cliffs Communities in which you are allowed access (incuding Glassy, Mountain Park, Walnut Cove, Keowee Vineyards, Valley, Keowee Falls, Keowee Springs)

Photos by Paul Dyer

Fostering new business

professionals with their own firms, said Sawyer. The Cliffs limits the number of corporate memberships it doles out each year, with 24 allocated for 2015. Eighteen of those are still up for grabs this year. Once someone decides to take the leap, a board reviews the application, examining the applicants’ career bio, history of charitable giving and community involvement along with an in-person interview. If accepted, corporate memberships require a $75,000 initiation fee and yearly dues of $10,000. Corporate members have all the same access to amenities as Cliffs property owners. So is all of that worth it? Absolutely, says Dani Ezelle, director of sales and business development at Red Elm, a landscaping company that does a lot of business at the Cliffs communities and was its first corporate member. Ezelle said his company not only

holds its quarterly meetings at one of the seven Cliffs communities, but he frequently rents out conference rooms for meetings and takes existing and potential customers to dinner, to play golf or go out boating. Ezelle said while the Cliffs membership cost a lot of money up front, “it was a gamble that has already paid off.” He said the membership has generated more business and he earned back the cost of the membership in the first year. “The seven golf courses, outdoor lifestyle, cycling – what that means for the corporate member is that you have access to a real custom experience,” said Mike Ivester, director of corporate business development. Ivester was formerly the director of sales for the BMW Pro-Am and recently joined The Cliffs to help grow the Corporate and National Membership program. “It’s really incredible how many amenities there are for both small and large groups,” he said. One local company, Hubbell Lighting, recently became a member and held its board of directors retreat at one of The Cliffs communities. “They rented several homes on the water, had a nice wine dinner and rented boats to go out on the lake one evening,” said Sawyer. If a member doesn’t golf but still likes to entertain? Ivester says they’ve got that covered too, with trap and skeet shooting with a partnership at the Riverbend Sportsman Club in Inman. For more information, visit cliffscorporate.com.

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UBJ

THE BUSINESS OF ENTERTAINMENT

06.19. 2015

The professional way to travel for business By DREW BROWN,

VP of sales and marketing, Godshall Staffing

Flight delays. Hotel bedbug checks. Expensive coffee. Many stressful things may come to mind when you think of business travel. However, your trip doesn’t have to be one long headache. It’s okay if your trip is fun, or even adventuresome. Isn’t it true that “if you enjoy your job, you never work a day in your life”? Keeping a positive outlook is just one of the important tips to keep in mind before you embark on a business trip. Another tip to keep in mind is that, first and foremost, business travel should always have a purpose. When I attended Clemson University in the 1990s, I took a business philosophy class. An interesting topic

write off my dinner with a friend from the area? Wouldn’t this be considered “stealing” from my employer? To my point, your business travel must have a purpose. Additionally, this purpose should meet your company’s objectives, such as increasing sales with a particular client, or improving your performance or skill set in your field. Whatever the purpose for the trip is, you need to be aware of the goals and be prepared to share what you have learned or achieved upon your return. One of the ways to ensure you never lose sight of your purpose is to self-manage. When you are on the road, it is easy to forget that you are still representing your company, and you’re not on a paid vacation. You have

Entertaining clients comes directly out of your company’s budget – and can directly impact your company’s ROI. It is extremely important to set boundaries and budgets for your entertainment spending dollars. we discussed was “stealing in the workforce.” A question that the professor posed to the class was, “Have you ever stolen from the company you worked for?” Naturally, we all think of items such as a laptop, or a widget that is produced. But what about time? If my company is paying for me to fly, stay in a hotel or attend a conference, what happens if I decide to skip the conference and

a purpose. And it is important to remain mature and professional at all times. It is also easy to forget that entertaining clients comes directly out of your company’s budget – and can directly impact your company’s ROI.

When you are on the road, it is easy to forget that you are still representing your company, and you’re not on a paid vacation. You have a purpose. And it is important to remain mature and professional at all times. It is extremely important to set boundaries and budgets for your entertainment spending dollars. An interesting philosophy I adopted as a new salesperson in the textile industry is that “You can always be out-entertained, but quality and performance always speak the truth.” If the first words out of a salesperson’s mouth are related to an awesome golf trip they recently took, what does that tell you about the quality and confidence of the service or product they offer? My college roommate runs a family business in Charlotte, N.C. He tells his vendors in an articulate manner, “I want the non-golf, beach trip pricing.” Essentially, he is not interested in the glitz and glamour of being pursued. He is looking for products of high quality at a reasonable price. So why do companies still spend dollars on entertainment? Not all business entertainment is unscrupulous – there is a true purpose for this type of activity. When you spend money on a client, you are procuring time with them to build a trusted relationship. In fact, there are many situations where a client might prefer to discuss business over lunch or dinner. You may also spend money on entertainment by participating in a fundraising event with a client to help support a cause – which can prove to be

Work efficiently, close

deals and conduct meetings in the sophisticated, iPad-ready e-lounge and private offices

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beneficial in more ways than one. So when is it too much? As a sales professional, you need to treat the company expense account like you would your own personal dollars. This technique requires self-management skills. If XYZ Corporation is only spending $4,000 per month and I am spending $2,500 per month on entertainment and travel expenses, I may need to reconsider this proposition. You also need to consider the management of your clients and realize that not all companies are worth pursuing if entertainment is the key component of the relationship. Use your discretion when developing an entertainment budget for your client. And when in doubt, less is more. When you’re on the road and entertaining, the general rule of thumb to remember is: You are always representing your company. Whether you are in a meeting or at a dinner afterwards. Do not blow the deal by having too many cocktails. So the next time you’re sent on a business trip, remember to identify your purpose, self-manage and spend your money wisely. Most importantly, appreciate the opportunity you have been given to see new places and learn new skills. Enjoy it. Embrace it. And treat every trip like a new adventure.

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THE BUSINESS OF ENTERTAINMENT

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Making the most of M&E deductions Meals and entertainment can be a sizable chunk of a company’s budget – but can also help reduce tax liability By THOMAS A. ZAVIEH, senior manager, Cherry Bekaert LLP

My favorite client, Joe, is in sales. He is finally getting a chance to use his box seats for the Cleveland Cavaliers to take a client to see the championship game. He called me up to ask what, if any, of the evening’s expenses he could deduct on the company’s tax return. When I asked how business is going, he mentioned his sales team has been performing so well this year he’s taking his top five salesmen and their families on a cruise. I surprised him when I told him not only will much of the cost of the game be deductible, but even that cruise might benefit his bottom line on his tax return. As a general rule, taxpayers can deduct ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on their trade or business – including expenses incurred wining and dining clients and rewarding non-highly compensated employees. These expenses can be significant for many taxpayers, and this often-overlooked source of deductions is worth investigating to significantly reduce overall tax liability.

THE STATUTORY SCHEME FOR MEALS AND ENTERTAINMENT To be deductible, the meals and entertainment (M&E) expense must be: 1. an ordinary and necessary business expense, 2. “directly related” or “associated with” the conduct of business, and 3. substantiated by sufficient documentation. Even if the expense is otherwise deductible, however, two additional limitations are imposed. First, the expense cannot be considered “lavish or extravagant.” Second, the total amount of the deduction is limited to 50 percent of the amount spent, unless the expense falls within an enumerated exception to this 50 percent limit.

WHAT IS “LAVISH OR EXTRAVAGANT”? The “lavish or extravagant” limitation leaves it open to IRS interpretation whether the expense is unreasonable. You can look at “lavish or extravagant” as “not ordinary and necessary.” Deductions are not disallowed simply by virtue of their amount or because the expense was incurred at a high-end restaurant or nightclub. Some of these types of expenses may not be lavish or extravagant under the circumstances. In Joe’s case, the cruise

might seem lavish at first blush, but the IRS may actually allow the deduction depending upon its accounting treatment. If your client is a high-networth individual, a dinner at the most expensive restaurant in town is likely not extravagant. On the other hand, circumstances may make an expense “extravagant” when you would not otherwise think so. The box seats for the Cavaliers game are excessive per the IRS, and the deductible amount would be limited to the cost of the highest non-box seat in the arena.

GETTING AROUND THE 50 PERCENT LIMITATION Once the hurdles to deductibility have been cleared, taxpayers should (but too often don’t) look to see whether they can avoid the 50 percent limitation on the deduction. Common-

Play

as hard as you work with Club events, parties, and mixers designed to help you kick back and relax

ly invoked exceptions include M&E treated as compensation to the employee receiving them, expenses incurred in providing de minimis fringe benefits, recreational expenses for employees, items available to the public, and entertainment sold to customers. For example, portions of the cruise expense might be deductible if, subject to certain limitations, the cost of sending the employee on the cruise can be deducted if the company treats the cost to be wages to the employee. The IRS regulations contain many other examples of expenses that are not subject to the 50 percent limitation. Among them are expenses incurred in holding company functions such as Christmas parties and small team-building events; costs incurred DEDUCTIONS continued on PAGE 22

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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW DEDUCTIONS continued from PAGE 21

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in maintaining recreational facilities such as a pool or golf club available to all employees; costs of promotional incentives given to the general public, such as wines provided to a wine store’s customers at a tasting; and meals provided to potential customers such as a real estate firm’s catering at a sales presentation. Taxpayers in the M&E business, such as restaurants, are not limited by the 50 percent deduction when the meals and entertainment are sold to customers. A restaurant may deduct the full cost of the food it purchases to serve, for instance.

PITFALLS TO AVOID Failing to analyze the 50 percent limitation: Don’t take the M&E deduction without going through the analysis to determine if the 50 percent limitation applies. Over-application of the limit unnecessarily increases tax liability, but under-application of the limit opens the taxpayer to penalties. Failing to maintain adequate substantiation: The IRS sets a high standard for the documentation required for M&E expenses. Often a taxpayer will know the amounts spent on meals and entertainment with sufficient certainty to prepare the tax return, but if audited, the documentation must stand up to IRS scrutiny. Failure to meet the substantiation requirements will render the deduction disallowed, opening the taxpayer to penalties. For example, regulations require that for any expense over $75, the taxpayer maintain records of: • The amount and description of each individual expenditure • The time and place it was incurred • The business purpose of the activity (including the benefit expected from the activity and the nature of any business discussion occurring at the activity) • The business relationship of the individuals entertained.

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Unacceptably lavish or extravagant expenses: As noted above, “lavish or extravagant” is subject to IRS interpretation. A taxpayer will have to employ common sense – if the extravagance seems out of proportion to the nature of the business, the taxpayer should carefully weigh the reasonableness of the deduction.

06.19. 2015

M&E FAQ

Q A

Is it really worth the trouble to document meals and entertainment expenses? Is the deduction worth the cost of taking it? Yes, absolutely. Meals and entertainment expenses add up to a much higher total cost than we often realize. The cost of taking the deduction, of having the recordkeeping procedures in place and the tax preparer who can put the deduction together for you, is absolutely worth the benefit. The first year may take a bit of extra effort to get appropriate systems in place, but it will quickly pay off.

Q A Q

If an employee takes a potential client to lunch and the company reimburses the employee, is the cost of the meal deductible by the company? Yes. It is deductible to the company with the 50 percent limitation.

The company maintains a membership at the nicest country club in town for the purpose of entertaining clients and potential clients. Is the cost of the membership deductible?

Most likely yes. The availability of the membership benefits to employees and potential clients would have to be analyzed to determine the answer on an individual case basis.

Q A

The company Christmas party was held at a fancy country club. Is the cost of the party deductible? Again, most likely yes. In general, company functions like Christmas parties are deductible, and even the company choosing a very nice venue for the function does not make it nondeductible.

IT’S WORTH IT M&E expenses can take up a significant chunk of a company’s budget. While the substantiation requirement may seem administratively burdensome, in truth it can be overcome through a recordkeeping process that makes it routine to keep the required information. It is worth the trouble, as the deduction can have a significant positive impact on tax liability.

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Correction: An article in the June 12 UBJ, “Marleylilly plans 69,400 SF HQ in Greer,” featured an incorrect map. The facility will be at 300 W. Phillips Road in Greer. We regret our error.

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REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION

06.19.2015

Storage facility slated for former Castle location firm with offices in Atlanta and Charlotte, sjackson@communityjournals.com put the property under @SJackson_CJ contract pending the A new Spacemax Storage facility zoning appeal outcome. is coming to Greenville at the corner Spacemax currently has five locaof LeGrand Boulevard and McAlister tions in the Atlanta area with a loRoad, after a special exception was cation in Charlotte opening soon. approved by the Board of Zoning This is the company’s first foray into Appeals last week. The property is the South Carolina market, said zoned as C-3, commercial. Chris Poholek, Childress Klein The location was once home to a storage division partner. “We defigay nightclub called The Castle (also nitely think there’s a need in the known as The Stone Castle), and the market for our product with the level property was under contract to open of service, cleanliness and three another nightclub until a previous levels of security that we provide,” zoning exception and an appeal were he said. “We love the demographics denied earlier this year. Spacemax of Greenville.” Storage, which is a division of ChilPoholek said they met with city dress Klein, a commercial real estate officials, the Greenville Housing

SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

McAlister Square

Authority and representatives from the Nicholtown neighborhood and the Sterling School, and all were in favor of the storage facility. “It a good complement to the neighborhood,” he said, adding that it will be “lower activity [than a nightclub], which is good for the school and community.” The three-story, brick storage facility will be on 1.7 acres and have about 700 climate-controlled units. Everything will be enclosed and there will be a high emphasis on security, said Poholek. “We try to keep the environment as you would in your home.” The former nightclub building will be demolished and construction will

begin as soon as they close on the property and obtain all of the necessary permits, probably sometime in the early fall. Construction is expected to be completed for an opening late spring 2016.

PROJECT PARTNERS REAL ESTATE BROKER: John Parker, Broadstreet Partners CIVIL ENGINEERING: Seamon, Whiteside and Assoc. GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Shamrock Building Systems, Atlanta ARCHITECT: Patrick Higgins and Associates, Atlanta

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10-story AC Hotel coming to downtown Spartanburg 35 new jobs into the downtown area between hotel staff and sjackson@communityjournals.com food and beverage venues. @SJackson_CJ “This hotel will have a treOTO Development announced mendous impact on downtown Monday its plans to build a new 10and future development,” said Sparstory AC Hotel by Marriott in downtanburg Mayor Junie White. town Spartanburg at the corner of AC Hotels by Marriott is the comWest Main Street and South Daniel pany’s newest urban hotel brand, with Morgan Avenue. more than 75 destinations in Europe, It will be the first AC Hotel to open “designed to attract millennials who in South Carolina with an anticipated want a sophisticated experience with opening date of September 2017. style, inspired social spaces and Another AC Hotel by Marriott, which technology,” according to the company. will open later, was also announced Marriott recently announced it for the future Camperdown project would be expanding the brand in the – the current Greenville News site – in U.S. The brand’s first U.S. hotel downtown Greenville. debuted in New Orleans in November Once built, the hotel is expected to 2014. Other locations include New change the downtown skyline and Orleans, Kansas City, Chicago, Naserve as a “visual beacon and gateway tional Harbor and Miami Beach and anchor to the west end of downtown Washington D.C., which opened in Spartanburg,” said Corry Oakes, CEO April. The company said it plans to of OTO Development. open more than 50 AC hotels within The design of the hotel will blend new the next three years throughout the and old, said David M. Schwarz, presiU.S. and Latin America. dent and CEO of David M. Schwarz Demolition of the existing building Architects. “We took care to ensure that on the site is slated to begin September the architectural design and materials 1, 2015. of the building exterior emulate a long ADDITIONAL FEATURES: tradition of historic downtown hotels, blending the new and the old with forms • 9 floors with 110-120 guest rooms and detailing compatible with the scale, • A 10th floor with a rooftop bar with an texture and character of downtown outdoor terrace Spartanburg,” he said. • A signature restaurant for the brand, The downtown streetscape will be The AC Kitchen extended to Grove Street, and the hotel • Approximately 2000 SF of flexible is expected to enliven the pedestrian meeting space experience with outdoor dining, amenities and landscaping. At the top of the • Extensive onsite fitness room hotel, an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar • On-site surface parking will provide 360-degree views overlook• Outdoor pool ing Spartanburg. The hotel will bring

SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

PROJECT PARTNERS DEVELOPER: OTO Development GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Johnson Development

ARCHITECTS: David M. Schwarz Architects of Washington, D.C., and McMillan Pazdan Smith

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UBJ

06.19.2015

Cross Creek Apartments

2 Spartanburg County complexes sold for $20M+ HKSK Corp while the property was still in leasesjackson@communityjournals.com up and was already 80 @SJackson_CJ percent occupied. The Charlotte-based Capstone community sold for $16.225 Apartment Partners, a multifamily million. Alex McDermott and Austin investment property company, anGreen of Capstone’s Charlotte office nounced it brokered the sale of two brokered the transaction. apartment complexes in South CarElevation Financial Group acolina; the Village at Mills Gap in quired Cross Creek Apartments, a Boiling Springs and Cross Creek 152-unit, 1980s-vintage asset from Apartments in Spartanburg. The deal Alliance for $4.05 million. Aparttotaled just over $20 million. ments were 97 percent occupied at The Village at Mills Gap is a 208time of sale. Alex McDermott, Austin unit, class A apartment community Green and Beau McIntosh of Capbuilt in 2014. The Village at Mills stone’s Charlotte office represented Gap LLC sold the community to the seller.

SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

Village at Mills Gap

Beach Foster, AIF® Managing Director, Investments

Pat Fitzsimmons, AIF® First Vice President, Investments

Matthew Foster, AAMS® Financial Advisor

Karen Alexander Sales Associate

Visit us at www.fosterfitzsimmons.com to learn more. Or call 864.289.2166. 112 Haywood Road, Greenville, SC 29607 ©2014 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC Raymond James is a registered trademark of Raymond James Financial, Inc.

NEW TO THE STREET | 27

upstatebusinessjournal.com

Open for business 1. Koi Asian Bistro recently opened at 115 Pelham Road, Greenville. The restaurant offers Asian fusion cuisine. For more information, call 864-241-5355 or visit greenvillekoi. com.

Real World Teaching for Real World Applications

2. Haywood Pointe Apartments recently completed extensive renovations at 1175 Haywood Road, Greenville. For more information, call 864-235-0185 or visit haywoodpointe.com.

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S C ME P south carolina manufacturing extension partnership

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28 | THE TAKEAWAY |

UBJ

NOTES FROM THE BEST TALKS YOU MISSED

06.19.2015

7 practices of exceptional business people We’ve all been given 24 hours a day, says Raven Magwood. What are you doing with yours? make up our mind to do. Ten percent of life happens to us, and 90 percent is in how you react. In life, if you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.

By MARION MANN, marketing director, Greenville Chamber

Raven Magwood is an author, motivational speaker and screenwriter. A force to be reckoned with at 22 years old, she has accomplished more than most do in a lifetime. By 11, she was a national gymnastics champion. By 13, she had published her second book. By 15, she was a state titleholder in track-and-field competing nationally. By 16, she had graduated from high school number one in her class with a 5.1 GPA. By 19, she had graduated from Clemson University summa cum laude, simultaneously inspiring thousands of individuals in schools, organizations and corporations with her moving testimony and captivating personality. “Switching Lanes,” a feature film written by Raven and inspired by one of her books, will be released soon. Her latest publication, “The 7 Practices of Exceptional Student Athletes,” has already sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Most recently, Raven started a clothing/jewelry line with her mom, called I AM A TEN, which seeks to help build the self-esteem of girls and women around the world. Wise beyond her years, Raven shared these 7 Practices of Exceptional Business People with the WHAT: The Greenville Chamber’s Friday Forum Series WHEN: May 28 WHERE: Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Conference Center FEATURE PRESENTATION: Motivational Speaker Raven Magwood “The 7 Practices of Exceptional Business People” WHO WAS THERE: 100+ members of Greenville’s business community

4. Take a time out. Manage your time. Allow yourself to focus on what is most important at a given time. Create balance in your life and make sure to renew your spirit, mind, soul and body. 5. Cut your losses. Remove negative influences. Know that some people are only in your life Raven Magwood, right, at the Greenville Chamber Friday Forum. for a season, and some are the roots to your tree. Raven referenced a quote from Greenville Chamber’s Friday Forum audience: Oprah Winfrey: “Everyone wants to ride with you 1. Visualize the end result. Ask yourself the in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” questions and answer them. Set standards for your life that line up with your goals. You don’t have to know how the journey will unfold, but know your destination. We don’t get in the car to go somewhere and wait for all the lights to turn green before we leave the driveway.

2. Bring the house down. Do the work. Put in the

effort. Raven referenced a story about a boy who asked a guru for the keys to success. The guru pushed and held him under water several times. When he finally let him up, he asked the boy what he wanted more than anything while being held under water. The boy said he wanted to breathe. The guru the told the boy he’d have success when he wanted it as bad as he wanted to breathe. Raven also noted all the opportunities we are given on a daily basis, and that “when opportunity knocks, you still have to get off your butt and answer the door.”

3. Recognize your true strength. Believe in the power of your mind. Tell yourself you are a 10 and believe it to be true. Every day we have a choice to have a good day or a bad day depending on what we

6. Go back to square one. Learn from your mistakes. Never look at where you fell. Look at where you tripped. Recognize your mistakes and make changes rather than excuses. 7. Never throw in the towel. Oprah was told she didn’t look good on TV. J.K. Rowling was turned down by 12 publishers. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school varsity team. And now they’re all billionaires. Raven wakes up wanting to attack every day, and encouraged everyone to make the most of the 24 hours we’re given, and to do it with purpose.

ENGAGE

JUNE

Friday Forum breakfast

Featuring Dr. Terry A. Michalske from the Savannah River National Laboratory greenvillechamber.org

upstatebusinessjournal.com

REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION

| SQUARE FEET | 29

Pendleton Street Baptist Church to sell 3 acres to apartment developer SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

Under contract to Woodfield Investments

ST. HET T

Minimum Order Charges Local Account Managers Upstate Owned & Operated Local Customer Service Community Involvement Office Coffee Service Full Service Print Shop Company Employed Drivers Local Janitorial & Cleaning Specialist

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type of product in the downtown area. “It’s a win-win for the church and has been very strongly received by the congregation,” he said. The church is currently determining its priorities and ministry plan and will probably need to find space to relocate temporarily during construction, Price said. In May, the church was approved for a zoning change, from C-3 region-

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St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

New Pendleton Street Church facility

EY S

using a precast garage model with the units wrapping around the parking so it is not visible from the street. Woodfield develops apartment communities geared towards institutional investment trusts. This will be their second project in the Upstate; the first is the recently opened Innovation at Millennium apartments located on the Millennium Campus. Even with other ongoing and announced apartment projects, Schick said Greenville has a “tremendous amount of potential” and he still believes there is “significant need for this

Y AV PERR

located across from Fluor Field and a downtown Greenville fixture since the 1890s, voted this past weekend to move forward with selling a majority of its property to apartment developer Woodfield Investments. The church entered into a contract to sell three acres of its 4.5-acre property at 1100 S. Main St. and 8 Perry Ave., keeping a small corner at Markley and Rhett Streets. After weighing remodeling vs. new construction costs, the church is planning to construct a new facility, said Marty Price, senior pastor. The proposed 270-unit apartment complex will be a class-AA community, featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom units with all upscale amenities including a swimming pool, courtyards, fitness and club areas, said Brian Schick with Woodfield Investments. The project would be built

T ST.

ARKL

Pendleton Street Baptist Church,

RHET

N. M

sjackson@communityjournals.com @SJackson_CJ

al commercial district to C-4 central business district, which allows a denser, urban-type development. Assuming everything goes as planned, Schick said they hope to begin construction in late winter 2016, with leasing available spring 2017. The project will go before the city Design Review Board after Woodfield’s 90-day due diligence period, at which time renderings will be available.

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30 | ON THE MOVE |

UBJ

PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS

HIRED

AWARDED

APPOINTED

06.19.2015

HIRED

Mercedes Reinhard

Mike Ivester

Scott Mason

Buzz Burwell

Wendy Huston

Named a writer at ZWO. Reinhard’s focus will be copywriting for all of ZWO’s brands. Prior to joining the company she served as a writer for Kennedy Space Center, Colonial Williamsburg, Barcelo Hotels & Resorts, Michelin, Flat Rock Playhouse and Paradee Hospital.

Named director of corporate business development at The Cliffs. Ivester will focus on growing The Cliffs’ Corporate and National Membership sales. Prior to joining The Cliffs, he spent 11 years as director of sales for the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX.

Awarded the Fellow Award from the Institute of Industrial Engineers. Mason is a professor at Clemson University and the Fluor Endowed Chair in supply chain optimization and logistics. Mason is renowned as an expert in semiconductor manufacturing.

Named by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough to co-lead the Defense Sector Industry Practice team. Burwell is a partner in the firm’s Greenville office. Team members are familiar with the procurement process and budgets on programs in the defense industry.

Named senior account executive at Jeff Dezen Public Relations. Huston has 17 years of PR agency, reporting and professional writing experience for consumer magazines, newspapers and Web publications. Her focus will be telecommunications and do-it-yourself paint supply and hardware brands.

VIP – NAMED Michael Bonasia Named director of sales at the Aloft Grenville Downtown. Bonasia most recently served as director of sales at the Hyatt Place in Greenville. He also served as general manager at the Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown and the Hampton Inn & Suites Greenville Downtown at RiverPlace.

COMMUNITY The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce named Charley McCarter as an intern. McCarter is studying marketing and sports management at

Sacred Heart University.

Franks as construction manager, Matthew Leys as controls engineer and promoted David Queen to BIM manager. Whitesides has more than 30 years of experience in the industrial EPC industry and joins O’Neal from IMOCO. Franks has five years of experience in construction management and comes to O’Neal from Southern Industrial Constructors. Leys has more than 10 years of controls engineering experience, working with Unilever. Queen has more than 25 years of experience in the Engineering-Procurement-Construction (EPC) business, performing model management, integration and ensuring adherence to standards and procedures.

FINANCE Herlong Bates Burnett Insurance hired Patrick Rawlins as a sales representative. Rawlins has a Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University. He previously worked in sales for a logistics company in Charleston.

TECHNOLOGY/IT

DEVELOPMENT O’Neal Inc. hired John Whitesides as senior construction manager, Neal

associate degree in construction engineering technology from Greenville Technical College in 2013, Jones transferred to Clemson University and received his bachelor’s degree in construction science and management in 2015.

Melloul-Blamey Construction hired Brandon Jones. After receiving an

Kim Anderson was promoted to accounting manager at the Integral >>

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upstatebusinessjournal.com

Solutions Group division of J M Smith Corporation. Anderson will retain her role as purchasing manager, but will expand her duties to include overseeing the company’s accounting. She joined the corporation in 1997 as an upgrade sales specialist at QS/1.

PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS

| ON THE MOVE | 31

3RD ANNUAL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CEO BUILD

The Habitat home under construction.

Twenty local corporate leaders are taking part in the third annual Habitat for Humanity CEO Build, helping the organization construct a home in Greenville County for Dianne Kilgore and her family.

EDTS was named a WatchGuard ONE Gold Partner by WatchGuard Technologies. The Gold level represents partners who deliver extremely high levels of security expertise and service to customers.

John Uprichard, CEO of Find Great People.

TRAVEL Direct Travel Vacations hired Lynn Hayes and Carol Hammond. Hayes is a certified travel consultant and master cruise counselor. She currently serves as the secretary of the Association of Retail Travel Agents and also has been recognized as one of the “Most Influential Women in Travel” for three years by Travel Agent Magazine. Hammond has earned destination specialist recognition for many destinations. She consistently ranked in the Top 10 in her previous company’s annual Power List.

Scott Davies, representing Fluor Enterprises.

Seabrook Marchant (center), CEO of The Marchant Company. The CEOs prepare to raise a wall.

MARKETING/PR DOM360 hired Nick Giffel as director of Lean and Learning. Giffel will work to create and foster a Lean environment by renovating current processes and applying Lean standards where applicable. Giffel has a Six Sigma Black Belt, which designates someone with thorough understanding of a data-driven improvement cycle used for optimizing and stabilizing business processes and designs.

Left: Martin Livingston (right), CEO of the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority.

TK PR has hired Hanna Finlay as “sparkle sidekick.” Finlay is a recent graduate of Clemson University with a degree in marketing. During her time at Clemson, Finlay worked as an intern for TK PR. She will provide client support and assist with media relations. CONTRIBUTE: New hires, promotions & award winners may be featured in On the Move. Send information and photos to onthemove@ upstatebusinessjournal.com.

Seabrook Marchant (right).

Chuck Hinton (left), CEO of Ethox Chemicals.

CONTRIBUTE: Got high-resolution photos of your networking or social events? Send photos and information for consideration to events@upstatebusinessjournal.com.

32 | THE FINE PRINT |

UBJ

BUSINESS BRIEFS YOU CAN’ T MISS

06.19.2015

Majority of consumer complaints now handled online

Sales tax exemption for aircraft parts passed

More than 60 percent of consumer complaints are now submitted to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) through the online system instead of the manual paper process. Last year, the agency launched an improved online service for processing consumer complaints, and said online submissions are resolved 50 percent faster. The service was awarded a 2014 Digital Government Achievement Award for its innovation, functionality and efficiency. “The complaint system provides consumers and businesses alike with a more streamlined and expeditious complaint process,” Donna Backwinkel, director of Consumer Services and Education, said in a release. “System features also allow for in-depth ‘quality control’ reviews, resulting in greater accountability and productivity.” Operational efficiencies gained include reduced staff time spent processing a complaint and responding to consumer and business inquiries and ease of access to information. The Services Division’s copier usage is down 33 percent and postage use is down 25 percent. The SCDCA’s online service is available at consumer.sc.gov.

Gov. Nikki Haley has signed a bill into law removing the state’s seven percent sales tax from owner-operator aircraft parts referred to as “FAA Part 91.” The change is expected to make South Carolina’s aviation maintenance and repair operations (MROs) more competitive with MROs in tax-exempt states, according to a release from the SC Council on Competitiveness. “Because aircraft are mobile, owners can easily shop around to different states in search of the best deal for maintenance and repair,” said Steve Townes, chairman of the aerospace industry cluster at the council. “Removing the Part 91 tax levels the playing field so that South Carolina’s aviation companies can compete with companies in tax-exempt states such as Georgia, Tennessee and Florida.” There are approximately 12 MROs in South Carolina. Stevens Aviation, one of the largest MROs in the southeastern United States, has one location in Greenville and two others that are located outside of South Carolina. The exemption also becomes a selling point for economic developers to recruit aviation businesses to the state, according to the council. Supporters of the exemption also say the loss of any tax revenue is regained by the payroll taxes from jobs created in MROs. “The state was only collecting about $500,000 in Part 91 tax revenue, and we know of at least two opportunities totaling $1.8 million that South Carolina lost because of the tax,” said Don Purcell, president of the South Carolina Aviation Association. “Removing the tax means more business revenue in the state and ultimately, more capital investment and jobs.”

Clemson leads research of using crops for sustainable energy Abengoa Energy Crops committed more than $1 million annually to support a three-year research project in South Carolina on the use of different trees and grass-like species to produce sustainable biomass for energy. Clemson University with Abengoa will help lead the Carolina Energy Crop Alliance to search for ways to open new markets for South Carolina landowners and support the growing global demand for renewable energy. “The more crop and tree options we are able to combine for biomass production, the more productive and sustainable it will be,” Fabian Capdevielle, research and development manager for Abengoa Energy Crops, said in a release. “Field research is needed to evaluate where both limitations and opportunities exist for these new crops.” The field research will be based at the Pee Dee REC but will include activities throughout South Carolina’s Coastal Plain. The alliance will focus on five primary research and education areas: sustainability of feedstock production; genetic development of new tree feedstocks; silviculture trials to analyze forest health; analysis of the management, harvest and storage of grass-type feedstocks; and landowner and public education programs. Alliance partners include Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing Inc., which is leasing land to Clemson to conduct agricultural research; ArborGen Inc., which is providing trees for testing; and NexSteppe Inc., which will collaborate on the development of new biomass sorghum hybrids for the region.

Carolina Holdings begins Smithfield project Greenville-based Carolina Holdings Inc. announced the commencement of construction for its newest development, Smithfield Landing, located at 110 S. Equity Drive in Smithfield, N.C. Smithfield Landing is 100 percent leased to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Starbucks and Buffalo Wild Wings. The property is located at the intersection of South Equity Drive and Outlet Center Drive, which forms the gateway to Simon’s Carolina Premium Outlets. Smithfield Landing consists of two buildings totaling 9,048 square feet. Smithfield Landing is scheduled to complete, and tenants are planning to open, by the late fourth quarter of 2015. The project team includes Carolina Holdings Inc. as developer, McMillan Pazdan Smith as design architect, McKim & Creed as civil engineer, and Spell Construction as general contractor. Palmetto Bank provided the construction financing.

Hire “Self-Managers”