august 16, 2013
Students Click With STEM Careers Virtual job shadowing generates interest in hard-to-access jobs
Volume II, Issue XXXII
August 16, 2013
“Until I see it in my pockets, until we’re experiencing the benefits, it’s just been heartache for me, and a struggle.”
Some of the chicken salad options available at Chicken Salad Chick. The franchise recently opened its first South Carolina location in Greenville.
Loretta Stephens, co-owner of Camille’s Sidewalk Café in downtown Greenville, which has closed despite assurances that redevelopment in Piazza Bergamo would boost business.
A new 12-home subdivision called Hollison Place is reportedly in the works, to be located between Pleasantburg and Parkins Mill roads…
Valerie Patterson, communications manager and manager of education centers at Duke Energy, on the company’s attempts to promote career interest in students.
Marshall Millican of Carolina Training Associates, on the value of having highly trained employees when breakdowns in a factory’s production line can cost up to $8,000 per minute. “I just want the company to last forever so my son’s name is remembered.” Randy Still, who named his forensic structural engineering company RanDrew Consulting after his sons, Randall and Drew. Drew, his youngest, died in May.
Look for a new electronics store to fill the spot vacated by Babies R Us at the Gallery Shopping Center. A letter of intent has been signed… Word is a new speakeasy is coming to 520 Rutherford Road…
“We believe middle school is when you have to start talking to them.”
“Having a technician who can fix that machine five minutes faster means the employee is going to pay for himself pretty quick.”
TBA
21
Adventure Mazes is looking to open on the corner of Main and North streets downtown, offering 1,200 square feet of optical illusion and a candy store out front…
Verbatim
On winning Outside magazine’s “popular vote”… “Citizens pulled out all the stops in an effort to top our list, putting signs on lawns, bombing our Facebook page, and even organizing a parade down Main Street led by the mayor. While Greenville didn’t win, we wouldn’t hesitate to consider a move here.” Outside magazine, naming Greenville the first runner-up in its 2013 “Best Town Ever” contest. With 7,154 votes, Greenville won the magazine’s “popular vote.”
2 Upstate business journal August 16, 2013
Photo provided
Worth Repeating
UBJ NEWS
BMW Denies EEOC Discrimination Claim By Jennifer Oladipo | senior business writer joladipo@communityjournals.com
TODAY Subscribe to The In Box, our weekly email full of the top local business news to keep you in the know. UpstateBusinessJournal.com
burg plant, but said “BMW lacks sufficient knowledge or information to determine the truth or falsity of … and therefore denies” EEOC claims that claimants were UTi employees, 69 of whom were black out of 88 total. Among other defenses, BMW also maintained that EEOC’s claims exceeded the statute of limitations, and that claimants had not exhausted administrative remedies required by law before filing. The commission is seeking back pay for lost wages or “front pay” representing future wages, as well as an order barring future discrimination, and compensation for legal expenses. BMW is asking for dismissal of the suit and compensation for legal expenses. The EEOC had previously advised employers in 2012 that the use of arrest and conviction records as employment criteria could be at odds with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The complaint against BMW and another against Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based retailer Dollar General, also filed in June, were the first actions in accordance with the 2012 guidance.
© d.yurman 2013
bmw asked a federal court to dismiss a complaint by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that some of its employment practices disproportionately excluded blacks from working at the automaker’s plant. The EEOC filed a lawsuit in June after six black former employees who had worked at BMW through a staffing agency filed a complaint with the commission. The federal agency claimed BMW violated the Civil Rights Act by firing some employees and barring them from rehire as a result of criminal background checks. At that time, the commission said in a release that “BMW disproportionately screened out African-Americans from jobs.” The EEOC alleged that the claimants had worked at BMW as employees of UTi Integrated Staffing Logistics Inc., a staffing agency. When UTi’s contract with BMW ended in 2008, employees were required to reapply for their positions with a new contractor and undergo a different, more stringent background check under BMW’s policy. As a result, several employees became ineligible for employment. In its Aug. 9 response, the automaker denied claims related to specific employees, duties, or employment-related actions. BMW admitted in an Aug. 9 response that its policy denied employment to some people based on their criminal convictions, but denied engaging in unlawful employment practices based on race. BMW also admitted that UTi employees had previously provided logistics, warehouse, distribution and other services at the Spartan-
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UBJ News An event exploring Innovation, Entrepreneurship andInnovation, Education An event exploring Entrepreneurship and Education
Sprucing Up the Neighborhood Greenville County’s Façade Improvement Grants focuses on areas outside the city limits
buildings are getting spruced up in Greer, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn and Travelers Rest all thanks to the Façade Improvement Grant Program from The Greenville County Redevelopment Authority. Different from other city-sponsored façade improvement programs that cover specific commercial corridors in the city of Greenville, this program is limited to the suburbs as grants are not offered in the unincorporated areas of the county nor in Greenville city limits. So far, 20 businesses have taken advantage of the up to $5,000 in grant funds available. The funds are set aside to finance exterior building improvement to a property owner or tenant’s commercial building that will be aesthetically pleasing and complementary to local design guidelines or concepts acceptable to the respective municipality.
4 Upstate business journal August 16, 2013
The ongoing program started accepting applications in January 2011 and has given over $93,000 so far to businesses. The program is designed to retain and attract businesses, strengthen the Central Business Districts, increase utilization of downtown buildings, restore economic vitality and enhance property values. The grant program is done on a reimbursement system and administered on a first-come first-served basis to the limit of available funding and in accordance with each municipality’s appropriated funds for the fiscal year. For 2013, Fountain Inn contributed $10,282, Greer $30,148, Mauldin $38,628, Simpsonville $32,715 and Travelers Rest $6,651. There is also a revolving loan fund available for small business loans in each municipality and countywide that varies by city.
Photo by Greg Beckner
By Sherry Jackson | staff sjackson@communityjournals.com
Professional Speak Out By Anna T. Locke
If your company were a ship, the financial reporting and accounting function is the rudder. Usually the maintenance and reporting of financial statements are carried out by a small data entry division, or completed using “do-it-yourself ” accounting software. The receipts come in, invoices go out, taxes are prepared. The ship keeps sailing in the same direction, the status quo is met—business goes as usual. Instead of cruising at the usual pace, companies that get the right insight from the financial reporting could actually steer toward a more profitable and strategically sound direction. To accomplish this, businesses are turning to outsourced accounting firms with teams of highly-trained accountants to help companies think outside the box by providing highlevel analysis that provides critical information to propel the business to the next level.
Duke’s Doggs (left) and Lunsford’s Country Gifts & Decor in Travelers Rest both benefitted from Greenville County’s Façade Improvement Grants.
Trey Eubanks, Mauldin city administrator, said four Mauldin businesses have already used the façade grant program. Palmetto Car Wash, Déjà vu Consignments, Chicora Alley and The Pizza Factory all received grant money to spruce up their exteriors. Another local busi-
Municipality
Photo provided
Greer Fountain Inn Fountain Inn Mauldin Mauldin Mauldin Simpsonville Simpsonville Simpsonville Simpsonville Greer Greer Fountain Inn Fountain Inn Fountain Inn Fountain Inn Travelers Rest Travelers Rest Mauldin Simpsonville
ness that makes chemicals, Texize, was recently awarded a grant. Many other businesses have been provided information on the program and will hopefully take advantage of it. “The improvements enhance the image of the businesses, and thus the city’s core,” said Eubanks.
business name
grant funds
115 South Main LLC Fountain Inn History Center Every Nook & Cranny LLC Pizza Factory Chicora Alley Déjà vu Consignments Creations of Glamour Lloyd’s of Simpsonville Me Salon & Day Spa Old Simpsonville Drug Store ACME General Store Braasch Building Group I Declare Clock Drive-In of FT Inn El Patron Mexican Restaurant J. Peters Grill & Bar Rays Barber Shop & His & Hers Country Gifts & Décor Duke’s Dog Palmetto Car Wash Country Store at Vaughn’s
$5,000 $4,795 $2,123 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $1,400 $5,000 $10,000 $4,715 $4,715 $4,715 $4,695 $4,715 $4,615 $4,250
These accounting agencies provide more than just data entry services and periodic financial statements. They dig into the details with their clients to offer insights that tell the story of the business while planning for future goals. Outsourced accounting groups become an extension of your team and cost a fraction of the price to hire a CFO or similar type of internal position. Note that hiring a total accounting agency is not the same as outsourcing tax preparation to a CPA firm, hiring a full time CFO or adding a bookkeeper – it’s acquiring a team of “do-ers” to look at the whole picture of your company’s current financial health and help you navigate the data so you have the key information you need to move toward your future aspirations and goals. Think about your rudder. Are you following the same route as usual or is there opportunity to use outsourced accounting to steer you in the direction for growth? Don’t settle for the status quo. There are new voyages on the horizon.
864.908.3062 • atlocke.com
$4,500 $5,000 $3,315 Total
$93,553 C53R
August 16, 2013 Upstate business journal 5
‘Yeah, THAT Greenville’ Reports Big Results
UBJ News Greyhound, Greenlink Offices to Move By Jennifer Oladipo | senior business writer joladipo@communityjournals.com
the greenville transit authority (GTA), or Greenlink, will move its administrative offices to the current location of the Greyhound bus terminal on McBee Avenue downtown. Greyhound rents the facility from GTA, which did not renew its annual lease. Mark Rickards, city transit director, said some of GTA’s operations would also move to McBee from the current South Main Street offices near Fluor Field. Renovations are expected to take six months and to be completed in early spring 2014. The city buses will continue to be parked at the South Main location.
Rickards said the end of the relationship with Greyhound was not at all contentious. Greyhound did not return calls seeking comment, but E. J. Sood, who handles ticketing and shipping and operates the Greenville terminal alone as an independent contractor, said the Greyhound terminal would move to a 3,000-square-foot space at 9 Hendrix Drive off Woodruff Road. Earlier this month, the company was talking with a contractor about a two-stage renovation process, Sood said. A second phase would follow after the service flow at the new location had been assessed.
By Sherry Jackson | staff sjackson@communityjournals.com
with a new marketing campaign, new mobile app and a new website, visitgreenvillesc gave Greenville City Council an upbeat report last week on the city’s tourism industry. Earlier this year, visitgreenvillesc kicked off its first leisure travel marketing campaign, dubbed “Yeah, THAT Greenville.” The campaign focused on branding, sales, public relations, social media and advertising, all with the “Yeah, THAT Greenville” theme. And it’s working. According to Jennifer Stilwell, chief marketing officer of visitgreenvillesc, occupancy rates are up and they are projecting over a $1 billion economic impact to the area by the end of 2013 from tourism. Inquiries are up over 250 percent and
the team is sending out 1,000 visitor guides each week. There’s a high level of Instagram followers and social media interaction shares and likes. Stilwell says the new website had a soft launch a few weeks ago, and marketing efforts to spread the word are in the works. Lodging was up 10.2 percent from January to June 2013 in Greenville, compared to 4.7 percent elsewhere in South Carolina and 5.6 percent across the U.S. That’s a 68 percent occupancy rate – among other competitive cities, only Savannah, Charleston and Nashville have a higher rate than Greenville. “We’re driving and inspiring people to come visit Greenville,” said Stilwell.
Buick. The New Class of World Class. 2013 Buick Enclave. Sitton Buick • GMC 288-5600 • Visit the showroom that never closes at www.sittongm.com
UCB Raises Funds for Mountain Youth By Cindy Landrum | staff clandrum@communityjournals.com
cashiers, n.c., a place known for vacation homes and tourists in addition to its beautiful mountain views, isn’t usually associated with the word “disadvantaged.” But one-third of the children in southern Jackson County live below the poverty level and more than 50 percent of its students are at risk of not graduating from high school and need some support. The recent United Community Bank Mountain Challenge is expected to raise more than $200,000 for Mountain Youth Charities. United Community Bank has one location in Greenville. An exhibition match between retired tennis superstars Andy Roddick, who has a home in Cashiers, and Jim Courier high-
lighted the event. (Roddick won the match 6-4, 6-4.) The event was an ideal fit for United Community Bank, said Lynn Harton, the bank’s chief operating officer. The bank has the No. 1 market share in Jackson County and is trying to build its brand and presence in Greenville and in the Atlanta area, places from which the event can draw spectators. “Part of our whole strategy is supporting local communities,” he said. “The real winners are the children.” Harton said United Community Bank is looking for locations to put additional branches in Greenville and hopes to be able to make an announcement before the end of the year.
The Vault to Open Sports Apparel Store By Sherry Jackson | staff sjackson@communityjournals.com
the vault, a charlestonbased retro sports apparel store, is opening a location in Greenville. The retail store will occupy about 2000 square feet in the former Scott and Bellew space at 213 North Main St. The Vault will carry a variety of upscale sports apparel for men, women and kids and specializes in older, hard-to-find logos. Owner Wayne Welden said he will incorporate some local sports flavor into the store’s décor, maybe with Shoeless Joe Jackson and Greenville Drive memorabilia, “to make it feel local,” he said. Merchandise will cover over 125
college teams and all of the pro football and baseball teams. Furman, Wofford, Clemson and USC will all be represented. The store has a large selection of team-inspired items including baby bibs, T-shirts, jackets, hats and banners. “We’re so excited about Greenville,” said Welden, who had looked into expanding to Greenville a few years ago, in the exact same space. Things didn’t work out at the time, but now, it “seems like it was in the cards.” The store will employ four or five people and is scheduled to open Nov. 1, 2013.
August 16, 2013 Upstate business journal 7
By MARTHA WINEBARGER & BLAINE CHILDRESS
UBJ INNOVATE
SC: Poised for World-Class Greatness grow it in a world environment. Just as the printing press spurred radical shifts in thought and altered history, the Internet is a game-changing tool. Noble cited the stunning example of how Estonia, a rather isolated former Soviet state, decided to connect its people with the Internet. This effort joined people together into an Internet community so successful, its model became Skype. Like Estonia, the people of South Carolina could bring powerful, fresh ideas to the global market, if equipped with global connectivity. Envision South Carolina intends to excite educators and inspire young inventors and budding entrepreneurs to apply existing 21stcentury technology and Internet connectivity to connect, learn, problem-solve and collaborate throughout the state and the globe. One example of Noble and Benson’s belief in the power of fresh ideas may be found in Greenville. Ben Riddle, a 19-year-old rising Furman
University sophomore, has a lofty yet very doable idea that could launch South Carolina into the next era. Ben has developed the framework to create a Greenville design school, similar to Stanford’s d-school (dschool.stanford.edu) and Tokyo’s i-school (ischool.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ english). His dream? A collaboration between all S.C. higher institutions (both public and private) and industries from the Southeast. He would apply worldwide connections to create a culture that would help people and organizations become more innovative and creative. Ben’s wish is for us “to put aside biases, prejudices, politics and pride to develop a comprehensive and human-centered vision for our state, which taps into the ingenuity of our citizens. The time is now.” What does Ben need to make his dream of the engage*d institute (bit.ly/engaged institute) become a reality? People, physical space and financial support. But the potential outcomes are
By connecting the people within our state to the rest of the globe, we can build a collectively higher IQ in South Carolina.
1. Develop leadership within the state that can be trusted.
1. Global Scholars: Recognize a Global Scholar in each of the 46 counties who connect, learn and collaborate with someone outside the state. These would qualify for three regional prizes and one grand prize. 2. Envision South Carolina Prize: Encourage and recognize the efforts of young inventors and innovators to spawn new developments for our state. Prizes will be awarded in five categories – Education and the Arts; Science and Technology; Health and Life Sciences; Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Business and Commerce – as well as an overall grand prize. 3. Envision Fellows: Develop promising ideas that solve problems both locally and abroad in a collaborative way with support from mentors, in-kind efforts and stipends.
2. Repair the education system within the state – or truly, nothing else we fix really matters. In his address last week, Noble expressed his belief that Internet connectivity provides the opportunity for someone, even in a remote rural region in South Carolina, to take a powerful idea, discuss it and
limited only by our thoughts. The goal of Envision SC Phase II is to stimulate global idea-sharing through three core programs:
Phil Noble
Ben Riddle
“I hope and believe this project will inspire our fellow South Carolinians to embrace bold and innovative thinking about our shared
InnoVision advisory board members Blaine Childress and Martha Winebarger attended the recent Envision South Carolina meeting and are co-authors of the article. For 15 years, The InnoVision Awards have become the mark of distinction for outstanding leadership, innovation and technological excellence. As the only awards program of its kind, InnoVision Awards distinguish businesses, individuals and educators who set new standards for innovation in finding, developing and retaining profitable business.
8 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL August 16, 2013
Phil Noble photo provided; Ben Riddle photo by Greg Beckner
on aug. 5, 2013, approximately 60 business and education leaders gathered at the College of Charleston to hear addresses from Charleston business leader Phil Noble and College of Charleston president Dr. George Benson. In a newspaper article the previous summer, Noble asked, “What does South Carolina need to do to be ‘world-class’ in the globally connected world of the 21st century?” Benson read the article and, with the same desire to learn the answer, partnered with Noble to launch Envision South Carolina. The two set out to engage people throughout our state in a public dialogue about the question. During Envision SC Phase I, formal interviews were conducted with citizens and notable leaders from across South Carolina, including Ben Bernanke (chairman of the Federal Reserve), Richard Riley (former governor of South Carolina and former U.S. secretary of education) and Charles Bolden (NASA administrator and retired U.S. Marine Corps major general). The responses echoed two essential themes:
UBJ News future,” said Benson. “Envision South Carolina is intended to help us take action – to think about how South Carolina can be a leader on the world stage.” If we are to become great, worldclass leaders in the global economy and advance our state competencies, we must enable the educational base and provide the infrastructure to hear the voices of those who harbor important, fresh ideas. By connecting the people within our state to
the rest of the globe, we can build a collectively higher IQ in South Carolina. It is not too late to reinvent ourselves. To be our best, we must reach into even the “messy” impoverished areas of South Carolina. We need to be open to new ideas and encourage a different way of thinking. We need a new approach to educating young and old alike, if we are to unbridle the innate innovation that will help reshape all of our lives.
Shift Happens Join us for our August Salon when we will look at new ways to think about our brains, including how our neurological pathways can make better connections for us both internally and externally. This is heady stuff, y’all! August 20th, 6:00-7:30 pm Followed by reception with cash bar Zen Greenville, 924 S. Main Street Thank you to our sponsors!
SC Chamber Releases Legislative Scorecard on monday, the s.c. chamber of Commerce released its legislative scorecard. In its report, the Chamber praised the Legislature for funding infrastructure improvements to the tune of $600 million for roads and bridges. The group also lauded the timely passing of the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Integrity bill, which forced compliance with some federal rules for reporting unemployment insurance claims. The Chamber says that bill will save businesses nearly $650 million annually. Legislators were graded individually on how they voted on 35
pieces of business-related legislation. That included the Removal of DHEC Board Review (H.3827), which eliminated the DHEC board review of all permits; a change to the 2007 Energy Independence and Sustainable Construction Act (H.3592) that reduced the sustainable construction requirements for state facility projects; and the High Growth Small Business Access to Capital Act (H.3505), which provides tax credits for investment in highgrowth startup companies. Those who scored a perfect 100 percent will receive a Business Advocate Award.
Admission is free, but registration is required. Visit www.tedxgreenville.com/salons/register to register or for more information.
Business Leadership. Productivity. Sales. Company Culture. Motivation. Entrepreneurship. Developed for small business owners around the Upstate, GrowWithCountybank.com digs up great articles and insights every week. Log on, recharge and grow!
Upstate Perfect Scores Sen. Harvey Peeler (Cherokee)
Rep. Phyllis Henderson (Greenville)
Rep. Bruce Bannister (Greenville)
Rep. Dennis Moss (Cherokee)
Rep. Mike Burns (Greenville)
Rep. Garry Smith (Greenville)
Rep. Derham Cole (Spartanburg)
Rep. Eddie Tallon (Spartanburg)
Rep. Mike Forrester (Spartanburg)
Rep. Mark Willis (Greenville)
Greenville • Greenwood www.GrowWithCountybank.com
August 16, 2013 Upstate business journal 9
UBJ GUEST COLUMN
By WILLIAM HAYNES
Cloud Computing: A Storm Is Coming americans have more reasons than ever to be concerned about their online security and privacy. Both the government and the big data aggregators, like Google and Facebook, have been in the headlines for breaking public trust. Stories about the NSA listening in to laptop mics, sending law enforcement to homes Googling pressure cookers, and the death of privacy on Facebook’s new graph search are largely exaggerated. However, there are some real privacy and security issues involved in storing data on the cloud. Cloud services, like those provided by Amazon, Google and Apple, give users seamless access to their data on almost any device. The level of convenience and constant access to our music, video, pictures and documents is unparalleled. However, there are some security issues implicit in the cloud. Issues like owner-
motely accessed. Once an image or document is uploaded to a remote server for storage – whether that is a data backup service or Facebook – the owner has lost control and, in some cases, ownership of that data. While people don’t really look at it this way, Facebook is a cloud service for connecting you with friends. When you upload a photo to Facebook, you are trusting their handling of that data. Control and ownership policies vary greatly from service to service and should be read carefully. It is important to remember that cloud providers are vulnerable to the same security issues as any website. You might remember the LinkedIn hack a few years ago that compromised millions of user accounts. Imagine the implication of a service like DropBox having its customer database stolen and the vulnerability of those users’ data.
Issues like ownership and control of data, application security, and privacy are all areas where customers should be making informed decisions about who they trust with their data. ship and control of data, application security, and privacy are all areas where customers should be making informed decisions about who they trust with their data. Cloud services work in essentially the same way as the Internet. Information is stored on servers around the world and then are re-
Be careful of what information is stored on cloud solutions and choose service providers carefully. If you are using cloud services for business purposes, your choice of cloud provider is even more critical. Basic issues like disaster recovery and service downtime can cost businesses thousands of dollars in lost
revenue and productivity. Trust is critical as well. Managers must be confident that a switch in service providers will mean speedy and diligent deletion of files from old servers. There are steps users can take to minimize their risk when taking advantage of cloud technology. First, consider the information above and think critically about what information is stored on the cloud. Social security numbers and banking information, for instance, should be treated with the same diligence as paper copies. Second, know that all cloud providers are not created equal. A provider should have a comprehensive privacy and security policy. A comprehensive and favorable service level agreement should explicitly outline ownership of documents, access to data, and encryption methods. Absolute transparency in this contract is important. Look for vague terms in regards to data recovery, confidentiality, and data integ-
rity and avoid any provider whose service agreement you are not comfortable with. For business owners, contracts should always allow audits and certification by third parties. Finally, make sure that terms include the option to terminate your agreement in the case of a security breach and penalties for missed recovery times. These simple details hold the company to a different level of integrity in their operations. As network attached storage devices become more prevalent in the home, personal clouds are also a growing option. Like any solution, there are pros and cons to this option. Currently, a personal cloud setup requires some advanced knowledge. However, there are products currently in development that will make personal cloud computing more accessible in the future. Look for these devices in the coming years, as cloud computing and security continue to grow.
William Haynes, founder and CEO of Sabai Technology, is a lifelong networking geek and hobbyist. While living in Thailand for three years with his family, Haynes learned to modify consumer routers for advanced networking. He used these skills to extend high-speed Internet to fellow expats in Thailand, and used the concept to create Sabai Technology shortly after his return to the States. Sabai Technology is currently sponsoring an opensource router project that will bring personal clouds and more to everyday users. You can learn more at SabaiTechnology.com or JaiRoProject.com.
10 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL August 16, 2013
UBJ NEWS
Restaurant Closes Amid Construction Woes camille’s sidewalk café closed Saturday, largely due to the challenges of nearby construction in downtown Greenville. The restaurant has had difficulty living up to its name, as the walkway in front of it has been blocked from one angle or another for nearly two years since construction of the ONE project began at the corner of Main and Washington streets. The city provided signs for Camille’s and other businesses to navigate the protective fencing, the location of which has changed several times. Co-owner Loretta Stephens said the announced redevelopment of her own building, which was purchased early this year by the same developer, Hughes Development Corp., was too much to bear. “It’s not just the current construction, but it’s the projected two- to threeyear project
The front of Camille’s is obscured by fencing during construction of the ONE project. The restaurant has closed.
… I just don’t think we can weather it anymore,” said Stephens, who owned the restaurant with her husband, Scott. She said Hughes
has been “graciously working with me to close my business.” Stephens said business was great for the first 18 months before construction. Then demolition of the Woolworth building in 2010 brought daily what she came to call “the two o’clock rumble,” which shook the res-
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taurant and everything inside it. The economic downturn also affected Camille’s as it did other businesses, but she said regular reassurance from the city that the redevelopment would eventually be great for business kept the couple hanging on. But that is no longer enough. “Until I see it in my pockets, until we’re experiencing the benefits, it’s just been heartache for me, and a struggle,” Stephens said Friday. Throughout that time, the previous building owners had agreed to accept reduced rent payments, but the couple still had to dip into personal funds. Despite the deep sense of loss and disappointment, Stephens said the restaurant closing is only a failure if she chooses to view it as such. “I can hold my head high because I know that some of the most successful [business owners] in history have lost businesses,” she said. The couple originally bought into the Camille’s franchise with a small location inside the Asheville Mall and moved it to Greenville in 2008. Stephens said all of her employees have received other job offers, and she was optimistic about her own employment options.
CARLTON MOTORCARS
www.CarltonMotorcars.com 864-213-8000 | 800-801-3131 2446 Laurens Road, Greenville, SC 29607 M83A
Photo by Greg Beckner
By Jennifer Oladipo | senior business writer joladipo@communityjournals.com
A STEP AHEAD
It’s possible. And it’s easier than you think to earn your MBA at Clemson University. With all of Clemson’s MBA courses located at our beautiful downtown Greenville campus, you can take classes full time, attend classes in the evening after work or even explore turning your entrepreneurial spirit into reality in our new blended learning program, beginning Summer 2014. Clearly, whatever MBA is right for you, there’s one best place to earn an MBA your way. Clemson.
It’s time to start planning for Spring 2014. Apply Today. clemson.edu/mba ∙ 864-656-8173
Structural Integrity When a building fails, Randy Still’s RanDrew Consulting wants to help figure out why By Sherry Jackson | staff sjackson@communityjournals.com
T
Top photo by Greg Beckner; Bottom photo provided
he word “forensics” conjures up images of CSI-type investigations and projects surrounded by drama. And while forensic structural engineering isn’t quite that glamorous, it has its own appeal. Earlier this month, Randy Still announced plans to form RanDrew Consulting, a forensic structural engineering company that will concentrate on the investigation and analysis of building component failure with an emphasis on defense litigation and insurance claims. Forensic structural engineering is “all those things that hold up a building, like the floors you walk on and where you hang sheetrock,” says Still – looking at the way things should be
Older structures like these, Randy Still says, may be in need of structural analysis.
Randy Still, founder of RanDrew Consulting.
designed and seeing if it matches up to what was actually designed. With a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the University of South Carolina, Still likes to dig into the ways structures are put together. He has over 30 years’ experience, with the past 15 in forensic structural engineering. Still was a former principal at H2L and spent time as an associate with O’Neal, both large engineering firms in Greenville. He fondly remembers an early project where he had to go out to a horse barn that had collapsed. It was a wooden structure covered with snow with a lot of farm equipment inside. Based on his report, a full investigation was conducted and Still was proud that he had input into that.
Still named the company after his two sons, Randall and Drew. Drew, his youngest son, died in May. Drew had wanted to be an engineer like his dad and had even been accepted into the engineering program at Lenoir-Rhyne University. “This seemed like a good way to remember and memorialize something he wanted to be involved in,” Still said. Still also wanted to be “captain of his own ship” and “to do things that are right, proper and effective.” While there are a lot of different engineering practices in Greenville and South Carolina, RanDrew is only one of about 20 firms in South Carolina that do these types of evaluations. “It’s just not a widespread discipline,” Still explained. A majority of his business comes from insurance companies and attorneys. For someone who files an insurance claim but is told by an insurance adjuster that nothing is wrong, RanDrew can help settle the issue by providing a comprehensive third-party evaluation. Technology plays a large role in the business, Still said, and having the correct computer software is important. “Forensics is more based on the preparation of legal documents that can stand up in court,” he said. Documents have to be timely and easily understood. Still also uses moisture meters and digital cameras daily, and said that it’s important in this line of work to use those tools properly. Still currently has two employees and as business progresses he’d like to bring on a new apprentice engineer. So far business has been good, and Still said that he just wants to provide his clients the best possible engineering service. “I just want the company to last forever,” he said, “so my son’s name is remembered.”
August 16, 2013 Upstate business journal 13
cover story
Students Branch Out With STEM Job Shadowing Microburst Learning gives students a virtual taste of otherwise inaccessible careers—and businesses benefit, too By Jennifer Oladipo | senior business writer joladipo@communityjournals.com
It’s a positive thing that South Carolina requires students to undertake a job shadow or other career exposure while in middle and high school. Yet gaining access to a variety of fields – especially those related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) – can prove difficult. Such obstacles as manufacturing plant floors where minors are not allowed, or rural areas where youth have few options nearby, can deny many kids the opportunity to become engaged in broad range of career options. Unless they have Internet access, that is. For about seven years, Microburst Learning has offered all South Carolina students the chance to explore numerous career options through Web-based job shadows. It doesn’t hurt sponsoring companies, either, which gain an inexpensive way to get their names in front of young people while helping to improve the future applicant pool. A recent study from the Medical University of South Carolina showed that the Nursing MicroCareerBurst alone was more effective than
in-person presentations – or even in combination with a presentation – at interesting students in careers in the field. It also improved their perceptions of the field as compared to ideal careers. Sarah Langdon, director of videography with Microburst Learning, said she is unable to identify how many Upstate students are participating, but more than 19,000 high school students overall have accessed the MicroCareerBursts between February and May of this year.
A Shrewd Investment
each online session begins with recognition of its sponsors, whose names reappear throughout the lesson. Funding the mechatronics Microburst brought an easy win to his company, said
14 Upstate business journal August 16, 2013
Marshall Millican, South Carolina representative for Charlotte-based Carolina Training Associates. Mechatronics is the operation and maintenance of robotic functions in manufacturing and other sectors. The company provides technology-related educational programs at the Pickens County Career and Technology Center, the J. Harley Bonds Career Center in Greenville and Daniel Morgan Technology Center in Spartanburg. Carolina Training joined in the sponsorship with two of its suppliers, Depco and Festo Didactic. “Our interest was to make more students aware [of mechatronics], what it’s about and choose it as a career field,” Millican said. Increased interest leads to more educational programs, and those programs will need materials, he said. “We saw Microburst and what they were trying to do as a natural advertising campaign, you might say, to entice students into mechatronics.” Carolina Training is a small family-run business. Millican said the sponsorship cost his company between $2,000 and $3,000, well worth it because “there’s no way we could go out and talk to all those people.”
“We believe middle school is where you have to start talking to them, especially because this is a STEM-related industry.” Valerie Patterson, communications manager and manager of education centers at Duke Energy, on the company’s outreach to students
Most accessed Microburst Learning lessons Jan-May 2013 Law Enforcement
1,759 1,405 1,233 Teacher
Animat ion
Virtual job shadowing lets students get a taste of work on a manufacturing plant floor, where minors are usually not allowed.
Photo by Greg Beckner
A Growing Problem
microburst continues to develop its inventory and will have more than 80 job shadows online by January. The lessons are available to all South Carolinians. Langdon said most users are in grades seven through 12. Clusters with the most offerings include architecture and construction; health science; information technology; and science, technology, engineering and math. The program provides free 24-hour access to interactive online job shadow simulations. They last about 20 minutes each, comprising a series of slides with short videos and games. The program also allows educators to track students’ interest via a mandatory survey at the end of the lesson, which helps them make suggestions to students that are more in line with their actual interests. The lessons also satisfy Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA) requirements for career exploration. Schools are required to create such opportunities as well as career plans for students beginning in the sixth grade.
Early Exposure
for employers, catching middle school students’ interest is crucial for recruitment. “It is a known fact,” said Valerie Patterson, communications manager and manager of education centers at Duke Energy. “We believe middle school is where you have to start talking to them, especially because this is a STEMrelated industry.” The company focuses its career days on middle schools and has education centers at three plants, but job shadows are pretty much out of the question because of safety concerns. By the second semester of the 10th grade, when students are required to declare a career focus, they often are already at a disadvantage, Hill said. Area corporations such as Michelin, General Electric and BMW have programs that hire students part-time in the second year of the program, then full-time upon graduation. Early awareness could also ensure that students are actually ready for opportunities when they are available. For instance, Hill said 30 to 40 percent of the students who apply for the
mechatronics program find that they do not have the basic algebra skills needed. That math is learned in middle school.
In the Field
these efforts would matter little if demand were not so high right now in fields like mechatronics. For the past three years, graduates of the mechatronics program at Greenville Technical College have had jobs before their spring graduation, said Philip Hill, interim department head in the mechatronics department. They make $25 per hour or more, compared to the state average of $14.52 for all jobs, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. A solid stable of workers with the right skills is crucial for companies, never more so than when things go wrong. For instance, Millican said a machine malfunction on the line at BMW could cost the company between $2,000 and $8,000 per minute. “Having a technician who can fix that machine five minutes faster [means the employee] is going to pay for himself pretty quick,” he said.
August 16, 2013 Upstate business journal 15
UBJ Square Feet CRE Market Picking Up Industrial, office and retail sectors show overall signs of improvement By Sherry Jackson | staff sjackson@communityjournals.com
commercial real estate midyear markets reports are out, and the industrial, office and retail sectors are all showing signs of overall improvement. Lee and Associates and NAI Earle Furman reports show steady rental rates, increased momentum in Greenville’s Central Business District, a decrease in the vacancy rate and positive net absorption. A report from Colliers shows the office market ended the second quarter of 2013 with increased availability and lower rental rates.
INDUSTRIAL
In the industrial sector, reports are all showing a long-awaited drop in vacancy rates and available industrial space beginning to become sparse. According to the NAI Earle Furman report, the vacancy for Class A industrial space is under 2 percent in Greenville County and 3.4 percent in Spartanburg. Liberty Trust is constructing the first speculative building developed in the last five years at 110 Caliber Ridge in Greer. Other new industrial buildings are under construction at the 605,000-square-foot multi-tenant park.
Another 131-acre industrial park, Velocity Park, is shovel-ready near the new Inland Port. The port is expected to open in October after heavy rains delayed the opening and is expected to increase commercial real estate demand in the area. Lee and Associates reports a drop in vacancy rates to 8.9 percent. This consistent decrease is supported by a positive net absorption of 1,524,749 square feet in the second quarter of 2013. Industrial rental rates averaged out at $3.14 per square foot. This represents a 0.3 percent increase in quoted rental rates from the end of the first quarter 2013.
OFFICE
The office market continues to see improvement, according to reports, with a significant jump in absorption of existing office space and development of new office space, which is being inhabited as quickly as it can be constructed. According to Lee and Associates, the Greenville/Spartanburg office market has seen another drop in vacancy this quarter. As of the end of second quarter 2013, the rate stood at 8.1 percent. This is a 1.4 percent
3 offices. 37 brokers. 600 deals completed in 2012. 4 million+ SF under property management.
decrease over the course of one year. The Greenville Central Business District (CBD) saw the highest level of transactions, according to NAI Earle Furman’s report. Overall vacancy was down with net absorption increasing, and asking rents were down slightly for the second quarter of 2013. Overall average rental rates for the market were down to $16.36 per square foot per year from the first quarter, but remained 18 cents higher than the second quarter of 2012, according to Colliers’ report. Planned tenant relocations to ONE Greenville, the newest office building in the Greenville market, are generating increased availabilities in other CBD office buildings. As a result, according to Colliers, the CBD submarket’s second quarter vacancy rate was up to 16.41 percent from the previous quarter’s 15.61 percent with average asking rental rates declining slightly to $18.45 from $18.57 per square foot earlier this year.
RETAIL
This sector has also seen a lot of activity with many new-to-market retailers to the Upstate. In downtown Greenville, new retailers include Jack n’ Diane’s dueling piano bar, Anthropologie, Gringos Mexican Restaurant, Kilwins at NOMA Square (opening soon) and Tupelo Honey. Magnolia Park on Woodruff Road has been heating up as well
with Cabela’s (opening soon), Toys R Us, Babies R Us, and the delivery of retail space to Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and Babaziki Restaurant Services, which are expected to open in the fall of 2013. According to the NAI Earle Furman Report, Wal-Mart is the king of the big box, and in April, they opened a 90,000-square-foot Supercenter in Pickens, adding 150 new jobs to the growing economy. In addition, Wal-Mart recently acquired the 7.18-acre Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet site at the corner of North Pleasantburg Road and Furman Hall roads. It is unclear when construction will begin, but the new site is expected to increase shopper convenience and traffic to the dynamic retail mix of the Cherrydale submarket. The NAI Earle Furman report also saw continued improvements with vacancy decreasing while net absorption increases, but asking rents decreased slightly. Lee and Associates said the overall vacancy has hovered around the mid-6 percent point for the past few quarters and continues to do so with a reported rate of 6.8 percent at the end of Q2 2013. Lee and Associates also reports that net absorption was strong for the second quarter 2013, with positive 256,766 square feet absorbed. Rental rates were quoted at $9.46 per square foot last quarter and are down from their levels at Q1 2013, but up from this time last year.
The Upstate’s leader in Commercial Real Estate.
Celebrating 27 Years 101 E Washington Street Suite 400 Greenville, South Carolina 29601 864 232 9040 naiearlefurman.com
Other Current Verdae Neighborhoods Include:
Stone Ave. Project OK’d By Sherry Jackson | staff sjackson@communityjournals.com
Tapestry at Hollingsworth Park Luxury apartment community Shadwell Townes at Hollingsworth Park Townhomes priced from the mid-$200,000s
Planning Commission Approves Verdae Neighborhood
Photo provided
By Sherry Jackson | staff sjackson@communityjournals.com
verdae development’s latest residential neighborhood, Bellhaven Village, received approval last week from the City of Greenville Planning Commission after some modifications to the initial plans. The revised plans include a realignment of two street entrances on Rocky Slope and two on Algonquin “to make it a little more gridlike,” said architect Mark Eisenbeis with SF Capital. The new plan also adds three more parks, a community garden and on-site stormwater detention. “SF Capital worked with Verdae Development and city staff to address concerns that broadly improved connectivity for vehicles and pedestrians,” said Debbie Wallace, director of marketing at
Verdae Development. Belhaven Village is the newest neighborhood to be announced within Hollingsworth Park, the 300-acre residential cornerstone within Verdae. The walking community is designed to offer multiple neighborhoods at various price points, all within a five-minute walk to Legacy Park and Legacy Square. The new community will consist of approximately 156 single-family detached homesites, with common natural areas, several pocket parks and a community garden. “The development will be consistent with many design elements of a Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND), such as treelined streets, prominent front porches, and garages located in the
Belhaven Village at Hollingsworth Park Single-family homes priced from the mid-$200,000s *Under development with lot sales beginning mid 2014 Ruskin Square at Hollingsworth Park Single-family custom homes priced from the mid-$300,000s Braydon at Hollingsworth Park Single-family custom homes priced from the high $300,000s *Under development with lot sales beginning fall 2013 The Manor at Hollingsworth Park Estate homes priced from the mid-$700,000s
rear of the houses, similar to the Ruskin Square and Braydon neighborhoods in Hollingsworth Park,” said Eisenbeis. The three- and four-bedroom homes will range from 2,220-3,600 square feet and are expected to be priced from the high $200,000s to mid-$300,000s. Home sales are anticipated to begin in mid-2014.
the new mixed-use neigh-
borhood previously announced at Stone Avenue and Rowley Street was given the green light last week when the Greenville Planning Commission unanimously approved a zoning change from C-2 and R-6 to PD, Planned Development. Residents from the nearby North Main Community attended the meeting; according to the North Main Community Association’s (NMCA) newsletter, there were some questions about the large number of apartments and the resulting parking issues and increased traffic on Rowley Street. There was also concern about the four-story height of one section of the development. Most residents, though, were in favor of this project, since it fits within the scope of what was established for the Stone Avenue Revitalization project. The developer, Blue Wall REI LLC, is planning to redevelop four vacant properties consisting of 1.14 acres into 51 new multifamily apartments with 1900 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. The four-story building will feature studio, one- and twobedroom units and have a clubhouse and roof terrace, stone fire pit, rain garden and sidewalks with bistro tables along Stone Avenue. The development will also have onsite bicycle storage to promote an urban lifestyle.
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Marchant Company opens a second office location in the heart of downtown Simpsonville, South Carolina, to serve the growing Golden Strip area of Greenville County.
2013
UBJ THE FINE PRINT Sunland Logistics Solutions Becomes Foreign Trade Zone simpsonville’s sunland Logistics Solutions Inc. announced Monday that its 1312 Old Stage Road facility in Simpsonville has been approved to be a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) site. FTZs were created to encourage U.S. participation in national trade and to defer payments of duties until goods are entered into the commerce of the United States. Foreign goods may be admitted to an FTZ without being subject to Customs duties and certain excise taxes.
According to the federal government’s International Trade Administration website, South Carolina has currently has 15 FTZ sites, or subzones. Sunland expects to have its first site activated by the U.S. Customs Service this month.
Regional Management Corp to Offer More Than 7M Shares regional management corp., a diversified specialty consumer finance company, has filed a resale shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) covering 7,263,599 shares of Regional Management’s common stock. The filing relates to a potential secondary offering by Regional Management’s controlling stockholders, including affiliates of Palladium Equity Partners LLC, Parallel Investment Partners and Rick Godley. Regional Management will not receive any proceeds from any offering related to these shares. The Greenville-based company said in a release that once the SEC declares the resale shelf registration statement effective,
the controlling stockholders might offer up to 7,263,599 shares of Regional Management’s common stock to the public. If they offer the shares through an underwritten offering, Regional Management will make a subsequent filing with the SEC setting forth the terms of the underwritten offering. Any offer to sell the shares, if and when such an offer is made, will be made pursuant to a prospectus or a prospectus supplement that will be issued with respect to any such offering.
18 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL August 16, 2013
Upstate International Seeks Participants michelin north america has begun planning for the second annual Upstate International, a series of community events to take place throughout March 2014. Michelin will once again partner with the International Center of the Upstate and Clemson University. Upstate International brings together members of the community, business leaders and local organizations to recognize the international influences and diversity that thrive in this region. In the inaugural Upstate International, held in March 2013, more than 70 events were hosted at venues across the Upstate, offering experiences ranging from youth art shows and a choir from
Cuba to sumo wrestling and a Belgian beer dinner. “Upstate International 2013 showcased the wealth of diversity that has blossomed in this region as a result of more international companies and groups making their home here,” said Pete Selleck, chairman and president of Michelin North America, in a release. “Michelin is proud to return as presenting sponsor, and we look forward to even more unique celebrations this year.” Those interested in participating can find more information at upstateinternational.org. Detailed information about upcoming events will be announced later in the year.
Women’s Business Center Launches Book Discussion Series
“books & business cards” is a news series of networking events from the SC Women’s Business Center (SCWBC). The events will focus on business books that attendees have found helpful to their businesses. The first “Books & Business Cards” session will be held on Aug. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Appalachian Devel-
opment Corporation (ADC) offices in Greenville. Additional sessions will be held on Sept. 26 at Spartanburg Community College Tyger River Campus, Oct. 24 at ADC and Nov. 19 at the Tyger River Campus. A monthly marketing series will also begin next month. Details and registration are at scwbc.net/events/upstate.
New Affordable Care Act Website for Business Owners the obama administration has launched BusinessUSA. gov/healthcare, calling it a “one-stop-shop website” to help business owners understand and make decisions about changes related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It contains a wizard tool that directs users to information based on their inputs about their busi-
ness’s location, size and current insurance situation. The site will connect employers to informational content on tax credits and other provisions of the law from the Small Business Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department. “As the Affordable Care Act is implemented, it is so important
for us to work with the business community and provide employers with the information they need,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker in a news release. “The health care website on Business.USA.gov/healthcare will be a tremendous resource for self-employed Americans and businesses of all sizes to learn what the Affordable Care Act
TSAChoice Offers Procurement Workshop technology integrator tsa Choice Inc. will host informational sessions introducing the services of the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Aug. 21
in the Immedion War Room at 78 Global Drive in Greenville. NJPA is a national public service agency that provides cooperative solutions assisting gov-
means for them.” Starting Oct. 1, 2013, individuals, including those who are self-employed, and small businesses looking for a better plan, will be able to shop for private health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) found at HealthCare.gov. ernment, education, and nonprofit agencies in cost-effective procurement and bidding processes. All public agency purchasing agents are encouraged to attend. Registration is required. Visit tsachoice.com for details or call Lynn Banks at 828-225-3397 for more information.
The holidays are just around the corner... DECEMBER 2013 - Commerce Sunday
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December 5–19 are the most in-demand dates for holiday events...call today to book your event!
The right place for all of your holiday events. Think of us for your next... Corporate Celebration · Client Appreciation · Luncheon · Winter Wedding...and more. From small private dining rooms to our newly renovated ball room, we’re ready to accommodate your parties of 2 to 500 guests.
55 Beattie Place | 864.232.5600 commerce-club.com
UBJ ON THE MOVE HIRED
HIRED
HIRED
HONORED
Doug Tootle
George Sharpe
Kimberly Fly
Dharmendra J. “D.J.” Rama
Recently joined Engenius, an Upstate Web design and development company, as a junior account executive. Tootle, a graduate of Auburn University, spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He joins Engenius after almost three years working as a contractor for GE Energy handling domestic import operations.
Joined O’Neal Inc., a Greenville integrated design and construction firm, as business development manager for the BioPharmaceutical business unit. Sharpe has more than 30 years of industry sales and development experience. He previously worked for Progress Energy, Arcadis/IBI and Heery International.
Joined the Palmetto Bank as commercial regional executive of its Spartanburg region. Fly most recently held a senior commercial banking position for a large regional bank in Spartanburg. A Clemson graduate, Fly has served on the board of the United Way of SC, the Spartanburg Regional Hospital Heart Board and the Clemson Women’s Advisory Council.
President of JHM Hotels; has been selected to receive the 2013 Cornell MMH Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award, presented by the master of management in hospitality (MMH) program at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. Rama will receive the award at the annual Cornell MMH Reception on Nov. 10 in New York City.
PE, as a project manager in their Environmental Systems Division. Hall has 18 years of experience in the construction industry. Gray served four years in the Coast Guard before graduating from Clemson University and working with other local general contractors.
Shannon Daly, Heather O’Neal and Charmaine Fuller into new positions. Daly, previously a media coordinator for Infinity, has stepped into the role of analytics coordinator, offering additional support for Google analysis, mapping and reports. O’Neal transitioned into a traffic coordinator position, managing media traffic for one of Infinity’s telecommunications clients. Previously, she worked in business services as a media auditor. Fuller stepped into the role of media auditor, providing support for the business services department. She previously worked as a marketing assistant.
CONFIRMED BRENT NELSEN The Furman University political science professor recently had his nomination to the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Nelsen was nominated for the position in April by President Barack Obama. He has served as chairman of the South Carolina Education Television Commission since 2011, when Gov. Nikki Haley appointed him to the position. CONSTRUCTION/RETAIL: ProSource of Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and Hendersonville has named Autumn Camp to manage its new Spartanburg showroom, consulting with builders, designers, architects and homeowners on selections for
plumbing, lighting, and cabinet and door hardware. The Harper Corporation-General Contractors announced the addition of Andy Hall to lead their Business Development and Preconstruction efforts, and Chris Gray,
20 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL August 16, 2013
FINANCIAL SERVICES: Rogers Financial Group recently announced that David King has achieved membership to the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) and Jon Rogers has qualified for the “Top of the Table” of the MDRT. King is a six-year member of MDRT. Rogers is a 27-year MDRT member and a six-time Top of the Table qualifier. MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS: Infinity Marketing in Greenville promoted Alissa Ricci to senior media buyer; added Lindsey Mainhart and Sarah Banks to the Creative and Production department; and transitioned
REAL ESTATE: Prudential C. Dan Joyner Co., Realtors, recently welcomed Fritzi Barbour as the broker-in-charge for its office at 745 N. Pleasantburg Drive. Barbour comes to C. Dan Joyner from Coldwell Banker Caine, where she led its flagship office as vice president broker-in-charge for more than 13 years.
UBJ NEW TO THE STREET
Where “all you can eat” is a personal challenge. Gain full access to the expertise of some of the world’s finest chefs and vintners. Musical guests set the stage by complimenting the notes that will cross your tastebuds at the Grand Wine Tasting, Beer Garden and Gourmet Food Tasting. Turn this into an extended experience by visiting a multitude of lifestyle and cooking resources. SUPPORT FROM UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL
Saturday, September 28th
TA STING SHOWCA SE
Photo provided
1. South Carolina’s first Chicken Salad Chick franchise recently opened in the Augusta Commons Shopping Center at 2222 Augusta St. in Greenville. The concept was established in Auburn, Ala., in 2008 in the kitchen of founder Stacy Brown. Brown quickly learned that selling a homemade recipe from her kitchen is against the law, and after being shut down by the health department, she decided to solicit the business expertise of her future husband, Kevin Brown. Together, they opened a small takeout restaurant, which quickly grew to enormous demand and additional locations. They will be developing 54 franchises across the states of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, and have plans to expand nationally in the next few years. For more information, visit chickensaladchick.com.
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2. Greenville Brew Tours, the newest addition to the rapidly expanding beer scene in the Greenville region, recently started its Saturday tours. They have partnered with local breweries Thomas Creek, Quest Brewing Co. and Brewery 85 as well as Barley’s, a taproom in downtown Greenville, as the initial stops on the tour. The tour starts at $45 per guest, and departs at 1 p.m. every Saturday from Barley’s at 25 W. Washington St. The tour vehicle can accommodate four to 12 guests on each tour. Private tours and corporate tours are also available. Reservations can be made via greenvillebrewtours.com. For more information, call 864-214-3813 or tweet them @GreenvilleBrew on Twitter.
August 16, 2013 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 21
UBJ Planner Friday August 16
Tuesday August 20
Membership Appreciation Cookout
Healthcare Providers Network
Simpsonville Chamber of Commerce office, 211 North Main St., Simpsonville; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Greenville Chamber of Commerce, board room, 24 Cleveland St., Greenville; 7:30-9 a.m.
Monday August 19 CREW Executive Board Meeting 8 a.m. For information: crewupstate.org
GCS Roundtable The Office Center at the Point, 33 Market Point Drive, Greenville; 8:30-9:30 a.m. Speaker: Myles Golden Topic: Business Ethics Call Golden Career Strategies at 864-5270425 to request an invitation
Greenville Chamber Business After Hours Hilton Garden Inn, 108 Carolina Point Parkway, Greenville 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Contact: Julie Alexander at 864-239-3754
Cost: Free to attend Contact: Lorraine Woodward at 864-239-3742
Toastmasters Bilingüe
Financing Your Small Business
University Center, auditorium room 204, 225 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville; noon
Greer Development Corporation, 111-B South Main St., Greer; 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Contact: jeff@ alfonsointerpreting.com
This seminar highlights the various methods that can be used to finance your business, such as owner equity, family and friends, partners, factoring companies, commercial loans, SBA loan guarantees, venture capital firms and angel investors. Cost: Free. Register: workgroups. clemson.edu/SBDC_ Workshops/form.php
LAUNCH/GHS YP Social Liberty Tap Room, 941 South Main St., Greenville; 5:30-7 p.m. Cost: Free for LAUNCH members and $5 for non-members Contact: amcgarity@ simpsonvillechamber.com
Contact: Beth Smith at 864-592-6318 or es2@clemson.edu
Commerce, 211 N. Main St., Simpsoinville; 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Upstate PC Users Group
Cost: Free with Simpsonville Chamber of Commerce membership. Bring a beverage and a snack. Contact: Becky at 864-963-3781
Five Forks Baptist Church, 112 Batesville Road, Simpsonville; 7:30-9:30 p.m. Description: A small, informal PC users’ group to help cut through the confusion of today’s computers and software with real-world information and answers.
Wednesday August 21 Handshakes and Hashbrowns The Mark MacGrath Agency, 121 E. McBee Ave., Greenville; 8-9 a.m. Cost: Free for Greer Chamber members Register at: greerchamber.com
AM Think Tank Simpsonville Chamber of
Sales Roundtable Greenville Chamber of Commerce, 24 Cleveland St., Greenville; 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Cost: $7.50 for a boxed lunch from Jason’s Deli, or attendees may bring their own lunch. Beverages will be provided. Contact: 864-242-1050
Tech After Five – Greenville Carolina Ale House, 113 South Main St., Greenville; 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Free to GSA Technology Council members. Register at techafterfive.com.
Thursday August 22 CREW Board of Directors Meeting 8 a.m. For information: crewupstate.org
Business Network International (BNI) 8:30-9:30 a.m. Contact Shanda Jeffries for invitation at sjeffries @flynnwealth.com
UWIT: Secrets to Being a Great Software Developer City Range, 615 Haywood Road, Greenville; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $11 Contact: Jill Rose at 864-908-0105 or uwitsc@gmail.com
Got a hot date? Contribute to our Planner by submitting event information for consideration to events@upstatebusinessjournal.com
staff writers Sherry Jackson, Cindy Landrum, April A. Morris SENIOR BUSINESS writer Jennifer Oladipo PRESIDENT/Publisher Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@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
contributing writerS Dick Hughes, Jenny Munro, Jeanne Putnam, Leigh Savage INTERN Keith Sechrist art & production art director Richie Swann photographer Greg Beckner PrODUCTION Holly Hardin
22 Upstate business journal August 16, 2013
marketing & advertising Marketing Representatives Lori Burney, Mary Beth Culbertson, Kristi Jennings, Donna Johnston, Pam Putman Marketing & EVENTS Kate Banner DIGITAL STRATEGIST Emily Price
how to contribute Story ideas: ideas@ upstatebusinessjournal.com
BRAND STRATEGIST Austin Hafer Copyright @2013 BY COMMUNITY JOURNALS LLC. All rights reserved. Upstate Business Journal 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. Postmaster: Send address changes to Upstate Business, 148 River St., Ste 120, Greenville, SC 29601. Printed in the USA.
Events: events@ upstatebusinessjournal.com
New hires, promotions, awards: onthemove@ upstatebusinessjournal.com
UBJ SNAPSHOT The dominance of the textile industry in the early years of the 20th century gave Greenville’s leaders some cause for concern. A welcome source of diversification came in 1917 with the founding of the Balentine Packing Company. William Hampton Balentine came to Greenville at the age of 20 from Laurens County and operated several meat markets. Since there was no meatpacking industry in the entire state, Balentine saw an opportunity. In the shadow of the Record Building on the south side of East Court Street, he began a packing company that became statewide in the distribution of meat products. The plant expanded in time to cover an entire block. By 1930, Balentine Packing Company had the capacity to slaughter 125 hogs an hour. Although W. H. Balentine died at the age of 49, he left an able wife and 11 children to carry on the business he founded. The logo of the company became an “aristocratic pig,” portrayed in an upright position sporting a monocle and top hat. Historic photograph available from the Greenville Historical Society From “Remembering Greenville: Photographs from the Coxe Collection,” by Jeffrey R. Willis Photo Provided
Today, where the Balentine Packing Company once stood, a parking lot and trees have taken its place. However, the John Wesley Methodist Church, seen next to the packing house in the old photo, remains on the corner of East Court and Spring streets. Photo by Greg Beckner
August 16, 2013 UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL 23