December 11, 2015 UBJ

DECEMBER 11, 2015 | VOL. 4 ISSUE 50

THE MILL MAN Pace Burt brings an eye for development and a heart for community to the Upstate’s former textile villages - pg. 14

Save $30 this holiday season on trips to Grandmother’s house or any other place the Southern Connector takes you. Just open a PalPass account with a credit or debit card ($40 minimum) and we will give you a PalPass transponder ($5 value) PLUS $25 of free tolls.*

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upstatebusinessjournal.com

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864.561.4031

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info@parkplaceonhudson.com

is coming to Fountain Inn with a $44 million investment that will bring 130 jobs to the area, according to Greenville County Council documents reviewed by Upstate Business Journal. Tower International will manufacture complex assemblies out of the 205,000-square-foot, class A industrial spec building announced last year by Pattillo Industrial Real Estate.

The $44 million investment is one of the county’s highest dollar investment projects announced this year. Codenamed Project Rampart, the deal trails behind Mitsubishi Polyester Film’s $100 million expansion project and Magna International’s $50.8 million investment, according to GADC documents.

“Tower International’s expansion in South Carolina is an important part of the expected future growth of our North American operations,” said

29601

Tier 1 auto supplier Tower International

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aboncimino@communityjournals.com

www.parkplaceonhudson.com

ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF

company spokesman Derek Fiebig in an email.

“We look forward to establishing our footprint in the Palmetto State and are most appreciative of the support we have received from the Greenville Area Development Corporation, Greenville County and the State of South Carolina.”

Tower International Inc. is a publicly traded company under the ticker symbol TOWR on the New York Stock Exchange.

Based in Livonia, Mich., Tower International reported $2.07 billion in revenue for 2014 and employed more than 9,000 people across its 28 global manufacturing locations and eight engineering and sales operations.

Fiebig said large assemblies are difficult to transport, so Tower International tries to locate assembly facilities close to customers’ assembly facilities. The manufacturer’s customers include big names such as Ford, VW, Chrysler, Volvo, Nissan, Fiat, Daimler, Toyota, Chevy, BMW and Honda.

Tower International serves the automotive OEM market by manufacturing engineered structural metal components and assemblies. The company supplies body-structure stampings, frames and other chassis structures, as well as complex welded assemblies for small and large cars, crossovers, pickups and SUVs, Greenville, SC

Tier 1 auto supplier investing $44M, adding 130 jobs in Simpsonville

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

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104 S. Hudson Street

12.11.2015

| MANUFACTURING | 3

according to documents provided by Tower.

Other North American plant locations include Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kenucky and Mississippi. Tower International also operates three facilities in South America, one in Mexico, four in Asia and ten in Europe.

The company also considered locations in Georgia and North Carolina, but the Upstate had an advantage with the availability of the spec building and proximity to its customers in the region’s automotive cluster, according to J. Mark Farris, president and CEO of Greenville Area Development Corporation.

“They were looking obviously to access the automotive expertise that we have in Greenville, the labor force,” said Farris. “The fact that we had this facility under construction at the time was a real opportunity for us that other communities didn’t have.”

Atlanta-based Pattillo Industrial Real Estate began construction on the 40-acre site at 141 Southchase Blvd. in Fountain Inn last October. The 205,000-square-foot building was originally reported to be expandable to 330,000 square feet, and include a 180-foot truck court, 45 dock positions, a 12-by-14-foot drive-in door, T-5 lights and an ESFR sprinkler system, according to Upstate Business Journal coverage.

xperience in old Greenville.

ience in Greenville’s coveted West End District? A place at once steeped in the

thoroughly forward-thinking in its conception and vision for the future. A place

s storied downtown setting, and also points the way to a dynamic, one-of-kind-

best of both worlds: a rich heritage and a modern living experience, all bound

igned, original townhomes.

A new living experience in old Greenville.

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What if there was a vibrant, new living experience in Greenville’s coveted West End District? A place at once steeped in the history and charm of old Greenville, and yet thoroughly forward-thinking its conception and vision for the future. A place that celebrates all that has come before in this storied downtown setting, and also points the way to a dynamic, one-of-a-kind-lifestyle that’s altogether unique.

This is the best of both worlds: a rich heritage and a modern living experience, all bound together by a collection of 24 thoughtfully designed, original townhomes.

Renderings and Plans presented are illustrative and shall be used for general information purposes only. Actual layout, room dimensions, window sizes and locations and steps to grade vary per plan and are subject to modification without notice.

4 | THE RUNDOWN |

TOP-OF-MIND AND IN THE MIX THIS WEEK

UBJ

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12.11.2015

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 50 Featured this issue:

Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce

Auto supplier to make $44M investment in Simpsonville 3 2 new additions to Upstate craft beer scene 7 Recap: December Greenville DRB meeting 12

MONEY SHOT: Liberty Canzater, owner of The Butterfly Foundation, speaks at a banquet last week at the Spartanburg Marriott after being named Minority Business Person of the Year at the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s Minority Enterprise Development awards. See more photos on page 27.

TBA High Cotton Greenville will close its doors Jan. 4 and re-emerge as Halls Chophouse on Jan 22. Stay tuned for more details.

The Casual Pint, a nationwide craft beer market franchise, plans to open a store in Greenville in the second quarter of 2016, with two more to come to the area shortly after.

VERBATIM

On Dabo’s Pizza Party “The pizza was kind of an excuse to get 30,000 people together and celebrate the success that Clemson has had this season.”

John Knapp of local Papa John’s franchisee Perfect Delivery, on providing 3,000 pizzas to Clemson fans in Memorial Stadium last Sunday to celebrate the team’s ACC championship. Read more about the pizza party in this week’s Greenville Journal.

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upstatebusinessjournal.com

Michelin on Main closed after 8 years ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF

aboncimino@communityjournals.com After eight years in downtown Greenville, Michelin on Main has closed at the corner of Falls Park Drive and South Main Street due to changes in the company’s business needs, according to a Michelin spokesperson.

The retail store opened in 2007 as one of Michelin’s first forays into the specialty retail sector, selling Michelin-branded merchandise and becoming a point of interest for tourism in downtown Greenville. The storefront has played host for events such as Fall for Greenville, and won two design awards from the Association of Retail Environments in 2008, according to TireBusiness.

Michelin began transitioning out of

the space in December, saying the “premium value of this location on one of the most exciting blocks in all of Greenville will allow a quick transition for a new tenant,” according to Michelin public relations specialist Lauren Davis.

“Michelin will continue to demonstrate its commitment to the Upstate through involvement in community programs, like those in progress at the Children’s Museum, as well as exploring new opportunities for the future,” she said.

Based in Greenville, Michelin North America is the tire giant’s North American headquarters and one of

| RETAIL / INVESTING | 5

5 Reasons to Buy a Home in December

Some say Christmas Day is the best day to seal a good deal on a real-estate purchase. Here’s the thinking: Everyone, sellers included, is likely to be in a jollier, more-generous mood during this Season.

Here are five good reasons why December can be a magic month for bargain-hunting home-shoppers: 1. Limited competition

the largest employers in the Upstate.

The company operates 19 plants in 16 locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

In December, there is less competition for homes. Other (saner?) buyers are Dan Hamilton at home, gathered around the Christmas tree, opening gifts and preparing a big dinner.

2. Tax benefits

Sandlapper launches $10M tax-deferred real estate fund ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF

aboncimino@communityjournals.com Greenville-based Sandlapper Capital Investments announced launching SL Opportunity Finance LLC, a $10 million real estate investment fund focused on what could be a $50 billion industry in the next few years, said Sandlapper CEO and founder Trevor Gordon.

The fund will capitalize on Gordon a tool called a 1031 exchange, which effectively lets real property investors re-invest earnings with no or limited taxes due for those assets.

According to Gordon, 1031 exchange buyers accounted for nearly $11 billion in equity between 2005 and 2008, and the average 10-year loan period means many of those previous 1031 exchange buyers are likely looking to defer again.

“We saw the need to offer a product for investors seeking to reinvest these earnings and are actively expanding to help fill this void,” said Gordon. “SL Opportunity Finance will allow us, as well as other replacement property investment companies, to more quickly and efficiently acquire real property assets that can be delivered to the exchange buyer.”

Gordon plans to redeploy the $10 million principal on a regular basis, which is harder to do on limited capital, he says. “This allows us to be even more aggressive buyers, if you will. Given the appropriate amount of capital, we could do $100 million of assets during the next 12 months easily. What’s amazing is we don’t even have to raise that much capital to do that.”

Gordon said the new fund is partially driven by the gradual recovery of the real estate market and a resurgence of interest in the benefits of the 1031 exchange. While Gordon plans to include investors and properties across the country, “I’m making a very conscious decision to raise capital locally,” he said, noting that South Carolina still has untapped potential in the accredited investor space. “These types of funds aren’t particularly uncommon, but what is uncommon is making them available to your rank-and-file high-net-worth individuals.”

Depending on opportunity, the $10 million principal could be raised to $25 million, he said.

“The money is out there. There’s a lot of it out there, but you’ve got to find the product that meets up best with an individual’s horizons,” he said. “Why can’t we allow people in this community be the ones to really take advantage of what is going to be a $50 billion industry in the next couple of years?”

Looking for some end-of-year tax deductions? If you close your home purchase before the end of the year, you can deduct the mortgage interest you paid, your loan points and your property taxes from your 2015 tax return.

3. Desperate sellers With the holidays looming and a new tax year nearly upon them, sellers who put their homes on the market in December may be especially motivated to close the deal and start the new year fresh. If you’re a buyer, that can put money in your pocket.

4. You get a realistic look at properties Winter home-shopping allows a chance to see real-estate properties in a clearer light. With flowers gone and curb appeal at a minimum, shoppers can more easily focus on the permanent features of the home.

5. Rates still are low Incredibly, and defying experts’ predictions a year ago, mortgage rates continue to stay in the basement — fantastic news for buyers. 30 year fixed rates are still at all time lows which increases the amount of home you can get for your monthly payment.

Contact my team to snag your year end deal.

1031 EXCHANGE: Under Section 1031 of the United States Internal Revenue Code, a properly structured 1031 exchange allows an investor to sell a property, to reinvest the proceeds in a new property and to defer all capital gain taxes.

864-527-7685 MyGreenvilleHome.com Each Keller Williams Realty Office is Independently Owned and Operated

6 | RETAIL |

UBJ

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12.11.2015

Lowes Foods announces second area grocery SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

sjackson@communityjournals.com Carolina grocery chain Lowes Foods announced this week it will build its second Greenville area location at the Village Market-East shopping center on the northwest corner of Woodruff Road and Sunnydale Drive in the Five Forks area of Simpsonville.

In July, the grocer announced plans for its first store in the market at Suber and Hammett Bridge roads in Greer. That store is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in summer 2016.

The Greenville market is an important part of the overall company strategy to accelerate investment in remodeling existing stores, build new stores and evaluate strategic marketplace opportunities, the company said in a news release.

“We are very excited to bring a new and unique grocery shopping experience to the Five Forks area,” said Tim Lowe, Lowes Foods president. “As a family-owned Carolina company, we are very focused

on supporting local while providing exceptional service and attention to our guests. Our commitment to local includes offering produce sourced through our partnership with more than 250 Carolina-based farmers, and by featuring uniquely local products found throughout our store.”

The grocery store chain currently has 97 locations in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Key features of the Greenville store will include special store areas called the Lowes Foods Originals,

which include the Chicken Kitchen, Sausage Works, Pick & Prep, The Beer Den, The Cakery, Boxcar Coffee & Chocolates and the Community Table.

The new Five Forks store will also feature a wide assortment of organics, premium aged beef, bulk foods, fresh pizza and paninis, chef-inspired prepared foods, and the Lowes Foods-To-Go online personal shopping service.

Construction on the Greenville location will begin in spring 2016 with the opening targeted for spring 2017.

The Winter Event is here featuring

the 2016 E-Class Coupe Starting at $54,200

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upstatebusinessjournal.com

| HOSPITALITY | 7

2 new locations keep Upstate beer scene hopping Loose Reed Brewing lands Augusta Street location, Carolina Bauernhaus opens in Anderson amorris@communityjournals.com Loose Reed Brewing, named for a textile loom part and referencing Greenville’s Reedy River, will establish its Upstate location on Augusta Street in the former Growler Station space.

Brewer and owner Tracy James Antonik said the space had many of the elements Loose Reed was seeking already, and “the build-out will be fairly simple.” He plans to replace the bar top and add more communal seating, while retaining the rustic picnic tables and the exposed brick and ceiling beams, which “fit so much of what we already wanted to do.”

Customers can gather in the 2,400-square-foot upstairs space, while the 500 square feet downstairs will be reserved for brewing in a two-barrel system, said Antonik. He plans to open up the space leading to the downstairs

and install a window 99 BEERS, 99 CITIES so beer lovers can watch the product being made. Antonik Livability.com recently released a list that combined “good places to live,” “consumers of said he was excited craft beer” and “producers of the best beer about the location’s around,” according to ratebeer.com. Cities had proximity to West to have at least two breweries and only three End development and cities per state were chosen. Here’s how the the Drive stadium.

Palmetto State stacked up: Brewing equip68 – North Charleston, cited ment is on order and Coast Brewing Co. and its Boy King the brewery is now Double IPA going through the licensing process, which could take up 69 – Greenville, called out Brewery 85 and Quest Brewing to eight months, he Company’s Golden Fleece Stein in hand, head brewer Keston Helfrich said. Antonik anticipresides over the tasting room at Carolina Belgian Pale Ale pates Loose Reed Bauernhaus Ales during its opening in could be brewing Anderson. The brewery will be open to the 77 – Charleston, listed public weekly Thursday through Saturday.

British and German Holy City Brewing and ales along with AmerPalmetto Brewery’s ican, IPAs and Belgian brews as early Carolina Bauernhaus Espresso Porter and Charleston Lager as April 2016, but will most likely open Ales opened its doors in Greenville was also ranked 93 in the Top 100 in late spring or summer, he said.

Anderson last week.

Best Places to Live 2016 from Livability.

Located in a converted auto garage at 115 Check out the whole list at livability.com/ best-places.

Federal St., the brewery serves up rustic, farmhouse-style beers using BOTTOMS UP yeast cultivated from local sources. The tasting According to the Brewers Association, the room is alongside stacks number of craft breweries in the United States in 2015 reached a record level: 4,144. of wooden casks used for This number tops the high of 4,131 last set barrel-aging or fermentin 1873. ing the brews.

Co-founder David perial stout with coffee; and Oputina, a Thornton, also co-foundbarrel-fermented rye with prickly pear. er of South Yeast Labs, reported a steady Brewer Keston Helfrich said the tasting stream of visitors throughout the day to room will be open weekly Thursday sample offerings such as the Farmhouse through Saturday.

IPA; Nachtlicht Belgian-inspired im-

CARLTON MOTORCARS www.CarltonMB.com

(864) 213-8000 2446 Laurens Road, Greenville, SC 29607

Photo by April A. Morris

APRIL A. MORRIS | STAFF

8 | RESTAURANTS |

UBJ

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12.11.2015

Fresh seafood on the Eastside HR for the Holidays Christmas music has been playing since October and the frenzied feeling of December is in full swing. Although this is the happiest time of year for many, it can also be the busiest in business. For many business owners, December is the month for budgeting, closing out the year, paying bonuses, hosting holiday parties and accommodating employees’ vacation schedules. Here are a few thoughts to help you get through this busy time.

• Be respectful of all people during this time.

While you may celebrate Christmas, you most likely employ someone who celebrates Hanukkah or does not celebrate a holiday at all. Avoid practices that may discriminate or that may appear hostile.

LEE YARBOROUGH Most people enjoy the holiday season, regardless of their faith, but as management, it is important to be the leader and practice tolerance.

• Plan your holiday party with some forethought to limit liability.

Keep excessive drinking, sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior in check by re-communicating the company policies prior to the event. Have someone monitor consumption and serve plenty of food. Consider arranging transportation. Also, parties should be voluntary but if participation is mandatory, wages may need to be paid.

• Manage employee productivity. The holidays are an easy time to get distracted. Between extra food in the breakroom and the lure of online shopping, employees may not be 100% focused on their job.

Keep employees on task through communication and appreciation.

Also, as a leader, it is important to serve as an example. Don’t hit the mall at noon each day and expect your employees to be fully engaged.

• The next few weeks are the most popular times for employee vacations. With multiple employees off at the same time, stress levels will rise and work can suffer. Pre-plan for vacation time and make sure that the job is covered. Time off should be granted on a first come, first serve basis but if decisions need to be made between two employees, consider seniority and job function. Communicate expectations and plan for a decreased job force.

• Although the holidays are a cheerful time, some employees may experience more stress and anxiety. Be on the lookout for any depression and remind employees of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), if available.

With some considerate pre-planning, the Holidays at your business will go off without a hitch. Now, take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and spread some holiday cheer!

669 N. Academy Street, Greenville, SC 864.679.6055 | 800.446.6567 | www.propelhr.com

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar coming to Pelham Road in Greenville SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

sjackson@communityjournals.com The Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, a North Carolina-based franchise, will have a soft opening of its first Upstate location on Dec. 16 on Pelham Road in Greenville. A grand opening celebration will be held in January.

The new 2,500-square-foot restaurant will be larger than current locations in North Carolina, Maryland and Summerville, S.C. The Shuckin’ Shack will be located beside the Bacon Brothers Public House at 3620 Pelham Road and feature fresh seafood – primarily oysters and shrimp – in a “laid-back, stress-free, coastal environment,” says local franchisee Don Marcum. Widescreen TVs, raw oysters and lobster rolls are just a few features of the new restaurant.

“We also will have a state-of-the-art beer-dispensing system, which will deliver your favorite craft beer into the mug at 30 degrees,” he said.

“Opening a fresh seafood restaurant in Greenville was probably the easiest part of the decision-making process,” said Marcum.

“Finding the right concept was the challenge. Once I stumbled on a group of young men in Wilmington, N.C., who had just started expanding their markets, I knew that we had found the perfect match for us and for Greenville.”

The Shuckin’ Shack was recently chosen one of Coastal Living Magazines’ favorite seafood dives.

Marcum has plans to bring The Shuckin’ Shack to several more locations in the Upstate in the coming years. While he hasn’t chosen the next spot quite yet, he is planning to “open another location in 2017.”

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INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

upstatebusinessjournal.com

| TECH / LEGAL | 9

Greenville to get ultra-fast AT&T GigaPower fiber network ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF

aboncimino@communityjournals.com Greenville businesses and residents will soon be able to download 25 songs in less than a second, a TV show in three seconds and an HD movie in less than 36 seconds, thanks to AT&T’s plans to expand its high-speed Internet service GigaPower to the Greenville, Columbia and Charleston markets.

The announcement comes five years after Greenville residents led an unsuccessful campaign to bring GigaPower’s competitor, Google Fiber, to the Upstate.

Launched two years ago, GigaPower brings Internet speeds of up to one gigabit per second to 20 of the largest

metropolitan areas in the U.S. Greenville is one of 38 planned market expansions, along with Columbia and Charleston, that will more than double GigaPower availability by the end of 2016, according to a news release.

“The AT&T GigaPower network will help encourage economic development in the Upstate by facilitating a new wave of innovation through enhanced opportunities for education, health, research and small business growth,” said AT&T South Carolina President Pamela Lackey. “This reflects the ongoing efforts by South Carolina’s state and local leadership to build and maintain a public policy environment that encourages private investment in advanced technology.”

Government denies owing property owners along Swamp Rabbit extension ASHLEY BONCIMINO | STAFF

aboncimino@communityjournals.com The federal government denies owing payment to Upstate property owners in their claim for payment for former trail rights along a planned extension of the Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail, according to court records. Filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the government’s answer denied taking private property rights for the 3.29 miles of an abandoned railway corridor.

In an amended complaint, plaintiffs – which included the Greenville Airport Commission and nine others – argued that they regained exclusive rights to their property when the railroad stopped operating along the route, and thus abandoning the railroad easement.

The complaint, filed against “The United States of America, Defendant,” alleges that the land in question had not seen rail traffic since 2005, and alleges that the owner’s efforts to sell the easement to build an extension of the Swamp Rabbit Trail require “just compensation” to property owners.

“The railroad easement was granted

for the operation of a railroad and not for any other purpose,” according to the amended complaint, submitted by Clayton, Mo., attorney Mark F. “Thor” Hearne. “Under the terms of the relevant easement instruments and under South Carolina law, once the Railroad ceased operating across the right-of-way, the railroad easement was abandoned and Plaintiffs, as the fee owners, regained their right to he exclusive use and physical possession of their property.”

The government’s answer, filed by U.S. Department of Justice attorney Emily Meeker, denied taking private property rights for the 3.29 miles of an abandoned railway corridor, and requested the action be dismissed.

Neither Hearne nor Meeker could be reached in time for publishing.

Other plaintiffs include Sykes, Workman Leasing LLC; Airport Warehouse of Greenville; Avir Greenville LLP; Linda M. Campbell and Sandra L. Campbell; Glenn L. Fenske Jr. and Mary J. Fenske; Finn Properties LLC; Bryan J. Germann; Joseph W. and Ramona K. Marquez and Orlin Preston Petit, according to court filings.

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WHAT’S YOUR BACKUP PLAN? How much would eight hours of downtime cost your business?

Losing power for even a few hours can mean thousands of dollars lost in revenue.

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POWER SOLUTIONS CASE STUDY of

CJ Machining

The Upstate of South Carolina is a beautiful area home to many businesses. It is also home to severe thunderstorms in the summer and ice storms in the winter. As the Cold weather approaches, and memories of past summer thunderstorms fade away, it’s tempting to forget the cold, Scott Kelly hard dread that President Carolina the lights might Heating Service go out.

Most of the Serving Greenville Upstate have since 1981 already felt the effects of no power due to storms this summer. But the potential for storm related power outages is a year-round sleeping trigger.

While you cannot prevent power outages, you can prepare for them. As a business owner I know just how important having power is to stay profitable and keep that competitive edge, so do the folks at CJ Machining here in the Upstate. CJ Machining is a global supplier of high precision, close tolerance products with exceptional quality. They specialize in the CNC machining of small to medium size precision parts.

Power is needed 24/7 to produce parts when needed by their customers around the clock. In a competitive world, assuring their clients continued continuity of operations provides CJ Machining an advantage over many of their competitors who would be at the mercy of their local power grid. Virtually every function of their business is dependent in some way on a power source. From the communication with buyers, to the employee access to web tools, from the machines and power tools needed to tracking supplies, everything needs power. And power is needed to keep computer servers up and running. Any loss of power takes them out of communication with their clients and their employees. As peace of mind Carolina Generators installed a 150KW Generac Generator on location.

Power your peace of mind by installing an emergency generator. Contact Carolina Generators today.

STAY OPEN FOR BUSINESS. HAVE A BACKUP PLAN FOR POWER! Contact us today to schedule our Power Pro Professional for your FREE onsite assessment.

Greenville: 864-232-5684

Seneca: 864-638-6635

Anderson: 864-281-1977

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upstatebusinessjournal.com

REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION

SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

sjackson@communityjournals.com |

| SQUARE FEET | 11 @SJackson_CJ

New garden-style apartments near Furman University Virginia real estate firm

ican Properties.

The 23.24-acre community will consist of 14 buildings and feature open floor plans, with units ranging from one to three bedrooms along with 12 carriage houses with private garages. Each floor plan will have large walk-in closets, balconies, nine-foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, wood-plank flooring and Nest thermostats.

Community amenities will include a 5,800-square-foot clubhouse, fitness center with yoga studio and Fitness On Demand, saltwater pool with cabanas, dog park, outdoor kitchen

Middleburg Real Estate Partners has announced plans to build its first South Carolina project with a Class A, 288-unit garden-style apartment complex near Furman University and Paris Mountain State Park in Greenville.

The complex, called Mosby Poinsett, will be built at the corner of Old Buncombe Road and Poinsett Highway directly across the street from the Publix-anchored University Square shopping center. The complex will be adjacent to a future retail center to be developed by Centennial AmerRd

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Plantation, a 296-unit complex in Charleston. “Strong market fundamentals, project programing and location make Mosby Poinsett an excellent opportunity for our entrance into the South Carolina market,� said Austin Knapp, a partner with Middleburg.

Construction on Mosby Poinsett is expected to start January 2016 with leasing to begin September 2016.

DEVELOPER: Middleburg Real Estate Partners, Fairfax, Va. ARCHITECT: Davis Architects, Atlanta INTERIOR DESIGN: DEI, Atlanta GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Carocon Corp., Charlotte CIVIL ENGINEERING: Blue Water Civil Design, Greenville

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and fireplaces, on-site concierge services and on-site bicycle storage and repair shop. The community is designed to be Green Certified by the National Association of Home Builders.

Middleburg has two other apartment projects in South Carolina scheduled to begin in 2016; Mosby at Pelham Crossing, a 302-unit complex in Greenville, and Mosby at Ingleside

Renderings by Davis Architects

$19M senior facility underway in Simpsonville South Carolina-based McCrory Construction Company has broken ground on a $19 million, 197,702-square-foot senior living facility in Simpsonville called The Crossings at Five Forks.

The independent living, assisted living and memory care facility will be located at 345 Five Forks Road at the corner of Woodruff Road and is being developed

by Smith/Packett Med-Com LLC of Roanoke, Va. Smith/Packett and its subsidiary Harmony Senior Services LLC are providers of integrated senior services across the U.S., developing and managing more than 150 senior health and residential facilities with an aggregate value in excess of $1.5 billion.

The Crossing at Five Forks is the second major senior living facility in South Carolina under construction by McCrory for Smith/Packett and Harmony Senior Services. The Crossings at Wescott Plantation in Charleston will also offer independent living, assisted living and memory residences, and is scheduled for completion in fall 2016.

McCrory Construction

The Crossing at Five Forks will offer 172 units, including 100 independent living, 48 assisted living and 24 memory care residences. The facility will also feature multiple dining rooms, therapy rooms, offices and activity areas, along with high-end finishes and an energy-efficient design. Plans also include an

on-site theater, pub, fitness center and beauty/barber services. Landscaping plans reveal a large courtyard along with walking paths, plants, trees and flowers set in a gazebo garden.

Construction is expected to conclude in October 2016.

12 | SQUARE FEET |

SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF

FRONT ROW

UBJ

REAL ESTATE DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION

sjackson@communityjournals.com |

|

12.11.2015

@SJackson_CJ

Greenville DRB Urban Panel, December meeting

The December meeting of the city of Greenville Design Review Board’s Urban Panel only had two agenda items. The panel discussed three others during the informal review portion.

ART DECO CLOCK AND FEATURE AT RIVERSEDGE This application was for a Certificate of Appropriateness for an art deco clock feature and lighting at the RiversEdge development on River Street.

The DRB has had several previous discussions regarding this feature. A miscommunication occurred earlier this year when developer Hughes Investments thought the lighting feature had been approved, but the city had said they had not granted formal approval.

The overall design is an LED board that will, most of the time, show a lighted art deco clock. At the top of each hour, the clock will disappear and for a minute, a “vignette” will display for special occasions such as holidays (for example, fireworks for the Fourth of July or snowflakes during winter).

“This is another small feature that makes us unique,” said developer Phil Hughes at the meeting.

Hughes said the feature has support from residents of RiversEdge and surrounding businesses. He supplied the DRB with a signed petition showing support and photos of other buildings in other downtown areas that have similar features. “Residents like it and it adds a little more character to our city and adds to the cool factor,” he said.

Michael Kerski, planning and development manager for the City of Greenville, told board members that the city would execute a contract with Hughes to ensure the timing is maintained and that the LED feature would not run text or any form of advertisement.

The DRB discussed at length. Board member Carmella Cioffi said she struggled with how to classify the LED feature. “Is it lighting? Is it signage?

Is it the building? They all have different guidelines,” she said. Other members commented that they see it not as a sign, but as a lighting or architectural element of the building. Other discussion focused on the color of the “bar” portion of the light (board member Danielle Fontaine says she doesn’t want it to be red as she thinks it looks like a thermometer) and how the image would fit and be displayed within the square LED panel.

In the end, the application was approved with conditions to be outlined in the contract with the city. Cioffi was the only member to vote “no,” stating that she believed the sign guidelines should apply and it would not meet the requirements.

HYATT PLACE HOTEL Announced by UBJ in early November, this application is for a new 130-room hotel at the corner of Broad and Calvin streets, across from the new Erwin Penland building.

Hyatt Place Hotel rendering

Renderings by Christopher Allred, RBA Group

Developer Tara Investment Group, a family-owned firm based in Charlotte, worked with the city since initially filing the application (it was tabled from last month’s meeting) to address items on the initial design such as adding more brick and texture and including a canopy at the corner to better define the entrance to the hotel. The hotel will be on a zero lot line and has a significant grade, so limitations exist as to what can be done on the property.

The DRB said they liked the new rendering and that it did a good job addressing the “pedestrian level.” Board members discussed at some length a large block that shows the hotel name, and after some back and forth on whether frosted glass or another material might be better, the overall consensus was that the DRB likes it as shown. The application was approved.

INFORMAL REVIEWS My favorite part of the meeting. These are like a “grab bag” – the discussion is always a surprise, since items are not part of the formal agenda.

• Park Place on Hudson This 24-unit townhome development already had approval from the Planning Commission and was well underway until the time came to get a permit.

Because design changes have been made that affect its overall look and feel, city staff wanted the project to come back before the Planning Commission (and get the DRB’s informal blessing) for re-approval.

The development had a large grade and slope to work with, and the biggest change to the project is that two side streets now enter at grade and the parking lot has been redesigned. Some staircases that would have been needed to reach some of the townhomes have been removed, sidewalks were re-arranged to accommodate this change, and the front porches on some of the units look a little different. Overall, the DRB liked the changes. It will be re-reviewed at the Jan. PC meeting.

• Richardson Street Garage An employee with the city parking department wanted the DRB’s opinion on a sunshade cloth >>

At GrandSouth Bank, we offer a tailored approach to each and every client. Our passion is to be your 12.11.2015 | upstatebusinessjournal.com partner as your business grows, to REAL ESTATE develop an even deeper banking SHERRY JACKSON | STAFF relationship, and to be there| when sjackson@communityjournals.com @SJackson_CJ you need us. Our ability to meet your needs quickly and responsively is at the very heart of our business.

Please stop by our new Greer location, visit us on the web, or call our experienced and knowledgeable team to see how we can support your banking needs!

GREER LOCATION

501 West Wade Hampton Blvd., Greer, SC 29650 (864) 501-5000 Park Place on Hudson rendering

BUSINESS HOURS:

Ryan McKibben

Monday-Thursday they wish to install on the plaza side received from Charlotte officials on a Lobby: 9:00am - 5:00pm of the Richardson Street garage. The recent field trip. Kerski said the develDrive-Thru 8:30am - 5:00 pm sunshade will be installed to “block opment community expressed some some the harsh light from the garage” concerns that this not be a hard and Friday out onto the plaza.

Several colors were fast rule, as they don’t want empty retail Lobby: 9:00am - 6:00pm discussed, with the board urging the spaces.

Drive-Thru 8:30am - 6:00 pmIt won’t be. The city is also going city to stay away from bright colors and to add in some verbiage for streetscaplook at earth tones instead. They also ing since the TIF money the city was suggested seeing if the shade could be using to fund some of the streetscaping printed with a design that “would give is no longer available. The DRB apvisual interest” instead of just one color. proved and the recommendation will City staff will take the recommendation go to City Council. and work with a vendor to provide.

This is also just a temporary solution until a consultant can be hired • Resolution regarding design guidelines City staff is requesting www.grandsouth.com to add a and review all of the city’s design guidelines and make recommendations condition in its design mixed-use guidelines to require verbiage for acti- for improvement.

>>

vating spaces at the street level. Kerski said they took the new wording from a national model and from feedback

GrandSouth.indd 1

That’s it for the DRB for 2015. It’s been a busy year and 2016 looks to be even busier.

Vista Capital adds 296 units to management portfolio

EXPERIENCE THE GRANDSOU

We are proud to join the Greer| SQUARE FEET | 13 community and look forward to providing our Greer neighbors with We are banking proud to joinexperience the Greer the quality that — GREER — community and look forward to for.

GrandSouth Bank is renowned

DEALS AND DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE REGION

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tailored approach to each and every GrandSouth Bank, a client. AtOur passion is we tooffer be your tailored approach to each and every to partner as your business grows, client.

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Our passion is to beBank, yourwe offer a tailored approach to each and every tailored approach to each and every partner as your business grows, tobe your client. Our passion is to be yourclient. Our passion is to partner as501 yourWest business partner to as your business grows, to develop an grows, even deeper banking Wade Hampton Blvd., Greer, SC 29650 develop an even deeper bankingdevelop an even deeper banking relationship, and to be there when (864) 501-5000 relationship, and to be there when relationship, and to be there when you need Our ability meet you need us.

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Please stop by our new Greer Please stop by our new Greer Monday-Thursday location, visit us on stop the web, location, call newvisit us on the web, or call Please byorour Greer our experienced and knowledgeable our experienced and knowledgeable Lobby: 9:00am - us 5:00pm location, visit on the web, orcan call team to see how we can supportteam to see how we support your Drive-Thru 8:30ambanking -your 5:00 pm banking needs! needs! our experienced and knowledgeable

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UBJ

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12.11.2015

NEW LIFE FOR OLD MILLS Photo by William Crooks

Pace Burt gets his hands dirty working for the success of his loft complexes – and the communities around them ELIZABETH POWELL | CONTRIBUTOR

12.11.2015

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upstatebusinessjournal.com

COVER | 15

In the 1980s, a 20-something Pace Burt was on site at one of his first construction projects when a complete stranger approached with a gift: a brand-new pair of shoes.

After passing by the construction site day after day and observing Burt operating front-end loaders shoeless and shirtless, the stranger had taken pity on him. He would never have guessed that Burt simply preferred freedom from the confinement of clothing – and rather than being an employee, he was the employer.

Today, fully clothed in jeans and a plaid button-up shirt with hair that falls in tight spirals to just below his ears, Burt laughs at his “no shirt, no shoes” phase.

While that phase has long passed, his work ethic remains, and Pace Burt seems a personification of his properties – intuitive, avant-garde and wildly successful.

ANTICIPATING TRENDS From Albany, Ga., the self-described “awful student” left college after one year and discovered his true calling in real estate.

Burt grew up with four sisters and has been married for 28 years, with three daughters of his own. Surrounded by women, he credits them as his greatest influencers in design and décor. Recognizing the importance of details, he keeps a close eye on the design of his projects, he said.

“With $100 million of construction going on, I still pick out the toilets, tile, carpet, cabinets, fans and everything else,” he said. “I’ve found that I have a niche to anticipate trends and build what people want.”

“SOMETHING SPECIAL” IN GREENVILLE Burt first came to Greenville in 2003 and purchased the Monaghan Mill, better known today as The Lofts of Greenville – his first of many renovations of historical properties.

“I could feel that something special was going to happen in Greenville,” he said. “They had just implemented the new tax credit to encourage renovation of textile mills, and they increased the property tax freeze. Without these state incentives, the numbers would not have worked.”

Fast-forward 12 years, and The Lofts of Greenville is 100 percent occupied and pre-leased. Burt is now on his fifth mill and latest project: West Village Lofts at Brandon Mill.

Just two miles down the road from The Lofts of Greenville, West Village Lofts are scheduled to open in May 2016. The property will feature spacious floor plans, “high-quality” finishes and Haiku fans in every unit.

INVESTING IN AMENITIES Burt takes an avant-garde approach to amenities and never stops investing to improve his properties with unique features.

“You’ve got to have fresh amenities,” he said. “We just opened a yoga studio at The Lofts. I gave our space to MAYA Movements Arts for free to give residences another amenity on site.”

At West Village Lofts, tenants will have access to a wine cellar and tasting room, bowling alleys, and a virtual driving range. But perhaps its most notable feature is Burt’s partnership with the Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA), to strengthen the local arts community. Leased for $1 annually, Burt made the old Dunlop building available to the GCCA for the next four years until they purchase it for a pre-negotiated under-market price.

MILL MAN continued on PAGE 16

16 | COVER

UBJ

THE MILL MAN’S PROJECT STATUS

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12.11.2015

REACHING OUT Pace Burt’s development projects often include initiatives aimed at helping the surrounding community grow. Some of what he’s working on in the Upstate’s mill villages include:

• Parkland Burt is donating 6 acres at a value of $1.2 million

dollars to Greenville County to create a park for the Monaghan Mill neighborhood, he said. “We own the property but we don’t utilize it, so they are going to create a park for the neighborhood and they are also going to expand their elderly community center that the county runs. So that’s something that we have stepped up to the plate to get done.”

• Creating green space Burt and Lofts at Greenville manager Kelly Pace Burt’s developments in the Upstate include:

• The Lofts of Greenville The $18 million, 190-unit apartment complex in the former Monaghan Mill is 100 percent occupied and pre-leased.

Beasley have been involved in neighborhood gatherings, doing landscape work and planting trees, and Burt hopes to do the same at Brandon Mill, he said. “If we can put some money together, I’d like to buy a few of the older mill houses and have them removed to create some green space for the neighborhood.”

• Mayfair Mill Lofts (Spartanburg) The $8 million, 107-unit lot complex in a renovated 1922 mill building is 100 percent occupied and pre-leased.

• Loan opportunities Still in the planning phases, “there is an

• West Village Lofts at Brandon Mill (Greenville) There are currently no roadblocks, said Burt.

Two-thirds of the mill are framed. Phase 1 (67 units) on track to open in May 2016.

Phase 2 projected to open early Fall 2016; phase 3 projected to open late Fall 2016.

• Arcadia (Spartanburg) Still in design phase with projected start mid-2016 and finishing

opportunity for us to help kick-start smaller businesses to come into the area,” Burt said, with an eye toward incorporating them into Brandon Mill. “We have a large open area inside the building where we would probably, at a very inexpensive rate, get the food truck businesses to come in.”

in 2017. Arcadia will have approximately 110 units.

MILL MAN continued from PAGE 15

HARD WORK Burt attributes his success to his hands-on leadership style and open communication with his team.

He walks each property once a month and visits new projects every two weeks. When something needs to be done, he leads by example.

“For the last two days, I’ve been in Asheville,” he said. “I went to a nursery, bought $4,000 of shrubbery for three buildings and literally did all the manual labor with my employees just to get it done. Once they realize the owner is working just as hard as you are, it’s motivating.”

What sprouted from shirtless and shoeless beginnings has grown into Burt Development, with properties ranging from Mobile, Ala., to Asheville, N.C., and three properties thriving in the Upstate.

The sky is the limit as to where Burt will strike next, he said.

“I want to do a project with one of those cranes like you see downtown,” he said. “Everything I’m doing now I can get to with a forklift.

Maybe one day.”

Photo am W illi s by Cro o ks

12.11.2015

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upstatebusinessjournal.com

NOTES FROM THE BEST TALKS YOU MISSED

1. Train them.

Training and development is important to team members. About 65 percent of employees say the quality of training and learning opportunities positively influences their engagement. Jinks recommended leaders develop their employees through seminars and workshops, conferences, e-learning, peer coaching, on-the-job training, books and journals, team discussions, manager-led sessions and academic classes.

7 STEPS TO GET YOUR EMPLOYEES ENGAGED Training, delegation and just being there are keys, says leadership coach Patrick Jinks

2. Be present with them.

To build relationships between supervisors and employees, leaders need to ensure they have a presence in the work environment and that they have frequent and meaningful interactions with their team members. Jinks emphasized the importance of putting people before process before product.

By DEBBIE NELSON DNA Creative Communications

Engaged employees are the engines that helps drive nonprofits forward to achieve their missions. Eager to cultivate and harness the talent and passion of their teams, more than 80 nonprofit leaders gathered at “Leaders Leading Leaders,” part of DNA Creative Communications’ annual Shine the Light Nonprofit Forums. Keynote speaker Patrick Jinks, national leadership coach and president of the Jinks Perspective Group, traveled to Greenville to share his expertise on developing nonprofit teams.

Jinks, a certified leadership coach, professional speaker, facilitator, planner and trainer, has more than 20 years of experience in organizational leadership. He is the past president of the Blue Ridge Institute, a national network of nonprofit and community service executives. He has also served on the National Professional Council for United Way Worldwide, and chaired a national task force. He currently serves as VP of talent development and chief strategy officer for the United Way Association of South Carolina. Through his work at the Jinks Perspective he helps organizations develop their teams through strategic direction setting and coaching.

At “Leaders Leading Leaders,” Jinks offered attendees strategies for attracting, motivating and retaining talent within their organizations, frameworks for effectively engaging their employees, and answers to other critical questions these leaders must consider as they move forward along their leadership journeys.

Employee engagement, defined by Jinks, is a measure of the emotional, physical and intellectual

| THE TAKEAWAY | 17

Debbie Nelson (left) and Patrick Jinks

EVENT: DNA Creative Communications’ Shine the Light Nonprofit Forums WHERE: The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center WHO WAS THERE: 80 nonprofit leaders from across South Carolina SPEAKER: Patrick Jinks, national leadership coach and president of the Jinks Perspective Group TOPIC: Leaders Leading Leaders commitment an employee demonstrates to their organization and mission. Engagement is not about satisfaction. While job satisfaction is about what employees get, employee engagement is about what they give. Employee engagement ensures organizations retain their top performers and have higher productivity among their employees. According to Jinks, employees with the highest level of commitment perform 20 percent better and are 87 percent less likely to leave the organization, which indicates that engagement is linked to organizational performance and productivity.

Top drivers of engagement include training and development, connection to purpose, trust in senior leadership, supervisor relationships, empowerment and autonomy, and recognition.

In order to foster an engaging environment and support these top drivers, Jinks recommended the following leadership practices:

3. Grow them.

Leaders cannot be threatened by team members’ growth. Common fears from organizations are: “What if they grow and we lose them?” “What if they don’t grow and we keep them?” Jinks pointed out that growth is not necessarily positional, but leaders should always be thinking about continuity and succession.

4. Delegate to them.

While many see the primary purpose of delegation as taking something off their own plate, Jinks recommended using delegation as a growth lever. Instead of delegating tasks, leaders should delegate opportunities and let others do the things they enjoy.

5. Coach them.

Jinks stressed that coaching is the best single engagement tool. Different from the traditional role as a boss who directs by “bossing,” coaching includes assessing, challenging and supporting employees. Coaching is asking instead of telling, empowering over directing, delegating opportunities not tasks, motivating with self-accountability. Coaching is listening instead of talking!

6. Do what you say.

Following through on what you say helps build employees’ trust. High trust among employees will equate to a faster speed and lower cost.

Low trust, however, will generate slow speed and high cost. Employees should be able to trust that their leadership will act with integrity and in the best interest of the organization and community.

7. Recruit the right people.

Nonprofits may compete with other nonprofits for funds, but nonprofits compete with everyone for talent. Jinks outlined four principles for recruitment: 1) find people smarter than you, 2) recruit strategically and patiently, 3) don’t just fill positions – fill needs, and 4) pay them well.

18 | DIGITAL MAVEN |

UBJ

THE TECHNICAL SIDE OF BUSINESS

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12.11.2015

Buy holiday tech, but buy smart

By LAURA HAIGHT president, portfoliosc.com

Shopping for tech devices this season? Here are a few things to look for to help you make smarter decisions and make sure your tech dollar is going to features you really need.

LAPTOPS A lot of people buy laptops for form factor, not necessarily mobility. They’re small, light and you don’t have to be tethered to your home office. Three key features make the most difference in both performance and price.

• Processor: The biggest factor in the kind of processor you’ll need is what kind of user you are. If you are a major gamer, do a lot of video encoding and editing or use high-end CAD design tools, you will need high clock speed and quad-core capability. That means the processor can handle four sets of instructions at the same time. But if you are primarily Internet browsing, emailing, handling photos, text processing, using spreadsheets and maybe streaming the occasional movie, you can go dual-core and have all that you need. Learn more about processors if you really want to know: http://goo.gl/smHf9C • RAM: That’s the actual memory programs use to operate. Don’t walk out of the store with anything less than 8 MBs because programs get bigger and bigger whether your needs change or not.

Max out the RAM in the beginning; it is often cheaper than buying short and adding it later on.

Less expensive laptops may not offer a lot of RAM capability or be limited in upgrading capacity. If you’re a power user, pop for the most RAM you can.

• Hard drive: Solid-state drives make everything faster and snappier, and they are light – a big reason behind the smaller form factors. And with no moving parts, they are also very durable. But they’re going to be a good bit more expensive, and they usually don’t hold the terabytes (TB) of data their standard hard-drive brothers do. The average size you’ll see for an SSD is 128 GB – where 1 TB (four times the size) is more the norm and less expensive in a standard drive. You may have to ask to get a 256 and most of us can’t afford the 500, even if you can find one. My advice: Buy the 128 GB SSD and spend another $50 on a 1TB external hard drive. You’ll have more than enough room for storage and some space for an external backup (you are doing backups, of course).

• Ports: That external hard drive is going to need to connect via some type of port. Ports add weight and size to laptops, so you will find a lot of models with just one or two USB ports and a display port for connecting to external video sources. Another way laptops shed a lot of pounds

is by leaving out CD/DVD drives. Think through how many peripheral devices (drive, DVD, external monitor, printer, camera, gaming mic or joystick) you have and how many need to be connected simultaneously.

MOBILE DEVICES One place tech sales folks will drive up your costs significantly for tablets and phones is on data plans.

Yes, streaming video, music and gaming will eat up a lot of data. But the question isn’t how much you use, but where you use it. If most of your streaming is at home or work and connected to a Wi-Fi network, this is NOT counted in your data plan.

Your provider can tell you – or you can find it online in your account – exactly how much data you are using on the network. Don’t buy more than you need.

Those costs are the gift that just keeps on taking… every month.

POWER There’s no getting around it, all of these gadgets need power.

Portable power banks are great for traveling or getting through a long day on the road. I have one made by Satechi that has a high power port for a

tablet and lower power port for a smartphone. Fully charged it stores enough punch for about 9 hours of charging. That’s 2-3 charges for two devices. Here’s a price/feature comparison of some top models: http://goo.gl/bGRfmN And even with ready access to outlets, how many times when you are traveling have you had to unplug lights in your hotel room, in order to plug in your phones, tablets, and laptop? There are a number of new devices on the market. Here’s a look (http:// goo.gl/XQ5RFD).

2-IN-1S Tablet or laptop? You don’t have to decide. 2-in-1 or convertible laptops that can either flip the screen over or detached from the keyboard completely to be used in tablet mode are gaining in popularity since Windows 10 was released. This may be just what you are looking for but not if you trade laptop functionality or power for convenience you might rarely use. If you think a 2-in-1 is for you, check out this comparison from Consumer Reports: http:// goo.gl/OOjaEN. Portfolio wishes all UBJ readers a very happy holiday!

12.11.2015

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upstatebusinessjournal.com

MOVERS, SHAKERS AND DISRUP TORS SHAPING OUR FUTURE

| INNOVATE | 19

Students trained in SAP get a leg up in manufacturing Port of Charleston will soon be Supply chain management program the deepest coordinator, Greenville Tech harbor on the East Coast, Upstate South Carolina has capable of handling the become a very favorable manufacturlargest container ships in the ing climate. In Greenville, more than world. These ships can carry 550 facilities employ more than 14,000, 20-foot equivalent 29,000 people. Forecasts show containers or (TEUs). Upon strong growth in manufacturing in completion of the raising of Greenville County, where the number the Bayonne bridge in New of jobs in the transportation manuYork, these ships will be offfacturing industry alone is anticipated loaded in Charleston. In to grow 29 percent over the next 10 support of this facility is the years. BMW is, of course, a major inland port rail system that contributor to that growth. The surpassed volume projections factory, employing about 9,000 by five years and connects the Charlespeople, is part of South Carolina’s ton port with the railroad network, growing automotive cluster.

Upstate manufacturing and points BMW, using a complex set of probeyond. And studies on the feasibility cesses requiring relationships with to widen the I-85 corridor to three suppliers and customers, is also a SAP lanes from Atlanta to Charlotte are in user, short for Systems, Applications the works. From a manufacturing and & Products in Data Processing. SAP supply chain perspective, South Caris the market leader in enterprise olina is poised for great success. application software. In fact, 87 All of this creates a demand for percent of Forbes Global 2000 compeople who can help their organizapanies use SAP in their organizations, tions use or adopt SAP. According to and 74 percent of the world’s transacD. Darnell Smith, vice president of tion revenue touches an SAP system. group IT at Elster Group, “Firms will The system links all business processbest benefit from students underes together and provides management standing how the business processes with information for decision making are integrated, so that no matter what in real time. systems are in place – SAP, Oracle, JD According to its website, SAP serves Edwards, etc. – they can problem-solve some 293,000 customers in 190 and add value to the organization.” countries including 98 percent of At Greenville Technical College, we the 100 most valued brands. SAP have seen the need for SAP training users produce 78 percent of the world’s to support employers in our fast-growfood and 82 percent of the world’s ing community. But an evaluation medical devices.

In this area, BMW is not alone in DEFINED SAP usage. Many other well-known companies and organizations based in the Upstate are also SAP users.

These include Milliken, ScanSource and Fluor along with Hubbell, Bosch and Greenville Health System.

Numerous suppliers to these organiSAP SE (Systems, Applications zations are in various stages of & Products in Data implementing SAP in their organizaProcessing): tions as well. a German multinational This widespread use of SAP creates software corporation that makes enterprise software to job openings for those proficient in manage business operations the system. A recent job search on and customer relations. SAP Indeed.com yielded 143 jobs listed is headquartered in Walldorf, that contained SAP in the description.

Baden-Württemberg, Opportunities for those with SAP Germany, with regional knowledge should continue to grow offices in 130 countries. as the state’s economy flourishes. The

By DAVID LUCERO

several years ago showed that the training wasn’t offered within 200 miles of our campuses. Now that SAP has been fully incorporated into the college’s Supply Chain Management program and into three courses of the Management program, reaching a total of 600 students, graduates are meeting needs for companies and finding lucrative employment in the process. Upon completion of these

courses, the student receives an SAP University Alliance certificate of completion.

As use of SAP continues to grow, plans call for additional education offered around the system.

Faculty in programs including Accounting and Photo by Fred Rollison Business are being introduced to SAP so that they can incorporate training into what they teach. A certificate in SAP is planned for the near future, and hopes include a scholar type of program, which would allow those learning SAP to work for some of the companies using it as they complete their education. More information is available at gvltec.edu/management and gvltec. edu/supplychain.

Holiday Greetings!

Wishing you every happiness this holiday season and throughout the coming year!

FACILITY MAINTENANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES INCLUDING: Operations & Maintenance Repairs & Renovation Janitorial Grounds Maintenance Staff Augmentation

50 Grand Avenue, Greenville • 864-233-8035 • www.usands.com

20 | PROFESSIONAL |

STRATEGIES FOR HONING YOUR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

UBJ

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12.11.2015

China’s economic slowdown will have surprising effects on SC’s economy

By BRIAN REED AICP, CBRE Research Manager, South Carolina

Based on almost any measure, the South Carolina economy is doing very well. Unemployment rates are low, income growth is rising and the general mood is very positive. Much of this growth can be attributed to the state’s large manufacturing presence, which is strengthened by international demand for South Carolina-manufactured goods. The Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg industrial markets are among the fastest-growing industrial markets in the country.

While this is all good news for manufacturers in South Carolina, it appears as though the economy of the state’s largest trading partner, China, is slowing. In the face of this slowing economy, the Chinese government allowed a devaluation of their currency, the Yuan Renminbi, hoping to increase domestic consumption while boosting exports.

Perceived as a potential threat to global growth, this touched off a global decline in stock markets.

This raises an important question: What is the impact of a slowing Chinese economy on commercial real estate in South Carolina?

To answer this question, we have two issues to consider: 1. Impacts of a slowing Chinese economy 2. Impacts of currency devaluation In 2013, China became the largest importer of South Carolina-manufactured goods, surpassing Germany. As such, any ripple in the Chinese economy should be carefully considered by businesses focused on exporting goods to the second-largest economy in the world. It is important to keep in mind that while China’s economy is slowing, it is still growing, albeit at a slower rate.

Regardless of the short-term outlook for the Chinese economy, any manufacturer that successfully caters to the rapidly growing Chinese middle class is positioned to do very well for the long term.

We think more emphasis should be placed on the investment impacts of the Chinese economy.

While there has been a lot of ink spilt discussing Chinese currency devaluation, the reality is that the Chinese yuan is one of the only currencies that has held its value well relative to the U.S. dollar.

In the last two years, two of the most important international currencies to the United States – the euro and Canadian dollar – have lost 20 to 25 percent of their value.

Over the last 20 years, GDP growth in China has averaged over 9 percent and incomes have grown by more than 700 percent. While incomes are still far below that of the United States, there is little doubt that China has created an incredible amount

of wealth over the last two decades. As such, they are emerging as significant international players in commercial real estate markets.

The Chinese commercial real estate investor profiles differently from other international investors, though. While most investors’ primary motivation is maximizing return, the typical Chinese investor is more focused on stability, especially after the recent currency devaluation. Chinese investors have accumulated a lot of wealth that is actively seeking low-risk investment vehicles.

This means much of their capital is heading towards the strongest assets in primary markets, which are generally perceived as less risky than smaller markets due to economic diversity. By our calculation, 97 percent of their commercial real estate investment has been in the 10 largest markets in the country, like New York, San Francisco and Seattle.

With their focus on primary markets, what does this have to do with South Carolina?

Because they are well capitalized and more concerned with stability than return, they are willing to pay more for assets than most domestic investors, especially at the top end of the market. One of the most prominent examples of this is the $1.95 billion

purchase of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York by Chinese investors.

Traditional real estate investors focused on getting a solid return are often getting priced out of primary markets. This is causing all investors to broaden their scope in search of strong investment opportunities. As a result, we are seeing more interest from out-of-market investors than we ever have before. This presents an opportunity for owners looking to dispose of an asset, but also for tenants who might be interested in considering a sale-leaseback scenario.

Amid all of the strong growth occurring in the state and despite the growing importance of the Port of Charleston, it is easy to lose sight of the connection between the international and South Carolina economies. The Chinese economy is poised for more growth, especially in the long term. This bodes well for South Carolina’s commercial real estate markets. South Carolina’s status as a supplier of manufactured goods to the country will boost industrial growth in the next decade and, from an investment standpoint, perceived economic instability in China will boost commercial real estate investment prospects in the state.

12.11.2015

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STRATEGIES FOR HONING YOUR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

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Does sizing up mean selling out?

Underdog brands may foster consumer trust, but must stay true to their roots for long-term success

By JENNIFER SIEMENS Assistant professor of marketing, Clemson University

Underdog brands emphasize their determination despite external struggle, and often use the opposition of Big Business to suggest they offer something better and more in tune with consumers.

The underdog may be perceived as more approachable, whereby consumers root for it to succeed and view its growth as validation of their investment in the brand.

In some cases, the underdog ethos can be legitimately maintained even as it grows. For example, they can enter new industries or markets as the underdog and upend the staid competitors. However, if an underdog brand begins to appear less daring and innovative, more focused on the bottom line at the expense of the consumer experience, the fervent passion for the brand can diminish quickly.

While the marketplace is full of examples of underdog brands that eventually fought their way to the top (e.g. Apple, Ben & Jerry’s), no studies have assessed consumer perceptions as an underdog gains market share. Underdog brands appear to face a contradiction: Success can potentially undermine their status as an underdog, and perhaps their longer-term viability. As a result, how an underdog brand manages and communicates the transition to larger market acceptance is arguably just as important as why and how they gained initial followers.

What are the short-term advantages of an underdog brand position, and how can the brand maintain long-term support as marketplace success renders their underdog status less salient?

There may be individual differences that distinguish consumers who are drawn to underdog brands.

A 2011 study by Paharia and colleagues found that underdog support may be stronger for those who self-identify as underdogs or come from cultures that reflect an underdog narrative (e.g., the U.S. “American Dream” narrative). In addition to this, innovativeness, or the inclination to buy new and different products rather than remaining with previous choices, may characterize many underdog supporters. Underdog brand narratives are new and different (and unproven) compared to the existing market leaders, which may make them appealing to consumers that seek innovation.

To assess the implications of an underdog brand strategy, my colleagues and I recently conducted a nationwide study of 382 consumers. We asked them to read either a description of an underdog or a non-underdog brand. The underdog was described as being “small,” “new” and having “smaller marketing and distribution budgets,” while the non-underdog was described as being “well sourced,” having “done well” and having a “large marketing and distribution budget.”

To explore the effect of the competitive environment on the success of an underdog strategy, half of the participants were told that the brand existed in a category dominated by a large competitor. Participants then answered questions about their attitudes towards the brand, level of trust in the brand, purchase intentions and personality characteristics.

Following the initial brand evaluation task, study participants were shown updates that described a situation in which the brand had become the market leader in its category. They were told that the founders had either “partnered with a large, multinational conglomerate” and “relinquished all executive control to the new parent company” or that the founders “still make all executive decisions for the brand.” After reading the update, participants responded to a second set of items pertaining to the brand’s updated status.

An interesting finding in our study was that the positive effects of underdog brand positioning extend beyond immediate consumer behavior (attitudes, purchase intention) to consumer’s actual trust in the brand. Furthermore, we found that the existence of a large, dominant competitor enhanced perceptions of the brand’s underdog status, leading to more favorable outcomes, but that the competitive envi-

As they gain success, underdog brands should communicate that they have stayed true to their roots, with ties back to their founders if possible.

ronment in and of itself was not enough to promote brand trust.

This indicates that brand trust originates from something inherent to the underdog brand itself (e.g. being disadvantaged). As suspected, we confirmed that highly innovative consumers are more likely to trust, have favorable attitudes towards and purchase underdog brands.

Most importantly, our findings demonstrate that underdogs who achieve marketplace success can manage their underdog status through communication with consumers. When the underdog brand was perceived as relinquishing brand control to a parent company, attitudes, trust and purchase intentions suffered. As they gain success, underdog brands should communicate that they have stayed true to their roots, with ties back to their founders if possible.

Even if growth does necessitate new ownership, the underdog narrative can be a useful tool for minimizing perceptions of “selling out.” Successful former underdog brands, such as Ben & Jerry’s, are careful to maintain ties back to their founders and their guiding principles, maintaining their authenticity and the reasons consumers supported them in the first place. It has proven to be a recipe for longterm success.

Siemens was joined in the research by Danny Weathers, a marketing associate professor at Clemson; Scott Smith, a marketing professor at the University of Central Missouri; and Dan Fisher, a marketing associate professor at the University of Central Arkansas.

22 | ON THE MOVE |

PLAY-BY-PLAY OF UPSTATE CAREERS

HIRED

HIRED

UBJ

HIRED

HIRED

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12.11.2015

APPOINTED

Deb Osborne

Jon Jarvais

Vivian Loveless

Meredith Kinsey

Lon Knight

Named executive director of the SC Mountains to Midlands affiliate of Susan G. Komen.

Osborne served as an educator at J.L. Mann High School for 28 years, 14 of which were spent as the athletic director. She also served as the athletic director at Brashier Middle College for four years.

Named director of the Manufacturing Solution division at Human Technologies Inc. Jarvais has years of experience in manufacturing. He most recently served as plant manager with Dräxlmaier Automotive. He also served 10 years with BMW.

Named account director at FUEL. Loveless was previously with Gibbons | Peck Marketing Communication. She has more than 10 years of experience in agency branding and strategic marketing.

Named account director at FUEL. Kinsey is a co-founder and former chief marketing officer of Postcard from Paris.

She has more than 20 years of marketing experience, having held executive marketing leadership roles with several communication and technology companies.

Named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Knight is a chemistry professor at Furman University. He was one of 347 fellows worldwide to be honored in 2015 for contributions to innovation, education and scientific leadership.

COMMUNITY The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce announced the following recipients of its Business Awards: Wood”RUFF” Pet Resort, Small

Business Saturday Champion Award; GreerToday.com, People’s Choice Social Media Champion; Greer Community Ministries, Nonprofit of the Year; Brian Martin, Community Champion Award; the Chulkas family,

Mayors Award; Allegra Print & Imaging, Small Business of the Year.

Ten at the Top awarded Phil Hughes, president of Hughes Investments, with the 2015 Welling Award

for Collaboration. The award recognizes individuals, businesses or organizations whose actions have demonstrated a sustained commitment and effort to developing and fostering regional collaboration. >>

GODSHALL Professional Recruiting Staffing Consulting

12.11.2015

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THE FRESHEST FACES ON THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE

upstatebusinessjournal.com

Open for business

4 Balance Fitness recently opened at 48 Brookfield Oaks Drive, Suite C, Greenville. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 5 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 5 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-noon; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, visit 4balancefitness.com.

CONTRIBUTE: Know of a business opening soon?

Email information to bjeffers@communityjournals.com.

>> CRE Flagship Properties hired Caldwell Johnston as a sales and leasing broker.

Johnston has more than 10 years of real estate experience. He previously helped launch an Internet startup company.

NHE Inc. hired Kelli Spencer as vice president of conventional property management and Steve Maxey as director of strategic projects. Spencer has 15 years of multi-family property management experience. Maxey has more than 25 years of experience spearheading and managing aspects of commercial real estate development, including property acquisitions, capital improvements and construction management.

Coldwell Banker Caine hired Kate Dabbs as integrated marketing manager and Marisa Stephens as digital experience coordinator. Dabbs previously served as associate director of development communications at Furman University and communications director at Greenville Forward.

Stephens previously served as digital advertising account manager and social media and digital marketing specialist for Chumney and Associates.

Previously, Kimbrell served as the vice president and commercial banker at GrandSouth Bank and as the Upstate regional manager at Ameris Bank.

DEVELOPMENT O’Neal Inc. hired Paul Fredrickson as electrical engineer. Fredrickson has more than 10 years of experience with electrical engineering, having gained experience working with Duke Energy.

LEGAL Four new associates have joined the Greenville office of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. Nicole Cuadrado has previous experience as a judicial intern for the U.S. District Court Judge Terry L. Wooten. Allison Crawford Ford returns to the firm after serving as a law clerk for the U.S. District Court Judge Mary G. Lewis. Elizabeth “Sandi” Hudson Hall previously served as a law clerk for the firm and at other law firms in Columbia, Greenville and Charleston. Brittany M. McIntosh returns to the Firm after serving as a law clerk for the U.S. District Court Judge Joseph F. Anderson Jr.

MEDICAL

FINANCE CresCom Bank named Josh Kimbrell as vice president and commercial loan officer for the Greenville market.

VidiStar hired Elizabeth “Libba” Wood as a clinical applications specialist. She has 10 years of clinical experience.

CONTRIBUTE: New hires, promotions & award winners may be featured in On the Move. Send information and photos to onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com.

| NEW TO THE STREET | 23

‘WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT THE GREENVILLE COMMUNITY RECOGNIZES THE VALUE OF A FIRM PUTTING CLIENTS’ INTERESTS BEFORE THEIR OWN AND TAKING THE FIDUCIARY OATH TO DO SO.” - JOEY HINES GLOBAL VIEW INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC IS THE GREENVILLE CHAMBER’S NOVEMBER 2015 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Learn more at globalviewinv.com

The Greenville Chamber salutes our Small Business of the Month. We honor and appreciate all the things that small businesses bring to our community and we are proud to be there for them as well.

If you’re in business, you have a partner in us. www.greenvillechamber.org

24 | THE FINE PRINT |

BUSINESS BRIEFS YOU CAN’ T MISS

NOSE DIVE $10 WEEKDAY LUNCH

UBJ

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12.11.2015

UCB extends reach into Charleston

United Community Bank has expanded its South Carolina operations with the recent opening of an office in Charleston. Dixon Woodward, a veteran coastal banker, will manage all bank functions in the area as regional president for coastal South Carolina.

UCB, based in Blairsville, Ga., has steadily increased its presence in the Upstate this year, having closed a merger with The Palmetto Bank earlier in 2015.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Dixon serve as our leader in the Coastal region,” said Sam Erwin, president of United Community Bank for South Carolina. “Dixon has proven himself not only as an expert banker, but as Woodward a true asset to the community and we anticipate great growth in this region under his leadership.”

Woodward has more than 16 years of banking experience and joins United Community Bank from TD Bank, where he served as market president for the coastal Carolinas since 2011. Woodward joined TD Bank after its merger with Carolina First Bank, and spent the earlier part of his career working for Carolina First. He was recognized by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of “40 Under 40” in 2013.

SC ranks sixth best state for contractors

South Carolina ranked sixth on the Associated Builders and Contractors scorecard as a good place for contractors to do business.

Building America: The Merit Shop Scorecard reviews and grades state-specific information significant to the success of the commercial and industrial construction industry.

The scorecard grades states on their policies on project labor agreement (PLA) and prevailing wage mandates, right-to-work status as well as their construction job growth rate, commitment to developing a well-trained workforce, level of flexibility in career and technical education curricula and use of public-private partnerships (P3s).

“ABC applauds South Carolina policymakers for their commitment to free enterprise and helping craft an environment where contractors can thrive,” said Doug Carlson, ABC of the Carolinas president and CEO. “By banning anti-competitive and restrictive project labor agreement and prevailing wage mandates and supporting right-to-work and workforce development programs, South Carolina policymakers have helped reduce the cost of public construction to taxpayers and made it easier for contractors to expand their operations and create more jobs in South Carolina.”

Arizona ranked first on the list, followed by Louisiana, Virginia, North Dakota and North Carolina.

TR to get manufacturer with $2.8M deal 116 South Main Street, Greenville SC 29601 | 864.373.7300 TheNoseDive.com Lunch and Dinner, Monday - Saturday | Sunday Brunch

Nutritional supplement firm Earth’s Creation USA is opening a manufacturing facility in Travelers Rest with a $2.8 million investment expected to include 44 jobs in Greenville County.

The company is moving its existing Miami-Dade, Fla., operations to a 99,000-square-foot facility off of U.S. Route 25, more than four times larger than the existing 15,000-square-foot facility.

Earth’s Creation develops and manufactures premium quality nutrition-

«

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INSIDE THE UPSTATE’S NETWORKING AND SOCIAL SCENE

«

al supplements in capsules, powders, tablets and liquids. The company produces its own brands of vitamins, minerals, sports supplements, skin creams and lotions, and works with customers on separate brands. The Travelers Rest facility will have access to the Inland Port in Greer.

“Earth’s Creation is a leader in research, development and manufacturing for the nutritional supplement industry, and we believe they will be an excellent addition to Greenville’s diverse community of innovative companies,” said Greenville Area Development Corp. Chairman Dick Wilkerson. “We’re glad to offer them the opportunity to expand their footprint and grow their team here in Travelers Rest.”

The company is currently hiring for the Travelers Rest facility.

Fluor acquires Netherlands industrial company

Fluor Corporation signed an agreement with UK-based private equity firm Arle Capital Partners to acquire 100 percent of Stork Holding B.V., based in the Netherlands, for an investment of approximately €695 million ($755 million).

Stork is a global provider of maintenance, modification and asset integrity services associated with large existing industrial facilities in the oil and gas, chemicals, petrochemicals, industrial and power markets.

Founded in 1827, Stork has operations in Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and the Americas, with an annualized run-rate revenue of approximately €1.6 billion ($1.7 billion) and EBITDA of approximately €100 million ($109 million).

“The acquisition of Stork is consistent with Fluor’s goal to further enhance our integrated solutions capabilities in thoughtful, strategic ways that will

DATE

| PLANNER | 25

increase the value we deliver to our clients and shareholders,” said Fluor’s chairman and CEO David Seaton. “We are pleased to welcome Stork’s talented workforce of more than 15,000 employees, which will provide us with additional flexibility and capacity to increase our maintenance and direct construction activities.”

Fluor intends to fully finance the cash required for the transaction through the issuance of debt in international markets. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2016 and is subject to regulatory approvals and consultation procedures with Stork’s work council.

Easley hosting Main Street Challenge

The City of Easley is hosting a Main Street Challenge, an entrepreneurial startup competition that takes place over a period of four months.

The competition provides a means for local, area and regional entrepreneurs to advance their desire to expand or open a new business.

Business concepts eligible for the competition include new startup businesses, an expansion or relocation of an existing location from another community, or a significant expansion of an existing local business that would branch into an additional business concept.

The competition is an effort by city leaders to innovatively recruit new businesses that will enhance the business mix in downtown Easley. Leaders hope to highlight available downtown properties and increase downtown retail occupancy.

The city will award up to three individual awards of up to $1,000 in financial assistance for 12 consecutive months.

Winners who are leasing properties will be obligated to execute a minimum three-year lease for a street-level retail/service/office location at an available location in downtown Easley.

For a list of rules and to fill out an application, visit bit.ly/easley2015.

EVENT INFO

WHERE DO I GO?

HOW DO I GO?

12/11

2015 Annual Legislative Breakfast Hear from legislators on the issues that are coming up in 2016

Westin Poinsett 120 S. Main St., Greenville 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Cost: $30 (Chamber investors only) Register: bit.ly/outlook-breakfast2015

Monday

TEDx Greenville Salons Topic: Not Your Momma’s Classroom: The Learning Innovation Revolution

ZEN 924 S. Main St., Greenville 6:30-8 p.m.

Cost: Free Register: bit.ly/tedx-dec2015

GSATC Learning Lunch: Gadgetfest 2015 Celebrating the latest and greatest gadgets

Embassy Suites 670 Verdae Blvd., Greenville 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 online registration, $30 walk-up Register: bit.ly/gsatc-dec2015

Tech After Five Networking for tech entrepreneurs and professionals

Pour Lounge 221 N. Main St., Greenville 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Cost: Free Register: bit.ly/taf-dec2015

NEXT Capital Series: Understanding Private Equity

NEXT Innovation Center 411 University Ridge, Greenville 4-5:30 p.m.

Cost: Free Register: bit.ly/next-dec2015

Friday

12/14 Wednesday

12/16 Wednesday

1/13

CONTRIBUTE: Got a hot date? Submit event information for consideration to events@upstatebusinessjournal.com.

26 | #TRENDING |

UBJ

INFORMATION YOU WANT TO KNOW

OVERHEARD @ THE WATERCOOLER

The top 5 stories from last week’s issue ranked by shareability score

RE: DOWNTOWN TOURISM CENTER REEDY POINT PROJECT CANCELED

> Kate Churches “I smell a rat. Another article I read led me to believe there is a LOT more to this story.” > John Nolan “Rats! Disappointed.” > Jennifer Little “Sad to see. Greenville needs someone other than us random folks downtown to tell tourists where ‘the bridge’ is.”

RE: TRAVELERS REST TO GET SUPPLEMENTS MANUFACTURER WITH $2.8M DEAL > Veteran Services Division “ANOTHER company investing in Travelers Rest!!!.... and bringing more jobs.” > Chris Loper at Keller Williams Realty “Travelers Rest continues to grow to be the gem of the Upstate!!!”

RE: CITY CHOOSES OHIO CONSULTANT FOR NEW WEST END PARK > Swamp Rabbit Inn “Exciting news! Can’t wait to see what’s planned for our front porch view!” > Cindy Williams “Why can’t the city find someone local to do this?”

>> CONNECT WITH US We’re great at networking.

LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/ UPSTATE-BUSINESS-JOURNAL FACEBOOK.COM/ THEUPSTATEBUSINESSJOURNAL @UPSTATEBIZ @ashleyboncimino

@ssimmons830

@SJackson_CJ

@jerrymsalley

@BenDavidJ

@clandrum

@amorris_CJ

12.11.2015

BIZ BUZZ

Distilled commentary from UBJ readers

> Travis Seward “Maybe the space can now become another generic (ugly) high rise or apartment building that blocks light from the street.”

|

DECEMBER 4, 2015

A VINTAGE DEVELOPMENT Chad Patterson,

Club & Winery on The vision behind Equus food, wine and Lake Keowee will blend the outdoors.

See story on page 12.

>> 256

DIGITAL FLIPBOOK ARCHIVE >>

| VOL. 4 ISSUE 49

Patterson Visual

PLUS: Corporate training goes to from the boardroom ge 12 the barnyard............pa

The layout of print meets the convenience of the web: flip through the digital edition of any of our print issues at >> upstatebusinessjournal. com/past-issues

1. City chooses Ohio consultant for new West End park

>> 162

2. Equus Club & Winery aims for ‘social experience’

>> 88 >> WEIGH IN @ THE UBJ EXCHANGE Got something to offer?

Get it off your chest.

We’re looking for expert guest bloggers from all industries to contribute to the UBJ Exchange. Send posts or blog ideas to eprice@communityjournals.com.

3. Downtown tourism center Reedy Point project canceled

>> 82 4. SC targets higher margins for agribusiness with new office

>> 50 5. Trucking company opening office, terminal in Greenville

RE: FEDERAL HIGHWAY BILL PROVIDES BILLIONS FOR SOUTH CAROLINA ROADS > Dawn Borkowski “About damn time!!!!”

RE: EQUUS CLUB & WINERY AIMS FOR ‘SOCIAL EXPERIENCE’ > Tiffany Gibson “This is insanity! Absolutely gorgeous.”

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAILS

> Damian Hall Group – Greenville “Very exciting!”

Follow up on the Upstate’s workweek in minutes.

> Nancy Redard Pattison “Love it! I visited Cuvaison when I went to Napa my first time. Really liked their Chardonnay!

Who knew that Oconee County had wineries?!” > ShowBob upstatebusinessjournal.com “If I’m going to invest an initial $28,500 for a “social experience,” I’d take that money and spend a year out in Napa Valley. Or put that money in real estate where you at least have ownership.”

RE: GREENVILLE’S IDRIVE PIVOTS, TAKES AIM AT CONSUMER CAR SHOPPING > @IDriveOnDemand “Thanks for the feature. Clients retweet this news with the hashtag #beatthedealer get registered for a reserve wine package!”

Subscribe to our emails & receive The Inbox – our weekly rundown of the top 10 local biz stories you need to know – as well as breaking news alerts. It’s the best way to stay informed on the go. >> upstatebusinessjournal.com/email

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INSIDE THE UPSTATE’S NETWORKING AND SOCIAL SCENE

| SOCIAL SNAPSHOT | 27

PERIMETER VIP LAUNCH PARTY Perimeter, a 70-unit condo project in Greenville’s West End, celebrated its launch with a party at The Old Cigar Warehouse.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2016.

Kathy Jackson, left

Liberty Canzater

Mayra Garcia, center

MINORITY ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AWARDS The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce honored the recipients of its 2015 Minority Enterprise Development (MED) awards at a banquet last week at the Spartanburg Marriott. Liberty Canzater, owner of The Butterfly Foundation, was named Minority Business Person of the Year; Kathy Jackson of Milliken & Company was named Minority Business Advocate of the Year; and Mayra Garcia of the Broome High School Class of 2016 received the Rising Star Award.

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

ART & PRODUCTION

IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE OF UBJ? WANT A COPY FOR YOUR LOBBY?

JAN. 15, 2016 THE MARKETING AND BRANDING ISSUE Getting the word out on local businesses.

ART DIRECTOR Whitney Fincannon

PRESIDENT/CEO

Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com

UBJ PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING DESIGN Michael Allen

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Kristi Fortner

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE STORY IDEAS:

STAFF WRITERS

EVENTS:

DIGITAL TEAM Emily Price, Danielle Car

MARKETING & ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Nicole Greer, Kristi Jennings, Donna Johnston, Annie Langston, Lindsay Oehman, Emily Yepes

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & ACCOUNT STRATEGY

1997 Jackson Dawson launches motorsports Division 1993

1990 Jackson Dawson acquires therapon marketing Group and moves to Piedmont office Center on Villa.

>>

with a majority of them utilizing the general aviation airport as a “corporate gateway to the city.”

In 1997, Jackson and his son, Darrell, launched Jackson Motorsports Group. The new division was designed to sell race tires and go to racetracks to sell and mount the tires. Darrell Jackson now serves as president of the motorsports group and Larry Jackson has two other children and a son-in-law who work there. Jackson said all his children started at the bottom and “earned their way up.”

Jackson kept the Jackson-Dawson branches in Detroit and others in Los Angeles and New York until he sold his portion of that partnership in 2009 as part of his estate planning.

The company now operates a small office in Charlotte, but its main headquarters are in Greenville in a large office space off Woodruff Road, complete with a vision gallery that displays local artwork and an auditorium Jackson makes available for non-profit use. The Motorsports Group is housed in an additional 26,000 square feet building just down the street, and the agency is currently looking for another 20,000 square feet.

Jackson said JMG has expanded into other verticals such as financial, healthcare, manufacturing and pro-bono work, but still has a strong focus on the auto industry and transportation. It’s

Chairman larry Jackson, Jackson marketing Group. Photos by Greg Beckner / Staff

Jackson Marketing Group celebrates 25 years By sherry Jackson | staff | sjackson@communityjournals.com

Solve. Serve. Grow. Those three words summarize Jackson Marketing Group’s guiding principles, and according to owner Larry Jackson, form the motivation that has kept the firm thriving for the past 25 years.

Jackson graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in video and film production and started his 41-year career in the communications industry with the U.S. Army’s Public Information Office. He served during

Vietnam, where he said he was “luckily” stationed in the middle of Texas at Fort Hood.

He left the service and went to work in public affairs and motorsports at Ford Motor Company in Detroit.

After a stint at Bell and Howell, where he was responsible for managing Ford’s dealer marketing and training, the entrepreneurial bug hit and he co-founded Jackson-Dawson Marketing Communications, a company specializing in dealer training and product launches for the auto industry in 1980.

In 1987, Jackson wanted to move back south and thought Greenville would be a good fit. An avid pilot, he

learned of an opportunity to purchase Cornerstone Aviation, a fixed base operation (FBO) that served as a service station for the Greenville Downtown Airport, providing fuel, maintenance and storage.

In fact, when he started the Greenville office of what is now Jackson Marketing Group (JMG) in 1988, the offices were housed on the second floor in an airport hangar.

“Clients would get distracted by the airplanes in the hangars and we’d have to corral them to get back upstairs to the meeting,” Jackson said.

Jackson sold the FBO in 1993, but says it was a great way to get to know Greenville’s fathers and leaders

>>

2003 motorsports Division acquires an additional 26,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space

1998 1998 Jackson Dawson moves to task industrial Court

also one of the few marketing companies in South Carolina to handle all aspects of a project in-house, with four suites handling video production, copywriting, media and research and web design.

Clients include heavyweights such as BMW, Bob Jones University, the Peace Center, Michelin and Sage Automotive. Recent projects have included an interactive mobile application for Milliken’s arboretum and 600-acre Spartanburg campus and a marketing campaign for the 2013 Big League World Series.

“In my opinion, our greatest single achievement is the longevity of our client relationships,” said Darrell Jackson. “Our first client from back in 1988 is still a client today. I can count on one hand the number of clients who have gone elsewhere in the past decade.”

Larry Jackson says his Christian faith and belief in service to others, coupled with business values rooted in solving clients’ problems, have kept

2009 Jackson Dawson changes name to Jackson marketing Group when larry sells his partnership in Detroit and lA 2003

2009-2012 Jackson marketing Group named a top BtoB agency by BtoB magazine 4 years running

him going and growing his business over the years. He is passionate about giving back and outreach to non-prof non-profits. The company was recently awarded the Community Foundation Spirit Award.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to serving the community last week by celebrating its 25th anniversary with a birthday party and a 25-hour Serve-A-Thon partnership with Hands on Greenville and Habitat for Humanity. JMG’s 103 full-time employees worked in shifts around the clock on October 22 and 23 to help construct a house for a deserving family.

As Jackson inches towards retirement, he says he hasn’t quite figured out his succession plan yet, but sees the companies staying under the same umbrella. He wants to continue to strategically grow the business.

“From the beginning, my father has taught me that this business is all about our people – both our clients and our associates,” said his son, Darrell. “We have created a focus and a culture that strives to solve problems, serve people and grow careers.”

Darrell Jackson said he wants to “continue helping lead a culture where we solve, serve and grow. If we are successful, we will continue to grow towards our ultimate goal of becoming the leading integrated marketing communications brand in the Southeast.”

2011 Jackson marketing Group/Jackson motorsports Group employee base reaches 100 people

2008 2012 Jackson marketing Group recognized by Community Foundation with Creative spirit Award

pro-bono/non-proFit / Clients lients American Red Cross of Western Carolinas Metropolitan Arts Council Artisphere Big League World Series The Wilds Advance SC South Carolina Charities, Inc. Aloft Hidden Treasure Christian School

CoMMUnitY nit inVolVeMent nitY in olV inV olVe VeMent & boarD positions lArry JACkson (ChAirmAn): Bob Jones University Board chairman, The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center board member, Gospel Fellowship Association board member, Past Greenville Area Development Corporation board member, Past Chamber of Commerce Headquarters Recruiting Committee member, Past Greenville Tech Foundation board member David Jones (Vice President Client services, Chief marketing officer): Hands on Greenville board chairman mike Zeller (Vice President, Brand marketing): Artisphere Board,

Metropolitan Arts Council Board, American Red Cross Board, Greenville Tech Foundation Board, South Carolina Chamber Board

eric Jackson (Jackson motorsports Group sales specialist): Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board

November 1, 2013 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal 21

20 Upstate bUsiness joUrnal November 1, 2013

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NOVEMBER 1, 2013

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jackson Marketing Group’s 25 Years 1988 Jackson Dawson opens in Greenville at Downtown Airport

1988

Holly Hardin

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Ryan L. Johnston rjohnston@communityjournals.com Susan Clary Simmons ssimmons@communityjournals.com

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