VOLUME 16 NUMBER 11 ■ COLUMBIABUSINESSREPORT.COM
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The first vertical farm in the United States to be located onsite at a correctional facility is being planned in Columbia. Page 18
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Lifetime achievement given to retired president of Bamberg company. Page 6
Upfront
BRIEFS | FACTS | STATEWIDE NEWS | BEST ADVICE
F&B serves delicious revenue across South Carolina
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any restaurants and drinking establishments survived the pandemic or were resilient enough to emerge with a new sense of purpose. Many did not. But the headlines over the past year indicate that South Carolina’s food and beverage sector continues to bring in new players and is seeing a surge of growth. A lot of South Carolina’s economic depends on hospitality and tourism, and food and beverage provides a year around subset of that business sector, including wages, professional sector service demand, suppliers, farmers and great food. Hundreds of thousands of jobs are dependent on this sector, which employed 12% of all workers in South Carolina in 2022. In the next seven years, the National
Restaurant Association estimates that South Carolina will see a 16% increase in demand for F&B workers, including food service and other related jobs. No longer is Charleston the only place for worldclass dining, but the entire Palmetto State is experiencing a renewed focus on different takes on Southern food and other F&B experiences. The state’s major metro areas aren’t the only places where good food can be found. In 2022, the country’s F&B sector pulled in $898 billion, data from the National Restaurant Association show. The national trade group estimates that will increase 11% year-over-year, for nearly $1 trillion in revenue in 2023.
Regional F&B retail sales Annual sales in 2022 for food and beverage establishments topped a quarter of a billion dollars among Southeastern states. South Carolina alone was worth $15 billion or 6.3% of the total.
Mississippi 3% Arkansas 3% Kentucky 4.9%
Cooking the numbers
Alabama 5% Louisiana 5.5%
10,705
S. Carolina 6.3%
South Carolina has more than 10,000 eating establishments as of 2022. That’s an average of 232 per county.
Tennessee 8.2%
257,800
Virginia 10.2%
Number of jobs directly related to the food and beverage sector in South Carolina, which represents 12% of all employment in the Palmetto State.
$997,000,000,000
N. Carolina 12.6%
27%
Georgia 12.6%
Amount of food and beverage sales expected national in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022.
Southeast Food & Bev Sales
$238.2 billion
The percentage of annual F&B sales in 2022 which came from 11 Southeastern states.
$69,400,000,000
Amount of F&B sales in Florida, the highest-grossing revenue state for the sector in the Southeast in 2022.
Florida 29.1%
$15,000,000,000 F&B sales in South Carolina for 2022. Source: National Restaurant Association
Source: National Restaurant Association, 2022
HEARD “Increasing our workforce initiatives is one of the clear successes I’ve seen as We’re making sure we not only nurture our students but also create new IN THE president. programs that really meet the needs of the area.”
REPORT
— Ronald L. Rhames, president of Midlands Technical College
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SC Biz News Briefs Target your market in an upcoming issue of the Columbia Regional Business Report
North Charleston-made Boeing Dreamliners fly in formation for Emirates Airline. (Photo/Provided)
Charleston
Charleston Regional Business Journal
Dubai Airshow leads to 5 deals in 2 days for North Charleston Boeing Dreamliners
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he first day of the Dubai Airshow Nov. 13 brought a stream of sales for Boeing Co., including a $52 billion deal with the host country’s Emirates Airline. Boeing and Emirates announced that the world’s largest 777 operator has placed an order for 90 777 airplanes, including 55 777-9 and 35 777-8 jets, according to a news release from Boeing. The new order, which increases Emirates’ 777 family backlog to 205 planes, was announced during the Dubai Airshow at a signing event attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Also on the first day of the airshow, Boeing inked deals for the North Charleston-based 787 Dreamliner with Royal Jordanian, flydubai and North Africa carrier Royal Air Maroc. Day two of the show brought a deal with Ethiopian Airlines.
Greenville
GSA Business Report
Iconic coastal brand relocates HQ to downtown Greenville historic building
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coastal lifestyle and apparel brand announced its Greenville headquarters will move to a newly renovated historic building downtown. Southern Tide’s move to the Borden building in an approximately 23,000-squarefoot-space at 711 W. Washington St. marks a new chapter for the brand, as it embraces a space deeply steeped in local history and impact on the Greenville community. The Borden provides not only a strategic location but also a connection to the brand’s origins, according to a news release. “We are very excited to announce this new chapter of Southern Tide and are looking forward to continuing the company’s growth,” said Southern Tide CEO Carey Ann Campbell. “Greenville has always been our home and is ingrained in Southern Tide’s DNA. We hope to continue to expand our coastal lifestyle while staying true to our roots in Greenville.” The completion of the Southern Tide office space and official move-in are both scheduled for the end of 2024. With publications in the Upstate, Columbia and Charleston, as well as a statewide magazine, SC Biz News covers the pulse of business across South Carolina. Above are excerpts from our other publications.
GSABusinessReport.com
CharlestonBusiness.com
SCBIZmag.com
DECEMBER 11 FINANCE
Lists: Banks, Accounting Firms Special Section: Innovation Awards Advertising Deadline: November 27
JANUARY 22
WORKFORCE/STAFFING
Lists: Professional Staffing Firms, HR & Payroll Advertising Deadline: January 8
FEBRUARY 12
HOSPITALITY/TOURISM
Lists: Hotels, Event Spaces Power List: Logistics
Advertising Deadline: January 29
For advertising information, contact Ryan Downing at rdowning@scbiznews.com
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November 2023
Public art program to connect businesses By Jason Thomas
South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth
Donna Bischoff, publisher SC Biz News dbischoff@bridgetowermedia.com 843-804-6093
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new art program will create a city-wide palette of public art collaborations celebrating Columbia’s access to its rivers, and also craft diverse artistic visions shared across its business and public spaces. Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann recently announced the new Columbia Streams Art public art program during a public ceremony at Boyd Plaza, according to a news release. During the ceremony, Rickenmann revealed a leaping trout sculpture painted in the colors of the city of Columbia flag, a large-scale urban canvas featuring art from Columbia area artists as well as images streamed digitally from artists in Columbia’s sister city of Kaiserslautern, Germany, and three vibrantly painted reproduction newspaper vending machines that will become community lending libraries. “The fabric of Columbia is vibrant with streams of creativity flowing from every direction,” said Rickenmann. “As more are choosing to live, work and play in our community, we want to ensure there are new, exciting and thought-provoking public art installations for all to enjoy and contribute to. Columbia Streams Art is another stream for local artists of all ages to contribute to our bustling public art scene.” Speaking during the presentation with Rickenmann were Columbia Museum of Art Executive Director Della Watkins, and Stormwater Studios artist Stephen Chesley, who shared perspectives of how public displays of art invigorate our public spaces, and reflect multiple aspects of our culture, the release stated. Columbia Streams Art is a multi-faceted arts progr am designed to engage Columbia’s creative community by inviting local artists and students to express their imaginations through unique projects for display throughout the city. Components of the Columbia Streams Art public art program will include: To directly celebrate Columbia’s connection to rivers, 35 leaping trout
During a recent ceremony, Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann revealed a leaping trout sculpture painted in the colors of the city of Columbia flag, a large-scale urban canvas featuring art from Columbia area artists as well as images streamed digitally from artists in Columbia’s sister city of Kaiserslautern, Germany. (Photo/Provided)
sculptures will be painted/decorated by students from Richland County School District 1 high schools and Midlands area institutions of higher learning, and a selection local artists. Columbia area artists can check the website strategicinitiatives.columbiasc.gov to submit their proposals for consideration. A stipend will be provided to the selected artists, and after the trout sculptures have been painted they will be auctioned with proceeds utilized to expand public art programs in Columbia. The Columbia Streams Art program also will sponsor creation and presentation of travelling urban canvasses to
display a variety of interconnected local and international creative visions. Each urban canvas will feature placement of different portrayals of art or photography to craft a total kaleidoscopic presentation, and then be presented for public viewing across Columbia communities. Additionally, 24 reproductions of newspaper vending machines will be painted by children attending a variety of different North Columbia community centers and after-school programs, and then the vibrantly-painted machines will be filled with books to become free lending libraries and placed across communities in the area.
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November 2023
Retired president of Bamberg company honored for lifetime achievement By Ross Norton
T
rnorton@scbiznews.com
he retired president of Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing Co. in Bamberg was presented the Chuck Spangler Outstanding Manufacturing Lifetime Service Award Nov. 10 during the annual SCMEP Salute to Manufactturing Awards. Robert Hurst was president of the company from the late 1970s until his retirement in 2017. The ceremony each year closes out the South Carolina Manufacturing Conference and Expo, presented by SC Biz News and held this year at the Greenville Convention Center. The awards are presented by South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Hurst and his two brothers-in-law grew the business from one with annual sales of less than $3 million in the early days to more than $20 million at this retirement. Phoenix Specialty is a manufacturer of small specialty and precision components. During his time leading the company, Hurst invested heavily in the business, his employees, the community and the industry, SC Biz News Executive Director Jason Thomas said when presenting the award.
Robert Hurst accepts the Chuck Spangler Outstanding Manufacturing Lifetime Service Award from Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. (Photo/Ross Norton)
Throughout the years, Hurst made significant investments into grade schools and technical schools and served on many boards including: the SCMEP Board of Directors, SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance Board of Directors, Bamberg County Economic Development Board of Directors, Bamberg County Hospital Board, and the PMA National Board
of Directors. He also served as Precision Metalform Association Carolina’s District treasurer and later president during the 1990s. Hurst was chairman of the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership Board of Directors during the transition in SCMEP leadership when Chuck Spangler was promoted to president. Hurst said one
of his best accomplishments was appointing Spangler to lead the organization. Spangler led SCMEP with widely praised gusto and a deft touch until his untimely death in 2021. Other awards included: • Innovator of the Year Award, presented to Viatec of Piedmont. Finalists in the category were Green Energy Biofuel and Samsung Electronics Home Appliances America. • Emerging Manufacturer of the Year Award went to Xplor Boatworks of Columbia. Finalists were Print & Pine of Ridgeland and STIWA US of Fort Mill. • AFL of Duncan, a manufacturer of fiber optic cable and related products, was winner of the Outreach Award. Finalists in the category were Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and Green Energy Biofuel. • Transformation and Operation Excellence Awards were presented to TICO Manufacturing and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. • Smart Move SC awards for new plants went to Redwood Materials Inc., Pomega Energy Storage Technologies Inc., MycoWorks Inc., BMW Manufacturing Co. LLC, The Ritedose Corp., and Canfor Southern Pine.
Industry’s most influential women named at inaugural Manufacturing Mavens Awards By Krys Merryman
T
kmerryman@scbiznews.com
en women making an impact as leaders in the manufacturing industry were recognized Nov. 9 at the 2023 South Carolina Manufacturing Conference and Expo. The women were honored for being part of a small but growing and important part of the state’s manufacturing landscape during the inaugural Manufacturing Mavens Awards. “It’s an important recognition, as less than 25% of executive leadership in South Carolina’s manufacturing sector is female,” said SC Biz News Publisher Donna Bischoff. “Today, we’re going to start moving that needle.” The awards were preceded by a panel discussion moderated by Catherine Hayes, industry manager at the South Carolina Research Authority. Panelists were Nicki Creech, leadership and transformation specialist with BMW Manufacturing; Leslie Farmer, program integrator for Lockheed Martin’s F-16 portfolio and the company’s Greenville site; Mary Ellen Grom, executive director, customer experience solutions, at AFL; Elba Lizardi site manager for BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions; and rounding out the panel was Annekatherin Mueller, vice president of commercial plant manager at Bosch Charleston. Panelists
Ten women were recognized for their leadership in the manufacturing industry during the first Manufacturing Mavens Awards ceremony and panel discussion. (Photo/SC Biz News)
opened up the awards show with success stories, advice and how they have changed the stereotypes surrounding a historically male-dominated industry. A key takeaway from the panelists was that being a leader is about doing the hard work with the people you are leading.
The 10 Manufacturing Mavens Awards went to:
• Laura Bordeaux, plant manager at Zeus Industrial Products Inc.
• Donna Brin, founder and CEO of bFIVE40, a custom manufacturer of technical textiles made with recycled fibers and owner of sports apparel brand. • Lisa Gunton, vice president of human resources for AFL. • Nicole Johnson, co-founder of Boyd Cycling. • Elba Lizardi, is the site manager for BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions. • Sherry McCraw, the vice president of human resources at BMW
Manufacturing Co • Annekatherin Mueller, plant manager at Bosch. • Elizabeth Rhue, vice president of Global Environmental, Sustainability and Technical Services at Sonoco Products Co. • Adrienne Temple, vice president of Training Programs at the South Carolina South Carolina Extension Partnership. • Rashmi Vadlakonda, a SMART Transformation SME for Trane Technologies’ Columbia facility.
November 2023
www.columbiabusinessreport.com 7
Aiken plant to make engines for military fighting vehicles By Ross Norton
A
rnorton@scbiznews.com
little bit of Aiken is ready for battle. Rolls-Royce has delivered the first of its mtu 8V 199 PowerPacks to General Dynamics for the U.S. Army’s M10 Booker armored fighting vehicle program. Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems business will deliver up to 96 PowerPacks as part of the low-rate initial production phase, with additional PowerPacks expected as the program moves into serial production, according to a news release from Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “The delivery of these first PowerPacks marks an important milestone for us, as it represents the first mtu serial production engine to power a U.S. Army land defense program. This is also the Army’s first new design tracked vehicle fielded in over four decades,” Scott Hanson said in the news release. Hanson is director defense for Rolls-Royce Solutions America, a subsidiary of RollsRoyce Power Systems, which is headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany. In March, Rolls-Royce announced that the Aiken plant would product generators for U.S. Navy ships. Designed by General Dynamics Land Systems, the direct-fire combat vehicle melds recently developed and battle-tested designs to dominate ground
threats on the multi-domain battlefield, the release stated. The M10 Booker vehicle employs a four-person crew and features an enhanced thermal viewer, a large-caliber cannon, a lightweight hull and turret, and is powered by the mtu 8V 199 PowerPack delivering 600 kilowatts, or 800 horsepower. It has been designed from the start for capability upgrades, based on future operational needs. The mtu Series 199 is the best-selling armored fighting vehicle engine in its power class, according to Rolls-Royce. The six- and eight-cylinder engines are characterized by particularly high power combined with especially low weight and volume. The integrated PowerPack consists of engine, transmission, cooling system, air filtration, energy system, preheating equipment, power management, and vehicle integrated features. Compact, integrated, and flexible, the drive solution can be tailored to the respective vehicle and mission profile. “We’re excited to assemble and test these Series 199 Powerpacks at our mtu manufacturing facility in Aiken, S.C.,” Hanson said in the release. “We’re proud of the role we play in equipping the U.S. Army with a best-in-class power solution and thrilled to continue our strong partnership with General Dynamics.” Low-rate initial production for the M10 Booker is expected to go through 2025
Rolls-Royce has delivered the first of its mtu 8V 199 PowerPacks to General Dynamics for the U.S. Army’s M10 Booker armored fighting vehicle program. The PowerPacks were assembled and tested at Rolls-Royce’s mtu manufacturing facility in Aiken. (Photo/Provided)
with serial production planned for 2026 pending the results of evaluations of the initial phase. Rolls-Royce’s mtu Series 199 engines and PowerPacks power more than 2,500 light armored vehicles with several armed forces, the release said. Versions of this powerplant are in use various armored vehicles, among them
the Spanish Pizarro, Austrian ULA+N, German Boxer and Polish OPAL vehicles. They are also set to power additional vehicles of NATO nations, such as the British Army’s Ajax and Boxer. In addition to Aiken, Rolls-Royce also produces mtu Series 199 engines at its Friedrichshafen and East Grinstead, United Kingdom, manufacturing facilities.
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November 2023
USC’s school of law has new name after $30M gift By Christina Lee Knauss
T
Contributing writer
he law school at the University of South Carolina now has a new name thanks to a major donation from prominent Mount Pleasant attorney and alumnus Joseph Rice, co-founder of Motley Rice LLC. The school will now be known as the Joseph F. Rice School of Law as the result of a $30 million donation from Rice and his family that will be used to establish an endowed student scholarship fund which will yield multiple three-year full and partial scholarships and at least four new endowed professorships. Additionally, the allocations will create stipends for students completing a children’s law concentration, career and professional development training for students and additional training, awards and support. The new name was announced Friday, Nov. 10, with a special signage unveiling ceremony held at the law school building at the corner of Bull and Senate streets. Rice and his family, USC officials, local officials and representatives from the state’s legal community, along with USC students and others, made up the large crowd in attendance. During the ceremony, the first six students to receive scholarships through the fund were recognized. Rice became emotional at the ceremony as he talked about the role USC has played in his life and his family’s life. He said the university is “like family” to him and recalled how he met his wife Lisa Summer Rice on campus 45 years ago. Rice expressed hope that scholarships funded by his donation will offer opportunities for future law students in much the same way he was able to utilize special programs at the university to enter law school. He said he was able to gain admission to the law school because of a special summer program offered in the 1970s that allowed students to earn academic credit during summer school. “Back in 1976 the summer admissions process allowed you to show your academic worthiness to enter the law school — that program helped to give me a leg up back then,” he said. “Then in 1979 when I walked off the stage with a law degree, I never imagined I would ever be able to one day donate anything that would change the life of thousands of students.” University officials described the transformative effect the donation will have on opportunities for generations of future law students and help the law school build on goals of increasing student diversity and strengthening programs focused on children’s law, restorative justice and other efforts to meet the legal needs of diverse communities. “This is a celebration of the history of not only our law school but the whole university,” said USC President Michael Amiridis. “We are changing the name of
Attorney Joseph F. Rice talked about the role USC has played in his life during a ceremony recognizing a gift to the school from him and his family. (Photo/Christina Lee Knauss)
The University of South Carolina unveiled a new sign for the Joseph F. Rice School of Law at a ceremony Nov. 10. (Photo/Christina Lee Knauss)
the law school forever thanks to the visionary investment by Joseph Rice, who has a been a faithful and impactful member of the USC family for many years. His transformative gift will help us on our mission to provide a world class education for our law students. It has the power to drive us forward further and faster.” By establishing scholarships, Rice said he hopes to help future law students pursue their passions without having to bear the brunt of high student loan debt, which averages $90,000 for many students who graduate law school today. “I believe lawyers are here to improve the condition of humanity, and my goal here is to do something that will shape the future of the law school and beyond,” he said. “Through these scholarships, I hope
we’ll be able to educate individuals who want to serve their communities. Increasing the diversity of law students at the school will also in the end produce better lawyers. I’d like to challenge the recipients of these scholarships to assume the obligation to use their time, talent and creativity to give something back to the world.” Rice first practiced law at Blatt & Fales in Barnwell after graduating from the USC law school in 1979. Over the years he has specialized in taking on large cause-driven civil actions across a wide range of issues including tobacco, asbestos and the opioid crisis. The Mount Pleasant attorney has been a strong supporter of his alma mater for many years. In 2013 he and the members of Motley Rice, the firm he co-founded
in 2003, created the Ronald L. Motley Memorial Scholarship Fund and Civil Litigation Training Program Fund at the law school in memory and honor of the firm’s co-founding member, Ron Motley. That fund has helped establish a course in litigation skills and yielded 26 scholarships to date, according to information from USC. Motley Rice LLC is currently one of the nation’s largest plaintiffs’ litigation firms, with a staff of more than 130 attorneys across nine offices in practice areas including occupational disease, medical device and pharmaceutical injuries, securities fraud, consumer protection, whistleblower rights, anti-terrorism, environmental contamination, catastrophic injuries, preis and product liability and wrongful death.
November 2023
www.columbiabusinessreport.com 9
SCRA takes on 2 more member companies in Columbia, Mount Pleasant By Ross Norton
C
rnorton@scbiznews.com
ADchat and Saluda Manufacturing have joined the South Carolina Research Authority as member companies. Four others received new grant funding. All SCRA member companies receive coaching, access to experts in SCRA’s Resource Partner Network, eligibility to apply for grant funding, and the potential to be considered for investment from SCRA’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc. Saluda Manufacturing LLC is a Columbia-based advanced materials and manufacturing company working to change the way truck owners manage cargo with the Saluda Box. The Saluda Box is designed to help with cargo management by merging a bed-mounted toolbox with a bed cover that protects bed cargo and can be stored in the toolbox when not in use. CADchat Inc. is a Mount Pleasant-based information technology startup that has designed a simple and secure 3D conferencing tool that enables designers, engineers, manufacturers and non-technical stakeholders to communicate about 3D files through easy viewing, sharing and video conferencing. The new grant funding recipients are Borealis Global Advisory, DRAHOLA Technologies, FRD Accel and Health
SCRA was established to fuel the innovation economy through technology-based startups. (Image/Provided)
Evolve Technologies Borealis Global Advisory LLC received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant. The Blythewood-based fintech startup is an SaaS platform designed to save significant time and money for investment managers. The platform allows managers to invest globally by leveraging advanced algorithms and visualization tools that provide world-leading, real-time and actionable country-level insights. DRAHOLA Technologies Inc. received a $25,000 Project Development Fund Grant. The Rock Hill-based information technology startup is a full-service spatial software development and
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Heavy lifting
Inland Port Dillon celebrates fifth anniversary with its busiest month on record. Page 3
Ray of sunshine
Solar companies to establish South Carolina presence with $66M energy plant. Page 5
Locked and loaded A small arms plant will expand in Richland County with an $18M investment. Page 6
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Part of the
‘THE RIGHT THING TO DO’
consulting company. DRAHOLA is the developer of yey’maps, a geospatial engineering company that uses flexible and intuitive cloud GIS solutions for the optimal implementation of geodata. FRD Accel LLC received a $50,000 Federal Matching Grant. The Charleston-based life science company was formed by the Medical University of South Carolina’s Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization. Their technology, BabyStrong, consisting of an earpiece and controller, uses vagus nerve stimulation to promote feeding in newborns, especially premature babies, who have feeding difficulties. The BabyStrong
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Prestigious honor
University of South Carolina of dean elected to Academy Arts and Sciences. Page 7
Meeting a need
A Midlands organization forms tech partnership to address mental health. Page 12
system can eliminate the need for a gastric tube, resulting in earlier discharge from the hospital and reduced stress for the baby and family. Health Evolve Technologies LLC received a $25,000 Project Development Fund Grant. The Columbia-based information technology company builds patient-centered technologies that provide comprehensive and simple tools to position patients as partners and equip providers with clinical insights needed for a personalized care experience. Grant funding is made possible, in part, by the Industry Partnership Fund contributions. Contributors to the IPF receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit. Chartered in 1983 by the state of South Carolina as a public, nonprofit corporation, South Carolina Research Authority was established to fuel the state’s innovation economy through the impact of its comprehensive services to technology-based startups, academia and industry. SCRA provides funding and support to accelerate the growth of academic startups; high-quality lab and administrative workspaces; facilitation and funding for partnerships between and among industry, startups, and academic institutions; assistance and funding for the relocation of technology-based companies to South Carolina; and coaching and funding for startups that may also receive investments from its affiliate, SC Launch Inc.
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2 Upfront.................................. 3 SC Biz News Briefs.............. In Focus: Health care/life 9 ...... sciences ....................... Lists: Hospitals; life sciences18 17, companies..................... 20 ...... At Work ....................... ....23 Viewpoint .......................
Corp. steps Columbia-based Ritedose after up to fill supply of medication US. Page 9 drastic downturn across
Inaugural honor seasoned
ICON Honors recognizes strong executives who have exhibited leadership and notable success. Page 14
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November 2023
As he prepares to step away, MTC president expresses pride in college’s legacy
Ronald L. Rhames, sixth from the right, once a student there, has been president of MTC since 2015, says he will retire before next summer. (Photo/MTC)
By Christina Lee Knauss cknauss@scbiznews.com
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hen Ronald L. Rhames enrolled as a student at Midlands Technical College in Columbia as a young man, he had no idea he was starting a relationship with the school that would lead eventually to a 35-year career and end with him sitting in the president’s chair. Rhames, president of MTC since 2015, recently announced his plans to retire by late June of 2024. “After all these years, it’s time to step away and find anothRhames er way to be engaged in life,” Rhames told SC Biz News. “Looking back on my time here, I have the satisfaction of the foundation I got from being a student here, and then the pleasure of the amazing career that I’ve enjoyed working here.” Rhames, who grew up in Columbia, has an associate degree in management from MTC, as well a business and economics degree from Benedict College, a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University and a doctorate in business administration from Nova Southeastern University. He worked in the banking industry and then
became the chief financial officer at Claflin University in Orangeburg. He was working at Claflin when he was offered a job at MTC, where he first served as senior vice president and chief operating officer. It was the beginning of a tenure that would leave a lasting legacy. “As a student here I was a beneficiary of the quality of education we provided, so I know personally firsthand how we impact people’s lives,” Rhames said. “When I had the opportunity to join MTC as chief financial officer I couldn’t wait to jump at it. I recognized the extraordinary opportunity.” Rhames is passionate about MTC’s role in both guiding students to rewarding careers and helping generate much-needed employees for the rapidly growing industrial and business community in the Midlands and statewide. “Increasing our workforce initiatives is one of the clear successes I’ve seen as president,” he said. “We’re making sure we not only nurture our students but also create new programs that really meet the needs of the area. One example is our new heavy equipment operations program, which is going to benefit the entire community as the area continues to grow and expand.” He also is proud of MTC’s recent $50 million investment in building new facilities, including the $14.5 million learning resource center and $4.5 million industrial technology facility with 64 welding
stations on the Beltline campus, and a $5 million renovation of the advanced manufacturing center at the Airport Campus in West Columbia. Currently under construction is the $30 million Lindau Engineering Technology Center on the Beltline campus, slated to open in spring 2024. Rhames also is proud of MTC’s expanding role in workforce development, including expanded programs in specialty welding, plumbing, information technology and health care. He has a personal perspective on what technical colleges can do for the workforce. His niece, he said, was looking for a good job and recently found one after completing a two-year degree in criminal justice at a technical school, and then a four-year degree at another institution. “Our schools provide an economic benefit to our students because they can attend and graduate with little or no debt, and when they graduate they can either go on to a four-year institution or immediately start contributing to society, raising families and buying houses,” he said. He is also proud of the system’s history, and cites Harbison History Day as one of his proudest achievements. The event takes place annually in February at MTC’s Harbison campus, which was originally the location of the Harbison Institute. Founded in 1911, the institute offered educational opportunities for Black students during segregation. When
it closed in 1958, its 19 wooded acres and six buildings were donated to MTC by the Harbison Development Corp., according to information from MTC. “There are still some original graduates of that school and each year we bring them to campus to celebrate with us,” he said. “In February 2023 we had a 100-year-old graduate of the original school who came back to campus to celebrate with us, and it’s a great, rewarding pleasure to see them and get to celebrate with them. One of my goals has been to preserve that campus’s history and continue to tell the story.” A unique element of Harbison History Day is the ringing of a bell that once summoned students from nearby fields where they worked to help pay for their education, Rhames said. The bell was preserved and is now in a bell tower on the campus. As Rhames prepares to move on, he is proud to see that MTC and the state’s technical college system as a whole are “stronger than ever,” he said. “What we are doing here is more important than ever, and it’s also extremely flexible because here at MTC we are able to adjust and make changes to respond to the emerging economy and our students’ needs,” he said. “I am really proud of what our faculty and staff have done here to embrace the need to develop the workforce and meet the needs of the community.
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Undeveloped Boyd Island transformed into public space By Jason Thomas
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jthomas@scbiznews.com
formerly undeveloped swath of property has been transformed into a sanctuary and public space in Columbia. The city of Columbia and the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation recently hosted the official grand opening for the Sanctuary at Boyd Island on Boyd Island. Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann, District III Councilman Will Brennan, the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation, and the River Alliance provided details about the island sanctuary, and the efforts to facilitate its transformation into a public outdoor space available to the community, according to a news release. The Boyd Island Sanctuary was made possible thanks to the vision and benevolence of Darnall and Susan Boyd, and more than $1 million in contributions from the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation, the release stated. After visiting the unde-
The city of Columbia and the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation recently hosted the official grand opening for the Sanctuary at Boyd Island on Boyd Island. (Photo/Provided)
veloped Boyd Island by canoe, Donnie and Susan Boyd found an enchanting natural treasure, but without easy access, the release stated. They saw the potential for an outdoor sanctuary with linkage to the Three Rivers Greenway, the release stated. Working with the River Alliance, the project was devel-
oped in concept and then approved by Columbia City Council in 2014. Since then, Susan Boyd has approved every step of the development of the Boyd Island Sanctuary. The Boyd Island Sanctuary is now a scenic treasure available to the public, and can be accessed from the Northern end of the Saluda Riverwalk, the release stated. The
seven-acre island features an abundance of wildlife and more than 75 species of flora, including seasonal views of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies. The island features a winding foot trail, an observation deck with panoramic overlooks of the rivers’ confluence, artistically rendered metal benches, granite picnic tables, and a new all metal pavilion, the release stated. The 105-foot metal footbridge to Boyd Island was fabricated by ConTec of CoreTen steel and installed by Cape Romain Construction in 2018, according to the release. The granite and steel picnic tables and benches, and the Spider Lilly Pavilion were fabricated and installed by the Stuyck Company, and Advanced Outdoor Services completed the trails, lights and timber work. The Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation coordinated with One Columbia for Arts and Culture to commission naturalist artist Renee Bemis to design and construct the bronze sculptures of native plants and animals.
Large Columbia construction management firm acquired By Jason Thomas
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jthomas@scbiznews.com
owman Consulting Group Ltd. a national engineering services firm delivering infrastructure solutions to customers who own, develop and maintain the built environment, has acquired Dennis Corp., a civil engineering, surveying and construction management firm headquartered in Columbia. Supporting public and private sector clients, Dennis specializes in delivering general civil infrastructure planning and design; program and construction management and oversight; environmental and geotechnical services for traffic and transportation;
intelligent transportation systems (ITS), aviation, water resources and public sector facilities, according to a news release. Established in 2005 by current CEO Dan Dennis, the firm has grown to become one the largest locally owned engineering, surveying and construction management firms in South Carolina, according to the release. All 40 technical and administrative professionals will become Bowman employees in connection with the acquisition. “Dennis Corporation embodies a culture of commitment to unparalleled client service, which aligns perfectly with our cultural values, making them a great fit for Bowman,” said Gary Bowman, chairman and CEO of Bowman, in the release.
“Their focus on transportation, construction management and surveying complement recent acquisitions we’ve made, and their geographic footprint introduces us to an attractive growth market in a familiar region. We’re looking forward to getting Dan and his team onboard and integrated into our platform so we can start sharing work and growing our collective base of business through revenue synergies.” Financed with a combination of cash, seller notes and equity, the acquisition falls within previously discussed target multiple and operating metric ranges and is expected to be immediately accretive, the release stated. Bowman anticipates the acquisition will initially operate at an annualized net
service billing run rate of approximately $4.5 million. More detailed information on M&A activities, pipeline and guidance updates are provided in connection with scheduled quarterly and annual communications. “Becoming a Bowman company begins an exciting new chapter in our proud story,” said Dan Dennis, CEO of Dennis Corp., in the release. “Our employees are looking forward to the suite of professional development platforms available at Bowman. We’re anxious to contribute to Bowman’s work-sharing mindset and we’re excited about the opportunities we will have to expand our service offerings and increase our exposure to clients and markets.”
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November 2023
New ‘Roadmap to Sustain SC’ to accelerate development By Jason Thomas
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jthomas@scbiznews.com
ustain SC has launched the Roadmap to Sustain SC, which identifies seven key accelerators that will move South Carolina forward as a sustainable state ensuring economic prosperity and protection of the state’s quality of life. The plan was unveiled during Sustain SC’s recent second annual Sustainability Symposium in Columbia, according to a Sustain SC news release. “This is a big moment for our organization, which has dedicated an entire year to developing the Roadmap to Sustain SC,” said Ethel Bunch, founder and CEO of Sustain SC, in the release. “This was a passion project and enhances Sustain SC’s mission of connecting the sustainability goals of business in South Carolina with local solutions for the benefit of our economy, environment, and people. We are proud to serve as a model for other states who work toward similar goals.” The Roadmap undertaking began after South Carolina ranked 37th out of 50 states in a 2021 U.S. Sustainable Development Report released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the release stated. As a result, Sustain SC partnered with Ernst and Young (EY) to assess how South Carolina could improve its low position on the list and be competitive with neighboring states. Through comprehensive research and analysis, researchers mapped out a plan for future sustainable development reflective of the unique commerce and conservation needs of the state, The Roadmap to Sustain SC. The Roadmap initiatives include the following, the release stated: Partnerships for Economic Prosperity and Quality of Life: Sustain SC will advance a future of strong cross-sector
Sustain SC founder and CEO Ethel Bunch unveiled the Roadmap to Sustain SC at the orgianzation’s recent annual symposium. (Photo/Provided)
collaboration among commerce and conservation partners to attract new, sustainable industries, enhance the existing industry in South Carolina, and protect our quality of life. The Three-Legged Stool - Affordable, Reliable, and Sustainable Energy: Through multi-stakeholder engagement with the private and public sector and conservation NGOs, Sustain SC supports cross-sector energy engagement to retain and attract industry in our state. STEM2030 Workforce Accelerator: Sustain SC is modernizing the STEM initiative to ensure all learners have the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development, enhance scientific research, upgrade technology capabilities, and encourage sustainable innovation throughout every workforce sector. Capitalizing on the Sustainable Revolution: In an effort to establish South Carolina as the center point of sustainable economic development, Sustain SC is forging alliances between indus-
try and conservation organizations to transition from traditional 20th-century economic practices to 21st-century industries that provide well-paying jobs and implement innovative, sustainable methods in production, supply chain management, and distribution. Between 2022 and 2023, companies announced more than $9.7 billion in EV investments across South Carolina. The Circular Economy - South Carolina’s New Economic Opportunity: Reducing, reusing, repairing, and repurposing materials for production and consumption in South Carolina not only lowers emissions and protects our natural resources, it creates innovative solutions, reduces costs, increases profits, and saves consumers money. Industries in SC are engaged in the circular economy, re-envisioning our waste as an economic engine for our future. A Resilient State: Sustain SC Land and Water Action Platform: After five consecutive years of flooding and storms, South
Carolina’s Office of Resilience (SCOR) has created a plan to protect our state’s natural resources and buffer our communities from increased threats through nature-based solutions. Sustain SC is collaborating with SCOR, as well as businesses and organizations in the industry and conservation sectors to leverage state dollars with private and federal dollar investments to protect South Carolina’s most critical natural resources. Meeting Goals at the Local Level: Approximately 80% of industries in South Carolina are actively assessing and tracking their sustainability efforts. Sustain SC is collaborating with both industry and conservation partners to establish standardized metrics and approaches for measuring sustainability at the state level. “South Carolina recognizes the growing importance modern businesses place upon achieving sustainability goals, and S.C. Commerce is dedicated to working alongside industry partners, like Sustain SC, to provide the support necessary to make those achievements a reality,” said Harry M. Lightsey III, secretary of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, said in the release. “The Roadmap to Sustain SC will help set apart South Carolina’s commitment to our business community.” For the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR), which established a formal partnership with Sustain SC this year, the Roadmap to Sustain SC will support SCOR on a number of initiatives. “Resiliency and nature-based solutions are the key to moving South Carolina forward,” said Ben Duncan, executive director of the South Carolina Office of Resilience. “These focus areas will help our organization develop strategies to minimize the impact of disasters on the communities and citizens of South Carolina.”
Marcus & Millichap brokers $3.1M sale of Chester apartments
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arcus & Millichap ushered through the sale of Chester Village Apartments, a 75-unit multifamily community located in the town of Chester, for $3.1 million. The transaction came to $41,333 per unit. Drew Babcock and Isabella Benucci, investment specialists in the firm’s Columbia office, had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the Colorado-based seller, and they found the buyer, Charlotte-based Ridgewood Chester LLC, according to a news release. The team generated multiple competing offers from local, regional and national buyers, including investors based in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the release stated.
“The I-77 corridor between Charlotte and Columbia has seen significant job growth in recent years,” Babcock said in the release. “That trend will continue with the Scout Motors opening in Blythewood.” Chester Village Apartments is located at 200 York St. in Chester. Built in 1960 on 7.33 acres of land, the property features exclusively two-bedrooom, one-bath floor plans. “There is a real need for workforce housing in this area, and that’s exactly what an asset like Chester Village Apartments offers,” Benucci said in the release. The Scout Motors development, a new auto manufacturing plant in Richland County, is only 40 minutes away and is expected to bring 4,000 new jobs to the area.
The apartments, built in 1960, are on just more than seven acres in Chester. (Photo/Provided)
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Midlands part of federal tech hub designation By Jason Thomas
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jthomas@scbiznews.com
he Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), has announced the designation of 31 Tech Hubs in regions across the country, including one in South Carolina. This is the first phase of the new Tech Hubs program, which is an economic development initiative designed to drive regional innovation and job creation by strengthening a region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy technology that will advance American competitiveness, a news release stated. The program invests directly in burgeoning, high-potential U.S. regions and aims to transform them into globally competitive innovation centers. The SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy, spearheaded by the South Carolina Department of Commerce, was named a tech hub designee. The SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC Nexus), aims to be a global leader in advanced energy by developing, testing, and deploying exportable electricity technologies, and targets the
Upstate and Midlands, according to the release. This Tech Hub will leverage the region’s growing manufacturing base, superior research capabilities, and demonstrated record of public-private collaboration to innovate and commercialize emerging energy storage materials and manufacturing techniques, including a demonstrative microgrid implementation that integrates renewable energy and storage into the state’s electricity systems, the release stated. In doing so, SC Nexus seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing and national energy security while developing exportable, high-demand products and tools critical to the advanced energy supply chain. Tech Hubs was authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, a key part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which he signed into law in August 2022, according to the release. It is an economic development initiative designed to drive regional innovation and job creation by strengthening a region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy technology that will advance American competitiveness. The program invests directly in burgeoning, high-potential U.S. regions and aims to transform
them into globally competitive innovation centers. These Tech Hubs are located across 32 states and Puerto Rico, and represent a cross-section of urban and rural regions. Designation is an endorsement of the region’s plans to supercharge their respective technological industries to create jobs, strengthen U.S. competitiveness, and protect national security, the release stated. The Tech Hubs announced today focus on industries ranging from autonomous systems, quantum computing, biotechnology, precision medicine, clean energy advancement, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, and highlight how the Biden Harris Administration is investing in innovation and economic growth in every region of the United States. EDA also awarded 29 Strategy Development Grants (SDG) to help communities significantly increase local coordination and planning activities. Such development could make selected grantees more competitive for future Tech Hubs funding opportunities. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is rooted in policies that will empower the United States to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the
world. Our Tech Hubs Program is fundamental to that mission and will supercharge innovation across the nation by spurring cutting-edge technological investments and creating 21st century job opportunities in people’s backyards,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in the release. “Each of these consortia will help us ensure the industries of the future — and their good-paying jobs — start, grow, and remain in the United States.” The Phase 1 winners were selected from nearly 400 applications from regional consortia that include industry, academia, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and labor and workforce partners. As part of the Tech Hubs competition, each consortium outlined plans for strengthening its region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy critical technologies. The Department of Commerce is launching a second Tech Hubs Notice of Funding Opportunity, allowing these designated Tech Hubs to apply to receive between $40 million and $70 million each for implementation funding, totaling nearly $500 million.
Transportation officials restructure I-26 project in Columbia
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outh Carolina Department of Transportation officials are restructuring the Carolina Crossroads project to improve project delivery and accelerate the widening of Interstates 26 and 20 in the Midlands. SCDOT designed the Carolina Crossroads project to advance through a series of phases of construction, according to an SCDOT news release. The benefit of this phased approach is the opportunity to use valuable information gathered during the initial phases of the project to enhance and improve future phases, the release stated. To that end, the department is updating the current plan and resequencing the remaining phases of the project to accelerate work along I-20 and I-26 while utility coordination and project development continues in the main interchange area. The accelerated widening along these corridors will be designed to tie in with other widening projects that are reaching milestones ahead of schedule. “Our commitment to this important project has not wavered. Carolina Crossroads is one of the largest infrastructure projects in our state’s history,” Secretary of Transportation Christy A. Hall said in the release. “First and foremost, we have a responsibility to deliver the project as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. With this new project structure and
South Carolina transportation officials are revamping the Carolina Crossroads project in Columbia to enhance and improve future phases. (Photo/SCDOT)
schedule, we feel confident we are going to improve the overall program. We are still moving forward on this critical project and making significant progress on improving
South Carolina’s interstate system.” The details of the new project sequence and schedule are actively being developed and are expected to be
available in early 2024. In the meantime, construction on the first two phases will continue to move forward unimpeded, the release stated.
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November 2023
Columbia Chamber elects first Black female chair By Jason Thomas
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jthomas@scbiznews.com
he Columbia Chamber has announced its 2023-24 board of directors with the addition of 12 new members, along with an historic first. Karen Jenkins, KRJ Consulting LLC, has been elected to serve as chairwoman of the board for the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, according to a news release. She succeeds John Griggs, Market Executive of Synovus. Brian Boyer, Boyer Construction, will serve as chairJenkins elect. Jenkins is the first African American female board chair in Columbia Chamber history. “The Columbia Chamber Board of Directors is poised for another great year where we will focus on collaboration,” Jenkins said in the release. “We have done great work at the Chamber, but we can create even more synergy by working together with our community. I am humbled and honored to lead this visionary organization and getting to know the biggest asset of our community, it’s people. We want to ensure that Columbia remains the best place to work, live and play,” said Karen Jenkins. New members joining the Chamber’s Board this year include: Roslyn Artis, Benedict College; Robby Aull, SSOE; William Cason, The Cason Group; Kristin Davis, Wells Fargo; Maggie Dittmar, Thompson Turner Construction; Jason Giulietti, Central SC Alliance; Matthew Littlejohn, MUSC; Kourtney Moody, PepsiCo; Kathleen Muthig, Haynsworth
Sinkler Boyd; Jodi Salter, USC Walker Institute of International and Area Studies, College of Arts and Science; Mark Scriven, Elliott Davis and Stacy Williams, AgFirst Farm Credit Bank. “The Chamber’s Board of Directors are a diverse group of business leaders who share a passion for our region,” Carl Blackstone, president and CEO of the Columbia Chamber, said in the release. “Together, their collective voices help to grow and sustain the Chamber for generations to come.” The Columbia Chamber is a private, nonprofit, partner-driven organization comprised of 1,200 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, and Richland counties.
The 2023-2024 Columbia Chamber board of directors are: • • • • • • • • • •
Michael Amiridis, University of South Carolina Roslyn Artis, Benedict College (also an executive committee member) Robby Aull, SSOE James Bennett, First Citizens Bank (also an executive committee member) Brian Boyer, Boyer Construction (also an executive committee member) Peyton Bryant, Trinity Partners (also an executive committee member) Caleb Buchanan, Prisma Health John Cadena, Dominion Energy (also an executive committee member) William Cason, The Cason Group Holt Chetwood, First Citizens Bank (also an executive committee
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• •
member) Susan Cohen, South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Kristin Davis, Wells Fargo Maggie Dittmar, Thompson Turner Construction Bill Duda, Ogletree Deakins Bill Ellen, Experience Columbia SC Mike Farmer, TD Bank (also an executive committee member) Terrance Ford, AT&T (also an executive committee member) Jean Cecil Frick, NP Strategy (also an executive committee member) Jason Giulietti, Central SC Alliance Lindsey Spires Griffin, Bank of America John Griggs, Synovus(also an executive committee member) Michael Gula, Columbia Metropolitan Airport Ron Harvey, Global Core Strategies & Consulting (also an executive committee member) Karen Jenkins, KRJ Consulting LLC (also an executive committee member) Adam Jones, Jones, McAden & Associates LLC (also an executive committee member) Matt Kennell, City Center Partnership Inc. (also an executive committee member) Bill Kirkland, University of South Carolina – Office of Economic Engagement (also an executive committee member) Montague Laffitte, SouthState Bank (also an executive committee member) Matthew Littlejohn, MUSv C (also an executive committee member)
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • •
David Looper, Furniture Services Inc. (also an executive committee member) Laura McKinney, First Community Bank (also an executive committee member) JT McLawhorn, Columbia Urban League Inc. Heather Mitchell, Boudreaux (also an executive committee member) Kourtney Moody, PepsiCo Lara Lott Moore, Lexington Medical Center Frank Mundy, Stewart Anita Murphy, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union (also an executive committee member) Kathleen Muthig, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd Ronald Rhames, Midlands Technical College Robert Rhodes, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina (also an executive committee member) Larry Salley, Greater Columbia Community Relations Council Jodi Salter, University of South Carolina Walker Institute of International and Area Studies, College of Arts and Science Mark Scriven, Elliott Davis Brad Shank, Columbia Fireflies Rick Shippey, Mark Anthony Brewing Sanders Tate, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture Brian Taylor, Miller Valentine Construction Stacy Williams, AgFirst Farm Credit Bank Nicole Hendricks Woods, Encompass Health Chris Zimmer, Truist (also an executive committee member)
New mortgage center in Columbia expected to have $10M impact
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outhern First Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Southern First Bank, has opened a new Dream Mortgage Center in Columbia. Southern First’s mission is to impact lives in the communities it serves, and one of the most impactful and wealth-building events in a person’s life is becoming a homeowner, a Southern First news release stated. However, many potential buyers lack the access to lenders, credit, and information about the homebuying process necessary to begin the path to homeownership. As a relationship-first financial institution, First Bancshares looks to fill that to help people achieve their homeownership goals. “We believe deeply in the power of relationships and trust to impact lives,”
Art Seaver, CEO of Southern First, said in the release. “As we think creatively about how we can have even more to impact those around us, we are excited about the privilege we have in helping more people
own homes.” With this in mind, Southern First created the Dream Mortgage Center, a space purposely designed to create opportunities for education and outreach in an
underserved community in Richland County, the release stated. By providing access to homebuyer education, meeting space for community events, and mortgage lending experts equipped with a variety of loan products to fit any budget, Southern First hopes to create over $10 million of annual impact in Columbia, the release stated. “We are excited to use the Dream Mortgage Center as a place where relationships can be built and where we can do our part to enable the dream of homeownership,” Cal Hurst, president of Southern First, said in the release. “This Center is unique – designed to be inviting, not imposing; built to facilitate partnership, not just transactions; aimed at making people better off in the community they love.” The Dream Mortgage Center is located at 452 Killian Road, Suite B. in Columbia.
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Officials mark 1-year anniversary of Rapid Shelter Columbia By Jason Thomas
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jthomas@scbiznews.com
olumbia officials are marking the one-year anniversary of the Rapid Shelter Columbia program. When it launched a year ago, Rapid Shelter Columbia was the first community of its kind in the Southeast, according to a news release. The idea was simple: Give people the transitional shelter, support, and sense of security they need to recover and reset their lives. “At the end of the day, getting people into temporary housing allows us the opportunity to connect them with the resources they need,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann in the release. “Rapid Shelter Columbia has given us a touchpoint for wraparound services to transition individuals into permanent housing and have the opportunity to live the life they deserve.” Rapid Shelter Columbia is a cluster of 50 pallet units whereby residents get their own private space, bed, and storage, the release stated. Just 64 square feet, these pallets are built for maximum efficiency, enabling the city of Columbia to help as many people as possible. As of October 2023, Rapid Shelter had received 504 referrals from the city of Columbia Police Department, Richland County Public Library, other agencies, and community organizations, the release stated. Of those, 188 people qualified for admission into Rapid Shelter Columbia. Residents go through a screening process to determine whether they meet the qualifications for being chronically unsheltered, as defined by being homeless for a consecutive year or four separate
Kameisha Heppard, director of Homeless Services, and a former Rapid Shelter Columbia resident, Allen, talk about how Allen has moved into permanent housing. (Photo/city of Columbia)
times in three years. Around 50% were diagnosed with mental health issues, and another 35% with substance abuse disorder. Thirty-two percent had a physical disability, and 28% a chronic health condition. Homelessness on the rise Nationally, homelessness has been on the rise since 2017, up 6% overall, according to the release. Cities with high housing costs top the list for likelihood of homelessness. By comparison, South Carolina — and the state capital Columbia in particular — remain much more affordable. In South Carolina, approximately 4,287 people were homeless in 2002, which is about eight for every 10,000 people, according to the release. This places South Carolina low on the list of states with high homelessness, 11th over-
all. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Columbia/Midlands saw a 64% decrease in its unsheltered population between 2007 and 2022. Despite these statistics, city of Columbia officials acknowledged and were determined to focus on a growing population of the chronically unsheltered in the city. A short-term fix with long-term gains Rapid Shelter Columbia extends far beyond the walls of each pallet unit, the release stated. Residents receive personalized job and housing assistance through the city of Columbia’s team of specially trained case managers. Food and access to medical and mental health services are also available through a network of recovery and healthcare partners. Laundry, showers and grooming supplies give residents a
fresh start on their new path in life. “People are at the heart of our community,” said Mackin Wall, project manager, in the release. “Rapid Shelter Columbia depends on a network of qualified and compassionate partners to help get residents the specialized assistance they need, whether it is grief or recovery counseling, medical care, or mental health support, in addition to things like finding a job, learning new skills, or accessing documentation.” MIRCI assists vulnerable adults who need immediate and continuing life assistance due to mental illness, specifically those experiencing homelessness and those at-risk of homelessness. MIRCI’s clinical and support programs help people build healthy and independent lives. In addition, MIRCI provides permanent, supportive, subsidized housing. LRADAC, The Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, is a non-profit agency that offers a wide array of prevention, intervention, and treatment programs to fight addiction and drug misuse. Prisma Health’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides all-inclusive care for the elderly in Richland and Lexington counties. It focuses on both chronic care needs and preventative care. “As it turns out, the small safe space was exactly what residents needed to feel a sense of ownership, helping them transition to permanent housing,” said City Manager Teresa Wilson in the release. “This remains our ultimate goal.”
Lexington Medical Center awards $1.4M to community organizations
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exington Medical Center has awarded $1,400,500 to 26 organizations in the Midlands that enhance the health and well-being of community members. Lexington Medical Center’s Community Outreach Committee and the Lexington Medical Center Foundation award the grants annually, according to a news release from the hospital. “Lexington Medical Center is grateful for the services these partner organizations provide our community,” said Thomas Tafel, community outreach manager at Lexington Medical Center, said in the news release. “We’re happy to provide financial support, which allows them to continue addressing health care needs and bridging the health care gaps within our service area,” Giving criteria for Lexington Medical Center prioritizes organizations serving the local community’s health needs, increasing
access to health care services for underserved populations, improving education about and prevention of health problems resulting from social and environmental issues, demonstrating collaboration with existing health care initiatives, improving access to health care and support services for vulnerable and at-risk populations, and improving the capacity of safety net services and providers.
Lexington Medical Center
The 2024 grantees are: • • • • • • • • • • •
American Red Cross Beginnings SC Brookland Lakeview Empowerment Center Burn Foundation of America Camp Cole Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas Communities in Schools of SC Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center Feonix Mobility Rising Good Samaritan Clinic Harvest Hope Food Bank
• • • • • • • • • • •
Healthy Learners Homeless No More Lions Vision Services LRADAC Foundation MedNeed of SC Midlands Housing Alliance - Transitions MIRCI Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter Oliver Gospel Mission Palmetto Place Pathways to Healing
• • • • •
Sistercare The Free Medical Clinic United Way - WellPartners Dental & Eye Clinic Welvista Lexington Medical Center is a 607-bed teaching hospital in West Columbia. It anchors a health care network that includes five community medical centers and employs a staff of more than 8,000 health care professionals.
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November 2023
Richburg tire manufacturer snags motorsports recognition By Jason Thomas
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jthomas@scbiznews.com
iti Tire, one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers, has received the prestigious 2023 Formula DRIFT Tire Manufacturer Cup. This recognition cements Giti Tire and its South Carolina-made GT Radial Tires as the trusted brand for motorsports, a news release stated. The Formula DRIFT Tire Manufacturer Cup is awarded annually to the tire manufacturer that consistently demonstrates unparalleled performance and reliability on demanding Formula DRIFT circuits. Giti Tire’s success in the 2023 Formula DRIFT Tire Manufacturer Cup underscores the company’s commitment to performance and innovation, all while contributing to South Carolina’s economy and workforce, the
release stated. “This award is a testament to the unrivaled quality of Giti Tire’s products, which have consistently delivered exceptional results on the track, all while being proudly made in South Carolina,” said Wai Yeen Phang, CEO of Giti Tire, in the release. “We take great pride in knowing that our tires have been the choice of champions and have helped drivers excel in Formula DRIFT competitions.” Giti Tire and the GT Radial brand have played an integral part of Formula DRIFT competitions, providing exceptional grip, control, and durability, the release stated. In 2021, GT Radial was named the Official Tire of the PROSPEC series for up-and-coming drivers. That title will continue for two years. Additionally, GT Radial has renewed its partnership with Formula DRIFT for another three-year term to provide tires to teams in the PRO Championship.
The Formula DRIFT Tire Manufacturer Cup is awarded annually to the tire manufacturer that consistently demonstrates unparalleled performance and reliability on demanding Formula DRIFT circuits. (Photo/Provided)
Energy company establishes HQ in Columbia with acquisition By Jason Thomas
jthomas@scbiznews.com
C
olite Technologies, an emerging leader in renewable energy solutions, has acquired a 15,000-square-foot warehouse building that formerly housed an automotive tire and repair business. The facility, located at 2405 Millwood Avenue in downtown Columbia, will be renovated to a modern office space and warehouse to serve as the company’s new headquarters as it continues to rapidly expand business across the Southeast, a news release stated. “The acquisition of this facility is the next step in our strategy to build a national best-in-class commercial renewable energy business right here in the Midlands” said Kevin O’Hara, co-founder, president and CEO of Colite Technologies, in the release. “All of the ingredients
The facility, located at 2405 Millwood Avenue in downtown Columbia, will be renovated to a modern office space and warehouse to serve as Colite Technology’s new headquarters as it continues to rapidly expand business across the Southeast. (Photo/Provided)
are in place including a marvelous pool of young talent coming out of the University of South Carolina and other local institutions of higher education. I want to thank the city of Columbia and Richland County for their support in making this a reality. Colite Technologies and
this building will be a showcase of what’s possible in Columbia.” Relocation to the new building is targeted for the summer of 2024 following the completion of renovations. “As managing partners of Colite International, and co-founders of Colite Tech-
nologies, my brother Marty and I are proud to reinvest in Columbia and specifically the Millwood Rd. and Gervais St. area, said Peter M. Brown. As a city councilman, I have seen first-hand the progress in Columbia, and I couldn’t be more excited about the prospects for significant growth opportunities throughout our great city. This is an amazing time in Columbia and Marty and I are pleased to be a part of this renaissance.” This move aligns with the company’s growth trajectory ensuring that Colite Technologies continues to meet increasing demand for cutting-edge renewable energy solutions. “I am excited that Colite Technologies has chosen to locate and redevelop along the Millwood Corridor. This will be a huge shot in the arm for this area. The vibe in Columbia is real and continues to show that we are open for business,” said Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann in the release.
Subsidiary of Fortune 500 company leases West Columbia spec building By Jason Thomas
A
jthomas@scbiznews.com
subsidiary of a Fortune 500 company has leased space in a speculative building in a Columbia industrial
park. Colliers South Carolina brokers Chuck Salley, Dave Mathews, Thomas Beard and John Peebles represented Saxe Gotha Spec LLC/Cypress Development in the lease of a 43,750-square-foot speculative industrial building at 225 Old Wire Road in West Columbia, to WESCO Distribution Inc., a news release stated. ”Our team was pleased to represent Cypress Development to lease its first speculative industrial development,” said Salley in the release. “While marketing this property
for Cypress, we realized that there is pent-up demand for freestanding industrial properties of this size as they are a rare commodity in the current market.” The speculative building was delivered in May 2023. It is located along Interstate 26 in the Saxe Gotha Industrial Park which is home to Amazon, Dominion Energy and Nephron Pharmaceuticals, according to the release. Chick-fil-A and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits also recently announced that they will be building new distribution facilities in the park. “Having a track record of nearly 200 primarily retail build-to-suits, we are especially pleased to announce the recent completion of a 43,750-square-foot, speculative, ground-up industrial development in our hometown of Columbia,” said Tyler Baldwin, partner and
co-founder of Cypress Development Partners LLC, in the release. “The industrial market in the Midlands region has exhibited extremely low vacancy rates over the past few years. This shortage of inventory — coupled with the recent Scout Motors plant announcement and other expansions — attracted us to this sector. “With the assistance of the Colliers industrial brokerage team, we were able to secure a longer-term lease with WESCO, a Fortune 500 tenant, during the construction process. This building provides WESCO a standalone location with great access and visibility immediately adjacent to the Saxe Gotha Industrial Park. We pride ourselves on being responsive to the markets we serve.” WESCO Distribution Inc. is owned by Wesco International Inc., a publicly trad-
ed Fortune 500 company headquartered in Pittsburgh, and is a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, the release stated. 2021 sales were over $18 billion. Wesco offers a product and services portfolio of electrical and electronic solutions, communications and security solutions, and utility and broadband solutions. The company employs more than 18,000 people, maintains relationships with approximately 30,000 suppliers and serves approximately 150,000 customers worldwide, the release stated. Wesco operates approximately 800 branches, warehouses and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and multi-national corporations.
In Focus
FOOD & BEVERAGE LISTS: Restaurants Page 19 | Restaurants w/ Banquet Facilities Page 20
NEXT ISSUE’S FOCUS: Finance
Fast-growing coffee concept opens first Columbia spot By Jason Thomas
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jthomas@scbiznews.com
Brew, a national drive-thru coffee concept, cut the ribbon recently on its new Columbia location at 7234 Garners Ferry Road with the help of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Striving to serve as a strong community advocate, 7 Brew Columbia also presented a $2,000 donation to the Prisma Health Midlands Foundation, an affiliate of Children’s Miracle Network, on behalf of both the Garner Ferry Road stand and the North Beltline Boulevard stand, which is coming soon, a 7 Brew news release stated. “We are eager to continue growing our presence along the coast and modeling kindness through each customer interaction and community effort we engage in,” Isaac Mincks, district manager for 7 Brew
National coffee concept 7 Brew recently opened its first Columbia store at 7234 Garners Ferry Road. (Photo/7 Brew)
Columbia, said in the release. “Any time we can support a partner of Children’s Miracle Network is a real treat, especially
Prisma Health, with it being the largest healthcare provider in the state.” Jeff Faw, Joanna Dyches, Anna Saun-
ders and Katie Williams of Prisma Health Midlands Foundation attended the ceremony to accept the donation from 7 Brew. “We were thrilled to hear that 7 Brew was coming to South Carolina and chose to support our cause out of their many options,” Faw said in the release. “We have been blessed by the support of other local groups like those from the University of South Carolina and welcome 7 Brew to Columbia as another wonderful, standout organization.” 7 Brew offers over 20,000 unique drink combinations, the release stated. From the original Blondie, a caramel and vanilla breve, to 7 Energy, smoothies, shakes and teas, there is something for everyone at 7 Brew. The brand now boasts more than 130 stands across the country. The 7 Brew Columbia stands will add 100 jobs to the area, according to the release.
These new businesses are coming to The Vista in Columbia By Jason Thomas
T
jthomas@scbiznews.com
he Vista District has announced new restaurants, coffee shops and hotels in the Columbia neighborhood. Here’s a list, according to a news release: Rebel Dogs, a specialty hot dog restaurant including beef, turkey, vegan and gluten free options, will be opening this month at 504 Gervais St. Bitty and Beau’s Coffee Shop will be opening soon at 1001 Gervais St. The shop is self-described as “a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop”. They employ individuals with intellectual and development disabilities and offer a variety of coffee and tea drinks, as well as frappes, smoothies, light breakfast fare and snacks. The Hollow will be opening soon at 823 Gervais St. This locally owned, forest-to-table restaurant will feature fresh vegetables and wild game. The Dragon Room, an Asian-inspired restaurant offering food from China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, opened at 803 Gervais St. this summer. It is open from Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cava, a Mediterranean fare, fast-casual restaurant offering bowls, salads and pitas also opened this summer. It is open daily from 10:45 to 10 p.m. and is located at 831 Gervais St.
Farmer’s Market Xchange opened in early September at 912 Lady St. and is affiliated with Tom’s Creek Farms in Hopkins. They are an artisan market offering fresh produce daily as well as coffee, bread, meat, cheese and fresh pastries. The market is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with lunch specials served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. City Grit at 707 Gervais St. offers a wine bar, lunch counter, grab and go items and a storefront. It is now offering valet services as well as family meal subscription service. City Grit is a 2023 James Beard Foundation Finalist for “outstanding restauranteur.” New apartments and hotels are on the horizon in the Vista as well, according to the release. A new Homewood Suites/ Tru Hotel by Hilton is currently being constructed at the corner of Williams and Gervais Streets. It is slated to open late summer 2024. Site preparation has begun on a new apartment complex for students on the corner of Huger and Blossom streets. Subtext Developers is planning for more than 900 units and student study areas. Silver Hills Development is proposing a new multi-family apartment complex on the west side of Huger Street. The 7-story complex will have 250 units with European and New Orleans-style architecture. Hotel Trundle has announced an additional location at 1237 Gadsden St. with 41 rooms, fitness center and private outdoor patio.
The Vista District has announced new restaurants, coffee shops and hotels in the Columbia neighborhood, including Farmer’s Market Xchange. (Photo/Provided)
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IN FOCUS: FOOD & BEVERAGE
November 2023
First vertical farm of its kind in US to launch at prison By Ross Norton
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rnorton@scbinews.com
he S.C. Department of Corrections, joined by the S.C. Department of Agriculture and Charleston-based AmplifiedAg Inc., received legislative approval in October build a vertical farming facility and training program at Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution, a women's prison in Columbia. This initiative marks the first vertical farm in the United States to be located onsite at a correctional institution, according to a news release issued jointly by the Department of Corrections and Amplified Ag. This modern agricultural operation will provide incarcerated individuals with real world experience and career training in vertical farming and agricultural technology. In addition, the farm will supply fresh, healthy, pesticide-free lettuce — producing an estimated 48,000 pounds of lettuce per year — to the institution’s cafeteria and food program. “This partnership is good in so many ways,” SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said in the release. “Inmates learn job skills while providing food for the institution. We see this as a win-win. We appreciate the legislature’s continued support in fostering innovative programs to improve our prison system and keep the public safe by helping reduce recidivism.” The $1.2 million project received approval for $350,000 in state funds from the State Fiscal Accountability Authority on Oct. 17. The remainder is expected to come from private donations, the release said. The facility will be built by program partner AmplifiedAg, a Charleston-based agricultural technology company. The farm facility will use the same technology and modular growing infrastructure as AmplifiedAg’s commercial, non-profit and government research partners � and will be upfitted with enhanced security for the safety of incarcerated persons and employees, the release said. The farm facility will consist of eight farming modules; four modules for growing lettuce, and four support modules for food processing, logistics and food safety checkpoints. Vertical farming and agricultural technology are rapidly growing industries in modern agriculture and present valuable vocational opportunities for incarcerated persons, the release said. The Corrections Department, Agriculture Department, AmplifiedAg and other reentry organizations are collaborating to develop a full-spectrum vertical farm training program, where incarcerated persons will receive hands-on experience in every aspect of vertical farm production including horticulture, farming (seeding, growing, harvesting), technology, and food processing and packaging. The objective of the vertical farming program at Camille Graham is to provide access to fresh produce, create a positive
The technology of the vertical gardens enable crops to be grown with much less water and without pesticides, year-round. (Photo/AmplifiedAg)
environment where incarcerated persons can contribute directly to their community, and ultimately provide STEM skills development and agricultural work experience for individuals to secure meaningful employment after incarceration — contributing to South Carolina’s lowest-in-thenation recidivism rate, while bolstering the state agricultural workforce. “South Carolina is on the cutting edge of agriculture innovation, and this initiative shows it,” S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers said in the release. “This partnership between AmplifiedAg and two state agencies will offer meaningful job training and a healthy work environment to incarcerated people, helping them learn the importance of farming.”
AmplifiedAg founder and CEO Don Taylor said in the release: “It is an honor and a privilege to be partnering and supporting the Camille Graham vertical farming initiative. This is an important and innovative program and has the potential to positively impact the daily lives of incarcerated individuals, reduce recidivism, create new jobs in agriculture, and contribute to the facility’s healthy food security program. Camille Graham is a model institution, and our objective is to prove the program’s success and expand the initiative to other institutions across the state of South Carolina and the nation.” AmplifiedAg modular farms are designed to grow produce year-round, and can operate regardless of climate, weather or
land, enabling local food production close to the point of consumption, the release said. A single 320-square-foot module produces 3,400 heads of lettuce every harvest, with an average of 16 harvests per year. The technology-enabled farms are complete with automated hydroponic growing systems, LED lights, and an advanced software platform that monitors and controls every aspect of the environment (including temperature, water, air, light, humidity) as well as food safety and traceability. The controlled farm environments are built to USDA and FDA world-class food safety standards and therefore do not require the use of pesticides. The modules use up to 95% less water than a traditional lettuce field, the release said.
Month 2023
www.columbiabusinessreport.com 19
Restaurants Listed alphabetically Company
Phone/ Website / Email
Manager
Menu / Signature Dishes
Backstreets Grill 2400 Devine St. Columbia, SC 29205
803-834-3857 www.backstreetsgrill.com info@backstreetsgrill.com
Casey Peissel
Seafood, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, ribs, steak, pasta, salads
Black Rooster 201 Meeting St. West Columbia, SC 29169
803-724-2853 www.blackroostersc.com blackroostersc@gmail.com
Kristian Niemi
Charcuterie and cheese boards, seafood, steak, burgers, chicken, sandwiches, pork, duck
Blue Marlin 1200 Lincoln St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-799-3838 www.bluemarlincolumbia.com contact@bluemarlincolumbia.com
Rachel Hawkins
Our dishes feature fresh seafood and handcut steaks
Boku Kitchen + Saloon 916 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-708-8577 www.bokukitchenandsaloon.com
Michael Duganier
Seafood, chicken, steak, salad, noodles
Cantina 76 1301 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-764-1769 www.cantina76.com info@cantina76.com
Brandi Beaulieu
A large assortment of imaginative tacos, as well as enchiladas, nachos, salads, quesadillas, chimichangas, soups and sides
Carolina Catering - USC Dining Services 1244 Blossom St. Columbia, SC 29208
803-777-7919 www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/ dining_services/index.php catering@mailbox.sc.edu
Shannon Hunt
Full Service menu available for buffets, served meals and/or receptions, bar service
Cola's Restaurant 1215 Assembly St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-451-0051 www.colasrestaurant.com/index2.html info@colasrestaurant.com
Dustyn Hughes
Seafood, salads, pasta, chicken, burgers, pork chop
DiPrato's Delicatessen 342 Pickens St. Columbia, SC 29205
803-779-0606 www.dipratos.com hello@savoryselections.com
Selene Prato Safaie
Deli trays, box lunches and hot entrees
Doc's Barbeque & Southern Buffet 1601 Shop Road Columbia, SC 29201
803-799-1532 www.docsbarbeque.com catering@docsbarbeque.com
Jesse F. Bullard
Barbecue, catfish, fried chicken
East Bay Deli 1426 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-814-2277 www.eastbaydeli.com comments@eastbaydeli.com
Alyssa Lund
Sandwich/wrap tray, chef salad tray, cookie tray
F2T Productions 1005 Airport Blvd. Columbia, SC 29205
803-553-2726 www.f2tproductions.com Info@f2tproductions.com
Vanessa Bialobreski
Private harvest dinners, paella parties, Low Country Boils, oyster and pig roasts
The Grand on Main 1621 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-726-2323 www.thegrandonmain.com
Stephanie Bouffier-Baird
Sandwiches, tacos, seafood, soups, chicken, steak, salads
Halls Chophouse Columbia 1221 Main St., #150 Columbia, SC 29201
803-563-5066 www.hallschophouse.com billy@hallschophouse.com
Ryan Jones
Raw and chilled seafood, steaks, chops, salads
Little Pigs Barbecue 4927 Alpine Road Columbia, SC 29223
803-788-8238 www.littlepigs.biz champ@littlepigs.biz
Champ McGee
Barbecue pork, ribs, beef brisket
The Melting Pot 1410 Colonial Life Blvd. W., Suite 130 Columbia, SC 29210
803-731-8500 www.meltingpot.com/columbia-sc
Bob Johnston
Cheese and chocolate fondue, shrimp, steak, chicken, tuna, duck, salads
MOA Korean BBQ & Bar 1333 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-722-4117 www.moakoreanbbq.com/columbia info@moakoreanbbq.com
Sean Kim
Korean barbeque, wide variety of meat, veggies, and sauces
Motor Supply Company Bistro 920 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-256-6687 www.motorsupplycobistro.com info@motorsupplycobistro.com
Ariel Brady
A broad selection of New World entrees with European, Asian, and West African influences
Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe 2001-A Greene St. Columbia, SC 29205
803-254-7828 www.mrfriendlys.com eatmrfriendlys@gmail.com
Ricky Mollohan
Seafood, steak, pasta, soup and salads
The Robinson Room 1614A Main St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-714-3375 www.robinsonroomsc.com
Mary Sellers
Brunch, desserts, fondue, charcuterie, tapas, salads, pastries
Ruth's Chris Steak House 924-A Senate St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-212-6666 www.ruthschris.com/columbia
Michael Jenifer
Steaks, chops, seafood, salads, soup
Saluda's Restaurant 751 Saluda Ave. Columbia, SC 29205
803-799-9500 www.saludas.com steve@saludas.com
Steven Cook
Southern cuisine with French and Italian influences
Smoked 1643 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-567-5599 www.smokedsc.com info@smokedsc.com
David Turner
Seafood, oyster bar, chicken, steak, brunch
Spotted Salamander 1531 Richland St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-556-2197 www.spottedsalamandercatering.com spottedsalamandercatering@gmail.com
Jessica Shillato
Chicken, burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches
Terra 100 State St. West Columbia, SC 29169
803-791-3443 www.terrasc.com Terra@TerraSC.com
Mike Davis
Hand-cut chops and steaks, seafood, pizzas
Willie Jewell's Old School Bar-B-Q 105 Saluda Pointe Court, Suite B Lexington, SC 29072
803-490-2862 www.williejewells.com wjlexcatering@williejewells.com
Jeff Katz
Southeastern BBQ, brisket, ribs, wings and pork, all meats are smoked in-house with a dry rub, warm sauce bar
Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. For a full list of participating organizations, visit scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Email additions or corrections to Listresearch@Bridgetowermedia.com.
20
www.columbiabusinessreport.com
November 2023
Restaurants with Banquet Facilities Ranked by capacity
Event Capacity
Private Banquet Rooms
Gary Seawell, Robbie Seawell
1200
2
Dan Farrell
300
Seafood, charcuterie, chicken, steak, sanwiches, brunch
Kellie Taylor
200
3
Preferred caterers list includes favorites such as Dupre's Catering, Scott Hall, Applause Catering, Southern Way Catering
803-788-8238 www.littlepigs.biz champ@littlepigs.biz
Champ McGee
160
1
Barbecue pork, ribs, beef brisket
Carolina Catering - USC Dining Services 1244 Blossom St. Columbia, SC 29208
803-777-7919 www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/dining_services/index.php catering@mailbox.sc.edu
Shannon Hunt
125
3
Full Service menu available for buffets, served meals and/or receptions, bar service
Saluda's Restaurant 751 Saluda Ave. Columbia, SC 29205
803-799-9500 www.saludas.com steve@saludas.com
Steven Cook
125
3
Southern cuisine with French and Italian influences
Doc's Barbeque & Southern Buffet 1601 Shop Road Columbia, SC 29201
803-799-1532 www.docsbarbeque.com catering@docsbarbeque.com
Jesse F. Bullard
100
2
Barbecue, catfish, fried chicken
Pearlz Oyster Bar 936 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-661-7741 www.pearlzoysterbar.com pearlzvista@hghosp.com
Victoria Russell
100
1
Seafood, steak, sandwiches, tacos, soups and salads
Backstreets Grill 2400 Devine St. Columbia, SC 29205
803-834-3857 www.backstreetsgrill.com info@backstreetsgrill.com
Casey Peissel
85
1
Seafood, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, ribs, steak, pasta, salads
The Grand on Main 1621 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-726-2323 www.thegrandonmain.com
Stephanie Bouffier-Baird
80
4
Sandwiches, tacos, seafood, soups, chicken, steak, salads
Blue Marlin 1200 Lincoln St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-799-3838 www.bluemarlincolumbia.com contact@bluemarlincolumbia.com
Rachel Hawkins
60
1
Our dishes feature fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks
Al's Upstairs Italian Restaurant 300 Meeting St. West Columbia, SC 29169
803-794-7404 www.alsupstairsitalian.com
Clair Bouknight
50
1
Seafood, pasta, chicken, steak, veal
Cola's Restaurant 1215 Assembly St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-451-0051 www.colasrestaurant.com/index2.html info@colasrestaurant.com
Dustyn Hughes
50
2
Seafood, salads, pasta, chicken, burgers, pork chop
Terra 100 State St. West Columbia, SC 29169
803-791-3443 www.terrasc.com Terra@TerraSC.com
Mike Davis
50
1
Hand-cut chops and steaks, seafood, pizzas
Travinia Italian Kitchen 5074 Sunset Blvd. Lexington, SC 29072
803-957-2422 www.travinialexington.com lexington@traviniaitaliankitchen.com
20
1
Hampton Street Vineyard 1207 Hampton St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-252-0850 www.hamptonstreetvineyard.com Info@hamptonstreetvineyard.com
Company
Phone/ Website / Email
Manager
Seawell's Food Caterers Inc. 1125 Rosewood Drive Columbia, SC 29201
803-771-7385 www.seawellscateringsc.com seawellscatering@gmail.com
The Palmetto Club 1231 Sumter St. Columbia, SC 29201
803-771-8767 www.palmettoclub.org thepalmettoclub@palmettoclub.org
Phillips Market Center 117 Ballard Court West Columbia, SC 29172
803-737-4630 www.phillipsmarketcenter.com bhorton@scda.sc.gov
Little Pigs Barbecue 4927 Alpine Road Columbia, SC 29223
Menu / Signature Dishes Provision of any type of menus from steak, seafood, barbecue, fried chicken, stations with heavy hors d'oeuvres, cocktail and theme related foods as well
Jonathan Lopez
Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. For a full list of participating organizations, visit scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Email additions or corrections to Listresearch@Bridgetowermedia.com.
November 2023
www.columbiabusinessreport.com 21
Iconic West Columbia restaurant closing after 44 years By Jason Thomas
A
jthomas@scbiznews.com
fter a 44-year journey in the restaurant business, Al Loftis, the founder of Al’s Upstairs Italian Restaurant, has made the decision to retire. The iconic establishment will cease all operations on Dec. 19, according to a news release. Al Loftis embarked on his culinary adventure at the age of 18, and over the years, he has become a beloved figure in the community, the release stated. The announcement of his retirement marks the end of an era for Al’s, a place that has been a staple for countless special occasions, dinners out, date nights and private dining events patrons have entrusted Al’s to serve them, the release stated. The longevity and success of Al’s are attributed in no small part to the dedication and combined 55 years of experience of Clair Bouknight and Chef Mike Wright, the release stated. Their commitment to excellence has significantly shaped the restaurant’s reputation for exceptional Italian cuisine. “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the current, talented, and dedicated staff at Al’s,” Loftis said in a letter to friends and customers. “Their unwavering commitment to putting our customers first has allowed us to enjoy continued growth year after year. 2023 has been a record year for us, and I am proud of what we’ve achieved together.” The kitchen staff and waitstaff, who have been the backbone of Al’s success, deserve special recognition for their hard work and dedication, the release stated. In reflecting on his journey, Loftis expressed deep gratitude to his family: his parents, the late Mary and Cur-
Al’s Upstairs Italian Restaurant will cease all operations on Dec. 19. (Photo/Provided)
tis M. Loftis Sr. for their unwavering support, wisdom, and Mary’s decorative touch that graced every room
in the restaurant, the release stated. He also extended special thanks to his wife, Lisa, for her encouragement
and patience throughout the sometimes demanding hours of restaurant ownership.
Columbia CPAs acquire another accounting firm
A
Staff Report
pair of Columbia accounting firms have merged. Scott and Co. LLC has acquired J.W. Hunt and Co. in a deal that closed Oct. 1, according to an announcement. The combined firm will use the Scott and Co. name and the J.W. Hunt office personnel will be moved into the Scott and Co. offices at 1441 Main St., according to a spokesperson for the company. The firm will continue to specialize in tax minimization, compliance,
Price
Pouncey
assurance and advisory services for business owners, executives and independent professionals, according to a news release. “J.W. Hunt and Co. has a stellar reputation for providing tax, audit and accounting services with respon-
siveness, professionalism and quality,” John Price Jr., CPA and managing member of Scott and Co., said in the release. “The J.W. Hunt team will bring additional depth to our firm —especially for our accounting and advisory services tailored to banks. Both firms have a long history in the community and together we are committed to helping our clients achieve their goals by being a trusted advisor and partner.” “We are thrilled to join Scott and Co. — an extraordinary accounting firm with similar core values, wonderful people and an excellent repu-
tation,” Bill Pouncey, CPA and partner, J.W. Hunt and Co. LLP, said in the release. “The additional resources and expertise will be a great value for our team members and clients. Scott & Co. also has been an independent member of the BDO Alliance USA for many years (one of the industry’s largest associations of accounting and professional service firms). This will enable us to have the personalized touch of a local firm with national firm resources.” J.W. Hunt and Co. has been operating out of 1607 Julian Place in Columbia.
At Work
PEOPLE, PLACES AND HAPPENINGS ACROSS THE MIDLANDS
People in the News LAW
The 2023 edition of Chambers USA has honored Robinson Gray for its work in the area of general commercial litigation, naming the firm to the South Carolina list. This is the 20th straight year that Chambers has cited the firm. For the fourth straight year, Chambers singled out Betsy Gray, Bobby Stepp and Cal Watson. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Tyra McBride was selected as the Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s 2023 Capital Young Professional of the Year. McBride focuses McBride her practice on commercial real estate and utility and commercial litigation. She is listed among this year’s Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law and was named to the 2020 National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 in South Carolina. Active in the community, McBride serves as a board member for Girls on the Run Columbia and is a recent graduate of the Leadership Columbia program. She is also a member of the South Carolina Black Lawyers Association, South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division, and Junior League of Columbia. La’Jessica Stringfellow, an associate attorney with Robinson Gray law firm, has been recognized by Lawyers Weekly Media Icons and Phenoms as a Phenom, a Stringfellow rising star. Stringfellow’s practice focuses on business and commercial litigation and administrative and regulatory litigation. She is active with the South Carolina Bar Association and serves as the education subcommittee chair of the diversity committee. She also serves as the South Carolina Young Lawyers Division co-chair of the protecting our youth committee and as Fifth Circuit representative. She is involved with the American Bar Association section of litigation and Young Lawyers Division, and was appointed by Donald W. Beatty of the state Supreme Court to serve a threeyear term on the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission. Kelly Reese is now Robinson Gray’s director of learning and organizational development. Reese leads the professional development program and works with the firm’s leadership to further Robinson Gray’s focus on pro bono and diversity,
equity, and inclusion. Prior to joining Robinson Gray, Reese was the principal of Lake Murray Elementary School. She has a bachelor’s degree in English, a Master of Reese Arts in teaching, and a master’s in educational administration, all from the University of South Carolina.
MEDIA Cumulus Media has appointed Leo Baldwin as program director for radio stations B106.7/WTCBFM and 98.5 OMG!/ WOMG-FM and on-air host, Afternoon Baldwin Drive, on WTCB-FM. He brings more than 20 years of programming experience.
REAL ESTATE Marisabel Acevedo has completed a summer internship in property management at Savannah River Mission Completion. She expects to graduate this fall Acevedo from Clemson University and plans to pursue her career in management. Realtor Bhavna Vasudeva has joined Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty. With more than 25 years of real estate experience, Vasudeva speVasudeva cializes in Columbia and Charleston residential real estate. Vasudeva earned a Bachelor of Arts in advertising and public relations, with a minor in marketing, from the University of South Carolina.
UTILITIES Four members of the South Carolina Power Team board of trustees have completed their terms: chairman B. Robert “Bob” Paulling, of Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative; vice chairman James L. “Jimmy” Rowe, of Palmetto Electric Cooperative; J. David Wasson Jr., of Laurens Electric Cooperative; and David E. Felkel, of Edisto Electric Cooperative.
CONSTRUCTION Bunnell-Lammons Engineering has promoted Andrew Colby to branch manager in the Columbia office. In his new role Colby is in charge of recruiting, staff develColby opment, client management and business development while continuing to lead the electrical leak location and construction quality control departments. His expertise covers coordinating services for clients, evaluating subsurface data, and overseeing landfill construction, including specialized electrical leak location technology for containment systems. Colby has two associate degrees from Greenville Technical College: one in construction engineering technology and one in architectural engineering technology.
DESIGN Seed Architecture has brought in designer Anna Marie Barfield. Barfield is Seed’s second full-time interior designer. She is a recent cum laude graduate of AnderBarfield son University, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design. While a sophomore at Anderson, Barfield won a nationwide Kravet Design of Distinction Competition Award for 2021. Christopher R. Clark has joined GMK Associates’ architecture division as a senior architect. In addition, Land Rhodes has joined the construction division as a project manager, T. Eric Smith has joined the engineering division as a senior mechanical engineer, and Benny L. McDaniel Jr, has joined the engineering division as the director of electrical engineering. Clark’s experience ranges from commercial building projects to governmental, health care, multifamily, religious, industrial, resort, civic and high-end custom residential structures. Currently, he serves on the architectural engineering technology advisory committee at Midlands Technical College and is a member of several professional organizations. He has been a professionally licensed architect in South Carolina since 1996. Rhodes has more than 13 years of industry experience in construction management, project management, and construction cost and quantity estimating. He has also operated his own general contracting business, primarily serving the Charles-
ton area. Rhodes is a licensed general contractor in South Carolina. Smith has served as the lead engineer for complex mechanical system design projects across the higher education, K-12, healthcare, and judicial markets, among others. His expertise spans designs for hydronic chilled water, variable air volume, direct expansion, split, variable refrigerant flow, and hot water systems, in addition to domestic and wastewater plumbing infrastructure, medical gas systems, and wet and dry fire protection/ suppression systems. Smith is a registered professional engineer in South Carolina and a member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers and the American Association of Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers. McDaniel provides day-to-day oversight of the electrical engineering technical staff and project assignments; he also manages multiple educational, institutional, healthcare and commercial project engineering efforts. He brings more than 33 years of experience as an electrical consulting engineer.
EDUCATION The Willie Jeffries School of Excellence has brought in Alethea Bryant-Dixon as assistant principal and Jada Ulmer as an administrative assistant. Bryant-Dixon has more than 15 years of experience in education. She holds a bachelor of science in art education from South Carolina State, an interdisciplinary master of art from the University of South Carolina, and an education specialist degree in educational leadership and principalship from Arkansas State University. She is currently a USC doctoral student, studying educational practice and innovation. Previously, Bryant-Dixon served as assistant administrator at Vance-Providence Elementary School in Orangeburg County. Ulmer has experience as a legal assistant, a library manager, and an early childhood coordinator. She is a graduate of Claflin University, where she earned a bachelor of arts in sociology.
ENERGY Allison Hamilton Molnar is the new executive director of Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness. She replaced James Marra, who is staying on as the nuclear technology advisor. Hamilton Molnar currently serves on the board of directors for the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, as a fundraiser for Fotas-Aiken Animal Shelter, and as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Aiken County. In addition, she teaches at Middle Georgia State University. Hamilton Molnar has a master’s and a doctorate in political science from the University of Iowa.
Viewpoint
VIEWS, PERSPECTIVES AND READERS’ LETTERS
The budget deficit — why it matters
T
he budget deficit for fiscal 2023 was $1.7 trillion. Nobody cared. Projected budget deficits for the next 10 years never get smaller and within five years are expected to exceed $2.5 trillion. As a result, the Treasury will add $20 trillion to outstanding debt in the next decade. Debt in relation to GDP will climb to a record high level. As the amount of debt outstanding climbs, the interest expense will increase comSLIFER mensurately. Today interest represents 2.5% of GDP. It is likely to reach 3.7% by 2033. Looked at in a slightly different way, interest payments today represent 15% of GDP. By 2033 they should climb to 20%. And by 2053 will be 35% of tax revenue. To pay the mounting interest bill other categories of spending must get reduced. This means that tough choices lie ahead. Today, entitlements like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid represent about two-thirds of all government spending and would be prime candidates for reduced spending. But politicians never want to cut entitlements. Less money for defense? In today’s increasingly dangerous world that seems foolish . What about education? Infrastructure? The bottom line is that the budget deficit is spiraling out of control and our leaders
in Washington need to make a serious effort now to rein in spending. But with divided government likely to continue for some time to come the odds on that actually occurring seem remote. The budget deficit for fiscal 2023 was $1.7 trillion. The Congressional Budget Office envisions deficits between $1.6 and $2.8 trillion every year for the next ten years. By definition a deficit means that the government spends more money than it receives from taxes and must issue an equivalent amount of debt to pay its bills. Over the course of the next decade the government is expected to add $20.0 trillion to the amount of debt outstanding. Prior to the recession debt in relation to GDP was 79%. Today it is 100% and by 2033 the CBO expects it to be a record 119%. The previous record high debt/GDP ratio was 106% after World War II. It subsequently fell quickly as defense spending plunged. That is not going to happen today. One of the government’s many expenses is interest on the public debt. Given the massive increases in debt outstanding that began around the 2008-09 recession, jumped sharply in the wake of the 20202021 recession, and are expected to continue climbing for the next decade, interest on the public debt has risen from 1.5% of GDP prior to 2008 to 2.5% today and is expected to climb to 3.7% of GDP by 2033. It has never been higher. The CBO also does a longer-range budget forecast. By 2053 interest payments are expected to
be 6.7% of GDP. But those are just numbers. They seem disquieting, but the seriousness of the problem may not be readily apparent. Let’s think about this in a different way. The government collects taxes from each of us. Every year it spends more than it collects in taxes. It must borrow the difference to pay its bills. Every year the amount of debt outstanding increases which means that interest on that outstanding debt also increases. Today interest represents 15% of all tax revenue. The remaining 85% of tax revenue can be used for spending on everything else. But by 2033 the CBO estimates that interest will be 20% of tax revenue. By 2053 the government will have to allocate 35%, or roughly one-third of its tax revenue, to pay interest. That means that the spending on everything else will drop to 65%. So between 2023 and 2053 the amount of spending on defense, social welfare, infrastructure, research, education and a myriad of other spending categories, will be cut from 85% of GDP to 65%. That is a cut of 20%. It is hard to see where those cuts will come from. Even closer to home let’s look at the typical consumer’s budget. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tell us that consumers today spend 33% of their income on housing. Let’s suppose that in the next 30 years consumers go on a spending spree, borrow extensively, and interest payments on credit card bills represent another 33% of our income. Only one-third of our income will be
available to pay for food, gasoline, medical expenses, insurance, education, and vacations. That is simply not going to happen. Consumers cannot afford such a spending spree. Neither can the government. As budget deficits soar to $2.0 trillion or more, debt outstanding will climb commensurately. And now, thanks to the Federal Reserve, interest rates have risen dramatically. If the government’s spending spree continues, 30 years from now once the interest payments have been made there will not be enough money left for everything else. The government cannot afford such a spending spree. Something has to give. From 1980 until 2003, when he retired, Stephen Slifer served as chief U.S. economist for Lehman Brothers in New York City, directing the firm’s U.S. economics group along with being responsible for forecasts and analysis of the U.S. economy. He has written two books on using economic indicators to forecast financial moves and previously served as a senior economist at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C. Slifer can be reached at www.numbernomics.com.
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