Department of Defense spending accounted for 2.2% of South Carolina’s gross domestic product in 2021, federal data show. That $6.1 billion puts The Palmetto State squarely in 7th place among 11 Southeastern states, an analysis of federal military spending shows.
The amount of spending in South Carolina was nearly evenly split between defense contracts and federal personnel in 2021. The Department of Defense reports that it spent about $3.1 billion on federal personnel in South Carolina in 2021, including 37,459 active duty members of the military among the 66,589 federal employees in the state.
More than 30% of all federal defense spending occurs in the Southeastern U.S., with the largest defense contractors accounting for well over $25 billion for 2021. On average, Southeastern states receive 3.5% of their GDP from defense spending, but that’s somewhat skewed because Virginia accounts for a whopping $62.7 billion in defense spending, accounting for 10.2% of the state’s overall gross domestic product and 11.2% of all defense spending nationwide. Virginia has most federal military spending nationally, with California close behind with more than $57 billion in expenditures in 2021.
An analysis of federal data by SC Biz News and 24/7 Wall St., an online business news and information portal, shows that South Carolina’s largest defense contractor based on annual spending is Scientific Research Corp., which is headquartered in Atlanta with offices in North Charleston, Alabama, California, Florida and Virginia.
Scientific Research Corp. accounted for $142.2 million in South Carolina in 2021, the data show. The largest defense contractor in the Southeast was Lockheed Martin, which posted defense contracts of $6.3 billion in Florida and $2.3 billion in Georgia.
Percentage of US defense spending by state
Percentage of state GDP from defense spending
Military spending in SC
South Carolina’s share of defense spending came to $6.1 billion, which was 1.1% of the national expenditure on defense for 2021. That number also accounts for 2.2% of the state’s GDP that year.
How defense spending impacts GDP across US, Southeast Graphs show the percentage of military spending in each state as a share of defense spending for the entire nation (left) and the percentage of each state’s GDP that comes from annual defense spending (right) as of 2021. Source: U.S. Department of Defense, 24/7 Wall St., analysis by SC Biz News
Federal spending among Southeastern states 2021 State Annual spending
Virginia $62.7 billion
Florida $30.1 billion
Alabama $15.7 billion
Georgia $14.9 billion
Kentucky $13.8 billion
North Carolina $11.7 billion
South Carolina $6.1 billion
Mississippi $5.6 billion
Louisiana $3.6 billion
Tennessee $3.2 billion
Arkansas $1.9 billion
Source: U.S. Department of Defense
Top 5 states for DOD spending State Spending Virginia $62.7 billion
billion Florida $30.1 billion
Lowest 5 states for DOD spending State Spending Wyoming $475.9 million Vermont $545.7 million South Dakota $643.3 million Montana $647.3 million Idaho $676.4 million Source: U.S. Department of Defense
“Early in my life and by example, my parents taught me that leadership is not about issuing directions but rather working diligently in service to others. And I am looking forward to finally having the time to do more backpacking and hiking.”
— Greenville Area Development Corp. President and CEO Mark Farris
A Charleston-area hotel has been sold in an $8 million deal. NAI Charleston brokers Ed Sutton and Michael Branch represented both the buyer and the seller in the transaction of the Fairfield Inn & Suites in North Charleston, according to a news release.
The property, located at 2600 Elms Center Road just off Highway 78, has three floors and 76 hotel rooms, according to the release. Prabhuta Hospitality LLC purchased the property from Elm Hotel Partners for $8 million.
“We have built an excellent hospitality network in the Lowcountry and were able to quickly match up a buyer and a seller for the Fairfield Marriott on Elms Road off Highway 78 in North Charleston,” said Sutton in the release. “We are not just hotel brokers; we are also owners of hospitality property and enjoy assisting clients with our keen knowledge of the Lowcountry hospitality market.”
Commercial real estate markets in the greater Columbia area have not been experiencing the uncertainty and downturns seen in some commercial sectors nationwide so far in 2023.
In fact, recent reports show record strength in the Midlands’ industrial market, the first positive absorption rate in the area’s office market since 2019, and consistently high performance in retail.
Data compiled by Colliers South Carolina shows that the ongoing increase in the number of businesses moving to South Carolina, with the corresponding surge in new suppliers and new residents, has kept commercial markets in the state, the Midlands included, from experiencing some of the ups and downs that markets in other parts of the country are seeing.
The greater Columbia area is reaping the benefits of new companies moving to the area to do business, as well as others coming in because of the area’s proximity to major interstates and the state’s ports. Experts at Colliers say the available workforce in the Midlands is another factor driving positive growth.
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After a 38-year economic development career producing thousands of new jobs and billions of dollars in investment, Greenville Area Development Corp. President and CEO Mark Farris will retire from the organization on Oct. 1.
Farris, who has led the GADC’s record-setting economic development initiatives since fall of 2014, announced his plans on Aug. 30.
The GADC Board announced that it will conduct a national search for Farris’ successor, according to a GADC news release.
Senior Vice President Kevin Landmesser, GADC’s second-ranked executive who joined the organization in July 2001, will serve as interim president and CEO until a successor is officially named, the release said.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Greenville County during the last nine years and will enter retirement knowing that we added value to this community during that time,” said Farris. “Early in my life and by example, my parents taught me that leadership is not about issuing directions but rather working diligently in service to others. And I am looking forward to finally having the time to do more backpacking and hiking.”
Under Farris’ direction, the GADC has announced more than 17,959 new jobs and $3.9 billion in capital investment in Greenville County for more than 220 projects managed. An economic impact study conducted in 2022 by USC’s Moore School of Business showed that GADC’s economic impact on Greenville County now exceeds $6 billion annually, with a cumulative impact since 2001 of more than $55 bil-
lion, the release said. GADC has also announced more than 35,000 jobs and $6.7 billion in new capital investment.
The GADC was created by Greenville County Council in 2001 and tasked with promoting and enhancing quality of life in the county by facilitating job growth and investment for the benefit of Greenville County and its citizens.
Under Farris’ leadership, GADC adopted its first-ever Economic Development Strategic Plan in 2022, establishing clear and measurable metrics in the arenas of business attraction and retention, expansion of tools and sites for development, and organizational outreach and capacity. The plan also identifies five key industries of focus for Greenville’s development into the future, the release said.
Among numerous economic development accomplishments during Farris’ nine-plus years of leadership have been
more than 220 announcements across Greenville County, including notable wins such as Bosch Rexroth, Michelin, Lockheed Martin, Lima One Capital, GE, Kiyatec, ScanSource, Pierburg, AVX, Verizon and more.
In addition, Farris had a leadership role in critical initiatives such as establishing Greenville’s first new industrial park in 20 years — Fox Hill Business Park, now home to multiple companies. GADC also prioritized current company support by establishing the organization’s first existing industry program, branded as Industry Engage, and has worked to encourage new developers to invest in the county, resulting in more than 20 new speculative buildings, the release said.
Farris led the GADC through the turbulent times associated with the COVID pandemic, partnering with the Greenville Chamber, Greenville County and
its municipalities to establish the first set of response guidelines called the Greater Greenville Pledge — providing safety protocols for business and industry struggling to cope with one of the most challenging periods in history.
“Throughout his tenure as president and CEO, Mark Farris has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure positive economic growth,” GADC Board Chair Jim Burns said in the release. “Under Mark’s leadership, thousands of jobs were created, and billions of dollars invested right here in Greenville County. Mark has also done an exceptional job of building a team that is one of the most respected economic development organizations in all of America.”
The GADC has gained record numbers of private sector supporters, counting more than 125 investor organizations whose annual investments support GADC marketing efforts to create better jobs and future for the community, Burns added.
Farris is a former president of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association and past director of the Southern Economic Development Council. He has been honored with Area Development's Thesis Award for "The I-85 Corridor of Economic Development in South Carolina" and named to Greenville’s 50 Most Influential People and Business Hall of Fame, the release said.
“Greenville County is enormously grateful to Mark not only for his years of tremendous contribution to this community, but also for his development and cultivation of a strong and talented team that will ensure Greenville County remains on the right course,” Dan Tripp, Greenville County Council chairman and a GADC board member, said in the release. “Mark is leaving our community in a better place than when he arrived here and has prepared us well to enter a new and exciting era for Greenville. We could not be more appreciative of his contributions.”
AGeorgia-based financial center announced its opening of its second South Carolina branch on Spartanburg’s Main Street, which will also serve as the corporate headquarters of Southern Financial Corp.
The Southern Bank new branch is located at 468 E. Main St. in downtown Spartanburg. The 3,800-square foot structure has a sizable parking lot for customers and a single-car drive-thru. The Southern Bank renovated the space to create offices, meeting spaces, a safekeeping room with deposit boxes, and a new facade for the building’s exterior, according to a news release.
“We are thrilled to be opening Southern Financial Corporation’s headquarters and The Southern Bank’s second operating branch in the state,” said Jamin Hujik, Southern Financial Corp. and The Southern Bank CEO. “As a Spartanburg resident, I am proud of The Southern Bank’s ability to be a part of Spartanburg’s growth and continue our expansion into the Upstate.”
This latest opening continues The Southern Bank’s goal of filling the community banking gap in South Carolina by opening new branches across the Upstate region, the release stated. Along with the Spartanburg branch, The Southern Bank operates an additional branch in Greenville, with a branch in Aiken under construction, the news release said.
Three new-to-market entertainment concepts will be joining the $1 billion Greenville County Square redevelopment.
RocaPoint Partners revealed that Pins Mechanical, Fairway Social and Agave Bandido have signed on to join the 40-acre mixed-use community underway in downtown Greenville, according to a RocaPoint Partners news release. The entertainment and restaurant venues join Whole Foods Market and The Perch Kitchen & Tap.
“Each of these tenants offers something unique and exciting that we think the whole Greenville community will love,” said Phil Mays, principal of RocaPoint Partners. “Whether it's to shop for groceries, grab a bite to eat or engage in some competitive fun with friends, Greenville County Square is shaping up to be a vibrant, energy-driven destination from morning to night. Momentum is building, and we’re excited to welcome these tenants and announce several new ones soon.”
Serving as the entertainment anchor, Pins Mechanical will be a 24,366-square-foot social destination featuring duckpin bowling, more than 40 pinball machines, yard games, craft beers, classic cocktails and more. Pins Mechanical is expanding its presence into South Carolina with the launch of this Greenville location, with additional locations in Georgia, Ohio, North Carolina, Tennessee
and Pennsylvania, the release said.
Fairway Social will occupy 9,100 square feet at Greenville County Square with a full-service chef-driven restaurant and bar, world-class golf simulators, putting course, arcade games, and more. Other locations of Fairway Social include Alpharetta and Fayetteville, Georgia, with Greenville being its first location in South Carolina, the release said.
Agave Bandido, a contemporary spin on Mexican cuisine, will open as a 7,000-squarefoot Mexican kitchen with authentic creations and handmade cocktails. The location will focus on hosting events such as ladies’ nights. With a Florida location and one forthcoming in Atlanta, the Greenville location will also
mark the restaurants’ entrance into the South Carolina market, the release said. Once complete, Greenville County Square will be a mixed-use development for the community to shop, dine, work, live and explore. The development currently houses Greenville County’s newly opened 250,000-square-foot administrative building, designed by Foster + Partners. More than two years after groundbreaking, Greenville County opened the doors to its new $65 million county administration and government affairs buildings on July 17. Adjacent to the new County Square site, located at 301 University Ridge in Greenville, the 250,000-square-foot project features two five-story North and South Towers interconnected by a common terrace level, land-
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In June, Lima One Capital announced its plans to expand its U.S. headquarters to the County Square project — a $51.4 million investment that will create approximately 300 new jobs in the Greenville market. The expansion is expected to be complete by 2025.
Chicago-based The Perch Kitchen & Tap will also be opening a location in Greenville County Square, partnering with Charleston-based Palmetto Brewing Co. for the brewery portion of the restaurant. The Perch Kitchen & Tap will be a part of the project’s first phase along with Whole Foods Market as the anchor tenant, which was announced in March.
Brian Solari strives to give customers “a taste of Italy” with the opening of his second café and dessert bar location.
Carmella’s Café and Dessert Bar is located in the heart of downtown Charleston and will open its downtown Greenville location soon with views of the Reedy River at 355 S. Main St.
The Greenville location is slated to open at the end of October.
“I am super excited about this location,” Solari said. “It’s right at the center of everything, near Falls Park and could not be more excited about the locale. It’s such a great space.”
Carmella’s combines generationally tested, gourmet recipes with a regional flair. They have a vast array of continually changing desserts, gelato and sorbet, as well as fresh, organic coffees, sandwiches, pizza, wine, beer and cocktails.
Carmella Solari began cooking in South Philadelphia in 1930. Fast forward to Brian Solari moving from New Jersey to Charleston in 1995. And in 2014, Solari opened the Charleston location.
“It’s what I grew up in my childhood,” said Solari. “All the things I love the most about food and how to enjoy it casually. People can relax and not feel rushed, and it’s the type of atmosphere I personally like when I go out and go to different cities and countries. I wanted to emulate that feeling.”
Carmella’s will offer exclusive creations to be served in its Greenville location along with seasonal offerings. They will have an expanded lunch menu, and being open from 8 a.m. to midnight every day, they will offer breakfast and café style-croissants,
quiches, and a few more sandwiches and pizza options than the Charleston location, with most of their options being desserts. At Greenville, you can expect to find their twist on an Italian sandwich, cannoli cake and espresso martinis.
The aesthetics of the Greenville location also will differ from Charleston’s, said Solari, with more greenery, floral accents, modern features such as a marble floor to fit the feel of the exterior and city.
“Charleston’s exterior is brick, and I didn’t want to fake that here since this building space is more modern and wanted to match that feel for a greener and fresher look,” he added. “What I love about downtown Greenville are all the events that are right here. We
are going to have live music close, hotels, a larger concentration of working professionals in the area and we want to cater to that with our full coffee program, grab-and-go breakfast. I think we are going to lean toward that here where we don’t have as much of that in the Charleston location.”
Carmella’s Charleston will also receive a small facelift.
Solari said they will reestablish its breakfast program and make a few structural changes to help with the flow when customers place orders.
“We get a big line in there, and when we first opened, people came to the register, but now we have a line and want to streamline it so there isn’t a jam-up at the counter all the time,” he added.
They have a sizable wine wall that will be made smaller to get customers moved away from the counter, to open up the space. Solari said that will be done during the café’s normal closing time, which is in the first few weeks of January — typically closed every year for deep cleans — although this project might extend the downtown by a few days.
When asked if any additional locations are planned at this time, Solari said eventually.
“We have our sight set on a possible location in Columbia but want to focus on getting the Greenville location up and running, change a few things with the Charleston location, and then we will continue to look more in the Columbia area,” he said.
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Our story began in 1984 in Duncan, S.C., when Alcoa Securities Corporation, the world’s leading producer of primary aluminum and fabricated aluminum, and Fujikura, a global leader in fiber optic technology, combined their efforts to create a single product - optical ground wire - which has helped customers connect for decades. Since then, we have expanded through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Our products and services are trusted in more than 120 countries worldwide, and with operations spanning the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific, we are proud to employ over 1,300 in the Upstate of S.C. and 5,900 worldwide.
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Astring of local Greenville restaurants has announced closings within the last few months.
Although there are a number of reasons for the closings, a reason often cited is the rising cost of liquor liability insurance in South Carolina.
The rise in liquor liability insurance costs has been spurred by a string of alcohol-related incidents in the state just this year.
On April 28, bride Samantha Miller was hit by an accused drunk driver and killed on the night of her wedding in Folly Beach.
Miller’s groom blamed four local bars for negligently serving alcohol to the 25-year-old driver who hit Miller and injured the groom and two others, according to the lawsuit.
The complaint claimed the bars breached their duties of care to the public and patrons when they supplied Komoroski with alcohol that night after they knew, or should have been aware, that she was drunk.
South Carolina statute prohibits establishments with permits to sell alcohol, beer or wine from serving patrons who are or appear to be overly intoxicated.
The prosecutor in the Samantha Miller case is listing everyone who served Komoroski a drink on April 28, the general managers, and each establishment as defendants, said Chef John Malik, an Upstate restaurant coach.
In June, Brewery 85 announced it would close its doors after a decade in business. Although founder Will McCameron didn’t state a reason for the closing, the closing came a few short months following the Folly Beach case.
The Powdersville Pub announced on June 1 they would be closed until further notice specifically due to liquor liability insurance changes, in which their social media post read:
“I’m sure most of you have seen the news and media platforms discussing the insurance liability crisis that the small bars/music venues are facing. Well, it has now affected us! I have fought, tooth and nail, for the last six months to get help and find a successful solution, but that solution just hasn’t come quick enough. We are hopeful that this closure will only be temporary but unfortunately we are at the mercy of the state authorities and lawmakers.”
After nearly 17 years, Smiley’s Acoustic Café in downtown Green-
ville’s West End closed its doors this summer because of insurance costs.
After being open less than a year in Greenville’s Overbrook neighborhood, Perch Gastropub’s co-owner Lindsay Johnson confirmed their last day of business was Aug. 5.
“We have made the tough decision to close our wonderful pub,” a post said. “As ‘complicated’ as business is, it really is about ins and outs. As hard as we have tried, the ins don’t meet the outs. The passion and energy this team has put into this will be unmatched. This choice hasn’t come based on one factor, it’s just simply this part of the business that we all never see coming.”
Johnson said they have no further comment at this time.
Greenville Chamber Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy and Upstate Chamber Coalition Executive Director Jason Zacher said the issue is a direct result of the General Assembly not tackling the problem of joint and several liability.
“When businesses that are responsible for a small part of a legal action can shoulder 100% of the verdict damages, it will cost dramatically more to do business in our state,” said Zacher. “Reforming these laws has been a priority for the Greenville Chamber since 2016, and we have worked closely with business associ-
ation partners throughout the state.”
Some insurers have pulled out of the state and caused many others to increase their rates, he added.
Malik said there are now only two insurance providers in the state that will carry restaurants and bars, which has caused the providers to hike up rates by 15-20% for insurance liability coverage.
“The issue is when there’s a legal incident stemming from a DUI, every establishment that served the defendant can be sued,” said Malik. “When that happens and it comes to trial, the jury will not be allowed to know that the plaintiff scores a monetary victory from another defendant. That’s what has to change. The level of responsibility for the establishment in the event of an incident.”
The state mandated $1 million in liquor liability insurance coverage, said Malik, and the amount the business pays depends on how much alcohol is sold versus how much food is served.
According to a change.org petition started by Kynn Tribble:
“This year, small venues and many small businesses have been hit again with these staggering, across-theboard insurance policy prices. Small bars, venues and restaurants across South Carolina are receiving quotes for policies costing $50,000 and high-
er! Many business owners in this situation have already started to close or attempt to sell. Unfortunately, selling may not even be an option due to those same insurance costs. We are at risk of losing our small, locally owned venues and bars.
“If our representatives ignore this dire situation, far too many small businesses, not just bars and venues, will fall one after another. The companies that do try to survive will be forced to raise prices again and again resulting in less customer frequency. Many family-owned businesses will collapse completely, giving way to more corporate chains.
“In this industry, the fallout will be a trickle-down effect from the venue and bar owners to staff losing their jobs. The employees affected include but are not limited to, bartenders, waitresses, cooks, busboys, sound engineers, door staff and bouncers. Bands and musicians will lose a long list of places to perform, many of whom play shows in smaller venues as their only source of income. Towns and cities will lose tax revenue and tourism dollars.”
By Tuesday morning the petition had collected 9,325 of the 10,000-signature goal.
“This punishes responsible small business owners and the hospitality industry that is the backbone of our community,” Zacher said.
By Krys Merryman kmerryman@scbiznews.com
Greenville Rebel Rabbit co-founders Billy Goldsmith and Pierce Wylie both have personal experiences that shaped their new business venture — a nonalcoholic beverage brand — that they hope will “change the culture of drinking.”
Their manufacturing site is the former Brewery 85 location at 6 Whitlee Court in Greenville — a seven-acre property.
Upstate Beverage Consultants acquired the building. Services include research and development, custom flavor formulation, beverage co-packing, packaging, sourcing and procurement, supply chain management and logistics, and branding and marketing.
Wylie spent nearly eight years working in behavioral health, and he and Goldsmith have been friends since the first grade, he said.
“Billy was in (alcohol) recovery, and I was helping treat people with addictions,” he said.
Goldsmith said the business was more or less created out of need during a time he was abstaining from alcohol.
“These are experiences near to our hearts,” said Goldsmith. “To make a drink that is still fun but effective for us as well.”
Wylie said he and Goldsmith noticed a gap in the market, especially in the Upstate, for non-alcoholic beverage manufacturing, more specifically, cannabis beverages with natural ingredients.
“We spent a few years building our own boutique brand,” said Wylie. “As we were doing our due diligence, there
weren’t really any in South Carolina.”
More broadly, he added, they also noticed what looked like a saturated brewery market, but no non-alcoholic manufacturing facilities.
“We want to change the culture of drinking and want to be inclusive of other things besides alcohol,” Wylie said.
“Whether you’re younger or older, people are drinking less than ever before, especially in the Gen Z age group. We want to provide these safer and healthier options to drink and want to pioneer and normal-
ize having a drink other than alcohol.”
Rebel Rabbit’s line of beverages contain hemp-derived Delta-9 THC. The beverages are alcohol-free but created to provide a similar feeling of relaxation and enjoyment without the dehydrating effects or “next-day hangover” of alcohol. Hemp-derived THC is federally legal at certain concentrations due to the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, according to a news release.
Wylie and Goldsmith are currently speaking with several different compa-
nies within a wide beverage range — crafts sodas, lemonades, energy drinks, ready-to-drink mocktails, etc.
“We want to emulate a feeling of creative functional ingredients in our beverage products to bring to the market,” said Wylie. “Society is dominated by alcohol, a large piece of all social gatherings, of social functions, and it was not helping us. Alcohol isn’t the best way to destress, it can cause anxiety and depression among other things. UBC and Rebel share this same mission and flipping the narrative upside down that alcohol is not the only way. There are other options, and we want to create a platform that supports this, using our life experiences of falling into the trap of drinking alcohol. We know our stories aren’t unique to us but reducing America’s alcohol consumption is the goal for us, and that’s why we are passionate about it.”
The pair want to get the ball rolling in the next 60-90 days while they wait on state licensing.
As manufacturing is a major driver in South Carolina, Wylie said, there is a lot of opportunity to build out this idea.
“We are super excited to support a lot of local businesses, labsa, hemp farmers, under UBC, and this will create a lot of jobs in the state, working in warehouses, third-party logistics, corporate back-office function. There really isn’t one of these in South Carolina, so over a period of time, this should lend itself to many jobs and other initiatives that align with the state’s.”
Rebel Rabbit products are slated to be on shelves at select retail stores in 12 states and available online nationwide.
Afamily and veteran-owned food truck park is underway in Simpsonville.
Scuffletown Food Truck Park will be located at 206 Ladean Court when it is complete this fall, said owner Justin Holck.
The family friendly food truck park will feature a 120-inch TV screen for movie nights, sports and other entertainment, a 20-by-20-foot fenced-in sandbox for children to play, and a stage for live music.
To pair with the entertainment options, Holck said they have a good mix of tenants: One Love Fusion, which is island-style cuisine; Half Rooted, Columbia fusion eats; Too Sauced Up, which will have a few wings options; and Birria Boy, a Tex-Mex-style option.
Holck was firefighter in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years, leading to his career as a full-time firefighter in Greer.
“Working as a firefighter gives you certifications you can use in the outside world,” he said. “Although transitioning from the military to a civilian firehouse comes with challenges, I have pushed myself to be the best I can be. Now I’m opening the business and excited for this new venture. My skills I’ve learned as a firefighter prepared me for this
opportunity.”
Although Holck will focus most of his attention to get the food truck park up and running, he will continue his work as a part-time firefighter.
“I love the job and want to continue that passion as well,” Holck said.
The Holcks — to include Justin Holck’s wife, Allie Holck — have teamed up to
work together to run the business.
“We love this area and make a great team,” Justin Holck said. “We have been in Simpsonville nearly three years and consider ourselves in the process of becoming locals.”
He said the idea for the food truck park in Simpsonville came with him when the Holcks moved from Oregon, where the couple frequented several food parks.
“I enjoy the sense of community it brought,” he said. “This kind of platform allows people to mingle and have kids playing in the playground and sandbox, hoping to create the same space for adults. We have a passion for fresh fast food as well, as for the most part, a lot of time is spent at fast food restaurants for a lot of people. We are happy to provide a space to support small businesses and fresh options. Supporting the local community is a big motivator for us. “
Scuffletown Food Truck Park is looking for two additional tenants to join the others. The Holcks can be reached on Instagram @scuffletown_food_trucks.
LISTS: Architecture Firms, Page 20 | General Contractors, Page 21
ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING/CONSTRUCTION NEXT ISSUE’S FOCUS: Manufacturing
The builders of Gather GVL and Easley Silos, developers Nick Gilley and John Sharkey, are bringing a pickleball park to Greenville.
PKL Park GVL, which is slated to open next summer, is being built next to Unity Park, directly in front of Southernside Brewing Co., said Gilley.
“Pickleball Kitchen and Leisure” is the concept the ‘PKL’ name was born from, and that’s what they are trying to highlight on this site, Gilley said.
This complex will feature eight professional-quality pickleball courts, four restaurants, full bar, a 20-foot TV wall, 10,000 square feet of greenspace, and the Mark 5 stage for live music.
Gilley said they will renovate
the historic Mark 5 Studio, and the Swamp Rabbit Trail entrance will feature a mural wall to showcase the history of the site and the Southernside Community. The restaurant concepts are not ready to be released, he said. Gilley and Sharkey will own the restaurant, bar and pickleball pro shop that will be in the Mark 5 Studio. The other three micro-restaurants will be leased out as to-be-determined concepts, he said, and they are accepting proposals for those.
“I’ve been in Greenville for 19 years, and I’m passionate about construction and development and building great concepts,” said Gilley.
“The combination of both of our histories (Gilley and Sharkey, who has a sports background) has positioned us perfectly for this type of project. We will be set right here in the heart of future development, and this will be a great place for people to hear
great music, eat great food, and enjoy themselves in a place with great history.”
It took the developers about three years to find a suitable location for the project, Gilley said.
“We looked all over the city and wanted to be on the trail somewhere, but we couldn’t find exactly what we were looking for,” he added. “We were finally able to secure our dream location and the best place for this project after a lot of searching.”
Due to this site being marked as historic, developers will go before the Greenville Design Review Board and Historic Review Board to present plans for the Mark 5 portion of the project on Sept. 7.
“We plan on honoring the history in the Southernside community,” Gilley said. “This was a place where great music was created in the ‘60s and ‘70s, a jazz recording studio. We
have some famous artists we want to acknowledge on this property, going to name some pickleball courts after some of them, too. We want to tie this whole project together, because it’s not just about pickleball and eating but honoring the history here by hosting jazz nights and such is very important to us.”
Although Gilley didn’t want to disclose too much of the plans for more PKL Park locations, he said any future expansion will stay in the Southeast region.
“I will say we love the Upstate and won’t go too far from here,” he said. “This project will be the first of a few we are planning right now. The goal is to do many more.”
Johnston Design Group is the architect on record and the general contractor is Gilley’s construction company Base360.
The estimated project cost is undisclosed, said Gilley.
PKL Park GVL is expected to be open next summer. (Image/Provided by Nick Gilley) The complex will include 10,000 square feet of green space. (Image/Provided by Nick Gilley) Developers spend three years looking for a site appropriate for their concept. (Image/Provided by Nick Gilley) The park will include courts, four restaurants, a TV wall and greenspace. (Image/Provided by Nick Gilley)
Greenville is requesting proposals from designers for the renovation of Mayberry Field at Unity Park.
The city is seeking experienced and qualified planning/design consultants or similar professionally qualified consultants as well as experts in sports field design and construction to provide administration services to renovate the field.
The project includes the design of the Little League regulation baseball field including grandstand bleachers, press box, batting cages, dugouts, bullpen and concessions stand.
Prior to construction of Unity Park, Mayberry Field was used heavily by the recreation leagues, said Bill Fox of the Hughes Agency, but it did not drain well due to the soil and the fact that it was somewhat sunken, so even a light rain could leave it too wet to use for days.
The original plans for Unity Park called for renovating and preserving the historic Mayberry Park, and Craig and Vicki Brown were among the first private donors to contribute to Unity
Park, specifically for Mayberry, said Fox. However, due to several factors, Mayberry Field’s renovation was not completed in time for the park opening, though a considerable amount of earth work and grading has already taken place, he added.
The Hughes Agency is anticipating a groundbreaking before the end of the year to get the renovations rolling, said Fox.
“My understanding from the city parks and rec department is that they anticipate as much or more usage of the ballfield once complete,” said Fox. “It will certainly not face the drainage issue is has in the past. The new ballfield will be constructed to Little League dimensions. These dimensions are ideal for the site, given the topography. Most significantly, this is a hugely historic piece of Unity Park and carries significant meaning to the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Unity Park merges what was once two segregated parks: Mayberry Park for Black residents and Meadowbrook Park for white residents.
For decades many of the city’s least desirable features were clustered together in a bleak, swampy area with a history of neglect, environmental
abuse and racial inequity. On the land where Unity Park now stands, there was once a stockade, a dog pound, and a police shooting range, which shared the only area where children from nearby neighborhoods were allowed to play.
In 1927, the city built a park for Black children not allowed to play in segregated parks elsewhere in the city. The 15 acres of marshy meadowland, named Mayberry Park, included an athletic field with bleachers and a basic playground. Though open just six hours a day, five days a week, Mayberry Park served as the center of community life for the West Greenville and Southernside neighborhoods starting in the 1930s.
After voters approved a $110,000 bond referendum in 1924 to build Cleveland Park, the city set aside $15,000 (the equivalent of more than $200,000 in today’s dollars) to purchase 15 acres on Mayberry Street to build a park for children not allowed to play in the segregated parks elsewhere in the city. Mayberry Park opened in 1925, and a few years later, the city committed additional funds for an athletic field with bleachers and playground equipment.
Less than a decade after creating Mayberry Park, the city used a 50-foot strip of land in the park for a police shooting range. In 1938, Greenville voted to lease half of the land inside Mayberry Park to a Baltimore businessman at no cost to build Meadowbrook Park for an allwhite minor league team. More land was taken for stadium parking and to extend left field.
Today, the 60-acre Unity Park pays homage to the legacies of the neighborhoods surrounding it and the people who brought the city to where it is now. Areas of the park are named Mayberry Field and Meadowbrook Green in honor of the history of Mayberry and Meadowbrook parks. Nearby land owned by the city of Greenville has been set aside for affordable housing.
Greenville Purchasing Administrator Rod Gray said this is an open/ active bid request posting, and the city cannot provide any additional details at this time.
The closing date for the posting is Sept. 28 at 2 p.m.
More information on the bid process can be found on the city’s website.
Crescent Startup Community, a redevelopment project on Poinsett Highway aimed at attracting startups and entrepreneurs, has been designated a historic site by the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service.
The former home of a Pepsi-Cola bottling facility will be added to the National Register of Historic Places, according to a news release from the developer, Hartness Development, which describes Crescent Startup Community as a largescale mixed-use innovation district that will provide a dedicated space for startups, entrepreneurs, and the development of innovative ideas and projects.
Hartness Development is best known for the Hartness neighborhood development on the east side of Greenville, where the Hartness family home has been turned into neighborhoods, restaurants, Hotel Hartness and more. That was the family home; Crescent was the site of the family business.
Crescent will sit on seven acres of land on Poinsett Highway and open in late spring 2024 with the completion of the first phase, according to the news release.
Following a review and approval by
the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Parks Service, Crescent will be named to the National Register of Historic Places, which is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation and part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect America’s historic and archeological resources, the release said.
The renovation and historic designation of the bottling facility is Phase One of the project and the restored building, named Crescent One, will be an anchor of the innovation district, the release said.
Led by Thomas S. Hartness, Greenville’s Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. was an innova-
tor in the bottling industry and played a role in the overall economic growth of mid-20th century Greenville, the release stated. Hartness was a leader in the Pepsi company, purchasing the Pepsi-Cola bottling rights in Greenville in 1940, and in technological innovations within the soft drink and bottling industry. He developed and sold his own bottling equipment, with that part of the business growing into a total packaging solutions company with more than 100 patents.
The site was also home to The Piedmont Shirt Factory, which was a hub of the textile industry when Greenville was known as the textile capital of the world. The location of the factory was within the city’s “Textile
Crescent.” The Piedmont Shirt Factory is also where Max Heller, an entrepreneur who would later be the mayor of Greenville, first worked as an immigrant from war-torn Austria during World War II.
In addition to supporting and retaining the area’s entrepreneurs, Crescent is the start of Hartness Development’s strategy to rekindle and continue the location’s innovation history, attract companies and institutions who can bring opportunities that further build the community, and continue the revitalization 0f Greenville’s Poinsett Corridor.
Through Hartness Development’s partnerships with Flywheel, Furman University’s Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and other institutional partners, entrepreneur support organizations, and accelerator programs, Crescent was created to operate as an innovation district offering the Upstate’s entrepreneur community opportunities to live, work, play and innovate in one central space that provides access to all the resources necessary to successfully launch and grow a business venture.
Crescent will also feature a mix of amenities including a fitness studio and an outdoor gathering space and covered entertainment venue.
Crescent Startup Community is at 701 Poinsett Highway.
By Krys Merryman kmerryman@scbiznews.com
AGreenville-based real estate and development group announced the acquisition of a former service station in downtown Simpsonville that will transform into a community gathering place.
Community Hub LLC acquired property formerly known as Danny Smith’s Fillin & Fixin service station, 136 S. Main St. The service station will be transformed into a “vibrant community gathering space” next to The Slice and will offer a diverse selection of food, beverage, and entertainment options, complete with a stage for live performances, according to the news release.
The estimated project cost is $3 million, according to Community Hub.
“The commitment to revitalization initiatives and continued focus on economic growth in Simpsonville is quite impressive,” said Community Hub LLC principal and Simpsonville resident David Berger. “We have been watching the city’s growth over the years and have unwavering confidence in the diligent work put forth by the city and its leadership. We are excited to play a part in the flourishing journey and cul-
tivate a true local community gathering destination that will be sustainable for decades to come.”
Danny Smith’s Fillin & Fixin station holds the history of serving the local
community with auto repair services for 27 years.
“The old filling station has been good to us the past 27 years, and a lot of our loyal customers have become more
like friends and family, and we’re going to miss each of them,” said the Smith family. “The torch has been passed, and we couldn’t have hand-picked a better group to continue developing downtown Simpsonville with a true commitment to excellence. They have an amazing plan to create a space for Simpsonville to gather, connect and dine, and we hope to see a lot of our old customers there.”
Downtown Simpsonville is undergoing a $15 million revitalization project that includes traffic realignment, streetscape, new street lighting, wider sidewalks, pedestrian-safe crossing, and wayfinding signage — all of which is anticipated to draw more visitors to its downtown area, the release said.
“This development project is exactly what we work towards for a lively downtown,” said Dianna Gracely, Simpsonville city administrator. “It’s taking a long-time business and transforming it into a place where our community can gather and welcome visitors, making Simpsonville unique and simply home.”
The general contractor on the project is IHRS Construction Management & General Contractor, and the architect is PSi Design.
Construction is slated to begin in spring 2024.
Construction projects submitted by the people who design, engineer and build them.
Walmart #2265
3950 Grandview Drive Simpsonville
Developer/owner: Walmart Inc., Bentonville, Ark.
Architects: Cuhaci & Peterson, Orlando, Fla.
General contractor: McCrory Construction Co., Columbia
Engineers: Johnston Burkholder Associates, Kansas City, Mo. (structural); Cuhaci & Peterson, Orlando, Fla. (electrical, mechanical, plumbing)
Estimated completion date: Fourth quarter, 2023
Project description: Remodel of existing store including refresh to front tenant spaces, customer and employee restrooms, pharmacy, vision center, auto center, breakroom, and garden center. New cases will be installed in the grocery and online pick up areas. Addition of a new mothers room along with roof modifications.
Walmart #641
6134 White Horse Road, Greenville
Developer/owner: Walmart Inc., Bentonville, Ark.
Architects: Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Maitland, Fla.
General contractor: McCrory Construction, Columbia
Engineers: Johnston Burkholder Associates, Kansas City, Mo. (structural); Cuhaci & Peterson, Maitland, Fla. (electrical, mechanical, plumbing)
Estimated completion date: Third quarter, 2023
Project description: McCrory has teamed up with long-time client Walmart to provide another extensive interior and exterior remodel. Scope includes a refresh to the front tenant spaces, employee restrooms, pharmacy, vision center, a new mother’s room, auto center and garden center. New cases are being installed in the grocery and online pick-up areas, as well.
E.A. Sween
5730 Highway 25 North, Hodges
Developer/owner: E.A. Sween, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Architects: AWB Engineers, Salisbury, Md.
General contractor: McCrory Construction Company, Columbia
Engineers: AWB Engineers, Salisbury, Md. (structural, mechanical, plumbing); Davis & Floyd, Greenville (civil), Eldeco, Greenville (electrical)
Estimated completion date: First quarter, 2024
Project description: McCrory coordinated design e orts with E.A. Sween personnel to identify workflow requirements, space allocation, USDA sanitation requirements, utility demands, variances to park covenants, truck access and trailer parking, employee parking and tra ic flows, and site logistics for the upfit of this 100,000-square-foot facility which is currently underway.
Walmart #1382
508 NW Bypass 72 Greenwood
Developer/owner: Walmart Inc., Bentonville, Ark.
Architects: Massa Multimedia Architecture, Neptune, N.J.
General contractor: McCrory Construction, Columbia
Engineers: Johnston Burkholder Associates, Kansas City, Mo. (structural); Henderson Engineers Inc., Lenexa, Kan. (electrical, mechanical, plumbing)
Estimated completion date: Fourth quarter, 2023
Project description: This is an interior/exterior remodel of an existing store to include moving the dressing rooms, a refresh of the employee restrooms, addition of a family restroom and mother’s room, a refresh of the pharmacy, customer service areas, garden center, breakroom and entry vestibule.
Prisma Health Center for Health & Life Sciences
506 S. Pleasantburg Drive Greenville
Developer/owner: Greenville Technical College
Architects: McMillan Pazdan Smith
General contractor: Harper General Contractors
Engineers: Peritus Engineering (mechanical, plumbing, fire); Burdette Engineering (electrical);
See UPSTATE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, Page 16
MMSA (structural); J&A Engineering, Marietta, Ga. (low voltage and audio visual); JMZ Architects and Planners, Glens Falls, N.Y. (programmer and lab consultant architect); Blue Water Civil Design, Augusta (civil); Grimball Cotterill Associates, Columbia (landscape); Michael Simpson + Associates, Greenville (structural); Simpson Gumpertz and Heger (envelope consultant for architect); Building It Green LLC (GreenGlobe Certificate); and KLG Jones, Greer (commission agent for mechanical systems and electrical lighting)
Estimated completion date: Fall 2024
Estimated total cost of project: $68.5 million
Project description: This project is a three-story, approximately 137,366-square-foot academic classroom building and will include state-of-the-art science laboratories and classrooms, an OB Ultrasound Clinic, faculty o ices, student engagement areas, student cafeteria, Anatomage tables for virtual learning, and more.
Developer/owner: Renfrow Industrial Inc., Spartanburg
Architects: Craig Gaulden Davis, Greenville
General contractor: Harper General Contractors, Greenville
Engineers: Seamon Whiteside (civil)
Estimated completion date: March 2024
Project description: The new 20,000-square-foot Renfrow Industrial headquarters facility features architectural tilt-up construction and high visibility along the I-85 corridor. The o ice building will be fully upfitted to Class A standards.
US HQ facility for Paxton Access, Inc.
155 Global Drive, Greenville
Developer/owner: Mike Kiriakides and Bogue Wallin (Five Wall LLC) Greenville
Architects: MCA Architecture, Greenville
General contractor: Triangle Construction Co, Greenville
Engineers: Bluewater Civil Design
Estimated completion date: June 2024
Estimated total cost of project: about $12 million
Project description: This 29,000-square-foot load bearing precast concrete project is a new build-to-suit for Paxton Access to house their new U.S. HQ facility. The building’s layout is designed to promote collaboration between the 9,500-square-foot manufacturing department and 19,500 square feet of o ice/assembly spaces by use of shared areas like the indoor/outdoor canteen-style breakroom. Natural features like vegetation, natural lighting and innovation display areas were important to Paxton to care for the well-being of their employees.
United Community Bank HQ - Monumental Staircases
200 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville
Developer/owner: The Furman Co., Greenville
Architects: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, Greenville
General contractor: Harper General Contractors, Greenville
Engineers: Royal Engineering, GreenvilleBritt Peters Engineering, Greenville
Project manager: The Heirloom Companies, Campobello
Estimated completion date: Spring 2024
Project description: This project consists of two large steel mono-stringer staircases that will have oil-finished mahogany treads and landings and glass guardrails. These stairs are referred to as the Connecting Stairs as they are intended to connect the 4th through the 6th floors of employees with communal areas to congregate and build a sense of community across the o ices.
United Community Bank
101 W. Main St., Laurens
Developer/owner: United Community Bank
Architects: SHLTR Architects
General contractor: Hill Construction
Project description: The new branch will blend with the historic charm of Laurens Town Square and feature a more defined presence along W. Main Street. The open ceiling in the common areas, clear-story windows, and glass o ice fronts will allow for natural light throughout the space. A new teller area, six private o ices, conference room, co ee bar, and lobby will create a welcoming space for customers.
CTE Innovation Center @ Roper Mountain
402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville
Developer/owner: Greenville County Schools
Architects: SGA Narmour Wright
Engineers: Little Diversified Architectural Consulting (architectural consultant); ADC Engineering (civil); MMSA Inc. (structural)Crow Bulman Engineering (mechanical/plumbing/fire protection); Burdette Engineering Inc. (electrical)
Estimated completion date: December 2023
Project description: New, 30,000-square-foot education center to be constructed on approximately 1.5 acres at the existing Roper Mountain Campus for the Greenville County School District. The project will include flexible classroom and lab space for biomedical sciences, clean energy technology, cybersecurity/IT, emerging automotive research, as well as space for informatics or global supply chain management. The facility will also include a small dining/catering kitchen area.
Renfrow
2605
See UPSTATE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, Page 17
Wellford Academy
684 Syphrit Road, Wellford
Developer/owner: Spartanburg District 5
Architects: LS3P Associates Ltd.
Engineers: SeamonWhiteside (civil); Burdette Engineering Inc. (electrical); Crow & Bulman
Engineering (mechanical and plumbing); Arrowood + Arrowood (structural); FoodDesign (food)
Estimated completion date: September 2024
Project description: New Elementary School up to 125,000 square feet designed for 900 people, (700 students) for Spartanburg District 5 schools.
General contractor:
Engineers: Kenneth B. Simmons Associates LLC (landscape architect); Heaner Design Group (civil); Burdette Engineering Inc. (electrical)
Estimated completion date: 2023
Project description: Project entailed addition of lighting for the new drive and landscape at Chipley Hall Plaza on the campus of Lander University. Coordination took place with landscape architect for the design of complimentary lighting to maintain the historic fixtures adjacent to the campus center and to provide adequate lighting for the plaza area walkway and drives.
Boiling Springs Fire Station No. 11
505 Garlington Road at Hartness Drive, Greenville
Developer/owner: Boiling Springs Fire District, Greenville
Architects: ADW Architects, Charlotte
General contractor: Hogan Construction Group LLC, Greenville
Engineers: Alliance, Greenville (civil); Stewart, Charlotte (structural); Optima, Charlotte (MEP)
Estimated completion date: September 2024
Estimated total cost of project: $ 10.7 million
Project description: The continued growth of Greenville’s eastside necessitated the construction of a new headquarters station to improve coverage and reduce service overlaps with neighboring fire stations. The two-story facility will feature three pull-through bays to accommodate current and future apparatus. The upper level will include living quarters for two companies and a battalion chief. The lower level will house the department’s administration, as well as a large training room.
See UPSTATE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, Page 18
Earle Infirmary Renovation
3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville
Developer/owner: Furman University
Architects: Clark Nexsen
Engineers: Burdette Engineering Inc. (electrical); Stephens Engineering & Consulting LLC (mechanical and plumbing)
Estimated completion date: 2023
Project description: 4,500-square-foot renovation to the existing infirmary building on the campus of Furman University.
Lander University, Greenwood
Developer/owner: Lander University, Greenwood
204 Halton Road, Greenville
Owner: City of Greenville
Architects: McMillan Pazdan Smith, Greenville
General contractor: Hogan Construction Group LLC, Greenville
Engineers: Seamon Whiteside, Greenville (civil); MMSA, Greenville (structural); Carolina Engineering Solutions (plumbing, mechanical and electrical); Foster Engineering, Columbia (fire protection)
Estimated completion date: May 2024
Estimated total cost of project: $ 12.9 million
Project description: Hogan and McMillan Pazdan Smith have partnered to provide design-build services for the upfit of an existing seven-story o ice building, allowing the city of Greenville to consolidate several public safety facilities that were in disrepair into a single centralized location.
Leanna
2291 Perimeter Road, Greenville
Developer/owner: Donaldson Center Fire Department, Greenville
Architects: DP3 Architects, Greenville
General contractor: Hogan Construction Group LLC, Greenville
Engineers: Thomas & Hutton, Greenville (civil); Arrowood & Arrowood, Greenville (structural); Carolina Power, Greer (electrical); DesignBuild (mechanical) Huntersville, N.C. (mechanical); Reece Engineering, Greenville (plumbing); Impact Fire, Greenville (fire protection)
Estimated completion date: April 2024
Estimated total cost of project: $ 2.9 million
Project description: Hogan and DP3 have collaborated to provide design-build services for the renovation and expansion of the Donaldson Center Fire Station. The existing 1960s fire station will be partially demolished, and renovations performed to provide o ices, equipment storage, a larger fitness room, and a decontamination room. New dorm rooms, a kitchen/dayroom, support areas, a laundry room, and a terrace will all be included in a 4,500-square-foot addition.
200 Frank Parrott Rd., Easley
Developer/owner: Pickens County Young Men’s Christian Association, Easley
Architects: SGA NarmourWright Design, Greenville
General contractor: Hogan Construction Group LLC, Greenville
Engineers: Land Planning Associates, Easley (civil); Fuller Consulting, Greenville (structural)
Estimated completion date: October 2023
Estimated total cost of project: $ 12.1 million
Project description: A new 50,467-square-foot YMCA will replace the outdated facility and incorporate state-of-the-art cardio and strength centers, dedicated group exercise and spin rooms, as well as a training room. The full-court basketball gym will have an elevated walking track that will include an enclosed indoor slide down to the lobby.
463 Main St., Taylors
Developer/owner: Taylors Fire and Sewer District, Taylors
Architects: DP3 Architects, Greenville
General contractor: Hogan Construction Group LLC, Greenville
Engineers: WK Dickson, Greenville (civil); Britt, Peters, Greenville (structural); Devita & Assoc., Greenville (plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire protection)
Estimated completion date: Augist 2024
Estimated total cost of project: $ 9.1 million
Project description: Hogan is providing construction management at-risk services for a new 20,600-square-foot headquarters and 4,400-square-foot maintenance building for the Taylors community. The site is an undeveloped five-acre parcel of land located across the street from the current fire station. The facility will feature three full drive-thru bays and one rear bay. It will house administration and living quarters for 30 firefighters, as well as a large community/training room for 60.
100 Verdae Blvd., Greenville
Developer/owner: Park National Bank, Greenville
Architects: McMillan Pazdan Smith, Greenville
General contractor: Mavin Construction, Greenville
Estimated completion date: September 2023
Estimated total cost of project: $650,000
Project description: Complete renovation and new finishes throughout an existing 11,000-squarefoot o ice space for the new Park National Bank headquarters.
Developer/owner: Prisma Health
Architects: Boulder Associates, Charlotte
General contractor: Mavin Construction, Greenville
Estimated completion date: Fall 2024
Estimated total cost of project: $21.5 million
Project description: New construction of a two-story steel structure with masonry veneer situated in the side of a hill. Functional use of the building will be six new operating rooms with the necessary patient and clinical support functions on the upper level. The lower level will have limited common space for access to the upper level, mechanical support space, and the majority being shell space for future utilization.
Prisma Health — Greenville Memorial Hospital Pediatric ICU, Phase 1 701 Grove Road, Greenville
Developer/owner: Prisma Health — Upstate
Architects: McMillan Pazdan Smith, Greenville
General contractor: Mavin Construction, Greenville
Estimated completion date: September 2023
Estimated total cost of project: $3.3 million
Project description: Renovation of eight existing patient rooms and adjacent support space to create a new six-bed PICU and expanded family areas, support spaces, nurse station, etc. Renovation includes modification of the existing mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as well as support as required for booms.
Walter USA Corporate Headquarters — Phase 2
1510 S Batesville Road, Greer
Developer/owner: Walter USA
Architects: Craig Gaulden Davis, Greenville
General contractor: Mavin Construction, Greenville
Estimated completion date: April 2024
Estimated total cost of project: $8.9 million
Project description: The scope includes construction/renovation of an existing facility in Greer, SC. Scope includes high-end features for new sales o ice space, flex space, canteen, training rooms, and conference areas. Scope also includes exterior façade improvements to upgrade overall curb appeal. Includes heavy acoustical features and systems.
awareness.
Our Giving magazine is a special opportunity to support philanthropy in the Midlands. The articles tell the heartwarming story of the community’s generosity.
The winners of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Midlands Chapter Philanthropy Awards are also featured, with bonus distribution at their National Philanthropy Day luncheon.
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McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture 400 Augusta St., Suite 200 Greenville, SC 29601
LS3P ASSOCIATES LTD 2 W. Washington St., Suite 600 Greenville, SC 29601
DP3 Architects Ltd. 15 S. Main St., Suite 400 Greenville, SC 29601
Craig Gaulden Davis Inc. 19 Washington Park Greenville, SC 29601
MCA Architecture Inc. 28 Agora Place Greenville, SC 29615
Batson Associates Inc. 415 W. Washington St. Greenville, SC 29601
Design Strategies LLC Architects / Engineers
130 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601
Johnston Design Group LLC 411 University Ridge, Suite D Greenville, SC 29601
SHLTR Architects LLC 2 Bennett St., Suite 300 Greenville, SC 29601
Context Design Group PLLC 4 Washington Park Greenville, SC 29601
Goodwyn Mills Cawood 117 Welborn St. Greenville, SC 29601
PDI Architecture LLC 1020 Breazeale Road Pendleton, SC 29670
Radium Architecture 420 E. Park Ave., Suite 307 Greenville, SC 29601
SGA|NW, a GF design company 148 River St., Suite 222 Greenville, SC 29601
Ard Wood Holcombe & Slate Architects & Planners 620 N. Main St., Suite 104 Greenville, SC 29601
C. Wayne Crocker & Associates P.C. 101 N. Pine St., Suite 302 Saprtanburg, SC 29302
Chapman Design Group Inc. 3215 SC Highway 24 Anderson, SC 29626
Childs Architecture LLC 610 N. Main St., Suite 101 Greenville, SC 29601
864-242-2033 www.mcmillanpazdansmith.com kcalhoun@mcmillanpazdansmith.com
864-235-0405 www.ls3p.com connect@ls3p.com
864-232-8200 www.dp3architects.com people@dp3architects.com
864-242-0761 www.cgdarch.com design@cgdarch.com
864-232-8204 www.designmca.com sberr y@designmca.com
864-233-2232 www.batsonassociates.com jrfogle@bainc.com
864-527-6500 www.designstrategies.net mnalley@designstrategies.net
864-250-0701 www.johnstondesigngroup.us kim@johnstondesigngroup.us
864-603-1717 www.shltrarch.com info@shltrarch.com
864-233-3230 www.contextdg.net davidlewis@contextdg.net
864-527-0460 www.gmcnetwork.com info@gmcnetwork.com
864-224-5800 www.pdiarch.com pdia@pdiarch.com
864-242-9027 www.radiumarchitecture.com contact@radiumarchitecture.com
864-609-4199 www.sganwdesign.com info@sganwdesign.com
864-242-5450 www.awhsarchitects.com gmholcombe@awhsarchitects.com
864-583-5296 wayne@cwaynecrocker.com
864-224-7563 www.chapmandesign.com donald@chapmandesign.com
Chad Cousins, Ron G. Smith, Brad B. Smith 1955 60 189
Kristie Nicoloff, John Edwards 1963 20 64
Brian Thomas, Ben Urueta, Meg Terr y 1984
12 35
Scott E. Powell, John D Hansen, David Dixon 1957 11 26
Channing L Addis, Michael T Kissam, Keith M Clarke 1976 7 24
Louis P Batson III Julie Weber Geordan Terr y, Jeff Fogle 1981 6 12
Benjamin T Rook 2002
Scott Johnston, David Anderssen, Kevin Davis 2001
An architecture, advisor y ser vices, and interior design firm specializing in education, healthcare, corporate, government, living and hospitality markets. Design excellence is a part of ever ything we do for our clients and our communities.
An architecture, interiors and planning firm providing ser vices nationwide from our offices in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia
Architecture, interior design, space planning and master planning for hospitality, higher education, community, office upfits, student centers, fire stations, public works and recreation facilities
Architecture, planning and interior design firm
Architecture, Interiors and planning firm for Industrial, commercial, corporate office, retail, medical office and hospitality markets
Located in Greenville, Batson is a regional architectural firm recognized for its innovative approach to architecture, planning, and interiors. For over 40 years, we've specialized in healthcare, education, faith-based, and senior living communities
5 20 Health care, research, corporate, commercial, institutional hospitality
5 19
Architecture and Interior Design firm. Committed to Wellness, Economy, and Ecology
Tara B. Hile, Chesley White, Kevin Hyslop 2016 5 8 Architecture firm
Michael Scott Lewis, Jerr y Carter Page, David William Lewis 2002
Marc Warren, Tyler Morgan, Kevin Laird 1947
Patrick D. Iannelli 2004
Brad Benjamin, Scott Kilgore 2011
3 7
Commercial Architecture, Planning / Facility Programming & Program Managers Industrial, Advanced Manufacturing, Corporate Office, Retail & Warehouse / Distribution
2 44
Architecture, interior design, civil engineering, environmental ser vices, landscape architecture, planning, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, electrical engineering, sur veying and disaster recover y
2 11
Multifamily and commercial architecture, landscape architecture, planning, construction administration
Architecture, planning, interiors
Christopher Nordmeyer 1987 1 10
George M. Holcombe 1976 1
C. Wayne Crocker 1980
Donald G. Chapman 1994
864-242-6977 www.childsarchitecture.com srchilds@childsarchitecture.com Suzanne R. Childs 2001
864-594-5984
www.design-elite.com info@design-elite.com
Gil L. Stewart Architect LLC 212 Fairway Drive Pickens, SC 29671
864-507-3020 www.glsarchitects.com gil@glsarchitects.com
Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. For a full list of participating organizations, visit
In-house disciplines of architecture, interior design, land planning and landscape architecture are integrated to provide for the design of facilities and structures
Commercial, health care, education, industrial, renovation and restoration, facility analysis, master planning
Single-family; small commercial and institutional; new and renovations
Specializing in private commercial and custom residential projects for new construction, additions, renovations and adaptive reuse in SC & GA Also as a SC Certified Master Builder, we construct nearly 80% of the residential projects we design
OSMBA certified woman-owned firm; Ms. Childs is a registered architect in the Carolinas and Georgia; efforts include design, planning, renovation and expansion projects for homes, schools, churches, offices, retail, health care and industrial
Brasfield & Gorrie LLC 1 N. Main St., Suite 904 Greenville, SC 29601
Vannoy Construction 10 S. Academy St., Suite 210 Greenville, SC 29601
Triangle Construction Co. Inc. 2624 Laurens Road Greenville, SC 29607
864-704-1300 www.brasfieldgorrie.com
www.jr vannoy.com philip.dance@jr vannoy.com
www.triangleconstruction.com cpatrick@triangleconstruction.com
Steven Barber, Gavin Axson, Ben Barfield 1964
Design-build, pre-construction, construction management and general construction in commercial, retail, industrial and multi-family markets
Pre-construction ser vices, CM at-risk, design-build, self-performance for industrial, healthcare, multi-family, higher ed, mission critical, commercial, life science and tech
Good City PO Box 27234 Greenville, SC 29616
Hargrove & Associates Inc. 100 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100 Greenville, SC 29615
Jolly & Associates
293 S. Pine St. Spartanburg, SC 29302
Langley & Associates Architects LLC 109 S. Main St. Greer, SC 29650
Miller Architecture LLC 8 E. Hillcrest Drive Greenville, SC 29609
PSi Design 7090 Howard St. Spartanburg, SC 29303
RMS Architecture LLC 105 Windsor Court Central, SC 29630
Robert C. Cashion Architect Inc. 2933 Geer Highway Marietta, SC 29661
Specwright Strategies
222 E. Cranberr y Lane Greenville, SC 29615
Emanate Brands and Environments
1211 Pendleton St., Suite 201-A Greenville, SC 29611
Construction Science & Engineering Inc.
218 E. Main St. Westminster, SC 29693
864-360-9292 www.goodcity.net rgeyer@goodcity.net
864-980-5464 www.hargrove-epc.com kandrews@hargrove-epc.com
864-582-1510 jollyaia@bellsouth.net
Furman
864-968-0224 www.la-architects.com dlangley@la-architects.com David E. Langley, Ann Moran 1995
864-420-4085 jmiller@millerarchitecture.net
864-585-4014 www.psi-designbuild.com info@precision-ser vices.com
864-320-8441 www.rmsarch.com rmseel@bellsouth.net
864-836-7080 www.rccarchitect.com bcashion@rccarchitect.com
864-234-3630 galen_plourde@charter.net
864-202-6812 www.emanatebrands.com emn8@emanatebrands.com
864-647-1065 www.reiengineers.com
James D. Miller 2014 1 1
Bo Garland 2013 1 5
articulation, needs assessment, strategic planning, architectural design, and construction phase guidance for Christian ministries
Full-ser vice EPC project execution firm with expertise ranging from conceptual engineering through commissioning: automation, life sciences, project management, front end planning, multi-discipline engineering, technical ser vices, and construction.
Small design firm, specializing in light commercial, restaurants and fine homes
General practice architecture, master planning, and interior design firm; design projects include renovation and adaptive reuse, restaurant, health care, senior living, retail, office, industrial, religious, and multi-family
Apartments, assisted living, multi-family developments, commercial, industrial, planning
Commercial architecture and design; professional medical and dental, restaurant and event venue, office, retail, health and fitness, industrial and franchise
Robert M. M. Seel 2005 1 1 Beautiful, distinctive, and award-winning design solutions for your business, school, and church. Love where you Live
Robert C. Cashion 1981 1 1 Churches and other Christian ministr y facilities, university campus buildings, apartments and condominiums, financial institutions, custom homes, adaptive uses
Galen G. Plourde 2000 1 1
Hannah Simpson, Bill Donohue 2016 0 4
Josh Lusk, Derek A. Hodgin 19977
Specifications, building envelope consulting, commissioning commercial projects, including educational, medical facilities, multi-family residential, offices, institutional, courthouses, militar y
Emanate is an environmental design firm creating emotive experiences that create impact for businesses in the built environment - ser vices include brand identities, placemaking, office graphics, wayfinding systems, murals, timelines, and more
An REI Engineers Inc. company; forensic engineering and architecture, roof consultants, exterior wall consultants, waterproofing consultants, structural engineers, expert witness ser vices, design and consulting ser vices, construction administration
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.
management, pre-construction management, commercial, industrial, medical, institutional, pre-engineered buildings, warehouse and distributions, renovations, upfits
Design-build, commercial, church, retail, medical, restaurants, institutional, pre-engineered, upfits, renovations, fire and storm restoration, insurance, historical preser vation, industrial
O'Neal Inc. 10 Falcon Crest Drive Greenville, SC 29607
www.onealinc.com info@onealinc.com
864-859-3095 www.durhamgreene.com info@durhamgreene.com
Duane Greene
S. Latham Duncan A.
Robert
procurement, construction of complex capital projects, construction management, preconstruction ser vices
industrial, design-build
Property consulting, design, construction and facility ser vices in food processing, food distribution, industrial manufacturing and corporate markets Dovetail Construction 218 Rice Street Greenville, SC 29605
www.dovetailconstruction.us chase.lanier@dovetailconstruction.us
with a focus on urban revitalization, redevelopment, hospitality, land planning, mixed use
unique scopes, especially in
To be considered for future lists or for omissions or corrections email
Erchonia Corporation Corporate Headquarters
114 Southchase Blvd., Fountain Inn
Developer/owner: Erchonia Corp.
Architects: Stonecraft Studio 3, Greenville
General contractor: Mavin Construction, Greenville
Engineers: Blue Water Civil Design, Greenville
Estimated completion date: September 2023
Estimated total cost of project: $6.7 million
Project description: Complete sitework and ground up construction of a 22,000 square foot cosmetic laser manufacturing facility. Tilt wall concrete panels with a structural steel roof structure and TPO roofing system.
Rosecrest
200 Fortress Drive, Inman
Developer/owner: Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Inc., Irmo
Architects: RLPS Architects, Lancaster, Pa.
General contractor: McCrory Construction, Columbia
Engineers: Snell Engineering Consultants, Sarasota, Fla. (structural); Civil Engineering of Columiba, Columbia (civil); Reese Hackman Engineering Inc., State College, Pa. (electrical, mechanical, plumbing)
Estimated completion date: Fourth quarter, 2023
Project description: This is a two-story dining and activity addition to an existing senior living facility and renovation of adjacent existing spaces. Two new apartment buildings are also being constructed simultaneously along with the addition. The scope includes site demolition and extensive site work, grading, utility, curb and gutter, building pads, paving, and striping for the expansion.
Maverick Yards — The Pickle Yard
8 Jenkins Court, Mauldin
Developer/owner: The Parker Group, Greenville
Architects: Project Plus, Greenville
General contractor: Mavin Construction, Greenville
Estimated completion date: May 2024
Estimated total cost of project: $4.1 million
Project description: Renovation of a 20,000-square-foot industrial warehouse to be transformed into “The Pickle Yard.” It will feature pickleball courts, outdoor seating, multiple food concepts, and a live performance stage alongside fire pits and a beer garden.
Publix Supermarket
1390 Tiger Blvd., Clemson
Developer/owner: Publix Supermarket, Lakeland, Fla.
Architects: Little Diversified, Charlotte
General contractor: McCrory Construction, Columbia
Engineers: Bowen Engineering, Orlando, Fla. (structural); Genesis Engineering Collaborative, Suwanee, Ga. (civil); Brandt Engineering Inc., Midlothian, Va. (electrical, mechanical, plumbing)
Estimated completion date: Fourth quarter, 2023
Project description: This project is a refresh of an existing store. Scope includes modifications to the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and refrigeration system along with enclosing the loading dock and updating the paint and flooring throughout the store.
Crescent One
705 Poinsett Highway Greenville
Developer/owner: Hartness Development, Greenville
Architects: Workplace Architecture + Design
General contractor: Mavin Construction, Greenville
Estimated completion date: May 2024
Estimated total cost of project: $8.9 million
Project description: The project involves the renovation of 48,781 square feet. The renovation is to provide a flexible mix of multi-tenanted o ice and collaboration space, centered around a coworking operator. The scope includes renovations of the main first floor, along with smaller basement and second floor areas. There will be modification of select portions of the building envelope including both portions of the walls and roof.
Bass Pro Shop Boat Showroom
1025 Woodru Road, Greenville
Developer/owner: Bass Pro Shop
Architects: Insight Design Architects LLC, Nixa, M.
General contractor: McCrory Construction, Columbia
Engineers: RTM Engineering Consultants, Schaumburg, Ill. (structural); RAA Design, Alpharetta, Ga (civil); Blanchard AE Group, Lawrence, Kan. (electrical, mechanical, plumbing)
Estimated completion date: Fourth quarter, 2023
Project description: Bass Pro Shop is expanding its 107,887-square-foot retail store with a 15,899-square-foot boat showroom and five-bay boat service center. This addition is being built between the existing store and the adjacent strip center retail building.
Walmart No. 396
3812 Liberty Highway, Anderson
Developer/owner: Walmart Inc., Bentonville, Ark.
Architects: MS Consultants Inc., Columbus, Ohio
General contractor: McCrory Construction, Columbia
Engineers: Johnston Burkholder Associates, Kansan City, Mo. (structural); Matthew Nicholas, Rogers, Ark. (electrical); Roy R. Payne, Rogers, Ark. (mechanical,plumbing)
Estimated completion date: Third quarter, 2023
Project description: This project entails significant renovations to include the remodel of the front and rear restrooms, breakroom, pharmacy, vision center, new online-grocery-pickup area, new family restrooms with a mother’s room, and some added o ice space. Scope also includes exterior work on the façade of the building as well as refreshed pavement markings.
passed the Securities Industry Essential (SIE) exam and Series 65 exam.
Spero Financial announced that Amber Crisp, vice president of remote services, earned her Credit Union Development Education designation from the National Credit Union Foundation. She is also a graduate of the Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools leadership program.
ology and Ministry at Oklahoma Baptist University.
The University of South Carolina
FinTrust Capital Advisors said that Madeline Huffman and Cody Mann have joined the FinTrust team in Greenville, SC. Madeline, as Operations Administrator, will provide back-office support and perform administrative tasks. Cody, as Retirement Plan Administrator, will work with the Retirement Plan Consulting team to help retirement plan sponsors. Huffman has Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in business administration from Clemson University. She is a Greenville native. Mann is a graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in financial management with a minor in accounting. He has
Anderson University announced that Toney C. Parks will be join the university’s Clamp Divinity School as an assistant professor of pastoral ministry. He has been pastor of Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville since 1991 and has served as assistant professor of biblical counseling and practical theology at Erskine Theological Seminary. Additionally, Luke Stamps is returning to Anderson University as professor of Christian studies after a year serving as chair of the Herschel H. Hobbs School of The -
Upstate has named Matthew Martin its new vice chancellor and director of intercollegiate athletics. He has served as senior associate athletic director for external operations at the University of Idaho since 2020. He will oversee the programming, planning and budgeting of intercollegiate athletics, fundraising in support of athletic activities and for representing the athletic program consistent with university purposes on campus and in the community. He took over the new role on Sept. 1, succeeding Daniel Feig, who served as athletic director since 2018.
Two scientists at Furman University have been awarded a three-year, $1 million grant from the Arnold and Mabel
Beckman Foundation to create a prototype of a portable, lightweight mass spectrometer for analyzing chemicals in the air. Mac Gilliland, assistant professor of chemistry and Mary Elizabeth Anderson, professor of chemistry, will work with engineers and scientists at 908 Devices, a mass spec manufacturer in Boston. At least a dozen Furman undergraduate students will also work on the project, giving them experience in chemistry, device manufacturing and commercialization that few students at
PEOPLE, from Page 24
undergraduate institutions have.
Bunnell-Lammons Engineering Inc. announced leadership transitions and promotions within the Greenville engineering company which began in early 2023 when Dan Bunnell transitioned to a part-time position as a senior corporate consultant and senior vice president. This role will allow him to support the technical development of professional staff and various business operations.
Jeff Helvey has been promoted to chief operating officer and director of the Solid Waste Engineering Division. As a senior executive, Helvey will have management and leadership responsibilities across all of BLE’s business operations. Helvey has served in a variety of capacities during his 24-year tenure at BLE.
Richard Hall will transition from his role as corporate controller to a part-time position. Hall has served BLE for more than 15 years. During that time, he has steered BLE through financial growth and change.
Stephen Dowd has recently joined BLE as assistant controller. His prior experience consisted of accounting manager and assistant controller in various industries for nearly 10 years. Kenn Sanders joined BLE as the new senior recruiter. Andrew Colby was recently promoted to
a new role as Columbia branch manager. HOSPITALITY
Eagle Christian Tours hired a new general manager, Brad Stockton, to help oversee day-today operations in the company. General manager is a crucial position at Eagle as Carson Roes, president and partner of Eagle Christian Tours, moves into a leadership role that helps the company with future growth and decision-making. Stockton brings years of expertise and leadership experience to this new role at Eagle. Stockton attended Samford University where he achieved his bachelor’s degree in business management.
Crawford, a full-service strategic marketing agency based in Greenville, recently welcomed three new team members, promoted two invaluable performers and honored a milestone anniversary. Andrea Stegall, chief operating officer, celebrates a decade with Crawford, Wendy McCarthy joins as director of public relations, David Squibb as senior copywriter, Dottie Hollis serves as operations coordina-
Hunt Midwest, a Kansas City-based commercial real estate development company, said it completed construction on a speculative building at the new Evergreen Logistics Park, a 200-acre industrial park at 1105 Scotts Bridge Road. The park is east of Interstate 85 in Anderson County. Evergreen Logistics I is a 258,801-square-foot, rear-load
Greenville-based US&S Inc., a provider of facility maintenance services, said it qualified for the Cleaning Industry Management Standard-Green Building with Honors certification (CIMS-GB) through the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), a cleaning industry association. The CIMS-GB certification specifically recognizes organizations that demonstrate commitment to sustainable practices, environmental stewardship and the use of green cleaning supplies and chemicals.
building with 32-foot clear height, 26 dock positions, 60-foot-deep staging bays and other features. The property also includes a 185-footdeep truck court with 77 trailer parking stalls and more than 200 vehicle parking spaces. The new facility is available for occupancy by users ranging from 50,000 square feet to 258,801 square feet.
tor, McKoy Crawford has been elevated to account executive and Abbie Johnson is now graphic designer.
YMCA of Greenville promoted Sam Franklin, Barbie Jefferson, Diana Watson and MaryEllis Petrosian. Franklin becomes executive vicepresident and COO for the YMCA of Greenville. Jefferson is now executive vice president and CFO. Watson is promoted to senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer. Petrosian becomes executive director of foundation and fundraising innovation.
The Greenville Homeless Alliance announced the appointment of Brandon Cook, Healthcare for the Homeless program director at New Horizon Family Health Services Inc the chair of the steering committee that governs the organization. Cook has been part of GHA’s steering committee since 2018. Stacey Owens, director of community egagement at Spinx will serve as vicechair. Additional executive committee members include Kia Keyton, director of school and community engagement at OnTrack Greenville as secretary, and
Matt Johnson, attorney at Matthew K Johnson Law Firm LLC as treasurer. The coalition also announces the addition of four new steering committee members: Tina Harris is the director of community outreach at FAVOR (Faces and Voices of Recovery); Adrick Ceasar, regional manager for Elite Integrated Therapy Centers and owner/CEO of The Good Shepherd’s House, a shared-housing social enterprise that provides exits out of homelessness for men and women; Gail Peay, vice president of strategic initiatives for Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County; and Amanda Taylor, associate pastor at Triune Mercy Center and member of the steering committee for Greenville Organized for Accountable Leadership (GOAL).
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
C. Dan Joyner Realtors announced that David Schissler has joined the company’s Spartanburg office as a sales associate. Originally from Chicago, Schissler said he was drawn to the warmth of both the climate and the people in the Upstate, leading to the decision to relocate. He is a native of Illinois.
tric Soul said it released new series of home-renovation shows called Sibling Space Solvers with Lowe’s Home Improvement. Episodes will stream on Lowe’s YouTube channel.
Electric Soul’s previous TV and streaming projects include contributing to programming for Magnolia Network, Showtime, FIFA+, and most recently, for producing the documentary series “The Spark” on Very Local.
Main Street South Carolina and Ten at the Top announced a partnership aimed at creating thriving downtowns across all 10 counties of the Upstate. This strategic alliance will provide enhanced support to downtowns throughout Upstate South Carolina, the organizations said. Main Street S.C. will leverage its resources to assist existing and aspiring Main Street communities, while Ten at the Top will focus on the 10 counties and their respective cities and towns.
ing, entrepreneurship and general business administration. These are in addition to the existing degree in accounting in the Department of Business and Accounting, the university said.
More than a decade after stepping down in 2010, Furman University President Emeritus David E. Shi said he “couldn’t be more pleased” to see the school’s national acclaim for the sustainability education, research and leadership initiatives he helped launch. With a $1 million pledge to The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, he hopes to help preserve that legacy of sustainability for future generations.
During Shi’s 16-year presidency, the university built Hipp Hall, the first LEED-certified building in South Carolina and the first of eight now on campus. The university also adopted a sustainability plan and became a charter signatory of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.
Elec-
Furman University said students majoring in business administration can now choose to concentrate in one of five tracks: finance, international business, market-
ScanSouce Inc. receives workplace award for tech culture
ScanSource Inc. a hybrid distributor con-
Lists: Restaurants,
with Banquet Facilities Advertising Deadline: October 30
DECEMBER 4
Lists: Banks, Accounting Firms Advertising Deadline: November 20
necting devices to the cloud, announced that TMCnet, a website building community online, in person and in print for communications and technology markets, has named the company a recipient of the 2023 Workplace Excellence Award for Tech Culture. Launched in 2015, The TMCnet Workplace Excellence Awards for Tech Culture recognize technology companies excelling in all areas of corporate culture, employee satisfaction and retention.
ScanSource demonstrated to TMCnet’s editors and judges that the company excels at maintaining their team’s engagement and motivation, recognizing achievements, and showing their team members that they are valued for their contributions to company goals, a news release said. ScanSource says the company maintains a people-first approach to business, focusing on the intellectual and professional development of its employees while also promoting a “productivity anywhere” workplace model.
In 2022, the company changed the name of its human resources department to that of People & Culture emphasizing the ScanSource’s focus on the overall success of its people.
“ScanSource was founded on a set of core values that still today serve as the foundation of who we are and how we operate as a company,” said Alex Conde, senior executive vice president, as well as chief people officer, at ScanSource Inc. “The ScanSource culture was built on those core values, as they demonstrate our commitment to being a people-first organization that is focused on supporting and respecting our employees, and ensuring they are set up for success. It is such an honor to be recognized by TMCnet for the importance we place on our team members and for excelling in our workplace culture.”
this year. Painter of Columbia attended the 10th-annual Global Travel Marketplace West Event, which took place at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa in Las Vegas/Henderson, Nev. on July 11-13. GTM is a two-and-a-half-day invitation-only event for top-producing travel advisers in North America and leading cruise, hotel, tour and destination suppliers seeking to conduct business face-toface.
Only a 125 travel advisers were chosen to participate from several hundred applicants.
Travel Weekly and TravelAge announced that local Travel Agency owners Meredith Merritt and Stacy Painter were selected from among hundreds of applicants to attend a national Travel Marketplace Events in summer of 2023. Merritt of Greenville attended the 11th annual Global Travel Marketplace, which took place at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Earlier
A group of former medical care leaders has formed a company with the goal of creating guideways for a stronger medical care environment across the country. Integral Leaders in Health is a public benefit corporation, which is a for-profit corporation intended to support the betterment of communities at large and operate in a responsible and sustainable manner. The group plans to start by addressing the current health care crisis in South Carolina – progressive replacement of patient well-being as the primary purpose of the medical care environment. Their goal is to focus on medical care, which goes beyond access and quality of health care and squarely looks at balancing the patient-doctor relationship.
“We are fortunate to live in a state with great doctors, hospitals and universities. But the medical care environment, in which they each play an important role, has become unbalanced,” said Dr. Spence Taylor, the founder and CEO of Integral Leaders in Health. “Our mission is to balance all of the components of medical care so everyone is supported and patient well-being is the priority.”
Integral Leaders in Health brings together a diverse group of experienced medical and governmental affairs experts. Taylor was the first physician to be named president of the Greenville Health System (GHS, now part of Prisma Health), a health system.
The leadership team includes Dr. Jerry Youkey, the founding dean emeritus of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, prior USC associate provost for health sciences in Greenville; Cortney Easterling, deputy chief of staff at GHS; and Howell Clyborne, who was vice president of community and government affairs and chief of staff for GHS, a former president of the Greenville Health Authority and director of the Office of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs for the state of South Carolina.
College students are heading back to classes right now, and while you may not realize it, they already are thinking about internships, and more importantly, their first post-grad professional job.
What does that mean for business owners and hiring managers? Now is the time to engage with them and help steer them toward your business, but you can’t use outdated methods. You need to find these budding young professionals the right way.
That means it’s time to look at what your social media says about our business. Earlier this year, The YoPro Know released a study that delved into what young professionals want out of their careers. More specifically, their research showed that 70% of young professionals look at a company’s social media channel before applying to a job.
What can your company do to
attract and retain future young professional talent?
Have an authentic brand: This is why I advise analyzing your social media plan now, and not wait until the end of the school year. Prospective employees and interns will see if you just started this work. What actually does it mean to be authentic? It means you share your company values and missions through your social media posts. It avoids gimmicks and one-off posts that don’t mean anything.
• Share tips and educational tools: Young professionals are very motivated by opportunities to learn and feel they can be part of a company culture that wants them to grow and succeed. Sharing your lessons learned, ways to improve work flow and what you do to make careers better will go a long way when it comes to recruitment.
• Be Clear: Want to get people excited about working for you? Create a video explaining what they need to know. Talk about the skills they need and the demands of the job. A big problem that many businesses fall victim to
is they present a fun social atmosphere, but don’t explain what the work entails and what the rigors are. Make sure to set expectations correctly.
• Have a personal touch: Young professionals are primarily consuming and digesting video content more than any other type of content. We’re sure you’ve noticed that your Instagram feeds feature primarily reels instead of static posts and that anytime you look at the phone screen of anyone under the age of 25, they’re watching a YouTube vlog or TikTok haul. Even podcasts aren’t just podcasts anymore, they’re recorded on video so young people can watch them. Gen-Z likes video, so if you’re not using video on your social media channels, it’s time to catch up to them.
• Be active: This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it really is essential. If a new grad looking for a job sees that you haven’t posted on your various sites in a month or even longer, they won’t be impressed. You want your social media to stand out. Don’t be afraid to utilize the tools at your exposal. Post to your Instagram
feed. Share Instagram stories. Introduce your team. Let people ask questions. Show off the work that you do every day. Young people are engaged on social media and they appreciate companies that are engaged on social media as well.
Young professionals are the future leaders of our workforce. If you want top talent to choose your company, you need to prioritize strategic hiring, engagement, and retention of this talent.
And that starts now.
Kamber Parker is founder of The YoPro Know, which promotes success in the workplace by being a bridge between ambitious young professionals and progressive businesses who want to recruit, engage and retain them. Learn more at www.yoproknow.com.
