GSA Newsmakers 2012 by SC Biz News

THE BUSINESS JOURNAL FOR GREENVILLE, SPARTANBURG & ANDERSON

MAKERS twenty12

SPONSORED BY

Davis Property Group, LLC would like to thank its business partners for the successful completion of 100 East Downtown Apartments.

Davis Property Group, LLC | 219-A East Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29601 | (864) 232-7474

MAKERS twenty12

Publisher - Lisa Jones ljones@scbiznews.com editor - Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.com Copy editor - Alison Miller amiller@scbiznews.com Staff writer - Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.com Production Manager/Art Director - S. Kevin Greene kgreene@scbiznews.com Account executive - Pam Edmonds pedmonds@scbiznews.com Account executive - Geoff Humphreys ghumphreys@scbiznews.com Account executive - Susan Hurst shurst@scbiznews.com Audience Development Director - Rick Jenkins rjenkins@scbiznews.com Office Manager - Vickie Deadmon vdeadmon@scbiznews.com Research Assistant - Elizabeth Fonte efonte@scbiznews.com • 803-401-1094, ext. 205 event Manager - Kathy Allen kallen@scbiznews.com • 843-849-3113 Audience Development & IT Manager - Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843-849-3116

CONTACT The NewSROOM Submit a story idea: GSA Business welcomes news tips, timely information and story ideas. Call 864-235-5677 or email gsanews@scbiznews.com. • Announcements: Please send all business-related announcements, promotions and new hires to gsanews@scbiznews.com or fax to (864) 235-4868.

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth President and Group Publisher - Grady Johnson gjohnson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3103 Vice President of Sales - Steve Fields sfields@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3110 SC Business Publications LLC A portfolio company of Virginia Capital Partners LLC Frederick L. Russell Jr., Chairman

From the editor

ooking back helps us see what’s coming, keeps us moving forward. GSA Business’ inaugural edition of Newsmakers spotlights the year’s biggest business news with an eye toward economic growth in 2013 and beyond. Many of the stories on these pages signal the beginning of more news and progress to come, of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Multimillion-dollar investments by major employers will trickle through the Upstate’s manufacturing base.

Development could follow construction of the S.C. Inland Port in Greer. New educational facilities will prepare a bright young workforce. Mauldin laid the foundation to one day build a downtown, Spartanburg is cultivating a more vibrant one, and new projects have kindled another boon in downtown Greenville. The Upstate’s business community is too large, too diverse and too successful to capture all the news from the year in one publication. Remember, the entire Upstate business community has a role in

the news that fills these pages, so here is your 2012 yearbook. The stories on these pages reflect an abbreviated version of those that ran in GSA Business print publications earlier this year. An editor’s note complements each page to reflect how a story has since progressed. On behalf of the entire GSA Business staff, I hope you enjoy looking back at the past 12 months and archive this publication to chronicle Upstate business through the years. Here’s to a prosperous 2013, Scott Miller, Editor

From our SpoNSorS Davis Property Group is proud to be a premium sponsor of GSA Business’s first Newsmakers issue. We are honored to be part of the most impactful news stories of 2012 that shaped the upstate’s economy. It has been an exciting and busy year for us with the opening of our 100 East Apartment project and the acquisition and start of renovation of Crossroads Apartments in Greenville, as well as the ground breaking of our 400 Meeting Street project in downtown Charleston, SC. We are a Greenville, SC based real estate development and investment company primarily involved in the development of rental multifamily properties. Davis Property Group plans to acquire and develop infill student and conventional multifamily housing in markets throughout the Southeast as part of our future plans. We are looking forward to another busy year in 2013 and would like to thank all of our partners who have supported our growth. Russ Davis, Owner Davis Property Group, LLC On behalf of SANDLAPPER Securities and the entire Sandlapper Group of Companies, it’s an honor to be a member of the Upstate business community and Title Sponsor for the 2012 Newsmakers. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Greenville. Being part of a community with “big city” capabilities and a “down home” charm provides tremendous opportunities for those willing to seize them ( a central theme you’ll see again and again throughout these pages). Even for us, our growth over the last 18 months focused on meeting the diverse needs of clients and investors through the variety of programs and services we offer has been tremendously rewarding, and we foresee a long, exciting future in the Upstate. Trevor L. Gordon, Founder and CEO SANDLAPPER Securities, LLC and the Sandlapper Group of Companies

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Annual subscribers receive 26 issues of GSA Business, plus the special supplement: The Book of Lists. One year (26 issues) for $49.95; two years (52 issues) for $84.95; three years (78 issues) for $119.95. New subscribers: Subscribe online at www.gsabusiness.com or call 843-849-3116. Current subscribers: Renew, change your address or pay your invoice by credit card online at www.gsabusiness.com or call 843-849-3116.

The entire contents of this newspaper are copyright by SC Business Publications LLC with all rights reserved. Any reproduction or use of the content within this publication without permission is prohibited. SCBIZ and South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

From the 1.2.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

bI-LO

bUyS WINN-DIxIE

Merger by the numbers $560 million deal 690 stores 8 states covered 63,000 employees “We will maintain a strong presence in Greenville, and our commitment to the communities we serve will continue.” Bi-Lo President Michael Byars

Bi-Lo is renovating stores throughout its Southeastern footprint with the logo and paint scheme seen above. After acquiring Winn-Dixie, the grocery chain will establish its headquarters in Florida, not at its corporate offices off Laurens Road in Mauldin. (Photo/File)

by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.com

ess than two years removed from bankruptcy protection, Mauldin-based Bi-Lo Inc. in invested $560 million to buy WinnDixie and more than triple its store count to 690 in eight states. re While the Winn-Dixie brand remained, Bi-Lo’s corporate headquarheadquar ters in Mauldin did not, as the com combined companies established their base in Jacksonville, Fla. This is a big reversal of fortune for a company that two years ago couldn’t pay its debt, a year ago reportedly had stores on the market for sale, and at one point during bankruptcy proceedings agreed to sell itself to the parent company of Food Lion. That acquisition fell through, and Bi-

Lo emerged from bankruptcy an independent company in May 2010. Shortly after emerging from bankruptcy, Bi-Lo began upgrading stores across its Southeast footprint, retrofitting them with new delis, bakeries and produce departments, and wider aisles and a refreshed color scheme, among other upgrades. That effort continues today.

Bi-Lo employs approximately 17,000 people and operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. Winn-Dixie operates approximately 480 retail grocery locations in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi. The company employs approximately 46,000 people.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE The regional grocery giant once employed 500 at an office off Laurens Road, and possibly still does. But it’s unclear how many remain, and Bi-Lo officials have been silent on the matter. The company filed a legal notice with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce in the summer informing the state agency it would be laying off 200. The notice was rescinded, however, and the layoffs never happened. At the time of the merger, Bi-Lo President Michael Byars said some presence in Mauldin would remain. The grocer’s charitaBi-Lo buys Winn -Dixie ble arm, Bi-Lo Charities Inc., has remained active in the Upstate. L January 2 -

January 15,

2012

www.gsabusiness.co

Reform State tax code set for change PAGE 7

by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.co m

Lawmakers likely revisit unemploym to ent insurance payments PAGE 13

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business At Work Hill spreads hope to cancer patients PAGE 17

8 • $2.00

Bi-Lo’s corporate may not. Executiveheadquarters in Mauldin structure and ters location headquar are ess than two sions, said Bi-Lo two details still in discus-years removed bankruptcy CEO Michael from Winn-Dixie protection, Byars. based Bi-Lo Inc. is investing Mauldin- Fla., and Byars is based in Jacksonvi lion to buy Winn-Dix lle, $560 mil- the said regardles headquar ters ie and more s of where its store count than triple tain ends to 690 in eight some presence up, Bi-Lo will mainWhile the Winn-Dix states. “There are in both Mauldin Jacksonvi ie brand will and ing worked a number of details that remain, decided. lle, though the extent are beon right now, is not yet ” Byars The merger agreement wassaid. announced see BI-LO, page 8

Rollin’ on The Re

edy

Taxed jobs

REQUESTED

Volume 15, No.

Bright future

Optical fiber industry path of innovation on in S.C. PAGE 6

Reedy Square, to be built on interactive exhibits River pointing visitorsStreet, will include throughout Greenville to attractions County. (Image/Pro vided)

A $23 million construction project along Greenv ille’s Reedy River could be the key to unlocking the region’s tourism potenti al. Organizers are dreaming big. PAGE 10

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From the 1.30.12 Issue

MAKERS

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.com

or all of the investments BMW has made in South Carolina, the one announced in January was its largest. The German car producer plans to hire 300 people in 2012 and up to 700 more by 2014. The company will also invest $900 million to prepare the 4 million-square-foot facility to build a new X4 model over the next two years. But BMW’s latest investment is likely to result in 4,500 added jobs in South Carolina, quadruple the number the automaker plans to hire itself. The investment opens up the potential for additional suppliers to locate to the Upstate or for current ones to increase output and expand. Auto suppliers such as Drive Automotive and JTEKT already announced plans to expand following BMW’s announcement, for example. Employment in South Carolina’s automotive manufacturing cluster is up more than 11.3% from a year ago and

bMW’s

bMW spreading roots

Growth curve

the German automaker has invested heavily in its South Carolina plant through the years.

bIG MULTIPLIER The chart shows annual employment trends in S.C.’s auto manufacturing sector. Year Jobs 12-month change 2009 25,200 -19.2% 2010 25,400 0.8% 2011 28,400 11.8% 2012 31,600 11.3%

nearing pre-recession levels seen in 2007, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The sector has added 3,200 jobs over the past 12 months and now employs 31,600 people in South Carolina, bureau data shows. Figures represent jobs at transportation equipment manufacturers, which include OEMs of all types of vehicles and their core suppliers. The South Carolina automobile cluster is ranked 11th in the U.S. in auto employment, according to a study released in May by the Harvard Business School. A University of South Carolina study estimated that BMW funneled $8.8 billion into South Carolina annually, leading to statewide creation of 4.3 jobs for every job created at the Upstate factory. A typical employment multiplier for S.C. industries or services is closer to two. Demand for the X3, X5 and X6 models made in Spartanburg County, meanwhile, has been strong, with sales increasing 15.7%, 16.4% and 24.4%, respectively, year over year in October. Details on the X4, including pro-

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Figures are for July of each year.

• 1993: $139 million • 1994: $305 million • 1995: $166 million • 1996: $155 million • 1997: $117 million • 1998: $294 million • 1999: $295 million • 2000: $236 million • 2001: $204 million • 2002: $185 million • 2003: $97 million • 2004: $50.8 million • 2005: $236.2 million • 2006: $606 million

duction schedules and vehicles specs and design, have not been released. The new model is expected to push plant production to around 350,000 annually. In the nearer term, annual production could reach 300,000 as BMW hires 300 people. The X4 sports activity vehicle will be the fourth model built at the growing Upstate factory, joining the X3, X5 and X6. The company expects to have 7,500 employees by the end of 2012.

• 2007: $433.8 million • 2008: $411.4 million • 2009: $551.6 million • 2010: $458.9 million • 2012: $900 million announced SOURCE: BMW Manufacturing Co.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE BMW has invested more than $5 billion at its South Carolina factory since 1992 and its procurement in the Palmetto State tops $1 billion. Its presence trickles across the economy and this expansion likely means growth for Upstate auto suppliers. One direct BMW automotive job supports 4.3 additional jobs, according to a University of South Carolina study.

January 30 -

February 12,

New to marke

2012

www.gsabusiness.co

Fifth Third Bank opens first S.C. office. PAGE 2

In the LEED

Upstate tops for LEED constructio n. PAGE 3

State audit

Fa ct or

twENtY12

The

South Carolina checking employers for E-Verify compliance. PAGE 5

15, No. 10 • BMW exp $2.00 X4 producansion, big job mu tion carry ltiplier by Liz Segrist

lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

BMW’s latest investmen 4,300 added jobs in South t is likely to result in number the Carolina, quadruple automake the BMW’s decision r plans to hire. to build its Spartanbu rg County plant the new X4 model at ripples across the state. see FACTOR, page 7

Volume

X models

The X4 reportedl y will be sized like the X3 but have a body like the X6, pictured. (Photo/BMW

North America)

Looking to buy

Arkansas bank seeks bigger S.C. presence. PAGE 14

Regions unite for transportation plan

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business At Work Johnston leaves California for Piedmont. PAGE 19

REQUESTED

by Liz Segrist a major focal lsegrist@scbiznews.co point m “There an infinite in these plans. number of advantage nomic and regional planning infrastructure partanburg rather than isolationis s to job opportun development and ities. These or t might one day Greenville residents ning,” Greer Mayor Rick plans are longDanner said. plan- term and not finalized. an advantage be able to “There’s express bus Plans might route and travelhop on an are planning to knowing what your neighbors forth between and then back and press bus route create a transit system or the The new regional joining them.” exUnder a new cities. tanburg with linking Greenville and collaboration agreement, the likelihood Sparand Greenvill a shared stop increases of receiving e transportation Spartanburg future Greenville-Spartanb in Greer federal grants working to transportation planners are urg Internatio or at the for A park-andcreate joint and infrastruc nal Airport. Linking transportation tems like that ride ture sys- methods the cities with transportplans. drivers to park lot along Interstate potential bus 85 for route. Greer cars and catch or is also could creating less congested ation to the center of an express bus either city is roads la open the a

From the 2.13.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

cialists typically only found in major metropolitan areas, novel research trials, patient and family support services, palliative care, nutrition support, survivorship programs, prevention programs and direct patient support. Fellowships in areas such as hematology-oncology, gynecological oncology and radiation oncology could also be a possibility.

“This is one of the most significant events in the second 100 years of the Greenville

GHS

Hospital System and will change

invEStS, ExpAndS

the narrative going forward.”

Michael Riordan, GHS president and CEO

New to GHS: Cancer Centers of the Carolinas 26 doctors 330 employees 10 locations

Photo provided by GHS

by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.com

he addition of Cancer Centers of the Carolinas could be just the first big investment in oncology for the Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center. GHS paid $21.7 million to acquire the assets, including 10 buildings and medical equipment that Cancer Centers used, from The US Oncology Network. Additionally, Cancer Centers’ 26 doctors and 330 employees are now employees of GHS. Now, GHS is planning a Cancer Center of Excellence that would combine interdisciplinary cancer care and oncology research under one roof at one

of GHS’ campuses, said Malcolm Isley, vice president of strategic services. The center would combine a suite of services focused on interdisciplinary cancer prevention, rehabilitation and support, Isley said. Isley said it likely would take six years to plan, finance and construct the center. The broader programming and services will help make the center eligible for National Cancer Institute designation, which would make it more competitive both for national research grants and additional patient support. The Cancer Centers, meanwhile, continue to operate at 10 locations across the Upstate. The deal gives both GHS and Can-

cer Centers disciplines they didn’t have before their merger, Isley said. Benefits also include expanded access to multidisciplinary clinics, cancer sub-spe-

When the organizations come together, the GHS cancer program will include approximately 50 physicians specializing in cancer care. Cancer Centers of the Carolinas is the Upstate’s largest cancer care group, treating more than 6,000 new patients annually. It specializes in medical oncology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, hematology, blood and marrow transplantation, diagnostic radiology and clinical research.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE This was the first big expansion for GHS in 2012. Later in the year, the growing hospital system expanded its medical school in partnership with the University of South Carolina and laid the groundwork to expand south through a potential partnership with Laurens County Health Care System. GHS also plans to rebrand the Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center as the Greenville Health System New trade as of March 18 to reflect its future growth plans and identity. pacts affect February 13

- February 26,

2012

www.gsabusiness.co

Volume 15, No.

by Matt Tomsic mtomsic@scbiznews .com

Back down

SBA lending drops after hitting record high. PAGE 4

Headed south

Industry recruiters headed South America.

PAGE 5

Attitude

Entrepreneurs share spective. In Focus, perPAGE 11

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

At Work Groome takes over at 32. PAGE 17

heat press at Vapor Apparel hisses before an employee a rack from slides shirt, now emblazonthe press and grabs a The white T-shirted with a new logo. traveled to Carolina from South Colombia in a journey now 20% less expensive Congress passed for Vapor Apparel after with the South a free trade agreement tober. LawmakerAmerican country in Ocs with South Korea also added agreement s and Panama. The agreemen U.S. agricultur ts are expected to boost e the agreemen and manufacturing, but t hurt the textile with South Korea could industry, experts Sage Automoti said. ville is watching, ve Interiors of Greensaid CEO Sage, which has an office Dirk Pieper. in South Korea, supplies auto fabrics it manufactu in the U.S. to res Hyundai Kia Group’s plants Automotive in Alabama Pieper said and Georgia. there is some concern that see PACTS, page 9

eking excelle nce Photo provided

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

11 • $2.00

S.C. industry

New era

Patterson to leave Palmetto Bank board. PAGE 2

by GHS

Greenville Hospita l System Univers invested $21.7 ity Medical Center million to boost but that’s just its oncology program, the beginning. PAGE 10

The new design for Piazza Bergamo downtown Greenville in downtown destinationaims to make it a element will serve . A 20-foot design as a shade structure for part of the feature will piazza, and a quiet wate

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From the 2.27.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

nEw lifE

foR tHE CliffS

Cliffs Valley golf course in Greenville County is among the assets sold through bankruptcy. (Photo/Provided)

What’s next for Anthony? Upstate native Jim Anthony, 68, officially launched the Cliffs in 1991, but really began amassing the Anthony mountain real estate in the 1960s. He knew the land well from his childhood, as well as from his early days as a lineman for a telephone company. The sale of the Cliffs’ golf amenities ended a tenuous few years for Anthony, who endured sluggish sales, a lack of capital to complete development of golf courses and foreclosures on undeveloped real estate lots. Now, he has rededicated himself to nonprofit organizations he created to help fight childhood obesity.

by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.com

ith lots not selling, the Cliffs Communities and developer Jim Anthony were in trouble when creditors came knocking. Anthony turned to Cliffs Club members to raise capital to complete development of golf courses and related club amenities, but that plan couldn’t save the luxury real estate business that Anthony built over the past 50 years in the Upstate foothills. Unlike Anthony, the Texas business couple who acquired the struggling mountain developments didn’t need loans and doesn’t plan to wait out the market’s rebound. “It’s their own money,” Anthony said. “There’s no bank that will be out there knocking on their door.” That’s just one difference in Steve and Penny Carlile’s business plan for the Cliffs. They may add hotels or a resort to the Cliffs at High Carolina, for example, adding commercial development within the gated Cliffs Communities’ footprint. They’re ready to invest. The Carliles, who own a lot at High Carolina where they plan to build a home, announced plans in February to acquire Cliffs golf clubs, ClubCo, through bankruptcy and begin amass-

ing real estate to revive the business. ClubCo emerged from bankruptcy in August under the ownership of Silver Sun Partners LLC, a partnership between The Carlile Group, Arendale Holdings and SunTx Urbana. ClubCo was owned by Anthony and 535 Cliffs members who invested $64 million in development of the Cliffs Communities’ golf courses and other amenities. ClubCo did not own the residential real estate. According to the reorganization plan approved by a bankruptcy judge, Silver Sun Partners will repay club members who invested in the Cliffs $64 million, without interest, over the next 20 years. Additionally, the new ClubCo owners will invest up to $85 million to acquire

real estate for development. The Carliles announced its partnership with Arendale and SunTx Urbana in March, an agreement that gave the new owners control of 70% of the undeveloped real estate lots within The Cliffs Communities. There are around 4,500 undeveloped residential lots. Already, the new owners have been investing in the clubs, meanwhile. Construction is under way, for example, at a Gary Player-designed golf course at the Cliffs at Mountain Park in Travelers Rest. It is scheduled to open in 2013. In addition to Mountain Park and High Carolina, Cliffs developments include Cliffs at Glassy, Cliffs at Keowee and Cliffs Valley in South Carolina; and Cliffs at Walnut Cove in North Carolina.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE This is a new beginning for these struggling luxury real estate developments covering parts of Greenville, Oconee and Pickens counties, as well as North Carolina. The new owners are investing in the new course in Travelers Rest and have created a marketing plan to boost lot sales and residential construction in the mountain communities. February 27

- March 11,

Orange Bowl comes at a cost to Clemson University. PAGE 3

On the marke

REINVENTIN G

NORTH MAIN

Real estate industry sees signs of life. PAGE 6

High deman

Upstate apartment filling fast. PAGE s are 9

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business At Work Simpson engineers career from passion for math. PAGE 19

Volume 15, No.

New life for Cliffs

12 • $2.00

New owners plan the Cliffs; competi to invest in tors also bid to acquire the golf clubs

by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.co m

Next endeav or

Developer Jim Anthony plans for life after the Cliffs. PAGE 8

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

2012 www.gsabusiness.co

Bowl busine

ith lots not selling, the Cliffs Communities and developer Jim when creditors Anthony were in trouble came knocking. But the Texas plan to acquire business couple who tain developm the struggling mounents won’t need buy them and loans to plan to wait ket’s rebound. out the mar“It’s their own money,” Anthony said. “There’s no bank that will be out knocking on there their door.” That’s just one ference in Steve difand Penny Carlile’s business plan for the Cliffs. Anthony may add hotels They Image/JHM Hotels High Carolina, or a resort to the Cliffs at Inc. for mercial developmeexample, adding comnt within Cliffs Communi ties’ footprint. the gated The Carliles, by Scott Miller Carolina where who own a lot at High pressure and smiller@scbiznews.co home, said Feb. they plan to build posted rising a m 9 they plan to despite closing quarterly profits Cliffs acquire the stores and pulling Club states that enacted out of some ClubCo, & Hospitality Group Inc., dvance America’s laws through bankruptc or to limit payday new sister compa- The company has y. lending. nies include They may have opened a Spanish-la competitors, nguage televi- states, however, and added new stores in other According sion network though. to a Cliffs’ and a chain quiring competito 300 stores when retailers in Latin of electronic ac- Co board also receivedwebsite, the Clubr CompuCr America. s sumer finance edit’s retail Grupo Elektra business last con- from Reed Developm acquisition bids year. Grupo Elektra, a 33% premium of Mexico City agreed ent of Bluffton, Stokes Land to pay ican which on Advance the Group of Florida acquire the Spartanbu billionaire Ricardo is 71% owned by Mex- name America under the Arendale Holdings, Salinas rg-based payday stock to approached a deal valued and an entity Advance America and his family, called the NatureFir lender in at around about acquiring in Septembe Advance America $780 million. ClubCo is owned st Group. the r company. has survived was announce by Anthony An agreemen Cliffs members regulatory d Feb. 15, and 535 though Advancet in developme who invested $64 million nt of the Cliffs see ADVANCE Communi ,p

three unname d retail tenants, a new restaura nt and rebranding of the as “Noma Square”area are all part of the Hyatt Greenville’s renovati on plans to create a downtown destinat ion and an anchor for North Main area. the SEE PAGE 12

Advance Americ a sold

at premium

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From the 2.27.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

Advance America

ADvANcE AMERIcA SOLD

by the numbers

$424.1 million in assets

$265.2 million in stockholders’ equity

$158.9 million in quarterly revenue

$14.6 million in quarterly net income

$780 million sale price SOURCE: Based on the company’s 2011 third-quarter earnings report, the last before the company was sold.

Advance America will maintain its headquarters, above, at North Church and Dunbar streets in Spartanburg. Around 225 people work there. (Photo/firnFOTO)

by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.com

eightened regulations couldn’t curb Advance America’s growth. In its last quarterly financial statement filed before being acquired by a Mexican financier for $780 million, the Spartanburg-based company said net income jumped from $1.4 million the year earlier to $14.6 million. That was despite regulatory attempts to limit payday lending by Colorado, Illinois, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Advance America’s home state, South Carolina. The company had closed centers but increased lending. Advance America was founded in 1997 by well-known Spartanburg businessman George Dean Johnson Jr., who also co-founded Extended Stay Hotels and whose name graces the new University of South Carolina Upstate business school in downtown Spartanburg. Advance America operates around 2,600 centers in 29 states, the United Kingdom and Canada. Grupo Elektra of Mexico City agreed to pay a 33% premium on Advance America stock to acquire the lender.

Grupo Elektra is 71% owned by Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas and his family. Salinas is No. 112 on Forbes’ list of the world’s billionaires with a net worth of $8.2 billion. Advance America’s new sister companies include a Spanishlanguage television network and a chain of electronics retailers in Latin America. The 225 employees and executives of Advance America’s Spartanburg headquarters remained following the sale. “Grupo views this as a platform acquisition. They had no footprint whatsoever in the United States. Part of what they invested in is the strong management team and the dedicated workforce,” said Jamie Fulmer, spokesman for Advance America. “We view this as a great thing for our company, a great thing for our employees and a great thing for Spartanburg as well.” Grupo Elektra operates in eight countries throughout Latin America — Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama — but it does not operate in the United States. The company offers banking services, credit and other financial products to underserved consumers. Grupo Elektra also operates a network of retail stores in Latin America

that sell electronics, appliances, furniture, motorcycles, cellphones, computers and other products. Grupo Elektra, as part of Grupo Salinas, does have a sister company in the United States, Azteca America, a Spanishlanguage television network. Head Headquartered in Los Angeles, the network has more than 60 affiliated stations throughout the country. The network is carried on Time Warner in Spartanburg and Raleigh/Durham, as well as

WAZS Channel 22 in Charleston. The acquisition of Advance America represents Grupo Elektra’s first major investment in the U.S. financial services market.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE News that Advance America’s corporate offices would remain in Spartanburg was significant for the community, which already had lost the headquarters of Extended Stay Hotels to Charlotte in 2011. Advance America employs around 225 at a 50,000-square-foot office it built a decade ago at North Church and Dunbar streets. February 27

2012 www.gsabusiness.co

Orange Bowl comes at a cost to Clemson University. PAGE 3

On the marke

REINVENTIN G

NORTH MAIN

Real estate industry sees signs of life. PAGE 6

High deman

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business At Work Simpson engineers career from passion for math. PAGE 19

Volume 15, No.

New life for Cliffs

12 • $2.00

New owners plan the Cliffs; competi to invest in tors also bid to acquire the golf clubs

by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.co m

Next endeav or

Developer Jim Anthony plans for life after the Cliffs. PAGE 8

Upstate apartment filling fast. PAGE s are 9

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From the 2.27.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

Noma highlights NOMA (NORTh MAIN) SQUARe: The square includes a permanent stage; a curved water feature with a disappearing water edge and a custom firebowl; additional seating and space for concerts and events. ROOST ReSTAURANT: An outdoor restaurant on Main Street with patio seating next to Noma Square. It will feature food from local farms. The GReeNVILLe wAFFLe CO.: A portable waffle cart that serves hot waffles with toppings, such as nutella and fruit. ADDITIONAL MeeTING SPACe: JHM will add 13,500 square feet of meeting space, bringing the total to 37,500 square feet. This includes Studio 220, a 6,000-square-foot meeting space at the corner of Main and Beattie streets. MAX’S LIBRARY: In honor of the late Greenville Mayor Max Heller, the library is a business center and reading room. NOMA TOweR: Formerly known as the Greenville Commons building, the tower has 90,000 square feet of Class “A” office space set for renovation. SOURCE: JHM Hotels Inc.

JHM Hotels renovated the Hyatt’s lobby, as well as exterior space. (Photo/firnFOTO)

THE NEW by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.com

he renovation plans for the Hyatt Regency in downtown Greenville aim to create another downtown destination, pulling people to the north end of Main Street with the addition of three new retail stores and a new restaurant. Greenville-based JHM Hotels Inc. plans to increase foot traffic, economic activity and occupancy rates by transforming the area in front of the Hyatt into what will be known as “Noma Square,” a play off the words North Main. JHM Hotels bought Hyatt Regency Greenville in 2010 and unveiled renovation plans Feb. 15. “When people are walking up Main Street, we don’t want them to do a U-turn at Bertolo’s Pizza,” JHM Hotels President D.J. Rama said. “We want them to go all the way up and do a loop. Noma Square, known as

NOMA (NORTH MAIN)

Hyatt Plaza for nearly 30 years before this, will help drive that. This creates a sense of an anchor.” The hotel was built more than 30 years ago and served as a bookend to the downtown rejuvenation plan by the late Mayor Max Heller. “I promised him we would take it to the next level and make it a catalyst of

growth on Main Street,” Rama said. JHM will renovate the exterior curb, hotel lobby, guest bathrooms, guest corridors, restaurants, bars and office space. Noma Square will also include a restaurant, bar and waffle cart. “What beignets are to New Orleans, waffles will be to Greenville,” Rama said.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE The Hyatt Regency was a bookend to downtown revitalization nearly 30 years ago and it is once again. The renovation not only upgrades the hotel, but brings added hospitality space and a new outdoor public courtyard to attract foot traffic and investment further up Main Street. The Roost, a farm-to-table restaurant, plans to open in January as the first tenant of Noma Square. February 27

2012

www.gsabusiness.co

Orange Bowl comes at a cost to Clemson University. PAGE 3

On the marke

REINVENTIN G

NORTH MAIN

Real estate industry sees signs of life. PAGE 6

High deman

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business At Work Simpson engineers career from passion for math. PAGE 19

Volume 15, No.

New life for Cliffs

12 • $2.00

New owners plan the Cliffs; competi to invest in tors also bid to acquire the golf clubs

by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.co m

Next endeav or

Developer Jim Anthony plans for life after the Cliffs. PAGE 8

Upstate apartment filling fast. PAGE s are 9

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From the 4.9.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

USc UPSTATE

Photo by firnFOTO

looks westward

“We are underserving a huge growth area that has great potential. We want to see various sites in the city (of Greenville).” USC Upstate Chancellor thomas Moore

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.com

n undergraduate college facility or campus could be the newest addition to downtown Greenville’s landscape. The University of South Carolina Upstate received unanimous Greenville City Council approval March 19

uSC upstate — Spartanburg

5,500 students uSC upstate — university Center

1,000 students uSC upstate — Greenville

coming in 2014

of a resolution enabling it to locate an educational facility within the city, which they hope to open by 2014. “This campus is the missing piece to downtown’s revitalization. What had been missing is a public undergraduate program in Greenville,” Greenville Mayor Knox White said. “It’s been our aspiration to bring higher education opportunities to the city.” While several other universities have made the move downtown — Clemson University has its MBA program in downtown Greenville, for example — this would be the city’s first undergraduate, baccalaureate program. The location and type of facility, or facilities, has yet to be determined. The university is considering a site off Mayberry Street near the Kroc Center in West Greenville. The city owns approximately 5.5 acres there and plans to buy another adjacent 6 acres, owned by the city’s water authorities. The university is considering another site in an office building as well.

USC Upstate has held classes in the University Center of Greenville, or UCG, for 25 years, but the university could soon reach capacity there, USC Upstate Chancellor Thomas Moore said. “It’s too early to know the number of expected students,” Moore said of the future facility. “There’s a possibility for significantly increased enrollment that could double, or perhaps

triple, the numbers at UCG, and do so fairly rapidly.” About 1,800 students study at the University Center, 40% of whom attend USC Upstate. The university also plans to enlarge its health sciences program at the new USC School of Medicine, which opened this year at the Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE Plans for this downtown campus have not progressed — at least not publicly — but that doesn’t mean it won’t materialize. USC Upstate already added a major presence in downtown Spartanburg with the opening in 2010 of the George Dean Johnson Jr. College of Business and Economics, or “The George.” USC Upstate also announced plans in May to lease more space at the University Center of Greenville. April 9 - 22,

2012

Rare offer

Merger-and-acquisiti on value reached $1.2 in South Carolina billion during the first quarter. PAGE 14

Brokerage Firms PAGE 24

INSIDE

Leading off ................ ...... 2 In Focus: Banking & Finance ........ 13 People in the news ........ News briefs ................ 28 ... 30 Viewpoint ................ ....... 31 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

Volume 15, No.

with the

Campaign chest

THE LIST

Growin G

Gov. Haley seeks donors across state lines. PAGE 9

SBA Lenders PAGE 16

www.gsabusiness.co

Greenville company is one of few in the conduct an initial state to offering in recent public years. PAGE 2

wind

15 • $2.00

University coul spur investmentd

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

n undergraduate college facility or campus will be the newest addition ville’s landscape to downtown Green. The University of South Carolina state received Upunanimous approval March City Council abling it to locate 19 of a resolution enthe city, which an educational facility in they “This campus hope to open by 2014. is the missing downtown’s revitalizati piece to on. What missing is a public undergrad had been gram in Greenville uate ,” Greenville proKnox White Mayor said. to bring higher “It’s been our aspiration education opportuni the city.” ties to

rElATEd conTEn T

Group evaluati for wind-energyng assets field

University Center faces possible in student population loss , recruits new partners. PAGE 10

While several made the move other universities have University will downtown — Clemson move its MBA from the Bowater programs building at Falls to Project One of companie Park at Main and s that designs, Coffee streets, for example manufactures, grates, installs — inteand maintains undergraduate, this will be the city’s first tems either wind energy baccalaureate locally or at program. other facilities, sysThe location as GE Energy, such ffshore wind, cilities, has yet and type of facility, or faCH2M Hill and Fluor, TRC Solutions, Jacobs, to be determine base and a new a strong industrial AECOM. versity is considerin d. The uniGE g a site off Mayberry lift the state’s R&D facility could turbinesEnergy in Greenville Street near the manufactures wind-energy try to new heights. Kroc Center gas indus- headquart— not wind turbines — in ville. The city but its global owns approxima West GreenEducators and ers for renewable there and plans tely more than 75,000 engineers are surveying ing is based in Greenville energy engineerto buy another 5.5 acres acres, owned adjacent six engineers and Mark Reilly, , said spokesma ing representa by the manufactu meaning city’s water authorities n tives in South The university wind r- other GE the potential Carolina to assess . sites are developed turbines built at is considerin for g another site in an office building here. The Greenville and economic industry growth, job creation site also has impact. USC Upstate as well. capabilities for South Carolina renewable energyunique testing University Centerhas held classes in the already has a growing base During a tour of the Greenville components. of Greenville for 25 years, , or UCG, GE CEO Jeff but the university Immelt showed plant last year, soon reach could off the plant’s capacity see WIND, page Chancellor Thomas there, USC Upstate 4 Moore said. by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

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From the 4.23.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

MIcHELIN A “clearly, the need for resources and the need for infrastructure, which is basically what these tires support, is growing.” Pete Selleck, Michelin North America

Earthmovers Demand is up for the massive tires used on earth-moving equipment. (Photo/Michelin N.A.)

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.com

outh Carolina is the nation’s No. 1 tire exporter and on pace to become the nation’s top tire producer by 2013 — and that was before Michelin’s announcement of a $750 million investment and 500 new jobs in Anderson and Lexington counties to boost production of massive Earthmover tires. The tire manufacturing momentum really began building in 2011. Continental Tire is building a 1 million-square-foot facility in Sumter. Bridgestone Americas Inc. is building a 1.5 million-square-foot plant in Aiken, while expanding its existing facility by nearly 500,000 square feet. And Greenville-based Michelin North America said April 10 that it will build an Earthmover tire plant in Anderson County and expand its Earthmover tire manufacturing facility in Lexington County. South Carolina will now house two of Michelin’s eight plants world-

wide that produce these 5,000-pound Earthmover tires. Michelin already employs about 900 people at two rubber-processing facilities in Anderson County — one in Starr and one in Sandy Springs. Michelin plans to construct another facility adjacent to its Starr plant to build its Earthmover tires. The first tire will be made in the new Anderson County plant in late 2013 and production will aggressively ramp up in 2014 and 2015. The Earthmover tires will be shipped worldwide. Around 30% of them will go to oil centers in Canada and 50% aim to be shipped through Eastern ports to every continent, Michelin said. In Lexington County, this marked Michelin’s second expansion in less than a year. In May 2011, Michelin announced a $200 million investment to expand the production line at its Lexington passenger and light truck tire plant. Once fully completed, this investment will add 270 additional workers to the plant.

The 825,000-square-foot Lexington facility for Earthmover tires currently employs 530 people. Overall, Michelin employs more than 1,800 people at its two Lexington County facilities. Michelin has eight S.C. facilities and currently employs more than 8,000 statewide. Following the construction of the Anderson plant, it will have nine S.C. facilities and 19 North American facilities.

Up to 63-inch rims More than 14-feet tall at largest More than 5,000 pounds each

Worldwide reach Most of Michelin’s massive Earthmover tires will be shipped to foreign customers. 50% overseas 30% to Canada 20% remain in the U.S.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE Michelin appears to be expanding again. Greenville County Council approved an incentives package in December for Michelin to invest at least $200 million and hire 125 people in Greenville, where the company makes passenger-vehicle tires. Michelin wouldn’t discuss any plans, so look for details in 2013. April 23 - May

www.gsabusiness.co

Flights and

Foreign-owned companies PAGE 10 Freight forwarders Third-party logistics/ PAGE 16

INSIDE

Leading off ................ ...... 2 In Focus: Global Trade .................... 9 People in the news ........ News briefs ................ 20 ... 22 Viewpoint ................ ....... 23

Volume 15, No.

16 • $2.00

Road Warrior seek new path s

fter only two seasons, ville Road Warriors the Greenit will build ownership charged is under new an the brand and with building derson County Earthmover tire plant in growing Anand expand its This is Greenville attendance. manufacturing Earthmover ’s second attempt tire professional Michelin would facility in Lexington County. at hockey. rowl went bankrupt The Greenville Grror investmen not comment on how the by Liz Segrist t will in 2006 after jobs seasons in the cations, or how be divided between the eight ECHL. lsegrist@scbiznews.co lomany additiona Attendance be produced m l tires would each dipped in its for the Road Warriors This announce year. second season, outh Carolina ment is in addition owner Fred Festa but new chelin’s 2011 is the nation’s plans to keep to Miexporter and commitment pand upon it it and exon pace to becomeNo. 1 tire mated 270 to in Greenville top tire producer nation’s existing jobs and invest $200 add an esti, officials said. was before Michelin’ by 2013 — and Lexington passenger million in its To be successful that tire manufact , of a $750 million s recent announce the team needs uring facility. and light truck ment more jobs in Anderson investment and 500 corporate new Earthmo sponsorand ver demand The tire manufactu Lexington counties. ships, community ring momentum South gan building involvement really be- chelin’s Carolina will now house in 2011. Continent and a 1 million-sq two of Miative promotion creuare-foot facility al Tire is building these eight plants worldwide to up that produce 5,000-pound stone Americas in Sumter. Bridgeattendance Earthmover and tires. Michelin’s square-foot plantInc. is building a 1.5 million- investment and expected enue, according revin Aiken, while job sponse to the Festa existing facility previous owners. to its growing demandcreation is in reby nearly 500,000expanding its tires used for the massive on earth-mov square feet. “The And Greenville have been to challenges ing equipmen Elected officials, get -based Michelin t. them to come people to try hockey, to get North America economic developer Anderson and to the games said April 10 s and Lexington representa and experience it,” said Neil Smith, that to the headquarters tives came always felt strongly who sold the team. “I’ve in Greenville to hear the game, you’ll like that once you go to the it and come back. see ROLL, page Across town, 6 ” ball team is the the Greenville Drive baseAtlantic League, hottest ticket in the South dance figures. according to league attenThe team attracts a once-barren section of South patrons to Main Street. The Road Warriors hope similar impact on downtown to have a ’s north end. For the Bi-Lo Center, the meant more team has permanent, jobs for team year-round term jobs for employees and shortgame-day employee well as for the s, as all, Bi-Lo Centerarena employees. Overmillion in annualevents generated $56.6 economic impact the 2010-201 in 1 fiscal year economy, according for the local Demand is up for the massive to an economic earth-movin impact study tires used g equipment. released in January. (Photo/Michelin on NA)

Financing export

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

Michelin to manu facture huge 2.5-ton tires Anderson Count at new y plant

land

Land developme nt could be the airport’s next big project. PAGE 4

S.C. congressm en debate the merit and value of the Export-Import Bank. PAGE 15

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THE LIST

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From the 4.23.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

WARRIORS

Shrinking attendance Season

Game average

2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 League average

3,654 3,299 2,729 4,351

SOURCE: ECHL

Hockey history

SEEK NEW PATH by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.com

fter only two seasons, the Greenville Road Warriors hockey team has been sold, and new ownership is now charged with building the brand and growing attendance. This is Greenville’s second attempt at professional hockey. The Greenville Grrrowl went bankrupt in 2006 after eight seasons in the ECHL. Attendance for the Road Warriors dipped in its second season, but new owner Fred Festa plans to keep it and expand upon it in Greenville. To be successful, the team needs more corporate sponsorships, community involvement and creative promotion to up attendance and revenue, according to its previous owners. “The challenges have been to get

people to try hockey, to get them to come to the games and experience it,” said Neil Smith, who sold the team in April. “I’ve always felt strongly that once you go to the game, you’ll like it and come back.” Across town, the Greenville Drive baseball team is the hottest ticket in the South Atlantic League, according to league attendance figures. The team attracts patrons to a once-barren section of South Main Street. The Road Warriors hope to have a similar impact on downtown’s north end. For the Bi-Lo Center, the team has meant more permanent, year-round jobs for team employees and shortterm jobs for game-day employees, as well as for the arena employees. Overall, Bi-Lo Center events generated $56.6 million in annual economic impact in the 2010-2011 fiscal year for the local economy, according to an economic impact study released in January. The Road Warriors play 34 home games in the regular season. The hockey team’s arrival in Greenville increased the center’s average number of events each year from 85

to 105, said Bi-Lo Center President and General Manager Roger Newton. It increased the center’s suite holders, advertisers and media exposure to the community. But the Bi-Lo Center can live without a hockey team. Its top revenue generator is concerts, Newton said, and the center was successful before hockey arrived. The Road Warriors hockey team was sold to Chestnut Street Sports LLC, which is solely owned by Festa, a hockey fan and chairman and CEO of W. R. Grace & Co. Terms of the sale were not released. Smith and Steve Posner had coowned the hockey team.

1998 Greenville Grrrowl takes to the ice for inaugural season 2005 Grrrowl faces bankruptcy and local investors take over 2006 the team folds after eight seasons 2010 Neil Smith and Steve Posner bring hockey back to Greenville, relocating a team from Pennsylvania 2012 team is sold to Fred Festa

EDITOR’S

UPDATE The Greenville Road Warriors hockey team has not been the economic stimulus once envisioned. Attendance has declined each year since its return in 2010, and in its first year under new ownership, Road Warriors attendance is down more than 17%. Owner Fred Festa said he is committed to keeping the team in town. April 23 - May

6, 2012 www.gsabusiness.co

Big Wheels

High-tech

Greenville’s Ionic Technologies reaches the moon.

Flights and

Michelin to manu facture huge 2.5-ton tires Anderson Count at new y plant

land

Land developme nt could be the airport’s next big project. PAGE 4

Foreign-owned companies PAGE 10

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

Freight forwarders Third-party logistics/ PAGE 16

INSIDE

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Volume 15, No.

16 • $2.00

Road Warrior seek new path s

Financing export

S.C. congressm en debate the merit and value of the Export-Import Bank. PAGE 15

THE LIST

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

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From the 6.18.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

KEEPING cONSERvATION IN bUSINESS

A fly fisherman wades the Middle Saluda River at Jones Gap State Park. (Photo/S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism)

Natural

impact

rmed ctivities fo a s s e in s s, Bu l resource ra tu a n d aroun rcial y, comme tr s re fo e lik ing, nting, min fishing, hu and ufacturing n a m t a o b ugh ickle thro tourism, tr my. the econo ct on impa $30 billi jobs 230,000 uth Carolina

by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.com

ften on a sunny Saturday or Sunday, a forest ranger shuts the gate at Jones Gap State Park around noon, maybe earlier. The parking lot at the rural GreenGreen ville County park fills quickly. Vehicles line up behind the gate awaiting access. One car leaves, another can enter. Upstate residents and visitors have a strong appetite for hiking, camping, fishing and other outdoor activities. These natural resources, striking So of ersity SOURCE: Univ views and outdoor experiences found at Jones Gap and other wild places are otection r p g in k “the state’s greatest asset for business See 8, since 200 g development, the ‘natural’ comple complein d n fu With no on Bank ti a its labor force and entrepre ment to entreprerv e s n o the S.C. C of neurial talent,” according to a report a backlog d e p lo e v de by the University of South Carolina ts n ns for gra Moore School of Business. applicatio t land. c Land-conservation groups have te ro p to tions a c been trying to preserve this lifestyle li p p a g 45 pendin g in for years with successes visible at k e e s acres places like Jones Gap, which has 28,022 been aided by private donations protection g n in fundin o li il and funds from the state’s Con Conm 3 2 $ servation Bank and other groups t h soug that have helped it expand and add public access through conservation easements.

Until the recession, urban sprawl was the big threat to preservation of private land, but now, the main threat to future preservation is lack of funding, said Mark Robertson, South Carolina executive director of the Nature Conservancy. “The Conservation Bank is the single most important source of funding in the state for conservation,” he said. “It’s just not feasible to identify other sources of funding of that scale.” State lawmakers saved the bank from extinction in May, despite some concerns about state budget constraints and the state’s role in funding land conservation. The bank, which indirectly provides funding to pay landowners who agree not to develop on their property, was set

to close in 2013. Under the new act, the bank will operate until July 1, 2018. It is funded by a portion of annual state revenue from deed-recording fees but has not received any of that money since 2008. It also has not approved any grant applications since then. This year, it received $7.5 million and began protecting undeveloped properties again. The bank, created a decade ago, has helped protect more than 150,000 acres of land from development. Upstate properties benefited by grants include Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area, Lake Conestee Nature Park, Stumphouse Mountain, Jones Gap and the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, among others.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE State lawmakers saved the S.C. Conservation Bank from going out of business this year and fully funded it for the first time since 2008. The bank is the state’s main avenue for protecting land. Budget constraints make funding the S.C. Conservation Bank a contentious issue at the capitol every year and it likely will be again. June 18 - July

1, 2012

Immobile

South Carolina ranks economic mobility. low in PAGE 7

Landing Boeing

THE LIST Law Firms PAGE 12 Life Insurance Cos. PAGE 16

INSIDE Leading off ................ ...... 2 In Focus: Law ................ 11 People in the news ........ 20 News briefs ................ ... 22 Viewpoint ................ ....... 23

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Volume 15, No.

Upstate manufactu ring sector graded against communities around the country. PAGE 2

Lawyer recounts in courting the chance role aerospace company to S.C. PAGE 11

Land gift may expand Clevel and www.gsabusiness.co

Stacking up

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

20 • $2.00

Park

Cleveland Park prevent potential Stables in an attempt to ville and into an apartmen green space from turning Falls Park, according ne Greenville t City Council to a Greenville Cox then deeded complex. ordinance give the city resident decided to the site to the “What a tremendo. now owns the a gift that keeps city, which land off — land. us gift. I’ve giving from been the Cleveland of Woodland Way, across ing this work for almost M. Jill Cox, Park 30 years and dodon’t happen these of her Greenvill a nearly 20-year resident owns five lots behind dog park. The city also often,” said city’s parks Dana Souza, e home, paid Cox is a communitthe stables as well. and recreation roughly 2.5 the $875,000 for acres of the just y philanthropist director. “We’re long supported Historic Histori who has erty so grateful to her for buying the performin as a gift.” the propg arts in GreenGreen The city will conduct a site the stable’s current assessment with buildings to determine if see SPACE, page 10

Way

ofLife

Funding of the S.C. Conservation Bank could be big for land preservation, outdoor recreation and Upstate quality of life by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.com

ften on a sunny Saturday or Sunday, a forest ranger shuts the gate at Jones Gap State Park around noon, maybe earlier. The parking lot at the rural Greenville County park fills quickly. Vehicles line up behind the gate awaiting access. One car leaves, another can enter. Upstate residents and visitors have a strong appetite for hiking, camping, fishing and other outdoor activity. These natural resources, striking views and outdoor experiences found at Jones Gap and other wild places are “the state’s greatest asset for business development, the ‘natural’ complement to its labor force and entrepreneurial talent,” according to a report by the University of South Carolina Moore School of Business. Land-conservation groups have been trying to preserve this Upstate lifestyle for years with successes visible at places like Jones Gap, which has been aided by private donations and funds see LIFE, page 8

A fly fisherman wades the Middle Park. (Photo/S.C. Saluda River Department at Jones Gap of Parks, Recreation State & Tourism)

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From the 7.16.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

A LOOK INLAND • $23.5 million project Greer’s future inland port will link the Upstate to the Port of Charleston. Norfolk Southern will transport cargo from Southeast manufacturers and companies by rail across the state. (Photo/Provided)

• 18-month development schedule • 40-acre project, maybe bigger • Norfolk Southern will operate trains serving the facility • 1982, the year the S.C. State Ports Authority acquired Upstate land with an eye toward developing an inland port. • 25,000 trucks taken off the road as more port traffic rides the rail instead. In Front Royal and Warren county, va., the inland port helped create 6,000 jobs and drew more than $700 million in business investment.

d n a l n i

The by Matt Tomsic mtomsic@scbiznews.com

ore than 20 years ago, the Virginia Port Authority developed a rail yard — dubbed an inland port — more than 200 miles from its port to capture containers heading to ports in Baltimore or New York. “For the first couple years, it languished,” said Joe Harris, a spokesman for the Virginia Port Authority. “And then we started getting that traffic.” During the first year of operation in 1989, the Virginia Inland Port — located west of Washington, D.C., in Front Royal, Va. — handled roughly 3,000 containers, and as the inland port grabbed more and more containers, officials noticed another trend. “All of the sudden these large companies and large users of the inland port began setting (up) shop right next door to the facility,” Harris said, adding Family Dollar Services and Sysco, among many others, have opened distribution centers nearby. “It’s become this catalyst for economic development.” In 2011, the Virginia Inland Port handled roughly 34,000 containers.

PORT P In Front Royal and Warren County, Va., the inland port helped create 6,000 jobs and drew more than $700 million in business investment. South Carolina port officials hope to see a similar growth curve in the Upstate. On July 9, S.C. State Ports Authority CEO Jim Newsome cited the Virginia Inland Port after the ports authority board announced plans to develop an inland port in Greer, at Highway 290 and J. Verne Smith Parkway not far from the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and BMW Manufacturing Co. The S.C. State Ports Authority took

its first step to developing an inland port in Greer when awarding a $1.1 million design contract July 9 to Patrick Engineering and its local partner, Davis & Floyd. The contract will cover the design of the rail facilities, container-handling facilities, storage facilities, civil and structural site work and surveying. Norfolk Southern will operate rail at the site. Newsome said the inland port will extend the ports authority’s reach more than 200 miles to its Upstate customers. It will turn thousands of truck hauls into an overnight train ride.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE Construction should begin on the S.C. Inland Port in early January with a projected opening of Sept. 1. The ports authority’s property abuts land owned by the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport that the Airport Commission just pegged for development. A partnership between the airport and the port could move this project forward. Roughly 285 miles of private land is available for development Billion-dollar Me dicaid dilemma near the inland port site, the airport and BMW. W July 16 - 29,

2012

www.gsabusiness.co

The 2012 Regional Economic Scorecard tracks the Upstate’s economic competitiveness peer communit against ies.

Another level

Sealevel expanding again in Liberty. PAGE 8

THE LIST

legislators in every state. lina, it’s more For than a decision South Caro- program 500,000 low-incom could over whether hen the U.S. states had to be cut. The court ruled e uninsure should be made that d people be upheld health Supreme Court eligible for selves without able to choose for themalso about care reform, penalty. whether $500 Medicaid. It’s gave states “We’re not million to a choice: expandit billion should Medicaid or going to recomme $2.6 type be not. of expansion The Affordab spent and how. nd any That choice as described le Care Act will now be under the initially man- (Affordable Care Act),” debated among dated that if states eligibility, existingdid not expand Medicaid director of S.C. Departm said Tony Keck, ent of Health federal funding Human Services. and for the “We will work with the see MEDICAID , page 9

ANCHyORS Awa

by Matt Tomsic mtomsic@scbiznews .com

More than 20 thority develope years ago, the Virginia Port Auport — more d a rail yard — dubbed than an containers heading 200 miles from its port inland to capture “For the first to ports in Baltimore or Leading off ................ New couple years, Harris, a spokesm ...... 2 it languished, York. ” said Joe In Focus: Mid-Year an for the “And then we started getting Virginia Port Authorit Economic Forecast y. that traffic.” During the first year ......... 11 of operation Inland Port People in the in 1989, the — located west news ........ 20 Virginia Royal, Va. — of handled roughly Washington, D.C., in News briefs ................ Front land port grabbed 3,000 ... 22 more and more containers, and as the inViewpoint ................ another trend. containers, officials ....... 23 sEE Port PAGE noticed 4

INSIDE

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

Largest Employers PAGE 12

22 • $2.00

by Lauren Ratclif lratcliffe@scbiznews fe .com

Planned upstat Breaking barrier e port facility s could Riley Institute’s be an indust Diversity ry magnet; Leadership Initiative s.c. leaders ates another class gradupoint to inland social and economicto take on Virginia port barriers. PAGE 16 as the guide

Volume 15, No.

INSIDE

Oncology cluster forming in Upst ate

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

ealth care partnerships forming across are improve cancer the Upstate to care and oncology research.

Spartanburg Regional Healthcar tem’s Gibbs Cancer e Center and Bon Sysours St. Francis SecHealth System created a clinical-dr recently iven partnersh expand oncology ip to services and search in the clinical reUpstate. The Greenville cently announced Hospital System also reCancer Support a partnership with the Community Center for Integrative to form the Oncology vorship. The center will focus and Survisocial and emotional on providing which GHS oncologistsupport for patients, ponent of comprehe s call a critical comThe Spartanbu nsive cancer care. Francis partnersh rg Regional and St. ip allows the tions to align institutheir potentially openingcancer care resources, the door to talent, clinical attract trials This was the case and federal funding. in 2009 when lings Cancer the HolCenter at the Medical University of South hospital in SouthCarolina became the only in the country Carolina — and the 64th — Cancer Institute to receive the National center desi

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From the 7.16.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

MEDIcAID ExPANSION:

IF THE STATE ExPANDED • Americans who earn less than 133% of the poverty level — approximately $14,000 for an individual and $29,000 for a family of four — would be eligible to enroll in Medicaid. the state’s current income limits are more strict.

A billion-dollar dilemma

• South Carolina would pay an additional $470 million from 2014 through 2019. • That amounts to a 3.6% increase for the state. • During the same time period, South Carolina would receive $11 billion in federal Medicaid funding. • An additional 250,000 impoverished, uninsured South Carolinians would receive covered care, maybe more.

SOURCE: Kaiser Family Foundation

“I love this debate. This debate wouldn’t have happened without the Affordable care Act.”

Health care professionals check a patient at a Greenville Hospital System facility. (Photo/Courtesy of Greenville Hospital System)

by Lauren Ratcliffe lratcliffe@scbiznews.com

hen the U.S. Supreme Court upheld health care reform, it gave states a choice: Expand Medicaid or not. That choice will now be debated among legislators in every state. For South Carolina, it’s more than a decision over whether thousands of additional low-income uninsured people should be made eligible for Medicaid. It’s also about whether $500 million to $2.6 billion should be spent and how. The Affordable Care Act initially mandated that if states did not expand Medicaid eligibility, existing federal funding for the program could be cut. The court ruled that states had to be able to choose for themselves without penalty. “We’re not going to recommend any type of expansion as described under the (Affordable Care Act),” said Tony Keck, director of S.C. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will work with the Legislature,

but it’s their prerogative to debate these issues.” Keck said estimates from the Department of Health and Human Services put the financial burden of expansion as low as $1.1 billion and as high as $2.4 billion. “The reality is it’s probably somewhere between the two,” he said. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation disputes Keck’s estimates, saying if the state expands coverage, 250,000 South Carolinians would be covered under Medicaid at a cost to the state of around $470 million. And the federal government would send South Carolina $11 billion. If South Carolina doesn’t expand eligibility, residents making too much to qualify for Medicaid still might not be able to afford coverage on their own, even with federal assistance. Expanding eligibility wouldn’t have any effect on South Carolina’s budget until 2016, when the states would be responsible for coming up with 10% of the costs of expansion. From that year on, the state will be responsible for 10% of the costs above current contributions.

South Carolina’s general fund budget was $5.5 billion for 2011-2012 fiscal year. Keck believes the state could spend the money in better ways, improving the state’s health without expanding Medicaid. Gov. Nikki Haley had hoped the federal government would allow block grants to let states decide how to improve the health of their populations instead of just expanding Medicaid. “Let us spend the money in the way we need,” she said.

Mike Riordan, CEO of Greenville Hospital System

EDITOR’S

UPDATE Expanding Medicaid would bring $11 billion in federal money to South Carolina and possibly create 44,000 jobs, according to a University of South Carolina study. But, it would also eat into an already strapped state budget. Gov. Nikki Haley has been firm in her opposition to expansion. July 16 - 29,

2012

Billion-dollar Me www.gsabusiness.co

INSIDE The 2012 Regional Economic Scorecard tracks the Upstate’s economic competitiveness peer communit against ies.

Another level

Sealevel expanding again in Liberty. PAGE 8

by Lauren Ratclif lratcliffe@scbiznews fe .com

ANCHyORS Awa

THE LIST

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

by Matt Tomsic mtomsic@scbiznews .com

INSIDE

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Largest Employers PAGE 12

dicaid dilemma Volume 15, No.

22 • $2.00

Oncology cluster forming in Upst ate

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

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From the 7.30.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

Shifting Gears

AUTO DEALERS INvEST IN GROWTH INDUSTRy TURNAROUND Auto sales have spiked this year. Figures represent a 12-month period ending in October. SOURCE: Autodata Corp., Motor Intelligence

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.com

nce battered by the recession, auto dealers are now investing in expanded showrooms throughout the Upstate. D&D Ford of Greer planned its expansion a decade ago. Then the recession hit. Auto sales plummeted. Automakers faced bankruptcy. Car brands disappeared. Dealerships closed. D&D stuck to its $7 million plan, however, and perhaps surprisingly, other dealerships in the market are following suit. “It’s just ironic as we’re coming out of a recession that the economy seemed stable enough for us to carry

out our plans,” said Skip Davenport, president and general manager of D&D Ford, which is building a new facility on Wade Hampton Boulevard in Greer. “It is very important to have updated, renovated facilities to attract customers,” he said. “It’s not enough to have a new facility. You have to have it laid out efficiently to better care for your customers.” And following a few years of sluggish sales, customers are reappearing. Passenger-vehicle sales are up 14.8% nationwide through June, compared to the first half of 2011, according to Motor Intelligence, which is powered by Autodata Corp., a collector of automotive statistical data nationwide.

D&D Ford of Greer was able to follow through with its plans to expand into a new facility on Wade Hampton Boulevard. (Photos/firnFOTO)

This increase in sales and investment comes only a few years after many automakers were closing down dealerships. Chrysler closed 11 South Carolina dealerships in 2009, not including those in the Upstate, as part of its plan to close 789 dealerships nationwide. The last Saturn dealership in the Upstate closed in 2009. Like Saturn, the Pontiac brand was claimed by the recession. But now, signs declaring discounts and lots filled with gleaming cars are accompanied by expansions and renovations — complete with

DIFFERENcE 13.8%

2011 sales

2012 sales

$10.5

$11.1

MIllION

updated showrooms and modernized, open customer waiting rooms. Along Greenville’s Motor Mile on Laurens Road, Sitton Buick GMC, Fairway Subaru and Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep are renovating space. Along Congaree Road, Dick Smith Mitsubishi is upfitting its showroom. In Spartanburg, Dave Edwards Toyota recently completed a renovation. And not far from D&D Ford on Wade Hampton Boulevard, Benson Chrysler Dodge Jeep on Wade Hampton Boulevard is getting a new look.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE Many of these projects are renovations, but some old dealerships have been left behind and replaced. D&D plans to auction its former facility on Wade Hampton Boulevard. Century BMW’s old facility remains vacant on Laurens Road after the dealer relocated in 2010. New uses must be found for these big-box spaces. July 30 - August

12, 2012 www.gsabusiness.co

Hatching busine ss

Entrepreneur crafts plan for two Anderson incubators. PAGE 4

Shif tin g m

Gears

Volume 15, No.

Higher elevati

early 1,000 sensors encased buoys will be in dispensed in Savannah the that could impact River to collect data discussion quality and quantity, industrys of water port expansion use and s. The study, covering 312 river miles from the headwater part of Clemson s to the estuaries, is River Research University’s Intelligent plinary research program, an interdisciinitiative that implement a plans to full-scale instrumen of the Savannah tation River. once battere The research d by the recess wants to build and technology team investing in expand ion, auto dealers an extensive and river monitorin technology are ed showrooms g system that be replicated throughout the now can and throughout the applied at major rivers upstate. by Liz Segrist Southeast and the U.S. “This is the dated, renovated lsegrist@scbiznews.co fort to monitor first really large scale effacilities to attract m he said. “It’s an entire river customers,” Dr. not enough base,” said Gene Eidson, to You have to D&D Ford of the Institute have it laid out have a new facility. Ecology of Applied Greer planned director and care for your efficiently to decade ago. its expansion head of the customers.” better “If we’re a team. successful, it And following Then the recession really stration of our a few years is a demonhit. Auto customers are of sluggish sales, ed. Automake ability to transform reappearing. we monitor rivers rs faced bankruptcsales plummethow Passenger-vehicle disappeared. y. Car brands reduce the cost. that could significantly Dealerships sales tionwide are closed. ” up D&D stuck 14.8% nathrough June, compared to half of 2011, however, and to its $7 million plan, the first according now other dealership see RIVER, page in the market which is poweredto Motor Intelligence, 10 s are following suit. “It’s just ironic a collector of by Autodata Corp., automotive out of a recession as we’re coming statistical data nationwid e. my seemed stable that the econoThis increase to carry out our enough for us in sales and investment plans,” said Skip comes only Davenport, president a few years after and genermany automaker al manager of were closing D&D Ford, which down dealership s is building a new facility on Chrysler closed s. Wade Hampton Boulevard lina dealership 11 South Caroin Greer. s in 2009, not “It is very important cluding those into have uppart of its plan in the Upstate, as ships nationwid to close 789 dealere. The last Saturn see GEARS, dealpage 8

Greenville-Spartanbu rg International Airport renovation budget expands PAGE 6

In the cloud

Upstate company medical records taking online. PAGE 14

THE LIST Innovative Companies PAGE 12

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

Law Firms – intellectual property law PAGE 16

INSIDE Leading off ................ ...... 2 In Focus: Innovation ....... 11 People in the news ........ 20 News briefs ................ ... 22 Viewpoint ................ ....... 23

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

23 • $2.00

Clemson buoy research of s Savannah River

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

Sensors will collect will be transmittedthe water quality data, which cellularl

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From the 7.30.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

A bIGGER, bETTER

airport Mile-high IMPAcT 9,528 jobs supported $170

million in income supported

$817

million in economic output

SOURCE: 2012 economic impact study by Syneva Economics

by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.com

ocal leaders have long said a strong commercial airport is vital to attracting business. The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Commission embarked on a $115 million terminal renovation project this year that will prepare it to ac-

commodate 2 million passengers annually. Nearly 1 million passengers traveled through GSP in the airport’s last fiscal year, a big increase following the arrival of low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines. Currently, the airport offers 50 daily, nonstop flights to 18 cities. That could increase as more travelers pass through GSP. The renovation expands the airport terminal from 225,000 square feet to

400,000 square feet and includes room for expanded concessions, as well as more concessions behind the security checkpoint. Other upgrades include added parking, new baggage claim areas and a rental care center. Dunkin Donuts and Chick-fil-A have agreed to open restaurants at the airport, as have the airport’s current two foodand-beverage providers and a deli. Additionally, the airport is trying to identify a local Upstate restaurant to open a location within the terminal. The construction project will occur in phases and conclude in 2016. The project is big news for Upstate construction companies. Skanska Moss, a joint venture between Skanska USA Building and local contractor Moss & Associates, is serving as the construction manager at risk for all renovations. Jacobs Engineering is managing the projects, and RS&H is the lead architect and engineer. Many other subcontractors are being hired as well. The airport’s goal is for at least 70% of those subcontractors and construction materials used in the project to come from the Upstate. The current terminal opened in 1962 and was expanded in 1989.

GSP’s terminal renovation will expand the space from 225,000 square feet to 400,000, and include room for concessions and upgraded baggage claim areas. (Photo/Provided)

EDITOR’S

UPDATE Airport President and CEO Dave Edwards estimates 2 million passengers a year will be traveling through GSP by 2030. That’s double the number of passengers who flew GSP last year. Each GSP passenger represents $92 in local income, $67 in local tax revenue and $441 in economic output, according to an analysis by the research firm Syneva Economics. July 30 - August

www.gsabusiness.co

Entrepreneur crafts plan for two Anderson incubators. PAGE 4

Gears

Volume 15, No.

In the cloud

Upstate company medical records taking online. PAGE 14

Law Firms – intellectual property law PAGE 16

INSIDE Leading off ................ ...... 2 In Focus: Innovation ....... 11 People in the news ........ 20 News briefs ................ ... 22 Viewpoint ................ ....... 23

23 • $2.00

Clemson buoy research of s Savannah River

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

Higher elevati

THE LIST

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

Shif tin g

Greenville-Spartanbu rg International Airport renovation budget expands PAGE 6

Innovative Companies PAGE 12

12, 2012

Hatching busine ss

Sensors will collect will be transmittedthe water quality data, which cellularl

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From the 7.30.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

Melanie Cason of HealthCare Simulation South Carolina demonstrates the many capabilities of the new patient simulators at the Greenville HealthCare Simulation Center. The center is one of the teaching tools at the expanded USC med school in Greenville. (Photo/Scott Miller)

USc by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.com

he four-year University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville received 1,440 applications for just 53 spots in its first freshman class, which began studies in the fall. Class size will eventually be expanded to 100 students, and the University of South Carolina and Greenville Hospital System plan to expand enrollment

expand expandS MED ScHOOL

in the future. In July, the Greenville Hospital Sys System opened the Health Sciences Education Building, which is home to the new school, as well as the Greenville campus of the S.C. College of Pharmacy, the Greenville HealthCare Simulation Center and a USCcertified nurse anesthetist program. The three-story, 91,000-square-foot building next to Greenville Memorial Hospital on Grove Road cost $60 million.

Third- and fourth-year students have been training at GHS since 1991. Now, however, first- and second-year students can enroll there, too, so students can attend medical school at GHS for all four years.

beyond those walls

In China, medical students practice health care on patient-simulators using technology from South Carolina. Australian medical students do too, as do students in Russia. “South Carolina is the leading provider of simulation content in the world,” said Dr. John Schaefer, who has spearheaded the development of medi-

cal simulation centers across the state, the latest of which opened this summer at the new USC medical school. That intellectual property developed here is the scenarios in which students practice on the patient simulators, he said. These digital audio files are sold online at $588 for a yearlong license. A collaborative called HealthCare Simulation South Carolina set up a limited liability company called SimTunes to commercialize the scenarios developed here. Simulation centers allow medical students to practice procedures on mannequins, or patient simulators, that will respond to treatments.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE This new and expanded medical school has been tabbed an economic boon by Upstate business leaders. The expectation is that it will attract more physicians’ practices and other medical businesses that want to locate near the school, as well as generate a pipeline of young talent to provide health care services, particularly in underserved areas. July 30 - August

12, 2012 www.gsabusiness.co

Hatching busine ss

The $60 million, 91,000-square-foot Health Sciences Education Building was built next to Greenville Memorial Hospital on Grove Road. (Photo/Greenville Hospital System)

Entrepreneur crafts plan for two Anderson incubators. PAGE 4

Volume 15, No.

In the cloud

Upstate company medical records taking online. PAGE 14

Law Firms – intellectual property law PAGE 16

INSIDE Leading off ................ ...... 2 In Focus: Innovation ....... 11 People in the news ........ 20 News briefs ................ ... 22 Viewpoint ................ ....... 23

23 • $2.00

Clemson buoy research of s Savannah River

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

Higher elevati

THE LIST

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

Gears

Greenville-Spartanbu rg International Airport renovation budget expands PAGE 6

Innovative Companies PAGE 12

Shif tin g

Sensors will collect will be transmittedthe water quality data, which cellularl

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From the 8.13.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

returN oF the

Peacock

Local businessman Grant Peacock plans to build an apartment development on the former site of the planned Peacock Hotel at the corner of McBee and Spring streets in downtown Greenville. (Photo/firnFOTO)

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.com

Apartments on the rise Currently, there are plans to add around 1,000 more rental units in Greenville alone. Even with supply increasing, occupancy rates at Greenville County apartment complexes have improved. Units

Occupancy

2007

20,162

95.1%

2008

20,335

92.4%

2009

22,176

92.8%

2010

22,652

94.8%

2011

23,263

95.5%

SOURCE: RealData

he foundation and cement pillars at the site of McBee Avenue and Spring Street have been a long reminder of the stalled Peacock Hotel & Spa. The site, located a block from Main Street in downtown Greenville, has remained vacant for several years after the recession stalled the project. Local businessman Grant Peacock now plans to build an apartment development at the site. Peacock said in August he hoped to begin construction in the fall, pending some city approval. The planned four-story complex likely will have 55 units that are mainly one- and twobedrooms, as well as some studio units. Peacock said it’s too early to discuss monthly rental rates, amenities or any project specifics. The proposed name for the apartments is 98 East McBee. Peacock’s partner on the former hotel plan, Mark Kent of Kent Wool, will remain as a managing partner for the new project.

“Apartments are about the only thing that banks are willing to finance today,” Peacock said. “There seems to be a demand for them downtown.” Kent and Peacock planned the $60 million Peacock Hotel project with hotel rooms, condominiums, a spa, a restaurant and a ballroom in 2006. The recession stalled plans and financing for the high-end, luxury boutique hotel. It was originally planned to open in the first quarter of 2009. Peacock is now following a trend of multifamily construction in down-

town. Russ Davis recently finished construction, for example, on an apartment complex at Spring Street that was once planned to be developed into owner-occupied condominiums. Lat Purser & Associates Inc. of Charlotte plans to build a 150-unit apartment complex at the corner of Rhett and Wardlaw streets in the West End. And Tom Croft, the Croft Co. Inc. owner, plans to build between 98 and 110 units at 121 Rhett St. next to the Riverplace mixed-use development on Camperdown Way.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE With new plans in place for the Peacock, two downtown Greenville eyesores are going away in as many years. Construction already is well under way on Project One, a high rise at Main and Washington streets, the former site of the long vacant Woolworth Building. And soon construction will resume atop the idle cement pillars at McBee Avenue and Spring Street. August 13 -

26, 2012

www.gsabusiness.co

Volume 15, No.

Training ground

For rent A new plan has for the dormant surfaced site of the unfinished Peacock Hotel. PAge 3

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

ore than 320 hopefuls applied from 19 countries. Ten coming the first teams made the cut, beIron Yard Labs, class of Greenville-based ing ground for an intense, 13-week trainbusiness startups. These teams others relocated — some were local and the mentorshi to Greenville — started p-driven, startup in May with accelerator the to launch their hopes of securing funding product, app or startup.

Big gap The Upstate misses billions as earnings out on below the national remain average. PAge 5

SC Deals A recap of M&A in South Carolinaactivity second quarter. for the PAge 11

“The people are way more important than the idea.”

THE LIST

INSIDE Leading off ................ In Focus:

...... 2

Banking & Finance ....... 11 People in the news ........ 20 News briefs ................ ... 22 Viewpoint ................ ....... 23

Yard Labs

Teams often dled around work 20-hour days, hudtables and writing walls of their on the space in the Next Innovation Center in downtown Greenville They have spent erber, a German . the summer machined aluminum storming and manufacturer, brainplanning how parts both of which their ventures. the automotiv They collaborat to launch aurens County e industry with are suppliers to their business e operations. Laurens County idea, craft their to perfect skilled workers is building a pool of message and in The Laurens discover innovativecompany More than 500 its backyard. County Developm ing avenues. or marketpeople LCDC, es at the Piedmont ent Corp., They constantly attended classand Piedmont refine their practice and Technical Technical College spearhead for Advanced pitch Manufacturing College Center ing centered the effort to create real deal in front in preparation for the a local trainof its opening, within a month and industrial of potential investors. exceeding all And it all comes lab geared toward manufacturers’ expectations. Currently, classes needs down to 10 on Sept. 13 — minutes to train employees are offered at the center county in recent years.as more moved into the Demo Day. Demo Day is “We can now German transmiss of ZF Transmissions, an provide opportuni a in front of hundreds ions manufactu a level of training ty to pitch rer, and Kofor venture capitalists. of angel investors and Above: Training see WORKFOR groups throughou Although teams pitch to begins at the CE, page 7 Piedmont Tech t the summer, Center for Advanced cally and at neighborin both loManufacturing. g cities and Raleigh, (Photo/firnF this is the largest like Atlanta OTO) pitch sessio “It’s diffe by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

Credit Unions PAge 16

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NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

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From the 8.13.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

ENTREPRENEURIAL training ground

The 10 Teams Kambit connects fundraising and shopping. Leaguevine gives nonprofessional athletes online sports profiles that highlight their athletic accomplishments. LocEngine is a workforce management and customer service solution. Moonclerk is an online payment management service. Nochains enables users to find dives, diners and locally owned restaurants.

Iron Yard Labs teams practice presenting in the Next Innovation Center in downtown Greenville to prep for their real pitches for capital with potential investors. (Photo/firnFOTO)

ore than 320 hopefuls applied from 19 countries. Ten teams made the cut, becoming the first class of Greenvillebased Iron Yard Labs, an intense, 13-week training ground for business startups. These teams — some were local and others relocated to Greenville — started the mentorship-driven, startup accelerator in May with the hopes of securing funding to launch their product, app or startup. Teams often worked 20-hour days, huddled around tables and writing on the walls of their space in the Next Innovation Center in downtown Greenville. They spent the summer brainstorming and planning how to launch their ventures. They collaborated to perfect their business idea, craft their company mes-sage and discover innovative marketing avenues. They constantly practiced and refined their pitch in preparation for the real deal in front of potential investors.

And it all came down to 10 minutes on Sept. 13 — Demo Day. Demo Day is an opportunity to pitch in front of hundreds of angel investors and venture capitalists. Although teams pitched to groups throughout the summer, both locally and at neighboring cities like Atlanta and Raleigh, this was the largest pitch session. “It’s different than an incubator because it’s only 13 weeks, but it’s such an intense period that it wouldn’t be sustainable to continue that intensity. You’d burn out,” said Peter Barth, the program manager. “It’s a short burst where you set milestones that you have to hit and deliver. It would take nine to 12 months to do what they’re doing in three months.” The long hours are not without perks. Teams receive their space free of rent in the Next Innovation Center and an initial $6,000 invest investment per founder, capped at $18,000 per company, from Iron Yard.

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

Barth plans to expand the startup accelerator — or “the latest flavor of a business incubator” — to twice a year with one class each spring and fall. He has about $750,000 committed of the $1 million needed to run the two sessions in 2013. The Iron Yards Lab is part of the Global Accelerator Network, which consists of independently owned and operated regional organizations that operate startup accelerator programs worldwide. Teams have access to an in-house design team; free legal and accounting services; free mentorship from the local business community; and the opportunity to pitch to investors throughout the process.

RidePost connects travelers for ride-sharing. Spent provides users personalized deals and recipes based on groceries they buy. Tribr is an event-management app. Trips & Salsa negotiates hotel reservations. SOURCE: Iron Yard Labs

EDITOR’S

UPDATE If successful, companies participating in the Iron Yard Labs could lead the ascent of the Upstate’s knowledge economy. The goal is for successful companies to exit the partnership after raising capital or being acquired. Teams do not have to remain in Greenville after the program, though eight of the 10 have committed to thus far from the first class. August 13 -

26, 2012 www.gsabusiness.co

m Volume 15, No.

Training ground

For rent

Terry Horner of the ‘Spent’ team practices his pitch to the other Iron Yard Labs teams. (Photo/firnFOTO)

A new plan has for the dormant surfaced site of the unfinished Peacock Hotel. PAge 3

24 • $2.00

‘Demo Day’ approa ches for young firms

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

Big gap The Upstate misses billions as earnings out on below the national remain average. PAge 5

SC Deals A recap of M&A in South Carolinaactivity second quarter. for the PAge 11

“The people are way more important than the idea.”

THE LIST

INSIDE In Focus:

...... 2

Banking & Finance ....... 11 People in the news ........ 20 News briefs ................ ... 22 Viewpoint ................ ....... 23

Yard Labs

Credit Unions PAge 16

Leading off ................

Peter Barth, Iron

Advanced manufa cturing

Banks PAge 12

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From the 9.24.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

Activity

BUZZING

at ScTAc

and induced by operations at the center, according to a 2010 economic analysis report. “The National Guard’s facilities have a focus on high-tech aircraft and sophisticated avionics equipment,” Bryson said. “It could be known as the place in the U.S. for units to come, learn and train, much like CU-ICAR is the place in the world for automotive students to come study.”

IN THE WORKS Army Aviation Support Facility Description: An aviation support facility and operations center with two helicopter hangars. It will also be used for operations, instruction, flight planning, maintenance, test flights and helicopter maintenance, including avionics, engines, transmissions, hydraulics and electrical. Square footage: 111,000 Investment: $26 million Jobs: 75 full-time personnel Construction progress: Halfway completed; projected finish of September 2013.

Field Maintenance Shop

Construction continues on the Army Aviation Support Facility, above, one of several projects the S.C. Army National Guard is pursuing at the S.C. Technology and Aviation Center in Greenville. (Photo/firnFOTO)

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.com

he S.C. Army National Guard is nearing completion of its Army Aviation Support Facility at the S.C. Technology and Aviation Center. The facility represents the first of several guard expansions there and is part of a larger buzz of economic activity at SCTAC. The industrial park has added manufacturers like Carbures and Picanol of America recently and opened a new taxiway that could attract more industry. Additionaly, SCTAC is working with the Clemson University International Center of Automotive Research to develop a test bed on a dormant runway where automotive companies can try out new technologies. When the guard completes the facility around September 2013, it then plans to start construction on its field maintenance shop and its Readiness Center at

SCTAC in the first quarter of 2014. These projects will create local jobs and support the local economy by buying goods and services from local vendors, Col. Pete Brooks said. The full economic impact is not yet determined. The Army Aviation Support Facility will house two helicopter units; the field maintenance shop will provide maintenance support to Upstate units; and the Readiness Center will collaborate with Greenville Technical College for training. The guard hopes to use the Army Aviation Support Facility to leverage the technology base of the Greenville area to recruit pilots, crew chiefs, mechanics, operational personnel and technicians into its training program, Brooks said. “I think what the guard wants to do here is to create a national center of excellence that would attract guard units from all over the country to come here, stay here and train in high-tech aircraft that have sophisticated avionics sys-

tems,” SCTAC President and CEO Jody Bryson said. The National Guard’s three projects will complement SCTAC’s presence as a public and private partnership that creates jobs, both with private aviation companies and the military. SCTAC has a $1.4 billion total annual economic impact with more than 6,800 jobs supported directly, indirectly

Description: A maintenance facility that will provide maintenance support to the majority of the Upstate units. Square footage: 49,000 Investment: $12.8 million Jobs: 70 full-time personnel Construction start: First quarter 2014

Readiness Center Description: A space for collaboration with Greenville Technical College for training to work on helicopters. Square footage: 93,000 Investment: Unknown Jobs: Unknown Construction start: First quarter 2014 SOURCE: S.C. National Guard

EDITOR’S

UPDATE The military community in South Carolina generates $15.7 billion in annual economic impact and supports nearly 140,000 jobs, according to a new study by the S.C. Military Base Task Force. Those figures could certainly grow with the expansion of the National Guard in Greenville, but they also could be weakened by pending budget cuts to federal defense. September 24

- October 7,

Sustainable constructio n provides return on investment, panel says. PAGE 9

Testing New R&D lab shortens automotive, aerospace supply chain. PAGE 13

INSIDE

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

Activity

SOarING

Volume 15, No.

27 • $2.00

Added benefits cost could trickle down

by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.co m

rovide benefits pay the penalty. to employees or That’s the million-do facing some businesses llar decision across the state. Regardless the decision, clients share the cost, will employers and perts said. benefits exThe Patient able Care Act Protection and Affordrequires all employers more than 50 full-time employees with vide benefits to proto employees . If they’ll pay a penalty if even they don’t, On call workers turns one of their to credit or subsidy the government for a tax South Carolina to acquire insurance port “This cost is inland with Upstate moving . just going to facility. so many other get shifted to PAGE 20 places,” said stein, president Howard Einof the employee division of Rosenfeld benefits McLennan Agency. Einstein, a Marsh & This provision allows a “look-backtakes effect in 2014 but Composite Manufactu period” that rers tend employers PAGE 14 ’ time to comply could exthem to evaluate by who is benefits-el allowing This mandator Industrial Staffing y coverage is igible. Agencies impactful on Constructio particularly PAGE 22 the staffing industry S.C. Army National n continues on the many temp agencies Guard is pursuing Army Aviation Support because Facility, above, at the S.C. Technology of benefits required do not offer the type one of several and Aviation projects the by the law, Center in Greenville. said. Additiona Einstein (Photo/firnF lly, their employees OTO) would qualify by Liz Segrist likely for dies for insurance and seek federal subsiLeading off ................ The industrial lsegrist@scbiznews.co as they’ park has added ...... 2 m like Carbures manufacturers obtain insurance on their d be required to Around the state and Picanol Staffing agencies own, he said. of America and opened .............. 5 he S.C. Army recently 200,000 a employ around National Guard In Focus: Manufactur more industry. new taxiway that could South Carolinian through construct attract is Additionaly, ing ... 13 s in a variety ion of its Armyhalfway with the Clemson SCTAC is working sectors, according of tion Support People in the to the S.C. University Internatio Aviaof Personnel news ........ 26 ogy and Aviation Facility at the S.C. Technol- ter of Automotive and Staffing. Association Research to develop nal Cen- 10% of Center. News briefs ................ on a dormant the state’s workforceThat’s roughly The facility a test bed runway where ... 29 . panies can try automotive comguard expansionrepresents the first of Viewpoint ................ out new technolog several Measuring cost When the ....... 31 buzz of economics there and is part of ies. activity at SCTAC. a larger ity around guard completes the support The penalty September 2013, for employers facil- benefits not offering it then plans to start ployee will be $2,000 per eligible per year, or around emsee SOARING, page 10 $166 a

THE LIST

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From the 10.8.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

LAURENS cOUNTy HEALTH cARE SySTEM 1990 opening year 90 beds, including 14 skilled-nursing beds 450 employees 60 volunteers 48 physicians 65 consulting physicians

LAURENS AURENS HOSPITAL seeks merger partner

OTHER SUITORS Self Regional Healthcare of Greenwood Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Carolinas HealthCare System in Charlotte Novant Health in Charlotte The Laurens County Health Care System, above, is negotiating an affiliation agreement with the Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center to expand LCHCS’ services and GHS’ reach. (Photos/firnFOTO)

Palmetto Health of Columbia by Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.com

rustees of Laurens County Health Care System began negotiations in September on an affiliation agreement with Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center. Details of a partnership haven’t been determined but the deal would mean expanded services for Laurens County and a greater reach for GHS, which currently has campuses in Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville and Travelers Rest, and operates in Easley through a joint venture with Palmetto Health of Columbia. While negotiations over the details could last six months, it is likely that

Laurens County Health Care will maintain ownership of its facilities on Highway 76 in Clinton and lease them to GHS, said Mike Ellison, chairman of the LCHCS board of trustees. GHS, then, would operate the facilities and Laurens County Health’s 450 employees would become GHS employees, he said. “It’s a guess, but probably,” Ellison said. By leasing space rather than selling it outright, LCHCS’ local trustees maintain a voice in GHS governance, Ellison said. He said LCHCS executives could remain as well, but that decision would be up to GHS. The health care industry is shifting from a fee-for-service business model to a system that reimburses hospitals for patient outcomes. That will force health care systems to become more efficient and is leading to affiliations like this one, Ellison said. LCHCS began evaluating potential partnerships about a year ago and also had conversations with Self Regional Healthcare of Greenwood, Spartanburg Regional, Carolinas HealthCare System in Charlotte, Novant Health in Charlotte and Palmetto Health, Ellison said. A finalized affiliation partnership must be approved by the LCHCS board and by the GHS board of trustees. GHS Chairman Jerry E. Dempsey said in a news release: “LCHCS and

Greenville Hospital System have long traditions of serving South Carolina communities and providing health services to all people. Together with LCHCS, I believe we will help provide the world-class, medical networks of care that Laurens County citizens expect and deserve.” GHS currently operates Greenville Memorial Hospital off Grove Road in Greenville, Greer Memorial Hospital on South Buncombe Road in Greer, Hillcrest Memorial Hospital on Southeast Main Street in Simpsonville, the Patewood Medical Campus off Patewood Drive in Greenville and North Greenville Medical Campus on North Main Street in Travelers Rest. It also operates Baptist Easley Hospital

through a joint venture with Palmetto Health of Columbia. In February, GHS announced it was integrating the Upstate’s largest oncology practice into its system, Cancer Centers of the Carolinas. The practice has 26 physicians and approximately 330 employees and operates at 10 locations throughout the Upstate. In September, the growing hospital system announced a $1.6 billion operating budget that includes money to hire 400 people and upgrade facilities across the hospital system’s footprint. In 2013, GHS plans to invest more than $32 million on improvements to Greenville Memorial Hospital’s intensive care units and Marshall I. Pickens Hospital at Greenville Memorial.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE As the health care industry shifts from a fee-for-service business model to a system that reimburses for patient outcomes, affiliations like this one could become a more common way for hospitals to seek efficiency. Laurens County Health Care System was an attractive affiliation partner, with health care systems in Charlotte, Columbia, Spartanburg and Greenwood also showing interest. Law October 8 -

October 21,

2012

s taxing manu facturers, expert s say www.gsabusiness.co

Volume 15, No.

New gig

Former South Financial CEO lands new job. PAGE 2

Joining hands

Greenville Hospital System, Laurens County System begin Health Care talks on affiliation deal. PAGE 4

28 • $2.00

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

Changes to the property tax of an ongoing code are part conversation “It never went South Carolina, of tax reform anywhere usinesses have in noting several years a conversation that has lasted that the committe ,” Stringer said, lina because bypassed South Carowithout a solution. e plans to October to decide property taxes Republican Last year, House Caucus what tax reform meet in site selection are consultant said. high, a form study formed a tax a be introduced this The Palmetto committee, chaired year and whetherbills will re- sessment State has one ratio bill the asest property of the high- my Stringer, and recommen by Rep. Tomtaxes About two-thirdwill be included. sales, income ded a revamp country, accordingon manufacturers in s of property and property of fund education the tax revenues taxes. to a 2010 From the committe the tax code , according to analysis of ment of Revenue. e’s overarchin the S.C. Departby the S.C. form ideas, a bill g tax reTaxation Re Municipalities emerged proposing Re- crease tax on property alignment Commiss also levy a of the property for a deion. tax assessmen The property city services. manufacturers t ratio on tax structure from 10.5% issue has to 6%. since it was written into been an the state’s

see TAXING,

Greenville’s Augusta street,

page 10

Page 7

Blue skies

JetBlue will fly nonstop from South Carolina to New York and Boston beginning February. PAGE 5

THE LIST Retirement Communit ies PAGE 14

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

...... 2 Around the state .............. 5 In Focus: Health Care Summit ....... 11 At work ................ ......... 23 People in the news ........ 24 News briefs ................ ... 28 Viewpoint ................ ....... 31 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

INSIDE Leading off ................

AndErsOn rEAl he recession EstAtE mArkEt has been hard 1,382 buildings mom-and-pop on Abrams retail shops. 12.73 million Global, square feet rentable spartanburg’s 7.3% vacancy Tight credit discount competitors. space main street, markets. High Page 8 $7.46 average rate at neighbori vacancies rate ng traffic. Declines storefronts. Low foot in consumer GrEEnvIllE ing. All of spendsp — AuGustA these things strEEt submArk rOAd/ mom-and-pop ha have Et business owners. hurt 249 buildings “Mom-and-pop retailers 1.719 million be back in square feet rentable any significan will not 8.1% vacancy t numbers space until the nation’s num $11.47 averagerate begins to recover,” housing market rate according 2012 forecast sPArtAnburG from ChainLin to a tail Advisors. teter ks ReRe dOwntOwn — EAst sIdE/ submArkEt At the same 538 buildings cession hasn’t time, however, the reAnderson’s main deterred the 5.266 million street, Page growing interest seemingly seem square feet of 9 8.9% vacancy rentable space entrepreneurs in buying locally, and $12.38 averagerate are respondin rate g. Here’s a view three Upstate of the economy from fr SOURCE: NAI streets with Earle Furman locally owned clusters of LLC Retail Market Report, Mid-Year shops — one 2012 Greenville, Spartanbu each eac in — where mom-and rg and Anderson new are growing -pop shops old and roots.

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From the 10.22.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

Mauldin wants to create a downtown destination with green space and mixed-use developments. (Image/The LandPlan Group South)

CROSSROADS IN

Mauldin by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.com

ars whiz through the busy intersection of Butler Road and Highway 276 — what is often considered the epicenter of the city of Mauldin. Numerous businesses and strip malls sit along the bustling roads and there is a mini hub of city activity along Butler Road with Mauldin City Hall, the Mauldin Cultural Center and the Mauldin Sports Center. But the city lacks the kind of core business district that has benefited

other Upstate communities. “We don’t have a downtown like Simpsonville, Fountain Inn and Greenville. We have a crossroads,” Mauldin Mayor Dennis Raines said. “It doesn’t give our citizens an opportunity to socialize and gather.” The city wants to transform this auto thoroughfare into a walkable downtown district with the hopes that investments and jobs will follow. Mauldin hired The LandPlan Group South as consultants in 2012 to develop a downtown master plan, and City Council unanimously approved the plan. The consultants envision a

downtown with a large, central green space surrounded by two- to three-story buildings and mixed-use developments, mom-and-pop stores, brick sidewalks, water fountains, a decorative entrance, new signage, buried power lines and landscaping, as well as a more bike- and pedestrian-friendly city. The plan serves as a blueprint to help the city acquire funding for public infrastructure and recruit private investment into the city. The city hopes the realized downtown master plan will bring in restaurants and

City officials plan to create an epicenter in Mauldin for residents to work, live, eat, shop and visit. (Images/Provided)

retail to the area, creating new jobs for residents and reversing the “retail and restaurant leakage” the city is experiencing now. The proposed development would be on several blocks running from North Main Street to Murray Drive with Jenkins Court in the middle, located behind Mauldin City Hall. The city owns a portion of the land, including a warehouse, the Public Works Department building and the former Taco Bell, now the recently opened Chicora Alley. The remaining land is privately owned.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE This long-term plan would reshape the city of Mauldin, potentially attracting jobs and development. But the city must convince private investors that it will work, and some businesses in the area have expressed concern about losing their properties. City officials said it plans to work with the business owners operating in this area to include them in the upgrades and growth. October 22 -

November 4,

2012

www.gsabusiness.co

m Volume 16, No.

S.C. boosts exports to South Africa

Rethinking reform

South Carolina joins legal challenge of the Dodd-Frank Wall federal Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. PAGE 13

SC Deals

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

More than $300 million in mergers and acquisitions reported in South the third quarter. Carolina for PAGE 20

Mauldin wants to create a downtown mixed-use developmen destination with ts. (Image/The green LandPlan Group space and South)

Energized

Energized publication at the next generation looks in nuclear energy. INSIDE

THE LIST

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

CrOSSrOADS

IN Mauld in by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

City looks to transform into a walkab busy intersection le downtown district “We

frica is the world’s fastest growing continent , and South Carolina ize on the growth.has begun to capitalThe Palmetto State’s exports South Africa to from by 77.5%, valued 2010 to 2011 are up at $279 million, cording to U.S. acCensus Bureau South Carolina data. was among top exporters the to mowers, pneumatiSouth Africa of lawn restors, terephtha c tires, lightning arers, roller bearingslic acid, tractor-trailand wood pulp, cording to the acU.S. Departm U.S. Census Bureau and ent of Commerc e.

S.C. exports to South Africa $279 million export value in 2011 77.5%

increase don’t have a downtown like ville, Fountain SimpsonNo. 17 as a destination a crossroads, Inn and Greenville. We ars whiz through ” Mauldin Mayor have for South Carolina Dennis Raines exports of Butler Road the busy intersection said. “It doesn’t give our citizens an opportunity to socialize and Highway SOURCE: U.S. what is and 276 — Department of Many city officials gather.” Commerce, of the city of often considered the epicenter U.S. Census Bureau Leading off ................ Mauldin. defined downtown and residents want Numerous ...... 2 a more businesses and Around the state area with the experience” along the bustling “Main .............. 5 strip malls “We and an urban sit In Focus: roads and there core that attractsStreet crease have continued to of city activity see an inis a mini hub vate investment, jobs, pri(in exports), along Butler businesses and Banking & Finance The route to City Hall, the Road but it’s not visitors. where we would get there has ......... 15 Mauldin Cultural with Mauldin in the yet raised like it to People in the Mauldin Sports some concerns disposabl business communi Center and the news ........ 26 e income there be because the Center. ty, however. News briefs ................ The city hired But the city needs first,” said Sonya Columbia-based Kostadinova, to rise Viewpoint ................ ... 29 district that lacks the kind of core business Group South as The LandPlan and CEO president consultan has of benefited other ....... 31 Transcon Trading ts earlier this munities. Upstate com- develop a downtown master year to Columbia-based Co., a plan. City Council company that’s export management been exportin produ PAGE 22

INSIDE

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From the 11.19.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

The inland port

SITE READy on I-85

The S.C. Inland Port at Highway 290 would abut land that the GreenvilleSpartanburg International Airport hopes to develop. Norfolk Southern would operate the rail, shipping freight to the Port of Charleston. The S.C. State Ports Authority would provide staffing to operate cargo loading and unloading.

‘Tract b’ This is one of nine tracts of land the airport expects to lease for private development. About 300 acres here is developable, and because this tract sits near the planned S.C. Inland Port, land planners expect it to be the first of the airport’s land to attract investment. (Image/CDM Smith)

Industrial space

What’s possible?

The tract could include warehouses or lightmanufacturing buildings like those seen here, ranging in size from 100,000 to 1 million square feet. Or, the tract could be subdivided in different ways and include smaller facilities. Multiple options exist.

1,000 acres near J. Verne Smith Parkway for industrial use 600 acres for public recreational use 200 acres at I-85 and Brockman McClimon Road for mixed-use commercial, including a hotel 100 acres on each side of Highway 14 for retail

J. Verne Smith Parkway

Norfolk Southern rail

Airport, port projects could unlock potential along I-85 by Liz Segrist and Scott Miller lsegrist@scbiznews.com smiller@scbiznews.com

undreds of vacant acres near Interstate 85 could one day blossom into a manufacturing and distribution hub. Adjacent tracts could soon open for retail, hospitality and mixed-use development too. More than 250 acres of private land is available for purchase near I-85 within a few miles of the growing GreenvilleSpartanburg International Airport, the future S.C. Inland Port and the expanding BMW Manufacturing Co., according to a list from several Upstate real estate firms. Additionally, the airport is prepping massive tracts of its land to develop adjacent to the inland port. In all, the airport has around 1,500 acres of land that could be developed. The area’s growth will start with the development of an inland port next year, but

the largest blocks of development could come on airport land on the north side of I-85, between Highway 14, J. Verne Smith Parkway, Highway 290 and Brockman McClimon Road and adjacent to the Norfolk Southern rail. Highway 101 runs through the property as well. In November, the airport commission adopted a land-use plan to pave the way for the addition of light and heavy manufacturing, commercial, hospitality and other development. Financing has not been put in place, but the plan serves as a guide for private development and expansion. There is no timetable. GSP wants to lease undeveloped land to create a revenue stream that would help maintain competitive operating costs for airlines providing service at the airport, GSP President Dave Edwards said. The airport hired CDM Smith last year to develop the land-use plan. Representatives from CDM Smith laid out the groundwork for nine land tracts, many of which would be subdivided for multiple users. Appropriate uses, CDM

Smith said, include light and heavy manufacturing, mixed-use, retail, hospitality, office and R&D and aviation, such as aircraft maintenance or assembly. Of the nine tracts, the one likely to be developed first sits adjacent to the inland port. The best use of that 290 developable acres, called Tract B, is light manufacturing or distribution, said John Mafera of CDM Smith. Prepping the site with water, sanitary sewer, utili-

ties and other infrastructure would cost around $6 million, he said. Just south of Tract B is a much larger plot already outfitted with some utility infrastructure. The site, called Tract A, sits adjacent to Norfolk rail, roadway access and air freight operations. “When you talk to site selection consultants, they salivate over this piece of property,” said Bryan Cully of CDM Smith.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE Completion of the S.C. Inland Port could kick-start development on hundreds of acres of adjacent airport property. But, the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport Commission will have to invest millions in roads and other infrastructure improvements and may rely on federal and state grants to complete the work. December 3

- December

Wanted: $50 million

www.gsabusiness.co

Volume 16, No.

by Chuck Crumbo ccrumbo@scbiznews .com

Trash to fuel

Upstate company industrial waste converts to industrial fuel. PaGE 11

Environmental Engineering Firms PaGE 16

INSIDE

Leading off ................ ...... 2 Around the state .............. 5 In Focus: Clean, Green and Sustainable Business ..... 11 People in the news ........ News briefs ................ 20 ... 22 Viewpoint ................ ....... 23

4 • $2.00

SCBT expects fewer merger opportunities

Armed Forces

THE LIST

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

Military carries large economic impact Carolina. PaGE in South 5

Recycling Companies PaGE 12

16, 2012

Spartanburg manufacturer plans capital raise. PaGE 4

Greer’s future inland port will link the Upstate cargo from Southeast to the Port manufacturers and companies of Charleston. Norfolk Southern by rail across the state.(Photo will transport /Provided)

Riding the

ExEcutivE

the opportun ity for substan tial freight moveme port facility nt at an upstate of vacant land could unlock the potentia l of hundreds the airport just of acres opened for developm ent near i-85.

by Liz Segrist and Scott Miller lsegrist@scbiznews.co smiller@scbiznews.co m m

undreds of vacant acres near state 85 could one day blossom Intermanufact into Adjacent tracts uring and distribution hub. a could soon open for retail,

uring the past SCBT Financial three years, — parent of S.C. Bank and Trust more than — has doubled its $4.3 billion, deposits to strengthened across the Interstate 85 its position corridor and launched a foray Georgia through into neighboring a series of and acquisitio mergers ns. And SCBT’s grow the companyleadership wants to even more. However, likely partners, namely smaller nity banks, might commuthought of selling be struggling with the ties to the towns — and weakening their they have served.

summar

y SCBT’s chief executive says some community banks are thinking emotionally, not financially, when considering mergers. Many community banks, he says, can’t build shareholder value selling their business. without

“It’s that time are doing their of year where people Hill Jr., SCBT’s budgets,” said Robert hospitality and mixed-use developm “They’re trying chairman and CEO. More than ent too. to figure out they’re going available for 250 acres of private how land is to purchase near it’s a time where make money. I think miles of the I-85 within growing Greenvill a few a lot International e-Spartanburg really reflecting on of boards are still Airport, the ability of creating the long-term viPort and the future expanding BMW S.C. Inland ing Co., according Bank profits shareholder value.” Manufacturare being to a list from state real estate several Up- tighter federal lending squeezed by firms. regulations, tepid Additionally, economy that a the airport is prepping massive demand and risinghas weakened loan costs. As shareholder income see DEVELOPM shrinks, E

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From the 12.17.12 Issue

MAKERS twENtY12

SPARTANbURG’S

Main Street challenge

“We’re hoping to attract more residential options, service-oriented businesses, bigger businesses and mixed-use developments.” Patty Bock, Spartanburg economic development director

bringing traffic downtown 200,000 visitors attend the Chapman Cultural Center annually 900 students and faculty members attend “the George” daily Downtown living 160 apartments currently in downtown Spartanburg 130 additional units in the works

Morgan Square. (Photo/Courtesy of Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau)

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.com

he city of Spartanburg is launching a competition for businesses to battle for rent subsidies and fill vacant storefronts on Main Street. Winning businesses could get $12,000 toward rent for a year. The recruitment program, called Main Street Challenge, aims to fill vacant storefronts and continue on recent momentum in the city’s central district. Several entities already are investing to repurpose three historic buildings downtown into university space and apartments.

“There’s so much momentum in downtown right now,” said Patty Bock, the city of Spartanburg’s economic development director. “We’re hoping to attract more residential options, serviceoriented businesses, bigger businesses and mixed-use developments.” But, investment has been slow in recent years, despite the additions of the Chapman Cultural Center and University of South Carolina Upstate’s George Dean Johnson Jr. College of Business and Economics. The cultural center and business school were expected to be catalysts of growth downtown. The city owns nearly 9 acres behind the struc structures, where development would be ideal, Bock said. The recession stalled some of these plans. Although development didn’t take off in the surrounding areas, the entities brought many more people to the area. The Chapman Cultural Center brings more than 200,000 visitors to downtown annually and the busi business school houses more than 900 students and faculty mem members daily. The city plans to eventually

market the available land behind the entities. It is currently researching and analyzing the land to determine how to present it to businesses and developers. The Chapman Center, historical Montgomery Building, Barnet Park, the business school and a 750-parking garage are all near this available land, within a five-minute walk from Main Street. “This area is a highly visible, key component of Spartanburg’s downtown footprint,” Bock said. “We will continue to do impact analysis and research and hopefully get some mixeduse developments to provide some of-

fice, retail and potentially residential density in the area. We want to develop that and have a pedestrian area for a vibrant downtown.” The Main Street Challenge program aims to fill vacant storefronts, support entrepreneurship and attract more people to the city’s central district. The program launches in January and three winners will be chosen in May. They’ll receive $1,000 a month for 12 months, along with mentoring assistance to help their businesses succeed. Additionally, property owners have agreed to assist with building upfits.

EDITOR’S

UPDATE The vacant 9 acres behind the Chapman Cultural Center and University of South Carolina Upstate’s “The George” could reshape downtown Spartanburg if the city can attract investment. The city is putting together a land-use plan for the property and plans to begin marketing it, though a timetable has not been established. December 17

- 30, 2012

Five in a row

Improving infrastr ucture www.gsabusiness.co

S.C.-based banks report fifth quarterly profit after reporting steep losses. PAGE 2

by Liz Segrist and Chuck

on Legislature’s

Volume 16, No.

Job hunt South Carolina is among the best rated job growth. PAGEstates for 3

Co-op

Filling fast

for a hea lthier Sparta nburg

Downtown Greenville’s newest building attracts two more tenants. PAGE 10

THE LIST Computer Training Cos. PAGE 12

NEWSMAKERS 2012 | GSA Business

sPArtAnburG’

s chAllEnGE

Executive Recruiters PAGE 16

INSIDE

Leading off ................ ...... 2 Around the state .............. 5 In Focus: Workforce Development............. ..... 11 People in the news ........ News briefs ................ 20 ... 22 Viewpoint ................ ....... 23 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

5 • $2.00

to-do list

The state has Crumbo ferred infrastrucabout $20 billion worth of de- said Otis ture projects, improving interstates Rawl, president most aimed at Chamber and CEO of 26 and 85, which as the pipelines of Commerc the S.C. serve of the S.C. commerce e. “If tribution network. and dis- none we don’t get the infrastruc mprovement to of this other ture piece, With the deepening particularly the the state’s infrastructure — Rawl said, speaking stuff is going to happen,” of — ranks high interstate highway system ton to accommodate largerthe Port of Charles- “Business at an event in ed to begin freighters expectColumbia. es will start looking islators and the on the list of priorities of in 2017 and legstate’s top business in Already, the new manufactu state is looking other places.” organization. and industry moving to the state, South ring gap in funding at lina needs to and infrastruc a $30 billion Carostep up and ture needs over improve its roads, see IMPROVIN G, page 4 lsegrist@scbiznews.co ccrumbo@scbiznews m .com

by Liz Segrist lsegrist@scbiznews.co m

Erin Ouzts aims to create jobs and restore a historic building by creating a community market in downtown Spartanburg . (Photo/firnF OTO)

The city will launch a competition to fill vacant called Main Street storefronts and Challenge is willing to subsidize sEE PAGE 8 rents.

slightly below South Carolina’s the U.S. average, average, and arts of downtow factors qualify according to 2010 U.S. Censusabout $8,000 below portions of Spartanbu Bureau data. ed food desert n Spartanburg qualify to a 2009 study These as by the University rg as a food desert, according food is difficult — an area where affordabla designat- ropolitan of South Carolina Studies Institute. to obtain. e, healthy Nearly 87% of Upstate Met“It will take mended servings Spartanburg County adults permanent grocery those do not eat the outlets to 60% of residents of fruits and vegetables recom- leen areas in order to realize each day, and any significan be established in Brady, the study more than port by the S.C. are overweight or obese, t change,” conductor and according to Department A communit institute director. said Katha 2011 reof Health and The median with the Hub y-organized effort wants Environm Spartanburg to change those City Co-op, County household ental Control. a communit statistics income falls y member-o wned market see CO-OP

Ten a aT T The Top

Promoting Collaboration and Planning Across the Upstate is a Group Effort Thank you to the many Funding Partners and Sponsors who are helping to ensure that Upstate South Carolina is universally recognized as one of the leading places in the United States to live, learn, do business and raise a family. ContinUinG PArtnErs These entities have made three-year funding commitments to Ten at the Top.

Regional StewaRd

Regional benefactoR

Regional PaRtneR

Regional SPonSoRS

Regional advocate Barnet Development Corporation Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Inc.

BMW Manufacturing Co. Craig Brown Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC

The Furman Company The Palmetto Bank Piedmont Natural Gas

Welling Strategic World Acceptance Corporation

Regional PatRon Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce BB&T Broad River Electric Cooperative, Inc. Carol Burdette City of Greer Coldwell Banker Caine

Community Foundation of Greenville General Wholesale Distributors, LLC Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce Greenville Technical College Hughes Commercial Properties Johnson Development Associates

Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Nate Lipscomb Liquid Inc. Marketing McMillan Pazdan Smith MGFA/Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc. Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Rick Quinn

Minor Shaw South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Trehel Corporation Tri-County Technical College Union County Chamber of Commerce USC-Upstate

AnnUAl PArtnErs (2011 & 2012) These entities have made one-year funding commitments to Ten at the Top for either 2011 or 2012.

Regional StewaRd

Regional PaRtneR

Regional SPonSoR

Regional advocate Bank of America • Bradshaw Automotive Group • City of Mauldin • Fluor Enterprises • GSP International Airport • Hughes Agency • Self Regional Healthcare

Regional PatRon City of Anderson Briar Patch Fund (Foothills Community Foundation) Brown Mackie College Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Countybank

Elliott Davis, LLC, Greenwood Office Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. Greenwood Regional Tourism & Visitors Board Greenwood Partnership Alliance Laurens Electric Cooperative

Oconee Medical Center Regions Bank Self Family Foundation Spartanburg Area Transportation Study (SPATS) SYNNEX Corporation

SANDLAPPER Group of Companies

“Building a financial portfolio does not happen overnight. It must be cultivated over time.” Trevor L. Gordon Founder & CEO

(864) 679-4701