2012 Jul-Aug South Carolina Busienss by South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

J uly /A ugust 2012 V ol . 33 | N o . 4

Powering Forward

Exploring the Future of Energy

Building a Greener South Carolina Savannah River National Laboratory National Treasure

Nuclear Revival Meeting Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Energy Needs

We’re creating a new and exciting future at the Savannah River Site. For the region. For the state. For the country. We’re home to the Savannah River National Laboratory, an engine for growth in advanced environmental and national security technologies and clean energy research.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Savannah River National Laboratory …all the elements for success

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions is led by Dwayne Wilson, President and CEO, and Dr. Terry Michalske, SRNS Executive Vice President and Director of the Savannah River National Laboratory. SRNS offers uniquely skilled people, diverse nuclear operations and research facilities, and first-of-a-kind technologies to spark business opportunities throughout the Southeast. We’re leaders in innovation and creative solutions for our nation’s most pressing initiatives.

Dwayne Wilson

Dr. Terry Michalske

SRNS President and CEO

SRNS Executive Vice President and SRNL Director

SRNS. SRNL. Nuclear knowledge for the nation… savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com

TRANSFORMING THE ENERGY LANDSCAPE

LEFT TO RIGHT: Mike Tongour* (Washington), Jay Matthews (Greenville), Liz Speidel (Charleston), Edward Kluiters (Columbia), Steve Matthews (Columbia), Randy Epting (Columbia), Nick Nicholson (Greenville), Meg Scoopmire (Greenville), Eric Shytle (Columbia), Carl Roberts (Columbia), Tiger Wells (Columbia), Frank Mood (Columbia), Carl Blackstone** (Columbia), Tom Gottshall (Columbia)

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Our lawyers and government relations advisors are committed to the growth and prosperity of our communities. Put Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd on your team to work for you. * DC Licensed ** Non-attorney Professional

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FEATURES

Building a greener south Carolina..............................12

By Kristine Hartvigsen

National treasure.........................................................16 By Matthew Gregory

Nuclear Revival............................................................20 By Dana W. Todd South Carolina will benefit from Keystone XL............22

By Kay Clamp

Meeting manufacturers’ future energy needs............23 By Jennifer McNelly and Ann Randazzo Member Spotlight

AVANTech helps japan in wake of nuclear disaster. ..24 By Matthew Gregory

16 ECONOMIC DRIVERS Regional Education Centers foster win-win for students, businesses • Dr. Kaye K. Shaw.....................................................................................................7 New mercury rule will impact S.C. utilities • Mark Hollis & Mike Stroben.......................7 EEOC issues background check guidelines • James H. Fowles, III & Todd S. Timmons......... 8 Grassroots Meetings to identify legislative priorities • Julie Scott..............................8 S.C. benefits from sister-state relationship with Queensland • Fred Monk................9

Transitioning to a regulated water economy • Carlisle Roberts Jr. & John P. Boyd............... 9

D E PA RT M E N T S Message from the President......................................3

Otis Rawl

Upcoming Event ~ Diversity Awards.....................29

Nika White

Business Briefs.............................................................4

Member News...........................................................30

After the Event ~ 22nd Annual Human Resources

Welcome, New Members.........................................31

Conference.................................................................26

Events Calendar.........................................................32

Tish Anderson

Advertiser Index........................................................32

24 The opinions and views expressed by the contributors to this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, its staff or members.

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A M e ss a g e f r o m t h e P r e s i d e n t ~ O t i s R a w l

July/August 2012 Volume 33, Number 4

South Carolina Chamber of Commerce 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 1100 Columbia, South Carolina 29201 800.799.4601 www . scchamber . net

M P resident & C hief E xecutive O fficer OTIS RAWL V ice P resident of P ublic P olicy & C ommunications DARRELL SCOTT A ssociate V ice P resident of C ommunications

JULIE SCOTT M ulti M edia C oordinator MATTHEW GREGORY G raphics & W eb A dministrator BOBBY BAKER

M SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESS MAGAZINE E ditor MATTHEW GREGORY A rt D irection & D esign TIM MCKEEVER / TMCA INC. P roduction & P rint C oordination TMCA INC./CONVERGING MEDIA LLC A dvertising S ales CONVERGING MEDIA LLC DEIDRE MACKLEN 803.318.3923

STATE CHAMBER

pat crawford

with Distinction

Copyright © 2012 by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Converging Media LLC. All foreign and U.S. rights reserved. Contents of this publication, including images, may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. Published for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce by Converging Media LLC. 803.256.3010

Increased demand, regulations and independence top energy concerns

ffordable and reliable energy is a cornerstone of the state’s business community. As South Carolina’s population continues to increase, the sufficiency of our resources is a significant issue. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s recent approval of the combined operating license for two new reactors at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in Jenkinsville makes a bold statement that a new era of nuclear energy is upon us. Expansion projects such as these will help states meet rising energy demands and emissions-reduction goals, all while boosting state and local economies. Increased demands, unreasonable regulations and energy independence are at the forefront of energy concerns. The General Assembly concluded its work in Columbia last month, and one of the top victories for the business community was the passage of legislation to correct the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Smith Land Company case. As a result of the ruling, any emission or discharge into the environment would have required a permit, even if one did not exist. The ruling also created a private right of action for citizens or citizens groups to sue anyone deemed in “violation” of the Pollution Control Act. Correcting the ruling was paramount to restoring regulatory certainty and key to future economic development. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and its allies worked diligently on both sides of the State House aisle to ensure the legislation became reality this year to avoid more frivolous lawsuits against businesses. Just as the bill passed the General Assembly, environmental groups rushed to the court house to file one last junk lawsuit against a business, again illustrating the dire need for the reform. After learning that environmental groups were waging these last minute attacks, House and Senate leadership and Governor Nikki Haley acted swiftly to enact the reform. In mid-June, I attended an exciting announcement by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Congressman Jeff Duncan and Governor Nikki Haley on a plan for offshore drilling in South Carolina. The plan will benefit South Carolina economically and could go a long way towards national security, helping to break the dependence on imports from unstable areas around the globe. The plan also recognizes the possible effects on tourism by ensuring that no drilling will occur less than 10 miles off the South Carolina coast. Areas 10-50 miles off the coast would be designated an OptIn Zone with approval required from the General Assembly and governor. Revenue sharing is also a big part of the proposal with 50 percent of proceeds allocated to federal deficit reduction, 37.5 percent to the state of South Carolina and 12.5 percent to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This could be a great way to allocate desperately needed

funding to our state infrastructure, both maintenance and expansion. Another important issue concerning energy independence is the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Before rejecting the pipeline earlier this Otis Rawl is president and chief year, the Obama executive officer of the South administration had Carolina Chamber of Commerce. delayed construction since 2008, even though the administration exhaustively reviewed the environmental impact and concluded that no significant risks stand in the way of construction. According to the Canadian Energy Research Institute, the development of oil sands in Canada will have an economic impact leading to more than 500,000 new American jobs by 2035 and add $210 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product. And in South Carolina, studies reveal that our economy could gain almost 7,000 of these new jobs if policies increasing access to the nation’s energy are realized. In this edition of South Carolina Business, we visit the Savannah River National Lab and introduce you to AVANTech, a company that offers comprehensive water treatment solutions for industrial, commercial and nuclear power applications. We also highlight companies that are on the cutting edge of green initiatives. In addition, this issue takes a close look at the Surface Water Withdrawal Act and examines what businesses need to know about the EPA establishing tighter Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS). Recently, the South Carolina Chamber joined other state chambers and national industry groups in filing petitions with the federal Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit challenging the MATS rule. The majority of us agree environmental preservation is vital to protecting South Carolina’s pristine natural resources, but we also must realize that businesses are not the enemy. Being realistic about our energy needs and independence is important. As with many issues, the key regarding energy needs is striking a healthy balance that protects our state’s resources without stifling economic development.

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B u s i n e ss B r i e f s

Small Business Awards winners recognized at 2012 Salute to Small Business

he 2012 Salute to Small Business, an event to honor small businesses and connect them with new opportunities, was held May 16 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The Salute is a collaboration between the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the South Carolina Coalition for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The Salute also featured the Small Business Awards Luncheon honoring the SBA’s small businesses award winners. Small Business Person of the Year Radha Herring, owner and broker-in-charge of Watermark Real Estate Group, Myrtle Beach

Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year Jason and Stefanie Bowen, owners, Daisy Uniforms, Greenwood

S.C. Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt delivers the keynote address.

Radha Herring, Small Business Person of the Year, receives her award from Elliott Cooper with SBA.

SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year Sandi Hall McClain, owner of Sugar Boutique, Greenwood

Women in Business Champion of the Year Joscynthia Mason, owner of Shears 2 U, Greenwood

Minority Small Business Champion of the Year S.T. Peden, chairman and CEO of the Minority Economic Development Institute Inc., Greenville

Select Health partners with community on playground renovation project

S.C. Chamber seeking applications for S.C. Big 50

elect Health of South Carolina Inc. recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its April 28 playground renovation at Pinehurst Recreational Center in Columbia, S.C. The renovations were done by volunteers from the AmeriHealth Mercy Foundation, Columbia City Parks and Recreation Department and Select Health. The AmeriHealth Volunteers renovated the Pinehurst Recreational Center in Columbia on April 28. Mercy Foundation began its Safe Playground Program to address growing concerns surrounding the lack of safe play spaces available to children in disadvantaged communities. The program also improves the health of families. “We are thrilled to be part of this exciting project,” said Cindy Helling, executive director of Select Health. “We know that children are not spending enough time playing outside, and it is causing dangerous weight gain and contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic as well as life-long health issues ranging from diabetes to heart disease and more. Physical activity has also been shown to increase academic performance and keep children from missing school. We are addressing those issues by giving young children and their families a safe place to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.” “It’s time to get active and get involved to ensure a happier and healthier future for all our children, and this project helps us do just that,” said Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin.

Financial Services Champion of the Year James (“Jim”) Manley Jr., shareholder with Elliott Davis LLC, Greenwood

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he South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2012 South Carolina Big 50, the ranking of South Carolina’s private, public and foreign-affiliated companies by the number of employees on their payrolls as of June 30, 2012. Businesses may download a nomination form from J.W. Hunt & Company LLP’s website, www.jwhunt. com. The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 10, 2012. The South Carolina Big 50 is compiled by J.W. Hunt and Company LLP, a Columbia accounting firm, in cooperation with the South Carolina Chamber. The 2012 South Carolina Big 50 will appear in the November/December 2012 edition of South Carolina Business. All companies with operations in South Carolina are eligible for the South Carolina Big 50, which is tabulated according to participant responses received. Participants are asked to provide their employment figures, location of corporate headquarters and products/services. The South Carolina Big 50 includes company subsidiaries and divisions (both private and public), and parent companies do not need to be located in South Carolina. While the South Carolina Big 50 does include financial institutions, insurance companies, retailers, hospitals and health care organizations, it excludes government agencies and organizations. For more information or to obtain a nomination form, contact Anne Ross, certified public accountant with J.W. Hunt and Company LLP, at 803-254-8196 or aross1@jwhunt.com.

images C ourtes y of select health , s . c . chamber

South Carolina Small Business Person of the Year Runner-Up (Tie) Ramona Fantini, chair and CEO of Pino Gelato, Hilton Head Island, and Dr. Louis Lynn, president and CEO of ENVIRO AgScience Inc., Columbia

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Haley, Graham, Duncan push for drilling off South Carolina coast

Export-Import Bank reauthorized through 2014

outh Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and Third District Congressman Jeff Duncan recently spoke out in support of legislation which will open the South Carolina coast to oil and gas Senator Lindsey Graham joins Governor Nikki Haley for a drilling. June 11 press conference to discuss offshore drilling. “South Carolina is leading the way toward energy independence,” said Graham, who introduced the legislation in the United States Senate. “By authorizing offshore leasing for oil and gas exploration, South Carolina will lead a long, overdue effort to open up American-owned energy reserves.” Under the South Carolina Offshore Drilling Act, 0 to 10 miles off the South Carolina coast would be designated a Buffer Zone and no drilling will be allowed, while 10-50 miles off the South Carolina coast would be designated an Opt-In Zone. The state, with the approval of the governor and state legislature, could make these areas available for leasing. The governor and state legislature will decide the exact offshore location where the Opt-In Zone begins before leases are issued. The South Carolina Offshore Drilling Act also calls for revenue sharing from the lease sales. Under the legislation, 50 percent of the revenues will be returned to the federal government for deficit reduction, 37.5 percent will go to the state of South Carolina and 12.5 percent will be directed to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The funding formula is consistent with current federal law governing revenue sharing from offshore drilling leases.

S.C. Chamber associate vice president named Association Executive of the Year

ish Anderson, associate vice president of programs and events at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, has been named the 2012 Association Executive of the Year by the South Carolina Society of Association Executives (SCSAE). Over her more than 13 years with the South Carolina Chamber, Anderson has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a dedication to excellence. The South Carolina Society of Association Executives established an Association Executive of the Year Award in 1985. The award recognizes the most outstanding association manager based on leadership, management, communications and administrative skills exhibited on behalf of his or her association. “I have worked alongside Tish Anderson for many years, and it is no surprise that she has

resident Obama has signed a bill extending the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank of the United States through 2014, increasing its lending limit to $140 billion over three years. The Ex-Im Bank is a critical tool for more than 50 South Carolina-based manufacturers that routinely rely on the financing to export their products. Last year alone, the Ex-Im Bank supported more than $40 billion in U.S. exports that helped create or sustain 290,000 U.S. jobs at more than 3,600 companies. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce strongly supported the Bank’s reauthorization. South Carolina Congressmen Tim Scott (SC-1), Joe Wilson (SC-2), Trey Gowdy (SC-4) and Jim Clyburn (SC-6) voted in favor of reauthorization. South Carolina Congressmen Jeff Duncan (SC-3) and Mick Mulvaney (SC-5) voted against it. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham voted in support of reauthorization, while U.S. Senator Jim DeMint opposed reauthorization.

South Carolina’s apprenticeship program attracts White House attention

pprenticeship Carolina, along with Aiken Technical College, Aiken County School District and Tognum America Inc., recently participated in a roundtable discussion at the White House to discuss youth apprenticeships. The roundtable discussions revolved around programs aimed at improving education and helping younger Americans gain vocational training and enter the workforce. The group shared the vision for helping high school students get a head start on a career in industrial

manufacturing through the state’s first youth apprenticeship program with a major manufacturing company. The youth apprenticeship program, which will be produced in partnership with the Aiken County School District, the Aiken County Career and Technology Center and Aiken Technical College, will combine high school education, classroom technical training and hands-on learning at the MTU Aiken Plant. Beginning this fall, six new high school juniors will be enrolled in the program each school year.

Federal judge blocks NLRB’s quick election rule

Anderson

been honored by her peers as the Association Executive of the Year. Tish’s commitment to excellence, professional growth and her strong leadership skills have helped the Chamber grow, and we are very proud of her honor,” said Otis Rawl, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

he United States District Court for the District of Columbia has ruled that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) lacked a valid threemember quorum to adopt its quick election rule that went into effect April 30. The rule, which was challenged in court by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, shortened the union election process, cutting voting time to as short as 10 to15 days. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said union elections will have to continue following previously established procedures until the NLRB can vote with a proper quorum.

s c c h a m b e r. n e t | J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss |

B y D r . K aye K. S haw

tmca stock

even years ago, the Extended learning Education and Economic opportunities such as shadowing, Development Act (EEDA) mentoring and internships sparked the creation of Personal are important for students Pathways to Success, an initiative because they allow them to dedicated to empowering youth see careers of their choice in and adults by making education action. Professional experience relevant to their aspirations and helps students hone important abilities and promising a better soft skills -- time management, economy and quality of life for effective communication Personal Pathways and the RECs are bringing and appropriate dress -- that everyone in South Carolina. Leading the charge are 12 relevance to the classroom and provide employers consistently indicate Regional Education Centers students with real-world work experience. are essential, yet often lacking, in (RECs), which, guided by a potential employees. coordinator and advisory board, work to connect students “The greatest reward is seeing the self-confidence and adults to the guidance and opportunities they need and maturity students gain,” said Rojek. “For some, it is to be successful employees. The RECs’ recently published life-changing. They walk taller, with a sense of purpose, Business Connections Handbook is a great resource that because they know they are capable.” outlines how businesses can connect with schools, Many businesses, however, insist they are the ones engage students in their profession, provide extended who truly gain. learning opportunities and grow their workforce. “Once trained, we get an extra set of helping hands, According to Julie Rojek, career specialist at Gilbert and since my staff does most of the training, it is like a High School in Lexington One, Personal Pathways and the refresher training for them, too,” explains Tim Loonan of RECs are bringing relevance to the classroom, providing Grace Animal Hospital, where several of Rojek’s students students with real-world work experience and energizing have interned. “We like having bright students out in the local businesses. community who have experience with what we do in the

treatment area and behind the scenes. They are natural ambassadors for us.” RECs provide an easy and effective way for employers to connect with future employees. For IT-oLogy, a nonprofit collaboration of businesses, academic institutions and organizations dedicated to growing the IT talent pipeline and advancing the IT profession, the RECs have always played a vital role in connecting education and business. “Since our formation in 2009, each time we have introduced a K-12 Promote IT program, we have turned to the RECs to communicate our message,” says Lonnie Emard, IT-oLogy’s executive director. “The result is more efficient and effective teamwork and, ultimately, successful delivery of the programs.” To download a copy of the Business Connections Handbook or connect with your REC, visit http://recs. sc.gov.

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Regional Education Centers foster win-win for students, businesses

Dr. Kaye K. Shaw is coordinator of the Midlands Regional Education Center and executive director of Midlands Education and Business Alliance.

New mercury rule will impact S.C. utilities B y M ark H ollis and M ike S troben

T M C A stock

n late 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule that establishes emissions performance standards for mercury, acid gases and nonmercury metals for new and existing coal- and oil-fired steam electric generating units nationwide. For existing electric generating units, the MATS rule requires compliance by April 16, 2015. As provided for in the Clean Air Act, if it is not possible for controls to be installed by this date, the unit owner/operator can apply to the state permitting agency for a one-year extension of the compliance date, on a case-by-case basis, which is the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for South Carolina generating units. Units that will not be upgraded to meet the emission performance standards must be shut down by April 15, 2015. A possible exception would be if a retiring unit is needed for electric system reliability until replacement generation, transmission upgrades or emission controls on other units can be completed. The EPA has indicated that for these situations, it would be reasonable for the permitting agency, if requested to do so, to grant a one-year compliance extension for the retiring unit. The EPA has established a non-binding enforcement policy intended to provide units that are critical to maintaining system reliability with the opportunity to obtain a fifth year to install controls to comply.

controls and installing activated carbon and/or other sorbent injection systems. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, along with numerous national industry groups, other state chambers of commerce, state and local governments and environmental organizations, filed petitions with the federal Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit challenging various aspects of the MATS rule. A total of 30 petitions were filed. MATS rules require non-complying coal-fired electric generating units to be shut A decision from the court could come in the spring of 2013. Until down by April 15, 2015. then, the clock keeps ticking toward the compliance deadline. The impact of the MATS rule on coal-and oil-fired electric generating units serving South Carolina will South Carolina electric generating companies must likely be varied. Some units may be retired because move ahead with compliance efforts even though the it isn’t economical to install new emissions controls. potential exists that the court could overturn the rule. For units that will remain in service, the impact of the MATS rule will be influenced by factors that Mark Hollis is director - South Carolina environmental include the characteristics of the fuel a unit will burn policy and affairs at Duke Energy Carolinas and and the configuration and performance of existing a member of the South Carolina Chamber’s environmental controls. Actions taken at individual units Environmental Technical Committee. Mike Stroben to comply with the MATS rule could include installing is director - federal environmental policy analysis and new or upgrading existing sulfur dioxide and particulate strategy at Duke Energy Carolinas. s c c h a m b e r. n e t | J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss |

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EEOC issues background check guidelines B y J ames H. F owles , III and T odd S. T immons

n April 25, 2012, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued its Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions under Title VII. In the Guidance, the EEOC explains that a criminal background check procedure that screens out individuals with criminal arrests or convictions can result in discrimination against AfricanAmericans and Hispanics because these ethnic groups are arrested and convicted in numbers disproportionate to their representation in the general population. Clearly, an employer that treats criminal history differently for individuals based on their race or national origin would violate Title VII. An employer may also run into trouble even though it treats criminal history the same for all individuals. If a neutral criminal background check has the effect of screening out a large number of minorities, the EEOC may find that the background check has a disparate impact on minorities. And if the EEOC finds a disparate impact, it is the employer’s burden to prove that the background check is “job-related and consistent with a business necessity.”

Except in the rarest of circumstances, a criminal background check that screens out individuals based on arrest records is not job-related and consistent with a business necessity because an arrest is not proof that the criminal conduct occurred. Many arrests do not result in convictions, and individuals are innocent until proven guilty. The Guidance identifies two ways an employer can show a criminal background check, which screens out individuals based on conviction records, is job-related and consistent with a business necessity, although only one is likely to help most employers – a targeted screen that considers the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the crime and the nature of the job. The Guidance suggests that individuals screened out based on their criminal convictions should be given an opportunity for an individualized assessment, meaning the employer should contact these individuals and give them a chance to explain their past transgressions. While individualized assessments are not an absolute requirement, the Guidance stresses that a background check without them is more likely to violate Title VII. The Guidance does not prohibit criminal

background checks in the employment context; federal agencies like the EEOC do not have that kind of authority. Nevertheless, the EEOC has now recommended, as a best practice, that employers eliminate policies that screen out individuals solely because of their criminal records. The Guidance does not control a court’s interpretation of Title VII. It will ultimately take time and lawsuits to see if courts will accept the EEOC’s new guidance. In the meantime, employers should revisit their criminal background check procedures and consider some level of targeted screen in place of a broad procedure that excludes all applicants with a criminal history. James H. Fowles, III is a shareholder and Todd S. Timmons is an associate in the Columbia, S.C. office of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart P.C.

Grassroots Meetings to identify legislative priorities B y J ulie S cott

overnment decisions impact the ability to do business every day. Time and again, the business community has seen the power of a unified grassroots network in pushing through vital issues and halting those that are harmful to the state’s business climate. It is important for the business community to actively participate in the legislative process, and this work begins at the grassroots level. Members of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and local area chambers of commerce across the state are already preparing for a successful 2013 legislative session to continue the mission to improve South Carolina’s business climate, thus improving the state’s global competitiveness. Since this important policy-changing work begins at home, the South Carolina Chamber travels the state each year to hear from hundreds of employers about the issues impacting their businesses. Annual Grassroots Regional Meetings serve as open-forum sessions and are the first step in creating the Competitiveness Agenda, the business community’s annual list of legislative priorities. Each meeting includes a recap of the previous legislative session and the release of the annual Legislative Scorecard. With the support

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to create an environment that will improve the business climate in South Carolina. Hundreds of business leaders, community leaders and legislators attend the regional grassroots meetings. As a result, in 2012, more than 25 local chambers of commerce endorsed the South Carolina Chamber’s Competitiveness Agenda, strengthening the business community’s voice at the State House. You don’t want to miss these important sessions! Mark your calendars today for the grassroots meeting in your area. Members of the business community listen to a legislative recap at the 2011 Midlands Grassroots Meeting.

of local chambers of commerce across the state, the meetings have continued to grow. Once state and federal legislative issues are defined and strategies are developed, the Chamber works with legislative officials Register for the meeting in your area at www.scchamber.net. For more information, contact Julie Scott at 803-255-2628 or grassroots@scchamber.net.

Julie Scott is the associate vice president of communications at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

B y F red M onk

patrick oberem

hen then Premier Peter Beattie invited two South Carolinians to Queensland, Australia in October 1998, he saw an opportunity to forge a long-term strategic relationship with a state that shared his economic development vision. In 1999, South Carolina and Queensland signed a sister-state agreement which - two premiers and two governors later - continues to grow. Most recently, Governor Nikki Haley sent a letter to Campbell Newman congratulating him on becoming Queensland’s premier in March, and she underscored the strategic relationship between the two states. While Queensland and South Carolina differ dramatically in size and topography, both are among the fastest growing states in their respective countries. Each has a population of 4.65 million people. Millions of tourists annually visit each state because of famed beaches and other tourist attractions, and both have become retirement destinations. Beattie launched his Smart State initiative in Queensland with a focus on biotechnology, clean energy, new industry clusters and attracting top-tier researchers. South Carolina followed with its Endowed

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, Australia.

Chairs initiative that was eventually branded as the SmartState program. The strategy has paid significant dividends, among them the product of a Queensland researcher who pioneered the vaccine for cervical cancer. Joint programs between Queensland and South Carolina exist in brain research at the Medical University of South Carolina, hydrogen fuel cell development at the University of South Carolina and biotechnology and clean fuels at Clemson University. South Carolinians have studied at Queensland universities and vice versa

under an agreement that allows students from each state to qualify as in-state students. Queensland has been a perennial supporter of South Carolina at the annual BIO Show in the United States. In 2007, a large delegation from South Carolina went to Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, as part of its annual biotechnology conference. The most visible sign of the cooperation was Queensland’s donation of two koalas to the Riverbanks Zoo, which annually draws a million visitors. When one of the koalas died, Queensland stepped up and replaced the beloved animal. The Queensland-South Carolina partnership is now entering a new generation of activity with two new leaders, who are in a competitive world where strategic relationships play a vital role.

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S.C. benefits from sister-state relationship with Queensland

Fred Monk is president of ECI/Find New Markets and serves on the South Carolina Commission for International Agreements and Cooperation.

Transitioning to a regulated water economy B y C arlisle R oberts J r . and J ohn P. B oyd

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ew rules are now in effect for withdrawing surface water in South Carolina. South Carolina has always been a “riparian rights” state, in which landowners could withdraw as much surface water as needed as long as their use was reasonable and didn’t interfere with others’ water usage. However, on June 22, 2012, new regulations promulgated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) went into effect. The regulations, which apply to entities that withdraw more than three million gallons of surface water in any month, create new permitting requirements and place limits on how much water can be withdrawn. While many users have been reporting their surface water withdrawals for years, the new regulations require approval for large withdrawers by means of a permit issued by DHEC. Existing surface water withdrawers must apply for a “grandfathered” permit. Existing users will be allowed to continue their current withdrawals, but they will be capped at a maximum withdrawal amount. It is important that existing withdrawers apply for a grandfathered permit within 180 days after the effective date of the regulations, which puts the application deadline in late December 2012.

New regulations apply to entities that withdraw more than three million gallons of surface water in any month.

New surface water withdrawers also must apply to DHEC for a permit, and the permits for new withdrawers will have more requirements than the grandfathered permits. DHEC’s permits will cap the amount of water that can be withdrawn and are designed to protect a “minimum instream flow” in the applicable surface water. The minimum instream flow generally varies with the seasons and is designed to protect the health of the water body and other users’ ability to withdraw. DHEC can prohibit surface water withdrawals by a permit holder if there is inadequate stream flow. In such circumstances, withdrawers would have to utilize contingency water sources, such

as groundwater wells, pond sources or interconnection with other systems. Certain usages are exempt from the requirements, and agricultural uses do not require a permit but must register with DHEC. While South Carolina is blessed with generally abundant water, continued population growth and periodic drought years will place additional pressures on this essential resource. Businesses seeking to withdraw significant amounts of surface water should consider their current and future withdrawal needs and plan accordingly. The intended result of South Carolina moving to a regulated water withdrawal program is to make the state’s businesses more drought-proof, but in doing so, withdrawers must comply with the new rules and will be subject to new limitations. Carl Roberts, the former general counsel at DHEC for 18 years, now leads Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Environmental Practice Group, and John Boyd is a member of this team.

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“I’m more than just an SCE&G employee. I’m also an SCE&G customer who cares about South Carolina. That’s why I’m proud to be on the team that is building our two new nuclear units. We’re making great progress on our commitment to our customers – including me – to deliver clean, reliable energy for the future.” SCE&G employees are dedicated to making sure you’ll always have the energy you need—now and into the future.

Johnnie Waller, SCE&G Engineer

sceg.com

Building a greener South Carolina

Boeing’s North Charleston facility is equipped with solar panels spanning 10 acres on the roof of the site’s final assembly building.

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hile austerity measures made flying considerably less enchanting in recent years, The Boeing Company is bringing sexy back to air travel with its new 787 Dreamliner. The long-anticipated jet boasts a quieter, roomier, mood-lit cabin, cleaner, humidified air and 35 percent larger windows replete with dimmer switches. Consumers might be additionally impressed to learn about the innovative steps Boeing has taken not only to build a more comfortable airliner but significantly reduce its environmental footprint.

“The 787 Dreamliner is a game-changer for airlines and their passenger customers,” said Rob Gross, a Boeing spokesperson. Since establishing critical environmental goals in 2007, Boeing has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 3 percent, energy use by 1 percent and hazardous waste by 17 percent. A composite structure that includes carbon fiber reinforced plastic means the Dreamliner is lighter, using 20 percent less fuel. And because the materials are less susceptible to fatigue or corrosion, the jet’s maintenance costs are an estimated 30 percent less. The $750 million North Charleston facility where Boeing South Carolina fabricates, assembles and installs systems for aft fuselage sections of

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the Dreamliner is another shining example of the company’s environmental stewardship. Thanks to a partnership with South Carolina Electric & Gas (SCE&G), the North Charleston facility is equipped with solar panels spanning 10 acres on the roof of the site’s final assembly building. The project is the largest solar installation in the Southeast by production capacity and the sixth largest in the United States. “This project is a classic example of working with our customers to supply their energy needs but with a new twist,” said SCANA Chairman and CEO Kevin Marsh. (SCANA is the utility’s parent company.) “SCE&G for the first time is supplying a facility with 100 percent green power. I commend Boeing for their commitment to sustainability and for the opportunity they presented us to supply the site with renewable power.” “We are committed to being an environmentally responsible corporate citizen, both here in South Carolina and in every community that Boeing calls home,” said Jack Jones, vice president and general manager for Boeing South Carolina.

nother company doing business in South Carolina that has adopted sustainability as a core value is Domtar. The paper company formed partnerships with the Rainforest Alliance, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in the late 1990s and has now achieved its goal of earning FSC certification for all forests it manages. Domtar’s FSC-certified EarthChoice® line of papers is the most comprehensive line of environmentally and socially responsible papers on the North American market. “The line is really well-received by our customers,” said Stefan Nowicki, Domtar’s manager of communications and government relations. “It’s produced from well-managed, sustainable forests. Customers look for the familiar WWF panda on the packaging.” “Domtar is a fiber-innovation company committed to sustainable development in the forest and the communities that surround our facilities,”

said Lewis Fix, vice president of sustainable business and brand management for Domtar. “We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to get more value from the fiber that supplies our mills.” Domtar operates nine mills in the United States and four in Canada. “On average, the mills are 75 percent energy self-sufficient, using carbon-neutral biomass to power operations,” Nowicki said. “Domtar’s mill in Bennettsville is among the best, achieving 95 percent energy self-sufficiency.” The company also supports agribusinesses in South Carolina by buying trees from responsible landowners.

new power plant at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) is a true gem of environmental − and financial − innovation. Opened in March of this year, the SRS Biomass Cogeneration Facility replaces an aging 60-year-old coal-fired plant. The new facility burns forest logging residue (waste limbs and branches not sent to lumber mills) as well as wood pallets and old tires from the nearby Three Rivers Landfill to generate steam power. The plant is helping eliminate greenhouse gas emissions while saving SRS a projected $34 million in utility costs this year. “The entire Savannah River region was close

Congressman Joe Wilson and representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site attended the ribbon cutting when the SRS Biomass Cogeneration Facility opened in March 2012.

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to being classified as a non-attainment area, but emissions have been significantly reduced,” said Jim DeMass, project manager of the DOE’s Infrastructure Support and Oversight Division. “We are producing 30 percent of our own power. It’s a big deal; 100 percent of all the steam we use is renewable energy.” When prospects for federal appropriations looked dismal, SRS officials decided to pursue a third-party-financing arrangement called an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), in which private businesses make investments to increase energy efficiency at federal facilities, saving taxpayers upfront costs. In 2009, SRS entered into a 19-year ESPC contract with Ameresco Federal Solutions. “The sheer magnitude of the project pretty much mandated that it had to be a large central plant for biomass,” said Joe Price, Ameresco’s business development manager. “Biomass enables 24-hour, seven-day operation. Other power types (such as solar or wind) have limitations.” “The transportation costs associated with moving the biomass really drove the economics. If you are burning very close to where the wood is grown and chipped, that is what makes it so economical,” said Karen Guevara, DOE’s assistant manager for infrastructure and environmental stewardship at SRS.

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Most of the wood used at the plant is grown within 100 miles of the facility.

ith a 156-unit solar panel array atop its 60,000-squarefoot Rock Hill facility, Carolina Ingredients, a national food ingredients company, is harnessing the sun’s power to generate 44,000 kilowatts of electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 25 tons per year. But the company didn’t stop there. While embarking on a renovation of the nearly two-decade-old company’s building in 2009, President Doug MeyerCuno decided to pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by replacing all plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems with products designed especially to conserve water. In addition, more than 90 percent of the building’s offices use natural lighting. The measures netted the $5 million renovation a LEED Silver certification, making Carolina

Doug Meyer-Cuno (left), president of Carolina Ingredients, decided to pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification when renovating the Rock Hill company’s plant. Shown above is the 156-unit solar panel array on the facility’s roof.

(Above) Two solar collectors used to generate hot water at the Carolina Ingredients plant. (Right) A page from the Carolina Ingredients sustainability brochure.

Ingredients the first industrial food manufacturer in the country to occupy a LEED-certified building and the first seasoning manufacturer to use solar energy in production. “One of our niches is working with customers that have environmental or sustainability programs. And when we really started looking at sustainability, we realized we could actually save money by implementing certain programs. We could actually bring money to the bottom line,” said MeyerCuno. Meyer-Cuno’s senior management team reviews key performance indicators on a monthly basis. The numbers don’t lie. “Just over 5 percent

of our profit is derived from our sustainability programs,” he said. “When we installed our photovoltaic system, we were able to get a federal tax break. We expected the solar energy to have a return on our investment in about eight years. But with the tax incentive, it will be about six years. It’s a long-term investment for us, but we think it was the right thing to do.” It was important that the company’s 37 employees were on the same page, so Carolina Ingredients worked diligently to integrate the value of sustainability into the company’s culture, which also now includes recycling. Employees recycle cardboard, paper, wood pallets and even the bags that bulk ingredients are shipped in. “I am not a tree-hugger by nature. I am a businessman,” Meyer-Cuno said. “But I am a believer that we have to take care of our environment.” Kristine Hartvigsen is a freelance writer based in Columbia, S.C.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. There’s no telling where concern for the environment will lead. Like ripples in a pond, conservation and other earth-friendly measures spread out in all directions. Resulting in positive change that goes beyond what can ever be anticipated. Bank of America is proud to support all those who act as stewards of the environment. Visit us at bankofamerica.com

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r. Terry A. Michalske grew up in a small town in upstate New York, where his family operated a corner store and ran a grape farm. Michalske’s family bought the farmland from a retired high school teacher, who lived in a house on the property. “I grew up with a science teacher in my backyard,” said Michalske, who acknowledges that this mentorship helped him discover his passion for math and science. His interest led to him obtaining a doctorate degree in ceramic science from Alfred University. With more than 30 years of experience in energy science, solar energy, nanotechnology and biomolecular analysis, Michalske currently serves as executive vice president of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions LLC (SRNS) and director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL).

National treasure

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“We became for the FBI a laboratory that is the world’s only nuclear capable crime forensic laboratory. What that means is any type of analysis they would do in their labs in Virginia, they can do right here in our lab, including everything it takes when it involves nuclear materials or contamination,” said Michalske. FBI agents work side-by-side with SRNL’s scientists and engineers, receiving training on how to work within a nuclear contaminated crime scene. Michalske said 700 FBI agents have been trained at SRNL. Tracking nuclear materials that could be sent into the country via the nation’s port systems is an ongoing concern that SRNL has been able to address. SRNL set up a mock port of entry on its site that included all of the same containers, cranes and carriers that would be found at a commercial port. Using its On-Dock Rail radiation detection system, SRNL was able to improve the process of scanning port containers. “The way inspections are done today, they take containers off of ships, put them in rows and then they drive through there with a detector. What we developed is a device that picks the container up, moves it onto the train and drives through a portal that does the inspection. They never have to set it down and pick it back up – it’s one continuous motion,” said Michalske. SRNL was able to use real nuclear materials during its tests. Once these tests were conducted, SRNL worked with the Department of Homeland Security and the Port of Virginia to deploy the On-Dock Rail system in an actual commercial port. SRNL is currently analyzing the data collected from the exercise and working towards more widespread deployment of this technology. Environmental stewardship is another important focus at SRNL. The lab’s expertise at cleaning up the environment prompted the Tokyo Electric Power

Electric motors drive the computer controlled valves on the liquid nitrogen cooling system for the Micro-TCAP Hydrogen Isotope Separation System. The flags were a suggested improvement offered by the summer interns from schools that are assisting SRNL.

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efore arriving at SRNS, Michalske served as director of energy and security systems at Sandia National Laboratories, an engineering and science lab managed by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin corporation, for DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration. Upon assuming his current leadership role at the SRNL, where he is responsible for the management, operations and planned growth of the laboratory and its 900 employees, Michalske quickly realized that many people fail to understand a national lab’s purpose and significance. “It’s a very special kind of joint public/private partnership. The DOE National Laboratories are operated for the U.S. government to focus on challenges that are important to energy, the environment and national security,” said Michalske. “While we are focused on national problems, we live here in this community. The opportunity for us to bridge the national and international work we do with local businesses, universities and community leaders is the value that we offer.” One example of a SRNL project that has roots in South Carolina but impacts clean energy technology on a global level is its partnership with the Clemson University Restoration Institute Drivetrain Testing Facility in North Charleston. SRNL is designing and operating the testing facility’s information and communications systems so commercial entities that test their equipment can make sure their data and product specifications are kept confidential. Another area of clean energy expertise for SRNL is the handling and storage of hydrogen. SRNL worked with Aiken County to establish the 60,000-square-foot Center for Hydrogen Research, a county-owned research park adjacent to the Savannah River Site that houses SRNL’s Hydrogen Technology Research Laboratory. Part of the research this facility focuses on is the storage and transportation of hydrogen for hydrogen fuel vehicles, which has led to partnerships with companies like Ford Motor Company. In addition, SRNL is focusing on the next generation of nuclear power plants with its research and development of small modular reactors. In March, DOE, Savannah River Site and SRNL announced three separate agreements with private companies SMR LLC (a subsidiary of Holtec International), Hyperion Power Generation Inc. and NuScale Power LLC to develop small modular reactor technologies at SRS facilities. “What’s really important about this next generation of nuclear reactors is because they’re much smaller than today’s larger reactors, the manufacturing can be done in a factory environment. This gives us the opportunity in this country, particularly in this state, to lead the world in manufacturing small modular reactors, which would supply not only a domestic need but an international need for this clean energy resource,” said Michalske. SRNL has also partnered with Boeing to help the law enforcement community. Law enforcement officials use GPS technology for tracking purposes, but they often lose a signal under a bridge, inside a building or in heavily wooded areas. “We worked with Boeing in taking a capability they operate – a cluster of communications satellites called the Iridium satellite cluster. It’s like GPS but these satellites get into lower orbit than GPS satellites do,” said Michalske. Working closely with Boeing, SRNL brought together other technology suppliers and designed a system that was tested with law enforcement in Alaska. The satellite tracking and locating system was selected last year by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence as one of the most important advances in technology that will improve national security. SRNL is currently working with the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina and Boeing on a market study to determine other ways this technology can be implemented and commercialized. SRNL’s expertise in handling nuclear materials has allowed it to work closely with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

Over-the-road shipment of tritium gas mixtures will no longer be necessary with the Micro-TCAP System.

Company (TEPCO), owners of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, to seek guidance on how to begin its cleanup process after last year’s tragic earthquake and tsunami. While visiting TEPCO leadership in Japan, Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman suggested they come and visit SRNL and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in the state of Washington, as both labs have experience in environmental restoration.

“We were able to host a group of engineers and business leaders and show them how we approach each problem, how we’ve developed and applied technology and how we work closely with the community so that there’s a great transparency about what’s being done,” said Michalske. Michalske acknowledges that SRNL’s global reach wouldn’t be possible without close partnerships with South Carolina research universities, which have been an integral part of many of its research and development projects. “That community is the lifeblood of our laboratory,” said Michalske. “The value of having a national lab in this region is its ability to add to that intellectual capital that ultimately underpins our ability to drive the economy forward.” Growing up on his family’s grape farm and helping out at his family’s store taught Michalske the importance of community at an early age. Today, he wants that sense of community to exist between SRNL and South Carolina’s business community. “Our goal is to continue to be important in that national and international arena but to very aggressively pursue opportunities for our expertise to contribute to innovative, new developments in the local economy,” said Michalske. Matthew Gregory is the multimedia coordinator at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and editor of South Carolina Business.

Business Connections South Carolina St yle

Successful business expansion plans are all about connecting the dots. As the nation’s second largest publicly owned net generator of electricity, Santee Cooper can provide you access to all of the power and the resources of South Carolina’s Power Team. Composed of Santee Cooper and all 20 of the state’s electric cooperatives, the Power Team is dedicated to building strategic relationships with smart, forward-thinking businesses that are looking to expand within the state. We back this commitment by delivering quality service and reliable power at some of the lowest rates in the nation. Get connected in South Carolina. Visit www.scprimesite.com/SCB.

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Nuclear revival B y D ana W.T odd

Small modular reactors To keep the state’s economy growing, energy leaders say we need new sources of power. They are looking to nuclear energy as the answer and are excited about the possibilities of locating an SMR test site using the existing infrastructure at Savannah River Site. “As we retire older, smaller coal units, recent EPA requirements to sequester carbon dioxide emissions mean it is not cost-beneficial to build new coal plants,” said Steve Byrne, chief operating officer and president of SCE&G generation and transmission and NuHub co-chair. “SMR is a good fit.” SMRs are small reactors built as modular components at a manufacturing facility and shipped to nuclear plants. Savannah River Site is a good place for an

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outh Carolina has emerged as a key player in the nuclear renaissance. Despite national stagnation, South Carolina utilities, operating seven nuclear reactors at four nuclear power plants within the state’s borders, employ tens of thousands of workers. The state’s nuclear industry is leaping upward thanks to developments on many fronts. South Carolina’s residents generally have a positive perception of nuclear as an energy alternative, enabling utilities to generate 50 percent of electricity used by its customers via in-state nuclear power plants. From a statewide perspective, private, public and academic resources continue to operate in a symbiotic relationship.There have been some noteworthy nuclear achievements so far: • SCANA Corporation and Santee Cooper, along with other partners still to be finalized, are building two new reactors at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Plant in Jenkinsville. Southern Company is building two more at the Vogtle plant in neighboring Georgia, putting the Midlands in the center of a hub of activity. Typically, an average nuclear plant creates 1,400-1,800 high-paying jobs during construction, peaking at 3,500 jobs, and about 700 permanent jobs to operate the plant, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). •The University of South Carolina (USC) recently added Dr. Dan Cacuci, a worldrenowned nuclear authority and editor of The Handbook of Nuclear Engineering, as a SmartState endowed chair for the Nuclear Science and Energy Center of Economic Excellence, one of two nuclear centers of excellence in the state. • NuHub, a group of public, private and higher education stakeholders focused on the Midlands nuclear industry, announced agreements with two companies – Holtec International and NuScale – to bring small modular reactors (SMRs), the newest nuclear reactor technology, to the Midlands. • A thriving nuclear cluster through New Carolina is uniting efforts between South Carolina and North Carolina and reports tax revenues from nuclear utilities at $750 million (from its 2009 survey). As the industry advances, energy leaders express converging opinions on the path South Carolina must take and the issues it must address on the trajectory to becoming an epicenter of advanced nuclear technology and training.

Aging workforce The average age of a worker in the industry is 50, and many will retire before the next reactor comes online. “We have to rebuild our workforce from scratch,” said Schroder. With almost half of universities shuttering their nuclear programs in the past 30 years, Schroder said it is hard to find trained employees. A few years ago, SCANA approached Midlands Technical College about expanding its nuclear operations program because the company needed more trained workers. Midlands Tech’s nuclear operations program earned national certification and builds nuclear curricula at other schools. Together with other in-state higher education institutions, students can explore many opportunities for nuclear engineering and operator training. Unlike some other states, South Carolina’s higher education institutions have been expanding nuclear programs. Dr. Travis Knight of USC’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering Program said enrollment is up in the nuclear graduate program and the undergraduate minor program at the university. Come in, Washington Private and public stakeholders agree – the U.S. needs an energy policy that transcends administrations. Unable to recycle “spent” fuel because of congressional mandates, utilities are forced to bury and hold used fuel rods. Although they stress the storage process is safe, South Carolina energy leaders

Steve Byrne, chief operating officer and president of SCE&G generation and transmission and NuHub co-chair.

Dr. Sonny White, president of Midlands Technical College and co-chair of NuHub.

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P hotograph y courtes y of S C A na and M idlands technical college , tmca illustration

SMR test site, according to want to minimize the monetary Catawba SMR Program Manager Ron waste that accompanies the lack Oconee Schroder at Savannah River of congressional movement Nuclear Solutions, because on the issue. Sumner Robinson the 300-square-mile site is only Schroder said 10 percent industrialized. the buried fuel rods “The Savannah River Site can have 90 percent of their lower risk and cut capital energy still available for costs because of existing Locations of extraction and reuse. infrastructure, such as Nuclear Power “We are throwing away cooling water lines and a Generation in what can be used to generate trained nuclear workforce. South Carolina electricity,” he said. We feel very confident we France is the leader in spent fuel recycling. will have an SMR located here in the near future,” said It got the technology from the United States. Schroder. If the process is favorable, he expects an Looking ahead operational test site in the 2021-2022 time frame. Dr. Dan Cacuci is exploring ideas for statewide Dr. Sonny White, president of Midlands Technical competitive differentiation in his new role as a College and co-chair of NuHub, said if Holtec or SmartState endowed chair. NuScale builds an SMR test site in the Midlands, “We must find a niche, and establish a program chances are good it also will build a manufacturing that is different to be at the forefront. Our overarching facility to produce SMRs for worldwide shipment. priority should be the integration of nuclear with “SMRs cost between one-half to one billion other energy forms,” said Cacuci. “Industrial partners, dollars,” said White. “Imagine the economic utilities, research labs and academia – we have all of development and job creation if we produce 20 per these, and we all must cooperate.” year and ship them from a Midlands-based plant.” White envisions the Midlands as the hub for Dana W. Todd is a freelance writer and PR consultant international nuclear operator and SMR training. based in Columbia, S.C.

200 East Broad Street • Greenville, SC 29601 • 864.242.3370

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South Carolina will benefit from Keystone XL B y K ay C lamp

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Tires for the Caterpillar 797 are made in South Carolina.

For example, the tires of the giant truck used in producing the oil sands, the Caterpillar 797, are made in South Carolina. Tire manufacturers Michelin and Bridgestone have recently announced hundreds of millions in new investment in production capacity in South Carolina for earthmover tires. That investment will help grow South Carolina’s manufacturing sector. Manufacturing is a critical driver of South Carolina’s economy, growing by 5.5 percent from December 2010 to December 2011 and adding 11,600 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. By some estimates, as much as 80 percent of the growth in manufacturing capacity for earthmover tires will be directed toward oil sands production and developing economies. The benefits to South Carolina do not stop with tire manufacturing. Several studies have shown that continued growth in Canada’s oil sands means both direct and indirect jobs and economic development back here at home. According to a 2011 study by Wood Mackenzie, South Carolina’s economy could gain an additional 6,799 jobs by the year 2030 if policies that grow our nation’s access to secure

energy are adopted. Another 2011 study by the Canadian Energy Research Institute examined the economic impact of staged development of Canadian oil sands. According to that study, South Carolina would see an additional 47,000 years of employment, approximately $1.8 billion in wages and $3.6 billion to the GDP by 2035 if Keystone XL and other projects to export oil sands crude from Canada move forward. The math is simple, and the benefits are undeniable. Growth in Canada’s oil sands will be a tremendous boost to economic growth in South Carolina. Keystone XL is more than a pipeline – it is a lifeline to economic growth. Kay Clamp is executive director of the South Carolina Petroleum Council.

S haun L owe

hether you are in Washington, Nebraska, Oklahoma or South Carolina, it has been hard to escape the debate over the construction of a 750,000 barrel-a-day oil pipeline known as Keystone XL. The jobs, economic growth and energy security derived from the proximity of developing this strategic resource with Canada are undeniable. It is hard to image all of those benefits are rolled together in a 1,700-mile, 36-inch, steelenclosed pipeline. Canada, a longtime U.S. ally, is also our number one supplier of imported oil. Producing oil sands from Canada is nothing new. It’s been happening since the 1960s. The oil sands alone make up 170 billion barrels of Canada’s projected supply. America consumes almost all of Canada’s exported crude oil. And pipeline transport from Canada is the most common – and safest – way to move those energy supplies to American markets. Meanwhile, the Obama administration continues to delay the Keystone XL pipeline, and precious jobs and growth are slipping through our fingertips. In fact, had the pipeline’s permit not been delayed, in addition to jobs created from the construction of the line, Keystone XL would have created upwards of 10,000 U.S. jobs in 2012 due to the expanded production of the Canadian oil sands – the main source of oil to run through the pipeline. Through 2035, development of the oil sands could contribute approximately $210 billion to the U.S. GDP. The benefits of growth in the oil sands will boomerang back to the United States. For every dollar we send to Canada, we receive 89 cents in return. For every two jobs created in Canada from oil sands development, approximately one is created in the U.S. According to the Canadian Energy Research Institute, oil sands development supports about 80,000 jobs in the U.S. with the potential to add another 500,000 by 2035 when other pipeline infrastructure projects are considered. Keystone XL alone will support about 20,000 jobs in the U.S. in construction, steel manufacturing and other trades. The benefits are tangible to South Carolinians.

Meeting manufacturers’ future energy needs B y J ennifer M c N elly and A nn R andazzo

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ver the past few months, manufacturing has enjoyed time in the national spotlight. Organizations all across Washington, from the White House and Congress to major think tanks and government agencies, have been discussing the manufacturing industry and what America must do to maintain and grow its manufacturing base. Manufacturing is certainly deserving of the recognition because it is an industry that is truly vital to our economic security. U.S. manufacturing is also on the cusp of major growth. In the last two years, manufacturers have added almost 500,000 new jobs, accounting for unprecedented consecutive job growth in the industry. Some of this can be explained as an increase in production after a severe decline in 2008 and 2009, but there is also something else going on. Many of the firms that moved their operations overseas are now discovering that the cost savings are not as large as expected. With this impending revival of U.S. manufacturing, we have an opportunity to make significant competitive gains, but only if we address some key challenges facing manufacturers. Access to a cheap, reliable energy source is critical for manufacturers to operate and stay competitive. While energy is an important asset for manufacturers, so is a skilled workforce that can develop those energy assets and support the growth of manufacturing through productivity improvement and innovation. However, the human capital asset is hardest to acquire. More than 80 percent of manufacturers report moderate to serious shortages of skilled talent in the hiring pool, notably in skilled production. There are 600,000 jobs open today in manufacturing as a result of this skills gap, and this challenge will only grow as the demographics of our workforce drive baby boomer retirements and replacement requirements. States like North Dakota and Pennsylvania have been blessed with natural resources, which they are actively trying to cultivate. While South Carolina may not have the same natural resources, the state does have an ability to differentiate itself through a strong workforce to meet the needs of manufacturers. This, in fact, is the “sweet spot” where the manufacturing and energy sectors can work together. The technology infusion and high productivity that dominate

Manufacturers have been embracing industry-based skills certifications to ensure that their current and incoming workforce have the technical skills and abilities to be competitive.

the advanced manufacturing and energy landscape demand a smart, safe and sustainable workforce. To that end, the workforce skills of manufacturing and energy are very similar: They rely on a technicallyskilled talent pool with core knowledge in applied science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as fundamental academic and workplace skills, like problem solving, teamwork and applied math. Manufacturers have been embracing industrybased skills certifications to ensure that their current and incoming workforce have the technical skills and abilities to be competitive. The Manufacturing Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) have endorsed a set of industry-based skills certifications that help employers identify and hire employees with the skills needed for specific job functions. These certifications, which are nationally-portable, are part of the NAM-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification and are integrated into high school, community college and university programs of study. The energy sector is following a similar path, as the sector faces comparable workforce shortages. The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, has developed an Energy Competency Model that defines

basic competencies, industry fundamentals, industry technical competencies and job specific competencies that are needed for any position across the energy sector. Industry-based credentials stem from these competencies and validate readiness of a candidate for energy jobs. South Carolina has already seen major progress in attracting manufacturing and energy jobs to the Palmetto State, but competition with other states remains stiff. In order to maintain a competitive advantage, delivery of an educated and skilled workforce to build products and supply energy will be crucial to developing South Carolina’s economic portfolio. Credentials like ACT’s National Career Readiness Certificate and other industry-based certifications in welding, machining, automation and others can be used to help build the human capital South Carolina needs to prove it is a great state in which to build things. And, the state is well on its way as it works with community colleges and technical schools to develop education programs that issue industry-based credentials. In 2011 alone, South Carolina issued almost 4,000 industry-based credentials to current and future manufacturing workers. Another area where manufacturers and energy companies can collaborate is around attracting the next generation of talent. Like other STEM fields, manufacturing and energy often bear negative stigmas in the eyes of today’s young people. National initiatives like the manufacturers’ Dream It. Do It. program and Get Into Energy are helping to change the image of STEM careers and recruit young career-seekers into STEM education pathways and jobs. Both of these national programs are underway in South Carolina, providing an innovative platform for employers to have their stories told and engage with their future workforce. Already, South Carolina has laid a solid foundation for talent development that will drive regional economic growth. By working together, employers in the manufacturing and energy sectors can help write a positive future for South Carolina. Jennifer McNelly is president of the Manufacturing Institute, and Ann Randazzo is executive director at the Center for Energy Workforce Development. For more information about the NAM-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System, visit www. themanufacturinginstitute.org.

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M e mb e r S p o t l i g h t

AVANTech helps Japan in wake of nuclear disaster B y M atthew G regory

any people are accustomed to wearing a suit to work. For three employees at AVANTech Incorporated, a Columbiabased comprehensive industrial water treatment solutions provider, that suit was a full-body hazmat suit and respirator as they worked to remove radioactive isotopes from wastewater at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in Japan last summer. The project was the culmination of eight weeks of around-the-clock work for AVANTech employees. They had one mission driving their long hours: to deliver a water treatment system that could clean the nuclear plant’s wastewater before it drained into the ocean. Fukushima had been devastated by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that caused backup systems to fail. Ocean water was pumped in to provide cooling and prevent total meltdown. Realizing something had to be done to remove radioactive contaminants from the water before they seeped into the ocean, Japanese officials called AVANTech for help. “Everyone was pitching in around the clock,” said Tracy Barker, vice president and principal engineer at AVANTech. “As one of our employees said, ‘I worked day shifts, but I never saw my house in the day.’ We’d go home to eat and get a couple of hours of sleep, and then we’d come back in and work.” AVANTech has hundreds of customers around the globe in a variety of industries. A walk through the company’s 35,000-square-foot facility reveals equipment for multiple projects. AVANTech is providing wastewater treatment equipment for a government facility in Kentucky that is destroying mustard gas that was used in the Vietnam War. Other equipment is going to China to support the new AP1000 reactors provided by Westinghouse. AVANTech is also providing some critical components to the Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility at the Savannah River Site. About 50 percent of AVANTech’s customers are in the power sector, with about half of those in the nuclear industry. Government clients account for about 20 percent, industrial clients are another 20 percent and municipal clients represent about 10 percent. Yet all other projects had to be put on hold last year so all of AVANTech’s resources could go towards preventing an even larger environmental catastrophe in Japan. “We called all of our other customers and told

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them what was going on. We told them we would be a little late with their projects. They all understood,” said Jim Braun, president of AVANTech. “Even the vendors who support us understood. We called them up on the Fourth of July and told them we needed parts.”

Three AVANTech employees traveled to Japan after last year’s earthquake and tsunami to set up a water treatment system that removes radioactive isotopes.

and Brad Tillery, electronics and controls engineer. The three were in Japan for about two months helping with the setup and implementation of the SARRY system. They spent long hours in full protective suits and respirators, getting a crash course in Japanese so they could help plant officials. According to Braun and Barker, the SARRY system exceeded expectations. While the SARRY system was originally designed to only operate for a year, it’s still being used today. In fact, Japanese officials plan on using it for a couple more years. Braun and Barker expect continued growth for the company, projecting it will double or even triple its

workforce next year. They are also in the early stages of building a new facility. No matter how much success AVANTech has in the future, both Braun and Barker agree no project will ever be as important as their work at Fukushima. “You work in an industry all your life and hope to have an impact on that industry,” said Braun. “We had an impact.” Matthew Gregory is the multimedia coordinator at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and editor of South Carolina Business.

LAST YEAR,

4,722,509 pounds of trash WERE PICKED UP FROM South Carolina PUBLIC SPACES BY PalmettoPride VOLUNTEERS.

P hotos courtes y of avantech

Jim Braun and Tracy Barker founded AVANTech in 1999.

Braun and Barker are chemical engineers who met at a previous job in the nuclear industry before founding AVANTech in 1999. When they first started the company, they only did the process, mechanical and electrical engineering work, relying on subcontractors to build the products. In 2007, AVANTech started manufacturing its own projects. “It’s given us a lot of capability to develop solutions that we wouldn’t have otherwise developed because we understand how things are manufactured,” said Braun. “If we didn’t have our manufacturing, design and automation capabilities, we would have never been able to do the Fukushima project.” It was only four weeks from the time AVANTech got a contract for the Fukushima project to the time it delivered a finished product. However, AVANTech got started on the design and began ordering components as soon as talks first began in Japan. The result of the company’s long hours was a patent-pending water treatment system called the Simplified Active Water Retrieval and Recovery System, or SARRY. The system was loaded with an absorbent developed by the U.S. government for the removal of harmful contaminants such as Cesium. Once the SARRY system was finished, Barker traveled to Japan with David Langan, project manager,

PalmettoPride is a non-proﬁt initiative to ﬁght litter and help is continually working towards main focus areas: education,

organization formed by a legislative beautify South Carolina. PalmettoPride a clean South Carolina through four enforcement, awareness and pickup.

PalmettoPide has helped keep South Carolina beautiful since 2001. For more information on ways you can help keep South Carolina Beautiful, please visit our website at www.palmettopride.org.

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6/19/12 12:29 PM

After the event

Economic Development

Surveying & GIS

Water & Wastewater Transportation

HR professionals explore the Wild Wild West

Electric & Gas

Environmental

B y T ish A nderson

South Carolina Operations Columbia

803.254.4400

Charleston 843.767.4602 Florence

843.665.9166

Greenville 864.609.9111

www.urscorp.com

John Irving, former general counsel at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), gave the keynote presentation at the 22 nd Annual Human Resources Conference.

lmost 200 human resources professionals, consultants, vendors, employment law attorneys and speakers gathered May 6-8 for the 22nd Annual Human Resources Conference, Wild Wild West, held at the Marriott Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach. “The business community finds itself in the midst of one of the most, if not the most, active and aggressive times with respect to the federal regulatory process. Federal agencies such as the NLRB, EEOC, OFCCP and the U.S. Department of Labor are pursuing agendas that were not imaginable four short years ago,” said Ted Speth, managing shareholder in the Columbia office of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart P.A., this year’s presenting sponsor. John Irving, former general counsel at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), gave the keynote presentation that kicked off the conference, speaking on the NLRB’s recent overreaching rulings and pro-union policies. After the keynote, a welcome reception, sponsored by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Human Resources Committee, was held for exhibitors to showcase their services and products while networking with prospective and current clients. Gary Williams, vice president of human resources at Mount Vernon Mills Inc. and HR Committee chair, served as conference moderator. On Monday morning, Ogletree Deakins Shareholder Hal Coxson from the firm’s Washington D.C. office provided an update on the latest developments in Washington, including health care, NLRB rulemaking and federal regulations. Darrell Scott, vice president of public policy and communications at the South Carolina Chamber, followed with a state legislative update and how human resources professionals can take a proactive role in legislative issues. An interactive session on company culture was presented by John Smith of SPARC, the 2011 Best Place to Work in South Carolina – Small/Medium Employer. His presentation demonstrated how employee engagement can unleash an

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With your help, we built a playground! Attendees have their questions answered during the Ask-an-Attorney panel.

Thank you to everyone who helped us give the Pinehurst Park community a fresh and fun spot with a new playground, fitness stations and updated basketball court. AmeriHealth Mercy Foundation | City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department | Councilman Brian DeQuincey Newman | Dr. Nobel Cooper, Jr. | IMARA Community Foundation | Lizard’s Thicket | Pinehurst Park Neighborhood Council | SEA Restoration | Select Health of South Carolina Taylor Brothers Construction Company

We help people get care, stay well and build healthy communities.

DESIGNING, MACHINING AND MANUFACTURING

chamber staff

Dunhill Staffing employees network during a break.

unprecedented potential for growth and what differentiates the top 100 companies from other companies. Ogletree Deakins Shareholder Eric Schweitzer spoke on how termination, investigations and other workplace activities may result, if not handled appropriately, in defamation. After lunch in the exhibit hall, sponsored by Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLP, it was time for an informative session presented by David McCormack of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLP. McCormack outlined employment agreements and why each situation is different. Total Comfort Solutions CEO and South Carolina Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Jim Reynolds outlined five strategies necessary to compete in the global economy of the future. Directly following, Andrew Malloy with Colonial Life explained the impact a wellness program can have on a company’s productivity and premium costs and how to leverage health insurer resources. The first day was concluded by Dan Ellzey of Fisher & Phillips LLP, who led a panel of experienced human resources professionals in a discussion of required preparations to meet the new challenges to remain union-free. Benefit Controls of S.C. Inc., BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Doctors Care, Elliott Davis LLC and Fisher & Phillips LLP sponsored Monday evening’s networking dinner, offering participants the opportunity to mingle with their peers and new contacts.

For more than 30 years, PDQ has been the onestop source for custom molded injected parts. Call us today at 843-672-3582 or visit our web site, pdqsouth.com, to see how we help with your next manufacturing project. DESIGN | ENGINEERING MOLD BUILDING MOLD MAINTENANCE PRECISION MACHINE PARTS MANUFACTURING | MOLD PLASTIC INJECTED PARTS C A P A B I L I T I E S Short run | custom • Long run | production • Integrated mold build and injection molding “under-one-roof” • 3rd party mold building and mold maintenance programs • Precision machine parts with 5-axis CNC • Value added | secondary operations for assembly, packaging and fulfillment

PDQ South InjectIon technologIeS, Inc. Pageland, SC sales@pdqsouth.com

continued on page 28 s c c h a m b e r. n e t | J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss |

After the event Continued from page 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 22nd Annual Human Resources Conference

UPCOMING RECOGNITION & AWARDS S.C. ManufaCturer of the Year Embassy Suites, Columbia Awards luncheon: August 29

The final morning of the conference included various sessions from human resources professionals and attorneys on a wide range of topics and issues. A last-minute session was added regarding South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) requirements. Laura W. Robinson, assistant executive director of unemployment insurance at DEW, addressed current concerns that conference attendees had regarding agency protocol, hearings and ineligible terminated employees receiving unemployment benefits.

S.C. exCellenCe in WorkplaCe DiverSitY Embassy Suites, Columbia Awards dinner: September 13

BeSt plaCeS to Work in South Carolina The DoubleTree by Hilton, Columbia Awards dinner: October 4 Visit www.scchamber.net, or contact Alexa.Stillwell@scchamber.net for sponsorship information.

Staff members from Embassy Suites, two-time Most Creative Exhibitor, prepare to greet attendees. FN Manufacturing Vice President of HR Ralph Young talks with Total Comfort Solutions CEO and S.C. Chamber Chairman Jim Reynolds.

Steve Hall with Find Great People International chats with an attendee.

Next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference will be held May 15-17 at the Marriott Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach. Please contact Alexa.Stillwell@scchamber.net for information regarding the conference. Other 2012 conference sponsors included Colonial Life, Delta Dental, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. and Jackson Lewis LLP. Tish Anderson is associate vice president of programs and events at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

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U pc o m i n g e v e n t

Erwin Penland: Celebrating diversity and inclusion in the workplace B y N ika W hite

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce will recognize the state’s top companies in the field of diversity with the Excellence in Workplace Diversity Awards. The nomination process and awards criteria are highlighted on the South Carolina Chamber’s website, www.scchamber.net, under “Events” and “Applications and Recognition.” The deadline for entries is July 27 at 5 p.m. All applicants will be honored at the 8th Annual Excellence in Joe Erwin, co-founder of Erwin Penland, receives the 7th Annual Diversity Award.

Workplace Diversity Awards Dinner, September 13 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbia.

s one of the South’s leading advertising and marketing firms, Erwin Penland has long believed that it’s just smart business to nurture a culture where everyone feels welcomed, valued and, most importantly, respected. This inclusive approach to our business, strongly advocated by company president and co-founder Joe Erwin, is largely driven by the agency’s Diversity & Inclusion Council, which was formed in 2007. The innovative council implements a number of staff development and community outreach initiatives and also works to ensure that the company’s marketing and advertising work – as with its own workforce – is reflective of America’s increasingly diverse population. Believed to be the first of its kind among advertising agencies headquartered in the South, the council encompasses a broad spectrum of Erwin Penland employees and creates opportunities for all agency staff to come together in inclusive groups and see the tangible business benefits of a diverse work culture. Comprised of four committees – recruitment, engagement, outreach and measurement – the council works with other leadership teams in the agency to instill the concepts of diversity and inclusion throughout our culture. Although we recognize that promoting diversity internally is an essential part of our continued growth and improvement, we’re equally committed to helping our clients champion the cause of diversity by embracing a multicultural approach to their marketing and advertising efforts. Helping our clients to apply these inclusive tactics has helped them to market successfully to the ever-changing face of the American consumer. In fact, two of our campaigns were recognized with EFFIE Award wins -- the nation’s most prestigious accolade for marketing effectiveness – for excellence in marketing to Hispanics and African-Americans. While the purpose of Erwin Penland’s diversity and inclusion efforts is not to win awards, we certainly hope that external recognition will perhaps inspire other companies to follow a similar path to ours. Our diversity initiatives are designed with long-term goals and development in mind; they aren’t about quotas and social engineering, but about understanding and embracing other cultures so we can be better marketers, better citizens and better role models for future generations.

chamber staff

Nika White is management supervisor at Erwin Penland.

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MEM B ER N EWS

Adams

Boulware

Cummings

Dalton

Diminich

Dworjanyn

El-Sawi

Hart

Hartley

Jones

Joyner

Ledford

Longaker

McAnulty

McGirt

Medich

Moon

Moser

Owen

Smith

Lexington Medical Center has opened its doors to some of the brightest high school students in Lexington County for an intensive summer internship inside the hospital called the Partners Program. The students will focus on clinical training around the hospital and interact with hospital staff in assigned clinical areas. In addition, they will take part in field studies, including a tour of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Midlands Technical College Health Science Programs, Lexington Medical Center Laboratory and Lexington Medical Center Extended Care. Lexington Medical Center will award a $1,000 book scholarship to one rising senior from each Lexington County High School, home school and private school, for a total of 13 scholarships. Abacus Planning Group Inc. proudly announces that Patricia P. Watson has completed all requirements for the Registered Paraplanner, RP ® credential. aeSolutions, a supplier of performancebased process safety engineering and automation solutions for the petroleum, chemical and process manufacturing industries, has announced the consolidation of multiple Upstate facilities in a single corporate headquarters location in Greenville, S.C., investing upwards of $2 million and adding in excess of 40 new jobs in the process. AFL, a leading provider of fiber optics and engineering expertise, has announced that Grant Burns has joined AFL as vice president and general counsel. Burns has more than two decades of legal experience, with his primary focus being on first chair litigation, compliance and labor and employment matters.

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The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation presented a check for $5.25 million to the South Carolina Free Clinic Association (SCFCA), enabling the 42-member clinics across the state to have a centralized, integrated and multifaceted support system. The system will include such functions as establishing a statewide certification program and special projects to implement statewide or regional efforts that will strengthen capabilities. Clemson University President James F. Barker has announced that Chief Financial Officer Brett A. Dalton has been promoted to the newly created position of vice president for finance and operations. Dalton, who was named CFO in 2007 to head the university’s finance division, also now has responsibility for leadership and management of the university’s facilities, maintenance, procurement, environmental health and safety and human resources departments. He also

Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina celebrated the grand opening of its newest Job Link Center on Johns Island Friday, June 8 with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place outside of the new Job Link Center, located inside the Johns Island Goodwill retail store at 1758 Main Road, and was attended by County Councilman Vick Rawls and various representatives from the Johns Island community. The Job Link Center will be open to everyone in the community and, in addition to the certification programs, will offer career coaching, job training and other employment placement services. will assume additional responsibility in the area of university strategic planning and implementation of the school’s 10-year plan. Scott Wallinger and Christian Stegmaier are the latest Collins & Lacy P.C. attorneys selected as Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM) members. The CLM is a nonpartisan alliance comprised of insurance companies, corporations, corporate counsel, litigation and risk managers, claims professionals and attorneys. Wallinger and Stegmaier join Collins & Lacy attorneys Ellen Adams and Pete Dworjanyn as South Carolina members of the international organization. The South Carolina chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (SCPRSA) awarded Alyssa Hasell with the “Rookie of the Year” honor at its 2012 Mercury Awards celebration.

Guard Dog rose to number 28 in rank on SDM’s annual list of the Top 100 Security Companies in the U.S. Elliott Davis LLC has been recognized among the top firms in the U.S. on Vault. com’s Annual Accounting Firm Rankings for 2013. Taylor S. Hart has joined GEL Engineering LLC (GEL) as an environmental engineering intern for the firm’s Charleston, S.C. office. As a student intern with GEL, Hart will observe and assist GEL’s Field Services, Surveying and Civil Engineering groups.

Hargray has announced the completion of a major construction project to bring improved and more reliable connectivity to Daufuskie Island. The telecommunications company began construction late in 2011 with the goal of connecting Daufuskie Island with fiber Due to a record-shattering 2011, Electric optic cable. Previously, Daufuskie Island

MEM B ER N EWS Compiled by Matthew Gregory (Send publicity and event photos to: matthew.gregory@scchamber.net)

Stegmaier

Stewart

Wallinger

Watson

Winburn

KeenanSuggs has been selected by Charleston-based UNIPHY to manage the medical malpractice insurance program for its 700 member physicians located in Charleston, Berkeley, Colleton Julie O. Medich, shareholder in and Dorchester counties. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd law firm’s Charleston office, is a recipient of the Lexington Medical Center is affiliating Women’s Leadership Council Award with Duke Medicine to provide a stategiven annually by the Trident United of-the-art level of cancer care to patients. Way. At a recent awards luncheon, the This collaboration with Duke will allow Women’s Leadership Council recognized Lexington Medical Center patients to outstanding members for community have access to Duke’s excellence in leadership in three areas: Role Model, cancer patient care, clinical research and Nonprofit Leader and Behind-the-Scenes education. The Lexington Medical Center Hero. Medich was recognized for being Board of Directors has re-elected Dan an outstanding role model. Jones to a second term as chairman. He will serve a one-year term as board The Institute for Child Success, a chairman. Greenville-based organization working across South Carolina to create a culture Upstate businessman Ray Lattimore, that facilitates and fosters the success of president and CEO of Marketplace all children, has hired Jamie Moon to be Staffing, has been named an inaugural its executive director. recipient of Greenville Tech Charter High School’s Charter Champion Warrior JTEKT Automotive South Carolina Award, presented to “exemplary Inc., a manufacturer of automotive contributors” to the award-winning components, has announced plans public high school. Upstate human to expand its operations in Greenville resources and talent management County. The $102 million investment is professional Tami Mullins has joined expected to generate at least 80 new jobs Marketplace Staffing as branch manager over the next two years. of the firm’s Fountain Inn office. was served with wireless microwave communications equipment, limiting reliability and the amount of bandwidth and capacity available.

When your message needs to reach South Carolina’s business leaders, there is only one choice:

the magazine of choice for South Carolina’s top executives. CE 1st PLA E IN Z A G MA CSAE 2012 S siness Bu Best in ards Aw

Contact Deidre Macklen at 803 318 3926 for 2012 marketing and advertising opportunities. Ask about our online and print bundles.

Wo o d w a r d

Welcome, New Members AFTERDISASTER Greensboro, N.C.

Heritage Community Bank Hartsville, S.C.

Alfred Williams & Company Columbia, S.C.

Knight Printing & Graphics Charleston, S.C.

Anderson Hardwood Floors Standard Plywood Lexington, S.C.

Med Center Pharmacy & Medical Inc. Darlington, S.C.

Argos Cement Harleyville, S.C.

Pratt Industries - Greenville Converting Simpsonville, S.C.

AVANTech Columbia, S.C. CAOTTI - A Dish Retailer McCormick, S.C. Clayco Inc. Chicago, Ill. Compact Power Inc. Rock Hill, S.C. Design Strategies LLC Greenville, S.C. EagleMed Wichita, Kan.

SAIC Energy Environment & Infrastructure LLC Aiken, S.C. Shaw Lumber Company Inc. Sumter, S.C. SIB Development and Consulting Charleston, S.C. Sloan Construction Company Inc. Duncan, S.C. Southern Tide Greenville, S.C.

Environmental Consulting & Technology Inc. Columbia, S.C.

The Sunnie and DeWorken Group Greenville, S.C.

GKN Aerostructures North America Irving, Texas

Westminster Chamber of Commerce Westminster, S.C.

Greenwood Capital Associates Inc. Greenwood, S.C. Heath M. Stewart III has joined McAngus Goudelock & Courie’s Columbia, S.C. office. Stewart’s practice focuses on general liability defense. Matthew S. Moser and E. Scott Winburn have joined the firm’s Columbia, S.C. office. Both attorneys practice in the area of workers’ compensation defense. McNair Law Firm P.A. Shareholder Sherri McGirt has been selected as one of the 50 Influential Women by The Mecklenburg Times. Sharon C. Bramlett, an attorney in McNair’s Columbia office, has been named president of the Palmetto Center for Women. Microburst Learning has completed

its 50th online educational tool for South Carolina students, educators and parents to promote careers in the nuclear energy production arena. Sponsored by EngenuitySC and SCANA, the Nuclear Energy Production MicroCareerBurst™ discusses the growing need for highly trained workers as new nuclear capacity is expanding with the construction of two new nuclear reactors in Fairfield County. Highlighted jobs in the e-lesson include nuclear operators, radiation protection technicians and nuclear engineers. NAI Avant announced its Top Producing performers for 2011 at its annual awards reception. Paul Hartley, SIOR, received Top Overall Producer and Top Leasing Agent for year ending in 2011. Dail Longaker Jr. took home the award

s c c h a m b e r. n e t | J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss |

MEM B ER N EWS

Events

Calendar July 18, 2012 Quality Forum Columbia July 26, 2012 Manufacturers Steering Committee Meeting Columbia August 2, 2012 Human Resources Committee Meeting Columbia August 3, 2012 Environmental Technical Committee Meeting Columbia Diversity Council Meeting Columbia August 8, 2012 Small Business Committee Meeting Columbia August 15, 2012 Quality Forum Columbia August 29, 2012 South Carolina Manufacturer of the Year Awards Luncheon Columbia September 6, 2012 Business Classic Golf Tournament Lexington September 7, 2012 Environmental Technical Committee Meeting Columbia September 13, 2012 8th Annual Excellence in Workplace Diversity Awards Dinner Columbia September 18, 2012 Safety, Health & Security Committee Meeting Columbia

For additional events, visit scchamber.net.

for Top Sales Agent. Vice President of Property and Project Management Rick Owen received the President’s Award. Thomas M. Boulware, VI, CCIM, was recognized as the Top Overall Producer for NAI Avant’s Charleston office. Paul Hartley, SIOR, Dail Longaker Jr., Ben E. Kelly, III, CCIM, Nick Stomski, SIOR, and Tom Milliken were named Top Five Producing Brokers for 2011 for the Columbia office. Delilah “Dee” Ledford has joined PHT Services Ltd. as senior claims consultant, responsible for the investigation and management of liability claims for Palmetto Healthcare Liability Insurance Program. Sheila Woodward, AIM, CAP, has rejoined PHT Services Ltd. as assistant to the president & CEO. Cathy Whitman, human resource assistant for Presbyterian College Army ROTC program, has received the distinction of Army Cadet Command HRA of the Year for the Brigade. Whitman has served in her role as HRA for the ROTC program at Presbyterian College for 27 years. The Progress Energy Foundation will invest more than $350,000 in the Carolinas this year to support energy education and workforce development in public schools. Grants were awarded to programs that focus on expanding student and teacher knowledge about energy issues, including alternative energy, energy efficiency and state-ofthe-art power systems.

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Advertiser Index ALCOA................................. Outside Back Cover

Sara Parrish and Blair Boldizar have joined the South Carolina Ports Authority in the Office of External Affairs. Parrish works as a manager, government relations, and Boldizar has joined as a public relations associate. Southeastern Freight Lines, a leading provider of regional less-thantruckload (LTL) transportation services, has received the Echo Global Logistics’ Carrier Award. Southeastern was recognized for its excellence in carrier rankings for categories including quality of service, customer service and overall responsiveness. Through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) first two quarters of 2012, TD Bank approved $15.1 million in SBA loans to South Carolina small businesses, making TD Bank the state’s current top lender by dollar volume. TD Bank has named Casey Glover vice president, portfolio manager in commercial real estate in Greenville, S.C. Tina Crain Bagwell has been named store manager of the Spartanburg, S.C. Main store. Grant M. McAnulty has been named small business relationship manager in Charleston, S.C. Karen S. Smith has been promoted to regional vice president for the Midlands region of South Carolina.

Michael O’Leary, COO of Rhythmlink, has been appointed to the South Carolina District Export Council (DEC). Joining 25 members from a multitude of industries and associations across South Carolina, O’Leary will serve a renewable four-year term. Over the next few years, O’Leary will provide advice and help counsel local South Carolina companies on various international trade issues.

Turner Padget Graham & Laney P.A. is pleased to announce the launch of its Drug and Medical Device practice group. The formalization of this industry group builds on Turner Padget’s long-standing history of providing legal services to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Myada El-Sawi has joined the firm’s Greenville office. ElSawi is a member of Turner Padget’s Workers’ Compensation Team and will concentrate her practice in that area.

Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP is proud to announce that attorney G.P. Diminich has been certified as a Certified Financial Planner™ by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. The CFP® certification is reserved for individuals who have taken the extra step to demonstrate their professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous CFP certification process that includes demanding education, examination, experience and ethical requirements. Vicki Cummings has joined the firm as the director of marketing and business development. She brings more than 20 years of experience and insight to the firm’s marketing department.

VC3 has announced it has achieved a Gold Web Development competency, demonstrating its ability to meet Microsoft Corp. customers’ evolving needs in today’s business environment. To earn a Microsoft gold competency, partners must successfully demonstrate expertise through rigorous exams, culminating in Microsoft certifications. Microsoft requires customer references for successful implementation and customer satisfaction. VC3 is the only Microsoft Partner in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia to earn this distinction.

The South Carolina Bankers Association (SCBA) is pleased to

welcome Marilynn E. Joyner as administrative assistant and director of social media.

Bank of America.............................................. 15 Economic Development Partnership.............. 14 Elliott Davis....................................................... 21 Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A............................1 Palmetto Pride.................................................. 25 PDQ South Injection........................................ 27 Santee Cooper................................................. 19 SRNS/SRNL........................................Inside Cover SCE&G............................................................. 11 Select Health.................................................... 27 Sonoco................................................................6 Staubli.............................................................. 10 URS................................................................... 26

When your message needs to reach South Carolina’s business leaders, there is only one choice: SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESS. The magazine of choice for South Carolina’s top executives. For advertising and marketing opportunities, call Deidre Macklen at 803 318 3923.

Your Business Advocates R

“

Our concerns are our members’ concerns. Strong business advocacy ensures South Carolina becomes more globally competitive.

”

— Otis Rawl, President and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1940, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is the Palmetto State’s largest statewide broad-based business and industry association and voice of business at the State House. The South Carolina Chamber keeps a close eye and constant presence at the State House, engaging legislators in meaningful dialogue while working to get positive business legislation passed and halting dangerous anti-business bills. The business community’s annual list of legislative priorities, the

Competitiveness Agenda, is based on feedback from the more than 18,000 businesses the Chamber represents. Over the past four years alone, the return on investment for South Carolina businesses has been $2 billion through legislative advocacy on issues like workers’ compensation reform, Employment Security Commission reform, port restructuring and more. Contact us today at 800-799-4601. Learn more at www.scchamber.net.

ALUMINUM ’ DOESN T GROW ON TREES

But at Alcoa Mt. Holly, we’re growing thousands of trees to help sustain our local environment. We’re inventing new ways to improve air quality, make our streams run cleaner and reduce our environmental footprint. We’ve reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 90% and landfill waste by 70% since 1990, and over the past six years, we’ve decreased our water use by 25%. As a member of the SC Environmental Excellence Program, we share our environmental knowledge regularly with school groups and industries throughout the state. It takes tons of raw material, millions of watts of energy and hundreds of engaged employees to make aluminum. And it takes a company-wide commitment to grow trees and other living things along the way.

MT. HOLLY