Chamber Spotlight: Gregory Electric Company

story by Kimberly Brauss

Growth and Gregory Electric Co. Inc. go hand in hand since its founding 72 years ago by the Gregory brothers. Having started in small commercial projects, Gregory Electric has since expanded into utility and many other avenues to better serve its members. With headquarters in Columbia, Gregory Electric is a Southeastern leader as “strategic partners in the design, installation, and service of energy and infrastructure.” It is licensed in 15 states and has several office locations in the Carolinas.

Robert E. Livingston Jr., current owner and president, joined the company when president Thomas L. Gregory decided to retire. Livingston, with a background in chemistry, engineering, and business administration, wanted to grow the linework side because his background focused on utility work. Gregory Electric continued its expansions on a customerneed basis.

The strategic placement of offices gives Gregory Electric an advantage to service anywhere in South Carolina, where they can get to any location in the state within an hour. And the expertise ranges from electrical to mechanical, HVAC, telecom, solar, water utilities, and features to technologies. Gregory Electric employees work as general contractors and design teams with manufacturing plants, schools, hospitals, and municipalities. The company touts having valued employees with double-digit years of service. A local feature that Gregory Electric installed and many may be familiar with is the water fountain near the parking garage in downtown Florence. Daniel D. Rogers III is regional manager at the Florence office located on West Sumter Street. His background is in construction management. In addition to many other responsibilities, Rogers takes pride in recruiting students through the Youth Apprenticeship Program. Gregory Electric partners with area high schools to make electrical education and training available for students. Rogers excels at being able to hire students for part-time positions that provide income, high school credits, and enhance employability and then retain students long-term after high school. Students in Florence and Darlington schools can apply to work part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer. While it is a longterm recruiting strategy for the company, it is also an opportunity to invest in youth that might not consider the field. With the different areas of expertise needed for the company, the students have a unique opportunity not only to gain on-the-job workplace skills but also earn competitive pay. Gregory Electric has entry-level positions that are eligible for wage bonuses and advancement opportunities based on performance and length of service. “It’s a pretty great place to work,” says Rogers. “GE sincerely cares for the safety of their employees. They currently employ 330. We hire for the long-term. We manage our work and plan our Workforce, working only locally unless there is a large project other areas need short-term help with. We like to see our employees go home at night. We support each other.”

R. LIVINGSTON JR. See Page 18 for more information on Gregory Electric's Youth Apprenticeship program.

Gregory Electric of Florence is looking to hire a diverse group of workers. The benefits are great and they cover 100 percent on insurance. “It’s a pretty great place to work,” says Rogers. “GE sincerely cares for the safety of their employees. They currently employ 330. We hire for the long-term. We manage our work and plan our Workforce, working only locally unless there is a large project other areas need short term help with. We like to see our employees go home at night. We support each other.”

For more information, visit www.gregoryelectric.com/careers/.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GREATER FLORENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER OF THE MONTH!

BUSINESS Are you a driven high school student interested in earning money while actively pursuing a career? Here's how you can be in the Youth Apprenticeship program with Gregory Electric!

Earning While You Learn.

South Carolina’s high school students have the unique opportunity to do just this by participating in a Youth Apprenticeship program. The program combines high school curriculum and career and technology training with critical on-the-job training performed at Gregory Electric. Students can pull in a paycheck through parttime work while earning a national credential in this highdemand occupations. South Carolina’s business and industry need highlyskilled workers. Registered apprenticeship works to build a solid workforce pipeline for the future. Combining a relevant education with critical on-the-job experience provides the makings for a successful career. That’s the formula that drives South Carolina’s Youth Apprenticeship program.

Be a part of the Youth Apprenticeship movement.

FOR STUDENTS:

Easily get the experience you need for your future career through our registered apprenticeship program. These programs combine your current high school curriculum with critical on-the-job training from Gregory Electric. As a youth apprentice, you will receive education and skills while earning a paycheck. What’s more, upon completion, you will have the highly soughtafter skills and experience that could make your career possibilities limitless. Talk with your guidance counselor today about Youth Apprenticeship.

FOR PARENTS:

You want the best for your children including the best possible start to their working life. Youth Apprenticeship enables your high school aged child to gain the necessary skills for high-demand jobs while earning a paycheck in a safe, secure environment. The program also ensures your child’s academic success. High school completion is a necessary component of the program. Relevant education and critical on-the-job training create the right combination to put your child on the right track to a promising career. YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP COMBINES:

• Classroom education

• On-the-job training • Wage progression

It truly gives South Carolina’s youth an opportunity to earn while they learn. This forward-focused program works to ensure a well-educated, well-trained workforce for South Carolina’s continued competitiveness in attracting and retaining business and industry.

HIGH SCHOOL APPRENTICES CAN:

• Bring in a paycheck while they learn • Enhance their employability by obtaining critical sought-after work skills • Strengthen their academic skills and in turn their academic success. High school completion is a requirement of the program