October 2017 by VIP Magazine

Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executive Mary Kevin Miller marykevinmiller@gmail.com Advertising Executive Jordan Pupa jordan@vipmagsc.com

Contributing Photographers Phillip Guyton Faren Kilpatrick Bradley Lail Fred Salley Jeff Smith Contributing Writers Elizabeth Campbell, EA Jamie Carsten Ashley Elvington Shane Gebhards Rion McAllister Jack Muench Jordan Pupa Donna Tracy

Creative Design Tuesday Taylor

Serving Florence, Hartsville, Darlington, Marion, Mullins, Lake City and the surrounding areas 2011-B Second Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29501 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

For advertising rates, call 843-687-4236.

COVER CONCEPT

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time of year when we are all racing to schedule our Christmas parties, hopefully getting on the schedule before all the best nights are taken. We thought it would be appropriate to introduce a new venue for all your planning needs, Glenview Farm Events. Bailey Rabon, daughter of owner Eric Rabon, is pictured with her horse Zippo. Pictures were taken by the wonderful Jeff Smith!

VIP Magazine | October 2017

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

ISSUE 23

OCTOBER CONTENTS 10 Launch Taco The Town Food Truck

12 Under The Dome Wilcox, Buyck, & Williams, P.A.

14 Developing Downtown Let’s Cruise Main Street | Mullins

16 Advocating Healthcare Helping Improve Community Health

18 Tax Prep Not So Scary, LLC | Elizabeth Campbell

20 In the Head of: Preston McDonald | FDTC

22 In the Head of:

24 Health & Wellness Carolinas Hospital

27-30 Cover Story Glenview Farm Events

Sweet Secrets

34 Business Spotlight Recruiting Solutions

36 Health & Wellness

52 Tech Savvy Google for 2018 | Shane Gebhards

54 Balancing Act Faith Rogers

56 Agribusiness Gillespie’s Peanuts

The Art of Kuk Sool Won

38 Florence Community Jamie Carsten | South State Bank

46 Happenings

58 Fashion for Work & Play Mainstream Boutique & Mahala Reese

60 Employee Spotlight Gene Darby | Marvin Tisdale Builders

48 Time to Toast VIP Magazine | October 2017

YMCA of Hartsville & Girls University

32 Try It Local

Michael Baxter | Coker

50 Collaboration

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

LAUNCH

AAFood Food Truck with Flavor with Flavor story by Jordan Pupa

At age 24, Luke Hudson developed Taco the Town, a food truck business in Hartsville featuring handcrafted MexicanAmerican street food. Luke’s support stems from his family, including the love of his life, his wife, Becky Hudson. Both welcomed their first child, Lucas, into the world just weeks after their first event with Taco the Town. With just a few key people helping out, Luke considers the business to be a “family thing” with just him and his wife running the show. Luke’s inspiration for creating Taco the Town stemmed from his experience working at the Midnight Rooster in Hartsville in which his aunt and mom manage. The Midnight Rooster is a popular local coffee shop and eatery in the heart of downtown Hartsville. After working a nine-to-five job and going through the same motions 10

VIP Magazine | October 2017

everyday, Luke decided to help out at the Midnight Rooster while still balancing his own job. Luke says, “I told myself I would help out as much as I could, but I would never quit my job. I found myself in Hartsville more and more and ended up doing exactly what I said I wouldn’t. I had no clue how I was going to pay my bills or how life was going to pan out, but I started waiting tables and trusted that God would take care of the rest.” Luke had never worked in a restaurant full-time before, but after just two years he had gained experience and skills in all parts of the restaurant including cooking, washing dishes, waiting tables, running catering events, dabbling in finances, plus working as a barista. “You could technically say Taco the Town was birthed by the Midnight Rooster!” His skills from working at the Midnight Rooster and ambition to produce something new Hartsville needed led to his initiative to develop Taco the Town, a food truck serving Mexican American street food. The menu does not consist of traditional Mexican dishes, but more so American favorites with a Mexican style. “We take some of your favorite things like pulled pork or catfish

and put our Mexican touch on them. The crowd favorite at our last event was a Korean Pulled Pork Taco with sweet chili napa cabbage topped with a wasabi lime sour cream.” The menu varies, but consists of combination meals and a la carte items, all of which can be completely customizable for an event. “If your child has a birthday party and they love macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets, we could make a Chicken and Mac Taco and call it whatever his or her name is! We are technically a private kitchen on wheels.” In late August, Taco the Town was first exposed to the Hartsville community during One Church’s I Love This Town event and it was a sell-out night with a huge turnout. The menu and offerings have already been a hit. “I think there’s a big need in Hartsville for food trucks in general. I always say if Hartsville can have like 14 food trucks, it would be my dream come true. I hope that people continue to be able to come eat a taco and forget about the rest of their week for a little while. If we can do that, my job is done.” Plans are just taking off for Taco the Town as Luke balances a week old baby and another part-time job at a church. Support from the local community, especially on Facebook and by word-of-mouth, has been a tremendous part of their success thus far. The base operation kitchen for Taco the Town is located at Bottle and Tap in Hartsville on South 5th Street. The two businesses will collaborate on some new ideas and events. “As far as vast plans for Innovation or progress for Taco the Town goes, we shall see it unfold just like you guys will!”

To see if Taco the Town will be at an event near you, follow them on Instagram and Facebook: @tacothetowntruck. To book Taco the Town for your next event or for more information, contact them at tacothetowntruck@gmail.com.

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

UNDER THE DOME

POLITICS IN THE

WORKPLACE story by

Mark W. Buyck, III

Concentrating in Banking, Business, Civil and Business Litigation and Appeals, Contracts, Employment, Government, Real Estate

The Wall Street Journal recently wrote an editorial bemoaning “The Politicization of Everything.” The main point of the editorial: it is a sad day when Americans cannot enjoy a Sunday afternoon football game without having politics thrown in their faces.

be an opportunity to ask questions, listen and understand why your co-worker disagrees with your position. You can also use it as an opportunity to find common ground. We all want to live in a great community and country; however, we have different ideas about how to get there.

So what happens when these same Americans return to work on Monday morning? Should employees engage in a robust discussion of current events, or should they simply smile and comment on the weather? Should employers encourage employee interaction, or should they attempt to stifle any potentially divisive remarks? The answer to these questions depend a lot on the corporate culture of the company and the local workplace. It is important for employers and employees to recognize that talking about politics at work is a tricky business.

South Carolina Code §16-17-560 makes it unlawful for anyone to “assault or intimidate a citizen (or) discharge a citizen from employment … because of political opinions or the exercise of political rights and privileges guaranteed to every citizen by the Constitution and laws of the United States or by the Constitution and laws of this State.” This is a criminal statute that carries a penalty of up to 2 years in jail. The statute can also form the basis of a cause of action for wrongful discharge. While it may be illegal to discharge an employee for his/her political beliefs, it would not be illegal if the termination was based on non-political grounds. For instance, if an employee is disrupting coworkers or interfering with the work of others, this may be a valid ground for termination. I would strongly recommend that if the underlying activity involves political expression, that you consult an attorney prior to taking any adverse action against the employee. The bottom line is that you are unlikely to ever sway a co-worker’s political opinions. With that in mind, if you engage in political discussions at work, be respectful of your co-worker’s point of view.

Before engaging or encouraging political discussions at work or otherwise, one should recognize that it is highly unlikely that you will convince your listeners to change their position. Politics is personal and often defies logic. That is a fact, accept it. If you appreciate that your strongly held beliefs are not going to sway your employee’s equally strongly held beliefs, you can use political discussion as an opportunity to express your views while at the same time understanding the opposing view. Political discussions can

Serving Businesses and Individuals from Florence to Myrtle Beach: the Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys of Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A.

willcoxlaw.com

VIP Magazine | October 2017

248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 | Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

DEVELOPING DOWNTOWN

...Oh Happy Days! story by Ashley Elvington

As a child, I regularly watched the programs shown on TV Land, one of three television channels my grandfather allowed to me watch during my more “young and impressionable” years. I quickly fell in love with “Happy Days,” so much so that I begged my aunt to make me a poodle skirt that year so I could dress up in it for Halloween (my mom wasn’t keen on me wearing it as a “normal” part of my wardrobe). I’ll never forget it, a beautiful red skirt with a black poodle on the side and tulle underneath. Add a white button down shirt and a pretty bow, and all that was missing was a sweet Potsie or lovable Ralph to help teach me how to jitterbug. While I will always love that show, as well as music and style from the 1950s, I’m mostly envious of the glory days of Main Street, drive-in movies, malt shops, etc. You know, the simpler times before iPhones and social media. I may never get to experience all of that, unless the day comes when a time machine is perfected. However, it can be easily recreated, thanks to the Mullins Chamber of Commerce and their Let’s Cruise Main Street event. The fun-filled weekend kicks off on October 20th with Family Night. You may not catch The Cunningham family, but you will see many familiar faces, along with some new ones, as you gather on the lawn, sit in your favorite chair, or even in the comfort of your own car to watch a movie. The film will be shown on the Green Space across the street from the library, starting at 8PM. If you choose to experience the movie like in the good ole days (aka from your car), there is a $5 fee per vehicle. Popcorn, drinks, and various other snacks will be sold. Bouncy houses and slides will be available for kids. Saturday, October 21st, is the grand car show. Festivities will be going on throughout the day from 2PM-10PM on Main Street. If you’re interested in showing off your beloved set of wheels, registration

begins at 1PM behind Anderson Brothers Bank’s corporate office (Main St. and E. Front St.), at the gazebo. There is a multi-car discount available, should you decide to bring your entire garage! Judging, as well as a parade, starts at 2:30PM and they will be searching for the best of the best in classic, American muscle, and late model cars. There will be five trophies awarded: People’s Choice (based on the amount of likes your vehicle receives on Facebook), Lucky Ride (a randomly chosen winner), and Judged (Classic – 1920s to 1990s, American Muscle - 1950s to 2017, and Late Model 1990s to 2017). All proceeds will go towards future Let’s Cruise Main Street events. Winners will be announced on the main stage at 7:30PM; winners must be present or the runner-up will be given the award. Don’t be a square, stick around and enjoy the evening! Music will be provided throughout the day by DJ Chris Ellis and DJ Legrand Cantey. Popular group Too Much Sylvia will take the stage at 7PM. There will also be a Cornhole Tournament at 3PM (1st place receives $300, 2nd place receives $200), registration begins at 2PM. Burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, and funnel cakes will be up for purchase through a food truck, a beer garden will be open to adults, and a Low Country Boil will be up for grabs as well, so be sure to bring your appetite! If you’re looking to actually cruise Main Street, that’s an option too! Drunken Jacks will have a carhop service available along with burgers, hot dogs, and 1/2 and 1/2 (french fries and corn dodgers) in the Butch’s parking lot. Café on Main (formerly Pizza Shak) will be open for business also, serving the Butch’s Burger, 1/2 and 1/2, and drink special. T-shirts and souvenirs can also be purchased to commemorate the wonderful evening you had in downtown Mullins, South Carolina. While the world has changed abundantly since the 1950s, it’s always fun to reminisce about those happy days. Be sure to mark your calendar for Let’s Cruise Main Street… An event even Fonzie wouldn’t want to miss!

To learn more about Let’s Cruise Main Street, feel free to check out their Facebook page. 14

VIP Magazine | October 2017

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

ADVOCATING HEALTHCARE Photo by Bradley Lail/HopeHealth.

Helping Improve Community Health Through Pharmacy Partnerships story by Donna Tracy, Communications Coordinator, HopeHealth

Throughout the nation, federally-qualified health centers like HopeHealth strive to improve the health of our communities by providing primary care services in underserved areas. Funding for these centers is provided through a variety of sources that include medical billing to private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, grants, and the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. The 340B Drug Pricing Program was established in 1992 to help provide health care services in underserved communities. Eligible health care organizations can use the program to purchase specific prescription drugs at significantly discounted prices directly from pharmaceutical companies. These discounts are set through an agreement between the pharmaceutical companies who wish to be a part of the Medicaid and Medicare Part B programs and the US Secretary of Health and Human Services. Indirectly, patients benefit from the services the health organization is able to offer because of the 340B program. Savings generated from the discounted pricing afforded participating pharmacies are returned to the health organization where the prescription was written and can be used by the organization to continue providing services, expand services, increase patient capacity, add patient programs, and more. The partnership also helps the health organization provide local pharmacy services in more locations that are convenient for their patients. At HopeHealth, more than 30 such partnerships help provide services to 37,000-plus patients in Aiken, Clarendon, Florence, Orangeburg, and Williamsburg counties. Long’s Drugs is one of those 30 partner pharmacies. With more than 20 locations in several states including

VIP Magazine | October 2017

Latoya Georgiev, a pharmacy technician with Long’s Drugs, pulls drugs to be filled at the pharmacy located inside the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence (above)

Jess Kemmler, PharmD, checks the supply of pills in the Parata Max automated robotic dispenser. The Parata Max is designed to help pharmacies efficiently label, count, sort, and cap prescriptions. Dr. Kemmler is a pharmacist at Long’s Drugs located inside the HopeHealth. (left)

South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana, as well as one inside the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence, they are able to provide pharmacy services in areas convenient for patients while continuing to help HopeHealth provide health care to others. “340B allows us to offer discounts to eligible patients,” said Jessica Barnwell, PharmD, a pharmacist with Long’s Drugs in the Medical Plaza. “In return, patients that use the 340B pharmacy, whether they are insured or uninsured, give back by helping HopeHealth provide for more customers.” Stephen Orander, HopeHealth director of pharmacy, explained that the program has no direct impact on the individual filling their prescription. “Essentially, any person with a prescription can have that prescription filled at the pharmacy of their choice,” said Orander, who spent more than 40 years in retail pharmacy, and now helps strengthen the bonds between HopeHealth, their pharmaceutical partners, and patients. The pharmacies participating in the 340B Program are contracted with federally-qualified health centers like HopeHealth or other eligible health organizations are partnered dispensaries, he said. This allows

pharmacies to better forecast their dispensing fee income. “The pharmacies fill the prescriptions and we pay them a fee,” he explained. “Then, we order and replenish the inventory at the 340B drug pricing cost.” The difference between that and what the insurance company reimburses is what provides monies to support the health organizations continue providing affordable care to underserved communities. Pharmacies in the 340B program, such as Long’s Drugs, fill the same prescriptions for the customer the same as a non-participating pharmacy. The difference is that prescriptions filled at participating pharmacies – whether local and independently-operated or national chain locations – enable “covered entities to stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services,” according to US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration guidance on the program. October is American Pharmacists Month celebrating the pharmacy profession and recognizing the impact that pharmacists have on improving medication use and advancing patient care throughout all practice settings – especially those 340B pharmacies like Long’s Drugs. The 2017 theme for American Pharmacists Month, Know Your Pharmacist—Know Your Medicine, encourages people to interact with their pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who offer a broad array of services beyond filling prescriptions. These include medication education, care management, and counseling.

Long’s Drugs is located at 360 North Irby Street, Florence, SC. Their hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 8am – 8pm, and Saturday 9 am – 6 pm. Jessica Barnwell, PharmD can be reached at (843) 656-0390.

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

TAX PREP

NOT SO SCARY

Limited Liability Companies story by Elizabeth Campbell Mills, EA

Get an LLC they said. It will be the best thing for your business they said. You can just do it online yourself they said. And you listened to the “they said” people, did what the internet instructed and yet you do not understand what you did and that means you most likely did it wrong. I’m all about making cuts on the budget but this is one case where you get what you pay for. A Limited Liability Company is a legal entity that is organized, rather than incorporated. It has the advantages of limiting liability to the members, acting as a pass through entity and has more flexibility than a corporation. They have gained popularity over the past decade because of the multiple facets they have in favor of the business owner and because an attorney is not necessary to organize them. Just like the self checkout lanes at the grocery store, people doing their LLCs at home do not know there is a problem until red lights start flashing and it eats your debit card. In its raw form (what the average Joe does by themselves online), an LLC can be a sole proprietor or a partnership depending on how many members are on the paperwork. If just one member is on the organizing documents, the natural default is to a sole proprietor which gives you the liability separation but leaves the business on the personal return/Schedule C. This is subject to 15.3% self employment tax on the net profit in addition to the regular tax liability. If there are two or more members on the organizing paperwork, it defaults to a Partnership which does file a separate return from the member and accomplishes limiting legal liability. However, the net profit that passes through the K-1 to the member’s personal return is subject to 15.3% self employment tax in addition to the regular tax liability. The common theme on these defaults of a homemade LLC...taxes, taxes, taxes. The solution to this lies in telling the LLC what it needs to be instead of allowing it to default and make the decision itself. Generally speaking, I advise business owners to choose to be an LLC with S Corporation tax treatment. This requires that an 1120S Tax Form be filed for the business each year by March 15th. This return is informational only as far as the IRS is concerned so

VIP Magazine | October 2017

no taxes are assessed at that level. Within the 1120S, each member, now a shareholder (1 up to 100 per S Corporation rules), will receive a K-1 showing their part of the profit or loss from that return. In turn, each shareholder then reports the profit or loss on their personal return; it is included as regular income and taxed at their regular tax rate. What is missing here is the 15.3% self employment tax on the total net profit in addition to regular tax liability as occurs with sole proprietors and partnerships. What that does not mean is that you get out of paying self employment tax altogether. Self Employment Tax is required to be paid in by all taxpayers, either on their personal return (sole proprietors and partnerships) or via a W-2. The idea with an S Corporation is not to alleviate the self employment tax but to control the amount of self employment tax being paid in. Rather than paying 15.3% self employment tax on the net income, which has no cap on it, this allows the shareholders to draw a paycheck, have the applicable state, federal, Medicare and social security taxes withheld, and to report the related W-2 on their personal return. The salary can be set using several online programs (i.e. www.payscale. com) to choose the accurate amount. Thus the self employment tax is paid based on a fixed salary rather than the entire net earnings of the company. Before deciding which entity is right for your existing or new business I suggest that you speak to your tax preparer. Not taking the time to do this can be extremely costly in taxes. Many tax preparers, including myself, process Limited Liability paperwork and can make the S Corporation election for you. Tax and Corporate attorneys may offer this service as well. Make sure to take your time and make the right entity selection for your business. It is easier to do it right to start with than to be hit with a large tax bill and then have to make a correction. Folks, do not try this at home. It usually does not go well.

Elizabeth “Betsy” K. Campbell owns Campbell Accounting Solutions, LLC. Call (843) 662-9700 or email taxinfo@campbellgroupsc.com for your tax solutions.

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

IN THE HEAD OF

FLORENCE DARLINGTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE BASEBALL COACH,

PRESTON McDONALD About Preston McDonald I’m married to a very supportive wife, the former Kayla Coward, and we have a twin boy and girl that are 10 weeks old, Maddux and Isabella. I grew up in Sumter and graduated from Lakewood High School. I signed to play baseball at Coker College and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. At the end of my sophomore season, I partially tore the ligament in my throwing elbow. Since I wasn’t able to play in the summer, I decided to coach a recreation baseball team. At just 20 years old, I began my coaching career. The recreation team led to the head coaching positions at Dalzell-Shaw and Bishopville’s American Legion Programs over the next 4 summers. That led to the position of infield coach and recruiting coordinator at Florence-Darlington Tech. After one year as an assistant coach under Curtis Hudson, I was named the Head Baseball Coach at FDTC in May of 2009. I was 24 years old and the youngest college head coach in the nation. I became a full-time employee at FDTC in Student Activities in the fall of 2010 and was named Athletic Director in 2015. I’m entering my ninth season as the Head Baseball Coach at FDTC. I think deep down I always knew I wanted to be a coach, but it took an injury to begin God’s plan for my coaching career. Describe what “the day of a coach” looks like from your perspective. It changes between our fall and spring season. We play 20 scrimmages and 20 intrasquads in the fall and during the spring we play a 56-game regular season schedule. During the week, I’m in the office early. I start by creating a practice plan for the day to make sure we are organized and use our time wisely. During the fall I have to create a travel roster, lineups and rotation for our scrimmage games. In the spring, I create a travel itinerary since most

VIP Magazine | October 2017

of the away games are overnight trips. I have to reserve the bus, bus driver, and book hotel rooms. I also have to find time to send out text messages and make phone calls to recruits, and I usually give a couple of recruit tours per week. I get emails, texts, and calls from 4-year schools and Pro Scouts on a daily basis wanting information on our players and I monitor our players’ academic planner to make sure they’re excelling in the classroom. As AD, I have to make sure we are in compliance with NJCAA. I create and send out Letter of Intents for both the baseball and softball commitments. I have to update our social media pages and athletic website. After lunch, we have study hall. I monitor the players to make sure they’re working on their schoolwork. We start practice at 3:45pm and finish up by 6:30pm, and we have group lifting after practice three days a week. We have our scrimmages and games on Saturdays and Sundays in the fall and spring. I have to enter our stats on Monday mornings onto the NJCAA website. For the past 3 years, we’ve volunteered at the Miracle League on Monday nights. During the summer, I am in the office Monday through Friday and out at a tournament on weekends to watch recruits play. It makes for long days and I love it.

What is your philosophy on coaching and its relationship to education? First off, I have some great assistant coaches that put in a bunch of time and work very hard. They’re involved in every decision and every aspect of the program. I think our culture is a big part of what has made us so successful. Recruiting is a major piece of that. I’m looking for good citizens, good students, hard workers, coachable, and respectful guys that just happen to be talented baseball players. I want guys who have the desire and drive to be great and understand they have to make good social decisions. We hold our players accountable on and off the field. We want tough, gritty, blue-collar type guys that value the work we put in and understand that it is necessary to be successful. We try to teach them how to overcome adversity and develop leadership skills. We want our players to care about each other and the success of others and we take a lot of pride in playing the game the right way. Player development is also a big part of what we do. We work with our guys on their skill daily to try and improve their tools. We want to turn a collection of talented players into a cohesive unit. I was blessed to be able to play for some great coaches in a bunch of different sports over the years and I take a little bit of each of them with me. All of my players over the years know that we stress being a student before being an athlete. We have developed a structured program to put our players in a situation to be successful academically. I think what I’m most proud of is the number of players we’ve sent on to play and earn a degree at 4-year schools. That’s what really matters. Baseball will eventually come to an end. We want them to be able to make money to support a family and live the lifestyle that they’ve dreamed of. What do you consider your biggest accomplishment thus far as a coach? In 2017, we finished 42-19 winning the Region X Championship and Eastern District Championship, earning a spot in the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, CO. I was told at Grand Junction that I was the youngest head coach in the 60 year history to bring a team to the World Series. We’ve been ranked in the top 10 in the nation 4 of the last 6 years. We’ve had 11 players selected in the MLB Draft here since 2010. It has been a rewarding experience to see all of our hard work, hours away from family, missing family vacations and events pay off with the success of the program.

For more on Stinger Athletics, visit www.stingerathletics.com. October 2017 | VIP Magazine

IN THE HEAD OF

COKER COLLEGE WRESTLING COACH,

MICHAEL BAXTER About Michael Baxter This is my second year as the Head Wrestling Coach at Coker College. My path to Hartsville hits two major locations and many more influences. I was raised in Sandusky, OH on the shores of Lake Erie. Wrestling became a big part of my life in 5th grade. Over 8 years, under the tutelage of numerous people, I was lucky enough to continue to compete at the sport I loved while going to Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine and my Master’s Degree in Exercise Science. What inspired you to start coaching? For the longest time I was only able to identify myself as a wrestler. Then, the summer before my senior year of college and after three shoulder surgeries, I was told I was no longer able to compete. It was a hard pill to swallow. I was lucky enough that my Coach, Mike Wehler, didn’t ask me, but told me I was going to continue to be a part of the team we had built as one of his assistants. It felt right. I still had the desire to compete and to help the student athletes avoid some of the obstacles I had run into during my time as an athlete. After that first season I was hooked. I continued on for several more years as an assistant while getting my Master’s Degree in Exercise Science. After my Master’s, I started looking for jobs in Cardiac Rehab and then the job at Coker opened up. With a little encouragement, I applied for the position at Coker. Everything felt right and it has been a fun and wild ride so far.

VIP Magazine | October 2017

Describe what “the day of a coach” looks like from your perspective. I tell myself everyday, “plan and adapt.” This is a quick phrase to describe my day-to-day life. Rarely does a day go by where everything is executed how and when I planned on it to. I am pretty fluid around how my day goes, but there is generally a system to the madness. When I get to the Deloach Center in the morning I drink my cup of coffee and mingle with other coaches and administrators for about 15 to 20 minutes. We have a great staff as an athletics department and as a young coach I like to pick everyone’s brains to see how they operate. During the morning, I complete paperwork. Who knew that coaching would require me working on my computer this much? It’s a necessary evil that allows everything else to run in a smooth manner, so while I don’t love it, I understand why it has to be done. Mornings are broken up by individual lifts, practices, or film sessions with my athletes. Generally, I see most of my athletes twice throughout the week in the mornings for individual work. Lunch comes around noon and I head home for 30-45 minutes. After lunch, practice planning, and planning for the recruiting phone calls that night. Once 3:00 comes around I am in the wrestling room setting up practice, and talking with the guys that arrived early to practice. Whether practice is wrestling, lifting, running, frisbee, or a combination, we are generally out of there by 5:30. My night is a bit more relaxed. It consists of study hall with the team while I am making recruiting phone

calls and sending out e-mails. I try and get to bed at a reasonable hour, but that never happens. Once I do go to bed I wake up and start it all over again. What is your philosophy on coaching and its relationship to education? I truly believe that wrestling and college athletics is an avenue to having a fulfilling career. I hear a lot of people saying, “get your degree, or, we need kids to graduate.” I don’t like that mentality. If my athletes walk out of Coker with a degree and no plan, I don’t think I did my part in the process. There is a lot of crossover between how I coach wrestling and how I talk about schoolwork with my athletes. Discipline, accountability, and competition are key components to athletics and having a successful career. Again, I say career, not degree or to graduate, because we are coaching our athletes to have careers, not just degrees. What do you consider your biggest accomplishment thus far as a coach? Don’t for a second think that winning isn’t important to me, but winning on the mat is just as important to me as winning in every phase of these kids lives. We push our student athletes to compete at everything they do; to be the best wrestler, student, friend, son, teammate that they can be. There will be setbacks, but if as a group we continue to compete in our everyday lives, I am certain that one day they will be the best employees, bosses, husbands, fathers, and members of their community. And if that’s the end result, I did my job.

For more on Coker College Athletic department, visit www.cokercobras.com.

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

About Carolinas Hospital System

AND

RENEW NETWORK RELATIONSHIP Carolinas Hospital System and UnitedHealthcare have reached an agreement on a new, multi-year contract to ensure Florence residents enrolled in UnitedHealthcare commercial and Medicare Advantage health plans continue to have in-network access to the hospital system’s facilities and physicians. This renewed relationship provides nearly 10,500 members access to the Carolinas Hospital System physicians and other health care providers who share UnitedHealthcare’s commitment to improving access to quality care, enhancing clinical outcomes, lowering costs of care and creating an exceptional patient experience. “Carolinas Hospital System and UnitedHealthcare have a great history of working together to enhance and improve access to critical health services for more of our patients,” said Gary Malaer, CEO of Carolinas Hospital System. “We appreciate our renewed relationship, and look forward to working with UnitedHealthcare to continue serving our community and having a positive impact for its members who live and work in our service area.” “Carolinas Hospital System is an important community provider and offers the people served by UnitedHealthcare and their families’ greater choice and access to quality, cost-effective care,” said Garland Scott, CEO of UnitedHealthcare of South Carolina. “We appreciate collaborative relationships with these care providers who are committed to improving the quality and cost of care.” 24

VIP Magazine | October 2017

Carolinas Hospital System is a leading regional acute care facility, comprised of 396 beds, more than 1,500 employees and nearly 250 physicians representing all major specialties dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of the citizens of Northeastern South Carolina. Carolinas’ offers acute care, diagnostic services, women’s health, orthopaedic services, cancer care, cardiac services, general and laparoscopic surgery, rehabilitation, emergency/trauma care, community health services and more. The hospital’s Chest Pain Center is first in the region to be accredited and one of only 14 in the state to achieve this distinction. Carolinas Hospital System prides itself on exceeding the expectations of its patients while delivering compassionate, quality care. For more information, please visit CarolinasHospital.com.

About UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter.

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

VIP Magazine | October 2017

Bailey Rabon with ???

story by Heather Page | photography by Jeff Smith story begins on page 28

COVER STORY • Glenview Farm

THE NEXT CHAPTER Transforming barns into unique venues is more than a trend amongst party planners; it has become a necessity as more brides-to-be are requesting the rustic backdrop for the best day of their life. As new venues created from old spaces are being introduced, they are quickly being filled with weddings and other celebrations. Similar to many transformed farms, Glenview Farm was no longer the home to hundreds of horses, jockeys, and a full-time staff. Its foundation was solid and beautiful but was becoming overgrown and weathered. Eric Rabon, owner, was presented with the idea of creating a venue for guest to enjoy the newly vacant grounds - two years later he proudly introduces Glenview Farm Events! When visiting the Glenview property, it’s interesting to know the history that exists. Eric and his wife Doris began breaking horses for the race track when they were first married in 1994. “As fast as I could build the barns, Doris would fill them with horses from all over the country,” says Eric. The property includes a 1.5 mile race track for training. The couple trained horses that raced all over the country including New York, Miami, Philly, Boston, Kentucky, pretty much anywhere there was a track. Many of the horses were owned by others and brought to the farm for Eric and Doris’s expert training. However, they also owned several horses that they raced themselves, winning numerous steeplechase races and flat track races. They were awarded Pennsylvania Horse of the Year for two years, too. Eric Rabon

In 2013, Doris developed breast cancer and passed away in 2014. “When she left, I lost my best friend, my wife, and my business partner.” Eric loved the horses and the life that it involved but Doris was the horse person. Without her, Eric struggled to continue the dream. “The barns set unused and falling apart.” Family and friends would mention how the barns would make a great venue, it finally got Eric’s attention. For two years Eric and his father worked to create a memorable space. They completely gutted the barns and used all the original wood, plus more, to make the venue what it is today. They added an outside courtyard and fireplace, and converted part of the old barn into a full dressing room, complete with all the facilities, separate spaces for both men and women. A large prep kitchen was added as well. With all the added amenities, Eric asked Doris’s sister, Sarah Folkens, to help run the venue. She gladly accepted and is responsible for meeting with clients and reserving the space for events. Glenview Farm Events offers a full turn key center. They provide chairs and tables, a dance floor, full sound system, and five large televisions with satellite availability and the ability to broadcast slideshows. Not only perfect for weddings, the venue hosted King Academy’s 2017 prom where party goers admitted it was the best prom yet! Eric and Doris’s daughter, Bailey (who also graces the cover), was in attendance and agreed that Glenview was perfect for her and her friends to dance the night away.

THE NEXT CHAPTER CONTINUED... Lori and Steve Osborne helped their daughter, Elizabeth Ross, plan her perfect wedding day. The couple had to say, “Glenview Farm is a beacon of excellence nestled in the heart of the Pee Dee. The once horse stables have been transformed to a stateof-the-art party venue that is adorned with southern charm and hospitality. Planning a party for 400+ guests can be more than a little stressful; Eric and his staff took the stress out of our little girls wedding day and helped create the most memorable day of her life. Everything we needed from lights, sound equipment, tables, chairs and a dance floor were all under one roof. Eric had taken care of it all...even down to the party insurance. All we had to do was show up!” With both indoor and outdoor spaces, Glenview Farm Events is the newest hot spot to host your most memorable event. Located in Timmonsville, right off of I-95, it’s a short drive form anywhere in the Pee Dee. While planning your Christmas parties, birthday parties (which include a sighting of Clinton, the donkey), family reunions, or any other celebration you’re in charge of organizing, consider Glenview as your destination.

Eric and daughter Bailey live on the Glenview property. His son, Evan, is attending Coastal Carolina University where he is kicker for the Chanticleers.

For available dates or tours: (843) 409-1657 • 1540 Center Rd, Timmonsville www.glenviewfarmevents.com

COVER STORY • Glenview Farm

WHERE DOES YOUR PET VACATION? Glenview Farm Kennel has been the vacation home to many local pets, and not-so locals, for over ten years. With 90 climate controlled spaces, including luxury suites with individual televisions and a window view, this kennel is the top choice for all cats and dogs. Owners of man’s best friends have no worries about leaving their pets with the caring staff at Glenview Farm Kennel.

Libby Edwards, Manager, has worked with the Kennel for man years. Her love for the animals and knowledge for the Kennel greets you at the door. Eric brags that “Libby, along with the rest of the staff, do an outstanding job for us!” In addition to the daily housekeeping chores, this team makes sure pets get the attention and exercise they need while their parents are away. An extra at the farm allows staff to take dogs on daily farm walks on the expansive property. The Kennel is complete with a dog park with ramps, tunnels, a splash pad, and it’s own salt treated pool. Dogs are let outside to play three to four times a day in a fenced-in area. Known as the Eastern South Carolina’s premier luxury pet boarding kennel, Glenview Farm Kennel is open seven days a week. Call today to set up your fur babies appointment for a funfilled vacation to remember!

Libby Edwards

Pet Shuttle • Indoor/outdoor Runs • Cat Condos Luxury Suites • Aquatic Center • Dog Park • Farm Walks 1540 Center Road, Timmonsville, South Carolina, 29161 • 843.346.9001 Monday thru Friday: 8:30a – 12p, 2p – 6p Saturday: 8:30a – 2p • Sunday: 10a – 12p, 4p – 6p

TRY IT LOCAL!

your guide to

Sweet Secrets Fall Elegance Specialty Cakes Tiered cakes offered in a variety of cake and icing flavors.

1307 Second Loop Rd., Florence 843.662.3903 freemansbakerysc.com

VIP Magazine | October 2017

Peanut Butter Cake

Pecan Pie Cake

Scratch-made chocolate cake covered in rich peanut butter buttercream and drizzled with chocolate ganache.

Butter cake with pecan pie topping and filling between layers with a whipped cream cheese frosting.

116 N. 5th St. Hartsville 843.309.9375 griggscirclebakery.com

907 W. Carolina Ave. Suite A Hartsville 843.309.9178 facebook.com/sugarushsc

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Anna Johnston Branch Manager

Britnie Stryhal Staffing Assistant

Elaine Reynolds

Business Development Manager

Carly King

Staffing Coordinator

Kendall Chapman Staffing Coordinator

Recruiting The Best For Your Business story by Ashley Elvington

If you are an employer looking for talented individuals to join your team, or if you are in search of a job opportunity for yourself, look no further than Recruiting Solutions. Founded in 1992, Recruiting Solutions is a local, independent staffing and recruiting company that equips businesses with qualified employees and matches job seekers with positions suited to their unique skills and experience. With locations in Greenville, Columbia, and Florence, Recruiting Solutions operates in three of South Carolina’s largest markets and is well-situated to attract and retain the best candidates within the South Carolina job market. Recruiting Solutions’ team members attain the Certified Staffing Professional designation through the American Staffing Association, and are experienced in identifying and managing prospective candidates who will be the right fit for their clients. The company focuses on providing outstanding customer service at competitive rates, quick and effective responses to client requests, an in-depth screening process, and serves as a true staffing and recruitment partner. Recruiting Solutions also offers quarterly business reviews, metrics tracking, employee counseling, on-site employee management, and custom training programs to client companies. It’s no wonder Recruiting Solutions has been named a Best Place to Work in South Carolina for the past three years in a row! Recruiting Solutions focuses on three main sectors: InfoTechnology, Office Professional, and Light Industrial. Within each industry, the company recruits for a wide range of positions and skill levels. Interested job seekers are encouraged to apply online at RecruitingSolutionsOnline.com. Similarly, employers can use an online form to request more information about Recruiting Solutions’ services, or call directly at 843.519.2500.

VIP Magazine | October 2017

Recruiting Solutions’ Florence office was established in early 2015, and recently moved to a new location at 2391 David McLeod Blvd., Suite C, in Florence, SC. This move is the result of the company’s continued growth in the Pee Dee region, and will allow Recruiting Solutions’ dedicated staff to better serve their clients as the business expands. One member of Recruiting Solutions’ team, Kendall Chapman, first joined the Florence branch over a year ago. Kendall began as a Staffing Assistant, and was quickly promoted to a Staffing Coordinator. She currently handles recruitment efforts for the Light Industrial division. To Kendall, it’s a “no brainer” when it comes to choosing Recruiting Solutions. “We are provided with continuous training opportunities here, and I love that every day is different. We are also closely involved in our community, as many of our team members have roots in the Pee Dee area. We take the time to get to know our job seekers in order to better serve our clients, and we pride ourselves on our thorough interview and screening processes.” Florence Branch Manager, Anna Johnston, has been a part of the Recruiting Solutions’ Florence office since it was established in 2015. She recruited as a Staffing Coordinator, excelled to Senior Staffing Coordinator, and now serves in her managerial role. Anna notes, “Recruiting Solutions takes pride on delivering the highest level of customer service to both our clients and our employees. We are honored to celebrate our 25th anniversary this year, and we look forward to our continued involvement as part of the Pee Dee community!” So what are you waiting for? A better opportunity is waiting for you, and it’s only a click away!

RecruitingSolutionsOnline.com | 843.519.2500.

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

HEALTH & WELLNESS photography by FotosbyFaren

Kuk Sool Won Helping You Grow Physically and Mentally story by Ashley Elvington If you’re looking for a way to tap into your inner warrior, look no further than Kuk Sool Won – a collection of traditional fighting arts that make up Korea’s martial arts history. With Kuk Sool Won, you’ll learn about hand and leg techniques, proper throws and grappling, joint lock techniques, the proper method of falling and acrobatics, body conditioning, animal-style techniques, meditation and breathing, martial arts healing, and the usage of traditional Korean weapons. The system was introduced to the United States in 1974 by Grandmaster Suh. In addition to their fighting style, what sets those a part of Kuk Sool Won from other martial arts styles is their uniform, called The General. In 1968, Grandmaster Suh created the uniform reflective of Korea’s military history. For 5000 years, Korean generals wore uniforms that signified their strength, agility, and determination. To Grandmaster Suh, it only made sense for the Kuk Sool Won uniforms to show the same for its participants. Kuk Sool Won is gaining in popularity in the Pee Dee Region and surrounding areas, as men, women and children of all ages are eager to participate in the physically and mentally transformative sport. Amber Dickerson, a 4th degree black belt, is the owner of Kuk Sool Won School in Lake City and holds the title of Sa Bum Nim, one who teaches good morals and is a light to their society. She has been practicing since 1998, when she entered the arts at the young age of six and learned under her father’s instruction at his Kuk Sool Won School in Florence. While the art hasn’t changed over the years, there are different methods of seeking completion (the school has a curriculum to abide by). 36

VIP Magazine | October 2017

Amber shares, “We aren’t karate. Karate is a type of martial arts; we are a type of martial arts. Tae kwon do is another traditional Korean art. We come from three fundamental arts: the traditional family, the Buddhist, and the royal. We are based off of that, the theory of Kuk Sool Won. People confuse us with other martial arts. We aren’t mixed martial arts; we are one art, that’s what makes us different from others. Kuk Sool Won has everything. Everybody can do it. We have had students with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, and someone with only one hand. We modify it so that it is doable for everyone. We start at age three (called Tiny Tigers) and go on up.” Tammy Coker is surprised at how far she’s come since June 2017, despite being diagnosed with lupus. “People told me that I wouldn’t be able to do what I normally do. I wanted to prove them wrong. I’ll be 50 in November, so I said, ‘I’ll show you!’” Amber would love to see more females in her classes, as martial arts aren’t strictly just for men. “Martial arts are made for women…the kicks, the flexibility, all of it.” Mary Alice Bogue took a chance on Kuk Sool Won, although she was rather hesitant at first. “My sister-in-law, Heather Thomy, made me come. I was reluctant, but we came and we loved it. We jumped right in and we’re having fun. Heather’s son was doing it originally and Amber convinced her to come after months of encouragement.” Heather adds, “I love it, although I was very nervous to start. Besides learning all of the Kuk Sool Won, Mary Alice and I liked the group of women we were with. We would have never met this group of ladies without the school and we love them. We interact almost every

day now and we challenge each other in many ways. Since starting Kuk Sool Won, I’ve been more confident in myself and I feel like I have a better chance of helping myself. My 12 and 8 year old do it too, so it’s fun getting to do this with them. Mary Alice and I also get together and practice, so it’s just a lot of fun to be able to do this with family and all these wonderful women.” Faren Kilpatrick has been a member of the Kuk Sool Won family since September 2015. She attends classes with her daughter, Faith. “We’ve always been interested in martial arts. From looking outside in, I always thought it was something out of my league. They were all so awesome, though, they worked with us until we got it. In our regular classes, Amber will break down the techniques. We will go through the motion, but she will tell us how it works in a real life situation.” According to Faren, Kuk Sool Won makes you feel stronger and more confident than ever before. This inspired Amber to name her ladies only class The Palmetto Warrior Women. This group meets twice a week. Kuk Sool Won of Florence and Lake City also offers classes Monday through Saturday for adults, teenagers, and children.

Left: Heather Thomy with sons Daniel and Ryan Below: Amber Dickerson, Owner of Kuk Sool Won of Lake City

If you’re interested in learning more about Kuk Sool Won, call for more information at (843)731-5262. There is a monthly fee involved with membership and you are welcome to attend as many classes as desired. Amber Dickerson instructs in Lake City on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and in Florence on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. More info can also be found on Facebook.

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

FLORENCE COMMUNITY FLORENCE COMMUNITY

So Why WhyBecome Become Involved Involved with theChamber Chamber of Commerce? Commerce? the

asked! you ask Gladdyou ed! Gla

Jamie Jamie Carsten, Carsten, Vice Vice President President of of Commerical Commerical Banking Banking at at South South State State Bank Bank and and Greater Greater Florence Florence Chamber Chamber Board Board Member Member and and Ambassador Ambassador explains explains why why he he became became involved involved with with the the Chamber. Chamber.

In In 2002, 2002, II was was attending attending a a monthly monthly meeting meeting at at a former employer and the city executive a former employer and the city executive asked asked why with our our why don’t don’t we we have have anyone anyone involved involved with local chamber? I thought it was a good question local chamber? I thought it was a good question and to contact contact the the Greater Greater Florence Florence and volunteered volunteered to Chamber to see how I could get started. So, II Chamber to see how I could get started. So, called and was informed about the chambers called and was informed about the chambers ambassador ambassador program program and and the the business-after-hours business-after-hours events. My initial chamber events. My initial chamber interaction interaction was was mainly mainly showing up for ribbon cuttings and meeting the showing up for ribbon cuttings and meeting the new business members that joined the chamber. new business members that joined the chamber. Being we are are all all required required to to make make business business Being a a banker, banker, we cold calls to sell our banking services. These cold calls to sell our banking services. These new new contacts contacts II would would be be making, making, with with the the other other chamber chamber ambassadors, ambassadors, would would prove prove very very beneficial beneficial in in finding finding a warm introduction to new people, rather than just just a warm introduction to new people, rather than going door-to-door. going door-to-door. The The first first year year II attended attended as as many many ribbon ribbon cuttings cuttings as I could, and had some success in growing my as I could, and had some success in growing my business. So, I thought I would get more involved business. So, I thought I would get more involved and Leadership Florence Florence and II signed signed up up for for the the 2003 2003 Leadership program. That was one of the best business program. That was one of the best business decisions decisions II have have ever ever made. made. It It was was a a great great way way to see how Florence works behind the to see how Florence works behind the scenes. scenes. II got got to to visit visit a a lot lot of of the the local local industries industries and and other other vital agencies in our area. The best part vital agencies in our area. The best part of of it it was was like like joining joining a a fraternity. There fraternity. There are are between between 30 30 and and 35 see each each other other off off 35 members members in in each each class. class. You You see and on for eight months straight under different and on for eight months straight under different environments environments each each time. time. To To this this day, day, II still still stay stay in contact with members of my class. Without in contact with members of my class. Without attending have never never met met attending “Leadership”, “Leadership”, II would would have such great individuals. such great individuals.

Then Then in in 2004, 2004, II was was surprised surprised at at the the Chamber’s Chamber’s Annual Membership Luncheon when Annual Membership Luncheon when they they named named me me the the Chamber Chamber Volunteer Volunteer of of the the Year. In Year. In 2006, 2006, the the Chamber me to to become become a a part part of of their their board board Chamber asked asked me of of directors. directors. II enjoyed enjoyed those those three three years years and and hated hated to step down in 2009 after serving my full to step down in 2009 after serving my full term. term. In In 2011, 2011, II was was asked asked to to rejoin rejoin the the Chamber Chamber Board Board and and gladly To this this day, day, the the Chamber Chamber has has found found gladly accepted. accepted. To a way for me to still be serving in a board director a way for me to still be serving in a board director capacity my second second term term gave gave me me capacity role. role. Fortunately, Fortunately, my an opportunity to become involved with Leadership an opportunity to become involved with Leadership Florence Florence once once again again by by being being a a part part of of its its advisory advisory committee. I liked it so much I chaired that committee. I liked it so much I chaired that committee in 2012 2012 and and 2013. 2013. The The exposure exposure allowed allowed committee in me to make so many great new friends and me to make so many great new friends and business business acquaintances acquaintances during during that that next next three-year three-year run. run. In In 2014, 2014, II was was called called on on to to help help the the Chamber Chamber start start a new endeavor called The Chili, Brews a new endeavor called The Chili, Brews and and BBQ BBQ event. of every every event. The The program program is is still still held held in in the the fall fall of year in Downtown Florence. The first year’s year in Downtown Florence. The first year’s event event was surprised to to be be was a a great great success success and and II was was later later surprised awarded the Chamber Volunteer of the Year, again. awarded the Chamber Volunteer of the Year, again. It It was was about about this this time time II realized realized many many others others have have found the same experiences and rewarding found the same experiences and rewarding returns returns II found, found, while while being being involved involved with with our our Chamber. Chamber. Some have built very successful careers and Some have built very successful careers and businesses around their experiences. businesses around their experiences. So, never know know what what lies lies ahead ahead of of you you So, you you never when volunteering, and how it may benefit you when volunteering, and how it may benefit you personally and professionally. I still attend as personally and professionally. I still attend as many many ribbon events as as ribbon cuttings cuttings and and business-after-hours business-after-hours events II can. I do it as a true Chamber advocate, and as can. I do it as a true Chamber advocate, and as a a Commercial Bank. II do do this this Commercial Banker Banker for for South South State State Bank. not not only only to to help help grow grow my my business, business, but but to to welcome welcome and thank the businesses that chose to in a a and thank the businesses that chose to operate operate in town that I love, Florence, SC. Thank you, Greater town that I love, Florence, SC. Thank you, Greater Florence Florence Chamber Chamber of of Commerce. Commerce.

Greater Greater Florence Florence Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce || 100 100 W W Evans Evans St, St, Florence, Florence, 843.665.0515 843.665.0515 || flochamber.com flochamber.com 38 38

VIP Magazine | September 2017 VIP Magazine | September 2017

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

AROUND TOWN

Florence Comic con On September 10th, SiMT hosted the 5th annual family friendly comic convention. This Comic Con was the brainchild of Denny Stevenson, owner of Legends Comics. photography by True Light Photography

VIP Magazine | October 2017

CCA On September 7th, SiMT hosted the Pee Dee Chapter of Coastal Conservation Association for the 17th annual “Celebrating Conservation” Banquet & Auction! photography by True Light Photography October 2017 | VIP Magazine

AROUND TOWN

Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce After Hours hosted by

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

VIP Magazine | October 2017

Photography by Phil & Shelley Sarvis

Golden Leaf FEstival On September 22, Mullins danced the night away for the 35th Annual Golden Leaf Festival. Food and live entertainment kept the crowd happy as they geared up for a weekend of festivities!

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

AROUND TOWN

VIP Magazine | October 2017

Womens Leadership Symposium

The Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce hosted the inaugural symposium on September 8th at the DeLoach Center in Hartsville with keynote speaker Lynn Good, CEO of Duke Energy.

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

HAPPENINGS

Featured Event 35th Annual South Carolina

SWEET POTATO FESTIVAL

Saturday, October 14. 2017 Downtown Darlington

The S.C. Sweet Potato Festival includes more than 100 craft, food, and arts vendors, live entertainment, music, puppets, exhibits, an antique car show, appearances by Spud, and plenty of funnel cakes and sweet potato pies! 9am to 4pm Saturday, October 14, 2017. The Pilot Club of Darlington sponsors the South Carolina Sweet Potato Festival held the second Saturday of October each year. More than 30,000 people gathered on the Public Square in Darlington during the 25th S.C. Sweet Potato Festival in 2007, and the event continues to be a success, raising funds for community projects including those that develop youth, provide service and education, and uplift families. More than 80 vendors attend the festival with entertainment held on the stage beside the Darlington County Courthouse.

For more information on the S.C. Sweet Potato Festival, call 843-393-3526. 46 VIP Magazine | October 2017

FLORENCE 7............................................................................................................................ Tour of Homes Battle of the Superstars | Civic Center 7:30p 8............................................................................................................................ Tour of Homes 9............................................................................................................................ A Choice 2 M8K Golf Tournament | Flo Counry Club 11:30a 10.......................................................................................................................... UMW BBQ Fundraiser | Central UMC ECA Fair | Fairgrounds 4p The School Foundation 16th Annual Gala | SiMT 5:30p 11-13...................................................................................................................... ECA Fair | Fairgrounds 4p 14.......................................................................................................................... Canines in Costume for a Cause 5/10k | CCofSC 8a ECA Fair | Fairgrounds 10a Fall Into Fashion | Greek Church 3p-5:30p Oktoberfest | Downtown 6p-10p 16.......................................................................................................................... Flo Sympony - The Reformation 500 yrs | FMU PAC 7:30p 17........................................................................................................................... Anniversary Celebration | Courtney McGinnis Grah Cen 11p-2p Hope For Life Presentation | Civic Center 7p 18.......................................................................................................................... Hope For Life Presentation | Civic Center 7p 19.......................................................................................................................... Hope For Life Presentation | Civic Center 7p 20......................................................................................................................... Chamber’s Kickin’ Chicken & Chili Wing Fest | Downtown 5p John Cariani’s Love/Sick | FMU 7:30p 21........................................................................................................................... Pee Dee Heart Walk | FMU PAC 8:30a Inclusion Workship | Autism Resource Center 9a-1p House of Hope Fall Festival | Boxwood Plantation 11a-4p 27.......................................................................................................................... Friday after 5: Tru Sol Band | Downtown 5:30p WEEKLY EVENTS Wednesdays..................................................................................................... Wine Down Wednesday | Dolce Vita 4p Thursdays.......................................................................................................... Ovis Hill Farmer’s Market | Naturally Outdoors 3p-7p Trivia Night | Southern Hops 7p Live Music | The Dispensary Fridays................................................................................................................ Live Music, The Dispensary Saturdays........................................................................................................... City Center Farmer’s Market | Downtown 9a-1p Live Music, The Dispensary

MULLINS 20......................................................................................................................... Main Street Drive-In Movie | Green Space across from Library . 21........................................................................................................................... Let’s Cruise Main Street | 2p-10p

OCTOBER 2017 HARTSVILLE 7................................................................................................................. Frets & Necks Fest | Downtown 9................................................................................................................. Taste of Coker | DeLoach Center,6p-8p 12............................................................................................................... Wine Under the Stars | Kalmia Gardens 6:30p-8:30p 14............................................................................................................... Fall for Hartsville Farmers Market, | E. Carolina Ave. Young Eagles Rally | Hartsville Airport 10a-2p 19............................................................................................................... Connections Before Hours | Hartsville Library 7:30a-9a Downtown Block Party | E. College Ave. 6p-9p 20.............................................................................................................. Community Golf Classic | Hartsville Country Club 21............................................................................................................... Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps | Burry Bookstore 7:30p 22............................................................................................................... Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps | Burry Bookstore 3p 24.............................................................................................................. Coffee with a Cop | Safe Community Office, 9a-12p 25.............................................................................................................. Fall Carnival | St. Luke United Methodist Church 6-8p 26.............................................................................................................. Treats on the Streets | Downtown 4:30-6:30p 27............................................................................................................... Costumes & Cocktails Halloween Bash, Retrofit 8p WEEKLY EVENTS Thursdays............................................................................................... Centennial Farmers Market | 5th & Carolina 3p-6p

LAKE CITY 6........................................................................................................................... 2nd Annual Grill Master Challenge | Henry St. 6p-9p Creepy Critters Family Sleepover, Lynches River Co Park 12......................................................................................................................... Fabric of Our Mind | Olio Studio 14......................................................................................................................... Pee Dee Back Country | 238 E Main St. 9a-4p Pee Dee Thrift Yard Sale | Pee Dee Thrift 8a-12p 21......................................................................................................................... Throwback Jam | The R.O.B. 8p-12a 28........................................................................................................................ BOOtanical Garden | MFBG 3p-6p

DILLON 12......................................................................................................................... Farm City Week | Dillon Wellness Center 8:30a 24........................................................................................................................ Halloween for the Special | Dillon Wellness Center 30........................................................................................................................ Taste of Dillon Co | Twin Lakes Country Club 5:45p October 2017 | VIP Magazine

TIME TO TOAST

School Foundation Honors Hanesbrands, Inc., CEO, Gerald W. Evans Gerald W. Evans Jr. will be honored as Florence School District One’s Distinguished Graduate at the 16th Annual School Foundation Celebration Gala to be held on Tuesday, October 10, foundation officials announced recently.

Fellows in Education Program Held On September 19,2017, the Fellows In Education program announced their 3rd year of program attendees during the luncheon orientation session. The Fellows program is a joint effort of The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, The School Foundation and Florence School District One. It is designed to give local leaders a unique, behind-thescenes look inside today’s classroom. Over the course of eight months, these community leaders will gain insight into today’s education system that include the highlights and daily struggles educators face. The attendees will also experience the seismic shift in student needs and the additional state and federal requirements now placed on schools, teachers and administrators in Florence District One.

Affectionately known by his high school classmates as “Bubba”, Gerald graduated from South Florence High School in 1977. He earned his BS degree in marketing and an MBA degree at the University of South Carolina. He began his career as a marketer for the L’eggs hosiery brand, rejuvenated the Champion athleticwear brand, reinvented the company’s global production operations across two hemispheres, and shepherded the company’s other consumer powerhouse brands such as Hanes, Playtex, Bali, Maidenform, and Wonderbra as the company grew to become a Fortune 500 company. He now presides over the world’s largest basic apparel company and has 34 years of experience in the apparel industry. He has held positions in marketing, sales and management and is noted for business excellence in a global economy.

The incoming Fellows class orientation charted the program efforts and the schools each will experience over the next eight months. Michael Miller, President of the Great Florence Chamber welcomed the class by explaining the need and reasons the program was started, Debbie Hyler, Executive Director of the School Foundation, outlined this year’s program highlights and Dr. Randy Bridges, Superintendent of Florence School District One, provided background details on the Florence County Schools District One. Michael Miller said, “Overall, each attendee will see students doing amazing things and witness the commitment our teachers and educators have in creating a strong learning environment”.

Gerald and his wife, Lee, a graduate of Clemson University, have three grown children and live in WinstonSalem, N.C.

The first session will be held on October 3, 2017 at Lucy T. Davis elementary school. For more information: Please contact Debbie Hyler at 843-662-9996.

The 2018 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges,” one of the oldest of the dozens of college rating sites on the Internet, is available today online. The information also will appear in the magazine’s print editions later this month. FMU has been a regular member of the top-ranked Regional Universities for nearly two decades.

In photo: – left to right- Gary Malaer, Tim Geddings, Mike Miller, Heather Greenberg, Tom Pietila, Charlie Blake, Ken Jackson, Terry Dingle, Elaine Sealey, Mark Buyck, III, Debbie Hyler, Carlos Washington, Ron Roberts, Don Kausler, Annie Brown, Lauren Stanton, Jamie Carsten, Carolyn Pearce, Eric Bingaman, Kaye Floyd-Parris, Tressa Gardner, Brenda Harrison, Charlene Lowery, Jarrod Tippins, Ken Baker, Irby Wilson

FMU Ranked Among U.S. News’ “Best Colleges” Francis Marion University once again is ranked among U.S. News & World Report magazine’s top Regional Universities in the South.

Dr. Fred Carter, president of Francis Marion, says the ranking confirms FMU’s commitment to providing a quality education for its students.

WebsterRogers Makes Cut for Top 200 Largest CPA Firms for 6th Year WebsterRogers LLP is pleased to announce that it has been included in the 2017 INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) Top 200 list for the sixth consecutive year. The IPA 200 is one of the most comprehensive lists of its kind and the most current snapshot of the financial and operational health of the largest public accounting firms in the nation. The IPA survey and benchmarking report is the gold standard within the accounting profession and has named WebsterRogers 180th on the list for 2017. “The IPA Top 200 is a group of elite accounting firms and it is quite an honor to be included among them,” stated Tom Fitzsimmons, managing partner for WebsterRogers. “As WebsterRogers continues to grow, we have a strong commitment to providing the highest level of professional services and exceeding client expectations with our local presence, global reach, and strong depth and breadth of expertise. We believe being a part of this list certainly reflects that.”

City of Darlington Receives New Cherry Picker

Hightower

Lewis

Simmons

Carolinas Hospital System Welcomes New Members to the Leadership Team Carolinas Hospital System is pleased to announce three new additions to the facility’s leadership team. Todd Hightower joins our leadership team as the Vice President of Physician Practices. Hightower has 22 years’ experience in the health care industry. He received his Bachelors of Business Administration and his Bachelors of Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Prior to joining Carolinas Hospital System, he served as Vice President of Physician Services at Highlands Health System in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Kenneth Lewis joins our leadership team as the Director of Laboratory Services. Lewis has more than 16 years of experience in laboratory sciences and management. He received his Bachelors of Science in Medical Technology from Coker College and his Masters of Public Health from Florida International University. Prior to joining Carolinas Hospital System, Lewis served as Senior Technical Consultant for Alere, a leader in rapid diagnostics, in Princeton, New Jersey. Mack Simmons joins our leadership team as the Director of Environmental Services. Simmons has more than 20 years of experience in environmental services and leadership. He received his Associates of Business Management from Southern Ohio College in Cincinnati, Ohio. Prior to joining Carolinas Hospital System, Simmons served as Executive Director of Environmental/Linen/Security Services for Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas and Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida. Please join us in welcoming them to our hospital and to the greater Florence community.

On September 27, the City of Darlington received a new cherry picker to begin operation next week. This is the second of three new pieces of equipment coming to the Street & Sanitation Department this year. The “cherry picker” vehicle makes collection of yard debris more efficient than raking up material by hand, which is what staff has had to contend with a lot this season. A portion of the equipment is being paid for through a $50,000 grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Duke Energy Conducts Power Line Training During “Storm School” On Aug. 30, Duke Energy conducted “live line” training for safety around power lines for emergency responders from the Pee Dee area. Following the demonstration, emergency management and Duke Energy officials discussed communications during a major storm, shared best practices and met partners who have moved into new roles at Duke Energy, emergency management and public safety organizations. A Duke Energy meteorologist also discussed the company’s forecast for hurricane season. “Emergency first responders never know what they are going to face when they are called to a scene,” said Mindy Taylor, government and community relations manager for Duke Energy. “Sometimes live electrical power lines are involved when there are fires, vehicle accidents and severe weather emergencies These demonstrations foster a better understanding about the dangers of electricity as well as the precautions needed while working around power lines.”

Florence County E911 Central Dispatch Welcomes 10 New Recruits Florence County E911 Central Dispatch training officer Alisha Dorsey has taken on another great task of training 10 new dispatcher recruits. They all started on August 28, 2017, and have hit the ground running. Recruits are learning the policy and procedures of Florence County E911 Central Dispatch, and their core responsibilities as our new telecommunication officers. This is our biggest training group ever for our department. We would like to welcome Javonda Haggins, Jodie Jacobs, Katelyn Pavasko, Brittany McCormick, Angie Rogers, Lizzie Freeman, Tawanda Backus, Demetrius Hemingway, Ulysses Sullivan, and Sherri Lee to the Florence County E911 Central Dispatch Dream Team!

COLLABORATION

of Hartsville

PARTNER TO OFFER NEW PROGRAMS story by Jordan Pupa The YMCA of Hartsville and Girls University are preparing an annual contract to partner together to offer a wide variety of educational and fun programs for girls in the area. The program will start September 30, 2017 and run through September of next year. Girls University was founded in 2016 by Ashli Smart and Christopher Williams, both who share a passion for inspiring, motivating and educating youth. Girls University focuses on education, social and, personal enrichment of girls, including STEM and STEAM. The goal of Girls University is to provide girls across the country a chance to be their best self, to gain confidence in their abilities, and to explore possibilities. Girls University is able to provide positive role models who are equally passionate about their personal and academic success, plus, a safe, interactive place to learn.

“We envision a partnership that provides girls an outlet for personal and academic growth for 21st century sustainability. Our girls need us, let’s motivate, let’s inspire, let’s educate our future leaders together.” –Ashli Smart Ashli Smart serves as the National Director of Programs and Brand for Girls University, which is a 5K-12 gender-specific after school academy in Florence, South Carolina. Ashli holds a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Maryland in Marketing and a Masters of Science degree from Drexel University in Information Systems. Ashli has been recognized by Girl Scouts as a “Volunteer of Excellence” and has held many leadership roles within the organization. She volunteers with the Junior League of Florence and assists with Empowered to Heal. She also serves as the Pre-Collegiate Initiative Chair for NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) Pee Dee/Florence chapter and is an advisor for the Florence area NSBE Jr. chapter. With more than 10 years of industry and technology experience, Ashli

VIP Magazine | October 2017

PICTURED L TO R: ASHLI SMART, APRIL GRIGGS, AND CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS

has used her passion to fuel the growth of her business. One of her greatest strengths is her tenacity and strength in staying motivated through obstacles. Ashli’s positive outlook on failure is the key to her success and growth. Ashli lives by the motto “Dream Big, Think the unthinkable and Stay positive.” The partnership program between Girls University and the Hartsville YMCA will take place at the Hartsville YMCA and is open to Y members and non-members. The age range for attendees depends on the specific program, however, a majority of the programs target elementary and middle school aged girls. There are some programs offered for all ages, even adults. Currently, Hartsville does not offer a specialized niche extended-day program targeted for girls in grades K-6. Girls University provides a consistent programming that focuses on holistic development for girls and building healthy relationships. The model is designed to allow every girl to recognize their inner strength and inspire them to be successful. Girls University, in partnership with the Hartsville YMCA, will be able to provide parents and girls with a safe and friendly, hands-on, academicreinforcement learning environment and will also allow girls to develop skills in multiple areas, including STEAM. Events to look forward to include Mommy and Me Spa Nights, Daddy/Daughter Winter Masquerade, Video Game Design, Rocket Engineering, Big Hat and Bowtie Mother/Son Etiquette Brunch, Lego Mania, Nutrition, and more. Prices and dates will be announced within the YMCA and Girls University facilities, and also on social media pages.

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

TECH SAVVY

Google Wants Your Website Secure and Mobile Ready for 2018 story by Shane Gebhards, SVG Digital www.svgdigital.com

With the end of the year nearing and the 4th quarter set to begin, there are a few things regarding your website that Google wants you to be aware of as a business owner.

The First is Google’s Mobile First Index

We all know how important mobile is these days with over 58% of users browsing on mobile instead of desktop. For over a year Google has been discussing the imminent transition to a mobile first index. What does this mean? Historically, Google has indexed your site based on your desktop experience and the content that exists upon it. It uses your desktop experience and the content you have on it to rank your site. This will change in 2018. Simply put, Google will begin to index and rank your site based on the content on your mobile experience, and not your desktop experience as it has done historically. This has the potential to be a massive shift for many websites! Just having a mobile-friendly website does not mean you are ready to go. If both the desktop and mobile versions of your website have the same content, then you most likely won’t see much shift. However if your site doesn’t have the same content on both the mobile and desktop versions, your site could see drops in rankings. A good example of this would be a website that condenses it’s content for mobile experience. By eliminating that content, you have created a different mobile version from the original desktop version, which is what is currently ranking.

VIP Magazine | October 2017

Our recommendation: Review your current website to make sure the content that is present on the desktop version is also on the mobile version. If it is not, contact your current web developer and have them start working on it as soon as possible.

Is Your Website Secure?

The next thing to consider for your website is your level of security. Google has announced that starting in October – sites without https:// will show as “Not secure” in Google Chrome. With Chrome becoming the most popular browser and claiming 45% market share, this is an important change to make to your website. If your website has any kind of forms or data that is being transferred, this is something that should be a staple on your website anyway. Lets face it, you don’t want to lose or expose your customer’s data to any potential threats, right? You don’t want to become the next Equifax! Our recommendation: Add an SSL or Secure Socket Layer to your website. The good news is that this can be done fairly easily and for free. If you would like to tackle this on your own, we recommend letsencrypt. org as a great starting point. If not, call your current website provider and ask them to enable SSL on your website.

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

BALANCING ACT

“

Faith Rogers AN UNSUNG PARENT HERO story by Rion McAllister

The General Manager of Hotel Florence, budding entrepreneur, wife and mother of two has successfully harnessed the uncanny ability to pull off a daily schedule that would leave the majority of us crying in our coffee. It’s truly a magic of sorts. Her easy going attitude, boisterous laugh and limitless energy mask the grueling details that strategically come together to make up this career professional’s well-oiled daily routine. From PTA Meetings to Board Meetings; it takes an extremely disciplined individual with a unique skill set to pull off this type of life balance without breaking a sweat. There is a special formula for this type of winning and no one knows about the pain and gain in the relentless pursuit to ‘having it all’ better than Faith Rogers. As hectic a schedule as she keeps, when talking with her you would never guess that Faith had her children (Victoria 9 and Abigail 3), up and out the door before a majority of us have hit up our Keurigs for that second cup of Joe. No doubt this is done while on the phone, navigating the inner workings of the hotel, and while simultaneously preparing 54

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VICTORIA, ABIGAIL AND FAITH ROGERS

herself for the day ahead. Even though she has surely been up half the night coaching hotel associates and maintaining her own entrepreneurial venture selling high end make up products for Younique; her eyes are bright with anticipation for the day ahead. There is no hint of the previous day’s exhaustive commuting to dance, church, daycare and elementary schools. As if her schedule were not packed enough, she still finds time to preform her civic obligations to Kiwanis by chairing the Terrific Kids program AND still makes it to the gym roughly three times a week! Faith literally works nonstop to advance and excel in each of the categories of her life...and she is succeeding! “I try to give 100% in all areas of my life. Now, I’m not saying I am always able to do so, but that is certainly the goal. When I am at work; that is Hotel Florence time. When I am home with the kids and hubby; that is their time. I am also constantly trying to find time to plug into my Younique business as well.” How exactly does she do it? How does she find time for superior quality hotel management, community involvement, promote her Younique business and still

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Like any productive and effective superhero, she has an army of support waiting in the wings to help her make her dreams, and those of her family, a reality.

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prioritize her hubby and bed time snuggles? Like any productive and effective superhero, she has an army of support waiting in the wings to help her make her dreams, and those of her family, a reality. Faith is truly thankful for the amazing support of her family and friends. Without the unyielding support of her loving parents and devoted mother-in-law, who are always ready to help with her kiddos, she knows that things would not come together as easily as they do. She is also grateful for the opportunity her job provides her to pursue her passion and is truly blessed by her Raines Hospitality family for giving her the flexibility to make her professional and family life work. Finally, behind this amazing woman stands her amazing husband, Daniel Rogers. Faith says even though he keeps an equally busy schedule as Florence Area Manager for Gregory Electric, he is always supportive of her endeavors and is always ready to help make her dreams a reality. Achieving harmony between the family you love and the passion you pine for is no easy feat. Millions of parents everywhere work tirelessly to provide for their littles by day and race home to tuck them into tiny beds by night. Though this cycle never stops, there is renewed hope. Hope in the promise of what dedication to career and family brings. Hope in the promise of a better life. The unsung parent heroes of the world continually work to conquer that juggling act that ensures a bright tomorrow. Teetering on that high-wire for the greater good, right alongside of us, is none other than our very own hometown career professional, wife and mom; Faith Rogers.

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

AGRIBUSINESS

GILLESPIE’S PEANUTS Family Owned, Farm Grown story by Jordan Pupa Rogers Brothers Farm, a large farm in Darlington and Lee counties, has been farming since 1970 as a multigenerational family entity. In addition to other items such as cotton and wheat, they have been growing peanuts for around 14 years. After a desire sparked by owner and CEO Gill Rogers and his family to have a product they could share with others, Gillespie’s Peanuts was later developed in 2013. True to its family-centered business ways, “Gillespie” comes from the last name of Gill Rogers’s grandfather, RP Gillespie, a man respected and admired by his peers for his innovation in agriculture. Gillespie’s Peanuts is a small operation with only a few key players that has been in operation for close to five years. The farm is unique in that it grows 100% high-oleic peanuts, which means it is more resistant to field disease and more sustainable to grow. There is also an inherently higher percentage of mono-saturated fats (also known as the “good fats”) in the peanuts, which leads to having a longer-shelf life than some others. Gillespie’s Peanuts are grown and shelled on Rogers Brothers Farm and are freshly packaged, making for a flavorful and crunchy snack produced with love in Darlington County. So, how do they taste? Gillespie’s Peanuts currently offers eight different flavors. Not only do they offer popular flavors like Salted and Honey Roasted, but they even offer some unique flavors such as Low Country Boil and Carolina Barbecue. For the sweets lovers, they offer Chocolate Covered, which is a popular favorite. Most recently they have added Caramel Crunch. “Most folks say the Chocolate covered peanuts will change your life. Probably because once you’ve eaten them, you 56

VIP Magazine | October 2017

can’t forget about them,” says Marketing Director, Linzie Batchelor. All eight flavors come in 10 oz cans, which are perfect for tailgating, gifting, parties, or of course just snacking in general. Great for a lunch or snack “on the go,” Salted peanuts come in a 2 oz bag. You’ll probably see these at convenience stores or concession stands. If you’re looking to share enough with everyone, Chocolate Covered and Salted are even available in a 20 oz can. If you have a few favorites, the trio box can hold up to three of your favorite flavors of peanuts and are totally customizable, making it a popular holiday gift item. A popular trio combination is Salted, Caramel Crunch, and Chocolate Covered. The trio box is an easy size to just add a bow to or for quick holiday wrapping. If you’re looking to share a little piece of South Carolina with out of town folks, just tape one side, address it, and take to the post office. Gillespie’s will even ship it for you! Gillespie’s Peanuts is proud to offer a certified SC product that is actually grown in our own state that can be shared with others, both near and far. Gillespie’s Peanuts is the only South Carolina roasted peanut. They

Pictured left: Charles, Gill and Lee Rogers Pictured above: Lee Rogers, Charles Rogers, Gill Rogers, Linzie Batchelor, Mary Kate Rogers

have seen major growth and are grateful for the local community and statewide support. In fact, many of the downtown Hartsville shops carry Gillespie’s Peanuts on their shelves. “We have seen our small company grow from selling cans in booths at small festivals to being placed on the shelves of every new Lowe’s Food and Publix stores in South Carolina, and in over 100 other retail stores in South Carolina and beyond.” In addition to South Carolina stores, Gillespie’s Peanuts are also sold in stores in GA, TN, NC, AL, and many more states. Gillespie’s plans to reach out even more in the future and represent their great state of South Carolina well. A full list of locations where Gillespie’s Peanuts are sold are included on their website. “I’m extremely excited about where Gillespie’s Peanuts is going. We are partnering with several small colleges to make custom labels for their peanuts. Coker College now has “Coker-Nuts” for sale on their bookstore shelves, and other schools won’t be far behind them. We recently rolled out a new fundraising option allowing groups to sell Gillespie’s Peanuts to support their school, team, or civic organizations, etc. We have a peanut jingle in the works, written and recorded by a Hartsville native. The opportunities are endless—people love local products, and they are always searching for healthier snacking options. I would recommend that you check out our Facebook page and subscribe to our monthly newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!” –Linzie Batchelor

1901 East Carolina Ave, Hartsville SC www.rogersbrosfarm.com October 2017 | VIP Magazine

FASHION FOR WORK AND PLAY

Fashion Fun for Fall

MARY KEVIN Miller VIP Sales REp

Black Mac & Me bolero Gray velvet, lace trimmed dress by Mac & Me Styled with long quartz stone necklace and silver crossbody purse Mac & Me is a private label provided by Main Stream Boutique

138 W Evans St, Florence (843) 799-4935

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRED SALLEY

VIP Magazine | October 2017

JORDAN Pupa

VIP Sales REp

Mad Jewels necklace Susan Shaw gold hoop earrings Ivory crew neck long sleeve t-shirt Luii fur vest Articles of Society coated jeans Louise et Cie criss cross strap black pump

113 N 5th St, Hartsville (843) 332-7800

October 2017 | VIP Magazine

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

GENE DARBY OPERATIONS

For more than 50 years, Gene Darby has worked in the construction industry. His resume includes ten years of building custom homes, six years working as a construction manager for Cracker Barrel, seven years as a building inspector on Hilton Head Island, and twenty-five years in construction management. The past 16 months Gene has worked for what he believes is the “most straight-up construction company owner” he has ever been employed by - Marvin Tisdale. Gene is responsible for many office duties with Marvin Tisdale Builders which include procuring

prices from subcontractors, cost coding all invoices of jobs, and making sure they stay within budget. Gene also processes all change orders, meets with prospective customers alongside architects to draw sketches and sees it through until final plans are approved, and prepares contracts to meet and present to customers. Gene appreciates the relationship and trust he has built with Marvin Tisdale. He says...

“The most rewarding part of this job is forming trusting relationships with customers so we can give them what they want.”

MARVIN TISDALE BUILDERS, INC. www.TisdaleBuilders.com | (843) 615-3650

VIP Magazine | October 2017