Business Upstate
DECEMBER 7, 2012
J OURNAL
QUICK GROWTH QuikTrip chain makes aggressive move in the Upstate Page 14
Milking profits page 6
Funding ideas page 16
Following signs page 22
UBJ 4
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8
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SmartState investment pays off
Holiday Fair draws merry crowd
Statehouse Report
Nonprofit Matters
By Leigh Savage contributor
Charleston trying to hoodwink state into paying for road
Charitable reflections on branding
By Dick Hughes senior business writer
By Andy Brack contributor
By Debbie Nelson contributor
A cow feeds at the trough at the Happy Cow Creamery. See complete story on page 6. Greg Beckner/Staff
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County tax incentive may aid Michelin expansion
Guest Column
Jump Start
Four simple rules for a good website
Success is Divine – and tasty
Greenville says ‘happy birthday’ to businesses with license rebates
By Dick Hughes senior business writer
2 Upstate business | DECEMBER 7, 2012
By Chris Manley contributor
By Laura Haight contributor
By Cindy Landrum staff
UBJ worth repeating
Average annual salary of 8,000 jobs created in association with the SmartState program – twice South Carolina’s annual per capita personal income.
Mike Thornbrugh, an executive with QuikTrip, the convenience store and gas chain that has spread aggressively through the Upstate.
10%
“We need to fill the back end, growing them. They are seedlings. They are not yet trees.”
Discount on Greenville business license fees given to businesses that have been operating in the city for 20 years.
John Moore, executive vice president of the Greenville Chamber, on the Accelerate economic development organization’s investments in entrepreneurs.
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“If a company has proven itself, it should be helped. I’d like for small business to get a break.”
Vendors at the 42nd Annual Holiday Fair, up from 360 last year. Attendance this year was 11,762, up from just over 11,000 last year.
10th
Rank of QuikTrip in a list of corporate-run convenience stores published by Convenience Store News.
The Marchant Company Proudly Announces New Agent Jolene Wimberly, ABR, CBR, CRS, GRI Realtor, joins The Marchant Company with 38 years of Greenville Real Estate experience. A graduate of the Real Estate Institute and a consistent top producing agent, Jolene has extensive knowledge in sales and represents both buyers and sellers. Jolene’s approach to real estate is as easy as ABC: “Attention to Service”, “Beyond what is expected”, and “Commitment and Communication”. Give Jolene a call today and work with a realtor who will be your partner in buying or selling your home. Here is a unique and little known fact about Jolene…she attended Ronald Reagan’s First Inauguration, the Inauguration Ball and the First Ladies Luncheon!
Jolene Wimberly ABR, CBR, CRS, GRI Realtor
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Andrea Goodjoin, owner of Divine Desserts by Andrea.
“I tell people, ‘Do you think you could love that cow? How about for 60, 70 or 80 hours a week?’” Happy Cow Creamery’s Tom Trantham, on the unique demands of dairy farming.
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DECEMBER 7, 2012 | Upstate business 3
UBJ smartstate program startup companies Advanced Photonic Crystals FibroTherapeutics, Inc. FirstString Research Hydrogen Hybrid Mobility ImmoMod, Inc. Palmetto Fuel Cell Technologies, LLC MagAssemble LLC MicroVide MitoChem Therapeutics, LLC MitoHealth, Inc. NextGenEn, Inc. NXT Parallel Permeation, Inc. Protara Regal Solutions, LLC* SC Science Solutions, LLC SchnellGen, Inc. SemiAlloGen, Inc. SimTunes, LLC Specialty Custom Fibers Tetramer Technologies Vortex Biotechnology * In FY 2012, USC appointed Dr. John Regalbuto as SmartState Endowed Chair for the Catalysis for Renewable Fuels Center of Economic Excellence. His startup company, Regal Solutions, LLC, already has one invention disclosure, for which it has applied for a patent.
smartstate corporate relocations American Titanium Works BMW ITRC CADFEM U.S. * Cephos Clean Energy Cooliemon Technologies * Dreamweaver * Fields Group, LLC Focus Chemicals * Greenway Energy Innoventure * Intec U.S. Inc. JTEKT TC Mallet Technology * Mumford Industries * Proterra Sage Automotive Interiors * Senex Biotechnology Simpack, Inc. ThermoPur Technologies * Trulite * In May 2012, CU-ICAR opened the doors to the Center for Emerging Technologies (CET) facility, its first multi-tenant building. CET provides office, administrative, and laboratory space for the transportation, technology, and energy sectors, including companies like Sage Automotive Interiors and others footnoted above. These companies have positioned themselves on the CU-ICAR campus to be close to the four SmartState Endowed Chairs and their research teams.
SmartState investment pays off By Dick Hughes | senior business writer
The state’s temporary investment of lottery funds in state universities to encourage and support high-tech start-up companies produced $1.4 billion in new or pending economic activity, seven times the lottery contribution. That is the conclusion of the 2012 annual report submitted last week to the legislature by the SmartState Review Board. The board said 8,000 jobs related to the SmartState program were created with an average annual salary of $77,000 – twice South Carolina’s annual per capita personal income. Nearly 1,100 of these new jobs are in the automotive sector, but energy and biomedical industries also were major job creators, the board said. Of the $1.5 billion investment the program attracted, $1.1 billion is in place in working capital, and $300 million is “committed investments scheduled for the near future,” according to the annual report. “Such a wellspring of corporate and philanthropic investment in public academic research demonstrates that the private sector believes South Carolina is ready to sit at the table as a major player in the global knowledge economy,” said Regan Voit, SmartState Review chairman. SmartState was launched after the Legislature approved diverting a portion of lottery funds to the public research universities at Clemson, the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina to establish centers of economic excellence to advance the state’s economy. Between 2002 and 2008, $180 million was allocated. No funds have been allocated since 2008. Each seed dollar had to be matched with non-state funding. Under the program, the three universities created 48 unique research centers led by one or more “world-class researchers.”
“A best-in-kind program that is, or should be, the envy of other states Huron, a Washington, D.C., consultancy firm
4 Upstate business | DECEMBER 7, 2012
by the numbers
$1.4 billion External investment
$191.6 million
has been awarded to create 48 Centers of Economic Excellence.
12 CENTERS 15 SMARTSTATE CHAIRS
$180 million
State investment (2003-2008)
$11.6 million
Endowment Accrued Interest (2003-2008)
17 CENTERS 30 SMARTSTATE CHAIRS
7:1
Return on investment
19 CENTERS 41 SMARTSTATE CHAIRS In addition to match funding, SmartState research teams secured more than $715 million in grants from industry and the federal government. BMW invested $11 million, and the Duke Endowment and Health Sciences South Carolina combined to invest nearly $30 million. The SmartState board said the program is helping keep students in the state to study and to stay after being graduated. The impact from graduate students who stay in South Carolina following mentorship under SmartState endowed chairs annually is $4.2 million, according to USC research. The SmartState board cited a recommendation by Huron, a Washington, D.C., consultancy firm that called SmartState “a best-in-kind program that is, or should be, the envy of other states.” Contact Dick Hughes at dhughes@communityjournals.com.
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corporations have made non-state match investments of $500K or more, for a total of
$55 million
This includes companies such as BMW, Michelin, Timken, Smith & Nephew, General Atomics, Westinghouse, Fluor, and many others.
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foundations and non-profit organizations have made non-state match investments of $500K or more, for a total of
$55.6 million
This includes organizations such as BlueCross BlueShield of SC Foundation, the Duke Endowment, Health Sciences South Carolina, Kellogg Foundations, and others. Source: SmartState 2011-2012 annual report
UBJ
Holiday Fair draws merry crowd Attendance up at 42nd annual event By Leigh Savage | contributor
At the 42nd Annual Holiday Fair held at the TD Convention Center Nov. 29-Dec. 1, holiday spirit was up and so was attendance, according to show coordinator Anita Venable. The total number of attendees was 11,762, up from just over 11,000 last year, she said. The number of vendors climbed to 382 from last year’s 360. “It’s up and down every year, but this year was an increase in vendors,” Venable said. “Vendors were very pleased, and some have already turned in their applications for 2013. Some have been with us for more than 20 years. It’s just a tradition.” One vendor who has made the fair an annual event is Angel Rice, owner of Under the Carolina Moon, a gift shop in Easley. She opened her store in 2006 and participated in her first fair that year. “When we started, the Holiday F a i r re a l ly
helped us become more public,” Rice said. “This was the first event we did, and it’s been neat. We’ve adopted three children since we started, and people come to see pictures of our kids and they know what they are supporting.” At her shop, online and at the fair, her most popular products are custom T-shirts, along with custom Tervis Tumblers and other personalized items. December sales typically double those of any other month, she said. Participating for the seventh year, she said she can’t miss a year because too many customers and fellow vendors expect her there. “Customers who come in to the store won’t even buy their shirts – they want to come buy at the fair because it’s a tradition,” she said. Mike Trotter of Carolina Survival was participating in his first Christ-
Photo courtesy of Holiday Fair.
mas show after selling his items, including bracelet kits and fire starters, at hunting and gun shows. After losing his job as an engineer two years ago, he turned his hobby making survival items into a full-time job. “I still send out resumes,” he said. “This is something to keep me busy for the time being.” His bracelets are made from strong cord, and in an emergency, can be unraveled and used to secure belongings, repair equipment or set up shelter. Trotter only sells at shows, and says the Greenville Holiday Fair had better attendance – and more buyers – than many. “I’ve been to shows where people are just looking. So far this one has started out fairly well,” he said. Pam Hale of CityStory was at the fair to try to spread the word about her t w o -y e a r- o l d
business, which creates Greenvillespecific gift items that are sold in retail shops like Postcard from Paris and are also used by companies and organizations for recruitment and economic development. “This is our first time in a trade show environment,” she said. “We want to promote some of our small items and let people become familiar with the concept. We’re hoping people are looking for Greenville gift items.” Many attendees were stopping to flip through her company’s book about Greenville as well as ornaments featuring landmarks such as the Furman Bell Tower and the Liberty Bridge. There was also lots of traffic at the Blue Ribbon Concessions booth, where Richard Myers was handing out samples of warm pecans in a sweet coating, among other offerings. “I do 40 festivals per year,” says Myers, who makes the products himself in a commercial kitchen. “This is a good Christmas show. I like these shows because everybody is in a good mood, so everybody is happy.” Contact Leigh Savage at lsavage@communityjournals.com.
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By Leigh Savage | contributor
focus: made here
Tom Trantham has been a farmer for 44 years, but his big breakthrough came in 1987 – actually, his cows’ big breakthrough. That April, just as Trantham was facing foreclosure and bankruptcy, his cows jumped the fence and started grazing on what Trantham had considered weeds. After their milk production rose sharply, Trantham let the cows out again and realized they wanted fresh plants, not chemically treated grain from the silo, and they wanted to eat just the nutrient-dense top half. Since that fateful day, Trantham has transformed his view of dairy farming, putting an end to chemicals and fertilizers and allowing his 90 cows to graze freely on 29 individual paddocks at his 100-acre farm in Pelzer. He’s also found success he never expected, with school children coming for tours and regular customers driving hundreds of miles for the fresh milk and other products at his harvest store. You recently celebrated 10 years as Happy Cow Creamery. How is business these days?
MILK MAN
Trantham finds key to success is happy cows
Photos by Gregbusiness Beckner 6 Upstate | DECEMBER 7, 2012
Every year was better than the year before. Ten years straight. We’ve been blessed unbelievably here. We’re estimating for December, but we could see a 20 percent sales increase over last year. We bottle about 500 bottles of milk per day. On Oct. 1, we had our 10-year anniversary, and we had 3,500 to 4,000 people here. We had seven acres of parking and ran out. There were great bands and pony rides, and samples of all kinds of stuff.
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Tom Trantham, owner of the Happy Cow Creamery, with some of his cows.
UBJ focus: made here >>
What do you consider the reason for your continued success when many farms are struggling?
It’s our standards we set and the way we do business. People appreciate it. We have the finest quality, and that is No. 1. We guarantee everything in our store. We had someone from a business school come and analyze our business, and they said we probably didn’t need three or four people working behind the cash register. But I said no, that’s our service. We can explain anything you want, talk to you, carry your groceries to the car. That’s part of our success. Your grazing program, Twelve Aprils, has been successful, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has distributed a video about it to universities around the country. (Trantham plants alfalfa, oats, rye and other grasses, offering his cows a fresh 2.5- to
3.5-acre paddock to graze in each day of the month. By doing this, he can replicate fresh April growth for his cows every month of the year.) Have you been trying to spread the word about it? I travel sometimes to talk to groups. I went to the University of Florida to talk to 40 dairymen there, and they were so excited. They’ve been e-mailing me ever since. They had grass, but grass plays out in a few months. They needed more than one April. What does it take to make a living as a dairy farmer? You have to have a passion for it. Cows are the most unbelievable animals. I tell people, ‘Do you think you could love that cow? How about for 60, 70 or 80 hours a week?’ I used to work 16 hours a day every day. Now my daughter, Tammy, my son, Tom, his wife, Ashley, and my wife, Linda – we do everything together. I work 10 to 12 hours a day and I am
Happy Cow employee Matt Chasteen puts labels on milk jugs to be filled inside the creamery’s bottling plant. The plant was constructed inside a former grain silo. Since the cows at the farm are no longer grain-fed, they graze on 70 acres of land, negating the need for a silo.
off every other weekend. Now, I herd my kids instead of just cows. What products to you offer and what sets them apart? Our milk is made in an old-timey vat pasteurizer at low temperature. When you ultra-heat milk, you pretty much destroy the enzymes. People think they are lactose intolerant, but they can drink ours, because it has the enzymes that are the neutralizer for milk. There was a woman who hadn’t had milk in 40 years, but she can drink mine. Then there is no chocolate milk like ours. We use the finest chocolate made plus pure cane sugar and our milk. And our strawberry is doing quite well too. We sell eggnog every November and December, plus in July, and people drive from miles around for it. Our shop also sells locally made soap that uses Happy Cow milk. We have butter, cheese, sausage, chicken, organic fruits and vegetables and more.
The Happy Cow Creamery store and bottling plant. The store features a variety of creamery products and a drive-up window for customer convenience.
“There used to be 500 dairy farms and now there are less than 80 in the state.”
Where can people find Happy Cow products? People come from Florida and Georgia to our store. There is a group from Charlotte that comes once every five weeks. We offer a bag of ice at no charge, so people can bring their cooler. People can also find it at Whole Foods, Earth Fare, the Fresh Market, the Sweetery in Anderson. There is a long list on our website (www.happycowcreamery.com). What do you think of the state of dairy farming in South Carolina? I would love to see 300 or 400 dairy farmers back in South Carolina. There used to be 500 dairy farms and now there are less than 80 in the state. There used to be more than 40 in Greenville and Pickens, and now I’m the only one left. So there wouldn’t be competition; there is room for a couple hundred more dairy farmers. Instead of thousands of cows in one area, they could have 70 or 80 cows each, with each farmer owning his or her own equipment, and the revenue spent right here in South Carolina. If they use the Twelve Aprils model, the quality of the product would be the best ever. Contact Leigh Savage at lsavage@communityjournals.com.
DECEMBER 7, 2012 | Upstate business 7
UBJ statehouse report
Charleston trying to hoodwink state into paying for road People across the Palmetto State ought to be just plain mad at how some folks in Charleston are trying to railroad state highway dollars for the area’s selfish use. At issue: Interstate 526 and its longanticipated extension. The 19-mile road currently forms a semicircle around Charleston from U.S. Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant through North Charleston and to U.S. Highway 17 in West Ashley. As originally envisioned, the road was to continue through Johns and James islands to connect at the James Island Expressway at Folly Road. But because the Interstate has been built in segments, the final seven-mile section never was built. Over the last few years, the project has been bounced around more than a tennis ball. In 2004, Charleston County voters approved a half-cent transportation sales tax. Officials used some proceeds as a potential local match to apply to the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) for millions of state tax dollars to complete the highway, which the SIB approved in June 2006. A year later, the state Department of Transportation (DOT) and Charleston County signed an agreement for the DOT to manage the project. But then with a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the DOT, things started to go wrong. In 2009, the DOT presented six road
proposals. The preferred alternative ended up being a $489 million, fourlane parkway with traffic lights and speeds limited to 35 mph to 45 mph. At five public hearings, By Andy Brack speakers overwhelmingly opposed the project. Despite the In April 2011, Charleston County fact that the Council said “no” to the road’s state DOT does completion, despite a questionable not believe I-526’s threat that it would owe $11 million completion is of statefor work up to that point. In January wide significance since it 2012, the SIB reassigned responsibilhasn’t ranked its compleity to the DOT. But throwing a wrench tion as a statewide priority into everything, the DOT board voted and the project is only 15th in the in September to not take the project, Charleston area road priority list. now projected to cost $558 million, Despite the fact that reductions in and instead sent it back to the county. travel times – a major argument by supSo it’s dead, right? Nope. In Noporters – are not projected to be signifivember, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley cant. The draft EIS suggests reductions strong-armed city council to try to get from 34 seconds up to 5.6 minutes. The the project sponsorship moved from Environmental Protection Agency also the county to the city. And now, Riley, says claims of safety improvements did House Speaker Bobby Harrell, a host not justify environmental or commuof Chamber of Commerce types and nity impacts of the road. big money are putting the full-court Despite the fact that a federal press on Charleston County Council agency says hurricane evacuation – to let the city take over the project – also used as a reason for completion despite the fact that no city reportedly by supporters – should not be considever has completed an Interstate. ered as part of the rationale because Despite the fact that with deals initial increased mobility would be being quietly cut to add overpasses counteracted by more development and potentially reduce neighborhood (leading to more cars). impacts on Johns and James islands, And despite the fact that the state the road would cost much more than Department of Natural Resources $558 million. recommended no action because of
environmental impacts identified in the draft EIS. Bottom line: Regardless of all of the political arm-twisting in the world, extending Interstate 526 isn’t a state priority and won’t relieve congestion significantly. It will negatively impact the environment and destroy historic communities. Lots of alternatives exist to improving traffic flow without building expensive new bridges and parkways so that rich folks on Kiawah and Seabrook islands can get to Costco five minutes quicker. Quite frankly, the $558 million in state dollars targeted to this Charleston road can be much better used across the state to fix ailing bridges, potholed roads and bottlenecks that need attention. Charleston County Council will decide Dec. 13 what to do next. Let members know how you feel about the tomfoolery of state dollars being funneled into this Charleston pet project. Andy Brack, publisher of Statehouse Report, can be reached at brack@ statehousereport.com
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UBJ nonprofit matters
Charitable reflections on branding
What is the significance of the changing rainbow of colors in the fountain located on South Main Street at the entrance to Falls Park? Over the past months I have noticed water flowing in teal, pink and purple. – Ellen T. Ellen, each of these colors boldly represents an important cause that may touch your life or the lives of your friends and family members.
Teal – Ovarian Cancer Awareness Pink – Breast Cancer Awareness Purple – Pancreatic By Debbie Nelson Cancer Awareness
Recently I had the opportunity to be part of the press conference held by the South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation at the brink of this landmark fountain as it turned teal. It was a moving experience to see the survivors and families on this day of recognition. One of my coworkers was brought Meg Hawes, executive to tears. director of the SC Ovarian Cancer Foundation I want to express my sincere appreciation to the City of Greenville for allowing this great opportunity to build awareness about ovarian cancer. And a special thank you to Mayor Pro Tem David Sudduth, who shared some remarks about his personal connection to this devastating disease. Branding is essential for all nonprofit organizations. An effective brand communicates mission, builds trust, raises awareness and impacts longterm sustainability. By turning the water on Main Street to representative brand colors, these organizations are creatively expressing their identities. So the next time you walk past a fountain or sit on a bench to watch the giggling toddlers as they dodge the water drops, think about a cause that is near and dear to your heart – and cast a penny.
Buy Local and Look Great Your support of local businesses in Greenville when you shop for your holiday gifts has a much larger impact than you might think. Spending your money in Greenville at independent businesses has a ripple effect on the local economy. The money you spend is reinvested in the community by the owners and employees of those businesses. Shopping locally means a lot at Rush Wilson Limited. Our collection of clothing lines includes a number that are headquartered right here in Greenville: Southern Tide, Coast, F A MacCluer, and Kent Wool Socks. Buying products from these companies at local businesses really insures that your money stays in Greenville! Southern Tide, founded by Allen Stephenson, a native of Greenville, features sportswear that focuses on comfort and fit in styles that are fashionable, functional and distinctive. Coast, founded at Pawley’s Island by Greenvillians Blaine Henderson and Chad Odom and headquartered in Greenville, embraces a “relaxed style, an easy going attitude and a passion for living.” Coast is classic sportswear that will put you in that “coastal” frame of mind. F A MacCluer, founded in Brooklyn, NY in 1922, and moved to Belton, SC in 1992, started out making quality, “private label” shirts for the most prestigious stores in America. Operated by brothers, John and Bob Ruffalo, FA MacCluer produces beautifully tailored dress shirts and sport shirts with classic styling and traditional fit. Kent Wool Socks, created by Mark Kent, CEO of Kent Wool, is perhaps the World’s Best Golf Sock. Made of a proprietary blend of Superfine Merino Wool, the socks promote wicking and comfort and reduce friction, abrasion and muscle fatigue. Available in a lot of fun colors and styles, it is the perfect sock for golf, tennis, jogging, hiking or whenever you are on your feet for hours at a time. Reinvest in Greenville this Holiday Season.
Until next time, Debbie (debbie@dnacc.com)
Debbie Nelson is the president and founder of DNA Creative Communications, a public relations firm that partners with nonprofit and government organizations in the education, human services and sustainability sectors. Each year DNA offers its Live Here Give Here pro bono program and Shine the Light on Your Nonprofit workshop series.
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Some of the most beautiful cities in the world are known for their fountains. I believe that Greenville is indeed one of those places. I am also quite smitten with Rome and its Trevi Fountain – so much so that I named our family cat Trevi. As you gaze into a fountain and listen to the soothing sound of running water, do you ever wonder where all of those wistfully thrown coins go? I’d like to believe that our lucky coins are going to support some important charitable cause. To this point, some years ago I helped retrieve the coins from the fountain at Haywood Mall for the Greenville Humane Society. And what a heavy load that was; small change quickly added up to big dollars for our fourlegged friends. As we celebrate this holiday season, please don’t lose sight of the significance of your financial support to the sustainability of the nonprofits in our community. Each year fundraising professionals employ a wide variety of strategies to reach their budgetary goals, from collecting children’s pennies to hosting exquisite galas and visiting with potential donors. All of these activities are important. However, to ensure success, organizations must FIRST build community awareness and understanding of their missions. Without a strong organizational brand, much time and energy will be wasted. In short, branding is the answer to this question posed by my friend Ellen at the annual Leadership South Carolina luncheon:
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DECEMBER 7, 2012 | Upstate business 9
UBJ
County tax incentive may aid Michelin expansion By Dick Hughes senior business writer
The Greenville County Council is developing an in-lieu property tax incentive to expedite an expansion project in the county by Michelin North America. “While we have no formal announcement at this time, these incentives make Greenville an attractive place to invest,” said Brian Remsberg, public relations manager of Michelin. “Michelin is constantly exploring potential investment opportunities,” he said. Michelin applied for tax incentives “in connection with the potential expansion of certain manufacturing and related facilities at one or more locations in the county,” according to the county’s notice of public hearing,
which was held Dec. 4. Greenville County council chairman H.G. “Butch” Kirven said the county hopes the project materializes, but it is not definite. The in-lieu property tax incentive is “a factor in helping the company make some strategic decisions that are yet to be made.” Michelin, which has had its North American headquarters in Greenville since 1988, has been in expansion mode in South Carolina. In April, it announced commitment to spend $750 million to build a plant adjacent to its Starr rubber processing plant in Anderson County to make giant earthmover tires for the global market. It will be Michelin’s third Anderson facility. It also has a rubber processing plant in Sandy Springs.
The in-lieu property tax incentive is…
“a factor in helping the company make some strategic decisions that are yet to be made.” Greenville County council chairman H.G. “Butch” Kirven about the county’s hopes for Michelin’s expansion project
The company expects to employ 500 workers when production of the earthmover tires is under way at Starr. Michelin is also expanding its existing earthmover tire plant in Lexington County, and it completed a $200 million expansion of its light truck and
passenger tire plant in Lexington this fall. The Starr plant will be Michelin’s ninth manufacturing facility South Carolina and its 19th in North America. It is the largest manufacturing employer in the state. Contact Dick Hughes at dhughes@communityjournals.com.
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UBJ guest column
Four simple rules for a good website I want a “flash” website. That is one of the things I hear when meeting someone about designing and building a website for the first time. Why do they want flash? Because somewhere they heard that “flash” makes things move around on a website and that’s cool. It’s also a misnomer because Flash is a specific product that doesn’t translate to most (OK, almost all) Apple products, which means that a company’s website won’t function on most platforms. What the customer wants are things moving, but the only way they can describe it is by saying “flash.” It’s a minor frustration, but a symptom of what many small business owners face even as we move quickly toward 20 years of the word “website” being part of the American vocabulary. They know terms like “SEO,” “Flash,” “social media” and the like, but don’t quite have the time, energy and tools to make it all work. And it is a reason that as an owner of a company that specializes in Web design, I sometimes (OK, often) cringe when I see a lot of the websites out there. Many harken back to the mid-to-late 1990s era of designs, which is akin to trying to play an MP3 on a record player. Something will happen, but not what you expect or really want. A bad website sends up a warning sign to potential clients. Image is the most important thing to remember when creating a website. People make a judgment on someone in about five seconds when meeting them for the first time. It is less time when looking at a website. Everything about a business can be summed up in the human mind in the time it takes most people to sneeze. Scary. So what can a small business owner do to make their site look like it wasn’t created by Fred Flint-
What Matters Most
stone’s programmer cousin using some slate and a chisel?
For many people, the holiday season smells of evergreen. We put up lights and spend time with family and friends sharing stories of the past year and enjoying well-loved company.
• Keep updating. Most people get really excited about a new website, but then lose interest in a few months, which means things don’t get updated. When things don’t get updated, it makes it look like your business is out of business.
The holidays often prove to be a time of reflection and remembrance of the past year’s successes and failings; such as how our kids were once smaller and what they did those years when they got up too early on Christmas morning. We remember the smiles and laughter and feeling of excitement. We don’t generally remember the times when we worked weekends and missed the kids’ performances.
• Tweak the site often. Just like a car tune-up, making small changes every few months to the colors, styles, and pictures will let people know you are active.
The experiences with those we care for most are the real joy of the holidays. You won’t find them in any store and you don’t need a coupon code.
By Chris Manley
• Plan social media. You have Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn? Good. Do you have a plan to use them? No? Then maybe you should rethink your time doing social media. Posting the same items with no response or posting nothing at all is often a negative as opposed to a positive when it comes to social media. I think every company can benefit from social media, but only if they have a strategy. • Drive people to the site. A website is a window into your business, but not a door. Find ways to get people looking for your site. Use e-mail campaigns and other techniques to get people looking for your business online. That sounds easy, but many small business owners don’t think about those basic rules when developing their Web presence. Not surprising, considering all of the issues and challenges one faces each day when running a business – but it doesn’t have to be that way. A website should be a tool that makes your business better, not hinders your progress. Think about that the next time you go looking at websites. Chris Manley is the manager partner of Engenius, a Greenville-based firm that specializes in strategically serving businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs through results-focused web design, mobile apps, and online marketing. Learn more at www.engeniusweb.com.
Most of us will work hard for decades. Some of us will take the time to reflect and consider what is most important to us, and some will take some action to enhance and affect what it is we care for. Some of us will put one foot in front of the other and walk along like the proverbial gerbil on a wheel, only looking up when circumstance requires. Financial planning is beneficial to defining goals and giving meaning to the work we do. Maybe you are committed to sending the kids to college without debt. Maybe you are looking to reach that place of financial independence that allows you a little more time to travel. Maybe you’re trying to just get a little bit ahead. Good planning takes into account who and what we love the most. We remind you this year to love those closest to you and take a moment without the cell phone or tablet to listen and be present with each other. These connections are what your family will remember just as you remember your childhood family holidays. So if you’re playing Santa this year, enjoy it; but remember, it’s the time, the love, and the listening that build the connections. Stuff is just stuff. Your kids might have more fun building forts out of the boxes if you play too. Christopher A. Brown, CPA, PFS is the COO of Family Legacy, Inc. and has been helping people plan and save for the future since 1995. You may visit us online at www.falegacy.com or call us at 864-233-0808.
DECEMBER 7, 2012 | Upstate business 11
Photos provided.
UBJ entrepreneur
andrea goodjoin – owner of divine desserts
Success is divine – and tasty
Jump Start Entrepreneurship is everywhere
▲
Andrea Goodjoin built her business one cupcake at a time By Jenny Munro | contributor
12 Upstate business | DECEMBER 7, 2012
Andrea Goodjoin is making her mark on baking in Greenville through Divine Desserts by Andrea just as she once successfully navigated careers in corporate America and in fundraising for nonprofit organizations. “Divine Desserts is top of the line,” she said, adding that she bakes oldfashioned cakes and cupcakes using some of her grandmother’s recipes. Goodjoin, the youngest of six children and one who has baked since she was a child, sold her first cake on Val-
entine’s Day in 2007 and incorporated the business in 2008. Initially, she was baking in her house. Over the next few years, she moved to a Project Host kitchen, then to a shared commercial kitchen and then again to Project Host. At that time, she established a cupcake cart in Haywood Mall and now is in a storefront bakery/cupcake cafe on Woodruff Road. “This is the best thing I’ve ever done,” she said. “It gives me more visibility.” Eventually she would like to hire
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UBJ entrepreneur “If a company has proven itself, it should be helped. I’d like for small business to get a break.” – Andrea Goodjoin
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more employees and lengthen the hours of operation. Her next major goal is to expand her cake shipping business. She’s on the way, recently shipping a cake to Germany. She also ships throughout the United States. “This is a stepping stone,” she said of the attractive cupcake cafe, painted in restful colors and filled with paper lanterns, fresh flowers and cupcakes – many of them from recipes she created. She bakes in a kitchen behind the retail area. Goodjoin signed the lease on her present location a year ago and moved into the space in April. She now has one full-time employee who helps run the business, but the cupcake cart had to be shut down. “I loved it. I miss it,” she said, adding she could not handle two locations. Starting a business just as the economy tanked took a lot of courage, but “people enjoy our products,” Goodjoin said. She said she knew from the beginning that she wanted customer service to set Divine Desserts apart from other bakeries.
She also went after funding, obtaining a loan from Michelin Development Upstate. The organization, funded by Greenville-based Michelin North America, provides loans to small business to help them create jobs through their entrepreneurial activities. The assistance allowed her to buy the cart she used in Haywood Mall. “Credit is still tight,” she said. “It’s been frustrating.” She added that local, state and federal agencies need to help small businesses get started and survive. “If a company has proven itself, it should be helped. I’d like for small business to get a break.” Goodjoin markets her cakes and cupcakes by word-of-mouth advertising, online and through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, all social media sites. “It’s a great way to market ourselves,” she said of social media. “It gets people to share information and their thoughts about our products.” Contact Jenny Munro at jmunro@communityjournals.com.
Opening Soon…
It’s about the cuisine, the ambiance… and all that Jazz.
864-242-BLUE | 300 River St., Ste 203, Greenville Andrea Goodjoin of Divine Desserts gets a new batch of cupcakes ready for the oven.
DECEMBER 7, 2012 | Upstate business 13
UBJ cover story
QuikTrip builds across Upstate ▲
Convenience and gas chain has opened 16 stores regionally in one year – with more to come
By Leigh Savage | contributor
Since its first South Carolina store opened 13 months ago in Boiling Springs, QuikTrip, a convenience store and gas chain with locations in 11 states, has gone on a building blitz, opening its 16th Upstate location last week in Gaffney. Spokespeople say the aggressive growth will continue
into 2013, with 17 stores under construction in the Carolinas. Three stores are under construction in Greenville, according to Mike Thornbrugh, manager of public and government affairs: Augusta Road and Woodruff Road locations set to open in January and a Grove Road store slated to open in February. The Oklahoma-based chain
has built across the Upstate, with three stores already operating in Greenville, four in Spartanburg and five in Anderson, plus outposts in Easley and Greer. Thornbrugh says the sudden growth in the Carolinas is not typical for his company or for the industry. Opening 16 stores in just over a year “is us coming in and being very aggressive,” he said. “When we got to the Carolinas, there were lots of A-plus properties that were not utilized. You don’t go in and build as many sites as we have unless there were a lot of great sites available, and we grabbed them.” He said local officials involved
with zoning and other details have been helpful, allowing the company to develop the properties more rapidly.
An ‘urban legend’
While QuikTrip does use a formula to decide where stores will be built, Thornbrugh declined to discuss how sites are selected. “Obviously our competitors would love to know,” he said. He isn’t sure why so many premiere sites were available in the Upstate, but said the reason for the sudden surge in stores has nothing to do with Greenville-based Spinx Co. or any former agreements between QuikTrip and Spinx to stay out of certain territories. He calls the rumor “an urban legend,” that is not only inaccurate but violates federal law. Melodie Hudson, a spokesperson for Spinx, declined to comment on QuikTrip’s growth in the area and Spinx’s growth plans, but said, “There is not a deal and there was never a deal to stay out of each other’s area.”
Photos courtesy of QuikTrip
Top 10
14 Upstate business | DECEMBER 7, 2012
In a 2011 report by Convenience Store News, QuikTrip was ranked No. 10 on a list of corporate-run convenience stores. The chain has 638 stores in 11 states, Thornbrugh said. Forbes Magazine recently ranked QuikTrip No. 26 on a list of the largest privately held
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UBJ cover story
Preparing for 2013
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LEE YARBOROUGH
December is here and Santa is busy making his list. What about you? Have you made your HR checklist to get ready for 2013? Here are some items to add to your list:
• If your company had more than 250 W-2s last year, then you must report the value of employer-sponsored health coverage on the 2012 W-2. • Any year end or holiday bonuses must be reported and taxed at the supplemental tax rate.
companies in the U.S., with 12,929 employees and total revenue at $10.77 billion. Gas stations with convenience stores bring in $332 billion annually in the U.S., according to an IBIS Market Research report released in Sept. 2012. There is potential for growth as the economy gains steam and more people travel by car. The report cites the Southeast as the top gas-consuming region, with 26 percent of all retail gas sales.
Next generation
Each Upstate location is what QuikTrip calls a Generation Three design, with a larger footprint and a redesigned interior with six points of entry and exit instead of the previous two. “It’s easier to traverse, and since the stores are busy, it spreads traffic and flow,” Thornbrugh said. Previous locations were 4,600 to 4,700 square feet, while the new locations are 5,700 square feet. The stores also have more of a restaurant look, since many people go to QuikTrip not just for gas but
“Opening 16 stores in just over a year is us coming in and being very aggressive. When we got to the Carolinas, there were lots of A-plus properties that were not utilized. You don’t go in and build as many sites as we have unless there were a lot of great sites available, and we grabbed them.”
Qu i k Facts: • Founded in 1958 by Chester Cadieux and Burt B. Holmes in Tulsa, Okla. • 638 locations in the South and Midwest, including 16 stores in the Upstate • 12,929 employees • Total revenue at $10.77 billion • Sells 2 percent of all gas sold in the U.S.
• Verify employees’ correct name, address and social security number for W-2s. • Prepare for 2013 taxes. Look for SC Unemployment rates in the mail. SC Unemployment tax will be assessed on the first $12,000 in wages for 2013. • Beware of what is happening if the fiscal cliff occurs. Payroll taxes may be affected, and as the employer, you need to watch for this. • For plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, salary reduction contributions for health flexible spending accounts (FSA) will be limited to $2,500.
Mike Thornbrugh, manager of public and government affairs
also for the food offered inside. The company sells 2 percent of all gas sold in the U.S, and the majority of profits come from the gas portion of the business, Thornbrugh said. But after focusing on improving food and drink offerings, QuikTrip has increased “inside sales” and now sells 3.5 to four times more snack foods, meals and drinks than any of its competitors, he said. “People say, ‘How can you have fresh, quality food in a gas station?’ And we understand that, but we’ve overcome that in a lot of ways,” Thornbrugh said. “We have quality
• Gather any fringe benefits data and disability statements to make W-2 reporting easier.
control – we make it, transport it and sell it. It’s fresh, competitively priced and it tastes good.” The increased focus on food is relatively new to QuikTrip, which first tested bakery items, sandwiches and wraps five years ago in Tulsa. “It was obviously successful, because we changed the design of our stores to accommodate it and built kitchens in Atlanta, Tulsa, Kansas City, Dallas and Phoenix,” Thornbrugh said. “It was a big investment of capital and labor, but now everything is in place.” The distribution center and kitchen in Jefferson County, Ga., was another key factor to the rapid expansion in the Upstate, since food can be quickly distributed via I-85, he said. Each Upstate store employs at least 15 people and represents a minimum $3.5 million investment, Thornbrugh said. In the year since the company arrived, QuikTrip has hired approximately 300 employees in South Carolina, including a division office, real estate professionals and facility support. Contact Leigh Savage at lsavage@communityjournals.com.
• 2013 401(k) contribution limits will be $17,500 up from $17,000. • Prepare for Health Care Reform; don’t wait until 2014. o Go to www.healthcare.gov o Do you have more than 50 full-time employee equivalents? o Properly classify part-time and fulltime employees. If your workforce is made up of “variable” employees whose hours vary each week, the IRS issued guidance on look back periods to evaluate their status. Look back periods will begin in 2013. o Meet with advisors and decide if you are going to “Pay” or “Play.” o Meet with your CPA to discuss potential tax credits. • Review the company handbook. Does your current practice follow your written policy? • Review PTO policies and balances if your paid time off is based on a calendar year. December is more than holiday parties; it is an essential time for a company to prepare for the new year and to review past practices. With new challenges such as Health Care Reform, employers must be even more vigilant. Like Santa, check your list twice!
669 N. Academy St., Greenville, SC 864.679.6055 | 800.446.6567 www.propelhr.com
M122A
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DECEMBER 7, 2012 | Upstate business 15
UBJ
FUNDING
THE BIG IDEA
Photo by Greg Beckner
▲
Accelerate aims to boost the Upstate’s per capita income
By Jenny Munro | contributor
High-impact entrepreneurs must be part of the Upstate’s economy if the region expects to continue growing – and Accelerate, an economic development investment organization with about 100 members, is supporting some of these businesses. The ultimate goal for Accelerate, affiliated with the Greenville Chamber, is to increase Greenville and the region’s per capita income, said John Moore, the Chamber’s executive vice president. Currently, that metric continues to inch down – Greenville County is now about where it was in the mid-1980s relative to the rest of the country. “We’re growing, just not growing as fast as the rest of the country,” Moore said. He likens the per capita income measurement to a “pulse or blood pressure. It doesn’t tell what’s wrong. It tells you whether you’re healthy or not.” 16 Upstate business | DECEMBER 7, 2012
Economic development experts said Accelerate is on the right track. “I think they have an aspiration model,” said Bruce Yandle, dean emeritus of Clemson University’s College of Business and Behavioral Science. “It gives focus to a number of key activities that reinforce making progress on that goal” of raising per capita income. To reach its goal, Accelerate focuses on recruiting and growing world-class talent, improving business conditions and supporting the growth of high-impact entrepreneurship. In the first three years of its five-year existence, the organization has invested an average of $323,450 a year. It annually spends $50,000 to reimburse the Chamber for start-up costs, $40,000 for a diversity program and $15,000 for the Economic Scorecard. That leaves nearly $218,000 a year to support Accelerate’s other goals. The organization, made up of large and
small businesses, is “a segregated effort, with dedicated funding sources, for specific projects,” Moore said. Accelerate’s biggest single project is the NEXT Innovation Center, which began operating full-time three years ago and receives about 57 percent of Accelerate’s budget. NEXT is about 96 high-technology companies considered high-impact entrepreneurial companies with the potential to grow. Member companies are based in the region, own intellectual property and have or plan to have a market outside the Southeast. The requirement that company headquarters be local will allow the region to grow its own headquarters operations after losing many to changes in the economy over the past two or three decades. “We need to fill the back end, growing them,” Moore said. “They are seedlings. They are not yet trees.”
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UBJ
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While these high-impact businesses are small, they are different from traditional small businesses, many of which are content to remain relatively small and slow-growing, he said. “Small business is essential,” he said. “These folks, however, have different needs.” As they grow, they will be customers of traditional small businesses. NEXT is seeing results, growing and having an impact, he said. In the past 12 months NEXT’s 96 companies added an additional 168 new jobs for a total of 662 full-time direct jobs. The average salary is $68,580, 172 percent of Greenville County average wages. The companies reported a total payroll of $43.34 million in fulltime direct jobs. Also, the companies’ economic impact includes a total of 1,654 full-time jobs, including both direct and indirect jobs, Moore said. The companies employed 104 interns during the past 12 months and raised $34.445 million in capital. “After just a few short years, the support and infrastructure projects led by NEXT are producing substantial results,” said Peter Waldschmidt, NEXT advisory board chair and CEO of Gnoso. “The outstanding capital investment and job growth numbers reported for the past 12 months demonstrate that high-grow t h technolog y ventures can flourish here.”
NEXT is one of several Upstate activities that fit the region’s transition to a high-knowledge economy, Yandle said. Others include the Clemson MBA for entrepreneurs program based in downtown Greenville, Clemson’s International Center for Automotive Research, the new medical school and expanded hospital system and the Angel Network system for raising capital. “They all fit perfectly,” he said. “Greenville’s economy also supports the transition from high-volume, relatively low-value, companies to high-value companies, some of which are still high-volume.” Some of the Upstate’s manufacturers, such as Sage Interiors, BMW, Michelin, GE and others, fall into that category, he said. Accelerate retains about 6 percent of its budget for “catalytic projects,” Moore said. One example was the successful regional effort to woo Southwest Airlines to the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Another example that was envisioned and mostly completed before Accelerate existed is Falls Park. “Who could have known how Falls Park changed Greenville?”
by the numbers
other organizations “are playing a long-run game,” Yandle said. The short-time fix would be what South Carolina does now – build industrial parks, install sewer and rail lines and recruit industry to the region to build a plant and hire a couple of hundred workers. By looking to the long-run and seeking more wealth-building that will remain in the region, the organizations are using “leadership muscle,” he said. “We are trying to build a whole new foundation, a whole new footing, for the county that is complementary to what is here now,” Moore said. He said the Upstate is facing a transition from traditional manufacturing to a knowledge-based economy just as it did when it transitioned from agriculture to industrial. Agriculture still remains as part of the state’s economy and manufacturing will continue to be an important part of the economy as knowledge-based companies begin driving the regional economy. Contact Jenny Munro at jmunro@communityjournals.com.
In the first three years, Accelerate has invested an average of
$323,450 a year...
-
$50,000 to reimburse the Chamber for start-up costs
-
$40,000
for a diversity program
-
$15,000
for the Economic Scorecard
=
Approx. $218,000
remaining, annually, to support Accelerate’s other goals.
he said. That funding is for big ideas – either a threat such as air pollution or an opportunity such as Southwest, he said. One such idea is the Enterprise Campus proposed at Greenville Technical College. That facility would train and educate workers for advanced manufacturing jobs and provide an incubator for start-up companies that fall into the high-impact range. Accelerate, NEXT and
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READ IT. KNOW IT. GROW IT.
UBJ Upstate business Journal
Greenville says ‘happy birthday’ to businesses with license rebates By Cindy Landrum | staff
Some Greenville businesses could soon be getting unexpected – but welcome – birthday gifts from the city. Tucked inside more than 100 pages of revisions and additions to the city’s code of ordinances is an anniversary discount on business license fees on some resident businesses. “There are abatements to entice new businesses into the city,” said Jodie Dudash, revenue administrator in the city’s business license department. “This is to reward existing businesses.” Resident businesses will remit their annual business license fees as they now do, but in years
18 Upstate business | DECEMBER 7, 2012
when business license fee revenue equals or exceeds the previous year’s revenue, the city will refund anniversary discounts to businesses that have reached longevity milestones, Dudash said. Resident businesses that have been operating in the city for 10 years will receive a 5 percent discount, businesses operating for 15 years will get a 7.5 percent discount and businesses operating for 20 years will get a 10 percent discount. Businesses will continue to receive a 10 percent discount in each five-year increment after that. The anniversary discount is capped at $10,000. Dudash said if business license revenue is lower than the previous
year’s revenue the anniversary discount won’t be given and the businesses would have to wait until their next five-year increment. “I don’t foresee that happening,” she said. Businesses that qualify for an anniversary discount won’t have to do anything to get their money. After verifying the businesses that qualify – Dudash estimates about 500 businesses will qualify for discounts in 2013 – the city will mail out checks. In addition, the city will offer early payment discounts of 2 percent to businesses that pay their business license fees by the end of January. Contact Cindy Landrum at clandrum@communityjournals.com.
UBJ digital maven
VS. With new tech products, it’s buyer beware There’s a lot of new gumbies and grumpies technology coming out to adapt to new systems. right now – geared at Windows 8 is a major building fourth-quarter departure from anything sales and capitalizing on familiar. Consider how (for business) the endyou’re going to adapt of-year “smart buying” your staff before you plop By Laura Haight spree and (for consumit down on the desk. ers) the holiday shopping season. • Getting the bugs out. If you Here’s a look at two recent techare a small business without an IT nology developments and what team, you may also want to steer they may mean to your business. clear of buying something new and
Microsoft releases Windows 8 with its “Metro” live tile interface
Is this an exciting new development? Apparently not. According to the research firm NPD, in the first four weeks of Windows 8, PC sales dropped 21 percent over the same period last year. Laptop sales were off even more – 24 percent. Why? Speculation abounds about Microsoft and where it is going. But from a business perspective, I am leery of an OS where the first descriptive terms in marketing materials are “Vibrant and Beautiful.” The Metro interface with live tiles updating with social media, email and other live “connections” is appealing to a consumer market, but less so for business. Three things to consider before upgrading to Windows 8 for your business: • The learning curve for staff. Most businesses have spent a lot of time, money and effort getting their
cool that has just been released. “New” and “cool” often come hand-in-hand with their friends “buggy” and “unstable.” If you have limited IT support in-house, you might want to wait a release or two. • Playing well with others. If your business uses any special software – outside the major suites like Adobe’s Creative Suite or MS Office – make sure it will run on a new operating system. Rolling back to a previous OS when you learn some critical piece of software doesn’t work on the new one is a ton of work – lost time, productivity and revenue.
Apple vs. the world
We are often divided by psychographic preferences and allegiances: Are you a Republican or Democrat? A smoker or nonsmoker? A pink-packet person or any other flavor of artificial sweetener? And, of course, Apple products or anything else. New data released last week
shows that for the August-October 2012 period, Apple’s operating system regained its lead over Google’s Android as most popular in the U.S. iPhones held 48 percent of the market share over Android’s 46.7 percent. Researchers Kantar Worldpanel ComTech project Apple will beat its previous record-high share over the rest of the year and through the critical holiday sales period. If you are considering adding smartphones to your team or bringing in some tablets, should this Apple vs. Android sales race play into your decision? No way. There are three things you should be looking at, though: • Apps. Which platform has the apps you need to put in the hands of your staff? If there are tools you use in the office, look to see which ones have mobile app versions and which functions they offer. • Management capabilities. When you give your employees a smartphone or tablet, you have to accept the fact that they will send some personal emails or take calls from their spouses every now and then. But you may not want them downloading Instagram, Angry Birds or Spotify. Several third-party vendors have mobile management suites for devices that let you control the software that is installed, implement a standard software set and deploy it quickly to each new device, and institute policies that limit downloads and
browsing – similar to controls you currently have on your desktops. If you want to learn more about mobile device management, there’s a good informational webinar here: http://goo.gl/SrAXO. (Fair warning: This is from a company that sells a device management suite, but the general information is still well presented). • Interoperability. Basically, the ability of your mobile devices to communicate and integrate with your other systems. Company contacts, CRM, shared calendars, cloud servers or local data via secure connections. Which mobile devices have the best apps and OS to make those connections easy and seamless for users on the go? The Gartner Group conducted a survey in April that showed 58 percent of all enterprises were planning to make Apple their primary mobile platform in 2013. Twenty percent were planning to standardize on BlackBerry and only 9 percent were choosing Android. The reason? Weaker management support. That may change over time, but for now, it’s an issue to consider. Read the report: http:// goo.gl/z6HdH. Laura Haight is the president of Portfolio (www. portfoliosc.com), a communications company based in Greenville. She is a former IT executive, journalist and newspaper editor. Connect with the Digital Maven on Facebook/theDigitalMaven and share ideas, comments, suggestions and your input on the weekly question.
DECEMBER 7, 2012 | Upstate business 19
UBJ new to the street
Acorn & Arrow recently opened in the Stone’s Point shopping center on Wade Hampton Blvd. and specializes in unique found objects, antiques and a variety of other discoveries ranging from ornate candlesticks to original oil.
You can’t avoid paying taxes, but you may be able You can’t avoid paying taxes, but you may be able to avoid paying more than you have to. Let us to avoid paying than you have to. Let us Youyou can’t avoidmore paying taxes, but you may be amount able help determine if you can reduce the helptoyou determine if you can reduce the amount avoid paying have to. Let us you owe the IRS,more and than pay you yourself instead. youhelp oweyou thedetermine IRS, andifpay instead. you yourself can reduce the amount The Palmetto Bank Trust Investment you owe the IRS, and pay and yourself instead. Group is The Palmetto Bank Trust and Investment Group is here to help make sure more of your money Bank Trust and Investment Group stays isstays hereThe toPalmetto help make sure more of your money where it belongs—with you. of your money stays here to help make sure more where it belongs—with you. where it belongs—with you. Remember, you only have until April 15, so call us Remember, you only until April15, 15, call Remember, you onlyhave have of until April soso call us us today to speak with one our financial advisors. today to to speak with our financial financial advisors. today speak withone one of of our advisors.
UrbanDigs recently opened in the Stone’s Point shopping center on Wade Hampton Blvd. and features a variety of unique home decor as well as local and regional art, antiques and refurbished pieces.
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20 Upstate business | DECEMBER 7, 2012
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Quest Brewing Company will begin production of American and Belgian-style craft beers in 2013 from their 55 Airview Drive location in Greenville. The 530 0 -squa refoot facility will house a 25-barrel A division of The Palmetto Bank brewing system used to make several ales for distribution in the regional A A division division of of The The Palmetto Palmetto Bank Bank area. QBC’s building will also feature a stylish tasting room used for A division of The Palmetto Bank growler – fills, live music, weekly tours and numerous special events.
UBJ commercial development dealmakers
Keith Jones and Scott Jones represented the landlord of 1615 Wade Hampton Blvd., Suite A, Greenville, in leasing a 2,050 SF office space to Stair & Co., CPA, PA. David Feild and Tyson Smoak represented the landlord of 105 N. Spring St., Greenville, in leasing a 2,070 SF office space to Resort Custom Homes, LLC.
Hot doughnuts soon Krispy Kreme is putting up its first new-concept doughnut shop on Woodruff Road. Construction is expected to be complete in early January with an opening in mid-month. “This is the first of a new prototype building done as a result of some consumer research,” said Lafeea Watson, corporate spokeswoman for Krispy Kreme in WinstonSalem, N.C. “We’ve opened up our shop windows more, emphasized our red and green colors more and created an outdoor seating environment.” New space-efficient equipment will be used to bake doughnuts. The new Krispy Kreme Factory will have 2,400 square feet of interior space and will include a drive-through
Hunter Garrett and John Staunton represented the landlord of 2355 Hwy. 101 S. (Lakeside Business Center), Greer, in leasing a 3,000 SF flex space to ROFA Technology, LLC.
service window. It is located at 1215-B Woodruff Road. Krispy Kreme said it plans to hire 50 full- and part-time employees. Applications must be done online at www. sweetplacetowork.com. RealtyLink of Greenville is the developer; Colliers International of Columbia is handling the lease.
$1.3 million office property sold
Chuck Langston of Langston-Black Real Estate Inc. represented the Forrestor Estate in the sale of an 18-acre horse farm on Pennington Road in Greer. The purchaser was represented by Johnny Phillips of Home Express Real Estate.
NAI Earle Furman’s Greenville and Spartanburg offices recently teamed up to bring a seller and buyer together on the sale of an office investment property. The Wells Fargo and Ward Law Firm Building located at 233 S. Pine St. in Spartanburg was listed by Dan Dunn of NAI Earle F u r m a n’s Spartanburg o f f i c e . NAI Earle F u r m a n’s Greenville office was the procuring broker. The property sold for $1.3 million.
Ted Lyerly and Jimmy Wright represented the landlord of 3093 S. Hwy. 14 (Pelham Place Shopping Center), Greer, in leasing a 2,400 SF retail space to Min Hibachi. Keith Jones and Scott Jones represented the landlord of 3453 Pelham Rd., Greenville, in leasing a 1,814 SF office space to Creative Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. David Feild and Tyson Smoak represented the landlord of 511 Rhett St. (The Old Cotton Warehouse), Greenville, in leasing a 2,193 SF office space to InvestiNet, LLC. Dan Dunn represented the seller of 233 S. Pine St., Spartanburg, in selling a 13,000 SF office investment property. The Investment Services Group of NAI Earle Furman represented the buyer in the transaction. Glenn Batson represented the seller of 6235 White Horse Rd., Greenville, in selling a 3,600 SF industrial property.
DECEMBER 7, 2012 | Upstate business 21
UBJ
Signs, signs, everywhere a sign By Leigh Savage | contributor
“I guess a person is not as distracting,” Glenn said. Dr. Sean O’Rourke, a professor of communications studies at Furman University, said this form of advertising is effective because of the natural connection made between human beings. “People note that a person is willing to stand there for a product or service,” he said. “And as you are sitting in traffic, there is an interest generated, and a humor value that is important.” Hilliard said one of the reasons Glenn has become well-known in the area is her longevity. “I thought she’d last a week or so. It’s a hard job.” Chris Morris, who also works on Woodruff Road, has been in the sign-holding business for more than seven years. “It’s guerilla marketing,” said Morris, who works for The Buyer,
People have admired Tamra Glenn’s moves, discussed her on Facebook and even dressed up like her for Halloween. She certainly didn’t expect such local fame when she started working at Greenville Gold & Silver on Woodruff Road as a sign holder. Area businesses on busy thoroughfares are hiring people – often called sign spinners or human billboards – to grab attention, increase name recognition and drive store traffic. Bill Maxey, a manager at Greenville Gold & Silver, said customers tell him every day that they came in because of “the We Buy Gold girl.” “People go by places like this with a sign person, and they go by a few times,” Maxey said. “Then they’ll start to have recall. It doesn’t happen on the first trip. But traveling Woodruff Road every day, they become acquainted with her, like they know her. There’s that touch of personal service you are getting subliminally.” “I plant seeds,” Glenn said as she donned her trademark hat, glasses and earbuds to begin a six-hour shift dancing and waving the sign. That’s exactly what Dan Hilliard wanted when he hired Glenn for the opening of his business eight months ago. “People feel a loyalty to her, being out there on the road,” he said. “They realize there is a gold place there. In a month, if they need to sell precious metals, they’ll remember that place.” For a while, a mannequin took Glenn’s place, along with a moving mechanical sign. Not only did people notice Glenn’s absence, but county code enforcement officials Tamra Glenn waves a “We Buy Gold” sign to passing told Hilliard the mechanical sign motorists on Woodruff Road. was too distracting for motorists. 22 Upstate business | DECEMBER 7, 2012
which buys gold, platinum, diamonds and silver. “Holding signs increases business. I attract a lot of attention,” he said, saluting and waving to the passing cars. On this day, he’s sporting a curly wig and a shirt with a colorful target. “The stupider you act, the more attention you get.” O’Rourke speculated that certain businesses, such as precious metal buyers and pizza shops, use this form of guerilla marketing because they operate on a small margin. “Paying for ads on TV or radio won’t allow them to hit their margin,” he said. Sign holders are a more cost-effective way to make an impression on the target audience. A representative of The Buyer, who requested anonymity, says the precious metals business is very competitive, which is why so many of them use sign holders.
“You just have to try and get an edge,” he said. “It’s more effective than just a standing sign, because it’s something that will attract your attention. We track it, and it seems fairly effective.” Morris has previously held signs for Liberty Income Tax and Domino’s Pizza, in the heat of summer and during snowstorms. Liberty Tax Service, which has 4,100 offices in the U.S. and Canada, has been using sign spinners – usually dressed as the Statue of Liberty – since 2000, and it’s been so effective, they now hire thousands of seasonal workers per year. For Glenn, it’s a job that allows her to get outside and bring in business while getting in shape. Her six-hour shifts, six days per week, have helped her shed about 40 pounds. “I have schoolkids that love me,” Glenn said. “People either love me or hate me.” But either way, she makes sure they know she is there. Contact Leigh Savage at lsavage@ communityjournals.com.
Photo by Randy Hadaway
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‘Human billboards’ boost awareness, business
UBJ on the move
hired
hired
hired
selected
honored
Michael Tuohey
Joel Jones
Gary Cohen
Nika White
Michael Allen
Appointed as chief financial officer for SANDLAPPER Securities LLC. Tuohey joins SANDLAPPER from First Midwest Securities Inc., where he was senior vice president and CFO. He has also held roles in Bankers Retirement Solutions and First Dominion Capital Corporation.
Joined Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) as its new pretreatment program manager. Jones began his career with ReWa in August 1993 as an operator trainee, where he gained experience in the laboratory, pretreatment and operations departments and was named the west operations manager.
Named General Manager of Hyatt Regency Greenville by JHM Hotels. Cohen came from Charleston, where he spent the last five years serving as the General Manager of the Market Pavilion Hotel. He has also served as the General Manager of the J.W. Marriott Hotel at Lenox in Atlanta, and the Columbia Marriott.
Greenville Chamber Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion; was invited to serve on the SC Commission for Minority Affairs’ Minority Business Development Program Advisory Committee. The committee seeks to help guide and direct policies relevant to the Commission’s Minority Business Development Program.
Project manager at Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood; has been selected as a 2014 Liberty Fellow. The prestigious statewide program honors leaders committed to the challenges and potential of South Carolina. Liberty Fellows attend four rigorous seminars over a two-year period designed to promote leadership and service in South Carolina.
BANKING
• South Carolina Bank and Trust recently announced that Chris Ward has been promoted to senior vice president. Ward joined SCBT’s Greenville office in 2008 as assistant vice president and private banker. He was later promoted to vice president, leading to his current promotion as senior vice president.
CONSTRUCTION/ENGINEERING
• Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood, Inc., recently announced that Kevin Laird, PE, has been selected for the 2013 class of Leadership South Carolina. The statewide leadership program, sponsored by Clemson University’s Institute for Economic and Community Development at the Sandhill Research and Educationt Center, examines education, healthcare, economic development, and environmental initiatives for a deeper understanding of how policies affect South Carolina and impact its quality of life. • Fuller Consulting Engineers, Inc. recently announced that Jamison W. Hupp, Assoc. AIA received the GBCI LEED AP for Homes credential. The company also added Kimberly Brookshire as executive administrator and Clinton D. Roberts, Assoc. AIA, as intern architect. Hupp’s new credential comes from the Green Building Certification
Institute and was created to denote practical knowledge of the LEED for Homes rating system. Brookshire has over 20 years of experience in office administration, marketing and finance within the architecture, engineering and construction industry. Roberts has worked in landscape construction management and as an intern architect at CainRash West Architects in Kingsport, Tenn. • O’Neal Inc., a Greenville-based integrated design and construction firm, recently added Brian Neal as senior estimator and Al Pepper as controls design specialist. Neal has more than 25 years of project management and estimating experience and comes to O’Neal from SYS Constructors Inc. where he served as chief estimator. Pepper returns to O’Neal having previously served several roles with the company from 1996-2006. He most recently served as senior systems programmer with Global Automation Partners. Pepper has more than 30 years experience in the automation business. • Tommy Sinn, vice president and general manager of Five Star Plumbing Heating Cooling, recently received the Building Analyst Professional certification from the Building Performance Institute. He is currently the only HVAC professional in the Upstate holding this
certification. It allows him to perform comprehensive, whole-home assessments to identify construction defects in houses and prescribe solutions based on building science.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
• Ruta Fox of DivineDiamonds.com was named one of Mo.com’s Top 10 Entrepreneurs Over 40. Ruta’s challenge when starting Divine Diamonds was actually lack of experience in her new field, but she used her expertise in marketing and PR to grow and gain publicity for her new venture, which gained her placement on The O List in O, The Oprah Magazine.
HEALTHCARE
• Interim HealthCare of Upstate SC recently announced that Amanda McHugh Stilwell was awarded the designation of Certified Senior Advisor from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA). Stilwell had to meet the stringent requirements established by the SCSA Certification Council by passing an exam, background check, requirement of continued education, and commitment to serve the seniors in the community.
LEGAL
• Gallivan White & Boyd P.A. recently announced that Amity S. Edmonds has joined the Greenville office as an associate on the firm’s workers’ compensation team.
• Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A. has added William C. McKinney to the firm’s Greenville office as a member of the firm’s business litigation and financial services teams, where he will be representing clients in complex business, commercial and financial litigation matters.
REAL ESTATE
• Allen Tate Realtors announced that Judy Patrick has joined the Greenville office. She brings a unique perspective due to her vast experience in assisting corporations relocate their transferees all over the world.
TECHNOLOGY
• Green Cloud Technologies, a Cloud technology solutions provider headquartered in Greenville, has hired Dave Hopper as dealer sales manager in Charleston. Hopper will be based out of Green Cloud’s Charleston location, which opened in early July. Prior to joining Green Cloud, Hopper served as a director of account management at Windstream (formerly NUVOX), where he was responsible for leading a team of account managers with over 2,500 customers and $2.4M in monthly recurring revenue
movers and shakers New hires, promotions, award-winners, or stand-out employees can be featured in On The Move... send information & a photo. onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com
DECEMBER 7, 2012 | Upstate business 23
PLANNER Friday December
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First Friday Leadership Series Clemson at the Falls, 55 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville; 5:30-7 p.m. Speaker Pete Selleck, chairman & president of Michelin North America. Free & open to the public. Contact Pris Foster – priscif@clemson.edu or 864-656-5802.
UBJ social
Launch Pad competition Clemson at the Falls, 55 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville; 2-4 p.m. Information at www.clemson. edu/centers-institutes/spiro/launchpadsc/index.html Annual SYP Christmas Party Main Street Pub, 252 W. Main St., Spartanburg; 7-9 p.m. Free & open to all SYP members & guests. Please bring items to donate to the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen. For information contact Colleen.Rice1@gmail.com. First Friday Luncheon Greer City Hall, 301 E. Poinsett St., Greer; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Speaker: Michael Cogdill, WYFF 4 News Anchor. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register at www.greerchamber.com Monday December
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GCS Roundtable: Transitioning Your Skills The Office Center at the Point, 33 Market Point Dr., Greenville; 8:30-9:30 a.m. Speaker: Perry Farr. Request invitation from Golden Career Strategies at 864-527-0425. Holiday Member Social Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce, 105 North Pine St., Spartanburg; 5:30-7 p.m. No cost to attend. No reservations required. Please bring an item to donate to a local food pantry. Tuesday December
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Business Before Hours Commerce Club of Greenville, 55 Beattie Place, Ste. 1700, Greenville; 7:30-9:30 a.m. Open to Greenville Chamber members only. Cost: $7 for pre-register, $10 at the door, or $5 if also Commerce Club member. Contact Dot Drennon at ddrennon@greenvillechamber.org or Lorraine Woodward at 864-239-3742. Wednesday December
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Diversity Connections CityRange Steakhouse, 774 Spartan Blvd., Spartanburg; noon-1:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Asha McMillian of MAU. The event is open to members & guests. Contact Doug Gregory at 864594-5062 or dgregory@spartanburgchamber.com.
ATHENA LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM (Counterclockwise, from above)
• Greenville Chamber Board of Directors Chair-Elect Luanne Runge introduces the keynote speaker for the Athena Leadership Symposium, Sharon Decker. • A large crowd was on hand for the Athena Leadership Symposium at the Poinsett Club. • Sharon Decker, CEO of The Tapestry Group, speaks to the crowd gathered for the Athena Leadership Symposium. • Greenville Chamber Board of Directors Chair Mike Riordan, CEO of the Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center, makes a few remarks at the Athena Leadership Symposium held at the Poinsett Club. • Minor Shaw, president of MICCO LLC, makes closing remarks at the Athena Leadership Symposium.
THE LAST GSA Technology Council Learning Lunch Embassy Suites Hotel, 670 Verdae Boulevard, Greenville; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Includes lunch. RSVP required at http://www.GSTAC.org. Dynamic Presentations Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, 105 N. Pine St., Spartanburg; 2:30 -5p.m. Dale Carnegie Training’s Business Social Media workshop. Open to the public. Free to Chamber members & $45 to nonmembers. Contact Meric Gambel at 864-594-5030 or mgambel@spartanburgchamber.com.
Thursday December
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Business After Hours Hampton Inn, 3934 Grandview Dr., Simpsonville; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Open to Simpsonville Area Chamber & Mauldin Chamber members. Contact Selena Kelly 864-963-9292.
Submit your event: events@upstatebusinessjournal.com
Photos by Greg Beckner
The Greater Mauldin Chamber’s Annual Women’s Christmas Luncheon Ryan Nicholas Inn, 815 Holland Rd., Simpsonville; 11:30 a.m. Open to all Mauldin Chamber ladies, their co-workers & friends. Cost: $25 per person (due by Dec. 10) to Greater Mauldin Chamber of Commerce. Call 864-297-1323 or email info2@mauldinchamber. org for information.
UBJ the fine print Cable maker acquires Canadian firm AFL, the Duncan-based maker and servicer of optic cables and components, has acquired ALTA Group, a Canadian-based telecommunications management and services provider with operations in North America, the United Kingdom and Europe. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Jody Gallagher, president and CEO of AFL, said ALTA broadens AFL’s capabilities and allows it to “significantly expand our offering into the Canadian market.” ALTA puts AFL more completely into the telecommunications services business, including network design, engineering, installation, management and maintenance. “With the combined strengths of both AFL and ALTA, the group opportunity is tremendous,” said Ron Newitt, CEO of ALTA. ALTA employs more than 1,000. Its U.S. headquarters is in Norcross, Ga. AFL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujikura of Japan.
State promotes workforce skills The state is encouraging counties to apply for national certification as having an able and skilled workforce to support businesses of all kinds. Gov. Nikki Haley announced that applications and guidelines are available for counties wanting to participate in the South Carolina Work Ready Communities program. The program was developed by ACT, Gov. Nikki Haley an Iowa-based nonprofit institute that created WorkKeys, a tool widely used by businesses to document and improve reading and math skills of workers, and as a pre-employment assessment. South Carolina is one of several states participating in ACT’s Certified Work Ready Community program. To be certified, counties must meet goals for high school graduation, soft skills
development, business support and holders of National Career Readiness Certificates, the governor’s office said. The application and guidelines are available at www.scworkready.org.
Retreader 100 years on the road Oliver Rubber, a Michelin subsidiary that manufactures and services retread tires, is celebrating its centennial anniversary. It is based in Greenville. Founded in 1912 in Oakland, Calif., by engineer Marion F. Oliver, the company was one of the first to retreat tires with pre-cured rubber, organic accelerators, synthetic rubber and carbon black, the company said. “Oliver Rubber’s original goal was to provide its customers with quality tread rubber and value,” said Vic Koelsch, chief operating officer for Michelin Americas Truck Tires. “Now, 100 years later, Oliver continues to execute the strategy that has made it successful from day one, and we are proud that the company is part of the Michelin family.” Michelin acquired the company in 2007. It has two plants and employs 450.
Recycler opens Piedmont warehouse International Core Supply of Tampa, Fla., a processor and shipper of scrap metals and vehicle cores, has opened a warehouse in Piedmont. The new location at 301 Hurricane Creek employs four full-time workers and is managed by Andrew Patz, who has 30 years of experience in the recycling industry. The company said it has evolved over two decades from a small operation into “the most diversified processor and shipper of scrap metals and cores worldwide.”
That’s a lot of funnel cake Mike Pennington, owner of Funnelicious, the small Greenville West Side restaurant, thinks it has a funnel cake large enough for the Guinness Book of World Records.
MIKE PENNINGTON
The cake measures 17 inches in diameter and is served in a large pizza box. “We know we have the largest funnel cake out there, and we think this is unique enough for the record books,” said a confident Pennington. Just to make sure all the “i’s” are dotted and the “t’s” crossed in the competitive application process, Pennington enlisted University South Carolina management students to help with the paperwork.
Roebuck firm builds Lear plant Roebuck Buildings Co. of Spartanburg County was awarded the contract for design and construction of a new Lear Seating plant to supply seating and electrical power systems for the new Mercedes plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala. This is the second Lear facility that Roebuck has constructed. Roebuck Buildings has been in business in the Upstate for 65 years.
CertusBank acquires Georgia bank CertusBank of Greenville acquired the assets of another failed Georgia bank. Hometown Community Bank of Braselton FINE PRINT continued on page 27
DECEMBER 7, 2012 | Upstate business 25
UBJ snapshot An example of what would become the standard modern service station, Borders Gulf Station circa 1938 had two service bays and a covered gas pump island.
The C.O. Allen Company sold Goodyear tires and Sinclair gasoline.
The gas stations of the past were typically more about the car. Customers would pull in and have not only their gas pumped, but their windshield washed, tire pressure checked and any other repairs done on the car right there. Gas stations today are not completely about the car. Most of the time people
Spur Service Station at Main and Park advertised the best gasoline, the best service and the best prices.
are drawn to gas stations for more reasons than just filling up the tank. It is not uncommon for travelers to stop at a gas station for a snack or a drink, even if they do not need gas. Also, people have to go to different shops for repairs instead of just one place for all services pertaining to the car.
Payne Oil Service Station, early 1930s.
Hunter’s Service Station circa 1940s offered a full range of service from uniform-wearing employees.
Photographs available from the Greenville Historical Society
Buck-Rawlings Tire Company on South Main Street between the Reedy River and the News Piedmont Building circa 1930s.
The sales pitch of the Dollar Gas Station owned and operated by the Dollar Oil Company was “Keep your dollars at home.” The Spartan gas station was bought by the Echols Oil Company and expanded with service bays to the right of the central building and a car wash to the left to become a full station. Upstate
Business J OURNAL
HOW TO REACH US 148 River Street., Suite 120 Greenville, SC 29601, 864.679.1200 Copyright @2012 BY COMMUNITY JOURNALS LLC. All rights reserved. Upstate Business Journal (Vol. 1, No. 5) is published weekly by Community Journals LLC. 148 River Street, Suite 120, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601. Upstate Business Journal is a free publication. Annual subscriptions (52 issues) can be purchased for $65. Visit www.UpstateBusinessJournal.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to Upstate Business, 148 River St., Ste 120, Greenville, SC 29601. Printed in the USA.
26 Upstate business | DECEMBER 7, 2012
PRESIDENT/Publisher Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com Senior Vice President Alan P. Martin amartin@communityjournals.com UBJ Associate Publisher Ryan L. Johnston rjohnston@communityjournals.com eXECUTIVE Editor Susan Clary Simmons ssimmons@communityjournals.com Assistant editor Jerry Salley jsalley@communityjournals.com
Marketing Representatives Lori Burney | Mary Beth Culbertson Kristi Jennings | Donna Johnston Pam Putman
MarketinG Katherine Elrod Marketing & EVENTS Kate Banner Billing Shannon Rochester PrODUCTION Holly Hardin
staff writers Cindy Landrum | April A. Morris Charles Sowell
Client Services ManagerS Anita Harley | Jane Rogers
SENIOR BUSINESS writer Dick Hughes
ADVERTISING DESIGN Michael Allen | Caroline Reinhardt
contributing writerS Jenny Munro | Jennifer Oladipo Jeanne Putnam | Leigh Savage
BUSINESS STORY IDEAS ideas@upstatebusinessjournal.com
EDITORIAL INTERN Shelby Livingston Design LEAD Kristy M. Adair photographer Greg Beckner photo EDITOR Gerry Pate
NOTICE OF BUSINESS/SOCIAL EVENTS events@upstatebusinessjournal.com IDEAS, FEEDBACK, OPINIONS opinions@upstatebusinessjournal.com
UBJ the fine print FINE PRINT continued from page 25
was closed by the FDIC Nov. 16. Its assets were turned over to Certus, which reopened the bank’s two branches under its brand on Nov. 17. Hometown had approximately $124.6 million in total assets and $109 million in deposits. The FDIC said the cost to the FDIC insurance fund would be approximately $36.7 million. This is the third and smallest failed bank Certus has acquired in Georgia. In May 2011, Certus took over Atlantic Southern Bank of Macon and its 15 branches and $742 million in assets and First Georgia Banking Co. of Franklin with its 10 branches and $731 million in assets. Certus earlier got its start by taking over failed CommunitySouth Bank of Easley, using it as a springboard to create a major regional institution. Certus has $1.8 billion in assets and has sights on having $5 billion in assets within three years.
New ATMs take cash deposits Palmetto Bank has placed in key locations three new ATMs that accept deposits “with the additional benefit of not requiring a deposit envelope or deposit slip,” the bank announced. The new ATMS are at 470 Haywood Road, Greenville; 809 W. Wade Hampton Blvd., Greer; and Cato on Highway 76 in Laurens. The ATMs sort and count paper currency, verify the amount and print out a documented deposit receipt. For checks, users can receive an image of deposited checks on the back of the ATM receipt.
“It is rewarding to provide our clients a faster and more efficient way to bank with us,” said Samuel Erwin, president and CEO. “In addition, we are reducing paper waste, which has a positive impact on the environment.” Erwin said “more deposit-accepting ATMs, new personal financial management online tools, person-to-person payment solutions and a more functional and interactive website” would be added next year.
DNA Creative snags awards DNA Creative Communications (DNA) recently received a Gold MarCom award from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals. The award recognized DNA’s exceptional efforts in the development of a brochure for Asbury Hills Camp & Retreat Center. In addition, the DNA team also received an honorable mention for the Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) Connection Campaign’s development brochure. “We are honored to be recognized for our communications efforts and creative role in developing both of these successful campaigns,” said Dana Morgan, account manager.
WYFF tops viewer ratings
WYFF-TV held its place as the No. 1 local television news station in the November 2012 ratings period for the Greenville-SpartanburgAnderson-Asheville television market, the station announced.
“This November was a month filled with big news stories including the presidential election, Hurricane Sandy and the South Carolina security breach,” said John R. Soapes, the NBC affiliate’s president and general manager. “The November ratings show that when the big stories happen, more people turn to WYFF News 4 to get the information they need. And it reflects our commitment to deliver the highest quality news to our audience.” This November also marked the first time since 2003 that NBC’s primetime delivered No. 1 ratings in adults 18-49 in the national sweep, rising from No. 4 in November one year ago, according to viewership data from Nielsen Media Research’s national sample.
Pinnacle posts record profit PBSC Financial Corp., the Greenville-based parent of Pinnacle Bank of South Carolina, announced record earnings through the third quarter. Earnings increased to $916,000 from $212,000 for the same period time last year. “We are very pleased about our progress this year despite the continued economic challenges, the uncertainty of the elections and the looming hard fiscal decisions our leaders in Washington must make,” said David Barnett, president of Pinnacle Bank. Pinnacle Bank, which has locations in Greenville and Powdersville, also reported an increase in the number of new accounts. As of Sept. 30, Pinnacle Bank’s total assets were $148.7 million.
Cybersecurity is focus of summit On Dec. 14, Clemson University’s Center for Corporate Learning will host the Clemson University Cybersecurity Summit to help executives identify their current threat landscape and allow them to take steps to increase security. “There is urgency for good cyberinfrastructure in South Carolina,” said Greg Pickett, as-
sociate dean for Clemson at the Falls. “This summit is another key example of our growing initiatives and opportunities for the greater business community.” The summit will feature Peter Allor, security strategist for IBM X-Force, who will discuss the current threat landscape through an interactive session. Kevin
McKenzie, executive director of information security and privacy at Clemson, will cover security awareness and upcoming security
trends. Adam Anderson, CEO of Palmetto Software Group, is the summit sponsor. The summit will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at Clemson at the Falls, 55 East Camperdown Way, Greenville. It will be followed by a private social networking hour. For details, visit http://cybersummit2012.eventbrite.com.
DECEMBER 7, 2012 | Upstate business 27
UBJ
Less than an inch. The difference between off and on. For you, there is no in-between. Just today’s deals and deadlines. Clients to email and copies to make. You don’t think about all that goes on behind that switch. Because we do.