Columbia Regional Business Report - October 2023

VOLUME 16 NUMBER 10 ■ COLUMBIABUSINESSREPORT.COM

SERVING DATA

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The CEO of one of the state's newest companies thinks South Carolina could become a leader in fiber optic cable. Page 16

Nostalgic barbecue coming to Chapin Page 4

OCTOBER 2023 ■ $2.25

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Surviving on a single-wage salary in the Southeast Palmetto State single-living wage 91% of national average

Among 11 Southeastern states, South Carolina ranks fourth-highest for those hoping to make ends meet on a single-wage earner’s salary. The most affordable state in the U.S. and the Southeast is Mississippi.

A single person needs to make an average of $52,222 to make ends meet in South Carolina, an analysis of national data show. That’s 91.2% of the national average of $57,255, which indicates it’s more affordable to live in South Carolina, except few people actually make that much.

We used an analysis from GoBankingRates, a banking, finance and investment portal, to look at earnings data from August 2023. This provided a breakdown of all 50 States using Census data and the 2021 Consumer Expenditure Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as a basis for annual expenses.

South Carolina comes in as the 23rd most-affordable state for a single-wage earner to live, but that also makes South Carolina one of the most expensive places for single wage-earners in the Southeast. Among 11 states, South Carolina is the fourth-highest place to live in the Southern U.S., below North Carolina, Florida and Virginia, respectively.

The most affordable place for a single person to live in the country also is in the Southeast. A single person can live in Mississippi for $45,906 on average, which is just above 80% of the national average. The third most affordable state is Alabama, the data show, where you need an annual salary of $46,577 to live.

The least affordable state is Hawaii. You’ll have to pull in more than $112,000 to pay your bills as a single person in the Aloha State. Rounding out the least affordable states is Massachusetts at $87,909, followed by California at $80,013.

A look at South Carolina’s most populated counties, where salaries on average are highest, $52,222 is not available to most single-wage earners. Women make less than men, and more education helps close all wage gaps.

Just having an undergraduate degree shows that the average for earners in many counties rises above what a single person needs to make to pay their monthly bills.

The bottom line is if you’re living on a single income and you want to live in South Carolina, you need more education or a roommate who can share the burden.

$57,500

Across the nation

$55,000

Data show the national average among all 50 states for survivability for single-wage earners is $57,255 a year.

$52,500 $50,000 $47,500 $45,000 $42,500 $40,000

Miss.

Ala.

Ark.

Ky.

Tenn.

Ga.

La.

S.C.

N.C.

Fla.

Va.

Sources: U.S. Census 2021 American Community 5-Year Survey, GoBankRate, SC Biz News

Average wages vs. earners with college degree The following table of selected counties shows the average wage for all earners is below the state average for singlewage survivability of $52,222 a year, but that average goes up for many counties when at least a bachelor’s degree is obtained.

County York Charleston Berkeley Dorchester Greenville Lexington Richland Spartanburg Horry

Average wages $47,014 $46,841 $44,317 $43,857 $42,973 $42,837 $41,085 $39,464 $32,603

Wages with College Degree $64,651 $57,039 $56,544 $54,657 $55,394 $56,260 $51,614 $51,300 $41,990

Sources: U.S. Census 2021 American Community 5-Year Survey, SC Biz News analysis

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RECORD

experienced team pursue innovative strategies that make the Central SC Region a standout among communities around the nation.”

— Central SC Alliance president and CEO, Jason Giulietti.

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Airline to build largest Boeing 787 fleet with new orders for 50 Dreamliners

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he airline that last year placed a record-setting order for Boeing widebody planes has exercised an option to add another 50 Dreamliners to that order.

United Airlines and Boeing is expanding its 787 Dreamliner fleet, exercising options to order 50 787-9 airplanes and securing an additional 50 options.

Last December United Airlines ordered 100 Dreamliners with an option for 100 more. It was the largest single order ever for widebody planes, the companies said at the time.

United Airlines says the new order for the North Charleston-based Dreamliners provides United additional flexibility as the airline modernizes its global fleet over the next decade.

"We're building a bright future at United, and this order takes our already successful United Next plan into the next decade and beyond," Scott Kirby, United CEO, said in a news release.

With 150 firm orders, United has the largest Dreamliner orderbook on record and is positioned to become the largest 787 operator in the world, the release stated.

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City of Spartanburg moves along with plans for Minor League stadium project

T

he Spartanburg City Council has approved the first reading of a development agreement for a planned $425 million downtown baseball stadium development.

The project — known as Project Core — is a master plan for the next district of downtown Spartanburg. Combined with improvements underway along W. Main Street, according to the city, Project Core will transform the downtown’s western gateway, an area that has become increasingly attractive to mixed-use development.

Spartanburg City Manager Chris Story said this deal with Johnson Development Associates is the largest economic development project in the city's history. First announced in May, the centerpiece of the transformational development will be a new Minor League Baseball stadium to serve as the future home of the current Down East Wood Ducks of Kinston, N.C. The team is expected to be renamed in the move to Spartanburg, according to the city of Spartanburg.

With publications in the Upstate, Columbia and Charleston, as well as a statewide magazine, SC Biz News covers the pulse of business across South Carolina.

Above are excerpts from our other publications.

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List: Restaurants, Restaurants with Banquet Facilities Advertising Deadline: November 6

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For advertising information, contact Ryan Downing at rdowning@scbiznews.com

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Located at 673 Chapin Road in Chapin, 518 Smokehouse is poised to fill a void in the local culinary scene. (Rendering/Provided)

Homegrown barbecue joint steeped in nostalgia coming to Chapin

By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

N

Contributing writer

ostalgia serves as the driving force behind the latest venture of the Middleton family at LTC Hospitality Services: 518 Smokehouse.

Located at 673 Chapin Road in Chapin, this restaurant is poised to fill a void in the local culinary scene, as described by Mallory Phillips, marketing assistant for the restaurant.

“Chapin has been longing for more dining options, and this is causing quite a buzz,” she said.

The family-friendly establishment will focus on sports, outdoors and craveable cuisine. The concept was born from Greg Middleton's fond memories of his college fraternity days.

"We used to barbecue at 518 Smokehouse Lane in Winthrop, and this restaurant will recreate that welcoming atmosphere.”

The restaurant is on track for a November opening if all goes smoothly, Phillips said. Inside, patrons can expect a spacious, open layout. Outside, a largesized patio will overlook a pond and will provide a setting for occasional live music performances. The restaurant also will

be pet friendly, allowing patrons to bring their furry companions.

The culinary experience

The culinary direction, which they’re calling "Tex-a-lina," promises a fusion of Texas and Carolina flavors. William Harvey, a Chapin resident and the general manager said: “We will smoke everything in-house,” adding that head chef, Kevin Schwab, brings experience from topnotch barbecue establishments in Dallas and Fort Worth, coupled with training in South Carolina smokehouses.

Harvey offers a glimpse of the menu, explaining that choices range from convenient corn ribs, sliced off the cob for ease of eating, to favorites like brisket, burgers, sandwiches, catfish, pulled pork, chicken and ribs.

“We’ll also introduce occasional specials, such as fried chicken,” said Harvey, adding that other dishes expected to attract customers include Texas caviar — a dish comprising black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, tomatoes and bell peppers — and also the Texas Twinkie: smoked brisket, cream cheese, and bacon-wrapped jalapeno, crowned with a sweet red barbecue sauce.

518 Smokehouse anticipates accom-

modating 275 patrons, with ample space for guests to gather at a 60-seat bar. The beverage menu will include a selection of beer, wine and cocktails.

The quest for a mascot name

The restaurant is currently engaging the public in the task of choosing a mascot name. Among the top 10 contenders are imaginative names like Abra-Ham Lincoln, Baron Von Bacon, Edgar Allen Pork, Elvis Pigsly and Sir Loin.

“The chosen name will receive an honorary plaque,” Phillips said, explaining that the staff is brainstorming creative ways to integrate the mascot names into the restaurant's décor.

“We're using artificial intelligence to generate pig art characters corresponding to the chosen names, like Thor the Boar, for instance,” Phillips said.

In the meantime, the restaurant project continues to take shape, and staffing requirements have been announced.

“We anticipate employing around 60-100 people,” said Harvey, adding that he’s looking forward to the opening.

“There's immense excitement surrounding our launch. I’ve had countless conversations, and 518 Smokehouse is currently the talk of the town.”

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Newberry company expanding again with $18M project

By Ross Norton

O

rnorton@scbiznews.com

ne of the largest timber producers in North America is growing its Newberry County sawmill operation with the third expansion in 10 years. The latest investment — this one for $17.7 million — will create 30 jobs, according to an announcement from the governor’s office.

Founded by three brothers in 1955, West Fraser is a diversified wood products company that manufactures lumber, engineered wood and other products including pulp, newsprint, wood chips and renewable energy, according to a news release from the Commerce Department. Its products are used in home construction, repair and remodeling, industrial applications, papers, tissue and box materials.

“West Fraser is excited to grow our presence in Newberry County,” Chuck Watkins, a West Fraser vice president, said in the release. “This expansion and upgrades will ensure our Newberry facility is well equipped to compete in the global lumber markets and provide quality products to our customers for many years to come. Many thanks to the county of Newberry and the greater Newberry community, who supported this project and built a competitive investment cli-

West Fraser will make its third investment in the Newberry sawmill and create 30 new jobs at the site.

(Photo/File)

mate with a skilled labor force, making Newberry an ideal community to grow our business.”

Much like the 2014 and 2016 projects, the expansion of the facility at 3287 College St. in Newbery will help West Fraser modernize and increase productivity, the company said in the release. West Fraser

purchased an additional 60 acres of land to accommodate the growth.

“West Fraser is a very important part of Newberry County,” Newberry County Council Chairman Todd Johnson said in the release. “This expansion includes a significant financial investment and the addition of stable, good paying jobs to

our community, which is a great win for everyone in Newberry County. This addition also helps to ensure their continued presence in Newberry County for years to come.”

Operations are expected to be online in early 2024. The company has more than 60 operations in the United States, Canada and Europe.

“West Fraser’s continuing investments in its Newberry sawmilling operations reflects its confidence in our state’s resilient forest resource and the many landowners who sustainably manage their forestland,” State Forester Scott Phillips said in the release. “The abundance of healthy, fast-growing and privately managed wood in South Carolina makes the Palmetto State ripe for forest product-based capital investment and helps power our industry’s $23 billion economic impact.”

There are more than 60 West Fraser operations in the U.S., Canada and Europe. The company is already hiring for the new positions in Newberry.

“We are proud that Newberry County proves to be a viable location for West Fraser,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “By providing a strong and dedicated workforce and supporting West Fraser’s vision, South Carolina plays a pivotal role in helping the company continue to expand its South Carolina presence.”

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QTS says their billion-dollar investment will create a technology hub in York County as other, similar companies are drawn to the area. And York County development officials say they are already hearing from interested companies, drawn in part by the power portfolio that attracted QTS. See story below. (Photo/Provided)

Data company to set up $1B data center operation in York County

By Ross Norton rnorton@scbiznews.com

Q

TS Data Centers, a global provider of colocation data center infrastructure and related services, will establish oper-

ations in York County with a $1 billion investment in the company’s first South Carolina site.

It is the ninth time a company has announced its intention to invest $1 billion in South Carolina.

The company said in a news release that its center will help establish a

technology hub in York County. (See related story on this page.)

Data centers power the internet and the digital economy while serving as an economic anchor in the areas where they operate, the Commerce Department news release said.

“QTS is pleased to announce our

expansion in York County … with a new campus that supports growth for QTS and its partners,” QTS CEO Chad Williams said in the release.

“Our investment in York County is consistent with QTS’ strategy of See QTS, Page 7

$1B dollar investment draws interest from other data companies

By Molly Hulsey Klingman

F

gsa@scbiznews.com

inding the sweet spot for a data center is no simple matter.

So once Kansas City-based QTS Data Centers debuted plans for a $1 billion York County facility, data center developers began to gather in the wings.

The county has attracted a flurry of interest from competitors in the field since the Sept. 19 announcement, according to David Swenson, director of York County Economic Development.

Swenson said the county’s robust power and broadband infrastructure lays the groundwork for a burgeoning data infrastructure hub. A number of other data centers already operate in the greater Charlotte region, drawing in both talent and customers.

York County, located just south of Charlotte, extended a performance-based fee-inlieu of tax agreement for QTS in the deal, supplemented by a $200,000 grant from the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development.

“Our investment in York County is consistent with QTS’ strategy of securing access to infrastructure at scale in strategic markets to support accelerating demand from our hyperscale, enterprise and government customer base,” QTS CEO Chad Williams said in the announcement. “We look forward to partnering with the community along with local and state leadership, further enhancing South Carolina as a leading technology center.”

Duke Energy’s unique nuclear and renewable energy portfolio also captured the company’s attention.

“This project came along in our partnership with Duke, and it got feet real quick,” Paul Basha, president and CEO of York Electric, a Duke Energy wholesale customer, told SC Biz News.

The deal for the 400-acre data center campus, one of the largest ever in the Palmetto State, culminated after a year and a half of collaboration with York Electric and partners.

“The site itself we identified as a potential data center site years ago, just because of the power capacity that could be met at that loca-

tion and the reliability factor,” added Marc Howie, York Electric’s director of marketing and public relations.

QTS plans to transition to full dependence on renewable energy sources by 2025, according to this year’s Research and Market’s Green Data Center Report. Across its 23 data centers last year, the company utilized 453,960 megawatt-hours of green energy — that’s 35% of the power required from all its sources.

QTS will aim to use carbon-free power when possible at the York County location, according to the company. The center also will be climatized using a water-free cooling technology.

“They were looking for transmission access, and this site has every voltage available to it pretty much except for one, this in the Southeast transmission mix of voltages,” Basha said. “Anything they need is basically right there for them. It’s kind of like an electrical Walmart.”

To prepare for the incoming center, by far the largest load on York Electric’s grid, the utility will need to upgrade its transmission infrastructure.

“A transmission line is very similar to a railroad track,” he said. “It’s a conduit to move energy up and down from different places. And just like you’ve got to have a railroad track from this intermodal site to this manufacturing site to the ports authority, you have to have the transmission grid to be able to move that power. … Right now in the West, they’re building a bunch of solar or wind farms but they can’t get the power to the cities.”

York Electric counts these upgrades as their investment in the county’s nottoo-distant future: prospective industrial loads or data centers in the years ahead.

“Digital infrastructure is critical as our reliance on technology increases,” Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III said in the September announcement. “We’re proud that high-tech companies like QTS Data Centers recognize that South Carolina’s assets will enable sustained success and look forward to the impact of this $1 billion investment in York County and beyond.”

October 2023

QTS, from Page 6

securing access to infrastructure at scale in strategic markets to support accelerating demand from our hyperscale, enterprise and government customer base. We look forward to partnering with the community along with local and state leadership, further enhancing South Carolina as a leading technology center."

The QTS campus, which will be located near Hands Mill Highway and Campbell Road in unincorporated York County, will utilize carbon-free power when feasible and leverage industry-leading, water-saving technology that uses zero water for cooling its customers’ environments, the company said in the release.

“QTS Data Centers' $1 billion investment in York County reflects our community's commitment to a brighter future,” County Council Chairwoman Christi Cox said in the release. “Their presence here will significantly boost public school funding and broaden our tax base.

We extend thanks to our local utility partners for their invaluable support in making this vision a reality.”

When available, job opportunities will be posted on the company’s website.

The Commerce Department Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $200,000 Set-Aside grant to York County to assist with the

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 7

costs of site preparation.

According to the company’s website, QTS has 27 other data centers across the United States, with two in Georgia and five in Virginia being the closest to the Palmetto State.

“With QTS Data Centers establishing operations in York County,

nificant investment and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have in York County and across the state.”

According to the S.C. Office of the Governor, companies have announced an investment of $1 billion or more eight other times in

“QTS Data Centers’ $1 billion investment in York County reflects our community’s commitment to a brighter future.”

Christi Cox County Council Chairwoman

South Carolina continues to add to its already impressive technology industry,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “We celebrate their sig-

state history — half of them in the last two years. The largest of them is Redwood Materials’ plan for a $3.5 billion facility in Berkeley County as

part of its anode and cathode battery operation. The company predicts 1,500 jobs at the site.

Two of the billion-dollar announcements came from BMW, a $1.7 billion announcement last year that included a $1 billion to expand its existing plant in Greer and a new $700 million battery production plant in Woodruff. In 2014 the company announced a $1 billion expansion.

In March of this year a North Carolina-based company, Albemarle Corp., said it would invest at least $1.3 billion to build a lithium hydroxide processing facility in Chester County.

Scout Motors earlier this year brought the Midlands into South Carolina’s auto manufacturing ecosystem with a $2 billion to bring back the Scout vehicle — this time as an electric vehicle built in Richland County.

Anderson County got the state’s first billion-dollar commitment in 2010 when First Quality Tissue announced plans to make towels and tissue products. Boeing announced in 2013 it would spend $1 billion to bring part of its 787 Dreamliner production to North Charleston, which since then has become the home of the Dreamliner program.

Toray Industries, based in Japan, announced its plans to spend $1 billion on a Spartanburg County plant in 2014.

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October 2023

Columbia brewery strikes partnership with two South Carolina farms

By Christina Lee Knauss

A

Contributing writer

Columbia brewery has developed a fruitful new relationship with two South Carolina farms.

Peak Drift Brewing Co., an award-winning brewery with facilities located on N. Main Street in Columbia, recently launched its first Certified South Carolina products, two signature sours featuring locally-sourced fruit from McLeod Farms and Coosaw Farms.

McLeod Farms, located in Chesterfield County in the Pee Dee, is one of the state’s oldest enduring peach farms. Established in 1916, the family-owned and operated farm produces more than 50 varieties of peaches on nearly 1,000 acres.

Coosaw Farms, located in Fairfax in Hampton County in the Lowcountry, is a major area grower of several types of watermelon as well as blueberries. The farm also has a satellite location on St. Helena Island in Beaufort County.

McLeod’s peaches are used in Peak Drift’s new Peach Cobbler Sour Ale, while watermelons and blueberries from Coosaw Farms add a unique tang to the new Watermelon-Blueberry Sour.

“Peak Drift has always been committed to being an eco-friendly operation that builds relationships with local farmers,” said Sara Middleton-Styles, co-owner of Peak Drift.

“Local is better, and our new Certified SC products exemplify local collaboration and innovation that support our state’s farmers.”

Clint Leach, assistant commissioner for external affairs for the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, said this type of partnership aligns perfectly with the department’s goal of helping farmers bring their products to more markets and increase the financial impact of agriculture on the state’s economy.

“We’re excited to be involved in this partnership because we are in the business of helping farmers add value to their crops and farms,” Leach said.

“You can see the passion Peak Drift has for supporting South Carolina agriculture, and this is just the beginning.”

Leach said programs like Certified South Carolina have been instrumental in helping the department reach a long-term goal first proposed more than a decade ago to make agribusiness have a $50 billion impact on the state’s economy by 2020. That goal was reached, he said, and the impact continues to grow, with current estimates showing 260,000 people statewide are employed in agribusiness, with an annual impact of $52 billion.

McLeod Farms near McBee provides the peaches for Peak Drift Brewing Co.’s Peach Cobbler Sour Ale. (Photo/Christina Lee Knauss)

The Certified South Carolina program is a cooperative effort among farmers, processors, wholesalers, retailers and the Agriculture Department that helps consumers easily identify goods grown and harvested in the state. Launched in 2007, the program currently has more than 2,000 agricultural producers as members.

The peach and watermelon-blueberry sours are just the first in a series of seasonal signature beers that will be produced with Certified SC products, said Ashley Kinart-Short, master brewer for Peak Drift. She said future seasonal beers are set to include apples, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries.

The new partnership is extremely special to Cal Hucks, lead of coastal operations for Coosaw Farms.

“When we can partner with a local business, that helps people know where their food is coming from and who grows it,” O’Neal said. “The opportunity to see our logos on a can of beer that’s going to be in stores all over the state is a remarkable thing. We’re overjoyed at this opportunity and thankful to Peak Drift for including us.”

This is the first time McLeod Farms has partnered with a large craft brewery, said Rachel McCormick, marketing coordinator for McLeod Farms.

The farm’s peaches have been sourced for limited use by a few microbreweries, she said, but this is by far the big-

The flavors of Watermelon-Blueberry Sour come from Coosaw Farms in Fairfax. (Photo/Christina Lee Knauss)

gest use of the farm’s signature product for beer, she said.

“We as farmers understand that waste is not a good thing, and collaborating with a company like Peak Drift gives us an opportunity to use peaches that might not make it to produce stands in stores because of bruising,” she said. “Those peaches are perfect for making juice for beer.”

Using produce from local and regional farms to flavor its signature beers has always been one of the major goals of Peak Drift, a big part of the reason the company’s owners purchased state-of-the-art in-house fruit processing equipment from

Austrian company Voran.

The equipment makes it possible for the brewery to directly take peaches from McLeod and blueberries from Coosaw and blend them into sours.

Because the watermelons from Coosaw have rinds, they must first be processed at a facility on St. Helena Island in Beaufort County called Seaside Farms, which is located near the Coosaw facility and partners with them extensively for processing fruit.

The new Peak Drift sours will be available in restaurants, bars and stores around the Midlands and in the Greenville area as well as at Smoked in downtown Columbia.

October 2023

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 9

Central SC Alliance names new CEO

By Jason Thomas

T

jthomas@scbiznews.com

he Central SC Alliance has hired Jason Giulietti as the organization’s new president and CEO. He assumed his role with the organization Sept. 11 and is responsible for overseeing the execution of the CSCA’s mission to recruit jobs and capital investment to the Central SC Region from around the world, according to an CSCA news release.

Giulietti most recently served as the president and CEO at the Greater San Marcos Partnership in Texas, the release stated. At GSMP, he led a public-private partnership in one of the fastest growing regions of the United States, including 11 local communities, two counties and 135 private sector investors. Giulietti also has prior work experience with the Connecticut Business & Industry Association and the University of Connecticut Foundation.

“I look forward to joining the Central SC Alliance and helping its established and experienced team pursue innovative strategies that make the Central SC Region a standout among communities around the nation,” Giulietti said in the release. “I am committed to working in tandem with regional partners and allies, and finding new ways we can make the communities of this Region better for the businesses and people who call it home.”

A committee assembled of select CSCA Board Members vetted Giulietti from among a selection of economic development experts from around the United States. CSCA Chairman Matthew Shaffer shared comments

The Central SC Alliance has hired Jason Giulietti as the organization’s new president and CEO.

on what set Giulietti apart in the selection process.

“Mr. Giulietti characterizes his leadership style as inclusive and is committed to working with the CSCA team and listening to its constituents to foster a shared vision, build trust and exceed expectations,” he said in the release. “He is an energized and approachable personality that will add vitality to the superb slate of staff already helping the organization meet its mission.”

With expertise in an array of economic development services, from research and marketing to business recruitment and business development, the Central SC Alliance has operated since 1994 to aid its member counties and cities with attracting new companies from around the world to the region and assist existing operations with expansion needs, the release stated. The Central SC Region is composed of the state’s capital city of Columbia and eight member counties of Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Richland and Orangeburg.

Columbia law firm partner Stanley L. Myers dies

M

Staff Report

oore Bradley Myers Partner Stanley Myers has died at the age of 47, according to a news release from the law firm.

Myers died unexpectedly Sept. 27.

MBM Managing Partner Christian Spradley asked that community members turn their attention to praying for Stanley’s wife, Tashia, and their two young children.

As a Citadel alumnus, and fouryear starting quarterback for the Bulldogs, Myers was elected to the Citadel Board of Visitors, according to the release. He also served on the Lexington Medical Center Board of Directors and was the founder of the Swansea Mentoring Program.

Every Christmas, Stanley proudly hosted the Town of Swansea’s Bike Bonanza. Myers opened Countryside BBQ restaurant in Swansea in 2022, the release stated.

As an attorney, Myers was selected as a 2023 Leadership in Law Honoree

by South Carolina Lawyers Weekly.

Myers deployed as a captain with the 218th Infantry Brigade to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a lieutenant colonel that served as the staff judge advocate for the 59th Troop Command at McEntire Joint National Guard Base.

Myers passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 27, 2023. The firm will be in contact with Myers’ clients in the coming days regarding their cases.

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October 2023

Charleston cocktail bar and restaurant working on Columbia site

By Ross Norton

T

rnorton@scbiznews.com

he team behind Prohibition Charleston will expand to the capital city later this year with a bar and restaurant specializing in craft cocktails and Southern cuisine.

The opening comes as the team celebrates 10 years since James Walsh and Jim McCourt debuted on King Street in Charleston in 2013, according to a news release.

Located in downtown Columbia at 1556 Main St., Prohibition Columbia operators are looking to a late fall opening date.

Behind the bar, Beverage Director Jim McCourt aims to deliver a cutting-edge cocktail program that infuses his expertise, as well as a little science, into specialty drinks.

McCourt plans a menu of specialty cocktails that explores a variety of spirits and flavor profiles, while also paying respect to the classics and their contributions to the industry, the news release said. The bar will be equipped with taps that pour select beers, wines and cocktails.

In the kitchen, Chefs Greg Garrison and Analisa LaPietre promise to bring the same attention to the cuisine that has received national recognition from Food & Wine Magazine, Garden & Gun, and Forbes to the Charleston location.

They call their menu “Southern-inspired cuisine that features fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. The menu will include some of Prohibition’s signature dishes — including crispy Brussels sprouts with chililime sauce, shrimp and grits made with heir-

The Columbia location is still being built out, but operators say it will closely resemble the look and feel of the original Charleston location, seen here. (Photo/Provided)

loom grits and red curry butter, and whipped ricotta toast with roasted broccoli and hot honey — while also introducing new dishes available exclusive to the new location.

Prohibition Columbia will serve lunch and dinner daily. Construction is underway now.

Inside, the space has been redesigned to match the aesthetic of the original location, which touts exposed brick and ironwork alongside weathered wood to create a rustic vibe. A spacious, full-service bar runs the length of the dining room leading to an elevated stage for almost nightly live music.

Near the stage, a lounge area allows for relaxed couch seating. Overhead, a private mezzanine area overlooks the space, giving an unobstructed view of the stage, which will also be available for private events and larger parties.

Savannah River Site ahead of fiscal schedule on plutonium disposition

By Ross Norton

C

rnorton@scbiznews.com

ontractor employees at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site recently completed their 100th plutonium downblend in fiscal year 2023 as part of the ongoing activities to remove plutonium from South Carolina.

The DOE said in a news release that the operation were completed safely and ahead of schedule.

Downblending is the method used at SRS for the disposition of surplus plutonium, according to the DOE. Also referred to as “dilute and dispose,” downblending involves mixing the plutonium materials with an inert material called adulterant, producing a mixture that can eventually be safely disposed at a geologic repository.

“Reaching the 100th plutonium downblend well ahead of schedule is a huge accomplishment and a testament to our team’s commitment to remove plutonium from the state,” K Area Deputy Facility Manager Maxwell Smith of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, said in the news release. Smith also is the managing and operating contractor at SRS.

The K Area Complex at the Savannah River Site recently completed their 100th plutonium downblend for fiscal year 2023. (Photo/DOE)

“Much of our work in the past few years has been to introduce efficiencies and speed up our processing rates in the KIS glovebox and it’s gratifying to see the results of those efforts,” he said in the release.

Downblending began in the site’s K Area in 2016. In 2019, K Area paused

downblending activities to optimize equipment, training and personnel in order to expedite the process, according to DOE. The facility also moved from twoto four-shift operations and more than doubled the amount of trained operators in the facility, so downblending could be

done 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“SRNS has safely accomplished a great amount of work in an effort to increase downblending operations,” DOE Nuclear Materials Program Manager Bert Crapse said in the release. “Because of their commitment, K Area went from completing nine downblends in fiscal year 2017 to completing over 100 in fiscal year 2023.”

Because K Area reached its downblending goal for the fiscal year ahead of schedule, employees can begin processing material originally slated for fiscal year 2024, Smith said. “Downblending supports DOE’s nonproliferation mission, and the K Area team is proud to be part of that mission,” he said.

Workers are installing three new gloveboxes, support systems, and constructing a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)/ electrical building and ventilation stacks in K Area as part of a project to help further increase downblending rates.

The glovebox — a stainless-steel containment enclosure that is approximately 15 feet long and three feet wide — contains safety glass panels and fitted gloveports to allow radioactive materials handling, and isolates workers from associated hazards, the news release stated.

October 2023

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 11

Zeus of Orangeburg dedicates new plant in growing portfolio

By Ross Norton

Z

rnorton@scbiznews.com

eus, an Orangeburg-based global company specializing in advanced polymer solutions, commemorated the grand opening of its Minnesota facility Sept. 14. The state-of-the-art catheter manufacturing plant is expected to create more than 100 jobs around the city of Arden Hills.

“Establishing a presence in Minnesota will create opportunities for innovation and partnership with our current OEM and medical device customers. It will also open doors for new relationships,” Steve Peterson, Zeus president and CEO, said in

a news release. “As we continue expanding globally, we are honored to now be part of this medically advanced region.”

The 75,600-square-foot building will house CathX Medical, acquired by Zeus in 2021, the news release stated. The facility includes an advanced research and development lab and cleanroom equipped with the latest technologies to design, develop and validate new medical catheter prototypes. It also brings additional capabilities in-house to Zeus, including laser cutting, ablation and welding.

“This is an exciting time for Zeus as we expand how we collaborate with our industry partners and experts,” said Suresh Sainath, general manager of CathX

Steve Peterson, president and CEO, Zeus; Jeff Kraus, COO, director of R&D for CathX Medical, a Zeus company; Nitin Matani (CFO, vice president of CathX Medical, a Zeus company); David Grant, mayor of Arden Hills; Suresh Sainath (general manager, CathX Medical); Ken Koen, director of extrusion, CathX Medical. (Photo/ Provided by Zeus)

Medical, a Zeus Company. “As we embark on our new journey, we are eager to support and connect with our new community while we continue relentlessly pursuing perfection in our products and processes.”

As part of the celebration, Zeus also presented Children’s Minnesota with a $20,000 donation to support its efforts, ensuring every child receives care and access to innovative medical devices such as those produced by Zeus customers.

“Every day, our non-profit pediatric health care system sees the vital impact donations like this have on caring for our patient families. We are grateful for this generous gift,” Jennifer Soderholm, chief development officer and president of the

Children’s Minnesota Foundation, said in the relese.

With more 55 years of experience in medical, aerospace, energy, automotive, fiber optics and other leading industries, Zeus’s mission is to provide solutions, enable innovation and enhance lives. The company employs more than 2,400 people worldwide with facilities in the South Carolina cities of Aiken, Columbia, Gaston, Orangeburg and St. Matthews, as well as Branchburg, N.J.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; San Jose, Calif; Arden Hills, Minn; Guangzhou, China; and Letterkenny, Ireland.

For more information, visit www. zeusinc.com.

The Orangeburg company’s newest plant is in Minnesota. (Photo/Provided by Zeuss)

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October 2023

Cason Development Group moves to new location

By Jason Thomas

C

jthomas@scbiznews.com

ason Development Group has moved its offices from Cottontown into a new 14,720-square-foot commercial building developed by Cason at 1514 Brentwood Drive in Forest Acres.

The Cason Development Group offices are on the second floor of a two-story commercial building that includes 8,400 square feet of contiguous space on the first floor and 6,300 square feet on the second plus a 2,022-square-foot covered terrace, according to a news release. The outdoor terrace can be offered as an amenity to a restaurant, wine bar, office tenant or other user. Outdoor dining options are also available on the first floor.

“We certainly have mixed emotions moving our offices out of Cottontown. Our first local project almost nine years ago was in Cottontown and we have had an affinity for the area ever since. We moved our offices there in 2018 and loved every minute of our time there,” said Frank Cason, president of Cason Development Group, in the release. “We outgrew our space and decided to move to one of our new developments in Forest Acres. However, we are still deeply invested in Cottontown and remain committed to the area and the

The Cason Development Group offices are on the second floor of a two-story commercial building that includes 8,400 square feet of contiguous space on the first floor and 6,300 square feet on the second plus a 2,022-square-foot covered terrace. (Rendering/Provided)

businesses that are there.”

Garvin Design Group was the architect for the new Brentwood building and Boyer Commercial Construction was the general contractor. Engineering was done by LandPlan Group South.

“Cason Development relocating to Forest Acres highlights our city’s place as a leader for local, regional and national development opportunities,” Forest Acres Mayor Thomas Andrews said in the release. “Currently, Cason Development is working with the elite retailers citizens want when it comes to shopping, dining or services. Those businesses

want to be in Forest Acres because of our business friendly environment, strong household incomes and even stronger community support — so Cason coming here too will continue to bring that desired synergy for smart growth opportunities.”

The building is part of a mixed-use project at Forest and Brentwood drives that includes 11 townhomes called Rigby Square, built by Wilson Co., a local infill residential developer, and marketed by Wilson Real Estate, the release stated. Four of the townhomes have been completed; three have been sold, and one remains for sale. Wilson Co. has started construction on the

remaining seven.

The property, three miles from downtown Columbia and in close proximity to the Forest Acres retail corridor, offers quick access to Interstate 77 and Fort Jackson, the release stated. Cason Development Group owns, leases, manages and develops retail, office and multifamily sites in the South Carolina market.

Notable projects, since the company’s founding in 2015, have included 5th & Sloan, the adaptive reuse of the historic Rosewood Church into a mixed use residential-retail project; the conversion of the Klondike Building in the 1800 block of Main Street from an office building to residential and retail; and The Shoppes at Fox Manor, a redevelopment of the 3.4-acre Mitchell/Hendrix property in Batesburg-Leesville in Lexington County, the release stated.

Cason’s former office at 2144 Sumter St., Suite B, is available for lease. That space is in one of three buildings that Cason Development Group acquired and redeveloped as part of the former Dave’s Transmission complex on Sumter Street.

Cason’s first project, The War Mouth restaurant, which opened in 2015 on Franklin Street, kicked off a wave of adaptive reuse projects by Cason in the Cottontown neighborhood that Cason Development Group has called home since moving there in 2018, the release stated.

Real estate investment firm acquires 1M-square-foot Fort Mill industrial park

By Jason Thomas

R

jthomas@scbiznews.com

ockefeller Group, a real estate developer, owner and investor, has sold Stateline 77, a two-building, 1.07 million-square-foot fully stabilized industrial park in Fort Mill, to EQT Exeter, the real estate division of EQT Group AB. “Rockefeller Group is pleased to have found a buyer who plans to make Stateline 77 part of their long-term portfolio as they expand their business within the region,” said Steven McGee, vice president for Rockefeller Group, in a news release. “EQT Exeter proved to be a terrific partner to work with, who appreciated the scale of the park, its infill location and diverse tenancy.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In September, Silfab Solar, a North American solar panel manufacturer, announced plans to expand its U.S. footprint by establishing operations in York County at the larger of the two buildings, a 786,167-square-foot cross-dock located

Rockefeller Group, a real estate developer, owner and investor, has sold Stateline 77, a two-building, 1.07 million square foot fully stabilized industrial park in Fort Mill, to EQT Exeter. (Photo/Provided)

at 7149 Logistics Lane, the release stated.

The company plans to invest $150 million and create 800 new jobs.

A second building, a 221,000-squarefoot distribution center was fully leased in 2022 by two tenants, Element Designs,

which leased 112,840 square feet, and Motion Industries Inc., which leased the remaining 108,160 square feet. The building is located at 7107 Logistics Lane.

“This acquisition represents our commitment to acquiring high-quality, class A industrial space in some of the top industrial markets in the country,” said Thomas Nielsen, Carolinas’ market officer for EQT Exeter, in the release. “Rockefeller Group had a clear vision for the project, was able to deliver both buildings to us fully leased, and we look forward to working with them on future opportunities. Additionally, the JLL capital markets team was terrific to work with and facilitated a smooth transaction.”

Stateline 77 is located along Interstate 77 just south of Charlotte on 77.5 acres the company acquired in 2019. Both buildings were completed in 2022.

JLL’s Spencer Yorke and Brad Cherry were the exclusive leasing agents on Stateline 77, according to the release. JLL’s Pete Pittroff, Dave Andrews, Josh McCardle, Michael Scarnato and Britton Burdette represented Rockefeller Group on the sale to EQT Exeter.

October 2023

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 13

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority names new leader

By Jason Thomas

J

jthomas@scbiznews.com

esse A. Smith has been elected the new executive director of the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, with his appointment effective Oct. 1. Smith is succeeding Harry A. Huntley, CPA, who retired Sept. 30 after holding the post since 2009.

Smith most recently served as a strategic advisor to companies across the state, helping firms raise capital, according to a news release. Prior to that, he was a senior vice president at First Citizens Bank, where he created and expanded relationships with commercial clients.

“Jesse has proven himself to be an energetic and innovative lender devoted to the success of the borrowers he serves and the communities where they live and work,” JEDA Board Chairman Michael W. Nix, president and chief investment officer of Verity Investment Partners in Beaufort, said in the release. “We’re confident he will lead JEDA effectively into the future.”

With 20 years of experience assisting South Carolina companies, Smith is well-positioned to lead JEDA in its mission of facilitating financing economic development statewide, the release stated. JEDA is a conduit issu-

er of tax-exempt and taxable bonds, partnering with public and private entities to provide favorable financing that also helps maximize job growth and retention.

“I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of those before me who have helped JEDA play such a vital role in South Carolina’s economic progress since its creation in 1983,” said Smith in the release. “I look forward to working closely with our board and partners statewide to continue building this legacy of continuity and accomplishment.”

Huntley, only the second executive director after the late Elliott Franks III, oversaw JEDA’s participation in facilitating 14 years of strong economic growth across the Palmetto State. “JEDA will be in very good hands with Jesse and I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve our state in this capacity,” Huntley said in the release.

Since its establishment by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1983, JEDA has facilitated more than $15.4 billion in financing for schools, health care and senior living providers, other public and private nonprofit organizations, and companies in multiple industries, contributing to the creation and retention of more than 314,167 jobs.

Benedict College launches business accelerator program

B

Staff Report

enedict College, in partnership with Black@ Labs, has unveiled its inaugural accelerator program aimed at empowering and uplifting entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds across South Carolina.

The program marks a significant milestone in fostering a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources, support and opportunities needed to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into thriving businesses, according to a news release.

“The collaboration with Black@ Labs brings valuable expertise to South Carolina,” said Tracy Dunn, dean of the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship, in the release. “We are excited to partner with Black@ Labs as our accelerator vendor. This team of professionals specializes in working with diverse early-stage startups and its principal founder has roots in

South Carolina. Bringing back a talented South Carolinian to the state to share expertise that benefits the state is especially gratifying.”

As a startup launchpad, Black@ Labs is committed to identifying the next generation of builders and equipping them with essential resources, both social and financial, to ensure their success, the release stated. The accelerator program represents a remarkable step forward in achieving these goals and creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.

“We’re excited to announce the launch of our FIRST accelerator program in partnership with Benedict College! We’re committed to empowering and uplifting founders from diverse backgrounds right here in South Carolina. Our mission is crystal clear: to provide the resources, support, and opportunities needed to turn entrepreneurial dreams into thriving businesses,” Shondra Washington, CEO of Black@ Labs, said in the release.

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October 2023

South Carolina State Parks director to lead national association

By Ross Norton

T

rnorton@scbiznews.com

he National Association of State Park Directors has named a new leadership team to help guide the organization into the future, with South Carolina State Parks Director Paul McCormack as president of the organization.

Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks, is the new vice president, and Ray Bivens, director of Delaware State Parks, is the new secretary.

McCormack has worked nearly 30 years for South Carolina State Parks, serving as director since 2019. He has a bachelor’s degree in education from the Citadel and is currently completing master’s coursework,

according to a news release from the association. McCormack was inspired to pursue a career in parks after meeting a South Carolina State Park ranger at an outdoor expo. From there, he applied for a position, was hired as a ranger, and rose through the ranks, serving in parks around the Palmetto State.

"In my five years as director of South Carolina State Parks, the relationships and connections I’ve made in NASPD have helped me immeasurably, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as the president of an association that has given me so much,” McCormack said in the release. "America’s state parks include some of the most beautiful, unique and significant landscapes and resources in the country. As Americans have discovered or rediscovered a love for the great

outdoors in recent years, our work to engage visitors, ignite passion, increase education and expand access is more important now than ever. I’m thrilled to roll up my sleeves alongside the other leaders in NASPD as we advance America’s state parks together.”

"We are fortunate to have very strong and experienced leaders provide strategic guidance to NASPD," Lewis Ledford, NASPD executive director, said in the news release.

"Paul, Rodney, and Ray are well-respected among their peers and will help to enhance the profile of our organization and the importance of state parks in American life."

South Carolina State Parks works to protect the natural, cultural and man-made treasures in the park system, “provide exceptional visitor experiences, and generate enough rev-

enue to remain operationally self-sufficient,” the release said. Under McCormack’s leadership, the Park Service has focused on improving working conditions for park staff and increasing access for visitors. These efforts have included increasing wages, encouraging a healthy focus on work-life balance, overseeing new land acquisitions, and launching programs to reach individuals who haven’t traditionally used or had access to public outdoor spaces, the release stated.

The state park system includes 47 operational parks and six historic properties, offering thousands of campsites, two 18-hole golf courses, two saltwater fishing piers, lakes, ponds and hundreds of miles of hiking and riding trails. Plans are underway to open more state parks.

Construction nears end at West Columbia neighborhood

By Ross Norton

B

rnorton@scbiznews.com

y mid-September only two homes remained for sale in St. Anns Alley, the in-town community of single-family homes bounded by Center, Spring, Herman and Augusta streets in the booming West Columbia River District.

The final phase of St. Anns Alley includes eight homes along Center and Herman streets adjacent to the original St. Anns Alley development of 34 single-family homes and one livework unit, according to a news release from the Wheeler Group.

All of those homes are occupied and construction on the live-work unit is wrapping up with occupancy expected by mid-November. The live-work unit at the corner of Center Street and St. Anns Alley will house the Columbia office of United Home Loan Services, a Greenville-based mortgage company.

Billy Howard, president of United Home Loan Services, said the opening of a Columbia office was facilitated when one of his employees moved to the city. The upstairs living unit will be used by Howard or other company employees on trips to Columbia and may also be available for some shortterm rentals. United Home Loan Services lends in seven states, Howard said, “but South Carolina is our main state. So we’re expanding; we’d eventually like to get into Charleston.”

Of the eight homes in the last phase, five are 1,400-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath models known as the Taylor, and three are 1,100-square-foott, two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath James models.

Two of the Jameses remain for sale. The Taylor is named for recently deceased Columbia City Councilman Joe Tay-

Occupancy at The James is expected in another month. The final phase of St. Ann’s alley includes eight new home alongside the original 34 single-family homes. (Rendering/Provided)

lor, who as a partner in Spring Street Partners, along with developers Tyler Baldwin and Mark James, created St. Anns Alley. The additional property was acquired by Spring Street Partners in the third quarter of 2022.

“We are pleased to deliver another eight homes — now 43 in total — to complete St. Anns Alley. This development — situated on just 2.5 acres of property — has played a small part in the transformation that is occurring in the River District,” developer Tyler Baldwin said in the news release. “What was an area of vacant

commercial buildings and unoccupied houses is now home to a host of new residents who are within walking distance to all that West Columbia and downtown Columbia have to offer.

The project has been extremely well received — as evidenced by our sales volume and the price appreciation we have witnessed in the few houses that have re-sold. We look forward to the opportunity to work on other projects in West Columbia.”

Construction on the eight homes, which began in May of this year, were expected to be ready for occupancy

by mid to late September, the release said. Haven Homes, headed by Matt Mungo, was the builder for the final phase of St. Anns Alley. The initial 34 homes were built by Mungo Homes.

“I am so excited about this project.

It will help to push the redevelopment activity centered around the Riverwalk and State Street further up Meeting Street into our more established neighborhoods and will keep our positive momentum going,” said West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles. “These will be great homes in our wonderful city. I am also excited for the commercial use that it will bring to Center Street.”

St. Anns Alley takes its name from the St. Ann’s Rescue Mission, a home for boys, that sat in the area during the late 1800s.

St. Anns Alley is marketed as a neighborhood that provides easy walkability to some of West Columbia’s biggest attractions including restaurants such as Savage Craft Ale Works, Black Rooster, Café Strudel and Terra; State Street shopping; the West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheater; Carraway Children’s Park; and the Interactive Art Park, site of the Saturday morning Meeting Street Artisan Market. In addition, St. Anns Alley is only a bridge away from the Congaree Vista, downtown Columbia and the University of South Carolina campus.

Allison Ramsey Architects of Beaufort (www.allisonramseyarchitect. com) designed all of the homes with varying interior layouts and color schemes. Each house is uniquely designed by plan and color for each lot to ensure the character of the neighborhood.

Marketing and sale for St Anns Alley is being handled exclusively by The Wheeler Group licensed with Coldwell Banker.

October 2023

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 15

Columbia regional tourism organization reports record numbers

By Jason Thomas

T

jthomas@scbiznews.com

he Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board at its recent annual meeting reported record activity through promotion of tourism and economic development in Richland, Lexington, Newberry and Saluda counties.

For over 16 years, CCLMC has produced a national TV ad that airs all across the U.S., according to a news release. This year it went international on Careco TV through the reruns of the XVI World Bass Championship along with airing on various television shows and over 6 fishing tournament events shows.

In addition, CCLMC Visitor’s Center welcomed a record-breaking 132,242 visitors to the region last year, according to the release.

CCLMC reported that over 170,000 room nights were booked in 2022-23 and $37 million in revenue was generated by short-term rentals, the release stated. More travelers stayed in shortterm rentals this June than any June on record. Demand nights rose over 14% from the previous year and revenue from June 2022-23 increased by $1 million. Stays in June 2023 resulted in $4.6 million in revenue equal to quadruple the rentals of Lakes Marion, Moultrie, and Norman combined.

Related content: University of South Carolina Athletics names its ‘official’ airport Related content: Scbio Life Sciences Forum coming to Columbia “Recently the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts selected our TV ad for the 2023 Communicator Award.

This award serves as a strong validation that what we are doing is resonating with visitors and our industry,” said Miriam Atria, president/CEO of CCLMC, in the release.

Atria went on to include that “Bassmaster has named Lake Murray the No. 1 ‘Best Southeastern Bass Lake’ and No. 4 in the U.S. in its 2023 100 Best Bass Lakes Revealed list.”

The organization’s marketing investment continues to pay off resulting in over 200 articles published on the region resulting in over 409 million impressions, the release stated.

Through the “Playcation Campaign” advertisements were placed in “Garden & Gun,” “National Geographic Traveler,” to name a few.

The “Top Fishing Destination Campaign” saw advertisements placed in “BASS Magazine,” the “MLF Fishing Calendar,” USA Today's “Hunt & Fish Magazine,” and more, the release stated.

CCLMC saw a substantial rise in social media impressions, Facebook

Lake Murray is an important part of the tourism draw for the Midlands. (Photo/DepositPhoto)

rose over 240%, Instagram 377%, and YouTube views totaled over 98,000, the release stated.

LakeMurrayCountry.com had strong impressions this past year, including a record-breaking 17 million Google Search impressions and demographics trended younger capturing Gen X and Millennial travelers, according to the release.

CCLMC hosted thousands of anglers, family members, and fans during the Bass World Championship, the release stated. For the first time on U.S. soil, 25 nations came together for the event. CCLMC also hosted the SC Welcome Centers Conference and the SC Congressional Fam Tour — all in October 2022.

The impact continued into 2023 with CCLMC hosting Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour and Bassmaster Elite Series resulting in a combined economic impact of $6 million along with national TV coverage on Fox Sports 1 featuring Dreher Island State Park in Newberry County, the release stated.

“2023-24 will prove to be an even more successful year bringing two of the top three fishing tournament trails to the region (soon to be announced), one that we can announce is the USA Bass Kayak Tournament,” Vickie Davis, vice president of special events and funding at CCLMC, said in the release.

CCLMC also announced that its newest event, the Southeastern BBQ Showdow,n will be held June 2024 at Segra Park and will mark the first food sport competition to be held in a sports stadium in the US. “The event will feature a main stage championship competition with

over 30 BBQ teams from across the SE along with ancillary events and national and regional vendors. The main goal of this event is to attract tourists to the event as well as regional visitors,” Atria said.

At its annual meeting CCLMC also elected new board members: Buddy Jennings, former SCPRT Director

Jan Jernigan, Morgan Stanley and former Commodore of the Columbia Sailing Club Andy Marchant, Cinnamon Hill Catering They join the current CCLMC board of directors: Ryan Wingard, Dian Berry, Brad Rutherford, Gettys Brannon, Brandon Crutchfield, and Rick Lackland.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Requester Publications Only) Columbia Regional Business Report; Publication number 8400; The Mailing address of the Known Office of Publication, 1612 Marion St. Ste. 301, Columbia, SC 29201. The Mailing address of the Headquarters and General Business Offices of the Publisher (not printer), 1612 Marion St. Ste. 301, Columbia, SC 29201. The Full Names and Addresses of the Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor are: Donna Bischoff (Publisher), 1802 Dayton St. Ste. 101, North Charleston, SC 29405, Jason Thomas (Editor) 1612 Marion St. Ste. 301, Columbia, SC 29201, Managing Editor: Ross Norton, 1612 Marion St. Ste 301, Columbia, SC 29201.

Columbia Regional Business Report; is owned by BridgeTower OPCo, LLC (OpCo), 100 N Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste 1725, El Segundo, CA 90245. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities, Cerberus Business Finance Agency, 11812 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90049.

Issue Date for Circulation Data is July 17, 2023; the average number of copies of each issue during the preceding 12 months is: (A) Total number of copies printed 5,079. (B1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions 849; (B2) Paid/Requested In-County Subscriptions: 732 (B3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and requested: 0; (B4) Other classes mailed USPS: 0; (C) Total Paid/Requested Circulation: 1,581; (D1) Non-Requested Distribution by mail, samples complimentary and other free copies: 2,271; (D2) In-county Non-Requested distribution: 1,154; (D3) Other classes mailed Non-Requested Distribution: 0; (D4) Non-Requested distribution outside the mail: 0; (E) Total Non-Requested distribution: 3,425; (F) Total Distribution: 5,006; (G) Copies not Distributed: 73; (H) Total: 5,079; (I) Percent of Paid/Requested: 31.58%.

The actual number of copies of a single issue published nearest to the filing date are: (A) Total number of copies printed 4,847; (B1) Paid/ Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions: 1,877; (B2) Paid/Requested In-County Subscriptions: 0; (B3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and requested: 0; (B4) Other classes mailed USPS: 0; (C) Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 1,877; (D1) Non-Requested Distribution by mail, samples complimentary and other free copies: 2,929; (D2) In county Non-Requested distribution: 0; (D3) Other classes mailed Non-Requested Distribution: 0; (D4) Non-Requested distribution outside the mail: 0 (E) Total Non-Requested distribution: 2,929 (F) Total Distribution: 4,806; (G) Copies not Distributed: 41; (H) Total: 4,847; (I) Percent of Paid/ Requested: 39.06%.

Electronic Copy Circulation; The Average number of copies in the last 12 months was: (16A) Requested/Paid Electronic Copies, 38; (16B) Total Requested/Paid Print and Digital Copies were 1,619; (16C) Total Requested Print and Paid/Requested Digital Distribution was 5,044; (16D) Percent Paid/Requested Print & Digital was 32.10%. The Actual Number of Copies of a Single Issue (16A) Paid/Requested Electronic Copies, 41; (16B) Total Paid/Requested Print and Paid Digital Copies were 1,918 (16C) Total Requested Print and Digital Distribution was 4,847 (16D) Percent Paid/Requested Print & Digital was 39.57%.

(Signed) Donna Bischoff, Publisher REQUIRED BY TITLE 39 U.S.C. 8400 STATEMENT SHOWING OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION OF COLUMBIA REGIONAL BUSINESS REPORT, publication number 8400, filed October 1, 2023, Published Twice A Month Except in January, May, June and August, 20 issues per year, $67.00 annually, at 1612 Marion St. Ste. 301, Columbia, SC 29201. The General Business offices of the Publishers are at 1612 Marion St. Ste. 301, Columbia, SC 29201.

In Focus

MANUFACTURING LISTS: Manufacturing Co., Page 18 | Aerospace Co., Page 19

NEXT ISSUE’S FOCUS: Food and Beverage

The Lugoff plant took two years to build in Heritage Pointe Industrial Park and is the company’s U.S. headquarters. CEO Paul Atkinson wants it to be at the center of the state’s fiber optics industry. (Photo/Provided).

STL Tech is working to establish the state as a leader in fiber optics

By Christina Lee Knauss

S

Contributing writer

outh Carolina in recent years has gained a reputation as a manufacturing mecca, best known for rapid expansions in the fields of aerospace, life sciences, tires, automotive, and most recently, batteries and vehicles for the burgeoning EV industry.

Paul Atkinson, CEO of STL Tech, now wants to see the state move to the forefront of another industry at the center of the growing worldwide tech boom — fiber optic cable to connect more and more people to the internet, especially in areas without ready access to high speed connections.

STL Tech, based in India, recently invested $56 million to open its U.S. headquarters in the Kershaw County town of Lugoff.

The 186,000-square-foot Palmetto Plant, which held a grand opening ceremony attended by Gov. Henry McMaster and other local and region-

al dignitaries, on Sept. 15, employs 150 people and specializes in making special optical solutions including high fiber count cables with smaller diameters, making them easier to install, monitor and maintain.

Plans for the plant also include producing high-capacity ribbonized cables and rugged designs especially suitable for rural deployment.

Atkinson traveled from his base in Melbourne, Australia, for the plant’s opening and in an interview with SC Biz News showed a deep commitment not only to his industry but also to South Carolina. He and other officials at STL are so impressed with the state and what it can offer the future of fiber optic manufacturing that they named the plant after the state tree.

He said the company chose South Carolina because they were impressed with how much other manufacturers were investing in the state and, in turn, the support state officials show for new manufacturers.

“We did our homework before we

came here and looked around a lot of places in the Southeast, including Atlanta,” he said. “We chose South Carolina because of the support we got from so many people here. The location in Kershaw County made sense financially and also because of its ready access to ports and interstates to help with the supply chain.”

The plant in Lugoff was constructed on an existing facade off Business Parkway in the Heritage Pointe Industrial Park, a process that took two years, Atkinson said. He credited Colliers South Carolina with helping STL locate the site.

The Lugoff plant will be the center of STL’s goal to provide fiber optic cable “made by Americans for Americans,” Atkinson said, sourcing as much material as possible from around North America, including polyethylene yarns used to create cable. The cables made in Lugoff will not only be easy to install but designed to last at least 30 years, Atkinson said.

His vision for the Lugoff facility

is to help South Carolina become a leader in the fiber optic sector in the same way it has become a player in so many other industries.

“We want STL to be the brand of choice for fiber optic cable here in the U.S. and to transform lives by connecting the world to 5G broadband,” Atkinson said. “The state is already a manufacturing hub and now with our technology, we want to push the state to the next manufacturing frontier with innovation in fiber optic cable.”

The Lugoff plant connects South Carolina with STL Tech’s other design and manufacturing facilities on four continents. The company currently employs more than 3,800 people worldwide and has a customer base in more than 100 countries, with heavy presence in Australia, Brazil, China, Europe and the Middle East.

Atkinson said STL Tech is prepared to meet people in the state’s labor force where they are – and help See FIBER, Page 20

October 2023

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 17

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October 2023

Manufacturers

Ranked by No. of employees in the Columbia area Company

Phone / Website / Email

Top Local Official(s) / Year Founded

Purchasing Manager

Continental Tire the Americas LLC 1805 Highway 521 South Sumter, SC 29153

803-506-5100 www.continental.com/en-us larsen.cline@conti-na.com

Benny Harmse, Nicole Kosinski 2011

James Burton

1,200

Produces passenger and light truck tires

Zeus Industrial Products 3740 Industrial Blvd.

Orangeburg, SC 29118

803-268-9500 www.zeusinc.com support@zeusinc.com

Jennifer McQuesten, Steve Peterson 1966

-

1,100

High performance polymer components

Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation 4500 12th St. Extension West Columbia, SC 29172

800-443-4313 www.nephronpharm.com

Lou Kennedy 1991

Julie Rameas

1,000

Generic respiratory medications, 503B outsourcing facility

Pilgrim's 2050 S. Highway 15 Sumter, SC 29150

803-481-8555 www.pilgrims.com

Keith Martin 2009

Shari Bowman

895

Poultry hatchery, processing and meat packing

CMC Steel S.C. 310 New State Road Cayce, SC 29033

803-936-3700 www.cmc.com

Brett Kunce 1960

Charles Rogers

450

Steel bar mini mill

Nucor Corp.

200 Whetstone Road Swansea, SC 29160

803-568-2100 www.nucorbuildingsystems.com matt.currie@nucor.com

Matt Currie, Nathan Pranger 1965

Josh McDonald

380

Steel and steel products

Pure Power Technologies LLC 1410 Northpoint Blvd.

Blythewood, SC 29016

803-744-7144 www.purepowertechnologies.com

Jeff Blake, Rob Mallory, James Fender 1999

Robbie Schuldes

300

Engineering and remanufacturing of air and fuel management components for OEMs and the aftermarket

Sumter Packaging Corp.

2341 Corporate Way Sumter, SC 29154

803-481-2003 www.sumterpackaging.com sales@sumterpackaging.com

Benjamin T. DeSollar, Donna Johnson 1980

Doug Copeland

125

Custom corrugated boxes, POP displays, process print flexo and diecutting, industrial packaging, digital printing, litho labels, product fulfillment, wood and foam and corrugated combinations

LaserForm & Machine Inc. 10010 Farrow Road Columbia, SC 29203

803-691-2223 www.lfmsc.com chip@lfmsc.com

Chip Elsasser, Chris Cromer 1994

Branton Coffey

105

Capabilities include laser cutting, forming, turret punching, machining, welding, robotic welding, powder coating, light assembly and hardware insertion

Gulbrandsen Inc. 183 Gulbrandsen Road Orangeburg, SC 29115

803-531-2413 www.gulbrandsen.com gci-cs-orders@gulbrandsen.com

James Carson 1981

Christina Jones

100

Specialty chemicals

Cameron Lumber Co. 5119 Cameron Road Cameron, SC 29030

803-823-2275 www.cameronlumber.com

John Evans 2001

-

70

High grade lumber; timbers

Reco Commercial Systems 1839 Dunbar Road Cayce, SC 29033

803-794-3360 www.reco-usa.com info@reco-usa.com

Dan Krebs, Alex Arms, Todd Antonovich 1914

William Langley

32

Commercial water heating systems, steam generators, heat exchangers and engineered pressure vessels

Southeast Industrial Equipment Inc. 400 Buckner Road Columbia, SC 29203

803-754-2119 www.sielift.com contacts@sielift.com

Tom Niles, Derek Farmer 1987

Tom Niles

30

Full-service material handling solutions provider

Brandrite Sign Co. Inc. 313 John C. Calhoun Drive Orangeburg, SC 29115

803-533-7446 www.brandritesign.com rosetta@brandritesign.com

Jay L. Oberholtzer, Rosetta Oberholtzer 1986

Vernon Hochstetler

12

Lighted electric signs, channel letters, 3D signs, vehicle graphics, large format printing interior and exterior

J&J Machine & Specialty Inc. 164 Smith Pond Road Lexington, SC 29072

803-359-9652 www.jjmachineinc.wordpress.com jjmachineinc@aol.com

Harold Thompson, Joann S. Keisler, James D. Keisler 1975

James KeislerD.

7

Jigs, fixtures, prototype, production run jobs, welding, sheet metal fabrication, CNC turning and milling, manual machining turning and milling, industrial automation

Manchester Fluid Power LLC 25 W. Clark St. Pinewood, SC 29125

803-452-7000 www.manchesterfluidpower.com sales@manchesterfluidpower.com

Kelsey L. Newman, Gerald C. Lyles 2014

Gerald LylesC.

7

Manufacturer of hydraulic and air actuators, design of pneumatic automation controls

Columbia Analytical Instruments Inc. 7435 Broad River Road, Suite 107 Irmo, SC 29063

803-732-5118 www.caisc.com mgilbert@caisc.com

Mark W. Gilbert 2003

Mark GilbertW.

3

COD and GGA standards for BOD5 used by labs in the wastewater industry, municipalities, private and state labs Synthetic Freshwater for toxicity testing

Employees

Products Manufactured

Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. For a full list of participating organizations, visit scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Email additions or corrections to Listresearch@Bridgetowermedia.com. To be included in future lists or for omissions or corrections, email listresearch@bridgetowermedia.com

October 2023

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 19

Aviation & Aerospace Companies - Statewide Ranked by No. of Employees Statewide

•

Company

Phone / Website / Email

Top Local Official(s) / Year Founded

Employees: Statewide / Worldwide

Area(s) of Specialization

Lockheed Martin 244 Terminal Road Greenville, SC 29605

864-299-3350 www.lockheedmartin.com

Trish Pagan 1984

1,400 116,000

Global home of the F-16

Zeus Industrial Products 3740 Industrial Blvd.

Orangeburg, SC 29118

803-268-9500 www.zeusinc.com support@zeusinc.com

Jennifer McQuesten, Steve Peterson 1966

1,000 2,100

High performance polymer components

EthosEnergy 240 Parkway East, Suite 100 Duncan, SC 29334

864-249-9603 www.ethosenergy.com

Sandy D. Sprinkles 1990

500 4,000

Comprehensive testing and overhaul for aero engine fuel nozzles, injectors, harnesses, sensors and engine components

Advanced Technology International 315 Sigma Drive Summerville, SC 29486

843-760-4500 www.ati.org info@ati.org

Chris Van Metre 1998

300 300

Builds and manages collaborations that conduct research and development of new technologies to solve our nation’s national security challenges

Stäubli 201 Parkway West Duncan, SC 29334

864-433-1980 www.staubli.com/us/en/home.html info@staubli-mail.com

Scott Hunter, Sebastien Schmitt, Francois Masbou 1892

200 6,000

Quick-release couplings, robotics and textiles

Southeast Industrial Equipment Inc. 400 Buckner Road Columbia, SC 29203

843-552-4825 www.sielift.com contacts@sielift.com

Freddie B. Sims 1993

132 425

Toyota forklifts, new, used and rental equipment, service, parts, warehouse products, automation solutions and dock and door products and services

ACL Airshop LLC 500 Park Commerce Road Greenville, SC 29611

864-466-9000 www.aclairshop.com info@aclairshop.com

Steve Townes 1984

125 240

Unit loading, cargo control, air freight products and services for aviation, operates in unit loading device leasing, sales, repair and control, cargo nets and straps manufacturing

Ranger Aerospace 126 Millport Circle Greenville, SC 29607

864-329-9000 www.rangeraerospace.com info@rangeraerospace.com

Steve Townes 1997

98 300

Acquire, grow and improve companies in aviation services, aerospace sub-specialties, airfield operations, logistics and defense, enterprise-builders, growth experts, people-centric leaders

Metalworx Inc. 340 Deming Way, Suite A Summerville, SC 29483

843-402-0999 www.metalworxinc.com bredmond@metalworxinc.com

Brandon Redmond 1997

73 215

Precision machining, fabrication, robotic welding, finishing, assembly and kitting specializing in medical, aerospace, military, material handling, actuation

Venture Aerobearings LLC 8701 Palmetto Commerce Parkway Ladson, SC 29456

843-695-2800 www.ventureaerobearings.com

Shawn Mcleod 2007

73 73

Manufacturer of jet engine bearings

Koops Automation Systems 25 Brookfield Oaks Drive, Suite H Greenville, SC 29607

616-395-0230 www.koops.com info@koops.com

Chasen Born, Jeff VanUffelen 1989

65 375

Designs and builds machines and equipment for manufacturers across industries, assembly, equipment, robotic systems

IHI Ionbond Inc. 197 Ridgeview Drive, Suite I Duncan, SC 29334

864-593-3477 www.ionbond.com jim.south@ionbond.com

Jim M. South 1860

51 5,000

Provides thin-film coating services and operates 39 coating centers in 17 countries, coatings are used to improve durability, quality, functionality

Master Sheet Metal Inc. 1011 Bankton Circle Hanahan, SC 29410

843-747-8280 www.mastersheetmetal.com mastersheetmetal@gmail.com

Kaitlyn McComb, Tim Tytler, Chris Ard 1963

50 50

Contract manufacturer for both the military and commercial industries, offer lasering, press brake forming, CNC machining and turning, engraving, paint and powder coating

Aalberts Surface Technologies - HIP | braze | heat treatment 299B Garlington Road Greenville, SC 29615

864-213-9310 www.aalberts--ht.us ab-info@aalberts-st.us

Brent Davis 2001

49 16,000

Vacuum brazing, vacuum heat treating and HIP (hot isostatic pressing), Nitriding, ISO9001:2015, AS9100D and Nadcap HIP and heat treat-accredited, ITAR registered, FFL registered

J.I.T. Manufacturing Inc. 1 428 Oglesby Lane Cowpens, SC 29330

864-463-0581 www.jitmfg.net dan@jitmanufacturing.com

Dan C. Hunter 1992

40 1 40 1

Full line of fabrication services including precision laser cutting, CNC forming, CNC punching, certified welding; services available for machining, powder coating, plating and more

Roylco 3251 Abbeville Highway Anderson, SC 29624

864-296-0043 www.roylcoindustrial.com makestuff@roylcoinc.com

Carolyn Voisin 1990

35 35

Die cutting, laminating, heat sealing processes to manufacture sound insulation, NVH, foam padding, leather strapping, educational materials, rubber matting, and more

Alpha Sheet Metal Works Inc. 9525 Hamburg Road Ladson, SC 29456

843-821-6665 www.alphamachine.com jschady@alphamachine.com

Joseph W. Schady 1956

29 29

Custom metal fabrication

Multiplastics, a division of Curd Enterprises Inc. 476 Long Point Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-881-0323 www.multiplastics.com sales@multiplastics.com

Paul D. Spies, Deborah D. Herbert 1952

25 25

Plastic forming and fabrication, machining of plastic materials for aerospace and other industries

OpTek Systems Inc. 12 Pilgrim Road Greenville, SC 29607

864-272-2640 www.opteksystems.com osi@opteksystems.com

Duane W. Dinkel 2006

25 80

Laser processing of optical fiber and micromachined components

Solar Atmospheres Southeast Inc. 108 Progressive Court Greenville, SC 29611

864-970-0111 www.solaratm.com salessc@solaratm.com

Steve Prout, Mike Paponetti 2014

24 24

Provision of AS9100 and Nadcap-accredited vacuum heat treating and brazing services

KTM Solutions Inc. 603 High Tech Court Greer, SC 29650

864-479-9099 www.ktmsolutions.com info@ktmsolutions.com

Dev Belflower, Seth Withers 2005

22 22

Structural systems, advanced structural analysis, tooling systems professionally designed and manufactured, jigs, fixtures and assembly systems

Greenville Jet Center 100 Tower Drive Greenville, SC 29607

864-232-7100 www.greenvillejetcenter.com melissa@greenvillejetcenter.com

Henry Brown 1986

21 21

Fbo, aircraft refueling service

Izumi International Inc. 1 Pelham Davis Circle Greenville, SC 29615

864-288-8001 www.izumiinternational.com us-sales@izumiinternational.com

Ryutaro Izumi 1977

19 24

Equipment for composite and carbon fiber production, fiber coating lines, fiber winders 3D dispensing robot, industrial automation, conveyor systems

ATS World Packaging 7370 E. Spartan Blvd., Suite B North Charleston, SC 29418

843-266-0010 www.atsworldpackaging.com troth@atsworldpackaging.com

Tom Roth 1997

15 15

Custom crating and packaging products and services, including warehousing and distribution, and export and import compliance

Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. For a full list of participating organizations, visit scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Email additions or corrections to Listresearch@Bridgetowermedia.com.

1 2022 data.

20

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

IN FOCUS: MANUFACTURING

October 2023

Magnus Development Partners has begun work on a new 210,600-square-foot project called Access 77, a 210,600-square-foot, state-of-the-art spec industrial facility in Richland County. (Rendering/Provided)

Solar company establishes ‘flagship’ plant with $150M investment

By Ross Norton

A

rnorton@scbiznews.com

North American solar panel manufacturer says it will create 800 new jobs in York County with a $150 million investment to establish what it calls “flagship” operations for the eastern part of the United States.

Silfab Solar has operations in Bellingham and Burlington, Wash., and Toronto, Canada. Silfab has been in the solar business for more than 40 years, the company said in a news release from the state Commerce Department.

Silfab Solar designs, engineers and manufactures its own premium brand of high-efficiency solar panels

FIBER, from Page 16

them learn how to work and excel in the fiber optic industry. In the immediate future, he said STL wants to build strong connections with the state’s strong technical college system and its universities to build up a labor force primed for the fiber optic industry.

At a time when expansion in fiber optics in needed more than ever before, he said, the industry is facing the same skill shortages in the workforce that is plaguing other high-tech sectors.

“LIke any business, the crux of what we do is people,” he said. “We’ve drawn some employees who already have the skills we need, and others

for residential and commercial use.

“Silfab Solar’s investment in South Carolina strengthens our North America manufacturing capabilities, creates good-paying jobs and provides the ideal East Coast location to serve our growing customers,” CEO Paolo Maccario said in the news release. “We look forward to expanding our industry-leading position for made-in-America solar. The company specifically chose York County as the ideal location to expand because of the community’s commitment to innovation, its quality of life and the availability of a skilled workforce. Silfab Solar looks forward to hiring and to begin production of next-generation solar modules.”

The company is leasing a

785,000-square-foot building at 7149 Logistics Lane in Fort Mill for a facility that will manufacture the next-generation solar cell technology and boost U.S solar cell production, the release said.

“Silfab Solar selecting York County for a project that requires a highly skilled workforce shows that our workforce development investments are paying off in a big way,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “Our people are South Carolina’s greatest resource, and we are confident they will help Silfab Solar thrive in its latest venture. Congratulations to Silfab Solar on this project and welcome to South Carolina.”

Operations are expected to be online in the third quarter of 2024.

Jobs are posted online.

“With an established West Coast presence, we are delighted that Silfab Solar chose South Carolina for its new, East Coast operations,” Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III said in the release. “Our state is proud to be a proven destination for growing companies seeking long-term success. Silfab Solar’s 800 new jobs represent incredible opportunities for York County and beyond.”

The Commerce Department’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

The council also awarded a $2 million Set-Aside grant to York County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

who are unskilled and need training. We want to connect with higher education here so we can grow home talent for our facilities here. Our goal is to eventually have the capability to make the whole spectrum of fiber optic cable here, including new innovations. We want to create a real niche for ourselves, and to do that we need the workers. We want to get young people excited about the field and have the work become more than just a job for our employees.”

Atkinson said the plant is currently running two shifts with hopes to add a third shift in the near future. Positions available at the plant include everything from material specialists to process engineers and jobs focused on cable design and development.

The company also wants to combine sustainability with its high-tech work, Atkinson said. STL as a whole has committed to achieving Net zero carbon emissions by 2030, and the Palmetto Plant was built with the goal of progressively reducing energy consumption and achieving zero waste.

STL’s opening in Lugoff occurs at a time when the need to increase fiber optic internet service to more areas of the state to meet the needs of the state’s steadily growing population has sparked several recent company expansions and funding initiatives.

In January, Lumos, a North Carolina-based company which provides fiber optic internet and home Wi-FI around the Mid-Atlantic region, announced a $100 million investment in Richland and

Lexington counties to build more than 1,200 miles of fiber optic technology in the area. Then, in late September, the company received franchise approval in the cities of Columbia, West Columbia and Irmo. The agreements will allow the company to deploy equipment necessary to access its high-speed fiber-optic network. The company also will offer free high-speed internet service at select public parks and recreational areas in Irmo.

In June, South Carolina received $551 million from the federal government to deploy affordable and reliable high-speed internet around the state. The funding is part of the federal government’s “Internet for All” initiative and comes from the $42.45 billion Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment Program.

October 2023

IN FOCUS: MANUFACTURING

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 21

Industrial facility planned near Scout Motors site

By Jason Thomas

A

jthomas@scbiznews.com

development company is building an industrial facility near the planned Scout Motors site in Richland County Magnus Development Partners has begun work on a new 210,600-square-foot project called Access 77, a state-of-the-art spec industrial facility in Richland County, according to a news release.

The building will be located in Northpoint Industrial Park, the release stated.

The project is adjacent to the new Scout Motors development with immediate access to Interstate 77, lending itself to a multitude of uses for logistics and manufacturing customers.

“We continue to see unprecedented demand for industrial space in the market and economic drivers such as Scout Motors continue to further fuel this demand,” said Magnus Development Partner Bill Owen in the release.

“Magnus remains committed to providing Class ‘A’, state-of-the-art, industrial buildings to the ongoing needs of the market.”

The flexible design will allow for single or multi-tenant configurations and have the ability to serve a wide range of industrial tenants, the release stated. The tilt-up building will feature a 32-foot minimum clear height,

Magnus Development Partners has begun work on a new 210,600-square-foot project called Access 77, a state-of-the-art spec industrial facility in Richland County.

(Rendering/Provided)

54-foot-by-50-foot bay spacing with a 60-foot speed bay, a 130-foot-deep truck court, motion-detected LED lighting, trailer parking, thirteen dock doors, expandable to 52, with dock equipment, and two drive-in doors.

Access 77 will be constructed on county-owned land at the Northpoint Industrial Park in Blythewood, the

release stated. The Richland County Economic Development Office has led the effort to generate a comprehensive economic development plan for the region.

“Our team works hard behind the scenes to attract good employers that create quality job opportunities,” said Jeff Ruble, RCEDO’s director, in the

release. “We’re proud to partner with Magnus Development to bring this exciting project to Richland County”.

Chuck Salley, Dave Mathews, Thomas Beard and John Peebles of Colliers International Columbia’s industrial brokerage team will handle the leasing and marketing efforts for the property, according to the release.

Manufacturer’s planned $29M Manning facility is first in South Carolina

By Jason Thomas

A

jthomas@scbiznews.com

contract manufacturer of precision metal manufacturing solutions is setting up shop in South Carolina.

Latitude Corp. plans to expand its U.S. footprint by establishing operations in Clarendon County, according to a news release. The company’s $29 million investment, in its first South Carolina facility, will create 200 new jobs.

The company is purchasing a 50,000-square-foot facility located at 2414 Joe Rogers Blvd. in Manning, the release stated. This location will manufacture large metal components.

“We are pleased to be partnering with South Carolina and Clarendon County and look forward to joining the Manning community,” Latitude Corp. President Tom Verbos said in the release. “Our new facility will allow us to better serve customers regionally and continue the growth story of Latitude Corp. The South Carolina team was very supportive through the due diligence process and Santee Electric, having constructed a

Latitude Corp. will manufacture large metal components at its Clarendon County plant. (Photo/Provided)

spec building suitable to our needs, helped us to narrow down our facility choice.

“The readySC program, which helps to recruit and train potential employees, convinced us that South Carolina was the right location for our business expansion.”

Latitude Corp. started in 1990 as a machine shop in Middleton, Wisconsin, the release stated. Consistent growth prompted the company to expand and diversify into metal fabrication, welding and powder coating services.

Today, Latitude Corp. is head-

quartered in Verona, Wisconsin, and works with customers in numerous industries including agriculture, aerospace and defense, commercial appliances, government, health care, and is targeting growth in electric vehicles, energy and construction, the release stated. The company has an additional operation in Tucson, Arizona.

Operations are expected to be online by June 2024.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $400,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Clarendon County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“On behalf of Clarendon County Council, we would like to welcome Latitude Corp. to our growing list of successful companies that call Clarendon County home,” Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight L. Steward Jr. said in the release. “To be part of the largest single jobs announcement in the history of the county is truly extraordinary. Welcome to Clarendon County, and we wish you many years of success.” -

At Work

PEOPLE, PLACES AND HAPPENINGS ACROSS THE MIDLANDS

People in the News ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Amelia Dupont has joined the South Carolina Arts Commission, where she provides constituents with content via agency social media channels and digiDupont tal storytelling. She had been a regional marketing manager with Kampgrounds of America. Dupont earned a bachelor’s in journalism and mass communications from the University of South Carolina, where she majored in visual communications.

BUSINESS SERVICES George “Glenn” Matthews III has begun serving a oneyear term as president of the Columbia Rotary Club. Matthews, a third-generation owner of Matthews Modern Exterminating Co., is also co-owner of Carolina Pest Control, which was acquired by Modern Exterminating, and of Modern Real Estate. He serves as president of the South Carolina Pest Control Association and as chairman of the sales and marketing council of the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina. In 2022, Matthews received the Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year award on behalf of Modern Exterminating.

Scott Rizer has been elected president of the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association for the 2023-2024 term. After earning a degree in finance Rizer from the University of South Carolina, Rizer began working full-time at Rizer Chevrolet Oldsmobile. Earlier this year, Rizer Chevrolet GMC was purchased and established as Cooper Chevrolet GMC, where Rizer is both general manager and authorized representative. He has served on the board of directors for the Bonnie Doone Corp., US Land and Timber, and the Bank of the Lowcountry. In addition, he has been honored as the Lower Coastal Member of the Year for the South Carolina Waterfowl Association and is also involved in Leadership Colleton, the Colleton Business Alliance, and the Edisto Beach Loggerhead Turtle Project. Also

elected to the SCADA board are first vice president Richard Pendarvis, Pendarvis Chevrolet, and treasurer Joe Trainor, Stokes-Trainor Chevrolet Buick GMC. The board’s five vice presidents are Fred Caldwell, Fred Caldwell Chevrolet; Robert Burns, Burns Ford; Robert Crews, Crews Chevrolet & Crews Subaru; David Walters Jr., Jones Ford; and David Bunch, Hughes Motors.

No photo For the third consecutive year, the International Business Brokers Association has awarded business broker David Yezbak its Platinum Chairman’s Circle Award. The award recognizes individuals who closed one or more qualified business deals with a total purchase price of at least $10 million during the 2022 calendar year.

CONSTRUCTION LCK said that Maggie Stackley has joined its project management team as preconstruction services manager.

Her previous roles include Carolinas Stackley AGC Project SuperVision committee member, chapter board member for the American Subcontractors Association, and the chapter president for the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. In addition, she served as president and board member of the Business Association of Columbia and is an alumni and former board member of Leadership Lexington County.

DESIGN Garvin Design Group interior designer Liza Brockman graduated with the Leadership Columbia class of 2023. Brockman earned her Bachelor Brockman of Arts in architecture at Clemson University and her Master of Interior Architecture at the University of Oregon; she previously practiced at Pivot Architecture in Eugene, Ore. In her time with Garvin Design Group, Brockman has been part of the design teams behind numerous collegiate athletics, hospitality, and higher education projects. She is a member of the International Interior Design Association and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

The new architect at Quackenbush

Architects + Planners is Mitch Newbold, AIA. Newbold has a Bachelor of Science in architectural studies from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Newbold Architecture from Clemson University. He is also an AIA Columbia board member.

EDUCATION The Original Six Foundation has named Cameron Gentry as program coordinator. In this newly created role, Gentry manages and oversees OrigiGentry nal Six Foundation programs while fostering a nurturing environment with Original Six partner schools and students. Previously, she taught third grade at Pomaria-Garmany Elementary School in Newberry County.

Gentry was on the dean’s list at Clemson University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with an emphasis on math and science.

The 2023 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame honorees include Ernest McNealey, the 30th president of Allen University. He was McNealey integral in restarting the Yellow Jacket football and softball programs and introducing women’s soccer to the university. McNealey also ensured Allen’s transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics into the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II, re-joining the SIAC in 2020. McNealey has a bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University, a master’s from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University. In addition, he is a graduate of the Harvard Management Institute, a charter member of 100 Black Men of West Alabama, a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and a member of Beta Kappa Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.

FINANCIAL SERVICES Nathan Price, a financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual, has joined the board of directors for the South Carolina Center for Fathers.

Price

Previously, he served on the board of Youth Corps.

Price, a graduate of Anderson University, has a Bachelor of Science in financial economics.

HEALTH CARE Delta Dental of South Carolina has named Kiran Achen as chief information and digital officer. In this role, he directs the company’s information technology Achen functions. Achen has 23 years of IT experience in the benefits industry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Osmania University, an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, and a Master of Science in computer science from Northern Illinois University. In addition, he has completed an advanced technical/cross-functional business training curriculum. Among his honors are the 2021 Chicago CIO of the Year Orbie Award and the CNA Insurance Chairman’s Care Award.

Hagins

Lowder

Prisma Health’s corporate board of directors has two new members: S. Richard Hagins and Clay Lowder. Hagins served as a naval officer before founding US&S. His past community involvement includes serving on the board for the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Greenville Metro YMCA board, the Blood Connection, Commission of Minority Affairs (4th District) and the South Carolina State Port Authority Board. A charter member of 100 Black Men of the Upstate, he currently serves on the board of Habitat of Humanity Greenville, United Community Bank advisory board, and Upstate Warrior Solutions. Hagins holds a bachelor’s in science in electronic engineering technology from Savannah State College and a master’s in business management from Webster University.

Lowder, a family medicine physician, is also an author, motivational speaker, and founder, president, and managing partner of Colonial Healthcare.

Viewpoint

VIEWS, PERSPECTIVES AND READERS’ LETTERS

Near-term economic environment weakens At its most recent meeting the Federal Reserve left the funds rate unchanged at 5.5%. While the Fed may not have raised the funds rate, the bond market significantly raised every other interest rate across the entire maturity spectrum.

What happened?

The primary culprit seems to have been the Fed’s so-called “Summary of Economic Projections.” The Fed now sees slightly more rapid GDP growth next year and a slightly higher unemployment rate.

As a result it will SLIFER have less room to cut the fed funds rate in 2024. In June the Fed suggested that it might be able to reduce the funds rate from a peak of 5.75% late this year with four 0.25% rate cuts in 2024 bringing it to 4.75% by yearend.

Now it suggests that only two 0.25% rate cuts to 5.25% are likely. This was not the scenario market participants had come to expect. Meanwhile, the United Auto Workers Union has escalated its strike against all of the “Big Three” automobile manufacturers.

At the end of September, after a three-year hiatus, student loan borrowers will have to resume monthly payments on their debt. Also, without budget legislation in place by month end there is the likelihood of a government shutdown beginning on Oct. 1. (Editor’s note: President Joe Biden signed a last-minute temporary bill to fund

the government through Nov. 17.) If that occurs some of the important economic data for September such as the employment report and the CPI will be delayed. Markets do not like uncertainty and the near-term economic environment seems filled with it.

First, with respect to interest rates, the way to judge whether the Fed funds rate is appropriate is to examine the funds rate in real terms. Today the Fed funds rate is 5.5%. The year-over-year increase in the core CPI is 4.4%. Thus, the real funds rate is the difference between the two numbers or 1.1%.

In prior business cycles the real funds rate peaked at about 3.0%. We suggest that by the end of the first quarter of 2024 the Fed will have raised the funds rate to 6.0%.

Meanwhile, the core CPI will have slipped to 3.6%. That implies a real funds rate at that time of 2.4% which seems more in keeping with history. Unfortunately, none of us can accurately determine the peak level for the real funds rate.

In addition to Fed action, it depends on how quickly the inflation rate subsides. Prior to the Fed’s tightening initiative that began in March 2022 the Fed funds rate was 0.0% and the core CPI was 6.5% which meant that the real funds rate was negative 6.5%. Fed policy was wildly stimulative. But now with the real rate positive at 1.1% and likely to be 2.4% by March the Fed seems to be getting close.

What was most problematical for the bond market was that the Fed said that it now expects only two 0.25% rate reductions in 2024 which would reduce the funds rate to 5.25% by yearend, versus

four rate cuts that it anticipated in June.

The higher outlook for interest rates was clearly bothersome for the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose 0.25% in just two days and at 4.5% it is now the highest it has been since October 2007.

Meanwhile, the United Auto Workers Union has escalated its strike against all of the “Big Three” automobile manufacturers. Nobody knows how long the strike might continue, but it is clear that it will have a negative impact on the economy as long as it persists. Auto workers will get laid off. This will curtail their ability to spend. Fourth quarter GDP growth, which is already expected to slow from 3.5% in the third quarter to 1.7% in the fourth quarter, could be even softer.

Beginning in October student loan borrowers will have to resume monthly payments on their debt for the first time in three years. That means that $200300 per month that had been available for spending will now get rerouted to the federal government. While mortgage debt outstanding is far and away the largest category of consumer debt (70%), student debt (at 9%) is now tied with auto loans as the second largest category.

This hit on consumer spending should not be dismissed.

Finally, there is likely to be a government shutdown on Oct. 1 if no budget legislation gets passed by the end of this month. Typically, this situation does not have a big impact on overall GDP growth, but it does suggest that important economic statistics for September like the employment report and the CPI will be delayed.

Markets do not like uncertainty.

Between higher interest rates, still bloated inflation, strikes, student loans, and a government shutdown, the market has a lot on its plate.

But eventually strikes end and the economy rebounds, our legislators pass the bills required to get the government back in business, and growth will rebound. At this point we do not want to alter our longer-term outlook which calls for particularly soft 1.0% GDP growth in the first two quarters of next year -- but no recession, a peak funds rate of 6.0% early next year eventually dropping to 4.75% by yearend, and inflation slowing from 4.4% currently to 3.0% by the end of 2024. If those forecasts are correct the Fed will have achieved the often elusive soft-landing.

We will see.

From 1980 until 2003, when he retired, Stephen Slifer served as chief U.S. economist for Lehman Brothers in New York City, directing the firm’s U.S. economics group along with being responsible for forecasts and analysis of the U.S. economy. He has written two books on using economic indicators to forecast financial moves and previously served as a senior economist at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C. Slifer can be reached at www.numbernomics.com.

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