Columbia Regional Business Report - December 2023

VOLUME 16 NUMBER 12 ■ COLUMBIABUSINESSREPORT.COM

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Out of the Darkness

A once-defunct but popular auto brand takes one more step back to reality with a new corporate headquarters in Columbia. Page 6

(Photo/Provided)

USDA making investments that will expand markets for agricultural producers including a farm in the Midlands. Page 8

Upfront

BRIEFS | FACTS | STATEWIDE NEWS | BEST ADVICE

Average price for regular gasoline in SC

How bad will your gas pains be this holiday driving season?

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in South Carolina decreased 9.5% in November compared to the same month last year.* Data show prices started dropping about a month before the holiday season.

Sources: AAA Carolinas, U.S. Department of Energy *As of mid-November 2023 Lowest to highest average price for gas in each county.*

By Andy Owens

W

e have good news if you’re planning on taking a drive to see your family this holiday season using a gas-powered vehicle.

A lot of people fly out of South Carolina’s airports and a lot of folks take cruises out of the Port of Charleston, but the No. 1 travel medium for most travelers this time of year is getting behind the wheel and driving.

If you’re driving within South Carolina, you’re going to be buying some of the cheapest gasoline in the nation. The data show that at $2.94 per gallon, gas prices in South Carolina were down 9.5% year-over-year compared to November 2022. Additionally, the price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the Palmetto State was 37 cents less than the price nationally, which topped $3.31 per gallon in mid-November.

South Carolina’s gas prices also are less than North Carolina and Florida, which both have an average price of $3.04 per gallon, but you’ll pay more than Georgia at $2.83 per gallon.

Even if you stay in South Carolina, you can find vasty varying prices depending on which county you’re traveling through or where you’re filling your tank. Data from AAA Carolinas show that prices in South Carolina can vary as much as 13% among the state’s 46 counties.

For example, in Hampton County, you’ll pay the highest amount on average at $3.21 per gallon, but head north toward the state line, and you’ll pay the lowest per gallon in York County, which has an average of $2.82 per gallon.

We’ve created a map using U.S. Department of Energy data and data from AAA Carolinas, which closely track gas prices, year-over-year as well as day to day. AAA’s information shows that gas prices began to drop about a month before the start of the holiday driving season.

This map can help you determine where you fill up so that the only gas pains you experience are from that extra slice of your aunt’s sweet potato pie.

What about EVs? An analysis of gas prices seemingly doesn’t involve a discussion of electric vehicles. However, it impacts them more than you might guess. When gas prices are high, interest in EVs tends to spike. While you can charge the smallest version of a Tesla for an average of 6 hours and about $7, Motor Trend magazine reports, most people in South Carolina prefer internal combustion engines if you consider their buying habits. EV adoption is happening, but the data show South Carolinians prefer gas burners over EVs, at least for now.

Less than 1%

Specifically, 13,490 EVs were registered in the Palmetto State last year compared to 4.25 million internal combustion vehicles, data from the U.S. Department of Energy show. That means between both categories of vehicles less than one-half of 1% of vehicles registered in South Carolina in 2022 were electric vehicles.

More than 82%

Those numbers are changing, dramatically. According to year-to-year data, the 13,490 electric vehicles registered in 2022 is an increase of 82.3% from 2021.

ON THE

RECORD

“We’re excited about being in the BullStreet District because this is an iconic area for Columbia and we are in the process of bringing an iconic vehicle back to America” — Corey Epps, director of HR business partners for Scout Motors

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SC Biz News Briefs

Baseball fans will be treated to a light show as well as a baseball game after the Greenville Drive invested in a new LED light system. (Photo/Greenville Drive)

Greenville

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Greenville Drive to bring new experience to fans and players with LED technology

S

ports fans who enjoy the light shows growing more prominent in stadiums around the country won’t have to travel beyond the Upstate to get some lighted dazzle with their on-field razzle.

The Greenville Drive, the Minor League Baseball club, has invested in a new cutting-edge LED lighting system at Fluor Field. Intended to enhance the player and fan experience, the new lights make Fluor Field the first professional baseball park in South Carolina to use this particular LED system, considered the most advanced of its class, according to a news release from the ball club.

Installed this week by Ephesus Sports Lighting, the new lights replace the fluorescent white lights that formerly sat atop the six 125-foot light poles surrounding the stadium. Ephesus provided lighting systems for Super Bowls LIV, LIII, LII and XLIX; the 2020, 2019 and 2017 NCAA Football National Championship games; and the 2020, 2019 and 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the news release stated.

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Logistics service company invests to Create 250 jobs with $16.5M investment

I

ronLink Logistics, a logistics service company, is growing its East Coast presence by establishing operations in Charleston County.

The $16.45 million investment will create 250 new jobs, according to a news release from the Charleston County Economic Development Department.

The company has three West Coast facilities in California — two in Ontario and one in Chino, according to the release. The new 340,000-square-foot building located at 6880 Weber Blvd. in Ladson gives IronLink a Southeast presence. The other East Coast operations are in the New Jersey cities of Florence and Burlington.

“We are thrilled to announce that IronLink Logistics has chosen Charleston, South Carolina, as the hub for our operations, utilizing the strategic advantages of the port to enhance our logistics capabilities,” IronLink owner and CEO David Dembitzer said in the release.

Operations are expected to be online by the end of the year.

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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Heavy lifting

Inland Port Dillon celebrates fifth anniversary with its busiest month on record.

Page 3

Ray of sunshine

Solar companies to establish South Carolina presence with $66M energy plant.

Page 5

Locked and loaded A small arms plant will expand in Richland County with an $18M investment.

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Prestigious honor

University of South Carolina of dean elected to Academy Arts and Sciences.

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Meeting a need

A Midlands organization forms tech partnership to address mental health.

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INSIDE

2 Upfront.................................. 3 SC Biz News Briefs..............

In Focus: Health care/life 9 ...... sciences .......................

Lists: Hospitals; life sciences18 17, companies..................... 20 ......

At Work ....................... ....23 Viewpoint .......................

Corp. steps Columbia-based Ritedose after up to fill supply of medication US. Page 9 drastic downturn across

Inaugural honor seasoned

ICON Honors recognizes strong executives who have exhibited leadership and notable success.

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District connectivity has been a large topic of discussion, focusing on ways to improve pedestrian access among neighboring districts and exploring more formal frameworks for working together. (Photo/Provided)

Columbia Main Street District marks growth

By Jason Thomas

T

jthomas@scbiznews.com

he Main Street District, also known as City Center Partnership, celebrated 22 years of the organization’s existence recently at an annual meeting.

With its biggest crowd to date, the MSD touched on past accomplishments and future goals, presented the Chairman’s Awards, and announced a partnership with Peak Drift Brewing, according to a news release.

This year the MSD announced the expansion of clean and safe services to both sides of Elmwood Avenue, from Bull Street to Lincoln Street and is exploring more ways to expand its reach beyond district lines, the release stated. It also added an Evening Outreach Ambassador to work specifically with the chronically unsheltered population.

District connectivity has also been a large topic of discussion, focusing on

ways to improve pedestrian access among neighboring districts and exploring more formal frameworks for working together, the release stated.

The district has also put more emphasis on marketing and branding, noting that its social media following and engagement has increased consistently over the last couple of years, according to the release. Over the next year, the community can also expect to see increased placemaking efforts with updated street pole banners, electrical boxes and trash wraps debuting a refreshed brand, created by local designer, Cait Maloney, the release stated.

With more residential and hotel development on the horizon, there is more pedestrian activity in the district than ever before, the release stated. The MSD acknowledged the need to look beyond Main Street at surrounding areas like Sumter Street, Assembly Street and side streets for development and placemaking, which will be critical to the district’s future success.

Chairman’s Awards

Sharon Bryant, regional executive vice president for First Citizens Bank and board chair for the Main Street District, presented the first 2023 Chairman’s Award to Martha Fowler, property owner in the 1600 block, one of the founding board members of City Center Partnership and active committee member, according to the release.

The second 2023 Chairman’s Award was presented to the Columbia Museum of Art, one of the catalysts for growth in the district and one of the many assets that make the district a destination, the release stated. Bryant expressed her gratitude to both award recipients for their dedication to the district and their role in the district’s forward momentum.

The Main Street District encompasses the 36-block area bounded by Gervais, Elmwood, Assembly, and Marion Streets in Columbia.

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December 2023

Scout Motors opens offices in Columbia’s BullStreet District

By Christina Lee Knauss

S

Contributing writer

cout Motors has officially opened its first South Carolina office in Columbia’s rapidly growing BullStreet district.

Company officials formally announced the move on Nov. 17 at Segra Park in Columbia, home of the Columbia Fireflies baseball team.

The company’s announcement came with some holiday flair as a rare 1965 Scout pickup truck decorated for the holidays was on display in the baseball park’s main concourse.

The new Scout offices occupy the entire third floor suite of BullStreet’s First Base Building, immediately adjacent to the park, home of the Fireflies Minor League Baseball team. The suite features multiple conference rooms, a training room and workspace for more than 175 people, according to information from the company.

Twelve employees are already at work in the new offices, soon to be increased to about 30, with an eventual BullStreet workforce of about 100, according to Corey Epps, director of HR business partners for Scout Motors.

“We’re excited about being in the BullStreet District because this is an iconic area for Columbia and we are in the process of bringing an iconic vehicle back to America,” Epps said in an interview with SC Biz News.

“This is also a great space for our offices because this is a vibrant area for people in the Columbia area, and it is also a straight shot from here out U.S. 77 to our manufacturing location. Our offices are now located in an area that is a touchpoint for all of the Midlands.”

The move to BullStreet is a key step in the ongoing process of developing Scout Motors’ presence in the Midlands, officials said.

The Virginia-based electric vehicle manufacturer announced in March a $2 billion investment in Richland County to establish manufacturing operations in Blythewood to make all-electric trucks and rugged SUVs. Construction has been ongoing at Scout’s 1,100-acre site in the southeastern quadrant of Richland County’s industrial park off Interstate 77, and company officials hope to begin production by the end of 2026.

Originally produced by International Harvester from 1960 to 1980, Scout was the world’s first utility vehicle suitable for both off-road and standard urban travel. Now an independent subsidiary of Volkswagen, the brand is being relaunched to produce vehicles in tune with the world-

The public can now view a model of Scout Motors' future manufacturing site in Blythewood on display in the retail store at Segra Park. (Photo/Christina Lee Knauss)

wide growing EV industry.

“This office opening represents another exciting step in our journey to reimagine the iconic Scout brand and vehicles in our future South Carolina manufacturing facility,” said Scout Motors President and CEO Scott Keogh in a statement. “We look forward to contributing to the continued development of this dynamic region.”

Employees at BullStreet will work in operations while construction continues on Scout’s plant in Blythewood, Epps said. He noted that hiring for salaried positions with the company is ongoing, while hiring for hourly positions is expected to begin in 2025.

Locating the offices at BullStreet has a double advantage for the company, Epps said. The close proximity to Interstate 77 will allow easy travel for employees between BullStreet and the Blythewood manufacturing site, and also offer workers easy access not only to the BullStreet District’s retail, residential and hospitality offerings, but to all of downtown Columbia as well. The offices are about a mile from the South Carolina State House.

Studies show location is increasingly becoming a factor in where people decide to work, and the office location could prove to be an important part of Scout’s future hiring, Epps said.

“The office here is going to be a big draw, and that’s important because we need to draw employees with the

expertise we need,” Epps said. The BullStreet District with its many amenities could attract potential workers not only from around South Carolina, but other areas, he said.

Officials also hope Scout’s presence at Segra Park will make more people aware of the company and its vision for the future.

The public can see a 3D model of the planned Scout Motors Production Center in Blythewood in the Fireflies’ retail store inside Segra Park, on display through Sunday, Dec. 31. There are also plans to eventually open a public showroom on the ground floor of the First Base Building, where the

public will constantly be able to get information about the company and its plans in the Midlands.

In August, the company announced the hiring of some of its first South Carolina-based team members, including Epps, future Chief Production Officer Jan Spies, South Carolina liaison Punam Patel and Wendy Bashnan as director of security and fire protection.

Current career opportunities can be found on the Scout Motors careers page.

Potential candidates can indicate their interest in future manufacturing positions by submitting their information at scoutmotors.sctechjobs.com.

Corey Epps, director of HR Business Partners for Scout Motors, stands in front of a rare 1965 Scout pickup truck on display at Segra Park in Columbia. (Photo/Christina Lee Knauss)

December 2023

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Prisma Health in Greenville opens one of 9 new urgent care centers

By Ross Norton

P

rnorton@scbiznews.com

risma Health in Greenville opened the first of several new urgent care centers planned for locations across the state.

Prisma Health Urgent Care Woodruff Road opened Nov. 13, offering extended hours and walk-in health care services. Patients also can book a time online, according to a news release from the state’s largest health care organization. The new urgent care center is at 1298 Woodruff Road.

The Woodruff Road location and another at 322 N. Main St. in Anderson are two of nine urgent care centers planned for the Upstate and Midlands in the coming months, according to a Prisma Health spokesperson. Locations are planned in about a month for Spartanburg and Taylors and five more are on pace to open early in 2024 — one more in the Upstate and four in the Midlands.

Upstate locations also include Greer, Verdae, Five Forks and Powdersville. Prisma Health Urgent Care is also open at its location within Prisma Health Baptist Hospital Parkridge in the Midlands.

The newest center was placed in the busy Woodruff Road area on purpose, according to the news release.

This Prisma Health Urgent Care opened recently on Woodruff Road in Greenville and will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. This location is one of nine planned to open in the next few months. (Photo/Provided)

“Prisma Health is dedicated to improving health care accessibility and meeting the evolving needs of the communities we serve,” Dr. Bryan McIver, chief medical officer for Prisma Health Medical Group – Midlands, said in the release. “Our goal is to deliver the highest quality health care closer to where patients live,

work and gather. This expansion plan is an important step to provide easier access to high-quality and affordable healthcare services.”

Prisma Health has expanded hours of operation at its Urgent Care Centers across both the Upstate and Midlands, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Dr. Michael Duchynski, chief medical officer for Prisma Health Urgent Care, is enthusiastic about the expansion.

"Our primary goal is to reimagine urgent care for South Carolina by removing obstacles and easing access to care while delivering exceptional patient experiences,” Duchynski said in the release. “The expansion of Prisma Health Urgent Care is a significant step toward fulfilling this commitment. By increasing access to urgent care services, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families throughout the region, providing them with the prompt and effective care they deserve in retail locations within their communities."

Urgent care practices treat common injuries and illnesses that need prompt care but may not require visiting the closest hospital emergency department. Convenient access to urgent care services will also help reduce wait times, ensuring patients receive timely treatment while alleviating strain on primary care providers with limited on-demand capacity, the release stated.

The organization did not reveal the total investment of the centers but said it will mean “hundreds” of new jobs.

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December 2023

Midlands part of $33M funding boost for agriculture projects

By Jason Thomas

U

jthomas@scbiznews.com

.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack revealed recently that the USDA is making investments that will expand markets for agricultural producers and strengthen American food and agriculture supply chains in 37 states as well as Puerto Rico, including a farm in the Midlands.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is championing America’s farmers and ranchers by helping to expand businesses, support more robust American supply chains and save jobs,” Vilsack said in a news release.

“Today’s investments in agricultural producers and rural entrepreneurs will create better economic opportunities that spur competition and bolster food supply chains across the country. This will result in more affordable prices and choices for consumers, as well as more opportunities and revenue for farmers.”

The announcement was made as part of the inaugural meeting of the new White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience which is part of President Biden’s agenda to bring down costs for American families and increase investment in America’s supply chains critical to economic and national security, the release stated. The funding builds on prior investments made by USDA under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to increase competition, enhance independent meat and poultry and other diversified food processing capacity, strengthen local and regional food systems and expand domestic, innovative fertilizer production.

USDA is making investments in 185 projects worth nearly $196 million to create new and better market opportunities for pro-

The USDA is making investments in 185 projects worth nearly $196 million to create new and better market opportunities for producers and entrepreneurs. (PHOTO/ PEXELS)

ducers and entrepreneurs, according to the release.

“South Carolina received over $33.2 million to support 18 projects located throughout the state,” said USDA Rural Development South Carolina State Director Saundra Glover in the release. “These investments will support new and better market opportunities and expand existing opportunities for our rural farmers and ranchers.”

For example, in South Carolina: • Agricultural Scientific LLC will use a $29.6 million loan through the Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program to help support the development of a large green-

house in Hampton County. The funds will be used for Phase I, which is a 35-acre tomato greenhouse and processing facility. Rural Development is also investing funds through the Business and Industry program.

• Split Creek Farms LLC located in Anderson County, will use a $250,000 Value-Added Producer Grant to provide working capital expenses associated with processing and marketing goat milk into cheeses for wholesale and to sell the raw milk into new markets. This project will create two new jobs and expand the customer base by 50 individuals and eight wholesale businesses.

• Manchester Farms Inc., located in

Richland County, will use a $250,000 Value-Added Producer Grant to cover working capital expenses associated with processing, storing, transporting and marketing Halal Quail Eggs throughout South Carolina. This project will create 30 jobs and save 20 jobs in the local area.

• Lowcountry Creamery LLC will use a $250,000 Value-Added Producer Grant to expand the customer base and sales of the pasteurized and flavored milk throughout the regions of South Carolina. The grant funds and matching funds will be used to offset the cost of marketing, labor, supplies, delivery, and utilities.

Columbia airport launches new web-based tech for bookings

By Jason Thomas

T

jthomas@scbiznews.com

he Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) has added new software to its website allowing passengers to book flights to anywhere in the world directly from FlyCAE.com.

With FlyMyAirport passengers will be able to search for flights — domestic, international, nonstop, or connecting — on the airport’s website, a news release stated.

Additionally, air travelers will be able to take advantage of flight, hotel, car, and travel package deals in the destinations of their choosing.

“In our marketing efforts we are constantly looking to drive the community and our passengers to our website for all airport and air service-related news and information,” said Kim Jamieson Crafton, vice president of marketing and air service development, in the release. “With this new software, the FlyCAE.com website will become a one-stop-shop resource for all air

With FlyMyAirport passengers will be able to search for flights — domestic, international, nonstop, or connecting — on the airport’s website. (Photo/Provided)

travel needs through CAE.” The search function, FlyMyAirport, is a product of the parent company Airport One LLC and is a widget that is embedded onto an airport’s website with search results powered by KAYAK, the release stated.

“We want to encourage our community to support local, by flying local,” said Crafton. “With the home location permanently

on CAE, we’re reinforcing the importance of starting — and now booking — your trips from your hometown airport.”

To book your next trip, visit FlyCAE. com and type in a destination in the search feature on the home page. Or click on FlyMyAirport in the upper left corner of the FlyCAE.com navigation bar to explore all the available travel deals and destinations.

“We’re excited to welcome CAE to our growing list of airport partners,” said Keegan Coulter, chief operating officer of Airport One LLC. “FlyMyAirport is reshaping the way airports, like CAE, serve their communities, bringing enhanced customer service directly to their doorsteps and devices.

It’s also the right conversation for airports to have with their community.”

December 2023

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Aiken facility shares supply chain solutions with Los Alamos National Lab

By Jason Thomas

R

jthomas@scbiznews.com

epresentatives from Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Supply Chain and Logistics (SCL) organization recently visited the Savannah River Site (SRS) to benchmark Supply Chain Management (SCM) best practices to meet the demands of the overall plutonium pit production mission and stand up SCL for the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production (ALDWP).

“It is our goal to ensure all supply chains across the complex perform at their maximum potential,” said Jay Johnson, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) deputy vice president, contracts and SCM, in the release. “As we share our best practices with other contractors, together, we can accomplish critical missions across Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) complexes. This benchmarking session was the first step in sparking an ongoing collaboration with Los Alamos.”

Los Alamos’s mission includes expanding from its weapons-related research and development to also encompass a more modern manufacturing scope within the next several years, the release stated. SRS’s mission includes the design and build of a modern manufacturing facility that will produce pits as close to 2030 as possible. The threeday benchmarking visit is one tactic used to

David Dietz, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions’ senior director of supply chain procurement, leads a session outlining his division’s best practices and strategies to exceed prime contract requirements. (Photo/Provided)

solidify in-person relationships between both complexes and build a critical and sustainable partnership.

SRNS Supply Chain Operations leader Scott Brow coordinated presentations and breakout sessions focused on various functions such as supplier management, inventory management, field procurement best practices, tool crib, chemical management and associated SCM information systems — all of which are relevant and pertinent scope areas at Los Alamos, the release stated.

David Dietz, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions’ senior director of supply chain procurement, leads a session outlining his division’s best practices and strategies to exceed prime

contract requirements, the release stated.

“A resilient, agile supply chain is crucial to delivering the plutonium pit missions at SRS and Los Alamos, so we must work together,” said Johnson. “This engagement was a fantastic start in sharing best practices that have enabled our success at SRS.” In fiscal year 2023, SRNS Supply Chain increased awards to $1.2B (92% increase from FY22); awarded over $732M with small businesses (70% increase from FY22); achieved its best supplier on-time delivery performance contract to date at 90%; received and delivered material to customers with an average cycle time of two days; and sustained 99.9% accountable inventory accuracy, according to

the release.

“Our team is delivering well beyond DOE contractual goals because we challenge our talented workforce to exceed stretch targets in Key Performance Indicators and challenge the way we do business to deliver best-inclass performance,” Johnson continued.

SRNS SCM and Los Alamos’s SCL will continue to build their partnership success through collaboratively addressing supply chain and logistics challenges and identifying continuous improvement opportunities through regularly scheduled meetings, DOE/ NNSA sponsored risk management summits, and future benchmarking sessions supporting the overall pit production mission.

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December 2023

Architecture firm to move offices to new West Columbia development

By Jason Thomas

L

jthomas@scbiznews.com

S3P, a regional architectural firm, will move its offices from the Vista to the new, mixed-use community known as 4 West, an Estates & Companies community, located at 351 Meeting St. in West Columbia, according to a news release.

Trinity Partners, by way of Macon Lovelace, Roger Winn and Braden Shockley of Trinity’s Columbia office, represented the landlord, Cornerstone at Meeting, an affiliate of Estates & Cos., according to the release.

LS3P’s new office home will be comprised of over 11,000 square feet including a private, outdoor terrace located on the plaza level of a five-story mixed use building, the release stated. Its space will be designed to highlight its creativity through flexible and dynamic workspaces that foster collaborative engagement.

“This location, overlooking the iconic Gervais Street Bridge along the Congaree River, symbolizes the ‘connectivity’ of the greater Midlands community in which our people live and work,” Mary Beth Branham, the Columbia office leader and principal at LS3P, said in the release.

“With 17-foot high windows providing dynamic views of downtown Columbia and the Capitol dome, a street-front presence along a main thoroughfare and direct access to our own outdoor patio and grand stair, this location also provides walkability to great restaurants, after-hour activities and breweries.”

With offices across South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida,

LS3P’s new office home will be comprised of over 11,000 square feet including a private, outdoor terrace located on the plaza level of a five-story mixed use building.

(Photo/Provided)

LS3P is a multi-disciplinary firm offering architecture, interior, and planning services to a wide variety of clients nationwide. Its Columbia office will be located within the 4 West community at 103 State St. 4 West is a Class A Mixed Use Development Project including 15,000 square feet of commercial space and 52 luxury apartment homes located along the Congaree River in West Columbia, according to the release. It is a part of the greater award-winning community known as Brookland that with 4 West now encompasses over 30,000 square feet of commercial space and 256 luxury, apart-

ment homes. With the announcement of LS3P, the commercial space will be 100% leased, including the recent addition of Another Broken Egg Café alongside the original tenants of Gentleman’s Quarters Barbershop, Black Rooster, The WRKT, and Select Physical Therapy.

Construction for LS3P’s space will start in the near future with a projected delivery date in Summer 2024, just in time for its 20th anniversary celebration, the release stated. Their space will encompass creative design facilitating their entrepreneurial nature with flexible and mobile workspace promoting creative engagement.

LS3P’s new home at 4 West and the greater Brookland community, mirrors their vision to create architecture that enriches communities through a culture of design excellence, expertise, innovation, and collaborative engagement, the release stated. The community boasts a diverse blend of unique uses, including public and private spaces, creating a great cross section of residences, tenants, and visitors.

Research indicates individuals and tenants located in a vibrant, blend of unique uses demonstrate greater innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic competitiveness.

Chicken wing chain to open 6 Columbia locations

W

Staff Report

ing Zone Hot Chicken and Wings, which specializes in made-to-order chicken wings, plans to bring at least six new locations to Columbia and its surrounding communities over the next five years.

Wing Zone Chicken and Wings is continuously recognized by industry leaders and peers for its innovation and stand-out performance, a news release stated. The restaurant was featured on “Fast Casual’s” 2022 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list. In addition, Q1 brought the addition of a new C-level executive to the roster – Michael Meche as chief restaurant officer.

The location of the Columbia-area restaurants has yet to be announced.

Alongside the unique menu offerings, Wing Zone Hot Chicken and Wings features a new color scheme using red as the primary color with black and white as secondary colors, the release stated The branding reflects the brand’s identity and values as a modern, irreverent concept and continues to lean into

its aviation-inspired branding.

Founded in 1993, Wing Zone is an international fast-casual restaurant franchise known for its cooked-to-order chicken wings and tenders. The brand is backed by a corporate leadership team that offers a continuous support program for franchise partners through online and field programs, which provides significant support for marketing, retail sales, operations, and growth strategies through every stage of their ownership, the release stated.

Focusing on consumer trends eating off-premise and through delivery, Wing Zone Hot Chicken and Wings prioritizes dry rub offerings, according to a news release.

In August, the concept introduces two Nashville Hot Chicken-inspired menu items: Hot Chicken Tenders and Hot Chicken Sandwiches, the release stated.

Founded in 1993, Wing Zone is an international fast-casual restaurant franchise with than 31 locations in North American and 30 restaurants internationally. The brand plans to grow to 200 profitable restaurants by 2025.

Wing Zone Hot Chicken and Wings, a fast-casual brand serving made-to-order chicken wings, plans to bring at least six new locations to Columbia and its surrounding communities over the next five years. (Photo/ Provided)

December 2023

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 11

$20M river cleanup in downtown Columbia complete

By Jason Thomas

D

jthomas@scbiznews.com

ominion Energy on Nov. 13 marked the completion of a complex, multiyear project to remove tar-like material from the Congaree River in downtown Columbia.

Gov. Henry McMaster and Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann joined other dignitaries to recognize the $20 million project that finished ahead of schedule, according to a city of Columbia news release.

“This was a highly unique project that had never been attempted anywhere in the United States in a river at this scale,” Dominion Energy South Carolina President Keller Kissam said in the release. “Its successful completion is a testament to the excellent coordination and relationships among our employees, regulators, contractors and stakeholders who helped guide the work. There were many who doubted that it could be done, but I’m here today to say proudly that not only did our exceptionally talented and dedicated team do it, they did it in a manner that sets the example for others to follow.”

Crews removed tar-like material in the Congaree riverbed that was first discovered in June 2010, the release

The $20 million project did more than clean up litter; crews removed tar-like material from the Congaree riverbed. (Photo/Provided)

stated. Dominion Energy committed to remediating the material after lab testing showed it was consistent with coal tar created at a manufactured gas plant located near what is now the South Carolina State Museum and operated by predecessor companies approximately a century ago.

The plant produced gas from coal, oil and other feedstocks, which was used for lighting, cooking and heat-

ing Columbia homes and businesses.

Starting in June 2022, crews installed cofferdams and dewatering pumps at two locations in the river so they could work on a dry riverbed, the release stated. They then removed more than 35,000 tons of sediment for disposal in an approved landfill.

Dominion Energy also worked with archaeologists to recover hundreds of historical artifacts from the river

sediment, including cannonballs and other ordnance that have been in the river bottom since the Civil War. “Protecting our environment and natural resources is a top priority for Team South Carolina,” McMaster said in the release. “Healthy waterways benefit us all and ultimately lead to a happier and healthier state.

I thank Dominion Energy and all of those involved for getting this project done ahead of schedule.”

The modified removal agreement reached with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Army Corps of Engineers and other stakeholders authorized work in the river from May 1 until Oct. 31 of each year.

“The river levels over the last two years were very cooperative,” Dominion Energy Director, Environmental Tom Effinger said in the release. “It helped our crews finish work in the river a year earlier than originally scheduled. I’m very proud of the way our contractors found innovative ways to overcome the numerous challenges to make this happen for the good of our community.”

In addition to the sediment, crews also removed more than 2.5 tons of debris from the river, including tires, scrap metal and other trash.

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December 2023

Texas burger chain enters South Carolina market

By Krys Merryman

B

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

y the end of 2024, South Carolina fans of a popular Texas-based burger joint will finally have the chance to sink their teeth into the brand’s signature made-to-order meals served up with hometown hospitality.

According to a company news release, Whataburger will kick off its expansion into the state with up to 10 new restaurants opening across the Upstate and Midlands with locations planned in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Mauldin, Irmo, Boiling Springs, Lexington, Duncan and Easley. A list of planned Upstate locations is below. Opening dates are subject to change.

• 1466 Woodruff Road, Greenville: summer 2024 • 308 W Butler Drive, Mauldin: summer 2024 • 1185 Dutch Fork Road, Irmo: late summer 2024 • 1941 E Main St., Spartanburg: fall 2024 • 2900 Main St., Anderson: fall 2024 • Boiling Springs & Double Bridge Road, Boiling Springs: fall 2024 • NWC S Lake Drive and Industrial

Whataburger is headquartered in San Antonio and has nearly 990 locations across 14, soon-to-be 16 states, operating 24/7, 364 days a year. and sales of more than $3 billion annually. (Photo/Provided)

Drive, Lexington: fall 2024 1510 WO Ezell Blvd., Spartanburg: late fall 2024 • 1537 E Main St., Duncan: late fall 2024 • 5648 Calhoun Memorial Parkway, Easley: late fall 2024 In September, based on an appli•

cation for a special exception permit filed with the city of Greenville, Whataburger originally filed an application to set up shop at 1601 Laurens Road.

“The proposed 24-hour drive-thru is expected to attract more business to the area at different times of the day than during normal business hours

and leverage the rest of Greenville’s vibrant commercial area for businesses that may be open later as well,” the application stated.

A few weeks later, Greenville’s Board of Zoning Appeals denied the request for the all-night drive-thru for the Whataburger planned for Laurens Road, citing concerns including traffic, noise, and odors that would potentially affect a nearby neighborhood.

Whataburger was born more than 73 years ago when entrepreneur Harmon Dobson had the idea “to serve a burger so big that it took two hands to hold, and so good that after a single bite customers couldn’t help but exclaim, ‘What a burger!’” He named his burger stand, located on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas, “Whataburger.”

Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio and has nearly 990 locations across 14 states, soonto-be 16, operating 24/7, 364 days a year with sales of more than $3 billion annually.

Whataburger currently has more than 50,000 employees nationwide and more than 60 million customers.

Along with the new restaurants, Whataburger plans to hire a total of up to 1,000 people by year-end 2024.

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December 2023

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 13

Technical College adds new Lexington County location

By Jason Thomas

jthomas@scbiznews.com

M

idlands Technical College will partner with Lexington School District One to offer classes in Lexington to both high school and adult learners starting in January 2024.

The Lexington North Lake Center, 702 North Lake Drive, Lexington, will offer full programs in IT, health care, human services, and skilled trades as well as general education courses, according to a news release. MTC’s new facility will be housed within Lexington School District One’s North Lake Community Learning Center, which was formerly the Lexington Middle School campus.

“MTC’s mission is to improve the communities we serve by offering high quality and affordable education and training opportunities to meet local workforce needs,” said Barrie Kirk, Midlands Technical College provost, in the release. “Lexington School District One along with local business and industry have been valuable partners in this project to help MTC serve the rapidly growing community of Lexington.”

Initial academic courses being offered in the Spring 2024 semester

Midlands Technical College will partner with Lexington School District One to offer classes in Lexington to both high school and adult learners starting in January 2024. (Photo/Provided)

include English composition, general psychology, introduction to theatre, and contemporary moral issues, according to the release. First semester corporate training classes include the new heavy equipment operator pro-

gram which was announced this past spring, patient care technician, and computer technician certification. Individuals interested in exploring specific MTC class offerings and schedules in Lexington can visit MIDLANDSTECH.

EDU/Lexington-north-lake-center.

The center will also offer on-site enrollment to help anyone with the application process, registering for a class, and completing placement testing, if needed.

To learn more, visit ssoe.com To To learn learn more, more, visit ssoe.com visit ssoe.com For more than three decades, SSOE Group’s award-winning team has focused on design for highly regulated industries that rely on the most stringent standards of cleanliness—both in their manufacturing and research facilities. From material selection, to clean-in-place systems, For For more more than than three three decades, decades, SSOE SSOE Group’s Group’s award-winning award-winning team team has has focused focused on on design design for for highly highly regulated regulated industries industries that that rely rely on on the the most most to specialized HVAC systems, our experts in will design a space thatand optimizes performance withmaterial compliance for your lab or process line. stringent standards of cleanliness—both their manufacturing research facilities.

From selection, to clean-in-place systems, stringent standards of cleanliness—both in their manufacturing and research facilities. From material selection, to clean-in-place systems, to to specialized specialized HVAC HVAC systems, systems, our our experts experts will will design design aa space space that that optimizes optimizes performance performance with with compliance compliance for for your your lab lab or or process process line. line.

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December 2023

Columbia mayor to participate in global climate conference

By Jason Thomas

C

jthomas@scbiznews.com

olumbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann will participate in a historic Local Climate Action Summit alongside local leaders to showcase Columbia’s leadership in fighting climate crisis.

Rickenmann plans to participate in COP28, the annual global climate conference hosted by the United Nations that is taking place in Dubai through Dec. 12, according to a news release. COP28 brings world leaders together to engage in crucial negotiations and commitments concerning the climate crisis, and Mayor Rickenmann will be there to represent local solutions and elevate the voice of Columbia.

While in Dubai, Rickenmann will take part in the COP28 Local Climate Action Summit, where world leaders will convene to discuss climate change, the release stated. Rickenmann’s involvement offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow climate leaders to align, share, and advance climate action plans.

Given the pivotal role local governments play in fighting the climate crisis, COP28 and the Local Climate Action Summit provide an invaluable platform for national and world leaders to directly engage and learn about Columbia’s comprehensive climate plan, progress and ongoing projects, the release stated. This paves the way

Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann will participate in a historic Local Climate Action Summit alongside local leaders to showcase Columbia’s leadership in fighting climate crisis. (Photo/Provided)

for transformative, collective ambition and action on a global scale.

The COP28 Local Climate Action Summit will bring together subnational climate leaders – including mayors, governors, businesses, non-government organizations, and more – and recognizes the critical role local leaders play in reducing emissions, addressing climate impacts, and supercharging efforts from the ground-up to move further and faster on climate progress, according to the release. Hosted by Bloomberg

Philanthropies and the UAE COP28 Presidency, the summit will bring climate leaders together across four core themes: • Transforming Local Climate Finance: Strengthening sustainable financial mechanisms to mobilize the trillions of dollars in public and private investment needed globally at the subnational level to deliver real change.

• Integrating Local Contributions to Enhance Global Action: Incorporating local implementation

into national and international climate policy design and determining how best to factor subnational action into future national and global climate goals, including for 2030.

• Fast-tracking the Local Energy Transition: Propelling rapid advancements across pivotal sectors and surface new strategies to deliver ambitious results locally.

• Strengthening Local Resilience and Adaptation: Protecting residents and infrastructure from immediate and future climate risks.

Real estate firm adds logistics park to portfolio

By Jason Thomas

T

jthomas@scbiznews.com

rinity Partners’ Columbia office has added Jedburg Logistics Park to its property management portfolio.

The project, developed by Trinity Capital Advisors, is currently under construction and set to deliver by year end, according to a news release. Jedburg Logistics Park is located at 239 Jedburg Road in Summerville, and totals approximately 800,000 square feet across two industrial buildings.

This newest addition is the largest asset in the Columbia property management portfolio which totals 2.4 million square feet, the release stated.

In addition to Jedburg Logistics Park, Trinity Partners manages a range of asset classes across the region, including 8 Medical Drive, 1001 Pinnacle Point Drive, and 1501 Main St. “This is a great addition to our growing management portfolio

Jedburg Logistics Park totals approximately 800,000 square feet, and is the largest asset in Trinity Partners’ property management portfolio, which totals 2.4 million square feet. (Rendering/Provided)

across the state and aligns with our plans for expansion and growth in the Charleston, South Carolina market” said Bruce Harper, Mmanaging partner with Trinity Partners, in the release. “We’re continuing to evaluate potential opportunities for continued growth in the Charleston market and across the state.”

Trinity Partners is a full-service commercial real estate firm serving corporate users and institutional owners throughout the United States, with 10 service lines ranging from landlord and tenant representation to property management and investment sales, according to the release.

Trinity Capital focuses on the

acquisition and development of institutional-quality commercial real estate in the southeastern United States, according to the release. The firm has invested more than $4.2 billion acquiring and developing more than 29 million square feet of the most successful workplace real estate projects.

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December 2023

S

ometimes, things come full circle.

Such is the case for the Profiles in Business feature. We decided to resurrect this concept on the following pages, which originated not long after the launch of Charleston Regional Business Journal in 1995. We were hearing from businesspeople in the community asking to include stories about their company. Our typical reply was, “we don’t do that unless you do some-

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what was originally a great idea. The seven profiles inside will give you a a glimpse into how are companies have handled a post-COVID economy that is still finding its footing, and how these companies help fuel South Carolina’s economy.

Here’s to the return of a celebration of South Carolina’s business success.

Jason Thomas is the executive editor of SC Biz News. Reach him via email at jthomas@scbiznews.com.

RT.COM

Greg Middl eton, co-ow Brewing ner of Peak Co., Main entert talks about the North Drift ainment venue during a news confe (Photo/Melin rence. da Waldr op)

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thing we can report as news.”

At the time, many of the same people were asking if they could hire our advertising copywriters to produce pieces they could use in brochures and marketing materials —but we were always too busy putting out the journal. It finally dawned on us: Why not combine the two? So, we did.

The last time we ran the Profiles in Business feature was in late June 2022. Remember that full-circle thing? Here we are, resurrecting

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 15

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By Mel inda

Waldrop mwaldrop@ scbiznews .com

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by Sen. ingto you’r have and priva legTim Scott here . Investors bia, I’m fromneither is Sara .’ I’m not frome ardson, Scott te investmen attracted $75 n, t, bilto be some South Caro . I’m from Colu “Generall ’s deputy chief said Alyssa Rich lina, and mthing that of staff. y, Columbia I want this place for inves when you’re talki tment or can truly opportun ng about a be ity, you want See VENU Icons & E, Page 7 The Colum Phenoms bia Report hono Regional Busin ess Midlands. rs leaders acros s the Page 12-21

Connect with Decisionmakers in industries most likely to generate business opportunities.

Reach Executives, entreprenuers and thought leaders in various industries.

Do business with decision-makers: 85% of audience are manager level and above.

Influence decision-makers throughout their professional lives.

We Deliver Impact with Decision-makers of South Carolina Businesses To connect with decision-makers in South Carolina, you need to market on Columbia Regional Business Report.

For years, it has been the place business leaders turn for news and insights about how to succeed in the constantly evolving business industry. Partnering with Columbia Regional Business Report gives you many powerful ways to drive growth and turn prospects into accounts.

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December 2023

HRP

HRP Marks 40 Years of Protecting Human Health & the Environment Planning meeting at former textile mill.

For 40 years, the consulting engineers at HRP Associates have worked with clients to assure that they move their environment forward. Its mission is to minimize the environmental risks associated with a wide range of clients and their projects, and help them reach their intended business goals.

“At a macro-level, there are two segments to our business,” explains Shaun Malin, Principal and Regional Manager for the South.

“On the proactive side, we assist with environmental regulatory compliance (think planning, permitting, engineering and training) for a great cross-section of markets, including commercial and industry, education, healthcare, government and more. On the reactive side, we assess, investigate and remediate environmental impacts stemming from historic business operations. This could be a chemical spill, underground storage tank leak or redevelopment of a brownfields.” A brownfield is a property that is impacted environmentally from previous operations that is then remediated, redeveloped and given new life. It is estimated that there are more than 450,000 brownfields in the U.S. Several of HRP’s nine offices across the country are physically located within brownfield development projects, including Malin’s home office in Judson Mill in Greenville, SC., which was a former Milliken textile mill. “We’re proud to have kept the beauty and integrity of our new office at Judson Mill. The exposed wood and brick evident throughout the space make it an easy place to work and thrive for our staff.”

As Malin explains, one of HRP’s most significant brownfield projects recently was assisting a property owner in the remediation of PCB’s and elevated lead concentrations at a 100-year-old scrap yard. Because of the level of contamination, HRP had to work with both state and federal agencies. “We successfully helped the property owner mitigate the environmental risks of a seven-acre

Shaun C. Malin, PG — Principal & Regional Manager

property, which in turn led to its purchase from a third party. It is currently undergoing redevelopment into an attractive and profitable entity within a resurgent downtown area,” he says.

HRP constantly strives to achieve new and better methods for a project’s successful completion, with a heavy emphasis on a collaborative, unique approach. Its engineering consultants do this by listening carefully to a client’s concerns, innovating new ideas and processes internally and by implementing solutions that are flexible, effective and sustainable. “The strength of HRP is understanding where the guardrails are and thinking outside the box.

We bring our clients to the table with a regulatory agency to find common ground to move projects forward,” says Malin.

This mid-size firm with some 130 employees was in a growth mode before the pandemic, specifically in the Southeast.

Early on, the company made a commitment to retain all of its employees throughout the pandemic. And after a slight pause, HRP is once again making moves to expand its footprint across the country.

“We continue to grow and expand our service sectors,” Malin concludes. “We’re committed to responsiveness, quality service, being nimble and an overall client experience. That’s been our approach since 1982. It’s baked into the cake.”

We’re committed to responsiveness, quality service, being nimble and an overall client experience.  Shaun Malin

HRP was founded on the principles of protecting human health and the environment; 40 years later, the multi-disciplinary environmental and engineering consulting firm remains true to its mission.

701 Easley Bridge Road The Annex, Suite 4130 Greenville, SC 29611 Before photo of brownfield redevelopment project.

3300 West Montague Ave. The Runway, Suite 209 North Charleston, SC 29418

800-752-3922 | hrpassociates.com

December 2023

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www.columbiabusinessreport.com 17

CHARLESTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Charleston Strong: CCED Reflects on 30 Years Promoting Solid Growth Caption

Thirty years ago, Charleston was dealt a tremendous setback when its Naval Base closed, resulting in the loss of some 22,000 jobs. Realizing the need to quickly pivot and explore new ways to make up for lost revenue, a group of leaders formed Charleston County Economic Development. Its mission was to foster a diverse business community by attracting, retaining and growing a number of major industries.

The results have been impressive, with CCED’s efforts contributing $18 billion annually to the Charleston County economy, according to its recent Economic Impact Study. In celebration of its 30th anniversary this year, CCED reflects on its many accomplishments, and predicts even more growth ahead for the thriving market it serves.

“Looking back to 1993 and where we stand now, I am filled with immense pride,” says CCED Executive Director Steve Dykes. “Through the department’s proactive initiatives and cultivating a welcoming business climate, we have fostered a vibrant and multi-faceted economy that has significantly enhanced the well-being of Charleston County’s residents.”

“CCED has worked directly with companies that have collectively facilitated over 39,000 direct jobs and $6.9 billion in capital investment,” points out Dr. Joseph C. Von Nessen, Research Economist at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, who conducted the Economic Impact Study.

Caption

The study’s findings highlight the importance of Charleston County to the

L to R: Kip Watson, Ashley Richardson, Jay Kramer, Steve Dykes, Gene Borzendowski, Lauren Ellis, Scott Kirby, Dayton Ward

state’s economy and serve as a reminder of the county’s strong potential for growth and development. Additional key findings include: • The 72,018 jobs generated through CCED-affiliated activities pay an average wage of $82,874.

• 43 percent wage premium for jobs generated either directly or indirectly through CCED-affiliated business activities in Charleston County compared to the average job there.

“Charleston County represents a major economic success story for the state of South Carolina in which CCED has played an integral part,” Von Nessen explains. “A key ingredient to the county’s success has been CCED’s ability to help attract a diverse industry base, which leads to higher and more consistent rates of long-run economic growth.”

To accompany the primary economic drivers of military and tourism, the diversification of the industries recruited by CCED is impressive: advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive logistics, defense, IT and life sciences. Dykes is excited to report that in Charleston County in the coming months, Boeing will manufacture more of its 787 planes, and Mercedes-Benz Vans will produce its electric Sprinter.

“From the beginning, we’ve emphasized nurturing existing companies, which create the lion’s share of the jobs,” Dykes explains. CCED nurtures and supports these businesses through its Business Concierge Program. This program assists established companies with a wide range of services, financial incentives and valuable networking opportunities.

In looking ahead, Dykes does say CCED will work hard to attract start-ups as well. “We’re partnering with several local organizations directly involved with this vibrant sector of entrepreneurs.”

After 30 years of hard work attracting and nurturing an impressive roster of businesses that call Charleston home, CCED continues to evolve its blueprint for success. As Steve Dykes concludes, “The future looks extremely bright.”

4922 O’Hear Ave. Suite 201 North Charleston, SC 29405 843.958.4511 www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

December 2023

ENCORE BANK

Encore Balances Modern Banking with Personal Touch Service As a private, concierge, boutique style bank, Encore opened its Charleston office in August of 2022.

Customers walking through the doors of Encore Bank are treated to an experience like no other. Instead of long lines and restrictive glass, there are chic, open and inviting spaces that showcase hospitality, and even more importantly, welcome collaboration.

“We balance the modern banking experience with old-fashioned customer relationships,” he says. “Success is being able to make quick decisions to meet our client’s needs – while avoiding some of the traditional, restrictive bank traps.”

“Our offices reflect the change in the industry away from the transactional side of banking,” says Fallon Meyer, Charleston Market President. “Here, we focus more on building shareholder value and providing an unmatched customer experience.”

Often people don’t realize there’s a better option, Sharpton adds.

“Encore Bank wants to be a better resource and provide a better option largely centered on communication and responsiveness.”

As Meyer explains, Encore prides itself on a different measure of success than most other banks. “We are not trying to be the largest bank in town, and we’ll never take the yardstick of our success against market share.” Rather, Encore is driven by the people and communities it serves, and believes banking can be built differently. Modern boutique banking should afford each account owner options for banking the way they want to bank – whether searching for mobile technology with on-the-go ease, or a friendly face at a neighborhood branch, Meyer says.

As a private, concierge, boutique style bank, Encore opened its Charleston office in August of 2022, and soon plans to add Greenville to its list of locations scattered throughout the south.

Michael Sharpton, Carolinas Regional President, says a number of favorable demographics made Charleston and Greenville ideal choices for Encore. There’s a continued boom in new residents, incredible job growth and a very strong ‘pro business’ climate.

“The business community here is very educated about the ‘state of our state.’ People want to come here and establish or expand their companies,” he points out.

Encore’s results to date are impressive. The bank has attracted nearly 300 deposit customers for just over $40 million in deposits in the state of South Carolina. There are also 70 borrowers for some $245 million in booked loan commitments, and Sharpton sees further growth ahead.

Encore Bank offers chic, open and inviting spaces that showcase hospitality and welcome collaboration.

Its carefully chosen staff plays a major role in that mission. As Encore entered the Carolinas, that staff was an experienced group that in many cases, had worked with each other for a decade or more.

Encore is proud of their professionalism and expertise, but the value of this comradery extends beyond the walls of the bank. Each team member helps foster a strong sense of community – a guiding principle for each of Encore’s carefully selected locations. The bank encourages and supports the staff’s wide ranging volunteer activities, and hosts a number of community events throughout the year.

We balance the modern banking experience with old-fashioned customer relationships.  Michael Sharpton

Encore prioritizes the customer experience through its people and the service it provides, as well as in the sophisticated technology tools it offers. “At the end of the day, banking is about loans and deposits. But we want to provide the necessary personal touch that has gone missing from way too many banks today,” Meyer concludes.

CHARLESTON 1859 Summerville Ave., Suite 200 Charleston, SC 29405 843-256-8953

GREENVILLE* 115 S. Marley St., Suite A Greenville, SC 29601 864-584-7372 *Opening January 2024

www.bankencore.com

December 2023

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www.columbiabusinessreport.com 19

HTI

HTI’s Business Model Uses Retention as Their Lens to Attract the Right Talent The HTI Job Mobile – Bridging the gap between employers and job seekers.

As leaders and business owners, we all cringe at the thought of turnover. In fact, by losing just one high-performing employee, a company can expect to spend 50% or more of their salary finding a replacement.

This stark reality is just one of the driving forces behind the success of HTI, a full-service, comprehensive human resource firm focused on helping companies attract and retain talent. Founded in the Upstate of South Carolina in 1999, HTI has grown exponentially and now works with employers – both large and small – across the Southeast and beyond.

“Employers partner with us because we believe in finding – and keeping – the best people, from entry-level to top-tier management,” explains Ashley Brooks, Vice-President of HTI’s Workplace Strategies division. “We don’t simply want to help fill a job; we want to discover and leverage what makes a particular company an employer of choice.”

It’s very common for employers to engage recruiting firms to fill jobs. However, we see time and time again, those recruiting firms are simply checking the box of filling an opening. And on goes the perpetual cycle of a constant churn of new hires – never stopping to ask why that opening exists in the first place.

Unlike most competitors, HTI is certified in and utilizes many cutting-edge tools to ensure that organizations are making the right hire from the onset. One example is the Predictive Index, a behavioral assessment criterion validated for making better hires, increasing employee engagement, and building high-performing teams. Another is HTI’s Lead the Way program – designed to teach leaders to manage more effectively. These and many other unique tools have contributed to HTI’s proven track record of excellence in workforce and project management, earning both local and international awards and recognition.

Ashley Brooks, Vice-President of HTI’s Workplace Strategies division

Brooks proudly states that, “HTI measures its success first and foremost on customer satisfaction and client retention. We have an independent quality department that conducts customer service audits regularly and makes recommendations on how HTI could elevate its customer experience even more. We don’t just preach – we practice.

“Our labor strategy and HR consulting business arms have exploded in recent years as a result of the struggles that the market presents right now, including competing for a small pool of top talent and navigating the skills gap,” Brooks explains. “Companies are recognizing the necessity in taking a step back, learning hard truths, and analyzing their attraction and retention strategies much more intentionally than we’ve ever seen before.

“At the end of the day, we want employers to know that we understand. We live this daily and face a lot of the same struggles that you do,” shares Brooks. “Our expertise covers a wide range of industries – including automotive and pharmaceutical manufacturing as well as small businesses, including law firms and utility companies. There is one constant in every organization, no matter the industry – people.

And when you invest in your people, your people invest in you.”

105 North Spring Street, Suite 200 Greenville SC 29601 864.385.7122 website?

Two-thirds of employees cite training and development as their top motivational factor at work. Meet HTI’s Tier 1 Leadership Development Program Graduating class of 2023!

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

December 2023

LOW COUNTRY CASE & MILLWORK

Low Country Case & Millwork Soars to New Heights LCCM’s 52,000 square foot facility in Ladson, SC

A firm commitment to quality – in product, service and culture – has ushered in record-setting growth for Low Country Case & Millwork.

Founded by Robert Stasiukaitis in 1990, LCCM offers manufacturing and installation of high-end custom cabinetry and architectural millwork, as well as state-of-the-art medical/institutional casework. Its distinctive look can be seen in major hotels, hospitals, schools, offices and even churches throughout Charleston and the surrounding communities. With its reputation for an exceptional product and unrivaled customer service well established, son David Stasiukaitis, CEO, took a path some four years ago that sent the company on an extraordinary trajectory.

“The people of LCCM are the biggest reason for our recent success,” he explains. “We experienced explosive growth when we began to focus on our company culture and empowering our team members.”

During a particularly trying time, David began speaking with workplace strategist Liz Ashley, whose company, Align, is based in Charleston. Align helps companies navigate day-to-day interpersonal workplace challenges by developing talent, training leaders on how to lead and advancing organizational culture. David knew that enriching and nurturing the culture at LCCM had the potential to reap tremendous benefits – but even he was shocked at how profitable the decision has been.

When David joined his father in the business 17 years ago, LCCM was doing approximately $3 million in business a year. By 20202022 it was averaging $7 million annually, and this year, that number will exceed $11 million. “We are into eight figures for the first time in company history – clearly our best year ever,” David says proudly. “This is certainly an important milestone for us.”

Paralleling this growth in revenue is the company’s significant facilities expansion – moving from the modest 4,000 sq. ft.

LCCM’s Senior Leadership Team; Paul Stasiukaitis, Amanda Harrell, Amy Stasiukaitis, Brandon Blake, & Ken Hibner

Father & Son, Founder & CEO, Robert & David Stasiukaitis

Robert began with, to now boasting a 52,000 sq. ft. facility divided into four separate divisions: cabinetry, millwork, finishing and a climate-controlled shipping department. LCCM is also constantly upgrading machinery and technology to stay on the cutting edge of the industry and maintain its top-tier quality.

Rich in talent, many of LCCM’s close to 60 team members have been with the company for a decade or more. As David explains, all have embraced the attention being paid to workplace atmosphere and their personal development and well-being. LCCM assesses each new hire after 60 days, and utilizes tools such as Everything DiSC® applications to guide employees in recognizing their emotional intelligence potential, resolving productive conflict, improving working relationships and turning destructive behaviors into constructive attributes.

“Early on in our cultural journey, we established a firm set of core values, which empower everyone to make their own decisions based on these principles,” David says.

“And one of them is Damn Good Product!

“As a result of each of these important initiatives, our product, processes and performance have been significantly enhanced,” David adds.

The people of LCCM are the biggest reason for our recent success.  David Stasiukaitis

Still an active member of the company he founded, Robert serves as a “hands on” point person, meeting with clients, taking measurements, checking quality and doing design work.

“We’re extremely proud of the foundation he has built and continue to work hard to find new and innovative ways to move the company forward,” says David.

4144 Carolina Commerce Pkwy.

Ladson, SC 29456 843.797.0881 www.LCCM.com

December 2023

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 21

NEAL BROTHERS

Neal Brothers Credits Team Members, Loyal Customers with its Century of Success Logistics is its business, but people are at the heart of Neal Brothers’ successful multi-national cargo handling and export packing company. With a heralded legacy of more than a century of experience, Neal Brothers is also rich with people power; the company boasts a talented and dedicated work force some 100 strong – the largest it’s ever been – a family ownership team, and a growing roster of loyal customers that now spans generations.

“Our team means everything to us,” Harry Griffin, the company’s senior vice-president proudly explains. “Without them we wouldn’t be anywhere near where we are today.” Their efforts were never more important than during the pandemic, when Neal Brothers worked hard every day to keep its doors open and its people safe. Its employees played an active role in transporting vital mitigation supplies, along with its regular freight, throughout.

“We’ve never had to search very far for good people; we’re fortunate to have so many great local candidates that want to come join the Neal Brothers family,” says Griffin. This focus on the human side of business extends to the company’s customer base as well.

“They are just as important to our team as our employees. Many have been with us for over 20 years, and are now into the second generation. We work hard to instill this same long-term philosophy to new customers as well. It’s important for us to show every customer love and care so they know their cargo will be in good hands,” Griffin explains.

Neal Brothers prides itself on an exceptional level of customer service and a zero-damage commitment; this has led to a steady increase in demand and growth. “Our mission is to provide every client with a level of service that can’t be matched by our competitors,” Griffin says with confidence.

First Annual Reagan Gala - Hibernian Hall 11/8/23 with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

Firmly entrenched in the thriving ports of Charleston and Savannah, Neal Brothers focuses on complete packing services including distribution, freight station services such as flat rack stuffing and stripping, pick-and-pack and cross docking. Besides its growing workforce and customer base, Neal Brother has significantly expanded its space as well – going from 10,000 sq. ft. in Charleston originally, to now, over two million square feet.

Neal Brothers is proud to call the Southeastern U.S., one of the fastest growing business regions in the country, its home. “Our customers value shipping through these two vital cities; this in turn, allows Neal Brothers to be successful,” Griffin says.

Another strong component to the Neal Brothers story is its active role in giving back to the local communities. The company has a long history of investing time and money to a number of initiatives, and has donated tablets to schools, and turkeys and Christmas presents to the less fortunate in its surrounding communities.

“We take special care of our young people, knowing that they can be successful members of our team in future years,” Griffin explains.

It’s important for us to show every customer love and care so they know their cargo will be in good hands. 

Export Packing, distribution Harry Griffin and ware-housing a wide range of goods continues to be the driving force at Neal Brothers – only made possible because the people behind the scenes complete each job with an unsurpassed level of excellence established through decades of hard work.

1255 Necessary Lane Charleston, SC 29405 843.554.0007 www.nealbrothers.com

WESTERN ORANGEBURG COUNTY INDUSTRIAL PARK 22

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

SC Highway 389/321, Neeses, SC, SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

December 2023

29107

ORANGEBURG COUNTY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

OCDC Invites Businesses to Explore & Grow with New Industrial Park The Orangeburg County Development Commission is extending an invitation to businesses to explore the many opportunities at its developing Western Orangeburg County Industrial Park. As a prime location for industrial development, the 232± acre park features a 75-acre graded building pad and easy access to both I-20 and I-26. The site also boasts direct access to the CSX main rail line and has an elevated water storage tank already at the site.

As OCDC Executive Director Merle Johnson explains, its principal advantage lies in the availability of land that has already been cleared and is ready for immediate construction.

“Additionally, I’m thrilled to share that a new 50,000 square foot speculative building is currently under construction at the park,” Johnson says. “This state-of-the-art facility will offer an excellent opportunity for industries looking for turnkey solutions.”

While it maintains an open invitation to a diverse range of industries and businesses, OCDC is particularly interested in attracting companies within the light manufacturing and logistics sectors.

“We believe these industries can optimally leverage the unique advantages offered by the park and substantially contribute to the economic growth of our community,” adds Johnson.

Western Orangeburg County Industrial Park

Besides its prime location and readiness for construction, the well-establishedCOPYRIGHT infrastructure of the park provides a solid founda2020 CENTRAL SC ALLIANCE / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED tion for growth. This in turn, offers a great opportunity to market for industries that can leverage adjacency to CSX main rail line and companies in surrounding areas seeking expansion opportunities that are currently leasing space and looking to own.

Industries, factories and businesses assume a pivotal role in bolstering the economic well-being of small communities such as Orangeburg County, Johnson explains. They facilitate job creation, stimulate local commerce and contribute to the tax base, which in turn, sustains essential community services, fuels infrastructure enhancements and elevates the overall quality of life for its residents.

“By choosing to invest in Western Orangeburg County Industrial Park, you’re not merely selecting a location; you’re embracing a vibrant and welcoming community,” Johnson adds. “We are unwavering in our dedication to your success and stand ready to partner with you to transform your vision into a reality. We extend an invitation to become an integral part of our growth narrative and contribute to a prosperous future together.”

Founded in 1955, OCDC fulfills a pivotal role in nurturing economic growth and community development across Orangeburg County.

Its suite of services includes site selection assistance, business incentives, workforce development programs and strategic partnerships. These services collectively empower businesses and industries to establish, expand and thrive in its county. Ten years ago, OCDC had a handful of industrial parks; today that number has grown to 11.

ultimate goal is to foster job creation, stimulate the local ORANGERBURG COUNTY SPECULATIVE“Our economy and elevate the overall quality of life for our residents,” Johnson concludes.

L BUILDING

neering, Inc 75,000 sq. ft. graded building pad at Western Orangeburg County Industrial unty Industrial Park Park| Photo: Alliance Consulting Engineering, Inc. 29118

TURAL SHEET INDEX

ND DESIGN CRITERIA CIAL INSPECTIONS N WALL PLAN L PLAN AN RAMING PLAN UTS

SLAB TYPICAL DETAILS L DETAILS PICAL DETAILS AILS

NUMBER A-001 A-050 A-101 A-101A A-101B A-101C A-101D A-121 A-151 A-151A A-151B A-151C A-151D A-152 A-201 A-301 A-351 A-352 A-512 A-601

ARCHITECTURAL SHEET INDEX MECHANICAL SHEET INDEX New 50,000 sq. ft. Building at Western Orangeburg County Industrial Park | Photo: Alliance Consulting Engineering, Inc.

NAME CONSTRUCTION SUBSYSTEMS OVERALL SITE PLAN (BUILDINGS) FLOOR PLAN - OVERALL PARTIAL FLOOR PLAN - AREA A PARTIAL FLOOR PLAN - AREA B PARTIAL FLOOR PLAN - AREA C PARTIAL FLOOR PLAN - AREA D REFLECTED CEILING PLAN- OVERALL ROOF PLAN- OVERALL ROOF PLAN- AREA A ROOF PLAN- AREA B ROOF PLAN- AREA C ROOF PLAN- AREA D ROOF DETAILS & EXTERIOR STAIR BUILDING ELEVATIONS BUILDING SECTIONS & ENLARGED ELEVATIONS WALL SECTIONS WALL SECTIONS MISC. DETAILS DOOR SCHEDULE & DETAILS

NUMBER M000 M101

NAME MECHANICAL - LEGEND, ABBREVIATIONS, NOTES & SPECIFICATIONS MECHANICAL - HVAC PLAN - OVERALL

PLUMBING SHEET INDEX NUM BER NAME P000 PLUMBING - LEGEND, ABBREVIATIONS, NOTES & SPECIFICATIONS P101 PLUMBING PLAN - OVERALL

FIRE PROTECTION SHEET INDEX NUMBER FP000 FP101

NAME FIRE PROTECTION - LEGEND, ABBREVIATIONS, NOTES AND SPECIFICATIONS FIRE PROTECTION - PLAN - OVERALL

NUMBER E000 E101

NAME ELECTRICAL - LEGEND, ABBREVIATIONS, NOTES & SPECIFICATIONS ELECTRICAL PLAN - OVERALL

ELECTRICAL SHEET INDEX

Carolina Regional Park – Ellison Building 125 Regional Parkway, Suite 100 Orangeburg, SC 29118-8607 803-536-3333 www.ocdc.com

In Focus

FINANCE LISTS: Banks, Page 27 | Accounting Firms, Page 28

NEXT ISSUE’S FOCUS: Workforce/Staffing

Processing profitability Rhino works to save businesses money on card transactions

By Christina Lee Knauss

D

Contributing writer

ebate is ongoing worldwide about whether or not a “cashless” society is on the horizon, when all payments will be made with the swipe or tap of a card or through an app on a phone.

Nobody can deny, however, that payments through credit and debit cards have quickly become the norm for many, whether for major business transactions or just the purchase of a soft drink at vending machines that now take cards.

The leaders of a Columbia-based medical company, Rhino Medical, are using their knowledge of the credit card and financial industries to help businesses save money when processing all those card payments.

In 2022, they launched Rhino Merchant Services, a company that offers a variety of services designed to streamline payment processing services for businesses of all types — and save them money in the process.

Branching out into payment processing services was nothing new for the partners at Rhino Medical, because several of them had a background in the banking industry and, in fact, payment processing was CEO Lance Brown’s first excursion into starting his own business.

After several years of managing regional merchant services with Wells Fargo, Brown started SwypeFast, a credit card processing company, back in 2017. He made the jump to medical supplies when he saw a need at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Swypefast still is in business, but the decision to create a large-scale payment processing company that specializes in the needs of medical providers and business-to-business payments came about after the partners at Rhino Medical, who collectively have more than 30 years in merchant services, saw what some of their customers were dealing with when it came to payments.

“Working with Rhino Medical’s distributors and manufacturers, we saw there was a need to be able to provide even more value for these customers,” said Spartanburg-based Rashad Brown, one of Rhino’s managing partners. “Through the Rhino Medical space, we realized our customers were looking for more ways to save money, and through a payment processing service, we could use our experience in the industry to help customers save more money, especially on business-to-business transactions.

We saw that there was a real opportunity to add an additional service to what we do.”

Payment processing costs are not often the first thing on a business owner’s mind when it comes to budgeting, and as a result many business owners find them-

After Rhino Medical waded into the medical industry, CEO Lance Brown realized his former industry could help his current one. (Photo/Provided)

selves trapped in long-term contracts or lease agreements using outdated equipment and programs — and being charged exorbitant rates to process card payments, according to Rhino Merchant’s managing partner J.D. Waugh III. “Processing payments is one of a business’s biggest expenses, just behind payroll and rent — it’s one of the top five things they have to account for,” Waugh said. “It’s a very important part of how a business runs but often something many people don’t think about or want to talk about very much.”

Waugh said some businesses sign up with a payment processing service and then discover that, for instance, their contract specifies that only a few types of cards can be processed with a 1.5% transaction fee.

“They’ll find out that everything else charges a 3.5% or higher rate, and all of a sudden your bill is triple what you thought it was going to be,” Waugh said. “Something like that can cost a business thousands of extra dollars in fees that could be used to build the business.”

Rhino Merchant offers a wide variety of payment processing options for businesses, including programs to help streamline business-to-business transactions, in-person payment equipment and software for retail, and programs for e-commerce.

The overall goal is to help the business process payments in a faster and smoother way, with much lower fees on exchange rates for cards.

“Ideally, we get a merchant’s statement and we can basically diagnose the exchange rates

on the card they’re taking, and show what we can do to make it better,” Waugh said.

Having an option like Rhino Merchant could be especially helpful to medical offices, which often find themselves tied into contracts with payment processing services that charge “astronomical rates,” Waugh said.

“Dental offices especially seem to be getting taken behind the woodshed when it comes to processing rates,” he said. “We recently saw back-to-back dentist offices that were dealing with the highest effective rates we’ve seen in our combined years of operating, rates that were absolutely beyond the pale. In these cases, we were able to get in there and save them substantial amounts of money to help them out in the future.”

Saving money on processing payments can be especially beneficial to smaller practices or businesses because it allows them to both provide streamlined payment experiences for customers and also frees up sometimes limited capital to be used for hiring, improvements to the business or payments for supplies — all an increased concern with ongoing inflation, the partners said.

With the wide variety of payment processing options it offers, Rhino Merchant also can be attractive to businesses that, for whatever reason, haven’t branched out into accepting card or ACH payments. Believe it or not, they still exist — businesses that accept only cash or checks.

They exist for two reasons, Rashad Brown said — either the business owner has only worked with cash payments in the past and is hesitant to expand, or else they’ve had a bad experience with credit card processors

and high fees.

“There are business owners who have been taken advantage of and their reluctance to allow cards comes from a lack of trust,” Brown said. “What we encourage them to realize is that when you limit yourself to one tender type, you essentially impact your bottom line. Most people these days are not carrying cash and are especially not going to pay cash on a larger transaction, say $1,000 or above. Also, with so many people using credit cards to get rewards, they might not want to do business with a company that only accepts cash. We don’t force feed our product to customers — instead, we’ll ask them why they went to cash payments, and we’ll offer them options that will allow them to get back into the space of accepting credit or debit cards while also saving money.”

Currently the majority of Rhino Merchants customers are in South Carolina and elsewhere in the Southeast, but Brown said the company has the ability to help clients nationwide.

“We’ll help customers anywhere, but we do find that a lot of our customers here in the state enjoy the face-to-face interaction we’re able to have with them, and that’s something we really enjoy as well,” Brown said. “But we’ll help people anywhere, from the Carolinas to California. The key is that our customers have a full knowledge of the services we offer. As we get to understand their payment processing needs, we’re able to align our services with those needs.”

To learn more about Rhino Merchants, visit www.rhinomerchant.com or email sales@rhinomerchant.com.

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IN FOCUS: FINANCE

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

December 2023

Women-led institution focuses on the underserved

By Krys Merryman

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

A

Gre env i l le-he adqu ar tere d primarily women-led financial institution is committed to creating a “brighter future” for financially underserved individuals and businesses in South Carolina by providing equitable financial products and services to build wealth.

The goal of CommunityWorks is to provide the opportunity for everyone to achieve financial equity and economic mobility where they live.

CommunityWorks opened its doors in 2008 as Greenville Housing Fund, a local housing trust fund created from a partnership between the United Way of Greenville County, Greenville County Redevelopment Authority, and the city of Greenville. Since then, the organization has grown into a diverse Community Development Financial Institution, helping to build and achieve equity for underserved families and communities all across South Carolina.

In accordance with CommunityWorks’ mission, the organization is rooted in the advancement of racial justice. As change agents, they work to dismantle systemic and institutional inequities that exist for people and communities of color, according to the organization’s literature. CommunityWorks provides accessible financial products and services to help individuals find sustainable success through wealth and asset building for communities where every person and family has the power to achieve prosperity, to create solutions anchored in social justice that provide accessible financial products and services to communities of color, women and other historically disadvantaged groups.

GOALS: Gaining Opportunity to Assets, Loans, and Savings GOALS represents the framework by which CommunityWorks creates pathways for underserved families and communities through education and access to lending. From individuals looking to start a business or buy a house, to organizations seeking to better the community through affordable housing and community development, many of its resources are often unavailable from mainstream financial institutions. These pathways are then connected to create an infrastructure to support an opportunity economy and help families achieve their goals.

The 2022 Impact Report showed CommunityWorks had a $386 million economic impact in 2022.

Since its founding, clients and services of CommunityWorks include:

CommunityWorks had a nearly $400 million impact on the community when a 2022 report was conpiled, with a focus on helping businesses owned by women and minorities in the community. (Photo/Provided)

• • • •

74% African American or black 71% women 73% low wealth 100% underserved by traditional banks • $70,021,538 in home sales • $6,494,796 in micro and small business loans • $15,191,326 in affordable housing/community lending loans • 1,575 financial wellness coaching sessions • 878 micro and small businesses helped CommunityWorks Chief Community Officer and Interim Women’s Business Center Program Director Ana Parra said they are always looking at ways to support and empower people in through the loan application process because we know it can be an overwhelming part of starting and growing a business.

“We want to make the process less complicated and less overwhelming, which can be a barrier in building wealth when approaching this initial phase of business,” said Parra.

CommunityWorks’ loan products

range from $900 for credit building (personal/business) to $350,000 for those further along in their business journey.

One way she thinks CommunityWorks is unique is by bringing their women’s business center to the area to empower female entrepreneurs in the state.

“CommunityWorks serves 15 counties statewide, so this is something all locations had in common was they all saw that need and realized the growth wasn’t going to stop, and that having the women business centers could be helpful to our clients and community,” she added. “Our team saw that need, because at the time, there were none in the state, so we jumped on the opportunity. South Carolina is ranked fourth for number of female-owned businesses. We saw startups flooding in led by females. Loan products need to be more accessible but need to provide education. Much like the women who come through the business center they are eager for resources.”

Other women business centers opened in Columbia and Charleston, said Parra, so now there are three (opened by other

organizations). Through the women’s business center, the organization has served more than 1,000 women.

“The spectrum is wide,” said Parra.

“We aren’t just helping launch businesses but also helping others who have had businesses open for 10, 20 years and moving in a different financial direction. The entrepreneurial ecosystem is growing in the Upstate and the state. For me, when it comes to women and why I started with the organization, it was clear this was necessary for economic development. Until 1974, women couldn’t open their own account/credit card/loan. The support we offer women in our communities is critical. We provided these resources that maintains sustainable practices and businesses. To see clients come through and get financial education and being able to apply that to their business to grow it in the right direction, to build financial wealth and make it generational from themselves to their family is admirable.”

CommunityWorks is located at 100 W. Antrim Drive in Greenville.

For more information visit https:// communityworkscarolina.org/.

December 2023

IN FOCUS: FINANCE

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 25

Jury delivers massive blow to real estate industry

By Scott Lauck

slauck@molawyersmedia.com

A

federal jury in Kansas City awarded nearly $1.79 billion in a class-action lawsuit against the real estate industry.

In a recent verdict, jurors found the National Association of Realtors and several major real estate companies had engaged in a conspiracy that “had the purpose or effect of raising, inflating or stabilizing broker commission rates paid by home sellers” and that their actions caused the plaintiffs “to pay more for real estate brokerage services when selling their homes than they would have paid absent the conspiracy.”

Michael Ketchmark of Ketchmark & McCreight, who led the team of Kansas City attorneys for the class, said federal antitrust law permits the plaintiffs to recover treble damages, which would put the final judgment at about $5.4 billion.

In addition, immediately after the verdict Ketchmark filed an additional suit making the same claims on behalf of a nationwide class, which he said has the potential to yield damages of more than $100 billion.

“We view this as a tremendous day of accountability,” he said.

The defendants have vowed to seek a reduction of the damages and to appeal the

A federal jury found that the NAR and a several real estate companies engaged in practices that effectively raised, inflated or stabilized broker commission rates paid by home sellers. (Photo/Provided)

verdict. In a statement, Mantill Williams, vice president of communications for the National Association of Realtors, said the organization’s rules “prioritize consumers, support market-driven pricing and promote business competition.”

“We stand by the fact that NAR’s guidance for local MLS broker marketplaces ensures consumers get comprehensive, equitable, transparent and reliable home information and that brokerages of any size, service or pricing model get a fair

shot at competing,” he said in an email.

“We will continue to focus on our mission to advocate for homeownership and always put consumer interests first. It will likely be several years before this case is finally resolved.”

Case attacked standard commission requirement

The verdict came at the end of a twoweek trial in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. The case

attacked the standard requirement that home sellers pay a 6% commission that is split between their own agent and that of the buyer.

The suit alleges that compliance with the Realtors association’s rule is required for properties to be listed on the Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, which are regional databases of properties through which nearly all homes are sold, constituting a restraint on competition.

Other defendants named on the verdict include HomeServices of America, Keller Williams Realty, Anywhere Real Estate and RE/MAX. However, Anywhere and RE/MAX reached settlements of $83.5 million and $55 million prior to trial.

Those settlements have not been approved yet by Judge Stephen Bough, who oversaw the trial.

Both settlements also addressed claims in a similar suit in the Northern District of Illinois, which has not yet gone to trial.

Ketchmark said an economist calculated the precise award of $1,785,310,872 based on sales data for 265,000 homeowners in the Kansas City region during the seven-year period covered by the suit.

“They awarded every penny we asked for,” he said, adding that the non-settling defendants will be jointly and severally liable for the damages.

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IN FOCUS: FINANCE

December 2023

With soft landing in sight, another Fed rate hike unlikely

T

he employment report for October confirmed that the monthly gains in employment continue to slow gradually. The 150,000 increase in employment was held down by the loss of 33,000 workers in the automobile industry caused by the UAW strike.

The strike may also have biased downward the hours worked data and accounted for the small increase in the unemployment rate. Even with a snapback in all of SLIFER those categories in November as the auto workers return to work, it seems clear that the economy is continuing to cool and that fourth quarter GDP growth will likely be about 1.5% following the outsized 4.7% increase in the third quarter.

Meanwhile, the money supply continues to decline which means that the surplus liquidity in the economy should almost disappear by the end of the year.

That, in turn, suggests that the inflation rate will continue to slow. It may not reach the Fed’s 2.0% target until 2025, but it will steadily move in that direction.

Against that background, it is hard to imagine that Fed policy makers will vote for another rate hike anytime soon. Fed officials have already indicated that they

will be unlikely to raise rates at the next FOMC meeting in December.

We believe that by early next year the Fed will indicate more clearly that the rate tightening cycle is over. Consumer and business confidence will climb and attention will shift to the timing of the first rate cut by the Fed. That change in sentiment should lead to somewhat more GDP growth in the second half of next year of perhaps 1.5% following anemic growth in the first half.

If so, the Fed will have successfully pulled off the elusive soft landing. Kudos to the Fed. That does not happen often.

Payroll employment rose 150,000 in October. That included a 33,000-worker decline in employment in the automobile industry caused by the UAW strike.

Those workers will return to their jobs in November and bias upwards the overall increase for that month.

Even so it is clear that employment growth has been slowing. A year ago we saw a steady diet of employment gains in excess of 300 thousand per month. Today they are 204,000 and seem headed lower.

Throughout this year the monthly jobs gains have been bolstered by workers returning to the labor force. But, at long last, the labor force is close to where it would have been if the 2020 pandemic-induced recession had not occurred.

If that is true, then labor force growth should soon return to its longer-run growth rate of 1.0% which works out

1441 Main Street, Suite 800 | Columbia, SC 29201 | (803) 256-6021

to about 150,000 per month. If both the labor force and employment are heading toward roughly 150,000 per month, then the unemployment rate should be reasonably steady at its current level of 3.9% for the foreseeable future.

Remember, the Fed believes the economy is at full employment — meaning that everybody who wants a job has one — if the unemployment rate is 4.0%. If that is accurate, then the Fed has successfully slowed GDP growth without generating significant weakness in the labor market.

Consumers play a key role in this anticipated soft-landing scenario. Consumers continue to fret about the still-high inflation rate and the possibility of further rate hikes. As a result, consumer sentiment is still 30 points below where it should be.

Despite worries about the future consumers have been spending at a relatively robust 2.4% pace. But to do so they have been saving less each month.

At the same time consumers are relying on their credit cards. Credit card debt has increased 16% in the past year. This is not a sustainable situation. However, it can continue for a while because consumer debt in relation to income remains very low.

Our expectation is that by early next year the pace of consumer spending will have slipped to 0.5-1.0% which should cause GDP growth to slow to about 0.6% in both the first and second quarters of 2024.

On the inflation front we are comfort-

ed by the steady decline in the growth rate of the money supply. Following explosive growth in 2020 and 2021 as the Fed bought trillions of dollars of government securities and mortgage-backed debt, the economy at one point had roughly $4.0 trillion of surplus liquidity which fueled the dramatic increase in the inflation rate.

That has shrunk to $1.3 trillion currently and should be largely eliminated by yearend. That gives us confidence that the inflation rate will continue to gradually slow toward the Fed’s 2.0% target. A descent toward the 2.0% mark may be very slow and not achieve the objective until 2025, but it should continue to move steadily in the right direction.

We thought that Fed officials might want to hasten the inflation slowdown by raising the Fed funds rate a couple more times from 5.5% currently to the 6.0% mark, but no Fed official at the moment seems inclined to do so.

Accordingly, we have dropped the two additional rate hikes and now believe that the current 5.5% level of the funds rate is most likely its peak. Rate cuts may not begin until the second half of next year.

But after 2-1/2 years of steady Fed tightening it is comforting to think that the funds rate may have finally reached its peak.

Stephen Slifer served as chief U.S. economist for Lehman Brothers in New York.

He can be reached at www.numbernomics. com.

IN FOCUS: FINANCE

December 2023

www.columbiabusinessreport.com 27

Banks

Ranked by Market Share as of June 30, 2023 Company Bank of America N.A. 1901 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201 Wells Fargo Bank N.A. 1441 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201 Truist Bank 1201 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201 First-Citizens Bank & Trust Co. 1230 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201 Synovus 1221 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201 SouthState Bank 520 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201 TD Bank N.A. 1501 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201 First Community Bank 5455 Sunset Blvd.

Lexington, SC 29072 First Palmetto Bank 407 E. Dekalb St. Camden, SC 29020 Optus Bank 1545 Sumter St. Columbia, SC 29201 Southern First Bank 190 Knox Abbott Drive Cayce, SC 29033 Ameris Bank 1333 Main St., Suite 200 Columbia, SC 29201 First Reliance Bank - Columbia Main 1901 Main St., Suite 195 Columbia, SC 29201 Frist Bank 1 1901 Assembly St. Columbia, SC 29201 Security Federal Bank 1900 Assembly St. Columbia, SC 29201 Farmers & Merchants Bank of South Carolina 8624 Old State Road Holly Hill, SC 29059 United Bank 1219 Knox Abbott Drive Cayce, SC 29033 The Bank of Clarendon 235 W. Wesmark Blvd.

Sumter, SC 29150 First Horizon Bank 1320 Main St., Suite 175 Columbia, SC 29201 Regions Bank 1010 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201 The Citizens Bank 1225 Alice Drive Sumter, SC 29151 First National Bank of South Carolina 12181 Old No. Six Highway Eutawville, SC 29048 United Community Bank 1901 Main St. Columbia , SC 29201 Arthur State Bank 5051 Sunset Blvd.

Lexington, SC 29072 PNC Bank N.A. 701 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201 Coastal Carolina National Bank 1219 Assembly St., Suite 101 Columbia, SC 29201 Woodforest National Bank 10060 Two Notch Road Columbia, SC 29223 Enterprise Bank of South Carolina 7222 Festival Trail Road Springfield, SC 29146 First Carolina Bank 3000 Devine St. Columbia, SC 29205 •

Phone / Website / Email 803-255-7555 www.bankofamerica.com 800-869-3557 www.wellsfargo.com 803-251-1300 803-771-8700 www.firstcitizens.com 803-929-2010 www.synovus.com info@synovus.com 800-277-2175 www.SouthStateBank.com 803-540-2750 www.tdbank.com 803-951-2265 www.firstcommunitysc.com 803-432-2265 www.firstpalmetto.com support@firstpalmetto.com 803-733-8100 www.optus.bank support@optus.bank 803-223-6400 www.southernfirst.com btaylor@southernfirst.com 803-765-1600 www.amerisbank.com 803-996-4972 www.firstreliance.com customercare@firstreliance.com 803-470-1000 www.grandsouth.com 803-739-3940 www.securityfederalbank.com bank@securityfederalbank.com 803-496-3430 www.fmbsc.com info@fmbsc.com 803-404-5260 www.bankwithunited.com customerservice@bankwithunited.com 803-469-0156 www.bankofclarendon.com customerservice@bankofclarendon.com 803-779-0411 803-779-3836 www.regions.com 803-469-2626 www.thecitizensbank.cc info@thecitizensbank.cc 803-492-7727 www.fnbsc.com 803-525-3815 www.ucbi.com 803-951-2800 www.arthurstatebank.com 803-256-2731 www.pnc.com 803-733-2582 www.myccnb.com 803-736-6165 www.woodforest.com info@woodforest.com 803-258-3211 www.ebanksc.com 803-592-8100 www.firstcarolinabank.com -

Top Local Official(s) / Year Founded

Market Share

Market Deposits ($000)

Market Offices

Kim A. Wilkerson 1904

28.02%

$8,280,488

14

1852

19.78%

$5,846,669

20

1891

11.99%

$3,542,408

23

Sharon W. Bryant 1898

10.5%

$3,102,832

28

John C. Griggs 1905

6.54%

$1,933,795

11

Jack Goettee, Montague Laffitte 1934

5.19%

$1,534,131

12

1852

3.95%

$1,167,347

13

Michael C. Crapps 1995

3.67%

$1,085,820

13

Samuel R. Small 1904

1.58%

$466,180

9

1.25%

$369,018

2

1.17%

$346,513

1

H. Richard Sturm 1971

1.13%

$334,655

3

Brent Mackie 1999

0.89%

$264,041

3

David Anderson 1998

0.61%

$180,709

2

J. Chris Verenes, Philip R. Wahl, Scott Hagler 1922

0.54%

$158,947

5

John L. Hutto 1912

0.48%

$142,760

5

Kevin T. Adams 1839

0.47%

$138,609

2

J. Barry Ham 1939

0.37%

$109,787

2

D. Bryan Jordan 1864

0.31%

$92,580

2

1928

0.25%

$73,881

1

H. Blake Gibbons 1943

0.24%

$72,349

2

Laurie Dantzler 1905

0.24%

$70,793

2

1950

0.18%

$49,811

2

Rhonda J. Hughey 1997

0.16%

$47,575

4

Will Holmes 1985

0.15%

$44,160

1

Eugene Massey 2009

0.14%

$40,803

1

James Dreibelbis 1958

0.07%

$20,172

6

K. Reid Pollard 1920

0.06%

$18,720

1

2022

0.06%

$18,916

1

Javier Espido, Reggie Webber, Dominik Mjartan 1999 Cal Hurst, Mike Dowling, Art Seaver, Jr. 2000

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.

Ranked by Market Share as of June 30, 2023. Midlands = Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, and Sumter counties 1 (Previously GrandSouth Bank acquired by First Bank March 2023)

28

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

IN FOCUS: FINANCE

December 2023

Accounting Firms

Ranked by No. of CPAs in the Columbia Area Company

Phone / Website / Email

Managing Partner(s) / Year Founded

Total CPAs / Accountants / Employees

Bauknight Pietras & Stormer P.A. 1501 Main St., Suite 600 Columbia, SC 29201

803-771-8943 www.bps.cpa cstormer@bps.cpa

Russell L. Bauknight 1991

49 88 95

Serves insurance, construction and real estate, medical and professional, manufacturing and distribution, telecommunications and technology clients, their executives and wealthy individuals

Elliott Davis LLC 2151 Pickens St., Suite 200 Columbia, SC 29201

803-256-0002 www.elliottdavis.com elliottdavis@elliottdavis.com

Brittany Owen, Rick Davis 1920

35 46 56

Business solutions firm offering a full spectrum of services in the areas of tax, assurance, consulting, and digital services

Grant Thornton LLP 1320 Main St., Suite 500 Columbia, SC 29201

803-231-3085 www.grantthornton.com barbara.webb@us.gt.com

Barbara Koosa Webb 1924

25 35 39

Professional services firm providing audit, tax and advisory services for public, private and international companies (manufacturing, transportation/ distribution, healthcare, construction, real estat

McGregor & Co. LLP 3830 Forest Drive Columbia, SC 29204

803-787-0003 www.mcgregorcpa.com info@mcgregorcpa.com

Steven S. Luoma, Elizabeth C. Inabinet, H. Del Brown 1930

23 29 49

Accounting and audit services, tax planning, preparation for individuals and businesses; bookkeeping and payroll services; business and personal f/s

The Hobbs Group P.A. 1704 Laurel Street Columbia, SC 29201

803-799-0555 www.hobbscpa.com info@hobbscpa.com

Mark T. Hobbs 1986

18 40 50

Audit, attestation, small business services, taxes, litigation, consulting, business succession planning and business valuation

Mauldin & Jenkins 508 Hampton St., Suite 100 Columbia, SC 29201

803-799-5810 www.mjcpa.com mjconnect@mjcpa.com

Hanson Borders 2017

17 37 52

Provides assurance, tax, consulting and advisory services

Scott and Co. LLC 1441 Main St., Suite 800 Columbia, SC 29201

803-256-6021 www.scottandco.com scottsm@scottandco.com

John Price, CPA 1995

12 24 28

Assurance; tax; advisory; audit, review; compilation; small business services; for individuals, businesses, local and state governments, nonprofits

Schmoyer & Co. LLC 1330 Lady St., Suite 507 Columbia, SC 29201

803-254-2050 www.schmoyercpa.com -

Terry K. Schmoyer 1995

9 21

Accounting, auditing, corporate and individual tax preparation and planning, 401(k) audits, HUD, tax credits, small business services and health care accounting for nursing homes and assisted living

Moore Beauston & Woodham LLP 150 N. Ninth St. West Columbia, SC 29169

803-791-7472 www.fullservicecpa.com info@fullservicecpa.com

John B. Beauston, Ken L. Newhouse 1992

7 14 24

Business sales and acquisition consultation, business evaluations, tax planning and preparations, litigation support, attestation and bankruptcy services

Dooley & Company LLC 330 West Main St. Lexington, SC 29072

803-359-3800 www.dooleyandcompany.com info@dooleyandcompany.com

Rod Dooley 1983

6 10 20

Income tax compliance for businesses, individuals, trusts, estates; audits, reviews, compilation services; internal control studies; financial planning for individuals, businesses; bookkeeping services, business and estate planning,litigation support

Barb & Co. P.A. 1611 Devonshire Drive, Suite 100 Columbia, SC 29204

803-252-0606 www.sc-cpa.com ekeels@sc-cpa.com

Paul B. Robins 1998

5 16 21

Accounting and audit services, tax planning, business and personal tax services, bookkeeping and payroll services, business consulting, forensic accounting and litigation support

Abernethy & Co. P.C. 3200 Devine St. Columbia, SC 29205

803-779-8070 www.abernethycpas.com mikesnyder@abernethycpas.com

William E. Abernethy, H. Benjamin Williams 1978

3 6 7

Financial reporting, income tax planning, compliance needs, business valuations and asset capitalization studies for businesses; income, estate and gift tax planning for individuals

Roger W. Harrelson CPA LLC 190 Knox Abbott Drive, Suite 2-B Cayce, SC 29033

803-794-2506 www.rogerharrelsoncpa.com info@rogerharrelsoncpa.com

Roger W. Harrelson 1997

3 4 4

Business and individual tax preparation and planning; full service including financial statement analysis, compiled financial statements and bookkeeping; business start up and entity selection

Sellars & Cole LLC 602 Meeting St., Suite B West Columbia, SC 29169

803-765-0083 www.scb-cpa.com -

Mary Jo Cole, Willam E. Sellars 1985

3 3 6

Tax accounting and bookkeeping

WebsterRogers LLP 698 A Bultman Drive Sumter, SC 29150

803-905-4000 www.websterrogers.com tsinclair@websterrogers.com

Tim Sinclair, Amy F. Urquhart, Dustin C. Scott 1984

3 6 7

Tax preparation and planning; assurance and accounting; business advisory services; payroll, employee benefit plan administration; estates and trusts; forensic and litigation support; health care

Rogers Laban P.A. 1919 Bull St. Columbia, SC 29201

803-779-5870 www.rogerslaban.com cpa@rogerslaban.com

Barry S. Laban 1970

1 5 6

Income tax planning and representation, payroll, bookkeeping, all types of financial services including investments and insurance

D. Hart Accounting Practitioner LLC 215 Medical Circle West Columbia, SC 29169

803-739-9449 www.dhartaccounting.com taxhelp@dhartaccounting.com

Deltrease Hart-Anderson 2003

0 1 2

Tax preparation, tax debt relief, small business tax planning

Ratliff CPA Firm P.C. 1392 Royston Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-847-0740 www.ratliffcpafirm.com info@ratliffcpafirm.com

John W. Ratliff 1199

0 0 0

Tax Return Preparation

RBH Business Solutions LLC 10171 Two Notch Road, Suite B Columbia, SC 29229

803-454-9573 www.rbhtax.com elliot.hayes@rbhtax.com

Elliot D. Hayes 2002

0 2 7

Taxes, bookkeeping, full-service payroll, audit representation, tax compliance, accounting

Accounting Services

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.

At Work

PEOPLE, PLACES AND HAPPENINGS ACROSS THE MIDLANDS

Rhodes Co. names new chief financial officer

R

Staff Report

hodes Cos. has appointed Caleb McDaniels as its new chief financial officer.

This strategic move is a part of the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthen its leadership team and enhance financial operations across its diverse portfolio, which includes companies such as Rhodes Branding, Rhodes Graduation Services, Mill & Crate and Millwood Properties, according to a news release.

McDaniels, a seasoned financial expert, brings to Rhodes Companies two decades of experience in financial management, corporate restructuring and strategic planning. His proficiency in steering financial operations in various industries, from distribution to manufacturing, aligns seamlessly with Rhodes Companies’ vision for sustainable growth and operational excellence, the release stated.

“Caleb joining our executive team is more than just an addition; it’s a strategic alignment with our core values and long-term objectives,” said Austin Rhodes, partner at Rhodes Cos. “His exceptional reputation and track record in financial leadership and strategic foresight will be pivotal in driving our financial strategies and ensuring our partners and stakeholders realize maximum value.”

“I am excited to join Rhodes Companies during this season of growth,” McDaniels said in the release. “The energy is contagious. I look forward to working closely with the Rhodes team to build upon their impressive track record and contribute to the company’s continued success.”

McDaniels’ career includes significant roles at Integrated Power Services, Silvercote Lamination/Knauf Insulation, and Generate Upcycle, among others. He has experience e in acquisition accounting, financial reporting and

Caleb McDaniels is the new CFO for Rhodes Co. (Photo/ Provided)

strategic budgeting.

“Austin and I are delighted to welcome Caleb to our team. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow and diversify our portfolio,” said Thomas Rhodes, partner at Rhodes Cos., in the release. “His addition reaffirms our commitment to excellence and strategic growth in the Southeast.”

People in the News CONSTRUCTION

Porter

Williams

The American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina presented four new awards at its 2023 Awards Banquet. Grace Porter, a roadway engineer at AECOM and a graduate of ACECSC’s Future Leaders Program, is the first ACEC-SC Young Professional of the Year.

Melvin Williams, senior client development manager and vice president at Terracon Consultants, is ACEC-SC’s Engineer of the Year. He recently completed his term as senior vice chair of ACEC National. Williams, an ACEC Fellow, was a board member of the ACEC Research Institute, served on the ACEC-SC board of directors, and has been the ACEC-SC transportation committee chair. Carolina Transportation Engineers and Associates is the ACEC-SC Small Firm of the Year. Kimley-Horn is the ACEC-SC 2023 Large Firm of the Year.

Jerome Simiyon, who has a professional architect license in India, his home country. A graduate of Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, he has a Simiyon bachelor’s in architecture. He received his master’s in architecture from Clemson University, where he spent a year in Charleston participating in Clemson’s Community Build Program.

He previously interned with Bello-Garris Architects in Charleston.

EDUCATION

Griffin

Raper

DESIGN New at Garvin Design Group is

The Midlands Technical College Foundation has four new board of trustees members: Jeff Griffin, Derek Raper, Dan Bruinsma and Katherine Blanchard Whittle. All four trustees will serve on the board through June 2026.

Griffin, owner and president of W.O. Blackstone & Co., has an associate degree from Midlands Tech, a bachelor’s in economics from the University of South Carolina, and an MBA from the University of Colorado. Raper, senior vice president and commercial banking relationship manager with First Citizens Bank in Columbia, earned his bachelor’s degree at Lander University and his MBA at Clemson University. He is also a 2014 graduate of the South Carolina Bankers School.

Bruinsma, director of maintenance at Michelin in Lexington, graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s in environmental engineering and from Ashford University with an MBA. He served in the U.S. Army for eight years. Whittle is the executive director of Joe’s Wish, Blanchard Machinery Company’s internal employee relief fund, and a member of the community and employee relations team. She has a bachelor’s in public relations from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in teaching from Liberty University.

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bruinsma

Whittle

The Independent Banks of South Car-

olina selected First Community Bank President Ted Nissen as the 2023 recipient of the IBSC Leadership Award. Nissen has served on the bank’s executive leadNissen ership team since its founding in 1995. In addition, he chairs the Lexington Medical Center Foundation, is on the loan committee of the Business Development Corp. and is a past board member of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, South Carolina Bankers Association, Engenuity SC, Midlands Technical College Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands and Harvest Hope Food Bank. Nissen is a graduate of Leadership Columbia.

INSURANCE Officers of the South Carolina Association of Health Underwriters’ board of directors for 2023-2024 are Bradley George, president (principal, The George Agency); Melanie Ensminger, president-elect (president, David M. Gilston Insurance Agency; Craig Caldwell, treasurer (account manager, Colonial Life Insurance); and Jennifer Lowery, past president (consultant, Lowery Consulting Agency). The board of directors includes Graem Clark (district sales manager, Colonial Life), Jeff Howle (HealthMarkets Insurance agent), Matt Nichols (individual/Medicare representative, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina), Christopher Potts (principal, Trusted Financial Group), Mark Riley (owner, American Benefit Services), and Meredith Walker (group sales representative, Cason Group).

HOSPITALITY Nancy Smith, general manager of the South Carolina State Fair, received the John W. Parris Agricultural Leadership Award from the South Carolina Association of Agricultural Educators for her commitment to promoting agriculture across South Carolina. Smith began her career at the fair in the home and craft department in 1983. She assumed a fulltime position with the fair in 2000 as director of entertainment and exhibits and eventually directed the marketing, advertising and sponsorship departments. Smith was promoted to assistant director of the fair in 2008 before assuming her current role five years ago. A graduate of the Institute of Fair Management, Smith has the Certified Fair Executive designation from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.

See PEOPLE, Page 30

30

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

December 2023

PEOPLE, from Page 29

Merritt

Target your market in an upcoming issue of the Columbia Regional Business Report

JANUARY 22

WORKFORCE/STAFFING

Lists: Professional Staffing Firms, HR & Payroll Advertising Deadline: January 8

FEBRUARY 12

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

Lists: Hotels, Event Spaces Power List: Logistics

Advertising Deadline: January 29

MARCH 18

ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING/ CONSTRUCTION

Lists: General Contractors, Engineering Firms Under Construction

Advertising Deadline: March 4

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

John

Dees

Wills

Thomason

Martin

Bartels

Smolinsky

Fortino

Painter

Travel agency owners Meredith Merritt and Stacy Painter were selected from among hundreds of applicants to attend the 10th-annual Global Travel Marketplace West Event, which took place at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa in Las Vegas/Henderson. The invitation-only event is for top-producing travel advisers in North America and leading cruise, hotel, tour and destination suppliers seeking to conduct business face-to-face.

MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS New at Cyberwoven are Suzanne Amaral, Abe Danaher, Aubrey Dunbar, Cate Duran, Karolyn Henderson, Elena Keller and Madison Ueland. Both Amaral and Duran are account coordinators. Danaher, digital account manager, previously worked for USC’s office of the provost as a communications manager, and a freelance digital marketer for the College of Information and Communications; he earned a Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in print journalism and an MBA from USC. Dunbar, a digital marketing intern, previously worked as a production planner and supply chain management specialist; he has an associate degree in business and marketing from Aiken Technical College and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Limestone College. Henderson, content developer, previously worked at DartPoints as a senior marketing associate and at GIS as marketing communications specialist; she has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communications with a focus on public relations from the University of South Carolina.

Keller, a client services intern, is pursuing her degree in mass communications and journalism at USC’s Honors College. Ueland, digital marketing coordinator, worked at Wasserman Next Gen as the senior manager for recruiting and a marketing solutions manager for Tomis; she has a Bachelor of Science in marketing from the University of Montana.

Riggs Partners has added Roshanda Pratt as a communications strategist.

Pratt’s career in marketing and broadcast journalism includes roles as both a public Pratt relations strategist and video/television executive producer. During her 20 years in the industry, she has appeared on CBS’s The Talk, The Tamron Hall Show, and The Today Show as well as on local television, radio and podcasts — including her podcast The Rosho Live. In addition, Pratt is a certified LinkedIn learning instructor.

The 2023-2024 board of directors for The Society for Marketing Professional Services Palmetto Chapter comprises Rachel John, president (director of marketing, Smith Boudreaux, Columbia); Elizabeth Dees, president-elect (experience manager, Turner Construction, Charleston); Jehan Wills, past-president (senior marketing manager, McMillan Pazdan Smith, Spartanburg); Kara Thomason, treasurer (marketing specialist, LS3P, Greenville); Randy Martin, secretary (marketing director, Brownstone Construction Group, Columbia; Julie Bartels, director of programs (director of marketing, Hood Construction, Columbia); Caitlyn Smolinsky, co-director of communications (director of marketing, DWG, Charleston); Mollie Fortino, co-director of communications (marketing manager, OLH, Columbia); and Shelley Smith, director of membership (marketing coordinator, McMillan Pazdan Smith, Charleston).

NONPROFIT Dale Threatt-Taylor, executive director for The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina, is the 2023 recipient of the Soil and Water Conservation Society’s Hugh Hammond Bennett Award for her accomplishments in the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. Over the years, Threatt-Taylor has served in several organizations and chaired The Nature Conservancy’s national board.

Viewpoint

VIEWS, PERSPECTIVES AND READERS’ LETTERS

Photo/Gene Phillips

How strategic architectural partnerships can boost economic development

W

hen designing vibrant communities, city and county managers must balance population growth, budget constraints, and environmental sustainability to successfully plan for the future. However, they should not confront these challenges alone.

As a former city manager, I discovered that enlisting the expertise of architectural advisors is essential to thoughtful municipal development.

The right advisor DEMOURA will help position your project for a positive public response and make sure what gets responsibly built has the flexibility to account for future growth.

Securing public support

Strategic partnerships also foster collaboration between stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations and the public, leading to more inclusive and robust outcomes. As a liaison between the municipal client and the communities they serve, architectural advisors can help build support for a project.

When Spartanburg sought to pass a capital projects penny sales tax referendum to fund various capital projects, McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS) advo-

cated alongside OneSpartanburg, Inc. for the initiative that later expanded to a second referendum. MPS filled a role that the city/county could not due to state law restrictions.

“Spartanburg has led the state in new investment and job creation for quite some time due in large part to private sector advocates like MPS,” said Allen Smith, President and CEO of OneSpartanburg, Spartanburg’s economic development organization.

The six-year penny tax funded the construction of a new judicial center, a mixed-use police building/municipal court, a new emergency operations center, parking garages, and a city-county complex that remains underway. The second referendum, on the ballot this November, would fund roughly $478 million in infrastructure projects.

Identifying technology and design trends

Architects are increasingly incorporating smart technologies into their designs. They can utilize GIS to analyze demographic data, align staffing projections, and visualize the future needs of your municipality to detect possible master planning blind spots. This can be especially helpful prior to purchasing property for future facilities.

Examining your capital improvement plan and identifying the potential for dual-purpose spaces can lower development costs and balance the operational needs of your local government with the

needs of your community. This can help create vibrant and active public spaces, generate new revenue streams and assist in data-driven decision making

Improving RFQ response rates for Public-Private Partnerships (P3s)

“Perhaps one of the most valuable ways in which city and county managers can optimize their architectural partnerships is by having designers review their requests for qualifications (RFQs) before making them public,” said William Gray, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture’s Spartanburg, South Carolina Studio Director. “This is particularly helpful when seeking developers to respond to an RFQ because they are not likely to be familiar with government procurement or even see it advertised on a website.”

Connecting your municipality with developers before the advertisement can help identify any shortcomings. Advisors can help facilitate early feedback about constructability, performance requirements, financing options, and how clearly the RFQ states the municipality’s goals and procurement process. They may also suggest an alternative project delivery method that would attract more responses to your RFQ.

Selecting the right partner

“You want a partner that seems genuinely excited and engaged by your project and can complete it without delaying other development efforts or diverting funds from those projects just to complete

theirs,” said MPS Principal K.J. Jacobs.

Jacobs recommends contacting your network of city and county managers statewide for references before hiring an architectural firm. Once you shortlist potential partners, ask how they can help your municipality address its needs. If they have tunnel vision and are solely focused on the vertical project they’d lead, it may indicate that they won’t prioritize a holistic approach to municipal development.

A strong spacial planner can help you seperate the wants from the needs. An architect’s expertise in spatial planning, aesthetics and functionality allows them to envision and implement projects that meet your community’s needs while adhering to budgetary and regulatory constraints. Embracing these partnerships can unlock the full potential of municipal development and positively shape the future of our communities.

Katherine DeMoura is the Regional Business Development Leader, at McMillan Pazdan Smith and a former city administrator, She is a member of the International City and County Management Association and maintains her ICMA Credentialed Manager Status.

We want to hear from you Write: Ross Norton, Editor SC Biz News 35B Cessna Court Greenville, S.C. 29607 Email: rnorton@scbiznews.com

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December 2023

“LS3P brings a history of 60 years of design excellence to communities across the Southeast. With a visionbased commitment to create architecture that enriches community, our mission is simple – engage our clients and communities to design meaningful places with proven results that transform.

We are proud to have SouthState as our financial partner working through leadership and volunteerism toward the shared mission of building strong, vibrant communities throughout the Southeast.”

Marc Marchant CEO | LS3P

SouthState Bank takes great pride in serving local businesses, ensuring they have the tools, guidance and security they need to reach their unique goals.

Member FDIC