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Chamber fosters Belgian tech cluster in Upstate By Molly Hulsey

A loss for manufacturing

Industry advocate Chuck Spangler dies. Page 6

Cross continental relationships Clemson and Washington students paired up to improve aerospace workforce. Page 10

Return to the sea

mhulsey@scbiznews.com

hile almost all of South Carolina’s trading partners saw a dip in S.C. exports in 2020, those containers headed to Belgium — the fifth largest export partner based on value — were still going strong. The European nation received about $1.4 billion in goods from the Palmetto State in 2020, according to data from the U.S. International Trade Database. A few years ago, Belgium surpassed the United Kingdom as

an S.C. import partner and trails only Germany, Canada, China and Mexico. And now, Yves Ghys, the newly appointed Belgian Chamber ambassador to the Southeast and head of Greenville’s Pozyx, says the pandemic has brought even more active interest from Belgian companies looking Ghys to do business in the state. Ghys said he and the chamber team have already launched negotiations with several

LIVE AGAIN S.C. Manufacturing Conference and Expo returns – in person – to Greenville Convention Center See story on Page 9

Carnival Cruise Line says it will again call on Port of Charleston. Page 3

Westward expansion

Partners make growth plans starting with Clemson restaurant. Page 11

INSIDE

Leading Off........................... 2 SC Biz News Briefs................. 3 C-Suite................................. 4 At Work................................11 Viewpoint............................ 15

Conference Preview

After a year in Charleston and a year online, the S.C. Manufacturing Conference and Expo returns to Greenville. Inside

Belgian companies planning to announce a new presence this year. These new arrivals will join some of the largest employers in the Upstate that happen to be Belgian-owned: AGFA Healthcare Corp., Solvay Carbon Fibers and Composite Materials and TVH Parts Co., according to Commerce Department data. “We are trying to build a solid base for a Greenville technology hub,” Ghys said. “And even more, a Belgian technology hub. We are currently talking at all levels, including the Pozyx board members and investors, since See CHAMBER, Page 6

Call center reverses work-from-home trend, eyes Greenville By Molly Hulsey

mhulsey@scbiznews.com

ranscom, a 30,000-employee call center company, was at the vanguard of the work-from-home trend long before COVID-19. And like so many call centers over the past few decades, the Stockholm-based firm withdrew its brick-and-mortar presence in the United States. But all that started changing. Fast. Faster than the traditional outsourced customer service troubleshooting session, the company might argue. After the company severed it link to public investors in 2017 and began to grow in 2018, Transcom began to realize the competitive advantage of having American customer service professionals to take care of American customers. As e-commerce and high-tech queries continue to mushroom, so has the demand for more complex customer service relations. “There are companies within our industry that have grown as much as 30% year over year,” said Donald Berryman, See CENTER, Page 8

Leading Off

BRIEFS | FACTS | STATEWIDE NEWS | C-SUITE

South Carolina’s economy dipped in sweetness

ven if you didn’t participate in the annual trick-or-treat tradition of handing out candy in your neighborhood last month, you were impacted by the production, distribution and consumption of candy and other sweets, data from the Nation Confectioners Association show. The trade association studies the economic impact of candy and chocolates across the U.S., and the ripple effect on the Palmetto State is not insignificant. For example, nearly 6,000 jobs are attributed to the sweets sector. That translates into wages, taxes and more than $180 million in economic output.

Sweet jobs in South Carolina The confectionary sector brings nearly 6,000 direct and indirect jobs to S.C.

Economic impact for Palmetto State

$180,400,000

A LA CARTE

Segment

Jobs

Supplier

2,286

Indirect jobs

1,797

Retail jobs

1,591

of the Lakelands in Greenwood. Most of

Wholesale

249

the funds were from employee contribu-

Manufacturing

tions with The Countybank Foundation

Countybank and Greenwood Capital donated $36,117 as part of their annual Pacesetter Campaign to the United Way

adding $10,000.

Comparing confections Direct and indirect jobs supported by the confectionary sector across the Southeast.

Total economic output from confectionary sector in South Carolina.

$72,000,000

Annual wages in South Carolinafrom the sweets sector.

$69,700,000

Federal, state and local taxes collected from the confectionary sector in South Carolina.

5,965

Jobs attributable to the sector in South Carolina, including 1,882 direct jobs.

State

Jobs

Florida

29,562

Georgia

23,730

Tennessee

16,530

North Carolina

15,339

Virginia

13,933

Alabama

9,402

Louisiana

8,153

Kentucky

7,039

South Carolina

5,965

Arkansas

4,141

Mississippi

4,348

Rich Rogers, Prisma Health senior vice president and chief information officer, was recognized as Chief Information Officer of the Year by CharlotteCIO with an ORBIE award in the enterprise category.

Source: National Confectioners Association

Rapid Fired Pizza LLC has been purchased by Pie Guys Restaurants LLC, which is based in South Carolina and led

ON THE

RECORD

by Mike Kern and Chip Hurst, co-owners

“There are a number of our clients that are moving some of those technologically-savvy calls back to the U.S. They need a workforce that can handle that.”

of the Rapid Fired Pizza Spartanburg, Greenville, and Easley locations. The company is evaluating whether to move

— Donald Berryman, vice president and chief commercial officer of Transcom North American

WEBSITE: www.GSABusiness.com

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Rapid Fired headquarters to South Carolina.

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SC Biz News Briefs

Carnival Sunshine will resume sailing from the Holy City to the Bahamas starting Jan. 13, 2022. (Photo/Provided)

CHARLESTON

Rob Lyle, Charleston Regional Business Journal

Carnival Cruise Lines targets Jan. 13 as restart date for Port of Charleston Carnival Cruise Line has announced plans to resume operation of its full fleet of ships by the spring of 2022, with Charleston being one of the latest cities to receive a firm restart date. Roughly a month after confirming that operations of Carnival Sunshine would remain paused for the rest of 2021, the company stated that the ship will once again set sail from the Port of Charleston starting on Jan. 13. “Our restart plan continues to excel across all metrics, and we are looking forward to completing the restart of the fleet in the new year,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a news release. “We appreciate the support and patience of our guests, travel agents and port and destination partners who have been key to this successful restart.”

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Medical practice settles allegations of charging for unnecessary tests Family Practice, a physician-owned primary and urgent care practice with multiple S.C. clinics, has agreed to a $1.25 million settlement to resolve allegations of filing claims for medically unnecessary services. Allegations from two whistleblower lawsuits alleged that the practice violated the False Claims Acts by billing Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for unnecessary tests ordered by Dr. Clay Lowder and Dr. David Whaley between Feb. 22, 2012, and Nov. 26, 2019, according to a news release from acting U.S. Attorney M. Rhett DeHart’s office. The suits alleged that the doctors ordered unnecessary nuclear stress tests and that the practice systematically billed for unnecessary Cystatin-C laboratory tests, which detect kidney dysfunction and are only payable in a narrow set of patients. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue its effort to ensure health care providers doing business with the federal government do so with competent care within the full letter of the law,” DeHart said in the release. “By doing so, we not only will ensure the rule of law is followed but also ensure tax dollars are protected.” HELEN HALL

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Help wanted brings higher wage demands

Banking on Carolinas Encore Bank expands into Charleston’s banking and financial market. Page 15

Role reversal

Bank tellers see shifts in roles, salaries with mobile banking. Page 13

Makers’ map PREVIEW

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As COO, Barbara Melvin oversees the port’s daily operations and major infrastructure projects, including the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal and Charleston Harbor Deepening Project. (Photo/Walter Lagarenne)

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Upfront ................................ 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 In Focus: The Insurance Cluster ............................... 13 List: Employee Benefits Brokers .............................. 15 At Work ..............................29 Viewpoint ........................... 31

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CHANGING NEEDS Pandemic, vaccines driving insurance innovation

By Christina Lee Knauss

Contributing Writer

hen the federal government unveiled new COVID-19 vaccination mandates in September, leaders at Colonial Life went to work to find solutions for employers who might feel overwhelmed by the prospect of keeping track of who in their workforce has and hasn’t gotten the shots. The result is Vaccine Verifier, a digital platform that offers a way for employers to verify vaccination status and keep track of vaccine exemptions and the testing status of non-vaccinated employees. The program launches in November.

Coming up with Vaccine Verifier is just one of the ways the Columbia-based supplemental insurance company has been working to help both its employees and customers face ongoing challenges brought on by the pandemic, according to Tim Arnold, president of Colonial Life. Arnold said adapting to change and coming up with new products and solutions quickly has been as important in the insurance industry as it has been to the rest of the economy since the pandemic hit 19 months ago. He said Colonial Life, like others in the industry, has experienced economic challenges as well as technological ones. “Many of the challenges related to COVID-19 were common across industries,

and the insurance industry faced a special challenge because during the height of pandemic restrictions and infections, we faced declines in new sales and increases in claim costs,” Arnold said. “We maintain significant reserves to deal with unexpected events and can support policyholders during unexpected change.” Like many other employers, Colonial Life came up with technology solutions to allow employees to work remotely during the height of the pandemic. Now, as more people go back into workplaces nationwide, Arnold said digital solutions such as Vaccine Verifier offer a way for companies to both make See INSURANCE, Page 16

Marsh sentenced

Former SCANA Corp. CEO to serve two years for role in V.C. Summer nuclear debacle. Page 7

ColumbiaBusinessReport.com

Charleston parents create a kids’ snack that gains national traction. Page 8

Saying goodbye

S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership President Chuck Spangler dies at 58. Page 11

INSIDE

Upfront ................................ 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 Small Business Spotlight ....... 4 In Focus: Banking and Finance ......... 13 List: Banks ......................... 16 Bonus List: Financial Brokerage Firms ................ 18 At Work .............................. 19 Viewpoint ...........................23

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

By Ross Norton

Spirit of giving A readers’ guide to philanthrophy in the Midlands. Inside

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Midway return

S.C. Stair Fair back in full swing for 152nd year. Page 2

SC Ports to make history as Melvin named future CEO By Teri Errico Griffis

tgriffis@scbiznews.com

fter 13 years, Jim Newsome will be stepping down as CEO and President of the S.C. Ports Authority, and COO Barbara Melvin, will step in to the role making history as not only the first female CEO of SCPA, but of a top 10 U.S. operating container port. The announcement came at the 2021

State of the Ports on Oct. 18 after the board unanimously approved the leadership change earlier in the day. Melvin, who has served with the port for 24 years, will transition as the sixth leader on July 1, following Newsome’s anticipated retirement in June 30. “Jim Newsome has truly made a significant and lasting impact on South Carolina’s economy and supply chain,” See PORTS, Page 6

rnorton@scbiznews.com

aybe the politicians can’t agree on what to do about increasing the federal minimum wage, but the market is making its own decisions. And the decision seems to be that wages must go up. The federal minimum has remained $7.25 since 2009 and it seems that’s not enough in 2021. Pressure to pay more, especially in the hospitality sector, was exacerbated by the pandemic, according to Furman University economics professor Kailash Khandke. “The minimum wage debate that started a little before the pandemic, was highlighted during the pandemic, when workers in the service sector, restaurants, etc., felt that they were working long hours with little to no benefits, said Khandke, the Frederick W. Symmes Professor of Economics at Furman. “At the same time research on the poverty line and poverty threshold resulted in government intervention and trial programs with things like Universal Basic Income. So we may be seeing wages begin to go up in some of these low earning positions.” A number of announcements have suggested a trend. Chipotle made national news in May when the company said it would raise its minimum wage companywide to an average of $15 in its American restaurants. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has about 2,800 restaurants but some of them are abroad. In South Carolina, the largest retailer headquartered in the state announced plans to raise the minimum at Spinx convenience stores and car washes to $12 for fulltime staff. And here and there across the Upstate, temporary banners, hand-lettered posterboard and paid advertising have promised higher wages, especially at restaurants. See WAGES, Page 10

State of the Port

SCPA invests in infrastructure to address supply chain issues. Page 12

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The Key to Navigating Wealth Management in Today’s World Claude Robinson | Senior Vice President, Regions Private Wealth Management Relationships matter. Especially when it comes to managing your money. From building savings, to reaching a short-term financial goal, to planning for retirement, and more, the experience of a local team is essential to complementing the digital services offered by today’s banks. That’s our focus at Regions Bank. Indeed, we innovate through digital solutions. But we also take the time to truly listen to customers, no matter their need, and develop customized financial solutions to help them reach their goals. For example, Regions’ Private Wealth Management team in the Upstate is working with investment clients to help them digest the headlines – and plan accordingly. We lean on our experience – and the resources of Regions Bank as a whole – to provide clarity, context and guidance during times of uncertainty. Our consistent goal is to help clients succeed. That’s a relationship. That one of the reasons Regions Bank is different.

Prime Time for Wealth Management

The demand for wealth management is on the rise. Consider the growth we have seen in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and beyond. While challenges from the pandemic persist, the business outlook is strong, and the housing market has been especially active. This is creating opportunities for some to add real estate investments to their financial plan. We have the insights to help clients determine if they should consider this option for themselves. Others need greater certainty and want to de-risk their portfolios. We can help there, too. At the same time, we see a new trend of service developing toward younger clients who are thinking early about their financial futures. For example, there is the rise of new entrepreneurs, artists and social media influencers. They are building finances quickly and seeking advice to preserve and grow their wealth. No matter your position – as someone who’s still getting started, someone who’s nearing retirement, or someone who’s enjoying retirement and wants to provide for future generations – Regions has teams whose experience can make a difference.

Meeting the Demands of Today’s Complex Environment

When you are a wealth management client at Regions, you are benefiting not only from the experience of our local teams, but also the guidance of leading-edge financial professionals whose deep market knowledge helps guide the portfolios we create for clients across the Southeast and beyond. Likewise, when anyone visits one of our bank branches in the Upstate, they have the chance to work with bankers who are ready to provide more than transactional service. They excel at building customized roadmaps toward

reaching the unique objectives customers have for their personal or business finances. And when you go to Regions.com, or use our highly rated mobile app, you have access to seamless services at your fingertips. In addition, our website hosts free and informative content for customers at all stages of their financial journey – from students to young professionals to wealth management clients who can benefit from our customized Wealth Insights magazine and podcasts. This all combines to deliver a more intuitive and beneficial customer experience – and more value from your bank.

A More Holistic View

It’s important to point out we don’t operate in silos. For example, wealth management is just one part of a client’s overall needs. Many are also business owners, consumer banking customers, and more. Some banks separate those relationships. Regions does not. We have an approach called ‘Regions360.’ Teams from across the bank – wealth management, consumer banking, commercial banking, and more – work as ‘One Team, One Regions’ to provide holistic advice and guidance. We see you not only through the lens of being a wealth management client, or a small-business owner, or a credit card holder. Rather, our focus is to view each client holistically – and collaborate with colleagues across the bank to meet your entire range of financial needs.

Charting a New Course

While we are still battling the uncertainty of the pandemic, there are many reasons to be optimistic for the future. But having the right team in place – a team that knows the needs of people and businesses across the Upstate – uniquely positions Regions to help you write a more prosperous chapter as we move forward. South Carolina, and the Upstate in particular, are poised to build on today’s economic opportunities. Regions Bank can help you build on them as well – through the power of relationships.

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Manufacturing sector loses advocate with Spangler’s death By Ross Norton

rnorton@scbiznews.com

huck Spangler, CEO and president of the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, succumbed to complications of COVID-19 on Oct. 15 at a North Carolina hospital. Carl Maynard Spangler III, a North Carolina native and resident of Greer, was 58 years old. In his role at the helm of SCMEP, Spangler was a workhorse on what elected officials and economic developers call Team South Carolina — those public and private players who advance business in the state. On that team, Spangler’s organization had a far-reaching impact fueled by its leader’s enthusiasm for the mission: “Helping South Carolina companies grow.” And Palmetto State companies did grow. An independent analysis put SCMEP’s economic impact on the state at $3 billion in 2020, according to the organization’s website. That included $2.5 billion in retained sales, $165 million in cost savings, $250 million in new investments and $90 million in new sales. SCMEP served 400 manufacturers, creating 641 jobs and retaining 6,458. Beyond the numbers, according to some of those who worked with him, Spangler was a big man with a servant’s heart and a deft touch, a leader who motivated his staff to serve a cause, to get results and to leave clients better off. “Physically he was a brawny kind of guy, but it didn’t take you long to figure out that he had this hulking status, but that belied a very quiet, humble manner in which he carried himself and how he dealt with people,” said Susie Shannon, president and CEO of the S.C. Council on Competitiveness. “You know, some people talk — a lot — about how they

Coworkers at SCMEP soldiered on with Spangler’s mission even as they dealt with news that came so suddenly. “Chuck’s dedication and service for over 30 years to the manufacturing community was unmatched,” Channing Childers, SCMEP marketing manager, said in an email. “He worked tirelessly to assist thousands of small to medium sized manufacturing companies throughout South Carolina and beyond. He will be missed beyond measure as he was a bright light to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Chuck always reminded us to ‘keep the hammer down’ — and we will continue to do so for him.” Spangler, an alumnus of N.C. State University, said in his biography on the SCMEP website: “I believe that when your eyes and ears are open, you can Spangler speaks during the 2019 Salute to Manufacturing awards program. (Photo/File) learn something new every day.” In his career, Spangler assisted and trained thousands of manufacturers care for business or industry, for com- wanted to help the big ones and the small around the country, helping improve panies, for people, but you really learn ones. As long as you were in industry, he their operations and financial performore about people in seeing what they was there to advocate for you.” mance, the website says. actually do, and it was clear that Chuck Aside from his enthusiasm, Johnson Spangler and SCMEP have played cared about South Carolina companies, said Spangler was simply very good at significant roles in the S.C. ManufacturSouth Carolina companies, South Caro- his work. ing Conference Expo over the years and lina companies. I mean his whole mis“He understood the way state gov- he was planning SCMEP’s participation sion and his life’s work was around mak- ernment worked and federal govern- in this year’s conference, starting Nov. ing companies more successful.” ment. He really knew how to navigate 10 in Greenville. Danny Johnson Jr., who rotated off that stuff,” Johnson said. “I’ve never seen In addition to his bachelor’s degree chairmanship of the SCMEP board of anybody that could navigate the system in textile management, Spangler was a directors at about the same time Span- the way he could to really use the system Galliard Family Business adviser with a gler contracted the coronavirus, said his in a way that benefitted so many people. level one certification from the Galliard friend’s death is “a tremendous loss for He was a rare talent.” Family Business Advisor Institute. He this state.” Lou Kennedy, CEO of Nephron had a Lean Manufacturing certification “This is one that has weighed heavily Pharmaceuticals Corporation in West from the National Institute of Standards on me because the thing about him that Columbia, said Spangler’s loss is dif- and Technology and a Theory of Conmade him so different is that he treated ficult to comprehend because of what straints certification from the Moraine everyone the same,” said Johnson, vice he did for industry in South Carolina. Group. president of North Industrial Machine, “He was what you could really call a true Survivors include his mother, three headquartered in Hartsville. “It didn’t servant leader,” Kennedy said. “This is a sons, and his wife of 37 years, Sabrina matter if he was dealing with BMW or real tragic loss not only for his family Gibson Spangler. if he was dealing with a little ol’ manu- and friends, but for the entire manufacfacturer with one or two employees. He turing community.” Melinda Waldrop contributed this this story. CHAMBER, from Page 1

they have stakes and investments in several Belgian companies that are planning to come to the U.S. in the near future.” Ghys, whose global positioning company moved to the Upstate to be near its partner company, Gemba Systems, sees added value in having companies with the same investors close by. “Think about it, with the creation of such a technology hub, specific functions like HR or finance could even be shared,” he said. But right now, especially as Belgian companies are seeking out U.S. homes An art exhibit in London’s Tate Modern museum uses Pozyx tech to interact with viewers. (Photo/ Provided)

beyond the previous forerunners like New York and Chicago, Ghys said he isn’t satisfied with the regions that are highlighted first. “We also looked at New York first, but I came to the conclusion that for a company like Pozyx it was too expensive and did not provide the kind of visibility we were looking for,” he said. “I didn’t want to be just ‘Start-up 105’ that was coming to the region. For Pozyx, it was just plain luck that we found a local partner like Gemba Systems in South Carolina. My ambition, together with active support of partners like BelCham and Upstate SC Alliance, is to change this and make sure other Belgian companies are aware that the Greenville is the place to be if they are looking for an innovative technology hub ”

Ghys is one of nine Belgian Chamber ambassadors under the direction of Co-Director Valerie Van den Keybus, who also notes a shift in interest away from regions like New York: one impetus for creating the ambassadorship. “We are really looking to understand what our different regions known for, why should our companies consider going to those regions and then, which partners are there and which big companies are moving there, because likely, they will be their future customers,” she said. “We’re trying to figure out how to capture those insights in a compelling way, so that we can again, put that knowledge forward.” Reach Molly Hulsey at 864-720-1222 or @mollyhulsey_gsa on Twitter.

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CENTER, from Page 1

vice president and chief commercial officer of Transcom’s North American operations. “There are a number of our clients that are moving some of those technologically-savvy calls back to the U.S. They need a workforce that can handle that.” To attract these American professionals, the company will begin bringing some staff into offices that company officials say help foster corporate community and collaboration. “We have a number of U.S. customers that we service in Europe,” Berryman told GSA Business Report. “The U.S. consumer base is the largest in the world, and most of the buyers of our outsourced services are in the U.S., so we’re really trying to expand.” The company re-established a U.S. presence in Denver, but all U.S. employees work from home. That may change soon, as the company has short-listed Greenville among four locations for its new U.S. operations hub, set to open in January. “We started with 125 cities in the U.S. and narrowed it down pretty dramatically to about 30, and in those 30, we were really focused on what client would be next, where should we put our location and where are most of our people,” he said. Transcom plans to hire 100 associates, most to work in the office at its next loca-

Transcom plans to hire about 100 workers for its next office, which could be in Greenville. (Photo/Provided)

tion. As revenue increases — they had an 11% spike last year — the company expects 500 employees on location. “But we could grow to a thousand, so we are looking for a place that could be one hub, and then if we could be in a business park — kind of like this,” he said, referring to Greenville’s Park 37. “Or others that we’ve seen around here. There’s one down the road that we’re looking at as well — that could house a couple locations within the same business park. Which makes a lot of sense to us.” That setup would open opportunities

for shared tech infrastructure, he added. “It gives that campus feel that is very similar to what a lot of our clients operate out of,” said Kyla Starks, senior vice president of Transcom’s North American operations. The decision, set to be finalized in the first week of November, awaits feedback from the state’s Commerce Department, but the company has prepared for a Greenville landing with location-specific hiring notices for a site director and trainer. Operations would begin in January, he

said, in tandem with the launch of a contract with a North American client that usually relies on in-house call centers. In the months ahead, 80% of Transcom’s U.S. employees will make the morning commute, while 20% will hold the fort at home. “People want that flexibility to be able to work from home, but they want to have that connection too,” Starks said, adding that the workforce is searching for an in-person community. “How can you really connect to the community where your people are if you don’t have a base there?” Alongside an existing pool of talent, mild weather has also played a prominent role in selecting a base, as has a location accessible by land and air. “What do we think will be a great base of operations, a place where we will grow and, most importantly, one where our employees will love coming to work and come to work every day, and two, where our clients like coming to: a community that they like to visit and don’t mind spending the days or weeks or even a month here while they’re training,” said Berryman, naming criteria for their new hub. “And so, we found here in Greenville, a very positive environment. Probably, most importantly, a workforce we can sustain for many years.” Reach Molly Hulsey at 864-720-1222 or @mollyhulsey_gsa on Twitter.

MARCH 29,

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PREVIEW GUIDE

DON’T MISS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT MANUFACTURING EVENT OF THE YEAR For more information, visit www.scmanufacturingconference.com

NOVEMBER 10 - 12, 2021 GREENVILLE CONVENTION CENTER | GREENVILLE, SC

To view the agenda and to register, visit www.scmanufacturingconference.com PRESENTED BY:

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We are excited to make this year’s conference live and in-person once again. Last year’s online conference was successful, but returning to a live event has confirmed what we already suspected: There’s nothing like being in person … with COVID-19 precautions still in place, of course. We are proud to partner with SCMEP — the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership — along with the S.C. Council on Competitiveness, the S.C. Research Authority and the S.C. Technical College System.

With 3,000+ attendees each year, the SC Manufacturing Conference and Expo is one of the largest manufacturing events in the Southeast. The Conference’s anchor event will be the 25th annual Salute

Attendees will take part in more than a dozen workshops, hear keynote

to Manufacturing Awards

addresses, visit a wide variety of manufacturing-related booths and have

Luncheon, where up to 30

an almost unlimited number of opportunities for business-to-business

of the state’s manufacturers will be honored with a

interaction. From a networking and lunch event that kicks off the conference and expo, to a closing bell with this year’s Salute to Manufacturing awards and luncheon, with awards presented by S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster, we hope you take full advantage of a conference that has been a year in the making and two years in the waiting. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

variety of excellence awards. Other events on the agenda will explore topics such as: Industry 4.0 technologies, aerospace, logistics, supply chain, workforce and economic forecasts for the auto and aerospace industries.

Rick Jenkins Conference Director Group Publisher, SC Biz News

SCMEP will present a wide range of training and informational sessions on topics that are ‘hot’ for South Carolina’s manufacturers. Sessions will focus on Workforce (leadership, recruitment and retention, apprenticeships, high performing teams, state workforce incentives), MFG 4.0 (artificial intelligence, virtual reality/augmented reality, automation, and MFG4.0 in logistics), supply chain, risk management, project management and energy management. To view the agenda and to register, visit scmanufacturingconference.com

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AGENDA: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2021 OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY IN 2021 SC Biz News is committed to

Exhibitor Check-in - 8:00 am Exhibitors may check in and set up their booths from 8 am – 5 pm. Check-in instructions will be sent out prior to the conference. For questions, please contact Melissa Tomberg at mtomberg@scbiznews.com.

bringing business professionals together to celebrate South Carolina’s vibrant manufacturing industry again in 2021. We are committed to achieving this in a safe environment and are working closely with the Greenville Convention Center to ensure we strictly adhere to all CDC regulations. For more information go to: www.meetgcc.com/safetyprotocols

Leadership Event - 11:30 am 10:30 am – 12:15 pm Registration, Networking and Lunch 12:15 pm – 12:30 pm

Welcome: Rick Jenkins, Publisher, SC Biz News Introduction: Nancy McCartney, President & CEO, HR Bridging

The Building Blocks Of A Leader… To Drive Results We’re never too experienced to learn new techniques in our changing workplace environments and social landscape. Looking inside at resources, capabilities and practices. Aligning people and activities – the analysis to action!

Randy Hatcher, President, MAU Workforce Solutions

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm Networking With Sponsors

1:30 pm – 2:20 pm Leadership in Today’s Changing World!

3:00 pm – 3:50 pm – The Inclusive Leader – Building A Great Team!

Key to maintaining the health of the business, leaders are inextricably linked to the financial and operational sustainability now and in the future… contributing to business success. You the leader! You the mentor! Keynote speaker: Susie Shannon, President & CEO, SC Council on Competitiveness

Enhance leadership awareness, knowledge and skills to support and create an environment that values all employees and inclusive differences. Then, apply those skills when navigating cultural intelligence within your team talent and their potential. Keynote speaker: Julio Hernandez, Clemson University, Assistant VP for Inclusive Excellence, Leadership

12:30 pm – 1:20 pm Keynote Speaker

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4:00PM – 5:15PM Ted Talks & Keynote Leader’s Panel

Your Leadership Matters! A powerful catalyst to align leadership skills, the Panel will share TED ideas with new strategies to lead while fueling collaboration. Offer solutions to common problems from front-line managers to the C-Suite and across an organization’s platform. You’ll have takeaways from many different perspectives! Moderator: Nancy McCartney, President & CEO, HR Bridging Panelists: Lesley Kelly, CPA, Partner, DarverKelly LLP Chris Lewis, President, Greenville Triumph SC Dr. Hope Rivers, President, Piedmont Technical College

5:30pm – 7:30pm Networking Mixer + Exhibitors, VIP Guest And Vendors

Manufacturing Expo

November 11 – 12: 8:00 am - 5 pm Visit the Manufacturing Expo to have access to our Exhibitors. The Expo Floor spans approximately three football fields in size and attendees are encouraged to explore the entire space. The Manufacturing Expo will be open to the public from 8 am – 5 pm. The cost to enter the Manufacturing Expo is $25 and you can register for this option under “Build Your Own Conference Agenda” on our registration page. Of course, we encourage you to also register for the various breakfast and lunch events on the Agenda. You can add those events as well under “Build Your Own Conference Agenda.”

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AGENDA: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 8:00 am - 5:00 pm - Manufacturing Expo Visit the Manufacturing Expo to have access to our Exhibitors. The Expo Floor spans approximately three football fields in size and attendees are encouraged to explore the entire space. The Manufacturing Expo will be open to the public from 8 am - 5 pm.

8:00 am - 11:15 am Implementing Industry 4.0 Technology Manufacturers are in a race to adopt and implement new manufacturing systems and technologies. The market defines whether a company remains competitive or not, and brands that adopt Industry 4.0 have a much better chance at success than their competitors. But keeping up with technology isn’t an easy task. And re-training the workforce and finding new qualified employees can also be challenging. TOPIC 1: Exoskeletons in Manufacturing Presenter: Chris Reid, President, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Boeing TOPIC 2: Digital Lean Solutions to Enhance Operational Effectiveness Presenter: Brandon Flexsenhar, Co-Founder, Dynamic Flow Systems and VP Operations, KION North America TOPIC 3: Zero Downtime and Zero-Defect Manufacturing; Leveraging Industry 4.0 Presenter: Dr. Mo Abuali, Managing Partner, IoTco

Key Takeaways: • Build business case for Industry 4.0 and Predictive Analytics • Digitalization is the past; Predictive analytics and artificial intelligence is the future. • Empower maintenance and quality personnel with predictive and prescriptive insights • A systematic approach to “Think Big, Start Small, and Win ROI with AI” Sponsors:

11:30 am – 1:00 pm Driving Change: The Future Of Electric Vehicles In South Carolina The era of the electrified vehicle (EV) has arrived. The EV landscape is changing rapidly, from infrastructure and utilities to consumer vehicles and logistics carriers. What will EV mean for South Carolina, in terms of fleet electrification, sustainability, and economic development? How are South Carolina manufacturers, utilities, and supply chain experts capitalizing on the EV movement? SC Logistics, an initiative of the SC Council on Competitiveness, will bring together industry leaders from throughout the “EV” landscape to discuss one of the hottest topics in the manufacturing industry today. You may register for this luncheon as an add-on event to your base Manufacturing Expo entrance fee, under the “Build Your Own

Business Health Solutions Working together to improve health and manage costs We provide health and wellness services to businesses throughout South Carolina. Learn more about creating a healthier workforce by calling toll-free 833-890-2109 or visiting PrismaHealth.org/BusinessHealth.

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Conference Agenda” option. Make sure you add the luncheon before checking out and pre-registration is required. The”All Access Pass” option on the attendee registation page includes this event as well. Speakers: Volvo Trucks: Brett Pope, Director of Electric Vehicles Benore Logistics: Dennis Kunz, VP of Revenue Strategy& Operations Development Duke Energy: Jim Poch, Electric Transportation Manager Proterra: Dale Hill, Founder Arrival: Suzanne Merkelson, Policy & Government Affairs

Building Your Success THOMPSONSOUTHEAST.COM

Dominion Energy South Carolina: Westy Westmoreland, Manager – Contracts & Franchises Border States: Jimmy Woods, Product Manager | Utility Sponsors: SUMTER | COLUMBIA | GREENVILLE | CHARLESTON

Fueling South Carolina’s Innovation Economy SCRA fuels South Carolina’s innovation economy through the work of programs that advance academic research and development, and provide coaching, grant funding, world-class facilities, and industry match making for technology startups. Learn more at scra.org.

For more information, visit: scmanufacturingconference.com

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AGENDA: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021

8:00 am - 1:00 pm - Manufacturing Expo Visit the Manufacturing Expo to have access to our Exhibitors. The Expo Floor spans approximately three football fields in size and attendees are encouraged to explore the entire space. The Manufacturing Expo will be open to the public from 8 am - 5 pm.

8:30 am - 11:30 am Women In Manufacturing: Leaders And Influencers Women make up only 29% of the manufacturing workforce. However, the industry’s attitude toward recruiting and promoting women has been changing and the gender gap is narrowing. Executive women will share their past experiences and their hope for the future.

You may register for this breakfast as an add-on event to your base Manufacturing Expo entrance fee, under the “Build Your Own Conference Agenda” option. Make sure you add the breakfast before checking out and pre-registration is required. The”All Access Pass” option on the attendee registation page includes this event as well. Speakers: SC Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette will facilitate a panel discussion. Sponsors:

For more information, visit: scmanufacturingconference.com

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12:15 pm - 1:45 pm SCMEP Manufacturing Excellence Awards Awards winners will be honored at 24th annual Salute to Manufacturing Awards Luncheon, the anchor event of the SC Manufacturing Conference and Expo. Award categories include: Innovator of Year, Outreach, Operational Excellence, Emerging Manufacturer and Lifetime Achievement. Judging process coordinated by SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership. You may register for this luncheon as an add-on event to your base Manufacturing Expo entrance fee, under the “Build Your Own Conference Agenda” option. Make sure you add the luncheon before checking out and pre-registration is required. The”All Access Pass” option on the attendee registation page includes this event as well. Speakers: S.C. Governor Henry McMaster will address the crowd and present the manufacturing awards. Sponsors:

JOIN THE AFL TEAM! AFL manufactures cutting-edge telecommunications technology that connects people and improves quality of life while having a minimum impact on our environment. Our success over the past 35+ years is due to the commitment of our greatest asset—our associates.

Visit www.AFLglobal.com/Careers to explore our career opportunities.

The S.C. Aeronautical Training Center at Trident Technical College is transforming how education and industry work together in the regional, national and global economies. The S.C. Aeronautical Training Center houses: • Aeronautical studies programs • High-tech manufacturing programs • readySC’s Boeing Training Center • Advanced manufacturing workforce training

For more information: 843.323.3501. AT20-016

10 For more information, visit: scmanufacturingconference.com

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SCENES FROM THE 2019 SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING CONFERENCE AND EXPO

TOGETHER, WE ARE BUILDING A BRIDGE T0 THE FUTURE. It takes great partners to achieve great results. Nucor Steel Berkeley is committed to working with our neighbors, customers and community to make Berkeley County a better, cleaner, stronger place.

POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS. POWERFUL RESULTS.

For more information, visit: scmanufacturingconference.com

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WE’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING MANUFACTURERS SCMEP puts that passion into practice by providing South Carolina manufacturers and their employees a range of strategies and solutions that promote innovation, competitiveness, performance and profitability for an increasingly demanding global economy.

ONE-DAY COMPETITIVENESS REVIEW Start elevating your company and workforce with our free one-day Competitiveness Review: Visit SCMEP.org/help-my-business Call 864.288.5687 Email info@SCMEP.org

SCMEP is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization affiliated with The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a network of 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

12 For more information, visit: scmanufacturingconference.com

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MANUFACTURING CONFERENCE AND EXPO

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19 TRAINING COURSES BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP (SCMEP) Register for training courses and see complete session overviews and instructor bios on conference website: www.SCManufacturingConference.com

Track 1: Workforce

professional lives to differentiate themselves and create impact. Instructor: Susan Whitehead, SCMEP

In this session, we explore Agile EQ, the emotional intelligence necessary to support a thriving, agile culture. In today’s environment, the ability to be agile in strategy, tactics and business is critical if an organization is to successfully adjust to changing situations.

The John Maxwell Leadership Game – 11/11 at 2 pm

Emotional Intelligence – 11/11 at 9:30am

Self & High Performing Teams – 11/11 at 10:30 am John Maxwell has been named the world’s #1 leadership guru for several years in a row. Taking key concepts from one of his NY Times Best Selling Books, Today Matters plus several of the course instructor’s best strategies taught to hundreds of people, learn the keys to breakthrough performance by you and your team. Learn several obstacles and habits holding you and your team back. You will take away several simple, yet highly effective strategies you can put into practice immediately to achieve greater results than you ever thought were possible for you and your team. Instructor: Bill Bliss, Bliss & Associates Inc. and Founding Partner/ Executive Director of the John Maxwell Team

Women in Leadership – Declare Your Brand – 11/11 at 1 pm During this one-hour session, participants will learn about the power of a personal brand statement and how it can be used in their daily

The John Maxwell Team Leadership Game is a comprehensive game based on the teachings of John Maxwell (the #1 Leadership Expert in the World). This game helps organizations improve their leadership intelligence and increase their effectiveness. These leadership principles carry consequences with them. Violate or ignore them and you will not be able to lead others. But there is good news: every one of the laws can be learned! Instructor: Chris Stoecklein, Stoecklein Consulting

Personal Kanban – Coming to a Whiteboard Near You – 11/12 at 9:30 am Personal Kanban is a highly customizable tool that allows individuals and teams to visualize work – facilitating the shift from endless to-do lists to a simple work management system that produces dramatic results. For the purposes of this topic, work becomes inventory. With Personal Kanban, the same pull-system principles that allow for plantbased inventory management are utilized to manage work. Instructor: Rhonda Huskins, SCMEP

Commit to your employees. Partner with Anderson University. Benefit from a culture of support. Corporate Customized Training and Workshops Customized in-person workshops and self-paced online learning modules tailored specifically to your organization’s employee development needs Self-Paced Professional Development Courses Innovative courses aligned to applicable professional development credit Certificates Convenient and affordable certifications to help you explore new careers and professional growth 100% Online Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees Flexible online programs designed for the working student Join our Preferred Partnership Program Learn and grow in your respective field with an exclusive tuition grant on a selection of over 30 eligible online and hybrid degrees

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ONE-DAY COMPETITIVENESS REVIEW Start elevating your company and workforce with our free one-day Competitiveness Review: Visit SCMEP.org/help-my-business Call 864.288.5687 Email info@SCMEP.org

16 For more information, visit: scmanufacturingconference.com

Positive Personal Strategies – 11/12 at 10:30 am Learn key strategies for using positive influence in your workplace and your life. Our personal outlook affects our interpersonal relationships, our health and our wellness. These tools will help you have a positive impact on the culture of your team and your organization. Instructor: Melissa Steinkuhl, SCMEP

Track 2: Developing The Organization The Hidden Cost of Employee Churnover 11/11 at 9:30 am

Is your organization currently challenged with high employee turnover? Do you continue to hire candidates into the same positions, only to lose them in the first 90 days, 6 months or year of employment? Employee turnover is extremely costly for any organization, but the true cost if often not measured and not understood. Instructor: Susan Whitehead, SCMEP

Building A Leadership Pipeline – Preparing Your Manufacturing Company for The Next Generation of Leaders – 11/11 at 10:30 am Steve is probably 5 years away from retirement, and the company he started 32 years ago needs a leader. In fact, the company needs a whole new group of leaders to take it into the next 30 years. How can he and other manufacturing companies like his prepare now for the future? There is a way to invest talent capital today that will help him retain his most promising and most loyal team members at the same time – and will set them all up for success for decades to come: building a leadership pipeline. Instructor: Paul Clark, Find Great People

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Diversity & Inclusion – 11/11 at 1pm The Power of Peer-To-Peer Networking – 11/11 at 2 pm Advanced manufacturing technologies, increased social connectivity, and the push for continual improvement are all factors on the plates of manufacturers today. South Carolina manufacturers have done well internally in building interdepartmental and cross-functional collaboration to optimize these efforts. Instructor: Mike Demos, OpExChange Running a business can be a very lonely position but there’s one place where you don’t have to go it alone. There are many others that have experienced similar situations with running their business and who are willing to share what they’ve learned along the way, so you don’t have to keep reinventing the wheel. A business leader peer advisory group can help you navigate the white waters typically faced along the journey and it doesn’t all necessarily have to do with business. Instructor: Kevin Minton, Chief Executive Boards International/Insight

Identifying and Implementing More Creative Models for Compensating Manufacturing Leaders – 11/12 at 9:30 am Gone are the days when you could just post an hourly rate or set up a salary chart and then forget about it. To attract and keep the best talent in 2021 and beyond, manufacturers are finding more creative compensation models. Instructor: Carrie Cavanaugh, Find Great People

Building A Better Supply Chain Through Strategic Sourcing – 11/12 at 10:30 am Now, more than ever, organizations are re-evaluating their existing supply chains and making strategic decisions to strengthen their

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supply base and mitigate risks to their business. Strategic Sourcing can be an invaluable tool for organizations of all sizes, helping them to effectively identify and develop a supply base that facilitates achievement of the organization’s goals and objectives. Instructor: Dennis Dedrick

Track 3: MFG 4.0

AI in Manufacturing: Real World Success and Lessons Learned, Right Here, Right Now in SC – 11/11 at 9:30 am In 2021, Nucor Steel, Precision Global and Metromont Concrete joined fellow SC Manufacturers Rolls-Royce, Atlas Copco, JTEKT and Elkem Silicones on the Artificial Intelligence journey with SC firm Delta Bravo. Use cases in Predictive Maintenance, Predictive Quality and Scrap Reduction have increased throughput and profits, but all came with lessons learned both for the customer and Delta Bravo. Instructor: Rick Oppedisano, Delta Bravo

Solving Labor Shortages with Collaborative Robots – 11/12 at 10:30 am Is your company suffering from a workforce shortage? Are you having difficulties finding qualified people to work in your factory? Come learn how collaborative robotics can help solve your workforce challenges. Instructor: Robert Goosen, Purdue MEP

Discovering and Addressing the 7 Wastes Using RealTime Location Tracking – 11/11 at 1pm

Move Your Company Forward with Autonomous Mobile Robots – 11/11 at 2 pm Manufacturers and warehousing companies are boosting productivity with Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). We will view use cases showing how AMRs are being used in different manufacturing settings and hopefully give you some ideas on how these advanced robots might benefit your business. Instructor: Robert Goosen, Purdue MEP

Solving Real World Employee Training Issues Using eXtended Reality – 11/12 at 9:30 am This talk will describe the state of the art in immersive, AI-powered training and how it offers a promising solution to efficiencyeffectiveness tradeoff. We will also present a case study on how immersive training delivered ROI and results at Shaw Floors Plant 8S in Columbia, SC. Instructor: Rajesh Jha, SimInsights

Deploying Augmented Reality In Manufacturing & Logistics – A ‘How To’ Guide – 11/12 at 10:30 am Smartglasses and Augmented Reality are becoming a large part of many company’s efficiency improvements. We look at how to choose the right solution for the current situation, how to set goals and measure your success, how to map metrics to income (ROI), and how to create a roadmap. Instructor: Javier Ortiz, New Forge LLC

In this fun and informative session you will learn more about and have the chance to experience first-hand the amazing capabilities and potential of real-time location tracking using ultra-wide band (UWB) technology. Instructor: Stijn van de Velde, Gemba Partners

COMMUNITY is More Than Just a Word in our Name This initiative is SCC’s investment in the future economic prosperity of our community. Education is the key to success, and the gateway to economic prosperity. In order to grow, we must continue working together to educate our citizens and provide businesses an educated and skilled workforce. This 2021-2022 academic year initiative is intended to make attending college more affordable than ever! Live or work full-time in SC?

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EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY COMPANY ................................BOOTH #

Assured Partners ....................................542 Clean Metro Inc. .......................................416 Atlas Copco Vacuum .............................145 Closed Loop Recycling ........................507

A.T. Locke ..................................................345

Able South Carolina ..............................328

Baker Roofing ..........................................526

Accurate Brazing ..................................214A

BDV Solutions...........................................154

ADC Engineering.................................... 140

Beardow Adams Inc. ............................ 444

Alder Energy Systems ........................... 212

Belfor Property Restoration .............. 443

Alston Construction ............................... 122

BL Harbert international...................... 323

Ambrell Induction Heating Solutions ................................. 309

BLG Logistics ............................................ 215

AMECO.........................................................116

American Services Inc. ........................ 402

Blue Ridge Thermoforming ................ 106

Coffee House .............................................110 Colite Technologies ................................ 513 Colliers....................................................... 306 Columbia Southern University .......... 109 Condustrial, Inc. ....................................... 313 Connectivity Point .................................. 321 Convergint ................................................505 Custom Equipment Company ........... 523

Anderson Career & Technology Center ................................. 317

Call Experts ...............................................162

Dale Carnegie Training of South Carolina ................................... 535

Carolina Creative Products..................164

Apprenticeship Carolina ...................... 235

Darla Moore School of Business ........412

Carolina Custom Products .................. 528

Ardleigh Minerals Inc. ............................ 211

Defender Services ..................................427

Cerlean ...................................................... 406

ASAP Expediating & Logistics .......... 537

Delta Bravo ............................................... 327

CGF ................................................................ 115

ASAP Technologies ............................... 108

Digitize Designs ...................................... 104

Charleston Southern University........ 222

Associated Receivables Funding ...... 173

Distribution by Air ................................. 232

Choate Construction ..............................316

Doctor’s Care .............................................411

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Dodge Bearings and Power Transmission ........................ 404 Donnelly Brothers of SC ...........................................................541 Drum Creative ..............................................................................207 Dry-Tech Commercial Roofing Services Inc ...................... 410

E ECPI ................................................................................................. 403 Eldeco, Inc......................................................................................434

IAL INDUSTR R IN C TO CONTRA HEAST T THE SOU

Embassy Suites .............................................................................150 Ergo Advantage Inc ...................................................................425

SC MANUFAC TURING CONFERENCE & EXPO

Eruditio .......................................................................................... 506

NOV. 10-12, 2021

BOOTH 401

Evans General Contractors ...................................................... 401

F Factory Systems ........................................................................... 512 Falcon ...............................................................................................143 FANUC America Corporation .................................................. 521 FieldForce Workplace Solutions ............................................319

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ForceOne Solutions .....................................................................146 | evansgeneralcontractors.com

Fusion3 3D Printers ..................................................................... 231

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Garratt-Callahan Company ................230

IES .................................................................210

Landrum HR ..............................................415

Gemba Systems .......................................216

IH Services ................................................432

Leadec ........................................................543

Grande Aire Inc. ......................................439

Industrial Network Group .................... 153

LICOA .........................................................229

Greenville Scale Company ................... 123

Industrial Turn Around Corp (ITAC) .. 234

Life Cycle Engineering .........................205

Greenville Technical College ............... 331

Infinity Marketing ..................................... 117

Lynn Welding ........................................... 522

GreenWood Inc. ........................................ 311

Insulated Roofing Contractors .......... 527

GSP International Airport .................. 407

Integritive .................................................. 218

IPS Packaging & Automation ..............119

Mariner .......................................................536

Harper General Contractors ...............424

MAU Workforce Solutions ..................202

HG Global Services .................................310

Jantize Upstate ........................................148

McCrory Construction Company .... 227

High Performance Composites LTD .................................... 344

JDI Industrial Services ...........................163

Mcmillan Pazden Smith.........................314

JH Batten Inc. ......................................... 540

Metl-Span .................................................... 121

Jobscope ERP .........................................333

Microburst Learning ............................. 405

Hire Dynamics .......................................... 172

Mikaela Kate Leadership Training ... 440

HR Bridging .............................................. 225

Koops Automation Systems ...............120

HR Experts on Demand .....................103B

Kyocera AVX ...........................................437

Hilton Hotels Charleston/Savannah...420 Hilton, Greenville ......................................101

HRP Associates ........................................124

Mavin Construction ...............................303

Monti, Inc. ...................................................518 Morrisette ...................................................105 Morrow Insurance Agency ...................514

For more information, visit: scmanufacturingconference.com 21

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Multi Industries LTD...............................539

Prisma Health ........................................ 213B SC Council on Competitveness ..........114

Mumford Industries Inc. ........................139

ProLogistix.................................................165

SC Department of Commerce.......... 340

SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership ...........................103

Nephron Pharmaceuticals..................... 118 QAD Inc. ................................................... 308

SC Premier Signs ..................................... 241

Nesco Resource LLC ............................... 113 QEMS Inc ....................................................144 SC Technical College System .............431 Network Controls & Electric ...............158 SCBIZtv ....................................................... 531 Nexterus ...................................................... 171

RBW Logistics Corporation ...............126 Re:Build Manufacturing ....................... 325

OpExChange ............................................329

Red Hype.................................................214B

OpSource Staffing .................................208

REI Automation ......................................529

Schaeffers Oil ..........................................320 SEJ Services ............................................. 335 Sika Corporation.....................................538 SimInsights ...............................................330

SiMT ..............................................................441 Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc. ...................................... 151 Skyline Exhibits and Design ................301

Paessler AG ............................................... 517

Renfrow Industrial................................. 209 Solar Atmospheres ............................... 206

Panel Built .................................................. 217

Robert Bosch LLC ....................................141 Solution Services Corp.........................324

Pattillo Construction Corporation ... 228

Rogers & Callcott Environmental .....238 Sonfast Corporation ..............................242

Pattons .......................................................307 Phoenix Specialty Mfg. Co. .................534 Piedmont Forklift Handling ................203 Portsmouth Metal Stamping ...............414

South Carolina Employee Benefits Program ....................................519

S&ME ............................................................149

South Carolina Research Authority ... 516

Salem Media ...........................................213A

Southern Bracing Systems .................520

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SouthStar Capital ....................................413

The Haskell Company ............................ 152

US Coating Innovations ......................... 511

Spartanburg Community College ....236

The Teneo Group ...................................... 131

US&S ........................................................... 233

Stasmayer Incorporated .......................421

Thermwood ...............................................107

SteelCore Industrial .............................. 304

Thomas Concrete ..................................... 161

Sun Machinery Company .................... 322

Thompson Construction Group ........503

Sunland Logistics ...................................530

Tooling U-SME .........................................219

Watson Electrical Construction Co. LLC............................ 525

Supreme Mainteneance Organization Inc. ....................................442

Toray Industries Inc. ............................... 221

Wayne Brothers ......................................436

Transition Works LLC............................239

Winton Machine Company ................ 409

Transworld Inc. ......................................... 127

Wirthwein USA ....................................... 240

Tree Brand Packaging ..........................423

WM Jordan Company...........................226

TriMech ...................................................... 445

Women in Manufacturing....................326

T1V + Planar ..............................................224

Trishul Hospitality ................................... 155

WorkSmart Group .................................. 223

TEiC/BTA....................................................318

Tuffaloy Precision Manufacturing ...... 112

Wyco Inc. ..................................................510

Surge Capital ...........................................426 Synterra .................................................... 508

T Terracon Consultants Inc..................... 332 Tetramer Technologies .........................342 The Citadel................................................ 237 The D/C Group ........................................438

U United Seal ................................................156 United Srap Metal ................................... 147

Warehouse Services ...............................501

Z Zefco .......................................................... 509 ZF Transmissions ....................................422

Upstate Controls ....................................220

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November 1 - November 14, 2021

www.gsabusiness.com 9

Conference returns to Greenville Convention Center By Molly Hulsey

mhulsey@scbiznews.com

ince 2015, the South Carolina Manufacturing Conference and Expo has linked state players and piqued discussion on industry’s hot topics. In 2020, that meant connecting in a virtual conference hall and tuning into speakers from across the state in your living room. This year, the event will return to its brick-and-mortar presence along with almost three football fields of exhibits in the Greenville Convention Center on Nov. 10-12. “We’re expecting a great turnout,” said Rick Jenkins, group publisher of SC Biz News, co-host of the event alongside the S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership, S.C. Technical College System, S.C. Council on Competitiveness and the S.C. Research Authority. About 220 exhibitors from South Carolina and surrounding states are expected this year. “We just felt that it was the time to get back together and to see each other in person,” Jenkins said. “We will be following CDC guidelines, and we will be recommending that people wear a mask. It will not be required.” The event will launch with a leadership lunch at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 10 that explores different facets of strategic challenges for leaders who manage processes, procedures and people. Participants are asked to pre-register and can walk away with 4.5 SHRM or HRCI credits. An all-access pass is $300, while a build-your-own agenda package starts at $25 to walk the floor and attend training track sessions. Add-ons including keynotes and the leadership training day session range from $45 to $95. Keynotes and training sessions on Nov. 11 will hone in on topics like implementing 4.0 technology on the factory floor and the future of electric vehicles in South Carolina. Scheduled speakers

Scheduled speakers come from companies such as Boeing, Kion North America, IoTco, Volvo Trucks, Duke Energy and Proterra. (Photo/File)

hail from Boeing, Kion North America, IoTco, Volvo Trucks, Duke Energy, Proterra, Arrival, Dominion Energy and Border States Electric. On Nov. 12, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette will lead a breakfast panel with female executives in manufacturing, followed by Gov. Henry McMaster’s presentation of the annual SCMEP Manufacturing Excellence Awards during a noon luncheon. “We try to make sure that we are talking about the things that manufacturers are talking about around their water cooler at their manufacturing facility,” Jenkins said. “This year is no different.” Except for the loss of a key manufacturing community figure who also was pivotal to starting the conference and running its training programs each year: the late Chuck Spangler.

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“Chuck was one of the brightest faces of the conference,” Jenkins said. “And SCMEP, under his leadership, has been involved heavily with the conference since its inception.” The SCMEP CEO will be honored at the event. He died Oct. 15. “Chuck was a wonderful friend to SCBiz and to the manufacturing conference, and it’s not going to feel the same without Chuck sitting up there on that stage beside me,” Jenkins said. “In past conferences, I’ve always told the crowd that manufacturers in South Carolina did not have a better friend than Chuck Spangler and his crew at SCMEP. I meant that then and I mean it now. There will be a void there without Chuck, but we’re going to remember him.” Reach Molly Hulsey at 864-720-1222 or @mollyhulsey_gsa on Twitter.

About 220 vendors have signed up for the expo. (Photo/File)

www.gsabusiness.com

November 1 - November 14, 2021

Target your market in an upcoming issue of the GSA Business Report

NOVEMBER 15

ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION (AEC) List: Heating & AC Firms Advertising Deadline: November 1

DECEMBER 13

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Advertising Deadline: October 22

JANUARY 17

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For advertising information, call Rick Jenkins at (864) 720-1224

Clemson and Washington State University Everett students tour a Boeing factory near Everett. (Photo/Provided)

Clemson and Washington college form collaboration to build aerospace workforce Staff Report

gsanews@scbiznews.com

Two land-grant universities in states where Boeing has a large footprint have kicked off a partnership designed to spur shared knowledge and collaboration among the aerospace giant’s future workforce. Clemson University and Washington State University Everett formed CATTs — Cougars and Tigers Together — as a joint initiative to better prepare college students for successful careers at Boeing. The CATTs program kicks off in Everett, Wash., in mid-October with the arrival of students from Clemson. They toured Boeing and other advanced manufacturing companies in Snohomish County and worked with WSU Everett students designing autonomous cabin disinfection systems for airplanes, according to a news release. Given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and the potential for future pandemics, rapid and thorough disinfection of airplane cabins is a high priority both for public safety and to manage airline operating costs, according to the news release. The CATTs team will develop a solution that can be deployed during postflight cleaning that eliminates viral and bacterial contamination and reduces aircraft turnaround time. The project culminates in dpring 2022 when WSU Everett students travel to South Carolina and, along with their Clemson teammates, present their final report to Boeing leaders. “We are proud to support students in the states where many of our employees live and work,” Craig Bomben, vice president of Boeing Flight Operations and Test

& Evaluation Design Build, said in the release. “This unique partnership helps facilitate a robust talent pipeline while helping students fulfill their career ambitions.” Clemson and WSU share strengths in engineering education, global reputation and land-grant history, and are well-positioned for collaboration due to their close geographic proximity to Boeing’s factories in North Charleston and Everett. Boeing, which is providing financial support to each school to fund student travel and project expenses, is a large employer of Clemson and WSU graduates, the release said. “Providing students with opportunities to address real-world challenges through experiential learning is at the core of a Clemson education,” Provost Bob Jones said in the release. “The knowledge and experience these students will gain from the ability to directly interface with Boeing highlight the benefits of industry partnerships in higher education.” In addition to developing a technical solution, the multidisciplinary teams are charged with developing a business plan and marketing strategy to support product development. Student teams also will engage with younger students (K-12 and college) in their respective communities through various portals to promote science, technology. engineering and math education and the value of education. “At WSU Everett, collaboration is in our DNA,” Chancellor Paul Pitre said in the release. “As we prepare the next generation of aerospace thinkers and leaders — many of whom will work at Boeing — it makes sense to partner and model the kind of creative collaboration our industry partners want.”

At Work

BUSINESS DIGEST | PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Business Digest

Fuel donates to homeless project

Greenville-based marketing agency Fuel selected The Homeless Period Project as its fourth quarter 2021 recipient for the Fuel for Good Grant program. The Homeless Period Project works to provide safe, hygienic feminine products to underprivileged women and to advocate for equal, tax-free access to these products. Fuel uses the Fuel for Good Grant program to help local nonprofits by providing marketing consulting, graphic design, copywriting, and other services at no cost.

Habitat wants to change store zoning

Habitat for Humanity said its supporters recently gathered to rally support for a new ReStore that it said is being blocked by a recent zoning change by the Mauldin City Council. A Habitat ReStore uses the sales of donated items to help Habitat for Humanity partner with local families to build, rehabilitate and repair safe and affordable homes. Habitat has pursued a site at 207 W. Butler Road, which was a former Bi-Lo Supermarket that has been vacant since April, to develop a new store. Habitat said a recently passing ordinance prevents it from establishing a store at the location.

cast to provide the market with insights and analysis on all things real estate. The Real Estate of Things will air weekly and spotlight prominent figures in real estate investing, such as new construction builders, multi-family housing experts, industry titans, market analysts and more. The initial episode features Roofstock CEO Gary Beasley, who discusses housing affordability and the perceived tensions between homeowners and investors. The podcast is hosted by Dalton Elliott, director of sales and customer experience with Lima One Capital. More information on the podcast is available at limaone.com/ podcast.

Marketing agency opens in Upstate

Anthony Gaenzle, a graduate of the Clemson University MBA program, said he recently launched a new marketing agency aimed at helping businesses navigate challenging times. Gaenzle Marketing, led by Gaenzle, has worked with businesses in South Carolina, Pennsylvania and up and down the East Coast, according to a news release. The agency provides website design, content marketing, social media, video production, graphic design, search engine optimization, copywriting and blogging services. Gaenzle previously led the marketing efforts for EnVeritas Group.

Sushi pub expands in Greenville

Irashiai sushi pub said it is expanding in Greenville with the opening of a second restaurant at 1625 Woodruff Road in early 2022.

Eggs Up Grill opens Clemson restaurant in Tillman Village Staff Report

gsanews@scbiznews.com

ggs Up Grill, a breakfast, brunch and lunch concept, opened its newest restaurant at 101 Canoy Lane, Clemson, formally 4 Paw American Pub, in Tillman Village. This is the first of five Eggs Up Grills planned by franchise partners Darby Smith and Jackson Turner. “We have dreamed of going into the restaurant business together for years,” said Smith. “We’ve both dined at Eggs Up Grill many times and we were always impressed with the quality of food and consistently great service.” Smith and Turner are childhood and leasing of The Junction at Downtown Airport, as well as the redevelopment of Burdette Central in Simpsonville. Their most recent project is Hammett Street Market, a 30,000-square-foot food hall planned to connect to the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

South Carolina’s 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Laurens County said it is now accepting referrals from the S.C. Department of Social Services for its Safe Babies Court. It joins Richland County as the first counties in the state to implement the Safe Babies Court Team approach, a model for handling child maltreatment cases that result in a child under 3 years of age being removed from the home. Learn more at scimha.org/SafeBabies-Court.

Lima One launches podcast

Greenville-based Lima One Capital launched the Real Estate of Things pod-

Dustin Tenney and Daniel Holloway

SVN adds commercial retail division

SVN Blackstream said it added a commercial retail division led by Dustin Tenney and Daniel Holloway. The team specializes in retail investment sales, landlord representation and tenant representation. Tenney and Holloway have played an integral role in several notable retail developments in the last few years, the firm said, including the redevelopment

the property was acquired by Pall Corp., a provider of filtration, separation, and purification products.

Patewood office building refinanced

3650 REIT, a commercial real estate lender, announced it has originated a $68.5 million first-mortgage loan to refinance Patewood Corporate Center, a six-building, 447,000-square-foot office park on Patewood Drive in Greenville. The fixedrate loan carries a term of 84 months and is provided to sponsor JFR Global Investments, a commercial real estate investment.

Fitness company adds location Safe Babies Court added in Laurens

friends and both have extensive backgrounds in the restaurant industry. Turner is a Clemson native and co-owner of First Sun Management with his father. For the last 35 years, the franchising company has owned and operated 19 Wendy’s restaurants in South Carolina and Georgia. Smith most recently served as the co-owner of three Henry’s Smokehouse Barbecue and Catering restaurants in Greenville. The Clemson graduate will operate the new restaurant. The partners are eyeing Easley, Seneca and Greenwood for future locations. The Clemson restaurant plans to employ 35.

CORE grow strong, a fitness boutique in downtown Greenville, announced expansion to a 4,100-square-foot studio in Overbrook Village at 1501 E. North St. The studio is owned by Currie Gossett and custom designed by DP3 Architects. The facility, to be led by more than 18 trained local instructors, will offer pilates, yoga, TRX training, meditation classes and more.

Duncan industrial property sold

McCraney Property Co. said it completed the sale of 85 Logistics Park, a 201,600-square-foot speculative industrial building on 18 acres at 816 Berry Shoals Road in Duncan. McCraney said

BASF donates supplies to school

BASF in Seneca said it donated school supplies to Blue Ridge Elementary School and Grace’s Closet. Items donated include 450 pencils, 275 notebooks, 225 packs of crayons, 100 glue sticks, 100 erasers, 65 pairs of child safety scissors, pencil pouches and pencil boxes. Blue Ridge serves elementary school students in the Seneca area, while Grace’s Closet serves students in all Oconee County schools.

Nexsen Pruet moves to Poinsett Plaza

The Nexsen Pruet law firm said it moved to a new location in downtown Greenville at 104 S. Main St. The firm made the move to the ninth floor of Poinsett Plaza. The Greenville office of Nexsen Pruet includes a group of attorneys who handle employ-

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www.gsabusiness.com

November 1 - November 14, 2021

Business Digest ment and labor issues, real estate, white-collar defense, economic development, as well as corporate, tax and intellectual property matters. Poinsett Plaza is a 13-story building with retail and office space.

patients recovering from debilitating illnesses and injuries, including strokes and other neurological disorders, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and complex orthopedic conditions.

Epsilon to add Mauldin location

Mecart adds Upstate facility

Greenville Area Development Corp. announced that Epsilon Inc., a Carolinas-based information technology and services company, will establish operations in Greenville County. The investment of more than $2.6 million will create a planned 145 jobs, GADC said. Founded in 2009, Epsilon provides customer service that supports a wide range of technology-related functions, including managed IT services, consulting and planning, cloud hosting, technology support, wired and wireless network design, cybersecurity and compliance services and call center support. The facility will be at 86 Brookfield Oaks Drive in Mauldin.

Encompass opens Greenville hospital

Encompass Health announced the opening of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Greenville. Located at 3372 Laurens Road, the hospital features 40 private patient rooms, a therapy gym with rehabilitation technologies, a therapy courtyard, a cafeteria and a dayroom. Encompass Health of Greenville serves

Greenville Area Development Corp. announced that Mecart Inc., a manufacturer of custom-designed acoustical modular buildings, plans to establish operations in Greenville County. The $2 million investment will create 50 jobs, GADC said. Founded in Quebec, Canada, in 1974, Mecart designs, engineers, manufactures and installs modular buildings for industrial applications. The operation will be located at 208 Old Fork Shoals Road in Greenville.

Sushi restaurant leases space

Konnichiwa Sushi, Steak & Seafood leased 2,000 square feet of space at 198 W. Main St., Spartanburg, to open a fifth location, according to a news release from Colliers, which represented the landlord in the transaction. The landlord, F.T. Cantrell Wagons, owns several commercial and residential spaces in downtown Spartanburg, Colliers said. Konnichiwa will occupy the space next to Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery at the corner of W. Main Street and Daniel Morgan Avenue.

Co-founder sets retirement from DP3 Architects Staff Report

gsanews@scbiznews.com

. Michael Taylor, chairman, CEO, and a founding principal of DP3 Architects, said he will retire on March 31, 2022. Taylor co-founded DP3 Architects Ltd., then known as Design Partnership Inc., in 1984, with Clemson University classmates Sam Justice and Mark Eggl, with the desire to deliver quality projects in Greenville. What began as three architects the basement of a house has grown to a firm of 28 professionals who have designed projects in 49 states and Washington, D.C. The planned transition of the firm’s leadership has been in place for the past few years with principals Brian Thomas, Meg Terry, Ben Urueta, and Mike Pry assuming leadership roles, according to a news release. “Mike’s leadership has always focused on our core principles of high-quality service, response and attention to detail,” Brian Thomas,

president of DP3 Architects, said in the news release. “Emphasis on these will ensure the successful transition to the next generation of leadership in the firm.” Thomas said Taylor was always the wise voice in the room who knew how to prioritize both high-quality design and meaningful relationships. “Our entire firm is built on relationships,” Taylor said in the release. “This includes relationships within the communities in which we work, our clients, the construction community, and our team members. It is an honor for a client to put their faith in you to help them envision their project. We take that honor very seriously. DP3 Architects is well positioned to continue and build on these relationships, and I am confident in the bright future and continued success of the firm.” DP3 Architects is headquartered in downtown Greenville. It is an architectural and interior design firm specializing in hospitality, higher education and community projects.

20 21 The expert in your industry is you. Share the expertise of your company in GSA Business Report’s Book of Experts. This magazine is an opportunity for a business to demonstrate a sample of its specialized knowledge to our readers. The narrative format is a great way to share complex information that goes beyond the usual advertising display. Your “expert story” told in an article with photograph can help businesses and consumers make wise decisions.

PUBLICATION DATE: December 20, 2021

ADVERTISING DEADLINE: October 22, 2021 For advertising information, contact Rick Jenkins at (864) 720-1224 or rjenkins@scbiznews.com

November 1 - November 14, 2021

www.gsabusiness.com 13

People in the News CONSTRUCTION

Loudermilk

LyonJay hired Blake Loudermilk as senior vice president of development. Loudermilk comes to LyonJay with 15 years of experience as a civil engineer.

Trehel Corp. promoted Greg Blinston to vice president, Adam Owens to vice president of safety and field operations, and Andrew Lewis to project manager. Blinston Blinston joined Trehel in 2020 and will be responsible for providing leadership and managing large-scale commercial and industrial projects. Owens began his career at Trehel in 2005. Lewis has served as a project engineer for the previous five years.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Oconee Economic Alliance announced Dave Eldridge of Tri-County Entrepreneurial Development Corp. and Steve Finger of Ride to Work as the honorees of the inaugural Dave Eldridge Service Award, which recognizes individuals for their service to the community. Eldridge is chairman and CEO of Tri-County Entrepreneurial Development Corp. and serves on numerous boards and volunteers for nonprofits across the Upstate. Finger retired to Seneca in 2009 after 39 years in the aerospace industry, including serving as president of Sikorsky Helicopters and of Pratt and Whitney Aircraft engines. Greenville Area Development Corp. named Don Erickson as chairman of its board of directors for 2021-2022. Joining him as officers are Beverly Haines as vice chair, Chad Tumblin as secretary and Barry Leasure as treasurer. Additionally, GADC announced that Joy Hemphill, McNeil Epps and Councilman Stan Tzouvelekas have been appointed by Greenville County Council to three-year terms on the board. Council also voted to expand the GADC board by one seat to include the permanent addition of the county auditor as a board member. Scott Case is Greenville County’s current auditor. Erickson is a retired executive, most recently serving as general manager and site director of Lockheed Martin in Greenville. Haines is a healthcare consultant and the former president and chief nursing officer of the Patewood Hospital

and Medical Campus of the Greenville Health System (now Prisma Health). Tumblin is general land manager for NVR Inc., the parent company of Ryan Homes. Leasure is managing partner of the GreerWalker CPAs Greenville office. Epps is a commercial real estate broker with NAI Earle Furman. Hemphill is a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the state of South Carolina. Tzouvelekas works in the land acquisition and sales division at RealtyLink.

EDUCATION

Poon

Neighborhood Focus hired Amy Poon as director of out of school time operations. Poon previously served as the girls’ program manager at the Frazee Center.

North Greenville University promoted the following faculty members: Hayley De González to associate professor of art; Christine Haltiwanger to associate professor of health science; Lena Maslennikova to associate professor of business and leadership; Andrew Stevens to associate professor of communication; and Jeffrey Williams to associate professor of health science. Additionally, the following teacher-scholars joined the university faculty for the new academic year: Mark Bjornsen, assistant professor of physical education and program coordinator for physical education K-12; Georges Chreifi, assistant professor of biology; Terri Elder, instructor of education; Gregory Graf, assistant professor of voice and director of choral activities; Brad Gregory, associate professor of psychology; Cailyn Lee, instructor of mathematics and coordinator of the math lab; Teresa Lyle, assistant professor of health science; Caleb Martin, instructor of accounting; Lucas Nossaman, assistant professor of English; Bess Park, professor of theatre design; Martin Price, assistant professor of PA medicine; Nathan Reed, assistant professor of biology; Jesse Rine, professor of education, director of the EdD program and special assistant to the president for educational research and policy; Joshua Scott, assistant professor of theatre education and program coordinator for theatre education; Joseph Spears, professor of sport management and chair of the department of sport management; Dallas Vandiver, assistant professor of Christian studies; and Lori Vinson, associate professor of education and coordinator of educational studies. Furman University named Anthony Herrera the university’s first chief innovation officer. He will also

Cogdill announces retirement from WYFF-4 Staff Report

gsanews@scbiznews.com

YFF News 4 anchor Michael Cogdill announced plans to retire. In late November, Cogdill will anchor his final newscast, ending his nearly 33-year career at the station. “For more than three decades Michael has been a trusted voice during breaking news,” John Humphries, station president and general manager, said in a news release. “Together as a team for nearly 25 years, Michael and Carol Clarke set the standard for journalistic integrity in this market. Their calm, confident reporting in the face of a crisis has been reassuring to our viewers. We wish Michael the best and are grateful for the years of service he has dedicated to our communities.” Cogdill joined WYFF 4 in March 1989 as a weekend anchor and reportcontinue in his role as executive director of the Furman Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

ENGINEERING

Thompson

investigation.

Bunnell Lammons Engineering hired Erika Thompson as project geologist with its environmental services department. Thompson specializes in due diligence and soil and groundwater

HOSPITALITY

Akers

AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville Downtown named Kelan Akers assistant beverage director. Akers previously worked as a master mixologist for The Press Room. High Spirits Hospitality hired Katie Babb as marketing manager. Babb previously worked with Breakout Bras as marketing director.

Babb

er. He moved to the weekday 5 p.m. newscast before being named co-anchor of the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts alongside Carol Clarke in 1997. Cogdill has won 30 Southeast Regional Emmy Awards and was recognized with a national Edward R Murrow Award. In 2015, he was inducted into the Silver Circle by the National AcadeCogdill my of Television Arts and Sciences Southeast Chapter and honored with the South Carolina Broadcaster’s Association Masters Award in 2019. Nigel Robertson, who has served as a reporter and anchor during other time slots for the last two decades, will take Cogdill’s place on the anchor desk at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

HUMAN RESOURCES Ben Talbert, founder and CEO of Better Than Found, has been appointed to the SEAL Future Foundation Networking Committee. The SEAL Future Foundation is a Talbert national nonprofit that provides aid to Navy SEALs transitioning to civilian life. The South Carolina Society of Human Resources Management and the S.C. Chamber of Commerce named Claire Jones the Human Resources ProfessionJones al of the Year. Jones is director of human resources with the SC Education Lottery.

INSURANCE

Bradley

Scott Bradley, a licensed Medicare agent in Moore, has been recognized by the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance on the associaSee PITN, Page 14

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November 1 - November 14, 2021

People in the News

Hill Electric installs new president as office coordinator. Sherwood previously worked as program administrator for Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County.

PITN, from Page 13

tion’s 2021 national directory of leading local Medicare insurance agents.

LAW Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd announced that Stinson Woodward Ferguson earned a certificate in sustainable management from Duke University. Stinson focuses Ferguson her legal practice in the areas of environmental law and commercial disputes. Commercial real estate attorney Renée Maxey joined Womble Bond Dickinson’s Greenville office as of counsel. She comes to Womble Bond Dickinson from Maxey Johnson Development Associates Inc., where she served as assistant general counsel for the past five years. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd announced that Mac McLean was elected to serve as president of the Rotary Club of Pleasantburg. A certified tax specialist for more than 25 McLean years, McLean focuses his practice in the areas of estate planning, corporate tax planning and retirement program planning.

MANUFACTURING T&S Brass and Bronze Works hired Michael Williams as operations manager to lead the assembly and packaging of the 6,000 finished plumbing products Williams produced annually at the company’s headquarters in Travelers Rest. FlashCo promoted Bill Bartell to vice president of sales and marketing. Bartell joined FlashCo in 2014 as the director of sales and marketing.

NONPROFITS Rebuild Upstate hired Andy Sherwood

Sherwood

The nonprofit Set Free added Geoff Wasserman, founder and CEO of The Brand Leader, to its board of directors for a 2-year term. Based in South Carolina, Set Wasserman Free rescues children from slavery and provides clean water to rural villages in Africa and India. The American Heart Association introduced the inaugural nominees to be named its Woman of the Upstate: Kristi Antunes of Edwards Lifesciences; Margaret Ann Carter of Fox Carolina; Tish Davis of iRuninc; Leslie Haas of Leslie Haas Social; Yukichi Hagins of Yukichi Hagins Realty; Deborah Hawkins of My PR Lab; Lauren Hilderbran of Michelin; Joy Howard of Shred 415; Christina Hyatt of Glow Mobile Spray Tanning; Cheyenne Miranda of Aline Captial; Lauren Smith of Laurens County School District; and Tamara Wood of Brown Family Dental. These women will lead an 8-week initiative to promote healthy living and the nominee to have the greatest impact will be named Woman of the Upstate. The winner will be announced on Oct. 28. Meals on Wheels of Greenville Executive Director Catriona Carlisle has been recognized with the Leadership Greenville Distinguished Alumni award at the Greenville Carlisle Chamber of Commerce’s 132nd annual meeting. Carlisle is a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 41 and has been with Meals on Wheels of Greenville since 2009. The Partnership for Tomorrow selected Yvonne McMains-Thompson as the recipient of the first Leadership Greer Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship. After serving in the U.S. Navy, receiving two degrees and serving two terms in AmeriCorps, McMains-Thompson is now the neighbor advocate at the nonprofit Greer Relief and Resources Agency. The scholarship pays full tuition for one

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ill Electric, an electrical contractor for Upstate manufacturers, has announced the promotion of Trey Thomas as the company’s new president and chief operating officer. Mike Davis, who recently made the announcement to employees, customers and vendors, will remain with the organization as CEO. Thomas joined Hill Electric in 2010 as an estimator and project manager. In 2014, he was promoted to vice president, and has since served in that position. Thomas graduated from Clemson University, with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. “This decision arose from our collective and ongoing promise of providing both exceptional service to Hill Electric’s customers and opportunities of career growth to our employees,” Davis said in the release. “We know that creating a solid transition plan is

in everyone’s best interest, and I am looking forward to continuing to grow the company under Trey’s leadership.” Also announced as part of this leadership transition was the appointment of two Hill Electric employees as operational vice presidents: David Thomas Wolke was named vice president of labor and safety, and Casey Johnson has been appointed vice president of estimating and internal operations. Based in Anderson, Hill Electric Davis is an industrial electrical contractor providing installations of manufacturing process and auxiliary equipment for companies across the Upstate.

candidate to participate in the Leadership Greer program for 2021-2022.

North Pleasantburg office as a sales associate.

REAL ESTATE

Vincent

Coldwell Banker Caine hired Chris Vincent at its Greenville office as a residential agent. He previously worked with The Reserve at Lake Keowee. Coldwell Banker Caine hired Reed Gray at its Greenville office as a residential agent.

Andrews

Murray

Coldwell Banker Caine hired Mackenzie Turner as a residential agent at its Greenville office.

Gray

Church

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Realtors announced that James “Jamie” Church joined the company’s Pelham Road office as a sales associate.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Realtors announced that Paul “August” Andrews joined the company’s

NAI Earle Furman hired Marvel Murray as a commercial property manager at its Greenville office. Marvel has experience managing commercial real estate in Las Vegas, Greenville and Atlanta.

Turner

McDonald

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Laura McDonald joined Coldwell Banker Caine as vice president of sales and broker for the Greenville office. McDonald worked for 15 years as an attorney before becoming an agent.

Viewpoint

VIEWS, PERSPECTIVES AND READERS’ LETTERS

Four things to consider when designing a family-building benefit plan

n employer-sponsored fertility benefit was once considered a luxury. Now more than ever, it’s an essential part of a company’s HR toolkit. Employers across a wide spectrum of economic sectors have begun to offer a managed fertility benefit as a tool to recruit and retain the best employPETER ees. Corporations NIEVES specializing in financial services, healthcare, professional services, retail, manufacturing, and tech, as well as higher education, municipalities, and law firms are all pushing the trend. Here are four things to consider when designing your employer-sponsored fertility benefit plan: 1. How much the program will cost As the sponsor of the fertility plan, your company has a fiduciary responsibility to make it worthwhile and valuable to your employees. It’s also critical to be aligned with the provider when it comes to costs. How efficiently is the fertility benefits provider spending on medication, recommending the most effective treatments, and referring patients to in-person clinical appointments? There is no reason to overpay. Your fertility program manager must make a dedicated effort to provide oversight in how care is administered. This helps ensure quality of outcomes for your employees and promote efficiency in spending. The best way to improve outcomes is to educate the patient. Are they choosing a doctor who has experience overcoming the challenges the patient and partner face? Choosing to not work with a qualified reproductive endocrinologist in the first place can add to the cost to both employers and patients. Cost is the most important element to ensuring your fertility benefits program is sustainable. Purchasing fertility care and related pharmaceuticals can be fraught with inefficiencies, so be sure all costs are presented transparently. 2. Corporate culture Define how the fertility benefit program fits into your corporate culture. Put simply, why are you offering this to your employees? Is its primary purpose to attract quality employees and retain your existing talent? To increase

Illustration/File

employee productivity? To promote diversity, equity, and inclusion? Your program manager needs to be well-versed in supporting people of all ethnic backgrounds, financial positions, and geographical locations. What is the standard of fertility care in your immediate region? A good program manager will help patients gain access to the best care, even when it is not in their immediate area. Keep in mind that standard health plans can’t be counted on to meet all the needs of a patient being treated for

Cost is the most important element to ensuring your fertility benefits program is sustainable. Peter Nieves Chief commercial officer, WINFertility

infertility. A separate provider is needed from the major health systems in your area. 3. Program management In an unmanaged fertility benefit, a patient can spend to a predetermined limit (dollars or cycle) at his or her own discretion. But this approach can be fraught with inefficiencies. Intend-

ed parents need advocacy, guidance and clinical support. In a managed fertility benefit, a clinician (preferably and trained RN) is available during every step of the process to advocate for patients: helping them to understand their benefit, finding the doctors they need, understanding their personal medical history and diagnosis, navigating medication, catering to their emotional and behavioral support needs. A clinically trained advocate is sensitive to the diversity of patient situations —anything from postpartum to male-factor behavioral support and testing — and can be an essential advocate for each of them. This saves the patient time and stress, and saves employers money by eliminating potentially wasteful spending on doctor’s visits and unnecessary medication. 4. Family re-investment Traditionally, employers have viewed an employee walking through the office door as the beginning of their relationship. It’s increasingly worthwhile to think about helping the employee outside the workplace as well. The idea of an employer providing additional financial assistance from pre-conception through the fertility journey, then back to work and par-

enting, is gaining popularity. Effective management of a fertility program offers an opportunity to re-invest in broader family services. Say a managed fertility benefit program is able to save a company $1,000 in per-employee spending. The company might choose to reinvest those savings in, for example, family coaching or at-home male factor testing for its employees. The concept of family services is driven by the need for employers to support their employees with family-building more broadly than they have in the past. By designing a useful fertility benefits plan, the company can directly impact employees’ lives in a profoundly meaningful way. Peter Nieves serves as the chief commercial officer for WINFertility. He is responsible for the profitable growth, product strategy and expansion at WIN. Peter has more than 25 years of experience in the benefits consulting and P&C industry.

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November 1 - November 14, 2021

2021 | SOUTH CAROLINA

MANUFACTURING CONFERENCE AND EXPO PRESENTED BY:

SAVE THE DATE: NOV. 10 - NOV. 12

GREENVILLE CONVENTION CENTER | GREENVILLE, SC

To view the agenda and to register, visit www.scmanufacturingconference.com

Join Manufacturing suppliers and innovators across all industry verticals at South Carolina’s most significant manufacturing event of the year. The 2021 conference will include:

• An exhibit hall the equivalent of three football fields • Leadership Training (SHRM/HRCI credits earned) • Implementing Industry 4.0 Technology • Driving Change: The Future of Electric Vehicles in South Carolina • 2022 Economic Outlook: Auto, Aerospace, Biotech • Women in Manufacturing: Leaders and Influencers • SCMEP Manufacturing Excellence Awards • The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) will conduct training courses

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For questions about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Melissa Tomberg at (864) 720-1220 or mtomberg@scbiznews.com Visit scmanufacturingconference.com for the latest updates.