GSA Business Report - December 2023

BROAD APPEAL

VOLUME 26 NUMBER 12 ■ GSABUSINESS.COM

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DECEMBER 2023 ■ $2.25

Greenville’s design review board has approved plans for a dramatic transformation of the North of Broad District.

Page 14

(Photo/Provided)

Prisma Health to open nine new urgent care centers in the Upstate and Midlands.

Page 6

Upfront

BRIEFS | FACTS | STATEWIDE NEWS | BEST ADVICE

Average price for regular gasoline in SC

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

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

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

By Andy Owens

W

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Less than 1%

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

More than 82%

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

Greenville Triumph SC is committed to bringing joy to the Upstate through the ON THE “The game of soccer, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

RECORD

— Greenville Triumph head coach and technical director, Rick Wright

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SC Biz News Briefs 2021 U.S. Chamber of the Year

A model of the future Scout Motors factory is on display at the new offices. Scout Motors, an independent subsidiary of Volkswagen, will renew the Scout brand at a Midlands factory, joining the state’s growing automaker roster. (Photo/Christina Lee Knauss)

Columbia

Columbia Regional Business Report

Scout Motors officially takes up downtown offices in BullStreet District

S

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

Company officials formally announced the move on Nov. 17 at Segra Park in Columbia, home of the Columbia Fireflies baseball team. The company’s announcement came with some holiday flair as a rare 1965 Scout pickup truck decorated for the holidays was on display in the baseball park’s main concourse.

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

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

Charleston

Charleston Regional Business Journal

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

I

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

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

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

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

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

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

Above are excerpts from our other publications.

ColumbiaBusinessReport.com

CharlestonBusiness.com

SCBIZmag.com

THERE'S ONLY GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT SUCCESS, AND ONE PLACE THAT EMPOWERS BOTH. Find out why international industries, small businesses, and corporate headquarters are choosing Spartanburg.

ONESPARTANBURGINC.COM/ THERESONLYONE

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December 2023

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth

Donna Bischoff, publisher SC Biz News dbischoff@bridgetowermedia.com 843-804-6093

Jason Thomas, executive editor jthomas@scbiznews.com • 864-568-7570

Ross Norton, managing editor-content rnorton@scbiznews.com • 864-642-5229

Photo/Provided

Andrew Sprague, managing editor-production asprague@scbiznews.com • 843-628-4738

Krys Merryman, staff writer kmerryman@scbiznews.com • 864-640-4418

A View From The C-Suite Jim Burns | Chief Operating Officer for Hartness Development

Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Greenville Area Development Corp.

Steve McDaniel, editor Custom Publishing Division smcdaniel@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3121

THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED

WHAT IS THE STIFFEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUR INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?

Whatever is true, whatever is noble,

In the realm of development, uncertainty is the biggest challenge and that comes by means of

whatever is right, whatever is pure,

regulations, supplier base, shortage of materials, financial malaise, and many other variables.

whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if Sales Ryan Downing, director of sales rdowning@scbiznews.com • 864-867-1928

anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things. What you think about defines who you are.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE?

LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOUR COMPANY Quite frankly, the little-known fact about Hartness is still what is happening on this tract of land and the opportunities within this community. Even though we have been building for five years here, we still run into people around our community that don’t know about this village that is underway.

Amanda Alford,

Be at war with your vices, at peace with

At Hartness Development, we envision, plan, design, build and operate projects of significance.

multimedia account executive

your neighbors and let every new day

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?

aalford@bridgetowermedia.com • 843-849-3109

Shannon Pollard, multimedia account executive spollard@scbiznews.com • 843-804-6094

find you a better man.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Summer job for Wade Barber at his architecture firm.

I oversee the various business units for this multifaceted company. We just completed Hotel Hartness, are under construction on the first phase of Crescent Start Up Community that will begin the transformation of Poinsett Highway, and are creating Hartness, an incredible new urbanist community on 500 amazing acres of land right off Pelham and Highway 14. We are also in the process of planning a Village Center at Hartness.

Tony Rossi, multimedia account executive trossi@scbiznews.com • 864-867-1920

Accounting ar@bridgetowermedia.com

Subscription Services service@bridgetowermedia.com • 877-615-9536

GSA Business Report (USPS 8640) is published once a month except April, June, July, September, and October which all include an additional annual issue, 17 issues per year by SC Biz News, 35B Cessna Court Greenville, SC 29607-2700 Periodicals Postage paid at Greenville, SC and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: Subscription Services PO Box 1051 Williamsport, PA 17703-9940

Theentirecontentsofthisnewspaperarecopyright byBridgeTowerMediawithallrightsreserved.Any reproductionoruseofthecontentwithinthispublicationwithoutpermissionisprohibited.SCBIZandSouth Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth are registeredintheU.S.PatentandTrademarkOffice.

©2023 BridgeTower Media

December 2023

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

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

Marc Marchant CEO | LS3P

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

Member FDIC

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December 2023

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

By Ross Norton

P

rnorton@scbiznews.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your workforce is your greatest asset Employer Health Services provides occupational medicine and episodic care services on-site. Our team members are available to come to your worksite and provide services to your employees for a few hours at a time, part-time or full-time.

To learn more, call 833-890-2109.

22-2273

December 2023

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Brighter banking is a commercial lending team with roots in the Upstate, not just branches.

Offering commercial real estate financing solutions with fast and local lending decisions, Bart Willey and our experienced Upstate Commercial Lending Officers can help you grow your business and our community.

Bart Willey Vice President, Commercial Market Executive bart.willey@truliantfcu.org 336-455-3773 Truliant.org/Commercial

Equal Housing Lender. Loans subject to credit approval.

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December 2023

Texas burger chain enters South Carolina market

By Krys Merryman

B

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more, visit ssoe.com SSOE Group enriches communities through designs that are smart, innovative, and culturally significant. From concept to occupancy, we provide imaginative solutions that meet your specific needs. Our designs creatively integrate your identity into the built environment, enhancing the experience for all who utilize the space.

December 2023

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Greenville Triumph names new head coach

By Jason Thomas

jthomas@scbiznews.com

T

he Greenville Triumph has announced Rick Wright as its head coach and technical director. Wright succeeds John Harkes in the role after serving as assistant coach since 2019.

“I’m excited to embark on this incredible opportunity as head coach and continue to work alongside my fellow colleagues, players, and staff,” said Wright in a news release. “The Greenville Triumph SC is committed to bringing joy to the Upstate through the game of soccer, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Chris Lewis, president of the Greenville Triumph SC, said that key factors in Wright’s hiring include his extensive coaching experience, dedication to the Club and its culture, and presence in the Upstate soccer community.

“We’re thrilled to name Rick the new head coach and technical director of our men’s team,” said Lewis in the release. “Rick has been a successful head coach at multiple levels and his intimate knowledge of our Club, its mission and culture are incredibly

Rick Wright was announced as the new head coach of the Greenville Triumph on Nov. 28. (Photo/Provided)

valuable. Furthermore, Rick’s corporate leadership experience brings essential skills to the head coach & technical director position that are important to the Club as it enters the next chapter of its development.”

In addition to his assistant coaching position, Wright previously served as director of technical alliances and

community development where he was responsible for cultivating relationships with the local soccer community, according to the release. In this role, Wright worked collaboratively with the Club’s front office on community and player relations initiatives while collaborating on its youth soccer strategy and programming.

Since 2019, Wright has helped spearhead several of the club’s youth initiatives including the Unified team, Academy Cup team, Pass it On clinics, and Future Leaders programs.

Born in Hamilton, Bermuda, Wright has been involved with South Carolina soccer since 1976. He helped start Anderson University’s soccer program and then served as its head coach for four years before returning to his alma mater, Erskine College, as head coach of the men’s and women’s programs from 1987-1993.

During his time at Anderson University and Erskine College, Wright led both teams to multiple conference titles. In addition, Wright spent 10 years on the staff of the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program for Region III, and twelve years as an Olympic Development Program South Carolina state coach.

As a player, Wright made appearances for both the Bermuda and U.S. National Teams, including an appearance with the United States team at the 1976 Olympic Games.

Wright’s support staff for the 2024 season will be announced at a later date.

Event venue, outdoor space opens at Judson Mill

By Krys Merryman

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

A

new event space is open in the Judson Mill District of Greenville.

The West Courtyard is a nearly 43,000-square-foot gathering space that can accommodate more than 1,000 guests situated between the Lofts multifamily apartments, the Annex commercial buildings, and the upcoming Jenny building located on the west side of its district, according to a news release.

Developers of Judson Mill have re-imagined what was once a roadway in the historic mill district into an outdoor meeting space surrounded by 100-year-old masonry suitable for hosting a variety of events such as corporate meetings, fundraisers, festivals, weddings, conventions, and more, the release said.

“We’re excited to introduce our newest amenity to the community,” said Ken Reiter, co-developer and president of Belmont Sayre. “The West Courtyard is an excellent focal point connecting the retail and residential sides of campus, and we look forward to the many events, meetings, and celebrations that

Developers of Judson Mill have re-imagined what was once a roadway in the historic mill district into an outdoor meeting space surrounded by 100-year-old masonry suitable for hosting a variety of events. (Photo/ Provided)

will take place there.”

Avison Young, a global real estate company with offices in Greenville, will manage the West Courtyard. Seamonwhiteside (SW+), a full-service site design firm with offices at Judson Mill and throughout the Carolinas, designed the West Courtyard, and Clayton Construction was the gener-

al contractor. In addition, NAI Earle Furman (NAIEF), the Upstate’s largest commercial real estate brokerage and property management firm, provided project management services.

“This courtyard provides an outdoor event space truly unique to Greenville,” said CEO of High Spirits Hospitality Tammy Johnson, who

will work closely with Avison Young to host events in the lower courtyard.

“With the ability to program events for more than 1,000 guests, we are ecstatic to be able to offer this area to host both public and private events.”

Judson Mill District is a mixed-use community that was once the largest textile mill in Greenville County and an integral part of Greenville’s Mill Crescent wrapping the city’s west side.

The re-developed property is now home to office, restaurant, brewery, retail, entertainment, and residential spaces. In 2019, Taft Family Ventures, a real estate investment and development firm based in Greenville, N.C., joined with Belmont Sayre, a privately held real estate investment and development company based in Chapel Hill, N.C., to transform the historic 800,000-square-foot textile mill that closed in 2015.

While maintaining its vision to preserve the soul, spirit, and features of the historic mill, Judson Mill District utilizes a sustainable approach in revitalizing its 36-acre campus.

For more information on Judson Mill District, visit https://judsonmilldistrict.com.

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December 2023

Global maker of instant ramen to establish $228M Greenville County plant

By Ross Norton

N

rnorton@scbiznews.com

issin Foods, a global company that produces instant ramen products, plans to expand its U.S. footprint by spending $228 million on new operations in Greenville County.

The company said in a news release from the Greenville Area Development Corp. and the state Commerce Department, that it will create more than 300 new jobs to meet growing demand for its product.

“Nissin Foods has seen sustained sales growth year-over-year, especially over the last five years, driven by unprecedented demand for our products,” Nissin Foods President and CEO Michael Price said in the news release. “As we developed the company’s expansion plans, we determined early on that Greenville, S.C., was the ideal location for our newest manufacturing facility.”

The company has announced plans to purchase a 640,640-square-foot building located at 1170 Bracken Road in Piedmont for its new Greenville County manufacturing facility. Nissin Foods also has existing manufacturing facilities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Gardena, California.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Nissin Foods was established in 1958 in Japan by Momofuku Ando, who invented the first instant ramen noodle, inspired by his belief that "peace will come to the world when there is enough food." In 1972, Nissin Foods USA opened its first plant in Gardena, Calif., introducing ramen noodles to American consumers.

“Greenville is among the fastest growing manufacturing cities in the country, and many other top brands are produced there,” Price said in the release. “In addition to being a significant milestone in Nissin’s history, this investment will allow us to optimize production capabilities, grow the organization, bring jobs to the communi-

Nissin’s portfolio of brands includes Cup Noodles. (Photo/Provided)

Nissin has not yet announced which of its products will be made at the Piedmont site. (Photo/Provided)

ty and continue to fortify our innovation pipeline.”

Launched in 1971 in Japan, Cup Noodles debuted in the U.S. in 1973, creating a product that could package, prepare and serve noodles all in one. For 65 years, Nissin Foods has created delicious and convenient Asian-inspired meals at an affordable

value, the release stated.

“Congratulations to Nissin Foods and Greenville County on bringing over 300 new jobs to South Carolina,” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “This collaboration provides additional opportunities for Nissin Foods to serve its worldwide customer base while

contributing to the Greenville community.”

Sales increased 21% in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 for Nissin Foods, up from the same period in 2022 and the fourth consecutive quarter of high double-digit sales growth for the company, according to Food Business News.

The company’s brand portfolio includes Cup Noodles, Top Ramen, Top Ramen Bowl, Cup Noodles Stir Fry, Chow Mein, Hot & Spicy Bowl and Fire Wok. Products to be made at the new Greenville County facility were not identified by company officials.

“Greenville County welcomes Nissin Foods as it establishes its Southeastern manufacturing presence in Greenville County,” Greenville County Council Chairman and GADC board member Dan Tripp said in the release. “The company is a global leader in producing ramen products including Cup Noodles, Top Ramen and other delicious and convenient favorites enjoyed worldwide. We welcome Nissin Foods to our international community of companies and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.”

Nissin Foods USA recently announced that Cup Noodles will introduce a new paper cup design in early 2024, replacing the current polystyrene cup. A historic change for the brand since its 1973 U.S. introduction, the updated packaging for the on-thego cup is now microwavable, making it more convenient for consumers.

Operations in Piedmont are expected to be online in August 2025, the news release stated. Individuals interested in joining the Nissin Foods team should visit the company’s careers page at nissinfoods.com.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $250,000 Set-Aside grant to Greenville County to assist with the cost of building improvements.

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New Italian-inspired restaurant, market to open in historic Greenville mill

By Krys Merryman

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

A

restaurant and retail market emphasizing live-fire cooking on its menu items will open a location in Greenville’s historic Judson Mill District.

Mill City Pizza will have a chef-driven menu featuring a range of pizzas, paninis, fresh mozzarella made daily, homemade desserts and a selection of beer, wine and winebased cocktails. In addition to its dining experience, Mill City Pizza’s retail market will offer a range of high-quality wines, olive oils, flours, cheeses, and locally sourced produce from its farm along with ingredients from Italy that the restaurant uses in its cooking, according to a news release.

John Shepherd, an entrepreneur and chef with multiple food-driven businesses, and Jason Donnelly, a chef and founder of The American Cheese Co., created the restaurant and retail market after visiting Italy in September, the release said.

“We recognized the need for an establishment that aligns seamlessly with the energy and variety of the Judson Mill District,” Donnelly said in the release. “Our goal is to meet this

Once the largest textile mill in a city of textile mills, the complex has been brought to life again as a mixeduse development. (Photo/Provided)

opportunity head-on by providing a fun and enticing menu that caters to various tastes, along with a commitment to welcoming hospitality.”

Shepherd said they are excited to provide a high-quality, affordable dining experience and be part of the community-centric atmosphere that Judson Mill embodies, the release said.

“We’re thrilled to open our doors

in the Judson Mill District,” Shepherd said in the release. “Nestled within the heart of the dynamic Judson Mill District, our live-fire restaurant intends to be a culinary cornerstone of this thriving hub of entertainment and activity.”

The 5,000-square-foot restaurant is located in the Annex building on the west side of the Judson Mill District. Mill City Pizza joins a variety of

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tenants in the community, including offices, restaurants, retail, entertainment and residential units.

“John and Jason have a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional food, service and ambience,” Ken Reiter, co-developer of Judson Mill District and president of Belmont Sayre, said in the release.

“Their live-fire concept is sure to be a favored destination in Greenville that complements and enriches all of our offerings at Judson Mill.”

Avison Young Vice Presidents Rakan Draz and James McKay, along with associate Macy Scoggins, represented Judson Mill as exclusive listing agents for the property, but also worked closely with Mill City Pizza to complete the deal, according to the release.

“This key space will activate the Annex and courtyard at Judson Mill, so we knew it needed to be a restaurant and it needed to be special,” Draz said in the release. “After talking with John and Jason for the first time, I knew their vision and concept was exactly what we were looking for, not only for Judson Mill, but for Greenville’s food scene.”

For more information about the Judson Mill District, visit https://judsonmilldistrict.com.

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December 2023

New tenants commit to BridgeWay Station

By Krys Merryman

F

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

our new tenants will join the mix at Mauldin’s soon-to-open BridgeWay Station.

Lili + Koko Boutique + Bubbles, Jerimiah’s Italian Ice, Lucille’s Music and Comedy Venue, and Mercato by Dine Development Group will be the latest businesses at the Mauldin development, according to a news release from developer Hughes Investments Inc. Lili + Koko Boutique + Bubbles will occupy about 1,800 square feet of ground floor retail space on BridgeWay Boulevard. LiLi + KoKo began in March of 2021 with the mission from co-founders Lisa Suter and Courtney Thompson to offer on-trend styles that are affordable for women at any life stage.

As they transition to their new location, Suter and Thompson are set to introduce Lili + Koko Boutique + Bubbles, offering a space for women to gather with their friends, while also providing them the opportunity to empower themselves and their community, the release stated. Patrons have access to a champagne bar, artisanal charcuterie boards desserts as they browse, sip and shop, the release said.

“LiLi + KoKo offers quality clothing and accessories that are accessible no matter our customers’ age or size, are easy to mix and match, and allow our customers to look and feel their best,” Suter said in the release. “With our move to BridgeWay Station, we will continue to provide the same great clothing and accessories we have since our inception, while also providing an in-store shopping experience that feeds the senses. We are so excited to be a part of BridgeWay Station and are looking forward to serving the Mauldin and surrounding communities.”

Jeremiah's Italian Ice will feature Italian Ice, ice cream and gelato. Jeremiah’s has more than 100 locations open across the United States. The 800 square feet in BridgeWay Station will be the franchise’s seventh location in South Carolina, and franchise owners Myrol and LaKesha Frazier’s second location. Their first store is at 2 Ketron Court near Woodruff Road in Greenville, the release said.

Jeremiah's will serve a variety of flavors, including sugar-free options and seasonal flavors. In addition, they will offer catering services and special “pupcups” for canine companions.

“We are so excited to have the opportunity to expand into a second location in this area and contribute to the growth of this community,” LaKesha Frazier said in the release. “Our new location will also be designed as a welcoming family-oriented destination, where families, friends and the community can come together to savor truly delicious treats.”

Lucille's Music and Comedy Venue by

With the impact of COVID-19 still taking a toll on some of the plans made over the last few years, BridgeWay Station makes changes in its tenant lineup as four new enterprises take the place of businesses that had a change of plans.

MAS Ventures and Boulevard Consulting Group will allow customers to experience entertainment at this “cutting-edge” venue that occupies 3,160 square feet of retail space with a patio, the release said.

Boulevard Consulting Group is a development and strategic planning firm renowned for their expertise in site selection, demographic analysis, brand development, and real estate development. The group owns and operates franchises such as Denny's, Starbucks and The Juicy Crab across seven states.

Following the success of Blues Boulevard Jazz venue in Spartanburg, Boulevard Consulting Group expanded to downtown Greenville in 2013. A new location in Atlanta is underway.

The venue will feature tapas, entrées and specialty drinks.

Mercato by Dine Development Group will occupy 2,500 square feet on the corner of BridgeWay Boulevard and Via Corso Avenue (Main Street). This will be Dine Development’s fourth retail space at BridgeWay Station, complementing its other new enterprises, City Market at BridgeWay Station, Restaurant Rocco, and The Plank.

Mercato will serve breakfast and lunch bagels and sandwiches with a grab-and-go selection of prepared foods, breads, specialty drinks and more. A full-service coffee bar with Methodical Coffee, hand scooped ice cream, and boba tea will complete the space. There will be a large selection of healthy specialty drinks as well, from protein drinks to many varieties of nutritional beverages, the release said.

“We are very pleased to extend a

warm welcome to these four exceptional retailers to BridgeWay Station,” Phil Hughes, president and founder of Hughes Investments Inc., said in the release. “Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is not only delicious, but perfectly complements our Italian-inspired development. Lili + Koko's innovative concept of integrating a champagne bar with their boutique is both creative and enjoyable, aligning perfectly with the ethos we embrace at BridgeWay. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with Mark Sullivan [of Boulevard Consulting Group] on another site downtown, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with him again in this community. And finally, working alongside people as passionate as Thomas and Angie [with Dine Development Group] has been a true pleasure. Their dedication to their work and this particular project is highly motivating, and we are confident that they will bring something truly special to the table with this new coffee and deli space.”

These new tenants will occupy the spaces previously reserved by others who, due to market and industry challenges, are unable to pursue new ventures. Dine Development Group will take over the space formerly leased to Cohesive Coffee, while Jeremiah’s Italian Ice will occupy the area previously leased to Yogi's Cups and Cones. Belladina's Italian Market, an earlier announcement, will no longer be a part of BridgeWay Station. The remaining 6,000 square feet of space originally leased to Belladina's Italian Market represents the last available retail space for lease, the release said.

“The profound — and ongoing —

impact of COVID on both the construction sector and retail/restaurant industries has presented substantial challenges,” said Hughes. “We are appreciative of the changes these challenges have brought about in terms of our tenant mix. BridgeWay is poised to offer a diverse range of tenants that cater to a multitude of desires and needs, all in a convenient and beautiful location close to home.”

Retail tenants open at BridgeWay Station include Le Chic Nails Lounge, The Junkyard, Plum: A Lifestyle Boutique, and The Worx at BridgeWay Station.

BridgeWay Brewery and City Market at BridgeWay Station will open by December and January, respectively. Additional tenants actively upfitting their individual spaces include El Guapo, Cocobowlz, Old Europe Desserts, Stella’s Restaurant Group, Rocco and The Plank by Dine Development Group, and Table 301. These retailers will be incorporated into the project alongside previously announced office and institutional users, including Dodge Bearings and Power Transmission; GREEN Charter Upstate High School; Jackson Marketing, Motorsports & Events; and Spectrum.

Lili + Koko Boutique + Bubbles, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Lucille's, and Mercato are all slated to open in early spring.

BridgeWay Station will celebrate the holidays at its first public event in the 24,691-square-foot piazza and pavilion public space with a “Christmas at BridgeWay” event from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8. BridgeWay Station’s ribbon cutting is slated for spring.

December 2023

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Manufacturer investing $500M in Laurens County facility expansion

By Jason Thomas

Z

jthomas@scbiznews.com

F Group, an original equipment supplier for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, is expanding ZF Transmissions Gray Court, its manufacturing facility in Laurens County.

The $500 million investment will create 400 new jobs, according to a news release.

By investing in the existing facility, located at 2846 N. Old Laurens Road in Gray Court, ZF Transmissions Gray Court will be able to build next-generation propulsion systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, the release stated. Production operations for new products at the plant will start later this year.

“This is ZF’s first step to ensure ZF Gray Court remains a critical part of our major e-mobility transformation in North America and globally,” said Tobias Brugger, vice president and plant manager, ZF Transmissions Gray Court, in the release. “Having the capability to produce the propulsion systems of today, and e-mobility products of tomorrow, under one U.S. roof and in South Carolina, is critical to serving our customers in the U.S. and globally.”

Since opening in 2013, the facility has produced eight- and nine-speed

ZF Group, an original equipment supplier for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, is expanding ZF Transmissions Gray Court, its manufacturing facility in Laurens County. (Photo/Provided)

transmissions for passenger vehicles, the release stated. As mobility transforms and shifts toward electrification, ZF Transmissions Gray Court continues to evolve and invest in advanced equipment and technologies that will meet the changing needs of the industries it serves.

The Coordinating Council for Eco-

nomic Development approved job development credits related to this project, the release stated. The council also awarded a $15 million Closing Fund grant to Laurens County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“We are immensely blessed at the continued investment from ZF Transmissions,” Laurens County Council Chair-

man Brown Patterson said in the release.

“We are proud to provide a home for their continued growth. ZF is an integral part of our community, and this latest announcement just solidifies a strong partnership Laurens County strives to foster with our industrial partners. Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to Laurens County.”

Designing the future of of workforce development.

Partnering with Greenville Technical College for positive community impact.

RESPONSIBLY DESIGNED 33% more water and energy efficient than building code requirements, and on track to achieve Green Globes Building Certification!

PRISMA HEALTH CENTER FOR HEALTH & LIFE SCIENCES

mcmillanpazdansmith.com | ideas taking shape

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December 2023

North of Broad District to undergo transformation

By Krys Merryman

T

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

he city of Greenville’s Design Review Board approved the dramatic transformation plans for downtown’s North of Broad District.

Hughes Commercial Properties’ plans for 300 E. McBee Avenue include adding first-floor retail, new lighting and glass, expanded sidewalks, and a ride-share drop-off area, in which will change the historic building’s landscape just one block from downtown Greenville’s Main Street, according to the news release.

The design by the Charlotte office of Gensler, a global design and architecture firm headquartered in San Francisco with the largest architecture firm in the world by revenue and number of architects, re-imagines the building on the corner of E. McBee Avenue and Spring Street as an active hub of stores, restaurants, and offices anchoring the emerging North of Broad District, the release said.

“I’m excited and proud to bring this project to fruition,” said Hughes Commercial founder and CEO Jackson Hughes, whose father and uncle worked from an office across the street at 303 E. McBee Ave. “I’ve always loved

Hughes Commercial Properties’ plans for 300 E. McBee Ave. include adding first-floor retail, new lighting and glass, expanded sidewalks, and a ride-share drop-off area, which will change the historic building’s landscape just one block from downtown Greenville’s Main Street. (Rendering/Hughes Commercial Properties)

this building and its potential as a centerpiece for the North of Broad District.”

Currently, the covered entrance of the north-facing building is often cast in shadow. The new design brightens the front by replacing ground-level tinted glass with clear glass, adding

Commercial real estate for real impact Value through innovation.

Driven by data.

Powered by people.

lighting and color, and making it more pedestrian-friendly with wider sidewalks, new planters, and lush landscaping, the release said.

“We see 300 E. McBee as creating a new center of gravity connecting residential and retail along McBee Avenue with Greenville’s extraordinary Main

Street,” said Harrison Hughes, executive vice president of Hughes Commercial. “We think it’s going to be the greatest ‘new old building’ in the city.”

Prisma Health is the primary tenant of the building constructed in 1983 for American Federal Bank. Designed at a time when there was little activity downtown after 5 p.m. on weekdays, the 165,000-square-foot, six-story building includes an interior atrium affording daylight into all the offices, generous ceiling heights and an abundance of parking.

“The all-concrete construction would be prohibitively expensive today but means the building has incredible bones and feels solid and substantial,” said Price Cameron, Hughes Commercial’s president and chief operating officer.

The DRB previously approved changes to the rear of the building to remove the original bank drivethroughs and create a new stairway and entrance with fresh landscaping that ties into the greenspace under the Church Street bridge.

Construction on that portion of the project is expected to begin early next year, with work on the front of the building commencing in Q2 of next year.

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Arming the Army

An arms manufacturer that makes military and police weapons will open plant.

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Taste of Europe

Gastro pub in Greenville inspired by couple’s adventures abroad.

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GSA Business Report celebrates stalwarts of the business community.

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Tourism impact

The 7 million visitors that dropped in on the Greenville area in 2022 spent a surprising amount of money.

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INSIDE Upfront .....................................................2 ... 3 SC Biz News Briefs....................... 4 C-Suite.....................................................

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A Greenville-headquartered to change company says it’s ready the game.

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December 2023

S

ometimes, things come full circle.

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

thing we can report as news.”

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

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

www.gsabusiness.com 15

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

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

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

Jason Thomas

RECOGNIZING COMPANIES THAT

SUPPORT WOMEN

SCBiz New’s Empowering Women Awards celebrate companies that have demonstrated tangible efforts to elevate women in South Carolina.

Apply today or nominate a deserving company!

Nominations close 12/31/23 JOIN US! February 20, 2024 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

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For sponsorship information or for more event information, please contact Ryan Downing at rdowning@scbiznews.com

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HRP

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

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

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

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

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

Shaun C. Malin, PG — Principal & Regional Manager

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

800-752-3922 | hrpassociates.com

December 2023

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CHARLESTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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

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

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

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

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

Caption

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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December 2023

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ENCORE BANK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.bankencore.com

December 2023

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HTI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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December 2023

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LOW COUNTRY CASE & MILLWORK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And one of them is Damn Good Product!

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

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

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

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

4144 Carolina Commerce Pkwy.

Ladson, SC 29456 843.797.0881 www.LCCM.com

December 2023

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NEAL BROTHERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WESTERN ORANGEBURG COUNTY INDUSTRIAL PARK 22

www.gsabusiness.com

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

December 2023

29107

ORANGEBURG COUNTY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

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

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

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

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

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

Western Orangeburg County Industrial Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

L BUILDING

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

TURAL SHEET INDEX

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

SLAB TYPICAL DETAILS L DETAILS PICAL DETAILS AILS

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

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

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

NUMBER M000 M101

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

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

FIRE PROTECTION SHEET INDEX NUMBER FP000 FP101

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

NUMBER E000 E101

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

ELECTRICAL SHEET INDEX

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

December 2023

www.gsabusiness.com 23

This Greenville-headquartered tech company taking music, earphones to new heights

By Krys Merryman

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

A

few years ago, after administering music therapy to individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disea.se and early-onset dementia, Ric Hoke noticed that their headphones would often fall off or fit too loosely on their ears. After seeing how expensive the custom earphone market was, and how difficult it was to be fitted, he dedicated himself to developing a new solution—and WAVS’ patented technology was born.

Hoke is the inventor and CEO of WAVS Custom, an innovative music tech company dedicated to the craftsmanship of “better listening” alternatives.

Its patented process allows customers to 3D scan their ears from their cell phones, allowing for a custom-fit and custom-designed earphone set. Since WAVS’ launch in early 2020, they’ve turned the custom-fit listening market on its head, filling a much-needed gap in the music industry and in-ear monitor market.

Each set of WAVS is digitally processed and handcrafted with 3D printers in Greenville.

Born in Rock Hill, Hoke got a job offer at iHeart Media before he began studying the effects of music on Alzheimer's patients as well as 3D technology, and fell in love with Greenville about 10 years ago. With a paternal lineage in textile manufacturing, Hoke had the lightbulb moment with WAVS. “It’s in my blood that I’m able to use my hands to manufacture something,” he said. “I bought a 3D printer on Amazon, then learned how to build them (earphones), and continued to grow the company, keeping up with demand. I’m a musician at heart and have played since I was a kid. As a music therapy volunteer, I would give them (patients) earphones and realized they need better fitting ones for individuals in general.”

Before Hoke could even finish the final development of the product, he said he had other musicians reach out saying they need these in-ear monitors that he created.

“It’s been a great opportunity to do what I love to do while building a company, finding the passion to do this was organic, and I knew I wanted to create a physical product,” he said.

“I tinkered my whole life with new technologies.”

In the last five years, 3D printing, scanning and modeling advancements

Ric Hoke works with a patient using the WAVS technology. The company has served about 7,000 customers since the business was launched. (Photo/Provided)

have been astronomical, Hoke said, with an ease of usability and accessibility, which opened doors for him to build the earphones on his own without outsourcing the manufacturing.

To date, WAVS has approximately 7,000 customers and has recorded $1.5 million in sales. The average cost for a set is around $300-$350.

Customers can choose whatever design and color they want on the exterior of the earphones, sometimes making a fashion statement, said Hoke, which a lot of musicians are into.

Although anyone can use the earphones for a number of different reasons such as listening to music and podcasts, nearly 6,000 of the 7,000 customers are musicians, said Hoke. They include worship musicians in hundreds of churches across the nation, and drummers and bassists in Nashville.

WAVS was named one of the top 10 most exciting startups in the Upstate at this year’s NEXT Venture Summit in September.

“It feels natural and good to be making these here (in Greenville),” said Hoke. “Not a lot of people are doing this type of manufacturing in South Carolina, and it’s new but I’m enjoying the ecosystem provided and have made a lot of connections and support.”

So, what’s next for WAVS? Gaming headsets are next in the product line to be release during the holidays.

Customers can get them customized.

Two-way radios are also in the works, said Hoke. WAVS is current-

Hoke said advances in 3D printing technology have opened the doors necessary for him to launch a successful company. (Photo/Provided)

ly working with two different police department branches to provide first responders with customized headsets.

Additionally, Hoke is working on audiology solutions. Considering the FDA recently cleared over-the-counter hearing aids, he thought it would be a great time to break the stigma regarding hearing aids, he said.

“We are really excited about this,” said Hoke. “With license agreements, kids can get their favorite Disney and Marvel characters on their hearing aids and we’re really trying to offer a

great product to help out in this sector.

Since the audiology market is a medical market, we want to make sure we do everything right before this type of product is released.”

With the next round of funding, WAVS is focused on scalability and is prepared to take orders for the upcoming season. In the near future, said Hoke, WAVS will continue to offer more high-end options for its earphone sets, like gems and diamonds, and rare materials will be offered for those who want an even higher end product.

In Focus

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

NEXT ISSUE’S FOCUS: Workforce/Staffing

Women-led institution focuses on the underserved

By Krys Merryman

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

A

Greenville-headquartered primarily women-led financial institution is committed to creating a “brighter future” for financially underserved individuals and businesses in South Carolina by providing equitable financial products and services to build wealth.

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

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

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

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

The 2022 Impact Report showed CommunityWorks had a $386 million

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

economic impact in 2022.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The spectrum is wide,” said Parra.

“We aren’t just helping launch businesses but also helping others who have had businesses open for 10, 20 years and moving in a different financial direction. The entrepreneurial ecosystem is growing in the Upstate and the state.

For me, when it comes to women and why I started with the organization, it was clear this was necessary for economic development. Until 1974, women couldn’t open their own account/credit card/loan. The support we offer women in our communities is critical. We provided these resources that maintains sustainable practices and businesses. To see clients come through and get financial education and being able to apply that to their business to grow it in the right direction, to build financial wealth and make it generational from themselves to their family is admirable.”

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

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

December 2023

IN FOCUS: FINANCE

www.gsabusiness.com 25

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

Jury delivers massive blow to real estate industry

By Scott Lauck

slauck@molawyersmedia.com

A

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

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

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

at about $5.4 billion.

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

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

The defendants have vowed to seek a reduction of the damages and to appeal the verdict. In a statement, Mantill Williams, vice president of communications for the National Association of Realtors, said the organization’s rules “prioritize consumers, support market-driven pricing and promote business competition.”

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

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

Case attacked standard commission requirement

The verdict came at the end of a two-week trial in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. The case attacked the standard requirement that home sellers pay a 6% commission that is split between their own agent and that of the buyer.

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

Other defendants named on the verdict include HomeServices of America, Keller Williams Realty, Anywhere Real Estate and RE/MAX. However, Anywhere and RE/MAX reached settlements of $83.5 million and $55 million prior to trial. Those settlements have not been approved yet by Judge Stephen Bough, who oversaw the trial.

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

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

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

26

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IN FOCUS: FINANCE

December 2023

With soft landing in sight, another Fed rate hike unlikely

T

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

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

Meanwhile, the money supply continues to decline which means that the surplus liquidity in the economy should almost disappear by the end of the year. That, in turn, suggests that the inflation rate will continue to slow. It may not reach the Fed’s 2.0% target until 2025, but it will steadily move in that direction.

Against that background, it is hard to imagine that Fed policy makers will vote for another rate hike anytime soon. Fed officials have already indicated that they will be unlikely to raise rates at the next FOMC meeting in December.

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

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

Payroll employment rose 150,000 in October. That included a 33,000-worker decline in employment in the automobile industry caused by the UAW strike. Those workers will return to their jobs in November and bias upwards the overall increase for that month.

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

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

If that is true, then labor force growth should soon return to its longer-run growth rate of 1.0% which works out to about 150,000 per month. If both the labor force and employment are heading toward roughly 150,000 per month, then the unemployment rate should be reasonably steady at its current

level of 3.9% for the foreseeable future.

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

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

Despite worries about the future consumers have been spending at a relatively robust 2.4% pace. But to do so they have been saving less each month. The savings rate today is 3.4% compared to its long-term average of about 7.0%.

At the same time consumers are relying on their credit cards. Credit card debt has increased 16% in the past year. This is not a sustainable situation. However, it can continue for a while because consumer debt in relation to income remains very low. Our expectation is that by early next year the pace of consumer spending will have slipped to 0.5-1.0% which should cause GDP growth to

slow to about 0.6% in both the first and second quarters of 2024.

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

That has shrunk to $1.3 trillion currently and should be largely eliminated by yearend.

That gives us confidence that the inflation rate will continue to gradually slow toward the Fed’s 2.0% target. Given still rising wages and a resumption of increases in home prices and rents, the descent toward the 2.0% mark may be very slow and not achieve the objective until 2025, but it should continue to move steadily in the right direction.

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

Accordingly, we have dropped the two additional rate hikes and now believe that the current 5.5% level of the funds rate is most likely its peak level. Rate cuts are far distant and may not begin until the second half of next year. But after 2-1/2 years of steady Fed tightening it is comforting to think that the funds rate may have finally reached its peak.

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

$15M townhome project going into West Greenville

By Krys Merryman

T

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

wenty-four townhomes and four cottages will make up a new $15 million development in the Village of West Greenville.

The Kitson, which will be built on Pendleton Street, encompasses a 1.4-acre site between Saco and Calder streets in West Greenville.

“This project creates an opportunity to increase homeownership in the heart of the Village,” said developer Drew Parker of Parker Group Development. “This typically results in communities that are stable, safer and more connected.”

Site work began in October, and Parker Group anticipates building the Phase I townhomes in February, completing those

in late 2024. A start date for Phase II is not set at this time but is expected to begin in 2024, according to Parker.

Phase I townhomes will start at $535,000, featuring two- and three-bedroom options.

All townhomes will have a two-car garage, and the cottages will have driveways that accommodate two cars.

“Long-term benefits of any of our communities are improved infrastructure, including upgraded stormwater, sewer, water, better sidewalks, and a stabilized community through homeownership,” said Parker. “The increased property tax revenue from the new homes allows the city of Greenville to continue investing in the maintenance and beautification of our town.”

The architecture firm on the project is Project Plus, Seamon Whiteside is the civil engineer, the builder is LS Homes,

The developer says projects like The Kitson bring value to the entire neighborhood. (Photo/Provided)

and sales and marketing will be handled

by Encore Realty.

Other projects by The Parker Group

include The Commons. Construction on the second phase of The Commons started in September.

IN FOCUS: FINANCE

December 2023

www.gsabusiness.com 27

Accounting Firms

Ranked by No. of CPAs in the Greenville Area Company

Phone / Website / Email

Elliott Davis LLC 355 S. Main St., Suite 500 Greenville, SC 29601

864-242-3370 www.elliottdavis.com elliottdavis@elliottdavis.com

Executive(s) / Year Founded Drew Rogers, Richard E. "Rick" Davis 1920

Ernst & Young LLP 2 W. Washington St., Suite 901 Greenville, SC 29601

864-242-5740 www.ey.com

FORVIS LLP 11 Brendan Way, Suite 200 Greenville, SC 29615

CPAs / Accountants / Employees

Services

120 195 276

Assurance and advisory, tax planning and compliance, accounting, financial reporting, business valuation, risk, cybersecurity advisory, business, management consulting, wealth management, due diligence for financial transactions

Jessica Donan 1926

66 66 169

Assurance, tax and consulting services

864-288-5544 www.forvis.com email@forvis.com

Mike Kelly 2022

54 102 125

Audit and assurance, income tax compliance and consulting, corporate governance, transaction advisory services, due diligence, litigation support and valuation, forensic and IT risk and advisory

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 320 E. Main St., Suite 420 Spartanburg, SC 29302

864-680-4675 www.pwc.com

Margaret Young 1994

50 60 60

Assurance, tax, business advisory and transaction services

Cherry Bekaert 110 E. Court St., Suite 500 Greenville, SC 29601

864-233-3981 www.cbh.com kathryn.delia@cbh.com

John Gonella 1947

37 80 95

Audit and assurance, tax planning and compliance, international tax advisory and transfer pricing, state and local tax advisory, credits and incentives, business valuation transaction advisory services and litigation support

Bradshaw Gordon & Clinkscales LLC 630 E. Washington St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-233-0590 www.bgcllc.com contact@bgcllc.com

James Starks, Pete Tiffany 1980

19 34 48

Tax planning and compliance, auditing and related attestation services, business advising and consulting, business valuation, and bookkeeping services

Greene Finney Cauley LLP 211 E. Butler Road, Suite C6 Mauldin, SC 29662

864-232-5204 www.greenefinneycauley.cpa info@gfhllp.com

19 56 50

Tax planning and compliance, outsourced accounting, advisory and payroll, audits, reviews and compilations, advisory services

Halliday, Schwartz & Co. 824 E. Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29302

864-583-0886 www.hsco-cpa.com

Chris Cauley, Larry J. Finney, David Phillips 1996 Beth Cooley, Stan Halliday, Betsy Vanover 1952

16 23 25

Audits, reviews and compilation of financial statements, tax planning, consulting, tax return preparation, business valuations, business planning and consulting

Stokes & Company CPAs PC 108 Frederick St. Greenville, SC 29607

864-242-1418 www.stokescpas.com info@stokescpas.com

Stephen C Stokes 1999

16 43 55

Tax preparation, bookkeeping, accounts payable, fractional controller and CFO, compilations and reviews

BDO USA LLP 325 W. McBee Ave., Suite 200 Greenville, SC 29601

864-775-3030 www.bdo.com

Dustin McCoy 1910

11 17 19

Assurance, tax and business advisory services for the manufacturing, life sciences, technology, government contracting, nonprofit and higher education sectors

Suggs Johnson LLC 107 Edgebrook Drive Anderson, SC 29621

864-226-0306 www.suggsjohnson.com info@suggsjohnson.com

Chris Halkowitz, Brian Johnson, Gray Suggs 2005

10 28 32

Advisors, consultants to businesses and individuals, emphasis in income, estate and trust tax planning and compliance, spectrum of industries, audit and assurance

GreerWalker LLP 15 S. Main St., Suite 800 Greenville, SC 29601

864-752-0080 www.greerwalker.com/greenville barry.leasure@greerwalker.com

Barry T. Leasure 1984

10 13 14

Tax, accounting, and advisory services focused on the needs of privately-held middle-market companies and their owners throughout the US and around the globe

Gosnell Menard Robinson & Infante 180 Alabama St. Spartanburg, SC 29302

864-573-9211 www.gmricpas.com www.barney@gmricpas.com

Barney G. Gosnell 1986

9 12 14

Tax consulting and compliance, audit and accounting services, merger and acquisition advisory services, pension plan audit services, auto dealership advisory services, strategic business planning

SwaimBrown P.A. 350 E. St. John St. Spartanburg, SC 29302

864-585-0176 www.swaimbrown.com

Scott Keim 1952

8 11 22

Audit and assurance services, reviews, compilations, employee benefit plan audits, tax compliance and consulting, accounting and bookkeeping services, business planning, consulting and outsourced CFO services, transaction advisory services

Argo & Associates LLP 303 E. Calhoun St. Anderson, SC 29621

864-226-7202 www.argocpa.com admin@argocpa.com

Joseph Argo, Mendell Key, Varada Ogale 1974

7 14 18

Tax management and preparation, business advisory, bookkeeping, payroll and compensation planning, audit and assurance, international taxation

Saunders O'Dell P.A. 210 E. Trade St. Simpsonville, SC 29681

864-963-3467 www.saundersodellcpa.com ben@saundersodellcpa.com

Marc Saunders, Benjamin O'Dell 1976

5 6 9

Tax, accounting, audit, QuickBooks consulting, reviews, payrolls

Love Bailey CPAs 111 1/2 E. Laurens St. Laurens, SC 29360

864-984-2698 www.lovebaileycpa.com gbailey@lovebaileycpa.com

Gary Bailey 1982

5 15 15

Outsourced accounting department, advisory services and attestation services

Montgomery & Co. CPAs PA 101 Roper Creek Drive Greenville, SC 29615

864-233-8449 www.montgomeryandco.com team@montgomeryandco.com

Joseph F. Montgomery 1994

5 10 16

Bookkeeping, consulting, tax preparation, tax planning, exam representation, compilation, review and information technology for small businesses

Smith Kesler & Co. P.A. 200 Westgate Mall Drive Spartanburg, SC 29301

864-327-1504 www.skandco.com spartanburg@skandco.com

Steve Hinds 1974

5 9 13

Auditing, reviews and compilations, tax services, estate planning, bookkeeping and write-up, litigation support, payroll services, financial forecasting and projection

Cline Brandt Kochenower & Co. P.A. 145 Rogers Commerce Blvd.

Boiling Springs, SC 29316

864-541-0218 www.cbkpa.com timblake@cbkpa.com

Tim S. Blake 1950

4 12 15

Auditing, bookkeeping, compilation, review, payroll processing, taxpayer representation, financial planning, estate planning, individual, partnership, fiduciary and corporate tax preparation

Jeter, Lloyd, Benjamson & Booth CPAs LLC 404 Memorial Drive Extension Greer, SC 29651

864-877-3525 www.jlbbcpas.com bryanjeter@gmail.com

Bryan Jeter, Quentin Benjamson 1972

3 10 9

Tax preparation and consulting, financial statements and write up, probate services, consulting and bookkeeping

Charles A. Ford CPA PC 4200 E. North St., Suite 10 Greenville, SC 29615

864-268-3312 www.charlesfordcpa.com office@charlesfordcpa.com

Charles A. Ford 1999

3 6 10

Tax preparation, tax planning, QuickBooks Pro advisor, bookkeeping write-up (compilations and review), business start-up consultations

Moore Beauston & Woodham LLP 3447 Pelham Road, Suite 102 Greenville, SC 29615

864-288-8000 www.fullservicecpa.com info@fullservicecpa.com

Mark J. Swanson 2003

3 6 8

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

Nason Accounting LLC 233 Adley Way Greenville, SC 29607

864-297-7742 www.nasonaccounting.com cpa@nasonaccounting.com

Lisa Nason 2006

3 5 7

Tax return preparation, tax planning and consulting, business consulting, bookkeeping, international consulting

P. Graydon CPA LLC 401 Parker Ivey Drive Greenville, SC 29607

864-232-1545 www.pgraydoncpa.com info@graydonthompson.com

Phyllis Graydon 2015

3 4 5

Tax preparation, tax consulting and planning, litigation support, IRS and state exam assistance

Peay & Associates LLC 301 N. Broad St. Clinton, SC 29325

864-833-4450 www.peaycpas.com jpeay@peaycpas.com

2019

3 5 8

Individual and business tax planning and preparation, estate and trust tax compliance and planning, business consulting, planning and outsourced CFO services, compilations and reviews

A.T. LOCKE 68 Pointe Circle, Suite 2202 Greenville, SC 29615

864-908-3062 www.atlocke.com info@atlocke.com

Anna T. Locke 2008

3 6 6

Monthly financial reporting, budgets, forecasts, data analytics, accounting department design and development

Lindley Pettigrew & Co. CPAs LLC 1907 N. Main St. Anderson, SC 29621

864-224-9230 www.lpccpas.com james@lindleycpa.com

James Lindley, James H. Lindley 1991

3 4 13

Individual tax returns, corporate tax returns, bookkeeping, payroll, small-business advisers

Brock Tax Settlements 217 Whitsett St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-558-0755 www.brocktaxsettlements.com george.brockcpa@gmail.com

George H. Brock 1976

2 8 10

IRS and SCDOR tax settlements, offers in compromise, penalty abatements, release of liens and levies, preparation of past-due taxes, tax court preparation

The Keller Group P.A. 66 Parkway Commons Way Greer, SC 29650

864-888-3489 www.kellergroupcpa.com info@kellergroupcpa.com

2015

2 4 5

Tax planning and preparation for businesses, individuals, not-for-profit, estates and trusts, outsourced accounting and payroll, business consulting

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

28

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December 2023

IN FOCUS: FINANCE

Banks

Ranked by Local Market Share

• •

Company

Top Local Official(s) Year Founded

Phone/ Website / Email

Local Market Share

Market Deposits (in 000's)

Market Offices

Truist Bank 1 N. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

Michael Brenan 1872

864-242-8010 www.truist.com

15.92%

$5,778,287

33

Wells Fargo Bank N.A. 15 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

Justin Hawkins 1852

800-869-3557 www.wellsfargo.com

13.03%

$4,730,122

32

Bank of America N.A. 101 N. Main St. Greenville, SC 29609

Stacy Brandon 1904

864-404-4100 www.bankofamerica.com

10.13%

$3,675,475

20

First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. 325 W. McBee Ave. Greenville, SC 29601

James G. Gulledge, Jr. 1913

864-255-3700 www.firstcitizens.com

7.88%

$2,859,322

31

TD Bank N.A. 104 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

Chris Fincher, David Lominack 1852

864-552-9025 www.td.com/us

7.67%

$2,783,157

19

United Community Bank 2 W. Washington St., Suite 700 Greenville, SC 29601

Rich Bradshaw, Lynn Harton 1950

800-822-2651 www.ucbi.com

7.28%

$2,640,123

22

South State Bank 200 E. Broad St. Greenville, SC 29601

Mike Coggin 1934

864-250-4455 www.southstatebank.com

6.42%

$2,330,125

19

Southern First Bank 6 Verdae Blvd.

Greenville, SC 29607

Cal Hurst, Art Seaver, Jr. 1999

864-679-9000 www.southernfirst.com

4.98%

$1,805,698

5

Bank of Travelers Rest 42 Plaza Drive Travelers Rest, SC 29690

Bruce White 1946

864-834-9031 www.bankoftravelersrest.com

3.32%

$1,205,946

10

First Bank 1 381 Halton Road Greenville, SC 29607

Adam Currie, Mike Mayer 1998

864-770-1000 www.localfirstbank.com

1.89%

$685,927

6

Arthur State Bank 100 E. Main St. Union, SC 29379

J. Carlisle Oxner III 1933

864-427-1213 www.arthurstatebank.com

1.66%

$601,609

13

Countybank 419 Main St. Greenwood, SC 29646

R. Thornwell Dunlap III 1933

864-942-1500 www.ecountybank.com

1.61%

$583,108

9

Park National Bank 200 S. Church St. Spartanburg, SC 29306

John D. Kimberly 1908

864-208-2005 www.parknationalbank.com

1.48%

$537,068

5

Community First Bank Inc. 3685 Blue Ridge Blvd.

Walhalla, SC 29691

Richard Burleson 1990

864-638-2105 www.c1stbank.com

1.46%

$530,957

7

Fifth Third Bank N.A. 656 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

Timothy N. Spence 1858

864-537-4436 www.53.com

1.39%

$506,083

5

Pinnacle Bank 550 E. McBee Ave. Greenville, SC 29601

Ed Stein 1991

864-250-9800 www.mypinnacle.com

1.31%

$473,750

6

Synovus 201 E. McBee Ave. Greenville, SC 29601

C.W. "Chuck" W. Garnett, Dixon Harrill 1905

864-241-7900 www.synovus.com

1.2%

$435,635

3

First Piedmont Federal Savings & Loan Association of Gaffney 1229 W. Floyd Baker Blvd.

Gaffney, SC 29341

Kathy Baines 1933

864-489-6046 www.firstpiedmont.com

1.15%

$416,534

7

J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A. 2 1075 Tiger Blvd.

Clemson, SC 29631

Erica Ellenbogen, Tara Coffey, Mark Lucas, Alfonso Hernandez, Justin Brovitz 1824

864-729-6242 www.chase.com

1.1%

$400,753

8

The Peoples Bank 801 E. Front St. Iva, SC 29655

Shawn McGee 1951

864-348-6181 www.peoplesbanksc.com

1.02%

$370,018

7

Oconee Federal Savings & Loan Association 115 E. N. Second St. Seneca, SC 29678

Curtis T. Evatt 1924

864-882-2765 www.oconeefederal.com

1%

$361,217

5

United Bank 3695 E. North St. Greenville, SC 29615

Jim Boyd 1839

864-516-2907 www.bankwithunited.com

0.96%

$347,533

5

First Horizon Bank 3401 Pelham Road Greenville, SC 29615

Kin Britton 1898

864-213-9109 www.firsthorizon.com

0.77%

$277,980

5

Regions Bank 290 S. Pleasantburg Drive Greenville, SC 29607

John M. Turner 1928

864-233-7989 www.regions.com

0.65%

$237,177

4

The Commercial Bank 4 Church St. Honea Path, SC 29654

Tim C. Thompson 1934

864-369-7326 www.thecommercialbanksc.com

0.64%

$233,714

7

First Community Bank 45 Farrs Bridge Road Greenville, SC 29617

Mike Crapps 1995

864-294-9711 www.firstcommunitysc.com

0.49%

$178,476

4

Ameris Bank 1614 Woodruff Road Greenville, SC 29607

Jody L. Spencer 1971

864-286-5737 www.amerisbank.com

0.41%

$148,002

3

Blue Ridge Bank 100 E. Main St. Walhalla, SC 29691

C. Kyle Thomas 1957

864-638-5444 www.blueridgebank.com

0.4%

$145,688

5

The Southern Bank 468 East Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29302

Frank Townsend, Scott Frierson, Jamin Hujik 1945

864-406-8313

0.34%

$121,994

2

Pickens Savings & Loan Association F.A. 205 E. Cedar Rock St. Pickens, SC 29671

Roddey B. Gettys 1920

864-878-2444 www.pickens.bank

0.31%

$110,685

2

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

Source: Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. deposit market share as of June 30, 2023 (latest available at time of publication).

1 Previously GrandSouth Bank, acquisition took place March 2023.

2 Previously Chase Bank N.A.

At Work

BUSINESS DIGEST | PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Business Digest

1,470 homeowners with critical repairs and safety/accessibility modifications.

organization created by the founder of Family Dollar Stores. Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County works to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability and self-reliance.

As of May 2023, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of 405 homes.

Countybank supports First Light Funds raised will help people who are in crisis and at risk of losing their pets. (Photo/Provided) Members of the DP3 Architects team accept their award from AIA South Carolina. (Photo/Provided)

AIA names DP3 firm of the year

D

P3 Architects said it has been named the 2023 Firm of the Year by AIA South Carolina, an organization of the American Institute of Architects.

The award recognizes notable achievements in design excellence, contribution to the profession of architecture and continuity of service to the public

Crawford receives nine MarCom Awards Greenville marketing agency Crawford said it received nine 2023 MarCom Awards. The MarCom Awards is a globally recognized competition honoring industry professionals’ creativity and dedication. Crawford was recognized for various video campaigns, multimedia ads and other marketing and communications projects.

United Way releases guide to health services

United Way of the Piedmont said it released an updated guide to behavioral health services in Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union Counties. Listing support and rehabilitation services and therapy options, as well as crisis numbers and links for 2-1-1 and other resources, the Behavioral Health Resource Guide is accessible online and available as a PDF at www.uwpiedmont.org.

YoPro Knows offers online class

Constulting group The YoPro Know said it is offering its first online masterclass, “Attracting & Retaining Young Professional Talent in a Digital World.” The online program includes four parts, each lasting 10 to 15 minutes. Additional information is available at www.yoproknow.com/masterclass.

Primary Health Care Association. ReGenesis Health Care is a nonprofit organization that provides health services in nine locations to residents in Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties.

Entry deadline for film festival is Dec. 31

Reedy Reels: The Greenville Film Festival is accepting film submissions for its 2024 festival happening in March at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre in downtown Greenville.

Submissions are due Dec. 31 and can be submitted at filmfreeway.com/ReedyReels.

Broadstreet presents an oversized check for $30,000 to help feed the homeless. Photo/Provided)

Flag football tourney raises fund for homeless relief

Greenville-based private equity firm Broadstreet Inc. said its flag football tournament Nov. 2 at Fluor Field raised $30,000 for Sunday Dinner with a Twist. Sunday Dinner with a Twist is a local nonprofit with a mission to feed the homeless community and offer basic needs for survival in their current situation.

Rebuild Upstate named 2023 Neighborhood Champion

ReGenesis was named Health Care Center of the Year and a recent ceremony attended by members of the staff. (Photo/Provided)

ReGenesis receives state award ReGenesis Health Care said it has been selected 2023 Health Center of the Year by the S.C.

Bank of America announced Rebuild Upstate as the 2023 Neighborhood Champion awardee for their work advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods in the Upstate. As an awardee, Rebuild Upstate will receive $50,000 in grant support and leadership training. Rebuild Upstate works to help Upstate residents remain in the homes they already own. Over its 17-year history, Rebuild Upstate has served more than

PAWchitecture raises funds for animal care

AIA Greenville said its inaugural designbuild competition PAWchitecture raised $5,250 to benefit Greenville County Animal Care’s Safety Net Foster Program, which supports people in crisis who are at risk of losing their pets due to a temporary hardship or unexpected emergency. The competition raised funds through the auction of one-ofkind dog houses and cat condos created by local architects, designers and builders.

Cargo Agency acquires Candor

The Cargo Agency based in Greenville said it acquired Candor, a business consultancy focused on marketing, innovation and growth opportunities. Candor’s Roger Beasley becomes partner and president at Cargo and Zac Painter will become partner and chief growth officer.

SiteLabs gets investment from Labcorp

Countybank said it donated $5,000 to First Light to help fund the organization’s programming, as well as interior and exterior facility improvements. First Light, previously known as Foothills Alliance, serves as a sexual assault and child abuse resource center. The donation from Countybank will also help fund First Light’s programming and financial needs that support families who are trying to get back on their feet. This can range from hotel stays for parents to gas cards for transportation.

Hispanic Alliance receives $100,000 grant

The Hispanic Alliance said it received a $100,000 grant from The Annie E. Casey Foundation. The foundation awards grants to advance the use of data to forward laws and policies to help improve the lives of children and families. For the Hispanic Alliance, this grant award is aimed at addressing critical issues faced by the Hispanic families across the state of South Carolina and will focus on breaking down barriers to education and economic mobility, the organization said in a news release.

SiteLabs Inc., a South Carolina-based health technology startup, said it received an investment from Labcorp Venture Fund, building on an existing investment from SC Launch Inc. and a partnership with Cone Health Ventures in Greensboro, N.C. Details on the investment were not released. SiteLabs provides a point-of-care testing platform that allows independent pharmacies to test for common conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, strep throat and others. It then facilitates the referral process to connect patients to additional care when necessary.

The new fund will learning and training materials for students at Spartanburg Community College.

(Photo/Provided)

TealHaus receives graphic design awards

SCC Foundation announces new fund

Greenville marketing agency TealHaus said it received three awards at the Graphic Design USA Awards competition. Awards were given for its design work on the Marchant Real Estate Listing Guide, the TealHaus Capabilities Deck and the EHM Automation Marketing Brochure. TealHaus also said it was one of only five global recipients of the Bronze Globee Winner for Startup Achievement in Business Products and Services at the 2023 Globee Awards.

Habitat receives foundation grant

Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County said it received a $40,000 grant from The Leon Levine Foundation, the philanthropic

Spartanburg Community College Foundation announced the establishment of the Wardlaw-McCollum Chaser Success Fund through a gift from Saunders McCollum. The Wardlaw-McCollum Chaser Success Fund will fund learning and training materials for students enrolled and in good academic standing at the college. McCollum, a community leader and philanthropist, is the daughter of John T. Wardlaw, a stalwart member of the Spartanburg community who passed away in 2018. Wardlaw notably served as the founder, chairman, director and board chair emeritus of The Adult Learning Center, and chairman of the Spartanburg County Foundation, and stablished the local Habitat for Humanity.

30

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December 2023

People in the News ARCHITECTURE

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

JANUARY 15

WORKFORCE/STAFFING

Lists: Professional Staffing Firms, HR & Payroll Advertising Deadline: January 2

FEBRUARY 19

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

Lists: Hotels, Event Spaces Power List: Logistics

Advertising Deadline: February 5

MARCH 11

ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING/ CONSTRUCTION

Lists: General Contractors, Engineering Firms Power List: Under Construction

Advertising Deadline: February 26

Jansante Odintsova

Hines

DP3 Architects hired Rita Odintsova, Jessi Hines and Elisabeth Moffett.

Odintsova has a design background in hospitality, airports and mixed-use Moffett projects. Hines’ work experience includes design in education, mixed-use and hospitality spaces. Moffett has a design background in corporate interiors, retail,and hospitality.

COR3 announced that project architect Khris Kirk completed requirements and testing to become a registered architect in the state of South Carolina. Kirk joined Kirk COR3 after graduating from Clemson University in 2013.

BANKING & FINANCE Greyrock Accounting promoted Elizabeth Campbell from senior director of tax services to shareholder.

Campbell is a registered CPA who has Campbell been with Greyrock for five years.

Greenville Housing Fund hired Libba King as vice president of real estate and capital markets. King has worked at Pacolet Milliken, Hudson Valley Property King Group and Goldman Sachs’ Urban Investment Group.

CONSTRUCTION

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

Burch

W.B. Guimarin & Co. Inc. promoted Matt Burch to sales engineer within it direct for owner division.

ENGINEERING Bunnell-Lammons Engineering Inc. promoted Jason Jansante to senior engineer and

Thompson

Erika Thompson to senior scientist.

Hussey Gay Bell hired Fernando “Fern” Ramirez as an assistant civil engineer to assist with the design, permitting and construction document preparation of water and wastewater engineering Ramirez projects throughout South Carolina.

HOSPITALITY Krista Hauschild, director of talent and culture at High Spirits Hospitality, received the Corporate Ally of the Year Award from the Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce.

Sweeney

Loper

The City Club of Greenville named Ted Sweeney general manager and Kimberley Loper director of membership. Sweeny has worked with Biltmore Forest Country Club, Interlachen Country Club and the Houston Country Club. Loper has a background in business development, hospitality management, communications and private club membership at Greenville Country Club and the WildeWood Club in Columbia.

Tomlinson

Brookshire

The Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty Soccer Club hired Jake Tomlinson, Christian Brookshire and Kylie Nelson as account executives in the sales department.

Nelson Tomlinson is a graduate of Clemson University. Brookshire has a background in marketing and sales. Nelson is a senior at North Greenville University set to graduate in December.

Viewpoint December 2023

www.gsabusiness.com 31

VIEWS, PERSPECTIVES AND READERS’ LETTERS

PHOTO/GENE PHILLIPS

How strategic architectural partnerships can boost economic development

W

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

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

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

Securing public support

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

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

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

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

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

Identifying technology and design trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selecting the right partner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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December 2023