Author: epidevelopment

This February, Big Water Marina will celebrate hosting the 3rd Annual Polar Bear Jump organized by the Red Fez Shrine Club of Anderson.

Starr, SC, January 29, 2024 – Supporters will gather at Big Water Marina & Campground for another reason to be freezin’ during the Red Fez Shrine Club of Anderson’s 3rd Annual Polar Bear Jump on Saturday, February 17th. All proceeds for the event are used to raise awareness and funds to support our local Shrine Club and their mission. This year’s event welcomes a new presenting sponsor, Wings Etc.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our third annual Polar Bear Jump at Big Water Marina,” says Kenny Slawson, President of Anderson Red Fez. “This year, we’re debuting a lot of exciting new developments including a brand new logo design and our first ever presenting sponsor! We are so grateful to Wings Etc for supporting this cause and we feel like our rebrand truly signifies the growth we’ve been able to achieve as well as all our future plans for this community event.”

This year, organizers are looking forward to hosting a record-breaking event. “From last year’s total, we were able to donate an impressive $6,500! This year, we’re aiming even higher­—over $8,000,” says Ben Wright, event organizer.

Participants can sign up to take the plunge for just $30—fees include a free Polar Bear Jump t-shirt, a gold medal, and a swag bag full of goodies! Any interested members must sign an event waiver and submit the form via email to AndersonRedFez@gmail.com. Spectators are also encouraged to come out and support the cause for free. The day will kick-off at 10:00 AM with day-of registration & check-in for participants, and the “jump” will begin at 11:00 AM.

All guests are invited to stick around after the main event to warm up and hang out. Event organizers have been hard at work planning additional activities for the day, including tastings and a full bar provided by Palmetto Distillery, food and drinks from Typsy Tavern food truck, fundraising raffles with prizes donated by Big Water Marina and Palmetto Distillery, and more. Full event details can be found by visiting the Facebook event page linked below.

Visit the Facebook event page & RSVP here: https://bit.ly/polar-jump-2024
Polar Bear Jump waiver for participants: https://bit.ly/jump-waiver-2024
Sponsorship opportunities: https://bit.ly/jump-sponsor-2024

For questions and more information, please contact:
Ben Wright
Event Organizer
(864) 359-0216

SENECA, S.C. —The Oconee County Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) has launched a community-wide study that is entering an engagement phase to provide key information to help plan future growth throughout the county.

The Central Basin Sewer Planning Study will collect and analyze the most recent data (including but not limited to census data, recent growth projections, land use, current and planned sewer infrastructure, and stakeholder provided information in planning for future growth over the next 20 years (2024-2044) and provide a proactive approach in sewer infrastructure planning and capital spending.

The public is invited to take advantage of digital and in-person engagement activities to share ideas, opportunities, and challenges that will inform the study. The project website (www.ojrsa.org/sewer-study) will be updated with new information on February 2, 2024, and will be updated regularly throughout the project. The website will feature news and upcoming-event information, and feedback tools including an interactive comment map and survey.

There are three in-person project open houses scheduled in February: Thursday, February 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Walhalla Depot; Thursday, February 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Westminster Depot; and Thursday, February 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Seneca City Hall. Each open house will include a brief presentation and activities for all ages. The public is invited to attend whichever session best fits their schedule as the content presented will be the same at each event and will also be made available on the project website. Feedback will be analyzed to determine common themes and community priorities and preferences for sewer growth.

“Oconee County is experiencing tremendous growth,” said Chris Eleazer, executive director of the OJRSA. “This growth leads to questions about investment in infrastructure, including where, when, and how. With big decisions ahead, major sewer projects require thoughtful conversations that weigh costs and benefits. This study will provide the necessary data, public input, and analyses we need to identify the current and future needs within the county.”

Bolton & Menk, Inc., a civil/municipal planning and engineering firm, will serve as the engagement consultant on the project. Public input is a key component of the project and will be ongoing through much of the process.

“We are proud to partner with OJRSA on this project and help create a viable, strategic growth plan that will best serve all residents of Oconee County,” said Katherine Amidon, senior environmental planner for Bolton & Menk, Inc. “We believe all people should live in safe, sustainable, and beautiful communities. When it comes to long-term planning, we know that listening to the community and developing an understanding of the various perspectives is vital to creating solutions that work. The project team is committed to ensuring equity and inclusion are considered in both our public process and our planning solutions.”

About the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority:
The Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) is a governmental agency providing wastewater treatment service to the cities of Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, the town of West Union and their surrounding areas. Learn more at www.ojrsa.org.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Joseph Fields, Habitat’s Vice President of Equity, has been named to the Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) from Furman University’s Riley Institute Spring cohort.
A graduate of Chaminade University, Fields served as Paraprofessional Program Aid for the Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America from 2009 to 2014; as an Outreach and Education for Maryland-based Pathways, a youth services program, from 2014 to 2016; and then worked in Hawaii’s state’s probation office as a Social Services Assistant from 2016 to 2019.
From 2019 to 2021, he worked for the Georgia Department of Corrections before taking a job working in New Mexico as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. He returned to Greenville in 2022 to work as a community organizer with Greenville Connects, a group that promotes better transportation options.
He joined Habitat in 2023, and is charged with leading the new program to increase Black homeownership in greater Greenville County by building partnerships and raising awareness.
In this DLI program, class members are selected through a rigorous application and interview process after being nominated by existing graduates of the program, known as Riley Fellows. They are accepted based on a variety of factors, including their interest in and commitment to the program and their capacity to create impact within their organizations and communities. Each class is crafted to reflect South Carolina’s demographic makeup.
Fields will take part in a highly interactive curriculum consisting of case studies, scenario analyses, and other experiential learning tools that maximize interaction and discussion among classmates and facilitate productive relationships. Working alongside classmates, Fields will also develop a capstone project that raises awareness of community need.
Now in its twentieth year, the program equips participants with tools and perspectives to leverage diversity to improve organizational outcomes and drive social and economic progress in South Carolina.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County:
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together 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. Habitat Greenville received the 2017 Builder of the Year award from EarthCraft, and in recognition of financial health, accountability, and transparency, maintain a 4-Star Charity status by Charity Navigator. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard, and 1818 Woodruff Road. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups.
Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Jewish Federation is hosting three events this month that highlight
the way Jewish traditions have helped shape southern cooking for generations.
A new cookbook by Rachel Gordon Barnett and Lyssa Klingman Harvey, Kugels and Collards: Stories of
Food, Family, and Tradition in Jewish South Carolina, shares recipes and stories of Jewish food and
heritage in the state. 
Kugels and Collards started in 2016 when Barnett and Harvey started a blog with that name where they
gathered Jewish recipes and family stories from across South Carolina. Four years later, they’d
accumulated enough South Carolina Jewish recipes and stories for a cookbook with more than 80
recipes, including brisket, potato latkes, different kinds of challah, and more.
Barnett and Harvey will be signing books and doing meet and greets to celebrate the launch of their new
cookbook. All three events are taking place on January 28. They are:

● Brunch and Learn, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., The Cook’s Station, 515 Buncombe Street, Greenville:
VIP experience where guests will enjoy an intimate brunch and learning hour with a
demonstration and sampling of recipes. Seating for this event is limited.
● Book Signing, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., The Cook’s Station, 515 Buncombe Street, Greenville: Following
the VIP event, the authors will move to the Cooks Station cafe area to sign books for those who
have pre-ordered. A limited number of books will be available for purchase at the signing
● Book Signing and Tasting, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., Temple B’nai Israel, Heywood 146 Avenue,
Spartanburg: Features a question and answer session, sampling, and signing event. Hear from

Barnett and Harvey and try Grandma Ida's Lokshen Kugel before getting a copy or two of the
book signed.
See more details and get tickets here.
“Preserving the Southern Jewish table is so important for our state heritage,” said Courtney Tessler, CEO
of the Greenville Jewish Federation. “We hope as much of the community, Jewish or not, comes out to
learn and taste some Jewish history.”
About the Greenville Jewish Federation: 
The Greenville Jewish Federation is a dynamic organization dedicated to serving and strengthening the
Jewish community in Greenville and neighboring counties. With a rich philanthropy and community-
building history, the Federation works tirelessly to support educational programs, social
services, cultural events, and advocacy efforts that promote Jewish values, heritage, and unity.  
To learn more about the Greenville Jewish Federation's initiatives and upcoming programs, visit
www.jewishgreenville.org.

Carolina Handling, a recognized leader in the material handling industry, has received the 2024 Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Award from the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) for outstanding achievements in 2023. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the company has received the award.

The MVP Award is a prestigious accolade within the industry, with fewer than 10 percent of MHEDA’s 600 member organizations earning the distinction. Carolina Handling’s continued recognition as an MVP within the industry underscores a dedication to excellence, professionalism and responsible stewardship in the business world.

To qualify for the award, companies must provide evidence of a commitment to their customers, employees and suppliers, satisfying criteria in the following areas: Industry Advocacy; Customer Service & Safety Practices; Business Networking; Continuing Education; and Business Best Practices.

“This award is a testament to our associates and their ongoing commitment to a culture of service and caring in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand. “We’re honored to be recognized by our customers, suppliers and industry peers for elite customer service, a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, and a passion of caring for the community.”

The MVP Award is significant because it encompasses various facets beyond business achievements, according to Van Clarkson, President of Fairchild Equipment and 2024 MHEDA Chairman.

“Achieving this recognition signifies that Carolina Handling has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, upheld industry standards, contributed positively to its community, and shown dedication to continuous improvement,” Clarkson said. “This acknowledgment not only elevates the company’s reputation among its peers but also instills confidence in its customers and community members, showcasing it as a leader in the materials handling world.”

MHEDA is the premier trade association dedicated to serving all segments of the material handling industry, providing services to nearly 600 member companies seeking to improve their business through education, networking, benchmarking and best practices.

ABOUT CAROLINA HANDLING

Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is one of the Southeast’s leading integrated material handling solutions providers and the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s Central time zone. The company provides lift trucks and automation solutions for manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers, along with parts, racking, storage, lighting and dock and door equipment.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Carolina Handling operates branch offices in Atlanta, Georgia, Birmingham, Alabama, Greensboro, North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, and an Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont, South Carolina. The company has more than 770 associates. For more information, visit carolinahandling.com.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – A group of Greenville business and community leaders pledged to help build a new Habitat for Humanity of Greenville home Wednesday afternoon.
The 12th Habitat Greenville CEO Build will include: Scott Weaver of Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union; Jane Harrison Fisher, chairwoman of the 2023 CEO Build as well as Chief Operating Officer with Coldwell Banker Caine; Bob Morris of the Community Foundation of Greenville; John Boyanoski of Complete PR; Stephen Davis of Davis and Floyd; Phil Howard of Ethox Chemicals; Chris Bailey of Greater Greenville Association of Realtors; Tommy Jenkins of Greenville Maintenance Services; Dr. Keith Miller of Greenville Technical College; Seabrook Marchant of Marchant Real Estate; Kerri Paulino of Meritage Homes; Hank McCullough of Piedmont Natural Gas; Josh Covington of QLM and Southern Harmony; Brian McKay of Spero Financial; Steve Spinks of Spinx; David Lominack of TD Bank; Randy Hunter of Terminix; Delisa English of The Blood Connection; Steve Magruder of Warehouse Services, Kirsten Zinkann of Kirsten Zinkann Real Estate; Mike Coggins of South State Bank; Douglas Deitz of The Reynolds Company, Walmart Distribution and John Castile of the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority.
Each participating CEO pledges company funding and staff volunteer hours to help build the project houses. They also work on-site personally during construction alongside their own team members, community volunteers, and future Habitat families to broaden their perspectives on issues of importance to our community.
The project house will be at 115 Sturtevant Street in the Bramlett community off of White Horse Road. A wall raising will take place on Tuesday, February 13 at the Bon Secours Wellness Center.
“Once again the business community of Greenville is rolling up its collective sleeves to help create more affordable housing in Greenville,” said Monroe Free, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville. “Each year is a new opportunity to strengthen our community and their support is fantastic.”

About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County:
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together 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. Habitat Greenville received the 2017 Builder of the Year award from EarthCraft, and in recognition of financial health, accountability, and transparency, maintain a 4-Star Charity status by Charity Navigator. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard, and 1818 Woodruff Road. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups.
Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Wagner Wealth Management has won an SC Biz News’ 2023 Empowering Women Award.

The Empowering Women Awards are designed to showcase tangible and innovative efforts by companies, law firms, nonprofits, and other organizations to advance women in the workplace and community.

Empowering Women honorees demonstrate a track record of hiring and promoting women; support programs to mentor women in their organizations and address inequalities, show a strong record of women on the company’s board or in C-suite positions; and establish DEI programs and philanthropic efforts to support women.

“It’s an honor for Wagner Wealth to have won this award, especially in the contest’s inaugural year,” said Jennifer Osgood, Wagner Wealth Management’s president. “More than half of our company is made up of women, including the majority of our leadership team. It’s one thing to say you empower women, and it’s another thing to actually do it. We’re honored to be recognized for doing the work.”

About Wagner Wealth Management:

Wagner Wealth Management specializes in helping individuals and companies reach their personal and professional goals. Wagner Wealth Management currently advises on more than $1.5 billion in client assets; their experience is diverse, exceptional, and ready to work. The firm has offices in Anderson, Greenville, and Seneca. Learn more at www.wagnerwealthmanagement.com.

Securities offered through Arkadios Capital. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Wealth Management Advisors, LLC. Arkadios Capital and Wealth Management Advisors, LLC, are not affiliated through any ownership.

Carolina Handling is helping fight childhood cancer with a $5000 donation to NEGU: Never Ever Give Up, a program of the Jessie Rees Foundation.

Carolina Handling associates took the Greenville Swamp Rabbits #NEGU challenge during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this past September to raise awareness and funds to purchase 200 JoyJars®–packages filled with toys, games and activities that are donated to children in hospitals being treated for cancer.

A check presentation was held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, during NASCAR Night at the Greenville Swamp Rabbits game, with NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar accepting the check on behalf of the Swamp Rabbits challenge from Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand.

Since 2011, more than 165,000 children fighting cancer have received JoyJars through the Jessie Rees Foundation. An international movement, JoyJars was inspired by Jessica Joy Rees who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the age of 11 and chose to focus on bringing joy and hope to other children suffering from cancer. Jessica lost her battle with cancer in 2012, but her message of hope lives on through the foundation’s Never Ever Give Up campaign.

ABOUT CAROLINA HANDLING
Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is one of the Southeast’s leading integrated material handling solutions providers and the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s Central time zone. The company provides lift trucks and automation solutions for manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers, along with parts, racking, storage, lighting and dock and door equipment.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Carolina Handling operates branch offices in Atlanta, Georgia, Birmingham, Alabama, Greensboro, North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, and an Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont, South Carolina. The company has more than 770 associates. For more information, visit carolinahandling.com.

Greer, SC – The Greer Rotary Club is thrilled to unveil its upcoming fundraising event, “Dining Around Greer,” aimed at fostering community spirit and supporting local initiatives. This unique culinary experience will take participants on a gastronomic journey through Greater Greer’s finest restaurants, showcasing the town’s vibrant food scene.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, February 18, 2024
Time: 1 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: Greer City Hall, 301 E. Poinsett St., Greer, SC 29651
“Dining Around Greer” offers a delightful afternoon of delectable dishes, camaraderie, and charitable giving. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit local community projects championed by the Greer Rotary Club.
“We are excited to bring our community together for a memorable afternoon of culinary delights,” said Mark Moreno, President of the Greer Rotary Club. “This fundraiser not only celebrates our town’s culinary excellence but also allows us to make a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors.”
Attendees will enjoy bites from each participating restaurant, showcasing diverse culinary offerings from Greer and surrounding cities. The event promises a rich blend of flavors, all while supporting meaningful community projects.
The Greer Rotary Club encourages businesses and individuals to become sponsors or purchase tickets to make “Dining Around Greer” a resounding success. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, providing local businesses with a unique marketing platform and an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to community development.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite, https://bit.ly/Diningaroundgreertix. Prices are $25 presale or $30 at the door.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and event details, please visit Facebook.com/GreerRotaryClub, or contact Jason at 864-908-9191 or Stacey at 864-205-7653.
About the Greer Rotary Club:
The Greer Rotary Club is a community-focused organization dedicated to making a positive impact through service projects and initiatives. With a commitment to “Service Above Self,” the club is quickly making its mark as part of the Greer community, fostering goodwill and promoting positive change.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mark Moreno
760-880-4774
markmoreno53@gmail.com

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Rotary Club of Greer
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Greer Rotary Club
PO Box 2047
Greer, SC 29652
greerrotary@gmail.com
864-908-9191