Author: epidevelopment

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The YoPro Know’s Kamber Parker Bowden will be one of the speakers at the
Women’s Confidence Builders event on January 25.
Bowden started The YoPro Know in 2018, and went full time with the business in the Spring of 2022.
Before that she was the interim Executive Director of the Greenville Area Parkinson Society after having
served on staff for almost four years in fundraising.
In the community, The YoPro Know was named the 2023 Greenville Chamber Small Business of the Year,
and Bowden has been honored as one of Greenville’s Best and Brightest by Greenville Business
Magazine, and one of GSA Business Report’s 40 under 40. She also was part of the 2021 ChangeMakers
Class.
A Furman University graduate, she has served as the Chair of the Pacesetter Program at the Greenville
Chamber; is a business mentor at Furman; and was the 2022 Greenville Chamber Young Professional of
the Year. She is a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 49. She also serves on the Greenville
Chamber’s Board of Directors and the board for The Greenville Chapter of the Society for Human
Resource Management.
The YoPro Know is an innovative consulting group that is changing the way businesses engage with
young professionals. It draws on its exclusive content and knowledge base to help business leaders
better attract young professionals using digital branding and culture. The YoPro Know also hosts a
The event will be at the Greenville Convention Center from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and will feature three
sessions (Identify Your Destination, Recruiting Your Crew, and Leading Your Crew) with breakout Q&As
and four other talented speakers including Christi Powell from 84 Lumber, Ava Smith from Flat Fee
Recruiting, Victoria Fusco from Hugs N Hustle, and Emily O’Brian from Campbell Teague.

Tickets can be purchased here.

About The YoPro Know:
TheYoPro Know’s mission is to help businesses develop the future leaders of our workforce through
research, education, and recruiting and retention consulting. Based in Greenville, S.C. with a national
community, The YoPro Know promotes success in the workplace by being a bridge between ambitious
young professionals and progressive businesses who want to recruit, engage and retain the. Learn more
at www.yoproknow.com.

Carolina Handling has been approved by the U.S. Department of Defense as a DOD SkillBridge Authorized Organization to provide job training opportunities for military service members transitioning to the civilian workforce.

DOD SkillBridge allows active-duty service members and select groups of the National Guard and Reserves within 180 days of their separation date the opportunity to gain civilian work experience through job training, employment skills training, apprenticeships and internships and gives industry partners access to a highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost.

“Being approved as a DOD SkillBridge partner is an exciting step for Carolina Handling and our recruiting team,” said Corporate Recruiter Catie Beth Bishop. “Hiring continues to be a challenge in all verticals, but especially competitive in the field service technician position. DOD SkillBridge is a cost-effective talent acquisition pipeline that provides access to highly trained individuals with technical skills and strong teamwork and leadership experience.”

Service members participating in SkillBridge programs continue receiving their military compensation and benefits, allowing employers time to evaluate the service member’s suitability for future employment. Service members can be granted up to 180 days of permissive duty to focus solely on training full-time with approved industry partners.

Almost 13 percent of Carolina Handling associates served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. In November 2023, Carolina Handling was named a veteran friendly employer by the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs. Also in 2023, the company became a participant in Recruit Military, a national platform that connects employers to military job seekers via services such as contingency recruiting, career fairs and job boards.

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 panel discussion focusing on the challenges of affordable housing both locally and abroad will serve as the kick-off for the 2024 Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County CEO Build.
For the past 12 years, the CEO Build has recruited influential local business leaders to lend their skills to build safe, energy-efficient, and affordable homes for families in our community, impacting positive change, one house at a time.
Each of the participating CEOs pledges company funding and staff volunteer hours to help build the project houses. They also work on-site personally during construction alongside their team members, community volunteers, and future Habitat families, to broaden their perspectives on issues of importance to our community.
The kick-off event will be held on Wednesday, January 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Club of Greenville, 55 Beattie Place at One Liberty Square downtown. People interested in taking part in the CEO Build need to contact Noel Brooks (noel@habitatgreenville.org) to attend.
The panel will include John Castile, executive director of the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority, Peter Rumsey, Director of Operations for Habitat International, and Tina Belge, policy and advocacy director of the Greenville Housing Fund.
“If you have participated in the past, you know this is one of the best team-building opportunities in Greenville. You will have direct involvement in changing the future for a Greenville family,” said Monroe Free, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville. “You will experience a sense of pride and accomplishment in seeing the finished home you and your colleagues built, all while encouraging a corporate environment of giving back to your community.”

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.

Spartanburg, SC (1/9/2024) – Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg and Bank of America came together to address the need for safe, sustainable, and affordable housing in the Spartanburg community, as part of Bank of America’s Global Build, to support affordable housing and revitalization projects in communities around the world.

Habitat Spartanburg received a $22,750 grant from Bank of America to help with the construction of a home build and to support Habitat’s efforts to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Due to the increasing cost of construction and the economic impact, it costs an average of $120,000 to build a new home.

“Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg remains a longstanding partner in improving access to affordable housing for those who need it in our community,” said Stacy Brandon, president, Bank of America Upstate South Carolina. “Our collaboration with Habitat Spartanburg brings together critical financial support along with numerous employee volunteer efforts to advance economic opportunity through homeownership.”

In 2023, Habitat Spartanburg raised more than $103,000 during the 24th Annual Billy Painter Golf Tournament, a fundraising event to honor the memory of a long-time board member. The annual tournament is Habitat Spartanburg’s only fundraising event.

“The Habitat Homeownership Program is designed to create opportunities for low-income families, whose hard work and determination alone, have not qualified them for the traditional bank loan,” said Raymond T. Davis, Sr., Executive Director, of Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg. “The new Program Service at Habitat-Spartanburg provides greater assistance to applicants who have negative debts. “This year alone, Habitat-Spartanburg helped reduce negative debts in the amount of $75,000 through write-offs to allow for more families to be served.”

The support of Bank of America through this grant opportunity provides additional resources to assist our partnering families with a “hand up” and not a “hand out.”

The home will be located in the northern neighborhood of Spartanburg and is expected to be completed in April 2024.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Events at Judson Mill will be hosting a scrumptious afternoon will be filled with an array of sweet and savory brunch bites from the area’s best restaurants, flowing mimosas, bold bloody marys, and electrifying live music from Kami Ocean & The Rhythm this March.
Bubbly Side Up! A Brunch Festival will be held on Saturday, March 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Events at Hudson Mill, an amazing event complex located at 701 Easley Bridge Road in Greenville. Events at Judson Mill is a division of High Spirits Hospitality.
Tickets can be purchased at ahighspiritsevent.com. VIP tickets are $75 and include access to the event 30 minutes early. General Admission tickets are $55 if purchased between February 16, and $60 after.

All tickets are inclusive of unlimited brunch dishes and all-you-can-responsibly drink mimosas, bloody marys, and beer. Please note that all guests must be at least 21 years of age to attend the event.
“Don’t miss out on this mouthwatering experience – purchase your tickets now and join us for a brunch celebration like no other,” said Tammy Johnson, CEO of High Spirits Hospitality. “This event is a celebration of delicious flavors, lively music, and a fantastic atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday with friends, indulging in the best brunch offerings our area has to offer.”

About Events at Judson Mill:
Events at Judson Mill consists of two newly renovated event spaces on the campus of the historic Judson Mill. With a commitment to providing remarkable event experiences, Events at Judson Mill is proud to host memorable gatherings that bring people together. Visit eventsatjudsonmill.com for more information.
Connect with us on social media using #BubblySideUpFest and follow our event updates on Instagram @ahighspiritsevent and on Facebook @HighSpiritsEvents.

Greenville, SC (January 8, 2024): Dr. William “Bill” Schmidt, founder and Emeritus board member of the Center for Developmental Services (CDS), along with his wife, Jean, are challenging the community to support CDS. All gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000.

In the past 24 years, thousands of families in the Upstate have benefitted from the services CDS and its partners provide for children with developmental delays and disabilities. Dr. Schmidt’s vision almost 30 years ago was to create an organization that addresses the various needs of children with developmental challenges in one location. That vision is still going strong today and is meeting the needs of our growing community.

“We are thrilled that Dr. and Mrs. Schmidt have again challenged the community to match their gift,” said Executive Director Dana McConnell. “All matching funds will help sustain our operations so we can continue to serve families who need us.”

CDS invites the community to join the Schmidts with a gift or pledge from now through the end of February to support children in our community. For more information about CDS or to participate in this challenge, visit www.cdservices.org. Gifts may also be mailed to CDS, 29 N. Academy Street, Greenville, SC 29601.

About CDS
CDS is the largest multi-disciplinary treatment facility in the Upstate for children with disabilities and developmental delays. In one location, children receive services in therapy, diagnosis, audiology, day care needs for the medically fragile, early intervention, case management, and a family support network. The partnership is comprised of Clarity; Project Hope Foundation; KidVentures of Thrive Upstate; and four programs of Prisma Health – Upstate: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Kidnetics, The Wonder Center, and Prosthetics and Orthotics. CDS and its partners serve over 8,000 children and their families each year on property donated by the First Presbyterian Church at 29 North Academy Street in Greenville, SC. For more information about CDS and its partners, visit www.cdservices.org.

Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty honors top Associates

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty has honored its top Associates for December of 2023.

In the Greenville office, the top Associates for transactions closed for buyer clients were Drew Torres and Grace Herlong Loveless, and the top Associates for listings closed were Matt Nocks and Loveless. In the Clemson/Lakes office, the top Associates for transactions closed for buyer clients were Diane Bostrom and Lisa Vogel, and the top agent for listings closed was Suzanne Withington.

Torres is a University of South Carolina graduate who moved to Greenville in 2019 to pursue his passion in real estate. Torres was Rookie of the Year in 2020 and earned International Diamond Society status, which is for the top 15% of agents globally for another agency. He joined Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty in 2021 and was a Chairman’s Circle honoree in 2022 for doing more than $10 million in sales.

Loveless joined Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty team in 2017. She sold more than $9 million in her first year and was named the company’s Rookie of the Year. She became a member of the President’s Circle, which is for Associates who did more than $5 million in sales, and joined the Chairman’s Circle in 2021 and 2022. She also was the top producer in the Greenville office in 2022.

Nocks joined Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty in 2019. In 2020, he became a member of the President’s Circle and received the Most Improved Award, and earned President’s Circle honors again in 2022.

Bostrom has been with Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty since April 2021 and she became a member of the Chairman’s Circle in 2021, and the President’s Circle in 2022. She is committed to her clients and ensures they get the best service each time.

Before Vogel joined Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty, she was one of the top 5% of agents at different brokerages and a member of the firm’s President’s Circle Society. Before that, she was the Broker-in-Charge for one of the largest North Carolina real estate companies. In 2022, Vogel had the largest sale for anyone in the Clemson office.

New to Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty, but certainly no real estate rookie is Withington, as she’s been in the real estate business since 1990. Withington grew up in a family that invested in both residential and commercial real estate, making it a world she knows well. To her, luxury real estate means homes that feel like a sanctuary.

“We ended our year on a strong note,” said Joan Herlong, owner and CEO of Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. “I’m proud of how our Associates are creating new opportunities for people in the Upstate and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2024.”

About Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty

Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty is one of the leading and most trusted names in real estate in the Upstate of South Carolina. First founded by Owner/CEO Joan Herlong as AugustaRoad.com Realty in 2011, the firm has since handled thousands of properties in the Greenville and Upstate area. In 2017, the company affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, becoming Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. The company has more than tripled in agent count and production volume since that time. Learn more at www.jha-sothebysrealty.com.  

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation, and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational, and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744.

January 4, 2024
Contact:
John Boyanoski
863-289-9772
jboyanoski@completepr.net
Greenville Jewish Federation hosting three events in January to highlight Jewish cooking and heritage

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.