Author: epidevelopment

Gray Ellenberg, CFP®, recently joined Raymond James & Associates (RJA) to open the firm’s first office in Greenwood. Ellenberg will also serve clients from RJA’s downtown Greenville office.

“I am pleased to welcome Gray to the Raymond James team,” said Greenville Complex Manager Brian Flemmer. “His high quality insight and commitment to his clients perfectly reflect our financial management approach.”

With 20 years of experience in the financial services and accounting industries, Ellenberg joins Raymond James as Senior Vice President, Investments for Ellenberg Wealth Management. His Greenwood office is located at 1319 Montague Avenue Extension. He will also maintain an office in RJA’s downtown Greenville branch at 101 Falls Park Ave., Suite 600.

Ellenberg says he was attracted to RJA’s Client First approach. “I’m honored to partner with a firm founded on conservatism, independence, and integrity. I wanted to be part of a firm which believes that doing what’s right for clients is the most important thing.”

Ellenberg can be reached by calling his office at 864.321.6400, or via his website, ellenbergwealth.com.

About Raymond James & Associates
Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC, which has built a national reputation for more than 58 years as a leader in financial planning for individuals, corporations and municipalities, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE-RJF), a leading diversified financial services company with approximately 8,400 financial advisors throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are $1.18 trillion. Additional information is available at www.raymondjames.com.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™, CFP Logo Flame Design and CFP Logo Plaque Design in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Upstate Warrior Solution is a non-profit serving veterans, active military, National Guard, and Reservists in the Upstate of South Carolina. Their mission is to provide comprehensive services and opportunities to help warriors and their families thrive in their communities. Since 2013, they’ve helped over 8,000 individuals with housing, employment, healthcare, education, and more. DP3 Architects is proud to partner with Upstate Warrior Solution to design their new Rupert Huse Veteran Resource Center which will serve as a hub for veteran services. The project was named in honor of U.S. Army veteran, Rupert Huse, whose family contributed a $500,000 gift with a match challenge that was recently achieved.

The new space will include a common lobby, coffee/break area, training room, fitness room, and common conference room. In addition to housing the UWS staff, the Upstate Veteran Alliance Network will also have a presence in the new resource center. Overall, the UWS plans to use the new center to broaden their reach, increase the number of veterans served, and expand their services.

The design inspiration is centered on the theme of honor. Intricate details like uniform colors and accents are woven throughout the space. Including the feature, wall made up of military service ribbons. Soldier portraits, an oversized American flag, and a star-studded donor wall are just a few of the unique elements that make up the space. The materials and finishes are a mix of industrial and soft textures to convey a military-style that’s approachable and feels comforting.
DP3 Architects looks forward to working with Upstate Warrior Solution to create a facility that will serve the warriors throughout the upstate and make a significant impact.

PEOPLE PLACES PURPOSE
www.dp3architects.com

Fifth-generation farmer J.E.B. Wilson has been named a 2022 McNulty Foundation Catalyst Fund recipient for his Liberty Fellowship impact project, SC AgriWellness. Wilson partnered with stakeholders to create the program, which promotes awareness of mental health issues in farming communities and provides access to treatment and support.

“Liberty Fellowship challenges you to think about something you can do to improve the lives of your fellow South Carolinians. I knew farmers in South Carolina who had committed suicide, and I just started thinking about what I could have done to reach out. Farmers are pretty proud and independent, so we sometimes have difficulty asking for help,” said Wilson.

The mental health crisis facing American farmers has been building for years as the industry consolidated. According to a survey conducted by American Farm Bureau in 2019, 87% of farmers cited fear of losing their farm as a significant stressor on mental health, and 46% of farmers indicated it is difficult to access a therapist or counselor in their local community.

“SC AgriWellness is a lifeline for farmers, so when they get in a really bad situation, I hope they will take the time to call the hotline and realize there is someone there to lend a hand in their time of need,” said Wilson.

The McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund recognizes ventures from Fellows in the Aspen Global Leadership Network at critical junctures on their path to creating meaningful impact. Catalyst Fund recipients exhibit high potential to deepen or widen their impact, with significant early momentum and critical need. This year, $100,000 was awarded to five recipients hailing from Nigeria, India, and across the United States.

“The problems we face as an interconnected globe are overwhelming and complex, but the truth is that each person and community experiences them locally. Each of these individuals are taking challenges into their own hands, bringing local solutions to their communities and building resiliency for the long-term,” said Anne Welsh McNulty, President of the McNulty Foundation and Trustee of the Aspen Institute.

Wilson, who is a member of Liberty Fellowship’s Class of 2020, was eligible for the Catalyst Fund through the Fellowship’s affiliation with The Aspen Institute. Once Liberty Fellows complete the initial 18-month Liberty Fellowship seminar experience and impact project, they become members of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

“SC AgriWellness is a powerful example of how individual leadership can bring stakeholders together to address an issue in their community,” said Ann Marie Stieritz, president and CEO of Liberty Fellowship. “Because J.E.B. was willing to confront the status quo, farm families now have access to support that can continue to have an impact for generations to come.”

RESOURCES
• Learn more about SC AgriWellness: www.scfb.org/farmstress
• Watch the Liberty Fellowship impact story about SC AgriWellness: https://vimeo.com/478918700
• Learn more about each of the 2022 McNulty Catalyst Fund recipients: https://mcnultyfound.org/ideas/catalyst-fund-2022

ABOUT LIBERTY FELLOWSHIP
Liberty Fellowship is the only state-based Fellowship program of its kind in the United States. The Fellowship activates individual leaders through a deeper understanding of a just, free and equitable society; serves as a convener for bringing together diverse perspectives to advance civil discourse; and provides infrastructure for taking action. Through the Fellowship’s affiliation with the Aspen Institute, Liberty Fellows become members of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. There are more than 300 Liberty Fellows working collectively across South Carolina. See stories of their impact at www.libertyfellowshipsc.org/impact.

ABOUT THE JOHN P. & ANNE WELSH MCNULTY FOUNDATION
The McNulty Foundation inspires, develops, and drives leaders to solve the most critical challenges of our time. The McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund was launched in 2017 to recognize ventures with significant momentum and at a critical juncture on their path to creating meaningful change. The Fund builds on more than a decade of impact with the John P. McNulty Prize, a $450,000 annual award that recognizes three Winners with moral courage, a vision for change, and a track record of bold and lasting impact. McNulty Prize Winners are chosen by an international jury that has included former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, international statesman Olara Otunnu, international development expert Brizio Biondi-Morra, and Ford Foundation President Darren Walker. The McNulty Prize and Catalyst Fund are given in partnership with the Aspen Institute, to recognize exceptional leadership ventures undertaken by Fellows of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. For more information, visit www.mcnultyfound.org. Follow @McNultyPrize on Twitter and @McNultyFoundation on Instagram.

ABOUT THE ASPEN GLOBAL LEADERSHIP NETWORK
The Aspen Global Leadership Network’s (AGLN) is a growing, worldwide community of more than 3,000 high-integrity, entrepreneurial leaders from over 60 countries who share a commitment to values-based leadership and to using their creativity, energy and resources to tackle the foremost societal challenges of our times. Because of their demonstrated accomplishment and abilities, they have been selected to join one of 13 geographic or sector-specific AGLN Fellowships around the world. Fellows convene annually at the AGLN’s flagship event, the Resnick Aspen Action Forum. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org/agln.

Karee White, a higher education executive and native of South Carolina, has been named Liberty Fellowship’s first Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). In her new role, White leads the comprehensive philanthropic strategy for the Fellowship and ensures its long-term financial sustainability.

“Karee shares our Fellows’ passion for South Carolina and their dedication to make South Carolina better for future generations,” said Ann Marie Stieritz, president and CEO of Liberty Fellowship. “We are so fortunate to have her experience and entrepreneurial spirit to support the dynamic growth of the Fellowship.”

White joins the Fellowship with more than a decade of progressive experience in development for higher education institutions in South Carolina including Furman University, Clemson University and The Citadel. During her time in higher education, White successfully managed multi-million-dollar fundraising goals and developed a record of securing major gifts. She also led innovative initiatives to increase stakeholder engagement and donor retention, with year-over-year growth in financial support.

“Liberty Fellowship is something that is completely unique to South Carolina. This vibrant community of leaders has made a lifetime commitment to creating a better future for all of us,” said White. “I am honored to help support and amplify the impact of the Fellows and to ensure the Fellowship experience is available for the generations of leaders to come.”

White is a first-generation college student who was first inspired by the power and impact of philanthropy after receiving a scholarship to attend Presbyterian College for her undergraduate degree. She went on to earn master’s degrees in business administration and education from Clemson University.

Currently residing in Greenville, White is a native of Seneca. She serves on the Hispanic Alliance Board of Directors and External Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Young Adult Council Board at Christ Church Episcopal.

About Liberty Fellowship
Liberty Fellowship is the only state-based Fellowship program of its kind in the United States. The Fellowship activates individual leaders through a deeper understanding of a just, free and equitable society; serves as a convener for bringing together diverse perspectives to advance civil discourse; and provides infrastructure for taking action. There are more than 300 Liberty Fellows working collectively across South Carolina. See stories of their impact at www.libertyfellowshipsc.org/impact.

The Cliffs is excited to announce its new clubhouse manager at The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, Adam Shirajee. With a long history in hospitality, Adam spent 14 years with the Country Club of Florida in Boynton Beach, where he served as the Food and Beverage manager. Previously, Adam proudly worked with the membership at St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton for 16 years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Adam to The Cliffs family. Adam was a natural fit for this role given his long history working in private clubs. He believes, as do we, that the overall experience at a private club needs to be exceptional and with his passion for the food and beverage industry, I believe he will make a great addition to our outstanding team,” said Brian Fox, General Manager, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards.

When Adam is not working, he loves to travel and is thrilled about his move to the mountains. He also enjoys playing golf, cooking, gardening, and spending time with his wife, Kimi, and college age son. Adam looks forward to joining The Cliffs’ team and working to implement a fantastic experience for the residents and guests of this famed community.

A graduate of Dhaka University with a bachelor’s in commerce, Adam brings his extensive background working at private clubs to The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards to enhance an already exceptional member experience. Named for the vineyards of native muscadine grapes that wind through the community, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards blends beautiful mountain vistas with exhilarating lakeside living and is home to an 18-hole Tom Fazio golf course, a full-service marina, a wellness center, endless hiking trails, an equestrian center with 200 miles of scenic horseback riding trails, a lakeside restaurant, a stunning clubhouse, and an al fresco pizza kitchen.

Happy 2022! DP3 Architects is looking forward to another year of assisting our clients on projects that will enhance our communities. Fostering opportunities for growth for our team is essential to our core values and helps drive our company culture. DP3 Architects is happy to announce that Rhonda White, Kunal Patel, and Mike Zibert have been named associates of the firm. In addition, Patel and Zibert will be taking on new leadership roles as studio leaders.

Brian Thomas, Principal at DP3 Architects, says, “Rhonda, Mike, and Kunal are perfect examples of defining your own path within the firm. They earn the respect of their fellow team members each day by how they mentor young professionals, respond to our clients, and embody our core values of people, places, and purpose. They could not be more deserving of their new roles in the firm, and we are very lucky that they are part of our family.”

DP3 Architects looks forward to seeing Rhonda, Mike, and Kunal continue to grow in the profession and is confident that they will excel in their new roles.

Rhonda L.H. White has been an integral part of DP3 Architects for over 25 years and has worked on significant higher education, community, and hospitality projects including the Music Building addition at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities and the Legacy Square Office Building. As an associate for the firm, Rhonda will help shape the company culture and work to mentor young professionals.

Michael D. Zibert, AIA will lead one of the firms Hospitality Studios. Mike has been with DP3 Architects for over 5 years and has served as a Design Team Leader for many of our hospitality projects. During this time, Mike has built strong relationships with DP3 Architect’s national and regional clients. Mike’s projects include Mastro’s Steakhouse locations throughout the country and assisting local developers deliver shell buildings for Starbucks. Mike has played a key role in the success of the hospitality studio, and we look forward to his contribution to this leadership position.

Kunal T. Patel, AIA will lead the firm’s higher education studio. Kunal has been with the firm for nearly 5 years and has extensive experience in higher education and community projects. As the Higher Education Studio Leader, he and his team will be creating educational environments that promote learning and inspire creativity. Kunal has consistently shown leadership qualities and treats every client, project, and team member with care.

DP3 Architects is proud of Rhonda, Mike, and Kunal and will continue the long-standing tradition of celebrating and encouraging team members to rise to their full potential.
.

DP3 Architects, established in 1984 and headquartered in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina, is an architectural and interior design firm specializing in hospitality, higher education, and community projects. DP3 Architects designs projects that invite, inspire, and invigorate the people that work, live, and play in the spaces we create.

PEOPLE PLACES PURPOSE
www.dp3architects.com

Greenville, SC –January 5, 2022 – UCW Logistics, a leading North American third-party logistics provider headquartered in Greenville, SC, today announced the hiring of trucking industry executive, Rob Allgary, to lead and execute the company’s vision for strategic growth. UCW Logistics specializes in customized logistics solutions with outstanding customer service for shippers of all sizes across North America.

Rob Allgary has over 20 years of experience in sales management at the regional and national levels in the transportation/logistics and automotive industries. Allgary joins UCW Logistics from Transwerks Logistics where he served as director of corporate sales. While at Transwerks, Allgary started a trade lane service from the United States to Europe as well as a shuttle brokerage operation inside of Germany. He was also previously with Landstar, serving as the director of national account sales. During this time, he worked with domestic and offshore automotive OEMs and tier suppliers alongside the agent network to gain new business and increase current accounts. Allgary graduated with a bachelor degree from Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg in Germany.

Allgary will work closely with the UCW Logistics executive team, planning strategic growth opportunities for the organization. He will oversee all strategic direction and ensure the sales team is completely aligned with the core values and goals of the overall business. Working alongside the operations team to service UCW Logistics customers, Allgary will also grow the internal sales team and external sales agents to foster new and existing revenue generation. “Rob has a long-proven track record of success in the transportation industry, and we are very lucky to have him play an integral role with our overall business strategy and growth,” said Steve Kitterman, President of UCW Logistics.

About UCW Logistics
UCW Logistics is an asset-light, privately held third-party logistics provider with corporate headquarters formed in 1925 in Memphis, TN and operational headquarters in Greenville, SC. UCW Logistics continues to expand logistics services to better serve existing and new clients with truck brokerage and freight transportation solutions. The company is founded on a tradition of service and integrity in all interactions with customers, suppliers and employees.

For more information, visit www.ucwlogistics.com.

Kicking off the third year of its FUEL for Good Grant program, FUEL – a Greenville-based marketing agency offering a full suite of strategy, creative, branding, advertising, and PR services – is pleased to announce that it has selected the Upstate Chapter of the American Heart Association as its first quarter grant recipient for 2022.

“We were immediately drawn to our community’s chapter of the American Heart Association due to the nature of their local program and the impact we believe we can have on addressing teen vaping and tobacco use in the Upstate through a creative and thoughtful marketing campaign,” said Warren Griffith, FUEL CEO and founder. “Our focus is on local initiatives, and we look forward to supporting the Upstate chapter to confront a serious health issue affecting our youth in Greenville and the surrounding communities.”

Through the grant program, FUEL provides pro bono marketing services to a selected local nonprofit organization each quarter. Working closely with the Upstate Chapter of the American Heart Association, FUEL will help craft key messages and create communication materials to raise awareness among parents and teenagers about the new tobacco trends threatening their health, specifically e-cigarettes.

“We are honored to be selected by FUEL as their grant recipient, and we’re excited to work with their team to develop materials that will help us save lives across the Upstate by educating people about the dangers of teen vaping.” said Kelly Wilkins, executive director of the Upstate Chapter of the American Heart Association. “Our local team is focused on improving health for all Upstate residents and that is only made possible thanks to the generosity and support of our local community. We’re grateful for FUEL’s support through this grant and look forward to working together as we continue our mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer healthier lives.”

FUEL is committed to making a difference in the community and uses the FUEL for Good Grant program to give back and help local nonprofits in a tangible way. Since launching the program in 2020, FUEL has worked with eight local nonprofits and donated more than 500 hours of services with work ranging from videos and logo development to websites and PR/social media campaigns.

For more information about the Upstate Chapter of the American Heart Association, please visit www.heart.org/upstate. More information about the FUEL for Good Grant program is available at www.fuelforbrands.com/grant.

Save our Saluda is excited to announce a second grant award from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to protect water quality in the Upper Saluda Watershed. The $550,000 grant will allow Save Our Saluda and partnering organizations to work with local landowners and farmers within the watershed to develop and implement projects aimed at reducing soil runoff to streams and rivers upstream of Saluda Lake.
The Upper Saluda Watershed above Saluda Lake encompasses nearly 300 square miles in Greenville and Pickens Counties and provides critical water resources for local communities in the Upstate. Headwaters of the Saluda River originate at the North Carolina-South Carolina state line and flow to the South, Middle and North Saluda Rivers which ultimately drain to Saluda Lake near Easley and Greenville. Sediment is a significant problem in the lake and in the rivers and their tributaries upstream. Water quality is impaired, aquatic habitat is degraded, recreational use is diminished, and a drinking water source is impacted due to excess sedimentation. Saluda Lake provides drinking water to more than 80,000 customers in the rapidly growing Easley area. The upper lake was dredged in 2011 and 2012 at a cost of over seven million dollars, and less than a decade later it has filled in again.
Save Our Saluda began building a partnership of stakeholder organizations in 2016 to address the problem of sediment pollution in the Upper Saludas and Saluda Lake. Since then, over twenty partner organizations cooperated to develop and implement watershed plans to reduce sediment runoff. Partners provide technical assistance and matching funding for 319 grants that enable implementation of projects in priority watershed areas.
The Upper Saluda Watershed Implementation Project for Sediment will provide up to 90% cost share assistance to landowners within the watershed for soil conservation projects to protect and improve water quality. The project has the potential to reduce sediment runoff to surface waters by an estimated 524 tons per year. Participation is voluntary and based on eligibility.
Projects completed in the Upper Saluda Watershed to date include cover crops, floodplain and riparian restoration, farm road stabilization, stream restoration, sediment basin construction, and drainage improvement and stabilization. Farm equipment (a roller-crimper and no-till seed drill) was purchased through the first 319 grant and is available for lease to area farmers to help facilitate regenerative farming practices.
Funding for this cooperative project was provided in part by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control with funds from the United States Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act and through additional support from Easley Combined Utilities, Trees Upstate, Duke Energy, Renewable Water Resources, MetroConnects, the Greenville Soil and Water Conservation District, and Greenville County.
Additional information about the Upper Saluda Watershed Implementation Project for Sediment is available at saveoursaluda.org/projects/ag-implementation-grant.