Author: epidevelopment

Proud Mary Theatre Company is seeking contestants for the first Proud Mary Drag Race Extravaganza at Artists Collective Spartanburg on Wednesday, June 30 at 7 pm (RAIN or SHINE).

This live outdoor reality competition and fundraiser will squeeze an entire season of Drag Race into less than two hours with RuPaul-inspired challenges such as Snatch Game (contestants channel celebrities in a mock game show); The Library (contestants take turns reading and roasting one another); and the ever-popular finale – Lipsync for Your Life.

Hosting the benefit is local legend Patti O’Furniture while the contestants will be judged by a Who’s Who in the Upstate LGBTQ+ community including drag entertainer Delighted Tobehere, Ivy Hill (Gender Benders), John Fagan (The Warehouse Theatre’s Upstate Shakespeare Festival), Vaughn Newman (Vaughn Newman Dance). Prizes will be awarded for each challenge with the winner taking home the $500 GRAND PRIZE and more opportunities for public and online appearances on behalf of Proud Mary Theatre Company.

The contest is open to ALL levels of experience and styles of Drag! Entry details are available at proudmarytheatre.com.

Tickets to the event start at $25 and are available now.
$25 General Admission
$35 VIP Reception
$160 VIP Runway Table for 4 (includes Pit Crew Cocktail Service)

Proud Mary Drag Race Extravaganza
June 24 @ 7 pm
Artists Collective Spartanburg (RAIN or SHINE)
578 West Main St. 29301
(864) 202-6555
proudmarytheatre.com

GREENVILLE, S.C.—The Reedy Reels Film Festival has announced a schedule that features plenty of interesting events sure to draw in any film lover next month.

There are numerous especially exclusive events in the festival’s packed schedule, said Mike Giordano, Director of Operations for Reedy Reels festival. These include The Mushroom Huntress, a short film about a woman who discovers a family secret while foraging for mushrooms in the forest, and the feature film Intersection, about a man who returns to the place where his daughter was killed in a car crash, and meets an alluring woman with a dark secret.

Besides these exclusive films, Reedy Reels Film Festival also will be hosting unique panels and guests to encourage conversation. One of these panels is on Women in Film, which features a collection of films from female filmmakers, as well as a Q&A on how women have found their voice in film.

Other event speakers include Hoyt Richards, an incredibly successful male model who joined the Eternal Values cult on which he spent millions. In his years of healing, Richards has found a passion in filmmaking and acting. He will star in three films that are featured at Reedy Reels Film Festival—including Hell in a Handbasket, which opens the festival— and is flying into Greenville from Los Angeles to attend.

“We are very excited about this year’s lineup for Reedy Reels Film Festival,” Giordano said. “This year’s festival is packed with incredible movies and unique panels that are sure to amaze any attendee.”

Reedy Reels Film Festival will be held Friday June 4, 2021 through Sunday, June 6, 2021 at the newly renovated South Carolina Children’s Theatre, which has a limited capacity. This means that tickets are going to sell quickly. For a full schedule and to purchase tickets, go to www.reedyreels.com.

About The Reedy Reels Film Festival:
Reedy Reels is an independent Film Festival in Greenville, S.C. promoting the appreciation of the art of film-making while generating support for independent filmmakers in the Upstate. The Reedy Reels Film Festival is a non-profit organization that supports the education and appreciation of filmmaking. Learn more at www.reedyreels.com or follow the festival on www.facebook.com/reedyreels..

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty has announced its top producing agents for April 2021.
Michael McGreevey and Amy Hammond led all agents in volume sold, while Grace Herlong Loveless and Beth Nichols were the leaders in listings taken for the month.
McGreevey is a Realtor who perfectly blends professional and personal in his business approach. Always in a suit, his presentation reflects his expertise within the real estate industry. His unrelenting work ethic and connection with his clients allows them to feel fully supported throughout the home buying and selling processes (and long after). His commitment to real estate is evident in his sales growth. Entering the industry in Atlanta in 2006, McGreevey has grown his business annually, even during the recession that hit in 2009. For the past seven years he has attained Top Producer status. He pays attention to the details. He prides himself in problem solving and helping clients navigate the challenges of today’s real estate market. Michael was honored as a President’s Circle member of Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty in 2020 for doing more than $5 million in volume.
An Anderson native and a real estate professional since 1996, Hammond recognizes and values the trust her clients place in her and she strives every day to exceed their expectations. Known for her extensive market knowledge and her unmatched devotion to clients, Hammond’s success is based largely on positive referrals. She earns the respect of her clients by working tirelessly on their behalf and by always offering them candid advice. Amy did more than $5 million in sales in 2020, which made her a member of Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty’s President’s Circle.
Nichols has been a Realtor in Greenville since 2012. She has a passion for this vibrant community and all it has to offer: fabulous public spaces, dynamic arts, first-class sports venues, natural beauty and most notably the beautiful neighborhoods all over Greenville. Born in Connecticut and raised on Hilton Head, Beth graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in French and International Business from Queens College in Charlotte. She is a Greenville County Master Gardener, member of the Mary Alice Gibson Garden Club, and a Flight Coordinator and board member of the Upper Piedmont Tennis Association (UPTA). After years of watching kids’ soccer, she has recently returned to her first beloved sport and coaches Special Olympics basketball.
A Greenville native and Furman University graduate, Loveless joined Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty after years of working in the corporate automotive world for BMW of North America. She sold more than $9 million in her first year in full time real estate sales and was named Rookie of the Year for the company. She was a President’s Circle Member in 2019 and 2020. She was featured on HGTV House Hunters in Greenville in June 2020.
“Many of our agents had great months as we continue to see the Upstate real estate market boom,” said Joan Herlong, the company’s CEO. “I am proud of the work these four did.”
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 Greenville. Joan Herlong founded the company in 2011 as AugustaRoad.com Realty. In 2017, Sotheby’s International Realty persuaded the company to affiliate and become Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. The company has more than doubled in both 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.

GREENVILLE, S.C.— Taylor McLamb has been hired by STORY, a marketing company serving the Southeast, as a Marketing Associate.

“She has extensive experience in digital creation and working with people,” said Ben Pettit, founder and CEO of STORY. “That will make her an excellent addition to our team.”

McLamb earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Education from Francis Marion University in 2015. While working as a teacher at Florence One Schools, McLamb earned a Master of Education in Language, Literacy, and Culture from Coastal Carolina University in 2018. She also began creating educational content on multiple digital platforms, and sharing that content with others.

From there, she started her own small business, The Organized Co., LLC. Through this business, McLamb assisted others with organizational skills in their home, workplace and headspace while building her digital skills through website design and social media.

“I have always had a passion for creating, and am always looking for any way to build my creative skills,” McLamb said. “Working with STORY and its great clients will provide an excellent opportunity for me to showcase what I’ve learned, and to keep learning more.”

About STORY
STORY is a digital marketing company located in Greenville, South Carolina, and serving the Southeast. A brand and storytelling oriented company, STORY handles all aspects of marketing, especially strategy, identity, web design, photography and videography, digital marketing, paid advertising, and SEO. STORY works with clients large and small and is growing rapidly. To learn more, visit storyagency.co/

BASF expands global PGM refining capacity, further driving circular economy business
SENECA, SOUTH CAROLINA, May 12, 2021 – BASF announced today the expansion of its Seneca, South Carolina, Platinum Group Metals (PGM) refining facility. The company will invest double-digit millions in capital improvements to increase refining capacity to recycle precious metals from spent catalysts such as automotive catalytic converters. Recycled metal has as much as 90% lower CO2 emissions than metal from primary mines. By recovering the precious metals for reuse in fresh catalysts, BASF closes the loop with circular economy solutions.
“This investment further strengthens our global leadership position in the spent automotive catalyst recycling market,” said Tim Ingle, Vice President, BASF Precious Metals Refining, Chemicals & Battery Recycling. “We are proud to enable the circular economy and to support our customers’, and our own, sustainability goals.”
BASF’s Seneca site produces precious metal catalysts and chemicals that are used by BASF customers to produce a wide variety of products, including herbicides, plastics, pharmaceuticals, automotive emission catalysts, fragrances and fertilizers.

About BASF’s Catalysts division
BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products, including advanced battery materials. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms, passion for innovation and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, BASF’s Catalysts division develops unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success. Further information on BASF’s Catalysts division is available on the Internet at www.catalysts.basf.com.

About BASF
BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 17,000 employees in North America and had sales of $18.7 billion in 2020. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com/us.
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 110,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2020. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at http://www.basf.com.

Travelers Rest, SC – (May 11, 2021) – The Greater Travelers Rest Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Kristin LaRoy, Owner of TR Makers, has been selected as the 2020 Business Person of the Year. The announcement was made Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at the Greater Travelers Rest Annual Awards Banquet.

In 2015, LaRoy opened the Travelers Rest Makers Company, where students of all ages can be inspired by and also learn the techniques of various fine crafts. Along with adult and student arts programming, LaRoy founded a successful Homeschool Study program that uses a multidisciplinary art integration technique to teach academic lessons. Her work in the private education sector has also spread into public schools as recently she joined the SmartArts program.

“We are all creatives; it is the unique gift that makes us human.” These words, spoken by Kristin LaRoy, are the basis for her work as director of the Travelers Rest Makers Company and multidisciplinary arts integration educator. While LaRoy enjoys creating her own work of art in the performing and fine arts realm, she is also passionate about helping others reach their own creative potential and experiencing the arts for themselves.

The excitement in the room during the awards ceremony was felt by all who attended the event. Kristin LaRoy, recipient of Business Person of the Year, has exemplified what a dedicated entrepreneur is. She has brought her creativeness and ideas to TR and enriched us with them,” said Sandra Stroud, President of Greater Travelers Rest Chamber of Commerce. “Thank you, Kristin for being part of our wonderful city!”

Since 1998, the Business Person of the Year award has recognized the outstanding contributions of small business people to the economy and overall progress of the Greater Travelers Rest area. To be eligible for nomination, nominees must own or manage their business, exhibit community involvement, and model excellence in everything they do.

About The Greater Travelers Rest Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Travelers Rest Chamber of Commerce is a business membership organization serving communities in the Upstate of South Carolina. Our mission is to foster economic development, community renewal, opportunities for networking and a unified spirit to help make the Greater Travelers Rest area a more prosperous and beautiful place in which to live and work. For more information, go to GreaterTRChamber.com
The group photos is left to right:
Kristin LaRoy, TR Makers, Business Person of the Year, Elizabeth Steifle, Vice President and Relationship Banker at Bank of Travelers Rest, and Terry Eihl

Travelers Rest, SC – (May 11, 2021) – The Greater Travelers Rest Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Terry Eihl, Chair, Slater Marietta Mentorship Program, has been selected as the 2020 Citizen of the Year. The announcement was made Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at the Greater Travelers Rest Annual Awards Banquet.

Terry has chaired the Slater Marietta Elementary School mentorship program for at least the past 15 years. Terry is personally responsible for recruiting mentors from the Cliffs communities to volunteer their time by tutoring at the school. The program contributes over 2,300 hours of volunteer service in each calendar school year. Terry tirelessly gives of his time and talent by coordinating the mentors, attending countless meetings with school administrators and Cliffs Valley P.O.A. Over the years, the effect of the mentorship program has proven to directly raise the grades of the children. His program was recognized at the state level and received praise and encouragement for other communities to create their own program.

“The excitement in the room during the awards ceremony was felt by all who attended the event. It was very evident that Terry Eihl, recipient of Citizen of the Year, was extremely honored and appreciative of being chosen for Citizen of the Year for 2020. His achievements over the years are impressive,” said Sandra Stroud, President of Greater Travelers Rest Chamber of Commerce. “Mr. Eihl is touching lives and making a difference for the children he is mentoring. I, personally am thankful for him, and people like him who give so much from their heart.”

Since 2002, the Citizen of the Year award signifies exemplary volunteer efforts, community service, vision,
leadership and citizenship of individuals who positively influence the welfare of the Greater Travelers Rest community. Since that time, our community has gathered together annually to honor the men and women, who have served the community in this manner and, in doing so, received this prestigious award for their efforts.

About The Greater Travelers Rest Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Travelers Rest Chamber of Commerce is a business membership organization serving communities in the Upstate of South Carolina. Our mission is to foster economic development, community renewal, opportunities for networking and a unified spirit to help make the Greater Travelers Rest area a more prosperous and beautiful place in which to live and work. For more information, go to GreaterTRChamber.com

The group photos is left to right:
Kristin LaRoy, TR Makers, Business Person of the Year, Elizabeth Steifle, Vice President and Relationship Banker at Bank of Travelers Rest, and Terry Eihl

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Upstate nonprofits and local businesses come together to help a veteran and his family in need in Anderson County.

Bruce Fisher, an eight-year US Army National Guard veteran was laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fisher lives in Anderson with his wife and two young sons. Their home needed significant repairs to become safe and accessible.

When the Fisher family reached out to Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter, it was clear the need surpassed available resources. The team moved swiftly to partner with Rebuild Upstate to complete additional home repairs. Rebuild Upstate also connected the Fishers with volunteers from Emmanuel’s Hammer. Upstate Warrior Solution’s Anderson Community Action Board worked to connect the family with additional resources including assistance provided through United Way of Anderson County. Through collaboration, community leaders were able to provide badly needed home repairs, ensure the family received funds for living expenses, and even ensured the young children received Christmas presents.

“We appreciate everyone that’s been involved in the whole project,” Fisher said. We would recommend Emmanuel’s Hammer to anybody. When Rebuild Upstate and Purple Heart Homes say they’re gonna do something, they get in there and get it done. It changed my lift 100%.”

Repairs made by Rebuild Upstate and Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter included a new central heat with air conditioning system and ductwork, new plumbing throughout, a new roof, and upgrades to electrical, bathroom and kitchen.

Local area businesses, including MCG Mechanical, McGee Heating and Air, Isom Electric, Simpson Plumbing, and Southern Building Construction, Inc., graciously donated or discounted services and materials to make repairs possible.

“Our collective work on the Fisher family’s home sheds light on the growing needs of veterans in our community who have honorably served our country,” said Chris Manley, Rebuild Upstate’s founder and President/CEO. “With 8.5% of Upstate veterans living in poverty, our collective job isn’t done. Rebuild Upstate looks forward to pursuing future partnerships to provide critical home repairs for veterans and their families throughout the Upstate.”

About Rebuild Upstate:
Rebuild Upstate serves low-income homeowners with repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties. Its team envisions a community where everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity in a safe home environment in order to maintain and foster strong, sustainable communities. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.

About Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter:
Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter is a 100% volunteer 501(c)3 that provides deserving veterans in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties, with free home improvements making their homes safe and accessible since 2013. Learn more at
www.facebook.com/PurpleHeartHomesGoldenCornerChapter

Congratulations to our Blackstream International Real Estate Agents who were selected for the prestigious Christie’s Masters Circle for 2021.

These agents, nominated by our Firm, have been chosen based on their local success, passion and expertise in their specialty—luxury real estate.

Their impressive accomplishments mean they are part of a group of the Christie’s International Real Estate top-performing luxury real estate specialists globally. The areas of market expertise in this group range from waterfront, equestrian, mountain, and ski to vineyards, development, urban, suburban, and much more.

Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate, said: “The Masters Circle honors specialists who are the top agents in their respective territories, representing high-net-worth individuals around the world. It is a business-building tool, allowing agents tapped into the network to market one another’s properties to exclusive clients globally. A proprietary communication channel allows members of the Masters Circle to target their referrals to other top producers as well as share best practices and strategies for success they can apply to their own enterprises.”

Blackstream International Real Estate Master Circle’s Members
Damian Hall

Kim Crowe

Holly May

GREENVILLE, S.C.— Suzanne Gardner has been hired by Kopis, a Greenville based software company, as a Sales and Marketing Administrator.

Gardner earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 2011. She worked for the Make-A-Wish Foundation as a Wish Program Manager, before going to work as the Assistant Director of Development Communications for Washington and Lee University in Virginia. Gardner moved to Greenville in January 2018 to be the Partner Relations Manager for the United Way of Greenville County. Two years later, she was promoted to Chief of Staff.

In addition to her work experience, Gardner has ensured that she is consistently involved in her community. She graduated from the Greenville Police Department Citizens Academy, Upstate Forever Citizens Planning Academy and the United Way Worldwide Fellowship Program. She is also a Docent for the Greenville Zoo, a board member for Taylors TownSquare, and a member of the Greenville Chamber Young Professionals. She was the 2015 New Member of the Year and the 2017 Young Professional of the Year for the Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycees in Virginia.

“Suzanne has a broad range of experience in an even broader range of interests, and a commitment to get to know both people and her community equally,” said Andrew Kurtz, President and CEO of Kopis. “She will be a great fit at Kopis, not just for our team, but our clients as well.”

About Kopis:
Kopis is a Greenville, S.C.-based technology firm focused on providing high impact software and cloud solutions to businesses and state agencies in the Southeast. With a growing team of over 40 employees, Kopis is one of the fastest growing software companies in South Carolina. Kopis is the 2020 Greenville Chamber Small Business of the Year and was named to one of Inc.’s 5,000 List in 2019. To learn more visit, www.kopisusa.com.