Category: Press Release

United Community is pleased to announce Rebecca Costanzo has joined the company as director of mortgage originations. In this role, Costanzo will lead retail mortgage sales leaders to drive growth strategy, sales performance and customer experience excellence across the bank’s six-state footprint.

“Rebecca brings deep mortgage expertise, a track record of building strong sales teams and a genuine commitment to customers,” said Mike Davies, president of United Community Mortgage Services. “Her experience will be instrumental as we continue to grow programs like our down payment assistance, Equity Access Grant and Possibilities Achieved Through Homeownership (PATH) loan to make homeownership more accessible to families across our footprint.”

Costanzo has more than 20 years of experience leading retail mortgage sales teams across multiple states. Throughout her career, she has built collaborative cultures, grown market share and led large teams while maintaining a customer-centric focus.

Known for her people-centered approach, Costanzo has a strong track record of developing leaders and driving results across revenue, profitability and employee engagement. She is also a frequent speaker on leadership development, high-performing teams and emotional intelligence in the workplace.

“I’m excited to join United Community and work alongside such a talented team,” said Costanzo. “United Community’s commitment to its customers and the communities it serves aligns closely with my own values, and I look forward to helping expand the bank’s mortgage business and supporting more homebuyers across the Southeast.”

As the aviation industry faces a growing shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians, Greenville Technical College is preparing students for high-skill, high-wage careers through its FAA-approved Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) program, which reports a 95% job placement rate.

With more than 40% of the nation’s aircraft technicians nearing retirement, demand is rising across commercial and private aviation. Greenville Tech’s AMT program trains students with hands-on training to maintain and repair aircraft critical to passenger safety and commerce.

“This is a strong career pathway, and we’re training the next generation of technicians to meet employer demand,” said Carl Washburn, AMT department head. “Graduates are stepping into stable, well-paying careers.”

Many students receive job offers before graduation, contingent on FAA certification. Greenville Tech is a preferred training partner for employers, including Lockheed Martin, Stevens Aviation, Boeing, PSA Airlines, Delta Air Lines and others, ensuring curriculum alignment with industry needs.

Student Jake Dalton began AMT courses through dual enrollment in high school and secured an aviation job early. “Greenville Tech opened doors I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” he said.

Enrollment has doubled over five years, with about 200 students annually. The program features real-world aircraft and equipment and boasts a 98% FAA Airframe and Powerplant pass rate. High school students can also participate through dual enrollment.

Graduates enter a fast-growing field with strong earning potential. “Employers trust the quality of our training, which translates into job opportunities,” said Washburn.

For more information, visit www.gvltec.edu/amt/.

GREER, S.C. – Shelby Abernathy Cruz has joined as a Customer Service Sales Specialist.

Abernathy Cruz brings more than eight years of customer-focused experience to her role, including five years in management and a strong background in sales and relationship building. Prior to entering the insurance industry, she held leadership positions in retail management, where she developed expertise in client communication, problem solving, and team leadership. She is passionate about helping others and is committed to building meaningful, one-on-one relationships with each client.

“Shelby’s strong background in customer service makes her a perfect fit for this role,” said Guy Furay, owner of The Insurance Source. “We’re confident she will be a valuable resource for our clients.”

Founded in 2005, The Insurance Source specializes in under 65 health insurance, Medicare and Employee Benefits consulting. Securing insurance can be daunting, which is why The Insurance Source promises to offer comprehensive assistance with personal insurance, ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.

About The Insurance Source:
The Insurance Source is an independent brokerage specializing in health, life, disability and dental insurance. The Insurance Source is located in Greer, South Carolina and has a simple and straightforward mission statement: “we make health insurance easier.®” Learn more at www.insure-u.com.

May 12, 2026

SJWD Water District AWARDED CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING BY GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA (GFOA)

Spartanburg, SC — The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to SJWD Water District for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

“The SJWD Finance team is proud to be recognized with this award for the fifth consecutive year. In a small way, it represents the overall commitment of our organization to be good stewards of the resources we are entrusted with. We are honored to be a part of the growth and success of the communities we serve,” said Larry Christopher, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for SJWD.

SJWD joins over 1,900 agencies nationwide that have achieved this recognition—a distinction that reinforces the District’s position as a leader in effective financial planning and customer trust.

GREENVILLE, SC – A groundbreaking at the corner of Ackley and Laurens roads Tuesday morning was more than ceremonial.

It was the setting for the next stage of The Alliance, a $38 million project that will consist of two, four-story buildings on 3.8 acres at 1200 Laurens Road on the edge of the Nicholtown community.
This project is being developed in partnership between NHE, Inc., HF Housing, Inc. (a nonprofit housing affiliate of Hollingsworth Funds), Jordon Development and SCG Development, and will include 100 units that will be affordable for households earning 70% or below the area median income (AMI). It will break down as 10 units at 20% AMI, 11 units at 30% AMI, 68 units at 60% AMI and 11 units at 70% AMI. The Alliance also will feature 4,200 square feet of commercial space and around 5,000 square feet of amenities.

But in 2021, NHE purchased the parcel, but did something different. They engaged with the community members and sought their input.
Sylvia Palmer, who has lived in Nicholtown for 72 years and is a past president of the neighborhood association, said their leaders were excited when the NHE leadership team approached them about plans for a development.
“Some of us had knowledge about what they could do and had toured some of their developments” Palmer said. “And the more we met with them, the more we liked the project plans.”
Gage Weekes, President of HF Housing, said ensuring that quality, affordable housing remains accessible as Greenville grows is essential to the continued success of the community, which is why the nonprofit became involved in supporting The Alliance.
“HF Housing is dedicated to expanding affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families in Greenville,” Weekes said. “The Alliance reflects that commitment by creating stability and opportunity in a way that is shaped by the community and helps more residents build a path forward.”

Countybank announced that Patrice Freeman has been appointed Vice President by its Board of Directors. Freeman was also promoted to an expanded role as the Financial Center Manager of two locations in Greenwood’s branch network.

Freeman joined Countybank in 2018 as a Teller and quickly advanced as a leader in Retail Banking, serving in a variety of roles over the last eight years.

In her new role, Freeman will focus her attention on the banking needs of individuals and retail businesses in the Greenwood market, providing personalized financial services from deposit accounts to loan solutions and more, and she’ll oversee daily branch operations at Countybank’s Main Street and Calhoun Avenue locations in Greenwood. With a strong focus on relationship-based banking, Freeman is widely regarded as a trusted, “go-to banker.”

“We are proud to recognize Patrice with this well-earned promotion to Vice President,” said Peggy Chamblee, Retail Banking Manager. “Her deep commitment to serving our customers and community, paired with her positive leadership of our branch teams, sets Patrice apart and reflects her growing influence and impact as she enters this exciting next chapter in her career.”

A Greenwood native, Freeman graduated from Greenwood High School and earned an Associate Degree in Human Services from Piedmont Technical College. She is a graduate of Leadership Greenwood class of 2025 and is deeply involved in the community. Known for her passion for financial literacy, Freeman regularly visits area schools and universities to educate students across the community on financial fundamentals. Freeman serves on the boards of Cornerstone, United Way, and Here 4 A Reason, and is a member of the Leadership Greenwood Board of Regents.

For more information on Countybank and its commitment to serving the Upstate of South Carolina since 1933, visit ecountybank.com or follow Countybank on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

GREENWOOD, S.C. – The Home Builders Association of South Carolina has honored Chad Charles, the president of Charles & Associates, with a Certified Master Builder designation.

This program was created by the Home Builders Association of South Carolina to identify exemplary home builders who have a proven track record of integrity, stability, and exceptional service. When you choose a Certified Master Builder to build your dream home, you know you’re getting a safe, quality-built home.

Charles has worked in the construction and home repair business for more than 30 years and leads Charles & Associates, one of the region’s most trusted providers of home repair and remodeling services.
He is now one of 42 Certified Master Builders in South Carolina.

“Master builders provide homeowners with greater peace of mind and confidence, assure they have the knowledge and skill to meet customer expectations, benefit from increased visibility due to statewide promotion of the program, and enjoy a different level of recognition which provides them with a competitive edge,” he said.

Education is the driving force behind the Certified Master Builders of South Carolina. All candidates must qualify through education and other strict requirements. To stay in the program, Certified Master Builders must complete continuing education each year. The process includes completing 20 credit hours of education through the National Association of Home Builders; reference letters from clients, suppliers and a bank; and a nomination process.

“This program recognizes the pioneers of the industry, those who are raising the bar by increasing the level of professionalism and homeowner satisfaction,” Charles said.

About Charles & Associates:
Charles & Associates remains at the forefront of the industry, embracing the latest trends, technologies, and energy-efficient practices to deliver exceptional results that exceed client expectations. Learn more at www.carepairremodel.com.

Commencement for Greenville Technical College graduates was held at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on May 7. Included were 340 participants, 5 military veterans, 168 graduates with a GPA of 3.4 or higher, and 25 graduates with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Nine dual enrolled students, taking high school and college classes at the same time, graduated. Two earned Associate in Science degrees, and one earned a University Transfer certificate. Three earned certificates in industrial Electricity, and three earned certificates in welding and robotic technology.

Additional students graduated but did not participate in the ceremony with 1,393 awards projected this semester and an expected 1,216 unduplicated graduates. Combined with 1,216 students who graduated in the fall, this year’s total class exceeded 2,600 graduates.

Two students were honored for academics and community service at Commencement with President’s Awards: Alexandra Manzo and Amanda Mlinar.

Serving as vice president of her Respiratory Care class, Alexandra earned a 3.97 GPA and participated in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society while volunteering to assist her department, her college, and her community. Amanda returned to college 14 years after high school graduation, earning a 3.9 GPA in business management while balancing school with work, family, and community service.

SC Bach, South Carolina’s Bach Society, announces the second annual South Carolina Baroque Music Festival, happening in Greenville, May 15-17, 2026. The weekend-long festival features Baroque-specialist musicians performing concerts unlike any others found in the state – using Baroque period instruments and Baroque tuning. Daytime events are free, and evening events are ticketed.
This year’s theme is “Baroque Beyond Borders,” and features local, regional, national, and international performers.

The Baroque Era of music generally encompasses the years 1600-1750. Handel and Vivaldi are two of the most famous Baroque composers whose music can be heard at the festival. Attendees will also hear music by other Baroque composers, some of whom are little known outside their countries of origin.

Each day of the festival celebrates Baroque music from different areas of the world: Italy, Spain and the New World, and England. Six concerts will be performed over the weekend, along with two lectures and an Italian wine tasting on Friday evening.
The festival begins Friday at noon, with a free Lunch-and-Learn on Handel’s “Messiah” with Dr. David Rhyne, SC Bach’s Artistic Director, and Dr. Gary Malvern, retired Furman music faculty. One of Handel’s most famous pieces, the “Messiah” will be the closing performance of the festival.

“SC Bach is excited to contribute to the already vibrant arts scene in Greenville by bringing a truly unique array of music, performers, and events to the Upstate,” said Dr. David Rhyne, the organization’s Artistic Director. Visiting ensembles include Música Ficta, based in Colombia, South America, and the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra. Both groups use instruments constructed and played in the same ways as they would have been during the Baroque era, which differ from modern instruments in sound quality and appearance.
According to Jessica Sharp, SC Bach’s Executive Director, “There’s something for everyone at the festival, including families.”

ANC Group, an award-winning, family-owned IT and cybersecurity firm headquartered in Greenville, has been named Small Business of the Month by the Greenville Chamber of Commerce in recognition of its sustained contributions to Upstate businesses and its leadership in the regional technology sector.

Founded in 1999 and led by CEO Brian Daughhetee, ANC Group has spent more than 25 years delivering customized IT and security solutions to organizations throughout the Southeast. The company specializes in networking, data, cybersecurity, power protection, communications, and managed IT services, and serves clients across K-12 education, legal, manufacturing, state and local government (SLED), and commercial sectors.

ANC Group holds premier technical and sales certifications with many of the world’s most respected technology brands, reflecting the depth of expertise its team brings to every engagement. Its managed service offerings are designed to integrate with a client’s existing IT infrastructure, protecting operations against cyber threats while positioning organizations for growth.

Brian Daughhetee commented on the company’s award win and recent growth:

“These past two years have been our best yet, and we love being part of the Greenville Community, making a difference to Greenville businesses. As a company, one of our goals is to become part of the foundation of this city that we all love.”

For more than two decades, ANC Group has helped clients avoid costly disruptions, defend against evolving cyber threats, and plan confidently for the future. The recognition from the Greenville Chamber of Commerce underscores the company’s role as a trusted technology partner across the Carolinas and beyond.

Watch ANC Group on Your Carolina