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Kate White Little Communications

Kate White Little proudly announces the launch of Kate White Little Communications, specializing in strategic planning, media relations, partnerships, influencer engagement, and events. A network of skilled and trusted partners will allow Kate to scale and customize support when needed, and the agency is poised to work with clients across the U.S., as well as proudly support businesses in Greenville. Uniting storytelling and strategy to create results that connect and endure, Kate’s approach is 360, big-thinking, and detail-driven.

“This launch represents both a milestone and a starting line. While I’m immensely proud of my path and work to get here, I’m just getting started. I spent years cutting my teeth in the country’s number one media market and decades learning from mentors while strengthening my capabilities, and I’m bringing all that ambition, passion, and momentum into this moment,” Kate said.

Kate is a communications leader with over 20 years of experience in public relations. She grew up in Greenville, SC and her career began in New York City, where she gained invaluable experience and perspective that continue to shape her work today. Prior to founding Kate White Little Communications, she held senior leadership roles at top boutique agencies recognized for their exceptional work and transformational results.

Over the course of her career, Kate has spearheaded campaigns for international clients, entrepreneurial brands, and local gems, and she has worked with global, national, regional, and local media across print, digital, social, and broadcast platforms. She began her public relations career at Ralph Lauren in the Womenswear department before transitioning to the agency side. Before establishing her own agency, Kate’s work in the Upstate included leading the launch of Hotel Hartness, a press campaign for The Well’s 25th anniversary, and national media efforts for The Cliffs.

To learn more, visit www.kate-communications.com.

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Art & Light Gallery

[GREENVILLE, S.C.] – Art & Light Gallery is happy to present “The Things Women Hold”, an exhibition of work by Shellie Lewis Crisp (Bishopville, S.C.), R. Sawan White (Lincoln, R.I.) and Rachael Van Dyke (Boone, N.C.) launching on the Art & Light website and in the gallery at 10:00 AM (EST) on Tuesday, February 3 with an opening reception on Friday, February 6 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Also join R. Sawan White in the gallery on Saturday, February 7 from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM to learn the basics of monoprinting with wood blocks while making a valentine or small print of your choosing. We’ll provide the supplies and R. Sawan will lead hands-on demonstrations.

The February exhibition brings together three distinctive artists who explore the symbolic and historical significance of the theme “The Things Women Hold”. Utilizing a range of mediums, from layered monoprints and mixed media collage to resin and paint, the artists approach the broad concept through unique processes, engaging with issues of both historical significance and deep personal resonance.

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SJWD Water District

Spartanburg, S.C. — The Startex-Jackson-Wellford-Duncan (SJWD) Water District is proud to announce that it has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.

The GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award reflects how well an organization’s budget serves as:

* a policy document
* a financial plan
* an operations guide
* a communications device

Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

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.

“This award is a tribute to the professionalism SJWD is continually striving to achieve. We set our strategic direction to reflect the wise stewardship of our natural and financial resources. Our goal is to display financial integrity and transparency while ensuring our customers can clearly understand how their water rates support sustainable, reliable service,” said Larry Christopher, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for SJWD.

The GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 25,000 organizations across North America and the communities they serve.

About SJWD Water District

Originally established in 1956, Startex-Jackson-Wellford-Duncan Water District (SJWD), with its team of dedicated professionals, is committed to providing the highest-quality water services to the rapidly growing western portion of Spartanburg County. For more information, please visit SJWD.com

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Shawna Gaspar

$1,000 FOR SHILOH

our Shiloh has been missing for a month now. He was last seen on Reidville Road on December 8, 2025 in Greer, SC. Close areas would be Batesville, Anderson Ridge, Bennets Bridge, Five Forks, Hwy 296 & Hwy 101.

There have allegedly been sightings since then, some were the wrong dogs, some were simply false, and some didn’t make sense.

I’m here to ask to PLEASE look in backyards, frontyards, woods, & general areas that would be good hiding spots around you. We know the possibilities and we know we want him home no matter what. Thank you to everyone for praying and sharing. It means so much.

Black fur, brown on face and some on legs & butt, white dipped tail, white underside of body. Short legs, fluffy. Corgi and border collie mix. Small white patch of fur on back. Chipped. Left with green collar on.

– Shawna Gaspar
(864) 735-6115

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FUEL

anuary 8, 2026
Need Marketing Help for Your Nonprofit?
FUEL for Good Grant Applications Now Open
Does your nonprofit need help with branding, marketing, or simply design? FUEL, Greenville’s
premier brand-building agency, is offering local nonprofits the chance to receive FREE
professional marketing services through its FUEL for Good Grant program—now in its sixth
year.
Applications are open through February 6, 2026, for the first half of the 2026 grant cycle.
Each year, FUEL selects local nonprofits to receive pro bono branding and marketing support,
empowering organizations to expand their impact and connect more deeply with the Greenville
community.
To qualify, your organization must:
∙ Be based in Greenville County, S.C.
∙ Hold a valid 501(c)(3) certification
∙ Serve the local community
∙ Have a clear, specific marketing need
Eligible nonprofits are invited to apply online at fuelforbrands.com/fuel-grant.
Over the years, FUEL has partnered with 18 nonprofits and contributed more than 1,600 hours
in services ranging from logo redesigns and brand refreshes to social media blitzes and
campaign collateral.
The goal?
To help local changemakers do even more good.
For questions or help with your application, contact Elizabeth Ford at
elizabeth@fuelforbrands.com
# # #
About FUEL
Founded in 2011, FUEL is a branding and marketing agency specializing in brand-building strategies.
They partner with creatively-minded marketing leaders who believe that a strong brand is key to
standing out—and succeeding—in loud and crowded markets. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C.,
FUEL drives results for companies in a variety of industries throughout the Southeast region, from real
estate and hospitality to manufacturing and nonprofit. For more information, visit fuelforbrands.com

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Greenville Housing Fund Appoints Deborah McKetty as Interim CEO

GREENVILLE, SC — The Greenville Housing Fund (GHF) has appointed Deborah McKetty as Interim Chief Executive Officer, marking the return of the visionary leader who helped create the organization nearly two decades ago.

McKetty brings 35 years of strategic leadership in community economic development to this pivotal transition. Most recently serving as President of the South Carolina Community Loan Fund (SCCLF) before her retirement, she now steps back into service to position GHF for continued impact while the organization conducts a national search for a permanent CEO following Bryan Brown’s departure to NeighborWorks America.

“Deborah doesn’t just understand affordable housing policy—she’s built the infrastructure that makes it work,” said Jimmy Kimbell, Chair of the GHF Board of Directors. “Her fingerprints are on nearly every major housing initiative in this region. Having her lead us through this transition isn’t just strategic—it’s transformational.”

A Greenville native, McKetty’s impact on the local housing landscape is unmatched. In 2005, she led a groundbreaking affordable housing study through United Way of Greenville County that identified critical market gaps and directly resulted in the creation of GHF. As its founding CEO, she expanded the organization’s mission and evolved its business model, ultimately spinning off CommunityWorks Carolina in 2012. In 2018, she was instrumental in a collaborative effort among city and county leaders, private and nonprofit developers, and community stakeholders that would later lead to the launch of GHF as an independent entity focused exclusively on housing.

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Press Release

Greenville Housing Fund Appoints Deborah McKetty as Interim CEO

GREENVILLE, SC — The Greenville Housing Fund (GHF) has appointed Deborah McKetty as Interim Chief Executive Officer, marking the return of the visionary leader who helped create the organization nearly two decades ago.

McKetty brings 35 years of strategic leadership in community economic development to this pivotal transition. Most recently serving as President of the South Carolina Community Loan Fund (SCCLF) before her retirement, she now steps back into service to position GHF for continued impact while the organization conducts a national search for a permanent CEO following Bryan Brown’s departure to NeighborWorks America.

“Deborah doesn’t just understand affordable housing policy—she’s built the infrastructure that makes it work,” said Jimmy Kimbell, Chair of the GHF Board of Directors. “Her fingerprints are on nearly every major housing initiative in this region. Having her lead us through this transition isn’t just strategic—it’s transformational.”

A Greenville native, McKetty’s impact on the local housing landscape is unmatched. In 2005, she led a groundbreaking affordable housing study through United Way of Greenville County that identified critical market gaps and directly resulted in the creation of GHF. As its founding CEO, she expanded the organization’s mission and evolved its business model, ultimately spinning off CommunityWorks Carolina in 2012. In 2018, she was instrumental in a collaborative effort among city and county leaders, private and nonprofit developers, and community stakeholders that would later lead to the launch of GHF as an independent entity focused exclusively on housing.

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GJFF to show The Sea this February

GREENVILLE, SC – The next Pop-Up Movie from the Greenville Jewish Film Festival is the South Carolina premier of “The Sea” on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 4 pm at Camelot Cinemas in Greenville.

“The Sea” offers a deceptively simple premise: a headstrong 12-year-old boy from a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank illegally enters Israel on his own to see the sea.

Director-writer Shai Carmeli Pollak uses this foundation to expose painful realities of the occupation. Made as a collaboration between Jewish and Palestinian Israelis, the film becomes a deeply humanist tale about borders, permits, the interdependent economies of two neighbors and the power of the dominant language.

Tickets can be purchased here (https://greenvillejewishfilmfestival.com/pop-up-movies/). Adult tickets are $18, and student tickets are $14. Both include popcorn and a fountain drink. Students can email info@greenvillejewishfilmfestival.com for the discount code.

The Arabic-language drama was released in Israel in July 2025. In September, it won five Ophir Awards (Israel’s version of the Oscars) including for best picture. “The Sea” is also Israel’s submission into the Academy Awards for best international feature film. In addition, The Sea is the winner of two Awards and a Special Mention at the Jerusalem Film Festival.

From the Director’s Statement – “Amid today’s violent and brutal reality, this film moves audiences to tears. Perhaps because it presents something that feels so absent in our world today; compassion and love for all human beings. These are the very things The Sea offers in abundance, straight from the heart.”

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Banker Exchange

Greenville, SC: Banker Exchange, a leading Qualified Intermediary specializing in Section 1031 exchanges, recently announced the appointment of Steve Chacon as President. Chacon brings more than 20 years of exclusive experience in 1031 exchanges, along with a national reputation for technical expertise, educational leadership, and industry advocacy.

Chacon is the founder and Managing Member of aegis¹⁰³¹ and holds multiple industry credentials, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Exchange Specialist® (CES®), and Certified Distance Education Instructor™ (CDEI™). Throughout his career, he has advised investors, business owners, and tax professionals nationwide, while also educating nearly 10,000 real estate and financial professionals on the practical application of Section 1031.

“Steve’s leadership, integrity, and depth of knowledge are exceptional,” said John Boyd, Founder and CEO of Banker Exchange. “He has spent his career not only mastering the complexities of 1031 exchanges but also championing the industry. Bringing Steve on as President is a defining moment for Banker Exchange as we continue to grow, innovate, and deliver top-tier service to our clients and referral partners.”

In addition to his advisory work, Chacon is widely recognized for his role as a former Treasurer, Board Member, and President of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA), the only national trade association dedicated exclusively to the 1031 exchange industry. During his presidency, he helped lead the successful advocacy effort that preserved Section 1031 in the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, safeguarding its continued application to real property and reinforcing the role of the Qualified Intermediary.

As President of Banker Exchange, Chacon will focus on strategic growth, operational excellence, and expanding the firm’s education-first approach to serving investors, real estate professionals, and advisors nationwide.

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Organic Mechanics

Organic Mechanics, a leading muscular therapy practice in Greenville, South Carolina, proudly announces that it has been recognized as a Best of 2025 Greenville Award Winner in the Sports Massage Therapist category by BusinessRate.
This distinguished recognition highlights owner Corbin Piccione and the Organic Mechanics team as local leaders in therapeutic massage and muscular care, celebrated for exceptional customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and service excellence. Unlike traditional awards that rely on applications or nominations, this honor is based entirely on authentic feedback from Organic Mechanics’ own clientele — demonstrating genuine appreciation and trust from the community served.
“At Organic Mechanics, our mission has always been to address the root causes of pain and help clients restore movement, reduce discomfort, and improve their overall quality of life,” said Corbin Piccione, owner and lead therapist at Organic Mechanics. “Being recognized by our clients in this way — through their honest feedback and support — is truly meaningful and reinforces our commitment to delivering thoughtful, results-driven care.”
Organic Mechanics specializes in comprehensive, clinical muscular therapy designed to provide targeted relief from chronic pain, sports injuries, postural strain, and mobility limitations. The practice emphasizes natural, drug-free techniques such as neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, and trigger-point work tailored to each individual’s needs.
“This award reflects our clients’ trust and the strong relationships we build through personalized care,” continued Piccione. “We are grateful for every review and for the opportunity to support the Greenville community on their wellness journeys.”
Organic Mechanics continues to set a high standard for therapeutic massage and muscular therapy, blending clinical expertise with compassionate, client-centered service. The team looks forward to continuing to provide excellent and meaningful re