Category: Press Release

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 25 years, thousands of families in the Upstate have benefitted from the services that CDS and its partners provide. Dr. Schmidt’s vision was to create a place that brings independent partners and services together under one roof to serve children with developmental delays and disabilities. His vision became a reality in 2000 and has now impacted multiple generations.

“Dr. Schmidt has made an indelible mark on our community through his unwavering commitment to children with intellectual challenges and special medical needs,” said Executive Director of CDS, Dana McConnell. “We are grateful for his efforts and support.”

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 or given through Venmo @CDSkids.

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, evaluation, 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 of Greenville at 29 North Academy Street in Greenville, SC.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Stop me if you heard this one (and you haven’t). Two men walk into Heaven and hilarity ensues.

That’s the story behind “Waiting for You,” a new musical comedy created by two Upstate music and entertainment industry legends and premiering Friday, April 11, with a limited engagement at the Chapman Cultural Center.

“Waiting for You” is set in Heaven, where men are forbidden, but two show up and throw Paradise into pandemonium. Colorful characters in the nine-member cast include EGGS (Eternal Great Generating Spirit); Saints Mattie and Joanie; Dr. Jessie Christie; and Susie, who dies within minutes of the opening and is eager to enjoy her rewards in the Afterlife. She discovers Eternity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

The musical is the
brainchild of John Jeter and David Berry.

Berry, a 37-year
composition professor at Converse University, wrote the music and co-wrote
lyrics. In addition, Berry toured for 13 years with Anthem, his rock band whose
members included Ralph and Marty, a beloved duo that performed for years around
Greenville. Jeter, who wrote the book and lyrics, is best known as co-owner of The Handlebar, the storied Greenville live-music venue that he
chronicled in his book, “Rockin’ A Hard Place.” He now teaches music business at Converse and
USC Upstate.

Kimilee Bryant, the
Upstate artist renowned for her leading roles on Broadway, is the featured
performer. Most notably, she starred as “Christine” in “The Phantom of the
Opera” — Broadway’s longest-running show — she is the only actor
to have played the two other major female roles. She also appeared in Phantom’s
U.S. Tour, in Toronto and Switzerland, and has performed in numerous
other New York City musical and operatic productions, among myriad marquee
accomplishments.

Tickets start at $25, plus facility fees. After the Friday premiere, the only other performances will be at 7 p.m. Saturday and a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m.

Carolina Handling, one of the country’s leading integrated material handling solutions providers, has named Andy Donnon its Director of Sales.

Donnon joined Carolina Handling in 2020 as a business development manager and was promoted to South Carolina sales manager the following year. He was named regional sales manager in April 2023.

A native of Plainfield, Vermont, Donnon is a 2013 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sport and Entertainment Management. His career experience includes seven years active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard and football operations assistant for the Carolina Panthers, a member of the National Football League based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Prior to joining Carolina Handling, Donnon was corporate sales executive for Standard Furniture Manufacturing and territory sales manager for Ashley Furniture Industries, two of the world’s leading furniture manufacturers.

“Andy has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, strategic insight and a commitment to driving exceptional results,” said Carolina Handling President and CEO Brent Hillabrand. “His vision and expertise will be invaluable in guiding our sales organization toward continued success.”

Interim HealthCare is excited to announce the release of Fullness of Joy: One Hundred Devotions to Bring You Into God’s Presence by Elizabeth “Libby” Rice Handford. This heartfelt collection of 100 devotionals celebrates Libby’s 18 years of spiritual leadership at Interim HealthCare, where her weekly writings have inspired caregivers to seek God’s presence in their work and daily lives. Her devotionals beautifully reflect Interim’s mission of “honoring God through the enrichment of human life.”

Libby’s faith and dedication are rooted in her heritage as the daughter of Dr. John R. Rice, a renowned Baptist evangelist, and her 31 years of ministry alongside her late husband, Walt Handford, during his pastorate at Southside Baptist Church (now Fellowship Greenville). Through her devotionals, Libby has uplifted countless caregivers with her wisdom and encouragement.

Proceeds from Fullness of Joy will benefit the Ray Schroeder Employee Assistance Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides critical support to healthcare workers in times of need. “Libby’s devotionals have inspired and uplifted our team for years, helping us stay rooted in our mission,” said Kristy Kaliope, Director of Marketing and Communications at Interim HealthCare. “With Fullness of Joy, we are thrilled to share her gift with a wider audience while supporting the dedicated employees who make our care possible.”

The release of Fullness of Joy underscores Interim HealthCare’s commitment to honoring the spiritual and emotional well-being of its community. By purchasing the book, supporters not only deepen their own spiritual journey but also contribute to the vital mission of uplifting those who provide compassionate care to others.

Fullness of Joy is now available for purchase on Amazon and other major booksellers. Learn more about Interim HealthCare at www.interimcares.com.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Nest Realty, a people-focused real estate brokerage spanning six states, has named Ivey Jacops as Regional Vice President of Business Development and Broker-In-Charge for South Carolina.

Jacops brings over 15 years of diverse business experience in business analysis, mergers and acquisitions, operational budgeting, P&L forecasting and sales leadership. She has a proven track record of helping real estate agents achieve measurable results, including a 77% average sales volume growth among those she has trained and coached. Jacops will lead Nest Realty’s efforts to expand its footprint in South Carolina through strategic partnerships while supporting local agents with innovative training and coaching initiatives.

“I am honored to join Nest Realty and contribute to its mission of building meaningful relationships in real estate,” said Jacops. “I’ve always believed that success starts with a foundation of doing good work for clients. Nest’s commitment to putting people and relationships at the center of its business aligns perfectly with my own values.”

Jacops’ career began in the healthcare industry, after graduating at the top of her MBA class, where she gained experience in strategic planning and business development. Her transition into real estate allowed her to combine her business acumen with her dedication to serving others.

At Nest Realty, Jacops will work closely with agents to develop sustainable, referral-based careers rooted in trust and exceptional client service. She will oversee the brokerage’s growth across South Carolina along with Corinne Nickell, VP Of Operations and Growth.

Nest Realty’s focus on people and relationships ensures every interaction is an opportunity to inspire confidence and deliver outstanding results. This philosophy complements Jacops’ “Do Good” approach to empowering agents and supporting their success.

Upstate South Carolina Boat Show Returns to Greenville Convention Center January 23-26

Greenville, SC (January 8, 2025) – Start planning for summer at the lake at the Upstate SC Boat Show at the Greenville Convention Center from Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, January 26, 2025. This event is one of the largest of its kind in the state for over 50 years and features a vast array of boats and boat dealers. Come experience all that the boating lifestyle has to offer, complete with the latest models of fishing, pontoon, speed, ski, cruisers, and personal watercrafts, as well as the latest products including boat docks, accessories and finance and insurance vendors.

“The Upstate South Carolina Boat Show is an annual tradition for boaters and boat dealers alike. It’s a great ‘get ready’ season starter and is the ideal place for prospective boat buyers to find everything they need,” said Matt Hollander, general manager of the Greenville Convention Center. “This year, we are excited to announce that Hall One will feature a 1000 horsepower engine called the Trifecta. 250-500 horsepower is typical, so we are excited to offer this new element to our attendees.”

The 2025 Upstate SC Boat Show schedule is:
• Thursday, Jan. 23: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 24: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 25: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 26: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $7 for students (ages 13-18) and seniors (ages 60+). Children 12 and under are admitted free, making the show affordable for families to enjoy. Parking is $10.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://meetgcc.com.

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About Greenville Convention Center
As one of the Southeast’s largest venues, boasting 280,000 square feet of impressive exhibit and event space in one of the most sought-after cities, the Greenville Convention Center is committed to providing you with the resources you need to turn your event into an experience that brings your plans to life.