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Carolina Handling

Carolina Handling, one of the country’s leading integrated material handling solutions providers, has given back this holiday season by donating 58 hours of forklift service and repair and 5800 volunteer hours to hunger relief organizations across its five-state footprint.
Carolina Handling homed in on its 58 years in business in 2024 by donating 58 motorized pallet jacks to hunger relief organizations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s central time zone.
The Charlotte, NC-based forklift and automation solutions company extended the anniversary celebration by donating 58 hours of service to nonprofits with material handling equipment needing maintenance and repair, then encouraged its 825 associates to give back to their communities with 5800 hours of volunteer service.
“Service has been a core value at Carolina Handling since our founding in 1966,” said Chief Operating Officer Joe Perkins. “We take very seriously our commitment to provide elite service to each other, our customers and our community.”
With a philanthropic focus on hunger relief in its current fiscal year, Carolina Handling associates have logged hours sorting and packing food at area food banks, participating in mobile food distribution events and food pantry cleanup days, and collecting and distributing food and supplies in areas of western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene.
“Our associates enjoy hands-on experiences that have a meaningful and lasting impact on their communities,” Perkins said. “And when we’re able to offer services such as forklift repair – something at which we excel – it makes it even more meaningful.”

ABOUT CAROLINA HANDLING
Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is one of the Southeast’s leading integrated material handling solutions providers and the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s Central time zone. The company provides forklifts and automation solution

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I-85 sewer expansion in Oconee gets approval to operate

SENECA, S.C. – An infrastructure project 45 years in the making got approved Thursday afternoon.

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services gave final approval to the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) for the operation of a wastewater treatment/collection system in the southern part of the county.

Known as the I-85 Corridor Expansion, this project has been on the planning documents for almost 45 years, said Chris Eleazer, Executive Director of the OJRSA.

The project consists of approximately 8,400 linear feet of gravity sewer, two pump stations, and 16,500 linear feet of force main pipe to serve the areas near exits 1 and 2 on Interstate 85.

The OJRSA will start contacting potential customers in January 2025 about connecting to the system.

About the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority:

The Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) is a governmental agency providing wastewater treatment service to the cities of Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, the town of West Union and their surrounding areas. In 2025, it will also provide wastewater conveyance and treatment to the southern portion of Oconee County. Learn more about the agency and its expanded coverage area at www.ojrsa.org.

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BASF ECMS Equips Fifth Apprenticeship Program Cohort for Manufacturing Success

The program is in partnership with Apprenticeship Carolina and Tri-County Technical College (TCTC), and enables BASF ECMS to hire talented individuals who might not have been considered otherwise due to their lack of manufacturing experience. Since launching the program for production technicians in 2021, BASF ECMS has built a robust pipeline of skilled employees. By focusing on non-traditional hires, the program has successfully transitioned individuals from various backgrounds, including the military, food service, and retail, into thriving manufacturing careers.

Four apprentices, Dylan Bruens, Tristin Chesbro, Andrew Pollard, and Dan Singleton successfully finished the 12-month training program – earning certifications and enhancing their skills for future careers in the manufacturing industry.

Throughout the program, the apprentices obtained OSHA 10 safety certification, White Belt Six Sigma Certification, and completed Creating Safety Involvement (CSI) training for safety observations in the plant. Additionally, they were awarded a certificate in Process Technology from TCTC and an apprenticeship certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. They also received a pay raise upon completing the program.

“We are proud of the nearly 30 apprentices who have graduated from this program since it began in 2021,” said Bryan Manuel, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions at Tri-County Technical College. “This program exemplifies the power of education and industry partnership in creating a skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”

As part of their capstone project, the apprentices designed and built a functioning mini evaporative cooling tower using a five-gallon bucket and small bilge pump. This project highlighted their practical skills, teamwork, and understanding of key roles such as operations, quality assurance, and project management.

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Endeavor Announces Work and Study Spaces for Holiday Visitors

Endeavor Announces Work and Study Spaces for Holiday Visitors

GREENVILLE, SC (December 19, 2024) – Endeavor Workspaces today announced co-working day passes and half-day “study hall passes” (eligible from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) for visitors in town for the holidays, students, and other professionals needing quiet work or study space during the chaotic holiday season. Fees are $30 for a full-day pass, $12 for professionals for a half-day pass, and $10 for students for a half-day pass. Fast and secure wi-fi, quiet areas, bottomless coffee, an onsite executive gym and access to Endeavor’s “calm and bright” coworking spaces with downtown views Mondays through Fridays are also included.

Ideal for holiday visitors and local professionals needing space to focus, as well as students (16 years and up) studying for SATs, exams, or Boards, working remote internships, or writing college applications. Contact Endeavor@EndeavorGreenville.com or visit Endeavor at 1 N. Main St. Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Walk-in’s welcome.

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About Endeavor
Endeavor is a membership-based coworking community for creative and entrepreneurial professionals, as well as corporate teams and business travelers. Endeavor’s premium location in the ONE Development in Greenville, SC provides members with state-of-the-art work and meeting space, and uniquely, surrounds them with a diverse array of peers who offer a broad range of services and experience. Training opportunities, networking events and business consulting are available for the professionals who call Endeavor home every day, as well as business team members across the region. Endeavor has been recognized as the winner of the Coworker Member’s Choice Award for Greenville, SC and GVLtoday’s Best Coworking Space in Greenville. For more information, visit endeavorgreenville.com.

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The Rock It! Co. earns Gold Award in Web Development

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Rock It! Co. has been honored as among the best web development companies in South Carolina.

The Rock It! Co. was recognized this week with a Gold Award in the Best Web Development Company from the South Carolina Best in Business Awards, which is led by Greenville Business Magazine, Columbia Business Monthly, and Charleston Business Magazine and recognizes companies and individuals who contribute to the success of the state’s business community.

The Rock It! Co. started in 2014 as a fully integrated marketing and events firm. Through corporate events, website development and management, e-mail communications, public relations, social media and search engine marketing, The Rock It! Co. is designed to do one thing: get the results companies and nonprofits need to succeed. With offices in Charleston and Greenville, the company serves clients across the country.

“This award is a wonderful recognition of our team’s talent and dedication,” said Leah Stoudenmire Lawson, the company’s Founder and CEO. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and this honor reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in serving our clients.”

About The Rock It! Co.

The Rock It! Co. is the one-stop shop for companies and non-profit organizations looking to take their brands and stories to the next level. With decades of expertise in creating and developing events and marketing campaigns across the country, The Rock It! Co. brings all of the needed skills of a large-scale operation, but served with the customer service and personal touch only a boutique firm can bring. With offices in Charleston and Greenville, the company is able to serve clients across the country. Get rocking it today at therockitco.com.

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Habitat for Humanity of Greenville dedicates Sturtevant home

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Christmas came a little early for Matrice Sullivan Friday afternoon.

And it helps when you had a major hand in making your Christmas present a reality.

Sullivan and Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County dedicated her home on Sturtevant Street Friday afternoon. A Greenville native and proud mother of three, Sullivan reflected on all of the hard work that went into building her new home, especially at this time of the year.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she said. “You have helped me give the best Christmas present to my kids!”

Sullivan’s house was sponsored by Bon Secours St. FrancisHealth System, and its completion marked 10 years that the healthcare leader has supported Habitat Greenville. The families of the other houses supported by Bon Secours were at Friday’s dedication to welcome Sullivan as well.

“Bon Secours is happy to support Habitat for Humanity. Affordable housing is one of our focus areas for this year,” said Sean Dogan, Director of Community Health for Bon Secours St. Francis. “To support a deserving family with the gift of stable, affordable housing bring joy to our heart. Blessings to all in this important work.”

Sullivan had rented a house for the past eight years in the Sterling neighborhood. The house had some issues, and it was difficult to get needed repairs done. That is when she decided to take part in the Habitat process.

Habitat’s homeowner preparation program includes courses in personal finance, budgeting, mortgages, credit, home maintenance and repair, and others. In addition, the prospective homeowner and family members must be willing to volunteer with Habitat. Known as “sweat equity,” this includes working on the construction of the prospective homeowner’s home, other Habitat homes and possibly volunteering at other nonprofit organizations.

“Habitat teaches you so much,” she said. “And the staff walks through it with you. I love that!”

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Sportsclub rebranding to acac Fitness & Wellness

GREENVILLE, S.C. –  One of the Upstate’s leading fitness centers will have a new name for its three sites by mid-January.

Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness will now be known as acac Fitness & Wellness Centers, marking a new era for this venerable fitness hub that has locations on Congaree Road in Greenville, Five Forks and in Simpsonville.

Founded by Phil Wendel in 1984 as the Atlantic Coast Athletic Clubs, acac Fitness & Wellness Centers has grown from a single 5,000 square-foot facility to having 14 sites in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.

“When we entered into the Greenville market about two and half years ago, we decided to maintain the Sportsclub brand due to its strong reputation in the market,” said Chris Craytor, CEO of acac.

“Our plan has always been to re-invest heavily into the clubs, which we have done over the last two years, before introducing our acac Fitness & Wellness name to the market. We’ve made millions in capital improvements since taking the reins, and while there is still work to be done, we’re now proud to welcome these locations officially to the acac family.”

As part of the transition, the three South Carolina sites have received a number of improvements, including a host of equipment upgrades, safety and structural improvements, brand new locker rooms in the Five Forks location, increased natural lighting, paint, flooring and more, with plans for even more upgrades to come.

Kelly Brogdon, marketing director for the Greenville sites, said this is a new era for the fitness centers, whose mission is to provide the best health club experience in the Upstate of South Carolina.

“Our members appreciate a wide variety of equipment, adult and youth fitness programming, group exercise classes and a friendly and knowledgeable team,” Brogdon said “From team sports to group activities to individual instruction, we can define a fitness program that suits anyone’s unique ability and lifestyle at our three convenient locations.”

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The Insurance Source brings home three SC Best in Business Awards

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Upstate’s premier independent insurance brokerage has secured Gold and Silver honors in the 2024 Best in Business Awards.

The Insurance Source earned Gold in Best Employee Benefit Broker and Best Health and Accident Insurance Provider, while taking home Silver in Best Business Insurance Broker Firm in the South Carolina Best in Business Awards, which is led by Greenville Business Magazine, Columbia Business Monthly, and Charleston Business Magazine and recognizes companies and individuals who contribute to the success of the state’s business community.

This follows a string of awards in the past year including winning the Greenville Chamber’s Small Business of the Month in July; winning The Guide to South Carolina Best Insurance Agency honor; earning being named the Best Local Insurance Agency in the Post and Courier Greenville’s inaugural Readers’ Choice last December and earning second place in the Best Life Insurance category in last year’s Best in Business Awards.

“I am incredibly proud of this team that continues to win awards for providing great service in an industry not necessarily known for it,” said Guy Furay, owner of The Insurance Source. “This is a great way to close out 2024 and set us up for a fantastic 2025.”

Founded in 2005, the mission statement of The Insurance Source has always been simple: “We make health insurance easier.” The team 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.

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Sigal Music Museum

In addition to housing a world-class collection of historic instruments, Sigal Music Museum is also one of Greenville’s top listening rooms where an audience of engaged listeners enhances the experience for both musicians and concertgoers alike. Concerts range from Cuban Jazz to Classical , taking place on the ground floor of the museum. Sponsored in part by a grant from South Carolina Humanities, the Distinguished Lecture Series offers a fun, pain-free way to learn about a wide variety of music-related topics. The lectures are free (registration required) and are a delightful way to combine education and entertainment. The increasingly popular monthly museum teas offer guests an opportunity to experience a proper 3:00pm treat on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
https://sigalmusicmuseum.org/calendar/

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DP3 Architects, Ltd.

On Wednesday, December 11th, the City of Simpsonville welcomed city officials, project partners, and residents to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the new Simpsonville Municipal Complex.

“This is truly a historic moment for the city,” said Simpsonville Mayor Paul Shewmaker. “Our municipal complex is a symbol of progress, collaboration, and vision. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It represents the heart of a thriving community. It’s built to serve our city for decades to come.”

The new Municipal Complex, designed by DP3 Architects, includes a 27,140 square foot city hall and police department building, a new 13,230 square foot Greenville County Summary Court and Simpsonville Municipal Court building, and a 19,145 square foot fire department headquarters. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to serve as a hub for city operations and community engagement.

“Working on the Simpsonville Municipal Complex has been an incredible opportunity for DP3 Architects,” said Principal and Community Studio Leader, Mike Pry. “We designed this facility to reflect the unique character of Simpsonville while providing a functional and inspiring space for civic engagement. It’s an honor to see this project come to life and to be part of a legacy that will benefit the community for years to come.”

The new complex is a testament to Simpsonville’s investment in its future, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal to create a facility that aligns with the city’s aspirations. DP3 Architects is honored to have played a part in this transformative project that aligns with their mission of bringing communities together.