Category: Press Release

SPARTANBURG – Bank of America recently announced its partnership with One Spartanburg for Power Up University, which brings together partners in higher education to elevate small and minority-owned business owners in the community. Leaders of Spartanburg Community College, University of South Carolina Upstate, and Spartanburg Methodist College are developing specialized curricula that meets the diverse, unique needs of small and minority business owners. The program is designed to help ensure Spartanburg provides a supportive ecosystem for start-ups and entrepreneurs of all types. Bank of America presented a check for its investment of $50,000 for Power Up University. This investment gives small and minority business-owners in Spartanburg the chance to start and finish a business-centered certification or degree.

Beth Pontari, a key leader in developing The Furman Advantage and the underlying Pathways Program, has been named vice president for Academic Affairs and provost at Furman University, beginning May 1.

Pontari, a social psychologist whose research and expertise includes the study of self and identity and college student resiliency, has held the provost and vice president position on an interim basis since July 1, 2022. In this and previous roles, she has implemented and managed several university-wide initiatives that have become part of the fabric of Furman.

As associate provost of engaged learning, she chaired the Quality Enhancement Plan Steering Committee and helped launch The Furman Advantage. She also re-envisioned the Center for Engaged Learning, uniting the offices of Study Away, Internship and Undergraduate Research to help facilitate Furman’s promise to provide every student access to high-quality engaged learning opportunities.

“Every time Dr. Pontari has been given an opportunity to lead, she has excelled, with vision and creativity,” said Elizabeth Davis, president of Furman. “She understands Furman’s distinctive position in higher education as a university that places a high value on teaching and the classroom experience. She’s able to hold true to our historical commitments, such as engaged learning, while expanding opportunities to meet the needs of the 21st Century student. Every time she takes on a new initiative, she makes Furman a better university.”

“I’m excited to officially get started,” Pontari said. “I care deeply about Furman and Furman’s future. Being the interim vice president and provost allowed me to understand the expectations of the position and recognize tremendous opportunities that lie ahead. In true Furman fashion, I’ve been mentored really well and have been challenged to develop my leadership skills. I’m optimistic and realistic about the challenges facing higher education, and I think we can face them head-on.”

Pontari, a first-generation college graduate, was impressed by Furman on her first phone interview with then-chair of psychology Gil Einstein, now professor emeritus. She felt there was something unique about the university.

Twenty-three years later, her initial enthusiasm hasn’t waned.

“Furman is student-centered, and high-achieving, but there’s also a culture of care, for students and for each other,” said Pontari. She credits Einstein as a mentor who deeply influenced her love of teaching, research and mentoring students.

Her first day of teaching was Sept. 11, 2001. “I didn’t have a lot of connections here yet. I didn’t know the students and they didn’t know me. I faced those students that day without a lot of experience under my belt, and yet I felt totally supported. That was a world-changing moment, and we got through, and that’s just an example of the many ways the Furman community comes together.”

As a social psychologist, Pontari collaborated with students to examine the intersection between someone’s public and private views of themselves, the way people present themselves and how they manage social interactions.

In 2013, Pontari became more involved in administration, first as chair of the Department of Psychology, then, in 2017, as associate provost for engaged learning before becoming interim vice president and provost.

Pontari has been instrumental in shaping the missions of Furman’s four institutes: The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, The Institute for the Advancement of Community Health, The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and The Riley Institute. She also was key in creating the Center for Innovative Leadership, which launched in 2023. “These entities connect Furman to the world in unique ways that benefit Furman students, faculty and staff and our community partners.

Starting in December 2022, Pontari co-led the creation of Furman’s strategic plan. The plan has been endorsed by the faculty and will now go to the Furman Board of Trustees for its approval. It provides Davis and Pontari a five-year roadmap for the university to elevate innovation, provide for a thriving community and commit to a sustainable future.

To do that, she’ll work closely with the faculty and staff, whom she calls “incredibly talented and dedicated. We want them to feel valued,” she said. “We have an important job. A college education is vital to creating a better society. Our mission here is very important.”

Communicating the mission with all university stakeholders is one of Pontari’s primary goals. “We want the campus, our alumni and the community to be informed so they understand it and are a part of it. They also need to be informed about the progress we’re making in the strategic plan.”

Pontari received a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Florida.

Beth Pontari, a key leader in developing The Furman Advantage and the underlying Pathways Program, has been named vice president for Academic Affairs and provost at Furman University, beginning May 1.

Pontari, a social psychologist whose research and expertise includes the study of self and identity and college student resiliency, has held the provost and vice president position on an interim basis since July 1, 2022. In this and previous roles, she has implemented and managed several university-wide initiatives that have become part of the fabric of Furman.

As associate provost of engaged learning, she chaired the Quality Enhancement Plan Steering Committee and helped launch The Furman Advantage. She also re-envisioned the Center for Engaged Learning, uniting the offices of Study Away, Internship and Undergraduate Research to help facilitate Furman’s promise to provide every student access to high-quality engaged learning opportunities.

“Every time Dr. Pontari has been given an opportunity to lead, she has excelled, with vision and creativity,” said Elizabeth Davis, president of Furman. “She understands Furman’s distinctive position in higher education as a university that places a high value on teaching and the classroom experience. She’s able to hold true to our historical commitments, such as engaged learning, while expanding opportunities to meet the needs of the 21st Century student. Every time she takes on a new initiative, she makes Furman a better university.”

“I’m excited to officially get started,” Pontari said. “I care deeply about Furman and Furman’s future. Being the interim vice president and provost allowed me to understand the expectations of the position and recognize tremendous opportunities that lie ahead. In true Furman fashion, I’ve been mentored really well and have been challenged to develop my leadership skills. I’m optimistic and realistic about the challenges facing higher education, and I think we can face them head-on.”

Pontari, a first-generation college graduate, was impressed by Furman on her first phone interview with then-chair of psychology Gil Einstein, now professor emeritus. She felt there was something unique about the university.

Twenty-three years later, her initial enthusiasm hasn’t waned.

“Furman is student-centered, and high-achieving, but there’s also a culture of care, for students and for each other,” said Pontari. She credits Einstein as a mentor who deeply influenced her love of teaching, research and mentoring students.

Her first day of teaching was Sept. 11, 2001. “I didn’t have a lot of connections here yet. I didn’t know the students and they didn’t know me. I faced those students that day without a lot of experience under my belt, and yet I felt totally supported. That was a world-changing moment, and we got through, and that’s just an example of the many ways the Furman community comes together.”

As a social psychologist, Pontari collaborated with students to examine the intersection between someone’s public and private views of themselves, the way people present themselves and how they manage social interactions.

In 2013, Pontari became more involved in administration, first as chair of the Department of Psychology, then, in 2017, as associate provost for engaged learning before becoming interim vice president and provost.

Pontari has been instrumental in shaping the missions of Furman’s four institutes: The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, The Institute for the Advancement of Community Health, The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and The Riley Institute. She also was key in creating the Center for Innovative Leadership, which launched in 2023. “These entities connect Furman to the world in unique ways that benefit Furman students, faculty and staff and our community partners.

Starting in December 2022, Pontari co-led the creation of Furman’s strategic plan. The plan has been endorsed by the faculty and will now go to the Furman Board of Trustees for its approval. It provides Davis and Pontari a five-year roadmap for the university to elevate innovation, provide for a thriving community and commit to a sustainable future.

To do that, she’ll work closely with the faculty and staff, whom she calls “incredibly talented and dedicated. We want them to feel valued,” she said. “We have an important job. A college education is vital to creating a better society. Our mission here is very important.”

Communicating the mission with all university stakeholders is one of Pontari’s primary goals. “We want the campus, our alumni and the community to be informed so they understand it and are a part of it. They also need to be informed about the progress we’re making in the strategic plan.”

Pontari received a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Florida.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Jewish Federation will be honoring Holocaust Remembrance Day with two community events this week.
Yom HaShoah, which is known in America as Holocaust Remembrance Day, will occur May 5 and May 6, said Courtney Tessler, CEO of the Greenville Jewish Federation (GJF).
GJF is partnering with the Greenville Jewish Film Festival to show Four Winters – A Story of Jewish Partisan Resistance and Bravery in WWII on Sunday May 5 at 4 p.m. at the Camelot Theatre in Greenville. This movie tells the story of the more than 25,000 Jewish partisans, who fought back against the Nazis and their collaborators from deep within the forests of WWII’s Eastern Europe, Ukraine and Belarus. Against extraordinary odds, they escaped Nazi slaughter, transforming from young innocents to courageous resistance fighters. Shattering the myth of Jewish passivity, these last surviving partisans tell their stories of resistance in Four Winters, revealing a stunning narrative of heroism and resilience. Dianne Vecchio will be introducing the film.
Learn more and get tickets here.
On Monday, May 6, GJF will be hosting a Zikaron BaSalon, a memory in the living room, which is typically held in a private home where survivors or their children share about their Holocaust experience. This year’s Greenville event, led by GJF and Miki Karni will feature the unique opportunity to hear the inspiring story of Sonia Floch, a Holocaust survivor from Lithuania.
Separated from her newlywed husband, Sonia survived the cruel Shavl (Siavlia) ghetto and the Stutthof concentration camp, and endured the Death March before the liberation of the camp. The story has a happy ending as Sonia’s daughter, Sarah Lazarus, and Sarah’s children, Dr. David Lazarus and Rebecca Mittleman, all Greenville residents, will share.
Get tickets here.
“This is a rare opportunity to hear a survivor’s story and its impact on both a second and third generation from right here in our community,” Tessler said.
About the Greenville Jewish Federation:
The Greenville Jewish Federation is a dynamic organization dedicated to serving and strengthening the Jewish community in Greenville and neighboring counties. With a rich philanthropy and community-building history, the Federation works tirelessly to support educational programs, social services, cultural events, and advocacy efforts that promote Jewish values, heritage, and unity. To learn more about the Greenville Jewish Federation’s initiatives and upcoming programs, visit www.jewishgreenville.org.

Carolina Handling has received the 2023 Health & Safety Award for Excellence from Kautex, A Textron Company, a Tier One automotive supplier with more than 30 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries.

The award was received for an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) project at the company’s facility in Lavonia, Georgia, and recognizes Carolina Handling as a top-performing supplier. The courier implementation was one of the smoothest among any of Kautex Textron’s equipment distributors worldwide, according to the company, which operates AGVs at most of its facilities around the globe.

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 a full range of lift trucks and automation solutions for manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers, along with parts, warehouse equipment and supplies.

A Tier One global automotive supplier, Kautex Textron designs, develops and manufactures traditional and hybrid fuel systems, advanced cleaning solutions for assisted and autonomous driving, engine camshafts and plastic industrial packaging solutions.

ABOUT CAROLINA HANDLING

Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and operates branch offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; Greensboro, North Carolina; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Greenville, South Carolina; and an Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont, South Carolina. The company has 800 associates. For more information, visit carolinahandling.com.

YMCA of Greenville Staff Announcement

GREENVILLE, S.C. (April 24, 2024) – YMCA of Greenville announced today the positional changes of leadership team members Jarrod Covington, Cory Harrison, Julie Hollister, Lindsey Sease and Brian Vest as they accept additional responsibilities in association strategic initiatives to continue strengthening the Greenville community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Jarrod Covington will serve as vice president of operations. Covington will lead all Advancing our Cause Committees to guide strategic growth, planning, program implementation, outreach, collaboration, and staff development for all branches. He will continue to oversee all aspects of the Prisma Health Family YMCA, including the planned expansion of this facility.

Cory Harrison will serve as vice president of overnight camping. Harrison will advance and implement strategic growth, planning, fundraising and development for YMCA Camp Greenville. Harrison will oversee the overall operations and growth of Camp Greenville, including overnight camping, family programs, adventure guides, Symmes Chapel (Pretty Place), endowment board, alumni development, programs, volunteer and staff development, financial development, community relations and collaborations with community agencies. In this role, Harrison represents the YMCA of Greenville on a national level with the American Camp Association and Y-USA Camping committees and leadership involvement.

Julie Hollister will serve in the position of vice president of youth and family services. Hollister will ensure the successful operation of all facets of youth and family programming including quality improvements and the development of new program initiatives, including process improvements, ensuring best practices in operations, participant experience, curriculum, quality standards, outcomes and measurements, staff leadership and development/training, volunteer recruitment, financial development, community relations, collaborations, partnerships and policy at the state and local level, budgeting, and financial results. Hollister will continue to be responsible for leadership of the Association Childcare programs, which include onsite Afterschool Programming, Day Camp, Sports and Aquatics Camps, Child Watch programs and RECESS.

Lindsey Sease will serve as vice president, marketing and communications for the YMCA of Greenville. Sease will continue to lead association-wide strategic development, creation, and execution of all membership, marketing and engagement activities. She will oversee the design and implementation of communication and public relations plans intended to position the YMCA of Greenville as the county’s preeminent charity of choice. Sease will focus on driving growth, innovation and quality improvement in all areas of membership and association engagement.

Brian Vest will serve as vice president of operations. Vest will oversee the overall operation of multiple branches including membership, marketing, programs, volunteer and staff development, financial development, community relations and collaborations with community agencies. Vest will steward the Y’s strategic priorities of all wellness initiatives across YMCA of Greenville branches bringing leadership and programmatic and administrative oversight to support the Branch Executives, Operational Directors and Wellness Director, aimed at ensuring excellent program quality, program offerings and establishing agencies.

YMCA of Greenville offers professional growth opportunities to its high-achieving leadership. With a long-standing policy of promoting from within whenever possible, the organization will continue to benefit from the staff’s years of experience and knowledge, helping the YMCA of Greenville advance its mission and improve the overall impact the Y has on all communities it serves.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greenville and the projects, programs, and services it supports, visit https://www.ymcagreenville.org/.

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About the YMCA of Greenville, SC

The YMCA of Greenville is a cause-driven non-profit organization. Our mission is, following the example of Christ, to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the health and well-being of our community and provides opportunities to give back and help support our neighbors. Founded in 1876, the Y serves more than 70,000 people annually through programs that include afterschool care, resident and day camps, aquatics, youth and adult sports, and health and wellness. Programs are offered though four family branches, as well as the Verdae YMCA, Y Camp Greenville, YMCA Judson Community Center and Hollingsworth Outdoor Center. The Y is also home to Y Teen Services and the SC Youth in Government programs.

For more information about the YMCA of Greenville, visit ymcagreenville.org, or call (864) 412-0288.

Marketing & Brand Strategist Anna Waters with Ballentine Capital Advisors recently had the opportunity to bake cookies for families at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas! Take a look at these Saint Patrick’s Day-themed cookies, which include Shamrock Pretzel Pops and Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas helps keep families with sick children together and near the care and resources they need.
About Ballentine Capital Advisors:
At Ballentine Capital Advisors, we seek to serve our clients’ wealth needs through providing premier advice and service in wealth management. We seek to passionately and empathetically provide the highest standard of fiduciary care, always putting our partner’s clients’ best interests before our own. Ballentine Capital Advisors is built on the philosophy that “We succeed when our clients succeed.” Our wealth management firm, through our years of experience and professional credentials, specializes in a focus on retirement, retirement income, and wealth planning. Visit ballentinecapital.com for more information.