Category: Press Release

Carolina Handling is celebrating its 58th anniversary in 2024 with a yearlong campaign entitled “Handling Hunger Together” to assist hunger relief organizations throughout the company’s five-state footprint.

According to Feeding America, more than 44 million people in the U.S. face hunger each year, including 1 in 5 children. In 2022, 49 million people turned to food banks and other charitable organizations to help feed their families.

About 8 million pounds of food was collected and delivered to feeding organizations in 2023, according to Move for Hunger, with food banks in need of pallet jacks, lift trucks and other material handling equipment to move non-perishables and fresh produce.

“There are numerous organizations throughout the Southeast that receive, store and distribute thousands of pounds of food each year to feed the hungry in their communities,” said Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand. “The logistics of that can be overwhelming to organizations that don’t have applicable, reliable equipment. That’s where companies like Carolina Handling can help.”

In celebration of Carolina Handling’s 58 years in business in 2024, the Charlotte, NC-based intralogistics company is giving away 58 motorized pallet jacks to hunger relief organizations throughout its territory, which includes North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s Central time zone.

The Raymond 8210 electric pallet jacks are used 2016 and newer models with battery packs. They will be awarded on a first-requested basis to qualifying organizations completing a submission form on the Carolina Handling website. Equipment will be delivered to all recipients at no charge.

For more information and to apply to receive a Raymond 8210 motorized walkie pallet jack, visit carolinahandling.com/community/58-for-58.

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 lift trucks and automation solutions for manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers, along with parts, racking, storage, lighting and dock and door equipment.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Carolina Handling 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 more than 770 associates. For more information, visit carolinahandling.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Nisha Patel
Nisha@npatelcommunications.com
864.384.2403

Woman-Owned R&R Resolute Staffing Opens First Office in Upstate South Carolina
Focus on placing women in manufacturing positions

Greenville, S.C. – May 1, 2024 – R & R Resolute Staffing Firm (R&R), a woman owned employment agency focused on contract, contract-to-permanent, & direct hire positions, is thrilled to announce the opening of its new office at 5052 Old Buncombe Road, Ste E, Greenville, SC 29617.

“This is a very special day for R&R Resolute Staffing,” said Rachel Touchet, Owner/CEO of R&R Resolute Staffing Firm. “To open the doors to our very first office location is something our team has dreamed about for quite some time. It is symbolic to have an office and while it is used for us to support companies in the hiring needs – our doors are also open from 7 am to 6 pm Monday through Thursday for those looking for work or a new career. We welcome walk-ins and are excited to assist them in their new career endeavor.”

Touchet focuses on recruiting for manufacturing companies across the state of South Carolina, particularly women. Most of the positions she is looking to fill are mostly light industrial focused on the Anderson and Spartanburg areas of the state. They are one of the first companies to place women on-site at manufacturing plants.

“I want to level the playing field when it comes to placing women in these positions. Due to the nature of the job itself, it is completely plausible for a woman to be able to complete the task at hand. My goal is to change the mindset of manufacturing plant’s leadership and begin to hire more women in minorities,” said Touchet.

On Friday April 5th, Touchet and her team, cut the ribbon on the doors to their new office and celebrated with clients, partners, friends and family. In addition, Touchet announced R&R Resolute Staffing’s 3-year commitment to the American Heart Association of the Upstate.

About R&R Resolute Staffing Firm
R&R Resolute Staffing Firm, headquartered in Greenville, S.C., is a woman owned employment agency specializing in contract, contract-to-permanent, and direct hire positions for all types of businesses in upstate South Carolina. We believe our processes, personnel and customer service deliver the highest quality standards in the industry and we look to be a partner to all of our clients. Founded in August of 2023, R&R Resolute Staffing is a team of five working to meet your staffing needs. To learn more visit, www.randrstaff.com.

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.