Category: Press Release

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Two experienced members of the South Carolina film community are joining the team at Piedmont Natural Gas Presents Reedy Reels: The Greenville Festival.
Tim Driscoll will be the Program Manager and Rhodes Farrell will serve as the Community Engagement Manager. Both are charged with expanding the depth and excellence of the three-day film festival being held March 22-24, 2024 at the S.C. Children’s Theatre.
Since 2018, Farrell has owned Scenic Rhodes Production, a commercial and creative videography company. A co-founder of Film Bar Monday in Greenville, Rhodes’ work has been honored with a Best Music Video honor at Carolina Film Fest and an Indie Grant recipient from The South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College.
Driscoll is an award-winning director and producer who has created content for Sony PlayStation, YouTube, 3M, and ViewSonic. His short films have screened at festivals all over the world including: Fantastic Fest, BiFan, Sitges and Nashville. In addition to filmmaking, Driscoll is the program director for the Jacksonville Film Festival, and co-founder of the Jacksonville, and Greenville’s Film Bar Mondays; where he has helped bring more than 200 short films to screen.
“We believe Rhodes and Tim will help make 2024 the best Reedy Reels yet,” said Matt Foster, co-founder of the festival.
About The Reedy Reels Film Festival: The Greenville Film Festival:
Piedmont Natural Gas Presents Reedy Reels: The Greenville Festival is an independent film festival promoting the appreciation of the art of film-making while generating support for independent filmmakers in the Upstate. The Reedy Reels Film Festival is a non-profit organization that supports the education and appreciation of filmmaking. Learn more at www.reedyreels.com.

Three Greenville leaders have been selected for Liberty Fellowship’s Class of 2025. The Fellowship brings together a small group of established leaders with a wide range of thought, professions, geographic locations, and lived experiences. Through a rigorous 18-month process, each Class member will be challenged to understand and embrace their varying perspectives with a growth-oriented mindset.

The Greenville leaders are:

-George Campbell, Partner, Campbell Teague, LLC, and General Partner, Broad Street Group
-Bern DuPree, Director, Furman Capitol Advisors, and Shareholder, NAI Earle Furman
-Neetu Patel, Vice President, Sycamore Investment Group
“Leaders operate in a continually changing landscape and are required to respond swiftly to market forces,” said Ann Marie Stieritz, president and CEO of Liberty Fellowship and a Fellow from the Class of 2016. “This group of dynamic leaders will be a wonderful addition to our global and statewide networks who work together to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

Liberty Fellowship selects a new Class every two years. Each leader selected received at least one nomination, was interviewed twice, and ultimately selected from a pool of more than 400 nominations.

The other members of the Class of 2025 are:

-Ashley Cheek, Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville (Hartsville)

-Grayson Dorr, Senior Project Manager, Advanced Technology International (Moncks Corner)

-Elizabeth Fly, Director of Resilience and Ocean Conservation, The Nature Conservancy (Charleston)

-Margaret Furniss, Vice President of Brand Experience, Beemok Hospitality Collection (Charleston)

-Jonathan Grzyb, Founder and Managing Partner, Phoenix Holdings Partners (Charleston)

-Mena Mark Hanna, General Director and CEO, Spoleto Festival USA (Charleston)

-Jamilla Harper, Chief Operating Officer, Metanoia Community Development Corp. (North Charleston)

-Lana Kleiman, Executive Director, Charleston Legal Access (Mount Pleasant)

-Maurie Lawrence, Vice President of Sustainability and Associate General Counsel, Milliken & Company (Spartanburg)

-Estee Perlmutter, Advanced Practice Nurse, Liberty Doctors (Charleston)

-Alyssa Richardson, Founder and CEO, Develop South Carolina LLC (North Charleston)

-Allen Smith, President and CEO, OneSpartanburg, Inc. (Spartanburg)

-Kim Smith, Founder and CEO, Health Evolve Technologies, LLC (Irmo)

-Ashely Teasdel, Deputy Secretary, South Carolina Department of Commerce (Columbia)

-Jarrod Tippins, Pharmacist and Owner, The Pharmacy (Florence)

-Maj. Christopher D. Turner, Field Artillery Officer, South Carolina Army National Guard (Beaufort)

-Guang Ming Whitley, Assistant Professor of Law, Charleston School of Law; Chair, Lattice Climbers; and Council Member, Town of Mount Pleasant (Mount Pleasant)

-Gillian Zettler, Founder, G. Zettler Collective (Mount Pleasant)

The Class of 2025 will begin their Liberty Fellowship experience with a series of five, multi-day seminars in South Carolina and abroad in March 2024. Each Class member will also be required to create an impact venture that establishes positive change for future generations in South Carolina.

Upon successful completion of the initial program, the Class of 2025 will join 330 leaders in the Liberty Fellowship South Carolina Network and 3,500 leaders in the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Through these two networks, they will have lifelong opportunities for engagement and access to an influential group of colleagues and mentors.

Learn more about the Class at https://libertyfellowshipsc.org/21-south-carolina-leaders-selected-for-the-class-of-2025/.

FAST FACTS

-The Class of 2025 is the 17th Class of Liberty Fellows since the organization was established in 2004.

-Each Class member is required to complete five seminars in the United States and abroad and an individual impact venture to become a Liberty Fellow.

-A new Class of Liberty Fellows is selected every two years from a pool of more than 400 nominees.

-There are 330 Fellows in the Liberty Fellowship South Carolina Network. 76% of the network is from the business sector, 12% are from the nonprofit sector, and 12% are from the public sector.

-There are more than 3,500 leaders in the Aspen Global Leadership Network from more than 60 countries.

About Liberty Fellowship

Liberty Fellowship is the only state-based Fellowship program of its kind in the United States. The Fellowship activates individual leaders through a deeper understanding of a just, free and equitable society; serves as a convener for bringing together diverse perspectives to advance civil discourse; and provides infrastructure for taking action. There are 330 Liberty Fellows working collectively across South Carolina. Learn more at www.libertyfellowshipsc.org/.

About The Aspen Global Leadership Network

The Aspen Global Leadership Network’s (AGLN) is a growing, worldwide community of more than 3,500 high-integrity, entrepreneurial leaders from over 60 countries who share a commitment to values-based leadership and to using their creativity, energy and resources to tackle the foremost societal challenges of our times. Because of their demonstrated accomplishment and abilities, they have been selected to join one of 13 geographic or sector-specific AGLN Fellowships around the world. Fellows convene annually at the AGLN’s flagship event, the Resnick Aspen Action Forum. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org/agln.

SPARTANBURG, SC, December 11th – Renfrow Industrial, a leading Industrial Contractor, is pleased to announce the construction of their new facility on I-85 in Upstate, SC. The building will serve as their corporate headquarters, as well as their Upstate regional office. This strategic move symbolizes their dedication to customer service and ability to meet the region’s growing contracting needs. Renfrow also has offices in Charleston, SC, Columbia, SC, and Kingsport, TN.

The Upstate has rapidly emerged as a focal point for industrial activities, and Renfrow Industrial aims to contribute significantly to this growing landscape with its new facility. The company is strategically positioned to enhance development through its comprehensive construction expertise and ability to meet the diverse contracting needs of the industry.

John Mark Renfrow, son of owner William Renfrow and Director of New Construction, expressed enthusiasm about this milestone: “This is an exciting time in the history of our company. We have an incredible team that works hard every day to serve our customers. This new office is a testament to the hard work of our team and will serve as a catalyst for the future growth of our company. As our team gets stronger, we will be able to support our customers better and continue to grow as a company. I believe this building will help us accomplish that.”

Cary Galloway, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, shared his thoughts on this exciting new step, “We’re looking forward to having our team under one roof to better serve our customers. This new building reflects our commitment to the growing industrial base in our region. We’re excited to provide a state-of-the-art facility for our Renfrow team and customers.”

Renfrow Industrial, specializing in mechanical, electrical, maintenance, and fabrication services, adopts a Total Industrial Solutions approach. In an era marked by unprecedented labor shortages, Renfrow Industrial addresses this challenge by bridging the skills gap in the workforce and delivering value-driven solutions that save both time and money for its industrial clientele.

The mission of Renfrow Industrial is clear: to provide construction expertise and excellent service, meeting the contracting needs of industrial companies. This commitment is realized through a competent and professional leadership team and a workforce whose skills meticulously match each customer’s unique needs.

The new facility marks a significant step forward for Renfrow Industrial as it continues to contribute to the growth and success of the industrial sector in the region. The company looks forward to the positive impact the new building will have on its ability to serve customers and support the ongoing expansion of its operations.

As Renfrow Industrial takes this pivotal step in advancing its capabilities, the company looks forward to contributing to the continued success of industrial enterprises in the region.

**GREENVILLE, SC** – Pillar Holistic Living, a premier wellness facility in Greenville, SC, has been honored
with the prestigious 2023 SC Best in Business Award by Greenville Business Magazine. This distinguished
recognition has been bestowed upon Pillar Holistic Living in not just one, but two categories: Chiropractic
Facility and Holistic Health Care, highlighting the center’s commitment to excellence and innovation in wellness
services.
Dr. Jessica Caruso and her husband Brian Caruso, the visionaries behind Pillar Holistic Living, have played a
pivotal role in securing these accolades. Dr. Jessica’s unique and innovative approach to chiropractic care,
known as intuitive energy chiropractic, has set a new standard in the field. These treatments, which blend
traditional chiropractic methods with holistic energy practices, have been widely acclaimed for their
effectiveness and personalized approach.
In addition to her in-clinic services, Dr. Caruso also offers in-home treatment options, bringing her expertise
and holistic care directly to clients. This approach not only ensures convenience but also provides a
comfortable and familiar environment for clients to receive their treatments.
Pillar Holistic Living offers an array of amenities designed to promote holistic health and well-being. The facility
boasts a specially curated eco-boutique and micro-market, serene meditation spaces, and a variety of holistic
health workshops and seminars. These amenities are a testament to the center’s dedication to providing a
comprehensive wellness experience for its clients.
The center’s achievements and services reflect its commitment to fostering a healthier and more holistic
lifestyle within the Greenville community. The dual awards from Greenville Business Magazine are not just a
recognition of Pillar Holistic Living’s excellence in chiropractic and holistic health care but also a celebration of
its impact on the lives of its clients.
Clients and visitors are welcome to experience the award-winning services and amenities at Pillar Holistic
Living, located at 9 Mulligan Street, Greenville, SC. For more information, inquiries, or to schedule an
appointment, interested parties can contact Pillar Holistic Living at www.PillarHolistic.com .
This milestone for Pillar Holistic Living marks a significant moment in the journey towards holistic wellness. As
the center continues to evolve and expand its services, it remains committed to its mission of empowering
individuals to live healthier, more balanced lives through holistic and chiropractic care.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County welcomed a new home and new neighborhood to its community of families Wednesday.

Jessica Jones became the first homeowner in one of Habitat Greenville’s most intriguing projects. The nine houses projected to be built on 1.708 acres on Sturtevant Street were donated by Creative Builders and Fitch Irick Corporation in 2021. Land prices are one of largest obstacles for Habitat Greenville and other affordable housing advocates, and land donation is a model that Habitat hopes to expand upon.

This particular tract of land came about after Creative Builders and Fitch Irick developed The Assembly Apartments, a rental community featuring 284 units built over two phases between 2017 and 2022. There was a remaining parcel of land that was not going to be used.

But donating the land was just the start. Both firms agreed to help build four of the nine houses on Sturtevant in the Bramlett Park community. Creative Builders also is a long-time Habitat Greenville supporter and has taken part in CEO Builds in the past.

As with all Habitat dedications, Jones and her family received numerous gifts from Habitat Greenville partners including a toolbox and voucher to Habitat Restores, a framed photograph from local artist Greg Hammond, quilts from the Nimble Thimbles Quilt Guild, a watercolor from painter Carol Hoffman, a lawnmower from Solomon’s Landscape & Design, a smart lock from CPM Federal Credit Union and a humidifier from Aterian.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County:
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance. As of May 2023, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of 405 homes. Habitat Greenville received the 2017 Builder of the Year award from EarthCraft, and in recognition of financial health, accountability, and transparency, maintain a 4-Star Charity status by Charity Navigator. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard, and 1818 Woodruff Road. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups.

Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.

Carolina Handling was named a veteran-friendly employer by the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs (SCDVA) during a presentation held on December 5, 2023, at the company’s Hilton Learning Center in Piedmont, South Carolina.

The SCDVA program recognizes South Carolina businesses that actively recruit military veterans and empower and enhance their employment through training and career development opportunities. Carolina Handling received the program’s certificate of bronze standard.

“It’s an honor to be here to give you this award on behalf of the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs and Secretary Todd McCaffrey and to recognize Carolina Handling not only for the great services you provide veterans in your workforce, but also veterans in your community,” said SCDVA Operations Coordinator Kailay P. Washington.

The exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and the panhandle of Florida, Carolina Handling in a leading materials handling equipment supplier, offering consulting, design and engineering services, and integrated automation solutions for manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers.

About 12.5 percent of Carolina Handling’s 759 associates served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The company has 212 South Carolina associates, 31 of whom are military veterans.

The presenting sponsor of the Veterans Employment & Transition Summit hosted by The RECON Network and a multi-year sponsor of the Military & First Responders Skybox at the BMW Charity Pro-Am in Greenville, Carolina Handling is committed to raising awareness among military veterans about careers in material handling.

“The skills developed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces can make you highly successful in the material handling industry,” said Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand. “Carolina Handling offers comprehensive onboarding and continuous training to assist with a meaningful military-to-civilian transition and a purpose-driven career.”

ABOUT CAROLINA HANDLING

Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is one of the Southeast’s leading material handling solution providers and the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s Central time zone territory. The company provides lift trucks and automation solutions for warehouses and distribution centers, as well as parts, racking, storage, lighting and dock and door equipment.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Carolina Handling operates branch offices in Atlanta GA, Birmingham AL, Greensboro NC, Raleigh NC and Greenville SC, and an Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont, SC. The company has more than 750 associates. For more information, visit carolinahandling.com.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Nov. 29, 2023) — Four veterans in South Carolina commercial real estate are teaming up to form a new brokerage focused on the fast-growing Upstate region.
Geoff Groat, Jr. of Charleston is partnering with Andrew Babb, John Bauknight and Ralph Settle, three Spartanburg-based real estate professionals, in Roadstead Real Estate Advisors’ new Upstate-based office. After spending 13 years with a partner office of the world’s largest international commercial real estate company, CBRE, Groat co-founded Roadstead in Charleston 15 years ago and has since grown it into one of the most sophisticated real estate brokerages in the state.
Babb, a Spartanburg native, has been a key figure in Spartanburg commercial real estate for nearly two decades, both as a real estate professional and a developer. He has partnered with Bauknight on several projects in downtown Spartanburg. These projects include Palmetto Lofts, 226 and 252 W. Main Street, 142 Social and Magnolia Lofts, among others.
In addition to over 30 years of commercial real estate experience, Bauknight is a seasoned entrepreneur. He is President and Co-founder of Longleaf Holdings USA, a Spartanburg-based investment firm, and Longleaf Holdings, LLC, a commercial real estate and development firm. Among Bauknight’s current ventures are Rockers Brewing Co. and Streaking Birdies Golf, located in downtown Spartanburg.
Settle has worked in commercial real estate for more than a decade, first in the hospitality sector with Auro Hotels in Greenville and then with OTO Development in Spartanburg. Most recently, Settle is a partner of, and project manager on, the recently completed Robert Smalls Townhomes, a 190-unit affordable housing development on Spartanburg’s Northside. In addition to his work in the affordable housing sector, Settle has acquired & redeveloped buildings in downtown Greenville, downtown Spartanburg and surrounding
areas. Settle obtained his Master of Real Estate Development from Clemson University and is a licensed Broker.
“The Upstate of South Carolina has become one of the most dynamic markets in the country, and the opportunity to partner with Andrew, John and Ralph is very exciting,” Groat said. “Their combined experience and understanding of the Upstate market is unmatched. With more and more people discovering that market, the opportunities are multiplying by the day. We look forward to matching savvy investors and developers with those opportunities.”
While Roadstead’s Upstate office will operate region wide, there will be a special emphasis on fast-growing Spartanburg County, named the 12th fastest growing metro area in the country in the latest study by U.S. News & World Report. According to the latest data, about 15 people are moving into Spartanburg daily. Their office is at 314 South Pine Street, Building 100, Spartanburg, SC 29302.
Also joining the Roadstead team is Lianna Saad Blanton, who has 12 years of commercial real estate and property management experience. Robert Grier, a 2018 Clemson University graduate, and Alexander Dennis, a 2023 Wofford College graduate, will join as junior associates.
“A lot of factors are coming together right now to make Spartanburg one of the most attractive places to live, work and play in the entire Southeast,” Babb said. “Our combination of assets, a robust local economy, and low cost of living is hard to beat. Our new team is well-positioned to help the growing numbers drawn to this area.”