Category: Press Release

A new retail development is in the works located downtown Central at 105 W Main Street, the former Helping Hands Building, and 100 Church Street, most recently a national bank branch. It is now available for pre-lease with the intent of transforming the corner of Main St. and Church St. into a unique community gathering space.

The two vacant buildings offer over 10,000 SF of combined space and are separated by almost 10,000 SF of greenspace, providing Central the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of surrounding upstate towns with the introduction of a social hub in the heart of downtown. Encouraged by the Town of Central’s livability, desirability, and leadership, local developers and business partners, Mike Babinicz and Dan Ritter envision the space incorporating a variety of culinary food and beverage options with ample outdoor seating and onsite parking perfect for accommodating families of the growing city and surrounding areas. Potential development tenants include retail, restaurants, beer garden, health, event space, and more. McMillan Pazdan Smith, the Greenville based architectural firm responsible for designing wildly successful projects in the Upstate such as Gather GVL, Fr8 Yard, and Yee Haw Brewing, have been engaged to bring this concept to fruition. “We are excited and looking forward to contributing to Central’s success and further contributing to the renaissance of downtown Central. This project will be another good reason to bring your family to downtown’s local community gathering destination”, local developer Mike Babinicz said.

Central native Daniel Sanders, leasing broker at Keller Williams Realtors has begun discussions with several potential tenants and has been amazed by the outpouring of interest in the properties and is excited about the prospect of attracting new businesses that will make downtown Central a destination for residents. “The Town of Central’s Main Street initiatives are bearing fruit”, stated Katherine Brooks, Central Main Street Program Director.

This new retail development is walking distance from Southern Wesleyan University, minutes from Clemson University, and on the Fare Free Catbus Public transportation route connecting Clemson and Seneca to Central. The development will service students and residents alike. Central has attracted new businesses to the area and has grown steadily in the last several years while preserving the charming, small-town feel that is known and loved. Project features a walkable design with high foot traffic and the Future Green Crescent Trail Connection with Main St. @ the Red Caboose. Central has been awarded over $1M in grant funding so far for the Green Crescent Trail connections between SWU to Main Street. The town’s commitment to revitalization initiatives and its focus on economic growth in Central will continue to positively impact the local community, said Katherine Brooks.

Some of Central’s new business growth and revitalization efforts include…. Carolina Juice Bar, Cross Fit Epoch, Central Sweets, Urban Central, Bee’s Knees, AnMed Health Central Family Practice, Tiger Valley Market, Collaboration Station, Revitalized Railroad Museum, Central Roller Mills Renovation Project, and more!

“We have been watching Central’s growth over the years and have confidence in the hard work and successes put forth by the town and its outstanding leadership”, said Mike Babinicz. No formal applications have yet been submitted to the city, but construction on the unnamed development is expected to start in 2024.

For further information, contact the leasing broker, Daniel Sanders, at DanielSanders@kw.com.

See first glimpse of Conceptual Plans……

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty has added two new Associates, including its first one focusing on the Lake Murray region.

Clemson alum Dixie Dulin was the president and co-owner of an interior design company for more than five years. Dulin has never met a stranger; she’s known for her infectious optimism and work ethics. She looks forward to offering the same level of service to her real estate clients. She has renovated multiple homes in Greenville that all were featured in TALK magazine. Her vision and expertise add value to her clients’ buying and selling experience.
While Dulin maintains work connections in Greenville, she and her family moved to Chapin SC a year ago. Their newly renovated home overlooks beautiful Lake Murray. Dulin is excited to show others what Lake Murray has to offer, and what lake life is all about. Dulin’s love for connecting people and community involvement has already been seen locally with her award as a nominee for Lexington School District 5 Volunteer of the Year.

Sijia Hughes is Broker Associate at the Greenville office. Originally from Dalian, China, Hughes moved to Europe (living in Budapest and Innsbruck) where she earned her law degree. In 2010, she and her husband moved to Greenville, and in 2013, she began her career in real estate. She has sold more than $20 million in residential and commercial real estate. She prides herself on her professionalism, client advocacy, negotiation skills, open communication, and integrity.
Also a Clemson alum, Hughes earned her Master of Business Administration (Magna Cum Laude) in 2014 while also working in the corporate sector as a Senior Buyer and Senior Supply Chain Specialist. Hughes herself is a real estate investor, personally managing her own rental properties since 2016. She is a problem-solver who takes great pride in helping her clients achieve their real estate goals.
“We’re thrilled to have Sijia and Dixie join us,” said Joan Herlong, CEO and founder of Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. “They bring amazing skills and enriched, varied backgrounds that make them extremely valuable to our clients.”

About Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty

Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty is one of the leading and most trusted names in real estate in the Upstate of South Carolina. First founded by Owner/CEO Joan Herlong as AugustaRoad.com Realty in 2011, the firm has since handled thousands of properties in the Greenville and Upstate area. In 2017, the company affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, becoming Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. The company has more than tripled in agent count and production volume since that time. Learn more at www.jha-sothebysrealty.com.  

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Piedmont Natural Gas Presents Reedy Reels: The Greenville Festival and South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities are calling all student filmmakers to take part in a rare opportunity.
The 321 Student Film Festival gets its name from the format of the prospective films to be shown, said Matt Foster, CEO and Co-Founder of Reedy Reels. A 3-2-1 format is a film that has a maximum of three pages of script, two actors, and one location. The total length cannot exceed five minutes. This contest is only open to all high school and college students in South Carolina. See official rules and how to submit films for consideration at www.reedyreels.com.
“Reedy Reels is excited about this opportunity to partner with the Governor’s School to help build interest and education in filmmaking to the next generation,” Foster said. “To build the Upstate film making industry, we must invest in our younger generation by helping students understand how filmmaking is an opportunity for them right here in the Upstate.”
The 321 Student Film Festival will be held on Saturday, October 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Governor’s School, 15 University Street, Greenville. The event is free and open to the public, but attendees must register beforehand because space is limited.
“We are delighted to partner with Reedy Reels to give young filmmakers the opportunity to display their work,” said Cedric Adderley, Governor’s School president. “It’s an exciting time for film production in South Carolina, and we look forward to supporting aspiring filmmakers with this festival and in our new year-round high school film program beginning in the fall of 2024.”
The 321 Student Film Festival is another way that Reedy Reels is helping to grow the region’s independent filmmaking appreciation and development. More than 300 films have been shown over the past eight festivals ranging from shorts to student films to animated movies to full-lengthen features, and a little bit of everything in between. Reedy Reels plans to expand that number to show 60 films during the three-day festival in March 2024.
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.
About SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities:
Located in Greenville, the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities cultivates young artists from across the state through pre-professional training in the areas of creative writing, dance, drama, music and visual arts. In the public residential high school, students refine their talents in an arts-centered community while receiving a nationally recognized academic education. Summer programs are available to rising 7th-12th grade students. The Governor’s School serves as a resource to all teachers and students in South Carolina, offering comprehensive outreach programs designed to bring together artists, educators, community organizations and schools. SCGSAH.org.

Logisticus Group (LG), a transportation logistics, project management and technology company, is pleased to announce the addition of Dalton Ribble and Chandler McCarl as Routing and Planning Analysts. In this role on the company’s growing Planning Team, Ribble and McCarl will support the engineering and planning side of client proposals.

“Dalton and Chandler bring a very valuable skill set to Logisticus Group,” said Will Stephan, founder of Logisticus Group. “It is through the expertise and diligence of a planning analyst that large scale logistics projects come to fruition. They are the foundation of every project.”

Prior to joining Logisticus Group, Ribble worked as a Compliance Consultant for several years in the pacific northwest. In the role he consulted clients in the recycling industry on compliance standards at the state and federal level. McCarl held a variety of roles for major universities and sports teams within their ticketing and revenue departments.

“I am excited to join Logisticus Group and have the opportunity to work within such an incredible company culture,” said Ribble. “Planning and routing involves a great amount of teamwork, and my colleagues truly provide extraordinary insight and support.

“Logisticus Group is one of the most unique companies here in the upstate,” said McCarl. “In my role, I have the opportunity to work on the planning and execution of moving large scale equipment from start to finish. Our team’s high level of creativity has allowed us to work on some interesting client projects. I look forward to many more.”

Ribble received his bachelor’s degree in Government from Georgetown University. McCarl received his Bachelor of Science from Clemson University.

About Logisticus Group
Logisticus Group (LLC), a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), specializes in transportation logistics, project management and technology solutions serving
projects throughout North and South America. At Logisticus Group, we believe our
processes, technology solutions, personnel and business model deliver a more predictable, controlled, efficient and expedited project. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Logisticus Group was named the #2 Fastest Growing Company in the state in 2020. To learn more visit, www.logisticusgroup.com.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Women Confidence Builders hosted its biggest event of 2023 and presented scholarships to students from Anderson Career Technology Center and Spartanburg Academic Movement.
The sold-out luncheon took place on August 28 at the Greenville Convention Center. The scholarships awarded to students from Anderson Career Technology Center were:
Morgan Swaney, Palmetto High School, Computer Science
Brooklyn McCraw, Palmetto High School, Law Enforcement
Nora Boswinkle, Belton-Honea Path High School, Aerospace Engineering
Melanie Martinez, Powdersville High School, Automotive Technology
Peyton Blackman, Palmetto High School, Computer Science
Liliana Rondeau, Palmetto High School, Law Enforcement
The scholarships awarded to students from Spartanburg Academic Movement were:
Amaria Jones, Dorman High School, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Archer Lafever, Boiling Springs High School, Clemson University
Olivia Martin, High Point Academy, Converse University
Ty’Tayana Ballenger, Spartanburg High School, South Carolina University
Trinity McDowell, Dorman High School, Howard University

Women Confidence Builders is a non-profit organization that offers events, mentoring, speaking, and consulting services with the goal of uplifting women in business across the region. The next event will be on January 25, 2024.
“It was such an honor for us to be able to present those scholarships to those girls.” said Christi Powell, the President of Women Confidence Builders and the Women Business Enterprise Lead for 84 Lumber. “We’re excited for their journeys ahead, and even more excited about how else we can make a difference in the lives of Upstate women.”

About Women Confidence Builders:
Founded in 2021, the mission of Women Confidence Builders is to educate, mentor, disciple, and empower all women while building confidence and creating inclusivity. They believe that by investing in the next generation of female leaders, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Learn more at www.womenconfidencebuilders.com follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

LOCAL CLEANING COMPANY MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Greenville, SC – August 21, 2023 – Two Maids of Greenville has partnered with Cleaning for a Reason, a non-profit organization that provides free house cleaning services to cancer patients. In 2020, owner David Angers lost his wife to pancreatic cancer, an experience that gave him and his two daughters a firsthand understanding of the profound impact of cancer on families. Thus, when Angers assumed control of Two Maids of Greenville in 2023, he was pleased to discover that the Two Maids brand was in alignment with Cleaning for a Reason—an organization dedicated to supporting families affected by cancer.

“Cancer doesn’t solely affect the patient; its reach extends to the entire family,” shared Angers. “In partnership with Cleaning for a Reason, our mission is to provide free cleaning services to these families easing their burden and enabling them to devote more time to what truly matters during this challenging period. We’re appreciative of the opportunity to contribute, even in a small way.”

Through partnership with Cleaning for a Reason, Two Maids of Greenville will assist cancer patients by cleaning two homes per month for two consecutive months free of charge. This is an ongoing service to cancer patients residing in Greenville County and most of Pickens and Anderson Counties.

Shared cancer patient Kathy Sutton, “Thank you again to Two Maids of Greenville for being a part of Cleaning for a Reason. As a cancer patient, I can’t say enough as to how helpful this service was to me. I’m very happy with the cleaning company. The service was excellent. The cleaning ladies were very thorough and worked diligently.”

About Two Maids of Greenville
Founded in 2016, Two Maids of Greenville operates as a locally owned national franchise specializing in residential cleaning, catering to a diverse clientele of over 12,000 in the Upstate area. In January 2023, Marine Corps veteran David Angers took the helm of the Greenville location, introducing new policies to enhance client experiences and foster a positive work environment for professional house cleaners. The company’s core values encompass a strong commitment to community involvement, evidenced by financial support extended to local schools and charities in the greater Greenville area. Adding to their dedication, Two Maids of Greenville has become part of ISSA Residential, the trade association focused on elevating professionalism in the residential cleaning industry.

Two Maids differentiates itself as a fusion of customer service and technology, coinciding with its house cleaning services. Leveraging advanced technology, the franchise ensures seamless customer experiences with transparent pricing and online appointment scheduling. Its unique pay-for-performance model ties employee compensation to customer feedback, motivating technicians to achieve perfect 10 out of 10 ratings, boosting both customer satisfaction and earnings. This mechanism also informs local franchises for targeted training.
Two Maids’ excellence has drawn recognition from reputable sources including CNN Money, Yahoo News, INC, Entrepreneur, and Better Homes and Gardens. It has garnered awards such as the National Maid Service of the Year and the title of Fastest Growing Cleaning Company in America. For more information about this company, go to twomaidscleaning.com/greenville.
About Cleaning for a Reason
Cleaning for a Reason partners with more than 1,200 residential cleaners throughout the United States and Canada to offer free house cleaning to any household battling cancer. Since 2006, the nonprofit and its partners have donated more than $16 million in services, helping more than 50,000 cancer patients. In 2017, Cleaning for a Reason was adopted by ISSA Charities, the charitable arm of ISSA, The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. To apply for services, to join as a cleaning partner, or to support the work of Cleaning for a Reason, visit cleaningforareason.org.

[image caption]
David Angers and his daughters at Purple Stride,
a cancer walk supporting pancreatic cancer.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Noel Brooks, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville’s Director of Development, will spend this Fall learning skills to make the community stronger in the Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) from Furman University’s Riley Institute.
Brooks has been with Habitat Greenville since 2016 and oversees the major fundraising campaigns and planning for this nonprofit dedicated to building affordable, energy-efficient homes throughout the community. A graduate of Clearwater Christian College, Brooks previously spent eight years as a development director at a school in Georgia.
In this award-winning program, class members are selected through a rigorous application and interview process after being nominated by existing graduates of the program, known as Riley Fellows. They are accepted based on a variety of factors, including their interest in and commitment to the program and their capacity to create impact within their organizations and communities. Each class is crafted to reflect South Carolina’s demographic makeup.
Brooks will take part in a highly interactive curriculum consisting of case studies, scenario analyses, and other experiential learning tools that maximize interaction and discussion among classmates and facilitate productive relationships. Working alongside classmates, Brooks will also develop a capstone project that raises awareness of community needs.
DLI classes are facilitated by expert Juan Johnson, an independent consultant who was The Coca-Cola Company’s first-ever vice president for diversity strategy.
“DLI is unique among South Carolina’s leadership programs,” Johnson said. “In addition to developing new relationships and affecting positive change in their communities, participants gain deep knowledge of how to effectively manage and lead diverse workers, clients, and constituents.”
Once participants of this class graduate in December and become Riley Fellows, they join a powerful cross-sector network of South Carolinians that includes corporate CEOs, legislators, superintendents, religious and nonprofit heads, and business and community leaders.

Now in its twentieth year, the program equips participants with tools and perspectives to leverage diversity to improve organizational outcomes and drive social and economic progress in South Carolina. Brooks is one of 35 individuals to be a part of the 34th Upstate cohort.

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, maintains a 4-Star Charity status by Charity Navigator. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard in Taylors and 1818 Woodruff Rd., Greenville, SC 29607. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups.
Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Habitat for Humanity of Greenville has sponsorships available and is looking for auction donations for its Dinner on Ice Gala this October.
The second annual Dinner on Ice Gala will be held on Tuesday, October 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville. This fundraiser is supported by the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Hockey Team, and Swamp Rabbits Moving Company. It includes dinner, an auction, networking and more. Semi-formal attire is encouraged, but not required.
“Together, we enable families living with disadvantages to build wealth, health, and dignity through affordable homeownership,” said Monroe Free, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville. “With each home built, Habitat brings communities together to help create a world where everyone has a decent place to call home.”
Habitat Greenville raised $90,598 in 2022’s event, which helped support 69 families by helping to build 14 new homes and repair 55 more. Information on sponsorships and donations for the auction are available here.
“What better way can our resources be used than for an organization that helps break generational poverty by giving people the tools, the financial education, and the sweat equity to build family wealth and to build stability in our communities,” said Terri Hendrix, Vice President of Engagement for Carolina Foothills Credit Union, an event sponsor.
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 in Taylors and 1818 Woodruff Rd., Greenville, SC 29607. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups.
Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.