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BofA Names Chip McLeod Upstate South Carolina President

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Bank of America announced that Chip McLeod, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management senior resident director, has been named president of Upstate South Carolina. He succeeds Stacy Brandon, who led the market for more than 10 years and retired from the company after 39 years.

As president and head of the market, McLeod will connect clients, teammates, and communities to the full power of the franchise and drive collaboration across the company’s eight lines of business. He will lead Bank of America’s efforts to grow market share in the Upstate by building strong local connections and identifying opportunities to deepen and expand relationships.

“Chip’s established leadership and experience will ensure we’re delivering on our responsible growth strategy to deepen relationships with clients, the community and teammates,” said Brian Moynihan, chair and chief executive officer of Bank of America. “Chip will continue to grow our market share in the Upstate, delivering the full breadth of Bank of America’s capabilities to help our local clients improve their financial lives. We thank Stacy for her remarkable 39 years of service with the company.”

McLeod has more than three decades of experience in wealth management and financial services. He joined Merrill in 2007 and leads its work in Spartanburg, South Carolina, overseeing 14 associates.

McLeod is active in communities across South Carolina. Governor Hodges appointed him to the Council of Advisors on Consumer Credit in 2001, and he still serves. He is president of the Spartanburg Downtown Rotary and is a past president of the Spartanburg Estate Planning Council and the Spartanburg Philharmonic Board. He is also a former board member of the South Carolina Council on Economic Education at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. He graduated from Clemson University.

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Marsh Bell Construction Company

GREER, S.C. — Marsh Bell Construction is pleased to announce it has been selected as the Design-Build General Contractor for United Composite Materials, LLC’s first South Carolina manufacturing facility. The project, representing a $17.5 million investment, is located at 1446 S. Buncombe Road in Greer and is expected to create 50 new jobs for the Greenville County community.

Marsh Bell Construction is working closely with United Composite Materials to convert this existing facility into an advanced manufacturing plant, which they will use to supply the North American sports and leisure markets with advanced carbon composite material.
“It is an honor to be selected by United Composite Materials to deliver their latest capital investment,” said Paul M. Westberry, CEO of Marsh Bell Construction. “We look forward to welcoming them to the Upstate of South Carolina along with the jobs, opportunities, and lasting impact this facility will bring to Greer and the surrounding community.”

Steve Garrette, Managing Director of United Composite Materials, added: “UCM is excited to bring domestically manufactured advanced composite materials to our North American customers. We have more than 20 years of experience designing and building composite materials for US customers from our overseas manufacturing locations. We will now manufacture these locally in the US increasing our ability to respond quicker with the latest technologically advanced US-built equipment and materials. Marsh Bell Construction is proving to be a valuable resource for our project and our ability to successfully meet our goals. We are grateful for their partnership and service.”

Marsh Bell Construction Company has served the Upstate of South Carolina as an unlimited general contractor since 1984, with experience across more than 2,000 successfully completed projects spanning multiple industries including manufacturing, education, retail, healthcare, industrial, automotive dealerships, and churches.

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Cassidy Coates Price, P.A.

Cassidy Coates Price, P.A. has again been recognized by Chambers & Partners in the 2026 Chambers USA Guide for its work in General Commercial Litigation in South Carolina. The firm is also proud to note that Trey Suggs has been individually recognized for General Commercial Litigation for the first time.
Published annually by Chambers & Partners, the Chambers USA Guide is widely regarded as one of the most respected resources for identifying leading law firms and attorneys across the United States. Rankings are based on extensive independent research, including written submissions, client feedback, and interviews with legal industry professionals. Chambers & Partners evaluates firms and attorneys on criteria such as legal ability, client service, commercial awareness, professional conduct, and depth of experience.
The firm’s recognition highlights its commitment to delivering strategic, high-quality representation in complex business disputes across South Carolina. Trey Suggs’ individual inclusion recognizes his longstanding litigation practice and his work guiding clients through high-stakes commercial matters with practical judgment and courtroom experience.
“We are thrilled to be recognized again by Chambers & Partners, and especially pleased to see Trey included individually this year,” said managing partner, Amber Glidewell. “It is gratifying to see this recognition, which speaks to the strength of our commercial litigation practice and our focus on delivering thoughtful, effective advocacy for our clients.”
Cassidy Coates Price thanks its clients for their continued confidence and support, and its attorneys and staff for their dedication and hard work. The firm remains committed to serving clients throughout South Carolina with integrity, insight, and responsiveness.
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About Cassidy Coates Price
Cassidy Coates Price, P.A. is a small firm engaged in large firm practice. Their diverse team of attorneys brings extensive experience, dedication, and professionali

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Art & Light Gallery

Blossoms of Current: Matthew C. Martin
July 7 – August 1, 2026

[GREENVILLE, S.C.] – Art & Light Gallery is pleased to announce Blossoms of Current, an exhibition and pop-up of innovative, multidimensional anodized titanium work by guest artist Matthew C. Martin (Anderson, S.C.). Blossoms of Current launches on the Art & Light website and in the gallery at 10am (EST) on Tuesday, July 7 with an opening reception on Friday, July 10 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A pop-up with the artist featuring Martin’s custom fountain pens, paperweights, and new collection of art is scheduled for Saturday, July 11 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

In Blossoms of Current, Martin’s collection pushes the boundaries of science and contemporary art by utilizing electrical anodizing on titanium, a high-performance industrial metal. While the electrochemical process of creating a colorful oxide layer through controlled electrical currents is typically reserved for advanced aerospace and biomedical manufacturing, Martin has masterfully adapted the technique to create detailed, painterly works of art. By pairing this technical chemical process with traditional hand-engraving, Martin crafts vibrant, luminous floral compositions directly onto titanium plates. Brilliant, shifting hues emerge directly from the metallic surface, while the meticulously hand-engraved textures are visually amplified by the vivid oxide layers.

In 2014, Martin first began working with the electrical anodizing process to manufacture custom titanium fountain pens. After mastering the application of basic decorative colorations, he began exploring its aesthetic potential on a larger scale. Following the creation of his first floral work on titanium plate, he received an arts support grant in 2025 from the South Carolina Arts Commission to produce nine 12” x 12” works in anodized titanium. The South Carolina Arts Commission grant project offered Martin a valuable opportunity to research and develop new methods for anodizing.

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Republic of Decor

Republic of Decor, an award-winning showroom and interior design studio offering an eclectic mix of stylish home accessories, unique gifts, distinctive interior design objects and décor, is pleased to announce its grand opening. To mark the milestone, shop owner and award-winning interior designer David Fruscione was joined by the Greenville Chamber and Mayor White for a special ribbon-cutting celebration.

Blending approachable luxury with artisan craftsmanship, Republic of Decor specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces that set spaces apart. In addition to custom statement pieces, the showroom features a curated selection of tabletop décor, accent furnishings, artwork, wallpaper, gifts and more.

Republic of Decor also offers interior design services. Nationally and regionally recognized, David has been named a Top 25 Interior Designer in Southwest Florida, a two-time Top 50 Independent Home Furnishings Store in the United States, and a national finalist for Best Interior Designer. His accolades also include multiple Best Interior Designer distinctions in Collier County, FL, Design Excellence honors from the American Society of Interior Designers, and recognition among Naples’ Top 100 Business Leaders.

David is an Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers and a member of the Interior Design Society. He holds degrees in Interior Architecture from California College of the Arts and the University of San Francisco, along with an associate degree in Fashion Buying & Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from State University of New York at Buffalo.

Republic of Decor is located at 109 Augusta Street in Greenville, SC. To learn more, visit www.republicofdecor.com or call 864.203.3271. Also follow along on Instagram @republicofdecor.

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NHE taking part in Charlotte career fair this week

CHARLOTTE, NC – NHE, Inc., one of the leading residential community management companies in the Southeast, will be taking part in a job fair this week.

The Greater Charlotte Apartment Association (GCAA) is hosting the event designed to make it easy to connect directly with employers such as NHE.

Date: Friday, June 5
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Charlotte Career & Employment Center, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC
Who’s Attending: 10+ apartment communities and supplier companies
Register: Reserve your spot at this link.
“Whether you’re exploring a new career or ready to take the next step, this is a great opportunity to network, interview, and learn more about open roles in the multifamily industry,” said Blake Stengel, the Talent Acquisition Manager for NHE. “We are looking for people who are motivated to make a difference in our communities across the Carolinas.”

To learn more about NHE and its careers, go to nhe-inc.com/careers.

About NHE:

NHE provides professional association management, apartment management, community development and service coordination to communities across the Southeast, and currently represents more than 18,000 homes, apartments and condominiums in 15 states. NHE’s clients benefit from expertise, experience and leading-edge technology delivered by a dedicated staff offering diverse services to ensure premium performance and value. Actively engaged with national and state industry trade associations and government regulatory bodies, NHE holds the prestigious AMO (Accredited Management Organization) designation through the Institute of Real Estate Management and is a multi-year honoree of Top Workplaces in South Carolina and Best Places to Work. Learn more at nhe-inc.com.

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DP3 Architects, Ltd.

DP3 Architects is pleased to announce it has received a Citation Award in Interior Architecture from the American Institute of Architects South Carolina (AIA SC) for its work on The Daniel, a reimagined office tower in downtown Greenville.

Formerly known as the Landmark Building, the 25-story structure has been a prominent part of Greenville’s skyline since 1967. The transformation into The Daniel represents more than a rebranding, it reflects a thoughtful effort to honor the building’s legacy while creating a more welcoming and connected experience for tenants and visitors.

The redesigned lobby features a mid-century modern aesthetic, incorporating warm wood tones, brass accents, and sculptural lighting elements that balance timeless character with a contemporary sensibility. Complementing the interior, the updated plaza introduces new opportunities for gathering and engagement, strengthening the building’s connection to the surrounding downtown environment.

AIA South Carolina’s Design Awards program recognizes excellence in architecture across the state, with projects selected by a jury of design professionals from outside South Carolina.

“This recognition is meaningful to our team and to the many partners who contributed to the project’s success,” said Meg Terry, Principal and CMO of DP3 Architects. “It’s an honor to have The Daniel recognized by AIA South Carolina. This project was an opportunity to thoughtfully reimagine an iconic building while preserving its history and creating a more dynamic and welcoming experience for the community.”

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Pickens County Unveils New Highway 11 Wayfinder to Historic Liberia Community

PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. — Comedian Bill Engvall made the phrase “Here’s Your Sign” famous as a punchline. But in Pickens County, a newly installed sign along Scenic Highway 11 carries a far more meaningful message.

The new Wayfinder sign directs travelers to the Historic Liberia Community, a remarkable African American settlement founded by formerly enslaved people more than 160 years ago that still stands today as a testament to faith, perseverance, self-reliance, and community.

Located in northern Pickens County, the Liberia Community includes the historic Soapstone Baptist Church, a one-room schoolhouse, a historic cemetery, and the Cherokee soapstone mining area that helped shape the region’s early history.

The church remains active today, connecting generations past and present while preserving one of the Upstate’s most important cultural landscapes.

“This sign is more than a tourism marker,” said Mable Owens Clarke, the great granddaughter of the community’s founders. “It is an invitation to learn, reflect, and experience a place where history, faith, and resilience come together. We are so thankful for the support of Pickens County in helping draw attention to this special place.”

The site offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore both African American and Native American history in one location. Long before European settlement, Cherokee people used the area’s soft soapstone to carve cooking vessels, pipes, and ceremonial items. Generations later, freed slaves established a thriving faith-centered community there despite enormous challenges during the Reconstruction era and beyond.

County leaders and preservation advocates say the new signage along Scenic Highway 11 will help introduce more residents and tourists to the area’s rich historical significance while strengthening heritage tourism in the Upstate.

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Elf Leaf Farm

Elf Leaf Farm is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated Lavender You Pick season, inviting guests to experience the beauty and fragrance of blooming lavender field nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located at 141 N Campbell Road in Landrum, SC, the seasonal event opens June 2, 2026 and welcomes visitors Tuesdays through Sundays 9:00 am to 4:00 pm throughout the harvest season. Visitors may wander the lavender fields, hand pick fresh bundles of fragrant lavender, shop locally made lavender products and enjoy a peaceful farm experience just minutes from the NC border. This family-owned farm is a regional destination for agritourism, photography, special events and seasonal experiences such as music nights in the field, sip and paint, night pick, lavender wand making, unicorn visits, lunch under the tent and more. Admission to the farm is free with a $5 per car parking fee. Lavender bundles and select activities are available for purchase. Visitors are encouraged to wear closed toe shoes and plan ahead for peak bloom weekends. Pets are not permitted on the farm with the exception of service animals. For additional details visit www.elfleaffarm.com.

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Stokes & Company CPAs

Greenville, South Carolina – Stokes & Company CPAs is proud to announce that it has been named a 2025 South Carolina Top Workplace, a prestigious recognition that honors organizations committed to building exceptional workplace cultures and employee experiences.
The South Carolina Top Workplaces award is based entirely on employee feedback collected through a confidential third-party survey that measures important aspects of workplace culture, including leadership, communication, employee engagement, and overall satisfaction.
This recognition highlights Stokes & Company CPAs’ continued commitment to fostering a supportive, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment for its team members. The firm has built a culture centered on professional development, innovation, flexibility, and a strong commitment to both its employees and clients.
Stokes & Company CPAs is known for delivering trusted accounting, tax, and advisory services to individuals and businesses throughout the upstate. The firm’s focus on teamwork, integrity, and client service has helped establish it as a respected leader in the accounting industry.
As the firm continues to grow, Stokes & Company CPAs remains committed to investing in its employees while maintaining the high level of service and expertise clients have come to expect.
For more information about Stokes & Company CPAs, visit www.stokescpas.com.
About Stokes & Company CPAs
Stokes & Company CPAs is a full-service accounting and advisory firm dedicated to helping individuals and businesses achieve financial success through personalized service, strategic guidance, and trusted expertise. The firm serves clients across a wide range of industries with a commitment to professionalism, responsiveness, and long-term relationships.