The Post and Courier Greenville

GREENVILLE, SC – Affordable Upstate has secured a $59 million loan for the crossed collateralized cash-out refinancing of Paris Park, Terrain at Haywood, and Mauldin Meadows through a partnership with JLL Capital Markets.

JLL is a full-service global provider of capital solutions for real estate investors and occupiers. The firm’s in-depth local market and global investor knowledge delivers the best-in-class solutions for clients, whether investment sales and advisory, debt advisory, equity advisory or a recapitalization. JLL worked on behalf of Affordable Upstate in arranging the three-year interest only loan through Truist Bank.

Affordable Upstate acquired these properties between December 2021 and September 2022 with a common equity structure allowing for the cross collateralization. They represent affordable housing for 598 families in Greenville County.

Since acquiring them, Affordable Upstate has invested more than $13.6 million in capital improvements, self-imposed affordability restrictions at 80% of AMI and 60% of AMI at each asset, and efficiently managed the assets with the team at NOAH Property Management to drive an increase in net operating income by roughly 65% across the portfolio.

“This refinance demonstrates how financial institutions can advance permanent affordability through policy-aligned capital structures,” said Mario Brown, CEO of Affordable Upstate. “Truist’s support of assets with self-imposed affordability and proven operational discipline shows how CRA-aligned financing can substitute private risk with public participation. This partnership strengthens a regional housing infrastructure that delivers durable, predictable outcomes for residents and communities across North and South Carolina.”

JLL Capital Market’s Debt Advisory team representing the borrower was led by Director Carter Wroblewski, Managing Director Taylor Allison, and Analyst Sydney Powell.

Greenville, SC – Stokes & Company CPAs is excited to announce that Madison Capps has joined the firm as an Accountant.

Madison previously served as the Senior Payroll Specialist for Paysmart Payroll Services, where she was known for her strong work ethic, exceptional attention to detail, and dedication to client service. Her transition into an accounting role marks a significant step forward in her professional growth.

Her advancement reflects Stokes & Company’s ongoing commitment to developing internal talent and supporting employees as they grow in their careers.

The firm invites the community to join in congratulating Madison on this important achievement and welcoming her to her new position.

About Stokes & Company, CPAs

For over 25 years, Stokes & Company, CPAs has been a trusted partner for businesses and individuals, delivering expert accounting, tax, and advisory services tailored to their unique needs.

Media Contact:

Brad Detandt
Director of Business Development
brad@stokescpas.com
864.242.1418

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Do you have plans for the weekend of March 27th, 2026?

Now you do.

Weekend passes are now on sale for the Reedy Reels Film Festival, the Upstate’s largest Film Festival taking place March 27th-29th in downtown Greenville. An all-access weekend pass grants fans entry to all film blocks, education panels and parties. The pass will also provide attendees with reserved seating on Saturday and Sunday as well as 20% off merchandise and concessions. From now until January 10th, passes are on sale for $99 (regular $135) and can be purchased online at www.reedyreels.com/tickets.

“This is our 11th year, and each year we have a lineup of films so strong that there is no ‘best day’ to attend,” said Rhodes Farrell, Executive Director of the festival. “The best choice is the whole weekend.”

Reedy Reels will take place at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre, 153 Augusta Street, Greenville. It is being sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas and VisitGreenvilleSC.

Piedmont Natural Gas is dedicated to supporting vibrant communities through various initiatives and programs. VisitGreenvilleSC is proud to support creative storytelling in the community. Through FILM Greenville, we help connect productions with local lodging, locations, permitting, and vendor support across the Upstate.

This year’s festival will feature films of all genres, local and international, educational panels with industry professionals, parties and happy hours, and networking events. All in the heart of downtown Greenville. The final event schedule and more ticket options will be announced in early 2026.

People wanting to place a film in the festival have until December 31st for final submissions. All submissions can be completed online, here: https://filmfreeway.com/ReedyReels.

“Each year, this festival grows, not just in size, but in talent, vision, and bold storytelling,” Farrell said. “Trust me, you won’t want to miss a moment.”

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Wagner Wealth Management was honored with four 2025 South Carolina Best in Business Awards this week.

Nominated and voted on by the public, the firm received two Gold Awards for Best Company of the Year and Best Financial Brokerage Firm while also earning two Silver Awards for Best Wealth Management Firm and Best Executive (Dan Wagner). The South Carolina Best in Business Awards, published by Greenville Business Magazine, is an annual award that recognizes workplaces and individuals in South Carolina who contribute to the state’s successful business community.

“It’s an incredible honor for myself and Wagner Wealth Management to be recognized,” said Dan Wagner, Founder and CEO. “Achieving awards like these reflect the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our entire team.”

Founded in 2007, Wagner Wealth Management specializes in customizing financial strategies for high-net-worth individuals and companies. By working closely together, they help their clients meet their personal and professional goals. Wagner Wealth Management addresses its client’s complex needs from a team perspective; its approach allows them to utilize multiple Advisors whose specialized areas of concentration aim for a thorough and complete financial plan.

“Putting clients first is the cornerstone of everything we do,” said Jennfier Osgood, President of Wagner Wealth. “Being recognized in this way reinforces that our client-centered approach truly makes a difference.”

As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County has launched its annual Women’s Build program with a new approach.

Peer-to- Peer fundraising.

“We are doing this by creating 10 teams of influential women in the Greenville Community, challenging them to invite four or more of their friends to be a part of their team,” said LaTonya Phillips, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville. “That will make 40 women supporting the build, which equates to our 40th anniversary.”

Michelle Seaver, United Community President for Greenville, Spartanburg and Cherokee counties, and Kylie Felker, President of Foster Victor Financial Advisors, are the two of the ten team leaders for the project, which has a mission to raise $160,000 to build a Habitat home in the coming year.

Seaver was the first person to say yes to being part of the Women’s Build.

“The Women’s Build has an amazing history of bringing leaders together to support Habitat over the decades and I knew I wanted United Community to be involved,” Seaver said. “We also are looking for more women to take part in this wonderful endeavor.

Each team is expected to raise $16,000 toward their project goal, but can definitely go over that amount.

From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, guests will experience some of Greenville’s most stunning private residences — each decked out for the season by talented local designers and stylists. As they tour, they will enjoy Hispanic culture, music, food and beverage.

Culinary Lineup:
• Ryan Gomez of Sol GVL will serve a farm tostada with Happy Cow milk, Sea Island peas, salsa Macha and local mushrooms as well as a bright and zesty shrimp ceviche with green apple and jalapeño on a crispy tostada.
• Tania Cienfuegos Harris, a 2024 James Beard Best Pastry Chef Semifinalist and independent chef at Azucar Skull will be putting her delicious twist on well-loved Southern desserts
• Daniel Lopez and Camilo Franco of Paseo will bring the warmth of their Sunday family dinners through Solomillo con Romesco Montadito, a skirt steak served over Romesco sauce on homemade bread. There will be a gluten-free option as well as chilled couscous for vegetarians.
• Yovannah Ortiz of Él Ca-fe Empanadas & Pastries will offer four variations of empanadas including cheese, chicken, beef with lime, and sweet cheese with guava.
• Maressa Lamourt of Brunch & Cheers will create charcuterie cups with Spanish and Latin American-inspired flavors, including vegetarian options.

Musical Lineup:
• The Iliana Rose Cuban Jazz Band – Iliana Rose’s artistry is deeply influenced by her Cuban heritage. Born in Miami to Cuban parents and raised in a household rich in Cuban rhythms and traditions, Rose brings the warmth and rhythm of Cuban culture to life.
• Latin Soul International Band – A versatile musical group with a very wide playlist and interpret all kinds of musical genres.
• Greenville Jazz Collective – Greenville Jazz Collective preserves and promotes Jazz in the Upstate of SC and nurtures the next generation of jazz musicians.

Tickets are $125 per person and include full access to the tour, all food and drink tastings, and a limited-edition commemorative guidebook.