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Jasmine Road

Jasmine Road and Jasmine Kitchen announce a transformative gift from founder and visionary, Kathryn Norwood. This October, Kathryn and husband Ben Norwood generously donated the property at 503 Augusta Street, along with additional surrounding land, advancing the mission of creating safe housing and economic mobility opportunities for women survivors of sex trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.
“I am hopeful that this gift will ensure the sustainability of Jasmine Kitchen by providing an affordable permanent home for the social enterprise business and will allow current and future leaders agency over how to best grow the organization to create more opportunities for education, employment, job training and professional development for residents and graduates of Jasmine Road,” said Kathryn.
Kathryn’s leadership and generosity have shaped Jasmine Road since its inception. As the organization’s first board chair, she helped establish a sustainable model of hope and healing in Greenville. She also envisioned the first ‘Rooted in Love luncheon’, now a beloved annual event celebrating the women served by Jasmine Road.
Recognizing the need for a social enterprise to support the mission and provide survivors with employment opportunities, Kathryn purchased and combined three separate properties to create the site that would become Jasmine Kitchen. She enlisted restaurateur Kevin Feeny to advise on the restaurant’s launch and rallied the community to bring the vision to life. Kathryn infused Jasmine Kitchen with best practices, deep insight, and contagious passion.
Kathryn served as General Manager for three years, mentoring survivors and equipping staff for long-term leadership, and continues to champion the mission she helped build.
“Kathryn’s vision and unwavering generosity have helped shape Jasmine Road and Jasmine Kitchen into what they are today,” said Lisa O’Connell-Hall, CEO of Jasmine Road and Jasmine Kitchen.

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Greenville Chamber

The Greenville Chamber Board of Directors approved its 2026 board slate and appointed Mike Sarvis as chair-elect.

Michelle Seaver, United Community President of Greenville, Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties, will serve as Board Chair in 2026. Mike Sarvis will take over the highest volunteer leadership role for the Greenville Chamber in 2027.

Mike Sarvis is the Upstate Market Executive at Carter Bank & Trust. Before joining Carter Bank & Trust in August 2025, he served as Market President for First National Bank. A 36-year banking veteran, Mike began his career in Greenville and has held leadership roles across the Southeast. He is a graduate of Clemson University, The Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Georgetown University, Leadership Greenville Class 26, and Leadership South Carolina ’25. Mike first joined the Greenville Chamber board in 2021.

According to Mike, “It is a sincere honor to be named Chair-Elect of the Greenville Chamber Board of Directors. The Chamber’s longstanding commitment to fostering business growth and creating opportunities for all has made it a cornerstone of our community for the last 136 years. I’m also grateful to Carter Bank & Trust for their investment in the Chamber’s mission and for supporting my involvement and service in this capacity. Together with our talented business community, tremendous Board of Directors and the dedicated Chamber staff, I look forward to driving progress that will benefit the Greenville community for generations to come.”

Five new members will join the board in 2026:
• Brantley Anderson, Colliers International
• Dr. Phyllis MacGilvray, USC School of Medicine Greenville
• Beth Paul, Bon Secours Wellness Arena
• Liz Seman, Furman University
• Meg Terry, DP3 Architects Ltd.
• Carlo White, White Holdings, LLC

The Board of Directors is the governance body of the Greenville Chamber. Its members represent the business and professional leadership of the community. New members will begin in January 2026.

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Charles & Associates adds two to its growing home repair and remodeling team

GREENWOOD, SC –  One of the region’s leading home remodeling and repair companies, Charles & Associates, has hired two people for its growing team.

Bryce Minor joins as a Project Consultant. A graduate of Lander University, Minor has spent the past 13 years with Office Depot with seven of those years as a General Manager. He also is active in the community. He worked with Benjamin E. Mays Elementary School, Rice Elementary School and Lakeview Elementary School providing thousands of dollars in school supplies for K5-5th grade students from 2019-2025.

Ashley Boillard will serve as the Office Manager. Before coming to Charles & Associates she was the Operations Manager for B & D Heating and Air where she oversaw daily business operations, scheduling, and customer service coordination to ensure efficiency and client satisfaction. She also has worked as a manager for PEM Residential Partners and Holzman Real Estate Services.

Charles & Associates is a full-service home repair and remodeling company operating in Greenwood, Greenville and the Lakelands regions. Services include general handyman, maintenance, carpentry, decks, plumbing, drywall, electrical, complete renovations, tub repair and refinishing. With more than 32 years of trusted service that is licensed, bonded and insured, Charles & Associates repairs are guaranteed.

“Ashley and Bryce bring amazing energy and talent to our team,” said Chad Charles, President of Charles & Associates. “We know they are going to be greatly appreciated by our clients and partners.”

About Charles & Associates:

Charles & Associates remains at the forefront of the industry, embracing the latest trends, technologies, and energy-efficient practices to deliver exceptional results that exceed client expectations. Learn more at www.carepairremodel.com.

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Cassidy Coates Price, P.A.

Founding partner Bill Coates and Litigation Practice Leader Fred W. (Trey) Suggs III of Cassidy Coates Price, P.A. have been recognized as Benchmark Litigation Stars in the 2026 edition of Benchmark Litigation.

This recognition highlights attorneys identified through extensive research and client feedback as leaders in their field. This year marks Trey’s first appearance on the list, while Bill has been recognized numerous times for his litigation work.

“Bill has long been a pillar of the litigation community in South Carolina. Trey’s recognition demonstrates the prominence he has earned and the impact he will continue to make in the litigation field.” said Amber Glidewell, Managing Partner of Cassidy Coates Price, P.A.

Benchmark Litigation is a leading guide to the top litigation attorneys and firms in the United States, based on extensive interviews with litigators and clients and a review of recent casework.

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About Cassidy Coates Price
Cassidy Coates Price is a small firm engaged in large firm practice. Our attorneys practice in a wide variety of areas including general litigation, commercial and corporate banking, real estate, creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, governmental investigations, and probate.

For more information about Cassidy Coates Price, please contact Maggie Waddoups at +1 864 349 2611 or mwaddoups@cassidycoates.com.

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Cassidy Coates Price, P.A.

Cassidy Coates Price, P.A. has been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®, receiving Tier 1 rankings in six practice areas for the Greenville metropolitan region.

The firm earned the following distinctions:

Regional Tier 1 – Greenville
o Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
o Commercial Litigation
o Insurance Law
o Litigation – Banking and Finance
o Litigation – Environmental
o Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Regional Tier 2 – Greenville
o Banking and Finance Law
o Employment Law – Management
o Government Relations Practice
o Litigation – Bankruptcy
Regional Tier 3 – Greenville
o Corporate Law
o Real Estate Law

Rankings are based on a comprehensive evaluation process that includes client feedback, peer review, and information provided by law firms. Firms included in Best Law Firms® are recognized for professional excellence and consistently high ratings from clients and peers.

“Cassidy Coates Price is proud to be recognized across such a broad range of practice areas,” said Managing Partner Amber Glidewell. “These rankings reflect the trust our clients place in us to handle complex legal matters with skill and integrity.”

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About Cassidy Coates Price
Cassidy Coates Price is a small firm engaged in large firm practice. Our attorneys practice in a wide variety of areas including general commercial litigation, commercial and corporate banking, real estate, creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, governmental investigations, and probate.

For more information about Cassidy Coates Price, please contact Maggie Waddoups at +1 864 349 2611 or mwaddoups@cassidycoates.com.

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Cassidy Coates Price, P.A.

Cassidy Coates Price, P.A. welcomes Roni Payne as the newest associate in its litigation practice, where she will focus on medical malpractice defense, commercial litigation, and employment law.

Roni brings a dynamic blend of litigation experience and employment law expertise to the firm. Her litigation background spans discovery, mediation, and trial support, making her a valuable asset to both the firm and its clients.

“We are thrilled to welcome Roni to our team,” said Trey Suggs, practice leader of the litigation group. “Her passion for advocacy makes her an outstanding addition to our medical malpractice defense team. Roni’s ability to navigate complex litigation with precision and empathy will serve our clients well.”

Roni earned her J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where she served as Student Works Editor of the South Carolina Law Review, participated in the Mock Trial Bar, and represented clients in the Veterans Legal Clinic. She graduated magna cum laude from Furman University with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Affairs, where she also played on the softball team and received multiple academic honors.

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About Cassidy Coates Price
Cassidy Coates Price is a small firm engaged in large firm practice. Our attorneys practice in a wide variety of areas including general litigation, commercial and corporate banking, real estate, creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, governmental investigations, and probate.

For more information about Cassidy Coates Price, please contact Maggie Waddoups at +1 864 349 2611 or mwaddoups@cassidycoates.com.

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Truliant & Truliant Foundation Matching Donations for Hunger Relief

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Nov. 12, 2025) — To combat food insecurity during the holidays, Truliant is teaming up with the Truliant Foundation by matching donations made to the Truliant Foundation through December 31 to support regional food banks in the Carolinas and Virginia.

Named “Donate Dollars – Feeding Our Neighbors in Need,” Truliant’s matching campaign aims to amplify contributions for food assistance.

Until the end of the year, Truliant and the Truliant Foundation will match all donations made to the Truliant Foundation up to $50,000, with a goal of providing $100,000 for food banks. In Upstate S.C., funds will benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank.

To kick off the campaign, Truliant is providing an initial gift of $50,000 to help food banks with deficits caused by the increased need for food in recent weeks.

“Food banks are facing increased demand during a season when many families already struggle to access nutritious meals. It’s tough out there, and there are crucial needs that we can address together,” said Atticus Simpson, executive director of the Truliant Foundation.

“We encourage everyone to join us to make a difference. Whether it’s a warm meal, fresh produce, or a box of groceries, your gifts to the Donate Dollars campaign will put meals on tables and help keep families fed.”

Through the campaign, Truliant aims to accelerate and amplify the work of local food banks. Donations to the Truliant Foundation can be made by visiting truliantfcu.org/donate.

About The Truliant Foundation
Established in 2023, the Truliant Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity with a purpose to lift up and transform Truliant member communities through charitable giving, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships. The Foundation strives to be a catalyst for growth for established nonprofits seeking the support and guidance they need to flourish and spark positive change in their communities. Learn more or donate at Truliant.org/Foundation.

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Herlong Sotheby’s International Realty shines huge light on the Upstate with CNE

GREENVILLE, SC — About 250 Sotheby’s International Realty agents from more than 40 affiliates across the country plus the Grand Caymans saw the best the Upstate has to offer during the inaugural Carolinas Networking Event.

“The response from SIR agents everywhere was almost overwhelming,” said Joan Herlong, CEO and founder of the agency. “The feedback we’re still receiving has been uniformly positive — about greater Greenville, the incredible range of properties within our market and especially our magnetic downtown. Every aspect of this event delivered a wow factor.”

The Carolinas Networking Event (CNE) was held October 12-14 in downtown Greenville.

Felicia Delope, a real estate professional with Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty in Washington, said this was the first time visiting the region and Greenville exceeded her expectations.

“The city feels vibrant and welcoming, with a strong sense of pride in its growth and quality of life. Getting to experience the fall festival while we were there was the perfect glimpse into the community. You could see how much people love living here. I left with a deeper understanding of why the Upstate is such a desirable place to call home and I am excited to share that with clients who can truly choose anywhere,” she said.

Kathleen Faulkner-Goldin with Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty in New York also lauded Greenville.

“What a wonderful city! I enjoyed every minute of my visit. So beautiful, so clean, so safe,” she said. “Each night, I walked several blocks to my hotel and enjoyed seeing all the people out and about enjoying their city.”

The concept for the CNE came after the Herlong Sotheby’s International Realty team attended the “Global Networking Event” in Nashville, said Jackson Herlong, Chief Strategy Officer for the agency.

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Greenville Technical College

As demand for skilled professionals continues to grow across the Upstate, Greenville Technical College is making it easier for students to begin their college education with a special Application Day on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Dreisbach/Anderson Student Success Center (Building 102) on the Barton Campus.

College staff will provide one-on-one assistance to help prospective students complete the free application, explore financial aid options, review career pathways and program choices, submit required documents, and complete enrollment steps to register for Spring Semester 2026.

Full-term, 15-week spring classes begin the week of Jan. 12, and the registration deadline is Jan. 6. Application Day offers a one-stop experience for anyone ready to start college or make a career change. More than 20 academic programs offer spring starts, including University Transfer, Culinary Arts, Criminal Justice, Administrative Office Technology, Automotive Technology, Industrial Electricity, and Management – fields that lead to high-demand careers.

“With so many programs starting in spring, there’s no reason to wait until the fall to get started,” said Dr. Joshua Friesen, assistant vice president of enrollment services and marketing at Greenville Technical College. “Application Day is the perfect chance to get personalized help and take the first step toward a college journey and a new career.”

Prospective students can begin the free application online (www.gvltec.edu/apply) and visit Barton Campus on Nov. 18 for assistance. For questions, visit www.gvltec.edu or call 864-250-8000.

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BASF Supports Renovation of Science Lab at South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind

The BASF sites in Mauldin and White Stone were part of a recent opening celebration for the refurbished science lab at The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind (SCSDB).

This milestone marks the successful completion of an initiative driven by the vision and dedication of the school’s science staff and the generosity of community sponsors, including BASF.

In 2024, science teachers at the School for the Deaf identified the need to modernize the science lab and envisioned a space equipped with state-of-the-art tools to enhance the educational experience for students. New lab additions include visual aid models, microscopes, 3-D atom and gas exchange models, a weather station, a chemical storage cabinet and more. This upgrade ensures that students have access to the most advanced resources, which supports a rigorous science curriculum.