Categories
Press Release

Stokes & Company CPAs

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

Categories
Press Release

Weekend passes for 2026 Reedy Reels Film Festival on sale now

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.”

Categories
Press Release

GHF announces 2026 goals

GREENVILLE, SC – The Greenville Housing Fund announced key targets for making living in Greenville more affordable in 2026.

GHF staff laid out major goals for 2026 while accentuating some of its wins in 2025.

Some major goals for 2026 include: launch the Strategic Planning process for the 2026–2029 cycle, setting a strong foundation for its work in the years ahead; enhancing resident services in meaningful ways that continue to support and uplift those GHF serves; advancing its Homeownership Preservation Program (HOPP) 2.0 as a key initiative to strengthen housing stability for low-income homeowners in Greenville; partnering with Gateway, a local mental health provider, on preserving 17 units of deeply affordable housing serving its clients in the oldest apartment building in the city of Greenville.

One of the major successes for GHF in 2025 was becoming a NeighborWorks America affiliate. NeighborWorks America is a congressionally chartered national nonprofit that works to “deliver practical solutions that expand housing access, build wealth and boost local economies” through a network of over 250 local organizations, “driving change at the local level.” GHF is the only affiliate in the Upstate, and only the second one in South Carolina.

The NeighborWorks affiliation strengthened GHF capacity in a whole variety of ways, enabling them to do more in and for Greenville.
Other 2025 highlights include:
• GHF invested almost $6.8 million that translated into 271 homes for 410 families.
• Gateway at the Green Ribbon Cutting
• Riley at Overbrook Ribbon Cutting
• Southernside East Groundbreaking
• Harmony Ridge received a $76,000 HVAC grant award
• Southernside West (54 units of senior affordable housing, 20%-60% AMI) received the highest LIHTC score for 2025
In addition, GHF team members continued their community outreach by taking part in Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County’s Juneteenth Build.

Categories
Press Release

BASF in South Carolina receives Best in Business award

For the fifth consecutive year, readers of South Carolina Business Magazines have honored BASF sites across Upstate South Carolina with a Best in Business Award.

In 2025, BASF earned a Silver Award in the Best Advanced Materials and Plastics Company category for its sites in Central (Clemson), White Stone, Mauldin and Seneca. The company previously earned Gold in the same category in 2024. BASF sites also earned Gold Awards in both the Best Manufacturer or Exporter and Best Advanced Manufacturer categories in 2023. In 2022, the sites received Silver Awards in the Best Manufacturer or Exporter and Best Advanced Manufacturer categories. In 2021, BASF earned an Advanced Manufacturer honorable mention.

The Best in Business awards recognize companies and individuals from around the state that bring success to South Carolina’s business community. Winners were announced in the December issue of Greenville Business Magazine, Columbia Business Monthly and Charleston Business Magazine.

BASF’s South Carolina sites employ approximately 750 people and invest nearly $85 million in the state through annual payroll, purchases, capital investments, taxes and charitable contributions.

These sites in South Carolina produce materials that are vital to the sustainability of our economy and quality of life. Employees are committed to producing safe, clean and reliable products that are essential ingredients in many consumer items used in homes around the world every day.

For more information about BASF in South Carolina, visit www.basf.us/sc.

Categories
Press Release

BASF in South Carolina receives Best in Business award

For the fifth consecutive year, readers of South Carolina Business Magazines have honored BASF sites across Upstate South Carolina with a Best in Business Award.

In 2025, BASF earned a Silver Award in the Best Advanced Materials and Plastics Company category for its sites in Central (Clemson), White Stone, Mauldin and Seneca. The company previously earned Gold in the same category in 2024. BASF sites also earned Gold Awards in both the Best Manufacturer or Exporter and Best Advanced Manufacturer categories in 2023. In 2022, the sites received Silver Awards in the Best Manufacturer or Exporter and Best Advanced Manufacturer categories. In 2021, BASF earned an Advanced Manufacturer honorable mention.

The Best in Business awards recognize companies and individuals from around the state that bring success to South Carolina’s business community. Winners were announced in the December issue of Greenville Business Magazine, Columbia Business Monthly and Charleston Business Magazine.

BASF’s South Carolina sites employ approximately 750 people and invest nearly $85 million in the state through annual payroll, purchases, capital investments, taxes and charitable contributions.

These sites in South Carolina produce materials that are vital to the sustainability of our economy and quality of life. Employees are committed to producing safe, clean and reliable products that are essential ingredients in many consumer items used in homes around the world every day.

For more information about BASF in South Carolina, visit www.basf.us/sc.

Categories
Press Release

Wagner Wealth Management brings home four SC Best in Business Awards

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.”

Categories
Press Release

Habitat Greenville launches unique Women’s Build

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.

Categories
Press Release

Hispanic Alliance Announces Culinary and Musical Lineup for Homes for the Holidays Tour on December 13

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.

Categories
Press Release

Boomer Banter Podcast

Influential Women 2025 Recognizes Wendy Green

Greenville, SC – Influential Women 2025 is proud to recognize Wendy Green,72, an accomplished podcast host and transition coach, for her significant contribution to the complexities and opportunities of aging well.
With a conversational style that feels like a heartfelt chat between friends, Wendy brings together experts and everyday individuals to discuss topics ranging from family dynamics and caregiving to health, finances, and technology. Her work encourages older adults to embrace life after 0 with curiosity, purpose, and joy, challenging the notion that aging means slowing down.

With over a decade of experience as a life transition coach, Wendy specializes in helping people navigate transitions, retirement, and personal reinvention. She combines professional training, personal insight, and a structured coaching process to guide clients from uncertainty to clarity. Through her programs, including her popular

Learn more about Wendy Green
Through her Influential Women profile: https://influentialwomen.com/connect/wendy-green
(how can I submit the full press release?)

Categories
Press Release

As E-Bikes Multiply in the Upstate, Accident Liability Gets More Complicated

E-bikes are now a common sight across the Upstate, from the Swamp Rabbit Trail to downtown Greenville, and their popularity keeps accelerating. The Wall Street Journal recently noted that more e-bikes are sold nationwide than electric cars.

But this rise brings new confusion about how accidents are classified and who is responsible when someone gets hurt.

E-bikes can reach speeds up to 28 mph, and collisions at those speeds can cause serious injuries, including fractures and head or spinal trauma. Determining fault depends on the circumstances, and classification plays a major role. Auto insurance usually excludes e-bikes, while homeowners’ or renters’ policies may only cover lower-powered models, leaving victims with uncertain protection.

In SC, an electric-assist bicycle must have pedals, a motor under 750 watts, and a top assisted speed below 20 mph to be treated like a traditional bicycle. If an e-bike exceeds those limits or has been modified, it may be treated as a motor vehicle for liability and insurance purposes.

Local rules add another layer. Portions of the SRT restrict higher-speed or throttle-only e-bikes to protect pedestrians and slower riders. When an e-bike violates these rules or state limits, the legal analysis changes, and liability risks increase for the rider or the business that supplied the bike.

These distinctions matter. They influence how fault is assigned and what coverage is available. A pedestrian injured by an e-bike rider can pursue a negligence claim, but classification, speed, and power level often shape the outcome.

If you’ve been injured in an e-bike accident, the key is understanding who had the duty to act safely and how that duty was breached. With laws and insurance policies still catching up to new technology, legal guidance can make a meaningful difference.
Alex Stalvey leads the personal injury practice group at Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey. He can be reached at 864.298.0084 or online at www.bannisterandwyatt.com.