The Post and Courier Greenville

GREENWOOD, S.C.—When it comes to building businesses and communities, Kay Self knows what it takes to make ideas thrive. A Greenwood business leader and advocate for regional economic growth, Self has spent her career helping organizations and entrepreneurs turn vision into reality.

Now, she’s bringing that wealth of experience to Lander University as the institution’s executive-in-residence, where she will mentor students, share insights from her years in economic development and inspire the next generation of business innovators and leaders.

“I am deeply honored to serve as executive-in-residence at Lander University’s College of Business and Technology,” said Self, executive director of VisionGreenwood, a nonprofit organization formed in 2021 to strengthen Greenwood’s future through strategic investments in economic vitality, innovation and quality of life.

“What I value most about this role is the opportunity to share real-world experiences to students at Lander University and help them discover how their talents can shape the world around them,” she said. “At the same time, I see this as a two-way exchange: I look forward to learning from the students – their fresh perspectives, their energy and their vision for the future.”

Executive-in-residence programs are vital to universities, such as Lander, which have strong business and leadership programs. Self is the first person to be appointed as executive-in-residence for a full academic year, said Dr. Lloyd Willis, dean of Lander’s College of Business and Technology.

“With her involvement in economic and workforce development, entrepreneurship and collaborations between public and private partnerships, Kay Self’s expertise is unlike that of anyone in our college,” Willis said.

Stokes & Company, CPAs has been recognized by the South Carolina Association of CPAs (SCACPA) as a Cornerstone Firm for 2025. This distinction honors firms with 20 or more CPAs who commit their professional staff to SCACPA membership, demonstrating unified dedication to strengthening the CPA profession statewide.

The Cornerstone Firm designation reflects Stokes & Company’s continued investment in professional growth, ethical excellence, and advancing the accounting profession in South Carolina. As one of the Upstate’s leading local firms, Stokes & Company serves individuals and small businesses across South Carolina and Western North Carolina with exceptional service and trusted guidance.

“Being recognized as a Cornerstone Firm is both an honor and a reflection of our team’s shared commitment to excellence,” said Stephen Stokes, CPA, Managing Partner. “Our clients deserve the highest standard of expertise and integrity, and this recognition reinforces that dedication daily.”

Through its involvement with SCACPA, Stokes & Company continues to support education, advocacy, and the long-term success of the accounting profession in South Carolina.

About Stokes & Company, CPAs
Founded in 1999, Stokes & Company, CPAs serves individuals and businesses across Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina with accounting, payroll, tax, wealth, and advisory services that promote financial clarity and confidence. With offices in Greenville, Spartanburg, Gaffney, Travelers Rest, and Columbus, the firm is dedicated to excellence, community, and lasting partnerships.

About the South Carolina Association of CPAs (SCACPA)
SCACPA represents over 4,600 accounting professionals statewide. The Cornerstone Firm designation honors firms whose CPA staff demonstrate exceptional commitment through active membership.

Greenville, SC | October 27, 2025 — Stokes & Company, CPAs, has been recognized by the South Carolina Association of CPAs (SCACPA) as a Cornerstone Firm for 2025. This distinction honors firms with 20 or more CPAs who have committed their entire professional staff to SCACPA membership, demonstrating a unified dedication to strengthening and supporting the CPA profession across the state.

The Cornerstone Firm designation reflects Stokes & Company’s ongoing investment in professional growth, ethical excellence, and the advancement of the accounting profession in South Carolina. As one of the Upstate’s leading local firms, Stokes & Company serves individuals and small businesses across South Carolina and Western North Carolina with a commitment to providing exceptional service and trusted guidance.

“Being recognized as a Cornerstone Firm is both an honor and a reflection of our team’s shared commitment to excellence,” said Stephen Stokes, CPA, Managing Partner of Stokes & Company. “Our clients deserve the highest standard of expertise and integrity, and this recognition reinforces our dedication to delivering that every day.”

Through its involvement with SCACPA, Stokes & Company continues to support efforts that promote education, advocacy, and the long-term success of the accounting profession in South Carolina.

About Stokes & Company, CPAs
Founded in 1999, Stokes & Company, CPAs serves individuals and businesses throughout Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, offering accounting, payroll, tax strategy, wealth management, and advisory services designed to help clients achieve financial clarity and confidence. With offices in Greenville, Spartanburg, Gaffney, Travelers Rest, and Columbus, Stokes & Company is committed to excellence, community, and long-term client partnership.

About the South Carolina Association of CPAs (SCACPA)
SCACPA represents more than 4,600 accounting professionals across the state. The Cornerstone Firm designation recognizes f

Hartness Welcomes Joseph Barnes as Director of Development
Acclaimed Design and Development Professional Brings Global Expertise to Uphold Hartness Vision and Advance Future Opportunities

Greenville, S.C. – Hartness has announced the appointment of Joseph Barnes as Director of Development, bringing more than three decades of international experience in architecture, master planning, and large-scale real estate projects to the award-winning Greenville community.
In this new role, Barnes will provide strategic leadership, design stewardship, and operational discipline across all facets of Hartness. His focus will center on advancing operational excellence, strengthening builder and product delivery systems, and positioning Hartness for long-term, design-led growth beyond its current master-planned community.
“Joe’s expertise bridges the creative and the operational,” said Sean Hartness, CEO of Hartness Development. “His experience leading some of the world’s most ambitious projects, paired with his deep appreciation for timeless community design, will help us continue to elevate the Hartness experience while preparing for thoughtful growth in the years ahead.”
A licensed architect with an MBA, Barnes has shaped globally significant destinations including NEOM’s Trojena in Saudi Arabia, where he served as Director of Development Management – Asset Design; Qiddiya, Riyadh’s new cultural and entertainment city; and acclaimed U.S. communities such as Disney’s Celebration, I’On in Mount Pleasant, and East Beach in Norfolk. Across these projects, Barnes has become known for integrating visionary design with business strategy to create sustainable, high-quality places that generate lasting social and economic value.
At Hartness, he will oversee the continued evolution of the 482-acre Traditional Neighborhood Development, home to Hotel Hartness, Spa H, Patterson Kitchen + Bar, and an expanding collection of residences and retail offerings, ensuring that each new phase reflec

The doors of the Upcountry History Museum have now opened to the enchanting world of animation with “Beyond Halloween Land: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” an exhibition dedicated to the iconic 1993 stop-action film now deemed an “annual must-see Christmas classic.”

Featuring a carefully curated collection of original artwork and maquettes crafted for Burton’s film, this exhibition invites visitors into the creative scope of animated movie production before the era of computer-generated imagery. On display are some conceptual drawings related to the labor-intensive stop animation process used to produce this extraordinary example of turning words into visuals.

Released on October 29, 1993, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” earned praise not only for its animation, but also for its characters, songs, and musical score. In the 32 years since its debut on the big screen, this film’s telling of Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Land, Sally, Santa, and all the quirky characters such as Oogie Boogie, Bone Crusher, and Dr. Finkelstein, continues to lend itself to a unique example of holiday magic.

As an added bonus, the Upcountry History Museum is showcasing its 1890s-era horse-drawn hearse from Oct. 28 through Nov. 9. Complementing this piece of Greater Greenville history will be some related mourning items from our Collection to help add to the “spirit” of the Halloween holiday.

Organized by the Upcountry History Museum in partnership with private collectors and Walt Disney Archives, this distinctive exhibition is on display through March 1, 2026.

The Upcountry History Museum is located at 540 Buncombe St., in Greenville, S.C. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.; closed Monday.

Pickens, SC – October 21, 2025 – Upcountry Fiber Foundation, the charitable arm and permanent endowment of Upcountry Fiber, announces that it raised $133,100 at its charity golf tournament on September 29 at The Cliffs at Glassy Mountain. Upcountry Fiber, an internet service provider that bridges the digital divide by bringing broadband internet service to rural and other under and unserved communities, was created in 2020 through a partnership between Blue Ridge Electric Co-op (BREC) and West Carolina. Upcountry Fiber Foundation was launched in September 2022 to give back to Upstate philanthropic organizations.

Upcountry Fiber Foundation is focused on funding non-profits that serve the community in education, youth, culture, arts, and health and human services areas, as the foundation is committed to creating a stronger connection between the organizations that link people and businesses with areas of need. Funds raised from the charity golf tournament support local, non-profit organizations that make an immediate and direct impact on the people they serve in Anderson, Oconee, Pickens and Northern Greenville counties.

“We are thrilled to raise $133,000 at our charity golf tournament this year to support many fundamental initiatives throughout the Upstate,” said Jim Lovinggood, president and CEO, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative. “Since the inception of the foundation, we have been able to give back nearly $160,000 to 33 non-profit grant applicants in our local community.”

“We are thankful for all our sponsors and donors, especially our presenting sponsor ElectriCom, who each contributed to make this effort a success,” said Chris Townson, CEO, West Carolina. “We look forward to continuing to support our neighbors and we are so appreciative for the work they do every single day to make the communities we serve stronger.”

For more information about Upcountry Fiber Foundation, visit: https://www.upcountryfiber.com/foundation

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Greenville, SC – Paysmart Payroll is pleased to welcome Mariel as the newest member of the team. A graduate of Clemson University with degrees in Sociology and Nutrition, Mariel brings strong communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will serve clients and colleagues alike.

Before entering the payroll field, Mariel served in the United States Navy as an Intelligence Analyst, an experience that honed her attention to detail and commitment to excellence. She is also active in the community through organizations such as Upstate Warrior Solutions, Vantage Point, and Upstate International SC.

Outside of work, Mariel enjoys life on her hobby farm, cooking and baking for her charcuterie business, reading, and traveling.

About Paysmart Payroll Services

For over 20 years, Paysmart Payroll Services has helped local businesses thrive with personalized service, expert knowledge, and industry-leading technology. More than just payroll, Paysmart is a trusted partner dedicated to accuracy, efficiency, and client success.

“It’s not payroll. It’s people.®”

Media Contact:

Brad Detandt
Director of Business Development
brad@paysmartsc.com
864.729.7655