The Post and Courier Greenville

Greenville, SC – McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture (MPS) is proud to announce that Fuqua & Partners Architects (FPA), a progressive community-based architecture, interiors and planning firm operating in Huntsville, Alabama since 1983, has joined McMillan Pazdan Smith. The acquisition represents a strategic growth investment in Alabama and southern Tennessee with a 10th studio office for Southeast-focused MPS.
Huntsville, “Rocket City” is a center for national R&D, especially in emerging technologies and space exploration. “With its welcoming and people-centered culture and growing diversity of commercial, civic, education, and healthcare environments Huntsville is an exciting community for McMillan Pazdan Smith to serve and support,” says Chad Cousins, CEO of McMillan Pazdan Smith, “Fuqua & Partners is aligned with the same strong values, community focus and design excellence that enables MPS to serve clients insightfully and successfully. In partnership together, we look forward to supporting the vitality of communities, commerce, and campuses throughout the rapidly growing North Alabama area.”
“Our firm is proud of how the buildings we’ve designed have had a positive and long-term impact on the people and communities we serve,” said FPA founding principal, Joe Fuqua. “Joining with MPS will offer our clients enhanced project expertise and support, setting current and future clients up for long-term success. It will also provide new and exciting opportunities for the talented designers and architects that have made FPA one of the leading firms in North Alabama.”
FPA’s leadership and 30 team members will be integrated into MPS’ collaborative practice area teams, while continuing to serve their local clients from the studio’s location at 100 Church Street SW, Suite 700, Huntsville, Alabama 35801.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — For the third year in a row, Wagner Wealth Management has been honored as the top investment firm in the Upstate, according to the readers of The Greenville News.

Best of the Upstate celebrates and recognizes the top people, places, and businesses the regional community offers. Using a two-tiered voting system, thousands are nominated across numerous categories.

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.

“We are not in this business for awards. We are in it because we want people to build, grow, and preserve the assets that provide them comfort,” said Dan Wagner, the company’s CEO and Founder. “But these honors underscore that what we are doing is working and helping others.”

About Wagner Wealth Management:
Wagner Wealth Management specializes in helping individuals and companies reach their personal and professional goals. Wagner Wealth Management currently advises on more than $1.5 billion in client assets; their experience is diverse, exceptional, and ready to work. The firm has offices in Anderson, Greenville, and Seneca. Learn more at www.wagnerwealthmanagement.com.

Securities offered through Arkadios Capital. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Wealth Management Advisors, LLC. Arkadios Capital and Wealth Management Advisors, LLC are not affiliated through any ownership.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Servants for Sight, an Upstate nonprofit providing free and low-cost, high-quality eye care for community members living in poverty, launched its new mobile vision unit in January. Part of the nonprofit’s signature health outreach program, the state-of-the-art van brings a full vision care suite to patients who might lack the funds or transportation to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist. It can serve up to 33 patients per day with eyecare appointments—instead of just an eye screening with the organization’s previous unit —with the goal to serve one to two locations every week. Since launching in January, the “Vision Van” has facilitated 22 free screening events in Taylors, Spartanburg, Greenville, Clinton and Easley, serving more than 400 people.

The new mobile unit was made possible in part by the generous support of Eastside High School’s 2023 Eastside Spirit Week, where students raised an astounding $142,748.26. 

Servants for Sight partners with Upstate organizations to bring the mobile unit to shelters, free medical clinics, food pantries and various assistance groups where patients are already receiving other services. During free vision screening events, patients have their vision checked, are screened for eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma and dry eye, receive free reading glasses when needed, and learn more about how to care for their eyes. Qualifying patients with more advanced eye care needs are also connected to highly qualified medical providers who will then donate their time and expertise to provide free services, including eye surgery.
 
To find a full list of the scheduled mobile unit locations for the remainder of the year, or to learn how to donate or volunteer with Servants for Sight, please visit servantsforsight.org.

GREENVILLE, SC – Tickets for the two films that are part of the 2025 SummerFest went on sale this morning.

The Greenville Jewish Film Festival will be showing The South Carolina premiere of Welcome to Yiddishland, the acclaimed documentary exploring the global revival of Yiddish culture as well as a first-of-its-kind streaming presentation of The Muses of Bashevis Singer at this year’s SummerFest.

Tickets can be purchased at greenvillejewishfilmfestival.com.

In addition, SummerFest 2025 will feature an unforgettable evening at the Sigal Music Museum, featuring live music by Zoe & Cloyd followed by a screening of the short documentary Days Between Rest. Tickets for that event can be purchased here. (https://shorturl.at/OJqP5)

Since 2018, the Greenville Jewish Film Festival has aimed to inspire the community to find more connections through the art of film. The main event each year is SummerFest, and this will be the first time the event will run for multiple days.

The Festival kicks off Wednesday, August 20 at 7 p.m. at the Sigal Music Museum, 516 Buncombe Street, Greenville, with a celebration of Yiddish culture. The evening features:

• Live performance by acclaimed duo Zoe & Cloyd, blending bluegrass, klezmer, old-time, and folk — renowned for their “soaring harmonies and heartfelt songwriting”

• A reception with mocktails and cultural desserts created by Project Host.

• The short film Days Between Rest: a portrait of Rachel Namudosi, a third-generation Jewish Ugandan singer, exploring family, music, faith, and the Abayudaya community.

• Trailers for Welcome to Yiddishland and The Muses of Bashevis Singer.

This musical evening is sponsored by John and Susan Stewart.

The main event takes place Sunday, August 24 at 4 p.m., at Camelot Cinemas, 48 E. Antrim Drive, featuring a screening of Welcome to Yiddishland, sponsored by Thomas and Sandra Kester.

A veteran team of building and construction professionals has launched a new web-based platform dedicated to simplifying building code compliance for do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts and construction professionals. The new platform, Code Pro Resources, which can be found at TheCodePros.com, is a trusted authority in building code consulting designed to empower homeowners, contractors, architects, and tradespeople with simplified explanations and expert guidance on building codes. At launch, the platform will be available and providing guidance for building codes for DIYers and construction professionals in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Florida, with a broader expansion planned into other regions of the U.S. planned for a later date.

Founded by industry veterans Brian L. Blackwell, Brent Bullard and Ruthie Helms, together holding more than 90 years of experience in the building and general construction industry, Code Pro Resources is designed to meet a widespread industry need that Blackwell, Bullard, and Helms identified after decades of taking calls from industry friends and colleagues seeking clarification and guidance on building codes. Code Pro Resources and its industry leading consultants provide clarity on construction regulations, helping users avoid costly errors and ensuring compliance at every stage of their projects.

“Our mission is to eliminate the time consuming and stressful aspect of understanding building codes and the uncertainty around if the project is in compliance,” said Brian L. Blackwell, founder of Code Pros. “Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a seasoned contractor, our new platform connects you to certified experts who simplify the complexities, saving you time and money while building your confidence.”

Visit TheCodePros.com to learn more about how Code Pros Resources can help you unlock your project’s potential.

GREENVILLE CONVENTION CENTER HIRES SYDNEY BROWN AS SHOW & SALES MANAGER

Greenville, SC – July 22, 2025 – Greenville Convention Center, managed by OVG360, has hired Sydney Brown as its show and sales manager. Brown will oversee the production of facility-managed consumer shows to include audience development, event sales, show administration, marketing of shows and selling of booth space including maintenance of exhibitor contracts and records.

Brown joins Greenville Convention Center from United Way, where she managed events and corporate engagement for two years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Grand Canyon University.

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About Greenville Convention Center
As one of the Southeast’s largest venues, boasting 280,000 square feet of impressive exhibit and event space in one of the most sought-after cities, the Greenville Convention Center is committed to providing you with the resources you need to turn your event into an experience that brings your plans to life.

Jack brings a strong foundation in public accounting, with experience in both tax and audit. His background includes preparing corporate returns, estimates, and extensions, supporting audit engagements, and building financial budgets. Jack is a licensed CPA and brings a detail-oriented mindset to every engagement. With a commitment to accuracy and professionalism, Jack is a great fit for the team.