The Post and Courier Greenville

GREENWOOD, S.C. — Charles & Associates was named to the 2025 Best of South Carolina list under the Construction & Remodeling Contractors category.

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.

“We are deeply honored by this award,” said Chad Charles, President and Founder of Charles & Associates. “Our team works very hard on every project no matter the size. This award is a testament to that hard work.”

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.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Insurance Source, one of the leading independent brokerages in the Upstate, has brought on Mary Grace Owens as its new First Impressions Specialist.

While earning her degree at Converse University, Owens gained a wealth of employment experience. As a freshman, from 2021 to 2022, she worked as a call center associate. In the summer of 2024, she interned at ScanSource, and during her final year of college, she served as an office assistant in Converse’s English department.

Owens graduated cum laude and received two honors: the Agnes Petty Pringle Award, given to an outstanding English student, and the Lykes Award for best nonfiction in Converse University’s literary journal.

“Mary Grace will be a fantastic addition to our team,” said Guy Furay, owner of The Insurance Source. “She brings a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a natural ability to connect with people. We’re confident she’ll make a lasting impression on our clients.”

About The Insurance Source:

The Insurance Source is an independent brokerage specializing in health, life, disability and dental insurance. The Insurance Source is located in Greer, South Carolina and has a simple and straightforward mission statement: “we make health insurance easier.®” Learn more at www.insure-u.com.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – (June 25, 2025) – Hughes Agency, a full-service public relations, marketing, advertising, and event management firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Jennifer Mihalic as Senior Director of Media Relations.

Mihalic will oversee the agency’s public relations and media engagement strategies. Drawing on her extensive newsroom experience, she will serve as the main architect of messaging and reputation management efforts for clients to secure quality media coverage that further elevates visibility and trust.

Mihalic joins Hughes Agency after a distinguished 23-year career in television news, most recently serving as Assistant News Director at Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WYFF 4. She was only the second person to hold this position in the station’s history.

Mihalic has received numerous awards, including the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award, a National Headliner award, and 10 Southeast Regional Emmy awards. In 2025, GSA Business Report named Mihalic a Woman of Influence.

To learn more about Hughes Agency, please visit www.hughes-agency.com.

About Hughes Agency
Hughes Agency is a full-service public relations, marketing, advertising, and event management agency that embodies forty years of marketing and communications expertise for a wide variety of local, regional, national and international clients.

SENECA, SC– BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) recognized five apprentices who successfully completed its North American Apprenticeship Development Program on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Tri County Technical College’s (TCTC) Oconee Campus.

Now in its sixth cohort, the 12-month program is delivered in partnership with Apprenticeship Carolina and TCTC. Designed to open doors for individuals without prior manufacturing experience, the initiative has helped BASF ECMS build a strong pipeline of skilled talent by focusing on non-traditional hires—including those transitioning from the military, food service, retail and service industries.

The latest group of apprentices—Sarah Davis, Logan Huffman, Kevin Maldonado, Jose Martinez, and Maureen Slack—joined 28 others who have successfully advanced through the program since it began in 2021. Over the course of the year, participants earned a range of industry-recognized credentials, including OSHA 10 certification, White Belt Six Sigma, and Creating Safety Involvement (CSI) training for in-plant safety observations. They also received a certificate in Process Technology

from TCTC and an official apprenticeship certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. Upon completion, each apprentice received a pay increase.

“We’re honored to celebrate another group of talented individuals graduating from the BASF North American Apprenticeship Development program,” said Bryan Manuel, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions at Tri-County Technical College. “Since its launch in 2021, 33 apprentices have completed the program, a testament to the strength of our collaboration with BASF and our shared commitment to building a future-ready workforce.”

As part of their capstone project, the apprentices designed and assembled a functioning mini evaporative cooling tower using a five-gallon bucket and a bilge pump.

Art & Light Gallery
19th Anniversary Annual Small Works Exhibition
July 29 – August 30, 2025

[GREENVILLE, S.C.] – Art & Light Gallery is proud to announce the celebration of a milestone nineteenth anniversary with the Annual Small Works exhibition featuring the work of 39 participating gallery roster artists. Additionally, Art & Light is thrilled to introduce a capsule collection of artwork curated by interior designer, tv personality, author, and product developer Natalie Papier on view during the anniversary exhibition. Natalie, whose unique design approach led her to writing her first book, Start With The Art: The Smart Way to Decorate Any Room on Any Budget, will host a special event and book signing during the opening reception on Friday, August 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The opening reception will also include a spread of small bites by chef Morgan Knight of Kitchen Concierge, signature cocktails provided by Neon Moon Mobile Bar and a selection of new work by Art & Light represented artists.

The 19th Anniversary Annual Small Works Exhibition will be released both online and in the gallery on Tuesday, July 29 beginning at 10am (EST) concluding on Saturday, August 30. Now in its nineteenth year, Art & Light is an established gallery and an important hub in Greenville’s arts community, representing over 50 artists, from emerging to established, in a space that is uniquely approachable and inviting. The Annual Small Works exhibition gives Art & Light an opportunity to connect collectors, new and seasoned, with original work that is thoughtful, sophisticated and memorable at an accessible price point. Please join us for an unforgettable evening in celebration of the artists represented by Art & Light on Friday, August 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and visit www.artandlightgallery.com to learn more about our roster of artists.

Greenville, SC — Verdae Development, Inc. (VDI), the master developer for the 1,100-acre master planned community known as Verdae, has appointed Nancy Whitworth to its board of directors.

“Each member of our board is actively engaged in furthering the mission and growth of this unique project. After an extensive search, Nancy was selected based on her proven leadership, broad management experience, and extensive economic development expertise,” said Bogue Wallin, chairman of the board for VDI. “We are honored to have Nancy join us.”

Whitworth received her bachelor’s of arts and master’s of science degrees from Clemson University. She retired after a long tenure with the City of Greenville, South Carolina serving as the director of economic development, deputy city manager and interim city manager and brought an entrepreneurial approach to public private partnerships resulting in Greenville’s successful downtown and city-wide development. She was a partner in establishing NEXT, Greenville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and was one of the founding board members. She has served on advisory services panels for the Urban Land Institute and International Economic Development Council and has been an expert panelist and presenter throughout the country advising communities on entrepreneurial and collaborative approaches to economic and community development.

Whitworth has also served on numerous boards in the Greenville community and Clemson University and is a former South Carolina Department of Transportation Commissioner.

Verdae Development Board of Directors
Bogue Wallin – Chairman Russ Davis – Vice Chair
Hunter Gibson – Secretary/Treasurer
Anne Ellefson
Nancy Whitworth
John Cothran – Chair Emeritus

BrownStone Real Estate recently welcomed Tarnesha McCrary to its growing roster of talented real estate professionals. Bringing a breadth of experience in leadership, operations, and workforce development, Tarnesha’s diverse background and community-focused approach make her a valuable addition to the firm’s team.
A graduate of Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Tarnesha has over seven years of expertise in full-cycle recruitment, employee relations, HR policy development, and leadership coaching. Originally from Virginia, her geographic mobility, shaped by her father and husband’s military careers, has provided her with a unique perspective on various communities and regional markets.
In addition to her real estate career, Tarnesha is the founder of The Right Start Staffing Agency, where she partners with small businesses, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations to deliver strategic HR solutions. She is actively involved in her church, serving alongside her husband, Pastor Commodore, at Greater Gathering Church, and is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment.
Rhett Brown, Broker in Charge and Owner of BrownStone Real Estate, shared, “Tarnesha’s experience and dedication are exactly what we’re looking for. Her strong work ethic and community focus make her a perfect fit for our core values.”
Tarnesha’s dedication to service and her community-driven mindset underpin her approach to serving her clients. Whether seeking to buy, sell, or explore new construction opportunities in Greenville, her local market knowledge and commitment to client success position her as an ideal partner in her clients’ real estate journeys.

About BrownStone Real Estate
BrownStone Real Estate is a Greenville-based firm devoted to delivering exceptional real estate services rooted in trust and transparency. With a four-generation legacy in the real estate business, the firm emphasizes strong personal relationships, community engagement, an