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Southern Wesleyan University

Renovated facility supports hands-on training and addresses regional workforce demands
CENTRAL, S.C. – Leaders from Southern Wesleyan University, multiple cities, and area healthcare providers gathered Friday, March 27 to celebrate a major milestone in the development of SWU’s School of Nursing.
The morning ribbon-cutting ceremony was not only the celebration of Terry Hall’s transformation into a clinical skills laboratory, it was also a nod to the lengthy process and partnerships that made it possible for SWU to reach this point.
Representatives from the SWU Board of Trustees, South Carolina Senate, AnMed, Prisma Health, Clemson Downs, the City of Clemson, the Town of Central, and Pickens County joined together to mark the beginning of a new chapter for healthcare in the Upstate.
“God has called us to train students who are able to provide the highest and best care for the moments of a person’s greatest medical needs and vulnerabilities,” Dr. William Barker, President of Southern Wesleyan University, said. “We believe God’s calling in the health care industry is to serve others with competence, care, and dignity.”
South Carolina is projected to have the seventh-largest national nursing shortage of registered nurses by 2036, equating to one in five position vacancies statewide. Upon approval from the South Carolina Board of Nursing, Southern Wesleyan University will do its part to begin filling those vacancies in the Upstate and beyond, forming Christ-centered nurses with a deep commitment to quality care.
The School of Nursing anticipates enrollment for Fall 2026. The program will be eligible for CCNE accreditation and fully on track for final approval for our first class of graduating nurses in Spring 2029.

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Indie Craft Parade

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Indie Craft Parade, Greenville’s celebration of all things handmade is now accepting artist applications for their seventeenth annual festival. This juried show recognizes excellence in handcrafted art, and will feature the work of over 100 artists this September at the historic Judson Mill District. The 2026 event will take place September 11-13.

Applications are open one month earlier this year and can be submitted online through midnight on April 20. All crafters, artisans, designers, and makers are encouraged to submit their work for consideration. Entry fee information and guidelines are available at www.indiecraftparade.com.

Indie Craft Parade was created for Greenville, South Carolina in 2010 to support and promote independent artists, educate the community about the modern craft movement, and encourage a renewed appreciation for quality handmade goods. Each year, the festival highlights and contributes to the artistic and innovative local economy of Greenville, SC. The 2026 event is part of Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a nationwide initiative led by Craft in America to honor handmade during America’s Semiquincentennial.

Indie Craft Parade is funded by both local and national sponsors including Bank of Travelers Rest, Prym Consumer USA, and ReCraft Creative Reuse Center.

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Greenville Technical College

Yolanda Marquez, a student at Greenville Technical College (GTC), has been named a member of the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team and will receive a $1,300 scholarship.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.

Yolanda is a student in GTC’s University Transfer program with plans to transfer to Columbia College, majoring in Criminal Justice with a Forensics concentration. Her long-term career goal is to work in forensic investigation, ideally with the FBI, and to be part of an evidence response team.

“We are proud of Yolanda and her record of academic excellence,” said Dr. Candice Lewis, chief academic officer at Greenville Technical College. “This well-deserved scholarship will support her educational path as she builds on the foundation she has earned through her University Transfer experience.”

Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.
Coca-Cola Academic Team members are recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies. They were also recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Baltimore, Maryland, March 26-28.

“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”

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Iron Caterer Throwdown

Iron Caterer Throwdown Launches Chef Dinner Series, Raises Over $5,000
Greenville, SC — Iron Caterer Throwdown has officially expanded its impact with the launch of its first Chef Dinner, raising over $5,000 for local nonprofits.
The inaugural event featured Chef Michael Sibert of White Wine & Butter alongside Chef Chef T, delivering a multi-course dining experience with curated cocktail pairings.
Created by event producers Stephen and Summer Gossett, the Chef Dinner Series was designed to support the community year-round, beyond the main Iron Caterer Throwdown competition set for August.
Proceeds from the event benefited Loaves & Fishes of Greenville and A La Heart GVL.
The event was made possible through support from Social Latitude, Larkins Sawmill, Sister Sunset, Beam Suntory, FamZing Photography and Video, and Harter the Great.
Additional Chef Dinners are planned throughout the year.
Photos from the event can be viewed here:
https://famzing.shootproof.com/gallery/5aed2e6c-2b29-454e-ad4a-bfd5d30a64ab

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TGHA holding MTW FSS Resource Fair

GREENVILLE, SC – The Greenville Housing Authority (TGHA) will be hosting an event dedicated to connecting individuals and families with opportunities, resources, and support that foster long-term economic mobility in April.
The MTW FSS Resource Fair & Self-Sufficiency Workshop will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Greenville Convention Center ( Room 102 A/B), 1 Exposition Drive, Greenville. Park near the Eisenhower Drive entrance.
“We are excited to welcome a diverse group of community partners, including employers, educational institutions, financial organizations, homeownership resources, and service providers, who are committed to empowering individuals on their journey toward self-sufficiency,” said Jenneh Jones, Director of MTW FSS-Economic Mobility for the TGHA.
For April’s event, more than 350 participants have been invited, and more than 200 have already confirmed they’ll be joining us throughout the day to explore resources, connect with agencies, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. The event is open to the public.
To register, email mtw@tgha.net.
TGHA received final approval from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to create a Moving to Work (MTW) program last summer. This is a federal demonstration program that gives the TGHA more flexibility to design and test innovative strategies for providing housing assistance. HUD does not provide additional funding for the program, rather it permits flexibilities in the funding allocated to the housing choice voucher program.
Under the new MTW program, TGHA’s focus is on preparing participants for opportunities through education and employment opportunities for those receiving assistance from the housing agency. The goal is to help people to increase their household earnings and to be comfortably able to compete in the rental market.

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Habitat Greenville hosts Joe Barron Golf Classic

GREENVILLE, SC – A golf tournament that celebrates the legacy of the founder of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County returns today for its 10th anniversary.

“In 1985, Joe Barron organized the first volunteers to start building affordable housing in Greenville under the Habitat for Humanity banner,” said LaTonya Phillips, CEO and President of Habitat Greenville. “For 10 years now, we have been hosting a golf tournament to honor his vision.”

The Joe Barron Golf Classic, presented by Michael’s Janitorial, was held on Monday, March 30 at the Green Valley Country Club, 225 Green Valley Road. Kicking off at 10 a.m., the Joe Barron Golf Classic’s goal is to raise $90,000 plus to help low-income families on their journey to homeownership. It was founded by AIA Greenville.

Thirty teams are participating in today’s tournament. Other key sponsors include AIA Greenville, ADC Engineering, Sutera in Ground, Barron Residential, Evans General Contractors, Keel Concepts, Sealevel Systems, Optima Engineering and LS3P. Additionally, this year the Joe Barron Committee plans to present Southern Crown (formerly KW Beverage) with the tournament’s inaugural “Team of the Year” award in recognition of their 10 years of participation and support.

An Anderson native, who grew up in Athens, Ga., Barron earned his bachelor’s and Master of Engineering degrees from Clemson and settled in Greenville in 1984.He served as a deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher at First Presbyterian Church where he was a devoted and faithful member. He was also active in Scouting for almost 50 years, and helped to carry the torch for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games in 2002.

But it was him working with a local church to start a Habitat affiliate in Greenville in 1985 that sparked a sea change in the outlook for the Greenville community.

“This tournament is a little more special in 2026 because it comes during our 40th Anniversary celebration,” Phillips said.

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MOA Architecture, Inc.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – MOA Architecture has announced the addition of Reggie Stewart as Project Manager and the promotion of Gail Pasley to Office Manager, growing the firm’s leadership in project execution and operational excellence.

As Project Manager, Reggie refines systems, strengthens project execution, and serves as a trusted point of contact for clients. He brings more than two decades of experience in higher education, K–12, and institutional facility planning and design.

Most recently, Reggie served as Director of Space Management within Planning, Design & Construction at Clemson University, where he worked closely with university leadership to align academic and research space planning with both short-term needs and long-range campus strategy.

Gail Pasley is a highly skilled administrative professional with more than 25 years of experience assisting principals, executives, and project leaders.

In her expanded role, Gail supports the MOA team by preparing AIA contracts, proposals, and correspondence while overseeing daily office operations. A consummate professional with exceptional communication skills, she serves as a well-organized gatekeeper for the firm, managing a wide range of responsibilities — from office management to coordinating closely with project managers in the field.

Learn more about the MOA Architecture team at www.moaarc.com/team.

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Greenville Technical College

Greenville Technical College will host a virtual adjunct faculty hiring event on Tuesday, April 14, to recruit qualified educators for teaching opportunities in the upcoming semesters. The online event will allow prospective adjunct faculty to connect with department representatives, learn about open teaching positions and gain insight into the adjunct faculty hiring process.

Adjunct faculty play a vital role in helping Greenville Tech prepare students for careers and transfer opportunities. These positions offer flexible scheduling options, including day, evening, weekend, and online classes across the college’s campus locations. Adjunct faculty roles are ideal for retirees, working professionals, and experienced educators interested in helping college students succeed.

Greenville Tech is recruiting qualified adjunct faculty for the following subject areas:
• Accounting
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• College Skills/Freshman Seminar
• Computer Technology
• Economics
• Engineering Technology
• English
• Geology
• Math
• Physics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Speech Communications

Interested candidates should register for the event at https://gtcadjunct.eventbrite.com and submit the required materials, including an online application, by April 7 at 5 p.m. to be eligible to participate.

For more information, contact Greenville Technical College Human Resources at 864-250-8192.

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BofA Upstate South Carolina President Stacy Brandon set to retire April 1

GREENVILLE – Bank of America announced Tuesday that Stacy Brandon, president of BofA Upstate South Carolina, will retire from the company April 1.

Brandon departs BofA with 39 years of service and many contributions to the Upstate region.

Over her 10 years as president of BofA Upstate South Carolina,
Brandon helped advance economic opportunity across the region, supported teammates’ professional development and growth as a mentor and advocate, and strengthened local communities through meaningful partnerships with nonprofit organizations.

During her career, Brandon served as a board member for the Upcountry History Museum, Emanuel’s Hammer, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the South Carolina Bankers Association. She also served as board chair for Pendleton Place Children’s Shelter, the Upstate Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Greenville Tech Foundation.

“As a Greenville native, it has been an honor to grow my career with Bank of America in the Upstate over nearly four decades – serving our clients, teammates and our broader communities in such an impactful way,” said Brandon, “I’m confident we have helped improved financial lives across our lines of business, and we helped strengthen the communities we call home. I’m grateful to every person and organization I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and I will remain a champion for our region as I enter retirement.”

As she steps into this next chapter, Brandon says she looks forward to traveling, volunteering at her church and in the community, gardening and being a grandmother.

A new president for BofA Upstate South Carolina will be named later this year.

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THS Constructors, Inc.

March 25, 2026 — THS Constructors, Inc. has been named a recipient of an SCBIZ 2026 Top Projects Award. This award recognizes the Clinton Speculative Building for Nordson Industrial Coating Solutions, a global provider of precision coating equipment.

“The 2026 Top Projects honorees are leaving a notable mark on the landscape of South Carolina. Their innovative projects feature quality design and construction in addition to creating jobs, building healthy spaces and helping businesses achieve their goals,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/SCBIZ. “SCBIZ is pleased to shine a spotlight on these individuals and organizations in the real estate community for their outstanding achievements.”

The Nordson project was developed using a design-bid construction delivery method over the course of 11 months in collaboration with GPN Architects, Arrowood+Arrowood, and Thomas & Hutton. As part of the project, 316 feet of existing precast walls were removed to accommodate the larger footprint. The new climate-controlled facility spans 225,000 square feet, including 60,000 square feet of corporate office space and 150,000 square feet dedicated to manufacturing and distribution. Key features include a 15,000-square-foot cafeteria, 155 air drops, 18 rooftop units, and six conference rooms.

“THS is honored to be recognized for our work on the Nordson project and want to thank SCBIZ for this recognition,” says Dana Emberton, President and CEO of THS Constructors. “We were proud to be selected as the contractors on this job and appreciate the collaboration of our project partners. This award marks a win for everyone involved.”

For more information about THS Constructors, Inc. and their other projects, visit www.thsconstructors.com/portfolio/.

ABOUT THS CONSTRUCTORS, INC.
THS Constructors, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned design-build construction management firm. They provide design-build, design-bid-build, and construction management firm.