The Post and Courier Greenville

The program is in partnership with Apprenticeship Carolina and Tri-County Technical College (TCTC), and enables BASF ECMS to hire talented individuals who might not have been considered otherwise due to their lack of manufacturing experience. Since launching the program for production technicians in 2021, BASF ECMS has built a robust pipeline of skilled employees. By focusing on non-traditional hires, the program has successfully transitioned individuals from various backgrounds, including the military, food service, and retail, into thriving manufacturing careers.

Four apprentices, Dylan Bruens, Tristin Chesbro, Andrew Pollard, and Dan Singleton successfully finished the 12-month training program – earning certifications and enhancing their skills for future careers in the manufacturing industry.

Throughout the program, the apprentices obtained OSHA 10 safety certification, White Belt Six Sigma Certification, and completed Creating Safety Involvement (CSI) training for safety observations in the plant. Additionally, they were awarded a certificate in Process Technology from TCTC and an apprenticeship certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. They also received a pay raise upon completing the program.

“We are proud of the nearly 30 apprentices who have graduated from this program since it began in 2021,” said Bryan Manuel, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions at Tri-County Technical College. “This program exemplifies the power of education and industry partnership in creating a skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”

As part of their capstone project, the apprentices designed and built a functioning mini evaporative cooling tower using a five-gallon bucket and small bilge pump. This project highlighted their practical skills, teamwork, and understanding of key roles such as operations, quality assurance, and project management.

Endeavor Announces Work and Study Spaces for Holiday Visitors

GREENVILLE, SC (December 19, 2024) – Endeavor Workspaces today announced co-working day passes and half-day “study hall passes” (eligible from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) for visitors in town for the holidays, students, and other professionals needing quiet work or study space during the chaotic holiday season. Fees are $30 for a full-day pass, $12 for professionals for a half-day pass, and $10 for students for a half-day pass. Fast and secure wi-fi, quiet areas, bottomless coffee, an onsite executive gym and access to Endeavor’s “calm and bright” coworking spaces with downtown views Mondays through Fridays are also included.

Ideal for holiday visitors and local professionals needing space to focus, as well as students (16 years and up) studying for SATs, exams, or Boards, working remote internships, or writing college applications. Contact Endeavor@EndeavorGreenville.com or visit Endeavor at 1 N. Main St. Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Walk-in’s welcome.

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About Endeavor
Endeavor is a membership-based coworking community for creative and entrepreneurial professionals, as well as corporate teams and business travelers. Endeavor’s premium location in the ONE Development in Greenville, SC provides members with state-of-the-art work and meeting space, and uniquely, surrounds them with a diverse array of peers who offer a broad range of services and experience. Training opportunities, networking events and business consulting are available for the professionals who call Endeavor home every day, as well as business team members across the region. Endeavor has been recognized as the winner of the Coworker Member’s Choice Award for Greenville, SC and GVLtoday’s Best Coworking Space in Greenville. For more information, visit endeavorgreenville.com.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Rock It! Co. has been honored as among the best web development companies in South Carolina.

The Rock It! Co. was recognized this week with a Gold Award in the Best Web Development Company from the South Carolina Best in Business Awards, which is led by Greenville Business Magazine, Columbia Business Monthly, and Charleston Business Magazine and recognizes companies and individuals who contribute to the success of the state’s business community.

The Rock It! Co. started in 2014 as a fully integrated marketing and events firm. Through corporate events, website development and management, e-mail communications, public relations, social media and search engine marketing, The Rock It! Co. is designed to do one thing: get the results companies and nonprofits need to succeed. With offices in Charleston and Greenville, the company serves clients across the country.

“This award is a wonderful recognition of our team’s talent and dedication,” said Leah Stoudenmire Lawson, the company’s Founder and CEO. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and this honor reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in serving our clients.”

About The Rock It! Co.

The Rock It! Co. is the one-stop shop for companies and non-profit organizations looking to take their brands and stories to the next level. With decades of expertise in creating and developing events and marketing campaigns across the country, The Rock It! Co. brings all of the needed skills of a large-scale operation, but served with the customer service and personal touch only a boutique firm can bring. With offices in Charleston and Greenville, the company is able to serve clients across the country. Get rocking it today at therockitco.com.

GREENVILLE, S.C. –  One of the Upstate’s leading fitness centers will have a new name for its three sites by mid-January.

Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness will now be known as acac Fitness & Wellness Centers, marking a new era for this venerable fitness hub that has locations on Congaree Road in Greenville, Five Forks and in Simpsonville.

Founded by Phil Wendel in 1984 as the Atlantic Coast Athletic Clubs, acac Fitness & Wellness Centers has grown from a single 5,000 square-foot facility to having 14 sites in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.

“When we entered into the Greenville market about two and half years ago, we decided to maintain the Sportsclub brand due to its strong reputation in the market,” said Chris Craytor, CEO of acac.

“Our plan has always been to re-invest heavily into the clubs, which we have done over the last two years, before introducing our acac Fitness & Wellness name to the market. We’ve made millions in capital improvements since taking the reins, and while there is still work to be done, we’re now proud to welcome these locations officially to the acac family.”

As part of the transition, the three South Carolina sites have received a number of improvements, including a host of equipment upgrades, safety and structural improvements, brand new locker rooms in the Five Forks location, increased natural lighting, paint, flooring and more, with plans for even more upgrades to come.

Kelly Brogdon, marketing director for the Greenville sites, said this is a new era for the fitness centers, whose mission is to provide the best health club experience in the Upstate of South Carolina.

“Our members appreciate a wide variety of equipment, adult and youth fitness programming, group exercise classes and a friendly and knowledgeable team,” Brogdon said “From team sports to group activities to individual instruction, we can define a fitness program that suits anyone’s unique ability and lifestyle at our three convenient locations.”

In addition to housing a world-class collection of historic instruments, Sigal Music Museum is also one of Greenville’s top listening rooms where an audience of engaged listeners enhances the experience for both musicians and concertgoers alike. Concerts range from Cuban Jazz to Classical , taking place on the ground floor of the museum. Sponsored in part by a grant from South Carolina Humanities, the Distinguished Lecture Series offers a fun, pain-free way to learn about a wide variety of music-related topics. The lectures are free (registration required) and are a delightful way to combine education and entertainment. The increasingly popular monthly museum teas offer guests an opportunity to experience a proper 3:00pm treat on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
https://sigalmusicmuseum.org/calendar/

On Wednesday, December 11th, the City of Simpsonville welcomed city officials, project partners, and residents to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the new Simpsonville Municipal Complex.

“This is truly a historic moment for the city,” said Simpsonville Mayor Paul Shewmaker. “Our municipal complex is a symbol of progress, collaboration, and vision. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It represents the heart of a thriving community. It’s built to serve our city for decades to come.”

The new Municipal Complex, designed by DP3 Architects, includes a 27,140 square foot city hall and police department building, a new 13,230 square foot Greenville County Summary Court and Simpsonville Municipal Court building, and a 19,145 square foot fire department headquarters. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to serve as a hub for city operations and community engagement.

“Working on the Simpsonville Municipal Complex has been an incredible opportunity for DP3 Architects,” said Principal and Community Studio Leader, Mike Pry. “We designed this facility to reflect the unique character of Simpsonville while providing a functional and inspiring space for civic engagement. It’s an honor to see this project come to life and to be part of a legacy that will benefit the community for years to come.”

The new complex is a testament to Simpsonville’s investment in its future, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal to create a facility that aligns with the city’s aspirations. DP3 Architects is honored to have played a part in this transformative project that aligns with their mission of bringing communities together.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Affordable Upstate, a private equity firm focused on workforce and affordable housing, has evolved its leadership structure by naming co-founder Mario Brown its new Chief Executive Officer.

This transition marks a significant milestone for Affordable Upstate, emphasizing its continued commitment to sustainable, community-driven housing solutions and robust investor returns.

Since its founding in 2016, Affordable Upstate has raised more than $55 million in investor equity, generating strong returns and providing several successful exits for investors. Brown, who purchased his first multifamily complex in 2014, brings more than a decade of multifamily investment experience and a strategic vision for scalable, cost-saving measures that directly enhance portfolio value and resident impact.

“Affordable Upstate was founded on the principle that affordable housing and strong investor returns can go hand-in-hand,” Brown said.

Brown highlighted the company’s focus on innovative, scalable solutions such as Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Property Management, and non-profit partner, Southeast Affordable Housing Administration, as examples of ways it will continue to grow.

“These initiatives allow us to implement cost-saving measures tailored to maximize portfolio value, enhance resident impact, and ultimately position us toward consistent performance with institutional-grade reporting standards,” he said. “With a strengthened leadership team, we are better positioned than ever to meet the challenges of inflation.”

In addition to Brown’s new role, Affordable Upstate has also added Chris Rawlings and Sam Gooding, to support its growth. Rawlings brings more than 30 years of financial and strategic planning experience, having previously served as Treasurer and Director of Corporate Accounting for Landmark Communications, Inc., and will now serve as Affordable Upstate’s fractional Chief Financial Officer.

In the Upstate, Bank of America has named Triune Mercy Center in Greenville, as its local 2024 Neighborhood Champion for their work providing emergency relief to individuals experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and providing access to critical resources such as medical and legal aid, mental health counseling, and other social services.
As a Neighborhood Champion, Triune Mercy Center is awarded a $50,000 grant over two years, leadership training resources for the organization’s executive director, access to technical coaching and a national network of nonprofit peers.
“Bank of America is pleased to name Triune Mercy Center as our 2024 Neighborhood Champion in the Upstate, providing flexible funding and leadership training to help tackle local challenges and support the most vulnerable in our community.” said Stacy Brandon, president, Bank of America Upstate South Carolina. “This year we celebrate five years of strengthening nonprofits who are creating meaningful lasting change in our community and promoting economic advancement for individuals, families, and neighborhoods.”
Triune Mercy Center offers dedicated supportive services to assist people experiencing poverty in connecting with the resources they need to thrive.
“Triune Mercy Center aims to address the physical and emotional needs of those experiencing poverty with love, compassion, and hope,” said Reverend Jennifer Fouse Sheorn, Pastor & Executive Director of Triune Mercy Center. “The Neighborhood Champion award from Bank of America will better equip us to assist those seeking housing, jobs, mental health support, addiction recovery programs and other supportive services. It also will help us to provide training and offset educational expenses for for our service providers, as we strive to provide the best practices for those we serve. We are most grateful that this generous grant will help us to fulfill our mission and thus enhance our service to our community.”