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Racquel Collier named as a panelist for Citizens Planning Academy

GREENVILLE, SC – Founder and president of Caliber Real Estate Racquel Collier will be a panelist member amongst developers, planning commissioners and neighborhood leaders for Upstate Forever’s Citizens Planning Academy.

Upstate Forever’s Citizens Planning Academy (CPA) is a free, interactive, introductory course designed to provide a foundation for Greenville residents, business owners, and neighborhood leaders to understand processes that drive local planning and land use policy decisions as well as the roles and perspectives of diverse stakeholders. Participants of the course learn about a variety of planning and development topics, such as the history of planning, how development projects come together, and how to get involved in planning processes for your community.

The CPA Panel will take place on Wednesday, October 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Greenville Water’s Operations Building at 57 W. Washington Street in Greenville. Collier will be part of a discussion regarding the “Roles & Perspectives in Local Land Planning and Development Processes.” As a real estate developer managing more than 20,000 square feet of commercial real estate, Collier is well versed when it comes to local planning and land use policies.

Collier’s company, Caliber Real Estate, is a local development firm specializing in multifamily development and asset management. When it comes to real estate development, Caliber takes a comprehensive approach to include interests like food, art, media and people to yield meaningful projects.

“I am very excited to share my perspective with the participants enrolled in the Citizens Planning Academy,” Collier said. “As a real estate developer, I know I can add valuable insight into the Greenville County planning process.”

About Caliber Real Estate:

Caliber Real Estate is a development firm specializing in multifamily development and asset management. They take a comprehensive approach to real estate development, combining their interests in art, food, media, music, and people to produce impactful projects. Learn more at www.calibersouthcarolina.com.

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Greenville Convention Center

GREENVILLE, SC (October 16, 2024) – Sponsorship opportunities are available for Holiday Fair & Kringle Village, a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village. Holiday Fair & Kringle Village will delight locals and draw visitors to the Upstate for three days of holiday fun December 5-7, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center.

Proceeds of Holiday Fair & Kringle Village support Rotary Charities, the philanthropic arm of The Rotary Club of Greenville, which seeks ways to make meaningful, sustained differences in the quality of life of the citizens of Greenville County.

Sponsorship of Holiday Fair & Kringle Village allows the Rotary Club of Greenville to support:

• Alexander Elementary School
• Greenville County Teacher of the Year
• Law Day, honoring city police, county sheriffs, and federal law enforcement officers
• Service Above Self college scholarships
• Veterans transitioning to civilian life
• And various international service projects

“We thank you for your consideration to support this incredible event,” said Jane Dyer, event co-chair, Holiday Fair & Kringle Village. “Our aim is to bring joy to thousands of people, create memories, and raise money for our Rotary charities that make such a positive impact to our neighbors in the Greenville community.”

Current sponsors at the Jingle All the Way level include Renewal by Anderson of the Carolinas. Sponsors at the Yuletide level include Denver Downs, Spinx and Jane and John Dyer. Sponsors at the Nice List level include Craig Gaulden Davis, Community Foundation of Greenville, Countybank, Davis & Floyd, Greenville Tech, Herald Office Solutions, First National Bank, Wyche Law Firm, Beth Padgett, Chris and Diana Rigby and Terry and Pam Weaver. Media sponsors include WYFF, Greenville News, Community Journals, and GruffyGoat.

“Holiday Fair & Kringle Village would not be possible without the generosity of sponsors and donors,” said Stephanie Goodale, director of sales and marketing, Greenville Convention Center. “We express our gratitude to all the businesses and individual sponsors who recognize the community impact of this event and have chosen to support it.”

Secure your sponsorship today at https://meetgcc.com/

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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.

About the Rotary Club of Greenville
Established in 1916, the Rotary Club of Greenville is the oldest Rotary Club in South Carolina. Rotary is an international service organization whose mission is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In Rotary International, there are 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million members worldwide dedicated to “Service Above Self.” Each year, the Rotary Club of Greenville organizes various service and fundraising projects allowing its approximately 200 members to give back to the local community and beyond. Funds raised by the Rotary Club of Greenville are directed to its philanthropic arm “Rotary Charities,” which supports many non-profit organizations both locally and around the world. For more information, visit greenvillerotary.org and follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GVLRotary.

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Urban League of the Upstate

Greenville, SC—10/16/24—The Urban League of the Upstate is honored to receive a $25,000 grant from The Community Foundation of Greenville. This contribution will aid the nonprofit’s daily operations and support ongoing fundraising efforts for the McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life.

The Urban League of the Upstate is committed to advancing equity and creating opportunities for underserved communities, and this gift will directly strengthen that mission. “We are incredibly grateful to The Community Foundation of Greenville for their ongoing support of our mission,” said Dr. Gail Wilson Awan, President and CEO of Urban League of the Upstate. “This gift helps us continue the work we do every day while also moving forward with the development of the McClaren Institute.”

The McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life provides wellness programs, education, and outreach to Black and underserved communities in the 10-county region of the Upstate. While programs are underway, funds are still needed to complete the transformation of the Institute’s physical headquarters in downtown Greenville’s historic McClaren Medical Clinic. Half of the Community Foundation’s gift will advance this project.

The historical medical clinic is being transformed into a two-story facility:

The Upper Floor will be a hub for the Urban League and its partners to address Upstate health disparities by offering on-site programming and serving as a resource center for regional initiatives. It will maintain its original “patient rooms” design but provide multiple functions.

Four spaces will be activated for specific health and wellness-related services, bolstered by a reception/waiting area and the ULUS office. (Plans entail a medical Simulation Lab, Examination Room, Advocacy/Meeting Room, and an Office or Consult Room.)

The Lower Floor will include a multimedia Cultural and Historical Literacy Center displaying the historic contributions of Black citizens to the Upstate’s growth and development. This interactive center will contain multiple exhibits intended to educate, inspire, and motivate aspiring leaders to improve their community.

Roughly $1 million is still needed to complete the project’s physical renovations, and naming opportunities for key spaces are available. To make a gift or learn more, visit the McClaren Institute campaign website.

About The Urban League of the Upstate
The mission of the ULUS is to advance equity by empowering the Black community and underserved individuals throughout the region. The National Urban League is laser-focused on Health Equity as a key initiative, supporting local efforts through funding, advocacy, and programming. To learn more, visit urbanleagueupstate.org.

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Affordable Upstate announces leadership team

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Property Management (NOAH) has announced the leadership team it has created to help residents of Upstate apartment communities receive better service.

NOAH Property Management was created by Affordable Upstate to manage its 23 apartment communities, representing more than 3,550 residents in the Greenville-Spartanburg region. NOAH Property Management’s mission is to go beyond traditional property management by fostering a sense of community and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Led by CEO Matt Foster, the NOAH Property Management team now includes: Valandis Johnson, Director of Technology Operations; Brandi Harbert, Vice President of Property Management; Robbie Andrews; Operations Manager; Erin Sweet, Community Housing Manager; Su Townes, Community Housing Manager; and Shakira Dawkins, Community Housing Manager.

“We have assembled an amazing team whose purpose is to help our residents get more out of their experience,” Foster said. “Our goal is to make our apartment communities feel like actual homes for our residents.”

NOAH Property Management was born from a desire to create a tech-oriented property management solution that economically mobilizes residents at 60-80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This solution delivers high-quality management with dignity, enabling residents to achieve greater economic mobility while partnering with nonprofits like Front Porch Housing, Greenville Homeless Alliance and the Southeast Affordable Housing Administration. Leveraging A.I. technology, NOAH Property Management empowers its property management team to have more resources to pour into its residents thus creating a more personalized experience.

NOAH Property Management offers tenants 24/7 live service for questions on billing, availability and most importantly, maintenance questions. Any time a tenant calls, an internal team member will be there to answer those calls – not a third party , he said. In addition, people looking to learn more about the 23 properties that NOAH manages can use the service to learn about available units and schedule showings faster.

Under the banner “WHERE COMMUNITY COUNTS,” NOAH Property Management has launched innovative programs designed to meet residents where they are, fostering both financial stability and personal growth. These programs are at the heart of NOAH Property Management’s mission to create thriving communities through practical, supportive, and forward-thinking solutions:

· Flex Pay: Understanding its residents’ diverse financial situations, NOAH Property Management introduced Flex Pay. This program allows residents to split their rent into two equal payments due on the 1st and 15th of each month, helping them avoid late fees and manage their finances more easily.

· Deposit Alternative: Moving can be financially burdensome. NOAH Property Management’s Deposit Alternative program alleviates this strain by offering residents the option to skip traditional deposits and save money for what matters most.

· Positive Credit Reporting: NOAH Property Management is committed to helping residents build a positive financial future. With Positive Credit Reporting, all on-time rental payments are reported to credit bureaus, aiding residents in establishing and improving their credit history.

· Rent Relief: Life is unpredictable, and financial challenges can arise unexpectedly. NOAH’s Credit Alternative program, known as Rent Relief, offers 0% interest rental loans of up to $5,000, providing residents with a lifeline during short-term income loss and helping to reduce delinquencies and avoid costly evictions.

· Home Purchase Incentive: NOAH Property Management believes in supporting residents’ long-term goals. Through the Home Purchase Incentive program, residents can connect with licensed real estate agents and receive a $500 bonus when they purchase a home, making the dream of homeownership more attainable.

About Affordable Upstate:

Affordable Upstate is a real estate investment firm focused on redeveloping and redefining naturally occurring affordable housing in the Upstate of South Carolina. Since 2017 they have placed over $50 million of investor equity into socially responsible, environmentally enhanced workforce housing assets, resulting in a diverse and thriving portfolio with over 1,450 apartment units that satisfy the expectations of residents, investors, and communities. Learn more at Affordable Upstate.

About NOAH PM:

The mission of Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Property Management (NOAH) is to provide affordable housing for our self-managed communities across the Upstate of South Carolina, while creating a sense of community among our residents. For more information about NOAH Property Management and its resident-focused programs, visit www.NOAHpm.com or call 864-580-NOAH.

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NHE promotes Leslie Register to VP of Conventional Properties

GREENVILLE, S.C. – NHE, Inc. has promoted Leslie Register to Vice President of Conventional Property Management.

Register joined NHE in 2023 as a Regional Property Manager bringing more than two decades of experience in multi-family property management operations and leadership.

Prior to joining NHE, she was a Regional Vice President with RKW Residential, where she played a key role in their initial growth in the Southeast market. She also spent four years as a Regional Vice President with Equity Lifestyle Properties, where she led a large land lease portfolio that included managing 10 direct reports over three departments with 350 plus employees. Register also is a Certified Property Manager (CPM) through the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).

“Leslie’s leadership abilities and knowledge of the industry makes her the ideal person to lead this growing part of our company,” said Taylor Davis, CEO of NHE, Inc. “We know that she will be an amazing fit for us, our partners and our tenants.”

About NHE:

NHE provides professional association management, apartment management, community development and service coordination to communities across the Southeast, and currently represents more than 18,000 homes, apartments and condominiums in 15 states. NHE’s clients benefit from expertise, experience and leading-edge technology delivered by a dedicated staff offering diverse services to ensure premium performance and value. Actively engaged with national and state industry trade associations and government regulatory bodies, NHE holds the prestigious AMO (Accredited Management Organization) designation through the Institute of Real Estate Management and is a multi-year honoree of Top Workplaces in South Carolina and Best Places to Work. Learn more at nhe-inc.com.

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McMillan Pazdan Smith

Upstate South Carolina – McMillan Pazdan Smith, LLC (MPS), a leading Southeast-based architecture firm, today announced a partnership with Providus Capital Partners LLC, a growth-oriented equity partner to the architecture and engineering industry.
“Providus is the ideal partner for MPS”, said Chad Cousins, CEO of McMillan Pazdan Smith, who will continue to lead the company along with its professional management team. “Their proven success in collaborating with management teams and building highly successful, people-first businesses made this an easy decision for us. We look forward to working together to expand our service capabilities, enter new markets, and create opportunities for our team to better serve clients and positively impact the communities where we live.”
“We are excited to partner with the talented team at MPS to support their evolution as a best-in-class architectural firm” said Norm Scherr, Managing Director at Providus Capital Partners. “MPS is well positioned to capitalize on the robust demand for advisory and architectural services that are needed to support growing population centers throughout the Southeast and we look forward to building upon the team’s impressive trajectory with additional investments in technology and people through an expanded footprint.”

This partnership enables the MPS team to accelerate the execution of their growth strategy, while creating additional opportunities for staff and clients.
AEC Advisors (www.aecadvisors.com), through its registered broker-dealer affiliate AEC Transaction Services LLC, advised McMillan Pazdan Smith on the partnership.

About McMillan Pazdan Smith
McMillan Pazdan Smith, founded in 1955 with 8 offices across the Southeast, offers a broad range of architecture and advisory services to a diverse group of public and private clients serving K-12, higher education, healthcare, civic, industrial, commercial and living markets. Our mission is to create meaningful and lasting impact for the good of all in the communities we serve. Through our collaborative culture and innovative design solutions, the firm enjoys a premier clientele and diverse portfolio of complex projects that have received local, regional, and national recognition.
McMillan Pazdan Smith has offices in Atlanta and Augusta GA; Asheville and Charlotte, NC; and Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Spartanburg, SC. For more information, please visit www.mcmillanpazdansmith.com.

About Providus Capital Partners
Providus Capital Partners is a flexible capital provider exclusively focused on the A&E industry. With over 60 years of combined operating and investing experience, we partner with forward-thinking management teams that seek an experienced and innovative investment partner with unique industry expertise, operational insight, and flexible capital for growth. We invest in North American architecture, engineering, and related companies with $3 million to $30 million of EBITDA that have a strong brand and multiple avenues for growth. For more information, please visit www.providuscp.com.

Contacts
For McMillan Pazdan Smith
Chad Cousins
ccousins@mcmillanpazdansmith.com

For Providus Capital Partners
Norm Scherr
norm@providuscp.com

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KIND of the Upstate hosting Fall for KINDness on October 20

GREENVILLE, S.C. – An organization founded on the principles of promoting kindness toward all children, KIND of the Upstate, will be hosting a community fundraiser this weekend at Conestee Park.

Fall for KINDness is designed for everyone to have fun while raising funds to sponsor classrooms and spreading KINDnessthroughout the Upstate. It will be held on Sunday, October 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Conestee Park Event Pavilion and Playground, 840 Mauldin Road in Greenville. Cost is $5 for everyone ages two and up.

“Don’t miss out on the fun, the community spirit, and the chance to support a great cause. We can’t wait to see you there,” said Francie Todd, one of the co-founders on KIND of the Upstate.“This event is made to be inclusive and fun for all ages and abilities.”

The tailgate themed event will include KONA Ice snow cones, hotdogs from The Groovy Dog, face painters, balloon artists, jewelry made by Lucy from The Upside Down Collection, crafts, inflatables, a DJ, activities provided by The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, sports games, Greenville High cheerleaders and athletes, and more. There also will be a raffle that includes numerous gifts from local businesses.

“This event is about creating a space for families to come together,” said Caroline Giguere. “Let’s come together to make a positive impact on our community.”

About KIND of the Upstate:

KIND of the Upstate is a non-profit organization founded on the principles of promoting kindness toward all children. The organization works with area schools to hold KIND DAYS, in which they teach the importance of inclusion through multiple learning experiences and resources. Their goal is to educate young children on the importance of embracing and celebrating our differences in order to make all children feel like they belong. Learn more at kindoftheupstate.org.

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Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty Property sets new Upstate record with $10 million sale on Lake Keowee

GREENVILLE, S.C. — David Vandeputte with Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty has set a new Upstate sales single home sales record with the closing on the best waterfront property on Lake Keowee.

David Vandeputte represented the seller and the buyer for the 9,600 SF home at 132 Mountain Shore Trail in Six Mile, which closed at $10 million this week.

The sale breaks the previous record of $9 million, which was set by Joan Herlong, the agency’s founder, in 2022 for the Belle Terre estate in Simpsonville. An avid golfer, Vandeputte prefers to be selective with his client base and provides plenty of white glove service that way. He’s driven to make sure the home listing and buying process is extraordinary. His goal is to serve sellers, buyers and investors who are considering the Lake Keowee area with honesty, integrity, and unwavering representation.

“I’m grateful for the owners, who believed that I was the person and our firm were the ones who could bring them the results they were looking for,” Vandeputte said. “Thanks to the strength of our marketing efforts and the reach of the Sotheby’s Interna­tional Realty network, this remarkable home in the Cliffs at Keowee Springs was under contract in 121 days.”

Vandeputte said the buyers purchased the home to be a family destination for their adult children and grandchildren. Living at the Cliffs and enjoying its amenities were a big part of the allure of the property, along with being able to take part in a wide array of activities from fishing to water skiing to pool time with grandkids to s‘mores around the fire pit at sun set.

“When David first brought this property to our firm, I knew he was going to do an amazing job listing it,” Herlong said. “He used his knowledge, his skills and his dedication to help his clients reach their goals.”

About Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty

Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty is one of the leading and most trusted names in real estate in the Upstate of South Carolina. First founded by Owner/CEO Joan Herlong as AugustaRoad.com Realty in 2011, the firm has since handled thousands of properties in the Greenville and Upstate area. In 2017, the company affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, becoming Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. The company has more than tripled in agent count and production volume since that time. Learn more at www.jha-sothebysrealty.com.  

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation, and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational, and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744.

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TealHaus

Greenville, S.C. – October 11, 2024 – TealHaus, the innovative, female-owned marketing agency, has been recognized for a second year for its creative excellence and strategic design prowess for the Graphic Design USA Awards, bringing home two prestigious awards.

The accolades were given for the design work on HerHaus Branding and Guidelines and Gateway Beautiful Music for Beautiful Minds Sponsorship Package. These pieces showcase TealHaus’s ability to merge aesthetic design with effective communication, creating beautiful materials that provide substantial value to their clients’ marketing efforts.

“We’re honored to be recognized by GDUSA again. We love helping our clients find their voice through marketing and branding, and receiving these awards stokes our excitement for our future projects,” said Lindsay Niedringhaus, Owner & Founder of TealHaus.

The HerHaus Branding and Guidelines were recognized for their beautiful, crisp design, which expertly represents TealHaus’s sister company, HerHaus, launching in January 2025.

The Gateway Beautiful Music for Beautiful Minds Sponsorship Package showcases the agency’s services and strengths, utilizing a blend of affecting visuals and articulate content. TealHaus is proud to work with the nonprofit as it celebrates its 40th anniversary and continues to serve the Upstate.

About the Graphic Design USA Awards: The Graphic Design USA Awards have been a beacon of excellence for over 50 years, spotlighting areas of growth and opportunity for creative designers. TealHaus’ success in three distinct categories underscores the versatility and breadth of their design and marketing expertise.

About TealHaus: TealHaus is a woman-owned, independent marketing firm founded in 2021 and serving clients nationwide. Known for repositioning companies through storytelling and strategy, TealHaus prides itself on high-touch client services and careful attention to reporting and analytics. For more information, visit tealhausstrategies.com.

Media Contact:
Lindsay Niedringhaus, lindsay@tealhausstrategies.com
TealHaus Strategies, LLC

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Greenville County Museum of Art

GREENVILLE, SC | October 11, 2024 – This year marks the 38th anniversary of Greenville County Museum of Art’s signature event – Antiques, Fine Art & Design Weekend presented by United Community. This three-day event takes place October 18th, 19th, and 20th and promises a weekend full of treasures. Twenty-one dealers from throughout the southeast will exhibit the best antiques, fine art, and design in the museum’s iconic modern setting. Admission is free.

Fine art, folk art, jewelry, primitives, porcelain, linens, and silver along with outstanding antique furniture will be for sale. Saturday and Sunday programming includes Dealer Talks, where attendees can hear from these experts firsthand and encounter their collections in a personal way. Lunches and desserts are also available for purchase each day.

“This is a highly anticipated event not only for those who appreciate art but for anyone who enjoys antiques and interior design,” states the GCMA Head of Development Stephanie Rainey. “It is a special opportunity to have such a variety of top exhibitors in one space, and we look forward to sharing this experience with the community.”

For more information and a full schedule of event programming, please visit www.gcma.org/antiques.

ABOUT THE GREENVILLE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART

The Greenville County Museum of Art (GCMA) is considered the premier American art museum in the South. It is home to the world’s largest public collection of watercolors by iconic American artist Andrew Wyeth. Additionally, the GCMA also has an impressive collection of paintings and prints by contemporary artist Jasper Johns, the largest institutional collection of pottery by enslaved artisan David Drake, and the largest collection outside the Smithsonian of works by South Carolina-born artist William H. Johnson. Ranging from Federal portraits to contemporary abstractions, the GCMA’s acclaimed Southern Collection invites viewers to survey American art history through works with ties to the South.