The Post and Courier Greenville

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Property Management (NOAH) has launched a new service aimed at making the rental experience for its 3,500 and growing Upstate residents a little less stressful.

The company, which was created by Affordable Upstate to be its property management, is now offering tenants 24/7 live service for questions on billing, availability and most importantly, maintenance questions.

“Everyone who has ever lived in an apartment knows that feeling of dread when something breaks and you have to leave a message with maintenance,” said Matt Foster, CEO of NOAH. “It’s agonizing wondering how long it will take to hear back. You worry that no one will get the message for hours. That’s why we started live service.”

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.

NOAH 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 empowers its property management team to have more resources to pour into its residents thus creating a more personalized and impactful living experience.

“It all comes back to our mission of providing better solutions for people who are living in apartment communities,” he said.

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 www.affordableupstate.com.

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.

Get ready to indulge your taste buds at Greenville’s most vibrant party of the season!

The highly anticipated Tacos ‘N Tequila Fiesta is back. Join us on October 6, 2024, at Events at Judson Mill for the most exciting Sunday Funday filled with all-you-can-eat tacos and refreshing Lunazul Tequila cocktails, all crafted by the area’s best chefs and bartenders competing for trophies and cash prizes!

This years taco and tequila cocktail competitors:
– Califas
– Hoppin’ Brewery
– Indaco
– InkdChef
-Liquid Catering
-Modelo Private Dining
– Papi’s Tacos
– Southernside Brewing
– Tavloa
– Tipsy Taco
– Tupelo Honey
– UP On the Roof
– White Duck Taco
-Willy Taco

Also enjoy live entertainment from DJ FWB spinning your favorite tunes, creating the perfect party atmosphere. As well as exciting games and prizes.

We also have an amazing panel of esteemed judges to evaluate the dishes, including:
-Graham Stockley – Bartender at Comal 864
-Dani Matthews– Local influencer, “Healthyish Dani”
-Melanie Batista– Local influencer, “Yeah That Mom GVL” and Marketing Director for White Wine and Butter
-Chef T (Torrece Gregoire) – Food Network chef and Hell’s Kitchen Alumni

Event Details:
-Date: October 6, 2024
-Time: Two sessions: 12:30-3:30 (12:00 for VIP) and 4:30-7:30 (4:00 for VIP)
-Location: Events at Judson Mill
-Tickets: VIP: $85
VIP ticket holders receive access to unlimited tacos, all-you-can-responsibly drink Lunazul Tequila cocktails, and music entertainment.
Plus, an extra half hour of admission, a Lunazul Tequila Tasting, and a swag bag!
General Admission: $60
General Admission tickets holders receive access to unlimited tacos, all-you-can-responsibly drink Lunazul Tequila cocktails, and music entertainment!
Designated Driver: $50
DD tickets holders receive access to unlimited tacos, spiritless beverages, and music entertainment!

EASLEY – Rebuild Upstate recently closed on a warehouse property in Easley, SC, the first land and building purchase in the organization’s 18-year history.

Rebuild Upstate serves low-income homeowners by making repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties. Rebuild Upstate engages community volunteers to build ramps and perform other repairs. Over 1,600 homes in the Upstate have been repaired since 2007.

The acquisition of a warehouse equips the team for growth and program expansion, including the purchase and storage of 10 metal ramps which will be used for short-term accessibility needs. In addition, the warehouse provides space to accept donations of materials, tools, and other critical program supplies.

The organization will maintain its current Greenville office, leased from the City of Greenville, for administrative and outreach staff.

“This new, centrally-located warehouse facility unlocks endless possibilities to serve more homeowners in need,’ said Rebuild Upstate CEO, Jake Beaty. “The space will allow us to streamline our repair program by providing space to store building materials and in-kind donations, facilitate volunteer training, and ultimately bring lasting hope to more families in our community through repairs.”

Efforts to update and outfit the warehouse to accommodate the home repair program are underway. The organization is working with LMG Architects and NowThen Studios on the design. The team expects construction upgrades to begin before the end of the year. Planned updates to the warehouse range from framing to plumbing and electrical. The warehouse will gain a bathroom, offices, a team meeting room, tool and material storage, and security fencing. There are opportunities for material donations, financial sponsorships, and in-kind donations. To inquire, contact Rosey Davis at rose@rebuildupstate.org.

Learn more about helping at https://rebuildupstate.org/building-on-the-foundation/.

About Rebuild Upstate:
Rebuild Upstate is a nonprofit organization serving the Upstate of South Carolina. The nonprofit strengthens the communities by providing volunteers and materials to create a safe, healthy, sustainable home environment for disabled, low-income and aging homeowners. The organization exclusively focuses on repairs and improving existing homes. The nonprofit is also the reigning Chamber Max Heller award recipient. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Mario Brown, co-founder of Affordable Upstate, a leading real estate investment firm in the Upstate of South Carolina, has generously donated land to Isaiah 117 House, an organization dedicated to providing physical and emotional support to children awaiting foster care placement.

The land, located in Greenville County, will serve as the future home for Isaiah 117 House, offering a safe, loving environment for children in transition.

Affordable Upstate has been transforming naturally occurring affordable housing in the region since 2017. With more than $50 million in investor equity placed into socially responsible, environmentally enhanced workforce housing, the firm boasts a diverse portfolio of over 1,450 apartment units. Their commitment to the community and affordable housing is well-known, and this land donation represents a meaningful step in supporting vulnerable children in the Upstate area.

“We are incredibly grateful to Mario Brown and the entire Affordable Upstate team for their generous donation of this land,” said Jenna Weaver, Location Leader for Isaiah 117 House. “This contribution brings us closer to establishing a much-needed Isaiah 117 House in our community, where children can feel safe and loved while awaiting foster placement.”

The mission of Isaiah 117 House is to reduce trauma for children awaiting foster care, ease the burden on child welfare services, and make the transition smoother for foster families. With the donation of this land, the vision of creating a comforting home for children in Greenville County is one step closer to reality.

For more information about Isaiah 117 House or to learn how you can get involved, please visit Isaiah117House.com.

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.

Dr. Luke Henry Attends FCLB District III&V Meeting in Asheville, NC

Greenville, SC — Dr. Luke Henry, a Chiropractic Physician and a member of the South Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners, recently attended the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) District III&V Meeting held in Asheville, North Carolina, from September 12-15, 2024.

The event showcased a strong representation from South Carolina, with 11 members from the chiropractic community present, emphasizing the state’s commitment to advancing chiropractic practice and regulatory standards. South Carolina was frequently referenced as a model for chiropractic regulation. Licensing boards from throughout the eastern United States and Canada, the Council on Chiropractic Education, colleges and universities, and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners attended.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with fellow chiropractors, attorneys, and staff dedicated to public protection and elevating the chiropractic profession,” said Dr. Henry. “These collaborative efforts are crucial as we navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.”

Dr. Henry expressed his appreciation to all attendees for their valuable contributions and insights during the meeting. The discussions focused on best practices, regulatory updates, and innovative approaches to improve patient care within the chiropractic field.

Looking ahead, Dr. Henry is enthusiastic about future regulatory events and is committed to serving the interests of South Carolina’s chiropractic community.

For more information about the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards and upcoming events, please visit https://fclb.org.

About Dr. Luke Henry
Dr. Luke Henry is a licensed Chiropractic Physician based in Greenville, South Carolina. With Dr. Henry’s passion for chiropractic research and education, he actively participates in regulatory discussions and community outreach initiatives.

For media inquiries, please contact Dr. Luke Henry’s office at (864) 288-7797 or info@henryclinic.com.

For Immediate Release

Greater Good Greenville Unveils Comprehensive Philanthropic Landscape Study of Greenville County

GREENVILLE, SC, [September 17, 2024] – Greater Good Greenville, in collaboration with local funders and nonprofits, announced the findings of its groundbreaking Philanthropic Landscape analysis of Greenville County at an event on September 17. The study provides crucial insights into the scope of philanthropic investment in the region and sets the stage for collective planning to address future community needs.

A full link to the report (including charts and slides) can be downloaded using this link.

Key Findings:

Charitable giving has not kept up with inflation.

Local foundations and funding organizations provide just a fraction of nonprofit budgets.

Individual giving presents the greatest opportunity for nonprofits.

Individual giving has changed dramatically in the last five years.

More nonprofits are finding ways to earn revenue through mission-aligned business opportunities.

Grantmaking and grantseeking can be time-consuming, and nonprofits and philanthropic funders can make it easier on each other.

Greenville County and South Carolina capture only a small fraction of national grants.

Our community lacks sufficient data to make decisions and align efforts.

Trust is more important than ever.

Data for the Philanthropic Landscape study was gathered from:

Five key informant interviews
Two funder focus groups
51 nonprofit surveys
Social network analysis
20 funder surveys
Secondary data sourced from the IRS, Giving USA, and other sources

The project’s sponsors included the Community Foundation of Greenville, the Hathaway Family Foundation, Hollingsworth Funds, and the Jolley Foundation.

The Research Team included the Community Research Group and ISI Consulting.

After concluding research for the study, Greater Good Greenville presented community recommendations and specific initiatives the organization would take responsibility for leading in 2025 (included in the report linked above).

For more information about the Philanthropic Landscape Study or Greater Good Greenville’s initiatives, please contact Kate Dabbs at kate@tealhausstrategies.com or 864-901-6655.

About Greater Good Greenville

Greater Good Greenville galvanizes nonprofit organizations, philanthropic funders, and mission-minded businesses and individuals—for collaborative problem-solving and learning, advocacy, and joint investing to address our community’s challenges.

Greenville, SC – – The Marketing Beacon, a provider of marketing services designed to grow businesses, proudly marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of solving marketing challenges with custom-developed solutions for the small and midsize business (SMB) market. Since its inception in 2004, The Marketing Beacon has been committed to delivering marketing strategies and solutions needed by SMBs. The original concept from the beginning of the business has remained at the core of The Marketing Beacon’s mission: to provide SMBs the marketing services they need, when they need them through an outsourced delivery model that is flexible, reliable, and cost-effective.

William Russell, Managing Partner, started the business to fill a market void. At the time, small and even emerging businesses often relied on internal resources to perform marketing duties without a true strategy or plan. The idea of having an outsourced services provider made sense and the concept was already growing in popularity when functional areas such as finance, IT, and HR were being outsourced by companies. “Twenty years ago and even today, businesses are able to take advantage of the outsourced services model,” says Russell. “It’s a great way for them to have access to the expertise they need without incurring the expense of recruiting, hiring, and training a full time equivalent.”

A primary reason The Marketing Beacon is able to celebrate this milestone anniversary is because they consistently treat clients like friends and family. Personal reputations are put on the line in all client engagements. “It’s important to remember that clients are real people,” adds Russell. “Our services approach is personalized because we don’t have any corporate red tape or stringent policies to hinder us from performing our work when our clients need it. That’s a big deal when working with SMBs who often need things done right away and we’re more than happy to meet those demands.”

Through the years, continued advances in technology have removed geographic barriers allowing The Marketing Beacon to work with client companies regardless of location. Because of this and through established networking relationships, the company has performed work with clients across a spectrum of market sectors and business sizes. “Without question, technology has changed the playing field to our advantage,” Russell says. “We now have more ways to connect with clients than ever before. From a simple text message to a more involved online meeting, communications are instantaneous which allows us to reach a broader market and often expedite marketing project work.”

The future for The Marketing Beacon remains bright. Plans are to continue serving clients by delivering the marketing solutions they need to grow their businesses and to excel in their markets. “The outsourced marketing services model works,” Russell adds. “Companies rely on it today more than ever before. We feel privileged to be called upon to come alongside our clients as we progress through the customized marketing action plans we develop specific for their business. Our future goals are to stay on mission by proactively addressing our client’s marketing needs and always be there when they need us.”

About The Marketing Beacon

The Marketing Beacon specializes in delivering custom-developed marketing solutions designed to generate new customers and grow opportunities from existing clients for businesses in Greenville, South Carolina, the Upstate, and those beyond the region. Application of real-world marketing expertise is leveraged to determine which marketing techniques, tools and tactics are best for a customer’s business. The prevailing goal is to deliver the right balance of marketing solutions designed for a client to gain greater market visibility and awareness, neutralize buyer risk and develop customer trust for repeat business. For more information on The Marketing Beacon visit www.TheMarketingBeacon.com.

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YMCA of Greenville Annual Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast Presented by HomeTrust Bank to be held on November 21

GREENVILLE, S.C. (September 12, 2024) – YMCA of Greenville is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast as a way to bring business and community leaders together to pause, reflect, and give thanks for Greenville’s many blessings. The event will take place on the morning of November 21 at the Greenville Convention Center. Breakfast will begin at 7 a.m., with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Presented by HomeTrust Bank, the Y’s Thanksgiving Prayer breakfast’s keynote speaker is Thomas C. Settles III, senior pastor of Calvary Bible Church, FCA campus director at the University of Georgia and author of the devotional Better Together: Fifteen Encouraging Messages from an Unforgettable 2021 Season. Don’t miss this special morning of networking, reflection and inspiration, as Settles shares a message designed to bring our community together in the spirit of service and gratitude.

“We thank you for your consideration to support this amazing event,” said Sam Franklin, incoming president and CEO of the YMCA of Greenville. “Our aim is to inspire leaders to use their platforms to make a positive impact, especially for those in need. Together, we can continue to build a stronger Greenville.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available at the Gold-level for $2,500 and table host for $1,700. Secure your sponsorship by visiting the event website today.

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About the YMCA of Greenville, SC
The YMCA of Greenville is a cause-driven non-profit organization. Our mission is, following the example of Christ, to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the health and well-being of our community and provides opportunities to give back and help support our neighbors. Founded in 1876, the Y serves more than 70,000 people annually through programs that include after-school care, resident and day camps, aquatics, youth and adult sports, and health and wellness. Programs are offered through four family branches, as well as the Verdae YMCA, Life Center YMCA, YMCA Camp Greenville, and YMCA Judson Community Center. The Y is also home to Y Teen Services and the SC Youth in Government programs. For more information about the YMCA of Greenville, visit ymcagreenville.org, or call (864) 412-0288.

GREENVILLE, SC (September 10, 2024) – Endeavor Workspaces welcomes two local entrepreneur duos, Ryan Heafy and Ryan Johnston of 6AM City and Mary Walsh and Jac Oliver of Swamp Rabbit
Café for two special Collaborators & Cocktails events on October 1st and November 14th. Limited tickets are now available with a discount to attend both thanks to Endeavor’s co-hosts AFL and Greenville Federal Credit Union.

6AM City CEO Johnston’s and COO Heafy’s “insider conversation” on Tuesday, October 1st promises to be especially fascinating for founders and the start-up/venture capital community, marketers, collaborative colleagues and company leaders looking for insight and lessons. Rather than a formal presentation, Johnston and Heafy will ask and answer each other’s questions in the moment – resulting in an especially candid and insightful program.

Johnston and Heafy founded 6AM City in 2016 with just GVLtoday, and is now in 26+ markets across the country, with 1.5 million subscribers and more than 125 employees. It is the fastest-growing local daily newsletter company in the United States, with more big things on the horizon. Johnston and Heafy will set the pace in this segment, discuss growth through change, and share their insights into inventing a whole new way of doing business.

On Thursday, November 14th, Swamp Rabbit Café founders and co-owners Mary Walsh and Jac Oliver will allow event attendees to eavesdrop on two friends as they discuss growing their business from a small grocery shop 13 years ago, to now a vibrant multi-line business with a community of passionate fans and advocates. Just as all food has a story, Walsh and Oliver’s story of nurturing a community-driven business is full of highlights, challenges, lessons – and a lot of heart.

6AM City’s session will be a highlight for GVLtoday fans, entrepreneurs and anyone in the startup/venture capitalist ecosystem. Swamp Rabbit fans will turn out to see Walsh and Oliver – bringing health-focused shoppers, cyclists, community volunteers and leaders, and people who simply love the culture Swamp Rabbit Café has built.

Important event details:

• Tuesday, October 1st: 6AM City with CEO Ryan Johnston and COO Ryan Heafy.
• Thursday, November 14th: Swamp Rabbit Café with founders Mary Walsh and Jac Oliver.
• Networking 5:00 – 5:45 p.m., followed by presentation and Q&A beginning at 5:45. The event concludes with networking until 7:15 p.m.
• Tickets are $30 for one event, or $50 to attend both the October 1st and November 14th events. Cocktails included. All C& C events are free to Endeavor members.
• Seating is limited. To attend one or both events, request an invitation at Endeavor@EndeavorGreenville.com (no walk-ins).
• Endeavor is located at 1 N. Main Street in the ONE tower overlooking One City Plaza.

Endeavor wishes to thank its co-hosts:

• AFL, an international manufacturer providing end-to-end fiber optics and telecommunications solutions to the energy, service provider, enterprise, hyperscale, and industrial markets as well as several emerging markets, with products in use in over 130 countries.
• Greenville Federal Credit Union, a federally chartered credit union located in Greenville, South Carolina with $410+ million in assets, over 32,000 members, five branch locations and 88 employees. For seven years, it has been voted The Greenville News “Best in the Upstate, Best Credit Union,” and has recently ranked among Forbes Magazine “America’s Best Credit Unions” list for South Carolina. As a not-for-profit entity, Greenville Federal Credit Union’s focus is to help their members prosper by providing money-saving advantages and reasonably priced financial services.

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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. For more information, visit endeavorgreenville.com.