The Post and Courier Greenville

GREENVILLE, S.C. (October 16, 2023) – The YMCA of Greenville broke ground today on the recreational facility expansion at the Caine Halter Family YMCA branch and launched the public phase of Building a Brighter Tomorrow, a capital campaign that reflects the best of the branch’s past and ignites the best for the branch’s future.

The Building a Brighter Tomorrow campaign will engage members of the community in an effort to dissolve waitlists for children in youth sports programs, provide adaptive sports spaces and leagues for children and adults with diverse abilities, add outdoor space to better serve families in afterschool and summer camp programs, continue efforts to prevent accidental childhood drownings, and increase partnership opportunities with local, like-minded non-profits serving the Greenville neighborhood.

The expansion will include:

• The DynaDome – A state-of-the-art retractable enclosure system over the outdoor pool.
• Multi-Use Courts – Repurpose the existing tennis courts to provide accessibility to people with diverse abilities on multi-use spaces to play tennis, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, and small-sided soccer.
• Remodeled Fields – Increase field space, add turf fields and lights, and resurface the existing track.
• Outdoor Pavilion – Add outdoor restroom facilities and program space in a 5,000 sq ft pavilion.
• Gymnasium Refresh – Refresh of multi-use gymnasium to include new backboards and refinished flooring.

“Once completed, this campaign will result in a stronger YMCA that has the resources necessary to carry out our time-honored mission to provide a place for all people, regardless of their ability to pay, to build healthy mind, body, and spirit,” says Scot Baddley, president, and CEO of the YMCA of Greenville.

As one of Greenville County’s leading nonprofit health and human services organizations, the Y nurtures the potential of children through youth development, improves Greenville County’s well-being by promoting healthy living, and fosters a sense of social responsibility by providing opportunities to give back and support our neighbors.

To give to the Caine Halter Family YMCA’s Building a Brighter Tomorrow campaign, visit www.ymcagreenville.org/caine-halter-capital-campaign.

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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, Y Camp Greenville, YMCA Judson Community Center, the YMCA Program Center, and Hollingsworth Outdoor 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.

YMCA of Greenville Annual Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast Presented by HomeTrust Bank to be held on November 16

GREENVILLE, S.C. (October 13, 2023) – 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 on the morning of November 16 at the Caine Halter Family YMCA on 721 Cleveland Street. 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 Drew Brannon, Ph.D., performance psychologist and partner at AMPLOS. In this season of reflection and gratitude, Dr. Brannon will inspire attendees with stories from the sidelines of how using your influence to help those in need can build a better, stronger community for all.

“Our goal is for people will be inspired to further commit themselves to serve our community by using their positions of influence to make Greenville a better place for every resident, especially those in need,” said Scot Baddley, YMCA of Greenville’s president and CEO. “We are thankful for the support HomeTrust Bank has provided for this important event, and for the wisdom that Dr. Drew Brannon of AMPLOS will share with our guests.”

Visit the event website to sponsor a table at the YMCA of Greenville’s Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast. A limited number of individual tickets will be on sale starting October 23.

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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 though four family branches, as well as the Verdae YMCA, Y Camp Greenville, YMCA Judson Community Center, the YMCA Program Center, and Hollingsworth Outdoor 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.

Media Contact:
Amanda Long
Hughes Agency for
YMCA of Greenville
(864) 275-9890
amandal@hughes-agency.com

Greenville, SC-October 11, 2023-Jasmine Road has selected Lisa O’Connell-Hall as CEO, following an executive search process. Ms. O’Connell-Hall is returning to her hometown of Greenville and began her tenure on October 5, 2023.

In making the announcement, Board of Directors Chair Courtney Atkins said, “Jasmine Road’s Board of Directors is incredibly excited to have Lisa join the team. Lisa is a seasoned and respected nonprofit executive. In addition to her many professional accomplishments, she brings a passion for our mission and a genuine love for serving the people of the Upstate.”

For more than a decade, Ms. O’Connell-Hall has held various leadership roles in nonprofit, including Chapman Cultural Center and Hope Center for Children in Spartanburg. Most recently she served as VP of Resource Development and Interim CEO. She oversaw facility operations, cultural tourism, grants, advocacy, and capital campaigns. She also has held leadership roles in Association of Fundraising Professionals, Piedmont Chapter and Business and Professional Women, and OneSpartanburg.

Ms. O’Connell-Hall is committed to learning and leading with a lens of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all areas of the community, particularly championing and mentoring women leaders. Ms. O’Connell-Hall has been sought for her expertise in fundraising, team building, and relationship building. She has served on the boards of numerous community organizations including AFP Piedmont Chapter, BPW of Spartanburg, and Spartanburg Racial Equity Collaborative.

“I am excited to return to Greenville and serve our community in such an important role and organization. The groundwork has been laid to take Jasmine Road into the next chapter and I look forward to working alongside such a skilled team and bringing both Jasmine Road and Jasmine Kitchen together”, said Ms. O’Connell-Hall.

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About Jasmine Road

Jasmine Road is South Carolina’s first long-term residential program for adult female survivors of sex trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Jasmine Road serves to heal and employ survivors by providing a pathway of opportunity and a lifelong community of support, significantly reducing the likelihood of women returning to life on the streets.

Jasmine Enterprise, including Jasmine Kitchen, exists to employ residents and graduates of Jasmine Road in a safe, nurturing environment. The lunch cafe along with other affiliated social enterprises provide a pathway to financial independence by training survivors to gain sustainable and transferable job skills.

Links:
jasmineroad.org
jasminekitchen.org
facebook.com/jasmineroadsc
instagram.com/jasmineroadsc
instagram.com/jasminekitchensc

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Media
For media inquires, please contact Lisa O’Connell-Hall, CEO at lisa@JasmineRoad.org, 864-814-0221.

Logisticus Group (LG), a transportation logistics, project management and technology company, adds Michelle Miller as Staff Accountant. As Staff Accountant, Miller will manage and oversee accounting activities, financial reports and budgeting throughout the company and its clients.

“Michelle comes to Logisticus Group with a great background in accounting,” said Will Stephan, founder of Logisticus Group. “She has a history of working with a multitude of businesses which is exactly what we are seeking here at LG as we continue to grow. We welcome Michelle as she is a fantastic addition to our team.”

Prior to joining Logisticus Group, Miller held a variety of roles within the financial industry. Most recently she was a Staff Accountant at Greyrock Accounting in Greenville where she worked with multiple clients on the preparation and review of financial documents, reports and statements. Her experience of more than a decade, includes bank reconciliations, cash forecasts, invoicing, payroll processing and regulatory compliance.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to further my career at Logisticus Group,” said Miller. The people and culture at Logisticus Group immediately stood out to me. They have created such a positive workplace and I look forward to joining the team.”

Miller received her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Connecticut.

About Logisticus Group
Logisticus Group (LLC), a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), specializes in transportation logistics, project management and technology solutions serving
projects throughout North and South America. At Logisticus Group, we believe our
processes, technology solutions, personnel and business model deliver a more predictable, controlled, efficient and expedited project. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Logisticus Group was named the #2 Fastest Growing Company in the state in 2020. To learn more visit, www.logisticusgroup.com.

CONVERSE, SC, September 25, 2023 – Jerome Kirkland, Site Director for the BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) facility in Spartanburg County, has been recognized for his leadership in the world of manufacturing by SC Biz News.
Kirkland was one of thirty manufacturing leaders from across South Carolina who were named to SC Biz’s Power List for Manufacturing, which recognizes leaders who have made significant contributions within the industry and have been a catalyst for positive change in the community.
“This is a great honor to be recognized,” Kirkland said. “But this award really is a testament to the great team we have at BASF ECMS in Converse and the hard work we all do for our customers and the community.”
Kirkland has led the BASF ECMS site in Converse since October 2019, where he has nearly tripled the number of employees at the facility. He’s also made significant investments into the community through monetary donations and volunteering with organizations such as the Converse Fire Department, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, USC Upstate, the Benjamin E. Mays Family Center, the Chapman Cultural Center, and many more. Kirkland is in his second term serving on the Upstate Workforce Development Board, a member of the Spartanburg Rotary Club and is a graduate of Leadership Spartanburg. Kirkland earned both his bachelor’s degree and his master’s in business administration from the University of Michigan. He served as plant manager for BASF’s site in Lincoln, Michigan and worked for Kay Automotive Graphics before leading BASF’s site in Converse.
SC Biz News, South Carolina’s media engine for economic growth, publishes ongoing Power Lists of individuals by industry who are instrumental in truly moving the needle within their chosen field. SC Biz News serves more than 100,000 high-level business executives throughout South Carolina.
Find the full SC Power Biz List for Manufacturing here, on pages 22 through 26.
Kirkland’s team is hiring production technicians now, with compensation starting at $18.50/hour and more for experience. Learn more and apply at www.basf.com/converse.

About BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions
Leveraging its deep expertise as a global leader in catalysis and precious metals, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) serves customers in many industries including automotive, aerospace, indoor air quality, semiconductors and hydrogen economy, and provides full loop services with its precious metals trading and recycling offering. With a focus on circular solutions and sustainability, ECMS is committed to helping our customers create a cleaner, more sustainable world. Protecting the elements of life is our purpose and this inspires us to ever-new solutions. ECMS operates globally in 15 countries with over 4,500 employees and 20 production sites.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Jewish Federation is inviting the entire community this November to take part in a traditional dinner centered on coming together and strengthening friendships.
The Community Shabbat Dinner will be held Friday, November 3, 2023 from 5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Greenville. Guests will learn about the Shabbat tradition, listen to Israeli music and enjoy a Parve menu created by Chef360 with Project Host as a special partner to help braid and bake the challah bread before the event. A Kosher option is also available.
Tickets can be purchased here and sponsorship packages are available here.
“Each Shabbat is a time for Jews to set aside the hustle and bustle of the outside world to rest, reflect, celebrate, and share a meal,” said Courtney Tessler, the CEO of The Greenville Jewish Federation. “As much as it is a time for families, it is also a chance to enjoy the company of extended family and community in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Greenville will be counted among more than 1,400 cities from 97 countries as part of an international movement hosting Shabbat events that weekend. The Greenville Community Shabbat Dinner also will feature a talk by historian and scholar Elliott McCarty, an explanation on Shabbat and its traditions, a candle lighting and of course, the meal, which includes challah bread, Israeli salad, matza ball soup, honey baked chicken breast slices, baked salmon, egg noodle kugel, tzimmes, and dessert of rugelach and babka.
“This Shabbat dinner is about togetherness,” Tessler said. “To open our tables to new and old friends, to celebrate Yiddishkeit (Jewishness), to raise our glasses, and tell our story.”
About the Greenville Jewish Federation:
The Greenville Jewish Federation is a dynamic organization dedicated to serving and strengthening the Jewish community in Greenville and neighboring counties. With a rich philanthropy and community-building history, the Federation works tirelessly to support educational programs, social services, cultural events, and advocacy efforts that promote Jewish values, heritage, and unity.
To learn more about the Greenville Jewish Federation’s initiatives and upcoming programs, visit www.jewishgreenville.org.

(GREENVILLE, SC) September 21, 2023 — Yesterday, Alair Homes joined Habitat for Humanity on build sites across the state for a single-day, multi-site volunteer collaboration. Hosted in partnership with Habitat for Humanity South Carolina, the event was held at Habitat build sites across the Palmetto State, as part of Alair Homes’s focus on living better and supporting local communities. Recognizing that a home is where families work, play, and make memories – Alair Homes is investing in communities, alongside Habitat for Humanity.

Volunteers engaged in an array of construction activities – from installing insulation, framing a home, rebuilding a fence, and installing vinyl siding. With this first multi-location volunteer effort of its kind for the company, Alair Homes impacted five hard-working families in Bluffton, Greenville, Pickens, Summerville, and Wando. In addition to the volunteer support, Alair Homes donated $10,000 to help Habitat families live better in safe, stable, and affordable homes.

“At Alair we are passionate about building stronger communities. Working alongside Habitat for Humanity allows us to use our talents and relationships to help meet the housing needs for hard-working families around the state”, says Steven Kendrick, owner of Alair Homes Charleston.

Approximately 90% of South Carolina’s lower-income households are estimated to be housing cost-burdened. Additionally, the recent Palmetto Housing Study (2023) concluded that more than a third of the state’s middle-income households ($35,000-$75,000 annually) are also housing cost-burdened.

“Habitat is built on partnerships,” said Monroe Free, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. “Alair Homes is a great partner for us and through the partnership, we are able to offer an opportunity for a hard-working family to own their home and also strengthen our community. But Alair and Habitat Greenville are partnering with other Habitat affiliates across SC today to have an even greater impact. “

Habitat invests in communities by helping households earning between 30-80% of the area median income access and sustain responsible, affordable homeownership. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through home construction, rehabilitation, repairs, housing finance, support services, and technical assistance, Habitat partners with families and individuals to build and improve a place to call home.

Paying an average monthly mortgage of $550 for a three-bedroom home, future homeowners are participants in building a better home and future for themselves and their families. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Out of Reach Report 2023, a Habitat mortgage is $870 less per month than the market rent for a three-bedroom unit in South Carolina.

You can learn more about Habitat’s work across South Carolina here.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County:
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance. As of May 2023, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of 405 homes. Habitat Greenville received the 2017 Builder of the Year award from EarthCraft, and in recognition of financial health, accountability, and transparency, maintain a 4-Star Charity status by Charity Navigator. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard in Taylors and 1818 Woodruff Rd., Greenville, SC 29607. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups.
Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.

About Habitat for Humanity South Carolina
Established as the state support office in 2012, Habitat for Humanity South Carolina is a nonprofit housing organization that brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. The state support office expands the capacity of 26 local affiliates through advocacy, resource development, education and training, and disaster services. Habitat affiliates have built, repaired, and rehabilitated over 4,900 homes throughout 37 counties since 1978. Habitat helps South Carolinians become first-time homebuyers, improve their housing conditions, and achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. In 2022, the Habitat team in South Carolina invested over $40 million, helping 317 families across the Palmetto State as they achieved their goal of attainable, safe, and healthy homeownership. Habitat’s investment created nearly $62 million of total economic activity, supporting 516 total jobs, and paying $21.4 million in labor income throughout South Carolina. To learn more, visit: southcarolinahabitat.org.

About Alair Homes
Today, Alair™ has the largest footprint of any premium custom home building and large-scale renovation/remodeling brand in the world. With locations across Canada and the United States, Alair is committed to helping the people in their local communities live better. Learn more at alairhomes.com

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Carolina Handling donated proceeds from its recent patriotic forklift auction to Folds of Honor Palmetto State Chapter and Upstate Warrior Solution, with each organization receiving $5,000 during a check presentation held today at Rupert Huse Veteran Center in Greenville, South Carolina.

The red, white and blue Raymond 7000-Series Reach Truck with images of Old Glory and Lady Liberty was purchased by Silmar Electronics of Greenville, South Carolina, A distributor of security systems, fire alarms, CCTV, access control, home automation and audio-visual systems, Silmar was in the market for a forklift when Greenville Branch Manager James Branton received an email about the auction.

“The auction was an opportunity to get a usable forklift at possibly a good price and help a charity that helps veterans,” Branton said. “As a branch that has two veterans in house, this immediately turned the meaning of the forklift from functionality to purposeful.”

Custom painted by a Carolina Handling renewed shop technician, who also serves in the South Carolina National Guard, the patriotic forklift features large images of Old Glory and Lady Liberty, white stars along the mast and operator cabin, and red forks. The colorful piece of material handling equipment was displayed outside the Carolina Handling Military & First Responders Skybox during the 2023 BMW Charity Pro-Am, then sold at auction after the tournament to benefit Folds of Honor and Upstate Warrior Solution.

“Folds of Honor Palmetto State Chapter is grateful for the ongoing and continued support in providing educational scholarships for the children and spouses of fallen and disabled service members and first responders,” said Jeff Morris of Folds of Honor Palmetto State Chapter.
“The support and money provided by Carolina Handling will allow us to continue to help those who serve our community and country.”

Upstate Warrior Solution will use proceeds from the patriotic forklift auction to continue its work of providing wrap-around care for veterans, including housing, employment, mental health and peer support, according to Director of Marketing and Communications Catherine Pelicano.

“As a community-based nonprofit, local support has always been crucial for sustaining our work,” Pelicano said. “We’re so grateful for partners like Carolina Handling who share our passion for serving the men and women who protect our country and community.”

With 13 percent of its associates having served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Carolina Handling supports veteran’s organizations across the Southeast and is an annual sponsor of the Veteran Employment & Transition Summit presented by The RECON Network.

“Careers at Carolina Handling offer a purpose-driven, military-to-civilian transition,” said Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand. “The skills developed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces can make you highly successful in the material handling industry.”

ABOUT CAROLINA HANDLING
Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is one of the Southeast’s leading material handling solution providers and the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s Central time zone territory. The company provides lift trucks and automation solutions for warehouses and distribution centers, as well as parts, racking, storage, lighting and dock and door equipment.

Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Carolina Handling operates branch offices in Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, Greensboro, NC, Raleigh, NC and Greenville SC, and an Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont, SC. The company has more than 740 associates. For more information, visit carolinahandling.com.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The YoPro Know’s Kamber Parker will be sharing her innovative workforce development insights at the upcoming DisruptHR Greenville event hosted by Anderson University’s College of Business.
Kamber plans to share her expertise during her talk, “Embracing Intergenerational Communication,” on Tuesday, November 14 at the University Center of Greenville. She will be one of several speakers. Learn more here.
Founded in 2013 in Cincinnati, DisruptHR operates on the conviction that the traditional approaches to people and talent are due for a shake-up. It is a vibrant platform where business and community leaders, HR professionals, and enthusiasts gather to share disruptive and forward-thinking ideas that advance our collective understanding of talent in the workplace.

DisruptHR events are volunteer-organized and held globally, aiming to shake things up and inspire participants with quick-fire talks from a series of speakers, each having just five minutes to share their insights with slides rotating every 15 seconds.

The YoPro Know is an innovative consulting group that is changing the way businesses engage with young professionals. It draws on its exclusive content and knowledge base to help business leaders better attract young professionals using digital branding and culture. The YoPro Know also hosts a podcast called The Great Retention.
“I’m always excited for any chance I get to share my knowledge with others looking to learn about young professionals,” Parker said. “Speaking alongside so many other talented professionals is an honor.”

About The YoPro Know:

The YoPro Know’s mission is to help businesses develop the future leaders of our workforce through research, education, and recruiting and retention consulting. Based in Greenville, S.C. with a national community, The YoPro Know promotes success in the workplace by being a bridge between ambitious young professionals and progressive businesses who want to recruit, engage and retain the. Learn more at www.yoproknow.com.