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Lisa Hostetler Brown Selected to Receive the Gold Compleat Lawyer Award

Irmo, SC – LAWYERLISA is pleased to announce that Certified Elder Law Attorney Lisa Hostetler Brown has been selected to receive the Gold Compleat Lawyer Award given by the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of law to recognize alumni for outstanding civic and professional accomplishments.

Lisa Hostetler Brown, Certified Elder Law Attorney

Lisa will be presented the award at the School of Law’s annual Compleat Awards reception in April in Columbia.

About the Compleat Lawyer Awards
The Compleat Lawyer Awards were established in 1992 by the USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law Alumni Council (formerly the Alumni Association) to recognize alumni for outstanding civic and professional accomplishments. Recipients are individuals who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and exemplify the highest standards of professional competence, ethics, and integrity. Gold recipients have been in practice 16-30 years.

About LawyerLisa
Serving the entire state of South Carolina from locations in Irmo and Simpsonville, LawyerLisa, LLC delivers comprehensive elder law and estate planning with a personalized approach. For more information, please visit www.LawyerLisa.com. Managing Attorney: Lisa Hostetler Brown Main Office: 7511 Saint Andrews Rd, Ste 3 Irmo, SC 29063. Lisa is Certified as a CELA by the National Elder Law Foundation.

Wagner Wealth Management named one of SC Biz News’ Inaugural 2023 Empowering Women Award Winners

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Wagner Wealth Management has won an SC Biz News’ 2023 Empowering Women Award.

The Empowering Women Awards are designed to showcase tangible and innovative efforts by companies, law firms, nonprofits, and other organizations to advance women in the workplace and community.

Empowering Women honorees demonstrate a track record of hiring and promoting women; support programs to mentor women in their organizations and address inequalities, show a strong record of women on the company’s board or in C-suite positions; and establish DEI programs and philanthropic efforts to support women.

“It’s an honor for Wagner Wealth to have won this award, especially in the contest’s inaugural year,” said Jennifer Osgood, Wagner Wealth Management’s president. “More than half of our company is made up of women, including the majority of our leadership team. It’s one thing to say you empower women, and it’s another thing to actually do it. We’re honored to be recognized for doing the work.”

About Wagner Wealth Management:

Wagner Wealth Management specializes in helping individuals and companies reach their personal and professional goals. Wagner Wealth Management currently advises on more than $1.5 billion in client assets; their experience is diverse, exceptional, and ready to work. The firm has offices in Anderson, Greenville, and Seneca. Learn more at www.wagnerwealthmanagement.com.

Securities offered through Arkadios Capital. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Wealth Management Advisors, LLC. Arkadios Capital and Wealth Management Advisors, LLC, are not affiliated through any ownership.

The Southern Bank Launches Easy-Access Digital Banking Tools

The Southern Bank, a community bank with a high-touch, personal customer experience, is pleased to announce the rollout of its new digital tools for personal finance and credit insights.

“We’re excited to enhance our digital banking experience so our customers can get the personal touch that comes with community banking without missing out on any of the benefits of a big bank,” said Scott Frierson, president of The Southern Bank. “We’re always here for you in our branches, and now you can do even more at home or on the go—whether it’s checking your credit score or viewing multiple external accounts in one place.”

The new personal finance features are available on desktop, mobile and within The Southern Bank app to help customers bank when they want, from where they want. Customers are able to:
● See multiple external accounts in one place.
● Track budget and spending by category.
● View net worth, financial goals, cash flow, debts, transactions and trends in one user-friendly dashboard.

The credit insights tool, available only in The Southern Bank app, does not impact a customer’s credit—it’s purely an informational tool and can also help detect fraud. The bank partners with TransUnion to share real-time credit score updates. Further, the tool analyzes each of a customer’s credit areas and provides feedback for improvement as needed.

Along with these digital tools, The Southern Bank will soon launch easy online account opening for checking, savings, certificates of deposits and money market accounts.

To learn more about The Southern Bank’s digital tools, visit thesouthern.bank/digital-banking or your local branch.

About The Southern Bank
The Southern Bank is changing the way digital banking and community banking are done. The Southern Bank is committed to delivering high-tech, innovative financial tools while also providing a high-touch, personal customer experience. With over $290 million in total assets, the bank currently operates branches in Spartanburg, SC, Greenville, SC, Aiken, SC, Gibson, GA, Hephzibah, GA, Sardis, GA, and Waynesboro, GA. To learn more about The Southern Bank, visit www.thesouthern.bank.

First Reliance Partners with Apiture for Digital Banking Platform

First Reliance Bank is pleased to announce that through our partnership with Apiture, Apiture has received an award, marking its third consecutive win for digital banking innovation. The awards program celebrates outstanding achievements in banking technology implementations and innovations. Apiture earned the distinction for spearheading a digital banking transformation initiative for First Reliance Bank and our 18,000 customers throughout the Carolinas. By using this business banking solution, we have successfully overcome mobile and online banking constraints.

Rick Saunders, Chief Executive Officer and Founder said, “We have been very pleased with Apiture’s platform, customer service, and delivery. Through their banking solution, First Reliance has been able to attract larger business customers, thus driving notable revenue growth.”

Ben Brazell, Executive Vice President Retail Banking said, “Our partnership with Apiture further positions First Reliance as a leader in the banking industry. The product delivers like-features as those provided by larger institutions, but without losing the personalized relationships we have established within the communities we serve.”

ABOUT FIRST RELIANCE BANK
Founded in 1999, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: FSRL.OB) is based in Florence, South Carolina, and has assets of approximately $950 million. The Company employs more than 200 professionals and has locations throughout South Carolina and central North Carolina. First Reliance has redefined community banking with a commitment to making customers’ lives better, its founding principle. We offer a full range of personalized community banking products and services for individuals, small businesses, and corporations, including a full suite of digital banking services, treasury services, a Customer Service Guarantee, and a Mortgage Service Guarantee. First Reliance also offers two unique community customer programs, which include Hometown Heroes, a package of benefits for those serving our communities, and Check ‘N Save, an outreach program for the unbanked or under-banked. Additional information about the Company is available on our website, www.firstreliance.com.

Northwestern Mutual Expands Footprint, Opens Third Upstate Office Near Simpsonville And Mauldin Communities

Greenville, S.C. – Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial security company, announced the opening of a third Upstate office to meet the growth of the firm and serve the growing population of Greenville County. The new 5,000 square foot office is located at 126 Millport Circle, Ste 201 in Greenville, which is in close proximity to Interstate 385 and convenient to the Simpsonville and Mauldin communities. Tony Allen, Northwestern Mutual’s Growth and Development Director, will manage the Millport office, which falls under the direction of Greenville/Spartanburg Managing Director John Tripoli.

“We offer something you seldom find in a career – autonomy and the freedom to control your destiny, income and leadership opportunities,” said Tony Allen, Northwestern Mutual’s Growth and Development Director and Financial Advisor. “Northwestern Mutual is well-positioned to serve clients with dedicated financial advisors and employees who enjoy serving our clients and our communities.”

Allen is a top producing financial advisor who joined Northwestern Mutual in 2014. He has served in several leadership roles including college unit director. A native of Chicago, Allen is a husband and father to four young children and is involved in his church community group and regularly supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a national non-profit that supports finding a cure for childhood cancer through impactful research and awareness.

“Our people are the power behind Northwestern Mutual, and we work every day to support a high-performance culture where everyone’s opinions are valued, and they feel supported to have a rewarding career at our firm,” said John Tripoli, managing director of Northwestern Mutual – Greenville and Spartanburg.

Northwestern Mutual currently serves more than 19,155 clients in the Upstate, with more than 41 financial representatives who have over 390 years of combined experience to serve and guide clients in the Upstate. For the last six years, Northwestern Mutual has been named a Top Workplaces in South Carolina, an annual award based on employee feedback results captured by the Energage Workplace Survey.

The Millport office is hiring financial advisors who want a great company culture, excellent training and business coaches to launch their entrepreneurial pursuits in the financial services industry. To learn more, contact Allen at 864-232-2881 ext. 2285 and [email protected].

About Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what’s most important. With more than $558 billion of total assets being managed across the company’s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, nearly $35 billion in revenues, and $2.2 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 111 on the 2023 FORTUNE 500.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with “Advisor” in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.

Habitat Laurens to “Rock The Block” this January

CLINTON, S.C.– Cypress Street in the Lydia Mills neighborhood will get a transformation this month led by Habitat for Humanity of Laurens County.

Habitat Laurens will be holding a “Rock The Block” program where homeowners, volunteers, and community partners come together to create high-energy neighborhood revitalization and home preservation in one day, said Ben Barron, Director of Operations for Habitat Laurens.

Under the guidance of Habitat staff, volunteers will complete needed tasks such as power washing, gutter cleaning, yard cleanup, mulching flower beds and performing minor exterior home repairs, Barron said. Volunteers ages 14 to 17 are welcome with the signature of a guardian.

Rock The Block will happen on Saturday, January 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Cypress Street in Clinton. Presbyterian College, Rotary Club of Clinton, Sadler Hughes Apothecary, Refuge of Worship and the City of Clinton are partners in the event.

Homeowners who want their houses to be added to Rock The Block as well as other volunteers can reach out to Barron at [email protected] or 864-200-4561.

“This is a great event to start off 2024 with helping to make our community stronger,” Barron said.

About Habitat for Humanity of Laurens County:

Habitat for Humanity of Laurens County brings together families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance as well as do home repairs in the community. In 2023, Habitat Laurens became part of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.

Habitat Greenville gets $100,000 donation from Publix

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Publix Super Market Charities continued its long-standing support of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County Wednesday, this time with a check for $100,000.

The funds will support Habitat Greenville Women’s Build, an annual event that has garnered more than 150 volunteers since starting in 2006. Most of the women working on these homes have come from female-led families and companies. Thisprogram helps empower women by learning construction skills and helping a woman-led family attain home ownership.

The grant presentation was given at the site of the 2023 Women’s Build in the Nicholtown Community of Greenville.

“We are grateful to Publix Super Market Charities for their continued support of our affordable housing efforts and commitment to the Greenville community,” said Monroe Free, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville . “Their generous grant towards Habitat Greenville’s Women’s Build in the Nicholtownneighborhood is making this home a reality. Together we continue to transform lives.”

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, and 1818 Woodruff Road. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups.

Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.

Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty leaders named to local and state real estate boards

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Several Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s leadership team members have been named to statewide boards overseeing the real estate industry, and a valued Associate has been named to a local one.

Patrick Furman has been appointed to the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors’ MLS Committee, for a three-year term. Furman previously served on the Ethics/Grievance Committee for the GGAR.

In addition, company CEO, Joan Herlong, as well Chief Operating Officer and Broker-in-Charge of the Greenville office, William Herlong, have been named to the Professional Standards Committee for South Carolina Realtors (SCR). This committee is a key part of upholding SCR’s commitment to upholding and enforcing the Code of Ethics on a statewide level. Jackson Herlong, the company’s Chief Strategy Officer and Broker-in-Charge of The Clemson/Lakes office, also serves on this committee.

For the second consecutive year, William Herlong also will be serving on the S.C. Real Estate Commission’s Investigative Review Committee (IRC), which functions as a panel to listen to licensing complaints registered by the public against South Carolina real estate agents.

“Our company is not just involved in buying and selling real estate, we’re involved,” said Joan Herlong. “Our personal involvement in local and state association committees is an integral part of our ongoing commitment to ‘raising the bar’ within our industry, and to serving our clients and community better.”

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.

South Carolina Federal Now Accepting Applications for $45,000 in Scholarships

N. Charleston, S.C. – South Carolina Federal Credit Union is now accepting applications for its 14th annual scholarship program. The credit union will award $45,000 to nine students attending a traditional or technical college in South Carolina for the fall 2024 semester.

Applicants are asked to write a short essay about how their education will enable them to give back to their community and make a difference in the lives of South Carolinians. They will also provide an overview of their volunteer commitments, academic marks, work experience, and financial need. Applications will be reviewed by an internal credit union committee and an external panel of educators and community leaders.

“Our annual scholarship program exemplifies our dedication to investing in the future of our communities,” said Scott Woods, President and CEO of South Carolina Federal. “Each year, we receive hundreds of applications from hardworking, ambitious students who are focused on serving others. Their integrity and dedication make this program one of the highlights of our year!”

In order to apply, candidates must be a high school or undergraduate student, have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be a legal U.S. resident. The first-place winner in the traditional college category will receive a $10,000 scholarship, and the first-place technical school winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Students can visit scfederal.org/scholarship to review the rules and requirements and complete the online application. Applications are due January 31, and winners will be announced in the spring.

About South Carolina Federal
Connect with South Carolina Federal Credit Union for products, services, and financial literacy. With more than 175,000 members and $2.5 billion in assets, the member-owned financial institution operates 28 offices and serves seven major markets including Charleston, Columbia, Georgetown, Greenville, Florence, Myrtle Beach, and Spartanburg. Over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs are available worldwide through the Allpoint Network. More information about South Carolina Federal can be found at scfederal.org.

Kamber Parker Bowden of The YoPro Know to speak at Women Confidence Builders this month.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The YoPro Know’s Kamber Parker Bowden will be one of the speakers at the Women’s Confidence Builders event on January 25.

Bowden started The YoPro Know in 2018, and went full time with the business in the Spring of 2022. Before that she was the interim Executive Director of the Greenville Area Parkinson Society after having served on staff for almost four years in fundraising.
In the community, The YoPro Know was named the 2023 Greenville Chamber Small Business of the Year, and Bowden has been honored as one of Greenville’s Best and Brightest by Greenville Business Magazine, and one of GSA Business Report’s 40 under 40. She also was part of the 2021 ChangeMakers Class.

A Furman University graduate, she has served as the Chair of the Pacesetter Program at the Greenville Chamber; is a business mentor at Furman; and was the 2022 Greenville Chamber Young Professional of the Year. She is a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 49. She also serves on the Greenville Chamber’s Board of Directors and the board for The Greenville Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.

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 The event will be at the Greenville Convention Center from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and will feature three sessions (Identify Your Destination, Recruiting Your Crew, and Leading Your Crew) with breakout Q&As and four other talented speakers including Christi Powell from 84 Lumber, Ava Smith from Flat Fee Recruiting, Victoria Fusco from Hugs N Hustle, and Emily O’Brian from Campbell Teague.

About The YoPro Know:
TheYoPro 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.