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Greenville Water Wins Prestigious AWWA 2024 Exemplary Source Water Protection Award

North Saluda Watershed, one of Greenville Water’s two protected water reservoirs.

Greenville Water has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious AWWA 2024 Exemplary Source Water Protection Award for Very Large Source Water Systems (100,000 or more service connections). The award will be presented at the American Water Works Association Annual Conference in June 2024.

Greenville Water takes pride in the quality of its water – in particular, the water sourced from its two owned and operated watersheds of Table Rock and North Saluda. The protection of these pristine watersheds is of paramount importance to the Commission and senior leadership as demonstrated by the significant commitment to protect these critical company resources. As stewards of these two watersheds, Greenville Water has sought not only to maintain the unspoiled conditions of our watersheds but has worked to reach out to our community partners to assure that the watersheds remain pristine for future generations of South Carolinians.

“The hard work of many Greenville Water team members, both past and present, has gone into ensuring the highest quality source water in the United States,” said Greenville Water CEO Jeff Boss. “I want to assure you that your Commissioners and I are committed to continuing policies that ensure the highest quality, affordable, and sustainable drinking water.”

Greenville Technical College Rebrands to Reflect Progress

President Miller raises a flag with the college’s new logo at the Barton Campus

Greenville Technical College (GTC) has rebranded to align the college’s image with its transformation of buildings and campuses, infrastructure, education, and opportunities. Rebranding aims to ensure that the college captures the essence of its growth but also accurately mirrors GTC’s commitment to excellence in program offerings and economic development.

The new brand was inspired by three key college attributes: an innovative education that serves as a smart investment, practical learning that leads directly to a job, and a heritage of meeting community needs.

Transformative new facilities are physical evidence of the college’s focus on future workforce needs. The Center for Manufacturing Innovation is an answer to employment needs in advanced manufacturing. The Truist Culinary and Hospitality Innovation Center serves as a pathway to upward mobility for West Greenville residents and a source of qualified new hires for downtown restaurants and hotels. The Prisma Health Center for Health & Life Sciences, now under construction, will create professionals to enter the healthcare field and provide the highest quality patient care, and the coming Center for Workforce Development will help the college solve the welding challenge in workforce development. These facilities and the education offered within will create well-prepared graduates that allow the local economy to remain strong, employers to grow, and graduates to succeed.

“As I approach retirement in 2025, I reflect on the incredible journey this college has had over our sixty-year history and the role we have played in making the Upstate an excellent place to live and work,” said Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. “We’re proud of all that we have accomplished and even more excited about where we go from here, knowing that our campuses, classrooms, and teaching tools are focused on the future so that our graduates can be ready for the opportunities ahead. As we stand at the crossroads between proud past and limitless future, we want our brand to reflect the dynamic and growing organization we have become.”

YMCA of Greenville announces 2024 Annual Campaign goal, continuing its impact in the community

GREENVILLE, S.C. – YMCA of Greenville today announced its 2024 Annual Campaign goal of $1.44 million to help improve the lives of thousands of people across Greenville County through financial assistance for programs and services, creating a lasting impact in the Y’s focus areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The funds raised will go towards providing financial assistance so that anyone who wants to participate in the Y’s programs and services is able to, regardless of their ability to pay. This includes providing children, adults and families scholarships for wellness memberships, youth sports programs, swim lessons, the SC Youth in Government program, afterschool care and summer day camps, as well as funding the Y’s food delivery program for those experiencing food insecurity across Greenville County.

Over the past 14 years, the YMCA of Greenville has raised more than $13 million for the annual campaign, putting those funds back into helping people thrive.

“Every dollar donated to the YMCA of Greenville Annual Campaign has a lasting impact on the people right here in our community,” says Scot Baddley, president, and CEO of the YMCA of Greenville. “We look forward to the impact we will make this year and the positive change on the lives of so many of our neighbors.”

“This year’s annual campaign theme is ‘You are Y,’ says Diana Watson, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer of the YMCA of Greenville. “YOU make it possible for the YMCA of Greenville to create opportunities and access for all. With your support, we get to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”

To give to the YMCA of Greenville’s Annual Campaign and learn more about the programs it supports, visit https://www.ymcagreenville.org/give or text GIVING to 71777.

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, 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.

Women’s Construction Forum donates Welding Gear to Greenville Technical College Female Student

UPSTATE, S.C. – Members of the Women Construction Forum (WCF), a group comprising female industry professionals in residential and commercial construction in Upstate S.C., recently made a $600 donation to the Greenville Technical College Welding department. The donation was intended to provide welding gear for one of their 12 female students.

“Having female instructors who have been in the shoes of these students, we demonstrate to all students that welding is a viable career choice for everyone, regardless of gender. Our female enrollment has increased by 10 percent this year, with both day-time and night-time classes reaching capacity. We actively promote diversity in our program and are thrilled to see more women pursuing non-traditional paths,” stated Casey Ross, Academic Program Director (Welding Dept) at Greenville Technical College.

Rachel Veltri and Angela Gardner, founders of WCF, visited the welding school to meet with female welding students. WCF has been hosting lunch and learn sessions at Greenville Technical College to encourage women and assure them of support in the trades. At this year’s Annual WCF Christmas Party, the forum awarded a $500.00 scholarship to a Greenville Technical College student in the Architectural Engineering Technology Program and a $600.00 donation for welding gear for a female student in the Welding Program at Greenville Technical College.

“While there are hundreds of thousands of women across the U.S. employed in the construction industry, the reality is that less than three percent of them will find a career home in the trades,” said Angela Gardner, Director of Business Development and Marketing for Hill Electric, who serves on the WCF’s leadership team. “That’s why it’s crucial to find ways to support women entering the trades.”

About Women’s Construction Forum
The Women Construction Forum is an organization that provides education, experience, and personal connections for women in fields surrounding both residential and commercial construction, including contractors, architects, project managers, business owners, and many more. Founded in 2019 in Upstate South Carolina, the forum meets monthly to “help build up women and their voices in the construction arena by empowering, engaging, and mentoring women entering the industry.” Learn more about the Women Construction Forum by contacting Rachel Veltri at [email protected] .

Addison Homes Wins 2023 HBASC Pinnacle Award for Best Overall Green Building

The award-winning Keowee, built by Addison Homes

Greenville, South Carolina – Addison Homes, a South Carolina home builder which specializes in building healthy, high-performance homes that emphasize increased comfort and durability, better indoor air quality, and ultra energy efficiency has received a Pinnacle Award from the Home Builders Association of South Carolina for Green Building — Best Overall. The Pinnacle Awards “recognize the craftsmanship of the best home builders and remodelers in the Palmetto State” and are given in five categories including new home construction and energy efficiency.

Todd Usher, President, Addison Homes

The winning Addison home was the Keowee, which features exceptional indoor air quality, water and energy efficiency, and uses a solar photovoltaic shingle system to generate renewable energy to offset a significant portion of the electrical use of the home, achieving an astounding HERS score of 28 for efficiency. High performance highlights of the home included:

• A completely encapsulated and conditioned crawl space providing conditioned space for the HVAC system and ductwork
• An Internet-connected smart thermostat that incorporated monitoring of interior and exterior conditions including indoor air quality
• High performance windows utilizing triple pane glass including two layers of low-e coating
• Passive solar design embraced with glazing used on the southern exposure of the building
• Skylights and sun tunnels integrated into the building envelope to maximize natural daylighting and minimize the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours
• Extensive envelope air sealing, which reduced air infiltration while minimizing intrusion of pests, dust and exterior allergens
• And continuous exterior insulation, minimizing thermal bridging through the exterior walls of the home and its foundation

“I am very grateful that Addison Homes has been recognized by the Home Builders Association of South Carolina,” said Todd Usher, founder and President of Addison Homes. “I’ve been a proud member of the HBASC for eighteen years and to be acknowledged by my peers in the home building industry in South Carolina is an honor. All of us at Addison Homes recognize that achieving excellent energy efficiency and high performance in the climate of South Carolina is a true challenge — and it is a challenge that we have accepted and relish every day we are on the job.”

Addison Homes builds healthy, high-performance homes which feature increased comfort and durability, better indoor air quality, greater energy efficiency, resilience to natural disasters, and sustainable materials. Headquartered in Greenville, SC, Addison homes are constructed to meet stringent national standards that exceed current building codes and emphasize thoughtful design and sustainability features that deliver lower operating costs, reduced maintenance, and natural daylight in open, integrated spaces. Each home is built to US Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home standards. Learn more about Addison Homes at https://www.addison-homes.com. Connect with Todd Usher at https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddusher/.

Habitat Greenville launches 2024 CEO Build

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Upstate’s biggest annual gathering of community and business leaders united for the purpose of supporting affordable housing kicked-off Tuesday morning at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

The annual Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County CEO Build brings together a diverse group of leaders who pledge company funding and staff volunteer hours to help build the project house. They also work on-site personally during construction alongside their own team members, community volunteers and future Habitat families, to broaden their perspectives on issues of importance to our community.

CEO Build members for 2024 include: Scott Weaver of Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union; Jane Harrison Fisher, chairwoman of the 2024 CEO Build as well as Chief Operating Officer with Coldwell Banker Caine; Bob Morris of the Community Foundation of Greenville; John Boyanoski of Complete PR; Stephen Davis of Davis and Floyd; Phil Howard of Ethox Chemicals; Chris Bailey of Greater Greenville Association of Realtors; Tommy Jenkins of Greenville Maintenance Services; Dr. Keith Miller of Greenville Technical College; Seabrook Marchant of Marchant Real Estate; Kerri Paulino of Meritage Homes; Hank McCullough of Piedmont Natural Gas; Josh Covington of QLM and Southern Harmony; Brian McKay of Spero Financial; Steve Spinks of Spinx; Randall Bentley of Lee & Associates; Chris Heard of Sage Automotive; Ben Settle of Arcisan Design; David Lominack of TD Bank; Randy Hunter of Terminix; Delisa English of The Blood Connection; Steve Magruder of Warehouse Services; Kirsten Zinkann of Kirsten Zinkann Real Estate; Mike Coggins of South State Bank; Douglas Deitz of The Reynolds Company; Walmart Distribution; and John Castile of the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority.

As part of Tuesday’s kickoff, the CEOs and Habitat staff built the first walls that were then driven via flatbed truck to the project house at 115 Sturtevant Street in the Bramlett community off of White Horse Road.

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.

Spectrum Awards $2,500 to Local Food Bank

(L-R): Pastor Sean Dogan of Long Branch Baptist Church joins Ashleigh Young who nominated the organization’s food bank for a Spectrum Employee Community Grant.

Grant is Part of Commitment to Support 500 Nonprofits Nationally with $2.5 Million Through the Spectrum Employee Community Grant Program

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Spectrum today announced a donation of $2,500 to the food bank at Long Branch Baptist Church of Greenville through the company’s employee-driven grants program that recognizes the value of community service, Spectrum Employee Community Grants.

Long Branch Baptist Church offers multiple social services to Greenville including a food bank, clothing pantry and a hot breakfast served every second Saturday of the month and delivered to over 400 members of the surrounding community. It was at this breakfast event that the check was presented.

“At Long Branch we are striving to make an impact in the community,” said Donovan Parks, Director of Youth and Media Services. “We graciously accept this grant which will aide in providing food to the community through our weekly food bank and monthly community breakfast outreach.”

Earlier this year, Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity products and services, announced its commitment to award $2.5 million over the next five years to local nonprofits through Spectrum Employee Community Grants. Charter pledges to support a minimum of 500 nonprofit organizations across its 41-state service area, impacting more than 70,000 community members, through 2028.

“Spectrum Employee Community Grants support local nonprofits that hold a meaningful connection to the Spectrum employees who nominate them, and to the communities they serve,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President of Community Impact at Charter. “Looking forward to the next five years, we’re increasing our investment in the program, in support of our employees’ dedication to volunteer work and vital community organizations that enhance the lives of local residents.”

Launched in 2019, Spectrum Employee Community Grants support nonprofits nominated by employees with a personal connection to the organization through at least one year of their own volunteer work, including $77,500 in grants in South Carolina to date. Recipients deliver a broad range of critical social services to underserved community members, including food pantries, homeless shelters, clothing distribution, job training for veterans and paying overdue rent and utility bills for those in crisis.

More information about Spectrum Community Employee Grants is available at https://corporate.charter.com/community-impact.

About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.

For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise® provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.

Greenville Center for Creative Arts Announces Five New Members on the Board of Directors

GREENVILLE, SC – The Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) is thrilled to welcome five distinguished individuals to its Board of Directors, each bringing a wealth of experience and a shared passion for advancing the arts in the Greenville community. The new members include Bill Stephenson, Mark Colby, Kacee Lominack, Mary Church Cornette, and Dan Helwing.

Bill Stephenson, a 1982 graduate of the University of North Carolina in Business Administration, joins GCCA after a remarkable 36-year banking career, with 30 years dedicated to BB&T. Bill’s extensive civic engagement includes his current role as Chair for the YMCA’s Foundation Board (Endowment) and various positions with Caine Halter Y over the last two decades. He has also served on the boards of Greenville Theatre, Friends of the Reedy River, and the Metropolitan Arts Council, demonstrating his commitment to the local arts scene.

Mark Colby, the Director of Digital Transformation – Purchasing Americas at Michelin North America, Inc., adds a unique perspective to the board. With a decade-long career at Michelin and a background in the US Marine Corps, Mark’s leadership and experience in digital initiatives will contribute significantly to GCCA’s growth. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Mark is the CEO of the Michelin Charity Golf Tournament, showcasing his dedication to community service.

Kacee Lominack, Marketing Manager at Peacock Marketing and a graduate of Presbyterian College, brings nearly two decades of experience in the non-profit sector. Her expertise in database management, fundraising campaigns, and event planning, combined with a genuine passion for the arts, aligns seamlessly with GCCA’s mission. Kacee’s commitment to the community extends to her volunteer work with Mill Village Farms and involvement in Greenville County Schools.

Mary Church Cornette, CEO and Head of Creative at FUEL, is a seasoned creative professional with over 20 years of experience working with major brands. Her entrepreneurial spirit and approachable mentor leadership style have transformed FUEL into a purpose-driven brand-building agency. Mary’s dedication to serving nonprofits in the Greenville community is evident through initiatives like the FUEL for Good Grant, which provides marketing support to local nonprofits.

Dan Helwing, a Partner at Ernst & Young, brings a wealth of financial expertise to the board. As a leader in the Technical Accounting Advisory Group, Dan focuses on SEC Reporting, Corporate Governance, and business combinations. His extensive background in accounting and finance, coupled with his commitment to effective reporting and corporate governance practices, will enhance GCCA’s financial stewardship.

Jess Burgess, CEO of GCCA, expresses her enthusiasm for the new additions, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Bill, Mark, Kacee, Mary, and Dan to our Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds and passion for the arts will bring renewed energy to our organization. We look forward to the exciting work ahead of us as we continue to support and uplift artists in the Greenville community.”

With these esteemed individuals joining the Board of Directors, GCCA is poised to embark on a new chapter of growth and community impact. The collective expertise and dedication of the new members will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of the Greenville Center for Creative Arts.

Carolina Handling helps fight childhood cancer with NEGU donation

NASCAR’s Carson Hocevar accepts a check for NEGU: Never Ever Give Up from Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand.

Carolina Handling is helping fight childhood cancer with a $5000 donation to NEGU: Never Ever Give Up, a program of the Jessie Rees Foundation.

Carolina Handling associates took the Greenville Swamp Rabbits #NEGU challenge during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this past September to raise awareness and funds to purchase 200 JoyJars®–packages filled with toys, games and activities that are donated to children in hospitals being treated for cancer.

A check presentation was held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, during NASCAR NIght at the Greenville Swamp Rabbits game, with NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar accepting the check from Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand on behalf of the Swamp Rabbits challenge.

Since 2011, more than 165,000 children fighting cancer have received JoyJars through the Jessie Rees Foundation. An international movement, JoyJars was inspired by Jessica Joy Rees who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the age of 11 and chose to focus on bringing joy and hope to other children suffering from cancer. Jessica lost her battle with cancer in 2012, but her message of hope lives on through the foundation’s Never Ever Give Up campaign.

ABOUT CAROLINA HANDLING

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

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Carolina Handling operates branch offices in Atlanta, Georgia, Birmingham, Alabama, Greensboro, North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, and an Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont, South Carolina. The company has more than 770 associates. For more information, visit carolinahandling.com.

Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg and Bank of America partner in Spartanburg for Global Build initiative

Habitat Spartanburg homeowner is pictured with Bank of America volunteers during a home build event. (courtesy Habitat Humanity of Spartanburg).

Spartanburg, SC – Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg and Bank of America came together to address the need for safe, sustainable, and affordable housing in the Spartanburg community, as part of Bank of America’s Global Build, to support affordable housing and revitalization projects in communities around the world.

Habitat Spartanburg received a $22,750 grant from Bank of America to help with the construction of a home build and to support Habitat’s efforts to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Due to the increasing cost of construction and the economic impact, it costs an average of $120,000 to build a new home.

“Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg remains a longstanding partner in improving access to affordable housing for those who need it in our community,” said Stacy Brandon, president, Bank of America Upstate South Carolina. “Our collaboration with Habitat Spartanburg brings together critical financial support along with numerous employee volunteer efforts to advance economic opportunity through homeownership.”

In 2023, Habitat Spartanburg raised more than $103,000 during the 24th Annual Billy Painter Golf Tournament, a fundraising event to honor the memory of a long-time board member. The annual tournament is Habitat Spartanburg’s only fundraising event.

“The Habitat Homeownership Program is designed to create opportunities for low-income families, whose hard work and determination alone, have not qualified them for the traditional bank loan,” said Raymond T. Davis, Sr., Executive Director, of Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg. “The new Program Service at Habitat-Spartanburg provides greater assistance to applicants who have negative debts. “This year alone, Habitat-Spartanburg helped reduce negative debts in the amount of $75,000 through write-offs to allow for more families to be served.”

The support of Bank of America through this grant opportunity provides additional resources to assist our partnering families with a “hand up” and not a “hand out.”

The home will be located in the northern neighborhood of Spartanburg and is expected to be completed in April 2024.