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Outstanding Service Brings Home National Award – Call Experts Earns 15th CAM-X Award of Excellence

Grimsby, ON — Call Experts of Charleston, SC has been honored with the exclusive 2023 Award of Excellence for 15 years. The Award is presented annually by the Canadian Call Management Association (CAM-X), the industry’s Trade Association for providers of call centre services, including telephone answering and message delivery. Call Experts was presented with the Award recently at the CAM-X 59th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Calgary, AB.

“The CAM-X Award of Excellence is a prestigious recognition of exemplary customer service in our industry. Feedback is an invaluable part of our desire for continuous improvement and an optimized experience for our clients and their callers. We are grateful for this honor.” says Call Experts CEO Abby Leibowitz.

Independent judges are contracted by CAM-X to evaluate message services over a six month period. The scoring criteria include:

– Response Time
– Courteousness of Rep
– Accuracy of Call
– Knowledge of Account
– Overall Impression of Call

“Your outstanding organization has demonstrated unparalleled excellence and dedication to the industry, earning them this esteemed recognition. Congratulations on a well-deserved award.” says CAM-X President Leslie Wilson.

Now a fifteen-time winner, Call Experts States earned the Platinum Award for fifteen years. CAM-X extends its congratulations to the staff of Call Experts on their proven quality service to their customers.

About Call Experts
A leader in customer experience solutions and customer service management, our team adds value to your organization by implementing award-winning phone answering solutions with meaningful integrations that deliver customer satisfaction and efficiency. Since 1982, our team has focused on supporting business continuity and remote workforces with customized, live-agent, and AI-powered contact center solutions. We succeed when you succeed; learn more at www.CallExperts.com .
CONTACT: Media Room 800.374.0911

About CAM-X
CAM-X is a Canadian based trade Association for the Call Management industry which includes call centres, telephone answering services, telemarketing services, and other communication services. Their goal is to contribute to their members’ profitability by fostering a willingness to exchange ideas, experiences and solutions while promoting the general welfare and ethical standards of our industry. Please visit www.camx.ca for more information.

Wagner Wealth Management’s Mimi Edwards honored with SC Best in Busines Award

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Wagner Wealth Management’s Mimi Edwards has been honored with a SC Best In Business Bronze Award for top Chief Operating Officer in the state.

A former teacher, Edwards switched careers to the financial industry in 2015 when she joined Wagner Wealth. Since then, Edwards has obtained her Life and Health Insurance license, Series 7 and 66 licenses as well as her Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation. On a day-to-day basis, Edwards assists clients in a wide range of activities and her goal is to provide excellent, personal service to every client. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in Middle-Level Teaching from Clemson University.

“I am humbled and honored by this award,” Edwards said. “I appreciate being nominated and then getting the appreciation from our clients and peers.”

This marks a streak of awards won by Wagner Wealth and its staff members in the past few months including being named The Greenville Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Month in September; the company being named Best of the Upstate for wealth management firms by the Greenville News; and Hayden Turlington being named of Greenville’s Best and Brightest 35 and Under list as well as being named the Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year.

“These are great honors, and they reflect the service we provide to our clients and partners as well as the community,” said Dan Wagner, the firm’s founder and CEO and Managing Partner. “However, it’s that amazing service that we bring daily that really matters.”

About Wagner Wealth Management:
Wagner Wealth Management specializes in helping individuals and companies reach their personal and professional goals. Wagner Wealth Management currently oversees more than $500 million in total 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 Wagner Wealth Management Advisors, LLC. Arkadios Capital and Wagner Wealth Management Advisors, LLC, are not affiliated through any ownership.

Pro-Growth Climate, Energy Policies Benefit South Carolina Farmers and Communities

Both Spartanburg and our Upstate sister city, Greenville, have seen massive investments in clean energy in recent years that have helped create new jobs and strengthen local economies. We are fortunate to have a leader like State Senator Scott Talley leading the way in Columbia to advance commonsense conservation policies that are helping to not only protect our abundant natural resources, but also create a stronger and more economically diverse future for our communities.

Similarly, smart, pro-growth climate policies out of Washington are helping South Carolina farmers like me reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening our economic outlook. For example, the agricultural tax credits created by the Growing Climate Solutions Act are helping incentivize the use of climate-friendly farming practices while providing farmers with an additional, steady source of revenue.

Farmers in the Palmetto State and nationwide should be thankful to Senator Lindsey Graham for working to support bipartisan policies such as this one, which is not only helping to conserve, protect, and enrich vital farmlands, but is also strengthening our agricultural sector. Senator Graham and our entire congressional delegation should continue to support smart energy and climate policies that yield both environmental and economic benefits.

Fine Arts Center Celebrates Six Students As YoungArts National Competition Award Winners

Greenville, SC – The Fine Arts Center is thrilled to announce the outstanding achievements of six talented students who have been honored as winners in the prestigious YoungArts National Competition. Every year thousands of student artists ages 15 to 18 apply to the YoungArts, a widely recognized program that identifies and nurtures accomplished young artists throughout their careers.

The following students have been awarded the YoungArts Award, an honor that recognizes work with an exceptional technique, a strong sense of artistry and a depth of thinking that exceeds the level of peers at this career stage. These students also received a monetary prize of $250.

1. Emily Allison – Writing/Poetry
2. William Armstrong – Jazz/Piano
3. Blake Slaughter – Jazz/Guitar

In addition to the YoungArts Award, three of our students have been bestowed with the YoungArts Award with Distinction. This title recognizes work that demonstrates exceptional technique, a strong, nuanced and clear artistic point of view, and a depth of thinking that far exceeds the level of peers at this career stage. Winners are invited to participate in the National YoungArts Week, where they will have their work further evaluated for cash awards of up to $10,000 and have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside industry leaders and their peers.

1. Sun Clark – Writing/Spoken Word
2. Brady Green – Musical Theatre
3. Leah Rutherford – Voice/Jazz

Vee Popat, Director of the Fine Arts Center shares, “The YoungArts Award and YoungArts Award with Distinction are highly competitive recognitions that highlight the extraordinary talents of our students. It is a testament to the hard work that these fantastic students have put in, coupled with the outstanding mentorship they are receiving at the FAC and support from the Greenville County Schools. The Fine Arts Center is so proud of the achievement of our students and we look forward to continuing to foster their excellence through our programs.”

The first arts high school in South Carolina, the Fine Arts Center prepares dedicated students for 21st-century careers through rigorous, pre-professional arts training in dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative learning environments. Learn more by visiting fineartscenter.net.

 

Navigating the Holidays in Recovery: Tips to Safeguard Your Sobriety

GREENVILLE, SC – Recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) is a journey filled with challenges during the holidays, but it is a journey worth taking. As a leading healthcare network SUD provider, Recovery Centers of America at Greenville understands the transformative power of facing our past mistakes, repairing relationships, and conquering the stigma that sadly still surrounds addiction.

With the holiday season around the corner, we are reminded of the importance of special care and planning during this festive time of year. RCA is committed to supporting individuals in recovery as they navigate the holidays with confidence and resilience. To support individuals during this time, Recovery Centers of America has compiled a comprehensive guide with valuable tips and strategies. These recommendations aim to empower individuals in recovery and help them navigate the holidays with confidence.

This guide highlights the importance of special care and planning during holiday celebrations. By being proactive, individuals can effectively protect their sobriety and ensure an enjoyable holiday season.

• Have a support system. Social support is crucial since social isolation is a risk factor for relapse. We all need people to relate to and depend on during our struggles. This can be your sponsor, a family member, or a friend, whomever can provide you with open ears and a caring heart. Many believe that the key to recovery from addictions is being connected to others. Establish days and times that you regularly communicate with your support system. You can also find virtual and in-person recovery support groups. Many 12-step recovery groups will hold 24/7 meetings during the holidays.

• Stay active. Run, walk, ride your bike, do yoga, anything that gets you moving and keeps your mind and body busy. These activities are great for both your mental and physical health and produce endorphins which are scientifically proven to help you feel better.

• Practice self-care. Taking care of ourselves may seem so obvious, but who do we most neglect when life gets busy? Our kids, parents, partners, or friends can take priority during the holiday season. Practice self-care through activities like meditation, mindfulness, attending a recovery support group meeting or even home spa days. Allow yourself to be pampered in soothing ways to ward off stress that can trigger drug or alcohol thoughts or use.

• Eat well. The holidays can often feel gluttonous with all the available tasty treats, and unhealthy eating can make you feel lethargic and “blah,” which can breed feelings of “why not?” Why not eat that cake, shop online, drink that alcohol, or take that drug? Help prevent this by eating nutritious, nourishing meals that will make you feel better from the inside out. Eating well is fundamental to good health and well-being.
• Know your triggers – and prepare for them. Treatment and/or a therapist likely helped you identify your triggers and now is not the time to forget. Understand what leads you to want to use drugs or alcohol – an old friend, a certain place – and steer clear if not entirely, at least on days you may be feeling particularly down.

“Recovery Centers of America understands the unique struggles faced by individuals in recovery during the holiday season,” said Dr. Pete Vernig, Vice President of Mental Health Services at Recovery Centers of America. “Our aim is to empower individuals with the necessary tools and strategies to maintain their sobriety while embracing the joy and spirit of the holidays.”

To learn more about navigating the holiday season in recovery and the services offered by Recovery Centers of America, please visit www.recoverycentersofamerica.com.

ABOUT RECOVERY CENTERS OF AMERICA

Recovery Centers of America is dedicated to helping patients achieve a life of recovery through evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. RCA has 11 inpatient facilities in Earleville and Waldorf (near Washington D.C.), Maryland; Danvers and Westminster, Massachusetts; Devon (near Philadelphia), and Monroeville (near Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania; South Amboy and Mays Landing, New Jersey; St. Charles, Illinois (outside of Chicago); Indianapolis, and Greenville in South Carolina. A full spectrum of outpatient treatment is also provided at many of these facilities. Patients can obtain care by calling 1-844-5-RCA-NOW (844-722-2669) with complimentary transportation provided in most cases. For the fourth year, RCA is recognized as having multiple sites atop Newsweek’s America’s Best Addiction Centers rankings for excellence.

Newsweek once again names Greenville Technical College to List of America’s Top Online Colleges

Greenville Technical College (GTC) has been ranked #21 out of the top 200 online learning colleges in the nation, putting GTC in the top position for the state of South Carolina. The list is compiled by Newsweek and global data firm Statista Inc.

With GTC’s 2023 ranking at #97, the college improved by 76 spots on the 2024 list. Only two colleges in South Carolina earned a spot on this year’s list, with the University of South Carolina ranked #124. GTC also achieved a five-star rating, denoting an aggregate score surpassing the median of all recognized institutions.

The America’s Top Online Colleges 2024 list highlights the nation’s top colleges with online degrees based on a survey of over 9,000 online learners as well as research about the institutions. Respondents shared their experiences by rating the institutions regarding several criteria: organization and accessibility, support and service, cost of program, perceived organizational reputation, expected success, and practical relevance of contents. Finally, respondents could indicate how satisfied they were with the organization and to what extent they would recommend it to others.

As Greenville Technical College pivoted to online teaching during the pandemic, GTC realized a need to redesign online course content to better meet student needs. The college joined Quality Matters, an international leader for quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. Membership provides Greenville Technical College with access to a comprehensive, research-supported quality assurance process to design and develop accessible, engaging online courses.

“We were thrilled to make the list last year based on changes our faculty and staff made to our online learning offerings, but even more excited to rise through the ranks this year because of continuous improvement,” said Dr. Larry Miller, vice president of Learning and Workforce Development. “While the ranking we achieved is encouraging, we will continue to enhance online courses so that our student outcomes can improve even further.”

Call for Applications: Riggs Partners’ CreateAthon 2024 Offers Pro Bono Marketing to Nonprofits

Riggs Partners will hold its 26th annual CreateAthon event to benefit Midlands- and Upstate-area nonprofits on March 7-8, 2024. CreateAthon is a 24-hour creative marathon during which professionals provide marketing services to nonprofit organizations on a pro bono basis.

Riggs Partners encourages South Carolina’s Midlands and Upstate nonprofits to submit a CreateAthon application by January 19. As part of the application, nonprofits can submit a video sharing how they feel CreateAthon can best serve their organization. Application details are available at www.riggspartners.com, and selected nonprofits will be notified in February 2024.

“We’re always happy to see CreateAthon season come, and this year is no different,” said Teresa Coles, President of Riggs Partners. “We learn so much from the nonprofit leaders we work with, especially how the social issues they address are evolving and becoming more pervasive. We feel the urgency behind the work we do through CreateAthon now more than ever, and it’s a privilege to meet and support so many people who work tirelessly to make a difference on these issues.”

CreateAthon began as Riggs Partners’ local community service program in 1998 and is now a national 501(c)(3) organization that has recruited more than 100 marketing and communications agencies, universities, professional organizations and corporate marketing teams as CreateAthon partners. This partner network has cumulatively served 2,000+ nonprofit organizations in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom and Romania; produced 3,800+ pro bono marketing projects; and delivered pro bono marketing and communications work valued at more than $30 million. Riggs Partners has served more than 200 South Carolina nonprofits since the program’s inception.

About Riggs Partners
Riggs Partners is a creative marketing consultancy that specializes in helping clients build Responsible Brands, aligning organizational health, business strategy and brand marketing. For more information, visit www.riggspartners.com.

Upstate leaders selected for Liberty Fellowship Class of 2025

Five Upstate leaders have been selected for Liberty Fellowship’s Class of 2025. The Fellowship brings together a small group of established leaders with a wide range of thought, professions, geographic locations, and lived experiences. Through a rigorous 18-month process, each Class member will be challenged to understand and embrace their varying perspectives with a growth-oriented mindset.

The Upstate leaders are:
-George Campbell, Partner, Campbell Teague, LLC, and General Partner, Broad Street Group (Greenville)
-Bern DuPree, Director, Furman Capitol Advisors, and Shareholder, NAI Earle Furman (Greenville)
-Maurie Lawrence, Vice President of Sustainability and Associate General Counsel, Milliken & Company (Spartanburg)
-Neetu Patel, Vice President, Sycamore Investment Group (Greenville)
-Allen Smith, President and CEO, OneSpartanburg, Inc. (Spartanburg)

“Leaders operate in a continually changing landscape and are required to respond swiftly to market forces,” said Ann Marie Stieritz, president and CEO of Liberty Fellowship and a Fellow from the Class of 2016. “This group of dynamic leaders will be a wonderful addition to our global and statewide networks who work together to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

Liberty Fellowship selects a new Class every two years. Each leader selected received at least one nomination, was interviewed twice, and ultimately selected from a pool of more than 400 nominations.

The other members of the Class of 2025 are:

-Ashley Cheek, Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville (Hartsville)
-Grayson Dorr, Senior Project Manager, Advanced Technology International (Moncks Corner)
-Elizabeth Fly, Director of Resilience and Ocean Conservation, The Nature Conservancy (Charleston)
-Margaret Furniss, Vice President of Brand Experience, Beemok Hospitality Collection (Charleston)
-Jonathan Grzyb, Founder and Managing Partner, Phoenix Holdings Partners (Charleston)
-Mena Mark Hanna, General Director and CEO, Spoleto Festival USA (Charleston)
-Jamilla Harper, Chief Operating Officer, Metanoia Community Development Corp. (North Charleston)
-Lana Kleiman, Executive Director, Charleston Legal Access (Mount Pleasant)
-Estee Perlmutter, Advanced Practice Nurse, Liberty Doctors (Charleston)
-Alyssa Richardson, Founder and CEO, Develop South Carolina LLC (North Charleston)
-Kim Smith, Founder and CEO, Health Evolve Technologies, LLC (Irmo)
-Ashely Teasdel, Deputy Secretary, South Carolina Department of Commerce (Columbia)
-Jarrod Tippins, Pharmacist and Owner, The Pharmacy (Florence)
-Maj. Christopher D. Turner, Field Artillery Officer, South Carolina Army National Guard (Beaufort)
-Guang Ming Whitley, Assistant Professor of Law, Charleston School of Law; Chair, Lattice Climbers; and Council Member, Town of Mount Pleasant (Mount Pleasant)
-Gillian Zettler, Founder, G. Zettler Collective (Mount Pleasant)

The Class of 2025 will begin their Liberty Fellowship experience with a series of five, multi-day seminars in South Carolina and abroad in March 2024. Each Class member will also be required to create an impact venture that establishes positive change for future generations in South Carolina.

Upon successful completion of the initial program, the Class of 2025 will join 330 leaders in the Liberty Fellowship South Carolina Network and 3,500 leaders in the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Through these two networks, they will have lifelong opportunities for engagement and access to an influential group of colleagues and mentors.

Learn more about the Class at https://libertyfellowshipsc.org/21-south-carolina-leaders-selected-for-the-class-of-2025/.

FAST FACTS

-The Class of 2025 is the 17th Class of Liberty Fellows since the organization was established in 2004.
-Each Class member is required to complete five seminars in the United States and abroad and an individual impact venture to become a Liberty Fellow.
-A new Class of Liberty Fellows is selected every two years from a pool of more than 400 nominees.
-There are 330 Fellows in the Liberty Fellowship South Carolina Network. 76% of the network is from the business sector, 12% are from the nonprofit sector, and 12% are from the public sector.
-There are more than 3,500 leaders in the Aspen Global Leadership Network from more than 60 countries.

About Liberty Fellowship

Liberty Fellowship is the only state-based Fellowship program of its kind in the United States. The Fellowship activates individual leaders through a deeper understanding of a just, free and equitable society; serves as a convener for bringing together diverse perspectives to advance civil discourse; and provides infrastructure for taking action. There are 330 Liberty Fellows working collectively across South Carolina. Learn more at www.libertyfellowshipsc.org/.

About The Aspen Global Leadership Network

The Aspen Global Leadership Network’s (AGLN) is a growing, worldwide community of more than 3,500 high-integrity, entrepreneurial leaders from over 60 countries who share a commitment to values-based leadership and to using their creativity, energy and resources to tackle the foremost societal challenges of our times. Because of their demonstrated accomplishment and abilities, they have been selected to join one of 13 geographic or sector-specific AGLN Fellowships around the world. Fellows convene annually at the AGLN’s flagship event, the Resnick Aspen Action Forum. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org/agln.

Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty honors top Associates

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty has honored its top Associates for November.

In the Clemson office, the top agent for transactions closed for buyer clients were Lisa Vogel, and the top agents for listings sold were Diane Bostrom and Vogel. In the Greenville office, the top agents for transactions closed for buyer clients were Grace Herlong Loveless and Drew Torres, and the top agents for listings sold were Jessica Kilcoyne and Torres.

Torres is a University of South Carolina graduate who moved to Greenville in 2019 to pursue his passion in real estate. Torres was Rookie of the Year in 2020 and earned International Diamond Society status, which is for the top 15% of agents globally for another agency. He joined Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty in 2021, and was a Chairman’s Circle honoree in 2022 for doing more than $10 million in sales.

Loveless joined Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty team in 2017. In her first year, she sold more than $9 million and was named the company’s Rookie of the Year. She became a member of the President’s Circle, which is for Associates who did more than $5 million in sales, and the Chairman’s Circle in 2021 and 2022. She also was the top producer in the Greenville office in 2022.

Kilcoyne has always had a passion for real estate. She’s a third-generation Greenville realtor, a local real estate investor and renovator, and has experience acquiring and managing short and long-term rental properties. She joined Joan Herlong & Associates in 2022.

Bostrom has been with Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty since April 2021 and she became a member of the Chairman’s Circle in 2021, and the President’s Circle in 2022. She is committed to her clients and making sure they get the best service each time.
Before Vogel joined Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty, she was one of the top 5% of agents at different brokerages and a member of the firm’s President’s Circle Society. Prior to that, she was the Broker-in-Charge for one of the largest North Carolina real estate companies. In 2022, Vogel had the largest sale for anyone in the Clemson office.

“We had a wonderful month in November,” said Joan Herlong, owner and CEO of Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. “I’m proud of how our Associates are creating new opportunities for people in the Upstate.”

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.

Engenius Designs and Launches New Website for DoubleDay Aviation

Greenville, S.C. – Engenius, a Greenville-based web design agency, launched a new website for DoubleDay Aviation, a Greenville-based charter flight service company specializing in pilot training, aircraft management, airplane brokerage, and acquisition services.

Engenius was hired by DoubleDay Aviation to create a website that showcased the company’s aviation experience, expertise, and capabilities and to drive traffic to the new site through digital marketing. By combining content-first, strategic web design with SEO, multiple Google Ads campaigns, and retargeting ads, Engenius has completely transformed DoubleDay’s online presence.

“It was great working with DoubleDay’s CEO and Founder Tim McConnell to see his vision come to life with the creation of a robust and modern website,” said Kory Radford, Director of Client Success at Engenius. “We especially enjoyed creating and managing vibrant photography for this project to better connect DoubleDay to the aviation community with clarity and focus.”

“Our new website effectively showcases our passion and experience in aviation,” said Tim McConnell, Founder and CEO of DoubleDay Aviation. “We are appreciative of the work Engenius did on this project.”

Engenius, which has helped over 500 businesses revamp their online presence with web design and digital marketing services, is celebrating 15 years in business. For more information about Engenius’ clients and services, visit www.engeniusweb.com.

About Engenius
Engenius is a website and digital marketing agency serving businesses through design, strategy, optimization, service and support, and by driving traffic for websites. Based in Greenville, SC, Engenius has over fifteen years of experience working with hundreds of businesses and organizations to build, optimize, and support their websites. Served by a team of passionate professionals, Engenius’ clients routinely point to the company’s responsiveness, proactivity, genuine care, systems-based approach, and personable nature as the reason they work with Engenius long-term. Learn more by visiting engeniusweb.com.