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Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Meghan Riordan Joins Project Host Board of Directors

Meghan Riordan

GREENVILLE, SC – Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. is pleased to announce that Meghan Riordan was recently selected to serve on the Board of Directors for Project Host, a local nonprofit fighting food insecurity in the Greenville area through meals and education.

Active in the community, Meghan currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Greenville Chamber, is an adjunct professor at Furman University and is a mentor for Furman University’s Women’s Basketball Team. She is also a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 43.

Meghan’s practice focuses on advising hospitals, physicians and physicians’ groups, nursing and long term care facilities and other healthcare providers on a wide range of matters, including HIPAA, Medicare and Medicaid, and fraud and abuse. She also represents clients with their commercial litigation needs. Meghan is recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Administrative/Regulatory Law (2023-2024), Commercial Litigation (2021-2024) and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (2021-2024).

About Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Established in 1887, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is a full-service law firm providing creative and efficient solutions for local, national and international clients. With more than 110 attorneys located throughout the Carolinas, we are well-positioned to meet the complex legal needs of our clients. Learn more at www.hsblawfirm.com.

EnerSys Intends to Expand Its Presence in South Carolina with New Operations in Greenville County

GREENVILLE, SC – EnerSys (NYSE:ENS), a global leader in energy storage systems and solutions, has announced it plans to expand in South Carolina with the establishment of new operations in Greenville County. This $500 million capital investment has the potential to create 500 new jobs.

With over 100 years in the industry, EnerSys is a multibillion-dollar enterprise and a global leader in industrial technology with a presence across 100 countries. The company has been a trusted manufacturer of batteries, chargers, and power systems for use in a variety of end markets including telecommunications, broadband, data center, industrial utilities, warehouse and logistics, aerospace, defense, and transportation. The company also recently launched its Fast Charge and Storage system, which provides energy storage and management for various applications including dynamic fast charging for electric vehicles.

EnerSys intends to build a 500,000 square foot manufacturing facility on 140 acres at Augusta Grove Business Park in Greenville. This will be the company’s second South Carolina facility and one of 15 in North America. This new operation will focus on producing various form factors of lithium-ion cells for commercial, industrial, and defense applications, with an annual production capacity of four gigawatt hours (GWh).

“Greenville welcomes EnerSys to our county and is grateful to its team for selecting our community to expand its technological capabilities,” says Greenville County Council Chairman, Dan Tripp. “The company’s investment is a testament to Greenville’s diverse and robust manufacturing environment and highly skilled workforce.”

This significant economic development is the result of a valued partnership and collaboration efforts between numerous parties including Greenville Area Development Corporation, South Carolina Department of Commerce, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, and EnerSys. All parties involved have played a pivotal role in making this initiative a success.

“Greenville County is proud to welcome EnerSys to South Carolina’s Upstate. Although growing, this community maintains a reputation for serving and helping one another. We look forward to including EnerSys and its team members in our Greenville family as we evolve into a long-lasting and successful partnership,” states Chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, Bruce Bannister.

Many notable attendees were present at this announcement today, including South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster. “Congratulations to EnerSys and Greenville County on a partnership that brings new opportunities to South Carolina. The Upstate is set for significant transformation with an extraordinary $500 million investment, accompanied by the creation of 500 new jobs. This investment will shape the region’s future, fostering sustained prosperity for South Carolina in the years ahead,” said Governor McMaster.

Secretary of Commerce, Harry M. Lightsey III was also in attendance, stating “We are pleased that EnerSys chose South Carolina to increase its statewide presence and host such a large operation. Our pro-business climate and prepared workforce make it possible for companies to start, grow and thrive in a place they enjoy calling home.”

For additional information on EnerSys please visit www.enersys.com/en/. Operations are targeted to be online in late 2027. Individuals interested in joining the EnerSys team should visit the readySC’s careers page.

ABOUT GREENVILLE AREA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Greenville Area Development Corporation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2001 by Greenville County Council. As leaders in economic development for Greenville, GADC provides support and resources to businesses of all sizes and acts as a liaison between the business community and local government and works closely with government officials and agencies to ensure that the needs and concerns of businesses are heard and addressed.

For more information about Greenville Area Development Corporation, visit www.greenvilleeconomicdevelopment.com.

Grace Herlong Loveless named one of GSA Business’s Forty Under 40

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Grace Herlong Loveless has been named one of GSA Business Report’s Forty Under 40.

GSA Business Report’s Forty Under 40 annually celebrates the success and community involvement of 40 professionals under age 40 who are making their mark on the Upstate in a mix of industry, professional and community sectors.

Nominations for the award are submitted by businesses, organizations and individuals. Judges independently score the nominations, and 40 emerge from the pool of candidates for the final list of honorees.

Loveless grew up in Greenville and is a graduate of Furman University. Since 2017, she has been an award-winning Associate with Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. She became a member of the President’s Circle, which is for Associates who did more than $5 million in sales, in 2020 and joined the Chairman’s Circle, which is for Associates who topped $10 million, in 2021 and repeated in 2022. She also was the top producer in the company’s Greenville office in 2022. She also was featured in a 2020 episode of HGTV’s House Hunters.

“Everyone is very proud of Grace’s accomplishments,” said Joan Herlong, owner and CEO of Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. “Grace is an amazing Realtor and dedicated to working for the best of her clients.”

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.

Urban League of the Upstate Receives $20,000 from Duke Energy and Hosts Preview of The McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life

Duke Energy Presents a $20,000 Grant to Leadership at the ULUS

GREENVILLE, S.C. – In collaboration with The McClaren Apartments’ grand opening on February 9, Executive Director of the Urban League of the Upstate (ULUS), Dr. Gail Wilson Awan, gave an update on the developing McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life, located immediately next door at 110 Wardlaw.

During Dr. Wilson Awan’s remarks, Linda Hannon, Director of Government and Community Relations at Duke Energy, presented a $20,000 grant that will be used to create digital exhibits within the Cultural and Historical Literacy Center and a Civil Rights Tour that will include the history of the McClaren Medical Shelter.

The building was built by Dr. Edward E. McClaren in 1949 and served as the only clinic for Black people in the area during the Jim Crow era. As part of the McClaren Apartments’ development project, the building was moved to accommodate construction and then donated to the Urban League of the Upstate.

Following the grand opening event, Dr. Wilson Awan and representatives from the ULUS welcomed visitors for a hard hat tour of the ongoing construction and renovation efforts of the facility, which will soon become a physical hub and programmatic center.

What is The McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life?

The McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life will focus on addressing healthcare and wellness disparities for Black people and the underserved living in the Upstate of South Carolina by emphasizing programs around the five social determinants of health: economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, social and community context.

The physical location in the renovated, historic McClaren Medical shelter will serve as a hub for services, education, and outreach efforts.

Renovating the Building for New Programming and Education

The McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life is currently developing core programming (five programs are confirmed) and completing renovations on the facility in fall of 2024. The physical space will include a multimedia Cultural and Historical Literacy Center displaying contributions of Black citizens to Greenville’s growth and development on the lower floor. This interactive center will educate, inspire, and motivate aspiring leaders towards building a better quality of life for the underserved communities in the Upstate.

The upper floor is a hub for ULUS and its partners to address Upstate health disparities—by offering programming on site and as a resource center for initiatives happening throughout the region.

The upper floor maintains its original design of “patient rooms” but is being renovated to provide multiple functions. Four spaces will be activated for specific health and wellness related services, bolstered by a reception/waiting area and the ULUS office.

Design, renovation, and construction is being managed by the Johnston Design Group. The Cargo Agency is creating the Cultural and Historical Literacy Center and multimedia experiences.

Fundraising is underway for the completion of the early phases of the project and to launch future phases.

About the Urban League of the Upstate
The mission of the ULUS is to advance equity by empowering the Black community and underserved individuals throughout the region. The National Urban League is laser-focused on Health Equity as a key initiative, supporting local efforts through funding, advocacy, and programming. To learn more, visit urbanleagueupstate.org.

Countybank Foundation Donates $2,500 to Faith Home

Pictured (left to right) are Tony Lawson, Commercial Relationship Manager for Countybank; James Gowan, Executive Director of Faith Home; and David Tompkins, Commercial Banking Manager for Countybank.

The Countybank Foundation, established in 1971 representing Countybank and Greenwood Capital, recently donated $2,500 to Faith Home, a Christian rehabilitation program for men and women seeking treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction.

“We are so grateful for the Countybank Foundation’s generous contribution and ongoing partnership,” said James Gowan, Executive Director of Faith Home. “We are committed to serving the Greenwood community through providing rehabilitation to those that need it most, and it is because of organizations like these that we are able to continue helping the men and women who come through our program.”

Funds from this donation will go toward expanding Faith Home’s Social Hall on their main campus. This will enable them to serve an additional 48 residents per year.

“Giving back to the Greenwood community is a key piece of our mission, and we could not be more excited to present Faith Home with this donation,” said Tony Lawton, Commercial Relationship Manager for Countybank. “We hope these funds will aid in the continued success of this vital community program.”

“Greenwood Capital has been active in our community for over 40 years. We are honored to partner with our friends at Faith Home,” said John Cooper, Senior Private Client Advisor for Greenwood Capital, “We appreciate the great work they do and wish them many years of continued success.”

Established in 1966, Faith Home is a national and regionally recognized leading provider of faith-based alcohol and drug addiction inpatient residential recovery program services for adult men and women. Faith Home was initially launched by providing a residential recovery home to 14 men in Greenwood at the current 67-acre main campus and has expanded to four campus facilities with 135 residential beds. Since its inception, more than 40,000 people have come through the program.

To learn more about Countybank, visit www.ecountybank.com.

Carolina Handling’s Justin Benson to speak at MODEX

Justin Benson, Vice President of Intralogistics Solutions, Carolina Handling

Carolina Handling Vice President of Intralogistics Solutions Justin Benson has been tapped to deliver a presentation entitled, “Elevating Operations with Total Intralogistics Solutions: An Ecosystem of Efficiencies,” during MODEX, one of the largest supply chain trade shows in the country.

The March 11-14 event at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors, along with presentations on the latest supply chain trends from traditional equipment to workforce automation, robotics and emerging technology.

During the on-floor seminar, Benson and Melinda Laake, Director of Intralogistics Solutions at The Raymond Corporation, will explore how seamless integration of data, equipment, technology and tailored aftermarket services creates a complete framework that helps organizations achieve new heights of efficiency while delivering for customers.

The seminar will emphasize the importance of integrating data, equipment, technology and aftermarket services to improve efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction within an organization. It also will showcase how working with a single-source provider with an ecosystem-focused portfolio can offer benefits from initial consultation to after the sale.

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.

Cyberwoven Marketing Director Joins Main Street District Board

Columbia, S.C. – Shayla Merritt, marketing director of Cyberwoven, an award-winning brand, digital marketing, and website design and development firm, joins the board of Downtown Columbia’s Main Street District. In her new role, Merritt will help guide the organization’s marketing, public advocacy, and economic development of the district.

Merritt’s extensive background in marketing, design, and communications, having worked for industries in the non-profit, hospitality, tourism, and A/E/C sectors, will add to the growing reach of the district’s on-going marketing efforts.

Shayla Merritt, Cyberwoven’s Director of Marketing

“I am elated to join the Main Street District board, especially since I have enjoyed working in the district for the last 10 years,” says Merritt. “Watching what Matt [Kennell] and his team have done and continue to do to transform the district into an economic driver for our community has been truly inspiring. I am honored to join a group of thoughtful individuals who not only care for this growing community but, who will work hard to continue to make this the place to be – downtown on Main Street.”

Since her time in Columbia, Merritt has served the community in many ways. She is an active member of the AIA South Carolina’s Marketing and Communications Committee, the Columbia Chamber’s Leadership Columbia Advisory Board, the Columbia Museum of Art’s Contemporaries Board, the Main Street District’s Marketing and Communications Committee, Melius Forum, MIRCI’s Board of Directors, and the University of South Carolina’s Black Alumni Council.

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About the Main Street District
The Main Street District encompasses the 36-block area bounded by Gervais, Elmwood, Assembly, and Marion streets in Columbia, SC. The organization provides public space management, economic development, place management, marketing services, and public advocacy for the Main Street District. The Board of Directors oversees the organization’s mission – to focus on filling vacancies in commercial properties, retaining existing downtown businesses and recruiting new ones, expanding the downtown residential base, and creating a safe, clean, and friendly downtown environment.

About Cyberwoven
Cyberwoven is a brand, marketing, and web agency headquartered on Main Street in downtown Columbia, SC. Since opening our doors in 2001, we have launched award-winning websites, guided the creation and evolution of brands, and built audience engagement both online and in person. We work with organizations in various industries, including the arts, culture, government, retail, education, finance, healthcare, and insurance. Our goal is to create authentic and unmistakable brand experiences that are infused with imagination, build trust, and inspire love. Learn more at cyberwoven.com.

Germein De Sario Joins Greenwood Capital Team

Germein De Sario, Private Client Administrator for Greenwood Capital

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Greenwood Capital is pleased to announce the addition of Germein De Sario to the client service team as a Private Client Administrator and Office Manager for the Downtown Greenville office, located at 201 W. McBee Ave. In this role, De Sario is dedicated to assisting both clients and advisors in their day-to-day account servicing needs and supporting Greenwood Capital’s overarching goal to guide clients through their financial life planning.

“We are delighted to have Germein join our team,” said Brian L. Disher, Director of Wealth Management. “Her operational background and diverse experiences will provide a huge benefit to our clients.”

De Sario joins the firm with over twelve years of experience in business operations and logistics. In her previous roles, she specialized in project management and cross-functional collaboration to launch new products and designs. She is passionate about giving back and has used her organizational expertise to direct efforts to send supplies to underprivileged communities abroad.

“My approach to work has always focused on understanding an individual’s needs and priorities,” said De Sario, “At Greenwood Capital, I’m committed to delivering a personalized and seamless experience to our clients.”

De Sario’s addition to the team is a testament to Greenwood Capital’s continued growth as the firm expands services across the Upstate. According to Walter B. Todd, President and CIO, “Over the past forty years, we have been working with both clients and their families. Through this generational approach, we now serve clients in over 20 states. We are excited to add Germein to our client services team, as we continue to provide personalized service to our clients and communities.”

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, De Sario earned her B.S. in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida, and her MBA with a concentration in finance from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

To learn more about Greenwood Capital, visit http://www.greenwoodcapital.com, https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenwood-capital/, and https://www.facebook.com/GreenwoodCapitalSC/

About Greenwood Capital: Founded in 1983 in Greenwood, South Carolina, Greenwood Capital specializes in investment advisory and management services, offering a variety of services for the individual as well as institutional clientele. Greenwood Capital is recognized as one of the largest independent investment firms in the Southeast, managing $1.5 billion in assets nationwide. Prior to 2001, Greenwood Capital Associates and the term “Firm” refers to Greenwood Capital Associates, Inc. (GCAI) which was established in 1983. On or about June 29, 2001, Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC acquired substantially all the assets of GCAI, a sub-chapter S corporation. Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC registration dates back from 2001.

The YoPro Know promotes Jade Fountain to Director of Operations

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The YoPro Know has promoted Jade Fountain from Account Manager to Director of Operations.

Fountain has been with The YoPro Know since January 2023, working with a number of clients as well as tackling various operational projects. She has a background in non-profit fundraising, marketing, and volunteer management.

She is a graduate of Furman University’s Women’s Leadership Institute, was named one of Greenville Business Magazine’s Best & Brightest Under 35 in 2020, and is a graduate of Leadership Greenville class 48. She currently serves on the board of The Family Effect; is the Chair of the Junior League of Greenville’s Grants committee; and was a member of the 2023 Rose Ball Beneficiaries committee.

“Since Jade joined the team one year ago, she has been an integral member of The YoPro Know, and has helped us achieve rapid growth,” said founder Kamber Parker Bowden. “We don’t know what we would do without her, and look forward to seeing how she helps the company grow in this new role.”

About The YoPro Know:

The YoPro Know’s mission is to maximize young professionals’ careers by preparing them today to be the business leaders of tomorrow. Based in Greenville (SC) with a national community, The YoPro Know promotes your success in the workplace by being a bridge between ambitious young professionals and progressive businesses who want to recruit, engage, and retain them. Visit www.yoproknow.com to learn more.

Thomas Gully Joins The Midtown OFFICE Of C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS

GREENVILLE, SC –  Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS is pleased to announce that Thomas Gully has joined the company’s Midtown office as a sales associate.

Gully brings five years of experience to the real estate industry. With a commitment to building lasting relationships and prioritizing connections over transactions, he has established himself as a trusted advisor in real estate. Driven by his passion for serving clients, Thomas approaches every interaction with a relationship-based mindset, ensuring that each individual’s needs are not only met, but exceeded. His confidence in the market stems from a profound understanding of its dynamics, allowing him to navigate complexities with ease and finesse.

“I am happy to announce that Thomas has joined our firm. He will be a great asset to us, as well as The Crigler Group led by Alex Crigler. I look forward to watching his career blossom and grow,” said Matthew Thrift, Broker-In-Charge of the Midtown office.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS
Founded in 1964 by C. Dan Joyner, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS is the Upstate’s leading real estate company, selling more homes than any other firm in this region. The family-owned company has 8 offices and over 420 agents providing residential and commercial real estate, property management, relocation and senior services. For more information, visit www.cdanjoyner.com.