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Countybank Announces New Greer Financial Center Grand Opening

Countybank is excited to announce it will celebrate the grand opening of its new financial center in Greer on February 8. This will serve as Countybank’s second financial center in the Greer market; Countybank’s existing location on Trade Street opened in 2018.

The new financial center will be conveniently located at 530 West Wade Hampton Boulevard with service offerings ranging from personal and business banking needs such as checking, saving, and loans, to insurance services. The new location will operate as a full-service financial center, designed to meet all financial needs. Customers will also have access to a drive-thru and 24/7 ATM.

“We are thrilled to expand our services as the city of Greer and surrounding areas continue to grow,” said Ken Harper, Chief Banking Officer for Countybank. “Our dedicated financial center team will continue to provide the exceptional financial service Countybank is known for.”

Countybank has hired a talented financial center team that will run its new location in Greer and is pleased to have Christopher Kidwell serving as the location’s Financial Center Manager. In this role, he will be responsible for managing financial center operations, leading the team, and handling personal lending needs. Kidwell joined Countybank in 2018 and most recently served as Consumer and Business Relationship Manager for Countybank’s Pelham Road financial center. He is also a participant in Leadership Greer.

In addition to Kidwell, Countybank welcomes Amanda Selvey, who will serve as Universal Associate. In this role she will be responsible for supporting customer needs, including account opening and relationship management as well as providing teller line assistance when needed. Selvey joins Countybank with more than 10 years of office management experience, having previously served in banking sales and customer service roles in Greer.

Finally, Adella Henderson and Natalia Prokhor will serve as Tellers at the new financial center location. Henderson joins Countybank with previous bank experience as an account manager, and Prokhor joins the bank with previous experience as a teller and mortgage loan officer.

“We are excited to have Chris transition into this new role and welcome Amanda, Adella, and Natalia to the Countybank family,” said Kevin Duncan, Greer Market Executive for Countybank. “They will serve as the face of our new location and provide a much-needed expansion of our products and services to the Greer community.”

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

National Guard, Reserve Annual Employer Recognition Luncheon in Greenville

National Guard, Reserve Annual Employer Luncheon in Greenville

WHAT: The annual South Carolina Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (SCESGR) Upstate Employer Recognition Ceremony/Luncheon
WHO: Host: Chair of SCESGR, Ms. Jennifer Harding.
Guest Speaker: Brig. Gen. Richard Wholey
Awardees: Pro Patria Award: BDV Solutions, Greeneville SC
Above and Beyond Award: Medical Legal Partnership, Greeneville; Stevens Aerospace, Greeneville; United Parcel Service, Spartanburg; Micheline Mobility Intel, Greeneville; Robinson Funeral Home, Easley; and Clemson University
Also recognized will be organizations that were nominated for the U.S. Department of Defense-level Freedom Award: Greenville Police Department; Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., Greenville; EAS Professionals. Inc., Greer; Bravo USA, Laurens; BDV Solutions, Lyman; Ashwood Counseling, Simpsonville; Oshkosh Defense, Spartanburg; The Cliffs Club Service, Travelers Rest; United Rentals, Anderson; and Robinson Funeral Homes, Easley
WHEN: Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon
WHERE: The Poinsett Club in Greenville

“National Guard and Reserve members bring tremendous skills and capabilities to our workforce, and employer support for their military service is critical to maintaining the strength of our National Guard and Reserve units,” said Jennifer Harding “By valuing the military service of their Guard and Reserve employees, employers are directly supporting the readiness and retention of our All-Volunteer Force, and our national defense.”

ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for Reserve Component service members through outreach, recognition, conflict resolution, and educational awareness of applicable laws.

For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/SC. For more details, please contact Bryan Hilferty, Public Affairs Director, SC ESGR, 803-847-826; or the SC ESGR Support technician, Ms. Angel Mack at 803-299-2515 of [email protected].

The Blood Connection President & CEO Elected to Chair Board of National Blood Organization

GREENVILLE, SC – Blood Centers of America (BCA) has announced the appointment of Delisa English, President and CEO of The Blood Connection (TBC), as incoming Chair of its Board of Directors, beginning January 2024.

BCA is the largest blood supply network in the United States and is comprised of over 60+ independent blood centers who collect and distribute over 50% of the nation’s blood supply. The Blood Connection, a long-standing member of BCA, is one of the area’s largest independent blood providers serving 130 hospital partners in communities throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.

“It is a privilege to be chosen to serve on the Board for BCA. I’m looking forward to working alongside the BCA committee advocating and educating for the nation’s blood supply in the various communities these independent blood centers represent and serve,” says English.

With over 28 years in the blood industry, English has served as President and CEO of TBC for the past decade. Prior to joining TBC, English held several leadership roles with The American Red Cross Biomedical Services. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University. English is active in the Greenville community volunteering with several organizations and serving on non-profit boards.

“It is an honor to be able to have Ms. English serve in this capacity with Blood Centers of America”, said Bill Block, President and CEO of BCA. He adds, “Ms. English has significant expertise and tenure in serving the Cooperative for many years in Committee leadership as well as on the BCA Executive Committee. I look forward to working with her and fellow blood centers across our organization to continue to combine our deep local knowledge with our extensive national network to expand services to the communities we serve.”

About The Blood Connection
Founded in Greenville, SC, (formerly the Carolina Georgia Blood Center) The Blood Connection has been committed to saving lives since 1962. TBC is an independently managed, not-for-profit, community blood center that provides blood products to over 130 hospitals within South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. Recognized by the U.S. Congress for its dedication to disaster preparedness and the community, TBC works diligently to collect blood from volunteer donors to meet the ever-increasing demand. By keeping collections local, TBC serves hundreds of thousands of patients a year in its communities. TBC is licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit thebloodconnection.org.

McKissick launches public relations firm, HOLLIS Strategic Communications

GREENVILLE, S.C.  — Holly McKissick announced today the start of a new public relations firm based in Greenville, Hollis Strategic Communications (hollis-sc.com).

Building on experience working in corporate communications for a global consumer products company, coordinating donor outreach and events for a national political committee, and most recently driving PR strategies for clients with a leading Greenville-based PR and marketing agency, McKissick says she is eager to blend a global mindset with local savvy to deliver tailored solutions for her clients.

“It’s incredibly exciting to join Greenville’s business community as an entrepreneurial PR professional,” McKissick said. “With the way the Upstate is growing, attracting best-in-class organizations and people, the need for high-impact and engaging PR goes along with that – both for newcomers and established businesses. I can’t wait to help visionary leaders shape, clarify and amplify their message.”

Hollis Strategic Communications offers services in public relations, corporate communications consulting, content creation, social media and event management.

McKissick graduated from Clemson in 2013 in with bachelor’s degrees in French & International Trade and Political Science. She earned an MBA from Clemson in and a Master of International Business from IÉSEG School of Management in Paris in 2018.

Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness celebrates American Heart Month with deals at all three locations

GREENVILLE, S.C. – To help make healthier hearts for American Heart Month this February, Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness is offering a free, no-commitment three-day pass all month long.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease and other poor-heart-health-related conditions.

Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness wants everyone to take care of their heart health not just in February, but every month. They offer a variety of ways to break a sweat and get your heart pumping, including personal training with nationally certified personal trainers (one on one and small group training) and group fitness classes (from low-impact to water aerobics).

“A lot of people assume their heart health is just fine because they aren’t overweight or maybe because they used to be an athlete a decade or two ago,” said Sarah Gunter, a personal training director with Sportsclub. “The truth is, everyone can work on improving their heart health. We hope we can inspire more people to take their heart health seriously this month and beyond.”

Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness has locations at 317 ScuffletownRoad in Simpsonville, 712 Congaree Road in Greenville and 667 SE Main Street in Simpsonville. To download a free, no-commitment, 3-day pass, click here: https://sportsclubsc.com/pass/

About Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness:

Since 1975, Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness has been the choice for those who want something more than just a gym membership. Their mission is to provide the best health club experience in the Upstate of South Carolina. Their members appreciate a wide variety of equipment, adult and youth fitness programming, group exercise classes and a friendly and knowledgeable team. From team sports to group activities to individual instruction, they can define a fitness program that suits anyone’s unique ability and lifestyle at their three convenient locations in Greenville. Learn more by visiting https://sportsclubsc.com/.

About acac Fitness & Wellness Centers:

Founded by Phil Wendel in 1984, acac Fitness & Wellness Centers has become the gold standard for health and wellness facilities. With 11 locations throughout Virginia, Pennsylvania and now South Carolina, acac members and guests have access to a full spectrum of high quality programs, services and equipment. acac’s mission is to provide a great fitness experience for members of all ages in a clean and safe environment. Its team members are dedicated to the integration of medicine and fitness to improve community health by focusing on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of lifestyle-related disease. Learn more at https://acac.com.

Fulton & Barr Attorney Achieves Recertification In Civil Trial Law With The National Board of Trial Advocacy

Fulton & Barr’s principal and co-founder Andrew Barr recently received his recertification as a Civil Trial advocate from the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA). Barr’s recertification, which follows a rigorous application process and reflects more than 3 decades of service to residents of the Upstate, provides legal clients with an objective measure by which to choose qualified and experienced legal counsel.

“Receiving this recertification is important to me, but even more important to clients seeking legal representation,” said Barr. “The screening credentials for all NBTA board certified attorneys is rigorous, but it demonstrates my commitment to being an exceptional lawyer and my commitment to providing clients with the highest level of service and performance.”

The NBTA was formed out of a firm conviction that both the law profession and its clients would benefit from an organization designed specifically to create an objective set of standards illustrating an attorney’s experience and expertise in the practice of trial law. All NBTA board certified attorneys must complete an elaborate screening of credentials, including demonstrating substantial trial experience, submitting judicial and peer references to attest to their competency, attending continuing legal education courses, and proof of good standing.

“Andrew is an outstanding attorney and powerful litigator with a long track record of success, and this recertification reinforces that to the entire community,” said Valerie Fulton, principal at Fulton & Barr. “Andrew has fought tirelessly for personal injury and worker’s compensation clients here in the Upstate for over 30 years, and consistently helped them receive just and reasonable compensation for their injuries.”

Board Certification is the highest, most stringent, and most reliable honor an attorney can achieve. Board certifications are the only distinctions awarded by non-profit organizations. The NBTA as well as all board certifying organizations are committed to safeguarding the public’s ability to choose a good attorney.

ABOUT FULTON & BARR
The law firm of Fulton & Barr, P.A. was founded in 1993 in Greenville, South Carolina, and serves clients in the Upstate South Carolina region in matters of workers’ compensation, social security disability and personal injury including product liability and motor vehicle accidents. Attorney Andrew C. Barr focuses his practice on handling personal injury, workers’ compensation and product liability cases. He is a member of numerous local and national bar associations including the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and is board certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Attorney Valerie Fulton specializes in worker’s compensation law. Valerie is fluent in Spanish, enabling the firm to better serve the Upstate’s rapidly growing Spanish-speaking community. For more information on Fulton & Barr visit www.fultonbarr.com.

OJRSA to launch engagement for the Central Basin Sewer Planning Study

SENECA, S.C. —The Oconee County Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) has launched a community-wide study that is entering an engagement phase to provide key information to help plan future growth throughout the county.

The Central Basin Sewer Planning Study will collect and analyze the most recent data (including but not limited to census data, recent growth projections, land use, current and planned sewer infrastructure, and stakeholder provided information in planning for future growth over the next 20 years (2024-2044) and provide a proactive approach in sewer infrastructure planning and capital spending.

The public is invited to take advantage of digital and in-person engagement activities to share ideas, opportunities, and challenges that will inform the study. The project website (www.ojrsa.org/sewer-study) will be updated with new information on February 2, 2024, and will be updated regularly throughout the project. The website will feature news and upcoming-event information, and feedback tools including an interactive comment map and survey.

There are three in-person project open houses scheduled in February: Thursday, February 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Walhalla Depot; Thursday, February 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Westminster Depot; and Thursday, February 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Seneca City Hall. Each open house will include a brief presentation and activities for all ages. The public is invited to attend whichever session best fits their schedule as the content presented will be the same at each event and will also be made available on the project website. Feedback will be analyzed to determine common themes and community priorities and preferences for sewer growth.

“Oconee County is experiencing tremendous growth,” said Chris Eleazer, executive director of the OJRSA. “This growth leads to questions about investment in infrastructure, including where, when, and how. With big decisions ahead, major sewer projects require thoughtful conversations that weigh costs and benefits. This study will provide the necessary data, public input, and analyses we need to identify the current and future needs within the county.”

Bolton & Menk, Inc., a civil/municipal planning and engineering firm, will serve as the engagement consultant on the project. Public input is a key component of the project and will be ongoing through much of the process.

“We are proud to partner with OJRSA on this project and help create a viable, strategic growth plan that will best serve all residents of Oconee County,” said Katherine Amidon, senior environmental planner for Bolton & Menk, Inc. “We believe all people should live in safe, sustainable, and beautiful communities. When it comes to long-term planning, we know that listening to the community and developing an understanding of the various perspectives is vital to creating solutions that work. The project team is committed to ensuring equity and inclusion are considered in both our public process and our planning solutions.”

About the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority:
The Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) is a governmental agency providing wastewater treatment service to the cities of Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, the town of West Union and their surrounding areas. Learn more at www.ojrsa.org.

First Reliance Bank Promotes Shanell Cook To Treasury Services Officer

Shanell Cook, Treasury Services Officer, First Reliance Bank

Shanell Cook has been promoted to Treasury Services Officer for the Winston-Salem branch. As Treasury Services Officer, she supports the team’s effort to grow the bank’s deposit base through treasury service products. Additionally, she supports team members and clients in the First Reliance footprint with treasury management training, support, and financial analysis with proformas. She will continue in her role, supporting the bank with merchant services and credit card services while serving as liaison with third-party vendors.

Shanell joined the bank in 2021 with 24 years of banking experience with strengths in customer service and treasury services.

Suzanne Hill, First Reliance Market President for Winston-Salem said, “Shanell’s promotion to Treasury Services Officer is well deserved. She is a proven leader who consistently delivers hard work, determination, and a positive attitude to staff and our customers.”

Shanell and her husband of 22 years have six children and are a foster and adoptive family. Consistent with First Reliance’s founding principles, “Reagan’s Promise,” the bank’s adoption awareness program, the Cook Family positively impacts the people around them. We applaud their commitment to caring for children in this realm.

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 at www.firstreliance.com.

Clemson University Completes Trailblazing Women’s Sports Program Expansion Project

Project designers from Garvin Design Group and HNTB joined Clemson athletes, coaches, and administrators for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony in January 2024.

Clemson University recently completed its much-anticipated lakefront Women’s Sports Program Expansion project, a complex of world-class facilities for the newly formed women’s gymnastics and lacrosse teams, as well as a first-of-its-kind Athlete Recovery Center (ARC). Columbia-based architecture and interior design firm Garvin Design Group teamed with national sports architects HNTB to lead the design of this landmark project. The design team joined Clemson University officials, coaches, student-athletes, and construction manager Brasfield & Gorrie of Greenville, SC, for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the project’s completion.

The Expansion project includes a 24,000-sf gymnastics operations facility, a 9,000-sf lacrosse operations facility, and a lacrosse stadium with seating for 1,000 spectators. In addition, a new 10,000-sf Elite Athlete Recovery Center (ARC) provides amenities to all Clemson athletes. The project’s architectural and interior design support holistic athlete development and set a new standard for excellence in the student-athlete experience.

“The design of the Athlete Recovery Center not only prioritizes functionality but also provides all Clemson athletes with stunning views of Lake Hartwell,” said Eric Maxwell, HNTB Design Principal. “By carefully arranging these spaces to frame expansive vistas beyond the public beach access, the design team has created an environment that seamlessly blends innovation with the natural beauty of the surroundings – a testament to our dedication to elevating the athlete experience, fostering both physical and mental well-being in a uniquely inspiring setting.”

Hosted inside the ARC against the backdrop of the new lacrosse stadium and Lake Hartwell, the ribbon-cutting ceremony featured speeches from members of the lacrosse and gymnastics teams, coaching staff, Athletics Director Graham Neff, and President Jim Clements. Program attendees repeatedly remarked that the new facilities reflect Clemson Athletics’ philosophy “best is the standard.”

“From the orientation of the buildings to the finest interior details, the quality of design and construction is a testament to Clemson Athletics’ commitment to athletics, especially women’s sports,” said Liza Brockman, Garvin Design Group Interior Designer. “Designing for these two historic women’s sports programs has been so meaningful for me, as a designer and as a Clemson alum.”

About Garvin Design Group: Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Garvin Design Group (GDG) offers comprehensive planning and design services for various project types and sizes. From master planning and programming to interior up-fits and new construction, GDG strives to provide client-driven design solutions throughout South Carolina. The firm of 20 people has completed more than $1 billion worth of projects since its founding in 2003. GDG’s contributions to the community and the profession earned it the American Institute of Architects – South Carolina’s (AIA SC) 2019 Firm Award, the Columbia Chamber’s 2020 Small Business of the Year Award, and recognition as a Top 3 Best in Business Award from SC Business Monthly since 2021. For more information, visit www.garvindesigngroup.com.

About HNTB: HNTB Corporation (HNTB) is an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and construction contractors. With 109 years of service, HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure and addresses clients’ most complex technical, financial, and operational challenges. Professionals deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, and program and construction management. For more information, visit www.hntb.com or follow HNTB on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

Owens Insurance Agency Welcomes Beau Trauger as Vice President, Commercial Insurance

Owens Insurance Agency, an established independent insurance agency in downtown Greer with a 70-plus-year presence in the Upstate, has hired Beau Trauger as Vice President and Commercial Insurance Broker. Trauger brings more than 16 years of experience in financial services and insurance, most recently serving as Vice President in the Greenville office of a major regional insurance services company.

“Beau’s proven ability to deliver insurance and risk management solutions to small-to-mid-sized businesses – with a focus on building long-term relationships – is a real asset for Owens Insurance as we continue to grow the commercial side of our business. That’s currently about 70 percent of our client mix,” said Chad Hannon, CLCS, Market President for Owens Insurance Agency’s home office in Greer. “We are excited to welcome Beau to our team.”

Trauger’s career history also includes more than 10 years in banking, during which time he held increasingly responsible positions culminating in regional mortgage manager. Trauger earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Greenville University. A resident of Greer for the past 25 years, Trauger and his wife have four children.

“We appreciate Beau’s strong professional background along with his passion for the community. Whether he’s servicing customers, representing his church, or coaching high school basketball, Beau strives to add value and make a difference in everything he does,” said Chris Crist, Co-owner of Owens Insurance Agency with business partner Shane Lynn.

When asked what drew him to Owens Insurance Agency, Trauger explained, “I was intrigued with the leadership team’s vision for growing and servicing clients the right way, while retaining a hometown feel. I knew it was an ideal fit and I look forward to contributing to the agency’s continued success for years to come.”