South Carolina Recruits $8.19B In Industry, 2024
The South Carolina Department of Commerce recruited industries with a total projected capital investment of $8.19 billion in 2024. Existing industry reinvested in the state with expansion projects projected to total $5.38 billion.
“South Carolina remains dedicated to the success of our businesses for the economic betterment of our people and the overall strength of our economy,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.
The highest industry investments were in these sectors: Information Technology and Computer Equipment, $4.1 billion; Automotive, $1.3 billion; and Aerospace, $1 billion.
“The capital investment and economic development activity announced in 2024 reinforces South Carolina’s position as a competitive destination for businesses,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.
“By building on industries in which we have established ourselves as a national leader — like automotive and advanced manufacturing — while unlocking potential in emerging sectors, we can create more high-wage, high-skill economic opportunities,” he said.
The $8.19 billion in investments is projected to create 5,500 new jobs.
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Fine Arts Center Celebrates YoungArts National Winners
The Fine Arts Center, part of Greenville County Schools, has announced that six students have been honored as winners in the YoungArts National Competition.
The program identifies and nurtures young artists. Thousands of students apply. The criteria are technique, artistry and depth of thinking that exceeds the level of their peers. Each student also received $250.
Honorees are William Armstrong, Jazz/Piano; Anna Cassell, Visual Arts; Ronnie Elliott, Jazz/Guitar; Mary B. Mays, Visual Arts; Lillie Markel, Creative Writing; Taylor Marie Robinson, Voice.
Armstrong was also recognized in 2023.
Cassell was also named a YoungArts Award Winner with Distinction. The honor recognizes work with exceptional technique and a strong, nuanced and clear artistic point of view.
The young people were invited to National YoungArts Week, where their work will be evaluated for cash awards of up to $10,000 and where they can network with industry leaders and peers.
Six Fine Arts Center students received the awards last year.
“The Fine Arts Center is proud to have six students receive this recognition for the second year. The YoungArts Award and YoungArts Award with Distinction are incredibly competitive honors,” said Vee Popat, Director of the Fine Arts Center.
“The awards reflect the dedication and hard work of our exceptional students, the mentorship they receive at the FAC, and the support from Greenville County Schools.”
The Fine Arts Center is the first arts high school in South Carolina.
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Malachi Rodgers Promoted To Chief Meteorologist
Malachi Rodgers has been promoted to Chief Meteorologist at 7News, WSPA-TV and WYCW-TV. He will take over weather newscasts at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Rodgers joined 7News as a meteorologist in 2012. He earned his seal from the American Meteorological Society in 2010. He graduated from the Broadcast Meteorology program at Mississippi State University after receiving his undergraduate degree from Furman University.
Chief Meteorologist Christy Henderson is leaving the station to pursue her real estate career, according to a statement. She joined the station in 2003.
Rodgers started his television career in Columbia. He moved to Charlotte to become the morning news meteorologist before moving to Orlando in 2007.
His experience in Florida with hurricanes, tornadoes and record freezes helped him tackle the diverse weather in the Upstate and mountains.
Rodgers grew up in Jonesville. He is a five-time Emmy Award recipient.
“I’m grateful to be involved in people’s lives through forecasting relevant information about what their days, commutes or weekends will look like,” he said.
“It’s an honor to work with a meteorologist dedicated to staying ahead of every weather event so that viewers get the critical information they need long before danger arrives,” said WSPA General Manager Kenny Lawrence.
The promotion will be effective Feb. 1.
TD Charitable Foundation Taking Applications For Grants
TD Charitable Foundation, the giving arm of TD Bank, has announced that grants totaling $7.2 million, in $200,000 increments, will be given through its 19th annual Housing for Everyone program.
The 2025 program focuses on nonprofit organizations that provide after-purchase resources and solutions to low- and moderate-income individuals and families facing challenges.
Since its inception in 2005, Housing for Everyone has provided $56 million to help more than 585 affordable housing initiatives in the communities TD Bank serves, from Maine to Florida and in the Detroit area.
“The national affordable housing crisis impacts not only those struggling to find a home, but those trying to maintain ownership of a home,” said Paige Carlson-Heim, Head of Social Impact at TD Bank. “With property taxes and utility expenses on the rise, we are committed to elevating the work of nonprofits that offer education and preventative support measures to families and individuals before they reach a crisis.”
Applications should show how a program will help people who face barriers to sustaining homeownership. For details and the grant application, go to www.td.com/housingforeveryone.
Applications are open until 4 p.m. Feb. 6. Winners will be announced in May.
The Housing for Everyone grants support TD’s corporate citizenship platform, The TD Ready Commitment.
TD Ready Commitment promotes inclusivity, economic vitality and environmental well-being. TD targets contributions to financial security, a vibrant planet, connected communities and better health.
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Community Management Firm Names Promotions, Council Member
Community Association Management Services has announced several staff promotions and appointments. CAMS manages community associations in North and South Carolina.
Ben Rhodes, a Senior Vice President at CAMS, has been elected to the Community Associations Institute Community Association Managers Council. He will serve a two-year term.
Rhodes, a 20-year industry veteran, was recognized as a Futurist in the 50th anniversary edition of CAI’s Common Ground magazine.
The Community Association Managers Council represents members of the Community Associations Institute.
CAMS has promoted Chloe Thompson to Talent Acquisition and Onboarding Manager, and Adam Soccorsi has been promoted to Regional Vice President of the Charlotte area.
Thompson joined CAMS in 2016. Her new responsibilities will include onboarding employees, processing internal transfers and promotions, providing orientation to new hires, and supporting and guiding hiring managers.
Soccorsi, currently Regional Director of On-site Management in Charlotte, has a decade of experience in the community management industry, mostly with CAMS. He was previously a small business owner.
Soccorsi will oversee area managers and work with the business development team to provide local expertise and support regional growth. He will implement quality improvement initiatives, assist with employee recruiting, and build and maintain relationships with clients and vendors.
On-Site Community Manager Amelia Chadwick has been promoted to Regional Director of On-site Management in Charlotte.
Chadwick joined CAMS in 2016 and has a decade of experience in community management. She has managed large-scale, high-rise and multi-family communities. Most recently, she worked with communities under construction.
In her new role, Chadwick will support on-site managers and boards of directors at large-scale communities.
In business since 1991, CAMS is a community management company in nine regions of North and South Carolina.
1776 Community Progresses In Moore
Home lots are finished at 1776 Moore, a new community about 30 miles east of Greenville. Interested buyers will soon be able to reserve one of 58 home lots.
Single-family homes will be available with four floor plans and 12 exterior options, all designed by Stephen Fuller, known for designs that blend historic charm and contemporary living.
Prices start in the mid-$400,000s. Brock Fankhauser is the founder of 1776 Moore, part of The 1776 Community.
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Aesthetics Practice Adds Team Member
Cedar Rock Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics has hired a medical aesthetician, Renée Cato Hamilton.
Hamilton, an Upstate native, has 24 years of experience.
The practice has facilities in Greenville and Greenwood and offers surgical and non-surgical procedures. Nurse aestheticians and medical aestheticians provide skin care, medical-grade facials, laser treatments and chemical peels.
Cedar Rock Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics was founded by Dr. Beau Fowler and Dr. Wesley Culpepper.
Hotel Hartness Nominated For Travel + Leisure Award
Hotel Hartness has been nominated for the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.
Last year, the luxury boutique hotel was rated the No. 1 resort in South Carolina in the World’s Best Awards. After one year of business, in 2024, the hotel also ranked No. 24 in the world and No. 3 in the United States.
This year’s survey will be live until Feb. 25.
Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards recognize top hotels, islands, cities, cruise lines, airlines, spas and more across the globe, based on a survey of readers. The 2025 results will be published in August.
To participate in the survey, go to travelandleisure.com.