In The Know: GADC names manager of existing industries, Countybank appoints officer
GADC names manager of existing industries
The Greenville Area Development Corp. has launched an expanded initiative to help existing companies in Greenville County grow and thrive. To lead that effort, Matt Duncan has been named Existing Industry Manager.
Duncan will serve as a liaison to existing companies across Greenville County, focused on ensuring that the community is responsive to their needs and encouraging their growth. He will seek state and local resources to help facilitate continued capital investment and job creation.
Duncan spent 20 years in the U.S. Army, in management, maintenance and operational support capacities worldwide. After retiring, he worked for global brands such as Thermo Fisher Scientific and Nutra Manufacturing. Most recently, he worked with Entegris in Colorado Springs.
“Matt’s experience in numerous segments of the industry, his track record of leadership and performance during his armed forces career, and his strong business acumen helped to distinguish Matt from an impressive array of candidates,” said Mark Farris, GADC President and CEO.
Greenville County’s existing industries account for the highest level of capital investment and job creation almost every year, Farris said.
Part of the GADC’s recent Economic Development Strategic Plan is working with existing industries to grow capital investment, create business growth and generate high-wage employment.
Since its founding in mid-2001, the GADC’s efforts have resulted in the announcement of more than 34,600 new jobs and more than $6.6 billion in capital investment in Greenville County.
Countybank appoints officer
The Countybank Board of Directors has named Candice Good as Assistant Vice President. Good, the Greer Market Administrator, joined Countybank in 2017.
Good was the 2022 recipient of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award, for extraordinary efforts to help the Chamber and the Greer community grow and prosper. She is a graduate of Leadership Greer and serves on the Greer Arts and Eats Festival Committee and the Greer Accommodation Tax Advisory Committee. She is a Public Safety Appreciation volunteer.
Good worked at Greer State Bank for more than 11 years before joining Countybank.
CEO of Star EV, Greenville, named EY Entrepreneur finalist
Jane Zhang, Co-Founder and CEO of Star EV Corp. is among the finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Award 2023, given by Ernst & Young LLC.
In its 37th year, Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the preeminent competitive business awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies.
“Being named among the Southeast region finalists is such an honor, not just for me, but as a reflection of the accomplishments of our entire team,” Zhang said.
Headquartered in Greenville, STAR EV produces zero-emission, low-speed, off-road electric vehicles.
Regional award winners will be announced on June 22. Winners will be considered for the National Awards. That winner will then compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year.
The program has recognized more than 11,000 entrepreneurs throughout the United States since its inception in 1986 and has grown to recognize business leaders in 60 countries.
Bon Secours celebrates Project SEARCH graduates
Bon Secours St. Francis Health System recently celebrated the Class of 2023 Project SEARCH interns, who completed the program.
Each year, the hospital hosts a group of high school students with disabilities and provides them with internship rotations in the hospital environment. The goal is to help them prepare for jobs after high school. Ten youths participated this year.
With Greenville County Schools and S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation, Project SEARCH provides hands-on training and school-required academics.
Since its debut in 2017, 90% of the Project SEARCH interns have found employment after graduation. Nineteen interns were hired by the health system. Information about Project SEARCH is available at bonsecours.com.
NHE workplace, CEO honored
NHE has been honored as one of the state’s top three large employers for the third consecutive year by South Carolina's Top Workplaces 2023.
The honor is awarded based on surveys from employees. NHE was ranked No. 3 among 2,663 companies invited to participate. The companies have 300 or more employees.
In addition, NHE President and CEO Taylor Davis was honored with the 2023 Leadership Award for executives from large companies. He was selected based on scores from employee responses to specific leadership questions.
NHE provides professional association management, management of affordable and conventional apartments, and service coordination to communities. The 50-year-old company represents the residents of more than 18,000 homes, apartments, and condominiums across 15 states. It has 325 employees.
ConvergeSouth invites pitches
Startup enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and investors may apply to make presentations at ConvergeSouth on Oct. 5 and 6 in Concord, North Carolina.
Cabarrus Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is the venue. The event will encompass two blocks of downtown Concord, including a startup expo tent and the 250-seat Davis Theatre, according to a press release from Flywheel Greenville.
Over 500 attendees are expected. The event features educational sessions, covering topics such as sales, marketing, operational systems, digital media, fundraising and tech platforms.
ConvergeSouth is seeking presentations that offer practical and actionable content. For information and to apply, go to https://convergesouth.com.
Pitch-Space returns June 26
The next Pitch-Space – for founders, investors and interested community members – will be from 4 to 6 p.m. June 26 at 101 N. Main Street in Greenville.
Pitch-Space.com is powered by Flywheel. The event provides a digital platform to connect investors and scalable technology startups. For contact information, go to www.flywheelgreenvillesc.com.
FUEL accepting applications for nonprofit grant program
FUEL, a Greenville-based marketing and advertising agency specializing in strategy and branding, is accepting applications until June 14 for its FUEL for Good grant program.
As part of its commitment to community service, FUEL selects local nonprofits each year and provides pro bono marketing services.
Applicants must be based in Greenville County, serve the local community, hold a valid 501(c)(3) certification, and have an identifiable need for marketing assistance.
Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to complete an online application at www.fuelforbrands.com/fuel-grant.
This is the fourth year of the program. FUEL has helped 13 nonprofits and donated hundreds of hours of services ranging from logo design and video production to social media campaigns and collateral development.
For information, go to the company website or email Meredith Kinsey, meredith@fuelforbrands.com. FUEL was founded in 2011.
Recruiter hired at Forge
Greenville-based Forge Search + Consulting has hired Madeline Leach as a recruiter. Leach spent six years working in higher education, including admissions offices at Georgetown University Law Center and Furman University. Forge Search recruits primarily in the fields of accounting and finance, marketing and sales, and engineering for companies around the Southeast.
Sulzer Pumps Solutions expands in Pickens County
Sulzer Pumps Solutions Inc., a subsidiary of Swiss-based Sulzer Ltd., plans to expand operations in Pickens County. The company’s $5.3 million investment will create 25 jobs.
Founded in 1990, Sulzer Pumps Solutions manufactures pumps for pulp and paper processing, biofuels production, clean water systems and wastewater treatment. The company is located at 155 Ahlstrom Way in Easley.
McAfee Funeral Homes add director of grief resources
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes in Greenville has added Dan Kirkpatrick as Director of Grief Resources and Education.
Kirkpatrick is an ordained Lutheran minister and was previously Chaplain and Manager of Spiritual Care for Bon Secours St. Francis Health System.
In the new role, Kirkpatrick will focus on supporting healthcare professionals, clergy, mental health counselors, and the staff of Thomas McAfee. He will provide grief care education to help them care for grieving families.
Kirkpatrick will also provide educational opportunities in the community, and Thomas McAfee has an online educational presence.
Family-owned and -operated, Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes provides personal guidance in pre-planning, funerals, cremations and life celebrations. Grief support is also provided.
Ground to be broken on Maverick Yards, Mauldin
The City of Mauldin, the Parker Group and Longbranch Development will break ground at 9 a.m. June 12 for Maverick Yards, a mixed-use project that will kick off the City Center Village.
The event will be held at 13 Jenkins Court, Mauldin.
Maverick Yards will be comprised of 40 rental townhomes, entertainment and dining, outdoor seating, live performances, and a beer garden with eventual access to the Swamp Rabbit Trail. As the focal point, the Parker Group will redevelop an industrial warehouse into pickleball courts.
Completion is slated in late 2024. Maverick Yards will complement Maverick Station, recently redeveloped by the Parker Group.
In April, the City of Mauldin completed the sale of 6.5 acres to the Parker Group and Longbranch Development for $1.15 million.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: In The Know: GADC names manager of existing industries
