In The Know: News, updates from Greenville area businesses and nonprofits

Former Lieutenant Governor Joins Broadstreet As Advisor

Broadstreet Inc., a Greenville-based private equity firm, has announced the addition of former Lieutenant Governor and State of South Carolina legislator, André Bauer, as senior advisor.

Bauer will assist Broadstreet in expanding its presence in the Carolinas, including helping to develop, plan and expand large real estate projects that Broadstreet is pursuing.

“We are thrilled to welcome André to the Broadstreet team,” said Joseph Baldassarra, President of Broadstreet. “As we expand our investment portfolio, his insights and expertise will be instrumental in driving our success.”

A native South Carolinian, Bauer served as lieutenant governor from 2003 to 2011. He presided over the S.C. Senate. Bauer was also a state senator for District 18 from 1999 to 2003 and was a state representative for District 87 from 1996 to 1999.

He traveled to more than 30 countries and met with leaders worldwide to promote business and trade in South Carolina. He also served as a CNN political correspondent.

“I’m excited to join Broadstreet,” Bauer said. “I look forward to working with the great team they have assembled to source impactful deals and provide counsel that drives Broadstreet’s continued growth.”

Bauer founded Bunk Aviation LLC, a company specializing in restoring historic Charleston homes while preserving their original integrity.

Broadstreet has achieved approximately $3 billion in transactions. More than 600 people are employed in the businesses in which Broadstreet is the lead equity provider. Broadstreet is also the equity provider for more than 40 projects with an anticipated 30,000 home sites in North and South Carolina.

Countybank Appoints Officers

Patrice Freeman and John Moore have been appointed as Banking Officers by the Countybank Board of Directors.

Freeman, Customer Relations Manager, joined Countybank in 2018 and is responsible for opening and managing deposit accounts and providing retail lending assistance. She is active in the Greenwood community, representing the bank at financial literacy and career-related events.

“Patrice plays a vital role in the daily operations of Countybank’s Calhoun financial center,” said Danielle Fields, Financial Center Manager for Countybank.

Moore, Customer Relations Manager, joined Countybank in 2010 and also is responsible for opening and managing deposit accounts and providing retail lending assistance. He has worked in deposit operations, trust, and retail banking.

Moore serves on the Cambridge Academy Board of Directors and contributes to the financial literacy program for high school students. He is a Leadership Greenwood graduate.

“John is a well-known face of the company,” said Erin Baker, Financial Center Manager for Countybank. “We appreciate his commitment to our community’s residents and businesses.”

Founded in 1933, Countybank has locations in Greenwood, Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer and Anderson.

Carolina Handling To Partner With Department Of Defense

Carolina Handling has been authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense as a SkillBridge organization to provide job training for military service members transitioning to the civilian workforce.

SkillBridge allows active-duty service members and some members of the National Guard and Reserves the opportunity to gain civilian work experience through job training, skills training, apprenticeships and internships.

In turn, industry partners have access to a highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost.

“Being a DOD SkillBridge partner is an exciting step for Carolina Handling and our recruiting team,” said corporate recruiter Catie Beth Bishop. “Hiring continues to be a challenge,” especially for field service technicians, she said.

“SkillBridge is a cost-effective talent acquisition pipeline that provides access to individuals with technical skills and strong teamwork and leadership experience.”

Service members participating in SkillBridge continue to receive military compensation and benefits, allowing employers time to evaluate an individual’s suitability for employment. Service members can be granted up to 180 days to focus solely on training full-time with industry partners.

Almost 13 percent of Carolina Handling’s 770 associates served or serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. In November, Carolina Handling was named a veteran-friendly employer by the S.C. Department of Veterans Affairs. Last year, the company also became a participant in Recruit Military, a national platform that connects employers and veterans.

Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. 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.

Carolina Handling has headquarters in Charlotte with branch offices in Atlanta, Birmingham, Greensboro, Raleigh, Greenville, and an equipment distribution center in Piedmont.

Habitat Greenville Launches CEO Build, Panel Discussion

A panel discussion focusing on the challenges of affordable housing will kick off the 2024 Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County CEO Build.

For the past 12 years, the CEO Build has recruited influential local business leaders to lend their skills to build safe, energy-efficient, and affordable homes for families in the community, creating positive change, one house at a time.

Each of the participating CEOs pledges company funding and volunteer staff hours to help build the houses. They also work on-site with their team members, community volunteers, and future Habitat families.

The kick-off discussion will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 24 at City Club of Greenville, 55 Beattie Place at One Liberty Square in downtown Greenville. People interested in taking part in the CEO Build should contact Noel Brooks, noel@habitatgreenville.org, to attend.

The panel will include John Castile, Executive Director of the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority, Peter Rumsey, Director of Operations for Habitat International, and Tina Belge, Policy and Advocacy Director of the Greenville Housing Fund.

“This is one of the best team-building opportunities in Greenville. You will have direct involvement in changing the future for a Greenville family,” said Monroe Free, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville. “You will experience a sense of pride and accomplishment in seeing the finished home you and your colleagues built.”

Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance. As of last May, Habitat Greenville had completed 405 homes.

Publix Donates $100,000 To Habitat Greenville County

Publix Super Market Charities continued its support of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County recently with a check for $100,000.

The funds will support the Habitat Greenville Women’s Build, an annual event that attracts more than 150 volunteers. It began in 2006. Most of the participants are from female-led families and companies. The program helps women learn construction skills and helps a woman-led family attain a home.

The check was presented at the site of the 2023 Women’s Build in the Nicholtown Community of Greenville.

“We are grateful to Publix Super Market Charities for their continued support,” said Monroe Free, President and CEO of Habitat Greenville. “Their generous grant toward Habitat Greenville’s Women’s Build in the Nicholtown neighborhood is making this home a reality. Together we continue to transform lives.”

Habitat Laurens To ‘Rock The Block’

Cypress Street in the Lydia Mills neighborhood in Clinton will be transformed this month, led by Habitat for Humanity of Laurens County.

Habitat Laurens will sponsor “Rock The Block,” where homeowners, volunteers and community partners will create high-energy neighborhood revitalization and home preservation in one day, said Ben Barron, Director of Operations for Habitat Laurens.

Under the guidance of Habitat staff, volunteers will complete tasks such as power washing, gutter cleaning, yard cleanup, mulching, and minor exterior home repairs, Barron said.

Volunteers ages 14 to 17 are welcome with the signature of a guardian.

“Rock The Block” will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 27 along Cypress Street in Clinton.

Presbyterian College, Rotary Club of Clinton, Sadler Hughes Apothecary, Refuge of Worship and the City of Clinton are partners.

Homeowners who want their homes added to “Rock The Block,” as well as volunteers, can reach out to Barron at ben@habitatgreenville.org or (864) 200-4561.

Habitat for Humanity of Laurens County brings together families, community partners, and volunteers to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes and do home repairs in the community.

In 2023, Habitat Laurens became part of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County.

Spinx Opens Off White Horse Road

The Spinx Co., the Greenville-based fuel and convenience retail company with more than 80 locations and 50 car washes across the Carolinas, opened its newest store recently at White Horse Road and Highway 123 in Greenville.

The brand-new store will provide fuel and convenient amenities.

"We look forward to bringing top-notch service, quality products, and a convenient shopping experience to nearby residents and travelers," said Steve Spinks, CEO and President of The Spinx Co.

Spinx #297 will serve fried chicken, chicken biscuits, chicken tenders, fountain drinks, and hot beverages, including bean-to-cup coffee. The company was founded in 1972.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: In The Know: News, updates from Greenville area businesses and nonprofits