Published Date : March 29, 2012
Author : admin
Yesterday afternoon, the state Senate passed a bill that would allow South Carolina to regulate healthcare decisions within its own borders.
The bill, S.836, sponsored by Senator Larry Grooms and others, would make South Carolina a part of an interstate compact, in which each state joining the compact would gain the right to bypass federal healthcare regulations and instead allow the states to make those decisions.
This bill would also give states sole discretion over programs like Medicare and Medicaid, with funding for those programs being block granted from the federal government each year.
Similar legislation has already been passed in six states and fast-tracked in four others.
Senator Grooms said the bill was necessary, given the increasing role the federal government has taken in regulating all aspects of healthcare.
“Today South Carolina took a first step toward turning Washington’s failure into our success. We hope the Supreme Court does the right thing and strikes down Obamacare, but we can’t wait for the Supreme Court or Congress to fight this battle for the states,” Grooms said. “The fact is, this problem has moved far beyond Obamacare, to the point where through programs like Medicare and Medicaid, people’s healthcare is being controlled from Washington, DC like never before. We need market-driven healthcare solutions in South Carolina, and passing this bill is the first step toward giving us the flexibility to do so.”
Published Date : March 29, 2012
Author : admin
Legislation aimed at helping low-income and disabled students attend independent schools passed out of the South Carolina House of Representatives by a vote of 65 to 49 late yesterday.
“Parents have the most information and best motivation to make decisions for their own children,” explained Representative Eric Bedingfield (R-Greenville), one of the bill’s chief sponsors. The plan supports low-income students and children with special educational needs through privately funded scholarships. Scholarship donors would be eligible for income tax credits. Modest tax deductions for families who homeschool their children or pay out of pocket for independent schools are also part of the plan.
The bill emerged despite a decade long fight led by public school administrators against this and similar plans.
“The amount of public time and money that’s been used to fight this is staggering,” explained long time choice activist and current South Carolina GOP Chairman Chad Connelly. He cites thousands of pages of emails obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests detailing political coordination by school officials against the bill, its sponsors and even local supporters. “District bureaucrats have pressured weary teachers and to lobby elected officials against the bill during the school day. They’ve asked misinformed teachers to crash School Choice rallies, worked to recruit primary challengers against bill sponsors, and essentially told lawmakers they can deliver votes and campaign contributions if they defeat this common sense reform.”
Lobbyists from school administrators associations worry the program will decrease total state tax collections, which they believe will siphon money away from traditional public school districts. Representative Brian White (R-Anderson), who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee and is chief sponsor of the bill, insists it won’t. “It’s always been the saying, ‘You’re hurting public education by doing choice.’ Well, public education is funded with sales tax, and this is all with income tax. I don’t think you’re going to see it coming out of (public) education by any stretch of the imagination.”
Some state officials have gone further, pointing out how similar programs in other states result in net savings for all taxpayers. “Tax credits for school choice ultimately save money because the size of the credit is radically smaller than the level of per-student spending in the public schools,” explained Curtis Loftis, South Carolina’s State Treasurer. Lofits has explained how the 15,000 low-income children already attending private schools save state taxpayers about $72 million each year, or about nine dollars for each dollar their low-income parents pay in state income tax.
Jackie Hicks of the NEA-affiliated South Carolina Education Association (SCEA) isn’t so sure. In testimony before lawmakers she insisted there “would be a certain amount of money that would originally go to the general fund that would no longer go.” Hicks worries about the ability of parents with children who have special needs to make choices among schools. “We need to have another measure (beside parental satisfaction), because a parent could arbitrarily choose.”
Sponsors of the bill disagree. “We cannot legislate parental engagement, but we can give parents of all income levels the means and motivation to get involved in their children’s education. A great start is expanding choice among different types of schools,” explained Representative Bill Taylor (R-Aiken).
Legislation helping low-income and disabled students attend independent schools has passed out of the South Carolina’s House of Representatives by a vote of 65 to 49.
“Parents have the most information and best motivation to make decisions for their own children,” explained Representative Eric Bedingfield (R-Greenville), one of the bill’s chief sponsors. The plan supports low-income students and children with special educational needs through privately funded scholarships. Scholarship donors would be eligible for income tax credits. Modest tax deductions for families who homeschool their children or pay out of pocket for independent schools are also part of the plan.
The bill emerged despite a decade long fight led by public school administrators against this and similar plans.
“The amount of public time and money that’s been used to fight this is staggering,” explained long time choice activist and current South Carolina GOP Chairman Chad Connelly. He cites thousands of pages of emails obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests detailing political coordination by school officials against the bill, its sponsors and even local supporters. “District bureaucrats have pressured weary teachers and to lobby elected officials against the bill during the school day. They’ve asked mis-informed teachers to crash School Choice rallies, worked to recruit primary challengers against bill sponsors, and essentially told lawmakers they can deliver votes and campaign contributions if they defeat this common sense reform.”
Lobbyists from school administrators associations worry the program will decrease total state tax collections, which they assume will siphon money away from traditional public school districts. Representative Brian White (R-Anderson), who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee and is chief sponsor of the bill, insists it won’t. “It’s always been the saying, ‘you’re hurting public education by doing choice.’ Well, public education is funded with sales tax, and this is all with income tax. I don’t think you’re going to see it coming out of [public] education by any stretch of the imagination.”
Some state officials have gone further, pointing out how similar programs in other states result in net savings for all taxpayers. “Tax credits for school choice ultimately save money because the size of the credit is radically smaller than the level of per-student spending in the public schools,” explained Curtis Loftis, South Carolina’s State Treasurer. Lofits has explained how the 15,000 low-income children already attending private schools save state taxpayers about $72 million each year, or about nine dollars for each dollar their low-income parents pay in state income tax.
Jackie Hicks of the NEA-affiliated South Carolina Education Association (SCEA) isn’t so sure. In testimony before lawmakers she insisted there “would be a certain amount of money that would originally go to the general fund that would no longer go.” Hicks worries about the ability of parents with children who have special needs to make choices among schools. “We need to have another measure [beside parental satisfaction], because a parent could arbitrarily choose.”
Sponsors of the bill disagree. “We cannot legislate parental engagement, but we can give parents of all income levels the means and motivation to get involved in their children’s education. A great start is expanding choice among different types of schools,” explained Representative Bill Taylor (R-Aiken).
Published Date : March 29, 2012
Author : admin
In the inaugural Smokin’ at the Market Commissioner’s Cup Barbecue Cook-off and Festival, teams from five states vied for the title of Grand Champion.
“Anything But” was the order of evening on Friday. Cooking teams participating in the competition on Saturday had the opportunity to prepare and serve “anything but” barbecue on the eve of Saturday’s Commissioner’s Cup. To the visiting tasters, shrimp and grits beat out the other non-barbecue entries like chili, BBQ wings, cheeseburger soup, and chicken cakes (a variation of crab cakes). The “Anything But” winner was No Pig Left Behind, a team of cooks from Goose Creek, S.C.
On Saturday, Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture, presented the awards. Winners in the “Butts” competition were First Place – Palmetto Smokehouse of Okatie, S.C., Second Place – Ultimate Tailgate BBQ of Aiken, S.C., and Third Place – Pickin’ Porkers of Clemmons, N.C.
In the “Ribs” category, winners were First Place – Pot Belly Cookers of Summerville, S.C., Second Place – Nards Barkyard BBQ of Piedmont, S.C., and Third Place – Some-R-Swine of Summerville, S.C.
Reserve Champion was Palmetto Smokehouse and the South Carolina State Grand Champion winner of the Commissioner’s Cup was Ultimate Tailgaters BBQ.
Commissioner Weathers said, “This is a great way to celebrate Spring and the beginning of the harvest season. If you joined us for the Commissioner’s Cup, we invite you to come back for the peak produce season and enjoy all the fresh flavors of a South Carolina summer.”
The inaugural Commissioner’s Cup was sponsored by Piggly Wiggly, Smithfield, Pepsi of the Carolinas, U.S. Foods, Angel Insurance & Financial Services, Columbia Meats, and The Trophy and Gift Shop.
Weathers added, “If you think this event was great, stay tuned to 2013. Nothing’s fresher. Nothing’s finer. And, really, nothing’s ‘swiner’ than enjoying barbecue at the South Carolina Commissioner’s Cup.”
Published Date : March 26, 2012
Author : admin
I had my first book signing at a real bookstore last week. Fiction Addiction hosted me. Jill, the proprietor has been very helpful and has given me some good advice and even though I started life as a writer through Amazon, the all-powerful corporation that independent bookstores deplore, she agreed to host me at her shop. For a first time novelist, it can be discouraging walking into a bookstore. There are so many books and so much competition and it seems as most of the novels in the front of a store have won some sort of award.
I thought I had done a good job promoting the book signing through Facebook, Twitter, email, coverage in the local paper and word of mouth. I even landed a TV appearance. That morning I was a guest of Jack and Kimberly on WSPA’s Your Carolina. Kimberly gave me a great introduction, I made doughnuts, discussed the merits of my book and the WSPA folks even put a banner up on screen reminding people that I would be at Fiction Addiction from two to four p.m. I went home and prepared a very nice cheese platter, brought two magnums of chilled wine then headed off to set up and get ready for the crowds. My wife showed up and helped me get ready. When I arrived Jill placed a pad of sticky notes on the desk, “just in case you need to practice someone’s name before you sign their book.” Amy and I got everything in place and right on cue, five ladies showed up right at two p.m. I signed their books and chatted with them about the novel, they were so excited to meet me and they had some really great questions. We took some photos with the fans then Amy had to get back to work and the other ladies left as well. Then I sat down and waited, and waited. A couple of my friends showed up and we discussed old times and they also bought books. Then I waited some more. By three thirty I had sold six books, a far cry from the 24 I was hoping for. Fifteen minutes later I started packing up, I was pretty disgusted and feeling sorry for myself. Right as I finished cleaning up the front door opened and a woman I recognized from the skilled nursing unit at my previous place of employment walked in.
“Is that chef still here?”
Since I was in the back of the store she couldn’t see me when she came in, so I walked up front and told her that I was still here. She introduced herself and told me that her husband wanted to come in so she walked outside to get him. When he got out I recognized him immediately. He had a stroke in December of the previous year and when he came to us he was on a puree diet and bed-ridden. He was with us for almost five months and when he left, he walked out of the building.
His wife and I helped him into the book store where he quickly sat down. His walk was so unsteady, his balance precarious but he managed a wink as he caught his breath. She hugged me and told me as she wiped her eyes how good the food had been and how much of a difference that made in his recuperation. As I signed the book for her she squeezed my hand, gave me a sincere smile and giggled that she should be buying a cookbook. She hugged me again then turned to Jill and said “I’m so glad we made it, I was afraid John would be gone when we got here.”
How should we measure success? I certainly wanted to have a line out the door but that was unlikely on my first bookstore signing. While the turnout certainly did not represent the success I have had, it was disappointing to have sold only seven books. Yet that one couple reminded me that our life here on earth is fleeting and that when we’re gone, we’ll be remembered by the lives we’ve touched and not by the thickness of our wallets.
Published Date : March 26, 2012
Author : admin
Matt Morris and his father Gene aren’t like “Crocodile” Dundee, but they can still look at you and say definitively, “That’s not a knife. THAT’s a knife.” They can because it’s a subject they talk about daily from their Greer, SC-based SARGE Knives. Located in a nondescript building near the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Gene, Matt, and several other family members operate a successful slate of family businesses that include the SARGE brand.
With a product line that includes pocket knives, tactical blades, upscale specialty knives, hunting and fishing knives, a bone-handled oyster knife, and even knives designed by award-winning designer Tom Kreger, Matt and Gene know their blades. They recently sat down with CRESCENT to talk about the cutlery designed right here in the heart of the Southeast.
While we waited for Gene to finish with an unexpected appointment, Matt began sharing the SARGE story. It wasn’t only impressive. It was at one point a little intimidating. Read on, and you’ll understand why.
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Well, we’ve been in business for almost ten years and it’s almost kind of started off by accident, like a lot of companies. One of our other companies that we own and operate is a manufacturer’s rep company, mostly in the construction and industrial supplies. We’re looking for items that we can use to promote our other lines that we represented so we started putting together knife promotions to help sell ladders and extension cords as part of our other company. Then we started thinking “We need to develop our own company for something that we can control and grow.” And we had these connections in the knife world so we put together this product line and started it about ten years ago. So we’re still relatively young and we developed a business plan and it’s been great. It’s fun looking back where we started and where we’re at today and we try to specialize in the niche market that’s not as crowded with all the different other knife manufacturers. We do a lot with a lot of the wildlife groups with their own fundraising activities that they use, that they do. We do a lot through the Boy Scouts of America, we’re a licensee for them. We do big business and promotional products for corporations, logo knives as promotional items for themselves. We do have a large retail business mainly in the hardware industry. Like your True Value and ACE hardware and your mom-and-pop hardware stores all across the country. We’ve got countertop displays that we make up for those types of customers, as well.
But you also have the upscale retailers, too.
Yeah, that’s been kind of our newest channel that we’ve started to pursue is the specialty gift stores and the high-end men’s clothing stores. We’re now marketing for groomsmen’s gifts for the tuxedo rental places and that’s just not a typical channel that we see knife companies marketing toward so that’s kind of what I mean when I say we try to specialize in the niche markets. My dad, it’s one of his little sayings, “The riches are in the niches.” So that kind of been our plan. Like we’ve got one of the girls I work with here, she’s at a camp trade show where organizers and administrators from all over the country come to the show and we’ll show them knives that they can customize with their camp name to sell in their gift shops and stuff like that. We’re doing that this week. Next week, we’ll be at a club managers’ trade show for like golf course club managers. We’ll show them a selection of items they can customize for member/guest tournaments and different tee gifts and tournament gifts that they can use. Again, that’s another niche business, the golf course industry.
Did you do anything at the Southeast Wildlife Expo this year?
Yeah, actually, we did. Debby Jacobs, who I work with, set up in somebody’s gift store down there. It was kind of a last-minute deal. We did the Atlanta Gift Mart this year. It was our first time having a booth in Atlanta at the Gift Mart, and somebody from the Charleston area said “South Carolina Wildlife Expo is this weekend. Would you like to come and set up in my store and sell your product?” It kind of came together at the last minute.
The thing we try to with SARGE…when we started the company, we saw an opportunity for a good quality, well-made, value-priced knife. It seemed like you either had the high end knives that were either specialty type knives or collectible knives. Then you had the low end, kind of disposable throw-away knives. You didn’t see a lot of well-made value-priced knives so that’s where we try to position ourselves.
And that seems to be the response. Product reviews are pretty consistent. “Durable. Can be put through anything. Should last a lifetime if you take care of it.”
And that’s exactly the market we’re trying to hit. We’re looking at, for example, a kid at a camp. Not everybody can afford to pay $40 or $50 for a pocket knife for a camp and we want to let that child have the opportunity to buy that knife for $15 to $20. It’s the same with the Boy Scouts and stuff. Until we got the Boy Scout license, the Boy Scout knives were, every one that I saw, $40 to $50 range. Not everybody can afford to buy their son a knife like that. With the hardware channel, we wanted to have a knife that guys could use on anything they wanted to. They wouldn’t have to want to use their knife and “this might mess up my blade. I’m not sure I’m going to do this.” Or worry about whether they are going to lose it or anything like that. You’ve got a good knife and if you do something you’re not supposed to do with it and mess up the blade, it’s not the end of the world. If you accidentally lose it, it’s not that big of a loss. It’s just something that you can buy that’s going to hold up like it’s supposed to and you don’t have a whole lot invested in it.
How’d you decide on putting everything in Greer?
Well, this is where our other businesses were based and one of the advantages we had when we started the company was that we had all the infrastructure already in place. We had the warehouse facility, we had the staff in place, all the administrative people in place, customer service. So we share all the overhead with our other companies. We grew up in the area. My dad grew up in Dunean Mill village here in Greenville so I grew up here. It’s just home for us.
No plans on going anywhere else?
No, no. I don’t see us changing at all. If you think about it, Greenville is such an ideal location to service the Southeast. You’re two hours from Atlanta. You’re an hour and a half from Charlotte. You’re next-day UPS to just about all of the Southeast area. Although, we sell all over the country, we feel that Greenville is a really good location for any company.
You were recently quoted as saying, “An established mature market such as the knife industry is very challenging to come up with totally original ideas.” How are you facing that challenge and continuing to develop new products? What goes into that new product development?
What we try to do is we attend all the trade shows. We try to listen to the customers and ask them what they’re looking for. We observe what they’re buying. What are the current trends? Are there any opportunities for…are people looking for something they’re not currently seeing? We try to talk to the people at the trade shows we go to. We talk to all our hunting people that we’re in contact with through the wildlife groups that we do business with…like Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation. We just ask a lot of questions, and that kind of shows us what’s the need out in the marketplace. Then there’s a lot of creative people that are knife makers, that design knives, and you try to do things in a different way. One of the latest ones that we’re working on is a new locking mechanism that nobody’s ever seen before. One of the popular trends in the knife industry now is this assisted-opening blades where some either spring-loaded or some kind of lever system that makes the blade pop out. Our locking system that we’re developing is not to lock the blade in the open position as to lock it in the closed position so it doesn’t accidentally spring open while it’s in your pocket.
Like a safety.
Like a safely, yeah. That’s currently kind of going through the patent process now and, as we grow our line, we’re more conscious of developing more unique things that are unique to SARGE. A lot of knives out there, they all look really similar, it’s just a different brand on the knife. So, as we grow, we’re trying to distinguish ourselves with some unique features that we can’t find on other peoples knives. I look at it as kind of as part of the growth cycle of the company. You establish yourself by offering…in the beginning, you offer them your knives that look familiar to them, but they may not be familiar with your name but you win them over by a quality product with a value price. Then, once they become familiar with your name, you can start developing more unique things that are exclusive to your line. That’s the approach we’ve taken. As we’ve become more knowledgeable about the knife industry, we start to see things that you can do better, that don’t exist out there right now. A good example is…just from talking to a lot of people that do duck hunting…a lot of time they have these waders on, so they can’t get to their pockets or anything so we’re developing this neck knife which wasn’t anything new necessarily, but you mainly saw it at tactical, self-defense world. You didn’t see a neck knife that was designed for hunters. So we kind of changed the blade shape and made a few other modifications to one of these tactical-style knives made into a hunter’s neck knife. That’s really got some good responses and it seems like it is going to be a nice new product for us.
How often do you retire a design? Are there certain designs that are permanent fixtures? You say, “There’s one that we do so well that it’s our signature,” or, “This is the one that everybody wants.”
Yeah, most of the times we retire a knife is when we see a way to improve upon a knife that’s currently in our line. We want to replace it with something that’s better than what we’re currently offering or we decide this looks too close to a knife that somebody else is doing and we want to make a little more separation from one of our competitors. Our goal would be to have all knives be considered as signature-type knives but, unfortunately, you don’t hit a home run every time. You may have a knife you love, you think you’re going to sell them like crazy but, for some reason, the marketplace just doesn’t really grab hold of it like you thought they would. Once you see something’s not going to be a good seller, for whatever reason, you may just phase it out and try something different.
So it winds up on the plane with the t-shirts of the team that didn’t win the Super Bowl?
Right. So we’ve kind of got a process in place to…as we decide to retire knives, how to transition them over to closeout. We end up taking them to hunting, gun and knife shows…there are different channels we use to phase those knives out. We try to review our line and see if there are some things we can improve upon and it is neat that we have recognized there are certain knives in our line now that we say, “These are going to be around for a long time.” They’re like signature knives for us.
What would those be?
I think the newest ones are…we kind of developed a family of these ergonomic handle hunting-style knives so it’s almost like a family of knives we developed for hunting and fishing side with this line and with this (pulling out a giant machete)…
Um. That’s a heck of a knife.
Yeah, that’s brand new for us, as well, but see these filet knives? See how they have these ergonomic handles? We feel like this is going to be a signature piece for us. One of our newest lines is this “Black & White” series.
We kind of developed it with the specialty gift stores and the groomsmen’s gifts in mind. You kind of have the tuxedo feel and already it’s been really well-received and I think it’s going to be a part of our line for quite some time.
I’ve been a groomsman at several weddings and you seem to get the same type thing for groomsman gifts like a little flask or something like a key chain. Nobody’s ever going to be mad about getting a good pocket knife, especially if it is personalized with your initials on it. I think it’s going to be a really nice piece. From all the store owners that we’ve talked to, they’ve said they just don’t have a lot of choices when it comes to men’s gifts. Where, on the women’s side, there are like catalogs and catalogs of stuff but, when it comes to men’s gifts, they don’t see a lot of options so I think it is going to be a nice, nice piece.
Stay tuned for Part 2.
Published Date : March 26, 2012
Author : admin
It’s not easy growing up…for anyone, but imagine how tough an already difficult time would be if you had to go through it while also overcoming OCD, depression, ADHD, and anxiety. Then, add a strep infection that causes Tourette’s and tics (called Pediatric Autoimmune Disorder Associated with Strep or PANDAS). Top it off with 3 head traumas which only aggravate these difficulties.
What do you do?
Well, if you’re 17 year old Zack and his mom Kim, in the Hix house, you start your own business.
Good Boy Roy sells and markets t-shirts featuring Zack’s original illustrations and messages.
While GBR sometimes tackles serious subjects to increase awareness, Zack wants to do it in a non-threatening, entertaining, and even inspirational way. As the company’s ambassador, there’s no one more inspirational than Zack.
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How did Good Boy Roy get started?
ZACK: I gave my mom a stack of drawings one day and she took them to friend to put them on the t-shirt and it was a surprise for me. So I came home one day from school and she had Roy on a t-shirt to surprise me. I wore it for days and everybody just kept on commenting on it.
Where did your characters come from? Are they inspired by people that you know or just what you’ve got rolling around in your head?
ZACK: Like “Handsome Hen.” He’s named after my mom’s brother, my uncle. His name is Henry, but he doesn’t actually look like the character but I thought Handsome then Hen, his nickname is Hen, so I just thought those two words go together. Hippie Heather. One of my cousins is named Heather, but I just kind of named them. Some of them I named after my family members, and then I just give them their own personalities.
So, none of the personalities are based on real people, at least not that you want anybody to know about.
ZACK: Uh-uh.
What is it about the subjects that you touch on, that you illustrate, that makes you want to illustrate them? What makes you want to talk about bullying? What makes you want to talk about the things that you talk about?
ZACK: Because I was bullied all through middle school and it was just a really tough time for me so I just wanted to try to stop it by getting the word out. Or this “God Rocks” one. I’m really into my church and I love going.
Zack, you’ve struggled with a lot of challenges over seventeen years. What has made you the person that you are in having the drive to overcome the challenges that you’ve had to face?
ZACK: Just…as I get older, they seem to decrease in how they affect me. So like, over the years, as I get older, I’ve had less rages and stuff like that. We’ve found new medicine that’s been helping me. And my mom and my family have been my main supporters.
What has made you want to become the person that you have become? Is there a certain way that you think that makes you say, “I want to be a successful businessman?” Because that’s exactly what you’ve created — a successful business.
ZACK: When I go to college, I want to major in cartooning or something and then, if the business takes off, the cartooning can help me with the business but, if not, I want to try to become a cartoonist, no matter what.
Zack with Jeff "Swampy" Marsh Backstage at the Kids' Choice Awards
As a result of Good Boy Roy, you’ve gotten to do some pretty cool things. Hanging out with “Phineas and Ferb” creator Jeff “Swampy” Marsh at the Kids’ Choice Awards is certainly one of those. How have your friends reacted to the success that you’ve had?
ZACK: They’ve been supportive. They say, “Dude, that’s cool,” and stuff like that. I’m known pretty well around school especially to the teachers with my designs. I’ve done “Artist for Hire” for the library. The librarians had designed a comic and they had it posted in the library where all the graphic novels are. So it’s going to stay up there until I graduate.
I know that some of the other kids, they’ve heard of my stuff. Like, in the mornings in classes, they’ll say, “I saw your mom’s car with Good Boy Roy on the back.”
We talked about bullying and that you’ve had some personal experience being on the receiving end of that. What kinds of advice do you have for kids that face similar situations?
ZACK: No matter what they say or do, just don’t let them get to you and let it ruin your life because your day will come for you to shine. They’ll be the ones with the last laugh.
What message do you have for the bullies?
ZACK: Look at me now. Basically, just look at me now.
KIM: A little with or karma involved, maybe. What goes around, comes around.
Where do you want Good Boy Roy to go from here? You’ve got everything set up at this point, how big do you want it to get? What all do you want to do?
ZACK: My plan is for it to be worldwide, known all around. And we want to get in as many stores as possible and for me to create my own cartoon series with me the voice of Roy and stuff like that.
Stay tuned for Part 2. Zack’s mom and the CEO of Good Boy Roy talks about how their company is so much more than a business. It’s a creative outlet that has opened up a new world of possibilities to her son.
Published Date : March 23, 2012
Author : admin
Engenius and the Clemson University Small Business Development Center will present “My Business Really Needs Face+ and Twitbook” on Tuesday, March 27, from 9 a.m. to Noon.
This seminar will focus on social media marketing best practices, detail social media outlets, give tips to improve content and frequency and creating an action plan to implement a social media campaign that’s worth the time invested. Open to business and nonprofit professionals, this is the third seminar in a series designed to help area businesses and organizations gain web marketing expertise.
“We see so many small businesses struggling with this,” said Chris Manley, managing partner with Engenius. “This is another way for them to boost their business and they need to understand this.”
Registration is $99 and includes a light breakfast, refreshments, and all seminar materials. Engenius is offering a 50 percent if people register by March 26, 2012. Use discount code “save50” when registering at www.engeniusweb.com/products/engeniusu/ to get the savings.
Published Date : March 22, 2012
Author : admin
Nexans, a worldwide leader in the cable industry, announced yesterday that its new high voltage power cable manufacturing plant will be located in Berkeley County. The $85 million investment is expected to create up to 200 new jobs
“Establishing our Berkeley plant is a key strategic development that will enable Nexans to capitalize on the ever growing demand for high-quality high-voltage cables designed and manufactured to meet the specific needs of the major power transmission infrastructure projects in North America and worldwide in the coming years,” said Dirk Steinbrink, vice president in charge of Nexans’ High Voltage and Submarine Business Group.
Nexans will use the facility to manufacture high-voltage power cables, with a possible future extension to submarine cable production. The company expects plant operations to begin in 2014.
“It’s exciting to see an international company like Nexans choose to locate new operations in Berkeley County. We celebrate the company’s $85 million investment and the creation of 200 new jobs. More and more companies around the globe are learning that South Carolina is the place to do business,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
In 2011, South Carolina recruited more than $4.7 billion in investment and more than 13,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“Nexans is a world class company and we’re grateful they’ve chosen South Carolina to help them make world class cables. Announcements like this one continue to build momentum for our state’s manufacturing renaissance,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
The facility will be built on a new site at the Bushy Park Industrial Complex in Berkeley County. In its initial phase, the plant will focus on the manufacture of underground land cables from 69 kilovolts up to extra high voltage cables of 420 kilovolts.
“We in Berkeley County are extremely pleased to welcome Nexans into our family of national and international corporations,” said Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis. “The significant investment of capital and jobs represented by this project continues to emphasize the quality of place as well as the depth and dedication of our workforce in attracting world-class companies to our community.”
The Berkeley plant will reinforce Nexans’ current product range in North America, adding to the existing medium-voltage, low-voltage, overhead transmission, industrial, building wire, electrical wire and LAN portfolios. In 2011, North America represented more than 11 percent of the company’s total sales, with over 1,300 people employed in seven production facilities – four in the U.S. and three in Canada.
“We are excited to welcome Nexans to the Charleston region, adding their expertise to a growing base of global manufacturing companies,” said R.M. Singletary, Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board chairman. “The Port of Charleston, Bushy Park Industrial Complex and our ready supply of highly-skilled workers were critical factors in Nexans’ decision to locate here. They will be an invaluable asset to our region.”
The company will begin construction in 2012 and expects hiring to begin in late 2013. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should visit the Careers at Nexans page at www.nexans.us
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant worth $1.6 million for the county to help with site preparation and infrastructure improvements. Job development credits will also be available when hiring targets are met. readySC will provide training for potential workers.
Published Date : March 21, 2012
Author : admin
In a 5:25 speech on the floor of the SC House, Representative Thad Viers (R-Dist. 68-Horry County) resigned his seat effective immediately.
Becoming emotional at times during his remarks, Viers informed the chamber that, “Tomorrow morning, the Marlboro solicitor will be seeking an indictment against me for the personal, and now public relationship between me and my ex-girlfriend Candace Bessinger.”
Resigning, according to Viers, was the “honorable thing” to do for the House, a body in which he served for 10 years.
Viers was a seen as a consistent conservative vote in the House. He noted, “Most of the time, the people in this room and the people in the audience know how I’m gonna vote before I have a chance to.”
“I find it shocking the amount of resources being spent on this politically-motivated matter over a few love letters,” Viers said.
His relationship with Bessinger, granddaughter of barbecue restaurateur Maurice Bessinger, ended in the summer of 2011. Personal emails chronicling Viers’ attempts to repair his relationship with Bessinger have been prominently published in other outlets. Bessinger filed harassment charges against Viers in January 2012 as a result of those emails.
Viers said his service in the South Carolina House has been an honor, but “that because of this politically-motivated situation I find myself in, I must now focus all of my efforts, and therefore I will be unable to faithfully execute the duties of my office and hereby today tender my resignation immediately from the South Carolina House of Representatives.”
Prior to the charges levied against him by Bessinger, Viers was considered the frontrunner for the Republican nomination for SC’s new 7th Congressional District seat. He served on the House Judiciary Committee, most recently chairing the General Laws Subcommittee and the Special Laws Subcommittee prior to that.
Listen to the full audio of Rep Viers’ resignation speech HERE.
Published Date : March 21, 2012
Author : admin
Tognum America Inc., an American subsidiary of Tognum AG and a leader for propulsion and power solutions, today announced plans to expand its Aiken County plant for MTU engines. The $40 million investment is expected to generate 20 new jobs over the next two years.
“The global need for clean, efficient diesel engine technology continues to increase, and Tognum is uniquely positioned to meet that increasing demand,” said Dr. Ulrich Dohle, member of the Tognum Executive Board for Technology and Operations. “Our global strategy provides us with the ability to expand intelligently and remain a leading-edge solution provider to our customers around the world.”
The investment follows Tognum’s initial commitment of $45 million in plant renovations and expansion, and is part of the company’s ongoing plans to increase its footprint in North America. The company maintains facilities and offices throughout the U.S. and is also in the midst of an international plant expansion program.
“Our continued growth is a testament to the hard work of our employees and the support we have received from the community,” said Joerg Klisch, director of operations, Tognum America. “The expansion of our operations here at the Aiken facility will be a great benefit to our company, our customers and our community for years to come.”
Expansion plans for the MTU Aiken plant include two new research and development buildings that will house new engine test equipment, as well as additional visitor and employee parking areas. Construction has already begun and Tognum expects to complete the new facilities by the end of this year.
“Today’s announcement shows Tognum’s commitment to South Carolina, and we celebrate the $40 million investment and the new jobs they will create in Aiken County. We know we are on the right track with economic development when existing businesses, like Tognum, grow their footprint here,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
The company has already surpassed its initial plan of 250 employees, when plans for the plant were announced in early 2010, which were to be in place by 2014.
“South Carolinians know how to build things and build them well. Nothing shows that more than when an existing manufacturer, like Tognum, grows its presence in our state,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
In 2011, South Carolina recruited more than $4.7 billion in investment and more than 13,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“Tognum America has been a welcomed addition to our manufacturing base in Aiken County. They have already exceeded their original commitments made in 2010 and we are grateful for their continued growth in Aiken County. Aiken County Council is committed to our existing industries and making them successful,” said Aiken County Council Chairman Ronnie Young.
“We are very appreciative of Tognum America’s expansion in Aiken County. In their short time here, they have made a positive impact in the community,” said Gary Stooksbury, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Partnership. “The Partnership works hard to secure new jobs and capital investment for our area.”
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved the company for job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met. readySC will provide training.
Published Date : March 21, 2012
Author : admin
Camilo Villegas, Rickie Fowler, Tommy Gainey, Ben Crane and Lucas Glover have all committed to the 44th annual RBC Heritage, taking place April 9-15, 2012 over the Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island.
They will be joined by several other PGA TOUR stand-outs, including defending champ Brandt Snedeker, Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Stewart Cink and Brian Gay. The entire group will be shooting for the top prize of $1,026,000 from a purse of $5,700,000.
Villegas has earned three victories on the PGA TOUR since turning pro in 2004. The Colombian native won the Honda Classic in 2010 and both the BMW and TOUR Championships in 2008. The University of Florida grad has not missed a RBC Heritage since 2006. He won the 2003 Players Amateur conducted each summer by the Heritage Classic Foundation. He has carded 2 top ten finishes at Harbour Town and has earned close to a half million dollars here.
Fowler turned pro in 2009 and has one International victory under his belt. He beat Rory McIlroy at the Kolon Korea Open on the OneAsia Tour last October. He received a sponsors exemption at Harbour Town as an amateur in 2008 thanks to his 2007 win at the Players Amateur. His best finish was in 2010 when he tied for eighth place.
Gainey goes by the nickname “Two Gloves” for wearing two golf gloves when he plays. The South Carolina native was born in Darlington but now calls Camden home. The former “Big Break V” contestant has played Harbour Town three times and he tied for third place at last year’s Heritage. He carded six additional top ten finishes in 2011.
Crane has competed at Harbour Town eight times and has only missed the cut once. He has earned four PGA TOUR victories including last year’s McGladrey Classic. He has earned fame off the course as the mastermind behind the “Golf Boys” video that he stars in along with Rickie Fowler, Hunter Mahan and Bubba Watson.
Glover is back competing on the PGA TOUR after having to withdraw from the Sony Open with a knee injury. He has won three times on TOUR. The Clemson grad battled fellow Tiger Jonathan Byrd in a playoff to win the 2011 Wells Fargo Championship. This will be the Greenville, SC native’s tenth time competing at Harbour Town.
Published Date : March 21, 2012
Author : admin
Walterboro Mayor Bill Young
As the Kiawah Island Golf Resort starts grooming the Ocean Course for the 2012 PGA Championship August 6- 12, 2012, the City of Walterboro tees up to show those coming to the Lowcountry late summer that there’s a better way to land.
The Lowcountry Regional Airport (KRBW), just one mile from the city of Walterboro’s historic district and four miles from Interstate 95, is only 50 miles from Kiawah. With its proximity to the City of Walterboro, known for its historic charm and abundant natural resources, the airport is surrounded by outings and opportunities, be it nature, arts or history, in addition to an attractive and growing economic hub, all within an hour of not only the 2012 PGA Championship, but all that nearby Charleston and the Lowcountry area have to offer.
The City of Walterboro’s central location makes it a prime spot for visitors and businesses, nestled between Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, GA, where there are two international airports, SPAWAR (Space & Naval Warfare Systems Engineering Center), Global Aeronautics, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp, and the formidable $750 million Boeing Dreamliner project. With access via three exits along I-95, it’s an hour away from historic Beaufort, S.C., also home to the Marine Corps Air Station and its highly trained aviation technicians.
With three runways ranging in length from 5,500 feet to 6,007 feet, the Lowcountry Regional Airport (KRBW) is the largest general aviation airport in the state and can safely handle the Boeing 737, as well as all corporate jets. Amenities include an instrument landing system (ILS), an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast system (ADS-B tower), GPS, and on field communications with the Charleston International Airport Tower.
Fuel prices are competitive and typically average a dollar to a dollar and a half less than those at nearby airports, and pilots and crew are able to call ahead to have food delivered while re-fueling. Catering and crew cars, along with a pilot’s lounge and a flight planning room, are also available, all making the flight experience less stressful.
“We’re sensitive to our visitor’s privacy and offer personal assistance on the ramp and the ability to walk directly from your aircraft to your transportation. Whether you’re visiting the Lowcountry to experience its world class hunting, fishing, golf, or any of the other countless attributes and activities that the region has to offer, the Lowcountry Regional Airport is focused on making your trip a convenient, private, and pleasant experience,” according to Tommy Rowe, airport manager.
The Walterboro-Colleton County Airport Commission and the Colleton County Economic Alliance have primed the airport to attract aviation-related investments. Nearly 600 acres of land are available for industrial or business development. Development incentives are being offered to companies locating in Walterboro.
“The Lowcountry Regional Airport is positioned to accommodate a multitude of needs due to the expansion the area is now witnessing. It’s evident too along our historic streets, with visitors and residents strolling our beautiful downtown area for antiques, artifacts and artistry, or taking a walk in the Great Sanctuary, followed by some great dining. We want to make the trip easy and efficient, and invite our guests to take a moment and take it easy with us on the ‘Front Porch’ of the Lowcountry. We hope they may want to stay awhile,” said Mayor Bill Young.
PHOTO CREDIT: City of Walterboro
Published Date : March 20, 2012
Author : admin
Beaufort’s Breakwater Restaurant & Bar opens its second location today just 237 miles away at 802 S. Main St. in Greenville’s West End.
The restaurant will have an upscale casual atmosphere and specialize in New South cuisine with an emphasis on tapas – appetizer-sized dishes designed for sharing. Beth Shaw and Gary and Donna Lang will oversee the restaurant, with Shaw serving as executive chef.
“The Greenville restaurant scene has a growing national reputation and we are excited to be a part of it,” Shaw said. “Breakwater will be known for providing a consistently good experience and offering fresh, seasonal items that are unique to the Upstate and creatively prepared with culinary influences from around the world.”
The 4,500-square-foot restaurant seats 145 patrons. The Beaufort restaurant is an OpenTable.com Diner’s Choice winner, in addition to accolades it earned from Trip Advisor and the Lowcountry press.
“We are very proud of the reputation and loyal following we have built over the years,” Gary Lang said. “When you think of Breakwater, we want you to think of a warm and friendly atmosphere and consistently good food.”
Breakwater extensively renovated the former Rio Grille building to serve as its Greenville location. Greenville-based GCM was the contractor, with Radium Architecture Inc. of Greenville serving as project architect.
Published Date : March 19, 2012
Author : admin
Filing for the June 2012 Democrat and Republican primaries opened this past Friday at Noon as federal, state, and local offices will be on the ballot this year.
Here are a few incumbents and challengers who made campaign announcements.
Senator Larry Martin (R-Dist 2-Pickens County)
“It continues to be an honor to represent the people of Pickens County in the Senate, and I am truly humbled by the support everyone in this district has given me throughout the years,” Martin said. “We have put forward many conservative reforms in the Senate that the people of Pickens County have asked for, but there is still much to do. If re-elected, I have no doubt that by serving as Judiciary Chairman, we will be able to accomplish even more for the people of this district.”
Senator Harvey Peeler (R-Dist 2-Cherokee County)
“The people of this district believe that government should tax less, spend less, and run more like a business,” Peeler said. “Not only that, we have to always be focused on ways to create more jobs and opportunity for the people of Cherokee, Spartanburg, Union, and York counties. I am focused on continuing to push for reforms that reflect our conservative values, and to make sure this district is not overlooked when it comes to directing job-creating resources like infrastructure to the Upstate.”
Representative Durham Cole (R-Dist 32-Spartanburg)
“I am running to ensure a proven conservative represents the people of House District 32,” said Representative Cole. “I want to continue the progress we have made in the House on restructuring and tax reform issues. On that front, the House just passed a conservative budget that replenishes reserve funds, provides tax relief to South Carolina’s employers, and sets aside funds to deepen the Port of Charleston.”
Representative Mike Forrester (R-Dist 34-Spartanburg County)
“I plan to knock on as many doors and speak with as many voters as I can in the fight to make our state and county a hub for economic development.” He added, “I’ve worked to bring jobs to this county through our Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Development. It allows for business growth, beta testing, and work space for new industry recruitment. Our small businesses receive help in startup and soft landings. Our goal is to be more prepared and competitive in the global market.”
Representative B.R. Skelton (R-Dist 3-Clemson/Six Mile/Central/Norris)
“It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the people of Pickens County” said Rep. Skelton. “There are still many opportunities to help our community and improve our quality of life here in our state. I hope the people of District 3 will give me the opportunity to keep fighting for them.” Rep. Skelton is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees all taxing and spending legislation, including writing the state budget.
Representative Mike Sottile (R-Dist 112-Sullivans Island/Mount Pleasant/Isle of Palms)
“I have been honored to serve the people of District 112, and have worked hard to represent our district’s values,” Rep. Sottile said. “Our district plays a vital role in driving the economy of our state, and is an important part of our state’s tax base. I will continue to fight to make sure we are not overlooked when it comes to investment and infrastructure improvements. As well, we have advanced many ideas and measure aimed at protecting taxpayers and improving quality of life in our state. There is still much work left to do, and I am asking our district’s voters for the opportunity to continue working for them.”
Scott Stephens (R-Dist 20 — Greenville County Council)
“We need elected officials that understand the concerns of small business owners and seek to promote economic development,” Stephens said. “Officials elected to public office have a responsibility to be engaged and active in the community, and those entrusted with public office must be committed to being transparent in their activities. In this time of economic and political uncertainty, we can no longer tolerate politicians that excel in the status quo.” Stephens is running against Republican incumbent Dr. Sid Cates.
NOTE: If you are a candidate or campaign, send your announcement to input@crescentmag.com.
Published Date : March 19, 2012
Author : admin
The Heritage Classic Foundation is distributing funds to those in need thanks to a grant from the Verizon Foundation. The Verizon Foundation awarded the three-year $1.5 million grant to the Heritage Classic Foundation in 2011.
Each year, half of the grant is used to continue the Heritage Scholar Program. The other half is used to fund nonprofits that focus on education and health care.
“The Heritage Classic Foundation is excited to be working with the Verizon Foundation again this year,” said Chairman Simon Fraser. “This grant sustains our Scholar Program and allows us to continue to help Beaufort County’s deserving young students.”
The Heritage Scholar Program is the most significant scholar program in Beaufort County. Fifteen four-year scholar grants will be awarded to graduating Beaufort County seniors for two more years as a result of this grant. The 2012 Awards will be announced during a luncheon on March 27.
Since 1987, the Heritage Classic Foundation has distributed more than $22 million to numerous nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping people throughout South Carolina. The Foundation is proud to be able to continue to support those in need thanks to the Verizon Foundation.
The following nonprofits received grants through this partnership:
“We believe each of the 12 groups is doing outstanding work. Each has its own story, but they all have something in common”, said Heritage Classic Foundation Charity Committee Chairman, Stan Smith. “They are all helping the most needy in the area to improve their lives.”
Thousands of elementary, middle and high school students across South Carolina will get access to programs that foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills due to a $40,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation.
Junior Achievement (JA) of South Carolina’s mission is for young people to be inspired and prepared to succeed in a global economy. JA views high school graduation as essential to that success but is concerned with nearly 7,000 students dropping out of school each day.
South Carolina mandates require financial literacy education for students, but reduced educational resources and personnel have strained the ability to deliver in a meaningful way. The need encouraged the three JA affiliates in South Carolina (Columbia, Charleston and Greenville) to work together to provide volunteer taught lessons in financial literacy. JA programs are aligned with State Teaching Standards at all grade levels.
Using the funds from the Walmart Foundation, JA will implement its activities and lessons based on the recommendations of the program staff and the school districts in each county. JA offices will confirm participation with school educators, then recruit and train business volunteers from the local community to teach the programs to an assigned class.
Volunteers will visit classrooms (five visits for elementary programs, six visits for middle school programs and seven visits for high school programs) to facilitate hands-on activities.
“The programs demonstrate to students the direct relevance of what they are learning in school to their futures, and a greater understanding of the value of having a high school diploma,” said Greg Ley, area market manager for Wal-Mart. “The program is proven to instill students with the internal drive and belief that they can be successful.
The dropout crisis has a devastating impact on the future health of the economy, according to JA officials. Over the course of a lifetime, a high school dropout earns about $260,000 less than a high school graduate and contributes about $60,000 less in taxes. Overall, dropouts are twice as likely as graduates to be unemployed; three times as likely to live in poverty; eight times more likely to wind up in prison; and twice as likely to become the parent of a child who drops out of school.
“The program’s goal is to equip youth with knowledge and skills regarding financial literacy and work-readiness as they make decisions about education and careers,” said Chad Vail, president of Junior Achievement of Coastal SC, based in Charleston. “As students’ confidence about finances and knowledge about the workplace increase, their attitudes and behaviors begin to demonstrate that they understand the relevancy and value of education. They get it.”
Published Date : March 15, 2012
Author : admin
Since last week’s resignation of former Lt. Gov. Ken Ard and the constitutional succession of former Senator Glenn McConnell to the state’s second highest office, rumors have swirled as to Lt. Gov. McConnell’s intentions regarding the seat he held for so long.
This afternoon, Lt. Gov. McConnell issued a formal statement to clarify his position and address those rumors.
“My heart has been touched by the hundreds of citizens in the Charleston area, from all walks of life, who have urged me to launch a campaign to regain my seat in the State Senate. I have dedicated the last thirty-one years of my life to serving as a Senator. Selfishly speaking, I would love to return to that position of honor. And no mere words can express how deeply grateful I am to the good people from my District for the trust they have placed in me.
“However, I cannot in good conscience offer for re-election to the Senate this year. The timing of this constitutional succession makes it impossible for me to consider any other course.
“On Tuesday, I took an oath of office to discharge the duties of Lt. Governor. The task of executing an orderly transition in that office and making certain its duties and responsibilities are properly organized requires a major effort over a considerable period of time. To regain my seat in the Senate, I would have to file for re-election literally within a few days and launch a campaign immediately. I cannot do that.
“It is vitally important for those of us engaged in public service to keep our promises, uphold the rule of law, and honor the oaths we take. I vacated my Senate seat because the oath I took as President Pro Tempore required me to do so, Now I believe the oath I took as Lt. Governor requires me to make a good faith effort for a reasonable period of time to fulfill the duties of that office. Therefore, I will not offer as a candidate for election for Senate District 41 this year.
“I know not what the future holds. All I can say for sure is that I have loved serving the people of Senate District 41. It is an honor that has occupied most of my adult life. With all my heart, I thank my neighbors for allowing me to represent them in the South Carolina Senate. And beginning immediately, I will do all I can to serve the people of South Carolina well as their new Lt. Governor.”
Published Date : March 15, 2012
Author : admin
Rolled Alloys, a provider of specialty alloys, announced plans to locate its new facility in Chester County. The $3.7 million investment is expected to generate 24 new jobs.
“We are pleased to move forward with plans to open a new facility in Chester County. South Carolina offers our company an excellent business environment and a skilled workforce. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Jason Wilson, general manager of the new facility for Rolled Alloys.
Rolled Alloys will locate its new operations in the Crenshaw Spec Building in Richburg. The company provides stainless steels, nickel, cobalt and titanium alloys. The company expects to have the new facility in operation by the third quarter of 2012.
“Today’s announcement is another win for one of our state’s rural areas. We celebrate Rolled Alloys decision to invest $3.7 million and create 24 new jobs in Richburg. We are working every day to bring new businesses to all regions of South Carolina,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Last year, South Carolina recruited more than $4.7 billion in investment and more than 13,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“Chester County is certainly on a roll, as this is the second announcement this month for them. Rolled Alloys adds another boost to South Carolina’s manufacturing reputation, and every one of these jobs will have an impact on Richburg,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“Actively marketing and promoting Chester County’s unique assets and advantages has been the goal of our leadership, partners and allies. I believe that we are successfully doing that when we are able to attract an exceptional company such as Rolled Alloys. We welcome them here to Chester County and look forward to a long and prosperous partnership,” said Chester County Supervisor R. Carlisle Roddey.
“We welcome Rolled Alloys, the Global Leader in specialty metals, to our family of industries and companies in Chester County and the state of South Carolina. This announcement is another reinforcement of Chester County and the state of South Carolina’s business-friendly environment. Rolled Alloys commitment to service, technology and quality is what all companies strive to achieve,” said Chester Development Association Chairman Mike Enoch.
The company will begin hiring for the positions in May – June 2012. An announcement will be forthcoming with details on how anyone interested in available job opportunities can apply.
Published Date : March 15, 2012
Author : admin
The last time we saw Anderson, SC native Jonathan Dickson, he was delivering peaches to a federal prosecutor in the HBO hit Boardwalk Empire.
This Monday night at 10:00 p.m. (EDT), Jonathan returns to the small screen…this time appearing in the new Bravo reality show Love Broker.
Jonathan’s looking for love in New York City, and hopefully matchmaker Lori Zaslow can help him find it. Let’s just hope that the South Carolina/New York language barrier doesn’t get too much in the way.
You can also follow Jonathan on Twitter (@JonnyDHollywood).
UPDATE: BRAVO’s Love Broker will not air on March 19 as originally scheduled. We received the following message from Jonathan this afternoon. “Bravo just announced they are moving the Love Broker to this summer now to up their ratings. So looks like you will have to wait til summer to see if I’m a good guy or not.” It’s OK. We already know you’re a good guy.
Published Date : March 14, 2012
Author : admin
The South Carolina House of Representatives approved a balanced 2012-2013 general fund state budget today, sending more than $600 million in tax relief, prioritizing teacher raises, and adhering to the House’s spending limit legislation.
“I’m proud of my committee and staff and all of their hard work throughout this process,” said House Ways and Means Chairman Brian White. “One of the most important bills the House debates each year is the budget – legislation that spends your hard-earned tax dollars. The House was able to live within its means while still fully funding our reserve funds ahead of schedule, providing substantial tax relief, and giving our classroom teachers a well-deserved pay raise.
“As the budget moves to the Senate, it is imperative that Republicans across the state continue to push for the essentials of a conservative budget: a budget that is balanced – limiting growth to stay below both the House and the governor’s proposed spending caps – a budget that funds core functions of government, and that continues to build upon the more than $20 billion in tax relief the Republican-controlled House has passed since 1996,” Chairman White added.
The 2012-13 budget increases the “base student cost” to $2,012 with the intent of sending more money to the state’s classrooms. That increase is designated to give teachers their first pay raise in four years. The budget also sets aside $180 million to dredge the Port of Charleston to assist with economic expansion. It also includes funding for 50 new state law enforcement officers and fully funds reserve fund requirements approved by voters in 2008, according to officials.
“This is a budget that funds teacher salaries, state reserves, the Port of Charleston, and tax relief,” said House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham. “We funded the priorities that our constituents told us they wanted, and we funded the priorities that will improve the economy, education, and our state’s fiscal position. Now our focus turns to passing our tax reform package that will create systemic change for the future.”
Other budget items of note:
Published Date : March 14, 2012
Author : admin
Caterpillar Inc. today announced plans to expand its hydraulic facility in Sumter’s Black River Airport Industrial Park. The $20 million investment is expected to create more than 80 new jobs over two years, once the expansion is completed.
“We are pleased to be increasing operations at our Sumter facility,” said Brian Mezei, Sumter facility manager for Caterpillar. “We have enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the Sumter community and appreciate the continued support of the state and our local Sumter County partners.”
Caterpillar’s expansion will nearly triple the facility’s footprint, from 100,000 square feet to 275,000 square feet. The facility currently produces small hydraulic cylinders used in a variety of Cat products. The additional capacity will bring the production of large hydraulic cylinders from the company’s Joliet, Illinois, facility to Sumter. Once the expansion is completed, the Sumter facility will be the primary source for small and large hydraulic cylinders for North and South America. The expansion in Sumter will allow the Joliet facility to focus on increasing production for other components currently produced in Joliet.
“It’s always great to see one of our existing businesses decide to grow its presence in South Carolina. Caterpillar is a world class company, and we celebrate their decision to further invest in our state and create more than 80 new jobs in Sumter County,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Last year, South Carolina recruited more than $4.7 billion in investment and more than 13,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“Caterpillar has been a part of South Carolina’s business community for years, and today’s announcement strengthens their commitment to our state. We are thrilled that Caterpillar is expanding in South Carolina, furthering our state’s manufacturing and exports momentum,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
Sumter Development Board Chairman Greg A. Thompson said the company and the community share qualities. “When you think about Caterpillar, you think about things like toughness, reliability and quality,” said Thompson. “In that regard, I think Sumter and Caterpillar have a lot in common. We’re known for being a reliable, business-friendly community and our people offer the kind of quality workforce a company like Caterpillar needs to continue to be the world’s number one manufacturer of construction and mining equipment.”
“Everyone gets excited when new companies announce, and so do I. But I take special satisfaction when I hear about our existing industries expanding because it proves we’re doing the right things to make our community hospitable to business,” said Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen. “On behalf of City Council, we welcome these new investments from our old friends and look forward to even greater things in the future.”
“Caterpillar’s expansion is the result of the increased demand for the top quality products it produces. The expansion shows that Caterpillar recognizes Sumter’s workforce is highly-trained and possesses the technical skills and knowledge to meet this demand,” said Sumter County Council Chairman Gene Baten.
Baten added that county and city councils, Sumter economic development and the Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative continue to be successful in bringing jobs to Sumter County. “This is further proof that when you invest in yourself, others will invest in you,” he said.
Work on the expansion will begin immediately and is scheduled to be completed by the fourth quarter in 2012. Hiring is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2012. Positions will be posted on the company’s recruiting website (www.jointeamcaterpillar.com) as they become available.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant worth $200,000 for the county to help with site preparation. Job development credits will also be available when hiring targets are met. readySC will provide training for potential workers.