Published Date : March 14, 2012
Author : admin
Funnelicious, a specialty dessert deli and restaurant, has embarked on a campaign to build a community garden in the West End of Greenville.
Located on a 65 foot by 12 foot plot behind the restaurant’s 155 Augusta Street location, Mike Pennington, Funnelicious’s owner, said this is another way his company is giving back to the Greenville community.
“We are always looking for ways to grow our green footprint,” Pennington said. “Our five flower beds in the front of the restaurant have been a huge hit, so we wanted to expand from there.”
Pennington said he contacted City Councilwoman Gaye Sprague for advice on pursuing a community garden. She connected him with Greenville Forward and Gardening for Good, a network of local community gardens that utilizes of the energy of the community garden movement to coordinate neighborhood redevelopment efforts, improve the health of residents and neighborhoods, and transform Greenville through gardening.
Funnelicious then got support from Greenville Technical College, which sent staff and students to help lay out the early stages of the garden in March as part of its community outreach program, Pennington said. A funnel cake in the shape of the number 50 was baked for the occasion in honor of Greenville Tech’s anniversary.
In addition, rebar and railroad ties were donated by Lowe’s to serve as garden walls and landscape reinforcement. Fresh Start SC, Economic Recovery Assistance contributed additional funds for heavy equipment rental and labor.
Together, this divergent group helped transform the grass hill behind the restaurant into the first stages of the garden. Pennington said he will spend the next few months preparing the plots and seeking community groups to take part in this project.
A community garden works when one group builds space for a garden. People in the community then pledge to take parts of it and harvest the food. Funnelicious will supply the water for the garden, but it is up to the participants to plant.
“We are looking forward to being something the entire community can be a part of,” he said.
Published Date : March 13, 2012
Author : admin
The State Farmers Market in West Columbia will host the inaugural “Commissioner’s Cup” barbecue cook-off and festival on March 23 and 24. This two-day event will feature teams from across the south vying for the bragging rights and top prizes as they show off their cooking skills.
According to the state Department of Agriculture. the best barbecue pit masters will showcase their techniques and support a local charity. Part of the proceeds of the event will benefit the Harvest Hope Food Bank.
The cook-off is sanctioned by the Southern BBQ Network, an organization that sanctions barbecue cook-offs in South Carolina.
The categories for the Commissioner’s Cup include: Anything But, Butts, and Ribs, along with Grand Champion and Reserve Champion.
Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture, will present the awards on Saturday afternoon of the event.
The event is open to the public. Gates open on Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. Admission is $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday. Children 12 and under accompanied by a parent who bring canned food items for Harvest Hope will be admitted free.
“We are looking forward to a great crowd for our first barbecue cook-off at the market, said Jackie Moore with the S.C. Department of Agriculture and festival coordinator. “And it also helps benefit the Harvest Hope Food Bank.”
There will be free entertainment, barbecue tastings, and local vendors selling SC specialty foods. There will also be barbecue cooking demonstrations in the exhibition kitchen located inside the Corbett Building at the market.
Published Date : March 12, 2012
Author : admin
In an effort to change the way South Carolinians pay taxes, Rep. Tommy Stringer and the SC House Republican Caucus Tax Reform Study Committee filed a package of seven bills today after eight months of study. Because of this week’s budget debate, the bills will receive first reading, be assigned bill numbers, and be assigned to a committee tomorrow.
“This is tax reform that gets to the heart of the Republican Platform: ‘support a tax policy designed to help the economy grow, not stunt the taxpayer,’” said Rep. Tommy Stringer (R-Greer), the chairman of the study committee. “Lower taxes and a more efficient government are the core tenants of our beliefs and years of tinkering around the edges have created a state tax code that is dense, unwieldy, and unfair to many taxpayers. We aim to take a major first step toward reform with this legislation.”
The package consists of seven major reforms:
“This package is not ‘revenue neutral,’ and if everything except the commercial property cut is included, this is a $220 million tax cut,” said committee member Rep. Bill Taylor (R-Aiken). “This package is ‘revenue negative’, which appropriately reflects both our insistence that the tax code is unfair and the core Republican principle that we are overtaxed.”
Rep. Dan Hamilton (R-Greenville), said, “This is the first step in a long process. We need conservative activists, the Tea Party, and anybody who believes in the Republican Platform to help us. The legislative process is messy and sometimes maddening, but if we conservatives across the state come together, we can live up to the call of the Republican Platform to create “a Tax Policy which promotes prosperity.’”
Published Date : March 12, 2012
Author : admin
Laurens Republican Jeff Duncan announced today that he will seek reelection to the United States House of Representatives from South Carolina’s Third Congressional District.
Duncan, along with fellow South Carolina freshmen Representatives Trey Gowdy, Tim Scott, and Mick Mulvaney, gained significant national attention this past year for frequent independence from House Republican Leadership.
“I’ve tried to do exactly what I said I would do on the campaign trail,” Duncan said. “That’s cut spending, reduce the size of government, defend the Constitution, and fight on behalf of the people of South Carolina.”
“Although I’ve only been in office for little over a year, I’ve worked hard to help lead the fight against the destructive policies coming out of Washington. According to the political arm of the conservative Heritage Foundation, I have the most conservative voting record of any member in the US House of Representatives. This conservative record means I’ve been willing to vote against leadership in my own party to do what I feel is right,” he added.
Congressman Duncan is married to his high school sweetheart Melody, and they have three boys.
Published Date : March 12, 2012
Author : admin
According to Lowcountry resident Drea Bauer, she and her alter ego “Miss Match” have “conquered the online dating scene” and are ready to share their wisdom.
The Charlestonian and sister of former SC Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer is the author of the new book Miss Match: Become the QUEEN of Online Dating in a Skinny Minute. As Miss Match, Bauer professes she was, “Looking for my FLAME I found my FIRE.”
The book has been recognized for its self-development principles and was awarded the “Improve your Spirit, Improve Yourself Award” by Fed-Up Girl — a non-profit for the education of youth on body image, self-esteem, and healthy living.
Marianne Williamson, author of four #1 New York Times Best Sellers said, “Few things are better than a good sit-down chat with a close girlfriend…especially when she knows what she’s talking about. Author Drea Bauer becomes your newest close girlfriend and she knows what she’s talking about. Like a combination of a relationships therapist and a character out of a Jane Austen novel, Bauer entertainingly delivers some pretty serious goods.”
Bauer spent her formal education to become an attorney but says she spent a lifetime becoming herself. She believes she has now mastered the art of fulfillment and become the woman she was born to be.
Bauer is graduate of the USC School of Law and Tony Robbins’ Master University. She is a practicing attorney, real estate broker and developer, executive producer of an environmental film, and a state constable commissioned by the governor.
She views Miss Match as an instruction manual — not only on how to date online but how to become a better person. Bauer believes, “You just need to find the best resources to access that internal goddess of goodness you already are.”
Bauer says her book teaches how to learn the skills to “master yourself from the inside out, all the while having a blast dating exceptional men in the process. Miss Match is chock-full of knowledge that will impart inspiration and illustrate actual techniques of online dating. More importantly than simply finding a partner, you will find yourself through this online adventure.”
According to Bauer’s alter ego Miss Match, herself, “The more you grow to appreciate yourself, the more others will appreciate you. You will become the woman who will attract the quality of people into your life that you desire and deserve! Like attracts like. You will even want to hang out more with you! Give yourself the biggest gift ever: self-love, self-esteem, self-worth, and self-respect.”
Bauer offers free dating and self-development advice through the book’s web site (missmatch.us) where the book itself is also available. Miss Match can also be purchased directly through Amazon.com.
Published Date : March 12, 2012
Author : admin
OK, so the State of South Carolina may not have any teams in the Big Dance this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be watching, and it doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun with this year’s tournament.
Email your completed bracket (you can find one at ESPN) along with your name, address, and phone number to input@crescentmag.com by Noon on Thursday, March 15 for a chance to win Crescent Magazine merchandise.
DISCLAIMER: Contest is free to enter. Winner(s) and prize(s) is/are determined by CRESCENT. Contest is applicable to the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship Tournament. Contest ends at the conclusion of the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship Tournament. All decisions are final. Any times referenced should be considered as Eastern Daylight Savings time unless otherwise noted. CRESCENT, its officers, agents, and/or employees are not liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from claims against this contest even if CRESCENT, its officers, agents, and/or employees has/have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Published Date : March 12, 2012
Author : admin
The Walmart Foundation has donated $35,000 to the South Carolina State Park Service for energy-efficiency projects across the system that could cut operating costs. Some of the donation will help convert incandescent floodlights in the exhibit hall at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site to more efficient LED (or light emitting diodes) bulbs.
Representatives of the Foundation presented the donation today to Duane Parrish, Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, at a press conference at Charles Towne Landing.
“I particularly thank Walmart for being a good corporate partner and helping the park service meet its broad goals of stewardship and service by addressing energy efficiency needs,” Parrish said. “We are committed to our goal of becoming self-sufficient in 2013, and this donation helps us get there.”
Converting to LED lighting in the exhibit hall is expected to save the Park Service $25,000 in energy and labor costs over the life of the bulbs, estimated at 7 years. The new lighting also puts off less heat, meaning the panels and displays in the exhibit hall will fade less, last longer and require less maintenance, leading to additional savings.
Walmart Foundation’s donation also will help fund energy-efficiency projects at Hickory Knob State Resort Park in McCormick County, Devils Fork in Oconee County, Cheraw State Park in Chesterfield County and Huntington Beach State Park in Georgetown County.
The Walmart Foundation strives to provide opportunities that improve the lives of individuals in their communities including customers and associates. Through financial contributions, in-kind donations and volunteerism, the Walmart Foundation supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in the corporation’s four main focus areas:
The foundation’s giving efforts strive to meet the unmet needs of underserved populations and support organizations that give individuals access to a better life. The Walmart Foundation believes in operating globally and giving back locally. They encourage Walmart associates to support programs that make a positive difference in their communities through volunteer efforts and financial contributions, and to get involved in selecting which causes to support.
Published Date : March 9, 2012
Author : admin
Today, Mike Fair announced his intention to seek reelection to his District 6 seat in the South Carolina Senate.
A popular figure among social conservatives, Fair was first elected to the Senate in 1994.
During his most recent Senate term, Fair considers voting to eliminate the Budget and Control Board and co-sponsoring a tort reform bill among his accomplishments. In addition, he was a leader in the debate to pass a bill mandating a 24-hour waiting period on abortions.
This year, joining with other lawmakers, he is attempting to close a loophole which allows video poker operators to regain business interests through “sweepstakes terminals,” which closely resemble the operation of video poker machines that were banned in 1999.
Currently, Fair pushing against federally mandated “common core standards” for education in South Carolina, arguing that Washington should not be in the business of dictating educational standards to South Carolina schools.
Senator Fair will officially file for re-election on Friday, March 16th at the Greenville GOP headquarters.
“It has been a privilege to serve the people of District 6, and the fact they have entrusted me to look after their tax dollars and fight for their values is an honor,” Fair said. “We still have much work to do. The federal government continues to encroach on our paychecks, our rights, and our values in ways I would never have imagined just a few short years ago. My hope is to continue to be a leading conservative voice in the state Senate for smaller government, and for a government that protects the most basic right of life.”
Fair will face Chris Sullivan in the June 12 Republican primary.
Published Date : March 9, 2012
Author : admin
With today’s resignation by South Carolina Lt. Gov. Ken Ard, Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell, who is in line to succeed Ard, issued the following statement (Click the image to view in full size).
McConnell will be sworn in as South Carolina’s next lieutenant governor early next week, and the Senate will elect a new president pro tempore shortly thereafter.
Published Date : March 9, 2012
Author : admin
Department store retailer Belk Inc. today announced plans to locate a new eCommerce distribution and fulfillment center in Union County. The $4.5 million capital investment is expected to generate 124 new jobs over the next five years.
“Belk’s eCommerce growth has been very strong, and to accommodate the demand from our customers, we need additional fulfillment space. We are pleased to fulfill that need with this new facility in Union County,” said Belk President and COO John R. Belk. “South Carolina offers us an excellent business environment, a strong workforce and exceptional access to markets. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials in making this project a reality.”
Belk Inc. will establish the new eCommerce distribution and fulfillment center, an expansion of the company’s existing eCommerce fulfillment center in Pineville, N.C., in the former Disney facility in Union, and expects to begin operations in June.
“It’s a great day in South Carolina and we celebrate Belk’s decision to invest $4.5 million and create 124 new jobs in Union County. We are committed to bringing new jobs to communities all across our state, and announcements like this show we are on the right track in our economic development efforts,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
In 2011, South Carolina recruited more than $285 million in investment and more than 2,500 new jobs in the distribution and logistics sector.
“South Carolina is a great location for companies trying to get products to markets throughout the Southeast. An established brand like Belk locating distribution facilities in one of our state’s rural communities is a real boost, and shows South Carolina has the business climate companies are looking for,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“We are happy with Belk’s decision to locate here from several aspects. First and foremost, it means jobs for our citizens while at the same time utilizing a previously vacant building. Belk’s business model will provide diverse job opportunities in an ever increasing, technologically based commerce,” said Union County Supervisor Tommy Sinclair. “Belk’s faith in Union’s workforce and their forecast of continued growth certainly makes us excited about their future in Union.”
“Many thanks to Belk for choosing Union County as the location for their eCommerce venture. This is another great success story that will bring over 100 jobs to our citizens who are seeking full-time employment,” said Union County Development Board Chairman Joe Nichols.
Published Date : March 9, 2012
Author : admin
A bipartisan group of seventeen senators has introduced school choice legislation in the South Carolina State Senate.
The bill primarily supports low-income students and children with special educational needs through privately funded scholarships. Modest tax deductions for families who homeschool their children or pay out of pocket for independent schools are also part of the plan.
“Parents have always had the most information and the best motivation to make decisions for their own children,” explained Senator Larry Grooms (R-Berkeley), the legislation’s lead sponsor. “Freedom in education isn’t just academically effective and economically efficient; it’s also the right thing to do for families.”
Senator Grooms, working closely with Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler, introduced the legislation (S.1325) yesterday. House Bill 4894, the companion legislation, was voted out of that chamber’s Ways and Means Committee last Tuesday by a margin of two to one.
Senator Grooms conceded the proposal is modest compared to choice legislation he introduced last year, but reiterated his long standing belief that parental engagement is the most important part of education reform. “There are 15,000 low-income students in private schools in South Carolina,” explained Grooms. “Their parents are really sacrificing to keep their sons and daughters enrolled in the school they believe is best for that child. Those same parents pay over $8 million in state income taxes each year, but save the state $72 million in public school spending. There is a total disconnect here.”
Neighboring Georgia enacted a school choice program for students with special needs in 2007. The following year a program of privately funded, tax credit supported, student scholarships became law. North Carolina has also embraced school choice, initiating a program of tax credit funded scholarships for students with disabilities last year.
Published Date : March 7, 2012
Author : admin
Three young local professional golfers making a name for themselves on the PGA TOUR have committed to play in the RBC Heritage. Kyle Stanley is hoping to continue his successful season at the RBC Heritage and thanks to sponsors exemptions, Mark Anderson and Brian Harman will also be competing in the 44th annual event, taking place April 9-15, 2012 over the Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island.
Stanley is a former Clemson University golfer who now lives just over the bridge in nearby Bluffton, SC. He earned his first win on the PGA TOUR in this year’s Waste Management Phoenix Open just one week after a devastating loss to Brandt Snedeker on the second playoff hole at the Farmers Insurance Open. He currently ranks number one on both the Money List and FedExCup Points List.
Anderson grew up in Beaufort, South Carolina and still calls it home. The twenty-six year old was awarded a sponsors exemption in 2009 thanks to his 2008 win at the Players Amateur. He played again in 2010 and 2011. In 2011, he competed full time on the Nationwide TOUR, earning a second place finish at the Miccosukee Championship. The University of South Carolina graduate has already competed in four PGA TOUR events in 2012 and carded a top twenty-five finish at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.
Savannah, GA native Harman caught the golf world’s attention recently during the second round of The Honda Classic when he shattered the course record with a 61. He finished the tournament tied for 12th. The University of Georgia graduate received his first Heritage exemption in 2004 and received another in 2006 after winning the 2005 Players Amateur. In 2010, he made his first PGA TOUR start as a professional, opening with a 68 at the Wyndham Championship. He tied for 8th place in last year’s PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament to earn fully exempt, rookie status for 2012.
Published Date : March 7, 2012
Author : admin
A good marketing strategy can be compared to fishing. You can’t let the hook just sit there, you’ve got to keep it moving and ideally have more than one in the water. So that’s why I took my wife to a car race for her birthday.
One of the Food Network’s cast-offs was Food Fantasy, a show that was meant to make someone’s food related fantasy come true. So what the hell, I sent them a proposal in which I would cook for Chip Ganassi’s Indy Car team. I would be happy to spend the weekend inhaling methanol fumes, chatting with the mechanics and drivers and watching the race from the VIP seats. 24 hours later I had a very positive response from the production company and 24 hours later they had a very positive response from the Ganassi team and with Target sponsorship and the Chicago (Target’s H/Q) race in the near future, the P/R folks at Ganassi thought Target would prefer to see this episode filmed in Chicago. So roughly three days after that initial email, I came home from work, trudged upstairs and saw my lovely wife on the computer reading email.
“You’re gonna be on Food Fantasy?”
“I am?”
“You’re gonna be on Food Fantasy and you’re taking me to a CAR RACE!?”
If looks could kill, the death rays would have obliterated not only me but the neighbors as well. To make matters worse, the race in Chicago fell on my wife’s birthday.
“Hey, cheer up sweetheart, we can celebrate your birthday in Chicago, right sweetie?”
“Would you like to know my fantasy right now, Sweetheart? And if the show is called Food Fantasy, why the hell aren’t we going to PARIS!?”
About two days later my wife started talking to me again. Before I could agree to do this, my wife and I compromised and decided that since we would be filming all day Friday, we would go nowhere near the track on Saturday then return on Sunday for the race. If I wanted to inhale methanol fumes, it would have to be on her terms, so of course I agreed. And did I ever inhale some fumes. Ganassi’s chef, a guy named Jon Wheeler, was such a gearhead that as we were chatting outside the team’s pit area he surmised that the Toyota V-8 had a different set of headers, the engine had a new note to it, a bit sharp on the high notes. My wife and I were right next to one another, earplugs in place when one of the mechanics walked up and asked Chef Wheeler what was for lunch.
“Lasagna and Caesar Salad” He yelled as the mechanic lifted his headphones.
The mechanic offered a thumbs-up then patted his belly and smiled.
Jon lifted the headphone off of this guy’s ear and yelled “It sounds like you got a different set of headers on her.”
Another smile, another thumbs-up.
I turned to my wife, smiled and yelled “New headers!” She shook her head, rolled her eyes and offered “have fun, sweetheart” and walked back to the hospitality tent so she could commiserate with Tim Allen’s date.
Later that day I personally made lunch for Juan Montoya and Jimmy Vasser, even though it was exactly the same meal they had seen at every previous race weekend in the last five months, Jimmy made a big deal out of how delicious his food was.
Our date the following evening, in the luxurious, hushed surroundings of TRU restaurant made up for all of the high revving hysterics the day prior and our marriage survived yet another Mars/Venus weekend. As my wife and I approach our 25th anniversary, I promise that I’m not taking her to another car race. Maybe we’ll go on a cruise on one of the big liners, Carnival perhaps? And when I get asked if I would like to see the engine room, I’ll be sure to leave Mrs. Malik poolside.
John Malik is an award winning chef in Greenville, SC. Along with his wife Amy, they owned and operated 33 Liberty Restaurant from 2001 until 2008. Following that he was Excecutive Chef at two upscale retirement communities in the Greenville area. John has a BA in English from Southeastern Louisiana University and has written for Smithsonian Air & Space, Saveur, The Greenville News, Greenville Journal, e-Gullet and has been featured in Southern Living, Bon Appetit and Chile Pepper magazines. John holds the whimsical title of Kingsford Charcoal Flame Master and was named Who’s Who in America Barbecue for his sophisticated take on traditional smoking. While 33 Liberty was open John hosted the entire team of Michelin’s “Red Guide” inspectors for a private meal and lived to talk about it.
John has made numerous guest chef appearances including the Food Network, Fox & Friends, the International Food & Wine festival at Disney World, Great Chefs of the South (Beaufort, SC) “Fixin to Eat” a Salute to Southern Chefs (Paso Robles, CA), the Epicurean Evening (Los Angeles, CA) Charlotte Shout! (Charlotte, NC), Drager’s (San Mateo, CA) and Greenville’s own Euphoria.
John and Amy will celebrate 25 years of marriage in May of 2012.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the author are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of CRESCENT: The Magazine.
To submit an op-ed for CRESCENT’s “Your Turn” section, please email it to input@crescentmag.com.
Published Date : March 6, 2012
Author : admin
Half of all South Carolina state House members are sponsors of school choice legislation designed to help parents select among different schools for their K-12 aged children.
The bill is written to assist low-income students and students with special needs who may be trapped in failing schools or otherwise not have their needs met. This measure will provide parents choices and opportunities in educating their children.
The House Ways and Means Committee approved the legislation by a vote of 16-to-8 Tuesday. The proposal is now set to appear before the full House for a floor vote.
The bill’s primary sponsors are Representative Brian White (R-Anderson), who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Eric Bedingfield (R-Greenville), a long time advocate of parental choice in K-12 education. In all, 62 lawmakers, exactly half of House members, are now sponsors of the bill.
“It’s an important piece of legislation that gets us on the right track to being able to provide opportunities for those who might not be able to have an option, where one size does not fit all in education,” explained Representative White, who testified before a subcommittee considering the plan last week. White also said the plan would not harm public school budgets if frustrated parents pull their children out. “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. So it’s really not coming out of the public education funding pots.”
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis has also praised school choice as a major cost-saver for 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,” Loftis declared in a sharply-worded editorial last month. “When critics belittle support of school choice they reveal both an ignorance of how school choice actually works as well as a condescending indifference about those [low-income families] whom it would most benefit.”
Published Date : March 5, 2012
Author : admin
When you look at your customer base, what do you see? Who wears Loggerhead?
ZAC: We don’t want to be labeled as a college brand. We don’t want to be labeled as a high school brand. We want those kids wearing it, and I think a lot of kids appreciate what we’re doing, too. Some people can make the broad statement, “Ah, college kids don’t care if it’s made in the US.” There are certainly some that do. They certainly are some that really appreciate us from a conservation standpoint. We get that crowd. We also get the crowd that likes it because it’s a bright color with a new animal on it.
They just want to look frattastic.
ZAC: Yeah and that’s great, but then we’ve got people who are in their 70s and 80s buying a shirt because, “Oh, it’s 100% cotton and it fits me and…” That crowd.
You mean reasons that people used to buy shirts. What about the immediate horizon? Anything new coming up?
ZAC: We’ve got our new Southern Nesting Ground shirt out, which is pretty cool. We showed it off at the Southeast Wildlife Expo in Charleston a couple of weeks ago.
Basically, it shows where the loggerheads nest in the United States so we thought it would be really neat graphic.
Looking at a longer range expansion of Loggerhead’s product line, are you going to stick with shirts? Are you going to move into pants or just kind of stay where you are?
SARA: We’re definitely going to be expanding our product offerings to khaki pants and shorts. Skirts, too.
We have women’s products. Most of our retail stores are men’s, high-end men’s boutiques, but we do have all-women’s products, too. We want to make sure we’re covering both bases. The sky is sort of the limit for us. It definitely takes time and investment, so we have to start with one and make sure it is working well before we put out a whole bunch of different lines. We want to make sure that everything we do we’re doing well. We definitely have plans to do, in the next year, hats, I think will be next, hats and belts. Khaki shorts and pants…
ZAC: We started with the very first shipment being 3 colors of polos. We’re now at 6. We’ll have 8 to 10 by the end of the year. We’ve got college-themed embroidery on the different colors. For example, we have a garnet and black turtle. We’ve got a purple and orange turtle. We’ve got black and gold. We’ve got red and black.
Which allows you to have that university tie-in without having to go through the licensing.
ZAC: It’s that, but it’s also… We’re big Carolina fans, but I’m not a fan of wearing a Gamecock logo to the office. I love wearing it to the games, but it’s not something I want to wear every day. I’m not going into a client meeting with a big Gamecock logo on my shirt. I can wear the garnet and black turtle. Anybody who knows the USC colors knows what I’m wearing. Same thing with purple and orange. You can wear a nice polo shirt with a purple and orange turtle and not have the tiger paw huge on the sleeve or whatever. We like that kind of subtle fan approach.
SARA: And it was something different, too. In fact, a store in Statesville, North Carolina ordered the garnet and black and purple and orange turtle polos just because they liked that they were different.
ZAC: And our store in Newberry is actually special ordering some that are going to be the colors of the high school.
I’m a Dorman graduate and we did a baby blue and navy blue turtle on a navy shirt and our store in Spartanburg said, “Give them to me,” because they had a ton of Dorman students. So it’s pretty interesting to do that.
That’s another thing and us being local, we can do that because it’s not a 14 week process to get those. One store in Spartanburg wants 30 shirts that have the school colors of the high school down the street. We’ll have them to you in a week or two. And we can do that.
SARA: We have our shirts, get them to our embroidery partner, tell them which logo variation to put on it, and we have them ready.
So, you’re giving your customers what they want. That’s a novel idea.
SARA: Right before Christmas we had a lady who put in 3 different orders through our web site within a span of 3 days. Ordered, 2 polos then came back and ordered a couple more polos and t-shirts then put in another order. And I’m like, “OK. I’ve got to contact this woman and thank her.” Just reach out and say. “Thanks for your support. I’m glad you found us.” Before I could even do that, she already sent us an email saying, “I love your company. I just found you.” She broke her foot and wasn’t able to go out and do Christmas shopping, so she was doing all on-line shopping but really loved what we were doing and thought that she could buy from a local brand but do it on-line. She said, “Aall you need now…” She had one Clemson fan so she bought one of those purple and orange but she said, “Now I need you to do an NC State and North Carolina.” I said, “We actually already have a navy blue and a baby blue.” And I said “I can do my black and red turtle on a black shirt for you.” And I had that one made for her just because she to get them actually for a birthday gift in January. We’re able to turn that around easily. She was already a good customer at that point so I was happy to do it.
ZAC: That’s something that’s really cool right now…we noticed that at a bigger brand it would be difficult or impossible for that to happen because we notice the same name has popped up with hundreds of dollars in sales over the past few days. So I called her, which I don’t think many companies would do. To hear from the people who started the company who say, “Hey, we noticed your name come through. Thanks.” That obviously made an impact on her, too.
For Part 1, Click HERE. For Part 2, Click HERE. For Part 3, Click HERE.
If you’re interested in learning more about Loggerhead Apparel, their conservation efforts, visit them at LoggerheadApparel.com.
Published Date : March 5, 2012
Author : admin
As important as electronic outlets have become, a lot of us still long for those days when newspapers offered more than they offer today. There was the morning paper, and there was the evening paper. It was as real time information as you would have with all the various web outlets. Was it immediate? No, but most people check for information in the morning and then again the afternoon. Unless you’re just monitoring Facebook and Twitter constantly throughout the day, you’re not going to get that kind of immediacy, anyway. You’re just looking for that once or twice a day. I’d love to see newspapers put something like that together again.
The thing to remember about that, too, is I’m always…I tell people that I read web sites and I do everything, but I want to go to a newspaper web site, click on the one story I see, maybe click another story, and I’m done. When I pick up a newspaper, I read it cover to cover and say, “I didn’t realize that was going on.” I scan everything on it. I’m sorry. It’s still an easier format than clicking. A lot of people have grown up clicking, but they don’t know any better.
Some of the papers are experimenting with apps for tablets and smartphones, but they’re nothing more than digitized versions of the papers with no ease in updating or searching. They take forever to load, too. They’re still having a tough time understanding the electronic evolution of news and information.
I’m a traditionalist. But I do like the idea when I’m going to read stuff…supposedly, when I’m on the web, I’m scanning. I’m looking for ideas, I’m looking for something. When I read a newspaper, it’s like taking time to build a relationship with something, if that makes sense. It’s not that immediate rush, and that’s what a lot of web stuff is. It’s not bad. I don’t want to say it’s bad, but there is still a place for print for a lot of people. We like to say print’s dead and it’s hurting and will die eventually, but it’s not dead yet. People are still reading more newspapers than they’re reading anything on a web site, for a most part. That’s my opinion.
Why did you decide to jump ship from the journalism side and go over to the evil world of PR.
OK, again, print’s not dead. I had a job. It was a good job, and I had security to some extent, but I looked at it. I was young enough where I could switch careers. Fifteen years from now, I’d still have a job at the newspaper, probably, but I’d lose it then. I’d reach my ceiling, and I said “What happens then?” Well, it’s tougher to rebuild when you’re in your late forties as opposed to early thirties, so it really was a thing where I wanted to say, “Looking down the road, where can I…where’s my future?” I can work in PR. If I want to leave PR, I can transition to something else. There’s a bigger world, bigger market, more security, but that’s the financial side. Personal side is that I’ve lived in South Carolina since 1999, all in the Upstate. I’ve covered political campaigns. I’ve covered crime. I’ve covered business. I never gave back and, for me, the idea of giving back was huge. So when I switched over to PR and I no longer had to be non-biased, not showing emotions, not showing, “Hey, I like that candidate,” but I never could put a yard sign in my yard. I’d never had a yard sign in my entire life to show who I support. I didn’t want anyone to say “John Boyanoski is a Republican” or “John Boyanoski is a Democrat” or “No wonder he wrote a slanted story for ‘Candidate A.’ He supported this guy, who’s a friend of his.” I never wanted that, so in the last two years, I have been involved in campaigns, writing op-eds, putting yards signs out, doing all the little gritty stuff I’ve always wanted to do that I’d missed.
I can do who I want.
I’ve gotten involved with the Greenville Chamber. They’ve got a young professionals’ group called PULSE. I’m their chair-elect for 2013, so I was on the board for 2011. I’m on the board for 2012. I’ll be on the board in 2013. I’m on the Meals on Wheels advisory council. I’m a member of Greenville Forward. I’m a member of the Greenville Track Club. I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. I’m a member of Kiwanis Matrix Professionals. I helped out the YMCA, the Greenville Library. I’m giving back.
For once, I’m actually becoming part of the solution in South Carolina. I’m not saying I was part of the problem as a newspaper reporter, but I wasn’t helping. I look forward to taking an active role in helping shape the Upstate, shaping Greenville, and actually help the whole state. I really want to be someone who, when I look back, I want to be someone who can say, “Yeah, I did what I could to make South Carolina better.”
For me, that’s volunteering. That is helping. That is taking leadership roles when it is needed. Later this week, I’m going to be with Greenville Forward. I want to take a more active role. I want to sit on councils. I want to put together events. I want to be part of what’s making Greenville move forward.
Is it idealistic? Is it pie-in-the-sky? Sometimes yes, but sometimes you need…I’m never going to donate a million dollars to build something in South Carolina, but I can help get kids in schools. I can help teach. I can help educate. I can help clean up a park. Just give back those little ways. That’s one of the reasons, too. I can actually do it with a clean conscience without anyone ever saying, “Well, that’s why he wrote the story, because John Boyanoski forced him to write his story.” I can honestly say I’m doing something because I really want to do it.
But that’s what it is. It’s…I like helping out. A little more on the Chamber’s PULSE because that’s where I’m really involved. We’re young professionals, twenty-two to thirty-nine. 950 members and we’re really trying to give back.
That’s a group that’s grown substantially.
It is. It started with 250 members five years ago. We’re up to 950. It’s not a straight progression because someone’s not going to join PULSE at twenty-two and stay for seventeen years.
You’re going to build your network over three to four to five years. You’re going to get your friends. You’re going to build your alliances. You’re going to move on, but our thing is creating that network for young professionals — giving them a voice. We’re giving them lunches where they can meet with leaders. We’re giving them mentoring programs. We’re giving them sporting opportunities where they can take part in events and be among young professionals and build those networks, and hopefully, by being a member of PULSE, they get more activated in bigger things.
They go to Chamber events. They meet with people in the Chamber and say, “Hey, I found a job for PULSE.” Our members are saying, “I’m sitting on a commission,” or “I’m volunteering,” or “I didn’t know about that. I learned about it because I’m a member of PULSE.” That’s what really, for me, is the big, big thing we offer.
And if someone wants to get involved with PULSE, who do they call.
They can go to the Greenville Chamber’s web site and we’re linked on there. We’re also, just look up Greenville PULSE and you just join. It’s a $50 a year membership. If you’re a Chamber member or if your company is a Chamber member, it’s a $50 a year membership, $75 if not. I always tell people if they join PULSE, go to the bare minimum — the six lunches, the six social events — they’re getting their… that’s $150 worth of activities they’re getting for $50. They’re making their money back just for showing up and that not even taking a volunteering role, getting activated.
We’re open for memberships year-round. It’s year-by-year so people can sign up any time. We’re obviously signing up for 2012 right now, but that’s how people get involved. I tell people “PULSE is like anything else. What you put in is what you’re going to get out of it.” If you’re going to be active, you’re going to meet more people. You’re going to learn more people. You’ll get more out of it.
Our benchmark person is Jil Littlejohn. She moved up here from Atlanta, joined PULSE and was on City Council two years later. Now, was that all because of PULSE? No, but it helped build her initial base by saying, “I’m here, I want to help out,” and it got her face in front of people who wanted her to run and take it to the next level. We tell people, we have people on various boards across the city and county. We have a lot of young people who are leaders in their businesses or moving up quickly and they’re using a lot of PULSE, that early networking base.
We had Hayne Hipp, long-time Greenville business leader, speak to our group, and we had some Chamber executives or Chamber board members. They saw some 250 young people crammed into a room talking about leadership. You could see their eyes kind of open up thinking, “Oh, wait a minute, there is a growing force of young people in Greenville who want to say…” When I say young people, somebody thinks, “Oh, it’s high school and college kids.” No, these are young professionals. These are people working at GE, Fluor, Greenville Hospital, BMW who want to take that next level. These are people who came to Greenville because they love Greenville. They want to make Greenville better, and the Upstate as well. That’s what we do.
For Part 1, Click HERE. For Part 2, Click HERE. For Part 3, Click HERE.
Published Date : March 2, 2012
Author : admin
BMW Manufacturing Co. announced yesterday that the export value of its passenger vehicles through the Port of Charleston in 2011 totaled $7.4 billion, confirming the company’s South Carolina facility as the leading U.S. automotive exporter. According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, this accomplishment represents a 68% increase over BMW’s 2010 value. In 2011, over 192,000 vehicles were exported from its South Carolina plant.
Mr. Josef Kerscher, President of BMW Manufacturing, stated that “since the plant’s production grew 73% in 2011, the plant’s year-end export value proves the company’s significant contribution to the U.S. balance of trade and strengthens its position as the leading provider of premium vehicles.”
The company currently produces more than 1,000 vehicles each day and is the exclusive exporter of passenger vehicles through the Port of Charleston to more than 130 global markets.
In January, the plant announced that its volume would increase to 300,000 for 2012, and they would hire 300 new jobs. By the end of 2014, the South Carolina facility will add a new model, the BMW X4, and increase capacity to 350,000 units.
Governor Nikki Haley applauded the economic success, saying “BMW continues to offer an economic boost for our State and the region. Today’s announcement validates that the U.S. automotive industry is thriving in South Carolina.”
“BMW vehicles manufactured in South Carolina continue to be a major contributor to the Port of Charleston’s overall success,” added Jim Newsome, President & CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. “Consistently strong global sales have driven BMW’s volume growth at the port, and we’ve completed significant improvements to Columbus Street Terminal in anticipation of the ever-rising demand for their product.”
“This is an exciting achievement, not only for BMW, but for South Carolina as a whole. It’s been a great journey to witness the revitalization of the manufacturing sector in our State,” said Bobby Hitt, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce.
The plant originally began vehicle production in 1994. In the last 17 years, BMW has produced over two million vehicles and, today, exports about 70% of the BMW X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the X6 Sports Activity Coupe. In 2010, the plant’s export value was $4.4 billion.
Published Date : March 2, 2012
Author : admin
For the second time in as many days, a long time state lawmaker has decided not to seek reelection.
Senator Greg Ryberg of Aiken, a trusted stalwart in Republican circles across the state, announced he will not run for another term when his current one expires.
“He’s just ready to move on,” a source told CRESCENT this morning.
While some say that Ryberg has a confrontational personality, others say it’s him simply standing up for his convictions.
Senator Kevin Bryant of Anderson told The Aiken Standard newspaper that “He (Ryberg) stands up for principle even if he’s alone. He’s a straight shooter. Ever since I’ve known him, he has been the perfect example of the man I have chosen to follow.”
CRESCENT editor Taft Matney credits Ryberg with the best piece of advice he ever received about working at the Statehouse.
“He told me, ‘Taft, nothing good ever happens in Columbia after 5. Go home,’” Matney said. “I’ve lived by that and will miss him checking up on me, grabbing me by the arm, and asking, ‘Are you still doing what I told you?’”
Elected to the South Carolina Senate in 1992, the 1957 Eau Claire, Wisconsin Marble Champion serves as the chairman of the Senate Labor Commerce and Industry Committee. He and his wife Betty have three children (including Greenville, SC City Councilwoman Amy Ryberg Doyle) and seven grandchildren.
Once known for a trademark handlebar mustache (that he shaved in 2002 after having it for 32 years), Ryberg says that after 20 years in public service, he’s looking forward to spending more time with his family.
STATEMENT FROM SENATOR GREG RYBERG
I have given a great deal of reflection to my service to South Carolina. It has been an honor to serve in the State Senate. I decided to serve because I had been in business all my life and wanted to reflect that business consideration on issues that involve governing. I served while I ran our business and I continued to serve because I saw that it was imperative that financial and business concerns were weighed when making decisions that impact the well being of our citizens. I felt that in considering solutions it was imperative to look “up river” to see where the problems began.
Funding of education and infrastructure, ESC reform, retirement system investments, restructuring of state government – all are aided by a firm grasp of the financial impact on our state’s future.
Betty and I were both raised by parents who felt a moral obligation to share and serve. We have a fine family. We are in excellent health. We have been blessed beyond measure. Betty and I met at Marquette University whose motto is: Be the Difference. We have tried to be that difference in our community, in our state. We discuss this with our children and now our grandchildren. I feel that my faith gave me compassion for the needs of the people and that my mind helped guide me through the financial and business course of action. I know that the compassion I felt and the business and financial decisions I made with integrity were done in hopes of better, more constructive and abundant lives for all our citizens.
There is much to be said in realizing that an elected official is a servant of the people. In serving in the Senate I never took objections or disagreements very personally because I was serving the people in my district and in the entire state. That helped retain much of my sanity even during heated debates.
It is a difficult decision to serve and one that I undertook with seriousness. A legislature benefits from having individuals who understand the ramifications of each vote. The future lives of the people of this state are the recipients of those decisions and votes. While I served I published my phone number and now my cell phone number. I never minded when people approached me in public. That is why I was there. It is an honor to have received letters, phone calls, emails from concerned teachers, bankers, principals, physicians, realtors, business people – all taxpayers – who stay connected to the process. I applaud those individuals. You made my service meaningful.
I have always had a yearning for new ideas in business. Some of my keenest days were ones spent with the business leaders of this state. Tours of manufacturing plants, discussions with business leaders, listening to presentations have been an absolute upside to my service. It is my hope to stay connected to the business community and continue to be involved. And I will continue to serve our citizens until the November election.
I thought and discussed this decision to not seek re-election with Betty and our children and their spouses. When I ran for office I had tremendous support of our family and friends. Our once young family now live meaningful adult lives. Military service, medical school, teaching, parenting, volunteer service, city council– they are serving as well. We treasure that. The relationships of friends that Betty and I have made have given our lives delight. Those we cherish. We thank you.
I will always be grateful for my supporters, my colleagues and especially my research director Danny Varat whose loyalty, knowledge, intellect, and humor is unsurpassed.
Finally, we have a quote in our home that ends with the line: ”Rich is who you have beside you”…well, having Betty beside me in all this has been pretty darn great.
Published Date : March 1, 2012
Author : admin
Rep. Jim Harrison, longtime Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and the second longest-serving Republican in the S.C. House announced today he will not seek another term in the House.
“This was a very difficult decision. Serving the people of Columbia in the House has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Rep. Harrison said. “The time has come for someone else to serve, with new ideas and a new perspective.
“I will miss the House, and I will miss serving with all of the friends I have made over the years, but I am looking forward to practicing law for a few years before I retire.”
Rep. Harrison was first elected in 1989 and is one of only five remaining House Republicans who were in the House when Republicans took control of the chamber in 1994. He has served as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee since 1994, taking over for Democrat Jim Hodges when Republican David Wilkins was elected Speaker.
“Jim has been a great friend and mentor to me for as long as I have been in the House,” said House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham. “Losing Chairman Harrison will be a tremendous blow to the House Republicans and all of South Carolina. He was a guiding force for Republicans in the House and an example for us all – regardless of party.”
Rep. Harrison was born in 1951 in Greenwood and holds degrees from The Citadel and the University of South Carolina. He has two children, and he and his wife Susan are members at Shandon Presbyterian Church. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he served in Operation Desert Storm (Saudi Arabia), Operation Uphold Democracy (Haiti), and Operation Joint Endeavor (1996).
“Jim has a lifetime of service to his state and his nation that is an example to all of us,” said House Speaker Bobby Harrell. “In the House, he has ably pushed conservative legislation in the Judiciary Committee while serving the interests of all of the people of South Carolina. Jim is a friend, and we have served together in the House for a long time. The person who fills his seat has very large shoes to fill.”
Published Date : March 1, 2012
Author : admin
Yesterday in West Columbia, Gov. Nikki Haley and the South Carolina Department of Commerce launched a new service called South Carolina Business Network at SCBizNetwork.com. The service provides resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs interested in turning their business concepts into reality.
“We are constantly looking for ways to better serve the small business community and unleash the job-creating power of entrepreneurs. The South Carolina Business Network program grew out of that effort and we know it will be an asset to small businesses across the state,” said Gov. Haley.
SCBizNetwork.com is a repository of information and resources designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs grow or establish their companies. From new market information and business financing options to workforce development and regulatory information, SCBizNetwork.com offers tools designed in response to feedback from small business owners and entrepreneurs from around the state.
The portal includes a calendar of small business events, searchable by zip code, and a comprehensive question and answer section. SCBizNetwork.com also allows business owners and entrepreneurs to send a question that will yield a customized answer based on the type of question and where the business is located. Officials tout that the most important aspect of the site it the ability of users to access information day or night — regardless of the Department of Commerce’s business hours.
“We heard from entrepreneurs across the state out there looking for information beyond ‘9 to 5’. For the first time, SCBizNetwork.com will give those people a central location for that information and direct them to the local organizations that can help,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
The Small Business Development Office at the S.C. Department of Commerce will maintain SCBizNetwork.com, which will also feature links to other Commerce programs such as BuySC.
The BuySC program helps link suppliers of goods and services with potential customers. Columbia Tool and Die presented to Boeing through BuySC and ultimately qualified as a supplier of perishable tooling for Boeing’s facility in South Carolina.
“I’m always out gathering as much information as I can to help Columbia Tool and Die succeed. In the past, that has been pretty time-consuming. I’m looking forward to using this new program,” said Jake Brackett, general manager of Columbia Tool and Die. “South Carolina Commerce’s BuySC program was a key to us connecting with Boeing, and eventually becoming one of their suppliers.”
“The success of small and diverse businesses is important to strengthen the local, regional and global economy,” said Ray Healy, production engineering director for Boeing South Carolina. “Columbia Tool and Die was part of the Boeing showcase in September 2011, which is a successful collaboration between Boeing, South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Through this process, qualifying small businesses have a great opportunity to showcase their capabilities and establish a direct line of communication with Boeing.”
In addition to programs such as BuySC and the new SCBizNetwork, South Carolina Commerce offers specific services to small business on a daily basis, from supplier development and financing support to export assistance and recycling industry counsel. The Small Business Development Office within Commerce and the recently-formed Small Business Advisory Council provide leadership in small business support efforts. The council is a collaborative group including the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Michelin Development Corporation and the South Carolina Department of Commerce.
Small businesses – businesses with fewer than 50 employees – make up 95 percent of all private employers in South Carolina. More than 645,000 people in South Carolina work for small businesses, according to Commerce officials.