2014 nov-dec-online.pdf

November/December 2014vol. 35 No.6

Paving the Wayto the Future

Business Leader of the Year

Infrastructure and Public Policy

Middle Skilled Workforce Development

Public Servant of the Year

Sgt. William Jasper Freedom Award

South Carolina Top 100™

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Boyd B. (Nick) Nicholson, Jr., Managing Director | ONE North Main, 2nd Floor | Greenville, SC

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd helps U.S. and international companies find a home and do business in South Carolina.

Recognizing that automotive and aerospace manufacturers, suppliers and OEMs have a diverse set of legal needs, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is comprised of attorneys with experience in economic development, commercial law, employment, government relations, real estate, environmental and regulatory law, tax, intellectual property law, restructuring, and acquisitions.

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd serves as a comprehensive resource for legal services from the plant to the highway and skyway.

Providing advice and counsel to businesses in the fast lane

2014 SC Business - NovDec Ad.indd 1 10/15/2014 1:36:42 PM

Boyd B. (Nick) Nicholson, Jr., Managing Director | ONE North Main, 2nd Floor | Greenville, SC

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd helps U.S. and international companies find a home and do business in South Carolina.

Recognizing that automotive and aerospace manufacturers, suppliers and OEMs have a diverse set of legal needs, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is comprised of attorneys with experience in economic development, commercial law, employment, government relations, real estate, environmental and regulatory law, tax, intellectual property law, restructuring, and acquisitions.

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd serves as a comprehensive resource for legal services from the plant to the highway and skyway.

Providing advice and counsel to businesses in the fast lane

2014 SC Business - NovDec Ad.indd 1 10/15/2014 1:36:42 PM

| So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S2

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November/December 2014Volume 35, Number 6

South CarolinaChamber of CommerCe

1301 GervaiS Street, Suite 1100Columbia, South Carolina 29201

800.799.4601www.SCChamber.net

Copyright © 2014 by Converging Media LLC and the South Caro l ina Chamber o f Commerce. A l l fo re ign and U.S. rights reserved. Contents of this publication, including images, may not be reproduced without written consent from the publ isher. Publ ished for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce by Converging Media LLC. 803.256.3010

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PresiDeNt & chief executive officer

OTIS RAWL

AssociAte vice PresiDeNt

of commuNicAtioNs

JULIE SCOTT

multimeDiA mANAger

PENNY DELANEY COTHRAN, APR

grAPhics AND Web ADmiNistrAtor

REID PRICE

M

SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESSMAGAZINE

eDitor

PENNY DELANEY COTHRAN, APR

Art DirectioN & DesigN

TIM MCKEEVER / TMCA INC.

ProDuctioN & PriNt coorDiNAtioN

TMCA INC.

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PUBLISHING & MEDIA SERVICES

f e a t u r e scontents

messAge from the chAir .............................3 Pamela Lackey

messAge from the PresiDeNt .......................4 Otis Rawl

messAge from the goverNor .....................6 Nikki Haley

Previous busiNess leADers of the yeAr ......34

south cAroliNA toP 100tm........................36

Previous Public servANts of the yeAr .......47

After the eveNt best PlAces to Work ..........................52 PAlmetto visioN AWArDs ....................54 leADsc summit ...................................56

Wecome, NeW members ............................59

south cAroliNA chAmberof commerce leADershiP ..........................60

south cAroliNA chAmberof commerce stAff ...................................62

ADvertiser iNDex........................................63

PAlmetto stArs ................................................64

PaVinG the Way ................................................................................ 12 By Katie Schanz and Julie Scott

hirinG a Vet ....................................................................................... 14 By Lida Citroën

eraSinG the MiDDle SkillS StiGMa ................................................ 18 By Penny Delaney Cothran, APR

Full-tiMe StuDent. Part-tiMe eMPloyee. ..................................... 22 By Mitchell R. Harp, MA, MT (ASCP) and Melissa J. Stowasser

i aM the Future oF S.C. BuSineSS ................................................... 24 By Penny Delaney Cothran, APR

he Got here aS Soon aS he CoulD ............................................... 28 By Julie Scott

DeeP anD WiDe .................................................................................. 42 By Penny Delaney Cothran, APR

the Man Who loVeD the Military ............................................... 48 By Penny Delaney Cothran, APR

touriSM helPS DriVe eConoMy in South Carolina .............................................................8 By Duane Parrish

South Carolina DePartMent oF reVenue iS inForMeD, SerViCe DriVen ..........................9 By Rick Reames

South Carolina aGriBuSineSS StronG anD GroWinG ...................................................10 By David M. Winkles, Jr.

D e p a r t m e n t s

The opinions and views expressed by the contributors to this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, it’s staff or members.

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s cchamber.net | November /December 2014 | So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S | 3

M e s s ag e f r o M t h e C h a i r

Walking to my office each morning, I pass a collection

of photos of my AT&T predecessors. While I never

had the opportunity to know or meet many of them,

I worked with some earlier in my career. And seeing

their faces always reminds me that, as business leaders,

we benefit from the personal investment and commitment of those who have

gone before us, even as we build for the future.

This long-term view of business growth is fundamental to the identity and

purpose of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. During this year, as I’ve

been privileged to serve as Chair, I’ve seen first-hand the professionalism and

passion which the South Carolina Chamber staff brings to the task of helping all our

businesses prepare for success.

You will recall that the 2014 Competitiveness Agenda, which we published last

year, laid out an aggressive list of forward-looking legislative priorities. I am pleased

to report that South Carolina’s public policy leaders shared our desire to emphasize

the future of the state, even as we continued the economic recovery. The Agenda

included finding sustainable ways to fix our infrastructure, addressing healthcare

costs and tackling comprehensive tax reform. While there’s still substantive work to

be done, we are making progress.

I was particularly pleased with the progress regarding our education and

workforce development priorities. At AT&T, we have long been a strong supporter

of business engagement in education. So it is exciting to see the enthusiasm with

which other businesses and the Chamber are joining the effort. Developing a

highly-skilled and well-educated workforce is, was and will be integral to increasing

job opportunities, landing employers and competing on the global scene. The

Chamber has been particularly productive in this area this year, as we have renewed

and strengthened relationships with the South Carolina Technical College System,

TransformSC, Apprenticeship Carolina and other education groups.

This has been a boon year for economic development within our state,

while on the national scene, our leaders continue to wrestle with topics like the

reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, Medicaid expansion and burdensome

energy and environment regulations.

I recently had the opportunity to speak at the inaugural LeadSC Young

Professionals Summit. It was a great experience, for the conference highlighted the

tremendous enthusiasm and talent which the next generation of business leaders

is bringing to their companies and to our community. These young professionals

are interested in issues important to us as a Chamber, and I am excited about the

impact they are having and will continue to have in helping achieve our priorities.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to have served you

this past year. But most of all, I want to thank the South Carolina policymakers who

take our efforts seriously and who are committed to working with us in building a

great future and thriving economy for this wonderful state.

Building for the future By PaMela laCkey

Pamela Lackey is president of AT&T South Carolinaand the 2013-14 chair of the South Carolina Chamberof Commerce.


M e s s ag e f r o M t h e P r e s i d e n t

T here are many important issues facing the competitiveness of South Carolina, but there is one that cannot be denied: infrastructure needs. I applaud the House Ad-Hoc Committee that convened a few months ago for taking leadership on infrastructure and starting the serious conversations early, before

the General Assembly returns to Columbia in January.The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce holds a series of listening

sessions across the state each summer with business leaders and local chambers of commerce. At every single meeting this summer (and for many years, frankly), infrastructure has emerged as the top priority, as it relates to the safety of our citizens, job creation and economic development. No one can deny the tight link between sound infrastructure and economic development.

Also, I meet with my counterparts from North Carolina and Georgia quite often and while we may surpass them on many competitive measures, and while both of our neighbors are typically near the top of the list along with South Carolina, their infrastructure far outpaces ours. It is obvious as soon as you cross the border in either direction. It is embarrassing, and I can tell you, CEOs talk about it often.

Consider these facts:• Just29percentSouthCaroliniansareridingonwhatisconsidered “good” pavement right now.• 31percentofourinterstatesexperiencerecurringcongestion.• Almosthalfofourprimaryroadsareratedin“poor”condition.• Thereare830structurallydeficientbridgesthatourcitizensareriding on every day. Almost half of those are load restricted, meaning

businesses have to reroute trucks just to do daily business.

Critically important to the business community is• Wideningprojectsoninterstates• Fixingloadrestrictedanddeficientbridges,and• Resurfacingexistingroadways.

When Michelin, BMW and other manufacturers located to this state many years ago, they were promised a sound infrastructure network. In fact, that’s a huge reason why they located here in the first place. Bridgestone, Boeing, Toray and Continental, just to name a few, have made South Carolina home more recently, and they expect South Carolina’s infrastructure to support – not inhibit – their businesses.

JustthispastApril,theSouthCarolinaChambercommissionedastudyof800Republican voters from across the state. We wanted to find out what their appetite was for a user fee (or gasoline tax) increase. We gauged this and so much more.

• Respondentsrankedinfrastructureconcernsnearthetopasthesingle most important issue they’d like to see government do something about.• HalfoftheseRepublicanrespondentssaidtheywouldbewilling to pay a higher tax on gas if they knew the dollars would be used for

road improvements.• About64percentsaidtheysupportamulti-facetedapproachtofund roads and bridges (a combination of taxes and user fees).• Morethan85percentsaidthatstategovernmenthasadutytoensure roads and bridges are safe and reliable. • Finally,themajorityofourrespondentssaidtheybelievetheSouth Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is doing a good job.

The No. 1 issue facing employers

South Carolina is working under a recently reformed system that included SCDOT restructuring in recent years and the establishment of Act 114 that ranks how our dollars are spent.

Just as we are a victim of our own success related to things like superb port growth, this progress has naturally exacerbated traffic on our interstate system. How can we create jobs and focus on economic development priorities like deepening our harborto52feetandnotcare for the infrastructure networks that will support it?

It is impossible to separate success in economic development from increases in freight demand and traffic congestion. Therefore, our success in attracting growth hinges on the state accepting the responsibility to accommodate new development by funding our infrastructure system. We urge the General Assembly to address infrastructure needs now, in a comprehensive and recurring manner. Only bold, forward-thinking and bipartisan leadership from the General Assembly willensurethiscriticalpriorityisadequatelyaddressedin2015.

Otis Rawl is president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

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Ranked 5thWe are a packaging company [SONOCO],

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M e s s ag e f r o M t h e g o v e r n o r

I t is truly a great day in South Carolina, and with a new year around the corner, now is the time to reflect on our successes and plan for the future.

Over the past four years we have made a lot of progress. We have cut taxes for small businesses, reduced regulations, watched our unemployment rate drop faster than the national average and had more people working

than at any other time in our state’s history. Even better, we are just getting started.When we first came into office, we weren’t always working together, especially

when it came to economic development. We had towns competing against towns, counties against counties and regions against regions. In order to compete with our bigger neighbors like North Carolina and Georgia, we knew we needed a new approach – we needed to be united.

That is why you constantly hear me referring to “Team South Carolina” – and this change in approach has made a big impact.

Since2011,wehavebeenabletoannounce57,000newjobsandnearly$14 billion in capital investment in our state. In the last 200 weeks alone, we have announced over 400 new projects, and not just in Greenville and Charleston, but in 45outofour46counties.

This is an accomplishment we can all be proud of, and it is a direct result of Team South Carolina coming together and showing the world that our state is a premier destination for businesses looking for a place to call home.

South Carolina is blessed to have one of the best and most qualified workforces in the world and it’s one of the reasons so many companies have chosen to locate and grow in our state. However, ensuring our workforce stays competitive will not happen on its own, and that is why we need to continue providing the training and skill development programs that will prepare our citizens for the quality jobs coming to our state.

The fact is, our future success in economic development, and as a state, depends on this and it is something my administration is focused on delivering.

Our state and our economy are in a great place right now, and our future is incredibly bright. We are strong, we are growing, and we know where we want to go and how to get there.

Together, I know we can – and will – accomplish great things.

Team South CarolinaBy GoVernor nikki r. haley

Governor nikki r. Haley

DRIVEN TO HELP

RETURNING INDEPENDENCE TO WOUNDED VETERANS (AMONG OTHERS) MEANS GETTING THEM BEHIND THE WHEEL AGAIN.

clemson.edu/headon

Dr. Johnell Brooks’ key interest, simply put, is discovering inventive ways to help people drive safely as long as possible.

She is a human-factors psychologist in Clemson’s department of automotive engineering. She, her colleagues and her students use a full-size driving simulator to conduct driving-related research, ranging from studies of visual limitations during night driving to distracted driving due to multitasking (think texting).

But bigger isn’t always better, and her driving simulator was large — too large for the space limitations of hospitals and private research facilities. This led her to form a partnership with the simulation technology company DriveSafety. The result? Brooks translated her full-size driving simulator into a smaller, simpler and less-expensive model, and it is now being used in more than a dozen Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense facilities that treat wounded warriors.

“I am now working alongside Clemson engineering students to develop and test designs for hand controls,” Brooks says. Being able to drive a car without using legs and feet, to control the gas and brakes with one’s hands, is a real-world solution that encompasses the elderly, stroke victims, accident survivors, disabled persons, wounded soldiers, young adults on the autism spectrum — and on and on down the road.

Determined ot empower others. HEAD ON.


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ust a few years after the nation’s recession, tourism in South Carolina has rebounded and is growing at record levels. This healthy performance not only contributed to the state’s recovery, it also creates and sustains jobs in the Palmetto State, generates much needed tax revenue and builds an environment for new investments.

With visitor spending, investment by business and government and merchandise exports combining for an overall economic impact of

closeto$18billion,tourismisamajoreconomicforceinSouthCarolina.Recenteconomicimpactdatasuggeststhattourismgenerates$1.3billioninstateandlocal tax revenues, supports one in 10 jobs and reduces taxes for the average South Carolinahouseholdby$728.

Tourism’s trend upward is best found in its most reliable indicators. In 2013,domestictravelersto South Carolina spent $11.5billion–up4.1percent from the previous year. And RevPAR, or revenue per available hotel/lodging room, which directly correlates to visitation levels and spending,wasup6.7

percentin2013.Whileestimatesofvisitorexpendituresarenotyetavailablefor2014,aRevPARincreaseof10.9%forJanuarythroughAugustof2014suggestsa

very strong year for tourism.This performance alone is impressive,

especially so soon after an economic recession. What’s more significant, however, is the level of capital investment that followed, suggesting there’s growing confidence in South Carolina’s economic potential behind tourism.

This past summer, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism reported investments totaling more than $400 million in the state on new hotels, attractions, sports complexes and other facilities that depend on tourism. Some of those include $80millionspentonanewHyattHouseandHyatt Place hotel facility on upper King Street inCharlestonand$23millionspentonanewplanetarium, observatory and expansion at the South Carolina State Museum. Smaller investmentslikethe$3.1millionspentin

Tourism helps drive economyin South CarolinaBy Duane ParriSh

J Anderson County to expand Green Pond Landing into a tournament-grade launch point for fishing tournaments and$3millionspentin Beaufort on the renovation of a historic waterfront inn further indicate positive impressions about South Carolina’s ability to draw visitors to under-discovered places.

Investments of a different sort – major national and international events – also demonstrate a high level of comfort in the growing demand for South Carolina vacation experiences. The PGA of America recognized Kiawah Island’s and Charleston’s ability to host major events and draw spectators when they chose those destinations for its 2012 PGAChampionship.And,forthe47th year, the PGA Tour will hold the RBC Heritage golf tournament at Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island in April. The Golf Channel’s popular series “Big Break” chose Myrtle Beach for its 22nd season after recognizing that destination’s appeal to golfers and travelers.

Additionally, two international cycling events will be coming to Rock Hill in the next few years, followinga$7millioninvestment in a new supercross training facility. The new Novant Health BMX Supercross Track built in Rock Hill’s riverfront area will host the UCI BMXSupercrossWorldCupSeptember25-26,2015andtheUCIBMXWorldChampionshipsJuly26-30,2017.

Tourism is growing and driving business to the Palmetto State, generating jobs and revenue at significant levels. With a high number of new investments in its wake, tourism again has affirmed its role as an economic driver in South Carolina.

Duane Parrish is the director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT). Parrish has dedicated over 35 years of his professional career to the hospitality industry,

including extensive experience in hotel property management and development throughout South Carolina. He was appointed to his current position by Governor Nikki Haley in January 2011.


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is informed, service driven

Since my appointment as director of the South Carolina Department of Revenue by Governor Nikki Haley in July 2014, I have sought to

use my experience within the private sector to assess performance and identify opportunities and strategies for improvement. As a tax law partner witharegionalfirmfornearly15years,I represented various businesses and industries from local, homegrown companies to large, multi-state corporations. I saw first-hand the types of support businesses from both ends of the spectrum need to be productive and profitable.

South Carolina business and industry deserve a department that is fair and consistent in its administration and application of the law. Businesses need a department that is informed and service-driven, able to make decisions and provide responses efficiently and effectively. This focus is at the core of the Department of Revenue’s mission, and I am dedicated to advancing this mission on behalf of all taxpayers, including our state’s businesses.

The South Carolina Department of Revenue is committed to the economic development of South Carolina through close involvement with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. As a member of the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development, I work alongside key stakeholders to coordinate and strengthen our state’s efforts in the recruitment of new enterprise and the expansion of current enterprise in South Carolina. Serving as chair of the Council’s Enterprise Committee, I am directly involved in job creation in South Carolina.

As a result of this experience and service, I recognize the great value of such collaborations and want to create new opportunities to communicate and partner with constituents, policymakers and industry leaders. The Department regularly meets with companies and trade groups, including the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, to facilitate a pro-business agenda in South Carolina.

FunctionalsecurityisatoppriorityfortheDepartmentaswellasworkingtoproactively identify and address processes and procedures in need of improvement. Fromutilizingbeneficialnewtechnologiestoremovingunnecessarybarriersto

By riCk reaMeS

productivity and performance, we will continually evaluate and enhance the way we do business. We have made significant strides to improve taxpayer compliance with an easy-to-use and secure electronic filing system. South Carolina’s rank as fourth nationally for the number of electronic filings demonstrates that our efforts are working. In addition, we will launch a new, more user friendly and searchable websiteby2015,continuingeffortstoprovideimprovedtaxpayereducation,service and support.

As just a small example of how the Department is working to improve efficiency and operate in a customer-friendly manner, we worked recently to reduce a significant and unacceptable lag time in the issuance of tax compliance certificates that a purchaser obtains when buying another business or property. By developing a dedicated channel and monitoring team and allowing requests and issuances to be done electronically, the Department has cut the processing time from around fourweeksto48hours.

Also, we have begun implementation of a new integrated tax processing system that will modernize the way taxpayers interact with us. Previous efforts by the Department to develop a system in-house proved to be too expensive as well as inefficient. We pulled the plug on this costly program, and have purchased, at significant, comparative savings, an off-the-shelf product vetted and in use by other states. Government works best when it brings a common-sense approach to its mission.

As we continue to build on this progress and look for additional opportunities to improve, we welcome involvement from policymakers, industry leaders and our constituents. Together, we can work to advance South Carolina with a government that supports fiscal stability and economic growth.

Rick Reames was appointed director of the South Carolina Department of Revenue by Governor Nikki Haley on July 18, 2014. He may be reached at [email protected] or 803.898.5040.

Since being appointed director in July 2014, Reames has led efforts for

Implementation of a new integrated tax processing system that will include a comprehensive taxpayer portal providing singular access to all taxpayer services

Organizational restructuring to maximize efficiency and productivity including transitioning information technology from a functionally independent division to a fully integrated core component of the agency

Development of a new user-friendly website to be launched by2015offeringimprovedtaxpayereducation,serviceandsupport


For 30 years, customers around the world have relied on AFL’s technologically-advanced fiber optic products to provide faster and more reliable communication networks. As technology changes, AFL is building cutting-edge products to meet the needs of our customers. As we continue to grow in the upstate of South Carolina and around the world, we commit to lead with integrity, deliver innovative solutions and connect with our communities.

www.AFLglobal.com864.433.0333

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

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outh Carolina’s centuries-old agrarian economy remains strong. In fact, agribusiness represents the state’s largest economic engine, contributing$34billionannuallytotheeconomyandcreating200,000jobs,basedonaconservativeindependentstudyin2008fundedinpart by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, the Palmetto

AgribusinessCouncil,theSouthCarolinaFarmBureauFederationandothers.The South Carolina Department of Commerce claims that agribusiness

(agriculture and forestry combined) has the largest impact on the state’s economy, reporting that the state’s growing network of agribusiness-related companies and suppliers includes family owned and operated farms, large scale private farms, livestock producers, major food manufacturers and processors, and wood and timber related companies.

SouthCarolinaishometomorethan25,000farms,amountingtoalmost4 million acres of farmland providing food, fiber and fuel. With a long growing

season of up to 290days,SouthCarolina farmers make use of the relatively mild weather to grow produce almost year round, which gives South Carolina’s agribusiness industry an advantage in production over many other states.

Today’s successful farmers make wise sophisticated business decisions using technology to produce higher yields using fewer natural resources and inputs. Technologies are in place to closely monitor the farms’ soil, moisture, and nutrient conditions, making certain only the amount of inputs used are absolutely necessary for quality crop development and production.

The Palmetto State is responsible for much of the nation’s production of livestock,fruitsandvegetables,ranking35thinthenationintotalvalueofagriculturalproductssold,33rdinthevalueofcropsand32ndinthevalueof

livestock, poultry and their products.Our family farmers rank second nationally in peach production (second

only to California) and flue cured tobacco, sixth in peanuts, seventh in watermelons, eighth in cantaloupes, cucumbers, and sweet

potatoes, ninth in turkeys and tenth in tomatoes. The top 10 leading commodities within the state are (in descending

order): broilers, turkeys, greenhouse/nursery, cotton, corn, cattle/calves, soybeans, peanuts, chicken eggs and wheat.

Internationally, the US ranks in the top three for

both agricultural output and amount of cropland.

While in-state commerce is certainly an asset to our

South Carolina agribusiness strong and growing By DaViD M. WinkleS, Jr.

economy, South Carolina also exports $1.4 billion annually in agricultural and forestry products according to SCDA. This creates a ripple down through the economy so that the spending cycle and the economy grow. In fact, farm families return approximately 80percentofeverydollarearned back into South Carolina’s economy.

In addition to the large production of crops and livestock, the South Carolina agribusinessindustrygeneratessubstantiallaborincome.The2008studyshowsthat labor income generated by the agriculture and forestry industries is estimated tobealmost$7.5billioneveryyear.Thesestatisticsdonotincludefoodstores

and restaurants as part of the agriculture industry. Nor do they include jobs in the fiber industry or various forestry-related recreational activities or government employees involved in the forestry industry.

As the agriculture and forestry industries continue to work together, our economy will expand and our state becomes better for everyone. Agribusiness works hard to reduce environmental impacts every day so our natural resources are preserved for future generations. While reducing production costs, farmers use sound environmental practices. Agribusiness is part of South Carolina’s heritage, and because it is such a vital link in maintaining the economic

progress of South Carolina as well as the food, fuel and fiber necessary for us to survive, it is here to stay and will continue to flourish in our state.

David Winkles, SC Farm Bureau President, is a family farmer from Oswego in Sumter County. His farm produces soybeans, corn, wheat and timber.

S

With a long growing season of up to 290 days, South Carolina farmers make use of the relatively mild weather to grow produce almost year round, which gives South Carolina’s agribusiness industry an advantage in production over many other states.

For 30 years, customers around the world have relied on AFL’s technologically-advanced fiber optic products to provide faster and more reliable communication networks. As technology changes, AFL is building cutting-edge products to meet the needs of our customers. As we continue to grow in the upstate of South Carolina and around the world, we commit to lead with integrity, deliver innovative solutions and connect with our communities.

www.AFLglobal.com864.433.0333

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS


A nyone driving along South Carolina’s interstates has encountered severe congestion, potholes and dangerous conditions. Whether it’sInterstate26fromCharlestontoColumbia,Interstate85intheUpstate,Interstate95intheeasternpartofSouthCarolinaora primary or secondary road anywhere in the state, one thing is

clear: the time to address our roads and bridges has come. South Carolina cannot delay any longer.

In2013,MikeeJohnson,presidentandCEOofCoxIndustriesand2014-15chairman of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, said, “Like thousands of other businesses, Cox Industries utilizes the state’s infrastructure on a daily basis, carrying products to and from the port and using our state’s interstates and secondary road system. Time is money. It is imperative that we have a reliable and safe infrastructure system so that commerce can easily flow throughout the state.”

Compounding the issue is the fact that the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is responsible for maintaining 40,000 miles of roads and bridges, the fourth largest state maintained system in the nation. Couple this with thefactthatthePalmettoStaterelieslargelyona16-centpergallonmotorfueluserfee(gastax)thathasnotbeenincreasedsince1987,anditisarecipefordisaster.Infact,1987representedthemostsignificantinvestmentininfrastructurein27years.Considerthis:anycitizenwhoacceptedajobin1987at$15,000peryearwouldnotexpecttomake$15,000stilltoday.Thatwouldbeludicrous.Howcanwereasonablyexpecttomaintaintheroadsystemon1987dollars?

Today, SCDOT has consistently said the agency is managing “the decline of the infrastructure system in South Carolina” as no significant changes have been made tofundingforroadsandbridgesformorethan25years.

Some areas are so desperate they have taken on some of the most immediate projects themselves. Penny sales taxes for infrastructure have been passed in more than 10 counties across the Palmetto State. “While York County and its businesses are fortunate to have an additional source of road improvement funds through a voter-approved one-cent sales tax, these revenues address only a portion of the transportation needs of an area growing at this county’s rate,” said Rob Youngblood, president of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Truly the best thing our legislators can do to promote economic development in the counties of South Carolina is to establish a state infrastructure system that is continuously funded, priority based and politically unobstructed.”

LEG ISLAT IVE ACT ION NEEDED

Inearly2013,theSouthCarolinaChamberofCommerceand14alliedorganizations released the Road Map to the Future, a detailed package outlining three critical areas of infrastructure in need of a revenue stream for

By katie SChanz anD Julie SCott

InfrastructureTops List of

Business Priorities

PavingtheWay


continued economic development success in South Carolina. The Road Map called for widening South Carolina interstates, fixing load restricted and deficient bridges and resurfacing existing roadways. That year, the General Assembly took a small stepforwardandallocated$650milliontowardinfrastructure,usingbondsandone-time money for bridge repair. Those dollars are being put to work based on the recently developed priority system under Act 114, SCDOT restructuring passed by the General Assembly.

The 2014 legislative session saw no movement from the General Assembly in finding a comprehensive, sustainable and recurring funding plan for the state’s crumbling infrastructure.

“I view infrastructure as an investment. Not just for today, but for our future. If South Carolina’s economy is going to reach its full potential, we must invest in infrastructure,” said South Carolina Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler.

In September 2014, House Speaker Pro Tempore Jay Lucas appointed a “Special Infrastructure & Management Committee” to address road funding. As of October, the committee had heard from business leaders, SCDOT agency heads and other stakeholders on the dire needs facing infrastructure. Representative Gary Simrill, who serves as chairman of the committee, said “Ask any lawmaker, from any corner of our state, they’re all hearing the same thing from folks back home. What are you going to do about our roads? This is a statewide concern, a statewide problem, and it’s going to require a statewide solution.”

Some members of the General Assembly cite additional SCDOT restructuring as a first step to addressing the deterioration of the infrastructure system. However, in a recent poll of Republican voters, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce found that the majority of citizens believe SCDOT is doing a good job with the funds it is allocated.

Forherpart,GovernorNikkiHaleyhascommittedtofindingasolutiontoinfrastructure needs.

IMPACT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Sound infrastructure means being truly open for business. At a series of nine regional meetings held across the state in conjunction with local chambers of commerce with hundreds of CEOs and employers, the top issue at every

single discussion was addressing the state’s woefully underfunded infrastructure. With significant economic development announcements coming in almost weekly coupled with forward movement on long awaited port expansion, business leaders are baffled that legislative leaders did not proactively prepare infrastructure but are encouraged by the special House Ad Hoc Committee as well as discussions in the Senate in 2014.

“The SCPA is making significant capital investments in new and existing terminals to remain competitive in our industry, and we depend on South Carolina’s transportation infrastructure to move goods to and from our terminals,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. “The prioritization of adequate, safe and reliable inland railways and interstates is a conversation in which the port will actively participate because it is crucial to our business.”

Area Development magazine’s ”Top States for Doing Business” recently ranked Georgia first, followed by Texas then South Carolina. The survey delved into18subcategoriesunderthetopicsofbusinessenvironment,laborclimateandinfrastructure/globalaccess.SouthCarolinawasNo.3forbusinessenvironmentand No. 2 for labor climate, but did not make the top five for infrastructure.

DOWN THE ROAD

“Our Chamber considers maintenance and repair to our interstates, roads and bridges a quality of life and economic development issue of the highest priority,” said Rita Berry, president and CEO of the

Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce. “It is imperative that the General Assembly address this issue in the upcoming legislative session.”

There is no doubt that finding a sustainable, recurring funding solution for the state’s roads and bridges must occur sooner rather than later. This includes specifically prioritizing interstate improvements as well as secondary road maintenance. Every funding mechanism must be on the table. Though much discussion has centered on increasingthe16-centpergallonmotorfueluserfee,toadequately address funding needs, a multi-faceted approach must be excelled.

There are a number of funding mechanisms the General Assembly can choose from. Some options include additional dedication of GeneralFundrevenue,CapitalReservefunds,redirectingadditionalvehiclerelatedrevenues, and of course, increasing license and user fees.

South Carolina’s business leaders and citizens are ready. Will our General Assembly join us?

Katie Schanz is legislative counsel and Julie Scott is associate vice president of communications at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

The 16-cent per gallon motor fuel user fee (gas tax) has not been increased since 1987.

The SCSPA is making significant capital investments in new and existing terminals to remain competitive.

No significant changes have been made to funding for roads and bridges for more than 25 years.


By liDa Citroën

Why it could be your best business decision

With the nation in recovery, investment in resources is growing. We see new commercial construction underway and consumer

spending on the uptick. With all this new growth, companies are starting to loosen the stronghold on hiring freezes initiated when the economy was plummeting. As hiring managers and recruiters across the country seek to find talent, a highly untapped and

ready workforce awaits employment. Currently, there are roughly 163,000 unemployed

post-9/11 veterans and more than 600,000 unemployed veterans overall. These individuals are the beneficiaries of more than $130 billion of investment in training, education and skill building from the US government. Hiring former military personnel could be the best business decision a company (and a hiring manager) makes.


WHY AREN’T H IR ING MANAGERSRECRUIT ING VETERANS?

There is a disconnect between veterans and civilian hiring managers, and it goes both ways. Veterans overwhelmingly leave military service unprepared

and unarmed with the tools to position themselves as viable candidates to civilian companies, and hiring managers are unskilled and untrained in how to recruit military veterans for jobs outside of service.

The challenges include – READING THE RESUME – Hiring managers often lack training to read and

understandamilitaryresume.WhatdoesbeinganE-6mean?DidaLieutenantColonelintheAirForceholdmoremanagementresponsibilitythanaMajorin the Army? What does it mean that you did Command and Control Battle ManagementOperationsintheAirForce,andhowisitrelevantforthepositionI’m recruiting for?

INAbILITY TO SELL THEMSELVES – In the military culture, the focus is on mission, unit, and the person next to you, not on you. Self-promotion and self-focus are unacceptable and discouraged. Therefore, when veterans leave service, they struggle when answering questions such as, “Tell me about a success you had that you are most proud of.” To the veteran, this would mean being disloyal. To the hiring manager, not getting an answer is frustrating and suspicious.

PTSD – Civilian media has not done an adequate job of educating the public about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the numerous other challenges former military live with after service. We intuitively believe that someone who has “seen the unthinkable” and lived in conditions of violence, hostility and stress for a long period of time will undoubtedly have emotional effects long after the situations change. But what does that mean for a hiring manager looking to add a new team member to their company?

SKILLS NOT TRANSfERRAbLE – Without a clear outline of which military skills translate to which civilian job responsibilities, it may be unreasonable to expect that hiring managers with no military experience can understand how someone who worked front lines in the infantry can lead their IT staff through a new project. Or, how a combat medic is qualified to hold a sales position in their pharmaceutical company.

fIT IN THE ORGANIzATION – Hiring managers seek skills, experience and talent in recruiting new employees, and they look for cultural fit as well. Each candidate is evaluated for the value they bring and can offer to new and existing teams, how well they will assimilate into the organization and where they will lead. The perception that a military veteran is used to barking orders, meeting high-stress timelines and putting feelings aside for execution on mission can deter recruiters from evaluating a veteran candidate.

SO WHAT CAN THE VETERAN EMPLOYEE bR ING TO

THE ORGANIzAT ION?

Veterans see their work as a career,

not a job. To them, a job is the place you show up, perform work and earn a wage for services. A career, on the other hand, is where you commit your whole self, build a foundation of skills, talents and experience, and add value to the organization, the mission and the team at every step.

After years of service, sometimes multiple deployments to violent and stressful environments and sacrifice of family and friends, veterans transition to a civilian career with little more than a week or two of preparation. It is no wonder that veterans struggle with articulating, positioning and marketing their value to civilian employers.

Here are some of the key reasons why hiring a veteran could be your best business decision yet –

PRObLEM SOLVING – The military teaches its personnel to think beyond what they can see, touch and smell. The training veterans received in service is the ultimate in problem solving – anticipate and prepare for anything or the consequences could be deadly. While most veterans will not face life and death problems in their next career, they are trained to think creatively and to not be deterred by obstacles. Where their civilian counterpart might stop in the face of a challenge,theveteranwillpersevereuntilaresolutionisidentified.Foremployersthat seek independent thinkers, solution-oriented team leaders and focused employees, veterans are the ideal candidate.

LOYALTY – When attrition accounts for a great deal of corporate revenue loss, and the costs to replace one employee are very high, having a workforce that is selective and then loyal is of high value. Veterans committed their lives to their

“ THe veTeran could be an ideal candidaTe for

a posiTion wiTH vaGue Goals and boundaries, wHere

cross-funcTional objecTives compeTe for resources, or

wHere Global pressures require quick responses,

wHile keepinG lonG Term vision in mind.”


former employer, risking it all and sacrificing much. They are taught that loyalty is admirable and that walking away from challenge is not an option. This makes them tremendous assets to organizations that seek leaders to help manage risk, high performing teams and critical initiatives where loyalty and follow-through will produce valued results.

TRAINAbILITY – When an individual joins the military, typically at a young age, they do not enter with the training needed to perform at exceptional (and lifesaving) levels. They learn how to be an expert through the training, drills, real world situations and those around them. When exiting the military, these same individuals are again very trainable and capable of learning new skills, talents and abilities. This is an advantage for a company seeking to fast track the on-boarding and contribution of new employees.

CREDENTIALS – After service, many veterans enter the job market withadvancedcredentialsandclearances.Forcompaniesinindustrieswherea background check or government security clearance – such as banking,

information technology and healthcare – are requirements, this is a direct cost savings.

ADAPTAbILITY – The military trains its personnel to survive in various rigorous and unpredictable environments. They are moved

from location to location, often in foreign countries where rules and protocols

do not exist. Military personnel are often in scenarios where

they are outside the norms they understand, where everything from the language to the subtleties of cultural differences are foreign to them.

The level of adaptability and survival skills necessary

to stay focused on the mission and protect your assets

and troops is extraordinary. This translates to adaptability on many levels in business – the veteran could be an ideal candidate for a position with vague goals and boundaries, where cross-functional objectives compete for resources, or where global pressures require quick

responses, while keeping long term vision in mind.

fAMILY – When a service man or woman deploys, they say goodbye to the support system that gives them strength. While on tour, that service person learns to rely on a new family – those serving alongside. The transition to a civilian career means reconnecting with family and integrating to a new world. To veterans, this is a natural time to bond with co-workers, other veteran employees and their community, much like they learned to do when in service.

MENTORING – The day a new recruit enters the military, they are met with a peer who walks them through the process – from where to get supplies, to what to expect in boot camp and where they should sit in the mess hall. Mentoring is a huge part of the military culture and veterans carry this belief with them after service. Companies seeking team leaders and employees who will enlist support for their goals and encourage other employees are smart to hire veterans.

Businesses investing in human capital are wise to learn how to recruit, onboard and retain veterans. The small investment in training a hiring and recruiting team on how to read military resumes, interview veterans and recruit veterans online is returned in a workforce that contributes at levels that exceed expectations.

Lida Citroën principal of LIDA360, a consulting firm that helps create effective market positioning through the use of brand strategies. She regularly presents at conferences, events and programs, teaching transitioning veterans how to understand their unique value and market them to future employers.

“members of our miliTary are TrusTed wiTH THe defense

of our counTry and because of THis THey undersTand

commiTmenT, leadersHip, professionalism and How To follow

insTrucTion wHile beinG innovaTive. HirinG our veTerans is

Good business and THe riGHT THinG To do.”Barbara Livingston, Director of Human Resources

Gregory Electric Company, Inc.

M2M from end to end.

Let the conversation begin.

Work with us and benefit from the full suite of connected devices and application services that will power your versions of the Internet of Things. AT&T experts will help you find the solutions you need to power any and all aspects of innovative, effective machine-to-machine strategy, deployment, and integration.

© 2014 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.


erasing themiDDle skills

stigma

By Penny Delaney Cothran, aPr

C ongratulations to the graduating class of 2014! You are

collectively the most indebted class of four-year college

graduates in the history of the United States. According

to Time magazine,studentdebtaveraged$35,051for

2014-2015.Evenwhenadjustedforinflation,that’sdoublethedebt

load of students 20 years ago. That’s not all. In June 2010, total U.S.

student loan debt passed total revolving credit (better known to us as

credit card debt) for the first time in our collective credit histories. (That’s

$830billioninstudentloansversus$826.5billioninrevolvingcredit).

Knowing this, how do families weigh the pros and cons of a four-

yearcollegedegreebeforesigningthoseacceptanceletters?Foracenturyormore,therewasonlyone

option for the American boot-strapper’s upward mobility: the bachelor’s degree. While we still need these

degrees (and advanced degrees, too), South Carolina’s students should know of the array of paths and

options laying ahead of each and every high school graduate.

“Every parent, grandparent and kid in high school wants to go on and get a four year degree. That’s

been the dream that we’ve all been sold,” says Brad Neese, director of Apprenticeship Carolina. “But it

comes at a really high price. In some cases, that price can be virtually eliminated by going through a non-

traditionalroutelikeanapprenticeshipprogram.”Manyfamilieswouldagreethata$35,000pricetag

might be worth the expense if it guaranteed their child a fulfilling, rewarding and amply salaried position

at the end of it all. Could there be another means to that end? Enter Apprenticeship Carolina™.

M iddle-skilled

jobs account

for 54 percent of the U.S.

labor market. More than

50 percent of the top 50

jobs in South Carolina do

not require a bachelor’s

degree or higher.


South Carolina Business (SCB): What does

apprenticeship seek to accomplish that a traditional

four year education track does not?

brad Neese (bN): An apprenticeship is a

combination of education and application of the

education. The heart of an apprenticeship is the job

training that’s overseen by a qualified mentor. You can

go to school at night to learn the theory behind what

you do on a daily basis. It’s honing your craft.

SCb: Where does Apprenticeship Carolina see the

critical needs and skills gaps?

bN: We’re seeing it across all industries. We’re not

just seeing it in manufacturing or IT. We’re seeing it in

healthcare and hospitality and tourism. This is different

than the way we’ve grown apprenticeships in the past

in our state, where they’ve traditionally been in crafts

and trades like welding and construction. Actually,

that’s only 10 percent of what we do [now] in our state.

Pulling business to the table to be part of the education

process has been really important to us. Apprenticeship

programs have the ability to customize education to fit

[the business’s] needs.

SCb: Why should an adult look at a job in these

critical needs areas first?

bN: There’s opportunity there. They’re high

demand jobs, and they pay really, really well. These

apprenticeship programs can help those folks create

a roadmap to get to those higher-skilled jobs.

SCb: Is apprenticeship the short road? What are

the variables that weigh on an individual’s decision to

seek an apprenticeship?

bN: There are folks with four-year degrees who

aren’t finding employment in management and are

seeking apprenticeship-type jobs so they can find

employment.Ourapprentices’averageageis28

years old. So these are people who aren’t fresh out

of high school looking for their first job. Often times,

these are people who have families, have had previous

lives, and are now seeking to change their career or

get on a career trajectory that’s going to help them

further along.

SCb: How do you recruit businesses?

bN: At the end of the day, we’ve got to have

more companies who are willing to use apprenticeship

programs.Wehavealittleover700companiesnow,

butthere’ssomethinglike250,000companiesin

our state. It’s very difficult for us to get out in front of

parents right now and think about the apprenticeship

route because there are not enough apprenticeship

opportunities available.

So, what options were being presented to high

schoolers?SusanFlanagan,directoroftheOfficeof

Career and Technology Education at the South Carolina

DepartmentofEducation,isa30-yearveteranofthe

Department of Education, becoming the CATE [Career

and Technology Education] state director in 2012.

“My passion is to increase awareness of what CATE

programs have to offer in our secondary schools and

the knowledge of career pathways that exist for our

students in South Carolina,” she begins.

SCb: What industries are affected by the shortfall

of middle-skilled labor? Where are the critical needs jobs

going to be in the future?

Susan flanagan (Sf): Every industry is affected

by the shortfall of middle-skilled labor. Healthcare is a

major industry in South Carolina – but a hospital is more

than the doctors and registered nurses who work there.

Essential employees include radiation technologists,

pharmacy technicians, nursing assistants, medical

coders, equipment and facility maintenance operators,

and the truck drivers who deliver medical supplies to

thehospital.Foreveryhigh-techjobcreated,thereare

numerous other jobs created in that same industry

or supporting industries that will require a trained

workforce with more than a high school education

but less than a four-year college degree. In South

Carolina, projections for the best occupations are in

the healthcare, manufacturing and transportation and

logistics fields. Opportunities also exist in construction,

business (especially information technology) and

middle-level management.

SCb: What is your department doing? What strides

has your organization made in addressing the gap in

critical needs workforce development?

Sf: The Office of Career and Technology Education

assists school districts and career centers across the

stateinprovidingprogramswithinthe16career

clusters, allowing students to be exposed to career

pathways, gaining employable skills while still in high

school and transitioning to a post-secondary institution

to earn further certifications/credentials. Our schools


have local advisory committees made up of business

partners to ensure that instruction matches industry

needs. Articulation agreements exist between our

school districts and the local technical colleges that

allow the seamless transition from high school to

post-secondary education so that students have the

potential to be gainfully

employed. In South Carolina,

96percentofstudentswho

take the prescribed four

course sequence in a Career

and Technical (CATE) program are placed into a post-

secondary institution, employment or the military. That

is a statistic that tells a powerful story!

SCb: When speaking with educators and parents,

why should some students be steered away from the

4-year college “dream”

and toward th ings

like credentialing and

apprenticeships? What

are the stigmas? What are

the factors that play into

that type of decision (e.g.

access to financial aid and

scholarships, the hiring

market, the economy, long

term student debt)?

Sf: No one should

be steered away from

their “dreams” – but all

opportunities should be

equally presented to allow

for informed decision-

making. We want every child who graduates from high

school to be college- and career-ready, but that does

not necessarily mean a four-year college degree. The

21st century workplace is a highly technical workplace

that demands workers who are high school graduates

with some specialized preparation beyond high school.

Data recently released from

the National Skills Coalition

indicates that middle-skilled

jobsaccountfor54percentof

the U.S. labor market. More

than50percentofthetop50

jobs in South Carolina do not require a bachelor’s degree

or higher.

Last year, CATE students earned credentials in fields

such as nursing, welding, automotive and computer

networking,andparticipatedin100,944work-based

Susan Flanagan speaks at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s education and workforce development forum on CATE programs.

learning experiences. During this past year, our office

began working with Apprenticeship Carolina at the

South Carolina Technical College System to promote

youth apprenticeships to high school students. These

apprenticeships allow students to gain first-hand

experience in actual industry settings. The collaboration

often includes the local technical college and provides

students with the chance to earn high school credit

and college credit simultaneously. In several cases, the

technical college pays for the student’s tuition and the

student can earn a certificate or credential, get a job

and be free from student loans. The Michelin Technical

Scholars Program is just one example of such a program.

It offers scholarships to select students in the Electronic

Engineering Technology major at Midlands Technical

College and covers the cost of tuition, fees and books –

while allowing the student to participate in a paid co-op

program reinforcing classroom knowledge by working

part time in a Michelin manufacturing facility.

SCb: What’s the greatest barrier in your opinion of

filling middle-skilled jobs?

Sf: Changing the mind-set that middle-skilled jobs

are not good jobs. These are good paying jobs; they are

nothing like the factory jobs of yesterday. These jobs

require advanced skills and knowledge of technology.

By educating people about these new opportunities,

we can attract students to CATE programs and

convince them, and more importantly, their parents,

that these jobs are future pathways for job security and

financial success.

Penny Delaney Cothran is the multimedia manager at

the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and editor

of South Carolina Business.


The sector partnership includes high schools in four Charleston area school districts, Trident Technical College, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and a consortium of industry partners. Current industry partners include

IFARotorionNorthAmericaLLC,adirectsupplierofprop shafts for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles; Robert Bosch LLC, a leading global manufacturer of automotive equipment, power tools, household appliances, automation systems, security systems and packaging technology; VTL Group, a manufacturer of turbocharger products for light and industrial commercial vehicles; Hubner Manufacturing Corporation, a major supplier of articulation systems to the bus market; Cummins Turbo Technologies, a manufacturer specializing in heavy-duty Holset turbochargers; and Detyens Shipyard, the largest commercial shipyard on the East Coast.

“IFA-RotorionstronglysupportstheYouthApprenticeship in Charleston and we see it as another avenue to grow and develop our future workplace,” saysDebbieMeuli,IFA-Rotorian’sHRmanager.“Thecompetition for talent, especially in the technical fields, is very difficult. Taking our youth and allowing them to gain work experience, develop a trade and receive pay while earning an education is an excellent program. It supports our community, our education system and our company. Everyone wins.”

The innovative program began in August 2014 with13studentsfromFortDorchesterHighSchool,Garrett Academy of Technology, Goose Creek High School, R. B. Stall High School, Wando High School and West Ashley High School. The 11th- and 12th-grade students receive on-the-job training through part-time employment with the industry partners while attending high school and Trident Technical College as dual-credit students taking industry-specific courses.

“The Apprenticeship program is a tremendous opportunity for our students,” says Virginia Reijners of

Full-time student.Part-time emPloyee.

Charleston leaders partner to create region’sfırst manufacturing youth apprenticeship program

By MitChell r. harP, Ma, Mt (aSCP) anD MeliSSa J. StoWaSSer

Recognizing a need for an alternative career pathway for high school students and with industry’s demand for more skilled labor in the region, community leaders in Charleston, S.C. came together to establish a sector partnership and develop the region’s first U. S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Manufacturing Youth Apprenticeship program.

Shannon Brennan, youth apprentice from Goose Creek High School,meets with her mentor, Nekedia Gaillard, to review the production schedule at Charleston’s Cummins Turbo Technologies.


“We are convinced that by investing early in our young people we can be a catalyst in creating interest in today’s manufacturing and will be supporting the creation of the 21st century workforce that we will need to continue to thrive here in Charleston,” says Willis D. Pugh, plant manager at Charleston’s Cummins Turbo Technologies.

Mitchell Harp heads the Apprenticeship Office at Trident Technical College (TTC). The office’s primary role is to assist companies who are interested in starting a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program using TTC as their educational partner. Melissa J. Stowasser is the director of high school programs at Trident Technical College. She works with public and private high schools and homeschool associations to

develop educational opportunities for high school students in the region.

Charleston School District. “In career and technology education, our teachers strive to connect the classroom instruction with the real world application. An apprenticeship opportunity is the ultimate real world application because it combines the technical instruction with the soft skills that are also so important for success.”

“ T h e Y o u t h Apprent ice Program i s p rov ing a va lued component of VTL’s vision to develop and retain manufacturing talent,” says Jeff Teague, general manager of VTL Precision Inc. in Charleston. “The program gives a much needed infusion into manufacturing as the mean age for incumbent employees continues to rise. Additionally, our youth apprentices give employees the opportunity to mentor and teach skills gained through years of direct experience. This has proven to be a boon for employee engagement, retention and attracting new talent. I have no doubt that as word spreads

regarding the face of modern day manufacturing, the Youth Apprentice Program will serve as the needed conduit for developing the next generation of talent.”

Students who successfully complete the apprenticeship program will receive a high school diploma, a certificate in Industrial Mechanics from Trident Technical College and a journeyman credential from the United States DepartmentofLabor.All27collegecredits earned in the certificate program can be applied toward an associate degree at Trident Tech. Industry partners will provide student apprentices with part-time employment throughout the school year and full-time employment during the

summer while enrolled in the program. Students are not guaranteed continued employment upon graduation, but will be considered for full-time employment with industry partners if opportunities are available.

The successful start of this year’s program has already encouraged the manufacturing community to begin planning for another cohort of industrial mechanic apprentices and a new machine tool apprenticeshipforAugust2015.Theinitiativehasalso

inspired the hospitality and information technology sectors in the Charleston region to build their own sector partnerships and youth apprenticeships for hotel operations, culinary, computer networking and programming.

The Manufacturing Youth Apprenticeship is the first of its kind in Charleston and represents a community-wide collaborative approach to developing a comprehensive career pathway that provides a seamless transition for students from secondary to post-secondary education, and then to the workforce. This program positions students for the high-wage, high-demand and high-skill careers of the future.

Youth Apprenticeship cArolinA Yields:High School Diploma

Industrial Mechanic’s CertificateJourneyman’s Credential

Real Work Experience

Bosch “signing day”“The Youth Apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity for Bosch to build relationships with the local high schools,” says Louie Roberts, pictured here. “The program will provide Bosch and other companies in the area with the next generation of trained associates for our future workforce.”

Back row, left to right: Louie Roberts, Human Resources Business Partner; Karen Winningham, Human Resource Specialist, both from Bosch.

Front row, left to right: Michael Reynolds, John Thames,Curtis Schall, all Youth Apprentices.

Jason McCallum, youth apprentice from Goose Creek High School.

The manufacturing initiative has inspired the hospitality and information technology sectors in Charleston to build their own sector partnerships and youth apprenticeships for hotel operations, culinary, computer networking and programming.


S. HUNTER HOWARD JR. SCHOLARSHIP The$5,000award

recognizes a Business Week student who consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities and was introducedin2008inhonorof S. Hunter Howard Jr., retired president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Winner:WILfREDO HECTOR ANDERSON11th gradeCrestwood High School, SumterHometown: Panama City, Panama

What was the most important lesson you learned at Business Week? The most important lesson I learned at Business Week this year was the true value of teamwork. It was truly amazing to see the things my company could accomplish once we all worked together.

What do you enjoy studying in school? I enjoy studying economics, finance and integrated business applications in school. I wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

What do the members of your generation understand about the future of business that you wish older business leaders understood? I believe the members of my generation understand the concept of vivid imagination.

What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given you? The best advice I’ve ever been given is a quote my father has instilled in me: “Dream like you’ll live forever, live like you’ll die tomorrow.”

What’s next for you? I plan on graduating high school and pursuing secondary education.

By Penny Delany Cothran, aPr

RON MCNAIR LEADERSHIP AWARD,CONTRIbUTED bY SCE&G

This$5,000scholarship,contributed by SCE&G, may be used at the South Carolina College or university of the winner’s choice. Established in memory of Lake City native and astronaut Ron McNair, the award recognizes a Business Week student who consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities.

Winner:SARAH-ELLEN fLOYD12 th gradeScholars Academy at CCUHometown: Myrtle beach, originally from Savannah, Georgia

What was the most important lesson you learned at Business Week? In my company, there were many strong personalities. It took the first day for everyone to get acquainted. The most important thing that I gained from the experience was the interpersonal skills to moderate the different perspectives of my company members.

What do you wish to study/major in when you get to college? I am excited to enter the field of international business and law. I aspire to attend the University of South Carolina’s Honors College to earn my degree in international business with a minor in German. I plan to continue my study of international business in graduate school while becoming a juris doctor.

What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given you? Someone once asked me “What happens if you stay?” This simple, unpresuming question had a profound impact on me. I frequently refer back to it as encouragement for perseverance, asking myself “What happens if I stay?” It has pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and to reach for something better.

What’s next for you? I’m looking forward to wrapping up my high school journey and moving on to college. I hope to study abroad in Germany to gain a

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize the winners of its annual Business Week scholarshipsduringthe35th Annual Summit. Each summer, the South Carolina Chamber selects the brightest young adults during Business Week to hold the honor of being our state’s scholarship recipients. Let’s get to know the five future business leaders who rose to the top of the class this past year.

the Futu

re of

I Am S.C. Business


better understanding of global business. The world is evolving rapidly and I am preparing to take my place in it.

RAWL fAMILY SCHOLARSHIP TheRawlFamilyScholarship,namedfor the Chamber’s president and CEO, Otis Rawl, and his family, in the amount of $2,000, may be used at the South Carolina College or university of the winner’s choice.

Winner:CHARRAE PRIESTER 12th gradeRidgeland-Hardeeville High School, RidgelandHometown: Ridgeland

What was the most important lesson you learned at Business Week? The most important lessons I learned at Business Week this year was how to be an effective leader, establish relationships and network.

What do you wish to study/major in when you get to college? Upon graduation, I hope to triple major in marketing, business management, and global logistics and transportation, with a minor in German.

What do the members of your generation understand about the future of business that you wish older business leaders understood? Members of my generation understand that the future of business depends on technology. They understand the rapid pace of the world and no longer think nationally but globally.

What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given you? The best advice I have received by far was from my company adviser Chris Campbell (like the soup). In one of our many company meetings he discussed the importance of taking charge of your future and creating your own personal brand. With his help I was able to begin networking with my first Linked In account.

What’s next for you? I was recently crowned Miss Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School. With this title I hope to branch out into my community and began to build better relationship between our students and community leaders for the advancement of our community. In the fall I hope to attend a four-year university. My hope is that through rigorous course work, studying abroad and outreach programs offered through the university, I will be able to achieve my career goal of working in marketing and helping rebrand businesses.

NEW! MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION Of SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOLARSHIP

The inaugural Mechanical Contractors Association of South CarolinaScholarshipisa$2,500award that may be used at the South Carolina college or university of the winner’s choice.

Winner:AMELIA MACLOSKIE freshmanUniversity of South Carolina, Columbia Hometown: Sumter

What was the most important lesson you learned at Business Week? I learned how to work well with others and solve common problems in a realistic environment.

What do you wish to study/major in when you get to college? I am currently a “provisional admit” to the Darla Moore School of Business and plan to double major in international business and global supply chain management. My minorisFrench.

What do the members of your generation understand about the future of business that you wish older business leaders understood? That there are new and interesting ways to accomplish goals. Just because a system has worked to get the job done in the past doesn’t mean there isn’t a newer and more efficient way to reach the same end.

What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given you? If you want it, you can make it happen.

What’s next for you? Continuing my studies at USC

CHELSE WARD ELLIOTT SCHOLARSHIPThis $2,000 scholarship is presented in memory of Chelse Ward Elliott, wife

of long time Business Week company advisor Tony Elliott. The scholarship may be used at the college or university of the winner’s choice.

Winner:ANTONIA DANIELLE ADAMS12th gradeStrom Thurmond High School, JohnstonHometown: Edgefield

What was the most important lesson you learned at Business Week? The most important lesson that I learned was perseverance in leadership. As a second-year CEO of a company, I learned how to effectively manage a group of people with divergent interests and skills.

What do you enjoy studying in school (or wish to study/major in when you get to college)? My faith is very important to me and I believe that the ministry is my calling in life. I would like to major in theology and apologetics in college. Apologetics is the study of the Christian faith and how to defend it.

What do the members of your generation understand about the future of business that you wish older business leaders understood? I believe that members of my generation understand the importance of social media as a vital part of the future of business and the global economy.

What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given you? At Palmetto Girls State, one saying that is taught year after year is “Walk with purpose.” This saying applies to all activities, whether it is walking, eating, talking or public speaking. This phrase encourages young leaders to do everything with the purpose that it will ultimately lead to success.

What’s next for you? I hope to graduate from high school as an honor graduate and continue a successful academic career at a quality Christian college. After that, I plan to attend seminary and receive my Ph.D. in a theological field of study and begin a ministry.

Companies interested in learning more about student sponsorships or scholarships for 2015 Business Week should visit scbusinessweek.com,or contact Robbie Barnett at 803-255-2625.


GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITYAROUND EVERY CORNER.

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In those days, US 40 was the thoroughfare from east to west

in the United States. The highway ran straight down Knightstown’s Main Street. A young Brenan and a friend, who lived up on a hill overlooking Main Street, would often sit and watch the traffic, counting license plates toseeiftheycouldgetall50states in a day.

A LOVE Of LEARNING

When Brenan was a teenager his family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. As a

teen, Brenan worked for the city and the parks and recreation facilities, often cleaning ditches. One would think, as a banker today, Mike Brenan would have excelled in mathematics in high school. But Brenan loved English and history more than any other subject. It was his teachers who had the most profound impact on him.

“Itendtohavemoreofamemoryofmyteachers,”hesays.His7th grade history teacher, Mr. Nixon, used the first day of class to teach his students a life lesson. He took to the chalk board, writing what he deemed the definition of average. Mr. Nixon wrote, “The average is the best of the lousiest and the lousiest of the best.” Brenan never forgot those

words. “That resonated with me as a seventh grader,” he says. “I didn’t want to be just an average student.” He became an “A” student from then on.

Brenan had an appointment to attendtheAirForceAcademy, but lost

a kidney during his senior year of high school, so attending became out of the question. “The only other school that talked to me

was the University of Tennessee, and that was to run track,” says Brenan, where he excelled at the 400 meter race. “I had enough money to go for one year.” He attended the University of Tennessee that year, but returned home after he didn’t have enough money to stay. In the end, Brenan graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in economics and another in education.

“I had three job offers,” he recalls. “I could be a teacher of social studies, sell typewriters for IBM or work in a bank. The lowest paying job was the one working in the bank.” He weighed his options and concluded that banking had the most potential for a rewarding career. He was right.

COMING DOWN SOUTH

Brenan met his wife, Julie, in Mansfield, Ohio where he was serving as the “No. 2 guy for a bank.” Julie’s parents introduced the two at

church. Today, family and faith values are what keep this tight-knit clan, with four children – two girls and two boys – together. “A lot of what we do is around family and things we’re involved with in the community,” he said.

Brenanbecameabankpresidentat34yearsold.In1998,hewas running a bank in Virginia when the company was sold to BB&T. He moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, then ultimately to Columbia,SouthCarolinainNovemberof1999.

“I didn’t grow up here, but I got here as soon as I could,” Brenan says. He loves Columbia,

the state, South Carolina’s people, the history and its traditions. “It’s easy to get to know everybody in this state,” he says.

BB&T is essentially a southern company, foundedin1872in Wilson, North Carolina. It started to grow with acquisitions in the Carolinas, “so the Carolinas are the foundation, the core part of the company,” he says. He loves working for the company that he feels “has great core values.”

Brenan also loves Gamecock baseball. When he arrived in Columbiain1999,heimmediatelyaskedhisassistantifthebank

2014 Busi n ess Leader of th e Year

~ M i k e B r e n a n ~


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had tickets for Gamecock baseball. Brenan got four tickets. “I kind of knew about the tradition of college baseball in the South, and I wanted to experience it,” he says. He soon got to know Coach Ray Tanner and later, Coach Chad Holbrook.

fA ITH AND fAMILY

No one can deny that Mike Brenan gives back. Since arriving to South Carolina, he

has made his mark in community service. A past chairman of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Brenan has served on the boards of numerous businesses and nonprofits, including the United Way of the Midlands, Governor’s SchoolforScience&MathematicsFoundation,South Carolina Independent Colleges & UniversitiesFoundation,BIPEC(BusinessandIndustry Political Education Committee), Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the South Carolina Bankers Association and Central South Carolina Alliance. BB&T recently provided supporttotheRayTannerFoundationforthefutureMiracleFieldforchildrenthataredisabled,designed to allow them to play baseball.

Brenan was appointed by Governor Mark Sanford to serve on the South Carolina State Board of Education, then asked to stay on by Governor Nikki Haley. “I think Mike is a tremendous asset to South Carolina in his work to make the lives of all South Carolinians better,” says South Carolina State Senator Nikki Setzler of West Columbia. “That is evidenced through his involvement in TransformSC, EngenuitySC, State Board of Education, (and the)FirstStepsReviewCommittee.Mikeunderstands that in dealing with issues that affect South Carolina, no one person has the right answer. The best approach comes from working with a group of people with divergent views to come to a best solution.”

Judy Davis, executive vice president and chief legal officer for BlueCross BlueShield South Carolina, who also grew up with Mike’s


wife, Julie, sums it up. “Frankly,Mikecamehere [to South Carolina] and he’s all in. He’s done everything he can to make the state better and the community better, as if he’s been here his entire life. He does it because he loves living here. And he just simply makes it better for all of us.”

AmemberofColumbia’sFirstPresbyterian Church, he’s not shy about his faith. “Every day that I wake up, I say two things,” says Brenan. “Lord, if today’s my last day, it is

going to be a good day. And, Lord, wherever you have me today, my hope and prayer is that I do it to your glory.” He believes God must be integrated in everything that he does: work, family and community. “I’ve been given tons of opportunities to share my faith in a lot of different ways. A lot of that has occurred in South Carolina,” he says.

Mike Brenan does not have a typical day. He does, however, keep his mornings consistent, rising at5a.m.or5:30a.m.Hebeginsthe day with reading or devotion, then either takes a walk outside or on the treadmill. Between his service on many boards throughout the community, his days stay full, but he commits to rarely taking work home with him in the evening, reserving that time for family.

PAVING THE WAY

During his tenure as head of the South Carolina Chamber, many things were accomplished, but one priority sticks out. “I think the

key thing that came out of that time was finally getting everyone to wake up to the fact that it was time to get serious about infrastructure. I think the State Chamber played a key role in getting that up front with the General Assembly and the governor. Isn’t it interesting today that infrastructure is what all the campaigns are talking about,” he asks.

Long time friend, Lee Bussell, chairman and CEO of Chernoff Newman, says, “Mike does a great job of running a statewide bank, but he still finds time to make a difference by advocating for issues on a regional and statewide

2014 Busi n ess Leader of th e Year

~ M i k e B r e n a n ~


B A N K I N G . I N S U R A N C E . I N V E S T M E N T S

Member FDIC. Only deposit products are FDIC insured.© 2013, Branch Banking and Trust Company. All rights reserved.

If values aren’t shared, they aren’t lived.If values aren’t shared, they aren’t lived.If values aren’t shared, they aren’t lived.

For more than 140 years, BB&T has never taken a relationship for granted. We set out to earn your business each and every day. Our strong value system helps us determine what is right and reasonable. And to remain focused on doing what’s in the best interests of the clients and communities we serve. Discover the value a values-driven bank can offer you. Talk to us today. BBT.com

GET TO KNOW MIKE bRENAN:

Favorite spot in South Carolina: Home in ColumbiaFavorite book: BibleFavorite movies: To Kill a Mockingbird and Field of DreamsFavorite thing to do on the weekend: Nothing People might be surprised to know that:I love being barefoot.Pet Peeves: Not playing “heads up ball.” Going through life with your head in the sand.

basis. While you might see him out front, publicly leading on an issue, he is a powerful force behind the scenes helping to hold elected officials accountable.”

FromBrenan’sbankingindustrystandpoint,the largest challenge today is dealing with increased federal regulations that are stifling growth and creativity.

He also believes that it is critical South Carolina has a skilled workforce to fill jobs when the next large economic development announcement comes to the state. “It’s one of the things the State Chamber has been leading on,” he says.

He believes one of South Carolina’s greatest assets is its size. “It’s easy to get to know

everyone in the state and find ways to work together,” he says. “There’s no reason why we can’t have the best public education system in this country, the best infrastructure and the best higher education.”

WHAT’S NExT

Mike Brenan has some advice for young professionals. “Be able to listen to

people who are older, wiser and more experienced,” he says. He believes in the importance of continuous learning and is an avid reader. “When I quit learning, its time to hang it up,” hebelieves.“At62,I’m learning something new every day.”

Just last month, Mike and his wife,

Julie, took a trip to Italy, the first European trip for Mike. “I’m pretty much a homebody,” he laughs. On the plane ride back, he and Julie talked about their “bucket lists.” Mike’s list includes learning to play the cello.

“I just take it one day at a time. I can do most things if I do them one day at a time,” he says.

Julie Scott is associate vice president of communications at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.


PreviousBusiness Leader of the Year

honorees

1981 – Francis Hipp

1982 – roger Milliken

1983 – W.W. “Hootie” JoHnson

1984 – Buck Mickel

1985 – Walter MontgoMery, sr.

1986 – cHarles W. coker

1987 – JoHn M. rivers, sr.

1988 – ellison s. Mckissick, Jr.

1989 – e. craig Wall, Jr.

1990 – gayle o. averyt

1991 – Henderson Barnett

1992 – JoHn a. Warren

1993 – roBert v. royall, Jr.

1994 – Joel sMitH

1995 – laWrence M. gressette, Jr.

1996 – ruFus c. Barkley, Jr.

1997 – roBert e. Mcnair

1998 – JaMes c. selF, Jr.

1999 – roBert staton

2000 – WilliaM cassells

2001 – WilliaM Barnet iii

2002 – M. edWard sellers

2003 – george d. JoHnson, Jr.

2004 – don Herriott

2005 – darla Moore

2006 – paula Harper BetHea and WilliaM l. BetHea, Jr.

2007 – W. lee Bussell

2008 – Harris e. deloacH, Jr.

2009 – eMerson goWer

2010 – JiM reynolds

2011 – paMela lackey

2012 – JoseF kerscHer

2013 – anita Zucker

“Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.com for further details.

Reason says: bigger is better.

At Grant Thornton we specialize in helping dynamic organizations like yours, because we are one too. We know how to confront the challenges you face and bring a real, competitive advantage of senior staff time, short decision-making chains and sound processes. To help unlock your potential, visit grantthornton.com/sc100

Instinct says: nimble is better for driving growth.

twitter.com/grantthorntonus

linkd.in/grantthorntonus

youtube.com/grantthorntonus

140915_GTbigger_SCarolinaBus_Charlotte(8.75x11.25C).indd 1 9/15/2014 9:13:46 AM


g r a n t t H o r n t o n l l p

p r e s e n t s

in a s s o c i at i o n W i t H t H e

so u t H ca ro l i n a cH a M B e r o F co M M e rc e,

t H e 30t H an n ua l r a n k i n g o F t H e

stat e ’s la rg e st p r i vat e ly oW n e d

c o M pa n i e s .


No. CompaNy City CEo BusiNEss DEsCriptioN

MORE THAN $1 BILLION 1 Milliken & Company Spartanburg Joe Salley Manufacturer of chemicals, carpet and textiles

2 The Intertech Group, Inc. and Affiliates North Charleston Anita G. Zucker & Family-owned holding company Jonathan M. Zucker

3 J M Smith Corporation Spartanburg William R. Cobb Wholesale, pharmaceutical and computer hardware, software and data processing services

4 Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. Lexington W.T. Cassels, Jr. Less-than-truckload carrier company

5 United Sporting Companies Chapin Bradley P. Johnson Distributor of hunting & shooting products

$100 MILLION TO $999 MILLION 6 Hilex Poly Co, LLC Hartsville Stanley B. Bikulege Manufacturer of plastic bag and film products

7 Carolina Eastern Inc. Charleston Alton Phillips Distributor of fertilizer, agricultural chemicals and seeds

8 Mount Vernon Mills, Inc. Mauldin W. David Hastings Distributor of textiles

9 Dearybury Oil & Gas Inc. Spartanburg C.W. Dearybury Wholesale distributor of petroleum products and distillates

T hisyearmarksthe30theditionoftheGrantThorntonSouthCarolina 100TM (“The South Carolina 100”), the only ranking of South Carolina’s largest privately held companies. The South

Carolina 100 is compiled by Grant Thornton LLP under the direction of Mark Ballew, partner-in-charge of the Columbia office, in cooperation with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Participation in the South Carolina 100 is voluntary, and companies are ranked based upon their net revenues for their most recently completed fiscal year. To qualify, companies must be privately held, headquartered in SouthCarolinaandcannotbeasubsidiaryofanothercompany.Financialinstitutions, insurance companies, real estate and other brokerages, health care organizations and companies primarily engaged in retail are not eligible for the South Carolina 100 listing.

The people in the independent firms of Grant Thornton International Ltd. provide personalized attention and the highest quality service to public and private clients in more than 100 countries. Grant Thornton LLP is the U.S. Member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the six global audit,taxandadvisoryorganizations.GrantThorntonhas56officesintheUnited States and services dynamic companies in South Carolina, the United States and around the globe.

To learn more about this year’s survey, please contact Mark Ballew, partner-in-chargeofGrantThornton’sColumbiaofficeat(803)231-3045or e-mail at [email protected]. Grant Thornton’s web site address is GrantThornton.com.FormoreinformationontheGrantThorntonSouthCarolina 100, including prior years’ rankings, go to gt.com/sc100.

T h e 3 0 t h A n n u a l S o u t h C a r o l i n a 1 0 0 T M

Manufacturers 25 $8.0 33,600 22 $7.6 32,900 Distribution 19 6.2 4,900 23 6.3 5,200 All Other 56 6.0 42,000 55 5.7 45,400 TOTAL 100 $20.2 80,500 100 $19.6 83,500

2014 2014 2014 2013 2013 2013 CATEGORY # Revenue Employees # Revenue Employees

$ amounts in billions

2014 2013 COMPANY 1 1 Milliken & Company 2 2 The InterTech Group, Inc & Affiliates 3 3 J.M. Smith Corporation 4 5 Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. 5 4 United Sporting Companies 6 8 Hilex Poly Co. LLC 7 6 Carolina Eastern, Inc. 8 9 Mount Vernon Mills Inc. 9 95 Dearybury Oil & Gas Inc. 10 10 Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stevens, P.C.

2014 COMPANY 37 Mercom Corporation 40 Harper Corporation-General Contractor 62 Lockart Power Company 77 Pegasus Steel LLC 89 A3 Communications, Inc. 95 Blue Ridge Log Cabins LLC 99 Lexington Drycleaning

INCREASE COMPANY 94 Dearybury Oil & Gas Inc. 18 Eldeco, Inc. 12 Trehel Corporation 11 Thompson Construction Group, Inc. 11 The Ritedose Corporation

The 2014 ranking of the Grant Thornton South Carolina 100 private companies includes many dynamic companies in multiple industries. While each year the ranking experiences some changes, the changes in the listings for 2014 are not as significant as those experienced over the past few years. This is evident from the changes seen below in comparable statistics between the 2014 and 2013 South Carolina 100 ($ amounts in billions).

The top 10 companies saw very little movement as indicated in the comparison to the right:

The most significant movement is the addition of 7 companies joining the ranking for the first time or after an absence. That compares to 12 and 11 companies joining in the 2013 and 2012 rankings respectively:

The companies with increases in rank over 10 for 2013 are as follows:


10 Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak Greenville Kim F. Ebert Labor and employment law firm & Stewart, P.C.

11 Comporium, Inc. Rock Hill Bryant Barnes Communications company provider

12 Blanchard Machinery Company West Columbia Joe Blanchard Heavy Equipment dealer that specializes in CAT products

13 Edens Investment Trust Columbia Terry Brown Retail SC owner and developer

14 Nelson Mullins Riley Columbia James K. Lehman Legal services & Scarborough LLP

15 Southeastern Paper Group, Inc. Spartanburg E. Lewis Miller, Jr. Distribution of disposable paper, plastics and cleaning supplies

16 Medical Services of America, Inc. Lexington Ronnie L. Young Health care services, rental and sale of home medical equipment and supplies

17 Spartanburg Forest Products, Inc. Greer Steve Michael Sell, distribute, manufacture, pressure treated lumber and all related products

18 O’Neal, Inc. Greenville Kevin Bean Engineering and construction company in the business of project delivery

19 M.B. Kahn Construction Co., Inc. Columbia William H. Neely General contractor

20 Cox Industries, Inc. Orangeburg R. Michael Johnson Manufacturer and distributor of treated lumber products

21 Mungo Homes, Inc. Irmo Steven Mungo Residential development and homebuilding

22 Shealy Electrical Wholesalers, Inc. West Columbia Bill DeLoache Wholesaler of electrical supplies

23 Consolidated Systems, Inc. Columbia Brad Pemberton Metal processor

24 Metromont Corporation Greenville Rick Pennell Builder of precast buildings for schools, offices, stadiums and data centers 25 JHM Enterprises, Inc. Greenville HP Rama Developer, owner and operator of upscale hotels

26 Prestage Farms of SC, LLC Camden Dr. Ron Prestage Distributor of live turkeys sold to Oscar Meyer/Kraft Foods

27 West Oil, Inc. Hartsville Lex West Convenience store chain, propane business, mini-storage facilities and liquor stores

28 Thompson Construction Group, Inc. Sumter Greg A. Thompson Industrial and commercial construction/maintenance services

29 WDS, Inc. Lake Wylie Jennifer Maier Distributor of custom warehousing and inventory management

30 Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC Charleston Robert A. Faith Investor, developer and operator of multifamily real estate assets

31 G&P Trucking Co, Inc. Gaston G. Clifton Parker Truckload transportation of freight

32 SCTG, LLC Columbia Robert M. Keane Provider of voice, data and internet services

33 Diamond Hill Plywood Company, Inc. Darlington John C. Ramsey Wholesale distribution of building materials and manufacturer of hardwood/plywood

34 Cregger Company, Inc. West Columbia Morris Cregger Distributor of plumbing and heating and cooling products and electrical

35 Terminix Service, Inc. Columbia Marion Knox Pest sales and service





36 Defender Services, Inc. Columbia John N. McCarter, Jr. Provider of janitorial, security and staffing service

37 Mercom Corporation Pawleys Island Stella Mercado Technology advisor 38 Cafe Enterprises, Inc. Taylors Christopher R. Thomas Owner of Fatz Cafe and Tavern 24 restaurants

39 Dilmar Oil Company, Inc. Florence Earle III Atkinson Petroleum distributor, commercial real estate & Gray Atkinson

40 Harper Corporation - General Contractors Greenville David Wise General contractor

$50 MILLION TO $99 MILLION

41 General Information Services, Inc. Chapin Raymond Conrad Employment screening and HR onboarding solutions

42 Life Cycle Engineering, Inc. N. Charleston Robert Fei Consulting, engineering, applied technology and education solution

43 Springs Creative Products Group LLC Rock Hill Derick Close Provider of textile based products and logistics services

44 The Beach Company Charleston John C.L. Darby Full service real estate-sales, leasing, development and management

45 Eldeco, Inc. Greenville Allen McKinney Electrical contractor

46 Thompson Industrial Services, LLC Sumter Greg Thompson Provider of integrated industrial cleaning and facilities support services

47 CoLinx, LLC Greenville Donavan A Louis Logistics and e-commerce services

48 The Ritedose Corporation Columbia Umesh Dalvi Contract pharmaceutical manufacturer

49 HG Reynolds Co, Inc. Aiken Jeffrey Reynolds General contracting

50 Human Technologies, Inc. Greenville Herb Dew III Human resource advisory firm

51 The Yahnis Company Florence Ken Emry Wholesale distributor of beer and non-alcoholic beverages

52 Industrial Packaging Supplies, Inc. Fountain Inn Jerry Murdock Wholesale distribution of packaging materials

53 First Sun Management Corporation Clemson Joseph J. Turner, Jr. Quick serve restaurant

54 Merritt Veterinary Supplies, Inc. Columbia Robert M. Mims, Jr. Distributor of supplies, equipment, and drugs for the veterinary industry

55 Whaley Foodservice Repairs, Inc. Lexington Wells Whaley Commercial foodservice parts distributor

56 Beverage & Food Group, Inc. Bluffton Kevin Meany Creative communications agency

57 Palmetto Synthetics Kingstree Henry Poston Producer of synthetic fibers

58 Gateway Supply Company, Inc. Columbia Sam Williams Jr. Plumbing and HVAC wholesaler

59 Palmetto Corp. of Conway Conway Shawn Godwin General contractor

60 Encore Technology Group, LLC Greenville Todd Newnam Provider of comprehensive solutions for IT networks

61 Yeargin Potter Schackelford. Greenville R. Lynn Yeargin General contractor Construction, Inc

LESS THAN $50 MILLION

62 Lockhart Power Company Lockhart Bryan Stone Utility provider of electrical power to customers in five SC counties

63 Gregory Electric Company, Inc. Columbia Robert Livingston Electrical and mechanical construction



LESS THAN $50 MILLION

64 McNair Law Firm, P.A. Columbia David J. Tigges Provider of legal services

65 AME, Inc. Fort Mill Gregg S. Campbell Industrial contracting – crane rental, equipment installation and fabrication

66 Trehel Corporation Clemson William W. Huss General contractor

67 Sumter Transport Company Sumter Robert Rumph Provider of environmental solutions to refinery and chemical industries

68 Wolverine Brass, Inc. Conway Joe Kastelic Manufacture/distribution of brass plumbing products

69 GBS Building Supply, Inc. Greenville Robert J. Barreto Supplier of residential and commercial building products in upstate North Carolina and South Carolina

70 Greenville Meats, Inc. Greenville Dan Sloan Meat and poultry processing and distribution

71 Southern Weaving Company Greenville Ron Mohling Design, development and manufacturing of industrial woven products

72 Interstate Management Columbia Bert Pooser Hotel management & Investment Corporation

73 Commercial FoodService Repair, Inc. Greenville Kurt Herwald National service provider to hospitality, retail and restaurants.

74 Dillon Provision Co, Inc. Dillon Dan Bozard Wholesale meat

75 H.R. Allen, Inc. Charleston Rod Allen Electrical and mechanical contractor

76 Waldrop, Inc. Spartanburg William Caldwell Mechanical contractor

77 Pegasus Steel LLC Goose Creek Tony Deering Heavy steel fabrication service center

78 Dove Data Products, Inc. Florence Richard Coxe Manufacturing and sales of computer printing supplies

79 Sumter Packaging Corporation Sumter Benjamin DeSollar Provider of full service transportation, warehousing and packaging

80 New South Construction Supply, LLC Greenville Jim Sobeck Construction products distributor

81 Augusta Fiberglass Coatings Inc. Blackville John W. Boyd Manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced plastics

82 Eagle Construction Company Newberry Jeff D. Spotts Provider of heavy highway construction

83 Ishpi Information Technologies, Inc. Mount Pleasant Noah Leask Provider of information and cyber dominance, C5ISR engineering and technical Services

84 GMK Associates, Inc. Columbia Thomas P. Monahan Architecture, engineering, design-build, construction services and interior design

85 Colite International, Ltd. Columbia Martin C Brown Provider of technical development, manufacturing, and signage programs

86 Companion Professional Services, LLC Columbia Terry M. Floyd Information technology consulting and IT solutions group

87 Parkplace Corp. Greenville Jimmy Orders Mattresses

88 FGP International, Inc. Greenville John Uprichard Temporary staffing for IT, accounting and administrative services

89 A3 Communications, Inc. Irmo Joe Thomas Systems integrator, provider of IT and security solutions




We’re glad you’re here,Showa Denko.Before a recent planned expansion. Before the fi rst graphite electrode was manufactured. Before the plant manager fl ipped on the lights for the fi rst time. Santee Cooper partnered with Showa Denko Carbon Inc. 30 years ago to bring the international industrial giant to the Charleston area. By partnering our low-cost, reliable power and development opportunities with our state’s attractive tax base, relocation incentives, and an unparalleled quality of life graced with Southern hospitality, Santee Cooper helps Showa Denko continue to thrive in South Carolina. And continues to power South Carolina toward Brighter Tomorrows, Today.

POWERING S.C.www.santeecooper.com/SC

90 J.L. Anderson Co, Inc. Wallace Robert S. Rogers III Manufacturer of brick, wholesale and retail sale of brick and masonry products

91 VC3, Inc. Columbia David Dunn IT service provider to the private and public sectors in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia

92 Chicora Affiliates, LLC Myrtle Beach Don J. Smith Residential and commercial sales

93 Carolina Ceramics, LLC Columbia Michael Borden Brick manufacturing and distributor of brick, mortar and other masonry products

94 Martin Engineering, Inc. White Rock Whitney Delbridge General contractor

95 Blue Ridge Log Cabins LLC Campobello Chip Smith Modular home manufacturer

96 Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. Columbia Deepal S. Eliatamby, P.E. Civil engineering firm and provider of technical consulting services

97 Chernoff Newman, LLC Columbia W. Lee Bussell, Jr. Integrated marketing communications

98 C. Ray Miles Construction Co., Inc. Lugoff C. Ray Miles General contractor

99 Lexington Drycleaning Lexington Thomas Garrett Provider of dry cleaning and laundry services

100 WingFan LP Rock Hill Patrick Hogrefe Manufacturer of modular axial impellers




n the same day South Carolina Business visited the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Public Servant of the Year, Jim Newsome’s company, the South Carolina Ports Authority, was making a huge

announcement. Newsome was very pleased to announce that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had just released the long anticipated, four-year DraftIntegratedFeasibilityReportandEnvironmentalImpactStatementforthePost-45HarborDeepeningproject.ItrecommendedthattheCharlestonHarborbedeepenedto52feet,makingitthedeepestporton the East Coast. Currently, the port is the ninth largest port (behind Tacoma, Washington), and the fourth largest on the East Coast. Simply speaking, the growth of the South Carolina’s commerce, and especially its manufacturing sector, has necessitated a deeper harbor and a stronger port system. Jim Newsome has answered the industry’s call, and then some.Hehasdoubledtheport’sgrowth(tracking8-9percentgrowthwhile the rest of the U.S has seen approximately 4 percent growth), ensuring South Carolina’s export dominance well into the future. “We have ten more years of really hard work left,” says the tireless president and CEO, with a calm certitude.

W h o i s J i m N e W s o m e ?

“I am not a politician,” Newsome says quickly of his nomination. He describes himself as a contrarian, always quick to challenge current thinking with a glimpse of what it means for the future.


Deep anD WiDe

2014 Public Servant of the Year

James I. Newsome, IIIPres ident and Chief Execut ive Off icer

South Carol ina Ports Author ity

“I’m always looking to do something a bit different than what everyone else is doing.” Both a metaphorical sprinter and a marathon runner, “I am always trying to see a little farther ahead on the horizon,” he explained. “The first movers in business get the advantage.” And so the race to the top began for South Carolina.

A self-described information junkie, he says he would much rather read an e-mail from a colleague than meet face to face. “That bothers people,” he adds in a moment of self-recognition. He’s always scanning the trends to see where things are going. “I like to stay ahead of the pack and anticipate trends faster.” He can do this easier with the written word, he explains.

The South Carolina Ports Authority is a major strategicassetforthestate.Portleaderscallthe52feetagamechanger

P o r t r A i t b y s A N D y A N D r e W s


for South Carolina. Newsome prides himself on running the port as a business, and not as a typical public trust. He craftily refocuses each question about himself onto the port, but not in a bashful way. It’s strategic. “We [at the port] have told a clear, consistent story.” The opposite of aloof or absent, the regimented and reliable Newsome does not shy away from mentioning that he has been married to his wife

Kathyfor30yearsorthathe’sproudofhisdaughterRachel,28,andsonMatthew,23.“They’regoodkids.Mywifedidagood job raising them.”

T h e e a r l y l i f e o f T h e P r o T é g é

“I was pointed in the direction of a shipping career at a fairly young age,” explains

Newsome. “I was born in Savannah, Georgia. I still actually own the home

I was born into. I liked all sports: football, baseball and basketball. I was interested in being a good student.”

A proud University of Tennessee/Knoxville graduate, Jim Newsome, who skipped a grade in elementary school, graduated with a MBA at the age of 21. He said his father (and his father’s friend Don Welch, a previous SCSPA president and UT alumnus) boasted that they conspired to get him into Tennessee’s transportation program. “He also said that

he helped me get into the University of Tennessee. That was not true,” laughs Newsome.

“I was really interested in the shipping industry. My father was with the Georgia Ports Authority in Savannah. I used to go to work with him on Saturdays - every Saturday, in fact. It piqued my curiosity about shipping, ports and things of that nature. That was what we did. That

was the time we spent together. My dad didn’t have a lot of hobbies. He worked all the time. So the time we spent together was [spent] going around on Saturdays running errands [and] going to work with him. I would help him with his work. We’d go get a hamburger afterwards at the Crystal Beer Parlor and watch a football game or something,” reminisces Newsome. “He took me when he went on some business trips, even as a young man.”

“I watched him pretty intently. He was a hard worker,” continues Newsome. “He was an honest guy and very focused on relationships with people. He was fair with people, but he was tough. He didn’t play any favorites. [A] real simple guy. Not a high flyer. Down to earth. Conservative in terms of finance. Never really took on a lot of debt. Very reliable.” History tends to repeat itself with this father’s namesake.

“My mother was a worker,” adds Newsome, who was an only child. “Infactsheworkedfulltimeuntilshewas82yearsold.Sheworked50yearsforonecompanycalledChathamSteelinSavannah.Shewasa fast-paced Bostonian lady [combined with] slow paced Savannah. I grew up in what you’d call a real working family. I was pretty much a latchkey kid. Between the two [parents], they fostered in me a true since of independence. I’ve always been pretty independent, which is different from the kids today.”

A summer college job at Strachan Shipping Company in Savannah

2014 Public Servant of the Year

James I. Newsome, III


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Get to Know Jim Newsome

What’s your favorite place in SC? Hilton Head Island, because it’s close to Savannah and we’ve always vacationed there as a familyWhat was the happiest day of your life? My wedding dayWhat’s your favorite book? Speed, Simplicity, Self-Confidence: An Interview with Jack Welch (of General Electric and, more recently, 30 Rock fame)Favorite App? Delta. I fly a lot.Thing you can’t live without… Coffee! I’m a caffeinated personIn your spare time, you can be found… exercising a lot. And walking my chocolate lab, SadieIf you could have a dinner party with anyone, living or deceased, who would it be? Warren Buffet, because he’s a clear thinker and expresses his business principles. He believes in buying a business that works and keeping its management in placeWhat’s your proudest achievement, personal or professional? My children, and the people they’ve developed into

crystalized his interest in a shipping career. After college, he had a job offer from Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio and surprised

the recruiter when he said he was going to work for Strachan in Houston, Texas. Again, it was his father’s guiding hand that pointed him toward Texas. After Houston, where he met his wife, he went to the shipping capital of the world: New York City. “It was the best thing that I ever did. The shipping industry is all about contacts and relationships. And that was a place where I could build a lot of relationships,” says Newsome.

“After my Strachan Shipping time, I was an American

working for two major European shipping companies. It was critical that I have a mentor from the home country. So I had a Dutch mentor. I had

a few German mentors.” After New York, the family eventually landed in Atlanta, Georgia which was their home for 22 years.

T h e V i c T o r i e s g oT o T h e B o l d

“The best part is that the port works extremely well,” says Newsome. “The port’s not a difficult business.

What do we do? We load ships and we load trucks.” This hardworking chief who’s directly responsiblefor500people’scareers(andevenmore jobs indirectly in his extended maritime family of those who make a living off the port),

emphasized speed above all other measures. “I measure by the watch, not the calendar.” That isn’t always easy in a public bureaucracy.

When asked about his chief competition, he was careful not to bash the Savannah Port. He sees them as allies in the South Atlantic brand. Perhaps it’s his father’s guiding hand once again. “I’ve seen it all in this industry. It’s a small industry,” he concludes.

Penny Delaney Cothran is the multimedia manager at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and editor of South Carolina Business.

Be seen by themovers and shakers.

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For marketing and advertising opportunities for your business, and to see the latest media kit, contact Deidre Macklen or Tim McKeever. We can help your company be seen by South Carolina’s movers and shakers.

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1981 — speaker oF tHe House raMon scHWartZ

1982 — senator reMBert dennis

1983 — senator JaMes Waddell

1984 — senator JoHn druMMond

1985 — representative lloyd Hendricks

1986 — grady l. patterson Jr.

1987 — speaker oF tHe House roBert J. sHeHeen

1988 — representative david W. Wilkins

1989 — senator J. verne sMitH

1990 — representative roBert n. Mclellan

1991 — representative david Beasley

1992 — representative WilliaM d. Boan

1993 — governor carroll a. caMpBell Jr.

1994 — representative JaMes Hodges

1995 — HoWell clyBorne Jr.

1996 — representative Henry BroWn Jr.

1997 — senator tHoMas l. Moore

1998 — representative BoBBy Harrell

1999 — senator nikki setZler

2000 — cHieF Justice ernest Finney

2001 — senator HugH k. leatHerMan

2002 — senator larry a. Martin

2003 — dr. lutHer F. carter

2004 — representative Harry F. cato

2005 — senator JiM ritcHie Jr.

2006 — senator Wes Hayes

2007 — senator Harvey s. peeler Jr.

2008 — senator WilliaM H. “Billy” o’dell

2009 — dr. Barry russell

2010 — senator greg ryBerg

2011 — House MaJority leader kenny BingHaM

2012 — senate president pro teMpore JoHn courson

2013 — u.s. senator lindsey graHaM

PreviousPublic servant of the Year

honorees


2014 Sergeant William JaSPerfreedom aWard

Ike mcLeese

ustoverayearsincehisdeathonOctober29,2013,IkeMcLeese, the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s former president and CEO for nearly 20 years, is still warmly remembered by his friends, family and colleagues. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s Sgt. WilliamJasperFreedomAwardhasneverbeenawarded

posthumously until now. McLeese left a legacy that reverberates in both the civilian and military worlds. According to The State, McLeeseconsideredtheoutcomeofthe2005roundofmilitarybase realignment and closure (BRAC) his greatest professional accomplishment.

“That year [2005], Fort Jackson received three new missions: the Army’s Drill Sergeant’s School; expansion of the Army Chaplain School to include all service branches; and the relocation of the Army’s 81st Regional Support Command, which oversees Army Reserve units in 15 states and Puerto Rico. Also, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, which at the time was considered vulnerable to being absorbed by nearby Shaw Air Force Base, survived.

Former Mayor Bob Coble said the BRAC outcome ‘was his finest hour and his legacy. It was the greatest economic-development announcement in the region’s history.’

Fort Jackson’s commander, Brig. Gen Bradley Becker, said that before he arrived in August, he was told by many that

The Man WhoLoved the Military

Posthumously awarded to



Columbia was the most military-friendly community in the nation – due in large part to McLeese’s work.”

McLeese was an extremely proud defender of the men and women of the military. McLeese was first appointed a Civilian Aide to the SecretaryoftheArmyinFebruaryof2007,andwasservinghisfourthterm when he passed. As civilian aide, he served as the Secretary’s personal representative throughout South Carolina at protocol events and memorial services and as a liaison between the Army and the civilian population. McLeese made it a particular point of pride to be plane-side to welcome home any fallen warrior. He strived tirelessly to make Columbia, and South Carolina, the most military friendly community and state in the nation. His friends and colleagues remember him fondly.

Mike BrenanPresident of BB&T South Carolina

One of the things we always got a kick out of was when we were out in the public doing things, we’d always kid

that we were the Ike & Mike show. I think the thing we worked on the most was transportation issues and infrastructure issues in the city and Richland County, particularly around the public transportation system. He and I did a lot of things behind the scenes to keep that moving in the right direction. We helped put together the group that got the penny tax passed. Ike had a real passion for the military and for what the Chamber ought to be doing from a public policy standpoint.

The other thing Ike and I had [in common] was he loved

baseball. Ike had traveled to lots of different ball parks in his time.

Lee Bussell Chairman and CEO of Chernoff Newman

Ike and I were friends and worked together at Newman Saylor and Gregory before he became CEO of the Chamber. Ike led

the Chamber through some of its toughest financial times, but with his leadership he was able to sell their building and then lease back the space they needed. Ike put the “backbone” in the Columbia Chamber and business community by tackling tough community issues like public transportation and infrastructure. The Bull Street project would not have happened without Ike’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Ten years ago the Columbia Chamber had a favorable rating of under 20 percent, and with Ike’s leadership, it surpassed 60 percent when he made the announcement he was stepping down as CEO.

He will be missed by all, but no group will miss him more than our military community. He was a tireless advocate for our local bases and became a passionate voice for military families. Shortly after becoming chair of the Columbia Chamber, Ike and I were at lunch when he observed

2014 Sergeant William JaSPerfreedom aWard

Ike mcLeese


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four soldiers in uniform. He stopped the waitress and asked her to bring him their check. That was his way of thanking them for the critical sacrifices they make every day.

As serious as he was, he also had a great sense of humor. Hundreds of thousands have viewed the You Tube video where Ike along with people like Mike Brenan, John Lumpkin, Boyd Jones and I kicked off the annual Gala with a parody of our singing and dancing to the popular song, “Call Me Maybe.” I still laugh when I see it.

Ike will be missed by all, but his spirit still guides us.

Holt ChetwoodMidlands Market President of Wells Fargo

Ike McLeese was a great man. He was a great leader for the Columbia Chamber

and the Midlands business community. Ike had the courage and backbone to tackle big and important issues for our region. The soldiers at Fort Jackson had no bigger fan and supporter than Ike McLeese. The Columbia Chamber is the voice of business in the Midlands because Ike made it that way.

The South Carolina Chamber works closely with local chambers across the state. One of the closest relationships was with Ike McLeese. He was well loved by many people, with his over the top, bombastic laugh, his warm handshake and his welcoming demeanor, Ike fought hard for the things he believed would make South Carolina’s Capital City better for business. That included the Hughes development of the Bull Street property, the deterrence of cuts to major military installations, or by simply cheering for the Capital City Bombers or the Gamecocks at a baseball game.

Penny Delaney Cothran is the multimedia manager at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and editor of South Carolina Business.


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The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Best Companies Group and SCBIZ announced the rankings of the 2014 Best Places to Work in South Carolina at an awards banquet, presented by Colonial Life, at the Doubletree by Hilton in Columbia. Best Places to Work is dedicated to identifying and recognizing the

state’smostinnovativeandtop-notchemployers.Congratulationstoall50winners!Herearethetophonoreesin both categories.

HIRE DYNAMICSfirst Place in the Small/Medium Employer Category (15-249 U.S. employees)

The distinction that comes with being named a 2014 Best Place to Work in South Carolina is held in high regard at Hire Dynamics. This is our second year participating and being recognized, but it’s quite an accomplishment to land top honors among a pool of such terrific peer companies. And while this award is specifically about our team here, the meaning behind it is felt by all our employees located throughout the Southeast.

Having a company culture that is employee-centric is a critical piece of our business model. We can’t expect that our clients and talent will be served to the best of our ability if we don’t first have full alignment within our own house. We’re thrilled by the honor of a Best Place to Work designation. It is a tribute to the work our employees do, day in and day out, and the belief that What We Do Matters.

– Dan Campbell, CEO of Hire Dynamics

EDWARD JONESfirst Place in the Large Employer Category (250 or more U.S. employees)

Edward Jones values the people who make excellent client service possible. Located in two-person offices, our branch teams work directly with clients to understand their personal goals and offer solutions.

“This is the hardest job I’ve ever had but by far the mostrewarding,”BrianMathisinFortMillsays.“EdwardJones gives me the tools and resources to succeed and the flexibility to create my own work schedule and hours. I’m encouraged to put family first.”

The Edward Jones culture is caring, supportive and values each individual associate. North Charleston FinancialAdvisorKatherinePonder,forexample,started her career as a financial advisor in Texas, while her husband was stationed in Georgia. They lived apart for two years, traveling back and forth. Her flexible schedule made this possible. When the Navy insisted he move to Charleston, Katherine had to make the tough decision to relocate her business. Local associates welcomed Katherine’s family and supported her throughout the transition. Today, she is a full-time wife, mother and financial advisor. She can adjust her schedule to meet the needs of her family, while building and growing her business.

2014 Best Places to Work in S.C.


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funresults

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HARTSVILLE SC

ELLIOTT DAVISSecond Place in the Small/Medium Employer Category (50-249 U.S. employees)

We are pleased to have received such positive feedback and are honored to be recognized with this prestigious award for the eighth consecutive year. Being a workplace of choice is important to us, and we take great care to provide benefits and programs that provide our employees with rewarding opportunities and long term career fulfillment. Elliott Davis employsover300talentedpeoplein four offices across the state, and their participation in this award is a measure of our success in determining what is important to them. Our employees are a strategic advantage, and investing in them allows us to continue to grow and deliver efficient and effective solutions to our clients.

– Rick Davis, Managing Shareholder of Elliott Davis

bEST PLACES TO WORK IN SOUTH CAROLINA 2014

SPONSORSPreSentinG

Colonial LifePlatinuM

Spirit CommunicationsGolD

benefitfocusblackbaud

Continental Tirethe Americas, LLC

Edward JonesNexsen Pruet

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

SC Telco federal Credit UnionScott and Company LLC

Select Health of South Carolina SCE&G

SYNNEx CorporationT-Mobile USA

Turner Agency Insurance/frankenmuth

Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLPSilVer

blueCross blueShield of South Carolina

C.f. Evans ConstructionCharleston Water SystemHuman Technologies, Inc.

Life Cycle EngineeringMcAngus Goudelock

and CourieNbSC, a divisionof Synovus bank

SCRAShealy Electrical Wholesalers,

Inc.Thomas & Hutton

VC3Bronze

broadsoftDixon Hughes Goodman LLP

Electric Guard Dog, LLCHire Dynamics

MWV Specialty Chemicals


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T he South Carolina Chamber of Commerce hosted the inaugural Palmetto Vision Awards Gala, presented by Jackson Lewis

P.C.,onSeptember18attheColumbiaMarriott.The Chamber recognized superior companies that excelled in the fields of manufacturing and diversity and honored South Carolina’s top human resources and community diversity professionals during the awardsgala.Fromhittingtheredcarpet,biddingonsilent auction items that benefited South Carolina Business Week, to the awards dinner with elegant entertainment by the String Angels, a great night was had by all in attendance.

Top awards presented were the South Carolina Excellence in Community Service, won by JoAnn Turnquist,CentralCarolinaCommunityFoundation,and the Excellence in Workplace Diversity Award, won by Greenville Chamber of Commerce (small business category) and US Engine Valve (medium/large business category), all sponsored by Nexsen Pruet. The South Carolina Manufacturer of the Year was awarded to BMW Manufacturing Company (large business category), MTU America, Inc. (small/medium business category), and the Manufacturer Partner of the Year, won by South Carolina Technical College System, was sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Lastly, South Carolina Human Resources Professional of the Year was awardedtoRalphYoung,FNManufacturing,LLCandwas sponsored by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

Congratulations to all the winners and honorees and thank you to all who joined us on this special night to celebrate business leaders who make South Carolina a great state. We look forward to honoring many more great companies and business leaders of South Carolina in the upcoming years.

Palmetto Vision Awards Galahonors special leadersBy hannah Cook

Judi Gatson, WIS-TV news anchor, emcees the Palmetto Vision Awards Gala.

Otis Rawl, president and CEO of South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, with Bruce and Lady June Cole from Allen University enjoying the reception and silent auction before the awards dinner.

Jim Deyling, president of private business, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, addresses the audience before presenting the Manufacturer of the Year awards.

The String Angels provided elegant and exciting entertainment for the awards dinner.

BMW Manufacturing Company received the award for Manufacturer of the Year (large company category).

JoAnn Turnquist addressed the audience after winning the Excellence in Community Service Award.


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PALMETTO VISION AWARDS GALASPONSORS

PreSentinGJackson Lewis P.C.

PlatinuMOgletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

Nexsen PruetblueCross blueShield of South Carolina

SilVerMAU Workforce Solutions

Santee CooperSCE&G

BronzeCox Industries, Inc.

Southeastern freight LinesSonoco

fisher & Phillips LLPDuke EnergyColonial Life

honoreeStarbucks Coffee Company - Sandy Run

Roasting PlantPhillips Staffing

fN AMERICA – ColumbiabMW Manufacturing Co., LLC

ContriButorVerizon Wireless

Spartanburg Community CollegeSavannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC

Columbia Metropolitan AirportCoastal Hydraulics, Inc.

AT&T

Eight South Carolina companies were recognized as the Excellence in Workplace Diversity honorees.


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T he inaugural LeadSC YP Summit, presented by Walmart, was held onSeptember17-18attheColumbiaMarriottandunitedyoungprofessionals with top leadership throughout South Carolina in a

dynamic, open environment that encouraged personal, professional and community development. This event, planned by the LeadSC statewide committee in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, provided opportunities for networking and professional development to emerging professionals from across the state. With professional development as the theme

of this year’s summit, South Carolina young professionals built relationships across multiple levels all while attending enriching and relevant seminars and breakout sessions such as personal branding, how to influence the political process in your community, leadership development, legal, diversity and entrepreneurial tracks,aswellasapopularCEOluncheon.In2015,theSouthCarolinaChamberof Commerce looks forward to partnering with LeadSC again and continuing the vision to encourage communication, motivation and foster meaningful relationships in young professionals for a better South Carolina.

Inaugural LeadSC Young Professionals Summit

Lou Kennedy, president and CEO of Nephron Pharmaceuticals, sends the attendees out with an encouraging word as the closing keynote speaker.

Karl Hudson Phillips speaks during the breakout session South Carolina: Should I Stay or ShouldI Go.

LeadSC YP Summit statewide planning committee.

Attendees were excited to network during the Wednesday night reception that started the LeadSC YP Summit.

Councilwoman Octavia Williams-Blake, City of Florence

and Senator Shane Massey, South Carolina Senate, participate in the panel

discussion How to Influence the Political Process in Your

Community.

By hannah Cook


LEADSC YOUNG PROfESSIONALS SUMMITSPONSORSPRESENTING

WalmartPLATINUMElliott Davis

Sun SolutionsUSC Moore School of business

GOLDblueCross blueShield of South Carolina

NbSC, a divison of Synovus bankSCE&GSonocoSILVER

Alliedbarton Security Servicesbarnes, Alford, Stork & Johnson, LLP

bb&TIntegrity Real Estate Advisiors

Municipal Association of South CarolinabRONzE

first Citizens bankGreater Summerville/Dorchester Chamber

Wills Massalon & Allen LLC

Madeleine McGee, Mac Bennett and Charlotte Berry advised young pros on joining non-profit boards.

Matt Porth of MCEC networks with Libby Anne Inabinet, president, Providence Hospital Development Foundation, during the CEO roundtable luncheon.

Jacob Cook, Sun Solutions and LeadSC co-chair, spoke about the importance of zero based thinking.


Is your company taking advantage of the all new Palmetto Advantage program? Do you know all of the incredible benefits

this new structure provides along with greater value for your company?

Since announcing the new Palmetto Advantage program in April 2014, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has been busy implementing the operational changes, creating specialized reports to track member involvement and working to inform members of their new benefits that can expand their reach. The key ingredient of this new program, the membership investment level, is determined by a company’s cumulative total of membership, sponsorship and advertising dollars invested in the South Carolina Chamber.

We want to ensure all Chamber members are taking full advantage of all of the features Palmetto Advantage offers.

WHAT LEVEL I S YOUR bUS INESS?

Are you an Advocate? The Advocate level is essentially the small business level. Advocates have the opportunity to participate on the Chamber’s Small Business Council as well as list a coupon or discount offer in the Chamber’s online directory. Companies across the globe seek information on South Carolina businesses via the Web. What better place to push your offer on a product or service than on Palmetto Marketplace?

Or maybe you’re a Pacesetter. This is where some of the key benefits include an opportunity to become involved on any Chamber committee. Plus, Pacesetters receive special invitations several times a year to regional CEO Roundtable meetings with fellow business leaders.

Next comes the Signature level. As a Signature member, extra benefits exist such as business promotion on the Chamber’s social media channels and the ability to sponsor a committee’s lunch. This highly-sought-after option gives businesses a unique opportunity to market their products or services to a select group of their choosing. Popular committees include Local Chambers, Manufacturers Steering, PR Advisory, Small Business and Excellence in Education.

Palmetto Stars round out the top. Those companies that choose to support the Chamber in exceptional ways are deemed Palmetto Stars. Each year, the Chamber publishes a listing of those Power Players in a special pullout supplement in South Carolina Business magazine to acknowledge them for their unparalleled support.

Providing BusinessesMore Choices

By BarBara BeCkhaM

There are four levels of Palmetto Stars, starting at$5,000(seepage64).Thesecompaniesreceive added benefits such as an invitation toanexclusiveprogramorevent.Forthepasttwo years, this invitation-only event was held at the Governor’s Mansion with South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley hosting.

Each level of Palmetto Stars offers increased benefits too (i.e. at the Crown level, companies can book the Chamber’s public meeting rooms at no charge). With meeting space at prime rental cost in downtown Columbia and the Chamber’s proximity to the State House, this option has been used by many members for planning retreats, special staff trainings or corporate meetings with out-of-state staff.

At the Cornerstone level, the benefits increase with an opportunity to place company information in the Chamber’s brochure rack located in our busy lobby area. This is a great way to expand your company’s reach to the multitudes of business people who pass through the Chamber each week. And, if you should choose to enjoy something akin to concierge service, your company can be assigned a personal account representative to help you get the most out of your Chamber experience.

The final two Palmetto Stars levels are the President’s Circle and the Chairman’s Circle. These levels represent the Chamber’s key advocacy players, and benefits are extremely personalized and customized. President’s Circle members receive corporate signage in the Chamber’s BB&T Boardroom as well as an opportunity to have a promotional video looped on the Chamber’s enormous TV monitor in the lobby area.

The ultimate Chairman’s Circle level offers its companies an opportunity to schedule an on-site issues meeting for their management team with Chamber expertsandaseatontheLATF(LegislativeAgendaTaskForce),themostpopularissues-vetting committee.

So… do you know your company’s level? The Chamber’s membership team will be glad to discuss your needs and help you find the Palmetto Advantage level that best fits your situation.

Barbara Beckham is the vice president of member relations at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. She may be reached at 803-255-2620or [email protected].

At the Cornerstone level, the Palmetto Advantage benefits increase with an opportunity to place company information in the Chamber’s brochure rack located in our busy lobby area.


www.palmettomarketplace.net

• Member-to-member benefit program

• Matching members with exceptional offers

• Offers vetted to exceed any pricing or services you can find off the street

BETTER DEALS ON THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES YOUR

BUSINESS ALREADY USESC

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Palmetto Market Place.pdf 1 10/13/2014 11:36:36 AM

Atlantic business Continuity Services

Summerville

Commercial foodservice Repair

Greenville

Consultants in Gastroenterology, PA

West Columbia

Custom Recycling LLCIndian Trail, NC

Denny’s, Inc.Spartanburg

Gentiva Health Services

Blythewood

HCA South Atlantic Division

Charleston

Levitt Healthcare AffiliatesBeaufort

Liberty Home & Hospice, LLC

Wilmington, NC

M & C Group, LLCBluffton

Nova LightingWest Columbia

Novant Health Gaffney Medical

CenterGaffney

Palmetto Infusion Services

Pawleys Island

Palmetto Utility Protection Services

(PUPS)Columbia

PandoodleColumbia

PHC Home HealthCharleston

Piedmont Medical CenterRock Hill

PublixSuper Markets, Inc.

Lakeland,FL

Seamac Shipping, Inc.Charleston

ShellHarrisburg, PA

Swanson’s DeliColumbia

Vistelan Healthcare LLC

Summerville

Welcome, New Members


Tim Arnold President

Colonial Life

Mike brenan (Ex-Officio)President

BB&T South Carolina

Sharon bryantSouth Carolina Banking Executive

and Director of Wealth ManagementFirstCitizensBank

Mark Crocker Partner

Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP CPAs

Rick DavisManaging Shareholder

Elliott Davis, LLC

Jami Debrango-Palumbo President & Site Head

Roche Carolina

Tom DeLoach President and CEO

SC BIPEC

fred DohseExecutive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions

David DubberlyAttorney

Nexsen Pruet

Board oF directors 2014-2015

our Vision

our Mission

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is the unified voice of business and premier advocacy organization in the state. The South Carolina Chamber creates prosperity for all citizens through an economy of increased productivity and global competitiveness.

The mission of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, as the single, unified voice of business, is to enhance the quality of life for all South Carolinians. The South Carolina Chamber leads the way in achieving global competitiveness and ultimately increasing prosperity for our citizens by: • Creatingashared,collaborativevisionforSouthCarolina; • Increasingproductivitythroughaneducatedandhighly-skilled,capableworkforce; • Advocatingabalanced,predictabletaxandspendingsystem; • Fosteringafavorableclimateamongourmembersandtheirdiverseemployees;and, • Promotingthepositiveimpactofasuccessfulbusinesscommunityonourcitizens.

soutH carolina cHaMBer oF coMMerce leadersHip

ChairManMikee Johnson

President and CEOCox Industries

Chair-eleCtJohn Uprichard

President and CEOFGPInternational

PaSt ChairPamela Lackey

PresidentAT&T South Carolina

treaSurerChris barras

Executive DirectorErnst & Young LLP

General CounSelCharles “Ted” Speth II, Esq.

Managing ShareholderOgletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak and Stewart, P.C.,

Cliff bourkeManager for Legal Claims

SoutheasternFreightLines,Inc,

Sara fisher Senior Executive Vice Presidentand Chief Operating Officer

NBSC, a division of Synovus Bank

Sam KondurosExecutive Director

Greenville Health System’sResearch Development Corporation

John McAlisterDirector of Governmental Relations

Electrolux North America

barbara Melvin Senior Vice President, External Affairs

SC Ports Authority

Pat Michaels President/CEO

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands

Steve Nail Vice President of Human Resources

Hubbell Lighting, Inc.

Al Reid Plant Manager

PPG Industries, SC

Mike zeller Vice President of Brand Marketing,

Jackson Marketing Group, Inc.

ExECUTIVE COMMITTEE bOARD Of DIRECTORS


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Welcome to the high efficiency revolution.

The water heaters featured above: Vertex™ Condensing Gas, Voltex® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump, Effex® High Efficiency Gas, Tankless, NEXT Hybrid® Gas, and Cirrex® Solar Thermal System

For more information on these high efficiency products or other innovative water heaters from A. O. Smith, visit www.hotwater.com.

Mark ElamDirector

State & Local Government RelationsThe Boeing Company

Deepal EliatambyPresident

Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Dr. Thomas ElzeyPresident

South Carolina State University

Clark GillespySC PresidentDuke Energy

ben GreenPartner

Insurance Advantage, LLC

Greg GuerraExecutive Vice President

Product Management and Business DevelopmentSpirit Communications

Randy HatcherPresident

Management Analysis & Utilization, Inc.

Robby HillPresident /CEO

HillSouth IT Solutions

Kenny JacksonSr. Vice President

Services/Rates & Regulatory AffairsSCANA

Gene KingManaging DirectorSequence Holdings

Richard KizerVice President

Government and Community RelationsSantee Cooper

Dan LebishExecutive Vice President & COO

Aflac Group Insurance

Randy LowellShareholder

Willoughby & Hoefer, P.A.

Jodie McLeanPresident & Chief Investment Officer

Edens

Jim NewsomePresident & CEO

South Carolina Ports Authority

Cathy NovingerCEO

Novinger QTR Consulting

Robert Pearce, Jr.Attorney

Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP

blanton PhillipsPresident & CEOPhillips Staffing

Dr. Ronald W. PrestageDVM and Managing Member

PrestageFarms

Jeff PriceDivision President

Milliken & Company

Rex QueryVice President and General Manager

Nucor Steel South Carolina

Mickey RennerSenior Vice President

and Business Banking ExecutiveWellsFargo

ben RexCEO

Cyberwoven, LLC

Andy SatterfieldPartner

Jackson Lewis LLP

barry SaundersChiefFinancialOfficerandVicePresident

Sonoco

Kenneth SeegerPresident

MWV Community Developmentand Land Management

MeadWestvaco

Pete SelleckChairman and PresidentMichelin North America

Linda StanleySenior Vice President

Bank of America

Hal StevensonOwner

Grace Outdoor

David Summer, Jr.Partner

Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, LLP

David TiggesManaging ShareholderMcNairLawFirm,P.A.

Gary WilliamsVice President of Human Resources

Mount Vernon Mills, Inc.

Dr. James C. WilliamsonPresident

S.C. Technical College System

George WolfePartner

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Keith WoodDirector of Public Affairs

URS

John M. Worley, Jr.CEO

Zeus Industrial Products Inc.

brent YarboroughPresident

TeamIA, Inc.

soutH carolina cHaMBer oF coMMerce leadersHip


Randy bradleyVice President of Administrative Services 803.255.2611

Tish Anderson Associate Vice President of Programs & Events 803.255.2627

Robbie barnettAssociate Vice President of Workforce, Education & Manufacturing Policy 803.255.2625

barbara beckhamVice President of Membership Relations 803.255.2620

Cynthia bennett Director of Business Relations, SC GEAR UP 803.255.2542

S o u t h C a r o l i n a C h a M B e r o F C o M M e r C e S ta F F ~ 2 0 1 4

Donna CantrellAdministrative Assistant 803.255.2633

Caroline DonaldsonExecutive Assistant 803.255.2545

Chris Dornburg Administrative Assistant 803.255.2616

beverly HampeRenewal Manager 803.255.2544

Kathy JacobsAccounting Assistant 803.255.2548

April CoxPrograms and Events Coordinator803.255.2621

Rhonda CaldwellHomework Centers & Business Week Coordinator

Penny Delaney Cothran, APR Multimedia Manager, Editor South Carolina Business803.255.2564

Paul Dunn Manager of Sponsorships and Advertising803.255.2566

Ryan MelvinArea Manager, New Members803.255.2614


fred MonkPresident (ECI), Find New Markets803.255.2623

Susan O’NealAssociate Vice President of Finance803.255.2631

Sherry PrioleauAssistant Director of Business Relations, SC GEAR UP803.255.2626

Ann SmithArea Manager, New Members803.255.2568

Otis RawlPresident & CEO 803.255.2612

Katie SchanzLegislative Counsel 803.255.2630

Julie ScottAssociate Vice President of Communications 803.255.2628

Jack SloanAssociate Vice President of Membership Development 803.255.2552

S o u t h C a r o l i n a C h a M B e r o F C o M M e r C e S ta F F ~ 2 0 1 4

Tim TimmonsVice President of Human Resources & Workforce Policy803.255.2624

Carolyn TupperPrograms & Events Assistant803.255.2613

Roxie WilliamsonAdministrative Assistant 803.255.2629

Reid PriceGraphic and Web Administrator 803.255.2558

A d v e r t i s e r I n d e x

AFL..................................................................................11

A.O. Smith Water Products Co. .....................................61

AT&T South Carolina......................................................17

Bank of America ............................................................27

BB&T South Carolina .....................................................33

BlueCross BlueShield ............................. Inside Back Cover

BMW Manufacturing .....................................................26

Clemson University...........................................................7

Columbia Marriott Hotel................................................55

Elliott Davis .....................................................................31

Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics .............53

Grant Thornton ..............................................................35

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A. ..........................................1

MASC .............................................................................26

Nexsen Pruet ..................................................................21

Palmetto Partners ...........................................................57

RobinsonMcFadden ......................................................51

Santee Cooper ...............................................................41

SCDEW ...........................................................................45

Sonoco .............................................................................5

Trident Technical College................................................55

Women’s Distribution Services Inc .................................52


Need Health Insurance for You

or Your Business?WE GOT YOU COVERED

At South Carolina BLUESM you can:

n Get health insurance advice for you, your family or your business

n Buy a policy

n Make a payment

n Attend a free class like Healthy Cooking, Zumba or Health Care Reform and You

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 15!

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. www.SCBlueRetailCenters.com | BCBSSC | @BCBSSC

ColumbiaColumbiana Station1260 Bower ParkwayColumbia, SC | [email protected]

GreenvilleMognolia Park1025 Woodruff RoadGreenville, SC | [email protected]

Mount PleasantTowne Centre Place 1795 Highway 17 North Mount Pleasant, SC | [email protected]

A. O. Smith Water Products CompanyAflac Group

Agape SeniorAlliance Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Allied Air Enterprises Inc.AMCOL Systems, Inc.

AnMed HealthBD Diagnostics, Preanalytical Solutions

Blue Ridge Electric CooperativeBojangles Restaurants, Inc.

Bon Secours St. Francis Health SystemBose Corporation

Bridgestone AmericasCanal Insurance GroupThe Capital Corporation

Carolina Colonoscopy CenterCarolina International Trucks, Inc./ Ideal Lease

CarowindsCenturyLink

CertusBank N.A.Charleston Place Hotel

Clean EnergyCMC Steel South Carolina

Coca‑Cola Bottling Co. ConsolidatedCommunity Integrated Mgmt. Svcs. LLC (CIMS)

Continental Tire the Americas, LLCCytec Carbon Fibers, LLC

Darlington RacewayDevro Inc.Domtar

Electrolux North America, IncEnergySolutions, LLCEnterprise HoldingsErnst & Young LLP

Fabri‑KalFirst Citizens Bank

Founders Federal Credit UnionFranks Car Wash

Fresenius Medical Care North America

Gentiva Health ServicesGestamp South Carolina, LLC

GKN Aerostructures North AmericaGlobalpundits Technology Consultancy Inc.

Google Inc.Grant Thornton LLP

Greenville Hospital SystemGregory Electric Company, Inc.

HCA South Atlantic DivisionHonda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc.

Honeywell Aerospace‑GreerHospitality America, Inc.

Intel Corporation, Columbia Design CenterInternational Paper

Jarden Process SolutionsJohnson & Johnson, Inc.

KapStoneKENTWOOL

Kimberly‑Clark CorporationKingston Plantation ‑ Kingston ShoresKoch Companies Public Sector, LLC

Koyo Corporation of USA Mfg. DivisionKraft Foods

Lexington Medical CenterLockheed Martin

The Mariner Group, LLCMasterCard

McMillan Pazdan Smith ArchitectureMedical University of South Carolina

Nan Ya Plastics CorporationNelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLPNephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Nestle Prepared Foods CompanyNexans High Voltage USA Inc.Norfolk Southern Corporation

North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA)Palmetto Health

Palmetto Primary Care PhyisiciansPratt Industries ‑ Recycling Facility

Prestage FarmsRegions Bank of South Carolina

Republic ServicesResolute Forest Products

Robert Bosch Corporation, LLCRoche Carolina Inc.

Roper St. Francis HealthcareSC Hospital Association

ScanSource, Inc.Schaeffler Group USA INC.

SCRASealed Air Corp.

Select Health of South Carolina, Inc.Sexton Dental Clinic

Shaw Industries Group, Inc.Shell

Shutterfly, Inc.South Carolina Education Lottery

South Carolina State Ports AuthoritySouth State Bank

Southeastern Freight LinesStaubli Corporation

Sunbelt RentalsT & S Brass & Bronze Works, Inc.

Target Distribution Center Target CorporationTime Warner Cable

Total Comfort SolutionsUnited Parcel Service

VERIZON CommunicationsWal‑Mart Stores, Inc.

Waste Management of South CarolinaWebsterRogers LLP ‑ CPAs

Westinghouse Electric CompanyWomble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLP

Women’s Distribution Services, Inc.World Acceptance Corporation

WSI‑Savannah River SiteYoung Clement Rivers, LLP

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

AT&TBank of America

BB & TDuke Energy

Michelin North America, Inc.Milliken & Company

Nexsen Pruet, LLCOgletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart

Santee CooperSonoco

South Carolina Electric & GasWells Fargo

presidents CirCle

cornerstone

P a l m e t t o S t a r S

AARP South CarolinaAFL

Alcoa Mt. HollyBMW Manufacturing Co., LLC

The Boeing CompanyClemson University‑Office of Governmental Affairs

Colonial LifeCox Industries, Inc.

Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP CPAsEaton CorporationElliott Davis LLC

First Quality Tissue SE LLC

Fisher & Phillips LLPFluor Corporation

FN AMERICAFUJIFILM Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc.

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A.The InterTech Group, Inc.

Jackson Lewis P.C.Johnson Controls

MAU (Management Analysis & Utilization)McNair Law Firm, P.A.

MWV Specialty ChemicalsNBSC, a division of Synovus Bank

Nucor Steel ‑ South CarolinaParker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP

Pfizer Inc.Piedmont Natural Gas

Pure Power Technologies, a Navistar CompanySavannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC

Spirit CommunicationsTD Bank, N.A.

The Timken CompanyUniversity of South Carolina

URSZeus Industrial Products, Inc.

crown

Chairmans CirCle

Need Health Insurance for You

or Your Business?WE GOT YOU COVERED

At South Carolina BLUESM you can:

n Get health insurance advice for you, your family or your business

n Buy a policy

n Make a payment

n Attend a free class like Healthy Cooking, Zumba or Health Care Reform and You

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 15!

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. www.SCBlueRetailCenters.com | BCBSSC | @BCBSSC

ColumbiaColumbiana Station1260 Bower ParkwayColumbia, SC | [email protected]

GreenvilleMognolia Park1025 Woodruff RoadGreenville, SC | [email protected]

Mount PleasantTowne Centre Place 1795 Highway 17 North Mount Pleasant, SC | [email protected]

For advertising and marketing opportunities and our current media kit,contact Deidre Macklen at 803.318.3923,

or Tim McKeever at 803.256.3010

You’ll know so much,you’ll feel like you’re 13 again.

You thought you knew it all then.And now you really will.

The one magazine read by South Carolina’s top executives.

2014 KNOW MORE NOW.indd 1 10/24/14 2:06 PM

2014 nov-dec-online.pdf

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