Charitable donations steady despite economy

Upstate companies match, surpass prior years’ giving

A company that donates 100 percent of its net profits to charity is enough to stun even the most experienced business analyst.

But for Greenville-based coffee chain Liquid Highway, donating to charity is the sole reason the business exists.

“All the profits after taxes and expenses go directly to the foundation,” says Keeli Waller, director of public relations.

Theda Vaughan, Waller’s mother-in-law, purchased Liquid Highway two years ago with the intent of using all net proceeds to fund Touch the Ground, her family’s private charitable foundation. Touch the Ground donates to charities in 30 countries, with the goal to “touch the ground in every country on the planet.” READ MORE

Catching a break on the lake?

Market may be turning in time for WestPoint Stevens redevelopment

Tom Winkopp says the real estate market is a lot like the weather.

“It’s very local,” he says.

It might be even more apropos on Lake Hartwell, whose red clay rim shows that a lingering drought is not yet over. But just as a cold snap in Michigan doesn’t stop someone from hitting the beach in Miami, Winkopp is rolling ahead with plans to redevelop the former WestPoint Stevens mill property.

On one side of Old Cherry Road, condominiums are rising to meet an August deadline. Across the street and over a rail line, heavy machinery is tearing down the textile plant, which closed in 2005. READ MORE

Copper capers vex businesses

Multiple thefts spur precautions, legislation

A Greenville developer has been installing fencing around HVAC units, putting them on roofs and adding extra security lighting - something he never had to do before.

Steve Hoover, an owner of JoynerHoover Commercial Management, is a victim of copper theft, a rampant problem in the Upstate and across the nation. He’s hoping these precautions will curb further thefts at his job sites.

Rising demand for copper has increased prices and caused a surge in thefts. As of April 14, copper is around $3.88 per pound, according to www.metalprices.com.

HVAC units utilize copper piping. Six months ago, four units were stolen in one night from a JoynerHoover property on Pelham Road. They were replaced and then swiped again. READ MORE

SECONDARY STORIES

High-tech jobs grow with expanded definition

Upstate engineers, machinists bring complex skills to table

Richard Breen, Editor

Is a machinist with a two-year degree a high-tech worker? What about an information technology salesperson?

While the common stereotype of high-tech jobs involves some variation of computer engineering or software programming, many apply a broader definition that includes industries and jobs beyond IT.

Recent developments show the local economy is becoming a stronger competitor in that wider world.

“I think high-tech is a general term that applies to a lot of different sectors,” says Kevin Landmesser, vice president with Greenville Area Development Corp. “As opposed to calling something high-tech, what interests us as we’re going through the process is, ‘are they innovating?’ ”

GADC was recently involved in a pair of announcements that expand high-tech’s definition. Technology products reseller Synnex Corp. plans to add 300 jobs over the next five years at its marketing and distribution hub in Greenville. MC Tool LLC, a Greer-based machine shop that serves the aerospace, automotive and defense industries, plans to add 20 workers to its rapidly expanding, 43-worker operation.  SUBSCRIBE

Putting business in its place

Spring cleaning works at Upstate offices

Elizabeth Morrisey, Staff Writer

Anita Donley’s co-workers say she must not be doing any work because her desk is so clean.

“When I leave, there is not one single piece of paper on my desk,” says Donley, with Anderson County Emergency Services. “It feels better to walk into a clean slate in the morning.”

As the warmer weather approaches, it’s not only time for a cleaning of your house. Many Upstate workers are trying to straighten up their cubbies or offices as well.

Donley recently switched offices, which gave her a chance to clean out the drawers, throw away excess paper and re-file documents. SUBSCRIBE

Oconee chambers weigh marriage

Towns ponder benefits, look to protect identities

Elizabeth Morrisey, Staff Writer

TThe merging of chambers of commerce can have its benefits, but some business organizations in Oconee County have concerns.

Three Oconee chambers – Seneca, Westminster and Walhalla – have recently toyed with the idea of consolidation. Each organization’s president, however, wants to make sure it’s done properly if it is agreed upon.

“There is one large town (Seneca) and two small towns,” says Denise McCormick, Westminster Chamber of Commerce president. “The fear is that each chamber will not be represented fairly.”

The idea came about when the Oconee County Chamber Coalition was formed after the county’s economic summit. The possibility of merging has been kicked around, but nothing has been determined. Some see it as a way for the county to receive more funding. SUBSCRIBE

COLUMNISTS 

Money Matters: Dave Says

Doing business with a friend

I just began a business with a friend as an LLC partnership. I know he’s honest and a hard worker, but I’m still a little scared that everything will fall apart and we’ll walk away mad at each other.

We used a CPA to get a tax ID number and he helped us set up the company. Do you think we should pay a lawyer to help us map out the partnership agreement in writing?  READ MORE

Life of a Salesman

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the most influential of them all?

Based on an inane statement about how to become a power influencer, purported by an “expert,” I decided to clarify the process in detail so that you could have a shot at becoming one.

Last week’s elements of a power influencer included: smart, shrewd, knowledgeable, successful, a winner, full of answers, someone with ideas that work, creative, a thinker, someone with a great reputation, someone with great timing and someone with a great attitude. READ MORE

Funny Business

Problem-solving in Tijuana

The clean way to off an employee 

“They’re sending me to Tijuana,” said Softball Suzie. “There’s some sort of problem there, and they need me to take care of it.”

This made no sense. Softball Suzie is a recruiter of IT guys.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love Softball Suzie. I’ve known her since college. But she probably wouldn’t be the first person I would think of if I needed to fix any problem, much less one that’s brewing in Tijuana. READ MORE

SPOTLIGHT 

Finding new goals

Realtor Humphreys came for soccer, stayed for love, land

Charles Humphreys came to the Upstate in 1983 with his family business, Umbro. But after selling the business to Stone Manufacturing Co. in 1992, he found himself more than invested in the Upstate. Though he’d traveled the world and met celebrities such as Pele and Elton John, Humphreys decided to settle in Greenville with his wife, Lisa.

Today, he helps others invest in the Upstate as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Commercial Caine Real Estate. He was recently named Commercial Realtor of the Year by the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors and serves on the board of directors for that organization. He is also the president of the South Carolina chapter of the Certified Commercial Investment Members and is working on a political campaign for a friend who is running in District 21.

Though a go-getter who may appear to have lived a bit of a charmed life, Upstate business associates find this former globe-trotting Brit exceedingly down-to-earth. READ MORE