In The Know

Cisco Names ScanSource Distributor Partner Of Year

ScanSource Inc. in Greenville, a hybrid distributor connecting devices to the cloud, has been named 2023 Americas Distributor Partner of the Year at the Cisco Partner Summit. Cisco Partner Awards recognize top-performing partners that demonstrate service excellence and innovation in delivering solutions to customers.

The Distributor of the Year award recognizes ScanSource’s growth in 2023 and the confidence partners have in the ScanSource team.

“We believe our ‘people-plus-digital’ approach to business is a differentiator for ScanSource,” said Kristin Hill, Vice President, Cisco Business Segment, ScanSource.

“Partners can leverage the support and expertise of our dedicated Cisco team, as well as our digital tools … to enable their business with Cisco. Our team truly meets our partners where they are through these tools and equips them with the right resources to accelerate their business and drive overall success.”

Brian Cuppett, Senior Vice President, Modern Communications, ScanSource, said the breadth of the Cisco portfolio – collaboration, networking, security, and services – allows partners to build more uniquely integrated solutions to drive their business.

“ScanSource is an extremely strategic, valuable and trusted partner to Cisco,” said John Brookbank, Vice President, Americas Distribution, Cisco. “The company is a true industry leader when it comes to tools, programs and support. But, most importantly, ScanSource's people truly set it apart.”

Award recipients are selected by a committee of executives representing Cisco’s global and regional partner sales organizations.

ScanSource works with suppliers of point-of-sale, payments, barcode, physical security, unified communications and collaboration, telecom and cloud services. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Greenville, ScanSource was named one of the 2023 Best Places to Work in South Carolina and is on Fortune magazine’s 2023 List of World’s Most Admired Companies.

Bank Of America To Champion Rebuild Upstate In Greenville

Bank of America in Greenville has chosen Rebuild Upstate as its 2023 Neighborhood Champion.

The organization was chosen because of its work to advance economic mobility and to support underserved neighborhoods by addressing critical home repairs for low- to moderate-income homeowners.

The award includes grant funding of $50,000 over two years and leadership training with a goal to expand the program across the Upstate.

The bank’s Neighborhood Builders program is one of the largest philanthropic investments in nonprofit leadership in the nation, according to a statement.

During its 17-year history, Rebuild Upstate has served over 1,470 homeowners with critical repairs and modifications to increase safety and access. The grant will cover operating and program expenses for up to 10 homes and nearly 40 repair projects or ramps.

"This grant is transformational in helping us to serve low-income homeowners who cannot afford repairs otherwise," said Jake Beaty, CEO of Rebuild Upstate.

Five nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Champions in the Upstate since 2019; the bank has invested a total of $250,000 in the nonprofits.

“Bank of America is pleased to support this unique approach to affordable housing … and make a lasting impact for these families in our community,” said Stacy Brandon, President, Bank of America Upstate.

Since 2004, Bank of America has invested more than $300 million in nearly 100 communities and partnered with more than 1,600 nonprofits through the Neighborhood Builders and Champions program.

Project Hope Names HR Manager

Elizabeth Hawes has been named Human Resources Manager of Project Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing services to individuals with autism.

Hawes, who lives in Woodruff, has more than 20 years of experience in the human services and HR fields, as well as advanced degrees in Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, and Human Resources Management.

She has worked with government and nonprofit agencies. Specifically, she has performed case management for adults in psychosocial rehabilitation programs and served as a deputy director in a child welfare service.

Habitat Adds VP Of Equity

Habitat for Humanity of Greenville has named its first Vice President of Equity, Joseph Fields.

A Michigan native who grew up in Greenville, Fields is charged with leading the new Habitat program to increase Black homeownership in Greenville County by building partnerships and raising awareness.

Fields has worked with Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America; Maryland-based Pathways, a youth services program; Hawaii’s probation office; the Georgia Department of Corrections; and the New Mexico U.S. Border Patrol; and, most recently, Greenville Connects, which promotes better transportation options.

Judson Mill District Opens Outdoor Event, Gathering Space

The Judson Mill District, a mixed-use community in Greenville County, has opened an outdoor gathering space that can accommodate more than 1,000 guests. It is called the West Courtyard.

The space, once a roadway, is between the Lofts multifamily apartments, the Annex commercial buildings, and the upcoming Jenny building on the west side of the district. It is surrounded by 100-year-old masonry and is suitable for corporate meetings, fundraisers, festivals, weddings and conventions.

“The West Courtyard is an excellent focal point connecting the retail and residential sides of campus,” said Ken Reiter, co-developer.

Avison Young, a global real estate company with offices in Greenville, will manage the West Courtyard.

“This courtyard provides an outdoor event space truly unique to Greenville,” said Tammy Johnson, CEO of High Spirits Hospitality, which will work with Avison Young to host events.

Judson Mill District was once the largest textile mill in Greenville County. In 2019, Taft Family Ventures joined with Belmont Sayre to transform the 800,000-square-foot textile mill, which closed in 2015. It now has office, restaurant, brewery, retail, entertainment, and residential space.

City Club Hires Leadership

The City Club of Greenville, formerly the Commerce Club and a longtime destination for dining, socializing and business networking, has named Ted Sweeney and Kimberley Loper to its new leadership team.

Sweeney, General Manager, has worked with the Biltmore Forest Country Club, Interlachen Country Club in Minnesota, and the Houston Country Club. He is active in the Club Management Association of America.

Loper, Director of Membership, has a background in business development, hospitality management, communications, and private club membership. She has worked at the Greenville Country Club and the WildeWood Club in Columbia.

Reedy Reels Festival Accepting Film Entries

Piedmont Natural Gas presents Reedy Reels: The Greenville Film Festival is accepting film submissions for its 2024 festival in March. The deadline is Dec. 31.

Reedy Reels will take place at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre in Greenville.

The festival will provide an opportunity to network with other filmmakers and film professionals.

Awards will be given in the following categories: Best Feature Film (61 minutes or more); Best Intermediate Film (21 to 60 minutes); Best Short Film (up to 20 minutes); Best Documentary Film; Best College Student Film; Best High School Student Film; Best Animation; Best Comedy; Best South Carolina Upstate Film (Local); Best Southeast Regional Film (South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia); People's Choice Film; Reedy Reels Film of Distinction.

All submissions can be completed online, https://filmfreeway.com/ReedyReels.

Reedy Reels: The Greenville Film Festival is an independent film festival promoting the appreciation of the art of filmmaking and independent filmmakers in the Upstate. Reedy Reels is a nonprofit organization that supports filmmaking.

Thanksgiving Lunch, Networking

The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn will feature networking and a festive Thanksgiving lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 21 at the chamber’s Prisma Health Conference Room, 105A W. Curtis Street.

Southernside Ready For Holiday

Miracle at Southernside is a Christmas-themed pop-up bar and winter wonderland at Southernside Brewing Co. in Greenville. The event, in its second year, will be open to the public from Nov. 21 to Dec. 31.

Miracle at Southernside will feature over-the-top decorations including life-size Santas and animatronic reindeer, festive cocktails, holiday songs, special programming, themed events and extended hours.

Tickets are required for the VIP launch party on Nov. 20. The venue is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas and will close at 4 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve.

Leadership Golden Strip Accepting Applications

Class 4 of Leadership Golden Strip will begin in January. The application deadline is Dec. 21.

Leadership Golden Strip is a collaborative effort between the Fountain Inn, Greater Mauldin, and Simpsonville Area chambers of commerce.

The program is designed to develop and retain a knowledgeable workforce and open doors for individuals who want to shape the future of vibrant communities. Through meetings with city, county, and state leaders and visits to local institutions, participants explore the major issues and challenges facing the Golden Strip area.

Monthly sessions will be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Time outside of class sessions is required to complete the group service project.

Simpsonville Parade Dec. 3

The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, presented by Weichert, Realtors - Shaun & Shari Group, will take place at 3 p.m. Dec. 3 from northeast to southeast Main Street downtown.

Businesses and community groups are invited to be a part of the parade by entering a decorated float, performance group, or vehicle. This year’s theme is “Christmas Through the Decades.” The deadline for entries is Nov. 24.

53rd Holiday Fair Returns To Greenville Convention Center

The 53rd annual Holiday Fair will take place at the Greenville Convention Center from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.

Exhibits from 350 crafters and commercial vendors will offer holiday décor, jewelry, beauty items, home and garden goods, artisan foods, toys and games, clothing, pet products and more.

Live music and holiday bingo will be presented throughout the weekend. Santa will be on stage from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1.

Attendees may bring a can of food for the American Legion or an unwrapped toy for The Salvation.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 2. The cost is $7 for adults; $6 for seniors; and free for children under 12. Parking is $5. Tickets are available online or onsite the day of the event. For information and tickets, go to www.HolidayFairGreenville.com.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: In The Know