In The Know: News, updates from Greenville area businesses and nonprofits

Fair At Heritage Park Opens In Simpsonville

The Fair at Heritage Park in Simpsonville is introducing new food, new rides and new shows through May 26 at Heritage Park, 861 S.E. Main St. On-site parking is free for those who attend the fair.

Four new rides are the Auto-Bahn, for thrill-seekers, and the Bouncing Kangaroos, Balloon Ride and Runaway Train for families.

Movie characters, including Anna and Elsa from Frozen, Moana and Spiderman will roam the fairgrounds daily, meet fairgoers and pose for photos.

New foods also will be available.

The Fair at Heritage Park is offering daily admission and ride promotions. Each day, visitors can pay one price for unlimited rides. Children under the age of 10 will receive free admission every day. Youths under the age of 17 will not be allowed into the fair after 5 p.m. without parents.

For complete information about daily promotions, hours, safety policies and attractions, go to FairAtHeritagePark.com or contact info@trzmanagement.com. For updated information about hours and weather cancellations, go to the Fair at Heritage Park’s Facebook page.

Women Entrepreneurs Win Startup Grants in Greer

Greer Moves, a nonprofit designed to support entrepreneurs and innovators, has awarded its first round of grants to two women.

Grant winners are occupational therapist, Connie O’Neill, founder of Big Play in a Box; she will receive a $15,000 grant. LaShonn Edmunds, founder of CAIRS Shoes, will receive a $10,000 grant. Grants are available to applicants who are graduates of The Platform at Greer Bootcamp program.

“Both grant recipients have remarkable business ideas that serve worthy causes and inspire us with their potential to make a significant impact,” said Philippe Barreaud of Greer Moves. “By providing seed funding, we are investing in a bright future for entrepreneurship in Greer.”

Big Play in a Box offers subscriptions and gifts for children ages 3 to 8. The boxes contain items and activities that offer an alternative to computer screens.

O’Neill praised The Platform at Greer. “I have made relationships that have guided me, made me face some hard truths, cheered me on, and become friendships,” she said. “Thank you, Greer, for making even the smallest of businesses feel big.”

Edmunds has an incurable condition called lymphedema, which causes chronic swelling in the feet. She couldn’t find any fashionable shoes that would stretch as her feet swelled, so she invented some and launched CAIRS Shoes on World Lymphedema Day this spring.

“I am so grateful to be a part of an incredible business community that cares, supports and creates solutions each step of the way,” Edmunds said. “Having love and support from other entrepreneurs who’ve been down these roads truly gives me hope and lets me know I’m not on this journey alone.”

BMW, Countybank, and Michelin are sponsors of the Greer Moves initiative. For information about The Platform, go to theplatformatgreer.com.

InnoVision Awards Invites Applications

InnoVision Awards, an organization that celebrates innovation and excellence, has kicked off nominations and applications for its 26th year of awards.

The awards honor South Carolina organizations, individuals, educators, and students who advance innovation and technology. Three finalists will be chosen in each of six categories and will be showcased at the InnoVision Awards celebration in Greenville on Nov. 7.

Applications and nominations will be accepted through June 14. Submissions can be made through the InnoVision Awards website, innovisionawards.org. The website includes resources, including information about past winners, sponsors, upcoming events, and a way to engage with the innovation community in South Carolina.

InnoVision will present its first forum of the year – including an opportunity to network and learn about the awards – from 4 to 6 p.m. May 30. “Beyond the Hype: Practical Steps and Risk Mitigation for AI Integration” will take place at Thornblade Club, 1275 Thornblade Blvd., Greer.

Panelists represent a variety of businesses, from startups to manufacturers. Forums are free and open to the business community. For information and registration, go to Forum Registration.

InnoVision Awards have advanced innovation and technology since 1999. The grassroots, volunteer-led nonprofit is made up of businesses, organizations, universities and individuals dedicated to finding innovation in products, services, and education, and to recognizing peers for achievements in their fields.

Lauren Taylor Law Sending Educators To Italy

Lauren Taylor Law of Greenville has announced an opportunity for two South Carolina educators to join “Charleston Blonde’s Italian Giveaway,” which includes food, accommodations, private tours, cooking classes, a trip to a spa, and a chance to explore the country.

To enter, interested parties should “like” and “comment” on the Instagram post announcing the competition on Lauren Taylor Law's social media accounts and include the name of the teacher being nominated and the teacher’s school.

Winners will be announced May 22.

"We believe in the importance of supporting and recognizing the tireless work of our educators," said firm founder Lauren Taylor. "It is an honor for us to provide these teachers with an opportunity to experience the beauty of Italy and to recharge their batteries."

The trip will take place from June 19 to June 26. For information, go to laurentaylorlaw.com.

Lauren Taylor Law provides legal representation in the areas of criminal defense, family law, divorce, adoption and personal injury. The firm has offices in Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, and Greenville.

Engenius Designs Website For Youth Service Organization

Engenius, a Greenville-based web design agency, recently launched a website for the National Beta Club, the largest, independent, educational youth organization in the United States.

“We were thrilled to help Beta uphold their rich tradition of honoring and celebrating millions of students in grades 4 through 12 for their leadership and service achievements,” said Kory Radford, Engenius Director of Client Success.

The new site offers enhanced features and resources for National Beta’s 500,000 members, school partners and visitors. Engenius was retained by the National Beta Club to build a website accessible from desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.

“This redesign effectively communicates our mission of academic achievement, character, leadership and service,” said National Beta CEO, Bobby Hart.

Engenius, which has helped over 500 businesses revamp their online presence, is celebrating 16 years in business.

Carolina Handling Wins Safety Award

Carolina Handling has received the 2023 Health & Safety Award for Excellence from Kautex, A Textron Company.

Kautex is a Tier One automotive supplier with more than 30 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries.

The award was received for an Automated Guided Vehicle project at the company’s facility in Lavonia, Georgia, and recognizes Carolina Handling as a top-performing supplier. Carolina Handling Account Manager Blake Kinnett accepted the award.

Carolina Handling is an integrated material handling solutions provider and the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and parts of Florida.

The company provides manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers with lift trucks and automation solutions, parts, warehouse equipment and supplies.

Kautex Textron designs and manufactures traditional and hybrid fuel systems, advanced cleaning solutions for assisted and autonomous driving, engine camshafts, and plastic industrial packaging solutions.

Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is headquartered in Charlotte. It has offices in Atlanta, Birmingham, Greensboro, Raleigh, Greenville, and an equipment distribution center in Piedmont.

Online Tool Assesses Joint Pain

For many, joint pain creates hurdles to everyday living.

Studies show 90% of Americans with osteoarthritis suffer for extended periods when a joint replacement could improve their quality of life. A lack of mobility can lead to weight gain and depression.

“People often think that they should postpone getting a joint replacement,” said Dr. Stephen Ridgeway, an orthopedic surgeon with Bon Secours Piedmont Orthopaedics. “But they could be living with unnecessary pain.”

Bon Secours is offering a free, online assessment tool that allows users to explore their circumstances and options for treatment, self-care, and lifestyle changes.

Users will receive detailed, individualized recommendations. Users can voluntarily request a follow-up from Bon Secours; no personal information is shared.

To find the joint risk assessment, go to bonsecours.com/GreenvilleJointQuiz.

Hughes Agency Welcomes Two

Hughes Agency, a public relations, marketing, advertising and event management firm in Greenville, has hired Angie Jelley as media buyer and Moriah Fair as senior events manager.

Jelley has more than 10 years of experience, including media planning and buying, email and text marketing, and social media management, communication, design and advertising. At Hughes Agency, she will help manage media buying and planning.

Fair previously led teams in the planning and execution of large events for another Greenville firm. She has supported events for corporate, nonprofit, wedding and festival clients.

Hughes Agency has local, regional, national and international clients.

YoPro Adds Associate, Manager

The YoPro Know in Greenville has added Samantha Zimmerschied as an Associate Consultant and Barkley Owens as an Account Manager.

Before joining The YoPro Know, Zimmerschied was the Executive Director at the Advanced Institute for Development and Learning.

She also graduated from the Greenville Chamber of Commerce Pacesetters class 2023, the Inaugural Morning Brew Leadership Accelerator Cohort 2022, and Together South Carolina’s Leadership Seminar 2021.

Owens worked as a teacher before working on her doctorate. She became an account manager at TEGNA, which operates television stations in more than 50 markets.

The YoPro Know’s mission is to maximize the careers of young professionals by preparing them to become future business leaders. The company promotes success in the workplace by helping clients bridge the gap between ambitious young professionals and progressive businesses who want to recruit, engage and retain them.

Forge Search Adds Multilingual Recruiter

Noemi Prinoth has joined Greenville-based Forge Search + Consulting as a recruiter after relocating from Italy to Greenville.

Prinoth began her career with internships in television and journalism, before becoming marketing and press coordinator for the province of Bozen, a German-speaking part of Northern Italy, as well as social media and press consultant for the municipality of Ortisei in Italy.

Forge Search is a professional recruiting firm that works primarily in the fields of marketing and sales, accounting and finance, and human resources.

"Forge works with a growing number of international companies with locations in the Southeast," said Rhiannon Poore, CEO and founder of Forge Search. "Noemi adds valuable cross-cultural knowledge and experience. I respect Noemi's resilience and courage in moving to South Carolina from Europe."

Thornwell Hires VP, Missions

Thornwell, a nonprofit organization that serves children and families in need across Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, has hired Elizabeth Milhous as its Vice President for Mission Advancement.

Milhous has 15 years of experience in leadership roles in higher education and social service. Her goal at Thornwell is to enhance fundraising and stewardship efforts.

Myron Wilkins is President and CEO of Thornwell. The organization was founded in 1875.

Milhous previously served as Senior Vice President for Charitable Giving for the Rivers Performance Hall Foundation in Charleston.

Thornwell Staffers Honored

Thornwell, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Clinton and committed to helping children and families in need across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, has announced that two employees have been honored by the Palmetto Association for Children and Families, a statewide leadership and advocacy group.

Lindy Scott, Executive Vice President, received the Distinguished Service Award for her multi-decade career serving children and families. Kari Fuhrman, Residential Program Supervisor, received the Lois Vanderstelt scholarship for her service and dedication to furthering her education.

Scott started at Thornwell in 1977 and served in various positions, including Interim President in 2021-22.

Fuhrman was nominated for the scholarship by her peers.

Thornwell was founded in 1875 by a Presbyterian minister, Dr. William Plumer Jacobs, as a home for children orphaned by the Civil War. The organization now provides care and academic services to families and children.

Southern Wall Products To Locate In Anderson County

Southern Wall Products Inc., a manufacturer of drywall finishing products, will establish its first South Carolina operation in Anderson County. The $23 million investment will create 28 jobs.

Established in 1981, Southern Wall Products manufactures and sells finishing solutions for the drywall industry under the Ruco brand. The company produces ready-mix joint compounds, ceiling textures, setting compounds, and primers.

Southern Wall Products has one manufacturing facility, in Tucker, Georgia.

The new facility, at 1632 Pearman Dairy Road in Anderson, will increase the company’s capabilities to serve customers throughout the Southeast.

Operations will be online in June 2025.

Businesses Asked To Take Survey

The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce and the S.C. Chamber of Commerce are conducting their monthly Palmetto Business Barometer Survey that allows large and small businesses to share their opinions with state government leaders and policymakers. The survey is brief and easy to submit.

Owners or managers can fill out the survey. Answers are confidential. Go to: May Survey.

Central Electric CEO Honored By Tech Institute

Rob Hochstetler, CEO of Central Electric Power Cooperative Inc. in Columbia, was recognized with the highest honor bestowed by the alumni association of the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

The award is given to graduates who have maintained high standards in their professional fields and have made significant contributions to their communities.

Founded in 1874, Rose-Hulman has been ranked the No. 1 undergraduate engineering college in the country for two decades, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Hochstetler graduated from the Indiana-based school in 1991. He joined Central as CEO in 2014.

Under Hochstetler’s leadership, Central has grown to the second-largest generation and transmission electric cooperative in the nation by purchases for their consumers. Central is a nonprofit generation and transmission cooperative that serves South Carolina’s 19 electric distribution cooperatives.

Hochstetler is pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership. He serves as a lieutenant colonel in the South Carolina State Guard.

Duke Endowment Gifts $1M To African American Museum

The International African American Museum in Charleston recently received a $1 million grant from The Duke Endowment, the largest private foundation in the Southeast. The grant includes $750,000 in unrestricted funding and $250,000 for the museum's endowment.

The Duke Endowment previously donated $1.25 million, before the opening of the museum.

The museum was recently named one of the Top 10 Best New Museums in the nation. Since its opening in June, IAAM has welcomed more than 135,000 visitors.

“This $1 million donation from The Duke Endowment signifies a pivotal moment for the International African American Museum. This milestone underscores the museum's appeal to significant donors and acts as a powerful catalyst for future philanthropy,” said Dr. Tonya Matthews, IAAM president and CEO.

“The museum's ability to realize its full potential hinges on continuous major investments from individuals, corporations, and foundations,” she said.

Rhett Mabry, President of The Duke Endowment, praised the museum.

“The International African American Museum has proven to be a beacon of education, understanding, and cultural enrichment since its opening, attracting visitors from across the nation and around the world,” Mabry said.

Based in Charlotte and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment aims to strengthen communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds, and enriching spirits. Since its founding, it has distributed $4.5 billion in grants. The endowment is not affiliated with Duke University and Duke Energy.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: In The Know: News, updates from Greenville area businesses and nonprofits