GSA Technology Council

The Greenville Area Development Corporation, the county-chartered organization tasked with promoting and enhancing the economic growth of Greenville County, announced the reappointment of Chris Riley and Bruce White to new three-year terms on the organization’s Board of Directors, along with the appointment of four Upstate leaders as officers of the Board for 2010-11.

“Both Mr. Riley and Mr. White are well immersed in the Greenville business community and have been active contributors to economic development activities here” said Jerry Howard, GADC President and CEO, in making the announcement. “Their reappointment by County Council brings important experience, stability and insight to the leadership team of this organization.”

Chris Riley

Mr. Riley is South Carolina market president for Regions Bank, which operates 36 offices in markets across the Upstate, Columbia, Beaufort, Hilton Head and Charleston. A veteran banker, he previously established two private investment funds in the Carolinas before joining Regions earlier this year. He is active with the Metropolitan Arts Council and the Student Improvement Council for Hughes Academy, attends Buncombe Street United Methodist Church and is a volunteer with Triune Mercy Center.

Bruce White

Mr. White is president of Bank of Travelers Rest, the oldest bank headquartered in Greenville County, which he joined following his graduation in 1971 from Clemson University. The veteran banker works with associates and customers at nine offices across the Upstate, while maintaining an active civic involvement schedule.

In addition to the reappointments, the GADC’s Howard also announced the election of Jo Watson Hackl as chairperson, Riley as vice chair, Scott Case as secretary, and Robert Howard as treasurer.

Jo Hackl

Ms. Hackl is an attorney with the Greenville-based law firm Wyche Burgess Freeman & Parham, P.A., a Trustee of both the Community Foundation of Greenville and The Children’s Museum, and President-Elect of the Greenville Professional Women’s Forum. Long active in civic causes and a member of the United Way Campaign Cabinet, she is a founder of the SPARKS mentoring program and a Liberty Fellow.

Scott Case

Mr. Case is the current Greenville County auditor, a former member of Greenville County Council, and an active supporter of other economic development organizations serving Greenville County, including the Upstate Alliance and Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

Bob Howard

Mr. Howard is executive director of the Greenville Tech Foundation and the former executive director of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. A retired commissioner of the Greenville Water System, he serves on the board of numerous civic organizations including the Community Foundation of Greenville, the Commerce Club and the Rose Ball, and is a past president of the South Carolina Nature Conservancy, Leadership South Carolina and the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation.

“All four of these individuals bring unique assets and have played key roles in helping to attract investments and quality jobs to Greenville County,” said Howard in making the announcement. “They will provide exceptional leadership for Greenville and for this organization.”

The new officers succeed outgoing chairman Mike Buiter and outgoing treasurer Ray Lattimore. Mr. Buiter as well as Mr. Lattimore will remain as board members. Ms. Hackl previously served as vice chair and Mr. Case as secretary. Howard expressed appreciation to the outgoing officers for their service on the Board and to the community. “Mr. Buiter and Mr. Lattimore have played a significant role in helping move forward Greenville’s economic development mission, and for that we are immensely grateful,” said Howard.

Since its inception in 2001, the Greenville Area Development Corporation has announced support of more than 150 major projects representing more than $2 billion in capital investment and creating in excess of 10,000 new jobs in Greenville County. Private sector support of the GADC has also reached an all-time high, with more than 125 investor companies now contributing to the community’s and GADC’s success.

via: GADC

Aspiring Upstate entrepreneurs have an exciting resource to help them achieve their dream of business ownership. The Clemson University Small Business Development Center is conducting an interactive workshop designed to supply the information needed before taking the plunge. “JumpStart Your Business, Tips for Start Up Success” will explore the basics of what it takes to go into business, how to set-up a business, forms of business organization, legal requirements, the elements of an effective business plan, how to obtain financing and improve the odds of success, and the most important information to make informed business decisions.

Pre-registration is required.
Call 864.370.1545
EMAIL SBOSTIC@CLEMSON.EDU

WHEN
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010; 6:30 – 8:00 pm

WHERE
University Center, 225 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville

INVESTMENT
$25

The South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SBDC) operates in partnership and is partially funded under a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of the cosponsor(s) or participants’ opinions, products or services. All SBDC programs are nondiscriminatory and available to individuals with disabilities.

via: Greenville Small Business Development Center

The South Carolina Department of Commerce has completed review of The Matrix Business and Technology Park in Greenville County and has awarded it the designation of South Carolina Certified Site.

A certified site is guaranteed to meet or exceed established criteria in demand by industries seeking a site for immediate development, and is a key requirement by many organizations looking for a new location. The Matrix site’s application was prepared by B.P. Barber, a regional engineering firm.

“Greenville County is committed to growing and attracting businesses. We understand the importance such organizations place on speed to occupancy and sites that are shovel-ready,” Andy Cajka, Chairman of the Matrix’s Board of Directors. “Companies considering Greenville County as a possible site for operations gain credibility, speed in decision making and reduced risk from a certified site. This is a valuable step towards increasing our tenant base at The Matrix.”

To be certified, a site must pass a rigorous evaluation where more than 100 types of site information are reviewed. The site must be free of ownership or use issues, free of environmental issues, and meet or exceed all infrastructure requirements of typical industrial projects. Currently, there are 38 sites in South Carolina that are certified as having completely met all criteria.

“This site certification conveys to the market that The Matrix site meets key site readiness criteria for potential tenants,” added Butch Kirven, Chairman of Greenville County Council. “It gives Greenville County a leg up in the battle for coveted economic investment and jobs, and allows us to be more responsive and competitive during site selection opportunities. We are particularly appreciative that AT&T, Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas provided critical support in offsetting the costs of the required studies.”

Located in southern Greenville County, SC, the Matrix Park is a 1,100-acre, master-planned park with a special I-2 zoning classification and restrictive covenants that make it ideally suited for industry, warehouse/distribution operations, research and development and headquarters campus facilities. Current tenants include GE Aviation, JTEKT, Gordon Food Service and The Blood Connection.

via: The Matrix Park

The South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Greenville Area Development Corporation today announced that Saint-Gobain Abrasives will expand its operations at its Greenville County facility. The company is expected to invest $1.4 million as it increases operations at its Travelers Rest site.

“Our plant in Greenville County has been an important part of our company’s overall operations, and we are pleased to expand there. This expansion will help us meet customer demand for our products and better position us in the marketplace. We look forward to moving forward with our plans and appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Robert N. Smith, general manager, Industrial Superabrasives North America, Saint-Gobain Abrasives.

Saint-Gobain Abrasives manufactures a range of precision cutting wheels and parts for the aeronautics, metal working and related industries. The Travelers Rest facility, located at 21 Saddleback Cove Road, was established in 1982, and produces superabrasives, industrial diamond and cubic boron nitride (cBN) products used in precision manufacturing in the aerospace, automotive, bearing and other markets.

The company will be consolidating a North Carolina operation to the Travelers Rest facility, adding both equipment and space to the current facility. Saint-Gobain Abrasives will break ground for the new building this month and expects to start adding equipment sometime in July.

“This announcement demonstrates Saint-Gobain Abrasives’ commitment to our state and the expansion of the company’s facility in Travelers Rest brings with it great potential for the future. Our state’s highly-skilled workforce and dedication to maintaining an environment where can prosper are critical, now more than ever, as we work to compete for capital, jobs and economic growth,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce. “This announcement is the culmination of the efforts of a dedicated team of economic development professionals from the city, county, and the state all working together. We appreciate Saint-Gobain Abrasives’ investment here and look forward to the company’s growth in South Carolina.”

“Saint-Gobain Abrasives’ decision to invest in Greenville County is again the result of a true team effort,” added Jo Hackl, chairperson of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, noting that a Carolina Investment Fund grant from Duke Energy was also instrumental in landing the expansion. “The company is a long-standing, high-quality corporate citizen of this community, and their growth in Travelers Rest will enhance this community while affirming that advanced manufacturing can indeed thrive in our state.”

“The City of Travelers Rest is pleased that Saint-Gobain recognizes the advantages that Travelers Rest offers their company,” said Dianna Turner, City Administrator. “As an innovative global manufacturer, this company is a valued member of our growing and progressive community. We look forward to their continued success here.”

The company also operates a manufacturing facility in North Charleston, has a joint venture in Fountain Inn and distribution offices in Conway, Hanahan and West Columbia.

via: Saint-Gobain

EDTS, LLC, a full-service technology consulting firm, specializing in networking, security, and managed services support solutions for business, has announced the addition of Joe Blanchard as a Senior Network Engineer and Todd Backhuus as a Support Engineer to its rapidly growing team. In addition, Adam Copp was promoted to Network Engineer.

Mr. Blanchard is a native of Greenville, South Carolina and has over thirteen years of experience in the IT industry. A Microsoft Certified Professional, he was previously employed with Trendset of Greenville. Mr. Blanchard will serve EDTS clients across Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina from EDTS’s Greenville, SC office.

Todd BackHuus

Mr. Backhuus is a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa and has more than twelve years of professional experience in the IT industry, most recently with Rhodes Financial in Evans, GA. An Army veteran, Mr. Backhuus will serve EDTS clients in the Augusta-Aiken-CSRA region and central South Carolina from EDTS’s Augusta, GA office.

Adam Copp

Mr. Copp has been promoted to the position of Network Engineer, demonstrating technical expertise on a broad array of technologies and products in EDTS’ portfolio. He is a native of Johnson City, Tennessee and has been with EDTS for almost two years.

“Attracting and retaining the most talented employees is crucial for providing the highest level of service to our clients,” said Charles Johnson, EDTS President and CEO. “Professionals like Joe, Todd, and Adam give us the edge to be the premier technology provider in our markets.”

EDTS was founded in 1999 with two employees and has continually expanded its services and capabilities, increasing its staff to 25 in 2010. The combined knowledge of the EDTS team represents more than 175 years of experience in the Information Technology industry.

via: EDTS

The South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Greenville Area Development Corporation and the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) today announced that Alexium Inc., a subsidiary of Alexium International Group limited listed on the Australian Stock exchange (ASX:AJX), will establish its new technical fabric manufacturing and research and development plant in Greenville County. The $8 million investment is expected to generate 200 new jobs in the next five years.

“We are pleased to locate our new facility in the South Carolina Upstate. The area offers us an excellent business environment and a strong workforce, as well as exceptional market access. We are already working on contracts for the military and this facility will allow us to meet increasing demand for our products. Greenville County provides an excellent location and a positive business environment for our operations. We appreciate all the support and the package of financial incentives given to us by state and local officials as well as SCRA,” said Stefan Susta, director of Alexium Inc.

This announcement follows years of extensive research undertaken by the U.S. Air Force Research Labs, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL), Air Base Science Division and funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, Joint Science & Technology Office and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Alexium will not only produce innovative technical fabric products for the U.S. military but will cooperate with AFRL to create exciting new textiles and advanced materials for a broad range of commercial applications using a reactive surface treatment technology.
“Alexium is an innovative company that produces and improves leading-edge technologies. The state’s strengths in high-tech manufacturing, the defense industry, a growing advanced materials industry and a skilled workforce second to none were driving forces in our state’s ability to recruit Alexium to Greenville County. This announcement coupled with many others in recent months clearly demonstrates that Commerce and its economic development partners are successful in recruiting job opportunities that grow the knowledge base in our state. We welcome Alexium to South Carolina and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them in the years ahead,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

Alexium, which is locating its operations at 8 Distribution Court in Greer, expects to have the facility completely up and running by the end of July. The company will be training part of its workforce with help from readySC.
“Alexium’s decision to establish its base of operations in Greenville County is welcome news,” noted H.G. “Butch” Kirven Jr., director of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and chairman of Greenville County Council. “This is truly the result of a team effort at the local and state level. Advanced manufacturing is alive and well here, and we welcome the innovations of such talented individuals, and the quality jobs that Alexium will provide for our citizens.”
“We’re pleased to welcome Alexium to Greer and delighted that they recognize the many advantages that Greer and Greenville County offer their company,” said Wryley Bettis, chairman of the Greer Development Corporation. “As an innovative organization with global opportunities in multiple industries, the company will be a prized member of our local and South Carolina business communities.”

“In concert with our partners at S.C. Commerce, GADC and Clemson University, SCRA is pleased to contribute to Alexium’s establishment of U.S. operations by landing in South Carolina,” said Bill Mahoney, SCRA CEO. “SCRA will assist Alexium in bringing its advanced materials technologies to our federal clients, thereby improving platforms, protection and support for our war fighters.”

The company has already started the hiring process and will focus on hiring chemical engineers, materials engineers, scientists and similar positions in the first phase. Later the company will add workers with experience in the textile industry.

via: GADC

The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Greenville Area Development Corporation today announced that Eberspaecher North America will open its new automotive production facility in Greenville County. The $5 million investment is expected to generate 30 new jobs.

“We are pleased to be locating our new facility in the South Carolina Upstate. The location will put us very close to our customer, BMW, and provide us with an excellent business environment in which to operate. We look forward to starting operations there and appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Dennis Berry, President and CEO of Eberspaecher North America.

The new facility, located at 65 Brookfield Oaks in the City of Mauldin, will be the first South Carolina location for the company, and production for the plant is planned to begin sometime in August 2010. The company currently has an operation in Alabama, Michigan, Ontario and is headquartered in Germany.

“We continue to see growth in the state’s automotive sector as more suppliers locate operations here, and Eberspaecher North America is the latest example. South Carolina affords exceptional access, not only to manufacturers like BMW, but to markets throughout the Southeast. Couple that with a skilled workforce and a world-class port in Charleston, and it is no wonder more companies are bringing their business to the Palmetto State. We appreciate Eberspaecher’s decision to locate in South Carolina and wish them much success in their endeavors here,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“Eberspaecher North America’s decision to locate its new production facility here in Greenville County is welcome news, and the product of a team effort involving participants at the local and state level,” noted H.G. “Butch” Kirven Jr., Greenville Area Development Corporation board member and chairman of Greenville County Council. “Their decision affirms that this area’s burgeoning automotive cluster continues to grow and thrive, and should serve as a magnet for more suppliers, more talented individuals, and more good paying jobs for our community.”

“We’re pleased that Eberspaecher North America recognizes the many advantages that Mauldin and Greenville County offer their company,” said Mayor Don Godbey of the City of Mauldin. “As an innovative organization with global opportunities in the automotive industry, we are pleased to welcome the company as our newest corporate citizen and a member of our South Carolina business community.”

via: GADC

Windstream Corp. announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc. in a transaction valued at approximately $1.2 billion.

Iowa Telecom shareholders received 0.804 shares of Windstream stock and $7.90 in cash per each Iowa Telecom share in the transaction. Windstream issued approximately 26.7 million shares of stock valued at $284 million, based on the company’s closing stock price on May 28, 2010, and paid approximately $260 million in cash as part of the transaction. Windstream also repaid all of Iowa Telecom’s outstanding debt, which was approximately $613 million.

A final interim dividend declared by Iowa Telecom’s board of directors on May 18, 2010, will be paid as soon as possible to the Iowa Telecom shareholders of record as of the close of business May 28, 2010. The dividend will be $0.1389890 per share.

As of March 31, 2010, Iowa Telecom provided service to approximately 249,000 access lines, 96,000 high-speed Internet customers and 27,500 digital TV customers in Iowa and Minnesota. The completion of the acquisition will provide the company with increased scale and annual synergies of approximately $35 million in operating expenses and capital expenditure savings. The transaction also includes tax assets with an estimated net present value of approximately $130 million.

Iowa Telecom Chairman and CEO Alan Wells was appointed to the Windstream board of directors effective with the closing of the transaction.

via: Windstream

Howard Hunter

The GADC is the county-chartered organization tasked with promoting and enhancing the economic growth of Greenville County. Mr. Howard was appointed in 2008 to fill the remainder of Brigadier General Hank Taylor’s unexpired term when General Taylor resigned to accept a position with the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“With his depth of statewide experience in business and economic growth, Hunter Howard, Jr. adds tremendous value to GADC” said H.G. (Butch) Kirven, Jr., chair of Greenville County Council, in making the announcement. “He will help us to unify the efforts of all of the economic development organizations in our area. We are fortunate to have Hunter and we welcome him to a full term on the Board.”

Mr. Howard offers a distinguished record of business and economic development accomplishments to the GADC board. From 1992-2008, he served as president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, a position he retired from in September, 2008. Prior to his work with the Chamber, Mr. Howard served as Chairman of the South Carolina Tax Commission (1986-1992), and as special assistant to the deputy commissioner of the IRS.

Mr. Howard also served his state from 1974-1982 as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and a certified public accountant. He currently serves as a corporate advisory partner with Scott McElveen Certified Public Accountants.

“As an established business leader and advocate of smart economic growth, Mr. Howard brings valued leadership and experience to the table to assist the GADC,” said Jerry Howard, GADC president and CEO. “We welcome his return to the board, and the tremendous value and strength he provides.”

Since its inception in 2001, the Greenville Area Development Corporation has announced support of more than 150 major projects representing over $2 billion in capital investment and creating in excess of 10,000 new jobs in Greenville County. Private sector support of the GADC has also reached an all-time high, with more than 125 investor companies now contributing to the community’s and GADC’s success.

For additional information on the Greenville Area Development Corporation, visit them on the web at www.GoGADC.com or call 864.235.2008.

via: GADC

The Greenville Area Development Corporation, charged with promoting and enhancing quality of life in Greenville County by facilitating job growth and investment, announced today that 2009 had been another strong year for job growth, capital investment, tax revenue generation and private sector support at their 2010 annual Investor Appreciation luncheon Thursday.

GADC President & CEO Jerry Howard and Board Chairman Mike Buiter also honored two key contributors to Greenville County’s successful economic development year. Joe Kernell, Greenville County Administrator, was saluted for his “superb staff support of GADC projects, and for creative vision and incentive support of the GE Aviation and Proterra projects,” said Howard. Morgan Harrell, project manager with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, was presented with the Greenville Area Development Corporation’s sixth annual William D. Workman III Buffalo Hunter Award, presented since 2004 to an individual or organization that has had a major impact on the local economy.

As project manager at the Department of Commerce since 2007, Ms. Harrell works with business clients from around the world to identify sites in South Carolina for relocation or expansion of facilities, and is an active participant in Commerce’s sales missions, trade shows, consultant referral programs and collaborative events with economic development representatives, business leaders, and state and local government representatives.

A graduate of the South Carolina Economic Development School, Ms. Harrell has worked on more than 30 significant economic development projects spanning the state, including such announcements in Greenville County as Lab21, Kemet, Q Tires, Adex Machining and Calder Brothers.

“But it was for Morgan’s key role and relentless pursuit of Samsung Networks America’s customer contact center – a center that currently employs over 600 citizens and could potentially grow to over 1,000 jobs — that we honor her with the 2009 William D. Workman Buffalo Hunter of the Year Award,” said Howard in making the announcement. “This was one of South Carolina’s largest economic development projects in terms of jobs for all of 2009, and Morgan was instrumental in delivering the project to Greenville County.”

Ms. Harrell is a distinguished graduate of the College of Charleston, where she earned a B.S. degree in Political Science and Communications. Following graduation, she moved to Columbia to work in the Office of the Governor and served as constituent services coordinator, executive staff assistant and later an assistant in the Office of Administration. She joined the Department of Commerce in 2007.

Past award winners have included AdvanceSC and Board chair Carol Burdette in 2008, Willson “Will” Williams of Warren & Associates Design-Build LLC and former Project Manager of Global Business Development at the South Carolina Department of Commerce in 2007, Alan “Daniel” Young of the Department of Commerce in 2006, Dr. Wayne Bennett of the Clemson University Foundation in 2005, and Bob Marriott of the South Carolina Department of Commerce in 2004.

The award is named for former Greenville mayor and South Carolina economic development advocate Bill Workman, and has been presented annually since 2004 to an individual or organization instrumental in generating major capital investments and job creation in Greenville community.

“Morgan and her colleagues at the Department of Commerce have gone far above and beyond the call of duty week in and week out in helping ensure that positive economic growth – and the hundreds of good jobs and millions of dollars in economic contribution and taxes that go with them – are landed right here in Greenville County,” said Howard in making the presentation.

In reporting to a record-setting attendance of private and public sector leaders, Howard noted that, despite the soft economy, new jobs announced from the GADC successfully assisting companies to

locate new facilities or expand existing facilities in Greenville County reached 909 in 2009 while capital investment from expansions and relocations announced totaled $185.5 million, and included 14 announcements during the calendar year. Since inception in 2001 and through 2009, the GADC has announced a total of 9,869 new jobs and $2.1 billion in capital investment in the county for projects they have managed.

Greenville County revenues from fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) agreements generated by GADC-assisted companies soared 13.3% to a record level of $7.31 million – a 10:1 return on investment for public dollars invested in the organization during the year.

Additionally, Howard noted that private sector support of the organization reached an all-time high, thanking attendees for the record 132 investor organizations now contributing to the GADC’s success.

“Without all of our investor companies, the Greenville Area Development Corporation’s ability to produce such great returns for the people of Greenville County – in quality jobs, increasing tax revenues and a robust and vital economy – would be severely restricted,” said Howard. “Every penny our investors provide goes into marketing Greenville County to the world, and every penny you invest is working hard and producing better jobs and a brighter future for our community.”

via: GADC