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Cayce Business Wins National Award

Cayce, South Carolina – Solutions for Living at Home is proud to announce that it received the distinguished 2024 Best of Home Care –Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice, and Employer of Choice Awards from Home Care Pulse (HCP). HCP is the leading firm in experience management for home care businesses and endorsed by the Home Care Association of America. The Leader in Experience Award is the highest recognition awarded by HCP and is given to select home care businesses that consistently rank among the very highest in 10 or more quality metrics. As a Leader in Experience, Solutions for Living at Home is now recognized among the top 10% of home care providers participating in the nationwide HCP Experience Management Program and is one of only four companies in South Carolina to receive this distinguished recognition.

This accomplishment demonstrates Solutions for Living at Home’s long-term dedication to excellent care and quality improvement. To qualify for this award, 10% of Solutions for Living at Home’s clients and caregivers were interviewed each month by HCP. Over a 12-month period, Solutions for Living at Home received high client and caregiver satisfaction ratings in areas such as caregiver training, compassion of caregivers, communication, scheduling, client/caregiver compatibility, and more. Using feedback from clients and employees, as well as quality benchmarks from HCP, the Solutions for Living at Home management team set goals to reach the highest level of experience possible.

Esther H. Ilderton, Director of Solutions for Living at Home said, “Our team at Solutions For Living At Home truly believes we can do great things. Our passion is serving others and enriching the lives of our clients. It means so much to be awarded the 2024 Home Care Leader In Experience, Provider of Choice, and Employer of Choice because it shows the community recognizes our commitment to those who need in home care services. Our caregivers, scheduling team, and administrative staff work diligently to ensure we always provide each client with the best in home care services throughout the Midlands.”

The Best of Home Care – Leader in Experience Award highlights the top-performing home care businesses in the nation. HCP believes that by honoring these providers, families looking for in-home care for a loved one will be able to recognize and choose a trusted home care provider.

“At Home Care Pulse, our mission is to help home care businesses create an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations,” says Todd Austin, President of HCP. “When we see agencies like Solutions for Living at Home that have so effectively provided outstanding care and employment experiences, we know we’re on the right track. Solutions for Living at Home has worked extremely hard to prioritize high-quality care and employment, and their work hasn’t gone unnoticed. This award allows them to show proof of quality to potential clients and caregivers.”

Cypress Commercial & Investment Real Estates Announces Strong Year-End Results

COLUMBIA, South Carolina – Cypress Commercial & Investment Real Estate, a leading commercial real estate brokerage company, announces year-end results for 2023 of 29 real estate transactions representing a value of more than $29 million.

The year-end numbers represent a nearly 50% increase in the number of transactions and a 22% increase in the value of transactions over the prior year.

“I am incredibly proud of our brokerage team’s performance in 2023. The growth of our business during a challenging year of higher interest rates and market uncertainty is the result of our team’s hard work, expertise and commitment to our clients,” said Mark James, Broker in Charge and Managing Partner of Cypress Commercial and Investment Real Estate. “Although we continue to face market headwinds and the wild card of an election year, we remain optimistic that 2024 will be a good year for commercial real estate with stabilized interest rates and strong demand for commercial properties. We look forward to continuing to provide superior service and innovative solutions to our clients.”

Notable transactions for the year included:

• Negotiation of a long-term lease for RSi (Receivable Solutions, LLC) in their relocation to the entire top floor of 1441 Main St., formerly occupied by Wells Fargo. The 20,048-square-foot relocation was the largest new office lease along Main Street year-to-date in 2023.

• Sale of more than a dozen income properties to include Bojangles, Dollar Generals, and Firehouse Subs in locations across the Southeast.

• Sale of the former Wells Fargo branch at Garners Ferry Road and Rosewood Extension. Cypress also secured a long-term lease of the building with Chase Bank, who will be opening a branch in early 2024.
• Sale of 1721 Harden St., Columbia, the property that houses Columbia’s iconic Barron’s Outfitters

• Representation of Blanding Ventures, LLC, in the expansion and long-term lease renewal of Propel Insurance, an Alera Group Company and one of the largest privately held agencies in the nation, at 1410 Blanding St.

Columbia-based Cypress Commercial & Investment Real Estate specializes in the sale of net-leased properties, multi-tenant investments, and general commercial properties, including 1031 exchange properties, with a strong emphasis on the Carolinas and the Eastern Seaboard.
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About Cypress Commercial & Investment Real Estate
Cypress Commercial & Investment Real Estate, a commercial real estate firm based in Columbia, S.C., specializes in commercial property sales as well as investments for private and corporate investors. The company has comprehensive knowledge and experience in commercial and investment real estate and is dedicated to providing clients with superior real estate services.
Cypress Commercial & Investment Real Estate, 3101 Devine St., Columbia, SC, 29205
803-834-7014 / www.cypresscommercial.com

CREW Midlands-SC Announces 2024 Board of Directors

CREW Midlands-SC is pleased to announce its 2024 Board of Directors to lead the local chapter of CREW Network, the leading global business network in commercial real estate.

Elizabeth Riley, Marketing Manager for Colliers, will serve as President of CREW Midlands-SC in 2024.

“CREW Network’s mission is simple: to advance women in the commercial real estate industry. I look forward to serving alongside a talented and highly dynamic group of women to promote CREW’s mission through increased professional development opportunities, community awareness and engagement, and increased business referrals amongst our members,” said Riley. “We have exciting programming and events planned for 2024 and are committed to providing value for CREW Midlands members and unique opportunities for the greater commercial real estate industry in Columbia.”

The 2024 CREW Midlands-SC Board of Directors is as follows:

Elizabeth Riley, President | Colliers South Carolina
Marie Dieckmann, President-Elect | CBRE
Lindsey Yarborough, Immediate Past President | Mashburn Construction
Lindsay Medlin, Treasurer | Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, P.A.
Alli Morgan, Secretary | Lillibridge Healthcare Services
Kelly King, Sponsorship Chair | Miller Knoll
Boo Moca, Membership Chair | Wilson Kibler
Dee Deberry, Programs Co-Chair | Blew
Meg Syms*, Programs Co-Chair | Garvin Design Group
Amanda Merchant, Communications Co-Chair | Callaway Construction
Abbie Thielke*, Communications Co-Chair | McMillan Pazdan Smith
Lauren Greene, Chapter Champion | First Citizens
Molly Campolong, At-Large | Robinson Gray
Margaret Clarkson*, Career Outreach Co-Chair | LS3P
Ellianna Shipp*, Career Outreach Co-Chair | Phase One
*New board members

CREW Midlands holds over 25 programs and events annually. Members enjoy discounted prices to CREW luncheons and other social events, business development opportunities, community involvement and leadership opportunities.

About CREW Midlands-SC
Founded in 2010, CREW Midlands is the networking and business development organization of choice for successful commercial real estate professionals in Columbia, SC. We are your partners in commercial real estate, dedicated to promoting a dynamic local, regional and national network that advances the success and professional development of our members. As part of CREW Network, the industry’s premier business organization, CREW Midlands is dedicated to transforming the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally. For more information on membership, sponsorship, programs and events, visit www.crewmidlands.org.

About CREW Network
Founded in 1989, CREW Network is a thriving global business organization with members representing every discipline in the commercial real estate industry. Our network provides the connections, resources and opportunities for women in commercial real estate to become more successful in their careers, seizing business opportunities and career growth. For more information, visit www.crewnetwork.org

TD Bank Targets $20 Billion to Spark Economic Opportunities for Low- and Moderate-Income, Diverse and Underserved Communities

Community Impact Plan continues TD’s local engagement with three-year roadmap

• $10B in support of residential lending for LMI and/or minority borrowers
• $7.5B in community lending and investment
• $2.8B in small business lending
• $70MM in CRA-related philanthropy

Jan. 24, 2024 – TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, today announced a three-year Community Impact Plan that will provide an estimated $20 billion supporting lending, philanthropy, banking access and other activities for the benefit of diverse and underserved communities. This strategy, developed with insight from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), will target communities across TD Bank’s U.S. presence in 15 states and Washington, D.C.

“At TD Bank, we know our success is tied directly to the people and communities we serve. When they flourish, we succeed,” said Leo Salom, President and CEO of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®. “One of our primary objectives as a purpose-driven bank is to help power economic opportunities that help low- and moderate-income (LMI), diverse and underserved communities achieve their financial goals. Our Community Impact Plan is designed to achieve that vital role as we build on TD’s long-term community focus.”

The Community Impact Plan expands TD’s mission to positively impact social and economic outcomes for all who live in the communities it serves and enhance financial inclusion for diverse and underserved individuals and businesses.

“I’m glad to see TD’s leadership demonstrate a continued commitment to the values and principles that have guided our conversations to date and look forward to more strong collaboration in future,” said Jesse Van Tol, NCRC President and CEO. “Every bank should set ambitious goals for supporting underserved communities. And we’re pleased to provide strategic insights to advance this strategy. Those efforts can only be effective if they are informed by the input of community leaders like NCRC and our members. TD listened and then delivered this new Community Impact Plan to help ensure its investments and programs are aligned to community needs.”

TD Bank’s Community Impact Plan comprises:

Mortgage Lending and Consumer Products
TD Bank will enable affordable home ownership by providing $10 billion in residential loans and liquidity to the residential lending market. This includes first-time homebuyer and home equity loans for LMI and minority borrowers, and in LMI and majority-minority census tracts, especially in the Boston, Baltimore, D.C., New York, Miami and Philadelphia markets. To support this goal, the bank will continue offering TD Home Access, a Special Purpose Credit Program, and other affordable residential lending products with low down payments and consumer-friendly terms.

The bank will continue offering and enhancing retail products and services designed to meet the needs of economically vulnerable consumers.

Small Business Support
The plan builds on TD’s ongoing commitment to support the critical role small businesses play in local economies by offering an estimated $2.8 billion in credit to businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenue, with a focus on minority- and women-owned businesses and those in LMI areas.

TD Bank will create a lending Special Purpose Credit Program for small businesses that are registered Minority Business, women-owned or veteran-owned enterprises.

Community Development Loans and Investment
TD Bank will provide $7.5 billion in community development loans and other investments to support economic development activities and affordable housing projects, such as special rental housing for veterans or LGBTQ seniors, within TD markets.

CRA-Related Philanthropy and Sponsorships
The TD Office of Charitable and Community Giving will direct $70 million in Community Reinvestment Act-related philanthropy over the next three years in addition to its annual giving, with 75% of all giving supporting diversely led organizations.

This commitment includes the TD Charitable Foundation’s first Capacity Building Fund for organizations with annual budgets of less than $2 million. The $1.75 million fund will support general-purpose operations and expenses to help non-profits remain open to serve their clients.

Banking Access
Consistent with TD’s goal to make banking accessible to all customers, the bank will seek to open approximately 15 locations in LMI and/or majority-minority markets, subject to any regulatory approvals. This includes creating additional community-centered stores, which feature dedicated space that can be used for financial education workshops or non-profit meetings.

Additional Highlights
• Continue support of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)/Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) through nearly $320 million in lending, investments and grants.
• Increase spending with certified diverse suppliers by 25%.
• Reach 54,000 participants through TD-led financial literacy and fraud prevention programs.
• Engage and support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through recruitment of students and alumni and enhancement of financial access.
• Establish a Community Advisory Board who will advise and provide oversight of TD’s activities in support of the strategy.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. by assets, providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A., offers vehicle financing and dealer commercial services. TD Bank and its subsidiaries also offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/TDBank_US/.

TD Bank is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a top 10 North American bank. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit www.td.com/us.

Foundation for Community Impact and Health Equity Presents the Impact Awards Gala

The Foundation for Community Impact and Health Equity is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Impact Awards Gala, an event dedicated to celebrating the outstanding individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to their communities. This prestigious gala will take place on February 3 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, where ten remarkable recipients will be recognized for their exceptional efforts and positive impact.

The Impact Awards Gala serves as a platform to honor individuals and organizations across a variety of categories, showcasing their commitment to creating positive change and improving the lives of those around them. The gala provides an opportunity to recognize their tireless dedication and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. The categories honored include: Distinguished Service Award, Environmental Excellence Award, Community Leader Award, Faith Community Health Leadership Award, Healthcare Innovation Award, Community Health Worker Champion Award, Health Equity Champion Award, Community & Economic Development Impact Award, Legislative Leadership [ Award, and Farmer of the Year Award. The recipients have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and a deep-rooted passion for serving others.

“We are thrilled to host the Impact Awards Gala and honor these exceptional individuals and organizations who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in our communities,” said Quintasha Knox, Chief Executive Officer at the Foundation for Community Impact and Health Equity. “Their efforts and achievements serve as an inspiration to us all and remind us of the power we hold to make our communities better places to live.”

The Impact Awards Gala promises to be an unforgettable evening, filled with inspiring stories, live entertainment, and an atmosphere of celebration and gratitude. This event brings together community leaders, philanthropists, advocates, and supporters who share a common vision of building a better and more equitable society.

For more information about the Impact Awards Gala, including sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales, please visit https://bit.ly/3Rgh7gv.

About the Foundation for Community Impact and Health Equity:

The mission of Foundation for Community Impact and Health Equity is to transform policies, systems, and practices to create equitable health outcomes in historically marginalized communities.

First Reliance Partners with Apiture for Digital Banking Platform

First Reliance Bank is pleased to announce that through our partnership with Apiture, Apiture has received an award, marking its third consecutive win for digital banking innovation. The awards program celebrates outstanding achievements in banking technology implementations and innovations. Apiture earned the distinction for spearheading a digital banking transformation initiative for First Reliance Bank and our 18,000 customers throughout the Carolinas. By using this business banking solution, we have successfully overcome mobile and online banking constraints.

Rick Saunders, Chief Executive Officer and Founder said, “We have been very pleased with Apiture’s platform, customer service, and delivery. Through their banking solution, First Reliance has been able to attract larger business customers, thus driving notable revenue growth.”

Ben Brazell, Executive Vice President Retail Banking said, “Our partnership with Apiture further positions First Reliance as a leader in the banking industry. The product delivers like-features as those provided by larger institutions, but without losing the personalized relationships we have established within the communities we serve.”

ABOUT FIRST RELIANCE BANK
Founded in 1999, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: FSRL.OB) is based in Florence, South Carolina, and has assets of approximately $950 million. The Company employs more than 200 professionals and has locations throughout South Carolina and central North Carolina. First Reliance has redefined community banking with a commitment to making customers’ lives better, its founding principle. We offer a full range of personalized community banking products and services for individuals, small businesses, and corporations, including a full suite of digital banking services, treasury services, a Customer Service Guarantee, and a Mortgage Service Guarantee. First Reliance also offers two unique community customer programs, which include Hometown Heroes, a package of benefits for those serving our communities, and Check ‘N Save, an outreach program for the unbanked or under-banked. Additional information about the Company is available on our website, www.firstreliance.com.

NAI Columbia Gregory Lamar Team Executes $1.2 Million Sale

Columbia, SC – NAI Columbia’s Gregory Lamar Team consisting of John Gregory, Bill Lamar, and Tristan Lee, recently sold 1025 and 1035 Dreyfus Road in Columbia, South Carolina to Cason Development Group for $1.2 million.

“Both light industrial buildings have the unique combination of being centrally located in downtown Columbia and have spacious laydown yards. We believe they will become ideal locations for businesses looking to serve all parts of Columbia,” said Frank Cason, President of Cason Development Group.

The properties are located just off the prime Assembly Street corridor between downtown Columbia, University of South Carolina’s campus and Williams Brice Stadium.
About NAI Columbia

NAI Columbia is a full-service commercial real estate firm located in Columbia, South Carolina, providing customized brokerage, property management, project management, development, research, and consulting services throughout the Columbia, S.C., region and beyond. NAIC is broker-owned with over 200 years of combined local experience among its partners. Founded in 2019, the firm is a partnership between NAI Earle Furman in Greenville, S.C., along with eight local principals that served as senior brokers with NAI Avant, which derived from national real estate developer Edens and Avant, before its sunsetting and reformation as NAI Columbia under new leadership and a new company structure. NAIC is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions through 375+ offices worldwide. For more information visit www.naicolumbia.com.

EPC Expands Footprint in Southeast U.S.

ST. LOUIS – EPC, Inc., a subsidiary of CSI Leasing, Inc. and one of the world’s largest IT asset disposition (ITAD) providers, has recently expanded its footprint in the Southeast U.S. in order to accommodate its growing service offering.

The company consolidated operations from its 64,000 sq. ft. Atlanta facility and its 30,000 sq. ft. South Carolina facility into a new, larger 205,000 sq. ft. space in Columbia, S.C. The move comes after an increase in overall volume, along with a higher demand for ITAD services, such as warehousing, staging, imaging, redeployment, data destruction and recycling for both leased and non-leased equipment. The company is also seeing a higher demand for its Data Destruction and Recycling Vehicles (DDRV) to perform onsite media destruction and has several trucks based out of the new facility to service the Southeast region.

Employees from the smaller South Carolina facility, along with several from Atlanta, will staff the new facility. EPC is actively hiring for this location and plans to have at least 100 employees on staff. The facility is managed by Shaun Liles, who has been with EPC for more than 10 years.

“With this new, larger facility, we are able to better accommodate our customers’ demand for services beyond traditional ITAD, which is typically data destruction, remarketing and recycling,” said Pat Laughlin, CEO of EPC. “EPC provides these essential disposal services along with several other critical solutions that help our customers manage a complete IT lifecycle strategy. Our goal has always been to ease the burdens associated with managing an efficient IT program, and this new larger facility will help EPC deliver.”

EPC’s new facility is located at 1326 Bush River Road in Columbia, S.C. To learn about employment opportunities, please visit work4epc.com.

About EPC
EPC, Inc. is one of the world’s largest global ITAD providers. Organizations around the world turn to EPC for customized, secure IT disposal solutions to help them achieve sustainability goals and contribute to the circular economy. EPC’s certified data security, remarketing and recycling processes follow all local, national and international laws and adhere to the strictest policies.

Since 1984, EPC’s mission has been to provide organizations around the world with a premium, flexible and secure strategy for sustainable IT disposal that delivers real return on their technology investment. EPC is a subsidiary of CSI Leasing, Inc. and is integral to its global network. Learn more at www.epcglobalsolutions.com.

About CSI Leasing
CSI Leasing, Inc. is one of the largest independent equipment leasing and lifecycle services companies in the world. Established in 1972, CSI has operations throughout North, Central and South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. More information is available at www.csileasing.com.

NAI Columbia Milliken Land Team Executes $1.85 Million Sale

Columbia, SC – NAI Columbia’s Milliken Land Team consisting of Tombo Milliken, Tom Milliken, and Nelson Weston, recently sold 430 acres near Lake Marion for $1.85 million.

The property was home to the former Royal Oaks Golf Course which closed in the mid 2000’s and is close to the Santee Cooper Regional Airport and Wyboo Plantation and Golf Course.

For more information contact Tombo Milliken: 803 206-8384 or tombo.milliken@naicolumbia.com

About NAI Columbia

NAI Columbia is a full-service commercial real estate firm located in Columbia, South Carolina, providing customized brokerage, property management, project management, development, research, and consulting services throughout the Columbia, S.C., region and beyond. NAIC is broker-owned with over 200 years of combined local experience among its partners. Founded in 2019, the firm is a partnership between NAI Earle Furman in Greenville, S.C., along with eight local principals that served as senior brokers with NAI Avant, which derived from national real estate developer Edens and Avant, before its sunsetting and reformation as NAI Columbia under new leadership and a new company structure. NAIC is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions through 375+ offices worldwide. For more information visit www.naicolumbia.com.

First Reliance Bank founder’s father leaves a legacy

Freddie Saunders, 86, of Florence, South Carolina, died peacefully on January 9, 2024, at the McLeod Health Hospice Care.

Freddie was born in Sumter, South Carolina, on May 24, 1937, to the late Carl Frasier Saunders, Sr., and Martha Gardner Saunders. He is survived by his brothers, Carl Frasier Saunders, Jr. and Jimmy Saunders, and his wife, Jane, both of Sumter, South Carolina.

He grew up in Sumter, South Carolina, and began a career with Suburban Propane Gas at the early age of 19, where he remained with the company in a management role until his retirement at the age of 62, working 43 years for the same company.

Believing retirement was the goal, he realized that having days without a sense of real purpose was not as enjoyable as he envisioned, so he launched an entirely new career. From age 63 until his passing at 86 (23 years), he helped his two sons build First Reliance Bank, a long-standing regional bank. Managing the company’s fixed assets across the Carolinas, he was an outstanding member of the First Reliance Team and a proud father.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Jane Humphries Lawton, and was later married to Rosanne Tolar Rivers Saunders of Florence, South Carolina, until his death. Moving several times with the gas company, he and Rosanne lived in Columbia, South Carolina, Statesville, North Carolina, and finally settled back in Florence, South Carolina.

He is survived by his sons, Rick Saunders and wife Tiffany, Paul Saunders and wife Kathy, all of Florence, South Carolina, and Mark Saunders, of Tucson, Arizona. Stepsons, Lee Rivers and wife Tere’, of Surfside Beach, South Carolina; Bryan Rivers and wife Beth, of Lexington, South Carolina; and David Rivers and wife Becky, of Tampa, Florida.

He leaves four grandchildren, Chris, Reagan, Reid, and Ryleigh Saunders; one great-grandchild, Chapman Saunders; nine step-grandchildren, Michael, Kara, William, Matthew, Daniel, Sophia, Olivia Rivers, Leighton Pohorilak and Kirsten Baxley; and two step-great-grandchildren, Ezra and Maezie Pohorilak.

During his lifetime, he served in the United States National Guard, the town council in Timmonsville, South Carolina, as a church deacon, and was always involved in community civic organizations. He was a long-standing member of the Florence Baptist Temple, where he set a great example by establishing a family culture rooted in our love for and pursuit of God.

Outside of his pets, his greatest passions were his family, particularly enjoying late afternoon barbeques or frequent rounds of golf with his sons and friends. He was a very strong man. Being forced into independence early on, he quickly learned the importance of character, integrity, courage, hard work, excellence in effort, and grit. He made it his life’s mission that his sons understood and exercised those principles, leaving a legacy that all his family will forever be proud of.

Funeral services will be held at the Florence Baptist Temple in Florence, South Carolina, on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will follow the service that will be officiated by Pastor Bill Monroe and Associate Pastor Kent Kendall and services directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home of Florence.

In lieu of flowers and should friends desire, contributions in his memory can be made to the Freddie Saunders Family Scholarship Fund, which will issue higher education scholarships to South Carolina students who are financially needy and are pursuing a business/finance-related degree, or to the Florence Area Humane Society. Visit https://gofund.me/5686ff14, to contribute.