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Potential economic impact of professional licensures for lawfully present workforce to be unveiled at March 25 event

A report authored by Clemson University researchers that explores the economic impact of allowing lawfully present workers to receive occupational and professional licenses in various sectors will be unveiled to the public on March 25 in Greenville. Co-hosted by Hispanic Alliance and Ten at the Top, the Allied4Work event will also include an overview of S.C. House Bill 3288 and a panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges for the lawfully present workforce in South Carolina.

“The community of lawfully present immigrants is a rapidly growing portion of the Upstate’s workforce. We look forward to a productive, data-driven discussion on strategies that will enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in our ten-county region and the state as a whole,” said Dean Hybl, executive director of Ten at the Top.

“Our goal is to shine a light on opportunities to engage the Hispanic population, and other lawfully present members of the workforce, in building prosperous communities for everyone across the state,” said Adela Mendoza, executive director of Hispanic Alliance. “We invite people from all industries, backgrounds and cultures to join us in dialogue and collaboration to build bridges towards equitable policies and a thriving future for all South Carolinians.”

Date and Time
● Monday, March 25, 2024
● 8:15 a.m. Doors open
● 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Event

Location
Clemson ONE Center, 1 North Main Street, Greenville, S.C. 29601
Registration
The event is free and open to the public. Register online at: hispanicalliancesc.org/allied.

Speakers
● State Representative Neal Collins (R – Pickens)
● Brandy Amidon, mayor of Travelers Rest
● Nina Cano Richards, attorney and co-founder, Spanglish Consulting
● Scott Cochran, president, Spartanburg Methodist College
● Jason Zacher (panel moderator), president and founder, Bridge Public Strategy Group

Fast Facts
● Seventeen percent of South Carolina’s workforce is currently employed in a licensed field.
● There are at least 5,500 individuals in South Carolina with approval and authorization from federal authorities to be employed who are barred by state law from obtaining licensure to work in fields such as real estate, nursing and education.
● According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, South Carolina ranks 4th among states by 2030 with a nursing shortage.
● According to the Center for Educator Recruitment Retention and Advancement (CERRA), the teacher shortage in South Carolina was at an all-time high at the start of the 2023-2024 school year with more than 1,600 vacancies.
● S.C. House Bill 3288 is a one-sentence bill to allow people who have current and valid employment authorizations approved by federal immigration authorities to be eligible for occupational or professional licensure if all other applicable requirements are met.

About Hispanic Alliance
The Hispanic Alliance is the largest convener of ideas, individuals, and institutions collaborating to advance Hispanic communities across South Carolina. With the mission of fostering collaboration and connectivity among people, resources, and cultures to build thriving communities, the Hispanic Alliance envisions a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone has access to opportunities for success and prosperity. The Hispanic Alliance is a nonpartisan organization that faithfully advocates for diversity, equality, acceptance, understanding, and embracing the American dream. For more information, visit HispanicAllianceSC.com.

About Ten at the Top
Comprised of public, private, and civic leaders from across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina Region, Ten at the Top was created to connect and encourage regional collaboration through data-driven research and regular convening of leaders and citizens to address key issues facing the region. Ten at the Top works with regional partners to foster collaboration and strategic planning to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for Upstate residents both today and as the region continues to grow. For more information, visit www.tenatthetop.org.

NP Strategy Expands Social Media Team

NP Strategy Expands Social Media Team
Digital Media Specialist Maryanne Grinnell Joins NP Strategy

COLUMBIA, S.C. – NP Strategy, a strategic communications firm providing crisis, media and public relations assistance, continues to expand its social media team with the hiring of Maryanne Grinnell who will work out of the Columbia, South Carolina office as a Specialist. Grinnell’s expertise will help support the ever-growing social media team and better meet the needs of its clients.

Maryanne Grinnell

“We’re thrilled to add another talented member to our rapidly growing team with an exceptional background in social media,” said CEO Heather Hoopes Matthews. “Maryanne’s skillset aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing top-notch digital solutions to our clients and we believe she will be an invaluable addition to our team.”

Grinnell joins NP Strategy with extensive experience crafting compelling online communications strategies to enhance client engagement. Prior to joining NP Strategy, Grinnell supported the Retail Services and the Industrial Brokerage Teams at Collier | South Carolina through property marketing and business development initiatives. At Colliers, she executed highly successful social media strategies across four offices bolstering brand awareness. She also spearheaded rebranding efforts for a local consulting firm and established its first-ever presence on social media.

“The integration of social media into PR efforts is essential for building trust and fostering meaningful engagement between organizations and their audiences,” said Maryanne Grinnell. “I am thrilled and honored to work alongside the talented professionals at NP Strategy and contribute together to the continued success and growth of our clients.”
A South Carolina native, Grinnell studied Marketing at the University of South Carolina. She completed the Seasons Leadership Program in 2021, a 12-month workshop led by former female executives at Boeing. Grinnell also founded a podcast empowering women in the workforce called the “Seasons Leadership Podcast.”

Reach Maryanne Grinnell at maryanne@npstrategy.com.

ABOUT NP STRATEGY
NP Strategy is a strategic communications firm composed of former journalists, communications professionals, political insiders, and public relations executives. NP Strategy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Maynard Nexsen, a 550-attorney national law firm with 24 offices from coast to coast, providing NPS access to deep relationships across the United States. For more information visit www.npstrategy.com.

Bunnell-Lammons Engineering, Inc. Announces Key Leadership Promotion to Spearhead Business Development

Bunnell-Lammons Engineering, Inc. (BLE), a leader in providing comprehensive engineering and environmental solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Prescott May to lead Corporate Business Development efforts. In his new role, Mr. May will be at the forefront of BLE’s strategic initiatives, focusing on enhancing marketing endeavors, guiding business development, and strengthening client relationships across the firm’s extensive network of branches and service lines.

Since joining BLE in 2016 as a Business Development Representative, Mr. May has been an instrumental figure in the growth and success of the company’s Construction Materials Testing (CMT) and Geotechnical departments. His promotion is a testament to his outstanding dedication, expertise, and leadership within the company.

Mr. May brings a robust educational background to his new position, holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing) and a Master of Business Administration (Finance) from Winthrop University. His active engagement in the community is evident through his membership in several organizations, including the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Rebuild UPSTATE, showcasing his commitment to not only BLE’s success but also to the welfare and development of the broader community.

As a Greenville native, his deep-rooted connection to the region further enhances his ability to foster meaningful community and business relationships, aligning with BLE’s core values and mission.

About Bunnell-Lammons Engineering, Inc. (BLE): BLE provides engineering and environmental solutions for projects in commercial, industrial, institutional, and infrastructure markets. BLE’s services include environmental consulting and engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction engineering and inspections, and construction materials testing. The firm maintains a full-service in-house geotechnical and materials testing laboratory. Utilizing a team approach, BLE provides clients with the technical expertise required to successfully complete each project. Founded in 1996, BLE is headquartered in Greenville, SC with offices in Columbia, SC, and Asheville, NC. For more information, visit www.blecorp.com.

CarolinaPower Promotes David Farmer to Branch Manager in North Augusta

CarolinaPower, a leading employee-owned, regional electrical contractor, has promoted David Farmer to Branch Manager for the firm’s operation in North Augusta, S.C. – one of four offices in South Carolina. Farmer has more than 25 years of project management experience in electrical contracting – the past five with CarolinaPower.

In his new role as Branch Manager, Farmer is responsible for day-to-day operations of the North Augusta office, which serves the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) of South Carolina and Georgia. The branch’s project experience reflects all of the company’s key markets – industrial, commercial, healthcare and federal.

“David has been a strong member of our North Augusta team for several years now. He has clearly demonstrated his leadership and project execution skills, while living out Carolina Power’s core values, which includes an unwavering commitment to CarolinaPower’s culture of safety. These traits, combined with his overall career history, made David an obvious choice to take over this operation as we continue to implement an aggressive plan for growth throughout the Carolinas electrical service and construction community,” said Chris Moore, President of CarolinaPower.

Farmer is passionate about promoting CarolinaPower’s “earn-while-you-learn” apprenticeship program as an ideal way for young people – and those wanting to change careers – to enter the construction industry. Registered with the S.C. Department of Labor, CarolinaPower’s comprehensive electrical apprenticeship program teaches the skills for both construction and maintenance electricians, providing a combination of classroom, laboratory, and work experience. The program is administered by Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas (ABC Carolinas) in South Carolina, and Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) in Georgia.

About CarolinaPower — CarolinaPower is a leading regional electrical contractor serving industrial, commercial, healthcare and federal market sectors in South Carolina and North Carolina. CarolinaPower has a total of four offices across South Carolina with plans for opening additional offices in North Carolina. To learn more, visit www.carolinapower.com.

Attorney Lane Cook Promoted to Partner at LawyerLisa

Irmo, SC – LAWYERLISA, an elder law and estate planning firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of Lane Cook to Partner with the firm. LawyerLisa serves clients throughout the state of South Carolina with their aging needs.

Lane joined LawyerLisa in 2018 and over the years has become a vital cornerstone to the success of the firm and the confidence clients have in the firm. Lane’s extensive experience as a former trust officer and designation as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional allows precision drafting and review that the firm and clients rely on daily.

“Lane’s skill in this area is unmatched. He provides key financial insights to our clients who want more than just some documents to file away in a drawer. His working knowledge allows clients and their families to proactively plan for their future legal and financial needs. We are thrilled to recognize Lane’s contributions to our firm and our clients,” said Lisa Hostetler Brown, Founder of LawyerLisa.

Lane is an honor graduate of Cannon Financial Institute’s Trust School. He graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2010 and received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina, Magna Cum Laude, in 2008.

Originally from Aiken, SC, Lane has his own personal cheering section with his wife, Brittany, and their three children.

About LawyerLisa
Serving the entire state of South Carolina from locations in Irmo, Simpsonville, and Bluffton LawyerLisa, LLC delivers comprehensive elder law and estate planning with a personalized approach. For more information, please visit www.LawyerLisa.com. Managing Attorney: Lisa Hostetler Brown Main Office: 7511 Saint Andrews Rd, Ste 3 Irmo, SC 29063.

Half a Sorrow Foundation Announces 2024 Board of Directors

2024 Board of Directors, Half a Sorrow Foundation

Greenville, SC – Half a Sorrow Foundation, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and postvention support, proudly announces its 2024 Board of Directors. Committed to advancing the Foundation’s mission of fostering life-saving connections and promoting real conversations surrounding mental health, the newly appointed directors bring diverse experiences and expertise.

The Half a Sorrow Foundation has been instrumental in providing compassionate outreach and advocacy to schools, workplaces, organizations, and communities. Through outreach the foundation is able to address the critical need for awareness and support in combating the heartbreaking suicide epidemic.

Anna Bellew, a Greenville native, continues to serve on the board and draws from her personal experience of receiving mental health treatment during her adolescence. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Winthrop University and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Anna’s professional background in a local mental health practice and her service on the board of the Half a Sorrow Foundation has equipped her with valuable insights to contribute to the cause.

Also joining the Half a Sorrow Board of Directors is Berdina Hill, whose extensive community counseling and career development background adds depth to the Board of Directors. Berdina’s Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Webster University and her experience as the Work-Based Learning Coordinator for the Enoree Career Center position her as a valuable asset in advancing the Foundation’s mission.

Rounding out the group is Sterling Ta’Bon from Sumter, SC, holding a master’s degree in science in public health from Campbell University. Sterling’s impressive track record in public health positions, including roles at the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Department of Mental Health’s Office of Suicide Prevention, demonstrates his unwavering commitment to improving mental health outcomes.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank all of the previous board members for getting us this far at the Half a Sorrow Foundation. With that said, I am so excited to welcome these new board members to help us reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and train people to lean into the conversation surrounding suicide,” said Dennis Gillan, Founder and Executive Director of Half a Sorrow Foundation. “Each one has a unique connection to the cause of mental health, and we look forward to their contributions.”

As the Foundation continues to spearhead initiatives to improve mental health for individuals and organizations alike, the 2024 Board of Directors stands ready to steer Half a Sorrow towards even more significant impact and outreach.

About Half a Sorrow Foundation:

Half a Sorrow Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and providing support to individuals and families affected by suicide. Founded in 2020, the Foundation is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, offering resources and guidance while fostering a community of understanding and support. To learn more, please visit www.halfasorrow.org.

 

John Bradley Named Managing Partner at Moore Bradley Myers

WEST COLUMBIA, SC – Moore Bradley Myers (MBM) is excited to announce that John C. Bradley, Jr., has recently been named Moore Bradley Myers’s new Managing Partner.

John C. Bradley, Jr. is a South Carolina native that represents hospitals, physicians, nurses and pharmacists in Professional Licensure Disputes & Disciplinary Actions cases in both the state and federal court. He also represents public school teachers in Disciplinary Matters at the local School District Level and before the South Carolina Department of Education.

Bradley practices in the areas of Healthcare Law, Professional Licensure Disputes and Civil Litigation. He has been with Moore Bradley Myers since 2011 and has taught webinars, seminars and courses in medical and pharmacy law and ethics. Mr. Bradley is a member of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association and the Defense Research Institute. He was selected as one of the 2021 Midlands Legal Elite. In 2022, Mr. Bradley was named an AV Distinguished Attorney in Healthcare Law: one of the highest ratings for an attorney selected by his peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Mr. Bradley has served on the Board of the Carolina Marathon Association, on the Friends of the Richland Library Friends and Foundation Board and as President of the Friends of South Carolina Libraries. He has also served as Moderator for the South Carolina Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the South Carolina Christian Action Counsel. John is presently trying to compete in all the Abbot World Major Marathons and is scheduled to run, along with his wife Tracy, in the London Marathon in April.

MBM Partner, Christian Spradley, stated, “Our firm management is in excellent hands with John at the helm. At a time of growth and changes in the legal field, we know John is the right choice to lead at Moore Bradley Myers.”

About Moore Bradley Myers: Our firm has represented government agencies, businesses large and small, and individuals across South Carolina since 1971. With more than 40 employees working as support staff, paralegals, and attorneys with offices in both Saluda and Columbia, our firm has served as Counsel for generations of families and businesses. Find out more by visiting our website at mbmlawsc.com or following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

NAI Global Ranked Among Top Five Commercial Real Estate Brands in 2024 Annual Lipsey Survey

Columbia, SC – NAI Global, a leading, global commercial real estate firm, earned the top fifth spot in the 2024 Lipsey Survey of Top 25 Commercial Real Estate Brands. The survey was conducted among 100,000 commercial real estate professionals using a combination of ballot voting, phone interviews and focus groups to identify the top global brands. NAI Columbia is an Office of NAI Global.

“This recognition is wonderful and well-deserved,” said Jason Richards, Global Business Director and Shareholder. “NAI’s unique structure allows its member firms the ability to be entrepreneurial and to serve their clients in extremely customized ways, so it’s not surprising that the brand is consistently one of the most well-known and respected in the world of real estate.”

The survey is conducted by The Lipsey Company, a leading training and consulting firm specializing in the commercial real estate industry to equip organizations and their practitioners with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive environment. The 2024 survey results can be found here:
https://lipseyco.com/top-commercial-real-estate-companies/.

Susan Dunn receives DuRant Award from SC Bar Foundation

Susan Dunn

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Susan Dunn, longtime legal director of ACLU of South Carolina, is the 2024 DuRant Distinguished Public Service Award recipient for meritorious service to the law and community.

The South Carolina Bar Foundation announced the honor at the recent annual Bar Convention in Charleston.

“Ms. Dunn has had a long and distinguished career as a practicing lawyer, and I could spend all afternoon listing her accomplishments and honors,” said Foundation Board President John K. DeLoache. He went on to cite the praise in her commendation packet, including this passage: “She is brilliant, tenacious, and effective. She’s also a wonderful mentor. She always makes time for a call, and she freely shares her knowledge of the court system and her advice. Despite all of her work, Susan remains one of our community’s unsung heroes.”

The DuRant Distinguished Public Service Award was established in 1980 in memory of Charlton DuRant, a Manning attorney who served as state senator and special associate justice of the S.C. Supreme Court. This award is one of the most prestigious statewide honors that members of the Bar can bestow on a fellow attorney. Recipients are nominated by their professional peers and selected by the South Carolina Bar Foundation Board.

“Charlton DuRant was, without a doubt, a lawyer’s lawyer,” said Dunn in accepting the award. “He shared his talents with Manning, his hometown, and with the entire state. I am honored to receive this award, which carries on his legacy. And I am humbled to be added to the list of elite attorneys who have been chosen by the SC Bar Foundation for this award.”

Susan Dunn retired in 2021 after 12 years as legal director of the ACLU of South Carolina and more than 40 years as a civil rights lawyer in South Carolina.

Before joining the ACLU, she worked in private practice in Charleston. She was the 1998 recipient of the Jean Galloway Bissell Award, presented annually by the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association.

“Thanks to Susan, the ACLU of South Carolina has been at the forefront of the most important civil liberties fights of our time,” said Frank Knaack, executive director of the ACLU of South Carolina, upon her retirement. “Susan has made South Carolina a more just and equitable place for all.”

About the SC Bar Foundation
The South Carolina Bar Foundation promotes justice by funding legal access and education. It is the only statewide funding source contributing to those purposes. Since 1987, the Foundation has awarded more than $60 million to various law-related organizations and programs throughout South Carolina. Learn more: https://scbarfoundation.org/

D. Garet Strange, CFP has been promoted to Shareholder of Hobbs Group Advisors, LLC

COLUMBIA – D. Garet Strange, CFP has been promoted to Shareholder of Hobbs Group Advisors, LLC in the Columbia office. Prior to being named Shareholder, Garet was the Executive Vice President of Hobbs Group Advisors.

Hobbs Group Advisors was founded in 2006 by Mark T. Hobbs, CPA and Pete Pigeon, CFP and has grown to a team of 10 dedicated professionals. Garet Strange joined as the fourth member of the firm in 2011.
Garet graduated Magna cum Laude in May 2011 from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management.

“Garet has demonstrated leadership qualities since very early in his career. He’s developed into a highly skilled Financial Planner, and we are most certainly better as an organization with him as a Shareholder. We are really excited to continue growing with talented, quality people like Garet” said Pete Pigeon, Chief Executive Officer of Hobbs Group Advisors, LLC.

“I am honored and excited to have this opportunity. This opportunity represents not just a milestone in my career, but a testament to our shared vision of unwavering client dedication and strategic growth. I look forward to continuing to navigate the complexities of our industry, providing top notch service to our clients, and elevating the culture of our firm,” added Garet Strange.

For more information, please visit HobbsGroupAdvisors.com or reach out by phone at 803-540-3034.

ABOUT HOBBS GROUP ADVISORS
Hobbs Group Advisors, LLC provides a full suite of wealth management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting services to individuals, families, and small and large businesses, including non-profits, qualified retirement plans, endowments, and foundations.