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Lisle Traywick becomes state chair of ABA’s Council of Appellate Lawyers

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Lisle Traywick, a member of Robinson Gray law firm, has been named South Carolina state chair of the Council of Appellate Lawyers for the American Bar Association.

The ABA describes the council as “the first and only national appellate bench-bar organization” and says its “mission is to foster a dialogue among federal and state appellate lawyers and judges that will improve appellate advocacy and strengthen ties among the numerous appellate bar associations.”

The state chairs promote awareness of the council and “collaborate with state, local, and federal appellate practitioners, bar groups, and courts to develop educational programs and other resources as well as networking opportunities for appellate lawyers nationwide.”

Appellate advocacy is a particular focus of Lisle’s civil litigation practice at Robinson Gray. He has represented governmental entities and public officials, litigating constitutional and election-related issues, and represented businesses and individuals in state and federal court. He also advises public utilities and represents them in regulatory proceedings. Through his diverse practice, he has gained experience handling injunctions, declaratory judgment actions, class actions, extraordinary writs, complex appeals, and original jurisdiction cases.

A Columbia native, Lisle graduated cum laude from Wofford College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in government with a concentration in political thought and a minor in economics. He then earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he served as Editor in Chief of the South Carolina Law Review.

Before joining Robinson Gray, Lisle clerked for the Honorable H. Bruce Williams at the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the Honorable David C. Norton at the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.

About Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC

Located in the BullStreet District, Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC, is a South Carolina law firm that offers a tailored, hands-on approach. It provides business transactional and litigation representation in all state and federal trial and appellate courts in South Carolina. The firm’s 39 attorneys serve clients ranging from multi-national corporations to small businesses and individuals. For more, visit https://robinsongray.com/.

Cyberwoven Marketing Director Joins Main Street District Board

Columbia, S.C. – Shayla Merritt, marketing director of Cyberwoven, an award-winning brand, digital marketing, and website design and development firm, joins the board of Downtown Columbia’s Main Street District. In her new role, Merritt will help guide the organization’s marketing, public advocacy, and economic development of the district.

Shayla Merritt, Cyberwoven’s Marketing Director

Merritt’s extensive background in marketing, design, and communications, having worked for industries in the non-profit, hospitality, tourism, and A/E/C sectors, will add to the growing reach of the district’s on-going marketing efforts.

“I am elated to join the Main Street District board, especially since I have enjoyed working in the district for the last 10 years,” says Merritt. “Watching what Matt [Kennell] and his team have done and continue to do to transform the district into an economic driver for our community has been truly inspiring. I am honored to join a group of thoughtful individuals who not only care for this growing community but, who will work hard to continue to make this the place to be – downtown on Main Street.”

Since her time in Columbia, Merritt has served the community in many ways. She is an active member of the AIA South Carolina’s Marketing and Communications Committee, the Columbia Chamber’s Leadership Columbia Advisory Board, the Columbia Museum of Art’s Contemporaries Board, the Main Street District’s Marketing and Communications Committee, Melius Forum, MIRCI’s Board of Directors, and the University of South Carolina’s Black Alumni Council.

About the Main Street District
The Main Street District encompasses the 36-block area bounded by Gervais, Elmwood, Assembly, and Marion streets in Columbia, SC. The organization provides public space management, economic development, place management, marketing services, and public advocacy for the Main Street District. The Board of Directors oversees the organization’s mission – to focus on filling vacancies in commercial properties, retaining existing downtown businesses and recruiting new ones, expanding the downtown residential base, and creating a safe, clean, and friendly downtown environment.

About Cyberwoven
Cyberwoven is a brand, marketing, and web agency headquartered on Main Street in downtown Columbia, SC. Since opening our doors in 2001, we have launched award-winning websites, guided the creation and evolution of brands, and built audience engagement both online and in person. We work with organizations in various industries, including the arts, culture, government, retail, education, finance, healthcare, and insurance. Our goal is to create authentic and unmistakable brand experiences that are infused with imagination, build trust, and inspire love. Learn more at cyberwoven.com.

Connectivity Point Hires Rashida Beach for Newly Created Sales Development Role

Columbia, SC– Connectivity Point Design & Installation has hired Rashida Beach as a SC Sales Development Representative to support sales in South Carolina. Following the 2019 acquisition of Creative Computer Solutions (CCS) in Columbia, South Carolina, Connectivity Point has consistently expanded, attracting skilled individuals to foster continuous growth. The recent addition of the Sales Development position is a strategic move to complement the organic growth of the company.

With a real estate background, Rashida brings her passion for marketing and sales to Connectivity Point. Originally from a quaint South Carolina town, she holds a business and theater degree from The College of Charleston and is currently pursuing a master’s in information technology management. Rashida is driven by her commitment to cultivate genuine connections, both through technology and meaningful relationships.

Choosing Connectivity Point, Rashida sees it as the nexus between cutting-edge technology and exemplary customer service, embodying the best of both worlds. Recognized for fervor and outstanding customer service in her previous roles, Rashida’s sales affinity developed during her tenure as a real estate agent, where she found gratification in aiding individuals and offering viable solutions. Connectivity Point, with its solution-oriented approach, became her choice.

“Connectivity Point stands out for its commitment to professionalism, extensive knowledge, and expertise. It is viewed as an innovative entity continually advancing through exceptional services and top-notch products,” says Rashida. “I’m excited about navigating uncharted territory, looking forward to tackling fresh challenges, and contributing to the company’s ongoing success.”

Rashida Beach, CPDI Sales Development Representative, can be reached at rbeach@connectivitypoint.com and (803) 683-0885.

About Connectivity Point
Connectivity Point Design and Installation is a fast-growing technology integrator providing design, installation, and support services for low-voltage infrastructure and specialty equipment. Their professional services fall into five major disciplines: Structured Network Cabling, Audio-Visual Solutions, Security Solutions, Wireless Networks, and Telephone Systems. Established in 2002, this Maine-based business has more than 200 employees in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and South Carolina. They perform work in 44 states and 35 countries.
Learn more at www.connectivitypoint.com.

McMillan Pazdan Smith Welcomes Samer Hamde as Healthcare Practice Leader

Samer Hamde, Healthcare Practice Leader, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture. Photo Provided.

McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS), a leading architecture, planning, and design firm in the Southeast, is pleased to announce that Samer Hamde has joined the firm as Healthcare Practice Leader.

Hamde brings 25 years of progressive experience in architecture, engineering, planning, and program management, with a focus on healthcare design. He has held senior leadership roles with Amec Foster Wheeler, JLL, and NELSON Worldwide, where he was a Principal and National Practice Leader for Healthcare and CCJ&E.

“Samer Hamde is an exciting addition to our firm’s leadership. He brings a wealth of healthcare industry experience, insights, and trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders,” said Chad Cousins, CEO of McMillan Pazdan Smith. “The reach of McMillan Pazdan Smith’s healthcare design, planning, and advisory practice continues to grow, and Samer will work closely with our team to expand our service capability, and design-centered value and impact for the health and wellbeing of our regional communities.”

Hamde will be based in the firm’s Atlanta studio, “MPS is known for creating patient-centered environments, optimizing workflow efficiencies, and integrating cutting-edge data and advisory services that are invaluable to the delivery of healthcare facilities,” said Hamde, “I am excited to begin this remarkable journey with this experienced and talented team.”

McMillan Pazdan Smith has healthcare-dedicated architects, designers, planners, advisors, and data-analysts across its eight studio locations throughout the Southeast. For more than 30 years, its healthcare practice has provided innovative and sustainable design solutions for a wide range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, free-standing emergency departments, behavioral health clinics and medical office buildings.

MPS’ healthcare portfolio includes Bon Secours Mercy Health’s St. Francis tower modernization and emergency department addition (Greenville, S.C.), CaroMont Health’s new Belmont Campus (Belmont, N.C.), MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital (in association with Perkins & Will, Charleston, S.C.), and Prisma Health’s Multi-Specialty Ambulatory Care Center (MACC).

About McMillan Pazdan Smith
McMillan Pazdan Smith is an architecture, advisory services, planning, and interior design firm. Practicing since 1955, the firm currently has eight locations throughout the Southeast. As a community-based firm, MPS is driven by a collaborative culture, creative client solutions, and design excellence. With over 100 AIA awards since 2000, the firm’s purpose is to reimagine what’s possible and create meaningful and lasting impact for the good of all.

Flock and Rally Announces the Hiring of Scott Harris as New Director of Advertising

Flock and Rally, a full-service communications and marketing agency based in Columbia, South Carolina, welcomes longtime industry professional, Scott Harris, as its new director of advertising. With nearly two decades of experience in the advertising sector, Harris brings extensive knowledge in marketing strategy, integrated media planning and placement to the role.

“We are excited to introduce Scott as the newest addition to the Flock and Rally team,” says Merritt McNeely, Flock and Rally chief executive officer. “His expertise in advertising strategy combined with his background in media sales will allow us to better serve our clients and drive results.”

After graduating from Wingate University with a degree in communications, Harris spent 10 years at WIS-TV in Columbia as a senior account executive and political advertising specialist before joining Queue Advertising as market development manager. Most recently, he was the local sales manager at WACH FOX TV in Columbia, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing and managing sales operations related to digital and TV advertising.

“In the span of just a few years, Flock and Rally has experienced remarkable growth, becoming synonymous with the creation and execution of some of the most distinctive marketing campaigns in our state,” says Harris. “I am thrilled to rejoin the agency side of the advertising business, surrounded by the exceptional talent that defines Flock and Rally.”

Harris is an active member and former president of the Columbia chapter of the American Advertising Federation. He was also the organization’s director of programs for more than five years and has served as an ADDY Awards judge for several Southeast chapters. In addition, Harris serves on the communications board for Trenholm Road United Methodist Church.

About Flock and Rally: Integrated Communications & Marketing
Founded in 2010, Flock and Rally is a full-service, women-owned creative agency based in Columbia, South Carolina. The firm integrates branding, public relations, marketing, traditional advertising, digital advertising, social media and more into campaigns for a diverse base of clients, ranging from regional nonprofits to large-scale businesses across South Carolina and beyond. Serving industry sectors ranging from lifestyle and tourism to business, technology, real estate, economic development and more, Flock and Rally’s mission is to rally the community around great ideas. Learn more at www.flockandrally.com.

X: www.twitter.com/flockandrally
Facebook: www.facebook.com/flockandrally
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flockandrally
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flockandrally

DeWees Real Estate Group Represents Buyer in Purchase of Maurice’s BBQ Building

DeWees Real Estate Group Represents Buyer in Purchase of Maurice’s BBQ Building
Broker-in-Charge, Sam DeWees, Represented the buyer in the sale of 662 St. Andrews Rd

Columbia, SC – DeWees Real Estate Group, a full-service commercial real estate firm specializing in Columbia’s residential, office, retail, industrial, and land markets from acquisitions, to leasing and management, is proud to announce the sale of 662 Saint Andrews Road in Columbia, SC.

Broker-in-Charge, Sam DeWees represented the buyer in this transaction. The closing occurred on January 31. The building was purchased for $275,000. The buyer plans to renovate the previous Maurice’s Barbeque restaurant into a drive-thru coffee concept at this location.

About DeWees Real Estate Group
DeWees Real Estate Group is a full-service commercial real estate firm located in Columbia, SC. We specialize in Columbia’s Residential, Office, Retail, Industrial and Land markets from acquisitions, to leasing and management. Our team utilizes state of the art software and marketing materials to make sure our listings are getting the highest and best exposure available to our clients in the marketplace.

www.deweesreg.com

Stantec expands Transportation team in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC – Stantec, a leading global design and engineering firm, has welcomed Chad Elledge as a Senior Roadway Engineer in its Columbia office.

Elledge is a senior roadway engineer with over 19 years of experience with both private and public sector work experience that includes roadway design and project management. Roadway projects consisted of secondary road relocation, intersection improvements, safety improvements, sidewalks, and roadway widenings. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Clemson University.

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they’re our communities too. This allows us to assess what’s needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what’s never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media.

Landmark Builders Names Elliott As President

Randy Elliott is the new president of Landmark Builders.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Landmark Builders is pleased to announce the promotion of Randy Elliott to President. Elliott has been responsible for leading Landmark’s Winston-Salem, N.C. office since January 2020 as Executive Vice President. His leadership has been instrumental in record growth in the Triad marketplace.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Landmark as we see significant new growth and investment in the Carolinas and southeastern US. I want to thank our customers for their commitment to our company, as well as our entire team of more than 200 dedicated employees with whom I have the privilege to work alongside each day,” said Elliott.

“Randy has worked hard since joining Landmark 17 years ago to learn our industry and is heavily involved in the community. We believe that he has earned this opportunity and believe that under his leadership, he will position Landmark to continue to grow and enhance the customer experience for our valued clients,” said Steve Stephens.

About Landmark Builders

Landmark Builders was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Winston-Salem (N.C.) with offices in Charlotte (N.C.), Columbia and Myrtle Beach. Landmark provides a wide range of construction services including general construction, design-build, construction management and upfit/renovations with emphasis on industrial, manufacturing, healthcare, office, senior living and hospitality construction.

SwordFest returns on Feb. 10 to the Relic Room!

COLUMBIA, S.C. – En garde! Swordfest is coming! And there’s little time left to draw your cold blade. It will be here on Saturday, Feb. 10!

If you don’t know what SwordFest is, you need to look into hearing aids – how could you have missed the schwinging, swooshing and clanging? It’s the biggest, loudest Saturday program at the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum each year. So be warned: An army of strangely dressed, sword-swinging characters are on the march, and will soon descend on the city with serious fun on their minds.

Joe Long, curator of education at the museum, says final preparations are nearly complete, and most of the “big draws” are returning. Here’s the schedule as it now stands:

9:55 a.m. – The action opens with the formation of a Sword Arch by members of the Columbia High Junior ROTC.
10:00 – Welcome and introduction.
10:15 – McAuley Broadsword Youth Demonstration Team: South Carolina’s own historic style, as practiced by 19th century militia.
10:30 – Carolina Historical Fencing: CHF recreates the fighting techniques of past centuries with a variety of blades!
11:00 – Iaido, the Art of Sword-Drawing. Dan Bernardo of WellWithin Martial Arts will demonstrate a traditional Japanese sword art with a live cutting demonstration with a samurai sword.
11:30 – Columbia Fencing Club: the fast-moving modern sport of fencing, as seen in Olympic competitions, also thrives locally! See how the champions train!
12:15 p.m. – Swords of the Jedi. The Aiken Saber Club will put on a display of a recreational form of swordplay, inspired by the Star Wars universe. This includes demonstrations of choreographed lightsaber dueling.
1:00 – Cavalry Saber Historian Neil Rose will demonstrate how Wade Hampton’s cavalry employed the saber at Gettysburg.
1:30 – Pirates! Theatrical dueling in the classic style, by members of the Charles Towne Few!
2:00 – Palmetto Knights Steel Combat Team: armored knights and their fighting techniques.

All sorts of associated items will be on display. Oh, and don’t forget – the museum itself has a huge array of swords, from those used in combat in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, to a 400-year-old samurai sword captured by an American soldier at Iwo Jima! During this event, you can check out the museum for free.

Come on and have some real, educational fun!

About the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum

Founded in 1896, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is an accredited museum focusing on South Carolina’s distinguished martial tradition through the Revolutionary War, Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Vietnam, the War on Terror, and other American conflicts. It serves as the state’s military history museum by collecting, preserving, and exhibiting South Carolina’s military heritage from the colonial era to the present, and by providing superior educational experiences and programming. It recently opened a major new exhibit, “A War With No Front Lines: South Carolina and the Vietnam War, 1965-1973.” The museum is located at 301 Gervais St. in Columbia, sharing the Columbia Mills building with the State Museum. For more information, go to https://crr.sc.gov/.

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Kathleen Muthig Selected to Become Riley Fellow

Kathleen Muthig

COLUMBIA, SC – Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. is pleased to announce that Kathleen Muthig has been selected to participate in the Spring 2024 Midlands Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI), an award-winning program of Furman University’s Riley Institute.

The Spring 2024 Midlands DLI will bring participants together over five months through a highly interactive curriculum to break down barriers and build relationships. Graduates of DLI become Riley Fellows, members of a cross-sector of South Carolinians that includes corporate CEOs, legislators, superintendents, religious and nonprofit heads, and business and community leaders.

Kathleen’s practice focuses on commercial real estate, including development, financing, commercial leases and related real estate transactions. She is a licensed title insurance agent and writes title insurance for a number of national title insurance companies. Kathleen also has experience representing creditors in state court and bankruptcy court litigation, including lenders and landlords.

Kathleen is recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in the areas of Administrative/Regulatory Law (2021-2024), Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2021-2024) and Litigation – Banking and Finance (2021-2024), and as one of South Carolina Super Lawyers® “Rising Stars” for Real Estate (2023). Active in the community, Kathleen currently serves on the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

About Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Established in 1887, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is a full-service law firm providing creative and efficient solutions for local, national and international clients. With more than 110 attorneys located throughout the Carolinas, we are well-positioned to meet the complex legal needs of our clients. Learn more at www.hsblawfirm.com.