Environment

In The Know 9-21: News, updates from Greenville area businesses and nonprofits

In The Know 9-21: News, updates from Greenville area businesses and nonprofits

Bon Secours First In County With Contrast-Enhanced Mammogram
Bon Secours St. Francis has added contrast-enhanced mammography to its services at the Pearlie Harris Center for Breast Health. It is the first health care facility in Greenville County – and the third in the state – to offer the advanced breast imaging technology.
Contrast-enhanced mammography gives physicians enhanced images to detect breast cancer, particularly when traditional mammograms or ultrasounds are inconclusive.
“We’re committed to providing our patients with the latest tools in cancer detection and care,” said Dr. Jennifer Cranny, a radiologist at Bon Secours St. Francis. “This technology brings us closer to our mission of catching cancer earlier, when it’s most treatable.”
The procedure uses the same equipment used for 3D mammograms and the intravenous contrast used in CT scans. The high-resolution images can reveal cancers that might otherwise go undetected.
Contrast-enhanced mammography can help women with dense breast tissue, suspicious lesions, or who are planning surgery.
“The technology enhances what we can see and, more importantly, what we can do,” Cranny said.
For information about contrast-enhanced mammograms, go to bonsecours.com or call the Pearlie Harris Center for Breast Health at (864) 675-4101.
Bon Secours Hosts Free Community Breast Health Event
Bon Secours St. Francis Cancer Center will host a breast health and wellness event from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 10 at Long Branch Baptist Church, 28 Bolt St., in Greenville.
The free event is open to the public. It is designed to empower, educate, and support individuals who want more information about breast health – including, but not limited to, those diagnosed with cancer, survivors and caregivers.
Bon Secours St. Francis professionals will speak: Dr. Anuja Kamat, an oncologist; Eva Steinbach, a certified genetics counselor, will offer insights into hereditary cancer risks; the St. Francis Breast Navigation Team, who will speak about navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment; Dawn Modzel, a physical therapist, who will discuss ways to maintain strength, mobility and wellness during and after treatment.
The Berea Fire Department’s Pink Fire Truck will be on hand to honor those impacted by breast cancer.
A complimentary lunch is provided. Space is limited; to register, go to Eventbrite, eventbrite.com/e/bon-secours-to-host-free-community-breast-health-event-tickets-1596566526459?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Greenville Creators Team Up To Offer Briton Court Fashions
Greenville-based artist Glory Day and lifestyle brand Briton Court have collaborated to create an exclusive fashion collection now available for pre-order.
The collection includes a quilted jacket, pants and a dress for women, as well as two dress styles for girls. Each Briton Court creation features a vibrant print designed in collaboration with Day and inspired by one of her pieces.
To preorder the clothing, go to britoncourt.com/search?q=glory.
“A Celebration of Style: Glory Day x Briton Court,” a private launch party with Day and the Briton Court sisters – Stephe Ebert, Jenny Hall and Kristina Teague – will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Avenue, 110 E. Court St., Suite 600, Greenville. A portion of ticket sales will go to Greenville’s Gift.
The party, featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, will celebrate art, fashion and community. Tickets are $75. For tickets, go to Eventbrite.com and search for “A Celebration of Style: Glory Day x Briton Court.”
Briton Court
Created by three sisters, Briton Court began as a mother-daughter brand. Artists in Brazil and the United States hand-draw, paint and create exclusive, one-of-a-kind styles. Briton Court is known for bright colors, unique prints and comfortable fabrics.
The three sisters’ goal is that each custom design brings joy to everyday moments. For information, go to britoncourt.com.
Glory Day
Glory Day McSharry lives and works in her hometown, Greenville. She graduated from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York in 2014 and earned her Master of Fine Arts at Clemson University in 2023.
Her work has been featured in “New American Paintings,” “Southern Living,” “Traditional Home,” “Create! Magazine,” and HGTV’s “Happy at Home with the Benkos,” via Magnolia Network.
Day works out of Oye Studios, an artists’ cooperative in Downtown Greenville. South Carolina corporate entities – such as Canvas, ScanSource, Greenville Technical College, and the Mayo Clinic in Florida – have collected her work.
She has shown work nationally and is represented by multiple galleries in the Southeast. For information, go to glorydayloflin.com.
Greenville’s Gift
Greenville’s Gift is a nonprofit organization that gives clothing and other essential baby items to newborns in need in the Greenville area. The organization collects new and gently used infant clothing and baby items, assembles gift bundles, and works with community partners to find moms who need help. For information, go to greenvillesgift.org.
Trehel Adds Project Superintendents
Trehel, a builder based in Greenville, has hired Zach Wright as a Senior Project Superintendent; Paul Smith as Project Superintendent; and promoted Matt Nalley to the role of Project Superintendent.
Wright will lead on-site industrial, manufacturing and commercial projects to ensure safety, quality and efficiency. Wright has experience managing large-scale projects nationwide.
Smith has more than 30 years of construction experience. A former business owner, he will manage daily on-site operations and focus on safety and quality.
Nalley joined Trehel in 2022 as an Assistant Superintendent. Since then, he has contributed to the successful completion of commercial construction projects.
Like Smith, Nalley will manage day-to-day operations on job sites and help ensure that projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
Trehel guides clients through the entire building process by helping them select the best solutions. Trehel explores building methods and options as a collaborative team to create successful projects.
Countybank Names VP, SBA Team
The Countybank Board of Directors has named Neal Kyber as a Vice President.
Kyber has been a commercial banker for 34 years and recently sold a property management business that he created and built. He joined the Countybank SBA Team in January as an SBA Business Development Officer for the Greenville and Simpsonville markets..
“Neal brings a wealth of banking knowledge to the Countybank SBA Division,” said Jordan Payne, SBA Business Development Manager. “This appointment is well-deserved and reflects his value to the team and Countybank’s SBA success in the Upstate.”
As part of the Countybank SBA team, Kyber will network with local realtors, business brokers, and other professionals to find SBA loan needs in the Upstate.
S.C. Justice Association Elects Spartanburg Native
The South Carolina Association for Justice has elected a Spartanburg native, Ashley White Creech, as its president.
Creech, a trial attorney with McGowan Hood Felder & Phillips, will lead the 1,500-member organization in its mission to protect the rights of individuals and advocate for a fair, balanced civil justice system.
McGowan Hood Felder & Phillips has a location in Greenville.
Protection for victims has been weakened, according to a press release from the S.C. Association for Justice.
“Accountability must remain a cornerstone of our legal system. When someone suffers an injustice, they deserve a fair shot in court – not a system rigged against them by deep-pocketed industries,” Creech said.
SCAJ Chief Operating Officer Kenny Hastie said Creech has a proven record of advocacy.
Creech earned her law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. After law school, she focused on product liability with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, which has an office in Greenville, before joining McGowan Hood Felder & Phillips.
Other officers are Kevin Dean, President-Elect, Motley Rice in Mount Pleasant; Bakari Sellers, Vice President, Strom Law Firm; and Graham Newman, Treasurer, Chappell, Chappell & Newman in Columbia.
Founded in 1957, the South Carolina Association for Justice serves as a voice for those harmed by the actions of others and works to strengthen the justice system through education and advocacy. For information, go to SCAJ.com.
Simpsonville Chamber Names A-List Winners
The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced the winners of its annual A-List Awards, presented by Prisma Health at Holly Tree Country Club.
Each year, the chamber solicits nominations, which are narrowed in-house to two businesses per category. The public is invited to vote for the winners.
Hundreds of local businesses were nominated, and thousands of votes were cast for winners, according to a press release.
Winners are Paw & Order Dog Training, United Community Bank, PIP Marketing Print and Signs, Simpsonville Arts Center, 1885 Taproom & Event Center, Main Street Dental, Weichert, Realtors – Shaun & Shari Group, Primerica – Kara Dowers, Christian Brothers Automotive, Clickstop, Curlygirl Photography, Rotary Club of Simpsonville, Sweet Dreams by Lori, The Springs at Simpsonville, and Pink Owl Boutique.
In addition, the Firefighter of the Year is engineer Jordan Holsonback of the Simpsonville Fire Department; the Police Officer of the Year is Lt. Adam Randolph of the Simpsonville Police Department; and the City Employee of the Year is Russ Orr, IT/Purchasing Manager, City of Simpsonville.
For a complete list and photos of the awards presentation, go to simpsonvillechamber.com/2025alistwinners.
New Agent Joins BrownStone
BrownStone Real Estate recently welcomed Tarnesha McCrary as a real estate professional.
McCrary has seven years of experience in recruitment, employee relations, human resources policy development, and leadership coaching. She is originally from Virginia; both her husband and father had military careers.
She founded The Right Start Staffing Agency, where she partners with small businesses, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations to deliver strategic HR solutions. She serves alongside her husband, Pastor Commodore C. McCrary, at Greater Gathering Church in Simpsonville, and is an advocate for women’s empowerment.
“Tarnesha’s experience and dedication are exactly what we’re looking for. Her strong work ethic and community focus make her a perfect fit for our core values,” said Rhett Brown, Broker in Charge and owner of BrownStone Real Estate.
BrownStone Real Estate is a Greenville-based firm with a family legacy in real estate.
Peabody Engineering Expands In Pickens County
Peabody Engineering LLC, a plastics manufacturer, is expanding its operations in Pickens County. The company’s $9.2 million investment will create 20 new jobs.
Founded in California in 1952, Peabody Engineering is a manufacturer and distributor of tanks, telecommunication disguising equipment, and other plastic products. The company began operating in Pickens County in 2022.
Peabody Engineering is adding 48,000 square feet and new manufacturing equipment to its facility in Liberty. The work is expected to be completed in mid-2026.
FabLogix Expands In Spartanburg County
FabLogix, a pipe fabrication company, is expanding operations in Spartanburg County. The company’s $9.8 million investment will create 150 jobs.
A subsidiary of Kelso Industries, FabLogix provides complex fabrication to industries such as life sciences, chemical, power and manufacturing.
The new FabLogix facility at 201 Commerce Court in Duncan offers pipe fabrication, modular fabrication, vessel fabrication and more. Operations are online.
Brawo Expands Laurens County Operations
Brawo USA Inc., part of Brawo Group and the Holding Umberto Gnutti Group, will make a $23.2 million expansion to its Laurens County operations. The project will create 24 new jobs.
Brawo USA specializes in the forging and precision machining of brass and other non-ferrous metals, supplying components for valves and fittings in the plumbing, gas and industrial sectors.
Located at 499 Hunter Industrial Park Road in Laurens, the company will add 30,000 square feet to its facility, updated machinery and advanced manufacturing equipment. The expansion will increase production capacity, enhance technological capabilities, and strengthen the company’s footprint in North America.
Operations are expected to be online in 2026.
Fine Organics To Locate 1st U.S. Manufacturing In Union
Fine Organic Industries Limited, a manufacturer of specialty additives, has chosen Union County for its first manufacturing facility in the United States. The company’s investment will create 60 jobs.
Founded in India, Fine Organics is a global manufacturer of bio-based specialty ingredients and additives. The products are used in foods, plastics, personal care products, animal nutrition, inks, coatings and more. The company operates manufacturing facilities in India, Malaysia and Thailand, as well as sales offices in the U.S. and Europe.
Fine Organics will build a new manufacturing facility at 1907 Spartanburg Hwy. in Jonesville. Operations are expected to be online in 2027.
Seneca Urgent Care Expands Bon Secours, AFC Partnership
Bon Secours has announced a new urgent care center in Seneca through its affiliation with American Family Care.
The AFC Urgent Care Bon Secours, Seneca, is located near Bypass 123.
The urgent care will have board-certified providers to treat a range of non-emergency medical conditions such as sprains and minor fractures; cold, cough, sore throat and flu symptoms; stomach ailments; ear infections; and other illnesses and injuries.
Lab work, X-rays, drug screenings, pre-employment physicals, physicals for the Department of Transportation, and hearing tests can be performed. Patients can be referred to specialists, primary care and hospital services as needed.
“Bon Secours is committed to expanding access to convenient care for busy families and residents seeking retail sites with free, easy parking, same-day care options, and the ability to reserve a spot online,” said Dr. Matt Delfino, Regional Medical Director with Bon Secours Mercy Health.
The Seneca urgent care is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church Hosts ‘Fearfully & Wonderfully Made’
First Presbyterian Church is hosting “Fearfully & Wonderfully Made,” a celebration of Greenville County residents with special abilities, at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 2. The night will include food, fashion, fellowship and fun.
The featured speaker is Tanner Smith, who appeared on the Netflix series “Love on the Spectrum.”
The celebration will benefit Down Syndrome Association of the Upstate, FPC Special Needs Ministry, Nathaniel’s Hope, David’s Table, The Little White House School, Front Porch Housing, and The Barbara Stone Foundation.
The sponsor is United Community Bank.
Tickets are $25 and must be purchased at firstpresgreenville.org/events/signature-events. (Information is also available about other events at First Presbyterian Church and Galleries.) The church and galleries are at 200 W. Washington St. in Greenville.
Greenville Discussion Topic: Lessons Learned From Helene
Greenville Women Giving is presenting an educational program, “Spotlight on the Environment: A Year After Helene,” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at Senior Action Center, 3715 East North St. in Greenville.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required by Oct. 2 by emailing gwgrsvp@gmail.com.
The program will explain how Greenville’s green infrastructure updates and rapid response helped the city avoid the worst of the record-breaking hurricane last fall, what worked, and what is needed for the next threat.
Speakers are Clint Link, Director of Engineering Services, City of Greenville; Dorothy Dowe, Vice Mayor Pro-Tem, At-Large Representative, City of Greenville; Hesha Gamble, Assistant County Administrator for Engineering & Public Works, Greenville County. The moderator is Liz Seman, Chair Pro-Tem of the Greenville County Council.
Greenville Women Giving is a philanthropic organization that directs funds to charities chosen by a vote of the membership.
Mast Store ‘Mountain Strong’ Continuing Support After Helene
Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene blew through the Upstate and Western North Carolina, the Mast General Store Mountain Strong Fund campaign continues to support recovery efforts – most recently with $10,000 donations to the MANNA FoodBank and RiverLink.
MANNA FoodBank lost almost everything in the hurricane and resulting floods, said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store. The food bank’s operational headquarters in Asheville, which serves 16 counties, was devastated when the Swannanoa River rose out of its banks.
“To see what they were able to pull together to continue serving their clients was nothing short of amazing,” Cooper said.
Olivia Onderlinde, Corporate Engagement Manager for MANNA, said the funding represents “nourishment for families and hope for communities.”
RiverLink is an Asheville-based nonprofit organization that advocates for the French Broad River and its watershed as a community asset where people live, learn, work and play.
After Helene, RiverLink created a Recovery, Resilience + Planning Division to make the river part of the region’s comeback.
“Now is the time to plan for the possibility of more events like this one and to ensure resiliency with reduced losses,” Cooper said.
The donation will help RiverLink work toward stabilizing the riverbank and restoring damaged parks, she said.
“We can’t wait to show you what a difference will be made for the natural resources that connect us all,” said Susan Andrews, Development Manager for RiverLink.
Donations from Mast General customers helped fund the donations. Mountain Strong apparel and stickers are still available at Mast Stores.
The Mountain Strong Fund has raised a total of $180,000.
Mast General Store was founded by the Cooper family in the rural historic district of Valle Crucis, North Carolina. The family- and employee-owned company now has 11 locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Springs At Simpsonville Focus Of Chamber Event
The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours will be hosted by The Springs at Simpsonville from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25.
The event will include beer, wine, light finger foods and networking. The Springs at Simpsonville is at 214 E. Curtis St. Business After Hours is free for chamber members and $5 for non-members. For information, go to simpsonvillechamber.com and click on Calendar.
Women Invited To Golf, Network
A Women’s Networking & Golf event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 7 at PGA TOUR Superstore, 1117 Woodruff Road, Greenville.
The event is created to promote connection and community among local businesswomen in a relaxed environment. No golf experience is necessary; light refreshments and a putting contest are planned.
Proceeds will benefit the Riverside High School Girls Golf Team. Reservations are requested.
For information, go to bmwcharitygolfcom.ticketsauce.com/e/womens-networking-event-3
Nancy Smith Golf Invitational Celebrates BMW Pro-Am Volunteers
The Nancy Smith Golf Invitational will return to the Thornblade Club in Greer on Oct. 13.
During the event, Smith will be recognized for 25 years of leadership and dedication to the tournament. Volunteers are invited to join in the celebration after the tournament for hors d’oeuvres and dessert.
The shotgun start is at 9 a.m.; the awards ceremony will follow play; a volunteer recognition ceremony from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. will honor the volunteers who make the tournament a success.
Greenville Discussion Topic: Lessons Learned During Helene
Greenville Women Giving will present an educational program, “Spotlight on the Environment: A Year After Helene,” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at Senior Action Center, 3715 East North St. in Greenville.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required by Oct. 2 by emailing gwgrsvp@gmail.com.
The program will explain how Greenville’s green infrastructure updates and rapid response helped the city weather the record-breaking Hurricane last fall, what worked, and what is needed the next time the city and county face a threat.
Speakers are Clint Link, Director of Engineering Services, City of Greenville; Dorothy Dowe, Vice Mayor Pro-Tem, At-Large Representative, City of Greenville; Hesha Gamble, Assistant County Administrator for Engineering & Public Works, Greenville County. The moderator is Liz Seman, Chair Pro-Tem of the Greenville County Council.
Greenville Women Giving is a philanthropic organization that directs funds to charities chosen by a vote of the membership.
Mast Store ‘Mountain Strong’ Continuing Support After Helene
Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene blew through the Upstate and Western North Carolina, the Mast General Store Mountain Strong Fund campaign continues to support recovery efforts – most recently with $10,000 donations to the MANNA FoodBank and RiverLink.
MANNA FoodBank lost nearly everything in the hurricane and resulting floods, said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store.
The food bank’s operational headquarters in Asheville, which serves 16 counties, was devastated when the Swannanoa River rose out of its banks.
“To see what they were able to pull together to continue serving their clients was nothing short of amazing,” Cooper said.
Olivia Onderlinde, Corporate Engagement Manager for MANNA, said the funding is more than a gift and represents “nourishment for families and hope for communities.”
RiverLink is an Asheville-based nonprofit organization that advocates for the French Broad River and its watershed as a community asset where people live, learn, work and play.
After Helene, RiverLink created a Recovery, Resilience + Planning Division to make the river part of the region’s comeback.
“Now is the time to plan for the possibility of more events like this one and to ensure resiliency with reduced losses,” Cooper said.
The donation will help RiverLink work toward stabilizing the riverbank and restoring damaged parks, she said.
“We can’t wait to show you what a difference will be made for the natural resources that connect us all,” said Susan Andrews, Development Manager for RiverLink.
Donations from Mast General customers helped fund the donations. Mountain Strong apparel and stickers are still available at Mast Stores.
The Mountain Strong Fund has raised a total of $180,000.
Recent recipients range from the Valle Crucis School Parent Teacher Student Organization and MountainTrue (advocates for clean waters, resilient forests and healthy communities) to BeLoved Asheville (creating home and health equity), and the River Arts District Foundation.
Mast General Store was founded by the Cooper family in the rural historic district of Valle Crucis, North Carolina. The family- and employee-owned company now has 11 locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Springs At Simpsonville Focus Of Chamber Event
The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours will be hosted by The Springs at Simpsonville from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25.
The event will include beer, wine, light finger foods and networking. The Springs at Simpsonville is located at 214 E. Curtis St. Business After Hours is free for chamber members and $5 for non-members. For information, go to simpsonvillechamber.com and click on Calendar.
Women Invited To Golf, Network
A Women’s Networking & Golf event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 7 at PGA TOUR Superstore, 1117 Woodruff Road, Greenville.
The event is intended to promote connection and community among local businesswomen in a relaxed environment. No golf experience is necessary; light refreshments and a putting contest are planned.
Proceeds will benefit the Riverside High School Girls Golf Team. Reservations are requested.
For information, go to bmwcharitygolfcom.ticketsauce.com/e/womens-networking-event-3