Matica Group is investing $2 million in Greer, which will create 40 new jobs. City
of Greer photo
Matica Group investing $2
million in Spartanburg County to establish first North American manufacturing operations
Information
courtesy of OneSpartanburg, Inc.
Matica Group (Matica),
a global identity and payment solutions provider, recently announced it is establishing its first North American manufacturing
operation in Spartanburg County. The company's $2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.
The
company will manufacture central identification issuance systems at the new 38,000-square-foot facility located at 2750 S.
Highway 14 in Greer.
Headquartered in Swit-zerland, Matica designs, manufactures, and markets
payment and identity systems. The company has 200 employees and 11 facilities worldwide, including a technology support office
in Greenville County. Products manufactured at the new facility in Greer will include large-scale card personalization networks
and desktop models. Operations are expected to be online in July 2024.
“We have had our
sights on opening a factory in the U.S. for some time, since it is the world's largest market for our specialized field of
identification and payment solutions. South Carolina consistently ranks as one of the most business-friendly states in the
U.S. and this, combined with our existing expert technical staff already being located here, meant that Greer made perfect
sense as a location for our new facility. The local associations and authorities have been extremely supportive, and we feel
very welcome and look forward to a successful future,” stated Matica Group Founder and CEO Sandro Camilleri.
South Carolina Gover-nor Henry McMaster added, “Our world-class workforce and pro-business approach continues
to attract major international companies to South Carolina. We are thrilled this reputation prompted Matica Group to choose
Spartanburg County for its first manufacturing operations in North America.”
“As Matica
Group adds to its presence in the Upstate with this new manufacturing operation, we look forward to supporting the company
in establishing a legacy in South Carolina. These investments contribute to an evolving economy that is one of the most competitive
business climates in the United States,” stated -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.
Individuals
interested in joining the Matica team should contact the company's Human Resources Department (us@maticagroup.com).
The Coordinating Council for Economic Develop-ment approved job development credits related to the project.
"Spartanburg County is a great place to do business, and that was part of why Matica Group decided to bring
its manufacturing operations to Greer. We're excited to welcome them to our county and our incredibly strong manufacturing
community, " stated Spartanburg County Council Vice Chairman and Economic Development Committee Chairman David Britt.
“The arrival of the new Matica Group factory represents a significant boost to Greer's economy. Products from
this new facility will serve the entire state of South Carolina. This is more than an investment in our city; it signifies
a vote of confidence in our community's potential. Together, with companies like the Matica Group, Greer is setting the stage
for a future of innovation and economic success,” added Greer Mayor Rick Danner.
Chapman welcomes new Director of Finance & Director
of Development
The Chapman Cultural Center recently introduced their latest additions to the team
– Brandie Evans, the Director of Finance, and Suzann Couts, the Director of Development.
Brandie,
who joined the CCC team in February, brings over 15 years of valuable experience in the accounting field. Having raised three
children in Spartanburg, all of whom participated in programs by our partners, Brandie is enthusiastic about contributing
to an organization like the Chapman Cultural Center.
Suzann, the Director of Development since
mid-February, brings an impressive 18 years of professional experience in higher education advancement. With a focus on constituent
engagement and fundraising, she has worked at four universities, showcasing a wealth of knowledge in development. Suzann earned
a Bachelor of Arts in English from the State University of New York at Potsdam and resides in Spartanburg with her family,
sharing a passion for the outdoors, travel, the arts, sports, and quality time together.
Chapman
Cultural Center welcomes Brandie and Suzann and looks forward to embracing creativity together as a team!
Wade’s Restaurant
named James Beard ‘America’s Classic Award’ winner
Information provided
by OneSpartanburg, Inc. and James Beard Foundation
Spartanburg
County icon Wade's Restaurant was just named a recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classic Award-Winner
for the Southeast region. The awards are given as part of the James Beard Foundation’s Rest-aurant and Chef awards,
recognizing locally-owned restaurants serving quality food with a timeless appeal that reflect the character of their communities.
For 77 years, Wade’s Restaurant has called Spartanburg, South Caro-lina home. The family-run restaurant considers
its 130+ employees the heart of its operation. Founded in 1947 by Wade and Betty Lindsey, Wade’s follows family recipes
for its Southern meat-and-three menu, though possibly in larger quantities than Betty could have ever imagined. Today, 2,500
guests visit Wade’s daily; 3,500 made-from-scratch yeast rolls are served; along with 750 turkey plates and more than
1,500 orders of mac and cheese. Everything is made fresh from whole foods and served at a fair price. It’s a place where
tea is steeped the old-fashioned way, and chicken is breaded by hand. The Lindsey children, Hamp and Carole, took the helm
in 1977 and now grandkids Wade and Anna have joined the team and lead operations alongside Joey Basso. Sonya Hunter and Ray
Pearson lead the charge in the kitchen and have been part of the Wade’s Restaurant family for more than two decades.
But every team member is made to feel valued, and it shows up as part of the warm, yet efficient, hospitality. “We want
our employees to be proud to wear the Wade’s logo,” says Hamp. “Come taste our Southern hospitality.”
Wade’s is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., closed Saturdays and open Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. It
is located at 1000 North Pine Street in Spartanburg.
The James Beard Foundation is
a nonprofit organization with a mission to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture
and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.
Rendering of Timmons Arena at Furman University. Furman University photo
Furman University athletics announces major renovations to Timmons Arena
Information courtesy of Furman University
Greenville
- Furman's Timmons Arena, the basketball home of the Paladins for nearly three decades, will undergo a major renovation and
reopen in the fall of 2025, Furman Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Donnelly announced recently at a news
conference on campus.
The $40 million donor-funded renovation will transform Timmons
Arena into a first-class, state-of-the-art facility that will dramatically enhance the game day experience for Furman's loyal
fans and students and stand among the best arenas in college basketball at its size and scale.
The
renovations are scheduled to begin in April 2024 and will include: a reimagining of the arena's entrance and lobby, upgrades
to seating options, the addition of premium and luxury box seating, improved audio and visual components, enhanced box office
support, a children's play area, new visiting team locker room and new administrative offices. There will be premium access
to eight private suites and two party suites, a hospitality deck, courtside seating and a private VIP lounge, and enhanced
concessions, including "Grab & Go" options. The capacity of the renovated arena will be 2,750 and feature 360-degree
concourse access to lower-bowl seating.
This signature capital project of the Clearly Furman Campaign
represents the largest donor-funded project in Furman history and is headlined by a cornerstone $10 million gift from philanthropist
and businessman Ravenel B. Curry III '63. His lead gift is supported by more than 200-plus donors, including ten seven-figure
gifts and 31 six-figure gifts. These investments represent a significant step in advancing the strategic priorities outlined
in Inspiring Greatness, Furman Athletics' Strategic Plan, which emphasizes philanthropic support for athletics facilities,
endowment, and operational support for all 19 varsity teams.
"Thanks to our generous donors,
Timmons Arena will be the showplace for college basketball in our conference and one of the best arenas in the country,"
said Furman University President Elizabeth Davis. "Timmons will be a jewel on campus for all our students, faculty and
staff, and it will continue to be a place for the Upstate and Furman communities to gather for basketball, Furman Engaged,
graduation, and other student events."
"A renovated Timmons Arena will not only
honor and celebrate the Paladins' storied past, but will create a tremendous home-court advantage, enhancing the Paladins'
ability to recruit and develop the nation's top-tier student-athletes into champions and providing a new, electric game day
environment for our passionate fans," said Donnelly. "We are immensely grateful for the support of President Davis
and our Board of Trustees, as well as to the many generous donors who have stepped up to make this happen. Today truly is
a great day to be a Paladin!"
The interior and exterior renovation represents Phase Two of
a comprehensive donor-funded plan to improve Timmons Arena following the September 2022 completion of Phase One, which features
the renovation and expansion of basketball offices, locker rooms, and film rooms for the men's and women's basketball programs.
Fundraising is still ongoing and naming opportunities are available.
"The reimagination and
renovation of Timmons Arena is a transformational moment for Furman Basketball and the entire Greenville community which shows
a commitment to maintaining one of the most competitive programs in mid-major basketball," said Furman head men's basketball
coach Bob Richey. "Every member of the Furman basketball family will be proud to call the new Timmons arena home, and
I am confident that future players will be impressed by this first-class facility. I am grateful for the overwhelming
support of President Davis, the Board of Trustees, and the many significant donors who have stepped up to make this dream
a reality. It has never been a better time to be a Furman Paladin."
During the renovation,
Furman's men's basketball will play the majority of its home games at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville, while
the women's team will play the majority of its home games at North Greenville University. Both squads will practice in Alley
Gym. The programs will return to the newly renovated arena in the fall of 2025.
"We are so
appreciative to all who contributed to this project," said Furman head women's basketball coach Pierre Curtis. "This
renovation will be a game changer for our program and student-athletes and is another example of how Furman continues to set
ourselves apart from other universities."
Ken Betsch of Betsch Associates is the lead architect
on the renovation and whose recent projects include the College of Charleston's TD Arena and the University of Texas Event
Center. Greenville's Harper General Contractors, currently overseeing Furman's South Housing project, Converse College's Fleming
Hall and Clemson University's Soccer Complex at Riggs Field, will serve as the contractor.
Hub City Press to publish North of Main
Hub City
Press recently announced the publication of a new local history book, North of Main: Spartanburg's Historic Black Neighborhoods
of North Dean Street, Gas Bottom, and Back of the College, in October of 2024.
This title
is the most in-depth Spartanburg Black history book ever produced, particularly for the years post-emancipation, and a sequel
to the classic 2005 Hub City Press book, South of Main. This beautiful 250-page hardcover book also includes over 150 historic
photographs and maps. Major sponsors include the City of Spar-tanburg, the Spartanburg Public Libraries, and Wofford College.
New neighborhoods began emerging north of Main Street in Spartanburg, South Carolina in the 1870s as emancipated
Black men and women spent their hard-won post-slavery wages to purchase lots and build homes. As the decades rolled by, they
and their descendants established a string of neighborhoods encompassing hundreds of houses, stretching from modern-day Barnet
Park to the edge of Spartanburg Medical Center.
North of Main is the story of how this district
rose and how it disappeared. In its pages, meet the pioneering Black men and women who lived and worked in these early neighborhoods:
clergymen, educators, newsmen, artisans, attorneys, physicians, activists, musicians, caregivers, and more. In the face of
frequent oppression, they laid a strong foundation for those who followed them. The history of the place they built is extraordinary
in its demonstration of the heroism, courage, determination, and pride of Black citizens of Spartanburg who built dynamic
and historically significant neighborhoods in treacherous times.
Learn more and preorder your
copy at hubcity.org/northofmain. Support its publication and be acknowledged in the book with a donation of $100 or more:
hubcity.org/support.