Spartanburg County officials broke ground on a $24.6 million pet resource center on Thursday, December 5. Rendering courtesy of Spartanburg County  

Spartanburg County breaks ground on $24.6 million pet resource center

Adapted from information provided by the City of Spartanburg and Spartanburg County

Spartanburg County officials broke ground on a new multimillion-dollar pet resource center on Thursday, December 5. 

The facility, which is located near the Spartanburg Downtown Airport, costs $24.6 million which is covered by the county as well as American Rescue Plan Act funds. It will allow the county to house and care for its animal community and end the temporary contract with Greenville County Animal Care, which took in thousands of animals from Spartanburg County since 2011. 

The federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding Spartanburg County received allows investment in certain areas, including the Pet Resource Center. Spartanburg County Council approved $5,000,000 of ARP Funds be allocated to assisting in the construction of the center. 

The single-story 26,600 sq. ft. facility will include:

• Dog housing (79 kennels)

• Cat housing (12 kennels)

• Isolation housing

• Adoption and clinic lobbies

• Staff offices, workstations, break room, and support rooms

• Surgery, x-ray, pharmacy, and exam rooms

• Multipurpose room

The site will also include 18,600 sq. ft. of exterior space (including 5,000 square feet of covered exterior areas). The exterior space will include:

• Multiple fenced animal yards

• Artificial turf zones

• Temporary housing for farm animals

• 72 parking spaces

The county is continuing to hire staff for the facility, which is scheduled to open by the end of 2025. Programs will be available to help keep animals with their owners, along with medical services and an adoption center. 

OneSpartanburg, Inc. recognizes 2024 Annual Celebration Awardees

At its 2024 Annual Celebration, Spartanburg In Motion, OneSpartanburg, Inc. celebrated a year’s worth of successes across Spartanburg County, as well as dedicated community leaders and exemplary local businesses.

“Spartanburg is a dynamic place, and our community is on the precipice of a really incredible time over the next several years,” said OneSpartanburg, Inc. President and CEO Allen Smith. “This celebration is about recognizing the work that went into building an exciting future for Spartan-burg, and the dynamic public and private sector partners who made it all possible.”

The event was originally scheduled for September 28, but was postponed in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

OneSpartanburg, Inc.’s 2024 award-winners were:

Neville Holcombe Distinguished Citizenship Award:

• Jack and Stacy McBride.

During their time in Spartanburg County, the McBrides have personally and professionally committed themselves to improving the community in a variety of ways. Jack, who co-founded Contec, Inc. in 1988, and Stacy have each volunteered with a multitude of organizations countywide.

James B. Thompson Small Business of the Year:

• Limitless Sneaker Shop and owner Cinthia Cobos

Cobos and Limitless Sneaker Shop were recognized for the growth the business has seen since getting involved with Power Up Spartanburg. The sneaker and streetwear shop has seen significant increases in foot traffic and revenue over the last year or so.

Economic Champion Award:

• Cytiva

Cytiva, a world-class global science and technology leader, received the award for the success the company has found in Spartanburg, and the active role it has played in recruiting other high-tech firms to Spartanburg County.

Elaine Harris Tourism Champion Award:

• The Carolina Country Club and owner Tim Dunlap

The Carolina Country Club, a key asset in Spartanburg’s sports tourism growth, and owner Tim Dunlap were awarded for the role the club has played in bringing the BMW Charity Pro-Am back to Spartanburg. The club has also hosted LPGA, NCAA, and SC High School League events in Spartanburg.

Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award:

• Leroy Jeter, Highlands community advocate

Jeter was recognized for his longstanding commitment to revitalize and uplift Spartanburg’s High-lands community.

Chairman’s Award:

• William Gray, Spartanburg Office Manager with McMillan Pazdan Smith

Gray was honored for his involvement with One-Spartanburg, Inc.’s Executive Board and numerous other community organizations.

Charles E. Atchison, Sr. Minority-Owned Business-person of the Year:

This award was renamed in honor of Charles Atchison, founder of Atchison Transportation, who passed away this year at age 95.

• Kesha Williams, owner of Little Me Child Care

Williams, who started her business in 2020, was awarded for the relationships she has built across Spartanburg, and for the high quality of care her business provides.

Young Professional of the Year:

• Greyson Furnas, senior brokerage associate with Colliers

Furnas, who is Chair of the Spartanburg Young Professionals board, was recognized for his commitment to leading SYP into a new era thanks to expanded partnerships with organizations across the Upstate.

In addition to these awardees, Daniel Morgan Business Advocates and the 2024-2025 Teachers of  the Year were also recognized.  

Anne Flynn named 2024 Outstanding Philanthropist

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Piedmont Chapter, has named Anne Flynn as the 2024 National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Philanthropist. Nominated by the University of South Carolina Upstate, Flynn is being celebrated for her decades-long commitment to philanthropy, education, and community enrichment in Spartanburg County and beyond.

A steadfast advocate for higher education, Flynn has supported USC Upstate for over 30 years, providing scholarships that have transformed the academic and athletic experiences of countless students. She serves as Chair of the Spartanburg County Commission for Higher Education, where her guidance helps drive strategic initiatives that align with the university’s mission.

“Anne Flynn’s contributions to USC Upstate and Spartanburg reflect a legacy of selflessness and unwavering dedication,” said Dr. Bennie Harris, Chancellor of USC Upstate. “Her impact resonates deeply in our community, enriching countless lives through her support and leadership.”

Flynn’s influence extends beyond USC Upstate to numerous local organizations. She is the immediate past president of the Spartanburg Regional Foundation board of trustees and serves as Chair of the Noble Tree Foundation, founded by Roger Milliken to enhance Spartanburg’s natural beauty through strategic landscaping. Her passion for horticulture shines through her work with the Vera Davis Parson Garden Club, where she has been a member since 1983, and her leadership in “Arboretum Adventures,” a collaborative initiative with Spartanburg Com-munity College to promote horticultural appreciation.

Flynn’s dedication also includes her active involvement with the United Way of Piedmont, where her fundraising efforts have strengthened community programs.

“Anne Flynn exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy in every way,” said Scott Stephens, Director of Development for Advancement and the USC Upstate Foundation. “Her tireless efforts inspire others and contribute to a stronger, more connected Spartanburg.”

Her leadership and philanthropy serve as an enduring example of how one individual can create profound and lasting change.

The Charleston School of Law recently became a 501(c)(3) . Charleston School of Law photo 

Charleston School of Law becomes 501(c)(3)

Adapted from information courtesy of the Charleston School of Law

Effective December 1, 2024, the Charleston School of Law has become a 501(c)(3).

“I was honored to become President of the Charleston School of Law in October 2015, and changing from for-profit to 501(c)(3) status has been my goal since the beginning,” said President Emeritus & Chairman of the Board of Trustees, J. Edward Bell III. “This change will allow us even greater opportunities to build on the successes we have achieved over the last nine years. We have grown our reputation nationally, and Charleston Law will continue to make tremendous progress to the betterment of our students and to our community.”

Charleston Law officially filed an application last October with the American Bar Association’s Council on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar seeking acquiescence in the conversion from for-profit. As the accreditor for the first degree in law, the ABA Council is required to “acquiesce” before an approved law school makes any “substantive change,” including a change of control or ownership.

In March 2024, the Law School filed an application for a new license with the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, the state licensing authority.

“It is an auspicious time in the life of the Law School,” said Interim Dean Jonathan A. Marcantel. “In addition to celebrating our twentieth year of operation, we are now also celebrating the long-awaited dream of converting to a 501(c)(3). The faculty, administration, students, and I could not be more excited for the future of Charleston Law.”

New Board announced

The conversion to 501(c)(3) status includes the addition of a newly elected Board of Trustees consisting of:

· J. Edward Bell, III, Esquire, President Emeritus & Chairman of the Board

· The Honorable George C. Kosko, United States Magistrate Judge (retired), Founder and former member of the Charleston School of Law

· Joseph C. Good, Jr., Esquire, General Counsel Medical University of SC (retired)

· The Honorable P. Michael Duffy, United States District Judge (retired)

· Jane H. Aiken, Dean and Professor of Wake Forest University School of Law (retired)

· Benton Burroughs, Jr., Esquire, Senior Partner Reed Smith, LLP Global Corporate Group

· The Honorable Ronnie A. Sabb, Esquire, Founder of the Sabb Law Group, LLC and SC Senator (Senate District 52)

· Dr. Kimberly A. Collins, MD

· Reverend Max A. Wilkins

Interim President named

The Charleston School of Law is also pleased to announce that Hal Cobb (’12), founder and Senior Partner at Cobb Hammett Andrews LLC Law Firm in Mt. Pleasant, has been named Interim President. Cobb previously served as the Chairman of the Charleston School of Law Foundation.

“It is a tremendous honor to serve the Law School in this interim capacity,” said Cobb. “The incredible growth and success of our institution are thanks to the outstanding efforts of our dedicated staff and the guidance of Chairman Bell. As we enter this new chapter, we are committed to strengthening alumni engagement and expanding our fundraising efforts to support student success and facility enhancements. The Charleston School of Law has come a long way since my days as a student, and I am proud to be part of shaping its future and building on its legacy.”

“I am pleased to have Hal Cobb as Interim President,” said President Emeritus & Chairman of the Board of Trustees, J. Edward Bell III. “The Charleston School of Law School will begin a search for a full-time President. While our search will be open to all areas of the law, we welcome candidates who possess a shared vision while continuing to pursue academic excellence that has led us to this exciting chapter.” 

GE Vernova announces agreement to strengthen, grow U.S. energy supply chain

GE Vernova, Inc. recently said it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Woodward, Inc.’s  heavy duty gas turbine combustion parts business based in Greenville, South Carolina. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

GE Vernova officials said the transaction is an important component of the company’s strategy of investing in U.S. manufacturing and jobs and strengthening its domestic supply chain.

“We are excited to acquire and integrate this critical capability for our domestic supply chain as we continue to see increasing demand for our heavy-duty gas turbines and upgrades globally,” Eric Gray, president and CEO, GE Vernova’s Gas Power business, said in a statement.

Under the terms of the agreement, and subject to meeting all closing terms and conditions, GE Vernova is expected to acquire all assets related to Woodward, Inc.’s Greenville site, which today is nearly entirely dedicated to supplying parts and services to GE Vernova’s gas turbine manufacturing operations. 

GE Vernova has had a significant presence in the Greenville area for more than 50 years with current operations including manufacturing and testing gas turbines, providing global engineering support and other activities.

Said Chip Blankenship, Chairman and CEO of Woodward: “This targeted transaction is good for our customer and members and will allow us to focus resources on products that will drive the most value as part of Woodward."

Blankenship added, "I am grateful for our Greenville members’ longtime dedication to Woodward and to serving the customer. They will have opportunities to continue their great work as GE Vernova takes on ownership of the operations.”

The transaction is expected to close in early 2025, subject to certain closing conditions.

GE Vernova said it is working closely with the Woodward team to enable a smooth transition for employees in Greenville.

Woodward is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets.