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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. 

 

 

 

 

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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!

 

 

 

 

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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. 

 

 

 

 

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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.