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Gaffney resident and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Garcia helped distribute water and supplies in Gaffney. S.C. National Guard photo
Upstate National Guard soldier helps neighbors through Helene relief efforts Adapted from information provided courtesy of the S.C. National Guard Gaffney, S.C. – When Tropical Storm Helene hit South Carolina, it brought widespread damage and left communities like Gaffney grappling with power outages, flooding, and a shortage of basic necessities. Amid the chaos, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Garcia, a Gaffney resident himself, stepped in to serve his neighbors in a unique capacity — both as a protector and a community member. On October 2, Garcia found himself distributing water and supplies to Gaffney residents, many of whom he grew up with. “It feels good,” Garcia said. “I enjoy helping the community where I can.” Garcia is an Army tank commander in Bravo Company, 1-118th Infantry Regiment, Armored Brigade Combat Team. He has been in the military for 13 years, starting with five years on active duty before transitioning to the National Guard. The Guard was an ideal fit for him, allowing him to continue serving his state and nation. “I joined the National Guard because I wanted to continue being a Soldier and serve the country,” Garcia explained. “But it’s also about being there for my community. When I see people in need, it gives me a sense of purpose.” On the ground, Garcia and his fellow Guard members handed out water and food rations to those affected by the storm. “It’s good to see that people are grateful,” Garcia said, noting how a simple gesture—providing essential supplies—had a profound impact on the community’s morale. “Seeing people’s smiles and gratitude in a time of need is the best part.” For Garcia, serving in this capacity is personal. Beyond the uniform, he is a proud member of his local church and sees his service as an extension of his faith. “I’m a Christian and a godly man,” he said. “Being able to provide for others, especially those who can’t leave their homes, fills my heart with joy.” Garcia mentioned how local churches had partnered with the National Guard the day before to ensure that homebound residents received food and water. “It was awesome to see that people have the heart to put others before their own needs,” he said, clearly moved by the community’s collective effort. For this 13-year military veteran, the opportunity to give back to the town where he grew up is something he doesn’t take for granted. Garcia plans to continue serving his full 20 years in the National Guard, but on days like this, the pride he feels for both his uniform and his hometown is on full display. “Helping out here in Gaffney just means more,” Garcia said. “It’s home.”
City Council approves West Main Street improvement project Adapted from information courtesy of Spartanburg City News Spartanburg City Council unanimously approved a contract with Sossamon Construction to complete a streetscaping improvement project along W Main St. between St John St. and the CSX railroad. The $2.5 million project will include repurposing some of the street’s large existing median to create protected bike lanes in each direction and a multi-use trail connection. City staff has been in contact with businesses located along the road and will provide updates as the construction moves forward. A detour route will be utilized as needed, with vehicles routed to St John St. The idea behind the project is to both increase pedestrian and multimodal transportation connectivity while improving the appearance of an important gateway into Downtown Spartanburg. The new streetscaping will also lead visitors into the new Fifth Third Park, and it should be completed in time for the Minor League Hub City Spartanburgers to take the field next spring. City leadership hopes that, in addition to creating a more attractive first impression for downtown visitors, the new streetscape will make the W Main St. corridor more attractive for potential development. *** Spartanburg City Council unanimously approved a development agreement at their meeting in August that paves the way for a new 95-unit townhome development near the city’s northern boundary. Located along Florida Ave., near Spartanburg Medical Center, the $23 million development will have ten of its units set aside for tenants at or below 80 percent of area median income as part of the development agreement. Units will average 1,550 square feet and will feature three bedrooms and two baths. The development will also feature around 2,000 square feet of commercial space, with a restaurant concept expected to occupy that space. Under terms of the agreement, some portions of the development currently outside city limits will be annexed, and the City will maintain public improvements related to the development. The agreement also includes a fee-in-lieu of tax payment plan. According to the City Manager, the development will generate annual local government revenues of over $250,000 in the first year of the agreement and will step up to over $600,000 in year 10.
USC Upstate awarded NCAA grant to support student athletes USC Upstate has been awarded a grant of $70,608 from the NCAA’s Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) for the second time. This grant will bolster efforts to enhance the academic success and overall experience of the university’s student-athletes. Matt Martin, Director of Athletics & Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics at USC Upstate, expressed his gratitude for the award, stating “We are elated to be selected for the NCAA’s AASP grant once again this year. A huge thank you goes to Sarah Gildersleeve-Jones and her team for their continued dedication in elevating our student-athlete experience and ultimately making this grant a reality. The AASP grant will support several initiatives that our student-athlete enrichment team has been developing over the past several months, and I couldn’t be more excited to see the impact it will make on both current and future Upstate student-athletes.” The funding will support USC Upstate athletes in several key areas: • Summer Financial Aid: Directly assisting student-athletes with their eligibility, retention, and GPA. • Leadership and Life-Skills Programming: Enhancing the personal development and growth of student-athletes. • Additional Programm-ing: Improving the overall student-athlete experience at USC Upstate. “The AASP Grant creates opportunities for our student-athletes to grow not only as people with 925 Leaders, but to have their voices heard in new and unique ways through Real Response while also assisting them with the ultimate goal of graduation through extending our summer school scholarship program. This grant allows us to take a huge step forward in holistic support of our student-athletes.” said Sarah Gildersleeve-Jones, grant writer and the Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Enrichment. The NCAA’s Accelerating Academic Success Program offers grants to schools not in the Football Bowl Subdivision that are aimed at improving academic initiatives. USC Upstate’s grant includes $58,840 from the NCAA, with an additional $11,768 matched by the University. For more information about USC Upstate Athletics, visit https://upstatespartans.com/
The Duke Energy Foundation recently announced a $1 million commitment to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Duke Energy Foundation photo
Duke Energy Foundation commits $1 million to support communities impacted by Helene Adapted from information provided by Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, N.C. – In response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, Duke Energy Foundation announced a $1 million commitment to nonprofits providing vital assistance to affected communities across the Southeast. “Our hearts are with the communities devastated by Helene’s deluge and damage,” said Amy Strecker, president, Duke Energy Foundation. “At Duke Energy, we are working tirelessly to respond to the storm, addressing both power restoration and immediate and long-term community support.” Funding will aid a variety of organizations providing food, shelter and other urgent needs, ensuring that relief efforts reach those who need it most. Duke Energy Foundation will continue making donations responsive to evolving needs as communities recover and nonprofits stand up their short- and long-term efforts. This additional funding builds upon the Foundation’s work ahead of the storm and year-round commitment to preparedness and resiliency. “Our communities require time and resources to recover and rebuild from Hurricane Helene,” Strecker continued. “We are in constant conversation with nonprofit partners navigating the impacts on their own operations to bring relief, comfort and stability to those most affected by the storm. It’s moments like these that reinforce how our community partners are generous in support for their neighbors, working through difficult conditions to help one another.” The American Red Cross has been on the ground across Helene’s footprint since before the storm, providing shelter, food and critical relief. “Duke Energy Founda-tion’s timely and generous support is making a significant impact on our ability to provide essential relief and recovery services to families affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer, American Red Cross. “We are grateful for partners like Duke Energy Foundation as we work together to provide comfort and hope to people in need when the unthinkable happens.” In the past five years, Duke Energy and its Foundation have invested more than $20.5 million in emergency readiness and response across the states we serve. Duke Energy volunteers have packed thousands of no-cost storm kits and contributed $3.3 million of their own money and volunteer time in the same five-year window. North Carolina In North Carolina, Duke Energy Foundation has made a lead grant to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund at the United Way of North Carolina. “United Way of North Carolina is grateful for the quick response and generosity of our partners at Duke Energy Foundation,” said Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, president and CEO, United Way of North Carolina. “As fellow first responders, they understand the unique challenges of disasters, and the need to support our organization’s efforts to deploy resources in a timely manner. With this leading and substantial gift, their philanthropy will allow United Way to offer a match challenge to encourage community donors to support both immediate and long-term recovery efforts in the most impacted areas.” South Carolina Access to food is a critical need for storm-stricken communities, and South Carolina nonprofit organizations like Harvest Hope are answering the call. “As we continue to assess the needs of our communities here in South Carolina, we’re grateful for partners like the Duke Energy Foundation,” said Erinn Rowe, executive director of Harvest Hope. “These recovery efforts will take some time and we want to be flexible to respond to the changing needs, and investments like these help make that happen.” Florida Volunteer Florida has activated to address the most pressing needs of Floridians seeking relief from Helene’s destruction. "On behalf of Volunteer Florida, we extend our sincere gratitude to Duke Energy Foundation for their generous financial contribution to the Florida Disaster Fund in support of recovery efforts across the state following Hurricane Helene," said Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida. "Their support will be instrumental in providing essential services to help rebuild impacted communities." As the 2024 storm season continues through November, customers are also encouraged to download the enhanced Ameri-can Red Cross Emergency app. Duke Energy Foundation The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
Avison Young arranges $24.8 million construction financing, $12 million of equity joint venture on behalf of RealtyLink Avison Young arranged $24.8 million of construction financing and $12 million of equity joint venture for speculative development of two industrial properties in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on behalf of RealtyLink. The 78-acre parcel is located on Zimmerman Road at the intersection of Interstate 85 and I-26 in Spartanburg. Phase one of the development consists of two 229,840-square-foot spec industrial buildings to be delivered in late 2025. Phase two will consist of a 419,120-square-foot future build-to suit opportunity. RealtyLink, developer/owner, was represented by Avison Young’s Debt & Equity Finance Team, led by Jon Goldstein, principal; Michael Yavinsky, principal; Wes Boatwright, principal; and Connor Burke, vice president in the firm’s DC office. The property is located in the heart of the Upstate region’s distribution and manufacturing corridor, which is home to some of the nation’s largest industrial operations, including BMW’s largest worldwide production facility, Michelin’s North American headquarters and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 production line. RealtyLink is a full-service real estate development company specializing in retail, industrial, restaurant, single & multifamily, self-storage, senior living, entertainment, and mixed-use properties. Avison Young is a 2024 winner of the Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum Club designation.
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