Oshkosh Defense recently announced the addition of a wildlife preserve at its Spartanburg Assembly facility. Oshkosh Defense photo 

Oshkosh Defense Spartanburg Assembly celebrates wildlife preservation & sustainability efforts 

Adapted from information received from Oshkosh Defense, LLC

Oshkosh Defense recently announced the addition of a wildlife preserve at its Spartanburg Assembly facility where Oshkosh will build the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV). This initiative is a testament to Oshkosh’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.  

“Our intent is to turn our greenspace at the facility into a thriving habitat for native wildlife, supporting biodiversity, and a healthy ecosystem,” said Trent McJunkin, facilities and maintenance manager at Oshkosh Defense Spartanburg Assembly. “This effort not only helps wildlife flourish, but also increases efficiencies in groundskeeping, demonstrating that sustainability and operational effectiveness can go hand in hand.” 

Oshkosh partnered with Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve; a public garden and not-for-profit organization based in Spartanburg that serves as a sanctuary for native plants. Dan Shook, Hatcher Garden Manager shares, “Hatcher Garden is thankful to partner with the Oshkosh Defense Spartanburg Assembly Plant to begin this transition from the traditional mowed turf with constant chemical input, to a designed natural space for living animals and insects that can bring together people and nature in a way that creates interest and adds value to our lives.”  

In addition to partnering with Hatcher Garden, Oshkosh also worked with the Wildlife and Industry Together (WAIT) program. WAIT, a program of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF), assists corporate landowners in integrating wildlife habitat needs into corporate land management decisions. “One of the greatest drivers of biodiversity loss is land degradation and habitat loss,” said Jay Keck, SCWF industry habitat manager. “When a property owner like Oshkosh Defense restores wildlife habitat through the installation of native plants and nest boxes, it supports the local ecosystem by allowing it to perform its natural functions, which in turn supports a huge diversity of plant and animal species.” 

The addition of the wildlife preserve serves as a testament to what can be achieved when communities unite. Oshkosh Defense is proud to be a part of the Spartanburg community and hopes this initiative inspires other organizations in the area to follow suit.   

Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation announces 2024 grant recipients

From information provided by Milliken & Company

The Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation recently announced its 2024 community grant recipients, supporting organizations that serve communities where Milliken associates live and work. The foundation received 89 applications and from these submissions, awarded grants to 45 organizations totaling more than $800,000. In addition to community grants focused on nonprofits, the foundation’s core programs include an associate gift match initiative, impact gifts to support long-term projects, dependent scholarships for children of full-time associates, and disaster relief.

“Milliken is deeply committed to supporting organizations that enrich our local communities,” said Halsey Cook, president and CEO at Milliken & Company and chair of the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation. “We see community grants as a meaningful way to create a positive impact by harnessing our collective resources for the greater good.”

Community grant applications are reviewed annually between November 1 and January 31. The rigorous application review process relies on four giving pillars to determine mission alignment: Inspired Solutions, Together We Strive, Healthy Tomorrow, and Leading With Purpose.

“The organizations we support are carefully selected for their alignment with our values and the significant impact they make in their communities,” said Danna Vetter, SVP and chief marketing officer at Milliken and Milliken Charitable Foundation board member. “We are proud to partner with them and applaud their tireless efforts to create a better, healthier, and more equitable future.”

Building on its long-standing legacy of community involvement, the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation is committed to making a positive impact through charitable donations and philanthropic programming. 

Fall 2024 brings record enrollment to SMC

Adapted from information provided by Spartanburg Methodist College

For the first time in history, Spartanburg Methodist College welcomed more than 1,100 students for the fall 2024 semester, breaking the all-time enrollment record.

The College officially announced a fall enrollment of 1,128 students, breaking the previous record of 1,072 set in 2022, and increasing 9 percent over 2023.

“It’s truly rewarding to see the continued growth here at SMC,” said President Scott Cochran. “Bringing in record enrollment shows that we continue to provide the academic and life experiences that students want, along with the professional development and workplace skills they need. The faculty and staff do a tremendous job ensuring SMC is a welcoming environment for our students.”

Of the 1,128 students, 933 are attending on-campus and 195 are enrolled in SMC Online, also a record. The College also set a record for the number of new incoming students at 601.

SMC continues to grow its academic program, to which school officials attribute some of the growth. With several new bachelor’s degree options added in the past couple of years, the college provides a broader appeal to students seeking a specific academic program.

“We’ve been very deliberate in selecting our new degree programs, which has been beneficial in attracting new students,” said Dr. Curt Laird, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The growth of the SMC Online program provides another opportunity for us to serve an audience that may not otherwise be able to pursue their college degree.”

The College has approximately 490 students living on campus. There are just over 270 student-athletes enrolled for SMC’s first year participating in four-year sports in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

The fall semester got off to a grand start with this year’s annual move-in day for first-time students. Faculty, staff, and student volunteers helped more than 260 new students move into their residence halls on August 10.

Dr. Dalicia Raymond welcomed all new students with an inspiring message at this year’s Convocation on August 12.

Mike Brenan

Mike Brenan hired as President and CEO of S.C. Chamber of Commerce

Columbia – The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors has voted to hire Mike Brenan as the organization’s new President and CEO. The organization also announced significant changes in executive-level staff positions.

“Soon after Mike took on this challenge on an interim basis, it became clear that he was the right person to lead the Chamber more permanently as we adapt to further amplify the voices of South Carolina’s business community,” said Will Whitley of Michelin North America and S.C. Chamber Board Chair. “Mike’s unique experience in business and non-profit leadership, along with his history of service to our state, will serve our members – small and large, new and old – extremely well in the future.”

“With the incredibly talented team we have in place, the leadership of our members, and the state’s strong economy, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has a great opportunity to be the premier business-minded advocacy organization in the nation, and that’s exactly what we expect to become,” Mr. Brenan said.

A stalwart of South Carolina’s business community for decades, including his time on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and as Chair, Brenan brings a unique perspective to the position. Brenan spent decades in South Carolina’s banking industry before retiring in 2023 as the Regional President for the South Carolina Region of Truist Bank.

Brenan received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the United Way of the Midlands in 2012, he has served on the boards of the South Carolina Philharmonic, the United Way Association of South Carolina, the Governors School for Science & Mathematics Foundation, the Moore School Business Partnership Foundation, the South Carolina Indepen-dent Colleges & Universities Foundation, the South Carolina State Board of Education, and many more.

Among the first things Mr. Brenan did upon assuming leadership of the Chamber was to make significant staff changes at the executive level of the organization, including:

Cynthia Bennett, who has served in numerous roles at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce for over 25 years, has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Immediately prior to the promotion, Bennett served as the organization’s Chief Diversity Officer and Executive of the SC Chamber of Education and Workforce Foundation.

Will Frierson, who has served as the Chamber’s Vice President of Government Affairs since 2021, has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Government Affairs Officer. Prior to joining the Chamber, Frierson was the Government Relations Manager for the National Cotton Council of America, where he assisted in coordinating the Washington, DC activities of the NCC and oversaw the organization’s political activities. 

Lowndes Macdonald has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. Having been in executive fundraising roles for nearly 15 years, Macdonald will lead all revenue-generating efforts for the organization including through member recruitment and retention, along with other fundraising efforts.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers to expand S.C. footprint with 10-unit development agreement

Wichita, Kan., /PRNews-wire/ — Fast-casual rest-aurant concept, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers®, announced on August 27 the signing of a multi-unit development agreement to bring 10 new locations to Greenville and Spartanburg Counties in South Carolina. NFL offensive lineman Ben Powers, along with GVL Hospitality Group, will spearhead this expansion.

GVL Hospitality, which includes business partners Brett Rickert and Brian Stevens, has already begun the search for suitable sites in each county. The first property is expected to be purchased by the end of this year, with the initial restaurant slated to open in 2025. The group aims to have all 10 locations operational by 2031.

"Growing up, I always wanted to do something business-related and prove that I could make a name for myself on and off the football field," said Powers, a Wichita-native entering his sixth NFL season and second with the Denver Broncos. "I'm excited for this business venture with Freddy's; it's one of the best burgers you can get and it's a taste from home for me. I look forward to spreading the joy I have from my hometown with even more communities."

While Powers continues his NFL career, the development of each franchise location are in the capable hands of his business partners at GVL Hospitality. Rickert and Stevens are both experienced in the restaurant industry and franchise owners of Freddy's restaurants in Columbia, SC and Augusta, GA, providing the brand with a solid foundation for this expansion. Rickert, who resides in the Greenville-Spartanburg area, will serve as the operating partner, ensuring seamless training and management, while Stevens will help with the site selection and construction aspects.

"Having Brett and Brian running things while I'm playing is reassuring," said Powers. "They're great mentors for me and I trust them wholeheartedly as we grow the Freddy's franchise in South Carolina."

Freddy's has over 530 restaurants in 36 states, with another 130+ locations in development for 2024 and 2025.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a leading fast-casual franchise concept with over 500 locations across 36 states nationwide. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002, the brand offers a unique combination of cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and other savory items, along with freshly churned frozen custard treats. Known for operating The Freddy's Way, Guests experience genuine hospitality and food prepared fresh with premium ingredients. This signature approach has fueled Freddy's ongoing growth throughout the U.S. and garnered national recognition from industry-leading rankings.