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SIOS Reveals Technology Predictions for 2024

From New Requirements for High Availability Protection to Sophisticated Storage and Disaster Recovery Strategies – Here Are Some of the Biggest Trends

SAN MATEO, CA – January 10, 2024 – SIOS Technology Corp., an industry leader in application high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR), today announced top technology predictions for 2024.

As 2023 progressed, the persistent challenges from the previous year persisted, with climate-change natural disasters, businesses grappling with ongoing labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and global economic uncertainty. These hurdles are expected to extend into 2024, thereby heightening the demand for robust IT solutions that prioritize high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR). Cassius Rhue, VP of Customer Experience, SIOS Technology, predicts the following major trends driven by these expectations:

• Application high availability becomes universal. “As reliance on applications continues to rise, IT teams will be pressured to deliver efficient high availability for applications once considered non-essential. Once reserved for mission-critical systems, such as SQL Server, Oracle, SAP, and HANA, application high availability – typically delivered with HA clustering technology – will become a requirement for more systems, applications, and services throughout the enterprise.”

• Cloud and OS agnostic high availability becomes an expected requirement for most applications. “IT teams will look for application HA solutions that reduce complexity and improve cost-efficiency by supporting multiple operating systems, platforms, and environments. For example, companies with some applications running in on-prem data centers and others in cloud environments as well as those running some applications in Windows and others in Linux environments will move to HA solutions that deliver a consistent user interface and expert technical support across all of their environments.”

• The trend toward migration to SAP HANA is likely to continue in 2024. “The SAP-mandated 2027 migration will push more companies to migrate to SAP HANA. As a result, there will be an increased need for more automated and flexible high availability and disaster recovery solutions that help them bridge the gap between existing systems and the new, more modern systems that take advantage of SAP HANA’s capabilities. Organizations will look for HA solutions that help them find ways to take advantage of emerging technologies and accelerate digital transformation, without losing the HA and DR capabilities that continue to arise.”

• Automation becomes more common in high availability and disaster recovery as data and analytics increase complexity. “As the volume and variety of data and the ways through which data are collected increase, organizations will require more hands free recovery orchestration, and more information about why faults/failures occurred and how to address potential issues. Automation and orchestration tools will play a central role, eliminating error-prone manual scripting, streamlining root cause analysis, improving intelligent responses, and enhancing disaster recovery processes to further reduce downtime and enhance data availability.”

• The focus on data security and compliance will intensify.“The focus on data retention, security, and access controls will intensify prompting organizations to integrate enhanced security measures deeper into their high availability and disaster recovery solutions, services, and strategies. As the volume and variety of data as well as the channels through which data are collected and processed increase, organizations will require more security measures to be baked into their solutions.”

• Sophisticated storage and DR strategies will become crucial to the demands of an increasingly dynamic and data-driven business landscape. “As the volume of unstructured data continues to surge, storage solutions are expected to prioritize scalability, tiered performance, and accessibility. Enterprises will also adopt more sophisticated and resilient DR strategies using multiple high availability (HA) nodes, and DR technologies that understand the complexity of tiered storage solutions. Cloud storage is expected to continue its ascendancy, with organizations increasingly relying on scalable and flexible cloud solutions to meet their expanding data requirements. At the same time, a growing number of companies will look to move workloads out of the cloud to on-prem environments in favor of more predictable costs and greater control over their environments.”

About SIOS Technology Corp.
SIOS Technology Corp. high availability and disaster recovery solutions ensure availability and eliminate data loss for critical Windows and Linux applications operating across physical, virtual, cloud, and hybrid cloud environments. SIOS clustering software is essential for any IT infrastructure with applications requiring a high degree of resiliency, ensuring uptime without sacrificing performance or data – protecting businesses from local failures and regional outages, planned and unplanned. Founded in 1999, SIOS Technology Corp. (https://us.sios.com) is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with offices worldwide.

SIOS, SIOS Technology, SIOS DataKeeper, SIOS LifeKeeper and associated logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of SIOS Technology Corp. and/or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Individual Income Tax filing season opens January 29

Individual Income Tax filing season opens January 29
What you need to know:
• The SCDOR will begin accepting 2023 Individual Income Tax returns on January 29, 2024.
• The SCDOR will begin processing returns February 5 to allow employers to meet the January 31 W-2 submission deadline.
The filing deadline for both state and federal Income Tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2024.
The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) will begin accepting Individual Income Tax returns for tax year 2023 on January 29, 2024, consistent with the date announced by the IRS. The filing deadline for both state and federal 2023 Individual Income Tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2024.
Last year, more than 93% of IIT returns were filed electronically. Approximately 89% of refunds were issued by direct deposit.
“I am pleased that so many South Carolinians are now filing online and choosing direct deposit,” said SCDOR Director Hartley Powell. “Our ultimate goal is for all taxpayers to file online since electronic filing is the safest, most accurate way to file, and direct deposit is the fastest way to receive refunds.”
Before you file, set yourself up for success!
• Make sure you have all W-2s, 1099s, and other necessary documents before you file – Year-end pay stubs may not match what your employer reports to us, which can slow down processing. If you need a copy of your 2021 or 2022 return, remember you can now access transcripts of past SC Individual Income Tax returns using MyDORWAY (MyDORWAY.dor.sc.gov), the SCDOR’s free online tax portal. If you’re looking for transcripts of past federal returns, log in to your IRS Online Account.
• Check out our YouTube channel and Tax Tips articles for 24/7 assistance – Over 170,000 customers have visited dor.sc.gov/YouTube and watched one of our helpful explainer videos. We’ve created over a dozen videos just for tax season, most of them shorter than 3 minutes, designed to help you file your return. And don’t forget about dor.sc.gov/tax-tips, where we publish helpful advice throughout the year.
• Be sure the SCDOR and your employer have your current address – Customers with a MyDORWAY account can update their address with the SCDOR by logging in, clicking the More tab, and selecting Manage Names & Addresses. Those without a MyDORWAY account can use the SC8822I.
• Choose the online filing method that’s right for you – Filing online with a reputable provider is convenient, secure, and accurate. Many South Carolinians are eligible to file online for free with easy-to-use tax preparation software. Visit dor.sc.gov/iit-filing to view all of your filing options.
• Choose direct deposit – Direct deposit is the fastest and safest refund option, since your refund is deposited directly into your bank account. Learn more about why direct deposit is the SCDOR’s preferred refund option at dor.sc.gov/refund.
Allow time for processing and fraud prevention
We will begin processing returns February 5, 2024 to allow employers time to meet the January 31 W-2 submission deadline.
Fighting fraud to protect taxpayer dollars is the SCDOR’s highest priority. Tax return and refund processing is expected to take up to 8 weeks from February 5 or the date you file, whichever is later, to allow the SCDOR to use all available tools to check for fraud and protect your refund.
Track your refund
Check your refund status anytime using the Where’s My Refund tool at dor.sc.gov/refund. Refund processing takes up to 8 weeks. Keep in mind that if you choose a paper check refund, your processing time may be longer.
New for the 2024 filing season:
• Changes to the Two Wage Earner Credit – The maximum earned income for the credit is $50,000, while the maximum credit is $350. The credit can only be taken by couples whose filing status is Married Filing Jointly.
• An increase in the dependent exemption – The exemption amount for tax year 2023 is $4,610. The exemption is allowed for each eligible dependent, including both qualifying children and qualifying relatives.
• An increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Full-year residents may claim the South Carolina EITC if they are eligible for and claim the federal credit. For tax year 2023, the EITC is equal to 125% of the federal credit allowed the taxpayer.
• A reduction in Income Tax rates – The 2023 top marginal Individual Income Tax rate is 6.4%. Use the 2023 South Carolina Individual Income Tax Tables to determine your tax rate.
The SCDOR is now on Instagram!
Follow us on Instagram to learn more about job openings, upcoming Taxpayer Education events, tax tips, and more. Check us out at @theSCDOR to get started!
Stay Connected!
Find more tax season resources at dor.sc.gov/iit. Follow the SCDOR on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and YouTube, and subscribe to ReveNews for the latest updates, resources, and reminders.

AgFirst welcomes Irvinder Singh as new Chief Information Officer

COLUMBIA, SC – AgFirst Farm Credit Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Irvinder Singh as Chief Information Officer, effective Jan. 1. Singh joined AgFirst in July 2023 as the Principal Director of Technology responsible for overseeing upgrades of the Bank’s technology infrastructure, digital banking and client-facing applications. In addition to his new role overseeing AgFirst’s extensive information management and technology portfolio, he serves on the Bank’s executive management team.

Singh previously served as a Senior Vice President and Head of Cards Technology at Wells Fargo, where he led global teams to deliver the card as a service platform and open banking solutions. In addition, he led the global enterprise and solution architecture teams at Fiserv Card Services as the company’s Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Technological Institute of Textile and Sciences in India, Singh earned an executive MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Silberman College of Business. He also completed executive training at the Wharton Business School and Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Irvinder has built a solid reputation in the financial services industry by delivering mission-critical projects over the finish line throughout his 20-plus-year career. Under his leadership, AgFirst will continue to enhance our ability to deliver innovative technology products and services to our association partners and their borrowers,” said CEO Tim Amerson.

About AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
AgFirst Farm Credit Bank is one of four banks that make up the nationwide Farm Credit System. Farm Credit has supported rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services for more than 100 years. AgFirst is a cooperative that provides funding and services to 16 affiliated Associations in 15 states and Puerto Rico.

Westervelt Ecological Services Expands

Westervelt Ecological Services (WES), a national leader in mitigation and conservation, is pleased to announce the acquisition of American Mitigation Company (AMC), based in South Carolina. This acquisition expands the markets WES serves and strengthens its position as a full-service provider of environmental restoration and mitigation.

WES, founded in 2006, is a recognized expert in large-scale, science-driven restoration projects. The company’s multi-disciplinary team specializes in delivering advanced restoration and conservation that balance complex environmental challenges with the need for sustainable economic development. With the acquisition of AMC, WES adds new capacity, significantly expanding its reach in the Southeast.

AMC is committed to delivering high-quality habitat restoration projects that not only restore ecosystems but allow economic development in a sustainable manner. The company’s commitment to excellence is evident in its rigorous evaluation process, which ensures that every project aligns with both ecological and economic goals.

This acquisition furthers WES’ mission to be a trusted provider for environmental projects and builds upon its track record of successfully developing and managing a large portfolio of ecologically significant projects across the United States, focusing on permanently protecting wetlands, streams, and vulnerable species habitats.

“The acquisition of American Mitigation Company is a major milestone for WES,” said Travis Hemmen, President of Westervelt Ecological Services. “We are focused on disciplined growth and AMC’s strong reputation in the South Carolina restoration market makes them an ideal fit for our organization. Together, our teams will enable us to continue delivering exceptional value and solutions to our clients. We are excited to start working with the new staff from AMC.”

ABOUT AMERICAN MITIGATION COMPANY
AMC was established in 2019 for the purpose of developing and operating natural resource mitigation projects. The company was established in South Carolina and works primarily in South Carolina and Georgia. Their team includes industry veterans who specialize in finding and originating land investment projects that have the potential to generate landscape-scale restoration projects. Their team of professionals has over 25 years of experience in the ecological consulting industry developing mitigation banks and permittee-responsible mitigation projects.

ABOUT WESTERVELT ECOLOGICAL SERVICES
Established in 2006, WES is a joint venture held by The Westervelt Company and CDPQ that brings a unique combination of deep industry knowledge, strong financial capacity, and a large privately-owned land base. WES is focused on investing capital with direction from its technical staff to implement large-scale environmental restoration projects for the benefit of conservation and local economies.

 

Trinity Partners Columbia Announces Q4 2023 Notable Transactions

Columbia, South Carolina – January 8, 2024, Trinity Partners recently completed the following notable commercial real estate transactions during the fourth quarter of 2023.

Sales Transactions
• Dail Longaker represented the seller in the sale of a 5,135 square foot retail building at 400 W. Main Street in Lexington, SC for $1,525,000.
• Dail Longaker represented the seller in the sale of a 5,147 square foot medical office building at 1520 Knox Avenue in North Augusta, SC for $2,086,851.
• Curt Gwinn represented the seller in the sale of 23.65 acres at 9400 Garners Ferry Road and Motley Road in Hopkins, SC for $166,575.
• Macon Lovelace, SIOR and Robbie Cook represented the buyer in the purchase of a 14,000 square foot industrial building at 2405 Millwood Avenue in Columbia, SC for $565,000.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer and Ryan Causey represented the buyer in the purchase of 75 acres in Saxe Gotha Industrial Park in West Columbia, SC for $3,600,490.
• Macon Lovelace, SIOR represented the seller in the sale of a 22,500 square foot office building at 1334 Sumter Street in Columbia, SC for $930,000.
• Macon Lovelace, SIOR represented the seller in the sale of a 5,900 square foot office building at 8920 Farrow Road in Columbia, SC for $1,225,000.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the seller in the sale of 1.5 acres at 4413 & 4419 Augusta Road in Lexington, SC for $350,000.
• Rob Lapin and Robbie Cook represented the seller in the sale of a 25,000 square foot retail building at 527 St. Andrews Road in Columbia, SC for $1,430,000.
• Roger Winn, SIOR, Braden Shockley, and Robbie Cook represented the seller in the sale of a 115,108 square foot office building at 7909 Parklane Road in Columbia, SC for $3,450,000.
• Roger Winn, SIOR and Braden Shockley represented the seller in the sale of a 5,500 square foot office/retail building at 1926 Wilson Road in Newberry, SC for $320,000.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the seller in the sale of a portfolio consisting of 3 office/refrigerated terminals in Darlington, Walterboro, and Orangeburg, SC for $375,000.
• Roger Winn, SIOR, Braden Shockley, and Will McGregor represented the seller in the sale of a 2,300 square foot office/retail building at 156 N. Oak Street in Batesburg-Leesville, SC for $170,000.
• Curt Gwinn represented the seller in the sale of 52 acres on Bypass 25 SE in Greenwood, SC for $685,000.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the seller in the sale of 65.17 acres at 4722 & 4744 Stough Road in Concord, NC for $10,586,000.
• Macon Lovelace, SIOR and Meredith Rhodes represented the seller in the sale of a 15,200 square foot office building at 4875 Forest Drive in Columbia, SC for $2,450,000.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the buyer in the purchase of a 6,000 square foot flex building at 1336 Methodist Park Road in West Columbia, SC for $650,000.
• Dail Longaker represented the seller in the sale of 3.07 acres on Industrial Drive at I-20 in Lexington, SC for $290,000.
• Macon Lovelace, SIOR and Bruce Greenberg represented the seller in the sale of a 3,138 square foot office building at 801 US 321 Bypass in Winnsboro for $365,000.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the seller and Roger Winn, SIOR, Braden Shockley, and Will McGregor represented the buyer in the sale of a 18,403 square foot industrial building at 1050 Chris Circle in West Columbia, SC for $1,800,000.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the buyer in the purchase of an office building at 1777 St. Julian Place in Columbia, SC for $2,665,723.41.
• Macon Lovelace, SIOR and Bruce Greenberg represented the buyer in the purchase of a flex building at 500 Center Street in West Columbia for $700,000.
• Rob Lapin represented the buyer in the purchase of a parcel at 1102 Harden Street in Columbia, SC for $190,000.

Lease Transactions
• Nick Stomski, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the tenant in the leasing of an 11,900 square foot industrial building at 2052 Industrial Blvd. in Lexington, SC.
• Roger Winn, SIOR, Braden Shockley, and Peyton Bryant, CCIM, SIOR represented the tenant in the leasing of a 4,582 square foot medical office space at 3 Southern Court in West Columbia, SC.
• Bruce Harper, SIOR represented the landlord in the leasing of a 10,000 square foot industrial building at 535 John Ross Court in Pelzer, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of an 8,780 square foot industrial building at 720 Old Clemson Road in Columbia, SC.
• Macon Lovelace, SIOR represented the tenant in the leasing of a 40,000 square foot industrial space at 1755 Enterprise Drive in Buford, GA.
• Rob Lapin represented the landlord in the leasing of an 11,431 square foot industrial building at 2230 Commerce Drive in Columbia, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 3,500 square foot industrial space at 1114 First Street South in Columbia, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the tenant in the leasing of a 2,171 square foot office space at 1835 Gervais Street in Columbia, SC.
• Macon Lovelace, SIOR and Bruce Greenberg represented the landlord in the leasing of a 2,056 square foot office space at 115 Atrium Way in Columbia, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 3,000 square foot industrial space at 739 Old Clemson Road in Columbia, SC.
• Macon Lovelace, SIOR and Bruce Greenberg represented the landlord in the leasing of a 3,733 square foot office space at 115 Atrium Way in Columbia, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 2,900 square foot office building at 113 Professional Park Drive in Columbia, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 1,500 square foot flex space at 7210 Broad River Road in Irmo, SC.
• Bruce Harper, SIOR and Robbie Cook represented the landlord in the leasing of a 2,100 square foot office space at 1331 Elmwood Avenue in Columbia, SC.
• Roger Winn, SIOR, Braden Shockley, and Will McGregor represented the landlord in the leasing of a 3,000 square foot flex space at 140 Dutchman Blvd. in Irmo, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 24,575 square foot flex space at 7210 Broad River Road in Irmo, SC.
• Roger Winn, SIOR and Braden Shockley represented the tenant in the leasing of a 3,810 square foot medical office space at 9930 Kincey Avenue in Huntersville, NC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 3,221 square foot office space at 130 Whiteford Way in Lexington, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 26,400 square foot industrial building at 1117 Bluff Industrial Blvd. in Columbia, SC.
• Peyton Bryant, CCIM, SIOR represented the landlord in the leasing of a 7,500 square foot retail building at 4809 Forest Drive in Columbia, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 43,560 square foot industrial building at 1600 Key Road in Columbia, SC.
• Roger Winn, SIOR and Braden Shockley represented the landlord in the leasing of a 1,500 square foot industrial building at 1346 Peach Festival Road in Gilbert, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of an 8,400 square foot industrial building at 1872 Old Dunbar Road in West Columbia, SC.
• Macon Lovelace, SIOR and Paul Hartley, SIOR represented the landlord in the leasing of a 2,509 square foot office space at 7 Technology Circle in Columbia, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 46,324 square foot office building at 100 Innovation Place in Lexington, SC.
• Macon Lovelace, SIOR and Paul Hartley, SIOR represented the landlord in the leasing of a 1,742 square foot office space at 7 Technology Circle in Columbia, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 7,500 square foot industrial space at 1501 Key Road in Columbia, SC.
• Roger Winn, SIOR, and Braden Shockley represented the landlord and Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the tenant in the leasing of a 12,956 square foot office building at 3225 Sunset Blvd. in West Columbia, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 12,000 square foot industrial building at 139 Industrial Drive in Lexington, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 30,000 square foot industrial building at 680 Clemson Road in Columbia, SC.
• Roger Winn, SIOR and Braden Shockley represented the landlord in the leasing of a 39,571 square foot office space at 1200 Colonial Life Blvd. in Columbia, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 3,500 square foot industrial space at 1110 First Street South in Columbia, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 3,000 square foot industrial space at 720 Old Clemson Road in Columbia, SC.
• Nick Stomski, SIOR, Jake Nidiffer, and Ryan Causey represented the landlord in the leasing of a 3,055 square foot office space at 3618 Sunset Blvd. in West Columbia, SC.

For additional information, please contact Peyton Bryant, CCIM, SIOR at pbryant@trinity-partners.com. To learn more about Trinity Partners, visit trinity-partners.com and follow us on social media.

Instagram: @trinitypartnerscola
LinkedIn: Trinity Partners-Columbia
Facebook: Trinity Partners Columbia
X: @TrinityCola

ABOUT TRINITY PARTNERS
With decades of experience and a distinctly local perspective, Trinity Partners provides a comprehensive platform of commercial real estate services for users and owners looking to expand and grow in the Carolinas. Our experts evaluate each client’s needs and craft unique solutions based on deep market knowledge, industry best practices, and a best-in-class mindset that consistently delivers results. We’re known for our entrepreneurial spirit and respected team of professionals who are directly responsible for our company’s success and collaborative culture. We currently lease and/or manage over 26 million square feet of office, industrial, life science, mixed-use, and retail space across the region through our offices in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, and Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina. www.trinity-partners.com

Home Advantage Realty & Lexington Chamber to Celebrate Opening of Lexington Office

Home Advantage Realty & Lexington Chamber to Celebrate Opening of Lexington Office
WHO: Home Advantage Realty & Lexington Chamber
WHAT: Home Advantage Realty Lexington Office Opening & Ribbon Cutting
WHEN: 11:30am, Wednesday, January 10, 2024
WHERE: 201 W Main Street, Suite A, Lexington, SC 29072

Home Advantage Realty, the Midlands’ largest locally owned real estate brokerage, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its newest office in the heart of Lexington. The event will feature a ribbon cutting with members of the Lexington Chamber and brief remarks.

The event is open to the press.

About Home Advantage Realty
Home Advantage Realty is a family owned and operated real estate company that was founded over three decades ago in downtown Columbia. In addition to residential real estate services, the company offers relocation, property management, and builder services. Home Advantage Realty has offices in downtown Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, and Blythewood, and now Lexington, and is the Midlands’ only member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the largest invitation-only network of independent real estate companies in the world. Home Advantage Realty also serves the Lowcountry region of the state through its office on Edisto Island. Learn more at www.homeadvantagerealty.com.

Free Fridays Return to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Free Fridays: Every Friday in January and February 2024. Residents of Richland and Lexington Counties can receive free daily admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden every Friday during the months of January and February with proof of residency (e.g., valid driver’s license, property tax statement or vehicle registration).

Penguin Cam: Are you feeling a little sluggish? Do you want to put a little pep in your step (or waddle as the case may be)? Then take a look at Riverbanks’ penguin live-stream here. Whether it’s rockhoppers hopping, or kings standing regally, a live look at these feathered favorites is sure to put a smile on your face.

Upcoming Events

Wine Tasting: Friday, April 19. For the 21st year, 2024’s Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden will be the premier event for the spring. Stroll under the lights and sip a variety of wines in one of the nation’s most beautiful and inspiring gardens.

Golden Anniversary: Thursday, April 25. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is turning 50 and wants to celebrate with you. Keep your eyes open for special deals and fun activities coming your way in this milestone year.

Riverbanks Run: Saturday May 11. Lace up your shoes and make tracks to Riverbanks for the wildest 5k run of the year. It’s time to break a sweat to benefit wildlife conservation.

Members’ Night Out: Friday May 31. The first of three member appreciation evenings for Riverbanks members only. Stroll through the Zoo and spot some of your favorite animals before the sun goes down. Enjoy special members-only deals and activities for the whole family.

Riverbanks Backstage: Tickets are available for the Spring Backstage season at Riverbanks. Get an inside look at animal care, meet some of your favorite animals and learn about the Zoo’s efforts to protect endangered species! Each encounter is a private experience for your group, and all proceeds support the care and conservation of plants and animals at Riverbanks and beyond. Whether you want to chill out with the penguins or prep diets for our sea lions, all of Riverbanks’ backstage tours provide a unique experience that you’ll remember for years to come. For more information on all available tours, please visit the Plan Your Backstage Visit page on the Riverbanks website.

Visit riverbanks.org for details on these and other signature events at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.

Bunnell-Lammons Engineering Continues Growth in the Midlands

Columbia, SC – Bunnell-Lammons Engineering, Inc. (BLE) is pleased to announce the addition of Mickey Edwards as Project Manager and Michael Korcsmaros as Codes Compliance Inspector to its Columbia office. These appointments reinforce BLE’s commitment to excellence and expertise in the field.

Mickey Edwards brings over two decades of experience in laboratory, geotechnical, environmental, and construction services. His role will focus on managing construction services and geotechnical projects. Mr. Edwards is renowned for his expertise in soil classification, environmental assessments, and construction quality control testing. He holds numerous certifications, including NICET Level IV in Soils and Concrete, and OSHA 40-hour and 24-hour certifications.

Michael Korcsmaros joins BLE with 12 years of experience in building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical inspections for commercial and residential projects. He has a comprehensive background in code enforcement and holds multiple ICC certifications, alongside a West Virginia state master plumber/gas fitter license.

BLE has also recently added Trey Greene, Lance Webster, and Shelby Bowers to the Columbia team. Mr. Greene is a project technician who is new to the industry but is quickly making an impact on the job site. Mr. Webster joins BLE as a Senior Project Technician for construction materials testing services. He has over six years of experience in the industry with multiple certifications. Ms. Bowers is an Administrative Specialist providing support for GIS mapping, AutoCad, administration, and marketing. She recently graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Geography.

BLE is excited to have these highly qualified professionals on board to enhance our project delivery and client satisfaction in Columbia and surrounding areas.

For further information, please contact our Columbia branch office at 803-832-1380.

About Bunnell-Lammons Engineering, Inc. (BLE): BLE provides engineering and environmental solutions for projects in commercial, industrial, institutional, and infrastructure markets. BLE’s services include environmental consulting and engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction engineering and inspections, and construction materials testing. The firm maintains a full-service in-house geotechnical and materials testing laboratory. Utilizing a team approach, BLE provides clients with the technical expertise required to successfully complete each project. Founded in 1996, BLE is headquartered in Greenville, SC with offices in Columbia, SC and Asheville, NC. For more information, visit www.blecorp.com.

Outstanding Service Brings Home National Award – Call Experts Earns 15th CAM-X Award of Excellence

Call Experts of Charleston, SC has been honored with the exclusive 2023 Award of Excellence for 15 years. The Award is presented annually by the Canadian Call Management Association (CAM-X), the industry’s Trade Association for providers of call centre services, including telephone answering and message delivery. Call Experts was presented with the Award recently at the CAM-X 59th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Calgary, AB.

“The CAM-X Award of Excellence is a prestigious recognition of exemplary customer service in our industry. Feedback is an invaluable part of our desire for continuous improvement and an optimized experience for our clients and their callers. We are grateful for this honor.” says Call Experts CEO Abby Leibowitz.

Independent judges are contracted by CAM-X to evaluate message services over a six month period. The scoring criteria include:

– Response Time
– Courteousness of Rep
– Accuracy of Call
– Knowledge of Account
– Overall Impression of Call

“Your outstanding organization has demonstrated unparalleled excellence and dedication to the industry, earning them this esteemed recognition. Congratulations on a well-deserved award.” says CAM-X President Leslie Wilson.

Now a fifteen-time winner, Call Experts States earned the Platinum Award for fifteen years. CAM-X extends its congratulations to the staff of Call Experts on their proven quality service to their customers.

About Call Experts
A leader in customer experience solutions and customer service management, our team adds value to your organization by implementing award-winning phone answering solutions with meaningful integrations that deliver customer satisfaction and efficiency. Since 1982, our team has focused on supporting business continuity and remote workforces with customized, live-agent, and AI-powered contact center solutions. We succeed when you succeed; learn more at www.CallExperts.com .

About CAM-X
CAM-X is a Canadian based trade Association for the Call Management industry which includes call centres, telephone answering services, telemarketing services, and other communication services. Their goal is to contribute to their members’ profitability by fostering a willingness to exchange ideas, experiences and solutions while promoting the general welfare and ethical standards of our industry. Please visit www.camx.ca for more information.

Midlands leaders selected for Liberty Fellowship Class of 2025

Two Midlands leaders have been selected for Liberty Fellowship’s Class of 2025:

-Kim Smith, Founder and CEO, Health Evolve Technologies, LLC (Irmo)
-Ashely Teasdel, Deputy Secretary, South Carolina Department of Commerce (Columbia)

The Fellowship brings together a small group of established leaders in South Carolina with a wide range of thought, professions, and lived experiences. Through a rigorous 18-month process, each Class member will be challenged to understand and embrace their varying perspectives with a growth-oriented mindset.

“Leaders operate in a continually changing landscape and are required to respond swiftly to market forces,” said Ann Marie Stieritz, president and CEO of Liberty Fellowship and a Fellow from the Class of 2016. “This group of dynamic leaders will be a wonderful addition to our global and statewide networks who work together to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

Liberty Fellowship selects a new Class every two years. Each leader selected received at least one nomination, was interviewed twice, and ultimately selected from a pool of more than 400 nominations.

The other members of the Class of 2025 are:

-George Campbell, Partner, Campbell Teague, LLC, and General Partner, Broad Street Group (Greenville)
-Ashley Cheek, Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville (Hartsville)
-Grayson Dorr, Senior Project Manager, Advanced Technology International (Moncks Corner)
-Bern DuPree, Director, Furman Capitol Advisors, and Shareholder, NAI Earle Furman (Greenville)
-Elizabeth Fly, Director of Resilience and Ocean Conservation, The Nature Conservancy (Charleston)
-Margaret Furniss, Vice President of Brand Experience, Beemok Hospitality Collection (Charleston)
-Jonathan Grzyb, Founder and Managing Partner, Phoenix Holdings Partners (Charleston)
-Mena Mark Hanna, General Director and CEO, Spoleto Festival USA (Charleston)
-Jamilla Harper, Chief Operating Officer, Metanoia Community Development Corp. (North Charleston)
-Lana Kleiman, Executive Director, Charleston Legal Access (Mount Pleasant)
-Maurie Lawrence, Vice President of Sustainability and Associate General Counsel, Milliken & Company (Spartanburg)
-Neetu Patel, Vice President, Sycamore Investment Group (Greenville)
-Estee Perlmutter, Advanced Practice Nurse, Liberty Doctors (Charleston)
-Alyssa Richardson, Founder and CEO, Develop South Carolina LLC (North Charleston)
-Allen Smith, President and CEO, OneSpartanburg, Inc. (Spartanburg)
-Jarrod Tippins, Pharmacist and Owner, The Pharmacy (Florence)
-Maj. Christopher D. Turner, Field Artillery Officer, South Carolina Army National Guard (Beaufort)
-Guang Ming Whitley, Assistant Professor of Law, Charleston School of Law; Chair, Lattice Climbers; and Council Member, Town of Mount Pleasant (Mount Pleasant)
-Gillian Zettler, Founder, G. Zettler Collective (Mount Pleasant)

Learn more about each Class member at https://libertyfellowshipsc.org/21-south-carolina-leaders-selected-for-the-class-of-2025/.

The Class will begin their Liberty Fellowship experience with a series of five, multi-day seminars in South Carolina and abroad in March 2024. Each Class member will also be required to create an impact venture that establishes positive change for future generations in South Carolina.

Upon successful completion of the initial program, the Class will join 330 leaders in the Liberty Fellowship South Carolina Network and 3,500 leaders in the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Through these two networks, they will have lifelong opportunities for engagement and access to an influential group of colleagues and mentors.

FAST FACTS

1. The Class of 2025 is the 17th Class of Liberty Fellows since the organization was established in 2004.
2. Each Class member is required to complete five seminars in the United States and abroad and an individual impact venture to become a Liberty Fellow.
3. A new Class of Liberty Fellows is selected every two years from a pool of more than 400 nominees.
4. There are 330 Fellows in the Liberty Fellowship South Carolina Network. 76% of the network is from the business sector, 12% are from the nonprofit sector, and 12% are from the public sector.
5. There are more than 3,500 leaders in the Aspen Global Leadership Network from more than 60 countries.

About Liberty Fellowship

Liberty Fellowship is the only state-based Fellowship program of its kind in the United States. The Fellowship activates individual leaders through a deeper understanding of a just, free and equitable society; serves as a convener for bringing together diverse perspectives to advance civil discourse; and provides infrastructure for taking action. There are 330 Liberty Fellows working collectively across South Carolina. Learn more at www.libertyfellowshipsc.org.

About The Aspen Global Leadership Network

The Aspen Global Leadership Network’s (AGLN) is a growing, worldwide community of more than 3,500 high-integrity, entrepreneurial leaders from over 60 countries who share a commitment to values-based leadership and to using their creativity, energy and resources to tackle the foremost societal challenges of our times. Because of their demonstrated accomplishment and abilities, they have been selected to join one of 13 geographic or sector-specific AGLN Fellowships around the world. Fellows convene annually at the AGLN’s flagship event, the Resnick Aspen Action Forum. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org/agln.