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Three with Robinson Gray rise to leadership positions in Palmetto Paralegal Association

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Three paralegals with Robinson Gray law firm have been elected to roles on the board of Palmetto Paralegal Association for 2024, with one rising to become the next president of the organization.

The three stepping into these leadership positions are:

• Donna B. Milikin, President-elect and Ways and Means Committee Chair
• Angela Bernardo, Paralegal Awareness/Marketing Committee Chair
• Virginia da Rosa, Secretary

Donna Milikin is a paralegal with Robinson Gray’s Business team. Angela Bernardo and Virginia da Rosa both work with the firm’s workers’ compensation team – Angela as a hybrid legal assistant/paralegal, and Virginia as a paralegal.

The Palmetto Paralegal Association, formerly known as the Columbia Legal Assistant Association, was established in 1988 to promote professional development through continuing legal education and to enhance the recognition of the paralegal profession within the legal community.

The membership is made up of students enrolled in a paralegal program; paralegals employed by law firms, courts, government agencies, and private businesses; and individuals providing services to the legal community.

“We’re very proud to see Donna, Angela and Virginia – who are so important to everything we do at Robinson Gray – step up to these positions that recognize their leadership in the Midlands in the paralegal field,” said Cal Watson, managing member of the firm.
“Congratulations to all three!”

About Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC
Located in the BullStreet district, Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC, is a South Carolina law firm that offers a tailored, hands-on approach. It provides business transactional and litigation representation in all state and federal trial and appellate courts in South Carolina. The firm’s 38 attorneys serve clients ranging from multi-national corporations to small businesses and individuals. For more, visit https://robinsongray.com/.

United Way of the Midlands names Jim Lehman 2024 Humanitarian of the Year

Columbia, SC – United Way of the Midlands will honor Jim Lehman as the 2024 Humanitarian of the Year award recipient on February 22, 2024, at the Pastides Alumni Center.

The Humanitarian of the Year Award is given each year to individuals who clearly demonstrate extraordinary leadership in philanthropic and human services. It is the highest single honor of philanthropic achievement in the Midlands.

“Jim’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy and his exceptional leadership have made an indelible mark on our community,” said Sara Fawcett, President & CEO of United Way of the Midlands. “Jim exemplifies the spirit of service and dedication that United Way of the Midlands stands for.”

Lehman’s relationship with United Way has been steadfast for over two decades. In 2008, he was named the Volunteer of the Year. He served on the United Way of the Midlands Board from 2006 to 2014 and held the position of Chairman of the Board from 2010-2011. Additionally, he played a role in guiding United Way’s community impact work as a member of the Community Impact Council. Lehman is also a member of United Way’s Tocqueville Society and an advocate for United Way giving and support at Nelson Mullins.
He has served as the managing partner of Nelson Mullins since 2012, leading the firm through significant growth. The firm now has more than 1,000 lawyers and policy advisors in 34 offices in 17 states and Washington, D.C.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as United Way’s Humanitarian of the Year,” said Lehman. “It’s a privilege to be a part of this group of humanitarians who have given so much to our community, and I’m inspired to continue serving and giving back to a community that has given me so much.”

Lehman has served on the boards of community organizations such as Claflin University (as chairman), the Columbia Urban League, Midlands Housing Alliance (where he served as chairman), Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Foundation (also a former chairman), City Center Partnership, South Carolina Philharmonic (past president), Central Carolina Community Foundation. He also serves on the board of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.

In 2019, Lehman was honored with the Columbia Urban League’s Social Justice Award, recognizing his excellence in leadership as chairman of the board of Claflin University, a Historically Black College & University (HBCU). His efforts have advanced academic excellence and created access to career opportunities for Claflin University students. Lehman has served on Claflin’s Board of Trustees since 2011 and was elected chair in 2018. For the last ten years, under his leadership, Claflin has been recognized as a top 10 HBCUs in America, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Lehman’s commitment to philanthropy is further exemplified through his work with the Midlands Business Leadership Group (MBLG) in evaluating the need and options for creating a new homelessness service center, which eventually became Transitions. In 2015, he was awarded the Cathy Novinger Award as Philanthropist and Leader of the Year in recognition of his exceptional leadership.

United Way of the Midlands is proud to recognize Jim Lehman as the 2024 Humanitarian of the Year, celebrating his unwavering commitment to philanthropy, community service, and making a lasting difference in the lives of those in the Midlands.

Please join us on February 22, 2024, at the University of South Carolina’s Pastides Alumni Center, as we honor Jim Lehman and celebrate his remarkable contributions to our community.

About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands is the most collaborative, efficient and accountable model for investing in the improvement of the Midlands community. With 70 Community Impact Partners, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing and individual donations and are directed to creating generational change by breaking cycles of crisis and empowering people to build their own paths to success. For more information, please visit uway.org.

LRADAC announces Mac Caldwell as new Vice President of Clinical Services

LRADAC, the designated alcohol and drug abuse authority for Lexington and Richland Counties, announces that Mac Caldwell has been hired as Vice President of Clinical Services. In his new role, Caldwell will lead LRADAC’s clinical supervision, diagnosis, and treatment programs, along with administrative duties that include grant writing, community advocacy, program and personnel development, and strategic planning.

After graduating from Presbyterian College in 2006, Caldwell relocated to Boston to work at the city’s Rescue Mission. He developed short-term and long-term residential recovery programs, worked as a case manager, and co-directed programming. After completing his Master of Arts in Counseling at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Caldwell relocated back to South Carolina to work at MIRCI as a Mental Health Professional, treating adults experiencing severe mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders. After being promoted to MIRCI’s Youth Services Director, he built and developed programs specifically serving youth ages 17-24 experiencing or at risk of homelessness. With support from the South Carolina Interagency Council on Homelessness (SCICH), Caldwell launched the South Carolina Youth Experiencing Homelessness Task Force. He currently serves as an SCICH board member and is licensed by the state of South Carolina as a Professional Counselor, Professional Counselor Supervisor, and Addiction Counselor.

“With Mac’s extensive background in treatment and advocacy for people facing mental health, homelessness, and substance misuse challenges, he is an ideal choice to lead our clinical services,” said Wendy Hughes, President and CEO of LRADAC. “We all know how these issues are intertwined, and Mac will help us continue our holistic approach to best serve our patients, their families, and communities.”

For more information about LRADAC, visit www.lradac.org, and to learn more about the LRADAC Foundation, visit www.lradac.org/foundation.

LRADAC is the designated alcohol and drug abuse authority for Lexington and Richland Counties. The public, not-for-profit agency offers a wide array of prevention, intervention, and treatment programs in locations convenient to residents of both counties. The agency has a budget of approximately $10 million and serves more than 4,500 clients per year. For more information on programs and services visit LRADAC’s website at www.lradac.org.

Exchange Coordinator at Banker Exchange Elected to Federation of Exchange Accommodators Board of Directors

Jamie Kingdom, CES, Exchange Coordinator at Banker Exchange, recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA).

Banker Exchange is proud to recognize the ongoing contributions of Jamie Kingdom, CES, an Exchange Coordinator with the company, who was elected to the Board of Directors of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA) in September. The FEA is the national trade association for 1031 exchange practitioners and their professional advisors.

Since her election, Jamie has been an active member of the Board, contributing to the development of policies and the direction of the FEA. Her role reflects her deep expertise in 1031 exchanges and her commitment to advancing the industry’s standards and practices.

“Jamie’s contributions since her election to the FEA’s Board of Directors have been invaluable,” said Shonna Felkel, Banker Exchange President. “Her insights and expertise are not only enhancing the operations of the FEA but also reinforcing Banker Exchange’s commitment to industry leadership and excellence in 1031 exchanges.”

In her role, Jamie participates in decision-making processes that set industry standards and contribute to educational initiatives. Her work is instrumental in shaping the future of 1031 exchange practices and ensuring that the community of professionals remains at the forefront of the industry.

Banker Exchange congratulates Jamie Kingdom on her continued achievements and impact in her role on the FEA Board of Directors.

About Banker Exchange: Banker Exchange is a leader in facilitating 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, offering comprehensive services and guidance to exchangers nationwide. With a commitment to integrity, expertise, and client-focused solutions, Banker Exchange is a trusted partner in maximizing real estate investments.

For more information about Banker Exchange, please visit bankers1031.com.

Andrews receives Richland Bar Civic Star Award

Stuart Andrews

COLUMBIA, SC – Stuart Andrews, an attorney at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, has received the Civic Star Award from the Richland County Bar Association. The annual honor recognizes exceptional and meritorious community service.

Andrews has served the community through his 45-year legal career. His first job after law school was with Palmetto Legal Services, which eventually became South Carolina Legal Services. In that position, he fought for reforms that protected renters and domestic-violence victims.

After entering private practice, he remained committed to helping those who can’t afford attorneys. He created the first structured pro bono program at a former law firm, an effort that led to National Pro Bono Firm of the Year honors from the American Bar Association.

Andrews’ work in that pro bono program was the genesis of reform efforts he continues to fight for to this day. A settlement of a class-action lawsuit led to the state of South Carolina dedicating millions of dollars to provide adequate services to incarcerated people suffering from serious mental illnesses.

Since joining Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, Andrews and a team of attorneys have sued Richland County over inhumane and unconstitutional conditions at its overcrowded and understaffed Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Andrews also has been a leader in other groups fighting for systemic reform, including the ACLU of South Carolina, South Carolina Legal Services, the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center, and the South Carolina Access to Justice Task Force.

About Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA

Located in Columbia’s historic business district, Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, PA’s attorneys are licensed to practice in all South Carolina courts and at all levels of federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. The firm represents clients in a range of areas, including employment, environmental, education, family, and criminal law. They also handle employee benefits and ERISA matters, civil rights cases, privacy and data protection issues and government matters such as eminent domain, land use and zoning. Learn more at burnetteshutt.law.

Trinity Partners Announces the Sale of Historic Landmark at 1430 Richland Street

Columbia, South Carolina – Trinity Partners’ Bruce Greenberg represented the buyer in the sale of 1430 Richland Street in Columbia, SC. The 4,200 square foot historic property, known as the Orchard House, is named after the original owner, William E. Orchard. A longtime professor of music at the Columbia Female Academy and a popular musician, Orchard had the home built in 1875. The buyer and new tenant, Bailey Law Firm, recently restored the exterior and upgraded the landscaping.

“It was an honor to represent Columbia Councilman-elect Tyler Bailey in the purchase of this historic downtown property. It will be the new home for his growing law firm now that he has finished restoring the building. I’m excited to see what other big things are in store for Tyler” commented Bruce Greenberg.

For additional information, please contact Bruce Greenberg at bgreenberg@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

Charleston’s New Alchemy Elevator Company to Offer the Perfect Mix of Licensed Commercial/Residential Elevator Installation & Service in Three States

Licensed electrician and President of Alchemy Elevator Company, Cameron Raybourne

CHARLESTON, SC — Licensed electrician Cameron Raybourne has announced the official opening of his new company, Alchemy Elevator, headquartered in Charleston, serving North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia with a variety of new elevator installation options and repair services for existing elevators.

The commercial product line includes hydraulic and traditional counterweight lifts, vertical platform lifts, and Limited-Use, Limited Application (LULA) elevators. On the residential side, they specialize in home elevators, stairlifts, sometimes called stair-chairs, and dumbwaiters.

A licensed electrician in North Carolina, Raybourne has been in the elevator installation, repair and service business for seven years.

The Wilmington, NC native began doing residential fieldwork as an electrician’s intern, wiring the entire house of his former employer.

After working for a previous elevator company in Wilmington, NC for three years, he was transferred to the Charleston region where he became the company’s service manager.

Over the past year, Raybourne acquired a specialty license specific to the elevator industry and started Alchemy Elevator. Alchemy will provide sales and service to the commercial market with a focus on the booming residential real estate and construction market across the southeast.

“Outside of a couple of national elevator companies like Otis and Shindler that cater to an entirely different commercial market, there are only about 10 elevator companies in the state of South Carolina and only slightly more than that in North Carolina,” said Raybourne. “Most of those companies are backlogged, sometimes for months.

“We will backstop those delays and specialize in fast, experienced, high-quality installations. Where it often can take other companies weeks to install, if the construction is ready, we can install our elevators in a couple of days.”

Alchemy Elevator co-founder, Chris Dudleck, reinforces Raybourne’s importance on customer service.

“With Cam and my experience, and the hiring of Brett Speedy as vice president of sales, personal customer service extends to builder satisfaction for construction companies and architects,” he said. “We will make it much easier for them and their customers to bring quality installation to their projects.”

Brett Speedy is a veteran at elevator installation and has years of expertise in consulting with homeowners, homebuilders, contractors, and architects on the logistics of installation. He helps them determine the type of elevator they need and what will need to be done to secure it.

“My contacts in the construction world let me facilitate with them the application that best fits their needs and expectations,” said Speedy. “We ensure everything is set up correctly for the homeowner and that they are educated on how to operate their new elevator.

“Right now, as a new company, service is front and center,” he said.

To learn more visit us at https://www.alchemyelevator.com/ or you can contact Alchemy Elevator at (843) 955-5360 for more information.

Trinity Partners Adds Jedburg Logistics Park to its Management Portfolio

Summerville, South Carolina – Trinity Partners’ Columbia office has added Jedburg Logistics Park to its property management portfolio. The project, developed by Trinity Capital Advisors, is currently under construction and set to deliver by year end. Jedburg Logistics Park is located at 239 Jedburg Road in Summerville, South Carolina, and totals approximately 800,000 square feet across two industrial buildings.

This newest addition is the largest asset in the Columbia property management portfolio which totals 2.4 million square feet. In addition to Jedburg Logistics Park, Trinity Partners manages a range of asset classes across the region, including 8 Medical Drive, 1001 Pinnacle Point Drive, and 1501 Main Street.

“This is a great addition to our growing management portfolio across the state and aligns with our plans for expansion and growth in the Charleston, South Carolina market” commented Bruce Harper, Managing Partner with Trinity Partners. “We’re continuing to evaluate potential opportunities for continued growth in the Charleston market and across the state.”

For additional information, please contact Bruce Harper at bharper@trinity-partners.com.

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

About Trinity Partners
Trinity Partners is a full-service commercial real estate firm serving corporate users and institutional owners throughout the United States, with 10 service lines ranging from landlord and tenant representation to property management and investment sales. They are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, best-in-class performance, and respected team of commercial real estate professionals, who are directly responsible for the company’s success and collaborative culture. The firm currently leases and/or manages over 26 million square feet of office, industrial, mixed-use, and retail space across the region through their four offices in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, and Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina.

About Trinity Capital Advisors
Trinity Capital focuses on the acquisition and development of institutional-quality commercial real estate in the southeastern United States. The firm has invested more than $4.2 billion acquiring and developing more than 29 million square feet of the most successful workplace real estate projects including CBD office towers, industrial portfolios, suburban office parks, mixed-use developments, and life science. Investments are capitalized through various Trinity Capital investment vehicles and partnerships with some of the country’s top institutional investors.

Original Six Foundation receives $38,000 grant from Power:Ed to support rural youth in afterschool enrichment and career discovery

Adults pictured L to R: Allendale Co. Schools Superintendent Dr. Vallerie Cave; O6 Program Coordinator Cameron Gentry; O6 Afterschool Allendale-Fairfax Program Coordinator; Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons; O6 Executive Director Kara Gormley Meador (second row); O6 Board Member Kimberli Scott-Still; O6 Program Director Nick Washington; USC Salkehatchie STEM Program Manager Tracy Beach; Allendale-Fairfax Middle School Principal Dr. Donna Dandy, and students in the O6 afterschool program.

The Original Six Foundation (O6), has been awarded a $38,000 grant from Columbia-based Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support O6 Afterschool enrichment, STEAM development, and career discovery programs for students in Allendale County at Allendale-Fairfax Middle School.

“Workforce development in rural and underserved communities begins with programs like O6 Afterschool,” Original Six Executive Director, Kara Gormley Meador said. “This Power:Ed grant could not have come at a more opportune time as it will support continued growth of the O6 Afterschool program which prepares students for academic success in a safe and nurturing environment,” Gormley Meador said.

O6 Afterschool improves education by offering public school students enrolled in the program in grades two through eight the opportunity to receive individualized homework assistance with an emphasis placed on interactive learning- particularly in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math. Through community partnerships, the Original Six exposes students to activities, opportunities, and mentors that challenge them intellectually and boost their self-confidence.

Power:Ed funding will also allow the Original Six to introduce a new level of career exploration to students attending Allendale-Fairfax Middle School through the use of Virtual Reality (VR)Technology. The VR model improves workforce equity and accessibility by increasing access to career opportunities many of the students have not been introduced to. In addition, the O6 plans to incorporate school trips to various industries and employers so students can follow-up their virtual tours with a real-life visit to a manufacturing plant, hospital, or law firm.

“Supporting great organizations in rural and underserved communities across SC is at the heart of what we do. Original Six is working to boost education equity, introduce middle school students to career and higher education pathways, and start them on the journey to achieve greater economic opportunities for themselves and their families. We are so excited about the transformative impact O6 can have in Allendale,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.

In FY2023-24 Power:Ed will award $1,000,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness nonprofit organizations. In this second quarter, Power:Ed has awarded eight grants (including this grant to O6 totaling $287,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is January 1, 2024.

About O6
Founded in 2011 by then South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, the Original Six (O6) Foundation believes children across the Palmetto State deserve a quality education regardless of where they are born and raised. The Original Six Foundation works to improve education for public school students in rural and underserved communities by identifying gaps and filling them through afterschool and early literacy programs. For more information about the O6 visit originalsixfoundation.org.

About Power:Ed
Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan is dedicated to creating opportunities for South Carolina’s youth and adults by supporting low-income, minority, and first-generation students; improving access to college and degree completion; and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. Organizations serving middle school through post-college talent who are interested in applying for a grant or partnering with Power:Ed, should visit power-ed.org.

Shani Raine Gilchrist joins Truman National Security Project’s class of 2024 as Political Partner

Shani Raine Gilchrist, principal at SRG Strategic Consulting and Political Partner at Truman National Security Project

COLUMBIA, S.C.—Shani Raine Gilchrist, a humanitarian advocate, writer, and consultant based in South Carolina, has been selected to join the Truman National Security Project’s class of 2024 as a Political Partner. The Truman National Security Project is a renowned community of national security professionals working together to make the world safer.

As a Political Partner, Gilchrist will work alongside a nationwide community of leaders to develop smart, equitable, effective, and nonpartisan American global leadership solutions that reinforce national security. Gilchrist’s selection is a testament to her extensive experience and expertise advocating for causes such as the arts, refugee assistance, and global food security.

Gilchrist brings a comprehensive understanding of the critical issues affecting not only South Carolina but also the world at large. She is committed to raising awareness about critical national security, foreign policy, and public diplomacy issues in South Carolina, which plays a crucial role in the national security and foreign policy of the United States due to its natural resources, port system, and global reach and relationships of its citizens.

With an extensive and bipartisan network of contacts at various levels of state and federal government, legislators, donors, and activists, Gilchrist has been able to bring attention and action to some of the world’s most pressing issues. She is honored to be part of the Truman National Security Project. She is looking forward to working with her classmates to make a positive impact in South Carolina and beyond.

About Truman: The Truman National Security Project is a vibrant, diverse, nationwide community of leaders leveraging the power of the Truman network to develop smart national security solutions that reinforce strong, just, and effective American global leadership. Our community includes more than 2,500 veterans, frontline civilians, policy experts, political professionals, and their allies who share a common vision of US leadership abroad. We hail from 16 Chapters and 47 different states across the nation. We believe that America is at its best when we use all the tools in our toolbox: diplomacy, defense, development, and democracy promotion.

For more information, please visit https://www.trumanproject.org/blog-posts/truman-national-security-project-announces-2024-member-class.