SPARTANBURG—The Economic Futures Group, a division of the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, announced today in a press conference the formation of an Entrepreneurial Systems Program for all of Spartanburg County.

The program is designed to utilize the area’s best assets towards assisting start-up businesses launch successful ventures through the partnership of the newly formed Spartanburg Area Entrepreneurial Council.  John Bauknight, one of Spartanburg’s most successful entrepreneurs, will serve as Chairman of the Council. 

“The Spartanburg Entrepreneurial Partnership (SEP) is the result of my Liberty Fellows project, and would not have been made possible without a collaborative effort between The Chamber, Spartanburg Community College, USC Upstate and many of our wonderful business leaders in Spartanburg,” says Bauknight, President of Longleaf Holdings, USA.  “This is an effort that has taken three years to bring to this point. By combining the resources and facilities of each organization we have an opportunity to put Spartanburg on the map for Entrepreneurship.”

The Entrepreneurial Council is comprised of successful business leaders in corporate, legal, accounting and educational fields, offering expert advice, mentoring, funding and strategic planning pro bono providing a complete support structure for fledgling entrepreneurs.  These services are offered directly through Steven Hahn, the Economic Futures Group’s Director of Entrepreneurial Systems.

Steven Hahn has several years of business consulting experience in many industries and has started two successful businesses—GudFud, a marshmallow candy company with distribution in all 50 states and MXT Golf, a global industry leader in the field of custom golf club fitting technology.  His expertise in both corporate and entrepreneurial arenas will prove valuable in guiding startups from inception to launch in the Upstate market.

“I am extremely honored to have been asked to help build a proactive entrepreneurial development program for Spartanburg County,” says Hahn.  “I am confident that with the assets our county has in place and the support we have been given by the business community we can achieve our goals.”

“This collaborative effort we’re announcing today between the Chamber, The George, Spartanburg Community College and the Economic Futures Group (EFG), continues our focus on promoting and expanding economic development,” says Russ Weber, President of Integral Solutions Group and Chairman of the Economic Futures Group’s Board of Directors. “The EFG will continue to concentrate our efforts and resources on economic development opportunities for ALL of the citizens of Spartanburg County.”

The program is actively involved with more than 20 entrepreneurial projects to date.  Anyone interested in learning more about the program or becoming involved with the Entrepreneurial Council is encouraged to contact Steven Hahn at (864)594-5040 or by email at shahn@spartanburgchamber.com.

It is with great pleasure that the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Futures Group have announced the following businesses to be recognized as an Economic Champion at the 2011 Economic Champion Luncheon, presented by Wells Fargo Bank.   The Awards Luncheon will be held from Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Marriott Spartanburg at Renaissance Park in downtown Spartanburg on Friday, November 11^th, 2011.

American Credit Acceptance  The Corporate Headquarters for American Credit Acceptance in Spartanburg is a subprime automotive finance company that has quickly established itself as a lender of choice for deep subprime automobile lending needs in franchise and independent dealerships nationwide.  As ACA continues to grow its market share they continue to reinvest and expand their workforce in Spartanburg. 

BMW Manufacturing BMW Manufacturing is an integral cog in BMW’s global manufacturing network and continues to meet the global demand for their product.   The Spartanburg location is the exclusive global manufacturing facility for all X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and the X6 Sports Activity Coupe. 

Eaton Corporation  Eaton Corporation recently selected its Duncan facility for a major expansion and solidified Spartanburg County as one of three key U.S. distribution centers to service both their international and domestic customers.  Eaton receives stocks and ships electrical components, as well as logistics consolidation, product modification and assembly, and returns processing.   

Fehrer  Fehrer is an international developer and series supplier for the automobile industry, whose product range comprises of molded seat pads for car seats, arm rests, center consoles, side bolsters, headrests and inner trim panels as well as structural parts for cars.  Fehrer recently selected Spartanburg County to accommodate their continued growth in the Upstate of South Carolina.

Huntington Foam  Huntington Foam LLC is a molder of polystyrene and polypropylene shapes for the appliance, furniture, consumer electronics and automotive industries.  Using advanced computer modeling techniques with finite element analysis, Huntington Foam can specially design and test custom-made packaging for any client.  The City of Greer and Spartanburg County are pleased to have Huntington Foam select us for their newest U.S. based manufacturing facility.

Indorama/Auriga Polymers, Inc.  The Spartanburg, South Carolina facility produces polyester resins and polyester staple currently used in bottles for carbonated soft drinks, water, beer, juice, and wine; food and custom-container applications, and fibers and specialty polymers for a variety of applications.

TMKG Inc.  TMKG Inc. recently opened a manufacturing facility in the City of Greer and Spartanburg County where it produces electric panels for conveyor systems.          

Special thanks to Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (Gold sponsor), Gosnell Menard Robinson Infante, CPA’s, P.A. (Silver sponsor), Kusters Zima Corporation (SIlver Sponsor) and Southwest Airlines (Silver sponsor) for their financial investment and assistance in presenting this luncheon.

 As a special bonus for all attendees, Southwest Airlines will be giving away 2 FREE ROUND-TRIP TICKETS in a special drawing!

Tickets are $30 each, or a table of 8, for $240. For more information, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Yvonne Harper at 864-594-5032 or yharper@spartanburgchamber.com

SPARTANBURG, SC-October 12, 2011—The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Bruce Holstien, CEO of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is the featured speaker at the 2011 Fall CEO Social presented by Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP on Monday, October 17^th at 5:30pm at the Piedmont Club.  The Chamber’s CEO Socials are held in the fall and spring of each year and provide an opportunity for Upstate business leaders to come together in a forum specifically for CEOs and high-level business leadership. 

Bruce Holstien, President and CEO of Spartanburg Regional, has experienced nearly every facet of health care.  He began his career as a high school student working part time in a hospital kitchen, and continued with positions in medical services, ambulatory care, health insurance and hospital administration.  Prior to coming to Spartanburg, Bruce held senior executive positions with Sentara Healthcare in Norfolk Virginia and the Spohn Health System in Corpus Christi, Texas. Bruce has an undergraduate degree in business administration and a Master of Science degree in Business Administration. 

“There is always excitement in meeting individuals whose impact on one of our most important community institutions will be profound,” says David Cordeau, President and CEO of the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce.  “Bruce Holstein has already demonstrated his participation, interest, and involvement in the Spartanburg agenda.” 

Bruce has recently moved to Spartanburg and enjoys golf, fishing and hunting.  His South Carolina ties date back to the late 1700s, when his family emigrated from their native Germany.  Bruce is looking forward to strengthening those South Carolina roots and is appreciative of the warm welcome he has received from our community.

“As the new CEO of Spartanburg Regional Health System, his perspectives will be shaped by his experience, knowledge and background, and also by the quality of his interactions with business and governmental leaders,” adds Cordeau.  “The Fall CEO Social will facilitate the development of collaborations and partnerships which will influence healthcare in our region.”

 Additional sponsors for the 2011 Fall CEO Social include: Ford & Harrison, LLP; JM Smith Corporation and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (Gold Sponsors) and Michelin North America, Corporate Center I-85, Cintas Corporation and AFL (Silver Sponsors).  For registration information for the Fall CEO Social and updates on all Chamber events, visit the event calendar at www.spartanburgchamber.com.

The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Minority Enterprise Development Awards Banquet, presented by RR Donnelley, will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 in the Azalea Ballroom, Spartanburg Marriott.  A Reception, sponsored by AT&T, will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by Dinner at 6:30 p.m.    The evening will focus on recognizing the contributions of minority men and women and how their accomplishments have impacted our economy and community.  The Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity Committee is pleased to announce this year’s winners are as follows:

The 2011 Rising Star Award winners are  Christopher Cooper, a Senior at Boiling Springs High School and Jordyn Fox, a Spartanburg High School student.

The 2011 Minority Advocate of the Year is Carver Middle School in Spartanburg District 7.  Under the direction of Principal Raashad  Fitzpatrick, Carver Middle School has a vision and a plan for the students of Spartanburg that will allow them to excel in tomorrow's world of business.  Carver represents excellence in education and is the county’s first secondary STEM school (STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). As a STEM school, Carver focuses on these subjects to help youth gain the skills required to succeed in today’s challenging world.

2011 Minority Business of the Year is ReGenesis Health Care.  ReGenesis Health Care is dedicated to providing health care for the entire family.  They offer services in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Immunizations, Women’s Health, Family Planning, Diabetes Care, Laboratory Services, X-Ray Services, Behavioral Counseling, and in 2010 introduced Oral Health and a Pharmacy .

The 2011 Rising Star Award winner is Christopher Cooper, a Senior at Boiling Springs High School.  Christopher, the grandson of Gene and Sherry Cooper, is a member of the Boiling Springs High Student Council; a 2010-2011 graduate of the Junior Leadership Spartanburg program; a member of the March of Dimes Spartanburg Youth Council; and has won several scholarships for piano education at The Lawson Academy of the Arts.  Christopher can play the piano, violin, guitar as well as the 7 string electric violin and has superior ratings in both concert festivals as well as solo and ensemble.  He has attended honors and region orchestra; has composed 7 original compositions and has conducted orchestra and ensembles in several concerts and events.  In addition to music and school, Christopher works for All-American Martial Arts, in Boiling Springs, as an office manager, camp counselor and a former assistant instructor.

A second 2011 Rising Star Award will be presented to Jordyn Fox, a Spartanburg High School student and a 2011 participant in the Spartanburg Black Legislative Youth Conference at the State House in Columbia.  Jordyn, the daughter of Karen Fox, has been active in the Student Council throughout middle and high school, serving as Class President of her Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior class; and is currently serving as Student Body President.  A 2010-11 graduated of the Junior Leadership Spartanburg program; Jordyn is also an Advisory Board Member and a cast member of the Imagine That  Improvisational Theatre;  All State Choir Selection 2010; Spartanburg. High School Honors Choir; and a member of Corporation  (Spartanburg High School’s premier show choir).  Jordyn is an active athlete, participating in Track freshman through her senior year / Varsity Letter; Volleyball her freshman and sophomore years and Swimming during her sophomore year.  In her spare time, Jordan volunteers with the Children’s Shelter.

The 2011 Minority Advocate of the Year is Carver Middle School in Spartanburg District 7.  Under the direction of Principal Raashad Fitzpatrick, Carver Middle School has a vision and a plan for the students of Spartanburg that will allow them to excel in tomorrow's world of business.  Carver represents excellence in education and is the county’s first secondary STEM school (STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). As a STEM school, Carver focuses on these subjects to help youth gain the skills required to succeed in today’s challenging world. High-quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education can unleash the creativity and curiosity of their students, motivate them to understand their world, and provide them with tools to think critically, solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and drive advancements in science and technology. The school program offers small class sizes, increased technology, and also diverse course offerings including leadership and character education programs to supplement and enrich the classroom learning experience.

2011 Minority Business of the Year is ReGenesis Health Care.  ReGenesis Health Care is dedicated to providing health care for the entire family.  They offer services in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Immunizations, Women’s Health, Family Planning, Diabetes Care, Laboratory Services, X-Ray Services, Behavioral Counseling, and in 2010 introduced Oral Health and a Pharmacy .  In addition, ReGenesis offers a variety of programs to serve the family, such as Birth Matters, Breast Health, Diabetes Education, Migrant Health, Outreach Services and Health Screenings, as well as their Back to School Health Fair – where this past August they served 2300 children in Spartanburg (thanks to over 400 volunteers) and over 1200 children (150 volunteers) in Gaffney.  ReGenesis is a strong believer of the power of partnerships – partnering with Spartanburg Regional, the Gibbs Cancer Center, First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, Restoration Church of Gaffney as well as local school districts.  

This year, the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Chairman’s Cup Golf Tournament and Annual Past Chairmen’s Reception, presented by Integral Solutions Group. 

On Tuesday, October 4^th, past Chairmen of the Chamber’s Board of Directors will gather at the Piedmont Club for dinner, drinks and plenty of stories and memory-sharing about their time at the Chamber.  This event is held to honor these special individuals for their years of service and leadership of the Spartanburg business community.   Additional sponsors for the Past Chairmen’s Reception include Contec, Inc. and The Piedmont Club. 

On Wednesday, October 5^th at Woodfin Ridge Golf Club, 35 teams will hit the greens to compete for the coveted championship trophy that remains on display in the Chamber lobby.  In past years, winners have included teams representing Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, the Spartanburg Marriott at Renaissance Park and Duke Energy.  One of the Chamber’s largest events of the year, the Chairman’s Cup Tournament would not be possible without the gracious support of several member sponsors.  Sponsorship support for this year’s event was provided by:  Spartanburg Water (Golf Luncheon Sponsor), Founders Federal Credit Union (Awards Reception Sponsor), Fancy Terry, Inc. (Golf Towels), South Carolina Bank & Trust (Hole in One Sponsors); BMW Manufacturing, Jocassee Designs and ServPro of North Spartanburg (Eagle Sponsors);  Bondtex, Inc., Spartanburg Coca-Cola Bottling, Budweiser of Spartanburg, Marriott, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Duke Energy, Spartanburg Herald-Journal, BB&T, Gosnell, Menard, Robinson & Infante, P.A., Ford & Harrison, LLP, Cintas, Parker, Poe, Adams & Bernstein, Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, ServiceMaster, ARC Southern, Duer/Carolina Coil, CWS Insurance, First Piedmont Bank, Spartanburg Community College, Clayton Construction Co., Dixon Hughes Goodman, Piedmont Natural Gas, TD Bank, Upstate WIB, USC Upstate and Vaughan & Melton (Eagle Sponsors).  For more information about the Annual Chairman’s Cup Golf Tournament, visit www.spartanburgchamber.com.

Jim Thomas, retired Regional Director for AT&T has recently been hired as a new addition to the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce staff. Thomas will be heading up Public Policy and Government Relations for the Chamber in partnership with the Upstate Chamber Coalition and will serve as the staff liaison for the Spartanburg Tomorrow Political Action committee.  Thomas has been a public servant and a leader in the Spartanburg business community for many years. He has served as Chairman of the Board for the Urban League, Palmetto Council for the Boyscouts of America, the Downtown Rotary Club, Junior Achievement and recently served as Chairman of the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors.  Thomas has also served Upstate non-profit organizations, serving on the Boards of The Arts Partnership, United Way of the Piedmont, Spartanburg Development Association, the Urban League Regional Board, South Carolina Arts Alliance, The American Red Cross, Spartanburg Little Theatre and Founding Chairman Cities in Schools.

“After a long career in the telephone industry that allowed me the flexibility to be involved in many facets of the community, I am delighted to be able to be a part of the Spartanburg Chamber team,” says Thomas. “I look forward to being able to contribute to the life of Spartanburg and support for the business agenda.”

In addition to his work with the Chamber’s legislative advocacy, Jim Thomas will be heading up a new membership initiative, partnering with existing member firms. The new program is to be rolled out this fall and with years of experience to call upon, Thomas will certainly be up to the task. Most recently, Jim Thomas was responsible for the PAC reception for SC House Ways & Means Chair Rep. Brian White and the Chamber Issues Forum held last week with US Senator Lindsey Graham.

“We are very proud to have Jim Thomas on board at the Spartanburg Area Chamber,” says David Cordeau, President and CEO of the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce. “His proven leadership and experience in working with several community organizations make him a great addition to the Chamber team.”

Jim Thomas can be reached at the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce at (864)594-5020 or by email at jthomas@spartanburgchamber.com.

The 2011 Minority Enterprise Development Awards Banquet, presented by RR Donnelley, will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 in the Azalea Ballroom, Spartanburg Marriott at Renaissance Park.  A Reception, sponsored by AT&T, will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by Dinner at 6:30 p.m.   

The evening’s keynote speaker this year will be Levon Kirkland, who instilled fear into the hearts of quarterbacks around the NFL as a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles following his college career at Clemson University.  Kirkland was a two-time MVP with the Steelers in 1998 and 1999, played in the Pro Bowl in 1996 and 1997, and was voted to the NFL All-Decade 1990's Team. As a player, he's tallied over 1000 tackles in his career, 19.5 sacks and 12 interceptions.

In 1996, Kirkland was named to Clemson University's All-Centennial team and was inducted into the University's Hall of Fame in 2001.  He was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.  Retiring after 11 years in the NFL, Kirkland returned to Clemson and focused his goal on finishing his college degree in Sociology. He graduated in 2004, and continues to work with Clemson, coordinating minority recruitment in their admissions office for the University.

Kirkland also educates student-athletes across the country on the college recruiting process as an Educational Speaker for the National Collegiate Scouting Association and lends his talents to Woodmont High School as a linebacker coach.

Minority Enterprise Development Awards Celebrations and Banquets are held nationwide to recognize the contributions that minority business owners have made in our global economy. The Spartanburg Area Chamber’s celebration, like the national celebration, recognizes the accomplishments of the minority business men and women in our community.

"The numerous contributions of our diverse minority businesses and members create opportunities of business growth and development today for the future, says Rebecca West. This year's MED Awards Celebration highlights such accomplishments within our community."

During the evening, the 2011 Minority Advocate of the Year, the 2011 Minority Business Person of the Year, and the 2011 Rising Star Award (presented to an area high school student) will be awarded. 

Additional sponsors for this year’s event include:

Spartanburg Water, Platinum Sponsor | Hospice Care of South Carolina, Gold Sponsor | Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Gold Sponsor | Michelin North American, Inc., Silver Sponsor

Make plans to attend the 2011 Minority Development Enterprise Celebration.  Tickets are $40 each.  Register online here

For sponsorship opportunities or more information, please contact Yvonne Harper, (864)594-5032 or yharper@spartanburgchamber.com

The South Carolina legislature has amended the state’s “Illegal Aliens and Private Employment” law to require that every employer verify their new hires through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system beginning January 1, 2012. Employers who fail to comply can lose their business licenses.

E-Verify is a free Internet based system that compares the information an employee provides on the Form I-9 — Employment Eligibility Verification — against millions of government records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.

It generally provides results in 3 to 5 seconds. If the information matches, the employee is eligible to work in the United States. If there’s a mismatch, E-Verify will alert the employer and the employee will be allowed to work while he or she resolves the problem.  The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is charged with conducting random audits of employers to assure compliance.

James E. Knight, administrator of the Office of Immigrant Worker Compliance within the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, will brief Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce members on September 21^st at a special Brown Bag Lunch on the changes in the law, and the E-Verify system.

Knight said it’s important for business owners to learn exactly what’s required of them, and he encouraged all employers to attend.

The immigration law passed by the state legislature in 2008 gave employers options in verifying their new hires, said Knight. They could either use the federal database, E-Verify, or get a valid driver’s license from South Carolina or one of 26 other approved states. 

A U.S. Supreme Court decision in May determined that states could mandate that employers verify new hires, but they could only require employers to do so using the E-Verify system, he said.

“To make the South Carolina immigration law constitutional, the state legislature had to amend the law in June to require that all employers use the E-Verify system to verify new hires. The legislature wanted to give employers time to come into compliance, so they set an effective date of January 1, 2012, for compliance,” Knight said.

After January 1, 2012, employers who fail to verify all new hires through E-Verify risk losing their business licenses. 

Click Here for more information about this important Brown Bag Lunch Event.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – August 2, 2011 – Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Futures Group of Spartanburg County today announced that Fehrer Automotive North America LLC will expand its production operations to a site in Spartanburg County. The company expects to make a capital investment exceeding $14 million and to generate 130 new jobs over the next five years.

“Fehrer Automotive is very excited to partner with state and county agencies and its advisors on this project.  The Duncan site is a good fit and allows us to position ourselves for future business opportunities,” said company spokeswoman Robin Mathis. “We are excited to become part of the Spartanburg County business community and look forward to continued growth, as well as our ability to add additional jobs in the local community.”

Fehrer Automotive’s strategic successes over the last several years have resulted in the company outgrowing its current 80,000 square feet of combined manufacturing and warehouse facilities in Fountain Inn, South Carolina. The new Duncan site has 100,000 square feet with room to expand.

“Fehrer Automotive has been part of the South Carolina’s business community for several years and we are excited to see the company expand its presence here with a $14 million investment and 130 new jobs. We love when new companies come to South Carolina, but it’s a celebration when the ones we already have expand,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Automotive continues to be a leading sector in South Carolina. Commerce has been involved in recruiting more than $2 billion in investment and more than 9,800 jobs since the beginning of 2008. 

“Our state’s standing in the automotive club continues to grow. When a company like Fehrer chooses to expand in South Carolina, it not only indicates the vigor of our automotive sector, but the strength of our state’s business climate as well,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.

“We are extremely pleased that Fehrer Automotive has chosen Spartanburg County to expand its production operations.  We appreciate the efforts of our economic development team, public and private, in securing this business venture in Spartanburg County. We welcome them to our business community and wish them much success,” said David Britt, chairman of Economic Recruitment Committee of Spartanburg County Council and member of the Economic Futures Group Board.

Lewis F. Gossett, president and CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance added that Fehrer Automotive’s investment is another strong endorsement of South Carolina’s growing international leadership role in the automotive industry. “Fehrer is a world class company that has a history of doing business in our state, and with this investment, Fehrer expressed not only satisfaction with its South Carolina experience but also confidence in its ability to continue to be successful here.”

The company plans to begin hiring for the new positions in September. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company can send a resume to Robin Mathis, Human Resources, Fehrer Automotive North America LLC, 385 South Woods Drive, Fountain Inn, S.C. 29644.

The state will provide job development credits approved by the Coordinating Council for Economic Development when the company reaches its hiring commitments. The county is providing a Fee-in-Lieu-of-Taxes agreement and special source revenue credits.

Fehrer Automotive North America is a subsidiary of F.S. Fehrer Automotive GmbH. Fehrer is an international developer and series supplier for the automobile industry. The product range comprises moulded seat pads for car seats, arm rests, centre consoles, side bolsters, headrests and inner trim panels as well as structural parts for cars. Founded in 1875 in Kitzingen, Germany the family-owned enterprise has 22 production facilities in countries like Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, United States, South Africa, India and China today. For more information on the company, please visit www.fehrer.com.

SPARTANBURG, SC--- After three years of specialized summer classes, Amy Phillips, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, is nearing certification as a Travel Marketing Professional (TMP).  Amy Phillips has two projects to complete to earn TMP certification from the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College. Her third year of classes was last month at North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega.

Phillips was one of 232 tourism professionals enrolled at the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College last month.  The week-long program turns the facilities of North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, Ga., into a laboratory to teach tourism marketing each summer.

“We’re obviously very proud of Amy’s accomplishment,” said CVB Executive Director Chris Jennings.  “Her dedication and hard work for Spartanburg is unparalleled.”

There is no other professional development program like STS Marketing College, and it is recognized nationally for its training of tourism leaders. 626 people have earned TMP certification.

“In the tourism industry, TMP certification carries a lot of weight,” said Bill Hardman, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society, a 12-state organization that promotes travel and tourism in the Southeast.

The STS Marketing College began in 1992 to provide continuing education for tourism professionals and feted its 20^th anniversary this year.  Tourism ranks as the first-, second- or third-largest industry in each STS member state. Students come from convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, attractions, hotels and other segments of the tourism industry.   The curriculum covers topics such as branding, social media, packaging and sports marketing.  Heritage tourism and research are courses that have attracted special interest in recent years.

“Southeast Tourism Society is recognized nationwide for the cohesiveness and camaraderie it fosters in the region.  No other region in the U.S. has a similar organization.  STS Marketing College is a major project to build skills and professionalism in the tourism industry,” Hardman said. 

SPARTANBURG-August 2, 2011-The Carolina Panthers Training Camp at Wofford College will be the site of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s first 2011 Training Camp visit Wednesday, August 3 when he participates in a Fan Forum prior to the team’s 6:00 practice.  The forum will take place on the bank overlooking the lighted practice field at Wofford at approximately 5:15 Wednesday and fans are invited to participate.

It will be Goodell’s first visit to Spartanburg since he became Commissioner and comes following the successful negotiation of an unprecedented 10-year Collective Bargaining Agreement for the League and its players.  The Commissioner will arrive in Spartanburg Wednesday afternoon and attend practice after the forum.  Goodell has conducted numerous forums since becoming Commissioner, but Wednesday will be his first since ratification of the CBA by both the owners and players.

During the negotiations, Goodell worked closely with Carolina Panthers Owner/Founder Jerry Richardson, who served as co-chair of the League’s 10-owner executive committee.  The CBA allows the NFL to maintain competitive balance while providing economic support to past players and focusing on the health and safety of our current players.  Wofford College is the alma mater of Richardson and has been the home of the Panthers training camp since the team’s inaugural season in 1995.

The Get Motivated Business Seminar featuring world famous soldier-statesman General Colin Powell, America’s Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former First Lady Laura Bush, acclaimed CEO of Southwest Airlines Howard Putnam and renowned Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz is coming to the BI-LO Center. The day-long presentation will take place on Wednesday, August 10 from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Additional speakers will include President and CEO of Forbes, Inc. Steve Forbes, America’s favorite comedian Bill Cosby, sales and negotiation expert Brian Tracy, America’s most inspirational speaker Dr. Robert Schuller and other renowned teachers and motivators. The seminar takes place in about 30 cities annually and has for more than 37 years.

Among the speakers' topics will be "Take-Charge Leadership” (Powell); “The Tenacity to Persevere: How to Make it Through Any Crisis”
(Giuliani); “ The Keys to Stability in Uncertain Times” (Bush); "Success Strategies for Turbulent Times“ (Putnam); “How to Lead Your Team to Victory“ (Holtz); “America’s Promise: Your Keys to Growth and Prosperity” (Forbes); “Humor at Work: the Secret Success Factor” (Cosby); “How to Strengthen Your Sales and Negotiation Skills” (Tracy) and “Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do” (Schuller).

An entire office of people can attend this seminar of a day of training, inspiration and motivation for a total investment of only $9.95 - not per person, but per office. To take advantage of this very limited-time offer, call 1-800-217-1339. For more information, view the flyer here.

SPARTANBURG, SC--- The Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) has awarded Launch Something of Spartanburg, a contract to produce the 2012 Official Spartanburg Visitors Guide.  Launch Something was awarded the contract from a competitive bid process, and also produced the 2011 edition. The new contract is for one year, with two one-year options to renew.

The guide highlights Spartanburg County’s hotels, attractions, and other traveler services. This will be the fourth annual comprehensive guide to Spartanburg’s travel and tourism offerings.
  
The guides will be distributed at state welcome centers, AAA travel agencies, local hotels, attractions, and tourism businesses, and will be available online as a downloadable PDF and e-book, as well as through mail and phone requests for Spartanburg County information.

“We are excited about working with Launch Something on this project again this year. They exceeded our expectations for the 2011 guide and produced an impressive piece that truly showcases the assets of our county,” says Amy Phillips, Marketing and Communications Manager for the SCVB.

Launch Something will be responsible for design, layout and printing of the 2012 Spartanburg Visitors Guide.  Amy Phillips will supervise the project for the SCVB and will also be handling all ad sales.  For advertising opportunities in the 2012 Spartanburg Visitor Guide, contact Amy Phillips at 864-594-5050 or aphillips@visitspartanburg.com.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – June 22, 2011 – Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Futures Group of Spartanburg County today announced that Draexlmaier Automotive of America LLC, an affiliate of the Dräxlmaier Group, will expand its current facility in Spartanburg County. The $22.35 million investment is expected to generate 150 new jobs over the next five years.

“This investment will allow Dräxlmaier to grow and remain competitive,” said Stefan Bude, chief financial officer for Dräxlmaier Group, North America region. “It also shows our commitment to the Upstate and South Carolina as a long-term production site.”

Dräxlmaier will upgrade its facility, located at 1751 East Main Street in Duncan, to accommodate increased production. The investment includes the previously announced addition of a $10 million, 64,500-square-foot production building to the existing facility, as well as upgrades to the plant infrastructure and equipment. Earlier today, Gov. Haley met with executives at the Dräxlmaier headquarters in Germany.

“We are on a roll creating jobs for the people of South Carolina,” Gov. Haley said. “Please join me in thanking Draexlmaier Automotive of America for their commitment to the people of our great state.”

“South Carolina’s automotive sector continues to grow, and this expansion announcement by Dräxlmaier is another indication of that fact. Our state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce continue to attract investment and help our existing businesses grow. We appreciate Dräxlmaier’s decision to continue to do business in the Palmetto State,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.

The new production hall will expand the plant’s capacity by more than a third and house state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology for the assembly of vehicle interiors and components, including instrument panels, center consoles and door panels.

“We are extremely delighted that Dräxlmaier has chosen to expand their Duncan facility. We are always excited when existing companies grow, verifying Spartanburg County as an excellent location to do business.  We appreciate their continued commitment to our corporate community and their ongoing investment of operations and job opportunities,” said David Britt, chairman of Economic Development Committee of Spartanburg County Council and board member of the Economic Futures Group.

A Tier I supplier to the international automotive industry, Dräxlmaier manufactures premium interiors and plastic components at its Duncan site, which is also home to the company’s U.S. headquarters. Built in 1998, the facility has been expanded twice since then, the last time in 2005 when a new R&D wing was added to the existing building.

“Our Duncan plant plays an important strategic role for our North America business,” said Karl Wallner, board member of the Germany-based Dräxlmaier Group. “The expansion shows that we are committed to a steady growth in this region. The well-trained and highly-skilled workforce in South Carolina will help us to design and manufacture high-quality products for the international automotive industry.”

“As the demand for our products increases, this expansion will help us meet the needs of our customers and position us for future growth,” Ulrich Eichler, chief operating officer for Dräxlmaier Group, North America region.

Construction of the building addition has been underway since early March and is expected to be completed by mid-September. The addition was designed by Germany-based DELTA ImmoTec GmbH. Local contractors include Context Design Group PLLC of Greenville, S.C.; MB Kahn Construction Company of Greenville, S.C.; Paragon Engineering & Geosciences LLC of Greenville, S.C.; and Collins Hammett Construction LLC of Greer, S.C.

The company will begin hiring for the positions in July. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should submit his or her resume to JDUN@draexlmaier.us or contact Dräxlmaier Corporate Recruiter Lisa Alexander at alexander.lisa@draexlmaier.us.

Draexlmaier Automotive of America is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dräxlmaier Group of Germany. Dräxlmaier currently operates at 57 plant sites in 21 countries. The company’s main lines of business include interior components, cockpits, wiring harness and electrical management systems. Customers in North America include BMW, General Motors/Cadillac and Volkswagen. For more information about the company, please visit www.draexlmaier.de/index_en.htm.

SPARTANBURG, SC--- The Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) proudly announces Spartanburg as host of the North American Ethnic Ministries Summit on April 19-21, 2012. The summit will be held at Evangel Cathedral.

“Ethnic America Network (EAN) has sponsored the annual summit since 2001, but the conference has always been held in much bigger cities, with major league sports teams,” according to Dr. Jim Goodroe, co-chair of the 2012 summit. The 2010 summit was held in Boston and the summit will be held in Chicago in 2013.

EAN, headquartered in Wheaton, IL at the Billy Graham Center, promotes cross-cultural advancement of the gospel and intercultural unity in Jesus Christ. Summit attendance is typically two-thirds from the local region and a third from across the nation. This is the first summit which has had three years to prepare, and a large multi-ethnic, interdenominational coalition staffs its twenty task forces. Conference organizers expect over a thousand registrations and over 3,000 in the evening services.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to host this event and be able to showcase Spartanburg to people from around the nation,” says Chris Jennings, Executive Director of the SCVB. 

Summit evening sessions at Evangel Cathedral are free & open to the public. Plenary speakers for these multi-ethnic worship services are announced on the summit Website (www.interculturalnetworkcarolina.org). Friday & Saturday daytime sessions, by paid registration, include affinity groups and four seminar periods (choice of fifty topics).

For more information, email 2012summit@bellsouth.net or call 864-582-2564.

Amidst all of the wining and dining, discussion of accomplishments and award recognition of Monday night’s sold out Annual Meeting, a single collective gasp was heard as keynote speaker Josef Kercher, announced the company’s plans to add another $100 million investment at the company’s Spartanburg County factory as well as a new X3 program to further streamline the company’s export operation. 

“This new investment in our BMW Spartanburg facility will increase our efficiency, make us more flexible and environmentally friendly,” said Kerscher, President of BMW Manufacturing Company. “In addition, with our new export business model, we can open up new markets for the X3.”

The company is currently putting the finishing touches on a new $750 million assembly line and paint shop alongside the original plant it built 18 years ago at the junction of S.C. highway 101 and Interstate 85.

As part of BMW’s commitment to sustainable, continuous improvement, the new investment will support a variety of new programs, technology and infrastructure, Kerscher said.

BMW’s new X3 “semi-knocked down” operation is based in Duncan, S.C. During the speech, Kerscher said the company’s new logistics partner, Syncreon, will manage the warehousing, kitting and logistics operation to prepare vehicle kits for export to emerging markets.

BMW Manufacturing Co. is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany and is the global producer of the BMW X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupe. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMW North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and throughout Latin America; and a design firm and technology office in California. For more information on BMW Manufacturing, visit www.bmwusfactory.com.

Aspiring Upstate entrepreneurs have an exciting resource to help them achieve their dream of business ownership.  The Clemson University Small Business Development Center is conducting an interactive workshop designed to supply the information needed before taking the plunge.  “JumpStart Your Business, Tips for Start Up Success” will explore the basics of what it takes to go into business, how to set-up a business, forms of business organization, legal requirements, the elements of an effective business plan, how to obtain financing and improve the odds of success, and the most important information to make informed business decisions. 

Pre-registration is required:  http://workgroups.clemson.edu/SBDC_Workshops/form.php

When

Thursday, February 24, 2011;   11:30 am – 1:00 pm

A box lunch will be provided.

Where

Clemson at the Falls, 55 East Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601

Classroom 2B

Investment

$25

If you have any questions, please call (864) 370-1545 or email sbostic@clemson.edu.

The South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SBDC) operates in partnership and is partially funded under a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of the cosponsor(s) or participants’ opinions, products or services. All SBDC programs are nondiscriminatory and available to individuals with disabilities.

The University of South Carolina Upstate located in Spartanburg, South Carolina is pleased to announce that Registration Information for Spring 2011 recruitment events is now available online. Click on the following link to peruse the events and to download the registration form for the event you plan to attend. http://www.uscupstate.edu/studentsuccess/careercenter/Default.aspx?id=2630


SPRING 2011 RECRUITMENT AT USC UPSTATE

February 23, 2011       DIVERSITY FAIR –CAMPUS LIFE CENTER (12:00 pm  - 2:00 pm)

*Free for Employers, Students and Alums


March 3, 2011           INTERNSHIP FAIR-CAMPUS LIFE CENTER BALLROOM (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

*Free for Employers, Students and Alums


March 16, 2011          Education Recruitment Day – Health Education Complex Gym (11:30am –1:00pm )
                        Registration Fee $75.00/School District

*Free for Students and Alums


March 21, 2011          Nurse Recruitment Day-Health Education Complex Gymnasium (12:00 pm - 3:00 pm)
        Registration Fee $100.00/Healthcare Facility, 50% of the registration goes toward nursing scholarship

*Free for Students and Alums

April 13, 2011          Career and Summer Job Fair-Campus Life Center Ballroom (12:00 pm - 3:00 pm)

*Free for Employers, Students and Alums


For more information, please call Sherry at 864 503 5393.