Columbia Book of Experts 2010
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Book of experts. Business info and knowledge for various industry groups.
Transcript of Columbia Book of Experts 2010
Employee Benefit Specialists | 803.253.6997 | www.clarkebenefits.com
Beyond benefits.Healthier companies.
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To advertise your business, contact Steve Fields, Vice President of Sales
at 843.849.3110 or [email protected]
Special Advertising Supplement | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Columbia Regional Business Report 1
H ere it is! We are proud to present to you our inaugural
issue of the Columbia Regional Business Report’s Book of
Experts. One of the things I’ve noticed as I travel around
the Midlands is its diversity of businesses, from manufacturing to
technology firms to health care and much more in between. All of
these organizations are loaded with talented people.
Going about our daily routines, it is
easy to allow what makes the Midlands
unique fade into the background and to
forget about all the expertise that is at our
fingertips.
Hence the Book of Experts. We created a
vehicle in which some of these companies
could offer our readers a small sample of
the knowledge they possess. The narrative format of the Book of
Experts allows these advertisers to demonstrate their knowledge
of topics that are sometimes too complex for the usual display
advertising format. In addition, we feel the information provided
in these pages delivers value to you as you search for informa-
tion that can help you make wise decisions for your business and
personal life.
Enjoy.
Bob Bouyea
Publisher
Publisher - Bob [email protected] • 803.401.1094, ext. 200
Managing Editor - Andy [email protected] • 843.849.3141
Senior Copy Editor - Beverly [email protected] • 843.849.3115
Special Projects Editor Allison Cooke Oliverius
[email protected] • 843.849.3149
Staff Writer - Mike [email protected] • 803.401.1094, ext. 204
Research Specialist - Clayton [email protected] • 843.849.3114
Production Manager/Art Director S. Kevin Greene
[email protected] • 864.235.5677, ext. 36
Senior Account Executive - Sue Gordon [email protected] • 803.401.1094, ext. 202
Account Executive - Robert [email protected] • 803.401.1094, ext. 203
Account Executive - Robbi [email protected] • 803.401.1094, ext. 207
Circulation Manager - Kathy [email protected] • 843.849.3113
Circulation Assistant - Kim [email protected] • 843.849.3116
Contributing Writer - Lydia Dishman
South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth
CEO and Group Publisher
Grady Johnson
[email protected] • 843.849.3103
Vice President of Sales - Steve [email protected] • 843.849.3110
Accounting Department
Vickie [email protected] • 864.235.5677
BOOK OF EXPERTS
from the publisher
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Annual subscribers receive 26 issues of the Business Report, plus two special supplements: The Book of Lists, Health Care Guide
.One year (26 issues) for $49.95; two years (52 issues) for $84.95; three years (78 issues) for $119.95.
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U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Anchor Investment Management ...................................................................................14
Care Pro Health Services ....................................................................................................4
CB Richard Ellis/Columbia ................................................................................................15
Clarke & Company Benefits .............................................................................................16
Coal Powered Filmworks .................................................................................................10
Complete Employee Services .............................................................................................8
Intramed Plus ......................................................................................................................6
Long Term Care Solutions ................................................................................................11
McWaters, Inc. ..................................................................................................................12
Meetze Plumbing ...............................................................................................................5
New Horizons of South Carolina .......................................................................................9
Pollock Company ................................................................................................................7
Prudential Midlands Real Estate .....................................................................................13
Snelling Staffing Services ...................................................................................................3
FEATURED EXPERTS
2 Columbia Regional Business Report | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement
Special Advertising Supplement | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Columbia Regional Business Report 3
Elizabeth Trenbeath wants business owners and depart-ment managers to know
that time spent wading though paperwork and screening potential candidates for an open position is taking money away from their busi-ness. Don’t believe her? Just add it up. As president of Snelling Staff-ing, she knows that the time spent creating an ad, answering phone calls, wading through resumes, and then doing interviews can amount to dozens of hours.
“And it’s not just the hiring man-ager’s time, but other staff is taken off their jobs as well,” Trenbeath points out. To get that time and productiv-ity back into the business, Trenbeath recommends working with a profes-sional staffing agency.
“We eliminate those steps. Us-ing our best recruiting practic-es, we’ll present 3 to 5 carefully screened candidates with referenc-es checked,” explains Trenbeath.
But Snelling Staffing goes beyond simply screening resumes. Tren-beath notes that clients will also get peace of mind knowing that each candidate goes through a rigorous interview process at the agency and passes a national back-ground check, drug testing, and e-verification. After 28 years in the business, Snelling Staffing has amassed a database of over 20,000 of these meticulously screened po-tential candidates with expertise in a variety of industries.
Snelling Staffing has six employ-ees, two offices, and a dedicated medical division to help owners and managers save time and money in the hiring process. Trenbeath says Snelling Staffing has the capacity to keep up to 200 temporary employees on its payroll per day, and can assist in placing temporary or temp-to-hire workers in an array of positions including administrative, executive secretary, information technology,
accounting, manufacturing and dis-tribution and medical.
Trenbeath says, “We always look to deliver results with staffing expertise that connects people and businesses with the power to thrive.”
STA
FF
ING
SNELLING STAFFING SERVICES
How to Save Money When Hiring a New Employee
AT A G L A N C E
Years in business
28.5Number of Candidates in the Database
20,036Number of Career Placements since 1982
1,500
Number of Assignments for Temp or Temp-to-Hire since 2004
15,025
Phone:
(803) 359-7644(803) 790-7171
Web site:
www.snelling.com/midlands
Elizabeth Trenbeath
4 Columbia Regional Business Report | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement
I f you or a loved one are in need of short-term care in the hospi-tal or long-term care at home,
would you know how to select a qualified provider that you can trust? Valerie Aiken, director of Care Pro, says you must first assess what kind of care the potential patient needs. “You need to know if they will require skilled services provided by a nurse or therapist, or if they’ll only need assistance with basic chores,” she says explaining that South Car-olina doesn’t require general home care providers to be licensed.
That’s why Aiken recommends seeking out a reputable company that has a history of trustworthy ser-vice. “Care Pro has been serving the community for over a decade. We do thorough screenings of all our staff including drug testing, criminal back-ground checks, and previous employ-ment history,” Aiken explains.
Next, she says, the provider should be able to communicate with the potential patient or their primary caregiver to determine the best fit. “Care Pro examines many factors before we place a home care worker with a patient,” she says. For example, someone strong to help with lifting, or talkative if the pa-tient needs companionship.
Another important component is monitoring. “If the patient isn’t ca-pable of supervising their own care, look for a provider willing to work closely with a family member or other primary caregiver,” says Aiken. Care Pro does this as well as offer 24-hour remote monitoring. “Our nurses can check oxygen and insulin levels, blood pressure, heart rate and other vitals via equipment placed in the home,” she notes. Should any trouble arise, Care Pro’s staff notifies the patient’s doctor immediately.
This avoids costly trips to the emer-gency room and unnecessary travel to a physician’s office.
Above all, Aiken stresses, “With more emphasis placed on the ability to offer quality, prompt, and cost-effective health care services, Care Pro provides personnel you can count on.”
HE
ALT
H S
ER
VIC
ES
CARE PRO
What You Need To Know Before You Choose a Home Care Provider
AT A G L A N C E
Year Founded
1998Number of Local Employees
900Top Local Executives
Valerie Aiken, Charles Aiken, Henry Motes
Phone:
(800) 395-6331
Web site:
www.careprohh.com
Charles and Valerie Aiken
Special Advertising Supplement | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Columbia Regional Business Report 5
Lots of people – business and home owners alike – don’t think about their plumbing
until it’s an emergency. But whether you’ve got an overflowing toilet in the middle of the night or you’ve known your water heater’s been on the fritz for a while, it’s important to consider who’s behind the name in the phone book.
Kevin Meetze, the second gen-eration owner of Meetze Plumbing, understands. “Plumbing is some-times an unexpected expense,” Meetze says. So to serve custom-ers in a challenging economy, his company offers proactive plumbing services to help solve issues before they become a problem.
Customers can call for a free esti-mate, get quotes up front, and dis-cuss the work in detail with Mee-tze’s staff to know exactly what a job entails before anyone lifts a wrench.
They can also submit plumbing questions or service calls via the company website.
To keep in step with the latest green technology, Meetze says, “We offer customers the most advanced equip-ment to help solve plumbing issues and save on energy costs. Meetze Plumbing is dedicated in doing our part to help preserve our planet and to help our customers do the same.”
Should something go wrong, Meetze says rest assured. They’ve developed a reputation for 24-hour on-call responses and always send plumbers with a fully stocked truck to minimize supply trips. “We hire only the best plumbers and have extensive systems in place to get the job done quickly at a competitive price,” he explains. “We know how to work within a budget, and no matter the extent of the work. We take every job seriously,” adds Meetze.
“My father started this business in 1981,” notes Meetze, “We’ve grown by staying true to a simple philoso-phy: our customers come first and they deserve the highest quality work we can possibly provide.”
PL
Um
BIN
G S
ER
VIC
ES
MEETzE PLuMBING
Looking for a Plumber? Don’t Get Taken to the Cleaners
AT A G L A N C E
Accredited by
Better Business Bureau
The Association of General Contractors of America
The Mechanical Contractors Association of South Carolina
Phone:
(803) 732-DRIP (3747)
Web site:
www.meetzeplumbing.com
Joe Larned and Lynn Hobby
6 Columbia Regional Business Report | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement
No one wants to deprive a loved one of quality health care, but Varner Richards, Pharm. D.,
owner of Intramed Plus, wants you to know there’s a way to save money on the high cost of hospitalization by using home drug infusion services. Richards explains, “It’s an alternative to extend-ed hospital care for medically stable patients requiring intravenous or nutri-tion therapy. Patients receive medical treatment in a safe, cost-effective way, in the comfort of their own home.”
According to Dr. Richards, hospital stays average $2000 per day. Compare that to therapies provided by Intramed Plus where the cost drops to around $75-150 per day. “And it’s covered by most commercial insurance and gov-ernment funded policies,” he adds noting the staff at Intramed Plus com-petently handles the medical billing according to the patient’s health insur-ance benefits.
If you are contemplating a switch to a home drug therapy service, Dr. Richards suggests asking the follow-ing questions:
Will I get ample training? While Intramed Plus is a pharmacy, their nurse clinicians will often visit the patient while they are still hospital-ized to begin initial therapy training. “Depending on where they live, we may be there for their first time infus-ing at home,” he says. A professional approach gives the patient confidence to maintain independence even while receiving a drug infusion.
Is there a clinical team to moni-tor my therapy while I’m at home? “Intramed Plus does a full assessment of patient needs and customizes that therapy so they can be successful treat-ing themselves,” says Dr. Richards. His clinical team coordinates with pa-tients‘ healthcare providers to ensure therapies are working correctly.
Do I have access to on-call sup-port? “We are on-call 24 hours a day if patients have any difficulty with a pump or dose. We can give instruc-tion over the phone or visit them. We can also call a doctor on their behalf.”
What is my financial liability? – Dr. Richards says an infusion service provider should be up-front about charges and treatment options. “If it’s not feasible, the provider should help look for alternatives.”
INF
USI
ON
SE
RV
ICE
S
INTRAMED PLuS
Save Money on Health Care Costs with Home Drug Infusion Services
AT A G L A N C E
Address:
112 Saluda Ridge Ct., Ste 100, West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone:
(803) 794-0200(800) 767-6337
Web site:
www.intramedplus.com
Varner Richards, Pharm. D., Owner
Special Advertising Supplement | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Columbia Regional Business Report 7
BU
SIN
ESS
mA
CH
INE
S
Documents allow informa-tion to flow in and out of your business, and are
therefore crucial to day-to-day operations. However, most busi-ness owners don’t think about doc-ument workflow until a copier or printer breaks down. That’s when it’s important to have a good rela-tionship with your office equipment service provider, says Joe Pollock, so you don’t waste a minute of valu-able time and productivity.
As the owner of Pollock Compa-ny, one of the largest independent document management solutions providers in the Southeast, Pollock understands that businesses can only grow if all systems are work-ing seamlessly. “Our industry is in transition,” explains Pollock, “so you want a service provider who is small enough to be flexible and account-able, yet large enough to stay current
with technology –and be there quick-ly when there is a need for service.”
To ensure everything from desktop printers to high-speed, high-volume production equipment stays worry-free, Pollock recommends working with a provider who can deliver a variety of options, network connec-tions, software and service. Pollock Company works with such reliable manufacturers as Konica Minolta and Canon. “Having more than one prod-uct line means there’s no forcing a product to fit a niche because it’s the only one available,” he says.
Additionally, Pollock points out, that most document management service providers are branch offices of large corporations that may not store parts locally, and do their billing, leasing and dispatching remotely. “Our managed print services division handles everything from a desktop printer to an actual print shop and
supplies with consolidated billing to help lower clients’ operating costs.”
Finally, Pollock says, after 45 years in business, his company continues to prove it’s committed to its clients and the community. Many of our employ-ees have been doing this for a decade or more. Anyone can sign a contract once. We want our customers to be with us for the long term.”
POLLOCK COMPANy
Is Your Document Technology Working for Your Business?
AT A G L A N C E
Primary Product or Service
Document management equipment, service and support
Year Founded
1965
Phone:
(803) 233-0900
Web site:
www.pollockcompany.com
Joe Pollock, Owner
8 Columbia Regional Business Report | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement
HR
SE
RV
ICE
S
AAs a business owner, Karen Taylor understands how hard it is to turn off after
hours, especially if there is a prob-lem within the company. “It sits on your mind and is constantly dis-tracting,” says the owner of Com-plete Employee Services. Many entrepreneurs get into business because they want to do something they love. Oftentimes, they wind up with a plateful of tasks beyond their expertise.
“An owner’s time is valuable and shouldn’t be burdened with admin-istrative headaches such as payroll, worker’s compensation, and ben-efits,” Taylor says.
When business owners become bogged down in these issues, or have to assign the work to staff already saddled with other work, the burden can become costly – in both time and money. That’s when
she recommends partnering with a Professional Employer Organiza-tion (PEO).
A PEO is like a “souped up Human Resources department,” explains Taylor. In a “co-employer” partnership, the PEO acts as a one-stop provider that allows owners of small to mid-size companies to get back to work, while providing ben-efits usually only available at much larger companies.
This relationship allows the PEO to assume many employ-ment related responsibilities and risks, offer employee safety train-ing when needed, and create state compliance handbooks or company guidelines among other services.
Taylor’s firm does just that and more. Taylor’s Sales manager and husband Thom points out that using a PEO makes a significant impact on the bottom line. “I’d say 95
cases out of 100 we’ve saved com-panies on workers comp rates.”
Karen Taylor says, “We even go to bat for health insurance claims.”
Partnering with her firm, says Taylor, can save 20% to 40% of staff time and allows business owners to concentrate increasing their bottom line. She says, “With us, you know it’s handled.”
COMPLETE EMPLOyEE SERVICES
How a Professional Employer Organization can Help Your Business Reduce Costs
AT A G L A N C E
Phone:
(803) 255-8190
Web site:
www.completeemployeeservices.com
Back to front: (left to right) Stuart Williams, Katie Kelley, Thom Taylor, Mary Ellen White, Allison Dobbs, Karen Taylor, Sarah Singer, Anne E. Lamb
Special Advertising Supplement | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Columbia Regional Business Report 9
If your company is trying to do more with less by cutting back on employee training and devel-
opment, you are among the many businesses taking a “sit tight” strat-egy as the economy sputters.
“Tough economic times require an aggressive cost-mitigation strategy,” says Jeff Moses, owner of New Hori-zons Computer Learning Centers of South Carolina, “but they often come with the additional price of decreased employee productivity resulting from an unsure, distracted, and stressed-out workforce.”
Moses maintains that a company’s employees are its most important resource. In order to get the most productivity from them during tough economic times, he recommends three courses of action.
Communicate - “It’s extremely im-portant to communicate changes in the company quickly,” says Moses. Many
successful small businesses hold “town hall” style meetings with their staff reg-ularly to notify employees of changes from a trusted source and a chance to ask questions. “Promoting good com-munication also promotes trust and confidence,” which helps mitigate gos-sip and job stress during times of major economic change, Moses adds.
Provide Training and Develop-ment – “As workers take on expand-ed responsibilities, it’s important for small businesses to offer some type of professional development to help employees keep up,” says Moses. “Training programs increase job sat-isfaction for employees by allowing them to build new skills and assume more challenging roles.”
Even if your company cannot provide third-party training, Moses suggests hosting simple business-related courses. Cutting staff devel-opment completely increases the
risk of losing good employees - even in today’s job market.
Be Encouraging and Optimistic – Moses believes it’s hard to stay opti-mistic amid so much bad news about the economy. “Do everything you pos-sibly can to keep morale up,” he ad-vises. Above all, “Keep bad news in perspective and discourage specula-tion or rumors. If employees feel you are doing everything you can for them they will remain committed to helping your business through restless times.”
AT A G L A N C E
Phone:
(803) 935-0555
Web site:
www.newhorizonssc.com
CO
mP
UT
ER
TR
AIN
ING
NEW HORIzONS OF SOuTH CAROLINA
Now, More than Ever – Your Employees are Your Most Important Resource
Jeffrey H. Moses, General Manager / Owner
10 Columbia Regional Business Report | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement
VID
EO
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N
There are plenty of video pro-duction companies out there sporting the latest technol-
ogy and talking a good game about how they have the tools to tell your story with a visual message that best represents all your hard work. The problem, says Wade Sellers, is that not many of them are willing to work with you. “A good production company will want to create a relationship with you for the duration of the project and beyond.” he says “Producing media is as much about knowing our client as it is about creativity.” To communicate your message in the most effective way, Sellers recommends asking the following questions:
Does the production company keep your needs at the forefront?
Sellers advises setting up an in-depth meeting before you agree to sign on the dotted line. “At our first meetings, we at Coal Powered Film-
works ask a lot of questions about why the client wants to create a com-mercial or video,” he says. In this way, Sellers’ team can not only get a feel for the business, but also the enthu-siasm and passion behind it. “That helps us zero in on creative plan.”
Can they communicate creatively?Finding this out is a matter of
looking at a production company’s past work. Sellers says don’t be shy, request a show reel to get a sense of how they’ve handled previous cli-ents. “Check their credentials and talk to previous clients,” says Sellers adding, “We encourage people to talk to our clients about the process.”
Do they have a team mentality?With nearly two decades in the
film business, Sellers knows that working as a team is the most effec-tive way to create media. He cautions against using a company that keeps the client on the fringe of the project
in the name of expertise. “Collabora-tion opens up creativity. Whether it is two people or thirty everybody has a specific and important role and the client is a vital part of that.”
COAL POWERED FILMWORKS
Three Things You Should Ask Before You Hire a Production Company
AT A G L A N C E
Years of Experience
16Services
Video and Film Production, Motion Design and Editorial.
Clients
Range from government to corporate and private clients
including the SC State Treasurer’s Office, Riverbanks Zoo,
and Metso Minerals.
Phone:
(803) 256-9787
Web site:
www.coalpoweredfilmworks.com
Wade Sellers, Owner
Special Advertising Supplement | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Columbia Regional Business Report 11
LO
NG
TE
Rm
CA
RE
IN
SUR
AN
CE
H eart disease, cancer, stroke, accidents and Alzheimer’s are the leading causes
of death in America according to a recent study by the CDC. Yet all too often these deaths come after extended periods of constant care that come at a high cost. Concerned? You have a right to be.
“Many business owners believe long-term care insurance is the logi-cal way to plan for a health care cri-sis,” says Harry Crosby, general insur-ance agent and author of Long Term Care Insurance: The Complete Guide. Crosby cautions that before anyone decides to purchase long term care insurance they need to determine if they’re at risk and vulnerable.
The Society of Actuaries estimates that 600 out of every 1,000 people will require some form of long-term care. Though no one wants to dwell on the possibility of needing care at home or in an assisted liv-ing facility, most people don’t know
that Medicare covers very little of long term care and Medicaid only pays when you are impoverished. What’s more, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) states it’s a federal crime to “knowingly and willfully” transfer financial assets to qualify for Med-icaid coverage for any long term care services.
The alternative is crisis manage-ment and paying with existing sav-ings. “Unfortunately, many people’s savings couldn’t cover several years of long term care,” says Crosby.
If you don’t want your family or business associates to manage a crisis when you need care, he urges you to think about where you’ll get your care, who will manage it, and how you plan to pay for it.
Crosby says, “Long-term care in-surance may be the solution if you are still healthy enough to qualify for coverage.” Younger people may also qualify for policy discounts
and business owners may qualify for tax benefits. Work with a full-time insurance representative who specializes in long term care to help find the right plan says Crosby. “None of us can ever know what tomorrow holds.”
LONG TERM CARE SOLuTIONS
Could Your Business Pay for Your Long-term Care?
AT A G L A N C E
Insurance
85% of Americans over age 45 have no insurance against the
costs of long-term care. (Best’s Review)
3/4 of Americans would prefer to receive professional care at home rather than have a room
in an assisted care facility. (American Society on Aging)
Phone:
(803) 753-4244
Web site:
www.long-termcareinsurance.com
Harry Crosby, Long Term Care Insurance Specialist
12 Columbia Regional Business Report | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement
W orkspaces speak volumes about a company and the way it does business.
While aesthetics and quality furnish-ings are important, it’s equally impor-tant to be functional for clients and staff. And the increasing presence of advanced technology presents a new set of challenges. Joey Mixson, gen-eral sales manager at McWaters, has observed recent industry trends that demand interior solutions that are both innovative and adaptable.
Health Care – The high-use na-ture of health care facilities dictates that furniture and equipment be du-rable, functional, and easy to clean. Infection control is a major concern industry-wide, which is evident in how products are now manufactured and specified. “We furnish every-thing from the lobby to administra-tive spaces to patient rooms, nurses stations and beyond,” he says,
“So, we spend a lot of time with
customers programming on specifics that impact how easily products can be cleaned and kept clean in regards to fabric, finish and design.”
Government – Mixson says the government and military presence in South Carolina is growing and changing. In veteran’s health care facilities, Department of Defense, as well as administrative operations, “There’s a need for security and the ability to adapt to technology.” Mc-Waters furnishes spaces that de-mand a high level of privacy with the ability to accommodate changes in office and health care equipment.
Higher Education – “Today’s classroom is a very different learn-ing environment,” Mixson says not-ing that McWaters’ products support students’ work, study, and collabora-tion in learning labs and libraries, as well as traditional classrooms. “Research and technology have brought products and concepts that
have changed the way we teach and learn,” he explains.
That’s the overall key, says Mix-son, to workplace solutions that work. “For the past 65 years we’ve created innovative spaces that meet contemporary needs but allow for future change and help our clients achieve their goals.”
McWATERS
New Trends in Workplace Furnishings
WO
RK
PL
AC
E F
UR
NIS
HIN
GS
AT A G L A N C E
Primary Product or Service
Commercial Furnishings and Interiors
Top Local Executive
William Gresham
Year Founded
1946
Phone:
(803) 256-8303Web site:
www.mcwaters.com
Joey Mixson, General Sales Manager
Special Advertising Supplement | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Columbia Regional Business Report 13
RE
SID
EN
TIA
L R
EA
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STA
TE
Though the economic signs are good, the housing mar-ket is taking time to rebound.
That’s why if you are planning to sell your home, Brenda Hanna, broker-in-charge at Prudential Midlands Real Estate, advises getting every bit of expertise you can. “This is no time for a For Sale By Owner (FSBO),” she cautions, “if don’t have an agent you may not have a realistic idea of what your bottom line price should be.” Price a property too high and you could risk not being able to sell at all, even if you drop it later.
Hanna says local experts can help you set fair-market prices us-ing factual reference points, such as an appraisal, comparable sales, and personal knowledge. Today, a house priced at or slightly below market value will attract the interest of real estate professionals and buyers.
That doesn’t mean potential sell-
ers shouldn’t do their homework. Hanna encourages them to check out the competition by attending open houses or have an agent show comparable homes. “Pay close at-tention to what homes in your area have actually sold for, not the origi-nal asking price,” says Hanna.
Then she says, clean out and clean up. Get rid anything that is just clut-ter. Paint scuffed walls, freshen land-scaping, and do all the maintenance that’s been put off. “Take a walk around your property and look at it as a perspective buyer would. Re-member people are making their first impression as they pull up to your house, walk up the driveway, and stand at the door waiting to enter.”
Finally, Hanna recommends keep-ing an open mind about pricing. “Look at an offer as an expression of interest in your home and the start of negotiation.”
Prudential Midlands Real Estate opened in 2006 and now has over 30 agents who are certified reloca-tion specialists and experts in pric-ing to sell.
PRuDENTIAL MIDLANDS REAL ESTATE
Three Things Sellers Should Know Before They Put Their House on the Market
AT A G L A N C E
Seller Satisfaction
Prudential Real Estate Network is recognized for “Highest
Overall Satisfaction for Home Sellers among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2010 Home Buyer/Seller Study.
Phone:
(803) 409-0830
Web site:
www.prudentialmidlands.com
Brenda Hanna, Broker-in-Charge
14 Columbia Regional Business Report | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement
INV
EST
mE
NT
S
W hether you are new to the world of investing or are a seasoned follower
of the markets, a catch phrase you are likely to hear now is “the new normal.” This phrase describes not only the erratic behavior of the U.S. and international markets, but also a new era to which the world is adjusting that involves more than just low interest rates and a barrage of unnerving headlines; it’s a world searching for returns that are dif-ficult to find. To navigate such tur-bulent waters successfully, it helps to have a qualified partner as your investment adviser.
John Moorman, a principal at An-chor Investment Management, can attest that the easy money days of the 1990s are gone. Now, he says, it takes diligent, focused research matched with appropriate expecta-tions to protect and grow invest-
ments. Anchor’s portfolio turnover is low by industry standards, a strat-egy that is intentional. “We favor tax efficient compounding of wealth, but we are flexible enough to adapt to market changes and individual needs,” says Moorman.
With years of experience and ac-cess to quality independent research, Anchor builds portfolios that will meet the needs of clients now, and in the future. Pat Dorn, founder of and also a principal at Anchor, adds, “We are bound by a strict fiduciary stan-dard, meaning that we have pledged to have the clients’ best interest at the heart of every decision. We strive to help clients establish their toler-ance for risk and their time horizon for investment.”
As you review your assets and your goals, ask yourself: Do I have an adviser that I can trust to know me and know the market, is time-
tested, and makes decisions in my best interest? Volatility will ebb and flow; sound advice and guidance will steady the boat.
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Left to right: Gary Dannelly, Margaret Ellen Pender, Carole Moser, John Moorman; seated: Pat Dorn
Special Advertising Supplement | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Columbia Regional Business Report 15
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W ith the economy in tur-moil, the question on everyone’s mind, espe-
cially regarding commercial real estate is, “Have we reached bottom yet?”
Mary Winter Teaster, managing director of CBRE|Columbia says, “Though recovery is happening in-crementally, we are very careful about making optimistic assumptions. Cli-ents need well-founded advice and expertise when making decisions about real estate.”
“Our expectations of a continued slip in occupancy and asking rental rates through mid-year 2010 were ac-curate,” states Martin Moore, CCIM, SIOR, an office leasing and sales spe-cialist at CBRE|Columbia. Though leas-ing activity has continued, Moore says the market is still difficult for landlords. “Many landlords have continued to see a squeeze in real rent forcing them to make the deals they can for the sake
of cash flow. Therefore, landlords are marketing properties more aggres-sively than ever. These challenging times demand quality management of buildings, leases and tenants. Top priorities are tenant relationships and cost containments that are innocuous to tenants. Landlords should work closely with an agent who can act as a conduit to their tenant, as well as pro-vide guidance and cost-effective prop-erty solutions.”
An abundance of inventory has created a tenants’ market. Conse-quently, tenants can secure long-term leases at favorable rates and reap the benefit long after the market chang-es. “In some cases, tenants may be able to move up a class in building,” Moore says, “but this requires exper-tise. The lease rate is only one aspect of the relationship between tenant and landlord. It’s a relationship that will last for years to come.”
“CBRE|Columbia has access to information and specialized service groups across the nation that is un-matched,” Teaster says. “In today’s market, agents’ roles have expanded. They are required to have a much higher degree of knowledge and specialization. Our range of expe-rienced brokers spans the retail, of-fice, industrial, land and investment property landscape. Now, more than ever, you need an expert guide.”
CB RICHARD ELLIS|COLuMBIA
Why You Need an Experienced Agent to Navigate a Challenging Commercial Property Market
AT A G L A N C E
Top Local Executives
Mary Winter Teaster Martin A. Moore
Phone:
(803) 779-7777
Web site:
www.cbre.com/columbia
Martin A. Moore and Mary Winter Teaster
16 Columbia Regional Business Report | Book of ExpErts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement
Everyone knows it’s important to exercise, eat right, and get the proper amount of sleep
but did you know having healthy employees can save your business money? “Healthier employees are a benefit to any company,” notes Norman Clarke, founder of Clarke & Company Benefits LLC. He points out that absenteeism and its subse-quent loss of productivity, as well as health insurance costs are just two factors that can hit an organization hard in the bottom line.
That’s why it makes sense to imple-ment a corporate wellness program, says Clarke, to educate employees and encourage healthy habits.
But Clarke cautions, it’s not enough to just talk about a pro-gram, in order to reap the maximum benefits, it pays to hire an expert. “At Clarke & Company Benefits, wellness is not just a buzzword.
We hired a professional who holds a Masters degree in public health,” Clarke says. Clarke’s wellness coor-dinator acts as a client company’s health manager and uses a team approach to implement various programs to get the staff on the right track.
Clarke understands that many businesses which cut their benefits packages during the recession may be reluctant to add to their overhead now. However, Clarke explains that under the new healthcare bill some businesses -- especially those with fewer than 100 employees -- may even qualify for government grants to help with program costs.
Clarke also points out that his company offers wellness educa-tional classes, a service that often comes with a hefty price tag if pur-chased from an insurance carrier or wellness company. “We’ve devel-
oped a ‘Lunch and Learn’ series that addresses stress management, heart disease, cholesterol, what to ask your doctor, and money-saving tips for drugs. Our staff goes out to our clients and provides this service at no charge.”
For business owners still on the fence, Clarke urges, “A wellness program can have impact over many areas of your business, ben-efit costs, comp costs, and produc-tivity,” and he adds, “By adding challenges and incentives, it can even be fun for employees.”
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CLARKE & COMPANy BENEFITS LLC
How a Corporate Wellness Program Can Keep Your Bottom Line Healthy
AT A G L A N C E
Phone:
(803) 253-6997
Web site:
www.clarkebenefits.com
Sitting (left to right): Edwin Croft, Scott Gambrell. Standing: Kristen Kunkel, Jennifer Holly, Norman Clarke, Laura Howell, Kristi Hunter, Valerie Music
Employee Benefit Specialists | 803.253.6997 | www.clarkebenefits.com
Beyond benefits.Healthier companies.
Call Clarke & Company Benefits today and see how our in-house wellness coordinator, Valerie Musick, can help your company
implement programs to help your employees live healthier. Clarke & Company is empowering
companies by educating employees on ways to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Statewide Coverage
Business decision-makers rely on SC Biz News publications for the most current in-depth coverage of local and state business news.
Whether your focus is hyper-local or statewide, you can rely on SC Biz News publications to deliver your marketing message
to our targeted audience of business leaders.
To advertise your business, contact Steve Fields, Vice President of Sales
at 843.849.3110 or [email protected]
April 5 - 18, 2010 www.columbiabusinessreport.com Volume 3, No. 7 • $2.00
To subscribe to theColumbia Regional Business Report,
call (843) 849-3116
Upfront ............................. 2
In Focus: Law: Practice Groups ............ 13List: Law Firms ............. 16List: Title/Abstract Cos .. 18At Work .......................... 19
Economics Column ......... 20
People in the News ......... 21
Business Digest .............. 21
Leads ............................. 22
Calendar ......................... 22
Viewpoint ........................ 23
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED INSIDE
By Mike [email protected]
When Boeing came to South Caro-lina to make a development deal, the company hired Nexsen Pruet.
Th at’s the kind of major project that can build the reputation of a fi rm’s economic development practice; but Nexsen Pruet
already was among the small group of fi rms that companies turn to when they consider new investments in South Carolina.
Th ose fi rms are concentrated in Columbia
because much of the business involves dealing with state incentives and regulators, said Bur-nie Maybank, one of two fi rm members who head the economic development practice at Nexsen Pruet.
Most, if not all, companies expanding in South Carolina or looking to relocate here
Rate increase proposal puts heat on SCE&G
By Mike [email protected]
They have arrived by the hundreds: Let-ters from customers objecting to the rate increase of more than 9% sought
by S.C. Electric & Gas Co. An outpouring of opinion unlike anything in the state’s recent history has put the utility on the defensive.
“Please reconsider this increase! Th e people in my area are counting on you to stop this highway robbery!” wrote Sharon Azecusky of Chappells to the state’s reg-ulatory body, the S.C. Pub-lic Service Commission.
Some of the letters — there have been more than 300 — seem part of an organized campaign, but others clearly were penned at a kitchen table purely out of frustration. An overwhelming theme in the complaints is timing of the electricity rate increase amid the recession.
“I am 81 years of age and a retired Bap-tist minister. As you know, we have not had a cost-of-living in Social Security benefi ts in two years. What savings we had for retirement
Nexsen Pruet’s economic development prowess well-known
See SCE&G, Page 10 ➤
See NEXSEN PRUET, Page 15 ➤
Tucked away in rural Chester County is a new research center that has
one goal: Make homes and businesses safer in the face of potential
disasters. To achieve this, the center is bringing the storm inside.
INSIDE: Full story, Page 8
ST RMINSIDE THE EYE OF THE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARYLaw firm was called upon by Boeing to help
negotiate its deal in South Carolina.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Customers are objecting to an electricity rate increase of more than 9% in the middle of the state’s deep recession.
A burning issueBuilders seek law to stop fire sprinkler requirement for new home construction.Page 14
Wind energy Industrialists discuss wind turbine testing facility with potential customers.Page 6
Banking on recoveryFirst National is in the midst of a “transitional year,” CEO says.Page 12
In Focus: Law S.C. Bar conference center arising in the Vista.Page 13
At Work Buddy Bateman’s dual role in economic development. Page 19
April 27 - May 10, 2009 www.gsabusiness.com Volume 12, No. 18 • $2.00
SpotlightBen Stevens: a family lawyer turns Apple guruPAGE 19
by James T. [email protected]
Fluor Corp. saw the potential of wind power early in the technol-ogy’s development, and set out
to become a major player for renewable sources of energy.
“We saw the potential in this tech-nology six or seven years ago,” said David Eppinger, vice president in the power division at Fluor. “We believed it would yield proj-ects of the size and complexity that Flu-or is known to ex-ecute very well.”
Today, the engi-neering and con-struction company that employs more than 2,500 profes-sionals in Greenville is the prime con-tractor for the world’s largest wind tur-bine project under construction – the Greater Gabbard Offshore Farm near Britain’s Suffolk coast.
The giant turbines will occupy a hostile, corrosive environment of salt-water, waves and storms, while resting on pylons in water as deep as 100 feet. Despite those challenges, the service life of each of the high-tech windmills is expected to be 20-25 years.
The $2 billion-plus, 500-megawatt complex is expected to be 20 miles or more from shore, minimizing visual and noise objections from neighbors. The 140 windmills will stand on 260-foot-tall towers and have three-bladed rotors that are more than 300 feet in diameter.
Siemens Wind Power A/S will build turbines for the British project. Each one will pump out 3.6 megawatts of
see PROJECTS, page 13
BuildErs, BAnks join city to Add AffordABlE homEs PAGE 6To subscribe to GSA Business
call (864) 517-1492
insidELeading Off .................2
In Focus:
Energy ......................11
list: lEEd Accredited Professionals ..........15 list: largest utility Providers .................18
At Work ....................17
Real Estate ...............20
People in the News ...21
Calendar ...................21
Leads .......................21
News Briefs ..............22
Viewpoint ..................23
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Greenville and South Carolina have a grow-ing cluster of expertise in harnessing the wind. GE Energy makes electric generators driven by windmills capable of lighting a small town. Fluor Corp. builds wind farms that stand like centuri-ons at sea and pour out enough power for a city. Three companies in S.C. make bearings for the huge machines. Wind turbines utilize free en-ergy, and emit no harmful carbon pollutants. The American Wind Energy Association es-timates U.S. wind power capacity will grow 20%, or 5,000 megawatts, this year alone. Demand for this new-technology hard-ware will preserve jobs, or even increase employment in the Upstate.
WINDS OF CHANGE
Wind-powered turbines critical to future growthby James T. [email protected]
In the next 20 years, worldwide electricity demand is expected to double, and the world’s largest gas turbine plant, oper-ated by General Electric on Garlington Road in Greenville,
is retooling itself to meet a diverse set of global needs, including wind power generators.
Already one of every two wind turbines in the United States today is made by GE. Last year, GE Energy built 604 of the 60-ton wind tur-bine machine heads in Greenville. (The blades are made elsewhere.)
GE Energy expects demandto grow for generatorsbuilt in Greenville factory
see GE, page 16
Fluor’s mastery of wind power yields European projects
Eppinger
S.C. March jobless rate highest since ’83South Carolina’s unemployment rate rose to 11.4% in March, equaling the highest rate ever recorded since January 1983. The March figure was five-tenths of a point higher than the revised February rate of 10.9%.
Highlights: 10 countiesin Upstate Alliance
Rank County Joblessin state rate
4 Union 20% 12 Cherokee 16.4% 18 Oconee 14.3% 19 Abbeville 14% 23 Greenwood 13% 29 Anderson 11.9% 30 Spartanburg 11.6% 33 Laurens 10.9% 37 Pickens 9.9% 40 Greenville 9.6%
Source: S.C. Employment Security Commission
PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE
PAIDCOLUMBIA SCPERMIT # 380
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd Suite 200
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Winter 2009
To subscribe to theCharleston Regional Business Journal,
call (843) 849-3116www.charleston business.com
INSIDEUpfront .............................2
In Focus:
Health & Wellness.........15
List: Hospitals ...............35
List: Caterers ................37
At Work ..........................41
Economics Column .........42
People in the News .........43
Business Digest ..............44
Leads .............................45
Calendar .........................46
Viewpoint ........................47
By Ashley Fletcher [email protected]
When two key Noisette Co. officials resigned recently, they took with them a $9,000-per-month con-
tract for managing a neighborhood that the city of North Charleston is developing.
Art Titus and Elias Deeb oversaw the day-
to-day operations of the city’s Oak Terrace Preserve development in Park Circle when they worked for the Noisette Co. as chief
operating offi cer and project manager, respec-tively.
Now the two are doing the same work for the city, but through a new company that Deeb owns called Cedrus LLC.
Mayor Keith Summey said the city of North Charleston moved the contract because
FDIC takes closer look at S.C. banks
By Scott [email protected]
After bank examinations in the fourth quarter, the Federal Deposit Insur-ance Corp. has become more involved
in South Carolina, a state that has not yet had a bank fail during the recession.
Bank regulators have told several fi nancial institutions across the state to improve their capital positions and strengthen other mea-sures of stability.
Greenville-based Palmetto Bancshares Inc. said this month in a fi ling with the Securi-ties and Exchange Commission that it expects to receive a written agreement from the FDIC to improve its capital position. Th e holding company for Palmetto Bank lost $40 million last year and is no longer considered “well-capitalized” by federal regulators.
Easley-based CommunitySouth Finan-cial Corp. faces a more pressing situation.
Puzzle pieces continue shifting at Noisette
See FDIC, Page 14 ➤
March 15 - 28, 2010 • www.charlestonbusiness.com Volume 16, No. 6 • $2.00
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Though the state hasn’t had a bank failure during the recession, the FDIC is taking a closer look at several institutions.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARYKey staff members have left and a foreclosure
lawsuit is advancing. The company has closed six property sales and continues to attract tenants.
See NOISETTE, Page 10 ➤
b ib t thINSIDE
CARTArolls up record numbers
With a slight increase in ridership from the previous year, the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority has its green-and-tan buses riding in the black.
INSIDE:Up-and-down fuel
costs, business partnerships help
transit authority grow. Page 8
Photo/Leslie Halpern
2
3
4
5
6
7
See our special section honoring this year’s
winners. Page 19
Stabilization cash goes to other communitiesLowcountry Housing Trust misses out on a second round of funding to help purchase and restore distressed housing for low-income residents. Page 6
In Focus:Health & Wellness
Do wellness program work?Companies that make an investment in wellness can increase productivity and save on costs. Page 15
Well Workplace AwardsAn awards ceremony recognized 13 companies dedicated to health and wellness. Page 18
At Work
The College of Charleston’s new finance chairwoman advises Federal Reserve and college students with conclusions grounded in research. Page 41
Lowcountry Midlands Upstate Statewide
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