Member News | Oct. 24 – 28

NAI AVANT BROKERS 50,000 SQUARE FOOT WAREHOUSE LEASE IN COLUMBIA, SC

The 50,000 square foot former Morris Furniture Warehouse located on Shop Road has been leased by SC Liquidators with a 5-year lease term. Lee Marsha, a member of NAI Avant’s Brokerage Team, consummated the transaction.

Marsha has over two decades of commercial real estate experience in Columbia and joined NAI Avant in 2008.

About NAI Avant

NAI Avant’s commercial real estate business is one of the largest in the Southeast.  With over 65 professionals, the firm provides comprehensive brokerage, leasing, development, property and project management services.  For nearly three consecutive decades, the group has had more of its brokerage professionals recognized as top producers or recipients of the top awards than any other firm in South Carolina. As a member of the NAI Global Network, NAI Avant is affiliated with over 350 offices and 5,000 professionals in 55 countries across the globe.  NAI Avant’s Property and Project Management Group currently manages a multi-million square foot portfolio of properties across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Through its Avant Healthcare Division, the firm provides comprehensive services to hospitals, clinics, and physician groups. NAI Avant, founded in 1966, is headquartered in Columbia, SC with an office in Charleston, SC. Find out more about NAI Avant and its services at www.naiavant.com. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @NAI Avant and like us on Facebook.

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DHEC Board takes action on ‘bath salts’ and synthetic marijuana

The S.C. Board of Health and Environmental Control has reclassified three substances that are commonly known as “bath salts,” and five substances used to make synthetic marijuana as schedule I controlled substances.

“State law authorizes the DHEC Board to designate a substance as a controlled substance in this state if the federal government has issued the same designation,” said Carl Roberts, general counsel for DHEC.

Roberts said the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration listed three substances often marketed as “bath salts,” but actually ingested as psychoactive drugs, as schedule I controlled substances effective Oct. 21. The three substances are mephedrone, methylone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Products that have long been used for bathing and are available in the health/beauty sections of national retail chains do not contain these chemicals. The five substances commonly used in synthetic marijuana have previously been classified by the DEA as schedule I controlled substances.

“With the board’s vote today, the state’s designation of these substances mirrors the federal designation,” Roberts said. “This will allow state and local law enforcement officers to deal with the issue, as it is illegal to manufacture, distribute, possess, import or export these substances. These chemicals have been found by the DEA to pose an imminent hazard to public safety and health.”

Schedule I status is reserved for those substances with a high potential for abuse, no accepted use for medical treatment in the U.S. and a lack of accepted safety guidelines for use of the drug under medical supervision. South Carolina law states that anyone convicted of the possession, manufacture or distribution of a schedule I controlled substance is guilty of a felony and on first offense is subject to not more than five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000, with more severe penalties for subsequent offenses.

For more information about controlled substances, including a current list, visit the DEA’s website at: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/.

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Banks Turn to Integra for Appraisal Compliance Guidance

Integra Realty Resources provides appraisal management services to community banks

As a result of recent changes to real estate appraisal guidelines, banks are now under greater scrutiny regarding their appraisal processes. From how a lender should order an appraisal, to who is qualified to review the appraisal, regulatory compliance is a major challenge for lending institutions.

To maintain a high level of compliance, bank executives in the Carolinas are turning to Michael Dodds, MAI, CCIM for guidance. As the Managing Director of the Columbia, SC office of Integra Realty Resources, Dodds has been providing appraisal services for banks in the southeast for 25 years. In 2009, he created an appraisal management division to work closely with lending institutions to make sure that appraisal-related regulations are met. “With 63 offices nationwide and over 120 years of combined commercial appraisal experience in our local office, we have a level of expertise that other firms can’t match. One of the largest commercial appraisal management companies in the region has no MAI designated appraisers on staff. We have three in the Columbia office alone” said Dodds.

Integra’s appraisal management program has three basic components, starting with assistance in establishing the highest quality panel of approved appraisers. The new regulations require routine monitoring of the approved appraiser list, but apparently many banks don’t do this. “If we find appraisers that are deceased on a bank’s approved appraiser list, then obviously they haven’t reviewed that list recently” said Dodds.

The second step is providing the required independence in ordering appraisals. Integra uses the same online appraisal ordering portal that is used by Wells Fargo, Key Bank and First Citizens. It is highly secure and most appraisers are familiar with it. This “appraisal independence” is a key piece of the new regulation. The selection of the appraiser can’t be made by someone in the loan production office, so Integra handles the procurement of appraisals on the bank‘s behalf. A violation of the independence provision carries eye-opening penalties, up to $10,000 per day, per occurrence. “As you can imagine, civil penalties of that magnitude have gotten the attention of most bank executives” said Dodds.

The third part of the service is performing a third-party review of the appraisal after it is received. According to Dodds, “many community banks just don’t have the expertise or resources to properly review the appraisals that they receive. We provide that expertise.”

Of all of the property types being appraised, multiple unsold lots or condo units present the greatest challenge to review appraisers. “There are a lot of assumptions made in those appraisals, so it gets complicated. We use many sources of data when appraising or reviewing appraisals of multiple unsold units. It would be very difficult to determine whether an appraisal is credible without those tools” according to Ted Krammer, a Senior Reviewer at Integra.

According to Dodds, “one banker refers to me as his on-call chief appraiser” referring to the ability to use Integra on an as-needed basis. The firm offers a very flexible bundle of services, and lenders can choose one or all levels of the appraisal management platform. Current clients are predominantly community banks, although Integra occasionally provides reviews for regional banks when needed.

ABOUT INTEGRA REALTY RESOURCES, INC. (IRR)

Integra Realty Resources, Inc. is an independent real estate valuation and consulting firm that offers local expertise on a national scale with 63 offices and 850 credentialed consultants and staff located across the United States and in Mexico. Founded in 1999, the Firm specializes in real estate appraisals, feasibility studies, market studies, expert testimony, and related property consulting services. Many of the nation’s largest and most prestigious financial institutions, developers, corporations, law firms, and government agencies are among its clients. Because of the high quality of its professionals, integrated systems, and state-of-the-art technology IRR is capable of handling a wide array of assignments and producing high quality, meaningful results on a timely basis. Please visit us at Integra – South Carolina.

PRESS RESOURCES

Website: www.IRR.com/Columbia

Midlands Angel Network Forming

The organizational meeting for MAIN, the Midlands Angel Investors Network, is set for 4-5:30 p.m. Nov. 16, at the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

As a prelude to forming MAIN, about 50 people participated in the Power of Angel Investing: Angel Investing Overview Seminar at the Columbia Chamber on Oct. 13. The workshop was presented by Bill Payne, an engineer, entrepreneur and angel investor who has helped establish four angel groups in the United States. Payne has invested in more than 50 startup companies.

The seminar included sessions on angel investing in the capital landscape, angel portfolio strategy, due diligence and deal structuring, valuation and post-investment relationship.  Participants also heard pitches from two local startup companies seeking financing.

Innovista, along with the support of its partners the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, SC Launch and EngenuitySC, is spearheading an effort to create MAIN to bridge the funding gap for startup companies and build early stage capital resources in the Midlands region. Angel Networks add value for entrepreneurs and investors by providing access to capital and deal flow and risk adjusted returns.

Anyone interested in attending the organizational meeting of MAIN should contact:
Lauren Edwards
Programs and Communications Manager- Innovista
803-777-9796
Lauren@mailbox.sc.edu

The GOOD Night: Leadership Columbia Video

Leadership Columbia (LC) was honored for its outstanding humanitarian impact on the Midlands at the Cooperative Ministry’s annual soiree “The GOOD Night” on Thursday, Oct. 6. The Cooperative Ministry created a video showcasing LC, which debuted at the soiree. The video cameos various LC alumnae, including current chair, Krisdee Foster (Class of 2007), immediate past chair, Keith Chichester (Class of 2007) and Wells Fargo Midlands Marketing President and past chair, Holt Chetwood (Class of 2003). The video provides insight into the benefits of LC class days, the class project and the importance of giving back to the Greater Midlands community.

Check out the video!

Since 1973, the Leadership Columbia program has been providing existing and emerging leaders with opportunities to enhance their civic knowledge and network. Participants learn a greater understanding of how our community works, build relationships with the region’s current and future leaders, and become inspired to focus talents in a way that will best serve the community. For more information about Leadership Columbia, check out or Facebook page.

Member News | Oct 17 – Oct 21

NAI AVANT BROKERS SALE OF OFFICE BUILDING AND WAREHOUSE IN BLYTHEWOOD, SOUTH CAROLINA

NAI Avant is pleased to announce that Nick Stomski, a member of the firm’s Industrial Brokerage Team, recently brokered the sale of 1101 Carolina Pines Drive in Blythewood, SC. The 35,800 square foot industrial office building and warehouse is the future home of Spirax Sarco. Stomski represented the seller, ALD Thermal Treatment, Inc., in the transaction valued at $1,950,000.

About NAI Avant

NAI Avant’s commercial real estate business is one of the largest in the Southeast.  With over 65 professionals, the firm provides comprehensive brokerage, leasing, development, property and project management services.  For nearly three consecutive decades, the group has had more of its brokerage professionals recognized as top producers or recipients of the top awards than any other firm in South Carolina. As a member of the NAI Global Network, NAI Avant is affiliated with over 350 offices and 5,000 professionals in 55 countries across the globe.  NAI Avant’s Property and Project Management Group currently manages a multi-million square foot portfolio of properties across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Through its Avant Healthcare Division, the firm provides comprehensive services to hospitals, clinics, and physician groups. NAI Avant, founded in 1966, is headquartered in Columbia, SC with an office in Charleston, SC. Find out more about NAI Avant and its services at www.naiavant.com. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @NAI Avant and like us on Facebook.

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OCTOBER 5TH, 2011 SOUTHLAND EQUIPMENT SERVICE, INC. HIT A MILESTONE NONE IN THE LOCAL FORKLIFT INDUSTRY HAVE MADE, 40 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

UNDERSTANDING CUSTOMERS SERVICE NEEDS SOUTHLAND DID NOT TAKE A LOT OF TIME PATTING THEMSELVES ON THE BACK .  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 40 YEAR MILESTONE SOUTHLAND HAD AN EARLY MORNING BREAKFAST OCTOBER 4TH, 2011 TO THANK THEIR DEDICATED EMPLOYEES FOR WHAT THEY DO AND CONTINUE TO DO TO.

40 YEARS IS QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT AND NOT TAKEN LIGHTLY.  SOUTHLAND EQUIPMENT SERVICE. INC. CREDITS THEIR LONG ESTABLISHED PRINCIPALS FOR THEIR GOOD REPUTATION AND LONGEVITY WITH PLANS TO SERVE THE MIDLANDS FOR MANY YEARS TO COME WITH FORKLIFT SALES, PARTS, SERVICE, RENTALS, AND RELATED MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT.   A COMPLETE LISTING OF SOUTHLAND’S OFFERINGS AND CAPABILITIES CAN BE SEEN AT www.SouthlandSC.com.

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Mayor Keith T. Bailey recognized as Community Ambassador for the Y

Leaders from the YMCA of the USA and Ys across the state of South Carolina gathered in Columbia on Thursday, Oct. 14 for the annual Public Policy Committee work session and awards dinner. The Public Policy Committee recognized Town of Blythewood Mayor Keith T. Bailey with its inaugural Community Ambassador Award. The award will be presented annually to individuals who demonstrate compassion and caring for the community and have thus made significant contributions to the Y movement.

“Mayor Bailey values the benefit of collaboration and we have come to know him through working together on many projects in Blythewood,” said Bryan Madden, CEO of the YMCA of Columbia. “His progressive nature and energy have paved the way for unprecedented growth in the Town of Blythewood and the Y is happy to be a part of the town’s progress.”

Mayor Keith T. Bailey was elected into office in 2008. He is a founding team member in the Y’s Healthier Communities Initiative, LiveWell Blythewood, that has brought a community garden project and a walking trail to the Town of Blythewood. He also passed a resolution to support increase in physical activity. Mayor Bailey served as a US Army active duty infantry officer for over 22 years and has served in numerous volunteer capacities throughout his career.

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AVANT BROKERS 50,000 SQUARE FOOT WAREHOUSE LEASE IN COLUMBIA, SC

The 50,000 square foot former Morris Furniture Warehouse located on Shop Road has been leased by SC Liquidators with a 5-year lease term. Lee Marsha, a member of NAI Avant’s Brokerage Team, consummated the transaction.

Marsha has over two decades of commercial real estate experience in Columbia and joined NAI Avant in 2008.

About NAI Avant

NAI Avant’s commercial real estate business is one of the largest in the Southeast.  With over 65 professionals, the firm provides comprehensive brokerage, leasing, development, property and project management services.  For nearly three consecutive decades, the group has had more of its brokerage professionals recognized as top producers or recipients of the top awards than any other firm in South Carolina. As a member of the NAI Global Network, NAI Avant is affiliated with over 350 offices and 5,000 professionals in 55 countries across the globe.  NAI Avant’s Property and Project Management Group currently manages a multi-million square foot portfolio of properties across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Through its Avant Healthcare Division, the firm provides comprehensive services to hospitals, clinics, and physician groups. NAI Avant, founded in 1966, is headquartered in Columbia, SC with an office in Charleston, SC. Find out more about NAI Avant and its services at www.naiavant.com. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @NAI Avant and like us on Facebook.

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NAI AVANT BROKERS SALE OF LAND PARCELS IN LEXINGTON, SC 

Mark McClam, Senior Broker, a member of NAI Avant’s Brokerage Team, recently brokered the sale of two land parcels on Sunset Boulevard in Lexington, SC. The 1.36 acre property was purchased by Discount Tire. McClam represented the seller, Arthur State Bank in the transaction valued at $675,000.

About NAI Avant

NAI Avant’s commercial real estate business is one of the largest in the Southeast.  With over 65 professionals, the firm provides comprehensive brokerage, leasing, development, property and project management services.  For nearly three consecutive decades, the group has had more of its brokerage professionals recognized as top producers or recipients of the top awards than any other firm in South Carolina. As a member of the NAI Global Network, NAI Avant is affiliated with over 350 offices and 5,000 professionals in 55 countries across the globe.  NAI Avant’s Property and Project Management Group currently manages a multi-million square foot portfolio of properties across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Through its Avant Healthcare Division, the firm provides comprehensive services to hospitals, clinics, and physician groups. NAI Avant, founded in 1966, is headquartered in Columbia, SC with an office in Charleston, SC. Find out more about NAI Avant and its services at www.naiavant.com. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @NAI Avant and like us on Facebook.

Lake Carolina’s Wine & Food Festival is Here!

Taste the food, drink the wine and feel the music at this year’s Wine & Food Festival!

Savor the flavors of fine wine and gourmet cuisine at Lake Carolina’s 9^th Annual Wine & Food Festival on Saturday, October 22, from 1pm – 5pm.  Join award winning chefs, local restaurants, and wine vendors in a beautiful outdoor setting while sampling tasty bites and sipping fine wines.  Over 15 wineries, distributors, food vendors and restaurants will participate and several hundred are expected to attend and delight in the offerings.   Food demonstrations will take place during the day featuring culinary experts from Columbia.  Come see what’s cooking.  Not only will they feature exceptional wines and delicious food, but craft beer vendors will also be pouring their seasonal brews.

Experience the culinary culture of the South.  Fresh ingredients, local flavor, and harmonizing finishes in a picturesque park-like setting.

Lake Carolina is proud to contribute all proceeds from the 2011 Wine & Food Festival to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia, SC.  The Ronald McDonald House aids sick children by providing a comfortable “home away from home” where families can rest, enjoy home-cooked meals, meet other families in similar situations and be near their child, regardless of their ability to pay.

Attendees of Lake Carolina’s Wine & Food Festival will also have the opportunity to bid on special items at the Silent Auction including entertainment tickets, travel destinations, fine art and an assortment of other items.

Tickets are on sale now at www.LakeCarolinaWineandFood.com.  An advance ticket purchase of $25 will get you through the gate and includes a commemorative wine glass, wine tastings and live entertainment by the Great Society Band.  Bring cash for food sampling, beer tasting and other quality goods.  Held outside on the Village Green at Lake Carolina, this event brings in some of the area’s best wineries and Columbia’s favorite cuisine and award-winning chefs.  Festival details and tickets are available on www.LakeCarolinaWineandFood.com.

Lovers of wine, food and beer welcome!

The Details:  $25 per ticket, must be 21yrs. of age or older.  Includes parking, event entrance, a commemorative wine glass and wine tastings.

The Where:  Lake Carolina Village Green, 100 Lake Carolina Boulevard, Columbia, SC 29229

The When:  Saturday, October 22, 2011 1pm – 5pm

The How:  Buy Tickets at www.LakeCarolinaWineandFood.com or at the Lake Carolina Sales Center

Guest Blogger
Lake Carolina

Nancy Hillard Selected as Columbia Chamber Diplomat of the Month

Congratulations to Nancy Hillard for being selected as the Columbia Chamber Diplomat of the Month for October. A Leadership Columbia graduate, Nancy has served as a diplomat since 2002 and has worked on the chamber’s annual Total Resource Campaign since its inception in ­­­­2002.

“Nancy certainly goes above and beyond the call of duty. She provides invaluable support to the chamber and is an excellent liaison between the chamber and its members,” said Lynn Turbeville, director of member retention.           

The Columbia Chamber Diplomats provide vital customer service by calling on new and existing Chamber members to thank them for their support, monitor member satisfaction and introduce them to new and updated programs the organization has to offer.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Columbia Chamber Diplomats, or becoming one yourself, please contact Lynn Turbeville at 733-1128 or email lturbeville@columbiachamber.com.

 

Special thanks to Iacofano’s for providing lunch at the October Diplomat meeting.
For all your catering needs, call 855-485-3663 or www.iacofanos.com

COR Recruits Record Number of Volunteers for USMC Mud Run

COR, Columbia Opportunity Resource, recruited more than 560 volunteers to staff the Saturday, October 15 USMC Mud Run, making this fall’s event one of the largest volunteer events in the Midlands and connected Columbia to the national Make a Difference celebration. COR, a non-profit community development organization dedicated to engaging and connecting Columbians to the community, is the volunteer partner organization of the Greater Columbia Marine Foundation and is celebrating its third partnership event with the Foundation.

The large-scale volunteer effort enables increased proceeds from the USMC Mud Run to support Columbia-area Marines and their families as well as scholarship funds for Midlands’ JROTC programs. Volunteers worked in a variety of posts to support the 2,400 teams competing in the run, held in Sandy Run, just south of Columbia.

COR Volunteer Captain Evan Hobbs worked in the registration tent to welcome nearly 2,400 teams to the USMC Mud Run. Hobbs serves on the COR board of directors and is an active community volunteer.

To learn more about COR and its upcoming community involvement initiatives, please visit www.ourcor.org or contact Katherine Swartz at 803.733.1123. COR is a partner organization of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

 

Wreaths Across America State House Ceremony

Wreaths Across America will host a ceremony to place a memorial wreath at the South Carolina Veterans Memorial on the SC State House grounds. The ceremony will be held on Monday, December 5 at 12 p.m. Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. With over 600 locations in the United States, Wreaths Across America raises funds and seeks donations in order to adorn veteran grave sites with wreaths during the holiday season.

There will also be a ceremony at Fort Jackson National Cemetery on Saturday, December 10 at 12p.m. Wreaths Across America is hoping to place wreaths at every grave site located at Fort Jackson. In order to do so, 1400 wreaths must be donated. To date, there have only been 348 donations.

Everyone is invited to attend both ceremonies and participate in the placing of the wreaths.

If you are interested in donating a wreath, they are $15.00 each and can be purchased at www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org. For every 2 wreaths purchased, Fort Jackson receives a 3^rd wreath free of charge. Please be sure to put both the cemetery code (SCFJNC) and sponsor code (SCNDV001) when ordering.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Carol Davis at (803) 739-2774 or visit the Wreaths Across America Facebook page here.

Member News | Oct. 10 – 14

Best Lawyers Names MG&C’s Thomas E. Lydon Columbia’s Banking & Finance Lawyer of the Year

The law firm of McAngus Goudelock & Courie is pleased to announce that Best Lawyers has named attorney Thomas E. Lydon as Columbia’s Best Lawyers Litigation – Banking & Finance Lawyer of the Year for 2012.

2012 is the first year that Best Lawyers is designating “Lawyers of the Year” in high-profile legal specialties in large legal communities. Only a single lawyer in each specialty in each community is being honored as the “Lawyer of the Year.” The lawyers being honored as “Lawyers of the Year” have received particularly high ratings in our surveys by earning a high level of respect among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

Mr. Lydon’s practice includes litigation involving business, bankruptcy, and probate matters.  Mr. Lydon is a cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law. He regularly appears in state and federal courts representing individuals, financial institutions, and other corporate clients, and he was selected as one of the Midlands Legal Elite for 2010 and 2011 by Greater Columbia Business Monthly magazine.

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Mashburn Construction Employees Are Appointed Within Community

Mashburn Construction is pleased to announce news for two of their employees. 

Paul Mashburn, President and Chief Operating Officer, has been elected Vice Chair of the Carolinas AGC Building Division.  With 2,300 member firms, the Carolinas AGC is the largest construction trade association in the Carolinas and has been the nation’s largest chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America since 1920.

Dean Wilson, LEED^® AP, Vice President of Columbia Operations, has been appointed by Governor Nikki Haley to the S.C. Building Codes Council. The Council oversees the adoption of building electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, fire, energy and property maintenance codes (referred to as building codes) by all cities and counties in the state and assists in use and interpretation when necessary. Mr. Wilson’s term will run through the year 2013. 

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Four Nexsen Pruet Attorneys Named to “Legal Elite of the Midlands”

Nexsen Pruet is pleased to announce that four attorneys have been listed in Greater Columbia Business Monthly magazine’s “Legal Elite of the Midlands.”  The listings appear in the October 1st edition.

The Greater Columbia Business Monthly invited Midlands attorneys who are a member of the South Carolina Bar to vote in ten categories.  Nearly 300 lawyers received votes with the top ten in each category being named as one of the “Legal Elite.”

Nexsen Pruet’s Ed Menzie and Board Chairman John Sowards are listed in Business Law category, while Rick Mendoza is named to Bankruptcy Category and Tommy Lavender in the Environmental Law Category.  Each earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Additionally, the October 2011 edition of The Greater Columbia Business Monthly features a full-page profile of Menzie.  That is the result of Menzie’s high marks in the 2011 edition of Chambers USA, a legal publication that ranks attorneys on factors including legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities valued by clients.

Nexsen Pruet, LLC is one of the largest law firms in the Carolinas, with more than 185 attorneys and offices in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach, S.C. as well as Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, N.C.  Founded in 1945, Nexsen Pruet provides a broad range of legal services to the business community and represents companies and other entities in local, state, national, and international venues.  For further information, see www.nexsenpruet.com.

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WATERS HONORED BY MORTGAGE BANKERS ASSOCIATION

Samuel C. Waters, the chairman of both the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of Rogers Townsend & Thomas PC, has been honored as Associate/Affiliate of the Year by the Mortgage Bankers Association of the Carolinas.

The organization represents companies that participate in the mortgage lending industry within North and South Carolina. Waters received the award at the association’s recent convention at Myrtle Beach.

The honor goes annually to an associate/affiliate member who has deeply invested time and effort in the MBAC and who displays an ongoing commitment to the industry. Waters currently chairs the association’s South Carolina Legislative Committee. He’s previously served on the board of directors.

Waters has focused his legal practice on residential foreclosures, bankruptcy, litigation, evictions and loan workouts since 1986. A member of Rogers Townsend & Thomas’ Default Services Department,

Waters is a graduate of Presbyterian College and the University of South Carolina School of Law. He’s also a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel.

About Rogers Townsend & Thomas
Rogers Townsend & Thomas, PC, with offices in Columbia, Charlotte, Charleston and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has 65 attorneys practicing in a wide range of industries and practice areas. Rogers Townsend provides counsel to the banking, default services, insurance, real estate, construction, corporate, estate planning and probate, and title services industries. Visit us at rtt-law.com.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia Announces New President & CEO

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia is thrilled to announce thatHeidi Johnsonhas been named President & CEO. 

“I am excited to join Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Johnson.  “I look forward to helping improve the lives of young people in our community and building stronger communities for all.”

Johnson previously served as the Executive Director of Keep the Midlands Beautiful for four years.  She has a master’s degree in nonprofit management and fifteen years of experience working in nonprofit organizations.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia helps children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships with proven results.  This year marks the organization’s 45th year of successfully serving children in the Greater Columbia area (Richland, Lexington, Newberry and Fairfield Counties).  We are a proud affiliate member in good standing of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. 

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MIDLANDS AUTHORITY HOSTS MEETING PLANNERS IN ‘FAMOUSLY HOT’ COLUMBIA, SC

‘FAM’iliarization tour of Columbia region gives guests a taste of Cosmopolitan City

The Midlands Authority is set to host a ‘FAM’iliarization tour of the Columbia region for meeting and convention planners in an effort to attract events to the Columbia region. The trip, October 12 and 13, will take visitors to a number of attractions, restaurants and shopping districts, allowing them to fully experience the area.

“It is important and very necessary to bring in guests from outside the Columbia region,” commented Director of Sales for the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism, Jason Outman. “From visits like these, the booking potential increases. When this happens, it directly affects both the number of tourists that visit the Columbia region in the future, as well as it aids in our regions overall economic development.”

While here, the visitors, some traveling from across the country, will have the opportunity to tour the South Carolina State House, Columbia Museum of Art, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, South Carolina State Farmer’s Market and enjoy a cruise on the Spirit of Lake Murray.

“These tours are yet another way we as the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism are working to increase tourism across the Columbia region,” stated President and CEO, Ric Luber. “We as an organization are focused on not only promoting from within, but getting visitors here to see why we are so proud of Columbia, SC.”

About the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism:
The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is a private, not-for-profit corporation funded primarily by revenue generated by visitors through accommodations taxes and is the parent organization of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and the Columbia Regional Sports Council. The mission of the Midlands Authority is to strengthen the area’s economy by marketing and selling Columbia, its accommodations, restaurants, facilities and attractions as a destination for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, special events and leisure travel. For more information, please visit columbiacvb.com.

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Richard W Trent, President of a local manufacturing firm, Carolina Heat Pipe, Inc. was just awarded a patent for its Split Heat Recovery System.  This product will soon be available in a new Sensible Heat Recovery (SHR) product line series that recovers the heat from exhaust air and transfers it to the supply air to conserve energy.  TRAHP™ heat recovery systems require no external energy and are custom designed to save the cost of winter heat while providing the ventilation air required for today’s tight building construction techniques. 

This is the 4th US Patent Office product patent issued to Carolina Heat Pipe’s President and allows the SHR series to join the Controllable Run Around Thermosyphon Heat Pipe Heat Exchangers, Subcool Reheat Heat Exchangers and Hot Gas Reheat Heat Exchangers that provide energy efficient recovery and dehumidification solutions for the Heat Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Industry. 

Often Building designers that include these products are able to add    points toward LEED certification. LEED is a Green Building designation that stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”.

Founded in 1993, Carolina Heat Pipe is a manufacturing company based in Charleston, SC that grew out of the need to provide an energy efficient dehumidification solution in a climate where a healthy building must control both temperature and humidity to minimize the growth of mold and viruses frequently associated with high levels of humidity. In November of 2001 Carolina Heat Pipe Inc was called upon to install its Controllable TRAHP™ Dehumidification system at the White House Visitors Center, a 25,000 square foot ballroom where travelers congregate before official tours of the President’s Washington DC home and office. In 2002, CHP garnered Federal recognition by the Department of Commerce as the first South Carolina business to earn an Export Achievement certificate for its work with Italian Shipyard Fincantieri of Trieste, Italy. In November 2004 their systems were incorporated into the SC Governor’s  Complex Columbia SC to help correct a mold issue.

The Company CEO and President is a graduate engineer who majored in Heat Engineering at SUNY Maritime College and completed graduate refrigeration work at Columbia University (NY). He was a new product manufacturing program manager in the Machinery and Systems

Division of Carrier Air Conditioning Company and is past President (1998-1999) and Regional Vice Chair (2000-2003) of the Charleston Chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). In the January 2001 issue of the

ASHRAE Journal he authored a feature article titled “Air Conditioning in Submarines” and is a long time member of ASHRAE Technical Committee (TC8.10) “Mechanical Dehumidification and

Heat Pipes”.

Some of their most recognizable projects include:

White House Visitor Center, Washington, D.C.

Fort Sumter Tour Boat Facility, Charleston, SC

Aiken Rhett Historical Home, Charleston, SC

Charleston Air Force Base, Charleston, SC

Governor’s Complex, Columbia, SC

Citadel Archives, Charleston, SC

Howard Baker County Court House, Knoxville, KY

UNC Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill, NC

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

NOAA Facility, Charleston Naval Base, SC

Strom Thurmond Fitness Center, Columbia, SC

U.S. Naval Weapons Station, Charleston, SC

Wright State University Biolab III Dayton, Ohio

Miami University of Ohio Cincinnati Ohio

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NAI AVANT WELCOMES THOMAS “TOMBO” MILLIKEN, JR. TO ITS BROKERAGE GROUP 

NAI Avant welcomes Thomas “Tombo” Milliken, Jr. to its Columbia Brokerage Group. Tombo joins us from BB&T Boyle Vaughan where he served as Vice President of Employee Benefits for 17 years.

Tombo will focus on Commercial Properties, Industrial Land, Investment Land, Timberland and Recreational Properties.

About NAI Avant

NAI Avant’s commercial real estate business is one of the largest in the Southeast.  With over 65 professionals, the firm provides comprehensive brokerage, leasing, development, property and project management services.  For nearly three consecutive decades, the group has had more of its brokerage professionals recognized as top producers or recipients of the top awards than any other firm in South Carolina. As a member of the NAI Global Network, NAI Avant is affiliated with over 350 offices and 5,000 professionals in 55 countries across the globe.  NAI Avant’s Property and Project Management Group currently manages a multi-million square foot portfolio of properties across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Through its Avant Healthcare Division, the firm provides comprehensive services to hospitals, clinics, and physician groups. NAI Avant, founded in 1966, is headquartered in Columbia, SC with an office in Charleston, SC. Find out more about NAI Avant and its services at www.naiavant.com.

Member News | Oct. 3 – 7

NAI AVANT BROKERS SALE OF MULTI-FAMILY LAND ON DANIEL ISLAND IN CHARLESTON, SC

 NAI Avant is pleased to announce that David Grubbs, Managing Principal of NAI Avant’s Charleston Office, recently brokered the sale of 10.283 acres on Seven Farms Drive in Charleston, SC. The property, located on Daniel Island, will be developed into the Talison Row multi-family community. Grubbs represented Talison Row Associates and Eric Meyer with Meyer Kapp and Associates represented the seller, The Daniel Island Company, Inc. The transaction was valued at $2,776,410.

About NAI Avant

NAI Avant’s commercial real estate business is one of the largest in the Southeast.  With over 65 professionals, the firm provides comprehensive brokerage, leasing, development, property and project management services.  For nearly three consecutive decades, the group has had more of its brokerage professionals recognized as top producers or recipients of the top awards than any other firm in South Carolina. As a member of the NAI Global Network, NAI Avant is affiliated with over 350 offices and 5,000 professionals in 55 countries across the globe.  NAI Avant’s Property and Project Management Group currently manages a multi-million square foot portfolio of properties across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Through its Avant Healthcare Division, the firm provides comprehensive services to hospitals, clinics, and physician groups. NAI Avant, founded in 1966, is headquartered in Columbia, SC with an office in Charleston, SC. Find out more about NAI Avant and its services at www.naiavant.com. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @NAI Avant and like us on Facebook.

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McNair Attorney Sharon Bramlett Named To Leadership of Corporate, Banking and Securities Section of South Carolina Bar

The McNair Law Firm today announced that attorney Sharon Bramlett has been appointed Secretary of the Corporate, Banking and Securities Section of the South Carolina Bar.

Ms. Bramlett serves as Special Counsel in McNair’s Columbia office.  She represents financial institutions, specializing in all aspects of banking and financial services, particularly including licensure and compliance under the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code.  She serves as the South Carolina editor for Houselaw and Carlaw, national publications dealing with the consumer finance industry.

In addition to her new appointment, Ms. Bramlett serves on the Ad Hoc Committee of the Corporate, Banking and Securities Section Council of the South Carolina Bar, which is writing the Report on Opinion Practice in the state.  She has spoken at the South Carolina Bar and South Carolina Bar Convention on Opinion Practice for the last five consecutive years.

Ms. Bramlett, currently serves as Chair of the Council of Advisors on Consumer Credit for the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs and was selected for listing in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012. 

About McNair

McNair Law Firm, P.A. is a full-service law firm serving businesses, government and individuals from eight offices in South Carolina and one in Charlotte, N.C.  The firm traces its origins to 1971, when former governor Robert E. McNair founded a firm dedicated to handling high-stakes legal needs in the Carolinas, especially where business and government interests intersect.

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NAI AVANT BROKERS SALE OF OFFICE BUILDING ON DEVINE STREET IN COLUMBIA, SC

NAI Avant is pleased to announce that James C. Harrison, III, CCIM, a member of the firm’s Brokerage Team, recently brokered the sale of a 6,193 square foot office building to Resource Financial Services, LLC. The building is located at 2717 Devine Street in Columbia, SC. Harrison represented the seller in the transaction valued at $577,500.

About NAI Avant

NAI Avant’s commercial real estate business is one of the largest in the Southeast.  With over 65 professionals, the firm provides comprehensive brokerage, leasing, development, property and project management services.  For nearly three consecutive decades, the group has had more of its brokerage professionals recognized as top producers or recipients of the top awards than any other firm in South Carolina. As a member of the NAI Global Network, NAI Avant is affiliated with over 350 offices and 5,000 professionals in 55 countries across the globe.  NAI Avant’s Property and Project Management Group currently manages a multi-million square foot portfolio of properties across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Through its Avant Healthcare Division, the firm provides comprehensive services to hospitals, clinics, and physician groups. NAI Avant, founded in 1966, is headquartered in Columbia, SC with an office in Charleston, SC. Find out more about NAI Avant and its services at www.naiavant.com. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @NAI Avant and like us on Facebook.

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USC School of Medicine-Greenville gets green light to move forward 

The University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville has been awarded preliminary accreditation, getting the green light to recruit students and open its doors in fall 2012.

The Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the definitive accrediting body for medical schools in the United States, notified USC and Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center (GHS) officials of their decision on the expanded medical education program Tuesday, Oct. 4. Preliminary accreditation is the first step in the accrediting process, which takes about four years.

USC President Harris Pastides said the announcement is a milestone for health care and education in the Palmetto State.

“This plan has been scrutinized at every level, and I am delighted that it has passed scrutiny with the true experts, the LCME,” Pastides said. “Expanding medical education in Greenville is the right thing to do because it will increase the supply of physicians and advance efforts to retain physicians in the Upstate and the state at large.”

Pastides said the fact that GHS officials approached USC about the expansion is recognition of the USC medical school’s strong record of educating physicians who remain in the state and USC and GHS’ longstanding partnership to offer clinical training to medical students in Greenville.

In 1991, the USC School of Medicine expanded its third and fourth years of medical training to GHS. The number of USC students who have completed their training at GHS is 271. Currently, 35 third-year students and 31 fourth-year students are doing their clinical training at GHS. 

Founding Dean Jerry Youkey said the expansion will impact how healthcare is delivered in the Upstate.  

“A day doesn’t go by when I don’t hear from interested students about whether the medical education program will get the go-ahead from the LCME,” said Youkey, who also is GHS’ vice president of medical and academic services. “I’m thrilled to finally say that the USC School of Medicine-Greenville is accepting applications. This program will significantly impact the way healthcare is delivered in our area. We are gratified for the confidence and support that has been provided to us from the citizens of South Carolina, the business community and our legislators.”

USCSOM-Greenville will begin recruiting students and faculty immediately and expects to accept 50 first-year students for fall, Youkey said. Plans call for gradual expansion of each first-year class, with a goal of 100 students in the fourth entering class.

Dr. Jay Moskowitz, president and CEO of Health Sciences South Carolina, said the expanded program will advance healthcare, education and research.

“Every man, woman, and child in South Carolina and its adjoining regions will benefit tremendously from the expanded medical education program in Greenville,” Moskowitz said. “It brings new opportunities for quality care, research and advanced education to our state. We are excited about this new addition in South Carolina for collaboration, care coordination and alignment of resources for clinical effectiveness.”

Youkey said the USCSOM-Greenville curriculum will emphasize collaborative learning, early integration of direct patient care throughout all four years of training, interdisciplinary team-based care, interpersonal skills with an emphasis on communication, integration of research with real-world concerns and life-long learning.

Youkey said plans call for recruiting 22 to 24 basic sciences faculty. GHS has approximately 300 clinical faculty members.

Most of the classes will take place in the Health Sciences Education Building, a state-of-the-art, 90,000-square-foot education facility that will include interactive team-focused “smart” classrooms and simulated patient clinical space where doctors in training will learn and practice patient-interaction skills.  The building is on the Greenville Memorial Medical Campus close to GHS’ flagship regional referral center, Greenville Memorial Hospital.

The USCSOM-Greenville is the 136^th medical education program in the United States and the only one that was accredited this year by the LCME.

Pastides said the fact that the program is not funded with public dollars made the arrangement particularly attractive. “We have an airtight agreement with GHS that this program will not rely on any state funds. To turn down a proposal to expand medical school education without state funds would not have been a wise decision for the people of our state.”

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NAI AVANT CONSUMMATES LEASE TRANSACTION FOR

CAMP DRESSER & MCKEE, INC IN INDIANAPOLIS

NAI Avant is pleased to announce that Paul Hartley, SIOR, a member of the firm’s Brokerage Team, recently represented the tenant, Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc., (CDM) in a 6,200 square foot 5 year office lease. The office building is located at 429 Pennsylvania Street Indianapolis, Indiana. Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc., acquired Wilbur Smith Associates in early 2011.

About NAI Avant

NAI Avant’s commercial real estate business is one of the largest in the Southeast.  With over 65 professionals, the firm provides comprehensive brokerage, leasing, development, property and project management services.  For nearly three consecutive decades, the group has had more of its brokerage professionals recognized as top producers or recipients of the top awards than any other firm in South Carolina. As a member of the NAI Global Network, NAI Avant is affiliated with over 350 offices and 5,000 professionals in 55 countries across the globe.  NAI Avant’s Property and Project Management Group currently manages a multi-million square foot portfolio of properties across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Through its Avant Healthcare Division, the firm provides comprehensive services to hospitals, clinics, and physician groups. NAI Avant, founded in 1966, is headquartered in Columbia, SC with an office in Charleston, SC. Find out more about NAI Avant and its services at www.naiavant.com. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @NAI Avant and like us on Facebook.

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THE BOUDREAUX GROUP RELOCATES TO CAPITAL STATION AT

1330 LADY ST.

Leaving its 13 year home in the Vista, The Boudreaux Group’s creativity will now be inspired by Columbia’s skyline and sunsets as viewed from their studio’s new home on the fifth floor of 1330 Lady Street.  The new office has a more flexible and collaborative layout, including an informal team meeting, design review and library space.

The firm’s commitment to downtown development is reflected in the relocation decision to stay in the downtown area. Leased by Colliers International, Capital Station is located in Columbia’s Central Business District, and is located within two miles of the University of South Carolina, Main Street, the State Capital Complex, the Vista and Five Points. The new space was designed by The Boudreaux Group and constructed by Weather’s Construction Company. Henry Moore of Colliers International served as The Boudreaux Group’s real estate broker.

The Boudreaux Group is a full-service architecture, planning and interior design firm located in Columbia, SC.  For 35 years, The Boudreaux Group has provided exceptional service and design to numerous educational, civic, corporate and religious clients.  The firm is also strongly committed to the environment through the incorporation of LEED and sustainable design principles into its projects and firm philosophy. Projects recently completed by The Boudreaux Group include the SC Bar Conference Center as well as IT-ology and the SC Chamber, both located in The Tower at 1301 Gervais. From its new home, The Boudreaux Group staff looks forward to shepherding upcoming construction projects including USC’s Booker T. Washington Auditorium renovation, Richland County Recreation Commission’s new Headquarters and Aflac’s expansion at 400 Laurel Street.

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Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd lawyers receive distinctions

Best Lawyers of the year includes 13 shareholders

Best Lawyers, the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession, has named 13 of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.’s lawyers in eight different practice areas as “Lawyers of the Year” in its 18^th edition of The Best Lawyers in America® (2012). 

For the firm’s Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offices, products liability and public finance lawyers were included in this distinction in each city.

 The Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd lawyers and their respective office locations include:
CHARLESTON

• Tara E. Nauful has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Charleston-SC Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law Lawyer of the Year. A certified specialist in Bankruptcy-Debtor/Creditor Law by the South Carolina Supreme Court, Ms. Nauful leads Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Financial Institution/Litigation Practice Group.
• John H. Tiller has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Charleston-SC Product Liability Litigation Lawyer of the Year.  Mr. Tiller, a trial lawyer and mediator, serves on the law firm’s three-member Management Committee, representing the litigation side of the firm.  His practice concentrates on products liability, premises liability and personal injury actions – including complex matters involving numerous plaintiffs.
• Todd W. Smyth has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Charleston-SC Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants Lawyer of the Year.  Mr. Smyth defends the healthcare industry in a wide range of malpractice litigation and currently serves as vice chair of the DRI (Defense Research Institute, Inc.) Medical Liability Committee.
• John Paul Trouche has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Charleston-SC Public Finance Law Lawyer of the Year.  With more than 35 years of experience in public finance, Mr. Trouche serves as bond counsel guiding state and local governmental bond issues; often, he serves as underwriter’s counsel, representing banks and investments bankers on a wide range of negotiated bond issues.

COLUMBIA

• William C. Boyd has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Columbia-SC Mergers & Acquisitions Law Lawyer of the Year.  A former board chair of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Boyd has managed numerous mergers and acquisitions and large-scale industrial development projects.  
• J. Donald Dial, Jr. has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Columbia-SC Tax Law Lawyer of the Year.  Mr. Dial, a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel and also the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, works with both businesses and families in all areas of tax planning.
• Theodore B. DuBose has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Columbia-SC Public Finance Law Lawyer of the Year.  Mr. DuBose helps towns, cities and school district in financing new facilities and infrastructure.  He is a frequent speaker on legal issues involving the creation of public debt.
• Thomas R. Gottshall has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Columbia-SC Product Liability Litigation Lawyer of the Year.  A trial lawyer engaged in environmental and products liability issues, Mr. Gottshall has served as chair of the Products Committee of the Trial Torts & Insurance Practice Section of the American Bar Association.

GREENVILLE

• Robert S. Galloway III has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Greenville Public Finance Law Lawyer of the Year.  Mr. Galloway concentrates on complex financing transactions and leads Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Public Finance Practice Group.
• H. Sam Mabry III has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Greenville Product Liability Litigation – Defendants Lawyer of the Year.  Mr. Mabry defends clients in class actions, business, commercial and financial services litigation and products liability actions involving drugs and medical devices.  He serves on the national board of directors of the American Board of Trial Advocates and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.  
• G. Dewey Oxner, Jr. has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Greenville Health Care Law Lawyer of the Year.  A trial lawyer who served as president of the South Carolina Bar Association and the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association, Mr. Oxner is known nationally for defending medical malpractice and products-liability cases.    
• J. Derrick Quattlebaum has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Greenville Litigation – ERISA Lawyer of the Year.  Mr. Quattlebaum serves as South Carolina counsel for insurance carriers (life, health and disability). Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) litigation constitutes the majority of his practice.  He is active with DRI (Defense Research Institute, Inc.) and the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association.  
• Matthew P. Utecht has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Greenville Medical Malpractice Law Lawyer of the Year.  Recognized for his experience as both a trial lawyer and healthcare transactional lawyer, Mr. Utecht recently began offering his services in healthcare mediation and conflict management.

About Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. provides business, litigation, financial legal services, and government relations to national and international clients.  With a history dating back to 1887, it is one of the largest law firms in the Carolinas with 130 attorneys.  The Firm has offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C. 

About Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers compiles its lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The current, 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in America® (2012) is based on more than 3.9 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. The lawyers being honored as “Lawyers of the Year” have received particularly high ratings in our surveys by earning a high level of respect among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

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McNair Attorney Rita M. McKinney named new Managing Shareholder of the Firm’s Upstate Unit

McNair Law Firm, P.A. is pleased to announce that Greenville native, Rita M. McKinney has been elected managing shareholder of the firm’s Upstate Unit. In this role, she will have management oversight of the firm’s Anderson and Greenville, South Carolina offices. Ms. McKinney joined the firm in 1992 as a partner.

Ms. McKinney expressed her excitement over her new role at McNair. “I’m excited to be working closely with our firm’s Managing Shareholder and CEO, David Tigges, as well as our Upstate Unit as we continue to grow the Unit in a manner designed to provide the best service to our clients. At McNair, our clients always come first. Our goal is to deliver excellent service, outstanding legal work and great value to our clients and community.”

Ms. McKinney focuses her practice on employment law, physician representation and business litigation. Her past experience as Director of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (1999 – 2003), enables her to provide counsel on a broad range of employment, workplace, safety, and occupational and professional licensing/disciplinary issues.

Ms. McKinney has extensive involvement in community service and professional activities, particularly in the areas of higher education, health care and the arts. She served on the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees, the Greenville Hospital System Board of Trustees and the Columbia College Board of Visitors. Currently, she is the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Greenville Symphony. Ms. McKinney is a past-President of the Greenville County Bar Association and was a member of the South Carolina Bar Board of Governors.

Ms. McKinney has been repeatedly named one of the Best Lawyers in America®.  She received her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law and served as law clerk to the late United States District Court Judge Matthew J. Perry.

About McNair

McNair Law Firm, P.A., is a full-service law firm serving businesses, government and individuals from eight offices in South Carolina and one in Charlotte, North Carolina.  The firm traces its origins to 1971, when former governor Robert E. McNair founded a firm dedicated to handling high-stakes legal needs in the Carolinas, especially where business and government interests intersect.