Partner News | October 24

Inc. Magazine Names Artisan Logistics to List of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately-Held Companies

Inc. Magazine added Artisan Logistics to its eighth annual Inc. 500|5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy, America’s independent entrepreneurs.  Companies such as Yelp, Pandora, Timberland, Dell, LinkedIn, Zillow and other globally recognized brands gained early exposure as members of the Inc. 500|5000.

“We are honored to be recognized by Inc. magazine. I am so proud of the amazing team we have here at Artisan Logistics,” says Dennis Brannon, Chief Executive Officer of Artisan Logistics. “We continually strive to provide our customers valued-added solutions that positively impact their overall success. This recognition for our company is a testament to our customers’ success.”

In a stagnant economic environment, median growth rate of 2014 Inc. 500|5000 companies is an impressive 142 percent. The companies on this year’s list report having created over 520,000 jobs in the past three years, and aggregate revenue among the honorees reached $241 billion.

As part of the honor for making the 2014 list, Artisan Logistics will be recognized at The Inc. 5000 Conference and Awards Ceremony held later this year in Phoenix, AZ. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at Inc. Magazine’s website.

“Not all the companies in the Inc. 500 | 5000 are in glamorous industries, but in their fields they are as famous as household name companies simply by virtue of being great at what they do. They are the hidden champions of job growth and innovation, the real muscle of the American economy,” says Inc. Editor Eric Schurenberg.

For additional information about Artisan Logistics please email info@artisanlogistics.com.

Experienced Transportation Leader Joins Artisan Logistics

Artisan Logistics (www.artisanlogistics.com) is pleased to introduce Michael Tucker as a Business Development Agent.

Like many good leaders, Tucker started at an entry level position and has seen the transportation industry from almost every angle.  Tucker got his start in the logistics industry in 1994 when he signed on as a UPS driver in Akron OH.  By the time he left UPS, Tucker was the Supervisor of Drivers and Dispatch Control Systems for his district.

Tucker moved on as a management professional and led major start up and growth initiatives for C.R. England and Schneider National.  Recently he served as the Corporate Operations Manager for Action Resources in Birmingham, AL where he successfully managed a $60M budget and over 400 employees.  Tucker and his family moved back to Charleston where he became the Transportation Manager for Lee Distributors.  After Lee Distributors downsized, Tucker joined Artisan Logistics to continue his carrier in the transportation industry.

“Mike has a real talent for getting to the root cause of a customer’s issues and providing solutions that help them grow their business,” said Doug Wilkes, President of Artisan Logistics.  Wilkes went on to say that “Mike has a bright future and we are excited he chose to join our company.”

Tucker lives in North Charleston, SC with his wife and son.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Akron OH and a Masters of Business Administration from Regis University.

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Adams and Reese Columbia Office Holds Pro Bono-Thon to Benefit South Carolina Bar

The Adams and Reese Columbia office held its first ever “Pro Bono-thon” in conjunction with the South Carolina Bar and University of South Carolina School of Law on October 17 at the firm’s office. Using the SC Law Answers program, operated by the SC Bar, 12 attorneys and seven law students answered more than 65 legal questions in two hours.

The SC Law Answers program allows individuals in the state of South Carolina who meet certain eligibility requirements to receive free legal advice using an easy-to-use online program.  The SC Bar pre-screens individuals for users who have household income less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level; do not have liquid assets exceeding $5,000 in value (including checking and savings account balances, as well as the value of any stocks or bonds); are not incarcerated; and do not request assistance with criminal law matters.

“Adams and Reese is proud to be the first law firm in the state of South Carolina to host a group pro bono blitz using the SC Law Answers program,” said Lyndey Zwing, Adams and Reese associate and coordinator of the volunteer pro bono program.

The pro bono-thon was promoted and was attended in conjunction with the firm-wide HUGS project for the month of October that is intended to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide support breast cancer patients and survivors.

The Adams and Reese employee volunteer program, HUGS (Hope, Understanding, Giving, and Support), was founded in 1988 and has since devoted financial resources and thousands of volunteer hours to offer assistance to those in need. Every year throughout Adams and Reese’s regional footprint, employees donate time, money and supplies to more than 200 community organizations in need.

Adams and Reese is a multidisciplinary law firm with more than 300 attorneys and advisors strategically located in 16 offices in 15 markets throughout the southern United States and Washington, D.C. American Lawyer includes Adams and Reese on its distinguished list of the nation’s top law firms – “The Am Law 200”. The National Law Journal also includes the firm on the “NLJ 350” list of the nation’s largest law firms.

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Mungo Walk for Life Team Tops Fund-raising Effort

Mungo Homes raised more than $17,000 – the highest of any participating team — for Palmetto Health Breast Center in honor of a co-worker diagnosed recently with breast cancer.  More than 60 employees, family members and friends collected more than $15,600 and participated in the annual Walk for Life Saturday while Mungo project managers – on their annual golf trip in North Carolina this past weekend –donned pink golf shirts and played with pink golf balls and collected an additional $1,700 bring the Mungo total to more than $17,000.

Mungo Homes CEO Steven Mungo has repeated often, “We don’t hire people, we adopt them.”  Never has a mantra been truer than when long-time Mungo employee Joan Dalton was diagnosed recently with breast cancer and employees rallied in her support.

“This is amazing!  I am thrilled beyond words and truly honored!  What a positive way to face this.  I love my Mungo family — heart felt thanks to Stewart and Steven (Mungo) for their support and for everyone’s thoughts and prayers,” Joan said.

Having lost their mother to breast cancer in the late 1970s, brothers Stewart and Steven Mungo are especially passionate about the cause.

Currently ranked the 37th largest builder in the country by Builder magazine, family-owned Mungo Homes has a track record of success based on quality, value and stability.  Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Irmo, South Carolina, Mungo Homes currently builds in eight markets throughout the Southeast.

In 2012, Mungo Homes was named America’s Best Builder by Builder magazine and National Green Advocate of the Year by the NAHB for its exclusive energy efficient hauSmart program. Mungo also receive the 2008 National Housing Quality Award – the only South Carolina-based builder ever honored with this prestigious award.

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EDTS Adds Deluca, Davis, Pothier to Technology Team

Already one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing information technology providers, EDTS is growing again with the addition of three experienced professionals in its Georgia and  South Carolina offices.

Jeff Davis joins EDTS as a Business Technology Advisor, Alex Deluca has been added as a Support Engineer, and Gregg Pothier comes aboard as a Network Administrator at the rapidly growing IT firm, which provides managed IT services, network security, and advanced infrastructure solutions to Southeastern businesses. They will support customer needs across the firm’s Augusta, Columbia and Greenville office footprint.

“EDTS continues to identify, recruit and add proven IT professionals with valuable experience in serving the sophisticated network administration, security and support needs of middle market and large organizations,” said Charles Johnson, CEO of EDTS.  “We welcome our new colleagues to the EDTS team, and are confident their experience and service focus will make them excellent additions.”

Mr. Davis is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina and current resident of Greenville, and holds a B.S. degree in Management from Clemson University.  His experience includes sales, marketing, account management and network design, much of it in the manufacturing and retail environments. He joins EDTS from Merit Technologies.

With over 6 years of IT systems support, mobile device management and account management experience across multiple industries, Mr. Deluca is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and current resident of Graniteville, South Carolina.  He joins EDTS from CB&I Environmental & Infrastructure’s mixed oxide fuel (MOX) project where he served as a security analyst and support specialist, and also served as a systems analyst and administrator with a major national retail chain.  He holds a B.S. degree in Information Technology from Kent State University.

Mr. Pothier is a native of Bedford, New Hampshire and current resident of Simpsonville, South Carolina.  He has nearly a decade of experience providing network management, virtualization, security and advanced infrastructure solutions to a broad range of organizations in the governmental, non-profit, healthcare and other arenas.  He is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), LabTech Certified Professional (LTCP), and holds numerous other certifications and accreditations.

Mr. Davis, Mr. Deluca and Mr. Pothier will help ensure that critical IT systems are available, optimized, and secure for EDTS clients, while assisting those organizations in increasing team productivity and reducing cost associated with information technology.

Founded in 1999, EDTS has over 50 professionals serving clients 24/7/365 across the Southeast from offices in Augusta, GA and Columbia and Greenville, SC.  A full service technology consulting firm, EDTS specializes in networking, security and managed IT services for business.  The firm helps customers increase productivity and reduce cost associated with information technology.  EDTS has been named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for five consecutive years, and honored among the fastest-growing companies in South Carolina on multiple lists.  Learn more at www.edtsolutions.com.

EDTS Ranks 23rd Among Fastest Growing Companies in South Carolina 2014
Third straight year among honorees in Palmetto State competition

Charles Johnson, CEO of EDTS

EDTS, a regional IT services company specializing in managed IT services, network security, and advanced infrastructure for Southeastern businesses, has been named #23 among South Carolina’s Fastest-Growing Companies for 2014.  Winners in the competition were announced October 21^st at a luncheon attended by hundreds of business and governmental leaders in Columbia, SC.

“This honor reflects the growing regional recognition of EDTS as an IT service provider that is committed to providing the highest level of support to our growing client base,” said Charles Johnson, CEO of EDTS.  “All of us at EDTS are proud to have earned this recognition and we are committed to keeping our clients’ business networks running at the highest levels of performance and efficiency.”

EDTS was one of a select few IT service providers among the 2014 statewide honorees, with the list seeing representation from logistics, financial services, construction, manufacturing, healthcare and software development organizations.  The awards are presented annually by The Capital Corporation, Scott & Company CPAs, Wells Fargo, McNair Attorneys, and other sponsors.

From scores of entries spanning dozens of communities and industries, the companies were selected on the basis of income and employee growth in a process overseen by statewide accounting firm Scott and Company CPAs and the investment bank, The Capital Corporation. To be eligible for consideration, companies must: Have been in operation for at least three full fiscal years, and Have reported revenues of at least $3 million ($50 million in assets for financial institutions) in the most recent reported year.

Company rankings were based on the three most recently completed fiscal years at the time of nomination.  Nominees were judged on financial growth and employee growth over the three-year period from 2011 – 2013.  Scott & Company’s CPAs inspect company tax returns and federal employee tax filings to verify income and employee growth over the period.

“We were impressed with the energy and passion we saw on the site visits,” said Don Mobley, Columbia managing partner of Scott and Company CPAs.  “We are encouraged about the outlook for the continued growth and success of these companies and for our state.”

The keynote speaker of this year’s ceremony was Jack Jones, vice president and general manager of Boeing South Carolina.

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Local Business Professional Recognized for Outstanding Achievement
Leading Global Family Enterprise Membership Association Awards Distinguished Certificate

Cheryl R. Holland of Abacus Planning Group has been awarded the FFI GEN (Global Education Network) Certificate in Family Business Advising (CFBA) by the Family Firm Institute.  The certificate is presented to individuals who have achieved comprehensive professional knowledge and gained significant expertise as an advisor to family business owners.  The Family Firm Institute (FFI) Certificate in Family Business Advising is designed to increase awareness and exposure to concepts, skills and knowledge necessary to optimize effectiveness as family business advisors and consultants.

Abacus is a comprehensive, fee-only financial planning and investment counsel firm managing over $850 million on behalf of individuals, retirement plans and endowments.  Abacus consists of a team of multi-disciplinary experts who work collaboratively to serve its clients in making smart financial decisions.   Abacus is located at 2500 Devine Street in Columbia, South Carolina.  Visit Abacus’s website: www.abacusplanninggroup.com.

Abacus Planning Group proudly announces Erin C. Letts has completed all requirements for the Registered Paraplanner^SM (RP ®) credential

Individuals who hold the RP^® designation have completed a course of study encompassing the financial planning process, the five disciplines of financial planning and general financial planning concepts, terminology and product categories. In addition, Individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations.

Erin graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications.   She joined the Abacus team in May 2013.  At Abacus, Erin is responsible for administrative duties on behalf of Abacus clients.  Erin also provides support to Abacus through business development and marketing.

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Collaborating for the Cause: SC Alliance of YMCAs Statewide Training Features Impactful Philanthropy Panel 

The YMCA of Columbia recently hosted their 3^rd annual statewide Annual Campaign training thanks to support from the South Carolina Alliance of YMCAs.

YMCA employees and volunteers from across South Carolina gathered to collaborate and share ideas about planning and executing a year-round fundraising campaign.

The event also featured a panel of top philanthropists in the state that are working to better our communities. The panel addressed best practices when applying for grants and took questions from the audience.

Panel members included:

Anita M. Garrett: Chief Strategy Officer, The Weathers Group; Chair, Women in Philanthropy
Susan Bankson: Vice President, Community Affairs Officers, Wells Fargo South Carolina
David Laird: Director of Community Impact, Central Carolina Community Foundation
Gage Weeks: Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Hollingsworth Funds, Inc. in Greenville, S.C.; Formerly with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors of New York

Other topics throughout the day included aligning with YMCA of the USA’s Nationwide Campaign effort, volunteer recruitment, donor cultivation and stewardship.

Over the past century and a half, the YMCA of Columbia has been a community-transforming institution, not only in the Midlands, but in the entire United States. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Regardless of age, income or background – the Y works to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Please visit www.columbiaymca.org for more information.

The South Carolina Alliance of YMCAs represents the interests and concerns of 21 independent YMCA Associations throughout the Palmetto State. As a grassroots-driven and governed organization, SCYMCAs advocates and educates on behalf of the Y and its mission to promote youth development, healthy living and social responsbility. The South Carolina Alliance of YMCAs works to foster statewide communication and cooperation among  all 50 Ys, thus increasing reach and impact. Please visit www.scymcas.org for more information.

Partner News | September 18

SCE&G and Columbia Museum of Art Present Solar Exploration Station
Interactive Solar Display to Educate Students in Fun Creative Way

Today representatives from SCE&G and the Columbia Museum of Art along with third grade students from Logan Elementary School gathered in the Museum’s atrium to unveil a new, interactive solar display.  The Solar Exploration Station allows visitors to take the power of the sun into their hands and learn more about solar energy and the Museum’s rooftop solar panels in a fun and creative way.

Since 2011the Columbia Museum of Art has harnessed renewable power from 177 solar panels positioned on top of its roof. Working with SCE&G, the South Carolina Energy Office and Sunstore Solar, the museum secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to implement the renewable energy project.

“The Museum was the very first downtown solar customer, and it’s been a huge success,” said Casey Logan, power quality engineer at SCE&G, who was involved with the project from the beginning.  In fact, the panels generate enough green power to offset 10 percent of its daily energy needs.

The Solar Exploration Station is located in the Museum’s lobby and allows students to shine a light on mini solar panels that illuminate the galleries of a model art museum. Teachers are encouraged to go online and download the customized, corresponding lesson plans to continue learning about solar energy in the classroom. For information visit: http://columbiamuseum.org/learn/school.

“The addition of the SCE&G Columbia Museum of Art Solar Exploration Station provides students and educators the unique opportunity to see the connection between science and art in action, which is the basis for STEAM-Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math,” said Kerry Kuhlkin-Hornsby, director of education at the Columbia Museum of Art.

In late 2013, SCE&G announced a new renewable energy team and committed to installing 20 megawatts of solar energy on its system by 2020. Over the past several months, SCE&G worked with solar stakeholders from across the state to develop comprehensive consensus legislation, and June, the landmark Distributed Energy Resource Program Act was signed into law by Governor Nikki Haley, opening the door for increased solar installations in South Carolina.

The company took another step forward in advancing its renewable energy commitment in late August by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the first two solar farms to be constructed on its system.  The RFP calls for bidders to provide solar power to the utility through purchased power agreements with the selected solar developer(s). SCE&G intends to work with solar developers to locate the solar farms on company-owned property in North Charleston and Cayce.

“The new solar display will help students better understand how solar works in an engaging way,” said Therese Griffin, marketing manager of SCE&G’s renewable energy products and services team. “Part of our commitment to renewable energy is identifying educational and community outreach opportunities such as this partnership with the Columbia Museum of Art. We hope it will spread the message that a clean energy future is important for South Carolina.”

For more information about SCE&G’s renewable energy initiatives visit www.sceg.com/solar.

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Adams and Reese Has Twelve Columbia Office Attorneys Ranked Among 2015 Best Lawyers

A total of 120 Adams and Reese attorneys, including 12 attorneys from the firm’s Columbia office, have been named to the 2015 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, all selected and voted on by their peers and the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Because Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which almost 50,000 leading attorneys cast nearly five million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.

Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

Below are all of Adams and Reese’s Best Lawyers honorees for 2015:

The Best Lawyers® in America 2015 – Adams and Reese LLP
(Year Denotes First Year Attorneys Received Best Lawyers Distinction)

Charleston, SC

• Tara E. Nauful (2011)
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Litigation – Bankruptcy

Columbia, SC

• John F. Beach (2013)
  • Commercial Litigation
• Robert P. Bethea, Jr. (2011)
  • Corporate Law
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Tax Law
• F. Earl Ellis, Jr. (1995)
  • Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
• William O. Higgins (2007)
  • Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
  • Real Estate Law
• Ernest G. Lawhorne (2005)
  • Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
• William P. McElveen, Jr. (2007)
  • Real Estate Law
• W. Cliff Moore III (2010)
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Litigation – Banking and Finance
  • Litigation – Real Estate
• Tara E. Nauful (2011)
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Litigation – Bankruptcy
• Louis T. Runge, Jr. (2013)
  • Real Estate Law
• Kirby Darr Shealy III (2001)
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
• William H. Short, Jr. (2005)
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Litigation – Bankruptcy
  • Litigation – Construction
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
• Lana H. Sims, Jr. (2005)
  • Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers

Adams and Reese is a multidisciplinary law firm with more than 340 attorneys and advisors strategically located in 16 offices in 15 markets throughout the southern United States and Washington, D.C. American Lawyer includes Adams and Reese on its distinguished list of the nation’s top law firms – “The Am Law 200”. The National Law Journal also includes the firm on the “NLJ 350” list of the nation’s largest law firms.

Adams and Reese Charleston Partner Tara Nauful Named “Lawyer of the Year” in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization by Best Lawyers

Adams and Reese Charleston Partner Tara Nauful was named Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization “Lawyer of the Year” in Charleston by Best Lawyers. “Lawyers of the Year” for 2015 were named in their respective practice areas by Best Lawyers®, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Best Lawyers® designates “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.”

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Because Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which almost 50,000 leading attorneys cast nearly five million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.

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NAI AVANT BROKERS ±1.21 ACRE LAND SALE FOR BOJANGLES IN ORANGEBURG, SC

NAI Avant Senior Broker, Walter Monteith, recently represented Bojangles Corporation in their purchase of ±1.21 acres at 3624 St. Matthews Road in Orangeburg, SC.  Bojangles Corp. acquired the land from KFC St. Matthews Rd, LLC, for $800,000.

NAI AVANT REPRESENTS SELLER OF ±66.86 ACRES ON OLD DUNBAR ROAD, WEST COLUMBIA, SC

NAI Avant Senior Brokers, Roger Winn and Jeff Hein, SIOR, recently represented the seller of ±66.86 acres at 1420 Old Dunbar Road in West Columbia, SC.  The property was purchased by Martin Murray and Joe Barth for $350,000.  The new owners plan to develop the property into a drive-in movie theater, the first one built in our local community in nearly 25 years.

NAI AVANT BROKERS SALE OF 25 ACRES ON TRENHOLM ROAD EXTENSION, COLUMBIA, SC

Patrick Palmer, CCIM, NAI Avant’s Director of Retail Services, recently represented First Palmer Trust in the sale of 25 acres on Trenholm Road Extension in Columbia, SC.  The land tract was purchased by Richland County School District 2 for $2,248,210.

NAI AVANT FACILITATES LAND SALE TO O’REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC., LEXINGTON, SC

Patrick Palmer, CCIM, NAI Avant’s Director of Retail Services, recently represented the seller of ±0.81 acres at 901 West Main Street in Lexington, SC. The land parcel was sold to O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., for $600,000.

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 more than 375 offices strategically located throughout North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific, with over 6,700 local market professionals, managing over 380 million square feet of property. NAI Global is the single largest, most powerful global network of owner-operated commercial real estate brokerage firms and is a wholly owned subsidiary of C-III Capital partners.  NAI Global Member firms, leaders in their local markets, are actively managed to work in unison and provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. 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 @NAIAvant and like us on Facebook.

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New sponsorship has Colonial Life swimming with small business
Colonial Life announces fall sponsorship of ‘Shark Tank’ on CNBC.

Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Co. announced today it will sponsor the hit TV series “Shark Tank” this fall on CNBC.

The show allows entrepreneurs to pitch their best business ideas to some of America’s most successful businessmen and businesswomen. It’s the number one business program on cable TV with viewership exploding by 300 percent in the last year.

Small business is the engine of America’s economy and an important part of Colonial Life’s business. Colonial Life helps protect more than 3 million of America’s workers at more than 80,000 organizations — most of them small businesses.

The sponsorship launches Sept. 22, with the first episode featuring a video introduction by Colonial Life President Tim Arnold and a new commercial from the company. Colonial Life will also debut a new digital marketing campaign in the coming weeks. The episodes, which will air at 8 p.m. (EDT/ EST) weeknights, will feature top entrepreneurs and business pitches from previous seasons.

“Over the course of the fall sponsorship, Colonial Life and the show will connect with a third of America’s small business owners,” Arnold said. “This is a great opportunity for us to show business owners how we can help them protect what they and their employees have worked so hard to build.”

About Colonial Life
Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company is a market leader in providing financial protection benefits through the workplace, including disability, life, accident, cancer, critical illness and hospital confinement insurance. The company’s benefit services and education, innovative enrollment technology and personal service support more than 80,000 businesses and organizations, representing more than 3 million of America’s workers and their families. For more information visit www.coloniallife.com or connect with the company at www.facebook.com/coloniallifebenefits, www.twitter.com/coloniallife and www.linkedin.com/company/colonial-life.

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Business Community Input Session on College- and Career-Readiness Standards

The Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC) at SEDL has been aiding the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) in its state standards development process. To assist the agency in gathering feedback from the business community, we are facilitating conversations with stakeholders in September on the college- and career-readiness standards. The first meeting will take place October 21, 2014, in the Green Fork Room at EdVenture Children’s Museum located at 211 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and will conclude by 1 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from the business sector on the definition of a college- and career-ready student and on the state standards. College- and career-ready students demonstrate academic success and employability, interdependent thinking and collaborative spirit, intellectual integrity and curiosity, logical reasoning, intellectual ownership, and appropriate and effective communication. During the meeting, participants will engage in conversations centered around the current state standards, hear about the progress of the state standards development committee, and discuss with their colleagues the description of a college- and career-ready student. We welcome your input on the student characteristics and skills as well as the state standards.

A follow-up meeting will be held, during which the work of the standards development committee will be presented, and you will have an opportunity to react to what will ultimately be presented to the Education Oversight Committee.

Prior to the event, please take an opportunity to review the SCDE’s web page on the New SC Standards: http://ed.sc.gov/scde-grant-opportunities/NewSCStandards.cfm

Registration for this event ends October 20, 2014. To complete registration and access the agenda for the event, please use the hyperlink below: http://www.sedl.org/forms/wg_event_reg.php?event_ID=00509

For questions regarding the program, please contact Don D. Doggett, SECC South Carolina state liaison, at don.doggett@sedl.org or 803-936-0751.

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Palmetto Imaging and American Red Cross Host Blood Drive

September 22 – 26

More information: MQ_BloodDrFlyer_D2

Partner News | July 31

Adams and Reese Attorney Lana Sims IV Accepted into Leadership Columbia Class of 2014-2015

Adams and Reese attorney Lana Sims IV has been accepted into the 2014-2015 Class of Leadership Columbia, sponsored by the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and providing existing and emerging leaders with opportunities to enhance their civic knowledge and network.

For 40 years, the program has helped participants better understand how the Columbia community works, build relationships with the region’s current and future leaders and become inspired to focus their talents in a way that will best serve the community.

At Adams and Reese, Sims focuses his practice on commercial and real estate litigation, working with clients on matters involving title insurance claims, mortgage banking, claim and delivery (replevin) and Article 9, debt collection, and real property disputes. He also represents local and regional retail businesses in claim and delivery and contract litigation, as well as general commercial litigation.

He is a member of the South Carolina Bar, Young Lawyers Division and the Richland County Bar Association. In the community, Sims is a Steering Committee Member of the United Way of the Midlands’ Young Leaders Society, and he is an active member of Columbia Opportunity Resource and the Columbia Museum of Art Contemporaries.

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Good Information on Activities in “Our Most Military Friendly Community”

First and Foremost, Congratulations to General Becker on his promotion to Major General. We are proud of General Becker and excited for he and Sherri as he accepts his well-deserved second star!

Bill Dukes has been appointed as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army.  We look forward to working with Bill in his new endeavor. Read about his appointment in The State newspaper, click here.

• 2014 Military Advocate of the Year for the Chamber’s Annual Gala nominations being accepted until July 25^th at noon: Nominate someone today!
  
• Chamber Gala Details: Date: October 9, 2014
  Silent Auction: 6 p.m. (donate item)
  Dinner: 7 p.m. (sponsor/register)
  Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
• Jackson Jubilee | August 1 | Solomon Center

Fort Jackson is hosting its annual Jackson Jubilee on August 1, 2014 at the Robert B. Solomon Center, 6150 Marion Street from 3:00PM – 6:00PM.  This is an opportunity for our off post business representatives to meet Soldiers, Family members, Exceptional Family members, civilians, and retirees face-to-face, and certainly a great time to spread the word about their organization. Representatives can expect participation from the Army community.  A display space will be made available for those wishing to participate and represent their organization with the personnel and materials of their choice.  Approximately 800 attendees are expected.

We are assessing a nominal sponsorship fee of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150). One Hundred percent of the funds will be utilized to enhance the event. Payment of the fee entitles you to an 8’x 8’ display space to include a 6’ table and one chair. Below is a registration form for your convenience.  Thank you for your time and dedication to serving those who serve! For assistance: jessie.s.stevenson@us.army.mil or phone: 803.751.4114.

• Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk | September 19 | 7 PM
  For more information on the 5K or to register, click here.
  

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Moore Beauston & Woodham L.L.P. Announces Staff Accountant in Charleston

Moore Beauston & Woodham L.L.P., a full service accounting and consulting firm with offices in West Columbia, Charleston, Greenville and Hartsville, South Carolina is pleased to announce that:

Kyle G. Fife has joined the tax and business consulting practice as a Staff Accountant in the firm’s Charleston office. Kyle received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from The Citadel and is a CPA candidate.  He has two years of experience in finance and accounting in the private sector.   Kyle is a member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants.

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NAI Avant Brokers Sale of Killian Road Site for Future Popeye’s Restaurant, Columbia, SC

NAI Avant brokers, Ben Kelly, CCIM, and Patrick Chambers, recently represented the seller of ±0.8 acres on Killian Road in northeast Columbia, SC.  The property was purchased for $500,000 by S&F Investments, Inc., with plans to develop the parcel for a Popeye’s restaurant.

NAI Avant Consummates Sale of ±19,800 SF Religious Campus, Columbia, SC

Nick Stomski, SIOR, Senior Broker with NAI Avant, recently completed the sale of the ±19,800 square foot religious campus at 631 Sparkleberry Lane in Columbia, SC.  The property consists of two buildings that sit on approximately 5.66 acres and was purchased for $1,150,000.

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 more than 375 offices strategically located throughout North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific, with over 6,700 local market professionals, managing over 380 million square feet of property. NAI Global is the single largest, most powerful global network of owner-operated commercial real estate brokerage firms and is a wholly owned subsidiary of C-III Capital partners.  NAI Global Member firms, leaders in their local markets, are actively managed to work in unison and provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. 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 and like us on Facebook.

Member News | May 5

NAI Avant Consummates Leaser with Robert Bolchoz Law Firm in Historic Dupre Building, Columbia, SC

NAI Avant recently welcomed Robert Bolchoz, LLC, Attorney at Law and The Boozer Law Firm, LLC, to the historic Dupre building located at 807 Gervais Street in the heart of the Vista, downtown Columbia.  The law firms leased approximately 1,272 square feet in the building, commencing May 1st, 2014, occupying the last remaining vacancy on the second floor. “After a thorough search of available downtown locations, our firm was drawn to the quality and extent of renovations performed by NAI Avant to this Vista icon and determined it would be an ideal fit for our law firm,” commented Robert Bolchoz. NAI Avant is marketing several unique retail and office space opportunities which are currently available on the first and third floors.

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 400 offices and 5,000 professionals in 55 countries across the globe. NAI Global is the largest independent commercial real estate service provider worldwide and a wholly owned subsidiary of C-III Capital Partners. 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 and like us on Facebook.

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Seven Adams and Reese Columbia Office Attorneys Named Among 2014 South Carolina Super Lawyers, Rising Stars

Seven Adams and Reese attorneys were selected South Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2014, included in the South Carolina Super Lawyers magazine, published in April.

Only five percent of attorneys in South Carolina receive the honor of Super Lawyer. The selection process includes peer nominations, review by a blue-ribbon panel and independent research. Rising Stars are lawyers who are 40 or under, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less.

The Adams and Reese South Carolina Super Lawyers include: John Beach (Business Litigation, Estate & Trust Litigation, Administrative Law), Earl Ellis (Workers’ Compensation, Alternative Dispute Resolution), Ernie Lawhorne (Workers’ Compensation), Bill McElveen Jr. (Real Estate, Banking), Tara Nauful (Bankruptcy) and Bill Short (Bankruptcy, Litigation and Banking. Lindsey Livingston (Bankruptcy) was named among the South Carolina Rising Stars.

Candidates for selection are evaluated based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, including verdicts, settlements, transactions, representative clients, experience, honors and awards, special licenses and certifications, position within law firm, bar and/or other professional activity, pro bono and community service, scholarly lectures and writings, education and employment background and other outstanding achievements.

Adams and Reese is a multidisciplinary law firm with more than 340 attorneys and advisors strategically located in 16 offices in 15 markets throughout the southern United States and Washington, D.C. American Lawyer includes Adams and Reese on its distinguished list of the nation’s top law firms – “The Am Law 200”. The National Law Journal also includes the firm on the “NLJ 350” list of the nation’s largest law firms.

 

 

Member News | Dec. 18

Midlands Authority Announces New Board of Directors

Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism, the governing tourism organization for the Columbia region, is pleased to welcome the recently appointed members to their board of directors.

From the city of Columbia, the new board members include:

• Chris Asouzu, Director of Finance at Global Spectrum/Colonial Life Arena,

• Simon Hudson, Director for the Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development at The University of South Carolina,

• Janice Marshall, Executive Director at The James Clyburn Research and Scholarship Foundation.

Bill Ellen and John Hardee were both appointed to another term.

From Lexington County, the new board member is:

• Jana Medlin, Director of Sales at Wingate by Wyndham.

Bob Livingston remains a member of the board of directors through 2014.

Outgoing board members include:

• Mr. James Bennett

• Mr. Andrew Theodore

• Ms. Martha Scott Smith

• Ms. Tammy Shoffstall

Tasked with guiding the overall vision and mission of the organization, the board of directors, comprised of individuals of varying backgrounds including hospitality, tourism, finance, education and business, meets monthly. The new members’ terms will run 2013-2016.

“We are pleased to welcome these community leaders and industry professionals to our team and look forward to working alongside each of them as we continue driving the local economy through tourism to the region,” said Ric Luber, president and CEO of Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism. “Additionally, we’d like to thank the outgoing board members for their time and service to the Midlands Authority.”

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 Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and Columbia Regional Sports Council. The mission of the Midlands Authority is to strengthen the area’s economy by marketing and selling of the entire Columbia region, 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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USC School of Medicine welcomes surgical oncologist Dr. Amanda Arrington

Dr. Amanda Arrington

Dr. Amanda Arrington is Columbia’s new surgical oncologist joining the University of South Carolina School of Medicine’s Department of Surgery. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon, Dr. Arrington knows the latest techniques and treatment options for surgical cancer care.

Prior to joining USC, Dr. Arrington completed a two-year fellowship in surgical oncology at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, Calif. She is a graduate of West Virginia University and received her general surgical training at the University of Minnesota.

“The Columbia community will benefit from the surgical expertise Dr. Arrington brings to the Midlands of South Carolina,” said R. Stephen Smith, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Surgery at the USC School of Medicine. “Having a fellowship-trained, board certified surgical oncologist at the School of Medicine will mean that patients can receive optimal surgical care close to home and not have to travel several hours to see a surgical oncologist.”

Dr. Arrington possesses a breadth of experience in multiple surgical areas including robotic surgery. She specializes in surgeries for the following cancers:

• Breast

• Colon

• Endocrine (thyroid, adrenal)

• Liver

• Melanoma

• Pancreas

• Sarcoma

• Stomach

In addition, Dr. Arrington is involved in clinical outcomes research in the area of surgical oncology. She has more than 25 peer-reviewed publications and 19 national and international presentations.

To make an appointment with Dr. Arrington, call (803) 575-5800 or visit surgery.med.sc.edu/SurgicalOncology.asp for more information.

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Adams and Reese Donates $2,000 to South Carolina’s Harvest Hope Food Bank for Holiday Season

The law firm of Adams and Reese, as part of its annual holiday giving initiative to philanthropic agencies across the firm’s footprint, donated $2,000 to Harvest Hope Food Bank in Columbia, South Carolina. Pictured are from left, Adams and Reese Managing Partner Chuck Adams, Harvest Hope CEO Denis Holland and Adams and Reese Columbia Office Partner in Charge Robert P. Bethea, Jr. The donation will help provide approximately 10,000 meals for the holiday season. On average, Harvest Hope feeds 38,000 people a week, and in 2012, distributed more than 28 million pounds of food. In total, Adams and Reese donated to 14 food banks across seven states for the 2013 holiday season.

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MG&C Paralegal Nelda Canada Recognized as PPA Paralegal of the Year

The law firm of McAngus Goudelock & Courie is pleased to announce that Nelda Canada, a paralegal in the firm’s Columbia office, received the Palmetto Paralegal Association Paralegal of the Year award.

The Paralegal of the Year award is the association’s highest award, given annually to recognize a paralegal’s individual commitment and contribution to the paralegal profession. The award was established in 1997. The Palmetto Paralegal Association was established in 1998 to promote professional development through continuing legal education and to enhance the recognition of the paralegal profession within the legal community.

“We are proud to have Nelda as a part of the MG&C family,” said Jay Courie, Managing Member. “This honor is well-deserved, and Nelda demonstrates her commitment to the legal community every day through her dedication and determination.”

Canada has been a paralegal for over 30 years, and has worked at MG&C for 13 years.

About MG&C
Founded in 1995, McAngus Goudelock & Courie is a law firm with offices in Columbia, Greenville, Charleston and Myrtle Beach, SC, and Asheville, Charlotte and Raleigh, NC. The firm’s practice areas include workers’ compensation defense, employment law, banking and consumer law, administrative law, construction litigation, commercial litigation, products litigation, business law, real estate law, and health care and regulatory issues. For more information about MG&C, visit www.mgclaw.com or call 803.779.2300.

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Curtis L. Ott Begins Term as President of the
South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association

Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. is pleased to announce that firm partner Curtis L. Ott was sworn in as President of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association (SCDTAA) November 7, 2013.  Curtis has been on the SCDTAA Board of Directors since 2003.  He served as SCDTAA Secretary in 2011, Treasurer in 2012, and President Elect in 2013. Curtis states, “I am very grateful to have the opportunity to serve my fellow defense attorneys throughout South Carolina.  I am excited about the possibilities of what can be accomplished over the next year.”

Founded in 1968, the SCDTAA has grown to over 1,000 attorneys statewide.  The SCDTAA’s mission is to assemble lawyers in South Carolina who devote a substantial amount of their practice to the defense of civil litigation matters.  Additionally, the SCDTAA provides the opportunity for members to exchange ideas, techniques, procedures, and court rulings related to the handling of defense litigation.  These opportunities will ultimately lead to the enhancement of the knowledge and skills of defense lawyers.

With over 20 years of litigation experience, Curtis centers his practice on complex litigation defense is the areas of transportation, product liability, and appeals.  From his trial and appellate experience, Curtis is extremely familiar with all aspects of litigation, the venues, the attorneys, mediations, and the nuances of South Carolina law.  He has tried 75 cases to verdict in state and federal courts as well as briefed and argued before the South Carolina Supreme Court and the South Carolina Court of Appeals. Curtis has represented a wide array of clients throughout his career often including clients from the automotive, trucking, and industrial equipment industries.  He is also listed in prestigious publications including Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation and product liability and South Carolina Super Lawyers for product liability.

Managing Partner C. William McGee states, “Curtis has been active in the defense bar for many years and is highly qualified to lead this exceptional and diverse group of attorneys as their President.  The firm is proud to have Curtis as part of the GWB team.”

Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. has offices in Greenville, Columbia and Anderson, SC and Charlotte, NC.  Practice areas include business and complex litigation, strategic risk assessment and counseling, and corporate representation. For more information about the firm, see www.GWBlawfirm.com.

Member News | September 3

Adams and Reese Has 13 Columbia Office Attorneys Named to 2014 Edition of Best Lawyers®

A total of 119 Adams and Reese attorneys, including 13 of the firm’s Columbia office attorneys, have been named to the 2014 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, all selected and voted on by their peers and the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Because Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which almost 50,000 leading attorneys cast nearly five million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.

Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

The Best Lawyers® in America 2014 – Adams and Reese LLP
(Year Denotes First Year Attorneys Received Best Lawyers Distinction)

      Columbia
John F. Beach (2013)
Commercial Litigation
Robert P. Bethea Jr.  (2011)
Corporate Law
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Tax Law
Rita Bragg Caughman (2007)
Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Trusts and Estates
F. Earl Ellis, Jr.  (1995)
Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
William O. Higgins (2007)
Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
Real Estate Law
Ernest G. Lawhorne  (2005)
Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
William P. McElveen, Jr. (2007)
Real Estate Law
W. Cliff Moore III  (2010)
Commercial Litigation
Litigation – Banking and Finance
Litigation – Real Estate
Louis T. Runge, Jr.  (2013)
Real Estate Law
Kirby Darr Shealy III (2001)
Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
Lana H. Sims, Jr.  (2005)
Workers’ Compensation Law- Employers
David C. Sojourner (2003)
Trusts and Estates
Karen Hudson Thomas (2007)
Trusts and Estates

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DEREK J. MATHIS NAMED PRESIDENT OF THE DEE NORTON LOWCOUNTRY CHILDREN’S CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mathis

Derek J. Mathis, Senior Broker with NAI Avant’s Charleston office, has been named President of the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center Board of Directors.  Mathis has served as a member of the DNLCC board since 2011.

About Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center

DNLCC’s mission is to keep children safe from abuse and when abuse occurs, to work with its community partners to bring healing to these children and their families. Since 1991, DNLCC has helped more than 21,000 children and their families.

NAI AVANT BROKERS LEASE TRANSACTION IN CENTER POINT OFFICE PARK’S BERKELEY BUILDING, COLUMBIA, SC

Hein

NAI Avant brokers, Jeff Hein, SIOR, and Roger Winn, in conjunction with Mohr Partners, represented Comprehensive Health Management in the lease transaction of 200 Center Point Circle Suite 190 in the Center Point Office Park.  Comprehensive Health Management will lease ±6,156 SF of office space in the ±76,596 SF Berkeley Building at the business park located in the St. Andrews submarket.

About NAI Avant

Winn

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 Global is the largest independent commercial real estate service provider worldwide and a wholly owned subsidiary of C-III Capital Partners. 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.