Congratulations to our investors at The Cliffs for being named to the Top 10 Best New Golf Courses of 2013 by Golf Digest! Some of UA’s staff recently visited the various Cliffs properties and were astounded by their attention to detail. The Mountain Park course was in the process of building a “Party Barn” for events and even had their own course dog. To see the photo album from our visit, click here.

You can view the Top 10 list on Golf Digest’s website available here.

The Cliffs at Mountain Park, Travelers Rest, S.C.
Private course, 7,218 yards par 72 | Gary Player, designer
Player Design moved its HQ from Florida to an office park along this proposed mountain valley course in 2008, only to have the original Cliffs developer go bust. The gorgeous layout is finally open and a showcase with Diamond Zoysia fairways, MiniVerde greens and eye candy bunkers. Player and his associate Jeff Lawrence gave me a preview last fall. “One of the great secrets in golf architecture is contrast,” Player said. “We made these holes look like a bear but play like a puppy.”

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Investment to add 80 jobs

Sweet Street Desserts, Inc., the Reading, Pa.-based leader in the gourmet dessert industry and champion of “sweet, indulgent desserts as a way of life,” today announced that it will establish a new manufacturing facility in Greenville, South Carolina. The investment is expected to generate at least 80 new jobs over the next several years.

“We are pleased to move forward with plans to locate our new facility in South Carolina, allowing us to expand production capacity and more easily and efficiently reach our growing customer base in markets across North and South America,” said Sandy Solmon, founder and CEO of Sweet Street Desserts. “The state of South Carolina and local community offered us a wonderful business environment and bent over backwards to assist us. Greenville County provided us with an excellent facility that is ideally suited to our needs and we are excited to begin this new chapter in our organization’s history.”

Sweet Street is purchasing the 120,000-square-foot former Sara Lee building at 1916 Piedmont Highway in Greenville County and will be upfitting the facility with new machinery and equipment. The company expects to begin manufacturing operations by next summer.

“As the leader in the gourmet dessert industry, we set the standard for the industry and we envision that this new facility will play an important role in our pursuit of that mission,” said Ms. Solmon.  “Our goal is to maintain our leadership, while growing internationally.  We believe that our new base in Greenville will support this continued expansion, now at 60 countries and counting. We are extremely pleased to establish our new operations here in Greenville County, and very appreciative for the support and leadership of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, readySC, South Carolina Department of Commerce and others who assisted in making this announcement a reality.”

“South Carolina continues to find success recruiting businesses, investment and new jobs,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We are thrilled that Sweet Street Desserts chose our state to invest in, creating 80 new jobs in Greenville County.”

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $10 billion in capital investment and more than 28,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“The Palmetto State is known the world over for its ability to make things – whether cars, tires, planes, or even desserts,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “This announcement further reinforces our status as a business-friendly state for manufacturers of all kinds.”

Sweet Street Desserts, which has more than 800 employees and is headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, was founded by Ms. Solmon in a two-bay garage in 1979 and has rapidly grown to become the premier gourmet dessert manufacturer in the world, providing a wide range of products including pies, cakes, cheesecakes, dessert bars, scones, cookies and petit fours in more than 60 countries worldwide.  Many of the world’s leading foodservice establishments – including well-known hotels, restaurants, cafes and upscale supermarkets – serve Sweet Street products as their own, and Sweet Street is consistently voted by food service professionals as the most innovative and one of the Top 10 food service suppliers in the United States.

“While we are firmly rooted in Reading and it will always be home, Sweet Street is excited to begin this new chapter in our history here in South Carolina,” said Doug Messinger, vice president and general manager for Sweet Street Desserts.  “We look forward to creating a dynamic and gratifying environment that customers, suppliers and co-workers will enjoy, and ensuring a story of sweet success for them, our company and our community in the years to come.”

“Greenville has an international reputation as a center of advanced manufacturing and as a gourmet food and dining center, and Sweet Street Desserts fits well with this area’s other world-class brands,” said Dr. Bob Taylor, board member of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and chairman of Greenville County Council.  “Attracting a company that is focused on innovation, internationally admired, and well-known for community involvement to Greenville County is truly the icing on the cake.”

Sweet Street will begin working with readySC in the recruiting and training of associates beginning in early spring.  Persons interested in being considered for positions should contact their local readySC office or visit them at www.readySC.org.  Additional hiring details will be released beginning in March.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $150,000 set aside grant for the project.

For more information about Sweet Street Desserts, visit www.sweetstreet.com.

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$24.6 million investment expected to create 105 new jobs

South Carolina’s automotive industry continues to grow, with a more than $24.6 million investment announced today by a manufacturer of powertrain components and transfer cases.

BorgWarner Inc., a global leader in powertrain technology, plans to invest $24.6 million to expand its existing manufacturing capabilities in Seneca in Oconee County. The expansion is expected to create approximately 105 new jobs.

“BorgWarner is one of the world’s premier transfer case suppliers for the automotive industry,” said Dr. Stefan Demmerle, president and general manager, BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems. “We expect that our latest expansion will provide our customers with high-quality, advanced technologies, offer local job opportunities and help sustain the local economy. We are enthusiastic about the future and grateful for the continued support of local and state officials.”

BorgWarner is a supplier to some of the world’s top automotive brands, including VW/Audi, Ford, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA and MAN.

“BorgWarner’s expansion is further evidence of the success of the automotive sector in South Carolina,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We celebrate the company’s investment of $24 million and the105 jobs which will be created in Seneca.”

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $4.1 billion in capital investment and more than 8,300 jobs specific to the automotive sector.

“South Carolina is just right for the automotive industry, which has been accelerating for the past two decades,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “BorgWarner’s further investment in our Upstate is welcome news, and we are prepared to continue to support their growth right here in South Carolina.”

Based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the company’s South Carolina facility is located at 15545 Wells Highway in Seneca. The project will be completed in phases over the next few years.

“Oconee County is extremely pleased that BorgWarner has chosen to grow their existing operations here as they have been a great manufacturer in our community for a number of years,” said Joel Thrift, chairman of Oconee County Council. “Seeing this type expansion occur proves that our local economy is ripe for business and our economic development strategies are paying off.”

The company presently employs more than 600 in South Carolina and approximately 20,000 worldwide. Hiring for the new positions has already begun. Those interested in job opportunities with BorgWarner should visit the company’s careers webpage at http://www.borgwarner.com/en/Careers/default.aspx.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project.

About BorgWarner

Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a technology leader in highly engineered components and systems for powertrain applications worldwide. Operating manufacturing and technical facilities in 56 locations in 19 countries, the company develops products to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and enhance performance. Customers include VW/Audi, Ford, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA, and MAN. For more information, please visit borgwarner.com.

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$50 million investment expected to create 32 new jobs

Fitesa Simpsonville, Inc., a global leader and innovator in the design and manufacture of nonwoven fabric solutions for the global hygiene market, will expand its existing facility in Greenville County to significantly increase production capacity for its spunmelt nonwoven hygiene products. The $50 million investment is expected to generate 32 new jobs.

“Our mission is to be the preferred choice for the supply of nonwoven fabrics to the global hygiene industry, and to deliver high quality products with exceptional service and sustainable processes,” said Ray Dunleavy, director of marketing for Fitesa Simpsonville, Inc.  “We are pleased to continue to grow our operations here in Greenville County, and appreciate the support of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and South Carolina Department of Commerce in making this announcement a reality.”

Fitesa will invest an estimated $50 million to upfit and remodel its existing 190,000-square-foot facility in Simpsonville, making infrastructure improvements and adding equipment to increase production of spunmelt fabrics used in products for the hygiene, medical and industrial markets.  Fitesa’s products provide a variety of physical and aesthetic properties, including softness, strength, barrier, abrasion resistance, extensibility and sustainability, and are extensively used in such consumer goods as baby diapers and adult continence products.  Executives at the facility, located at 840 SE Main Street in Simpsonville, expect the improvements to be completed by November 2014.

“It’s always exciting to see an existing business expand in our state,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We applaud Fitesa for investing another $50 million in Simpsonville and creating 32 new jobs for our state.”

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $10 billion in capital investment and more than 28,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“South Carolina is leading the region in manufacturing GDP,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “This expansion by Fitesa is the 30^th announcement by an existing manufacturer in the state so far this year, which is further evidence that South Carolina is just right for making things.”

Fitesa Simpsonville, which is global headquarters and one of 10 Fitesa plants in eight countries on four continents, competed with other Fitesa locations in Washington and Wisconsin for the investment, said Dunleavy.

“At the end of the day, we believe strongly that Greenville, South Carolina is the optimal location to help us attract and retain the quality workforce and the quality customers that we need to continue to grow and succeed,” Dunleavy said.  “We believe this expansion is a win for all parties.”

The company, which began operations in Simpsonville in 1990, currently employs approximately 100 associates before the scheduled expansion.  The company has already invested “hundreds of millions of dollars” into its South Carolina location to date, added Dunleavy.

“Fitesa Simpsonville is a high-quality employer with a strong culture of innovation and a track record of commitment to its employees and local community,” said Dr. Bob Taylor, board member of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and chairman of Greenville County Council.  “We are pleased that Fitesa has selected Greenville for this important new investment and business expansion.”

The company will begin hiring for new positions next spring. Individuals interested in job opportunities with the company can submit applications online at http://www.fitesa.com/careers/simpsonville-careers/.

About Fitesa

Fitesa is a leader in the design and manufacture of nonwoven fabric solutions for the global hygiene market. Enjoying global reach from its manufacturing sites in North and South America, Europe and Asia, Fitesa employs a wide range of nonwoven production technologies to meet customer requirements for service, quality, and flexibility. Fitesa specializes in the development of innovative products, both independently and in collaboration with customers. For more information about Fitesa and its products, visit www.fitesa.com.

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Congratulations are in order for our investors at Allen Tate! They announced Wednesday that they will open a new office at the Magnolia Park project that is currently in development on Woodruff Road in Greenville. Opening in the spring of 2014, the new office will be home to 40 real estate agents and staff members.

From GSA Business:

“It’s an exciting time for real estate in the Upstate, and this new office will allow us to continue to expand our presence and better serve our growing base of clients and agents,” said Pat Riley, Allen Tate Co. president and COO.

Allen Tate joins a growing list of tenants at Magnolia Park, the site of the former Greenville Mall, which has been demolished. A Cabela’s store is under construction, as is a Dave & Buster’s restaurant and entertainment complex. Toys R Us and Babies R Us recently opened locations at Magnolia Park. Other tenants opening there include Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, and Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar.

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Roding Technology North America, LLC, a subsidiary of Germany-based Roding Automobile GmbH, will establish operations at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville County. The undisclosed investment is expected to generate at least 5 new jobs.

The technology company, which is a recognized expert in precision tooling and carbon fiber applications for the automotive industry, will establish its North American headquarters at CU-ICAR, according to Richard Smith, CEO North America for Roding Technology.

“We are pleased to establish our North American headquarters in South Carolina’s Upstate, and are particularly excited to be locating here in Greenville County at CU-ICAR,” said Smith, a former Clemson University football star who has spent the last two decades working in Europe and selected South Carolina and Greenville for the company’s North American headquarters.

“This strategic expansion will help us meet accelerating demand for our innovative carbon fiber technologies and manufacturing capabilities sought by automotive, aerospace and marine industry customers. Greenville County provides us with an excellent business environment, a top-notch workforce and exceptional market access. We are proud to become a growing part of the Palmetto State business community,” added Smith.

The new operations will allow the company to work more closely with existing clients including BMW, Thyssen Krupp, Siemens, and various automotive racing organizations, and to expand its presence in North
America.

“South Carolina’s automotive industry supports thousands of jobs in the Upstate region and across the state and it’s great to see that success continuing,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We welcome Roding to the Palmetto State and applaud their decision to locate at CU-ICAR.”

“Growth in South Carolina’s automotive industry and advanced manufacturing sector builds on our reputation as a state that knows how to make things, and make them well,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “The Palmetto State also continues to be a destination for international companies looking to establish or expand their presence in the U.S.”

Founded in 2007 in Roding, Germany and privately owned, Roding designs and manufactures the Roding R1 super sports car utilizing a lightweight carbon fiber chassis and powerful BMW straight 6 cylinder turbo engine. With nearly 300 employees in Germany, Roding Technology envisions the CI-ICAR initiative as a first step in its North American expansion, which ultimately may include a manufacturing facility in the Southeastern United States.

“We’re pleased that Roding Technology North America has chosen to expand into Greenville County, and to enjoy the advantages that this community offers their company,” said Dr. Bob Taylor, board member of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and chairman of Greenville County Council. “The decision to establish operations at CU-ICAR continues to expand this area’s critical mass as an automotive technology destination.”

Taylor also acknowledged key contributions of officials at CU-ICAR, the City of Greenville, and Greenville County Council, including council member Liz Seman, in making the announcement a reality.

Suzanne Dickerson, international business development director for CU-ICAR, said innovation is a cornerstone of the research campus, and as such, Roding is a perfect corporate partner.

“CU-ICAR is a research campus and a hub of economic development,” Dickerson said. “The fact Roding has chosen our campus for its U.S.-based operations will further enhance our reputation and provide the ideal platform for this exciting and growing company.”

Information on hiring requirements for the organization will be released shortly, according to Smith. Persons interested in being considered for sales, marketing and administrative support roles can email their resumes in confidence to robinson@roding-automobile.de. For more information about Roding, please visit www.roding-automobile.de.

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$196 million investment expected to create 300 new jobs

Colgate-Palmolive Company is investing $196 million to establish a new production facility in an existing 525,000 square foot building in Greenwood County. The plant is expected to begin operations in 2014 and will generate 300 new jobs.

“Colgate Palmolive is a household name and world-class business, and we are proud to have them join South Carolina’s business community,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We celebrate their decision to invest $196 million and create 300 new jobs in Greenwood County.”

At the new facility, the company will produce liquid hand soap for its Softsoap brand for the North American market as well as deodorant for its Mennen Speed Stick brand for both domestic and global markets. The state’s workforce, infrastructure, proximity to markets and access to the state’s seaport facilities were all key factors in the decision.

“We’re pleased with the opportunity to locate our new operations in South Carolina,” said Mike Corbo, vice president, Global Supply Chain, for Colgate-Palmolive. “Greenwood County had a building that was a perfect fit for our needs, offers us a talented workforce and excellent market access. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from the state Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development, as well the Greenwood Partnership Alliance and Greenwood County.”

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $9 billion in capital investment and more than 26,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Manufacturing continues to be a real wealth creator in our state, and today’s announcement provides another boost to South Carolina’s manufacturing sector,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “The jobs created by Colgate-Palmolive’s new facility will help communities in Greenwood County remain sustainable for years to come.”

Colgate-Palmolive will begin design work immediately, with retrofit of the building starting before the end of the year. Applications for positions will be accepted beginning in March 2014, with hiring conducted in partnership with readySC.

The new facility, located at 5421 U.S. Hwy 25 North, in Hodges, Greenwood County, will be the first one for Colgate-Palmolive in South Carolina, and represents the single largest first-phase investment in Greenwood County’s history.

“Today’s announcement is an exciting win for Greenwood County and a testament to our pro-business climate, skilled workforce and low cost of doing business,” said Mark Allison, chairman of Greenwood County Council. “On behalf of Greenwood County Council, we especially want to thank our many community partners that helped make this project a reality. We look forward to working with Colgate-Palmolive for many years to come.”

“We welcome Colgate-Palmolive to our community and look forward to having them involved in Greenwood County,” said Dan Martins, chairman of the Greenwood Partnership Alliance. “This announcement shows how critical existing buildings and qualified sites are in a community.  Without a suitable existing building the company would not have been able to be operational in the time needed to start production.”

The Upstate Alliance and the South Carolina Ports Authority also were involved in the company’s recruitment to the state.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a Governor’s Closing Fund grant and job development credits.

About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate-Palmolive sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. For more information about Colgate-Palmolive’s global business, visit the Company’s website atwww.colgatepalmolive.com.

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Bruce Katz

Vice President and Director, Metropolitan Policy Program | The Adeline M. and Alfred I. Johnson Chair in Urban and Metropolitan Policy

This year’s keynote is from Bruce J. Katz, vice president at the Brookings Institution and founding director of the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program. He is also co-author of The Metropolitan Revolution (Brookings Press, 2013), a distillation of his work on the emerging metropolitan-led “next economy” and its practitioners around the country working to produce more and better jobs driven by innovation, exports and sustainability.

Katz regularly advises federal, state, regional and municipal leaders on policy reforms that advance the competitiveness of metropolitan areas. He counsels on shifting demographic and market trends as well as on policies critical to metropolitan prosperity (e.g. innovation, human capital, infrastructure, housing) and new forms of metropolitan governance.

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George Fercana, right, receives a certificate from Dr. Frederick P. Ognibene, Deputy Director for Educational Affairs and Strategic Partnerships, NIH Clinical Center image by: Bill Branson, National Institutes of Health

George Fercana of Greenville, a doctoral student in Clemson University’s bioengineering department, was one of 27 students around the country selected to participate in an innovative new program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center located in Bethesda, Md.

The Clinical and Translational Research for Ph.D. Students program is designed to highlight the collaborative process of translating basic research into practical clinical applications. The program encourages future scientists to consider a career in clinical or translational research.

“The NIH is the largest funding agency in the U.S. for biomedical research,” said Fercana, a native of Florence. “Understanding clinical and translational research from the perspective of the NIH is important for my development as a scientist, especially since my future career may involve my participation in clinical trials.”

This free, two-week program took place at the nation’s research hospital, known for the first use of chemotherapy to treat cancer and first use of zidovudine (AZT) to treat AIDS.

“A primary goal of this program was to highlight Ph.D. scientists conducting clinical and translational research at the NIH,” said Dr. Juan Lertora, faculty lead for the program. “This group of students was highly motivated and took advantage of this opportunity while also going through a formal didactic curriculum that introduced them to the ethical and scientific principles that guide research in human subjects.”

During the program, participants:

• met with clinician investigators and heard Ph.D. translational investigators present their research;
• participated in a mock institutional review board;
• learned the process of filing an investigational new drug application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; and
• received tutorials on training and funding opportunities.

“This program taught me how to design robust studies and critically analyze the outcomes and implications of existing studies,” Fercana said. “I also had the invaluable opportunity to discuss the research performed at Clemson under the supervision and mentoring of Dan Simionescu, associate professor in Clemson’s department of bioengineering, with investigators at the Clinical Center and use their insights to help improve my studies here at Clemson University.”

— Peyton Bullard

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