In The Know 3-30: News, updates from Greenville area businesses and nonprofits

ScanSource CEO Named Channel Influencer Of Year

Mike Baur, Chair and CEO of ScanSource Inc. headquartered in Greenville, has been named the 2025 Channel Influencer of the Year.

The recognition, selected by Channel Futures, honors executives who have distinguished themselves by supporting the partner community by forging relationships across the ecosystem.

ScanSource is a hybrid distributor connecting devices to the cloud.

Since 2018, Channel Futures has recognized the 50 top-performing executives in the information technology and communications channel. Among the 50 executives honored, Channel Futures recognizes two as the year’s most influential.

“Channel Futures is proud to recognize Mike Baur as our Influencer of the Year. Under his leadership, ScanSource created its own advisory practice that could have significant ramifications for the future of the model,” said Craig Galbraith, Channel Futures editorial director.

“This could also be a lifetime achievement award, as ScanSource’s acquisition of Intelisys in 2016 has shaped the technology advisor landscape for nearly a decade, with many investors following ScanSource into what was a nascent market,” Galbraith said.

Baur said it is an honor to be recognized, alongside other successful leaders, by Channel Futures.

“At ScanSource, our goal is to help our channel partners grow their businesses by meeting the evolving technology needs of end customers. We strive to meet partners where they are, enabling them to deliver devices, software and services,” he said.

He praised the ScanSource staff. “This recognition from Channel Futures is a reflection of their commitment to the channel we serve.”

Led by entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fulfilling a need for technology, Baur co-founded ScanSource in 1992 with a team of six people. He served as President until 2000, when he was named Chief Executive Officer. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1995, serving as Chair of the Board since 2019.

ScanSource Inc. accelerates growth for channel partners across hardware, software as a service, connectivity and cloud.

ScanSource enables channel partners to deliver solutions for their end customers to address changing buying and consumption patterns. ScanSource uses multiple sales models to offer hybrid distribution solutions. ScanSource was named one of the 2024 Best Places to Work in South Carolina and on FORTUNE magazine’s 2025 List of World’s Most Admired Companies.

South Carolina Exports Hit Post-COVID Record

South Carolina’s 2024 export sales totaled $38 billion, the highest volume since 2019, according to a press statement from Gov. Henry McMaster, S.C. Department of Commerce and S.C. Ports.

The automotive industry led the state’s exports, with double the sales of other industries. South Carolina is the top exporter in the United States of completed passenger vehicles and tires, the statement reported.

South Carolina’s top five exported goods in 2024 were (by percentage):

• Completed passenger vehicles
• Aircraft and parts
• Machinery and parts
• Plastics
• Rubber

Other notable 2024 statistics in South Carolina:

• Exports increased by 2% year-over-year, in line with overall U.S. exports.
• Sales of completed passenger vehicles were $10.9 billion, representing 18.4% of all exports nationwide.
• For the 10th consecutive year, South Carolina was the national leader in the export of tires, with sales reaching $1.8 billion – 36.5% of exports nationwide.
• South Carolina exports reached 197 countries and territories.
• South Carolina is No. 2 nationwide in exports of ball/roller bearings.
• Germany was the No. 1 export market for South Carolina-made products and services, nearly $5 billion, followed by Canada and Mexico.

"We are strengthening our reputation as one of the best states in the country to do business, which will help attract more capital investment and opportunities for our people," McMaster said.

"Supporting international trade is a vital part of our dedication to the success of our companies from launch to legacy,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.

New Upstate Brokerage Opens

BrownStone Real Estate was launched recently in Greenville by founders and cousins Rhett Brown and Kirby Stone. They are continuing a family legacy in real estate.

The agency is located at Flywheel Coworking.

Brown has more than 25 years of experience in the industry. She was the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors 2023 Realtor of the Year and President in 2024.

She will lead the team of agents. The firm’s specialty will be personalized service, according to a press release.

"Our mission is not just to facilitate a sale, but to transform a house into a home, a sale into an investment, and clients into friends," Brown said.

Stone graduated from Wofford College and became a personal banker with First Citizens Bank before entering the real estate field in 2014. She is also an Airbnb Superhost.

Brown’s and Stone’s grandfather, E.E. Stone Jr., worked in real estate and developed Stone Lake Heights and Stone Plaza in Greenville. E.E. Stone Jr.’s father was a pharmacist and farmer who traded and developed land in Greenville County and in Transylvania County, North Carolina.

The firm is named in honor of Brown and Stone and celebrates brownstone architecture.

The BrownStone Agency will provide mentorship; attention to detail; a client-first focus; and a pre-listing concierge service to help sellers maximize the value of their homes, according to a press release.

Homegrown Musical Comedy To Premier At Upstate Theater

“Waiting For You” – an original musical comedy created by John Jeter and David Berry, veterans of the Upstate music and entertainment industry – will premiere April 11 during a three-show run at the Chapman Cultural Center, 200 E. Saint John St. in Spartanburg.

Kimilee Bryant, an Upstate actor known for leading roles on Broadway is part of the nine-member cast. Bryant starred as Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway. She also appeared in the “Phantom” U.S. tour and in Toronto and Switzerland.

“Waiting For You” is set in heaven, and men aren’t welcomed. Two men arrive and throw paradise into pandemonium. Characters include Saints Mattie and Joanie; Dr. Jessie Christie; Susie, who is eager to enjoy the afterlife; and the mysterious EGGS (Eternal Great Generating Spirit).

Berry, a 37-year composition professor at Converse University, wrote the music and co-wrote the lyrics. Berry also toured for 13 years with his rock band Anthem, which included Ralph and Marty, a beloved performing duo in the Upstate.

Jeter, who wrote the book and lyrics, co-founded and co-owned The Handlebar in Greenville. He chronicled the live-music venue in his book, “Rockin’ A Hard Place,” published by Hub City Press. He now teaches music business at USC Upstate and Converse University.

Michelle Newman, the director, has worked on nearly 200 stage productions.

The premiere is at 7 p.m. April 11 followed by performances at 7 p.m. April 12 and a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. April 13.

Tickets start at $25. For tickets and information, go to the Chapman Cultural Center’s ticket site or call (864) 542-2787. For information about “Waiting For You,” go to www.waitingforyoumusical.com. The profanity-free show is suitable for ages 16 and up.

Philanthropist Shares Story To Advance Heart Health

A Greenville woman who survived a "widow-maker" heart attack at the age of 33 was the keynote speaker at the Day of the Woman conference recently at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville.

“A Heart Full of Strength” was the title of a speech given by Meliah Bowers Jefferson about a challenge that taught her resilience.

The conference was created to raise awareness about heart health and self-care. Jefferson shares with others that they can thrive under adversity and that a good life is crafted with intention.

Jefferson is an executive at a nonprofit organization, an attorney, and an advocate whose story has been featured in Women’s Day, Ebony and USA Today. After her heart attack, she became a national spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.

“Twelve years ago, my life changed in an instant. In that moment, my life could have ended. Instead, it set me on a path of resilience, reinvention and purpose. Life’s greatest challenges can become our most powerful opportunities to live the life we truly want,” Jefferson said.

“Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of women, yet so many of us put ourselves last. It’s time to change that,” she said.

Jefferson has focused on outreach to women and minority communities regarding heart health. She also advocates for community health policies and state legislation.

The Day of the Woman 2025, hosted by the School of Medicine Greenville in March, included discussions and networking about mental, physical, family and lifestyle wellness.

Proceeds from ticket sales went to the school’s Student Benevolence Fund.

Jefferson clerked for S.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean H. Toal, who is retired. She then joined the Wyche firm in Greenville, left to serve as lead clerk to U.S. Circuit Court Judge Michelle Childs, and returned to Wyche and became a partner. She is now Executive Director of the Jolley Foundation, an organization working with community stakeholders to address systemic poverty and discrimination.

She is on the boards of directors for the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and Greater Good Greenville. She is a Liberty Fellow, a Fellow of the Furman University Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative, and a graduate of Leadership Greenville.

Project Hope Staffer, Author Speaks At Autism Conference

The seventh annual Converge Autism Conference was held recently at the Greenville Convention Center.

Professionals, educators, parents and individuals on the spectrum gathered for two days to hear presentations and discussions about autism. One of the presenters was Kaelynn Partlow, a local autism advocate who appeared on the Netflix series, “Love on the Spectrum” alum.

A Registered Behavior Technician at Project Hope Foundation, Partlow amplified her social media to educate and advocate for autism after taking part in “Love on the Spectrum.”

Her sessions at the conference were: "They Haven't Fired Me Yet! How to Maintain Employment from My Perspective as an Autistic Therapist" and "Top Autism Tips for Educators: Insights from the Inside."

Partlow, who is on the autism spectrum, wrote a book: “Life on the Bridge,” which provides ways to build connections, foster communication, navigate challenges and enhance interactions.

Greenville Native Joins Conference On Brain Injury

The Brain Injury Association of America commemorated Brain Injury Awareness Month in March by acknowledging brain injury survivors and continuing its “More Than My Brain Injury” campaign.

The campaign presents the stories of brain injury survivors to increase understanding, reduce stigma, improve care, and highlight diversity.

“Too often brain injury survivors are defined by an injury, and our goal with this campaign is to change that perception. An individual with a brain injury is more than a brain injury. They are unique people with unique experiences,” said Rick Willis, President and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America.

Dede Norungolo – a Greenville native and member of the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina – experienced a moderate traumatic brain injury with no visible disability 25 years ago.

She was among five panelists to speak in March at the Brain Injury Awareness Conference in Washington, D.C.

Survivors, caregivers, professionals, family members and advocates participate in Brain Injury Awareness Month through storytelling, social media posts, custom apparel, media outreach and legislative advocacy.

The mission of the Brain Injury Association of America, founded 30 years ago, is to advance research, treatment and education and to improve the lives of people affected by brain injuries with access to quality health care and support.

For information, call (800) 444-6443.

Anderson County Fair Ready For Takeoff In May

The Great Anderson County Fair will take place from May 1 to 11.

A “mega pass” for $25 is on sale online until April 30.

The largest fair in the Upstate, The Great Anderson County Fair attracts over 75,000 people annually. The fair features a variety of free attractions, including ground acts, a petting zoo with barnyard and exotic animals, and an array of fair foods.

Special prices for admission and rides are available on specific days for seniors, students, teachers, veterans and law enforcement, health care workers, Mother’s Day, and a food drive.

Youths under the age of 17 are not allowed on the fairgrounds without a parent in attendance at all times.

For fair hours, prices and tickets, go to www.thegreatandersoncountyfair.com. The fair will be held at Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center, 3027 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Founders Federal Credit Union, Harvest Hope In Spotlight

The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Women’s Impact Network will meet from 8:30 to 10 a.m. April 1 at the chamber’s conference room, 105A W. Curtis St.

The sponsor is Founders Federal Credit Union; staff will address how the credit union can help the business community. The featured nonprofit is Harvest Hope, which provides over 27 million meals each year across the Upstate. The organization rescues, packs, transports, and delivers nutritious food to soup kitchens, shelters, food pantries and schools.

The Women’s Impact Network is a way to start the day with coffee, presentations from the sponsor and a featured nonprofit, networking with fellow women in business, and giving back to the community. Participants are asked to contribute to the monthly charity.

For information, email info@simpsonvillechamber.com.

Spring At Flywheel Café

Flywheel Café, a gathering of founders, investors and others in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, will be from 5 to 7 p.m. April 10 at Flywheel Coworking Greenville.

Participants can attend the free event, enjoy a beer, network, and hear local successful entrepreneurs discuss their journeys, share advice, and answer questions.

For information about events at Flywheel Coworking Greenville, go to www.flywheelgreenvillesc.com and click on the Events tab. Flywheel is located at 25 Goldsmith St. in Greenville.

Blues, Brews, BBQ Moves To Fountain Inn

Ten at the Top’s fifth annual Blues, Brews & BBQ, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. May 8 in Downtown Fountain Inn.

The evening will include:

• Live blues music from Mac Arnold & Plate Full O' Blues
• Barbecue from Upstate vendors
• Craft brews and wine from a local brewery
• Non-alcoholic beverages from Milo’s Tea in Spartanburg
• Networking and community

To purchase tickets or for more information, go to tenatthetop.org/ten-at-the-top-events/blues-brews-bbq.

Pendleton Foundation Seeks Support For Keese Barn Project

The Pendleton Foundation for Black History & Culture has begun a fundraising campaign to build a façade of the “Old Keese Barn.”

The Benjamin Horace Keese barn was the first public gathering place for Pendleton’s African American population during the early- and mid-1900s. The building became known as “The Hundreds,” to acknowledge how many had gathered to enjoy food and fellowship.

The building has been demolished. However, the Keese Barn Legacy Project plans to construct a new gathering place and a façade to mark the historic location.

The Pendleton Foundation for Black History & Culture is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

“Our hope is that donors will feel a sense of pride and ownership toward this project and that the façade will become an integral part of Pendleton,” said Terence Hassan, Chair of the foundation.

The organization has secured a donation of $250,000 from an anonymous group for the Keese Barn Legacy Project.

For information, go to www.blackhistorypendleton.org.