The Education Issue Workforce Development Apprenticeship Carolina Business Week Charter Schools Common Core State Standards Google’S CS First Performance

M a r c h / A p r i l 2 0 1 4 V o l . 3 5 N o . 2

The Education Issue Workforce Development Apprenticeship Carolina Business Week Charter Schools Common Core State Standards Google’s CS First Performance. Passion. Perfection. www.staubli.us/en/robotics/

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Boyd B. (Nick) Nicholson, Jr., Managing Director, ONE North Main, 2nd Floor, Greenville, SC Stäubli is a trademark of Stäubli International AG, registered in Switzerland and other countries. – March 2014 March/April 2014 contentsFEATURES Volume 35, Number 2 South Carolina Battlefields & Board Rooms...... 10. Chamber of Commerce 10 By Rick Davis 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 1100 Columbia, South Carolina 29201 800.799.4601 Innovative Charter Schools Produce www.scchamber.net Excellent Students...... 12 By Dr. Wayne Brazell

Common Core State Standards...... 14 By Tom Donohue 12 Google CS First Just Google It...... 16 By Penny Delaney Cothran, apr

Accountability-Based Funding For Higher Education...... 20 M

By Richard C. Sutton President & Chief Executive Officer Member spotlight OTIS RAWL ITT Technical Institute...... 24. Associate Vice President 16 By Penny Delaney Cothran, apr of Communications JULIE SCOTT

You Thought You Knew Your ABCs?...... 26 Multimedia Manager By Tim Timmons PENNY DELANEY COTHRAN

Graphics and Web Administrator I am S.C. Business...... 33 REID PRICE M

SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESS ECONOMIC DRIVERS MAGAZINE Apprenticeship Carolina™...... 8 • Kelly Steinhilper Editor PENNY DELANEY COTHRAN

South Carolina: Surging Ahead Art Direction & Design • Secretary Bobby Hitt...... 9 TIM MCKEEVER / TMCA INC.

Production & Print Coordination 20 DEPARTMENTS TMCA INC. Message from the President...... 4 After the Event Published by CONVERGING MEDIA LLC Otis Rawl Business Speaks...... 28

Infrastructure Forum...... 30 Advertising Sales Business Briefs...... 6 CONVERGING MEDIA LLC Member News...... 31 DEIDRE MACKLEN Palmetto Advantage...... 7 803.318.3923 Mike Zeller Welcome, New Members...... 31

Business Week...... 23 Advertiser Index...... 32 Tony Elliott PUBLISHING & MEDIA SERVICES

Copyright © 2014 by Converging Media LLC and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. All foreign and U.S. rights reserved. Contents of this publication, including images, may not be reproduced without written The opinions and views expressed by the contributors to this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions and consent from the publisher. Published for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce by Converging Media views of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, its staff or members. LLC. 803.256.3010

2 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss sc.edu more Brain power

our faculty, which raised more than $220 million in sponsored research last year, boasts 15 National Endowment for the Humanities Fellows and 29 American Association for the Advancement of Science appointees. at USC we place the highest priority on discovery, from health care to aerospace, the arts to advanced materials.

NO LIMITS. Strengthening Workforce Development

outh Carolina continues to grow its manufacturing presence. Last year, the state recruited a record level of capital investment by businesses locating or expanding in the state, and many of those businesses are manufacturing related. From January to December 2013, the state closed 127 economic development projects, totaling $5.4 billion in capital investment and 15,457 new jobs. In fact, since the recent Srecession, the state has recruited more than $19 billion in capital investment resulting in more than 64,000 new jobs in manufacturing. For the past two years, we have claimed the top spot among states in a report gauging the global impact of foreign-direct investment. In 2013, the Palmetto State again posted a record year for export activity, with more than $26.1 billion in FROM THE PRESIDENT goods sold to 202 countries around the globe. South Carolina’s manufacturing sector continues to be a major component of the state’s economy, representing more than one-fifth of the state’s gross domestic product. But, can we produce skilled workers capable of staffing these modern manufacturing facilities? The state is answering that call, but there is more work to be done. In December 2013, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the Business and Industry Political Education Committee, New Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance and the South Carolina Economic Developers Association released South Carolina’s Manufacturing Renaissance: An action plan for strengthening workforce development. The report discusses tools such as the technical college system, STEM curriculum, Work Ready Communities, apprenticeship programs and more that are providing a clear path for addressing manufacturing workforce needs. A 2011 skills gap study by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) found that the sand y andrews most difficult jobs to fill in manufacturing are those that have the biggest impact on company Otis Rawl is president and chief executive officer of performance, like machinists, operators, technicians and more. The study also found that the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. training and worker recruitment also must be addressed and modernized. NAM found that the changing nature of manufacturing is making it harder for talent to keep up. And, skills gaps are taking the largest toll on skilled manufacturing jobs. Preparing a skilled workforce must be top priority, and South Carolina must continue to be proactive in providing tools for workers to expand their training. The manufacturing sector in South Carolina pays well compared to average per capita income, with an average annual salary of $51,153. The state is already home to some of the top manufacturing companies in the world. We have many of the major ingredients for success: a strong port system, interstate network (though we must commit to adequately funding infrastructure), a model technical college system and a willing workforce. Ensuring that we are proactive in preparing for even more companies to locate is the key. The action plan for strengthening workforce development addresses many of our challenges and includes thoughts from some of the top manufacturing companies in the state. I invite you to take a look at it at www.scchamber.net. In this edition of South Carolina Business, we take a look at many of the workforce development initiatives that are making strides to better prepare our citizens. We welcome Google and highlight the awesome work they are doing by partnering with schools in the Lowcountry to introduce students to computer science. We also take an inside look at Elliott Davis, a great South Carolina based company, and their experience with modernizing the way they do business. I hope you can take away some key points for your own company‘s growth. The South Carolina Department of Commerce also has compiled a list of the top economic development announcements of 2013 for readers. Finally, I am pleased to introduce you to Palmetto Advantage, a forward thinking new investment program the South Carolina Chamber is unveiling. I know you will find it hugely beneficial for your company‘s needs. One thing is clear. South Carolina is poised to see job growth that will establish new levels of prosperity for citizens. South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said it best, “For us to be successful in attracting good jobs for our citizens, we have to make the philosophical commitment to fund adequately and to manage appropriately our workforce development efforts.” I cannot agree more. We must be prepared and ready to meet the challenge of prosperity.

4 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss Education. Powered by Duke Energy.

Dreams do come true. Education makes it happen. Duke Energy is proud to support educational endeavors in the communities we serve.

www.duke-energy.com S.C. one of 16 states achieving record The Boeing Co. invests in future export levels engineers

he U.S. Secretary of he Boeing Co. recently invested in Accelerate, a virtual engineering T Commerce announced Tprogram to cultivate future engineers and technical leaders. The year end state export data program enables high school students to complete their first-year of college showing 16 states set new engineering. The records for export sales SC Governor’s in 2013: Texas ($279.7 School for billion); California ($168.1 Science & billion); Washington ($81.9 Mathematics developed the program for high-achieving students. Curriculum

BUSINESS BRIEFS billion); Louisiana ($63.1 includes virtual instruction as well as hands-on, team-based projects. The billion); Michigan ($58.5 billion); Ohio ($50.5 billion); Georgia ($37.6 billion); program will culminate with a corporate internship. Boeing invested also in the Tennessee ($32.4 billion); North Carolina ($29.3 billion); South Carolina ($26.1 Governor’s School‘s CREATEng, a new engineering summer camp that will billion); Kentucky ($25.3 billion); Connecticut ($16.5 billion); Mississippi ($12.4 launch in the Lowcountry. billion); Maryland ($11.8 billion); Colorado ($8.7 billion); and Oklahoma ($6.9 billion). Total merchandise exports from the U.S. contributed to the record-setting value of goods and services exports, which reached $2.3 trillion in 2013. Honda of South Carolina one of America’s Safest Companies

onda of South Carolina was one of 16 companies named to the 2013 America’s HSafest Companies list by EHS, a magazine for environment, health and safety leaders. Each of the 16 companies demonstrated support for management and employee involvement, provided innovative solutions to safety challenges, reported injury and illness rates significantly lower than the industry average, supported comprehensive training programs, believed that the prevention of incidents is the cornerstone of the safety process, have integrated safety into their corporate culture, and communicated the value of safety to employees and customers.

From l to r Eric Evans, Wendell Hughes and Brian Newman

Continental Tire celebrates Sonoco dedicates $75 million grand opening biomass boiler facility

undreds of onoco, a global provider of industrial products, consumer packaging, HSouth Carolina Sprotective solutions and packaging services, dedicated the new business leaders and biomass facility at its Hartsville plant. The biomass boiler is part of a $100 elected officials came million investment in the Darlington County compound. In 2011, Sonoco together January 28, 2014 to celebrate the grand opening of the Sumter plant committed to a $75 million investment to replace two aging, coal-fired for Continental Tire the Americas. Continental Tire’s $500 million investment in boilers and add the new biomass boiler. The new boiler is fueled primarily South Carolina is expected to bring 1,600 jobs over the next several years. The by woody biomass from regional logging activity, but also runs on natural company plans to produce four million tires per year by 2017. In addition, the gas. The boiler will produce about 16 megawatts of green energy that will company has awarded more than $100 million in contracts to home-grown, be consumed by the manufacturing complex, as well as steam that is used South Carolina companies. in the paper-making process.

S.C. Dept. of Commerce announces Office of Innovation

he South Carolina Department of Commerce announced a new Office of TInnovation focused on strengthening the innovation and technology-based, job- creating power of the state. The objective of the initiative is to make South Carolina a top state in the nation to start and build a high-growth business. To do so, South Carolina must enable entrepreneurship and technology-based economic development successes in the state, foster commercialization of technologies, support the increase of capital to home-grown companies and raise the profile of the state’s innovation assets.

6 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss Introducing the all new Palmetto Advantage Membership Investment Program More Choices. Greater Value.

By Mike Zeller

ow more than ever, it pays to invest in the South Carolina Chamber of Some key new incentives greet members at different levels, including Commerce, the state’s unified voice of business. Whether you are interested additional levels of exposure in the South Carolina Business Directory and Nin advocacy that affects your bottom line, staying informed about key business Resource Guide, invitations to key investor receptions with dignitaries, key issues, marketing your business and/or networking, you can find it all with your investor seating at Chamber events, company promotion via Chamber social investment in the South Carolina Chamber. With the all new Palmetto Advantage media, eligibility to participate on Chamber committees, monetary credits to Membership Investment Program, Chamber members have more investment choices use for advertising and sponsorships, eligibility to post member-to-member that can be tailored to fit their specific business needs. Along with more choices, offers on the online Chamber Marketplace, opportunity for mailer inserts in members receive an even better return for every dollar invested in the Chamber. South Carolina Business magazine where available and South Carolina Business Directory and Resource Guide, special signage and materials placement at The Palmetto Advantage Program offers: Chamber events, a company video loop in the Chamber lobby, corporate • Seven annual investment levels for more company flexibility and options: signage in the Chamber board room, unlimited database contacts to receive Advocate ($500), Pacesetter ($1,500), Signature ($3,000), information, eligibility to sponsor annual Grassroots Meetings, eligibility to Crown ($5,000), Cornerstone ($10,000), President’s Circle ($25,000) sponsor a board of directors luncheon, invitation to Chamber board meetings and Chairman’s Circle ($50,000). Each level comes with specific benefits, and no-cost use of Chamber meeting facilities. tailored to meet your company’s needs. There is no better time to invest in the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. We are excited about the Palmetto Advantage Membership • Recognition for a member’s combined investment for dues, Investment Program and the choices and greater value it affords all businesses. sponsorships and advertising. A Chamber member representative will be contacting you shortly to help your company make the best decision for your needs in investing in the Chamber. In • A deeper combination of valuable member benefits with each level the meantime, contact Barbara Beckham, vice president of membership with of annual investment. any questions at 803-799-4601.

• The opportunity to manage all investment decision in a more Mike Zeller is vice president, brand marketing with convenient, condensed format, greatly reducing the frequency of Jackson Marketing Group, Inc. and chair of the Chamber solicitations. Chamber’s membership committee.

• Flexibility to address different components of investment throughout the year.

Each South Carolina Chamber member receives a specific level of services and benefits associated with their company’s level of investment in the Palmetto Advantage program. Chamber members are able to examine a carefully defined list, with corresponding dollar values, and see exactly what their company is receiving in exchange for their annual Chamber investment.

scchamber.net | March/April 2014 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss | 7 Apprenticeship Carolina™ Proven Models for High School Apprenticeship

By Kelly Steinhilper

ombine a relevant education with on-the-job youth apprenticeship programs,” said Brad Neese, is not guaranteed or required but MTU does provide for experience and one has the makings for a successful director of Apprenticeship Carolina. “Our goal is to six certified apprentices each year. Ccareer. That’s the formula that drives South have a registered youth apprenticeship program in The model has received a great deal of recognition. Carolina’s youth apprenticeship program. Headed up by the every county by December 2015. We currently have In fact, the partners were asked to participate in a SC Technical College System and run through Apprenticeship 12 counties with programs and five additional counties roundtable discussion at the White House in 2012. ™

ECONOMIC DRIVER Carolina , youth apprenticeship is an extremely hot topic in the developmental stages.” These discussions revolved around programs aimed at when it comes to workforce and economic development. improving education and helping younger Americans Youth apprenticeship is forward focused. It works A Proven Model: MTU America’s gain vocational training and enter the workforce to ensure a well-educated, well-trained workforce and Youth Apprenticeship Program without a college degree. In 2014, MTU’s program is in turn South Carolina’s continued competitiveness a top 10 site visit finalist for President Obama’s most in attracting and retaining business and industry. odeled after its parent company’s approach, MTU’s innovative workforce initiatives tour. In addition, it offers a surplus of benefits for both Mprogram is designed to help high school students employers and young apprentices. who want to pursue careers in industrial manufacturing A Concept in the Making: Employers are able to create crucial recruitment but don’t necessarily want to or are unable to attend Charleston Region Youth pipelines, decrease costly turnovers and influence, college after high school. Apprenticeship Consortium

everal businesses in the Charleston area have expressed San interest in establishing youth apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship Carolina™ and Trident Technical College are working together with the local school district to answer the workforce demands. The Charleston model focuses on industrial maintenance and introduces the concept of apprenticeship to students in the 8th grade. In the 10th grade, interested students take mechatronics classes at their local high schools as well as receive training and credentials in National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety. Select students become registered apprentices with participating businesses. They continue with their high school classes and in addition take Industrial Maintenance dual credit courses at Trident Technical College. What’s more, these apprentices work limited hours at the companies receiving wages while learning essential skills through on-the-job training. Upon completion of the model, students will have a number of accomplishments, including a high school diploma, two portable national certifications, verified GETT Y IMAGES High school apprentices can earn a wage while they learn, as well as enhance their employability by WorkKeys® scores, approximately 27 hours of college obtaining critical work skills that are immediately sought by employers. credit, essential job skills, a nationally-recognized credential from the U.S. Department of Labor and a paycheck. mold and shape potential future employees. Employers The collaboration includes Apprenticeship These examples demonstrate that while the also qualify for a South Carolina tax credit for each Carolina, Aiken Technical College and the local approaches differ, the end goal of building a well- apprentice. High school apprentices can earn a wage school district. The program starts in high school and trained workforce remains constant. Combining while they learn, as well as enhance their employability introduces freshmen to MTU’s Aiken facility via tours relevant education with crucial on-the-job experience by obtaining critical work skills that are immediately and presentations. The selection process begins in works to increase the employability of South Carolinians sought by employers. The youth apprenticeship 10th grade with teacher nominations. Selected high for in-demand occupations. Youth apprenticeship program also works to strengthen students’ academic school juniors and seniors attend high school classes, successfully opens doors that may previously have skills and in turn their academic success. High school career center training sessions and work limited hours been shut for many of our state’s young people while completion is a requirement of the program. at the facility. The apprentices work full-time during at the same time works to meet the critical workforce The concept of youth apprenticeship is beginning the summers before their junior and senior years. demands of South Carolina business and industry. to take off in South Carolina. While working at the facility, students rotate through “In the past few months, we’ve definitely noticed various departments to broaden their knowledge of Kelly Steinhilper is the vice president of increased interest in youth apprenticeship. In fact, the company’s operations. At the end of their senior communications at the SC Technical College System. about 80 percent of our recent conversations with year, apprentices must successfully complete practical, business and industry have revolved around developing written and oral exams. Upon graduation, employment

8 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss South Carolina: Surging Ahead South Carolina surged ahead – outpacing neighboring states – to become a global manufacturing powerhouse By Secretary Bobby Hitt

outh Carolina has proven its place as a manufacturing powerhouse - outpacing neighboring states in Smanufacturing GDP as one of the nation’s fastest- growing economies. In 2013, we built on this track record and continued to diversify our development strategy, with focus on technology and innovation, life sciences and logistics- related fields to further enhance our competitive position. ECONOMIC DRIVER The state celebrated major announcements last year from world-class companies like Boeing, Google, Michelin North America and Colgate-Palmolive, which right here in South Carolina plays such an important project adds to Google’s initial investment of $600 helped drive the state to net a record level of capital role in our company’s global business strategy. It’s a million in 2007. investment last year. testament to the business-friendly climate in the state Experts predict that by 2020, high-tech jobs could From January to December 2013, the Palmetto and the dedicated, productive and skilled workforce increase by more than 20 percent in South Carolina. To get State closed 127 economic development projects, that serves as the engine behind our success.” ahead of the trend, we are working to ride the innovation infusing $5.4 billion into the state’s economy and I often joke that soon, South Carolina will have wave and stay competitive, with plans to eventually have recruiting more than 15,000 new jobs to the a new state slogan – “Tires R Us.” While this new one of the top digital ecosystems in the nation. workforce. Further reinforcing South Carolina’s slogan can be taken lightly, the state’s success in tire manufacturing stronghold, the state’s manufacturing manufacturing is serious business. Year in Review sector represented more than 60 percent of the new South Carolina is the No. 1 exporter of tires in the jobs and 82 percent of the capital investment that nation and home to three of the four top tire makers in ast year, South Carolina continued to recruit business Commerce recruited last year. world. In addition to Michelin’s expansion in our state, Lto the state’s rural areas as well. In 2013, the state Continental Tire the Americas’ Sumter plant is now recruited 3,836 jobs to counties with Tier III or IV designation, Manufacturing Success open for business, and is expected to produce more comprising about a quarter of jobs being added to the state’s than four million tires a year. Bridgestone continues economy through business location or expansion est described in the words of the famous Frank Sinatra to expand its economic footprint in South Carolina Foreign-direct investment again represented a vital Bsong, “It Was a Very Good Year” in South Carolina for as well. The success of these companies means that part of the state‘s business recruitment, with 43 percent manufacturing. In 2013, the state’s advanced manufacturing every time a tire rolls off an assembly line in South of capital investment recruited last year and nearly a sector received its largest boost from aerospace giant Boeing. Carolina, it comes with a “well-made” guarantee and quarter of new jobs tied to companies headquartered The company announced a billion dollar expansion project helps solidify the state’s position as a world leader in in foreign countries. Companies based in Japan, China, at its North Charleston campus, creating an additional 2,000 advanced manufacturing. Germany, Canada and France represented the top five jobs by 2020. The company plans to start building up to 12 contributors to foreign-direct investment in South airplanes a month by 2016 and up to 14 a month by 2019. Building a Digital Ecosystem Carolina in 2013. Boeing’s growth strategy in the state speaks to the strength Released in December, IBM-Plant Location of South Carolina’s workforce and pro-business climate. n addition to building on the success of the manufacturing International‘s 2013 report recognized South Carolina, Isector, South Carolina made a concerted effort in 2013 for the second year in a row, as the top per-capita Tire Town U.S.A. to grow its footprint in innovation. The Department of recruiter of jobs tied to foreign-direct investment in the Commerce announced the state’s first Office of Innovation, United States. lso helping the manufacturing industry in the Palmetto aimed at fostering the development of innovative companies AState gain traction is the momentum of the state’s focused on technology and high-growth markets. Bolstering Surging Ahead tire sector. Last year, Michelin North America expanded its South Carolina’s high-tech business growth in the last 12 existing rubber production operations in Anderson County. months were top announcements from innovation leaders n 2013, economists at the Darla Moore School of Business The $200-million investment is expected to create 100 new Google and Benefitfocus. Isaid that our state has “been building momentum,” and jobs. Michelin is South Carolina’s largest manufacturing In December, Benefitfocus, one of South Carolina’s 2014 is predicted to be a year of continued growth. Added employer, and in the last 21 months, the company has leading providers of cloud-based benefits software to the positive forecast, is the state’s declining unemployment committed to invest a total of $1.15 billion and create at solutions, expanded its technology campus in Berkeley rate, which has reached its lowest point in four years, and least 870 new jobs in South Carolina. County. The expansion project expects to create 1,200 our leading economic index reaching a six-year high in the Michelin North America Chairman and President new, high-tech jobs. Google Inc. also expanded its fall of 2013. Pete Selleck commented on the strength of the Berkeley County data center, bringing an additional These results prove that South Carolina’s economic company’s four decade history in South Carolina, saying, $600 million investment. The data center expansion outlook is bright. In the year ahead, we look forward “It’s a source of pride to know that what we’re doing to bringing even more business development, more employment growth and more good news for our state.

Robert “Bobby” M. Hitt III was appointed by Governor Nikki Haley to serve as Secretary of Commerce in January 2011.

scchamber.net | March/April 2014 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss | 9 Battlefields Board Rooms Three Cultural Transformations in a South Carolina Company

By Rick Davis

ne of my favorite subjects is American history, and one of my favorite Americans is George Washington. Perhaps most of us know Washington as the commander of the Continental Army, and later, our first President. We know about Valley Forge, have seen the picture of him crossing the icy Delaware River and have read his farewell address to his soldiers. Fewer of us know about the skills he used during the Revolutionary War - and that those skills didn’t necessarily include success on the actual battlefield. Washington’s troops were not professionals, his smaller armies were often outmaneuvered, and he lost many battles. So what led to our country winning the war? In part, Washington’s skills at logistics, organization, supply management and other operations tasks, and his able coordination of multiple “stakeholders” which included Congress, local militias, governors, officers, troops and even international players, particularly the French. In one sense, Washington led a large, multinational corporation in a very challenging competitive environment, and his focus and skill encompassed what we would today describe as operations and distribution. Washington also was a masterful creator in his army of what we in the corporate world would call “culture,” choosing leaders with care, emphasizing training and managing to hold together an army and maintain morale under desperately difficult circumstances and little to no pay for the troops. Even during his time at Valley Forge in that long cold winter, he saw an opportunity for an intensive training program for his troops - a regimen that he delegated to an able Prussian officer. So when they departed from the winter camp of Valley Forge they were, amazingly, a stronger army than when they arrived. Washington’s ability to shape the internal culture of the American army was a significant reason for his success. Amidst all of that, he was able to remain focused on a grand, massive vision - the creation of an independent country. As we watch countries in the 21st century seek independence or the overthrow of their governments, we can appreciate the difficulty of the task before Washington and his peers. Washington, unlike his peers, had to manage the tasks and complexities of the battlefield and retain the larger, magnificent vision of the country he hoped to help form. On the surface, the soldier and magnificent leader of the 18th century that was George Washington has little to do with those of us who are working hard to lead companies in the much more comfortable circumstances of 21st century America. Though all of us have personal challenges, most of us will never be as tested on so meaningful and national a scale. Washington was a reserved and dignified man; he didn’t write a leadership and culture change textbook for his future admirers, so we can only learn by reviewing his actions, not his words (as he would have approvingly agreed). If the commander of America’s first army could pay such close attention to culture shaping and morale on the fields and in the forests of Virginia, New York and Massachusetts, leaders in board rooms and on manufacturing floors should probably do the same. The company for which I am the managing partner, Elliott Davis, embarked on a

long road of cultural transformation some years ago, and I’ve been privileged to observe THINKSTOCK

10 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss it, participate in it, and on occasion, help lead it, along with many others on the However, it’s much more difficult to connect with those who live like the former, leadership team. Along the way, those of us at Elliott Davis learned some of the and much easier to love those who live like the latter. same lessons of Washington. Elliott Davis leaders have not taken to weeping; but we have changed the Elliott Davis is a South Carolina success story: a home-grown, accounting, tax and way we communicate. For one thing, we discovered that we simply weren’t consulting services firm that is one of the top 50 CPA firms in the country. Founded communicating frequently enough, not face-to-face nor in writing. We also weren’t in 1925, we have consistently provided excellent service, focusing on core industries gathering enough input from everyone. So not only were we not giving information; like manufacturing and distribution, construction, banking and financial services, we weren’t receiving it either. We recognized that we needed to share information and real estate, among others. We had every reason to be proud of our heritage at all levels, not simply at the management level. And we needed to be open and and our success. candid. We needed to discuss the right things with everyone. Finally, we needed to And yet . . . we knew we could be so much better. talk more as a group, in front of one another, to exchange and process information Our internal culture had been complacent, comfortable and very satisfied. We together, rather than in small groups alone. had missed some opportunities for expansion and for pursuing certain emerging The communication channels we opened up at Elliott Davis allowed us to connect sectors. We didn’t have a bias toward growth, and we weren’t considering the next with one another more broadly and more deeply. Consequently, people at all levels generation within the firm. Not only were we not teaching and developing our understood more about what we were trying to change, and more importantly, why. successors, but we often didn’t act as if we trusted one another. We were trusted by our clients, and for good reason, but we didn’t always demonstrate that same level We needed more accountability. of trust internally. We were coasting on our past state-based successes. We recognized that things had to change. The big question was: what steps n the old days, the worst part of the year was partner compensation time. We didn’t have should we take to shift our culture? Imany clear paths to success other than “do everything well.” The old model wasn’t in sync Now that we’re on the other side of that culture shift, it’s easier to see and with firm goals and actually served as a roadblock to change. Once we set pathways, and describe what those steps have been. Here are just three of them: worked to discern strengths and put people in the right places, much of that tension was eased. We needed to set a high bar for performance expectations. And that meant We needed to grow, and not necessarily we needed to change - even if only in small ways - our partner compensation plan. simply in size. The first thing we decided to do was reward appropriately for performance, for what we reward is what we’ll receive. We determined that performance wasn’t any think that growth comes from seizing opportunities. And there’s some truth in that. all about “doing a lot of work.” Achievement entails all activities: leadership, talent MOften there’s a spontaneity and opportunism in growth. The truth is growth creates development, business development and more. opportunities as much as takes advantage of them. The very act of embracing growth as a We chose not to value everything in exactly the same way, either. In the past, we mindset means that opportunities will come, almost as a side benefit. had gotten away with rewarding “working” or “more activity,” but we couldn’t do Growth doesn’t necessarily entail size or money. Rather we needed to grow that anymore. We had to be deliberate in how we chose to value particular activities. and develop our talent, particularly in leadership and business development. Leaders We also decided to focus on firm success, not just individual numbers. We chose help bring people together, sound out priorities and opinions, facilitate discussion to look at overall firm success more than we did individual success. and preserve morale. Elliott Davis had plenty of hard-working, excellent technicians. So even if someone hit a home run in a business development goal, the team However, we needed to grow leaders, increase our specialized knowledge and as a whole had to win as well. emphasize a client-centric approach to service. The process of change at Elliott Davis has been long and often challenging, and It is clear that George Washington’s leadership skills had a profound impact on since none of us at Elliott Davis are George Washington, we’ve made our share of history and our country. On a smaller scale, corporations and organizations follow mistakes. But things have changed positively. the values and habits of their leaders. Leadership is not the sole predictor of an Over the past five years, our revenue has grown significantly. We’ve moved organization’s success, but it is a key component of success and failure. Similarly, into new markets, deepened areas of specialization and expanded our geographical bringing teams of technical and industry specialists to clients and prospects greatly footprint to Charlotte, Richmond, Raleigh and Charleston. We are successfully improved our business development results. attracting talent at all levels. From the highest levels to our entry-level positions, we have added bench strength. We needed to change the way we Beyond the more obvious external achievements, our culture has changed communicate. dramatically. We set big goals and execute our vision well. We have improved communication. Our business development is conducted as a team, rather than by erhaps no American leader is as revered for his various “addresses” – addresses to individuals. Our compensation processes have changed. We allow people to leverage P Congress, to troops, to officers, his extensive letters – as George Washington. His language their strengths, rather than forcing them into pre-set molds. We are consistently was formal and his phrasing complex. But behind the language was intense feeling – feeling recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina. And few to none of that some of us, aspiring leaders in the 21st century, might do well to express a bit more often. our staff leave over job dissatisfaction. Washington, for all of his scrupulous honor, his sense of tradition, his formality Perhaps most importantly, successfully navigating these three areas of cultural and his dignity, had a way of bonding with those who worked for and with him. One change has allowed us to grow talent at Elliott Davis - talent that can not only bring of the more well-described scenes during his farewell tour after retiring as General of our clients the benefit of deep wells of expertise, but ingenuity, entrepreneurial the Continental Army was his goodbye to officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York creativity and leadership. Such talent can lead Elliott Davis into the future reliably, City. He filled a glass, held it up, and stated simply, “With a heart full of love and confidently, and successfully. gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.” And then, Washington wept. As each man came forward in silence across the long Rick Davis is the managing shareholder at Elliott Davis, headquartered in Greenville, tavern room, Washington embraced him, tears flowing. SC. For further conversation about corporate culture change, contact him One does not often see such a display in corporate America. We live with a bit at [email protected]. more distance and reserve and what some call “ironic detachment.” It’s much easier to be sarcastic and witty than easily touched or passionate.

scchamber.net | March/April 2014 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss | Innovative Charter Schools Produce Excellent Students Addressing South Carolina’s Future Workforce Needs

By Dr. Wayne Brazell Courtesy of East Point Academy East Point Academy is partnered with the Confucius Institute at the University of South Carolina to offer its students a Mandarin language immersion experience.

f you walk onto the campus of Youth Leadership East Point Academy language acquisition as the neon sign of the school, Academy in Pickens, they will proudly show you but not the piece that will guarantee success. The I the state-of-the-art telescope available to their ocated in the Columbia area, East Point Academy school employs inquiry and project-based learning, students through a partnership with Clemson University. L partnered with the Confucius Institute at the University asking students to participate in cooperative learning Provost Academy in Columbia recently debuted their of South Carolina to offer its students a Mandarin language projects at both the class and school-wide levels. The blended learning center where virtual students can opt immersion experience. As the most widely-spoken school also participates in eight community service for in-person assistance from their teachers. The charter language in the world, learning Mandarin opens up a world projects per year, emphasizing the need for each school environment in South Carolina is fast-paced of opportunities for students. From business to international student to be an engaged citizen of their community. and ever-changing, with schools constantly pursuing relations, fluency in Mandarin makes a job candidate all the partnerships, grants and new ideas to stay competitive more appealing. Palmetto Scholars Academy and prepare students for future careers. East Point Academy uses a 50-50 dual The South Carolina General Assembly paved immersion model. Students learn Mandarin in their ituated in the hubbub of Charleston, Palmetto Scholars the way for charter schools in 1996 with its initial math, science and Mandarin language arts classes SAcademy employs a curriculum designed for the charter school law and then allowed for more rapid while English and Mandarin are mixed in the related gifted and talented child. Dr. Marty Hale, school principal, expansion with the creation of the South Carolina arts classes. Special related arts classes are offered in described the ideal student as being curious, loves to learn Public Charter School District (SCPCSD) in 2007. For certain grades, such as a course in Chinese History and likes solving problems. Beginning in the sixth grade, schools within the SCPCSD, there are no traditional for those in fourth grade. The school also offers every student participates in a research-based curriculum, district attendance boundaries - any student eligible Mandarin tutorials for new students every year. meaning they are given real-world problems to research to attend school in South Carolina may attend an Students are not only taught to speak and and explore during student-led class discussion. SCPCSD charter school. Traditional school districts understand Mandarin, but to read and write the While many public schools offer a STEM and institutions of higher education can also language as well. Students begin writing characters program, Palmetto Scholars Academy takes it a authorize charter schools. Regardless of what entity in first grade, and by the third and fourth grades they step further by developing a unique partnership authorizes a charter school, the following applies: are writing entire papers in Mandarin. Students who with NASA through the College of Charleston. • A charter school must have an innovative participate in the school’s 3K and 4K programs get an In one of the partnership projects, every student theme or mission that differentiates it from a even earlier start. creates and enters a microgravity experiment for traditional public school. Renee Mathews, director of the school, said judging. The school sends the top three projects to • Charter schools are free public schools that do that members of the public are often surprised to NASA for consideration, and NASA then chooses not charge tuition. hear about the demographics of the school. About one experiment to send to the international space • Charter schools face increased accountability. 30 percent of students are African-American and 12 station. The students and astronauts then conduct They are closed if academic performance and percent identify as mixed race. Only eight percent are experiments based on the projects’ parameters to see growth is insufficient. Charter schools can also be Asian and a small percentage identify as Hispanic. how microgravity affects the results. closed due to operational issues. Mathews described the emphasis on Mandarin Continued on Page 23

12 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss As a 115-year-old packaging company with small town roots, integrity and accountability have always been at the heart of all we do. Today, our more than 340 operations in 34 countries serve global brands across six continents.

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SCBiz ad MA14.indd 2 2/24/14 4:21 PM Common Core State Standards: Myths and Facts By Tom Donohue

merica’s public K-12 education system isn’t making the grade. It’s not Myth: Common Core is an effort of the federal government to adequately preparing our students to succeed in college or the modern nationalize education and force the states to teach all students A workforce. It’s not delivering the skilled workers that businesses need to drive the same way. stronger economic growth. It’s not helping advance America’s ability to compete and lead Fact: Common Core is a state-led initiative by governors, in the global economy. In short, it’s setting our nation up to fail. state superintendents, and nonprofit agencies to modernize One major answer to this challenge is in our grasp - the Common Core State education standards locally. Neither Congress nor the U.S. Standards for K-12. Common Core is a leading effort that was spearheaded by Department of Education is involved. state leaders on both ends of the political spectrum with input from teachers, parents, school administrators and other experts. Common Core is an elevated set Myth: Common Core represents a national curriculum that tells of standards, not a curriculum. It focuses on the building blocks of learning, such teachers what to teach. as reading and math, and is designed to be applicable in the real world - namely, college or career. Fact: Under Common Core, school curricula will be One of the key attributes of Common Core is nationwide clarity and determined locally – by the school board, administrators, and consistency. Under the current system, the United States is a patchwork of teachers. disparate state standards and uneven expectations. An “A” grade in one state may be equivalent to a “C” in another. But states that opt into Common Core Myth: Common Core is an Obama Administration initiative. adopt a consistent set of goals that puts them on equal footing. So far, 45 Fact: The Common Core State Standards Initiative was states and the District of Columbia have opted in, which helps provide clarity for created before President Obama took office. students, parents and teachers across the country. Here’s what Common Core won’t do: bureaucratize education or centralize Myth: Given its emphasis on nonfiction reading, Common Core’s authority over our schools. Opponents of Common Core are propagating the English language arts standards spell the end of literature for our falsehood that these standards are a federal takeover of education. Some even children. suggest it is a top-down effort to indoctrinate students with slanted ideology. This is flat-out wrong. Common Core was created at the state levels, where our most Fact: Classic books will still very much be a part of curriculum innovative policies often originate, by governors and state officials. taught in language arts classrooms. Everyone who has a stake - parents, educators, labor, business and policymakers - must commit to working cooperatively toward our shared goal of Myth: Common Core State Standards are not any better (or are strengthening U.S. education. Our future is on the line. worse) than existing state standards. Fact: A 2010 study by the Fordham Institute found that the Tom Donohue is president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Common Core is superior to standards currently in use in 39 states in math and 37 states in English. For 33 states, the new standards are superior in both math and reading. HERMERA

Courtesy of U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

14 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss

Google CS First ERIC WAGES & KATE BERRIO & KATE ERIC WAGES March ~ April 2014March Centerfold

16 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss P hotograph y b S and A ndrews r p a , othran C elaney D

enny P y B as it ever flashed in your mind that child might be preternaturally gifted when comes to tablets, computers was some place you could send said aback by her talent, did you wish then that there and technology? Taken she could ”geek out“ with not only kids her own age but some of the brightest adults in our where progeny Just Google It H state? Enter the Google CS First teaching practicum underway in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Eric Wages, site operations Eric Wages, Lowcountry. state? Enter the Google CS First teaching practicum underway in South Carolina’s leading Fellows/CS First, are Google CS Teaching manager, and Kate Berrio, project Moncks Corner Data Center, manager, generations continue to learn and expressthe charge to make “geek chic” for boys and girls in middle schools. As future to not only gaining exposure they are educators and citizens do to make sure what should parents, themselves digitally, manipulation of code)?(e.g. to make computer science work for them subsequently challenged computer science but are Who should we turn to? Just Google it. scchamber.net | March/April 2014 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss | 17 March~April 2014 Centerfold ERIC WAGES & KATE BERRIO Google CS First

Underrepresented Groups The program is being piloted in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties and consists in Computer Science (CS) of several concurrent four-week sessions with each class meeting twice a week. “It takes a group effort,” added Wages. His ultimate goal is for the autonomous pilot program to be any think of Google as a powerful company with limitless reach and influence. passed to a school or organization that won’t be totally dependent upon the 14 Google In the same vein, Google wondered what it should be doing to help expose employees. children to the power that comes from the same computational thinking skills that the company’s own employees pride themselves on. Beyond exposure Could You See Yourself in the Computer Mto the CS subject, one of the best measures of whether or not students in public schools are Science Field? considering CS as an area of study in college is the AP (Advanced Placement) exam. Consider nce upon a time, the word “nerd” was a pejorative. Already in its fourth iteration, the these statistics reported from last year’s AP data: Ostigma-busting Google CS First program has touched over 500 children since it launched • In Mississippi, Montana and Wyoming, no girls took the computer science exam. in August 2013. “We are not measuring skill. We are not trying to create an army of coders,” • In 11 states, no black students took it. explained Berrio. While potentially scalable to a national level, Google CS First is principally • In eight states, no Hispanics took it. focused on the impression it’s making in its South Carolina schools. Using pre- and post- • In 17 states, fewer than 100 students took it. program surveys, Google asks its participants engagement questions like “Are you interested in this [computer science]? Has it ignited something in you? Are you engaged? Do you feel “We are a company that puts its resources behind its beliefs,” said Eric Wages. “Google is empowered by this? [How would you] describe a computer scientist? Could you see yourself hiring teachers and taking it to the students.” Kate Berrio has been with Google almost four in the computer science field? If presented with a similar opportunity, would you do it again?” years, relocating her family from Google’s New York City office to the facility in Berkeley “What we hope is that they’ll say yes to the next opportunity,” said Berrio. County. Berrio was tasked as Google’s project manager to pull together 14 computer science teaching fellows. “I Think I’m Smart. I Think I Can Do This” The fellows are a young and diverse group of local talent from across the country, as well as a variety of backgrounds including STEM teachers and computer science engineers. errio works with a lot of school principals. She said she’s frank about the students she What they are piloting is a first-in-the-country after-school program. Because Google has Bwants to recruit for Google CS First. “It’s not [me] coming to your school and saying, targeted the time children spend learning after the normal school day, Berrio has worked not ‘I want your honors kids. Those kids have so many things going for them; let’s talk about only with her new Google everybody else.’” In her demographics, she feels she recruits a representational slice from each hires, but the school districts’ school. On average, the students Google serves are 60 percent free and reduced-price lunch administration and faculty to eligible. “There’s never a fee for this program [for participants or schools],” stressed Berrio. make sure each session has “The name Google opens the door [at many of the schools,] but that’s not what keeps it volunteers, staff, a teacher open. What keeps the door open is that educators know that technology and, in particular, sponsor, transportation computer science is the next big thing. Whether they are going to be at Google or another tech home for the children and company, or they’re going to be in healthcare, the military, education, automotive industry; a computer lab in which all of those areas are moving more and more toward having to have some sort of a technical to meet. Her challenge: background to be successful.” “How do we put together something for those kids South Carolina’s Silicon Harbor who don’t know that this would be something that t a recent STEM fair in Charleston, Berrio anecdotally shared that the majority of the (L-R) Joe Holberg and Jackie Blizzard, Google they would even like or want Astudents who walked up to her Google Chromebook display were middle-school- Computer Science Technical Fellows and Jeremy to do?” She felt that there aged girls. Their parents said, “I can’t get my daughter off the computer and I’m looking for Jones, Intern, College of Charleston, studying were excellent enrichment resources. What should she do next?” Geek culture is cool now. And Charleston is the “Silicon computer science. activities for the children who Harbor” according to the Charleston Digital Corridor Foundation, an IT incubator board that already know about computer science, so she focused instead on underserved communities Eric Wages serves on. and underserved demographics, such as girls and minorities. She spoke about making Wages pointed to PeopleMatter, a King Street, Charleston venture capital success story, as Google CS “social, fun and collaborative for the kids so it’s not just coming in and sitting “proof positive that the Charleston area is the 10th fastest-growing IT business area in the US. down and coding away We have got a number of top 500 software companies here. We’ve got a lot of talent here, and at a computer.” Rather, growing. And a huge market for IT people here. So, what we’re seeing is as all these people are it’s creating music videos, moving to Charleston, they are asking about activities for their kids. Things are happening in games, fashion design the area. It’s not a chicken OR the egg, it’s chicken AND the egg. It’s all happening at the same and relating computer time. And it’s all self-supporting.” science to each field. “I really want to get kids who The Google Workforce – Beanies and All haven’t thought about this [computer science] before,” oogle has committed to $1.2 billion in the state which takes a sizeable army to go she said. “G operate,” noted Wages. When it comes to hiring at Google, he and Berrio both confirmed that they too were once “Nooglers” (New Googlers) and each wore the now Jones works with student Caleb Cumbee.

18 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss best engineers over there. They can do it! It all comes down Get to Know Eric Wages and Kate Berrio: to exposure [to computer science].” In a nutshell, Google’s What’s your favorite place in SC? Folly Beach, said strategy is computer science exposure plus charitable support Berrio. Charleston, said Wages. “It reminds me of old equals excellence in long-term workforce development. Boston.” Google is Hiring Teachers What’s your favorite book? It by Stephen King, said Wages, who’s met King before. The Poisonwood Bible by errio theorized that there are plenty of new programs Barbara Kingsolver, said Berrio. Bbeing created for the community, but “no one is actually working with real kids. That’s what we keep seeing App you can’t live without… Maps, said Berrio. “I’m new as the differentiator [between Google’s program and its to the area.” Calendar, said Wages. competitors’].” Student feedback is essential to the creation If you could have dinner with anyone, living or deceased, of the curriculum. “I am proud to work at Google because a who would it be? Michelle Obama, said Berrio. Albert corporation that would put the resources behind this... It blew Holberg works with Tyanna Baylock, a student Einstein and Alan Turing, said Wages. my mind!” the non-profit pro said. “Our intention is not for this to be a four-week program and we go away.” Berrio students and a couple of industry folk who knock off work What’s your proudest achievement? What we’re doing mentioned that she is looking for community volunteers early twice a week to help out after school. here at Google, said both. and has had success in this school district with non-technical individuals. She stressed that her volunteers did not need to Penny Delaney Cothran is the multimedia manager iconic beanie hats for their first few weeks on the job (Berrio be computer scientists or educators. Currently, she has a small at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and in 2010 and Wages in 2008). Even the practicum teachers pool of volunteers including stay-at-home moms, college editor of South Carolina Business. wore their beanies, which is a way of introducing yourself into the tight-knit group of busy Google workers. “It’s a badge of honor,” says Berrio. Wages’ beanie now hangs ideas that shape education on a hook near his desk. Beyond the army of Googlers, the Moncks Corner building site, which includes the company’s most recently announced $600 million expansion, has over 1,200 construction workers. In fact, 85 percent of Google’s staff in Berkeley County is from surrounding areas. “We work hard with the local colleges and businesses to get the right people,” admitted Wages. “We have a variety of technical needs for Google,” said Wages. “Google is a very specialized employer. We have a mix of people who have skills in maintaining facilities, all the way up to the folks who fix the computers and deploy the networking gear and build the computers. My passion… is supporting education and growth. Google is involved in all these things because we’re looking at a 20-year horizon on our own workforce nationally and globally. A risk for us is down the road is that we wouldn’t have access to programmers, scientists and engineers. So we are heavily invested in doing lots of things to create interest at the middle school and high school levels to push them into a mode where they know science and technology is cool. We are invested in the long term [goal]. Whatever we can do to help the foundation helps us in the end. What Kate does in the middle schools is important. These are the things that feed the pipeline.” What’s different between the CS First practicum and the $250,000 that Google distributes in community grants is We create engaging learning environments that, “Kate is developing the feeder interest while we (at the for South Carolina’s future leaders. data center) are supporting the next step after that.” Google’s data center in Berkeley County has supported Computing in the Arts at College of Charleston, broadband initiatives for families who are raising orphans, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, Trident Technical College’s Quest Competition and community Wi-Fi initiatives, to name a few. Wages emphasized that the committee that makes the grant decisions is based at the South Carolina data center, not at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, CA. “We actually have people who work for PLANNING • ARCHITECTURE • INTERIORS Google out in California who are graduates of the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics. They’re some of our atlanta | asheville | charleston | greenville | spartanburg

scchamber.net | March/April 2014 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss | 19 McMillanPazdanSmith_SCBusinesss_Spring 2014.indd 1 2/28/2014 4:17:29 PM GETT Y IMAGES Accountability-Based Funding and the Business Model Search for Public Higher Education

by Richard C. Sutton

he business model for public higher education budget dropped from 16.2 percent in FY 2001 to This produced foreseeable but perhaps in South Carolina has changed dramatically in 11.1 percent in FY 2013. unintended consequences. Universities must not the past dozen years. only strive for excellence in their primary missions of T• In FY 2000, our public colleges and universities The General Fund, of course, is not the only teaching, research and service. Also, they must now received 64 percent of their operating budgets repository of state revenues. The South Carolina appeal to the expectations of young consumers who for each full-time equivalent student (FTE) from Education Lottery was established in 2001. Its may not fully appreciate the qualitative elements of state appropriations. In FY 2012, those entities contribution to the state’s public higher education instruction and learning that should be their primary received only 37 percent (including state-funded budget (primarily through LIFE, Palmetto and other criteria for selecting a school. scholarships). direct student aid programs) has grown from $169 In weighing their choice of options about where to • Conversely, in FY 2000, student tuition and fees million in FY 2003 to $263 million in FY 2014, now attend college, however, these empowered consumers paid 36 percent of college operating budgets accounting for more than one-third of the state’s total will consider the latest equipment in the school’s fitness (excluding state-funded scholarships). In FY 2012, public higher education operating appropriations. center, the amenities of its residence halls and the net tuition and fees from those students covered As this seismic shift in the business model of higher convenience and quality of its dining facilities. 63 percent. education unfolded in the new century, South Carolina This changed environment calls for a redesign and • The percentage of the state’s General Fund relied on lottery scholarships as the primary mechanism new strategies for higher education funding that are budget dedicated to public higher education to maintain state support for higher education as dynamic, sustainable and directed toward the future. dropped from 14 percent in FY 2001 to 6.2 General Fund appropriations declined. Early in her inaugural term, Governor Nikki Haley percent in FY 2013. Inclusive of other state In doing so, the state placed significant decision- called for a new approach to funding the state’s revenues, the percentage of the total state budget making responsibility for higher education funding in higher education system based on accountability. dedicated to public higher education’s operating the hands of students and their parents. Legislation to initiate this approach, known as

20 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss Accountability-Based Funding (ABF), was introduced, • Should we differentiate the actual costs of These are complicated and controversial and two companion bills currently stand before the education by discipline and charge tuition questions, but we need to address them seriously if General Assembly. accordingly (e.g. chemistry costs more than we want to build a higher education environment that • H.3518 passed the House of Representatives history)? is dynamic, productive and responsive to the rapidly on April 10, 2013 and was forwarded to the • Should we promote selected critical-need or changing workforce needs in the years ahead. Senate, where it remains in the Senate Education high-demand degrees as “loss leaders,” recouping Ultimately, South Carolina must find a predictable, Committee. that investment with higher margin educational affordable and sustainable process to fund higher • S.266 was recommended favorably by the products? education that reflects the changing realities of a global Senate Education Committee on May 29, 2013 • Should we increase non-state-resident landscape. It moves quickly; so should we. and has been placed on the Senate calendar. enrollments and adjust tuition structures further to subsidize South Carolina students? Richard C. Sutton, The two bills are nearly identical. • Should we provide “free” higher education in Ph.D., is the executive • They call for the state’s Commission on exchange for a percentage of a student’s future director of the SC Higher Education (CHE) to study and make earnings (mirroring the “pay forward/pay back” Commission on Higher recommendations for a revised accountability- model recently adopted in Oregon)? Education. The views based funding formula for the state’s senior public • Should students “buy” academic degrees as a expressed in this article universities. fixed product, “subscribe” to degree-completion are his own and do • They identify four areas of accountability (degree and lifelong learning contracts that guarantee not necessarily reflect completion, affordability and access, educational upgrades as needed, or “rent” academic the opinions of the quality and economic development/institutional experiences on-demand for their evolving Commissioners. mission) for which the Commission and college employment needs and aspirational goals? presidents must prescribe specific performance indicators. • They exempt two-year technical colleges from this process. • They call for greater autonomy and regulatory relief for institutions that meet performance thresholds. • They call for a five-year transition to fully implement the ABF model.

One major difference between the two bills is that the Senate version prohibits the use of the Commission’s existing parity model—known as the Mission Resource Requirement (MRR)—in any new funding recommendations. Parity models, used by many states, attempt to allocate funding equitably Keep unemployment taxes among institutions based on calculations of need, low for you and all South driven primarily by student enrollments. Although an enrollment-based formula for Carolina business owners. informing state appropriations has existed in South Carolina since the 1970s, the basic design of the Post job opening current MRR has been in place since 1996, when the state first pioneered a performance-driven funding Interview candidates model that led the nation. It incorporates a multitude Make an offer of factors in determining the operating needs of each of the state’s 33 public colleges and universities based Report new hire on enrollments, degree array and other measures. The MRR formula has not been applied to legislative funding decisions for a number of years. Regardless of whether ABF becomes the new driver in South Carolina’s approach to public college funding, South Carolina must find new business models for our state’s public higher education REPORT YOUR NEW HIRES AT enterprise. ABF can be an important, even dominant scnewhire.com force in this effort, but there are many other innovations that could be considered. • Do scholarship programs yield the optimal return on investment that were originally expected, or should we redesign their behavioral incentives (and disincentives) to spur better outcomes? • Should we divest non-core activities (like residence halls and fitness centers) or double- down on their potential as revenue streams? South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce

scchamber.net | March/April 2014 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss | 21 NewHireAd.indd 1 12/27/2013 10:21:10 AM MTC SC Biz Transformation AD 030314-newest_Layout 1 3/4/14 9:31 AM Page 1

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22 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss I Continue to Learn at Business Week

By Tony Elliott

first learned about the South Carolina Chamber Two years ago, I had the pleasure of seeing I of Commerce’s Business Week program from my niece grow from her experience at Business a co-worker who served as a Company Advisor. It Week. It really provided her with the opportunity was great to hear about a South Carolina-based to learn about business, and she even decided program that provided high school students with to attend Presbyterian College after high the opportunity to: school. I am looking forward to meeting and/or BUSINESS WEEK welcoming back the students for Business Week • Experience life as a college student 2014. It is a rewarding personal commitment • Learn about the entrepreneurial spirit and truly beneficial for all students to learn about • Tour a leading South Carolina company selling, marketing and manufacturing a product. • Apply for scholarships Also, I must give thanks to my employer, SCANA • Engage in healthy competition with their peers Corporation, for allowing me to spend time molding the next generation of entrepreneurs. In 2007, I was honored to serve as a Business Business Week will be held July 13-18, 2014. Week Company Advisor for the first time at To find out how you can provide a sponsorship to (Above, left to right) Business Presbyterian College located in Clinton, SC. While help a student attend S.C. Business Week 2014, visit Week Advisors my feelings of returning to life in a dormitory were www.scbusinessweek.com. Paul Halphen, lukewarm, I was impressed with the program Tony Elliott and design and the caliber of students that attended. It Antonio “Tony” Elliott works with SCANA and is Phil Waddell. is always amazing to see how students from various a Company Advisor at South Carolina Business geographical locations and diverse backgrounds Week, the premier business education program for begin the process of maturing as a team to compete top-ranking high school students from across the against other companies. Even as a seasoned state. During the weeklong program, 24 prominent professional, I continue to learn how I can be a better business executives, such as Elliott, mentor the teammate and leader by watching the actions of the students while teaching current business topics. participants during the week.

INNOVATIVE CHARTER SCHOOLS the cutting edge of the Continued from page 12 industry. One of the Upstate’s At Palmetto Scholars Academy, students can newest schools, begin accumulating high school credits as early as GREEN Charter School sixth grade. High school students are encouraged focuses on developing to take many of their courses for college credit an understanding through the colleges and universities in the of environmental Lowcountry. In the 10th grade, students spend hours sustainability, renewable with mentors who work in fields that interest the energy and technology student, exploring how that field uses research in its students. Students and approaches problem-solving. Students have are introduced to GREEN participated in archaeological digs, watched open Charter School’s theme heart surgeries and shadowed meteorologists. through elective science The GREEN Charter School focuses on developing an understanding of Palmetto Scholars Academy strives to make courses related to energy environmental sustainability, renewable energy and technology in its students. every class project a relevant real-world experience. By using the Project NEED pushing students past the “memorize and repeat” (National Energy Education Development) curriculum. struggles. In contrast, GREEN Charter School has mindset, they further develop critical thinking skills While the Greenville school has been open for faced relatively few roadblocks, impressing parents and expose students to a variety of highly specialized less than one academic year, it has already taken great and district staff alike. The school prides itself on a fields that many students won’t get to explore until strides to become a “Green Steps School.” The school data-driven decision-making process, with teachers they’re eligible for college internships. regularly recycles and participated in America Recycles and staff constantly consulting data to better serve Day. From recyclable materials that students brought each individual student. GREEN Charter School to school, fourth graders built houses and wired them Charter schools can help not only the students for lights, and fifth grade students built bird feeders to who struggle in a traditional classroom, but also ompared to other countries, Americans are often be used on the school grounds. In 2014, the school those who need a greater challenge. With the Cseen as wasteful in their spending and excessive in plans to expand their recycling program to include expanding public school choice landscape, all parents their dependence on non-renewable energy resources. shoe and fabric recycling. They also hope to place have the opportunity to find a great educational fit With hybrid and electric cars gaining popularity and plants in every classroom to improve air quality and for their children. To learn more about the schools, reliability, the energy landscape is changing and is being teach students about ecology. visit www.sccharter.org. pioneered by other parts of the world. Educating students With an unknown student population and the on energy issues and involving them in developing viable growing pains that come with opening a school, Dr. Wayne Brazell is superintendent of the South alternatives will be crucial to putting the United States on many first- year charter schools face unexpected Carolina Public Charter School District.

scchamber.net | March/April 2014 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss | 23 ITT Technical Institute Creating Tech-Qualified Employees Since 1992

By Penny Delaney Cothran, APR

hat stands out the most to a student who’s for people who are already in their field or just looking to looking to advance his or her training with a advance, or for those who are outside of the tech area and formal education at ITT Technical Institute is are looking to become tech skilled.” When recruiting, the Wits unique employer-driven curriculum. What stands out the ITT Technical Institutes have identified key demographic, most to a businessperson is that this distinctive model makes economic and social trends. These trends include: the publically-traded company a win-win for employers. The • changes in workplace demands; ITT Technical Institute in Greenville, S.C. provides a steady flow • recognition of the value of higher education; MEMBER SPOTLIGHT of skilled, technology-oriented graduates to businesses and • the increased demand for workers knowledgeable of industry throughout the Upstate. Leading employers such as and skilled in technology; Hubbell Lighting, Proterra, Windstream, BMW and Michelin • increased number of adults returning to school to boast many of the school’s graduates in their employ. Skilled develop the knowledge and skills that can help workers in high technology fields contribute greatly to enhance their employment opportunities or allow attracting and sustaining high-tech employers. them to pursue new careers; and Anthony Berrios, Ph. D., director, South Atlantic • the increased number of high school graduates. District said, “I think we do a very good job of producing accelerated and distance methodologies in a learner- highly-skilled, technically-qualified employees to support centered environment of mutual respect. “We have everything from your traditional high schooler our industries in this area, which is crucial. We don’t do it seeking a tech college to veterans who are coming out of with any lottery money. We don’t do it with any tax money Curricula the military,” said Dr. Berrios. The majority of the students from the state. But we do turn out a high caliber workforce who do come to us are career changers or people who which certainly helps attract and retain quality employers e are focused on the STEM (science, technology, need formalized education to advance within their existing in our area.” “W engineering, mathematics) curriculum,” company. We can have a classroom with people who are 18, said Dr. Berrios. Curriculum offerings, leading primarily 28, 38 or 48. It’s very real-world for our students.” ITT Tech’s History to associate and bachelor’s degrees, are designed to help students prepare for career opportunities in various A Note for Employers he ITT Technical Institute in Greenville opened in fields of employment. Programs are offered in the School TNovember, 1992, offering an associate of applied science of Information Technology, the School of Electronics TT Technical Institute provides a customized search and degree program in electronics engineering technology. Technology, the School of Drafting and Design, the School of Iscreening process as a complimentary service to help “We selected Greenville primarily because of the potential Business, the School of Criminal Justice, the School of Health businesses and graduates. “We have it set up as a win-win of the high-tech employers in the area and their need for Sciences and the Breckinridge School of Nursing. Most ITT for our employers,” said Dr. Berrios. “We provide customized skilled employees,” said Dr. Berrios. The school moved Technical Institute programs of study blend traditional search and screening processes for any employer that calls us. to its present location in July 2004. The school now offers academic content with applied learning concepts. Advisory I run a full scale career services office out of this campus. We associate of applied science degrees in computer and committees, comprised of representatives from local talk to a lot of employers, national employers and regional electronics engineering technology, computer drafting and businesses and employers, help each ITT Technical Institute employers, about the quality of the students that we can design, drafting and design technology, electrical engineering periodically assess and update curricula, equipment and provide to the workforce. That allows us to really showcase technology, information technology, network systems laboratory design. Greenville.” administration, and bachelor of science degrees in electrical engineering and communications technology, information Flexibility is Key systems and cybersecurity, information systems security, and Quick Facts t Traded on the NYSE as ESI (www.ittesi.com) project management and administration. t’s not easy for someone to switch careers and get into “I the high-tech field,” said Dr. Berrios. “If you’re already t Headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, ITT Tech Mission and Vision supporting a family and you already have a job, you need has been in higher-ed since 1969 for the Future someone who’s going to work with your schedule and help t Owns and operates more than 140 ITT you transition into that career field. We’re very good at that.” Technical Institutes and Daniel Webster College he ITT Technical Institute is an institution of higher learning Students attend classes year-round with convenient t Serves 59,000 students in 39 states and online Tthat is committed to offering quality undergraduate and breaks provided throughout the year. In most programs, continuing education locally, nationally and worldwide to classes are typically offered in four to five-hour sessions three t Nationally accredited by a commission recognized by the U.S. Department of Education students of diverse backgrounds, interests and abilities. The days a week. Some programs have classroom-based sessions institution offers career-related educational programs that three days per week, while others have classroom-based t Graduates students each quarter, allowing integrate life-long learning with knowledge and skills to help study two days per week with the third day of instruction a constant stream of employees to meet hiring needs students: offered online. Classes are generally available in the morning, • pursue their personal interests and objectives; afternoon and evening, depending on student enrollment. t Encourages employer feedback regarding • develop intellectual, analytical and critical thinking curriculum through its Program Advisory Committees abilities; and The (Typical) ITT Tech Student • provide service to their communities. t’s really designed for adult learners,” said Dr. Berrios. Penny Delaney Cothran, APR is the multimedia The programs employ traditional, applied and adult- “I “We deliver our curriculum through traditional, manager at the South Carolina Chamber of learning pedagogies and are delivered through traditional, accelerated and distance learning modalities, which is key Commerce and editor of South Carolina Business.

24 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss We’re glad you’re here, Showa Denko. Before a recent planned expansion. Before the fi rst graphite electrode was manufactured. Before the plant manager fl ipped on the lights for the fi rst time. Santee Cooper partnered with Showa Denko Carbon Inc. 30 years ago to bring the international industrial giant to the Charleston area.

By partnering our low-cost, reliable power and development opportunities with our state’s attractive tax base, relocation incentives, and an unparalleled quality of life graced with Southern hospitality, Santee Cooper helps Showa Denko continue to thrive in South Carolina. And continues to power South Carolina toward Brighter Tomorrows, Today.

POWERING S.C. www.santeecooper.com/SC

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*Source: Employment Projections program, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ecpi.edu ad_SC_Business_2014-feb-V2.indd 1 2/28/2014 10:17:42 PM scchamber.net | March/April 2014 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss | 25 Educational Programs in South Carolina You thought you knew your ABCs? IGPs LTA MAP EFA CHE

By Tim Timmons listened recently with great interest to a Workforce Readiness in South Carolina presentation. After pulling out my smart phone several times to look up acronyms that were being discussed, I gave up. Workforce readiness is measured in terms of decades not years. Programs are in place now to ensure our workforceI is ready, trained and available for future economic development opportunities. As I continued to listen intently, it became clear that South Carolina has many very effective initiatives under way now. And often, an acronym is required. Since I was missing the major parts of the presentation while looking up acronyms, I decided to just take note of them and research them at a later date. I have since done my research, and it is amazing what is going on in South Carolina. There are many strategies that are making a difference in South Carolina workforce preparedness. And just as amazing is that now I understand all the acronyms.

EPFP Education Policy Fellowship Program CHE Council on Higher Education EIA Education Improvement Act MAP Measures of Academic Progress EEDA Education and Economic Development Act MSSC Manufacturing Skills Standards Certification LTA Lottery Tuition Assistance STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Math EFA Education Finance Act IGPs Individual Graduation Plans BSC Base Student Cost ELOs Extended Learning Opportunities EIC Environment Integrating Context AYP Adequate Yearly Progress NCLB No Child Left Behind CWRC Certified Work Ready Communities REC Regional Education Centers CATE Career & Technology Education ESL English as a Second Language

EEDA (Education and Economic Development Act following a progression of activities and courses designed out-of-class learning experiences and more. Students and of 2005): The EEDA, or Personal Pathways to Success, to focus on career awareness (K-5), exploration (middle their parents revisit these choices at least once a year and is public school reform legislation that combines high school) and preparation (high school and postsecondary). can make adjustments. The Personal Pathways system academic standards with career exploration while giving In eighth grade, students and their parents or guardians provides seamless transitions to postsecondary education students the guidance and experience they need to take sit down with guidance counselors to create individual by establishing articulation agreements among the state’s full advantage of real opportunities in South Carolina’s graduation plans (IGP). IGPs specify students’ cluster high schools, two-year colleges and four-year colleges. economy. Students learn about potential careers by choices, majors, postsecondary goals, high school courses,

26 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss ELOs (extended learning opportunities): be permanent, pay a competitive wage for the area, Mandated by the EEDA, extended learning the benefit package must include health insurance, and opportunities give students hands-on work experiences the number of jobs created must be sufficient enough that stimulate their participation in learning by showing to allow training in a cost-effective manner. relevance with their studies. Some examples are apprenticeships, internships, co-ops, job shadowing SmartState: In 2002, the South Carolina General and work-based mentoring. Assembly established the SmartState Program, authorizing the state’s three public research institutions Apprenticeship Carolina™: A registered - Clemson University, the Medical University of South apprenticeship is an employer-sponsored flexible Carolina and the University of South Carolina - to use training program that cultivates highly skilled workers state lottery funds to create Centers of Economic who meet the workforce demands of a competitive Excellence in research areas that will advance South global economy. Through the technical college Carolina’s economy. There are currently 50 SmartState system, a business can gain complimentary access Centers in six industry-focused Smart Clusters: Take The to consultants who will guide them through the Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology, Automotive registered apprenticeship development process from and Transportation, Biomedical, Future Fuels®, initial information to full recognition in the national Information Science and Pharmaceutical. Each center Next Step. Registered Apprenticeship System. Eligible businesses is awarded from $2 million to $5 million in state lottery Customized Workforce can receive a South Carolina tax credit of $1,000 for funds, which must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar Training Solutions each registered apprentice employed for at least seven basis with non-state funds from corporations or other months during each year of an apprentice’s program, entities. The program also supports Endowed Chairs, for up to four years. world-renowned scientists and engineers who lead the Centers. South Carolina Work Ready Communities: On November 26, 2012, Governor Nikki Haley announced SC Education Policy Fellowship Program that South Carolina was chosen by ACT as one of four (EPFP): EPFP is a 10-month intensive professional initial states in the country to implement the Certified development program for established and emerging Work Ready Communities (CWRC) program. Each leaders in education and related fields to equip them county has the opportunity to become certified in working on sound education policy and practice in through a voluntary workforce quality improvement South Carolina. EPFP Fellows participate in a variety of effort guided by key community leaders. To become activities that promote leadership, develop professional From the new South Carolina Manufacturing Certification certified, counties must meet goals for high school networks, demystify education policy and foster a to Lean Six Sigma Master graduation, soft skills development, business support greater understanding of the roles of government Black Belt, Greenville Technical and National Career Readiness Certification. and the community. College Corporate & Career Development Division’s target- WorkKeys®: WorkKeys® provide a comprehensive Manufacturing Skill Standards Council ed training solutions empower system for measuring, communicating and (MSSC): The MSSC is a certificate program available your employees to drive eco- improving the common skills required for success in through technical colleges that prepares individuals nomic success in the workplace. the workplace. The system helps employers select, for entry-level positions in the manufacturing industry. From manufacturing to health hire, train, develop and retain a high-performance Participants are required to have a high school diploma care to hospitality to environ- workforce. The major components of the WorkKeys or GED and a silver level WorkKeys certificate. mental and safety, we can help you create the program that System include employer job profiling and worker best suits your training needs assessment. Through the successful completion Regional Education Centers (RECs): The 12 and fits your workforce’s sched- of assessments in applied mathematics, locating Regional Education Centers (RECs) created by the ule. Call (864) 250-8800 to learn information and reading for information, individuals EEDA are the connection between business, education more about our customized can earn a bronze, silver, gold or platinum level National and workforce development entities in the state. They training solutions. Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Business hiring are structurally aligned with the state’s Workforce decisions can be assisted by matching the required Investment Act (WIA) districts. Each REC has a full WorkKeys level of the job with the certificate level time coordinator and volunteer Advisory Board of 24 achieved by a potential employee. legislatively appointed members, at least half of which are local business leaders. The RECs’ value proposition is Quick Jobs: Quick Jobs are fast-paced continuing workforce development via multiple educational routes education training programs offered at South Carolina that is aligned with the economic competitive needs technical colleges. Many programs can be completed in of each region. less than three months. Check with your local technical college for more specific information. Tim Timmons is the vice president of human Let us advance your workforce’s resources and workforce policy at the South Carolina skills and success: readySC™: Available to qualifying companies that Chamber of Commerce. The Buck Mickel Center invest in South Carolina, the process is comprehensive, 216 South Pleasantburg Drive customized and provided by the Technical College Greenville, SC 29607 System that includes recruiting, screening and training (864) 250-8800 potential employees. To qualify, a new company must www.gvltec.edu/ccd

scchamber.net | March/April 2014 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss | 27 Business Speaks. Legislators listen. Panel discusses important legislative priorities

usiness leaders gathered at the Columbia Marriott community’s 2014 Competitiveness Agenda which annual Business Advocate Award. The awards were B on January 22 for Business Speaks at the State focuses on infrastructure, workforce development, tax presented to members of the General Assembly House, presented by Zeus Industrial Products, Inc. This reform and a host of other issues. (see box, right) who scored 100 percent on the popular annual gathering featured a legislative panel The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Chamber’s 2013 Legislative Scorecard. discussing top business issues, including the business presented 30 South Carolina legislators with the fifth

AFTER THE EVENT BUSINESS SPEAKS SPONSORS

Presenting Sponsor Zeus Industrial Products, Inc.

Platinum Sponsor SCANA

Gold Sponsors Bank of America Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Chamber Chair Pamela Lackey of AT&T opens Senators Harvey Peeler and Nikki Setzler and the town meeting with a preview of the 2014 Representatives Bruce Bannister and Todd Duke Energy Competitiveness Agenda. Rutherford participate in a lively question and Sonoco answer session. Silver Sponsors BB&T BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC The Boeing Company Enterprise Rent-A-Car Michelin North America, Inc. Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. SC Hospital Association Approximately 250 business leaders gathered to Sonny White of Midlands Technical College and Time Warner Cable discuss legislative priorities. Kim Wilkerson of Bank of America. Bronze Sponsors Carolinas AGC, Inc. Coleman Lew & Associates FUJIFILM Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc. Midlands Technical College NBSC Piedmont Natural Gas Shaw Industries, Inc. The Electric Cooperatives of S.C., Inc.

Contributors Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce l to r: Dany Williams, Coleman Lew & Associates; Business Speaks attendees network during the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Rex Kneece, Enterprise Rent-A-Car; John Dillard, reception. CSX Transportation. Commerce Orangeburg County Chamber Of WIS-TV anchor Ben Hoover moderates the legislative panel discussion. Commerce Santee Cooper Carolinas Credit Union League Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce W. O. Blackstone & Co., Inc.

28 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss Business Advocate Award Recipients Senator Sean Bennett (Dorchester) Senator Chip Campsen (Charleston) Senator Greg Gregory (Lancaster) Senator Greg Hembree (Horry) Senator Brad Hutto (Orangeburg) Senator Shane Massey (Edgefield) Senator Thomas McElveen (Sumter) et SC Works Upstate assist your company by offering the Senator Harvey Peeler (Cherokee) Lfollowing services at no cost: Representative Nathan Ballentine (Richland) 3 Applicant screening and direct referrals Representative Bruce Bannister (Greenville) 3 WorkKeys Job Profiling Representative Mike Burns (Greenville) 3 National Career Readiness Credentialed Representative Derham Cole (Spartanburg) candidates through WorkKeys assessments Representative Bill Crosby (Charleston) 3 Interview coordination and scheduling, as well Representative Kirkman Finlay (Richland) as available interview space Representative Mike Forrester (Spartanburg) 3 On-the-Job Training reimbursement program Representative Kevin Hardee (Horry) 3 Incumbent Worker Training Representative Bobby Harrell (Charleston) 3 Work experience placements Representative Phyllis Henderson (Greenville) 3 Registered Apprenticeship assistance Representative Chip Limehouse (Charleston) 3 Resume bank and virtual recruiting website Representative Dennis Moss (Cherokee) Representative Phil Owens (Pickens) If you are interested in more information regarding available Representative Andy Patrick (Beaufort) business services, please contact: Representative Samuel Rivers (Berkeley) Dana McKnight Representative Mike Ryhal (Horry) Business Services Consultant, SC Works Upstate Representative Garry Smith (Greenville) email her at [email protected], Representative Roland Smith (Aiken) or call 864-764-1972 Representative Mike Sottile (Charleston) TTY: 711 Representative Eddie Tallon (Spartanburg) Bringing Employers and Job Seekers Together Representative Bill Taylor (Aiken) Best Places to Work 2014ad.pdf 1 1/28/2014 10:28:25 AM Representative Mark Willis (Greenville) An equal opportunity employer/program Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities

SCWorkUpstate.indd 1 3/10/14 9:17 AM

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scchamber.net | March/April 2014 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss | 29 First in the Competitiveness Agenda Series Infrastructure forum tackles needs, funding and solutions

he first forum in the South Carolina Chamber’s inaugural few. Participants discussed current challenges as well as of the South Carolina Chamber’s Competitiveness T Competiveness Agenda Series was held February 4 comprehensive long-term solutions to meet transportation Agenda, including infrastructure, health care, in Columbia and focused on infrastructure. The forum, and infrastructure needs. Approximately 100 participants environment/energy and education/workforce presented by Parker Poe Adams and Bernstein, LLP, featured were in attendance. development. various topics, including infrastructure funding, economic The 2014 Competitiveness Agenda Series will Join us for the next forum in the series: Health Care,

AFTER THE EVENT development, the port and job creation, just to name a present four informational forums covering key aspects May 20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Columbia.

Senators Leatherman, Cleary and Grooms and Rick Todd of the SC Trucking Association Representative Tommy Stringer discusses Representative Owens discuss legislative priorities moderates a panel discussion on distribution infrastructure priorities. and funding.washingtonnight2014ad.pdf 1 3/4/2014 1:55:38 PMfacility needs. Panelists include Chamber members Deepal Eliatamby, Clifton Parker and Gene Wise.

WASHINGTON NIGHT IN SOUTH CAROLINA April 16, 2014 Columbia Marriott C

M www.scchamber.net/events

Y SC State Ports Authority chief, Jim Secretary of Commerce Bobby Presented By: Newsome, discusses the inland port Hitt discusses infrastructure needs CM and its impact. and the impact on economic development. MY CY Infrastructure Forum Sponsors CMY Forum Partner K Bank of America Presenting Sponsor Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP Platinum Sponsors BB&T Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. Bronze Sponsor Tidewater Environmental Services Inc. Contributors Davis & Floyd, Inc. Hanson Aggregates SC Forestry Association

30 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss Select Health of W e l c o m e , South Carolina fully N e w M e m b e r s funded the purchase Adcap Network Systems of a refurbished Philips Alpharetta GA PageWriter Touch Electrocardiogram Atlas Food Systems & (EKG) machine for use Services, Inc. at the Derry Patterson Greenville Wingo College of B3C Fuel Solutions Nursing and Allied Conway MEMBER NEWS Health at Charleston Southern University First Quality Tissue SE LLC (CSU). This donation Anderson provides students with valuable hands-on Green River Cabins, LLC experience measuring Spartanburg the electrical activity of the heart. Liquid Box North Charleston

Bethany Griffith of goals, factoring benefits, assessing publication’s highest-ranked school NanoScreen LLC Abacus Planning finances and creating a budget, as from South Carolina. Hanahan Group was awarded well as specifics on the types of health PickTheJob.com the FFI GEN (Global insurance available when people leave Clemson University’s Greenville Education Network) their workplace health plan. Spiro Institute for Certificate in Family Entrepreneurial Santee Wateree Regional Business Advising (CFBA) SC BlueCross Group earned the Leadership presented Transportation Authority by the Family Firm highest financial rating for 12th year. alumni Joe Erwin and Sumter Institute. The certificate A.M. Best Co. recently affirmed the A+ Greg Smith Innovative is presented to individuals who have financial strength rating of BlueCross Spirit Awards at its recent Six Flags Over Georgia achieved comprehensive professional BlueShield of South Carolina’s gala. The gala served Austell GA knowledge and gained significant group of companies. as the grand opening expertise that can be used as value of Clemson’s Greenville ONE facility South Carolina Community Loan Fund to family wealth clients. Additionally, The BlueCross BlueShield of South and featured a keynote address by North Charleston Corinne E. Sheridan completed all Carolina Foundation awarded President James P. Clements. requirements for the CFP® credential, more than $4.89 million in its latest The Mariner Group, LLC which includes completing two years grant cycle to health care-related Mary Joy “M.J.” Pizzella of Columbia of experience in the industry and organizations serving uninsured and Alexandria, Va., was elected to the passing a rigorous two day exam on underinsured South Carolinians. Clemson University Foundation YH America, Inc. subjects such as retirement planning, Some of the recipients included SC board of directors. Easley investment planning, estate planning, Thrive, East Cooper Community risk management and tax planning. Outreach, Clemson University, SC The U.S. Department of Energy since the summer of 2007 as vice DHEC, Welvista, Healthy Smiles of selected a Clemson University team president of operations. The South Carolina Department Spartanburg, Communities in Schools to compete in the Solar Decathlon of Health and Human Services of the Charleston Area and Area 2015. Clemson and 19 challengers First Choice by Select Health of (SCDHHS) has approved Churches Together Serving (ACTS). from colleges and universities across South Carolina, the oldest and BlueChoice® HealthPlan the country and around the world will largest Medicaid health plan in the Medicaid’s request to expand its Catherine Dority was named begin the nearly two-year process of state, has been honored by Medicaid Medicaid managed care coverage to the director of marketing for the building solar-powered houses that Health Plans of America (MHPA) with include Georgetown, Greenwood Charleston Area Convention & are affordable, innovative and highly its annual “Best Practice” award. This and McCormick counties. With this Visitors Bureau (CACVB). Dority has energy efficient. national award recognized Select expansion, BlueChoice HealthPlan worked with the CACVB for 15 years, Health for a culturally competent Medicaid operates in every county serving most recently as the director Colliers International named Seth campaign to promote cervical cancer in the state. of community relations and the Clark, Pendleton Grove, Dave screenings among the women on its executive director of the Charleston Mathews, Henry Moore and Scott First Choice plan. BlueCross BlueShield of South Area Hospitality Association. Rogers, SIOR, CCIM senior brokerage Carolina added free retirement associates of the firm. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd attorney seminars into the mix of community Clemson University ranked No. 7 William R. “Will” Johnson was events held at its retail store locations. among national universities on an CR Hipp appointed to the Florence County Called “My Big ‘R’ Plan,” the exclusive U.S. News & World Report Construction, Inc. Economic Development Partnership retirement seminars are presented by list of the most efficient schools. The announced that Pete board by Florence County Progress, store managers, who are registered publication ranks Clemson No. 21 Bailey was promoted Inc. Additionally, Columbia attorney insurance agents, along with invited among top public national universities to president/ CEO of John B. McArthur was elected financial planning professionals. The for 2014. Clemson University is the the company effective January 2014. chairman of the City Center sessions include instruction on setting Bailey has been with the company Partnership Board, and will serve a two

scchamber.net | March/April 2014 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss | 31 year term beginning January 1, 2014. Graham Mitchell and included James K. “Jake” Cluverius, William C. McKinney was appointed Everett McMillian Jr., Sean M. Foerster and Joseph W. to the South Carolina District Export joined as associates “Joe” Thompson IV. When your Council (SC DEC). Finally, Bachman S. in the Columbia message needs Smith IV was elected a shareholder in Rogers office. James L. Casey Gilbert joined Scott and to reach South the firm’s Charleston office. “Jay” Rogers, the Company LLC, a South Carolina Carolina’s business former chair of the accounting and consulting firm, as Michael Beal was board of directors a staff auditor. David Knobeloch leaders, there is selected to lead the of the Greenville joined as a senior tax accountant. only one choice: Faulkner McNair Law Firm’s Area Development Entrepreneur magazine recently SOUTH CAROLINA Columbia office. Beal Corporation, joined announced its annual Franchise 500 MEMBER NEWS has been with McNair the Greenville office. rankings, naming SERVPRO®, a BUSINESS. for more than 25 years. In his new The partners elected cleanup and restoration franchise The magazine of Greenville attorneys role, Beal will oversee Columbia’s Johnson company, to its Top 10 list for the choice for South administrative, business, governmental Sean Faulkner and fifth consecutive year. Of the 853 Carolina’s top affairs and litigation practice groups. Mike Johnson to the partnership. companies qualified for the rankings, The newly combined unit will be the Both joined the firm in 2012. SERVPRO® earned the No. 7 spot executives. firm’s largest, with nearly 50 attorneys. overall and the top spot in its own For advertising and McNair expanded its litigation practice Nexsen Pruet law firm industry for the 11th consecutive year. marketing opportunities, with the addition of Josh Dixon and elected four partners: call Deidre Macklen Hal Frampton. The pair joined the Brooks Bossong The South Carolina Chamber of firm’s Charleston office as special (Greensboro), George Commerce hired Paul W. Dunn at 803.318.3923. counsel. Also, the firm welcomed Bossong Bullwinkel (Charleston), as manager of sponsorships and attorneys Tom Martin, Doug Gray, Jennifer Cluverius advertising. Reggie Gay and Brad Thomas to its (Greenville) and James Greenville office. The four previously Galyean (Greenville). TD Bank named Michael G. worked in the firm’s Anderson office, Additionally, eight new “Mike” Page as vice president, which was consolidated with the Bullwinkle associates joined the senior relationship manager in Greenville office on January 31. law firm. John Bruton, healthcare finance. He is responsible Laetitia Cheltenham, for providing specialty lending and NBSC, a division of Ben Dangerfield, related services to the not-for-profit Synovus Bank, named Jonathan Massell, healthcare sector in the North Stephen “Steve” M. Cluverius Greg Placone, Jennifer Carolina and South Carolina markets. Creech chairman of its Routh, Jonathan South Carolina board of Schulz and Tess WebsterRogers is Advertiser Index directors. Creech is principal owner Stakias are now pleased to announce AARP South Carolina...... 22 of Creech, Roddey, Watson Insurance practicing in Columbia, that Amy Fisher Company. The bank announced Galyean Charlotte, Greensboro, Urquhart, CPA, CFP® College of Charleston...... 15 that Jennifer W. Blackhurst was Greenville and Raleigh. was named a partner promoted to private client relationship Scott Hultstrand joined in the firm effective January 1, Duke Energy...... 5 manager. Also, Robert R. Clarkson the firm’s Columbia 2014. Urquhart works in the firm’s was appointed to its local board office following five years Florence office and has over 12 years ECPI University...... 25 of directors. NBSC, a division of Moore with the South Carolina of experience in public accounting Synovus Bank, recently announced Medical Association. Nexsen Pruet with an emphasis in tax planning Greenville Technical College...... 27 that Synovus received 16 national announced also that former Assistant and consulting, gift and trusts and awards from Greenwich Associates for U.S. Attorney Mark Moore joined financial planning. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A...... 1 excellence in middle market and small the Columbia office and the firm’s business banking. Among the 750 white-collar criminal defense team led Please send Member News and McMillan Pazdan Smith...... 19 banks evaluated nationwide, only 34 by Billy Wilkins, former chief judge of publicity photos to received national excellence awards for the United States Court of Appeals for [email protected]. Midlands Technical College...... 22 middle market banking and only 43 for the Fourth Circuit. small business banking. Synovus was Santee Cooper...... 25 No. 1 with 13 total awards in the small Palmetto Health Foundation business category and tied for third announced Kristin Lavender was SCDEW...... 21 in total number of awards across all named development coordinator for segments and categories. Palmetto Health Cancer Centers. Sonoco...... 13

The partners of Nelson Rogers Townsend & Thomas, PC Stäubli...... Inside Front Cover Mullins Riley & announced the election of the firm’s Scarborough LLP board of directors, as well as three new Trident Technical College...... Back Cover elected Jay Thompson shareholders. Robert Bryan Barnes Thompson to the partnership was re-elected to the board and will University of South Carolina...... 3 and have promoted Erin Stuckey serve as chair. Cynthia Durham and Geordie Zug to of counsel. Blair and Kristine L. Cato were also Upstate Workforce Investment Board...... 29 Matt Abee, Daniel Lumm, elected. Newly elected shareholders

32 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss I am S.C. Business Name Peter Brews

Hometown Johannesburg, South Africa

Education B.Com (Bachelors of Commerce), LL B (law degree), and a PhD from University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; MSIA (Masters of Science in Industrial Administration), Purdue University; PhD from University of Pittsburg.

Occupation Dean, Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina in Columbia

Why did you select the University of South Carolina? Having spent 13 years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I was delighted to have the opportunity to lead the business school of another prominent state university just a chip and a putt away. As I graduated from two other great state institutions in the United States, I am aware of the prominent role public education plays in the lives of Americans in producing human capital.

Why should companies choose to locate in SC? Few states offer the combination that SC does: a tradition in manufacturing, a phenomenally deep port, a hardworking educated workforce that is hungrier now than ever before, a reasonable cost of living, a location in the heart of the Southeast bookended by cities such as Atlanta and Charlotte with a strong international investment base growing along the I-85 corridor. SC also boasts world-class universities that students from all over the world come to study at. It is my hope over the next 5-10 years to make this region the preferred choice for European companies wanting to invest and locate in the United States. Of course, at the Moore School, we are known for international business.

What are your passions and what are you known for? At work I am passionate about doing whatever I do to the very best of my ability and about always giving back more than I take out. Hopefully I am known for being a person who asks for (and delivers) the very best possible work, but does so with humility and humanity. At home I am passionate about exercise and keeping fit and about maintaining close contact with my family. Oh, and lastly, I am passionate about dark chocolate and good red wine (in moderation, of course).

What is the best advice you could give an undergraduate business student? Take your studies seriously, and work hard. Competitors in India and China get up very early and work very hard; to stay ahead requires much effort on your part. Once you are at a university like USC or a school like the Moore School, you have the opportunity to be among the very best. The discipline and effort required to reach this level is your side of the bargain. Apart from that, have fun. Be ambitious.

What’s the secret to your success? A good education, focus, hard work, some luck and an ambition to do big things and make a difference. Finally, all successes come on the shoulders of others. Be sure to acknowledge all who contribute to your success.

I am S.C. Business because I hope in 5-10 years’ time someone will be able to say, “Because I was here [at the Moore School] South Carolina business is better.”

scchamber.net | March/April 2014 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss | 33

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