South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster recently announced the state has awarded 228 grants totaling $167,299,900.69 in funding to strengthen health care access, quality and outcomes in primary care, maternal and infant care, pediatrics and behavioral health in rural communities. These grants provide one-time funding for high-impact, sustainable health care initiatives that remove systemic challenges and build infrastructure and long-term capacity through facility modernization, technology upgrades, and workforce development. Midlands recipients include Lexington Health, which received $250,804; Midlands Neurology and Pain Associates, which received $633,600; and Prisma Health Midlands, which received $869,239. “Every South Carolinian should have access to quality health care close to home, no matter where they live,” McMaster said. “South Carolina is working to ensure rural communities have the resources they need to provide that care, and this is another important step in strengthening health care across our state.”
(COULD BE SPOTLIGHT IF WE COULD FIND A STOCK PHOTO)
Two University of South Carolina faculty were recently awarded significant grants as part of the first wave projects selected for the Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission. Designed to bring together a national consortium of researchers and pair them with Department of Energy resources, the Genesis Mission will help build AI-enabled workflows to expediate discoveries in energy, national security and more. Sourav Banerjee, a mechanical engineering professor in the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, was awarded a grant for his work combining artificial intelligence and physics-based modeling. Physics professor David Tedeschi was the other faculty member to receive funding, doing so for his work in particle astrophysics. The work being supported by the Department of Energy studies fundamental particle physics to better understand the basic structure and matter of the universe. Only 278 of the thousands applications were chosen with USC the only institution in the state to have multiple projects selected. USC joins four other SEC schools — Kentucky, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Texas — with multiple projects picked.
Trees SC has officially recognized Whitt Cline, retired public works director for the Town of Irmo, with the 2026 Golden Acorn Award during the Fall South Carolina Urban Forestry Conference at the River Center at Saluda Shoals Park. The Golden Acorn Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional, sustained commitment to urban forestry, public stewardship, and long-term community impact across South Carolina. Cline’s career includes 25 years of municipal service to the Town of Irmo and 15 years of dedicated involvement with Trees SC. During his tenure, Cline led transformative hands-on care for the town's living landscape, driving key Arbor Day initiatives, managing comprehensive tree planting projects, and expanding public awareness around canopy conservation. His contributions to the local environment were permanently commemorated with the naming of Whitt Cline Community Park in Irmo.
The Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP) marked its first year by honoring longtime Richland County Councilmember Paul Livingston with the inaugural Three Rivers: The Paul Livingston Economic Development Champion Award. Livingston was honored for his decades of visionary leadership and commitment to the region’s growth. The meeting, which convened regional business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders at Central Energy included the release of CADP’s Annual Impact Report for Fiscal Year 2026. Building What’s Next: Powered by Partnership, Measured by Impact highlights CADP’s first full year operating as Richland County’s dedicated public-private economic development engine and celebrates major capital investments across the county. “In our first year operating as a public-private partnership, CADP advanced 15 projects representing more than $1 billion in investment and 585 new jobs. We’re proud of the work we’ve done to build what’s next, and we look forward to continuing that work by supporting existing businesses, attracting new investment and preparing Richland County for future opportunities doing the work that makes Richland County the place to be,” said Jeff Ruble, chief executive officer of CADP.
The Columbia Chamber has announced Knowledge Perk as the Small Business of the Year Award winner. The Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, honors a Chamber Partner with less than 50 employees who has demonstrated notable achievements, economic and cultural growth, and outstanding contributions to the Midlands business community. Knowledge Perk is a coffee company focused on creating elevated coffee experiences that bring people together and strengthen the communities it serves. Through thoughtfully sourced and intentionally roasted coffee, welcoming cafés and a commitment to meaningful local partnerships, Knowledge Perk strives to be more than a place to grab a cup of coffee. The company builds connections by creating gathering spaces for students, families, friends and neighbors while supporting local schools, sports teams, nonprofits and community events. Past Small Business of the Year winners include Brand Buzz, AINautics, Sun Solutions, Modern Exterminating, Pendleton Street Business Advisors, Garvin Design Group, Grace Outdoor Advertising, COLAtoday, K2 Tech, South Carolina Community Bank, Gardener Publications, and Colonial Printing.
SPOTLIGHT
Magnus Development Partners announces the ground breaking of Gateway 2, a 226,800-square-foot Class A industrial building and fourth development at 803 Park. Gateway 2 will deliver in Q2 2027 and feature 18 dock doors, 50’ x 54’ bay spacing and an ESFR fire protection system, providing flexibility for a wide range of distribution, manufacturing and logistics users. In 2022, Magnus Development Partners started construction at 803 Park, a five-building Class A industrial park located adjacent to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). Upon completion, the park will total nearly one million square feet of modern industrial space serving distribution, manufacturing and logistics users. To date, three buildings totaling 625,440 square feet have been delivered in the park and are 100 oercent leased and occupied by six tenants across a diverse range of business sectors. This track record demonstrates the broad appeal of the park and continued demand for high-quality industrial space in the Columbia market. 803 Park is the only industrial park in the Columbia market offering the combination of signalized highway access, direct adjacency to CAE, proximity to the UPS regional air hub and CSX rail service. This multimodal connectivity provides a distinct competitive advantage and allows the park to accommodate a broad range of industrial users.
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees elected new leadership on Aug. 21, 2026.
Rose Buyck Newton, a third-generation banker who chairs the board at the Bank of Clarendon, was elected chairwoman of the USC Board of Trustees. She was elected board vice chairwoman in 2022 and has chaired the Governance Committee. Reid T. Sherard was elected vice chair of the board of trustees. The Greenville attorney joined the board in 2023 and earned both a bachelor’s degree in political science from USC's Honors College and a law degree from USC.
The South Carolina Department of Commerce has announced that Patrick Turner has joined the agency as general counsel. Turner will oversee the agency’s legal division, providing counsel on many areas of law, litigation and compliance. With a career spanning more than three decades, Turner has a strong background in general business, regulatory and administrative law. For 30 years, Turner served as in-house counsel at AT&T and its predecessor companies, navigating state and federal regulation and public policy. Most recently, he founded PWT Law, LLC to provide legal, mediation and consulting services. “We are excited to welcome Patrick to the S.C. Commerce team,” said Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III. “Patrick’s firsthand experience with business law and public policy will support the agency’s continued mission to advance South Carolina’s position as a global economic leader.”
The Harvest Hope Food Bank board of directors announced that Sy Hughes has been named chief executive officer, following his service as interim CEO since January 2026. Hughes joined Harvest Hope in November 2025 as vice president of resource development and engagement. Since stepping into the interim leadership role, he has worked closely with staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to advance the organization’s mission of providing food and hope to neighbors experiencing food insecurity across the 20 counties it serves. Prior to joining Harvest Hope, Hughes spent more than a decade in leadership roles supporting mission-driven organizations, most recently serving with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), where he helped lead initiatives focused on community engagement, resource development, and organizational growth.
GameChangers will celebrate 10 years of changing lives during its 10th Annual GameChangers Gala on Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at the Goodman Building at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. The annual fundraising event is expected to bring more than 1,000 guests together for an evening centered on food, community, and meaningful impact. Funds raised through the gala support programs benefiting children through River’s Edge Retreat. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with cocktails, an open bar, and opportunities for guests to connect. General admission tickets are $150 and include access to the Culinary Showcase, open bar, program, auctions, and celebration. Reserved tables for eight guests are available for $1,500. Tickets, reserved tables, sponsorship opportunities, and additional event information are available at www.givebutter.com/gamechangers_sc.
The Ritedose Corporation has named Carolyn Berg its new vice president of strategic growth. Prior to joining Ritedose, Berg served as vice president of business development for Catalent’s inhaled drug delivery solutions, where she led commercial strategy and global sales efforts to expand the company’s inhalation business. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at Cipla, Teva Respiratory, and Merck, building extensive experience in business development, portfolio strategy, strategic marketing, product commercialization and commercial leadership. In her new role, Berg will advance Ritedose’s commercial strategy, strengthen relationships with existing customers and identify new opportunities to support the company’s continued growth in the inhalation and ophthalmic markets, as well as future market expansions.
The South Carolina Chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP/SC) announces its newly elected board members and executive officers, ushering in a dynamic era of leadership for the state’s professional visual creators.
The newly appointed leadership team comprises:
Stan Foxworthy, president
Rick Rhodes, vice President
Jeff Amberg, secretary
Benton Henry, treasurer
Brian Dressler, board member
Paul Nurnberg, board member
This experienced group of industry professionals brings a diverse wealth of commercial, editorial, and fine-art expertise to the chapter. Under their guidance, ASMP/SC will continue to foster a thriving community for South Carolina photographers through educational programming, networking events, and practical business advocacy.
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