Author: vipmagsc

This is What the Customers Have Been Waiting For…

story by Heather Page

    On January 16th, Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc. (HSC) associates and members of the local business community gathered for the eagerly anticipated reveal of the all-new Honda Talon 1000. A $45 million HSC expansion completed in 2018 was in anticipation of mass producing the new side-by-side (SxS). Along with the 115,000 square foot expansion came 250 additional associates. Focusing on innovation, reliability and an improved driving experience, the Talon is a standout in the fast-growing sports SxS market.

    In an effort to meet several customer demands, engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. developed two options of the Talon. Both the Talon 1000X and the Talon 1000R share the same powerful, high-output engine, along with the combination of performance and rider comfort you expect from a Honda. The differences? The Talon 1000X uses a three-link rear suspension, which makes it a natural for owners who prioritize maneuverability and quick handling. Where the Tal-on 1000R has a longer wheelbase, a wider vehicle track, and more suspension travel. The best way to see which one fits your lifestyle best is a quick visit to Generation 3 Powersports in Florence for a test run!

    The unveiling of the new product is proof of success from associates at HSC. Matt Joseph, New Model Project Manager at HSC, agrees “None of it would have been possible without our dedicated team. Because of their efforts, we have a one-of-a-kind product like none other in the current market.” Although HSC has manufactured the Pioneer, a SxS that was launched in 2013, team members agree they have never done anything of this (Talon) magnitude. Jeremy McGuire, Large Project Leader at Honda R&D Americas, says, “Through the process, we experienced a number of challenges but we never stopped fighting to achieve our goal and that goal is providing new joy for our customers.”

    Gary Mabrey, president of HSC described this moment as “efforts of an incredible team of associates who are dedicated to meeting the needs of our customers.” HSC continues to do their part for our community by increasing jobs and supporting local non-profits and educational entities. We applaud them for their continued success and efforts within our community.

story by Jordan Pupa

    Carlson Gilman is a senior at West Florence High School, the senior class president, and on the varsity soccer team. He may seem like your average teenager, but he also takes on the role as business owner. After visiting Duke University, he brainstormed with his father on how he could stand apart from other college applicants. The idea of starting a sock business that would give back to those in need, along with the idea of promoting living right in words, deeds, and fashion was formulated. Ethix was born.

    Ethix is a company that creates products that aid expression in thought and deed to live out morals and ethics in a cool and different way. They have created wearable clothes such as socks, hoodies, t-shirts, and hats that encourage others to think big and dream bigger while always striving to do what is right. Ethix products are reminders to those that wear them and those that see them to stay strong and keep on track. Their brand slogan ‘Live Right’ is on the bottom of every apparel piece as a constant reminder that living right is all about conscious actions. Socks with a message are their focus. Most popular sock designs include “choose wisely”, “change the world”, and “express love.” What better messages can be worn and shared?

    Ethix believes in helping others and giving back and their products have an impact on many lives. A percentage of every sale is donated to the Foot 2 Book, a charity foundation created to help, educate, and support underprivileged children of India. Ethix works with established Government credited schools across India to serve an entire population of people believed to be and treated as “contaminated” from their births. These people are called Dalits which is the lowest of the Indian Caste System. Despite laws to protect these innocent people, they still face ruthless discrimination from others who are considered to be socially higher, more respected, and of more value than the Dalits. While the Dalits and other backward castes and people groups are in need of so much help, Ethix believes the right book in the right hands can lead to enriched lives, instill hopes and create a world of change. Ethix is helping to empower the children by opening their minds to a whole new world, starting with literacy and education.

    Carlson thinks Ethix will be a great way to help support himself throughout his years in college. “I believe that with the help and support of my parents, the brand will continue to flourish. It’s really about finding a cool product that resonates with you, and you tell someone else, and they tell someone else.” Orders have been coming in from all over the country and Carlson believes social media has played a big role in getting Ethix nationwide. “It’s really like free advertising, and I’m really able to show the quality and assortment of the product. But, the coolest part to me is that words and pictures I want to wear and promote for positivity and change, really does change the lives and futures for children in India!” Carlson’s advice for someone who desires to start a business at a young age is to seek advice and act on that help and guidance all along the way.

 

For more info, www.ethix.co or @ethix.co

Inspire, Honor, Celebrate

A few local favorites were asked what it was like to be an African American in the business community, here’s what they had to say:

Charles Weaver – Owner of 19th Green Indoor Golf Center

Vip: “Is there an African American in your life that inspired you?”

Charles:  “I’m very blessed to have had the opportunity to have lived with the person who most inspired me, my great-grandmother. Born in 1886, the daughter of former slaves, she did everything she could to make sure that I would not be hampered by racism, poverty or other barriers that would hold me back from the being the best I possibly could be. Of the many memories I have of her, one of the most memorable was her refusing to allow me to drink from ‘For Colored Only’ water fountains. I didn’t, at the time, understand why, but as I grew older, she always reinforced in me to not allow those type of attitudes restrict me. Granny, as I called her, would always tell me to look in the mirror at my two arms, two legs, two eyes, and remind me that the greatest barrier I would have is that person in the mirror.”

 

 Toyinda L. Smith  –  Entrepreneur, the creator of the Champion Influence® Coaching Certification Program, an inspirational speaker, business coach, author of ‘The Handbook to Unleash Your Potential’ and principal of Leadership Strategy & Consulting, LLC

Vip: “What African American role model inspired your career?”

Toyinda:  “Madame CJ Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, is my inspiration. She was an entrepreneur, civil rights activist, and philanthropist. Beginning in 1906, with the help of trusted vision pushers, Madame CJ Walker, founded the Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company and birthed her own therapeutic shampoo and ointment.

    Through her courageous and bold entrepreneurial efforts, she created a path of stability and sustainability that unleashed the potential of women who had worked for others as sharecroppers, cooks, and maids.

    As a speaker and trainer, Madame CJ Walker convened her sales agents and beauty specialists for 3-day trainings, annual conventions, motivational sessions and promoted “Walker Clubs” across the nation which built momentum for herself and the women who believed for financial independence. Through her leadership, life, and legacy she continues to inspire me to, in her words, “not be afraid to wring success out of a number of business opportunities that lie at my very door.”

 

  Patricia Sullivan – Communications Specialist/Project Coordinator at Darlington County First Steps

Vip: “How do you celebrate Black History Month?”

Patricia: “I celebrate Black History every day by acknowledging the freedoms I currently have because of others who fought on my behalf years ago and presently.”

 

 

 

 

 

  Tre Gammage  –  Hartsville City Council Member and Education Consultant

Vip: “What does Black History Month mean to you?”

Tre: “I had a coach in college who said success is about you, and significance is making an impact greater than you. Black history month is the acknowledgment of so much that happened before we got to this place today. Growing up my mom always was involved in Civil Rights heritage, while my dad’s family has a bible that dates back to the 1850s and survived a fire! Black history is often lost or without documentation, so to celebrate is another reminder to continue blazing a trail for the next generation.”

God has taken his place in her, she will not be moved: he will come to her at the dawn of morning. Psalms 46:5

    Few things make people more nostalgic than delicious food like Grandma used to make. City Food & Spirits in Marion is your go-to place for classic comfort food! Open seven days a week, they offer a wide variety of classic dishes from Calabash-style seafood to steaks with most popular items being The City Club, the Phillies, and of course, the fried chicken! Delicious specials are served daily and they even offer a full breakfast buffet! City Food & Spirits is family owned and operated and known for their quality service, leaving guests with a great overall dining experience. Joe Abram II is a silent partner with his son, Joe III, and daughter-in-law, Jean. Established in 2014, they are celebrating their fifth year in business.

    In the past, Joe II worked at a few restaurants in New Jersey, then owned his own restaurant in Allendale, SC. The experience led him to become a “jack of all trades.” “I cooked for a living, but I also cooked for the pleasure,” he explains. Joe II is also a retired minister, though he continues to share the word with anyone who will walk slow enough. When his children approached him about opening a restaurant, he was overjoyed and excited to help! “When you see your kids doing what they love to do, you do whatever you can do to help,” explains Joe. “To see that they can have something they want, that’s my motivation!”

    Jean is the cook at City Food & Spirits and creates the menu. She has been cooking since age twelve where she started out learning from her mom in the kitchen. She started working in restaurants in 1994 and loved the atmosphere. Today, her passion for the customers and the fast-paced atmosphere allows her to thrive. She describes her customers as “family” and always puts love into her food!

    What makes City Food & Spirits stand out besides their fantastic food is their friendliness. Their goal is to always ensure that all the folks that come through their door enjoy a fantastic meal and are treated with warm hospitality. The restaurant is very family-oriented, as Jean and Joe’s children, Joseph (23) and Brittany (27), also help out in the restaurant. “I believe that customer service is the number one priority,” explains Jean. “We make sure everything is presented nicely and the food is good which will keep them coming back. As an African American and a business owner, we put God first. We try to always acknowledge Him and put Him first. We run our business on faith.” Joe II explains how they need every dollar to keep the business going, though the business is more than that. “When it comes to being just about the dollar you lose the interest of the business. It has to be something deeper than that. That’s what I’ve found in the businesses I’ve operated. When I go to other restaurants, I sit there and imagine that I own the place. All the people going through, it’s like a festive season. Everyone is smiling and you are the one that’s causing it. It’s a great feeling.”

     Visit City Food & Spirits today for a delicious comfort food meal and guaranteed warm hospitality!

 

Open seven days a week, City Food & Spirits offer a wide variety of classic dishes from Calabash-style seafood to steaks with most popular items being The City Club, the Phillies, and of course, the fried chicken! Delicious specials are served daily and they even offer a full breakfast buffet!

CITY FOOD & SPIRITS | 1106 E Godbold St., Marion, @CityFoodSpirits | Open 7 days a week

Chamber announces Murphy Monk as President of Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce

     The board of directors of the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the promotion of Murphy Monk from membership development coordinator to president. In this capacity, Monk will lead the chamber in its mission to be a catalyst for community success through member support and advocacy.

     A graduate of Clemson University, Monk holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies. As membership development coordinator at the Chamber, Monk was responsible for member outreach and engagement, and promotions and marketing for the chamber and its members.

     Under her leadership, the Chamber’s website has grown from 80,000 hits per year to over 100,000 and the Chamber’s social media presence has grown by 50%, based on Facebook Likes. More significantly, the chamber has seen 19% growth in membership over the past two years. “Murphy has forged relationships and bonds with the business community and understands the true value of chamber membership. She is a dynamic, strategic leader who gives 110% of herself every day.  It has been a delight to watch her grow professionally and I feel positive the chamber is headed for bigger and better opportunities that will directly have an impact on our community,” remarked former president Quinetta Buterbaugh, who is leaving the chamber after four years as president to serve the Darlington County School District as its Business Engagement Coordinator.

     Monk assumed her new role on January 4 and will be working with the board of directors to execute this year’s program of work. The chamber will be hosting a number of new offerings that she has shaped, like the “On the Menu” small business lunch and learn series, “Chamber Chat” coffee meetings to help members understand their chamber benefits and how to get the most out of membership, and an outlook forum concerning healthcare changes and how they will affect the business community.

      “I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their confidence and Quinetta for her support and leadership. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve my community as President of the Chamber and I look forward to continuing working with our membership to enhance their vision for Hartsville. The Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce is successful because of our commitment to our members’ goals and I aim to keep that at the forefront of my decision making,” remarked president Monk.

 Murphy Monk, President of the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based business advocacy organization founded in 1910. The Chamber provides a voice for local businesses, supports economic development, and promotes the vibrant and personal community that makes Hartsville appealing to businesses and residents.

Cooking Up Something New

story by Olivia Kane

    Freeman’s Bakery has been serving delicious sweet treats since 1964. As they enter their 56th year in business, Owner Ellen Cooke is especially thankful for her employees and her customers. “I love my job!” she exclaims. Freeman’s team of experienced bakers are constantly working to bring new innovative ideas for the pleasure of their customers. They continue to serve their traditional items, including several options of cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. They’ve also adopted the slogan “Just Ask!” Freeman’s is eager to make a special family recipe or experiment with a new recipe for their customers.

    Over the years, Freeman’s has done more than just increase their menu of baked goods. In 2017, they expanded their space to offer more options in the gift shop including balloons, plates, and napkins, and they continue to have the largest candle selection in Florence County. “We really are your one-stop-shop for all of your celebrations,” Ellen says.

    Freeman’s will continue to offer quality products made from scratch (with no chemical additives) and quality service in a friendly atmosphere. “We are here for our customers to be everything that you need us to be. Thank you for your patronage for the last 55 years!” Freeman’s is always cooking up something new!

 Ellen Cooke, owner of Freeman’s Bakery

1307G Second Loop Rd, Florence, SC | 843-662-3903

 

Ellen Cooke is the Greater Florence Chamber’s Member of the Month.

To join the Chamber, visit flochamber.com. 

100 W Evans St, Florence • 843.665.0515