County Councils Approve Next Steps for Transformation of Riverbanks Zoo

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden officials said they are grateful to the Richland and Lexington County councils and citizens of the Midlands for their overwhelming support of the zoo’s request for a bond issue to help fund Phase Two of Bridge to the Wild.

The next phase of Riverbanks’ vision for the future is set to move forward beginning with a year-long design process in the new year.

Zoo officials said the project will boost Riverbanks' economic impact to over $175 million annually, translating to tangible benefits for the community including job creation, tourism generation and increased educational and recreational opportunities.

Phase Two of Bridge to the Wild is a transformational expansion of the Zoo and Garden featuring a one-of-a-kind primate forest and restaurant along the banks of the Saluda River, a South Carolina nature preserve highlighting some of state’s most charismatic animals, enhanced lion and tiger habitats as well as an aerial tram system with a bird’s-eye view of the Saluda and surrounding skyline.

Riverbanks secured $37 million in private funding for Phase One of Bridge to the Wild, which includes an all-new rhino habitat opened in August 2020, Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center opened in March 2023, a Komodo dragon breeding facility opening in 2024, a new education facility opening in late 2025, and significant investments in the zoo’s aging infrastructure.

The partnership between Richland County, Lexington County, private industry, and individual donors has helped fuel the Midlands’ thriving economy by supporting the growth and success of Riverbanks, zoo officials said.

President and CEO Tommy Stringfellow, says, "The annual economic impact and the quality-of-life that Riverbanks brings to the Midlands has been made possible by five decades of regional cooperation."

Stringfellow adds, "We are grateful for this next step and will continue to work with the Councils and other leaders in the community to explore ways to maximize community impact while minimizing cost to the taxpayer. The Zoo will celebrate 50 years in 2024, and we look forward to building a Bridge to the Wild to ensure a brighter future for our community wildlife and wild places."

Luray Peanut Co. Expanding Operations in Hampton County

Luray Peanut Co., a producer of packaged boiled peanuts, announced plans to expand its operations in Hampton County.

The company’s $5.25 million investment will create 16 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

Luray Peanut Co.’s original recipe and Cajun boiled peanut products are available for purchase in convenience stores, grocery stores and stadiums.

Located at 973 Main Street in Varnville, Luray Peanut Co. is moving a portion of its manufacturing to South Carolina to expand its footprint and allow for the production of new product lines, state officials said.

The expansion is expected to be complete by December 2024.

GT Golf Supplies Acquires The ProActive Sports Group

GT Golf Supplies, Inc., a leading wholesale golf distributor, announced the acquisition of The ProActive Sports Group, a national golf accessories and products provider.

Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

GT Golf has offices in South Carolina, Texas and California and will be adding ProActive’s facility in Oregon as a fourth distribution center to better serve the Pacific Northwest.

Based in Canby, Oregon, ProActive distributes an extensive selection of golf accessories, including Clicgear and Rovic push carts, Tempercraft drinkware, a range of golf accessories, and trophies and awards to off-course golf retail outlets, on-course pro shops, sporting goods stores and via its own e-commerce platform.

Officials said the acquisition will expand GT Golf’s position as the largest golf accessories distributor in the U.S., a nationwide presence anchored by four distribution centers, a distribution salesforce for golf products for retailers and golf courses as well as an e-commerce offering.

Earlier this year, Kinzie Capital Partners LP, a Chicago-based private equity firm, announced that through an affiliated entity it had acquired GT Golf Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Vista, Calif., with additional locations in Fort Worth, TX and Mount Pleasant, S.C. 

David O’Shields Assumes Chairmanship of the State Board of Education

At the Dec. 12, 2023, meeting of the State Board of Education (SBE), David O’Shields, Ph.D., was sworn in as the chair of the SBE.

The SBE also unanimously elected Rita Allison as chair-elect while recognizing four members who have officially fulfilled their current terms on the board.

O’Shields earned his Ph.D. in educational leadership from Clemson University, a bachelor's degree in religious studies and his M.A.T in history from the University of South Carolina.

He has served as the superintendent of Laurens County School District 56 since 2011. Prior to becoming superintendent, O’Shields served as director of Human Resources, director of Student Accountability, and principal.

O’Shields received the Milken Family Foundation “National Educator Award” in 2003 and was named the “South Carolina Ambassador” in 1992 by Inez Tenenbaum. He is heavily involved in the Science Olympiad program at Clinton Middle and Clinton High School and continues to teach AP classes.

He assists with coaching both the Clinton Middle School and Clinton High School Academic Teams and is actively involved with his community. O’Shields has served on the Laurens County Development Corporation board of directors as well as the Laurens County Mental Health board of directors.

The SBE is the policy-making body for public K-12 education in South Carolina. It is established in Article XI § 1 of the South Carolina Constitution.

The SBE consists of 17 members, one appointed from each of the state's 16 judicial circuits by the legislators representing the various circuits, and a 17th member appointed by the governor.

Members are appointed for four-year terms. County representation within a given circuit rotates from term to term. A full list of the board members may be found here.

In addition to O’Shields and Allison moving into leadership positions, four board members have fulfilled their terms, but will continue to serve until their legislative circuit elects a new member. Bold represents their county of residence:

Cheryl Collier - 13th Circuit (Greenville, Pickens)

Delaney Frierson - 3rd Circuit (Clarendon, Lee, Sumter, Williamsburg)

Crissie Stapleton – 2nd Circuit (Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell)

Alan Walters - 15th Circuit (Georgetown, Horry).

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