Milliken Receives A- Rating From Environmental Platform

Global diversified manufacturing leader Milliken & Company announced that it received an A- rating in the climate change category of the 2023 CDP, a comprehensive environmental disclosure platform.

Milliken's 2023 CDP climate disclosure rating was based on the company's leadership in transparent reporting, demonstrated strategy and action, and science-based net-zero targets. Each year, CDP uses information supplied through a questionnaire process to evaluate companies' environmental stewardship practices.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from CDP, which affirms our commitment to coordinated climate action,” said Halsey Cook, president and chief executive officer at Milliken. “I am proud of our team's achievement as we continue to drive sustainability initiatives forward.”

With a goal of becoming net-zero by 2050, Milliken has reported climate action data to CDP since 2010, and in 2022 was one of the first 50 companies in the world to have science-based short- and long-term targets approved by the U.N.-backed Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company recently surpassed its 2025 greenhouse gas reduction goal, exceeding the 25 percent intensity reduction target set in 2018.

“Milliken understands the importance of driving sustainable change and we are proud of the progress we have made so far,” said Kasel Knight, senior vice president, general counsel and head of sustainability at Milliken.

“While celebrating this achievement, we remain steadfast in our commitment to reduce our carbon emissions.”

Each year, Milliken publishes progress updates on their 2025 people, product, planet, and net-zero goals. To learn more about Milliken's commitment to sustainability, visit milliken.com/sustainability.

April is National Safe Digging Month, and 811 is the Number to Call Before You Dig

In the United States, someone damages a utility line, on average, every nine minutes. Damage to utilities can disrupt services to neighborhoods or job sites, and can even be deadly, especially in the case of damage to gas or electric lines. 

April is National Safe Digging Month, and Attorney General Alan Wilson offered a reminder that people should call 811 or go to www.SC811.com before they dig. It’s the law, and it’s not just for contractors and utilities.

The national number 811 is designated by the Federal Communications Commission to help protect do-it-yourselfers, landscapers, and contractors from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on projects that involve digging.

Liability of tens of thousands of dollars can arise when a utility must repair the damage caused by digging in the wrong areas. Additionally, the attorney general has the authority to levy fines for violations of the South Carolina Underground Damage Prevention Act.

You can call in a locate notice request by dialing 811. You can also use the online ticket entry system, Exactix, at https://exactix.sc811.com . The online ticket entry system can be accessed from a computer or cell phone to place a locate notice request.

Locate notice requests need to be made three full business days before work begins.

SC811 offers an online training program available at https://sc811.com/education-outreach/online-training/

Pothole Heroes Announces Expansion Into Fort Mill

Pothole Heroes, a leader in the asphalt maintenance industry, announced its expansion into the Carolinas, with its new location in Fort Mill, South Carolina, serving the Charlotte, North Carolina, metropolitan area.

Pothole Heroes is a woman-owned business providing sustainable asphalt maintenance to commercial, multifamily, HOAs and municipalities throughout the Southeast and Ohio tri-state area. The company plans to add 25 new jobs to the greater Charlotte region.

Pothole Heroes chose to expand its operations into the Charlotte Metrolina region due to the area's rapid growth and need to maintain its infrastructure. Charlotte is among the largest and fastest-growing cities in the U.S.

Leading the Carolinas-based team is Chris Coberth, regional director of the Carolinas, who brings 25 years of construction industry experience to his new role. During his six-year tenure with the national home builder Lennar, Coberth served as senior construction manager and purchasing manager.

Coberth also worked for various construction companies and was a licensed real estate agent with Coldwell Banker.

Pothole Heroes was named a 2023 Top Contractor for Pavement Repair by Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction Magazine.

Blood Donations Needed During Spring and Summer

Spring and summer can be challenging months for the nation’s blood supply, and spring break has the potential to impact blood collection efforts, according to officials from OneBlood. 

“High school and college blood drives account for nearly 20 percent of the blood supply. With so many counties on spring break at the same time, it has the potential to negatively impact the blood supply.  As a proactive effort, we are urging people to please donate in advance to help ensure a ready blood supply at all times,” said Susan Forbes, OneBlood senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations.

All blood types are needed. Additionally, there is an increased need for O Negative and O Positive blood, as well as platelet donations.

“It’s important to remember the crucial role blood donations hold in our community on a daily basis. The need for blood never takes a holiday.  Everyday patients in local hospitals depend on blood donors to live,” said Forbes.

Sixty percent of the population is eligible to be a blood donor, but only about 5 percent actually donate, according to OneBlood.

“Blood donation is an easy way to make a tremendous impact in the community.  It’s important the blood supply remains at the forefront, that more people step forward to donate and that businesses and organizations host blood drives. Patient’s lives depend on it,” said Forbes.

To find a OneBlood donor center or Big Red Bus blood drive and to make an appointment visit, oneblood.org. In South Carolina, you can also donate blood through The Blood Connection or American Red Cross of South Carolina.

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