President Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration for South Carolina

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FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of South Carolina to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene from Sept. 25, 2024 and continuing.

President Biden’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda and Spartanburg counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda and Spartanburg counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Gov. Henry McMaster on Saturday requested an Expedited Major Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist state and local response efforts to Hurricane Helene. 

The governor's request also included FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program grants to help lessen the impact of future disasters.

Brett H. Howard has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Officials said additional designations may be made later if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. 

If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Duke Energy Foundation Commits $1 Million to Support Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene

In response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, Duke Energy Foundation announced a $1 million commitment to nonprofits providing vital assistance to affected communities across the Southeast.

"Our hearts are with the communities devastated by Helene's deluge and damage," said Amy Strecker, president, Duke Energy Foundation. "At Duke Energy, we are working tirelessly to respond to the storm, addressing both power restoration and immediate and long-term community support."

Funding will aid a variety of organizations providing food, shelter and other urgent needs, ensuring that relief efforts reach those who need it most.

Officials said the Duke Energy Foundation will continue making donations responsive to evolving needs as communities recover and nonprofits stand up their short- and long-term efforts.

This additional funding builds upon the Foundation's work ahead of the storm and year-round commitment to preparedness and resiliency.

The American Red Cross has been on the ground across Helene's footprint since before the storm, providing shelter, food and critical relief.

In the past five years, Duke Energy and its Foundation have invested more than $20.5 million in emergency readiness and response across the states the company serves.

Duke Energy volunteers have packed thousands of no-cost storm kits and contributed $3.3 million of their own money and volunteer time in the same five-year window.

In South Carolina, nonprofit organizations like Harvest Hope are answering the call.

"As we continue to assess the needs of our communities here in South Carolina, we're grateful for partners like the Duke Energy Foundation," said Erinn Rowe, executive director of Harvest Hope.

Rowe added, "These recovery efforts will take some time and we want to be flexible to respond to the changing needs, and investments like these help make that happen."

United Way Launches Community Relief Fund

In response to the urgent needs created by the impact of Hurricane Helene, United Way of Greenville County has established a special relief fund to help individuals and families struggling to access necessities such as food, shelter and utilities.

The United Way of Greenville County Community Relief Fund will provide immediate assistance to those who have been hardest hit by the storm, as well as additional support to local nonprofits responding to the crisis.

One hundred percent of every contribution will directly fund efforts to help Greenville County recover and regain stability.

“As we continue to learn more about the widespread impact of Helene on our community, we are committed to standing alongside our neighbors who need us most,” said Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County.

Barp added, “This fund is an essential step toward helping people quickly regain access to basic services and achieve stability in the aftermath of this devastating storm.”

To contribute, go to unitedwaygc.org/uwgc-relief.

For those in need of non-emergency assistance, United Way’s 211 Resource Line is open and available to help. Dial 2-1-1 or text "HELP" or "AYUDA" to 211-211.

This service provides confidential, multilingual support to connect individuals and families to local resources.

Rob Rain Named Chief Executive Officer at OTO Development

Rob Rain, previously president of the Industrial Division at Johnson Development Associates, has joined OTO Development as chief executive officer. 

OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group, is a private company that develops, owns, and operates select-service and lifestyle hotels throughout the continental United States, many with proprietary restaurant concepts.

As chief executive, Rain will oversee strategic initiatives designed to drive growth across OTO’s industry-leading portfolio, with an emphasis on increasing efficiency and maximizing profitability while continuing to elevate the guest experience.

Rain is carrying on the legacy of OTO’s former CEOs: the late Corry Oakes, who led the company for its first 18 years, and Todd Turner, who recently retired.

“Rob understands OTO’s culture, and we are excited about the company’s prospects under his leadership,” says Geordy Johnson, CEO of The Johnson Group. 

Rain has worked with The Johnson Group family of companies for more than a decade, initially working in private equity with WJ Partners.

In 2014, he was named president of the Industrial Division at Johnson Development Associates where, over the course of 10 years, he grew the platform into one of the country’s largest private developers of warehouse space.

A decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Rain spent four years as an infantry officer before beginning his private sector career.

During tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, his leadership and heroism in combat merited a Bronze Star with Valor.  He is also committed to community service, serving his second term on the Spartanburg City Council.

“It’s a privilege to take on this new role within The Johnson Group,” said Rain, who graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University and also earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.

He added, “My predecessors built a resilient, successful company. I’m excited by the opportunity to work alongside OTO’s 2,700 team members to continue to build upon OTO’s legacy and successful track record.”

As OTO Development’s new CEO, Rain will be based out of the company’s corporate headquarters in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Founded in 2004 and partnering with the Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott brands, the company owns and/or operates 57 hotels comprising approximately 9,500 room keys.

OTO’s growth is focused on developing new hotels in high-barrier-to-entry markets, purchasing and repurposing existing hotel properties, and expanding third-party management relationships.

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