NFIB Urges Senate to Pass Gov. McMaster's Tort Reform Package

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NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer urged members of the South Carolina Senate to help small businesses by passing S. 244, Gov. Henry McMaster’s measure to stop lawsuit abuse in the state.

“Governor McMaster understands that South Carolina’s civil justice system is out of whack and that small businesses are paying the price,” Homeyer said. “Plaintiffs should be able to seek compensation if they’ve been wronged, but too often, lawsuits are filed just to take advantage of the system. 

“Small businesses shouldn’t be punished for someone else’s mistake just because they might have more money, but that’s what existing state law allows. S. 244 would help reduce frivolous claims by ensuring that small businesses and other defendants are held responsible only for their fair share of damages. 

“Lawsuit abuse is driving up insurance costs, forcing owners to spend money on legal fees instead of growing their businesses, adding jobs, and supporting their communities,” Homeyer said. “That’s why we need the Senate to act quickly and pass this important legislation.

“If we don’t fix this problem, small businesses will continue to struggle, and South Carolina’s economy will suffer.”

Duke Energy Provides $200,000 in Grants to Help Nonprofits Supporting Senior Citizens in South Carolina

Duke Energy is providing $200,000 in grants to South Carolina organizations that help the state's aging population with services and support, particularly for seniors with income challenges.

The funds will be used to help these organizations with their infrastructure to continue expanding their services.

"With the aging population living longer, as well as the cost of living increasing, it's important to ensure those that helped build and strengthen our communities have the resources they need to comfortably enjoy their golden years," said Tim Pearson, Duke Energy's South Carolina state president.

Each of the following organizations received a $10,000 grant:

* Meals on Wheels – (Anderson County)        

* Rebuild Upstate (Anderson County) 

* Senior Solutions (Anderson/Oconee counties)

* Senior Centers of Cherokee County 

* Citizens United for Redevelopment and Economy (Chester County)     

* Darlington County Council on Aging 

* CareFirst Carolina Foundation (Dillon County)       

* Senior Citizens Association in Florence County     

* Greenville County Meals on Wheels

* HOPE (Lancaster County)

* Lee County Council on Aging

* Marlboro County Council on Aging

* Newberry County Council on Aging

* Pickens County Meals on Wheels

* Mobile Meals (Spartanburg County)

* Rebuilding Together Spartanburg

* Upstate Family Resource Center (Spartanburg County)

* United Way of Sumter, Clarendon & Lee Counties

* Vital Aging of Williamsburg County

* York County Council on Aging.

"The funds received from the Duke Energy Foundation will provide 1,428 meals for neighbors we serve, who are just like Sam," said Laurie Ashley, executive director of Meals on Wheels – Anderson.

Ashley added, "Sam lives alone in the home he loves, surrounded by his Clemson memorabilia and race car collectibles, but what truly brings him comfort is the hot meal and friendly driver visit he receives each day. For Sam and so many others, these visits are not only a source of nourishment but also a vital connection to the outside world."

"Because of this very generous grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, we will be able to buy more supplies for wheelchair ramps we build for senior citizens in Clarendon County," said Vicki Singleton, executive director of United Way of Sumter, Lee and Clarendon Counties.

Singleton added, "Some have not been able to leave their homes in years and will now be able to do things most of us take for granted, like go to the grocery store, go to doctor's appointments or simply get their mail from their mailboxes."

Grant recipients were selected through a request for proposals announced in January.

This effort follows similar initiatives by the Foundation to support the organizations that provide services to seniors in the state.

Through a similar request for proposals in 2023, Duke Energy provided 15 qualifying nonprofits in South Carolina grants of up to $20,000 that funded needed home repairs to enable senior citizens to continue to enjoy life in their current homes.

In 2024, the Duke Energy Foundation provided an additional $100,000 in grants to 13 organizations in the state with existing home ramp programs for low-income senior citizens or those with disabilities who qualified for assistance.

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work.

The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of America's largest energy holding companies.

ECSC Sports Wins Governor’s Cup Award for Rivals in Red Tour

Experience Columbia SC Sports won the coveted Governor’s Cup Award for the Rivals in Red Tour that brought in 70,000 visitors and soccer fans from across the globe to the Columbia region in 2024.

Experience Columbia SC Sports, the University of South Carolina and TEG Sport teamed up for the historic event featuring the English Premiere League titans Manchester United and the Liverpool Football Club in a head-to-head match-up at Williams-Brice Stadium, making Columbia SC one of only three U.S. cities to host and be featured as part of the Rivals in Red Tour.

The Governor’s Cup is awarded to a tourism partner whose attraction, event or initiative has demonstrated extraordinary success not only in impacting the economy and the quality of life in the community but also making strides for the tourism industry in the state through their efforts.

Nominees represent noteworthy projects from across the state and recipients are recognized as setting benchmarks for the tourism industry for their outstanding achievements in tourism and marketing.

The award is presented each year at the South Carolina Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Travel.

From creating signature events around the city for visitors to enjoy to marketing efforts to paint the town red throughout the weekend, officials said the Rivals in Red campaign accomplished its vision to leave attendees with an unforgettable destination experience that would have them eager to return to Columbia.

Scott Powers, ECSC Sports executive director, thanked the University of South Carolina, staff and community partners for collaborating to make the event a success.

“I’m up here holding the award, but one person doesn’t make events. One person can’t put an event together,” Powers said. “Thank you to the University of South Carolina for their partnership, the support and funding from SCPRT (South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism) and the Star Grant, the City of Columbia, our hotel partners and our staff who worked diligently to make this possible. 70,000 people in the stands, $13 million in visitor spending – it was a fantastic event.”

Overall, the Rivals in Red campaign showcased innovative marketing strategies that engaged the local community and visitors alike.

“Eye-catching billboards, targeted emails, physical media such as coasters, street pole banners, and hotel door hangers, the campaign used a diverse mix of promotional tactics,” said award presenter and SCPRT Director Duane Parrish.

Parrish added, “The campaign garnered over three million digital impressions and over $2 million in total earned media value. And with a direct economic impact of over $13 million for the weekend it’s clear that the Rivals in Red Tour was a tremendous success for Columbia and a significant win for our state’s tourism industry.”

Experience Columbia SC President and CEO Bill Ellen said the event has had a lasting impact on the region and shows how collaboration can result in hosting events that are a win for the entire community.

“As a huge sports community, we have hosted large events in the past, but the global reach and fanbase that this match generated was very impactful for tourism in our area and our restaurant, lodging and business partners,” Ellen said.

Ellen added, “It proved that with collaboration, we can host events at a high level and showcase Columbia as the vibrant destination it truly is. We thank SCPRT for this prestigious award.”

Sprinturf Healthy Spaces Council Meeting Brings Industry Leaders Together to Advance Recreation, Play Design

Leading architects and industry professionals dedicated to designing recreation and play spaces convened at the Healthy Spaces Council meeting recently in Chattanooga, TN. 

The event was hosted by Daniel Island, South Carolina-based Sprinturf, a PlayCore company, and focused on sustainability, accessibility, performance testing, and playground surfacing, with expert-led presentations and discussions addressing key challenges and advancements in the industry.

The program featured industry experts who provided insights into best practices, emerging technologies, and evolving standards in the field.

Speakers included Amy Phinney of NOVA Chemicals, who discussed sustainability and recycling in synthetic turf; Bill Botten, an accessibility consultant, who addressed best practices for inclusive recreation spaces; Jeff Gentile of Firefly Sports Testing, who examined performance testing for sports surfaces; and Tom DiScipio of PlayCore, who presented an overview of playground surfacing options.

A panel discussion of leading play and recreation companies provided additional perspectives on the future of recreation space design.

The event also served as the launch platform for the LEAP Grant Program, which provides matching funds to help schools, local governments, and community organizations develop innovative, inclusive athletic fields and play spaces.

The program supports projects that incorporate synthetic turf as a durable, eco-friendly solution for high-performance play areas, prioritizing sustainable design and accessibility.

Attendees learned about funding opportunities, project criteria, and the application process, which is open through March 15, 2025.

The Healthy Spaces Council meeting serves as a platform for professionals dedicated to advancing the design and functionality of recreation and play spaces.

Through facility tours, educational sessions, and collaborative discussions, attendees gained insights and strategies to address evolving industry needs.

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