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Greenville Business Magazine

The Business Narrative: Research Recognition

Feb 20, 2025 10:28AM ● By Donna Walker

Clemson Maintains Recognition As Carnegie R1 Research Institution 

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Clemson University’s status as one of the nation’s most active research institutions has been affirmed by the Carnegie Classification system.  

 

Clemson earned the designation “Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production,” or R1, by the Carnegie Classification released Feb. 13, 2025.

 

Clemson reported $334 million in total research and development expenditures for the most recent fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and awarded 324 Ph.D.'s from December 2023 through August 2024.   

 

“Our continued recognition as a Carnegie R1 research institution is a testament to the incredible work of our faculty, staff and students and their dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of people across the state of South Carolina and beyond,” University President Jim Clements said in a statement.

 

His statement added, “Research has been a key part of our University’s mission since our founding in 1889 and continues to drive innovation, lead workforce development, and elevate our communities.”

 

The university has doubled its research activity since 2013, supporting innovation and workforce development in the local automotive, energy, manufacturing, health, education and agriculture industries, among others.

 

Research is a pillar of the institution’s Clemson Elevate strategic plan and part of Clemson’s $6.4 billion economic impact across South Carolina.    

 

“Our research enterprise continues to grow, providing innovation to support our local, state and regional economies while nurturing a workforce that is ready to lead their fields into the future,” said Tanju Karanfil, senior vice president for research, scholarship and creative endeavors.

 

The classifications are published every three years by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

 

Research institutions are grouped into three categories based on expenditures and doctorate production: R1, R2 and Research Colleges and Universities.

 

Clemson is among 187 institutions to receive the R1 designation.

 

The university first earned Carnegie R1 classification in 2016.  

Mobile Communications America Acquires Ra-Comm, Expanding to Indiana

Mobile Communications America, Inc., the Spartanburg, South Carolina-based provider of wireless communication solutions for workplace safety, security, and efficiency, announced the acquisition of Ra-Comm, Inc., a Motorola Solutions Channel Partner headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, with additional offices in Terre Haute and Pittsboro, Indiana.

 

Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

 

"For over 50 years, Ra-Comm has built its reputation on exceptional Motorola service, driven by a customer-first philosophy.  We're confident that MCA shares this same dedication and will continue to put our customers' needs first" said Allen Williams, co-owner of Ra-Comm. 

 

Said Vince Foody, CEO of MCA: "We are excited to welcome Ra-Comm to the MCA team. Their dedication to excellence in service aligns seamlessly with our mission and growth objectives. We're excited to combine our strengths and enhance our impact within the Great Lakes region for the benefit of employees and customers alike."

 

In addition to being the largest Motorola partner in the U.S., MCA has strategic partnerships with over 1,000 major manufacturers to offer an extensive portfolio of products and technologies.

DOE Suspends Energy Efficiency Mandates on Key Home Appliances

In a move supported by the National Association of Home Builders, the Department of Energy (DOE) has announced it will postpone the implementation of the latest round of restrictive energy efficiency mandates on key home energy appliances, including for gas powered instantaneous (tankless) water heaters.

 

The DOE press release noted that these actions “are a key step in undoing the previous administration’s burdensome policies that have driven up costs, reduced choice and diminished the quality of Americans’ home appliances.”

 

In addition to the tankless water heaters, the DOE has acted to postpone the new overreaching efficiency standards for the following home appliance rules:

 

* Central Air Conditioners

* Clothes Washers and Dryers

* General Service Lamps

* Walk-In Coolers and Freezers

* Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

* Air Compressors.

 

Additionally, officials said the DOE is creating a new energy efficiency category for natural gas tankless water heaters that would exempt these products from the Biden administration’s efficiency rules and allow for fair standards that balance efficiency with availability of product features desired by consumers.

 

NAHB has been actively advocating against efforts to limit the availability and use of gas stoves and, officials said, will continue to support efforts to maintain a variety of home appliance options for consumers to help improve housing affordability.

William Raveis Names Owen Tyler Regional Vice President of Carolinas, Georgia

Real estate brokerage William Raveis appointed Owen Tyler regional vice president overseeing operations in the Carolinas and Georgia.

 

Tyler is an accomplished real estate professional with over 20 years of experience in high-end residential sales, business development, and team leadership.

 

He will be responsible for expanding William Raveis' footprint in the Carolinas and Georgia, strengthening relationships with top-tier clients, and driving the growth of the firm's luxury portfolio in these key markets.

 

"Owen's extensive background in luxury real estate, combined with his deep knowledge of the real estate market, makes him the perfect fit for this leadership role," said William Raveis, founder and CEO of the family-owned company.

 

Raveis added, "He has a proven ability to grow businesses, enhance operational efficiency, and lead high-performing teams — all of which align with our vision for the firm's expansion. His leadership will be integral to our continued success in these highly competitive markets."

 

Said Tyler: "The opportunity to scale an already respected brand like William Raveis is incredibly exciting, and I'm eager to work with the team to continue to enhance our service offerings, expand our market presence, and ensure that every client's and real estate agent's experience exceeds expectations."

 

Officials said Tyler's appointment reflects the Shelton, Conn.-based firm's ongoing commitment to enhancing its leadership team and expanding its presence in the Southeast.

 

William Raveis Real Estate is the number one family-owned real estate company in Florida, the Northeast, and South Carolina, and is the fourth largest independent real estate brokerage in the United States by volume, according to RealTrends 2023. 

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