NFIB Praises General Assembly for Passing Bill to Protect Small Businesses

(123rf.com image)

National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) State Director Ben Homeyer last week thanked the General Assembly for passing H. 3523, critical legislation cracking down organized retail crime and protecting small businesses from financial harm.

“Small business is not immune from the threat of organized retail theft,” Homeyer said.

“This legislation gives law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to go after theft rings that exploit retailers and drive up costs for everyone.”

H.3523 strengthens existing laws by making it illegal to conspire to steal retail property valued at more than $2,000 over 90 days with the intent to resell or profit from stolen goods.

It increases penalties for those who engage in retail theft, imposing tougher fines and imprisonment for repeat offenders and those who cause property damage or injury during these crimes. The measure also introduces asset forfeiture provisions to ensure criminals do not profit from stolen goods, reinforcing the state’s commitment to protecting local businesses.

“This legislation helps small businesses by targeting large-scale retail theft rings,” Homeyer said. “We urge Governor McMaster to sign H. 3523 into law as soon as possible to give law enforcement the tools they need to fight these crimes.”

Greenville Chamber Presents Awards at Annual Meeting

The Greenville Chamber held its 136th Annual Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at the Greenville Convention Center. Presented by TD Bank, the event celebrated the Chamber’s commitment to driving economic growth, recognized outstanding business and community leaders, and set the vision for the year ahead.

During the event, TD Bank announced a $5,000 donation to support this year’s Leadership Greenville Class 51 projects, reinforcing its dedication to leadership development and community impact. This year’s Leadership Greenville projects are United Ministries and Conestee Preserve.

A highlight of the program was the panel discussion featuring prominent local leaders who shared insights on Greenville’s evolving business landscape. Panelists included:

Babette Jones, Greenville Tech Foundation and Six Nineteen of 1865 Spirits, LLC

Beth Paul, Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Joe Erwin, Greenville Triumph and Liberty Soccer Clubs

The Greenville Chamber recognized outstanding individuals and businesses for their leadership and contributions to the Upstate community:

• Small Business of the Year: Kenneth Rhodes & Associates (Sponsored by Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty)
• Minority Business of the Year: Foot Solutions
• Ambassador of the Year: Becky Ballenger
• Young Professional of the Year: Mattie Lee
• ATHENA Leadership Award: Adela Mendoza (Sponsored by Hughes Agency)
• Max Heller Neighborhood Improvement Award: Judson Mill District (Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina)
• Leadership Greenville Distinguished Alumni Award: Matt Irwin (Sponsored by Prisma Health)
• F. Ben Haskew Collaboration Award: Beth Paul (Sponsored by Furman University)
• Chairperson’s Award: Max Metcalf (Sponsored by Ogletree Deakins)
• Buck Mickel Leadership Award: Pastor Sean Dogan (Sponsored by Duke Energy)

KPMG LLO Launches Law Firm, KPMG Law US

KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax, and advisory firm, last week launched KPMG Law US, a subsidiary of KPMG LLP, marking a milestone as the first law firm owned by a Big Four firm to serve the US market.

The legal services market is experiencing rapid growth and transformation. Many businesses aim to transform their legal operations to gain a competitive advantage. KPMG Law US combines the technological capabilities of KPMG with legal services to address the evolving needs of legal departments, backed by the firm’s trusted legacy of delivering solutions when they matter most.

KPMG Law US plans to deliver a focused set of technology-enabled legal services powered by artificial intelligence and KPMG Digital Gateway, building upon the firm's established Legal Business Services practice.

The new law firm will collaborate with the KPMG global network of law firms already operating in more than 80 jurisdictions.

Together, KPMG Law US and KPMG will provide legal managed services, legal operations consulting, and advanced legal technology innovation, to help clients gain efficiencies and empower their legal teams to concentrate on strategic priorities.

“KPMG is uniquely positioned to transform the delivery of legal services,” said Rema Serafi, Vice Chair – Tax, KPMG LLP.

“By combining cutting-edge artificial intelligence and advanced technology solutions with legal services, we are proud to be a first mover with this capability and to offer the most holistic range of tech-enabled services in the marketplace for our clients' evolving needs.”

Building on the established presence of KPMG in Arizona, where more than 100 clients are currently being served, KPMG Law US will operate as an independently managed subsidiary of KPMG and maintain strategic alignment with the KPMG Tax practice.

This approach combines innovation with the longstanding KPMG commitment to quality, ethics, independence, and professional standards, so clients may benefit from comprehensive, integrated professional services.

Greenville Triumph Announces Partnership With Prisma Health

The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club has announced a multi-year partnership with Prisma Health, the official medical provider of Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.

Prisma Health, the official medical partner of the Greenville Triumph, will be featured on the front of the Triumph’s match and training kits beginning with the 2025 home opener on March 8.

The partnership will provide best-in-class medical care to Triumph players as the team enters its seventh season of competition.

The organizations will collaborate on community and fan-facing initiatives, highlighted by encouraging Triumph fans to prioritize their health and well-being. The announcement is an expansion of Prisma’s relationship with Greenville soccer, as the health system has been partnered with the Greenville Liberty women’s pre-professional team since its inception in 2022.

“At Prisma Health, we believe that strong communities are built through collaboration, and we are proud to deepen our partnership with the Greenville Triumph to advance health and wellness in the communities we serve,” said Mark O’Halla, president and CEO of Prisma Health.

“Partnerships like this represent our commitment to inspiring healthier lifestyles and creating a lasting community impact.”

Prisma Health recognizes the importance of community outreach in ensuring a high quality of life for the communities it serves. Prisma has a comprehensive community benefit program, including mobile health services, education of health professionals, subsidized health services for those who can’t afford them, research, and financial and in-kind contributions.

In addition to offering health fairs, screenings, and information sessions, the organization collaborates with local groups and educational institutions to train healthcare workers and to ensure access to basic medical services for everyone.

Triumph SC will begin its seventh season March 8 against Westchester SC in Furman’s Paladin Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

Allow us to tell your company's Business Narrative. Send your press release to David Dykes or for more information email [email protected]