Governor Secures FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant for Upstate Fires

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Gov. Henry McMaster announced March 24, 2025, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved South Carolina’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to support efforts to contain the Table Rock Fire in Pickens County and the Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville County. 

The approval makes South Carolina eligible for a 75 percent reimbursement from the federal government for costs associated with battling the fires.

Officials said the funds will help cover expenses for personnel, equipment, and firefighting operations, including air tankers, bulldozers, and additional fire crews.

The Table Rock Fire ignited on Friday, March 21, and has burned more than 1,300 acres. The Persimmon Ridge Fire ignited on Sunday, March 23, and has burned more than 800 acres. 

The State Forester's Burning Ban remains in effect for all counties. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, and campfires.

South Carolinians are urged to take all necessary precautions to prevent wildfires, avoid activities that could spark fires, and follow instructions from local officials. 

Retailer Churn Slows Absorption Pace

The Greenville-Spartanburg retail market saw vacancy rise for the first time after several consecutive strong quarters, a blip in an overall positive trend created by new anchor vacancies in aging shopping centers, according to Colliers market analyst Will Schenk.

Schenk said in a Q4 2024 Greenville-Spartanburg retail report the new openings may simply unlock some anchor and junior anchor spatial liquidity for market entrants following the area’s rapid population growth.

Notably, Schenk said, rent spreads continue to grow between new construction and existing properties, creating windows for renovation in favorable locations or redevelopment of functionally obsolete spaces as tenant upfit costs create a barrier for tenants evaluating newly built shell spaces.

Vacancy jumped to 3.59 percent as net absorption of 21,932 square feet was outpaced by 179,280 square feet of new deliveries.

Shop space rental rates rose to $20.66 per square foot, while 6,000 square feet of new construction are in progress within tracked submarkets.

Total inventory grew to 29,256,095 square feet.

Schenk reported investment sales activity spiked in Q4 to $89.4M, the highest level since Q2 of 2022, as investors sought to deploy dry powder in markets with strong overall fundamentals.

The overall trendline remains downwards, though, as financing costs remain high and market rent growth has been gradual relative to other areas of the state.

Per capita real consumer spending showed limited year-over-year growth, a national pattern as consumer confidence wavered and discretionary spending remained largely stagnant as unemployment rose over the course of the year — though the Upstate’s steady job growth has smoothed the impact, Schenk said.

Leadership Grand Strand Accepting Applications for Class 46

Leadership Grand Strand (LGS) announced applications are being accepted for participation in Class 46, a 10-month leadership development program beginning in August.

LGS, an initiative of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, delivers leadership development through immersive training experiences and behind-the-scenes tours to key Grand Strand institutions.

Officials said the program cultivates a dynamic network of informed, committed and qualified community leaders.

“For more than four decades, LGS has stood as the preeminent program for developing future leaders and we’re eager to welcome prospective applicants for our next, highly coveted class,” said Shannon Furtick, LGS executive director.

Furtick added, “Joining Leadership Grand Strand isn't just an investment in personal development; it’s a commitment to becoming a catalyst for positive change within the community.”

LGS is open to residents of Horry or Georgetown counties. Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by an organization.

Criteria for selection include evidence of leadership abilities, potential to provide leadership to the Grand Strand, interest in community affairs, desire to volunteer and commitment to become a more involved member of the community.

Officials said participants and their sponsoring organizations must be willing to invest the time required to participate, which includes a two-day retreat in October, a full day of classes the first Thursday of each month and 75 hours of community service.

The cost of the program is $1,499 per person. Applications, along with three letters of reference, are due by June 30, 2025.

Scholarship opportunities are available through the William F. Pritchard Scholarship Fund and Bennie J. Swans Jr. Scholarship Fund.

The William F. Pritchard Scholarship Fund awards tuition assistance to qualified applicants as determined by the LGS Board of Regents.

The Bennie J. Swans Jr. Scholarship Fund provides full tuition to one applicant from an underrepresented group.

For more information and to apply for the program, go to LeadershipGrandStrand.com.

Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg School District 3, and USC Upstate Partner to Launch First Teacher Pathway Program

Spartanburg Community College (SCC), Spartanburg School District 3 (SSD3), and the University of South Carolina Upstate (USC Upstate) have partnered to create the TEACHSpartanburg program, the first Teacher Pathway Program for high school students in Spartanburg County.

Officials said the innovative initiative allows students to begin their journey toward a teaching career through dual enrollment courses with SCC and USC Upstate, earning both an associate’s degree from SCC and a bachelor’s degree from USC Upstate within two years of graduating high school.

The TEACHSpartanburg program addresses the critical teacher shortage in the county by offering a clear pathway for District 3 students to become educators within their community, the officials said.

As part of the program, students will gain real-world experience by completing student teaching assignments in District 3 classrooms, participating in mentorship programs with current teachers, and engaging in professional development opportunities designed to enhance their teaching skills.

“The TEACHSpartanburg program is a transformative opportunity for our community, offering a direct pathway to teaching careers right here in Spartanburg,” said Michael Mikota, Ph.D., president of Spartanburg Community College.

Mikota added, “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to addressing the teacher shortage while providing District 3 students with the opportunity to become leaders in the classroom.”

“This program will provide exceptional career preparation for students who want to pursue a career in teaching,” said Chancellor Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D. “That’s important to USC Upstate. We are always looking at ways to accelerate training and ready our students for the needs of the workforce.”

“We are excited to be part of this unique collaboration with Spartanburg Community College and USC Upstate,” said Julie Fowler, Ph.D., superintendent of Spartanburg School District Three.

Fowler added, “TEACHSpartanburg offers a cost-effective way for our students to prepare for a career in education, while also intentionally addressing workforce needs by utilizing our current dual enrollment program.”

Officials said the TEACHSpartanburg program is designed to provide a supportive and collaborative environment where students are mentored by experienced teachers and prepared for the classroom through hands-on teaching experiences.

The officials added the initiative is an important step toward ensuring the long-term success of Spartanburg County’s educational system by developing locally-grown educators who are deeply connected to the community they serve.

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