Community, Financial Expert Joins Prisma Board of Directors
Robert F. Dozier has been elected to the Prisma Health Board of Directors. Dozier has an extensive background in leadership and financial services and a lifelong commitment to the community.
Dozier has more than 34 years of experience in the financial services and mortgage industry. He currently serves as President and CEO of Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, a $1.3 billion financial institution based in Columbia.
He has served on the boards of the University of South Carolina, Midlands Technical College, Richland School District 2, Palmetto Health Foundation, and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He also has worked with organizations such as the Midlands Education and Business Alliance and the state chamber’s Education and Workforce Development Council.
Dozier is recognized as a leader in board governance, housing, leadership and the economy.
Prisma Health’s President and CEO, Mark O’Halla, expressed enthusiasm for Dozier’s appointment.
“Robert’s lifelong commitment to service has made a profound impact in the business community. His long history of community outreach and leadership brings the right mix of skills and experience to help advance our mission to improve the health and well-being of all South Carolinians,” O’Halla said.
Dozier said in a statement that he is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the community. “Together we’ll address the health needs of those we serve as we advance Prisma Health’s purpose,” he said.
Craig Brown, chair of the Prisma Health Board, also welcomed Dozier. “His business leadership and community engagement will be invaluable as we continue to grow and expand our services throughout South Carolina.”
In addition to Brown, O’Halla and Dozier, board members are Shaniece Criss, Jean E. Duke, Calvin Elam, Frances D. Ellison, S. Richard Hagins, George S. King Jr., Dr. Clayton Lowder, Michelle B. Seaver, the Rev. Thomas Simmons, James E. Wheeler and Richard Wilkerson.
Prisma Health is a private, nonprofit health company and the largest health care organization in South Carolina.
Leadership Class Unveils Mural
The third class of Leadership Golden Strip recently celebrated the completion of a part of their service project: a mural in downtown Simpsonville, on the north side of Willy Taco.
Leadership Golden Strip is a collaborative leadership development program of participants from Mauldin, Simpsonville and Fountain Inn. The program, which includes a service project, is sponsored by the chambers of commerce.
As its project, the class chose to connect and engage the communities with murals. The murals will be unveiled at B.W. Burdette & Son Hardware in Fountain Inn and the Mauldin Cultural Center, in addition to the Willy Taco, 129 N. Main St.
The Leadership Golden Strip class raised $30,000 to help fund the project, which was commissioned through Art Houzze of the Upstate.
Simpsonville Chamber Focuses On Mental Health
The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Women’s Impact Network will meet from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. May 7 at the chamber’s Prisma Health Conference Room, 105A W. Curtis St.
The Women’s Impact Network offers coffee, networking, and a chance to give back to the community. Each month’s event includes presentations from a monthly sponsor and a local nonprofit organization.
The May meeting will spotlight Mental Health Awareness Month. Dr. Rachel S. Brown will share tools and insight to manage workplace stress. Brown is a Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist with Prisma Health. Guests will also hear from Compass of Carolina, a nonprofit that helps people seeking to improve their lives and relationships.
To register, go to Simpsonville Chamber Women’s Impact Network.
Simpsonville Chamber Starts Men’s Networking Events
The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce is starting a Men’s Engagement Network. The first event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. May 8 at Scuffletown Food Truck Park, 206 Ladean Court.
The quarterly meeting will offer a way to end the workday by networking with other men in business and giving back to the community. Each event will include presentations from a sponsor and a local nonprofit.
Attendance is free for chamber members and $5 for non-members. To register, go to Men’s Engagement Network.
Plastic Surgeons Open Offices In Greenville, Greenwood
Plastic surgeons Dr. Beau Fowler and Dr. Wesley Culpepper are opening a new, private practice, Cedar Rock Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. The practice will have locations in Greenville and Greenwood.
Fowler and Culpepper have expertise in a range of procedures, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelifts, blepharoplasty, and treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers.
“At Cedar Rock Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, our goal is to empower our patients to look and feel their best,” Fowler said.
“We provide … care tailored to each patient’s needs and goals,” Culpepper said. “From the initial consultation to post-operative care, our team is committed to delivering the highest standard of care in a warm and welcoming environment.”
Cedar Rock Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics offers surgical and non-surgical procedures. Registered nurses, nurse aestheticians and medical aestheticians will provide facials, laser treatments and chemical peels.
Anderson County Fair Provides Info On Activities
The Great Anderson County Fair will take place through May 12 at Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center.
Entertainment includes:
A free dog show featuring champion Frisbee dogs, diving dogs, and jumping dogs. Fans can interact with the dogs after the shows, which will take place at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Lady Houdini, aka Kristen Johnson, an escape artist who broke Harry Houdini’s record for most water escapes. She attempts the “water torture cell.” She performs free at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Magic Man T.J. Hill has performed comedy and magic for over a decade. He will roam the grounds daily.
Other activities are the Sea Lion Splash, Rosaire’s Royal Racers, and Eudora Farms Petting Zoo.
A new thrill ride is the Auto-Bahn. Three new family-friendly rides are Bouncing Kangaroos, Balloon Ride, and Runaway Train. Returning after a five-year absence is the stomach-dropping Pirate Ship.
Fair food will include Culler’s French Fries, funnel cakes, cotton candy, roasted corn, pickle pizza, corndogs, and more. New food vendors are Country Roads Kettle Corn, Dippin Dots, Jumbo Grilled Cheese, and Sattler’s Sirloin Steak Tips & Bourbon Chicken.
A new youth policy requires all individuals under the age of 17 to be accompanied by a parent at all times. Bags must be clear and adhere to guidelines available on the fair website. All guests will enter through metal detectors. For other rules, see the fair website.
May 5: Admission and rides are free from 12:30 to 2 p.m. for students ages 18 and under. The special does not include admission.
May 6: Admission is free for students under the age of 18.
May 7: Teachers are admitted free with a school ID.
May 8: College students are admitted free with a valid college ID.
May 9: Heroes – active, reserve or retired military veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and health care workers – are admitted free with valid ID.
May 10: Unlimited rides for $25. The special does not include admission.
May 11: Free admission and rides will be offered from 11 a.m. to noon.
May 12: Mother’s Day will include free admission for moms.
For details about prices and specials and other information, go to thegreatandersoncountyfair.com.
Blues, Brews & BBQ Hosted By Ten At Top
Ten at the Top is hosting its fourth annual Blues, Brews & BBQ from 4 to 7 p.m. May 16 at the Greenville Downtown Airport Tarmac.
Tickets are $30 and include barbecue, desserts and cold drinks from Upstate vendors; an opportunity to network with regional leaders and change-makers; music from Mac Arnold and Plate Full o’ Blues; a chance to learn more about the Upstate Mobility Alliance initiatives and jam to a Tiny Bus Concert produced by Greenville Connects; and a chance to win a Discovery Flight from Greenville Aviation.
To register, go to Blues, Brews & BBQ.
Current TATT funding partners should have received an email about complimentary tickets. If not or for more information, email Lena Dunham, ldunham@tenatthetop.org.
Sippin’ In Simpsonville Features Craft Beer, Tour
Sippin’ In Simpsonville, a Craft Beer Tasting Tour of Downtown Simpsonville, presented by H2E Construction, will be held at 6 p.m. May 17.
The tastings will take place during a walking tour of Downtown Simpsonville’s shops and businesses. The event will feature retail vendors, live music, local food, and more. The route will feature more than 30 businesses pouring 2-ounce samples of local, craft and seasonal brews.
Regular tickets are $30 and include tastings and a commemorative glass. VIP tickets are $50 and include tastings, a commemorative glass, early check-in, a mix-and-match six-pack of beer to take home, and a VIP gift. For information and tickets, go to Sippin in Simpsonville.
Local Appraiser To Lead Association
Malinda Griffin has been installed as President of the National Appraisers Association. Griffin founded Malinda Griffin & Co. in 1990 as a Certified Residential Appraiser and Real Estate Abstractor and has worked in the Upstate for more than 30 years. She was the 2020 President of the South Carolina Professional Appraisers Coalition.
Greenville Jewish Federation Launches Family Services
The Greenville Jewish Federation has launched an initiative aimed at providing essential social support services to adults and families of all faiths across the Upstate.
Jewish Family Services of the Upstate addresses critical needs in the community with a focus on the aging population and underserved groups, said Courtney Tessler, CEO of Greenville Jewish Federation. This is the first formal Jewish Family Services program in the Upstate.
The program is funded by grants from the Sephardic Foundation on Aging and the Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors.
Miki Karni will lead the program; she is a social worker with 26 years of experience in Israel. Now licensed in South Carolina, Karni said she is eager to build Jewish Family Services.
“Though I’m new in America, I believe that everything I have done and learned throughout my career will be useful and helpful here,” she said.
Karni specialized in chronic and severe illness, domestic violence, and children and adults with special needs.
“We’ve known there has been a need for JFS for some time,” Tessler said. “We are proud to … fulfill a vital role in our community.”
Jewish Family Services of the Upstate will promote well-being, resilience and dignity for all, Tessler said.
The Greenville Jewish Federation serves and strengthens the Jewish community in Greenville and neighboring counties. The federation supports educational programs, social services, cultural events, and advocacy efforts that promote Jewish values, heritage and unity. For information, go to jewishgreenville.org.
Mast General Collaborates With Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn
Mast General Store is collaborating with Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn. The new flavor is Mast Store Provisioners Candy Barrel popcorn, which is now available at all locations.
The Candy Barrel section is one of the most popular spots in the store, said Teresa Plaag, Mast Store’s food buyer. “It is like a walk down memory lane,” she said.
The Poppy popcorn incorporates salted caramel popcorn drizzled with white and dark chocolate, rainbow sprinkles, and mini-M&Ms. The companies worked together previously on Apple Butter popcorn.
Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn is based in Asheville and was founded in 2014 by CEO Ginger Frank.
Mast General Store has 11 locations in 10 towns across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Mast Store is family- and employee-owned.
Piedmont Orthopaedics Opens New Office In Greenville
Bon Secours Piedmont Orthopaedics is expanding with a new office at 180 Halton Road in Greenville. The office is open. It is the sixth location for Piedmont Orthopedics.
“This state-of-the-art location will help us better serve and care for patients,” said Jeremy Skoog, Senior Director of Medical Group Operations for the orthopedics service line. “Patient access to top-notch orthopedic care is incredibly important to us, and this location will make an immediate impact by accommodating our growing team of professionals.”
The facility will primarily serve patients with hand and spine issues. Certified hand therapists will be on-site.
Countybank Foundation Donates To American Heart Association
The Countybank Foundation, established in 1971 to represent Countybank and Greenwood Capital, donated $5,000 to the Upstate American Heart Association.
The donation will support CPR training for Upstate residents and help fund entities that provide healthy food to residents in food deserts.
The AHA Heartsaver course trains participants to provide first aid and CPR, to use an automated external defibrillator, and to respond to symptoms of a stroke.
“This program has enabled us to provide first aid and CPR training to Countybank and Greenwood Capital associates, certifying them to help others in an emergency,” said Ken Harper, Chief Banking Officer for Countybank.
For information about the American Heart Association, go to Heart Association South Carolina.