Countybank Promotes Attorney To Executive Vice President
The Countybank Board of Directors recently elected James T. “Jamie” Hedgepath as an Executive Vice President.
Hedgepath, who serves as General Counsel and Chief Human Resource Officer, joined Countybank in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in employment and employee benefit law. He has held the title of Senior Vice President of Countybank since 2022.
“Jamie’s leadership role in our organization has been instrumental to our success,” said R. Thornwell Dunlap III, President and CEO of Countybank and Chairman of the Board of Directors. “His thoughtful approach to developing and implementing Countybank’s workforce strategy has had a strong, positive impact on our company culture and enhanced our ability to recruit and retain top talent.”
In addition to his work in legal matters and human resource strategy, Hedgepath will guide Countybank on employee management, organization, performance, training, development and compensation.
Before joining Countybank, he was a partner at Nexsen Pruet LLC and focused on advising employers about employment and employee benefit issues. He is also an experienced litigator and appellate practitioner.
Hedgepath graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law; he has an MBA from Clemson University. He is certified by the S.C. Supreme Court as an Employment and Labor Law Specialist. He lives in Anderson.
Cothran Properties Names Director, General Counsel
Cothran Properties, a Greenville-based commercial, industrial and residential developer, named Ellis Forest III as Director of Development and General Counsel.
Forest will handle legal matters associated with land development, land acquisitions and leasing for Cothran’s portfolio.
Before joining Cothran Properties, Forest was a builder services attorney for Galbreath Costner LLC in Greenville. He specialized in land and lot transactions for national, regional and local home builders.
As Director of Development, Forest will help identify and acquire property to build Class-A industrial and spec buildings for single- and multi-tenant occupants and secure land for the company’s residential division, Cothran Homes.
Cothran Homes designs, builds and develops residential communities in the Upstate.
Forest said he has watched Mark Cothran – founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cothran Properties and Cothran Homes – grow and expand his real estate portfolio.
“It’s exciting to work with Mark and the Cothran team to identify new opportunities to shape future developments in the Upstate,” Forest said.
Cothran said it was the right time to bring a real estate attorney into the firm “to help our team achieve our aggressive vision to bring to market move-in ready commercial and residential developments.”
Forest graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He also holds real estate licenses in North Carolina and South Carolina. He was named Attorney of the Year by the Home Builders Association of Greenville in 2021, 2022 and 2023. He served on the Greenville County Planning Commission from 2019 to 2022.
Cothran Homes is a privately owned full-service homebuilder specializing in single-family homes and multi-family developments in Mauldin, Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest and Greenville. The firm has an in-house team of craftsmen, designers, sales professionals and construction experts. It specializes in high-end design.
Cothran Properties has developed retail, industrial, commercial, residential subdivisions, and townhome developments in and around the Southeast since 1986.
Hamrick’s Celebrates 80 Years In Business
Hamrick’s, a retail chain known for its selection of name-brand apparel and home goods, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
Since opening its doors in 1945, Hamrick’s has grown and adapted to meet the needs of its customers while staying true to its values of quality, affordability and customer service, according to a press release.
From its beginnings in Gaffney, Hamrick’s now operates more than 20 locations across the Southeast.
“We are incredibly proud of our 80-year history and the trust our customers have placed in us over the years,” said Barry Hamrick, CEO of Hamrick’s.
“Our success is truly a reflection of our dedicated employees and the loyal customers who have supported us since Day 1. We’ve always prided ourselves on delivering the best prices, the best selection, and the best customer service. We look forward to continuing that tradition. Cheers to 80 years, and many more to come.”
As part of its anniversary celebrations, Hamrick’s is hosting special events, promotions and sales throughout the year. The efforts are designed to bring the Hamrick’s experience to more shoppers and celebrate the store’s legacy.
Meanwhile, Hamrick’s plans to continue expanding and innovating while exploring new ways to enhance the customer experience, in-store and online.
Hamrick’s is a family-owned retail chain that has built a reputation for high-quality, name-brand products at affordable prices, according to a press release. The stores sell clothing, shoes, home goods, and accessories.
Community Manager Chosen At Community Innovation Hub
Jud Hub, a collaborative social innovation hub in the historic Judson Mill District in Greenville, has appointed Brielle Golden as Community Manager.
Golden has 16 years of customer service experience and a background in property management.
Jud Hub is a collection of social innovators that also fosters community connections throughout Greenville.
“I look forward to growing the presence of the organization in the community and meeting new people,” Golden said. “The Jud Hub’s mission to foster a collaborative and inclusive space for social impact is truly inspiring. What stands out is its commitment to bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to create meaningful change.”
As Community Manager, Golden will oversee the 18,000-square-foot space and collaborate with community leaders on resources, events, and programming that benefit the neighborhood and nonprofit membership at Jud Hub. She will serve as the contact for leasing space at Jud Hub.
Before joining the Jud Hub, Golden oversaw 20 property management associations in the Upstate.
“Brielle’s impressive background in property management combined with her passion for community building and social impact makes her an ideal fit for this role,” said Matt Springer, a Judson Mill District partner and principal at Madrock Advisors.
Interested parties can visit Golden during March and April and receive a week of free coworking space.
Jud Hub offers resources and community connections to nonprofits, social entrepreneurs and mission-driven companies. Leasing options and coworking memberships are available, along with meeting rooms, special event space and free professional assistance. For information, go to www.judhub.com.
Judson Mill District is a mixed-use community on the site of what was the largest textile mill in Greenville County. It is home to office, restaurant, brewery, retail, entertainment and residential spaces.
Story By Local Teacher Comes To Greenville As Film
The award-winning “Lucy and the Lake Monster” will make its South Carolina premiere March 29 at the Reedy Reels film festival.
“Lucy and the Lake Monster” tells the tale of an 8-year-old orphan, Lucy, and her grandfather and their search for a sea serpent in Lake Champlain in New York. They battle bullies, naysayers, and forces seeking to exploit them.
Their journey is an allegory for the search for spirituality and carries a strong anti-bullying message.
The film is based on a book written by Kelly Tabor Cromer, a retired Greenville County Schools teacher, and filmmaker Richard Rossi. Comer shared her remembrances of the lake and the legendary serpent with the children she taught over decades at Greenville County Schools, most notably at Paris Elementary School in Taylors.
A rough cut of “Lucy and the Lake Monster” was shown in Greenville last year. But the official debut is at 9:30 a.m. March 29 at Reedy Reels: The Greenville Film Festival. The full festival will take place March 28 through March 30 at South Carolina Children’s Theatre, 153 Augusta St.
“We are excited to show ‘Lucy and the Lake Monster’ as a full-length family-oriented movie,” said Ken Seay, a founder of the festival. “This is the first time we are showing a film based on the work of a Greenville-based author.”
“Lucy and the Lake Monster” was named Best Family Film at the World Film Festival in Cannes, Audience Choice Award at the Great Lakes Christian Film Festival, Award of Recognition at the Accolade Competition, and Best Film at the Christian Film Festival, Menchville Baptist Church.
Cromer and the filmmaker became friends as undergraduates at Liberty University in Virginia.
Rossi wrote, directed and starred in “Canaan Land”; he wrote and directed “Baseball’s Last Hero: 21 Clemente Stories,” which stars Olympian Jamie Nieto and Project Runway winner Marilinda Rivera.
Rossi was inspired to write a children’s story after becoming a grandfather. He recalled Cromer’s stories of Champ, the legendary creature that lived in Lake Champlain, and her childhood searches for the famed creature.
Rossi and Cromer authored the book together, often by Zoom; Rossi lives in California, and Cromer lives in Greenville.
The film stars Emma Pearson as Lucy; Rossi plays the grandfather; Cromer plays a teacher, Miss Marino.
The book, DVDs and posters will be available for purchase and signing at Reedy Reels.
For information, go to www.lucyandthelakemonster.com; to purchase a ticket, go to www.reedyreels.com/tickets. (To see “Lucy and the Lake Monster,” make sure to purchase a ticket or tickets for the Saturday morning period.)
Upstate Forever Luncheon Honors Conservation Advocates
The Upstate Forever ForeverGreen Annual Awards Luncheon will celebrate individuals and organizations that have contributed to conservation and sustainable growth. This year’s event will also include an Earth Day celebration.
The luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22 at The Annex at Judson Mill, 701 Easley Bridge Road, Suite 4120, in Greenville.
In addition to recognizing the award winners, poet Glenis Redmond will join the luncheon and read from her work. Redmond’s nature-inspired poetry illustrates the beauty of the region’s lands and waters.
Redmond is Greenville’s inaugural Poet Laureate, a Baldwin Fellow, and a Poet Laureate Fellow 2023 – selected by the American Academy of Poets. She was named a Citizen Diplomat with the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center.
Honorees at the luncheon are:
Tommy Wyche Land Conservation Champion:
the Honorable Ted Shehan, for decades-long commitment to public service and volunteer efforts to expand awareness of conservation initiatives.
Clean Water Champion:
Melanie Ruhlman, President of Save Our Saluda, for tireless efforts to protect rivers and streams in the Saluda River Basin and across the state.
Public Servant of the Year:
S.C. Rep. Patrick Haddon, for visionary leadership on the Working Lands Preservation Act, which makes land conservation more accessible for farmers.
“Each of these three individuals has made an indelible impact on Upstate South Carolina’s natural resources — from treasured public greenspaces to our recreational and drinking water sources, and even the local farms that support our food systems,” said Aldon Knight, Upstate Forever’s Executive Director.
Early bird tickets will be available for $45 per person through March 23. After that, tickets are $60. For information or tickets, go to www.upstateforever.org/forevergreen-2025. For information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Murray Benson at murray@smoakpr.com.
Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1998 to protect lands, waters and the unique character of the Upstate. Upstate Forever has offices in Greenville and Spartanburg. For information, go to www.upstateforever.org.
Thrive Upstate Celebrates By ‘Drumming Up Awareness’
Thrive Upstate, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities in Greenville County, is inviting the community to join “Drumming Up Awareness,” from noon to 1 p.m. March 28 outside of the Peace Center in Downtown Greenville.
The event will showcase the talent of individuals who take part in Thrive Upstate’s day programs. It will also promote the organization’s message of inclusion and community support.
“Drumming Up Awareness” is created, not just as a performance, but as an opportunity for the community to come together, show support and recognize the contributions of individuals with disabilities.
“This event is a wonderful chance to appreciate the diverse talents of our participants,” said Tyler Rex, Executive Director at Thrive Upstate. “We believe everyone deserves a chance to shine, and we encourage everyone to come out and experience the joy and spirit of our talented individuals.” March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
“Drumming Up Awareness” will feature live drumming performances, information and resources, and uplifting stories that emphasize the capabilities and strengths of people with disabilities.
For information, go to thriveupstate.org or contact Jason Currin at (864) 960-5452 or jason.currin@thriveupstate.org.
Thrive Upstate offers services to people in Greenville County with disabilities, from birth to the end of their lives. The organization provides innovative and diverse programming, community engagement, and empowering opportunities to work and play.
March Well Walkers Dates
Bon Secours St. Francis Health System and the Bon Secours Wellness Arena have announced March dates for their Well Walkers program.
The concourse will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18, March 20, March 25 and March 27.
Each loop around the concourse is a quarter-mile. Well Walkers is free and open to anyone; no registration is necessary. Free parking for Well Walkers participants is provided in the VIP lot at the arena, off Church Street.
Simpsonville Chamber Event Focuses On Health & Wellness
The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Health & Wellness Expo, presented by Davis Audiology, from 9 a.m. to noon March 26.
The free event will promote health, wellness and recreation resources for all ages. Exhibitors and activities will provide information about health care, holistic health, exercise and fitness, diet, retirement and investment planning, medical aesthetics and other topics.
The Health & Wellness Expo will take place at the Prisma Health Family YMCA, 550 Brookwood Point Place in Simpsonville.
Coffee will be served, and each person who attends will receive a gift bag. For information, go to simpsonvillechamber.com/ and click on the Events Calendar.
