Author: Casey Brewington

Major League Fishing Set to Visit Lake Hartwell

High School Major League Fishing guys

ANDERSON, S.C. (Oct. 22, 2025) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI and Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse circuits are set to visit Anderson, South Carolina, this weekend, Oct. 24-25, for the final regular-season events of the 2025 season – the Abu Garcia College Fishing at Lake Hartwell Open Presented by Columbia PFG on Friday, and the Abu Garcia High School Fishing at Lake Hartwell Open Presented by Columbia PFG on Saturday.

 

The two one-day bass tournaments, hosted by Visit Anderson, will showcase top student anglers from across the region competing to qualify for their respective National Championship events. The top finishing college teams will also take home payouts, including $2,000 to the winner.

 

Anglers will begin each day at 7:30 a.m. ET, launching from Green Pond Landing, located at 470 Green Pond Road in Anderson. Weigh-ins will take place at the boat ramp, starting at 3:30 p.m. each day. Fans are invited to attend in person and can also stay connected by following the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily updates on MajorLeagueFishing.com.

 

The 2025 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI season features college teams from across the country competing in six regular-season open tournaments. The top 15 percent of teams from each regular-season tournament advance to the 2026 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship.

 

MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse tournaments are free, two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12 and are open to any MLF and TBF Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10% of teams at each Open event, along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships, advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.

 

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI and the Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Columbia PFG, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Humminbird,  Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota , WIX Filters and YETI.

 

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular MLF College Fishing and High School Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

 

About Major League Fishing

Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.

Eastern Engineered Wood Products Coming to Anderson County

Eastern Engineered Wood Products Logo

Eastern Engineered Wood Products selects Anderson County to establish first South Carolina operation

$18.7 million investment will create 31 new jobs

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. Eastern Engineered Wood Products (Eastern), a wholesale distributor of engineered wood products, today announced it selects Anderson County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The $18.7 million investment will create 31 new jobs.

 

Founded in Pennsylvania in 1998, Eastern supplies engineered wood products to building materials dealers and lumberyards across the East Coast. The company also provides technical support to customers including product placement drawings, product specification assistance, and sales education.

Eastern’s new distribution center, to be located at 110 Milliken Drive in Belton, will service lumber dealers and component manufacturers in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Operations are expected to start later this year with full completion of the project in early 2026. Individuals interested in joining the Eastern team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Anderson County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.

QUOTES

“Establishing this new location in Anderson County, South Carolina is an exciting next step in our growth and expansion strategy. We have long recognized the need for our products and services in the Southeast, and the Upstate of South Carolina is the ideal area from which to support that need. Support from the state and local authorities has been tremendous, and we look forward to working together as we grow our operation.”
-Eastern Engineered Wood Products President Todd Lindsey

“When companies like Eastern Engineered Wood Products choose to establish operations in South Carolina, it’s a win for our people, the community and the entire state. Eastern’s $18.7 million investment is great news for Anderson County, and we congratulate the company on this new distribution operation.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina’s premier location makes it the perfect place for distribution companies to move products efficiently to customers. Congratulations to Eastern Engineered Wood Products and Anderson County on this announcement and 31 new jobs it will bring to the Upstate. We are proud to welcome Eastern to our business community.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Congratulations to Eastern Engineered Wood Products on its investment in Anderson County. We are excited and grateful for the job creation and investment that will add to our ever-growing economy. Anderson County is committed to a strong partnership with our industries and will do what we can to help them succeed.”
-Anderson County Councilman Greg Elgin

“The city of Belton is proud to welcome Eastern Engineered Wood Products to our community. We are thankful for the opportunities and resources Eastern will bring to our city. We look forward to being a part of Eastern’s prosperous future.”
-City of Belton Mayor Eleanor Dorn

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Eastern Engineered Wood Products (Eastern) selects Anderson County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation.
  • The company’s $18.7 million investment will create 31 new jobs.
  • Eastern is a wholesale distributor of engineered wood products.
  • The company will be located at 110 Milliken Drive in Belton, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Eastern teamshould visit the company’s careers page.


About S.C. Commerce

Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation. As the state’s lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) works to recruit and support companies of all sizes in their quest to launch, expand and build a legacy. With proactive, strategic initiatives that help the agency create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, S.C. Commerce champions new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging and established industries alike. S.C. Commerce is the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of state leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholders exploring advanced energy. Recognized for its pro-business climate and policies that have attracted global brands and industry leaders, South Carolina is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle – allowing people to live and work where they love. For more information, visit www.sccommerce.com.

Harbor Freight Tools Grows South Carolina Footprint with New Operation in Anderson County

Harbor Freight Logo

COLUMBIA, S.C. Harbor Freight Tools, a leading retailer of tools and equipment, today announced it is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new operation in Anderson County. The company’s $30 million investment will create 36 new jobs.

 

Founded in 1977, Harbor Freight Tools is a retailer of value-priced, high-quality tools and equipment, including hand, power, automotive and industrial tools. The company established its first South Carolina operation, a distribution center located in Dillon County, in 2002.

Harbor Freight Tools plans to lease a 76,171-square-foot research, development and innovation facility located at 130 Frontage Road in Piedmont. The new facility will consist of office space, research and development labs, and a warehouse for the design, development and testing of tools.

Operations are expected to be online in late 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Harbor Freight Tools team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

QUOTES

“Today’s announcement strengthens our well-established partnership with Harbor Freight Tools. The company’s decision to invest and create 36 jobs in Anderson County is a major vote of confidence in South Carolina, and we proudly support Harbor Freight Tools’ newest operation in our state.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“We are thrilled Harbor Freight Tools decided to continue doing business in South Carolina by establishing a new research and development facility in Anderson County. This $30 million investment is great news for the Upstate, and we look forward to the company’s continued growth in the years ahead.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We are pleased that Harbor Freight has chosen to grow their company in Anderson County. The announcement of $30 million in capital investment and 36 new jobs will offer an opportunity for a brighter future for many in our area. This project is a great fit for Anderson County, and I look forward to seeing them grow.”
-Anderson County Councilman Jimmy Davis

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Harbor Freight Tools is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new operation in Anderson County.
  • The company’s $30 million investment will create 36 new jobs.
  • Harbor Freight Tools is a leading retailer of tools and equipment.
  • The company will be located at 130 Frontage Road in Piedmont, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Harbor Freight Tools team should visit the company’s careers page.


About S.C. Commerce

Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation. As the state’s lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) works to recruit and support companies of all sizes in their quest to launch, expand and build a legacy. With proactive, strategic initiatives that help the agency create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, S.C. Commerce champions new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging and established industries alike. S.C. Commerce is the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of state leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholders exploring advanced energy. Recognized for its pro-business climate and policies that have attracted global brands and industry leaders, South Carolina is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle – allowing people to live and work where they love. For more information, visit www.sccommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kelly Coakley

Director of Marketing and Communications

South Carolina Department of Commerce

(803) 737-1998

kcoakley@sccommerce.com

www.SCcommerce.com

Halton MEI USA, Inc. selects Anderson County for first South Carolina operation

Halton Marine Logo

COLUMBIA, S.C. Halton MEI USA, Inc. (Halton), a leader in indoor climate technology, today announced it selects Anderson County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation – a manufacturing facility. The $2.6 million investment will create 65 new jobs.

 

Founded in Finland in 1969, Halton is a family-owned, global technology leader providing indoor air solutions to customers in over 35 countries. The company designs, manufactures, and delivers indoor environment products for demanding spaces including marine, energy and heavy industry environments.

Halton will lease a 39,000-square-foot space located at 120 Exchange Logistics Park Drive, Piedmont.

Operations are expected to be online in August 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Halton team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Anderson County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

“Establishing a manufacturing facility in North America aligns with our growth strategy, especially for the green transition, supporting our customers’ needs for local supplies and local content. We have identified a great growth potential across all our segments in the Americas. Our team worked closely with the state of South Carolina, the county of Anderson and the Upstate Alliance business development team. Their collective efforts and cooperation were instrumental in determining the optimal location for our investment.”
-Halton Marine Managing Director Sami Piirainen

“South Carolina’s strong reputation in advanced manufacturing makes it the perfect location for Halton’s new operation and $2.6 million investment. We are proud to welcome the company to Anderson County and look forward to working together in the years ahead.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“Today’s announcement is great news for Anderson County and our state. We are thrilled Halton chose South Carolina for its newest manufacturing operation, creating 65 new jobs and supporting the local economy.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We’re all about family here in Anderson County, so bringing a family-owned company like Halton into our community is great. This project is a great fit for us, and I look forward to seeing them succeed.”
-Anderson County Councilman Jimmy Davis

“Congratulations to Halton MEI on selecting Upstate S.C. for its continued growth. We’re excited to welcome this innovative, family-owned and sustainably focused Finnish company to the region’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem.”
-Upstate SC Alliance President and CEO John Lummus

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Halton MEI USA, Inc. (Halton) selects Anderson County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation.
  • The company’s $2.6 million investment will create 65 new jobs.
  • Halton is a leader in indoor climate technology.
  • The company will be located at 120 Exchange Logistics Park Drive in Piedmont, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Halton team should visit the company’s careers page.


About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kelly Coakley

Director of Marketing and Communications

South Carolina Department of Commerce

(803) 737-1998

kcoakley@sccommerce.com

www.SCcommerce.com

Celebrate Anderson’s 25th Anniversary

For 25 years, Anderson County has invited the community to “Celebrate Anderson” by hosting a free concert and fireworks show at the William A. Floyd Amphitheater over the Labor Day Weekend.  This year, in honor of reaching the 25th anniversary milestone, friends and family can enjoy two big nights of entertainment along with vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages.  Anderson County, WSSL, and WESC are excited to welcome national touring artists Randy Houser on Saturday, August 31, and Ashley McBryde on Sunday, September 1.

“Anderson County is thrilled to expand headlining concerts on both Saturday and Sunday,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns.  “Celebrate Anderson has been something families can look forward to being free for 25 years, and we are thankful for the continued support of our partners at Michelin and Arthrex in making this possible.”

Both concerts are FREE but do require a free ticket to enter. Organizers are expecting both events to reach capacity and encourage fans to get tickets early. You can secure your ticket beginning at 10:00 am EST at www.andersonevents.com.

 Lawn tickets are for fans who wish to bring their blankets and chairs to set up on the lawn. Standing Room Only tickets are for those who want to stand up close to the stage where chairs are not permitted. Fans are reminded that securing the free tickets helps organizers best prepare and communicate important information to ticket holders about the event.

“Ashley McBryde is an incredible talent; she recently co-hosted CMA fest in Nashville; she is a Grammy, CMA, and ACM winner and was nominated for her membership to the Grand Ole Opry by Country Legend Garth Brooks. She is currently touring with her latest album; The Devil I Know. We are thrilled to welcome her to Anderson and know she will put on an incredible show,” Kix Layton, Vice President of Programming at iHeart Media said. “And Randy is an exceptional singer-songwriter who never fails to impress a live audience; he will raise the roof of that amphitheater on Saturday night,” Kix continued, “It’s honestly hard to believe that shows of this caliber are free and open to all. Way to go, Anderson County!”

For more information about sponsorship and vendor opportunities at Celebrate Anderson, please email Adrienne Cole, celebrateanderson@andersoncountysc.org

 

About Anderson County Sports and Entertainment Center:  ASEC is a live event and festival venue featuring a 12,000-capacity amphitheater, civic center, and park. The sports fields schedule numerous sporting tournaments, family reunions, and special events.  The festival grounds also host the annual fair, hot air balloon events, and the largest music festival in the upstate, Rock the Country.

Learn more at www.andersonevents.com

 

Link to both event tickets here.

 

Artist approved images and event assets may be found here.

About Ashley McBryde: GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM award winner Ashley McBryde cut her teeth playing country songs in biker bars – and it shows. The Grand Ole Opry member’s 2018 major label debut Girl Going Nowhere (Warner Music Nashville) charmed The New York Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, Paste, The Washington Post, and more, all en route to landing a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album.

McBryde closed out 2019 with ACM New Female Artist, CMT Breakout Artist, a New Artist of the Year win at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards, and two nominations for the 2020 Grammys for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” Her follow-up Never Will was tagged by Rolling Stone as one of the most anticipated of the year alongside NPR, who also ranked her Top 10 RIAA Platinum-Certified single “One Night Standards” as one of the best songs of 2019. The album earned McBryde a 2021 GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, making Never Will the only album nominated for Country Album of the Year by the ACMs, CMAs, and the Recording Academy in the same award season.

Her GRAMMY-winning duet with Carly Pearce, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” went all the way to No. 1 and earned McBryde and Pearce the ACM and CMA award for Musical Event of the Year. McBryde was also honored with the 2022 CMA International Artist Achievement Award for the most significant creative growth, development, and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States. Her collaborative project Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville featuring Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, Pillbox Patti, Caylee Hammack, Aaron Raitiere and Benjy Davis earned McBryde her third consecutive GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, making her a six-time GRAMMY nominee. Upon its release, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville garnered applause from The New York Times, NPR, Variety, Vulture, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Billboard and Stereogum, among many more.

With 11 songs all co-written by the Arkansas native, The Devil I Know is available now, featuring chart-climbing lead single “Light On In The Kitchen.” McBryde recently announced new shows through Summer 2024 with The Devil I Know Tour Presented by Ariat.

 

For more information, visit Ashley McBryde.com or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.

 

About Randy Houser: With an inimitable voice The New York Times describes as “wholly different, thicker and more throbbing, a caldron bubbling over,” Randy Houser has racked up over half a dozen hits and 1 billion streams. His How Country Feels album topped the charts with the title track, “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” and “Goodnight Kiss” (also his first No. 1 as a songwriter) and earned critical acclaim for his powerful delivery of the Top 5 smash and nominated CMA Song of the Year, “Like A Cowboy.”

 

Houser has since added a fourth No. 1 to his catalogue with “We Went” from his 2016 album, Fired Up. Houser’s sixth studio album Note To Self is available now via Magnolia Music Group and features 10 tracks all co-written by the Mississippi native, with his lead single and title track “Note To Self” marking his “powerful return” following 2019’s critically-acclaimed album Magnolia. In their response to Houser’s latest project, MusicRow boasted the Mississippi-native “remains one of country music’s very finest vocalists.”

 

With multiple sold-out shows in 2023, including an at-capacity stop at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Houser wrapped 12 months of touring with Cody Johnson.

 

In late 2023, he landed on-screen roles in Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed film “Killers of the Flower Moon” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, as well as Dennis Quaid’s “The Hill”, an inspirational drama that hailed as the number one most streamed Netflix movie in February 2024. This April, Billboard-lauded “golden-voiced Mississippi native” Houser released his new single “Country Back”, a full throttle proclamation of all things country.

 

For more information, go to RandyHouser.com.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Adrienne Cole, Civic Center Manager

celebrateanderson@andersoncountysc.org

RunVirt, LLC Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

June 28, 2024

Anderson, South Carolina RunVirt, LLC is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony today, June 28, 2024, at 10:00 am.  The event took place at their new building at 933 Highway 29 S, Suite D in Anderson, South Carolina.

The ceremony featured remarks from the County Administrator, Rusty Burns, and Councilman Glenn Davis, along with a guided tour of the new facility.  Local dignitaries, community leaders, and local business partners were expected to attend.

RunVirt, a leader in participant identification, moved into this new facility after starting out as a small start-up company in the incubator space provided through the Anderson County Economic Development office. RunVirt entered the incubator program in January of 2023 as a solopreneur-based business, and thanks to the incubator program, was able to hire their first employee and begin to scale. By the end of the first year of the incubator program, RunVirt doubled its sales. This explosive growth in sales allowed RunVirt to open its own facility with a state-of-the-art production line, never before used in the participant identification space. Now with a new production line and larger team (now up to 6 employees) RunVirt is poised for more growth and innovation within its industry and looks forward to partnering with the ACED and all that Anderson County has to offer!

 

QUOTES

 “Starting RunVirt has been a labor of love for me and my family. What began as my first out-of-college job trying to learn a trade has turned into a lifelong obsession with “participant identification,” of all things. When I created RunVirt, I had the luxury of spending close to a decade in various positions related to the production of a very specific product: the Race Bib.  That said, I had ZERO experience starting a small business and all that comes with it. Luckily for me, I was able to meet Burriss Nelson and his excellent team at ACED and get started with the Incubator program at 1428. It’s hard to start from ZERO. How do you afford enough space when you are just getting started? How can you scale? They were our cheat code, and paramount in helping RunVirt go from a “hobby” business in the bonus room of our house, to a full-fledged manufacturer with a state-of-the-art production line right here in Anderson County within the span of a year.”

RunVirt, LLC Founder Tyler McGraw

 

“I am excited to officially welcome RunVirt to Anderson County, specifically Council District Two. Our success in economic development recruiting in 2024 and over the past several years is unprecedented. The County’s primary aim is to encourage continued economic development through strategic, efficient modernization of our technology and public services infrastructure.”

Anderson County Councilman Glenn Davis, Council District Two

 

For more information about RunVirt, please visit their website at www.runvirt.com.

 

Grant Received for an Aviation-Themed Playground at the Anderson Regional Airport

Anderson County Receives a $350,000 Grant for the Anderson Regional Airport.
The grant funding will be for a public-private aviation-themed playground.

Anderson County, S.C. (June 27, 2024) — Chairman Tommy Dunn and the Anderson County Council offer their sincere appreciation to Senator Mike Gambrell and Representative Don Chapman for their sponsorship of a $350,000 grant to construct a new aviation-themed playground at Anderson Regional Airport.

The grant funding, in addition to the generous private contributions from our community, will bring the project to life. With all project funding now secured, Anderson County will proceed with the final design and development of the playground’s customized play elements. The development of the play structure is part of the county’s effort to enhance Anderson Regional Airport’s utility as a community-wide asset.

“We are grateful for Senator Gambrell and Representative Chapman’s assistance with this public-private partnership. This project will provide additional recreation opportunities for children living in western Anderson County, and we expect its relationship with the airport will encourage some of these kids to consider careers in aviation and other STEM-related activities.”—Tommy Dunn, Chairman, Anderson County Council

Tetramer Named Small Business of the Year by the US Department of Energy

Tetramer Logo

 

 

 

Pendleton, SC – June 4, 2024 – Tetramer Technologies, LLC is proud to announce that was honored
with the 2023 SBIR/STTR Small Business of the Year Award by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at
a ceremony today in Minneapolis, MN. This prestigious recognition highlights Tetramer’s innovative
contributions to environmentally sustainable technologies and their successful commercialization
efforts within the energy sector.

The SBIR/STTR Small Business of the Year Award recognizes a U.S. small business that exemplifies
the spirit of the DOE’s SBIR and STTR programs by enhancing high-technology research and
development (R&D) competitiveness both within the Department and in the marketplace. Award
recipients are evaluated on their exceptional performance in stimulating
U.S. technological innovation, providing benefits from DOE-funded R&D, and contributing to
U.S. economic growth through commercialization of innovations.
This award was conferred for Tetramer’s groundbreaking work funded by the DOE Water Power
Technologies Office (WPTO) SBIR program. Tetramer developed a biobased, biodegradable, non-toxic,
and non-bioaccumulating turbine oil, VBASE® Hydro T-EL™, designed to meet the rigorous demands of
hydropower facilities while being environmentally friendly. Central to this achievement is
Tetramer’s development of the Secondary Polyol Ester™ base oil technology, which forms the
foundation of VBASE® Hydro T-EL™.

Innovation and Sustainability
VBASE® Hydro T-EL™ and the larger VBASE SPE® base oil line stand out for their unique molecular
structure, providing superior performance and compatibility without the environmental drawbacks of
traditional petroleum-based lubricants. The oil meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
standards for environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs), is listed on the EU Ecolabel LuSC-list,
and has achieved USDA BioPreferred certification for its high biobased content.
Commercial Success and Industry Partnerships
Tetramer has established key international partnerships to drive the commercial deployment of the
turbine oil, VBASE® Hydro T-EL™. Collaborations with global industry leaders such as GE Renewable
Energy and hydropower operators like Natel Energy, Vattenfall, and the Porjus Hydropower Centre
Foundation in Sweden underscore the oil’s utility. Additionally, Tetramer has engaged over 400
lubricant formulators and end users, with more than 60 companies currently evaluating samples.
Their first commercial installation in a U.S. hydropower facility is scheduled
for Q4 2024.

Global Market Expansion
Tetramer has transitioned the commercialization of its base oils and lubricant technology to its
subsidiary, VBASE® Oil Company. This move will further enhance the products’ market reach.
Engagements with North American distributor Sea-Land Chemical and European lubricant companies are
setting the stage for global expansion. Achieving REACH regulatory certification, expected in Q3
2024, will open the $1.5 billion EU synthetic ester base oil market.

Commitment to DOE’s Mission
Tetramer’s work aligns with the DOE’s mission to stimulate U.S. technological innovation and
promote economic growth. With patented technologies and active collaborations with academic and
research institutions, Tetramer exemplifies the impact of SBIR/STTR funding on advancing
sustainable technologies. The nomination for this award was made by Dana McCoskey, Environmental
Technologies Manager with the DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Water Power Technologies
Office, recognizing Tetramer’s significant contributions to the field.

Quotes
“This award is a testament to the hard work and innovation of our entire team at Tetramer,” said
Dr. Jeff DiMaio, CEO of Tetramer Technologies. “It highlights our commitment to pushing the
boundaries of material science to create solutions that meet the ever-growing demands of industry
while prioritizing environmental sustainability.”
Zach Hunt, Principal Investigator on the program accepting the award at the DOE Small Business
Forum and Expo today said, “Receiving this award is a tremendous honor for our team. It validates
our 7 years of continuous effort in creating sustainable and innovative solutions for the
hydropower industry. As industries increasingly shift to sustainable lubricants, the DOE’s backing
has been crucial in helping us address the unique needs of the hydropower sector.”

About Tetramer Technologies
Operating in Pendleton, SC since 2001, Tetramer Technologies is an advanced materials company
dedicated to the development of market-driven materials and transitioning those materials from the
lab to market. With extensive R&D and manufacturing capabilities, Tetramer serves as both a
research partner and a supplier of proprietary materials. The team includes scientists and
engineers with backgrounds in organic, physical, polymer, and analytical chemistry, materials
science, and chemical engineering with expertise in materials design, synthesis, analytical
characterization, and scale-up.

Company websites: www.tetramer.com and www.vbaseoil.com

 

DOE SBIR/STTR Small Business Awards program:
https://www.energy.gov/osdbu/annual-small-business-awards-program

 

   

South Carolina Farm Bureau Groundbreaking

SC Farm Bureau Grain Elevator

CONTINUING A 200-YEAR TRADITION OF AGRICULTURE

 

Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the South Carolina Farm Bureau grain elevator expansion gives us an opportunity to not only look forward to a bright future for regional growers but also celebrate Anderson County’s rich agricultural heritage. Our community’s regional significance emerged over 175 years ago when farmers from Anderson and other jurisdictions across the rich agricultural lands along the Savannah River would bring their products to buyers based in Anderson County. Products were initially distributed via ferry down the Savannah or on the rough-hewn road network existing at the time. As years passed, Anderson’s importance as both a producer and distributor of agricultural products influenced the location of railroads and then major highway and interstate systems in the community. These infrastructure improvements allowed Anderson County to achieve a broader prosperity for all—one that serves us to this very day.

 

Anderson County Council takes great pride in serving the growers of this region and the countless citizens across the country who benefit from these efforts. We are honored to play a part in ensuring our nation’s food security.   

 

ANDERSON COUNTY AGRICULTURE FACTS[1]

According to the USDA’s Census of Agriculture, the market value of all agricultural products sold in Anderson County in 2022 was $84.3 million, a 12% increase from 2017. Crops accounted for 20% of our total agricultural sales. Crop production generates nearly $17 million in sales annually, significantly contributing to household incomes. The top-selling crop category, as classified by the USDA, was “Other crops and hay”, with sales exceeding $5.8 million in 2022. Grains, oilseeds, dry beans, and peas had $5.5 million in sales; fruits, tree nuts and berries had almost $2 million. Vegetables, including melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, had sales approaching $1.9 million. In total, all crops produced in Anderson County yielded almost $17 million in sales in 2022, underscoring the economic importance of our agricultural sector.

 

Cattle is our big trade here these days. Livestock, poultry, and products make up the remaining 80% of total ag sales. Anderson County has 32,033 head of cattle as of December 31, 2022. For several years now, we have had the largest cattle inventory of any county in South Carolina. We make up about ten percent of the statewide total inventory. Cattle and calves account for $11.9 million in sales for local producers.

We have the highest inventory of sheep and lambs of any county in the state—1,689, according to the ag census. Here, we observe a striking increase from the 2017 census count, when we had but 610. That’s a 176% increase! Some other counties saw marked increases in their sheep and lamb populations, but others saw significant decreases in their inventories. It seems that much like the Human population in the state, sheep, and lambs are showing a very noticeable geographic redistribution.

 

Of course, we can’t overlook our equine population.  The 2022 ag census reported about 2,000 horses and ponies in residence here—second only to Aiken County in South Carolina. The census says our horses yielded almost $2.5 million in sales value. And we led all South Carolina counties in the inventory of mules, burros, and donkeys, with 308 in residence.

We have many goats as well—2,917 to be exact. That makes us second to Lexington County, which has a total of 3,024; however, our goats had a sales value of $207 per head, while the value for Lexington’s goats was $183 each. So, while we don’t have the most goats, we can fairly say our goats are the G.O.A.T.

 

All told the market value of sales from sheep, goats, and their products (wool, mohair, and milk) was $420,000.

 

We have chickens, too.  A lot of chickens—7.7 million broilers sold in 2022. That’s down from 11.1 million broilers sold in 2017. Broiler inventory as of December 31, 2022, was 3,095,128—layer inventory was 51,823.

 

And, as it would be, we had more 10% land in farms in 2022 (174,494 acres) than we did in 2012 (159,106 acres).

 

Also of interest:

  • 1,552 farms in Anderson County as of 2022
  • Total net cash farm income 2022: $11,434,000
  • 45% of farms are between 10 and 49 acres; 32% are 50 to 179 acres.
  • 98% of Anderson County’s farms are family farms.
  • Of 2,554 producers in Anderson County, 930 (36%) are female, 78 are African American, 283 served in the military, and 947 are described as “new and beginning farmers.”
  • 83 farms (5% of total) had 2022 value of sales in excess of $100,000.

 

 

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[1]All information obtained from the US Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Chapter_2_County_Level/South_Carolina/

 

 

 

 

[1]All information obtained from the US Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Chapter_2_County_Level/South_Carolina/

RIA Awards Construction and Planning Grants to Upgrade Critical Infrastructure

Rural Infrastructure Authority Logo
 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release

May 28, 2024

 

RIA awards construction and planning grants

to upgrade critical infrastructure

More than $25 million in grant funding awarded across South Carolina  

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved grant assistance for 36 projects, totaling more than $25 million in its second round of funding for fiscal year 2024. These projects will benefit communities in 22 counties, promoting quality of life, economic opportunity and sustainability across South Carolina. The agency’s tagline, “we’re here to help,” is exemplified through continued efforts to meaningfully invest in infrastructure and planning projects for water and wastewater systems as well as storm water drainage facilities. The total funds awarded by RIA this fiscal year is over $44 million.

 

“To ensure all communities and businesses have the opportunity to thrive, we must address the state’s critical infrastructure needs and plan for long-term viability,” said Executive Director Bonnie Ammons. “More than 10 years of RIA grants demonstrate the profound impact that strategic investment and proactive planning have on our communities as we build a stronger future for all South Carolinians.”

 

The May 2024 grant awards will be combined with over $46 million in local and other funds to carry out necessary capital improvements and planning activities that are expected to benefit more than 200,000 customers, with more than 60% of projects reaching rural and distressed communities.

 

Several of the projects funded by these partnerships will create stronger utilities through regional solutions. Ten projects will address pressing health and environmental concerns, including some that will also contribute to greater resiliency and storm protection. Others will improve or replace aging infrastructure that is beyond its useful life, increase services and capacity for existing and future customers, and support economic development activities for job creation and retention.

 

In addition, grant awards will fund 10 planning studies and system assessments that will explore the technical, operational, and financial conditions of water, sewer and stormwater systems, evaluate alternative options, and provide recommendations to achieve greater long-term viability and possible regional solutions.

 

RIA state grants are generally awarded twice a year through a competitive process that considers the need for improved public health, environmental protection, community sustainability and economic development.

 

Applications are selected by the RIA board based on criteria including severity of the problem, expected impact and project feasibility. Recipients share in the cost of infrastructure projects by paying for non-construction or other activities and, oftentimes, providing additional funds for construction.

 

A list of grant recipients for the second round of competitive grants for fiscal year 2024, awarded on May 20, 2024, is below. To learn more about RIA or how to apply for grant assistance, visit www.ria.sc.gov.

 

Grantee County Grant Amount
Batesburg-Leesville, Town of Lexington $1,000,000
Beaufort County Beaufort $187,500
Bennettsville, City of Marlboro $150,000
Bishopville, City of Lee $1,000,000
Broad Creak Public Service District Beaufort $250,000
Broadway Water and Sewerage District Anderson $525,275
Central, Town of Pickens $1,000,000
Charleston Water System Charleston $250,000
Chesterfield County / Chesterfield County Rural Water Company Chesterfield $720,185
Chesterfield, Town of Chesterfield $907,021
Easley Combined Utilities Pickens $600,000
Edgefield County Water & Sewer Authority Edgefield $1,000,000
Gaffney, City of Cherokee $250,000
Greenville, City of Greenville $1,000,000
Greenwood, City of Greenwood $250,000
Hammond Water District Anderson $850,558
Homeland Park Water and Sewer District Anderson $936,704
Horry County / Bucksport Water System Horry $1,000,000
Kershaw, Town of Lancaster $1,000,000
Lake City, City of Florence $1,000,000
Lancaster, City of Lancaster $1,000,000
Lodge, Town of Colleton $1,000,000
Metropolitan Sewer Subdistrict Greenville $1,000,000
New Ellenton Commission of Public Works Aiken $568,070
Newberry County Water and Sewer Authority Newberry $771,375
North Charleston, City of Charleston $654,939
North Charleston, City of Charleston $102,750
Orangeburg County Orangeburg $250,000
Orangeburg, City of Orangeburg $1,000,000
Pageland, Town of Chesterfield $250,000

 

Pickens County / Dacusville-Cedar Rock Water Company Pickens $1,000,000
Ravenel, Town of Charleston 1,000,000
Seabrook Island Utility Commission Charleston $1,000,000
Startex-Jackson-Wellford-Duncan Water District Spartanburg $1,000,000
Sumter, City of Sumter $250,000
Turbeville, Town of / Barrineau Public Utilities Company Clarendon $1,000,000

 

 

About S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority 

The S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) was created to help communities with financing for qualified infrastructure projects. Infrastructure primarily refers to water and waste water systems as well as stormwater drainage. Chaired by the Secretary of Commerce, the RIA is governed by a board of directors, including six members who reside in or represent distressed and/or least developed counties.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kelly Coakley

Director of Marketing & Communications

South Carolina Department of Commerce

(803) 737-1998

kcoakley@sccommerce.com

www.SCcommerce.com

 

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S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority

ria.sc.gov

(803) 737-0390

info@ria.sc.gov

1201 Main Street, Suite 1600

Columbia SC 29201