In The Know: News, updates from Greenville area businesses and nonprofits

Greenville Convention Center and Rotary Club Merge Signature Holidays Events

Creating a unique holiday tradition akin to none, the Greenville Convention Center and Rotary Club of Greenville are merging their signature holiday events, the Greenville Convention Center’s annual Holiday Fair and the Rotary Club’s annual Kringle Holiday Village, renaming the extravaganza as the Holiday Fair & Kringle Village. This landmark event is set to occur from December 5 through 7 at the Greenville Convention Center.

The annual Holiday Fair has been a staple for residents and visitors for 54 years, presenting a wide selection of holiday arts, crafts, and gifts brought together by around 350 crafters and commercial vendors. This event offers an opportunity to encourage and support small businesses during the holiday season.

Known for its charitable work, for over 50 years the Rotary Club of Greenville has raised millions to support Rotary charities through holiday events, including the Singing Christmas Tree and the Roper Mountain Holiday Lights. In 2021, the Rotary Club brought to life the Kringle Holiday Village at Fluor Field, introducing a European-inspired festival to the local community.

A Celebration of Community and Charitable Benefit

“Combining our annual Holiday Fair and the Rotary Club’s Kringle Holiday Village is a big win for our community,” said Matt Holander, General Manager, Greenville Convention Center. “Our two organizations will create a true holiday extravaganza for thousands of local and out-of-town visitors. It will build on the traditions of the past while offering new elements that create memories for the future.”

Jane Dyer, Co-Chair of Holiday Fair & Kringle Village, plans to utilize the resources and staff at the Greenville Convention Center and gather inspiration, sponsors, and volunteers from the Rotary Club of Greenville. This year’s event will benefit Alexander Elementary School, RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), Greenville County Teacher of the Year program, Rotary Family Literacy Partnership, and Service Above Self college scholarships, spreading cheer and goodwill through the local community.

Affordable Upstate Aims to Improve Apartment Buildings in Berea

Affordable Upstate, a real estate company focusing on affordable housing, aims to revitalize two apartment complexes in Berea. The company’s goal is to combine the two complexes and name the property Vista West III, resulting in a total of 160 units on Lily Street and West Parker Road. The project, believed to uphold affordable housing in the growing area, is the company’s third acquisition on Lily Street.

Promoting Affordable Housing

Partnering with nonprofit organization Southeast Affordable Housing Administration (SAHA), Affordable Upstate plans to subsidize the relocation of residents during the refurbishment of Vista West III. “This is about redefining affordable housing in our community. We believe communities of pride are communities of opportunity,” stated Mario Brown, a principal and co-founder of Affordable Upstate.

The company aims to operate on the fine line of profit and purpose, and by collaborating with Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Property Management (NOAH), they seek to provide residents with a deposit alternative reciprocating the community support while achieving financial success.

Carolina Handling to Present Veteran Employment Summit

Carolina Handling is gearing up to present the 2024 Veteran Employment & Transition Summit on September 13 at Greer City Hall. This free conference, produced by The RECON Network, will focus on transition employment for service members, veterans, and military spouses.

Serving Those Who Have Served

The summit is designed to address challenges associated with transitioning to civilian jobs and uncover career opportunities with companies looking to hire. Carolina Handling, an approved Department of Defence SkillBridge Authorized Organization, aims to create a platform for veterans to utilize the skills developed while serving in the military to find potential employment paths within the material handling industry.

Thanksgiving Trot, Run, Walk: Early Registration Open

TreesUpstate, a nonprofit organization committed to planting, protecting and promoting trees, opens early registrations for its Thanksgiving Trot, Run, Walk in Downtown Greenville.