Sage Automotive Interiors Expanding In Abbeville County

Habitat Affiliates In Laurens, Greenville Merging Efforts

Habitat for Humanity of Laurens County is partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County to expand services.

Under the new agreement, officials said Habitat Greenville will provide financial, management and leadership resources that will benefit the people of Laurens County by creating more opportunities for people to buy their own homes as well as provide for revitalization projects of existing owner-occupied homes.

Both of those efforts help strengthen families and neighborhoods across Laurens County, the officials said. 

Habitat of Laurens County will have a full-time staff member for the first time under this plan, which allows for the nonprofit to offer more for the people of Laurens County.

Ben Barron, a South Carolina native, will serve as the director of Operations for Laurens County.

Officials said Habitat Greenville was chosen as the new partner because it went from a volunteer team to a mission-driven organization with a full-time CEO in 2009.

Since then, Habitat has doubled the number of homes it has built each year; started doing renovations to existing homes; increased fundraising; and have been honored numerous times for their dedication to creating affordable housing solutions.

Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance.

As of May 2023, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of 405 homes. Habitat Greenville received the 2017 Builder of the Year award from EarthCraft, and in recognition of financial health, accountability, and transparency, maintain a 4-Star Charity status by Charity Navigator.

One of The 2023 Southerners Of The Year

Southern Living announced the 2023 Southerners Of The Year, choosing five trailblazers from across the South who are preserving the history of this region and its people, protecting natural resources and wildlife, inspiring younger generations to follow examples of selfless service, and feeding those in need.

Among them is Katie Stagliano of Katie’s Krops in Summerville, S.C.

According to the magazine:

Stagliano found her calling at 9-years-old when her third-grade teacher sent her home with a seedling for the backyard. Her tiny plant grew into a 40-pound cabbage.

“I was shocked because I didn’t know they could get that big. But I realized that this one was far too large for my family to eat,” she says.

Every night, her father would remind them just how lucky they were to sit down to a healthy dinner when some people were not able to.

“That’s how I got the idea that changed my life forever,” she says. “I donated my cabbage to a soup kitchen to help feed those who might not otherwise have a meal.”

The director of the kitchen invited her to serve her cabbage in a soup with ham and rice.

Stagliano remembers how surprised she was to see how many families just like hers were waiting in line for a meal. Because that one vegetable served 275 guests, she thought, “How many people could a garden feed?”

With the support of her parents, she launched Katie’s Krops. The idea took off when her school gave her a plot of land the size of a football field.

Soon, the whole student body was involved. Katie’s Krops became an official nonprofit, and her message began to spread.

Kids across the country reached out wanting to start their own gardens, so the organization began offering funding and support to Katie’s Krops Growers between the ages of 7 and 16.

Today, at 25 years old, Stagliano is at the helm of a project that includes 100 gardens in 33 states. Collectively, Katie’s Krops has donated around 600,000 pounds of produce—with no plans of slowing down. Stagliano says, “I would love to reach all 50 states and eventually expand internationally.” 

For more information go to: https://www.southernliving.com/southerners-of-the-year-2023-8391362

Rick Wright Named Head Coach, Technical Director of Greenville Triumph

The Greenville Triumph announced Rick Wright as its head coach and technical director.

Wright succeeds John Harkes in the role after serving as assistant coach since 2019.

President of the Greenville Triumph SC Chris Lewis says key factors in Wright’s hiring include his extensive coaching experience, dedication to the club and its culture, and presence in the Upstate soccer community.

In addition to his assistant coaching position, Wright previously served as director of technical alliances and community development where he was responsible for cultivating relationships with the local soccer community.

In that role, Wright worked collaboratively with the club’s front office on community and player relations initiatives while collaborating on its youth soccer strategy and programming.

Since 2019, Wright has helped spearhead several of the club’s youth initiatives including the Unified team, Academy Cup team, Pass it On clinics, and Future Leaders programs.

“Rick has demonstrated a passion not only for our team’s success on the field, but also for carrying out our club’s mission to positively impact our community,” said Chairman and majority owner Joe Erwin. “He has a deep knowledge and understanding of the game, and we look forward to having him play an active role in the club’s continued growth.”

Born in Hamilton, Bermuda, Wright has been involved with South Carolina soccer since 1976.

He helped start Anderson University’s soccer program and then served as its head coach for four years before returning to his alma mater, Erskine College, as head coach of the men’s and women’s programs from 1987-1993.  

During his time at Anderson University and Erskine College, Wright led both teams to multiple conference titles.

In addition, Wright spent 10 years on the staff of the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program for Region III, and 12 years as an Olympic Development Program South Carolina state coach.

As a player, Wright made appearances for both the Bermuda and U.S. National Teams, including an appearance with the United States team at the 1976 Olympic Games. 

Officials said Wright’s support staff for the 2024 season will be announced at a later date.

The club recently announced it will be returning to Furman’s Paladin Stadium for a second season as the organization continues to work on securing a location and plan for a permanent stadium.

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