Dominion Energy Awards Environmental Stewardship Grants

The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation  has awarded more than $251,000 in environmental stewardship grants to 13 nonprofit organizations and K-12 schools across South Carolina.

This year's Environmental Education and Stewardship Grant recipients will beautify nature trails and waterways, improve accessibility at local parks, track the migratory patterns of small animals, plant trees, protect forests in the watershed, grow hydroponic gardens, and host farm-to-school educational programs.

"We're proud to recognize local organizations that safeguard the environment and create more sustainable communities," said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. "These grants reflect our commitment to support meaningful projects in the areas we serve."

The competitive grants support projects that educate about environmental stewardship, protect, and preserve habitat, and enhance or make nature more accessible. Some of this year's grants include:

Charleston County Parks Foundation will implement the Motus Wildlife Tracking System at Caw Caw Interpretive Center, which uses radio telemetry stations to track movements of small migratory animals.

Saluda Shoals Foundation will enhance nature trails, install interpretative signage, and increase accessibility at the Saluda Shoals Park.

The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina will facilitate a comprehensive approach to land protection to protect forests in the watershed that are important for drinking water.

Other South Carolina grant recipients are:

• Boys Farm Inc., Newberry
• Brookdale Elementary School, Orangeburg
• Charleston Parks Conservancy, Charleston
• Dorchester Two Educational Foundation, Summerville
• Environmental Education Association of Columbia
• Green Heart Project Inc., Charleston
• Keep the Midlands Beautiful, West Columbia
• Nemours Plantation Wildlife Foundation, Yemassee
• Northwoods Middle School, North Charleston
• Richland Soil and Water Conservation District, Columbia

International African American Museum Event Honors Novelist James Baldwin

The International African American Museum (IAAM) will host a conversation with Dr. Frank Thomas and salute to novelist James Baldwin from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 29.

The event will commemorate the 100th birthday of Baldwin, who was a prominent voice in the civil rights movement. Thomas will lead a conversation about how Baldwin’s spiritual roots informed his career as a writer and how his life, legacy, and literature are testimony to his faith, which has inspired others internationally.

The event will be held at IAAM’s Center for Family History, located at 14 Wharfside St. Admission is free, and guests can register here.

Thomas serves as the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics and Director of the Academy of Preaching and Celebration at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The program, which is part of the TD Bank Series, honors the gifts of knowledge, culture, and tradition passed down by African American ancestors, while inspiring others to preserve and fulfill those dreams and aspirations.

Avelo Airlines Announces Greenville-Boston Route

Avelo Airlines recently announced that it will add a twice-weekly route from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), beginning May 10, 2024.

In addition, Avelo will expand its existing route to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) from twice weekly to four times weekly starting May 2, 2024.

"Avelo's introduction of nonstop service between these two regions opens a gateway to exploration, inviting travelers to discover the mountains, southern charm, and the vibrant dining scene that defines our beloved Greenville-Spartanburg area," said Tom Tyra, vice president and chief marketing and communications officer for the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.

"The Manchester-Boston region is one of our most requested destinations. As we celebrate this new connection, we know Upstate South Carolina travelers will be drawn to the opportunities for leisure and business travel awaiting them in the Manchester-Boston region."

MHT's flights to Greenville will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays. 

Milliken Names New Chief Human Resources Officer

Milliken & Company recently announced that Bethany Smith has been named senior vice president and chief human resources officer, overseeing all HR matters on behalf of the diversified global manufacturer.

Smith has served as interim chief human resources officer since October 2023, stepping into the position upon the departure of Craig Haydamack.

"Bethany stepped up and filled a critical role on our leadership team," said Milliken President and CEO Halsey Cook. "Over the years, Bethany has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues by demonstrating excellence and leadership in every task she takes on. She is the right person to lead Human Resources at Milliken."

Prior to becoming interim chief human resources officer, Smith served as vice president of human resources for Milliken's Corporate Support functions, providing strategic HR support to Milliken's six corporate enabler functions. In this role, she was the HR business partner to the senior leaders of these functions — all while being an active participant in Milliken's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program.

Smith is a graduate of Clemson University and a board member for the Charles Lea Center in Spartanburg, and is on the advisory boards of the University of South Carolina Business Partnership Foundation and the YMCA of Spartanburg. 

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