Introducing the Hub City Spartanburgers, Upstate South Carolina's Newest MiLB Club

The Spartanburg Professional Baseball Club unveiled its new brand identity – the Hub City Spartanburgers – at a community celebration Saturday evening, in partnership with the city of Spartanburg, at the site of the future Fifth Third Park, which is slated to be the team's new home in 2025.

The name Hub City Spartanburgers pays homage to the city's historic role as a major railroad hub from the early 1850s until 1936, a pivotal period that shaped the growth and identity of Spartanburg.

The logo and branding incorporate those elements, serving as a bridge between the city's past and its vibrant future.

"It was extremely important to us that when choosing a name for the club, we not only referenced a piece of Spartanburg's history, but we also captured the fun personality and energetic spirit that fans can look forward to at Fifth Third Park," said Tyson Jeffers, general manager of the Hub City Spartanburgers.

Jeffers added, "Hub City Spartanburgers is a nod to our heritage while also signaling the start of an exciting new era in Spartanburg baseball. We can't wait to see the community rally around this team!"

Hub City, one of the most recognized nicknames for Spartanburg, is a reference to the shape of the city limits revealing a circle with rail lines flowing into Union Station at city center, positioning Spartanburg as the hub of a wheel and highlighting its role as a hub of commerce and travel.

The team chose to incorporate Hub City into its name not only to illustrate an important piece of Spartanburg's history as a railroad mecca, but also its resurgence as the hub of industry, commerce and growth that is happening today.

Officials said the name Spartanburgers references a sense of community pride in the people that live, work and play in the city of Spartanburg and Spartanburg County – someone who hails from Spartanburg is called a Spartanburger.

The visual of a burger in the primary logo also highlights the community's rich food history – one of the largest fast-food holding companies planted its roots in Spartanburg, and the iconic American diner, Denny's, is headquartered downtown.

Southern Wall Products Selects Anderson County For First South Carolina Operation

Southern Wall Products, Inc., a manufacturer of drywall finishing products, said it selected Anderson County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation.

The $23 million investment will create 28 jobs, according to Gov. Henry McMaster’s office.

Established in 1981, Southern Wall Products manufactures and sells finishing solutions for the drywall industry under the Ruco brand name. The company produces ready-mix joint compound, ceiling textures, setting compounds and primers.

“Southern Wall Products has been building communities since 1981. We’re excited for this next chapter for our company, our employees, their families and calling Anderson home to our new S.C. facility,” said Southern Wall Products President Chris Winkler.

Southern Wall Products has one manufacturing facility in Tucker, Georgia.

Officials said the new facility, located at 1632 Pearman Dairy Road in Anderson, will increase the company’s capabilities to serve customers throughout the Southeast.

Operations will be online in June 2025. Those interested in joining Southern Wall Products should contact Mike Haun (770-621-3065).

Construction Industry Veteran Katie Linden Appointed Chief Commercial Officer at AMECO

Greenville, South Carolina-based AMECO, a provider of site services support for capital construction projects and operating plants, said Katie Linden has joined the organization as chief commercial officer.

With an extensive background and experience in both business development and the construction industry, Linden will be responsible for building and executing AMECO's commercial strategies and continued growth.

Linden has more than 25 years of experience as a successful executive leader in business strategies, commercial planning and contracting, and risk management for the power, industrial, petrochemical, renewable energy, and transportation safety market sectors.

Before joining AMECO, Linden led business development as chief revenue officer for RoadSafe Traffic Systems, an industry leader in construction support services related to traffic safety.

Linden also has extensive experience with some of the largest engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms in North America, including Quanta Services, Zachry Group, Kiewit, and Black & Veatch Corp.

Linden served in various roles building strong customer relationships, developing sales strategy, and negotiating multiple service agreements.

She also led commercial teams in prospecting, bidding, negotiating, and executing opportunities ranging from rate base FEED studies to billion-dollar capital projects.

Officials said her many years in the construction industry have given her a passion for safety, a commitment to developing highly functional and inclusive cultures, and a strong track record of creating value for the customers with whom she works.

Said Linden: "In every industry and across all types of projects - from the power sector and energy transition to building advanced manufacturing plants, critical infrastructure, or marine projects - construction support services have never been more vital to success than they are right now, and no site services provider has proven themselves more indispensable than AMECO."

AMECO is a portfolio company of One Equity Partners, a middle-market private equity firm focused on the industrial, healthcare, and technology sectors in North America and Europe. 

Myrtle Beach Classic Celebrates Successful Inaugural PGA Tour Event

The first Myrtle Beach Classic, a PGA Tour event sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach, concluded on May 12, 2024, after four days of championship golf and substantial projected economic impact to the community.

Held at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, more than 40,000 spectators attended Wednesday through Sunday.

On Saturday, the Classic shattered attendance projections with 15,281 ticketholders participating — over 5,000 more than expected.

Additionally, viewers from across the country tuned in as the Golf Channel provided eight hours of live coverage.

“This high-profile sporting event not only enhances our area’s reputation as The Golf Capital of the World, but also reinforces the strong community spirit that defines the Grand Strand. It’s been remarkable to see everyone, from local families and volunteers to visitors of all ages, come together to make this inaugural event a standout success,” said Karen Riordan, president and CEO, Visit Myrtle Beach.

Darren Nelson, tournament director, also praised the community and the over 1,300 volunteers who contributed to the Classic’s first-year achievements.

“With the continued dedication and support from the Myrtle Beach community, the event is poised to continue to grow and evolve, further spotlighting the Grand Strand as a premier destination for golf and recreation,” Nelson said.

In all, 132 players and their caddies took to the greens on Thursday and Friday with the field tightening by Round 3 on Saturday and the Final Round on Mother’s Day Sunday.

Fan favorites included 16-year-old junior amateur Blades Brown, who made headlines as he entered the final round in the top 20, and tournament champion Chris Gotterup, who closed with a four under 67 for a six-stroke victory to clinch his first PGA TOUR win.

Gotterup was presented with the Classic’s distinct golf swing-inspired trophy created by local sculptor Bryan Rapp of Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and an ocean-blue jacket custom designed and tailored by Jonathan Smith of Myrtle Beach.

After receiving the championship trophy, Gotterup said, “I just want to thank everyone this week for the support. What a great first event. I'm sure it’s a big success for Visit Myrtle Beach and I’m honored to be the champion. It couldn't have gone any better.”

Spectators were greeted by North Myrtle Beach-native Vanna White of “Wheel of Fortune” fame who played in the Pro-Am Tournament on Wednesday, May 8, and shared enthusiasm over the PGA TOUR selecting her hometown community.

“We all know Myrtle Beach, we relate Myrtle Beach to golf, and it has been that way for a long time. It’s time the PGA TOUR came here,” White said.

Visit Myrtle Beach is the title sponsor of the Myrtle Beach Classic, the only new tournament on the PGA TOUR this year. For updates and more information, go to myrtlebeachclassic.com.

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