The Business Narrative: Disaster Relief

Sep 30, 2024 10:19AM ● By Donna Walker

Gov. McMaster Requests Expedited Disaster Declaration to Help with Helene Response

Gov. Henry McMaster on Saturday requested an Expedited Major Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist state and local response efforts to Hurricane Helene.

The Presidential Disaster Declaration, if approved, would provide FEMA Individual Assistance Program help to residents impacted by the storm in Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Chesterfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Oconee, Newberry, Pickens, Saluda, and Spartanburg counties.

The request also includes categories A, B, and F of the FEMA Public Assistance Program for state and local government agencies, in addition to eligible non-profit organizations in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chester, Colleton, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Lancaster, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, and York counties.

The Individual Assistance Program, if activated for South Carolina, would provide direct financial assistance to residents who incurred uninsured damages to their property as a result of the storm. FEMA Individual Assistance may also provide for other needs on a case-by-case basis.

The Public Assistance Program reimburses applicants for the unexpected, extraordinary costs of recovering from a major disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency pays 75 percent of this aid, and the division of the remaining 25 percent will be determined at a later date.

The governor's request also includes FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program grants to help lessen the impact of future disasters.

This is an initial request for federal assistance through FEMA. If approved, additional counties may be added based on need.

Live2Lead Conference to Feature Local, National Experts, Thought Leaders

Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the internationally acclaimed Live2Lead conference returns to Greenville, South Carolina, on Oct. 10, 2024. This year’s event is presented by Southern First Bank and The HR Business Connect, LLC, offering a unique blend of global thought leadership and local expertise.

Designed for business leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and HR professionals, the conference promises a full day of inspiration, networking, and actionable takeaways.

The 2024 conference will feature a powerful rebroadcast of a speaker lineup that includes:

John C. Maxwell – No. 1 leadership expert and best-selling author
Jon Gordon – Renowned author and keynote speaker known for his work on positive leadership
Michael Jr. – Accomplished comedian, actor, and thought leader
Malcolm Gladwell – Journalist, 5x best-selling author, and podcast host of Revisionist History
Chaunté Lowe – Four-time Olympian, world-record holder, motivational speaker, and breast cancer survivor/thriver.

Additionally, the day will showcase the insights of local business leaders who will share personal stories and lessons from their leadership journeys. The lunchtime panel, moderated by Ray Lattimore, community leader and CEO of Marketplace Professional Staffing, will feature prominent voices from the Greenville business community, including:

Cal Hurst, President of Southern First Bank
Kenzie Biggins, CEO of Worxbee
Rebecca West, COO of Renewable Water Resources (ReWa)
James Bennett, Jr., Entrepreneur and Vice Chair of Ten at the Top.

“Live2Lead offers an unrivaled opportunity for attendees to learn from these visionary leaders and engage in meaningful conversations that can drive both personal and professional growth,” said Robyn Knox, host and moderator of the event.

“We aim to energize and empower leaders with actionable strategies and tools for leadership excellence.”

Individual tickets are priced at $179, while VIP tables for six are available at a special rate of $998. An optional Prayer Breakfast is available for an additional fee. Proceeds benefit a local charity. For more info, visit Live2LeadSC.com.

Culver’s Raises $21,000 for Make-A-Wish South Carolina

In celebration of its 40th birthday, Culver’s embarked on a heartwarming month-long customer donation campaign this July, raising $21,000 for Make-A-Wish South Carolina.

The campaign engaged Culver's loyal customers across all South Carolina locations, uniting them in a common cause: making life-changing wishes come true for children facing critical illnesses.

On July 18, Culver's hosted a special spirit day, dedicating a portion of the day’s proceeds to the campaign. The top-performing Culver's location in South Carolina was Simpsonville, raising $4,009. On their spirit day, they invited wish kid ambassadors to help serve at the restaurant, adding a personal touch to the event and highlighting the impact of community involvement.

The funds raised will help grant three wishes for South Carolina children, providing them with hope, joy, and unforgettable experiences during their challenging times. This collaboration is a testament to the power of community and the difference that a collective effort can make.

“We are incredibly thankful to the Culver's community for their generous support,” said Kea Wade, corporate and community engagement manager for Make-A-Wish South Carolina.

“This campaign beautifully demonstrates the impact that we can achieve together. Each dollar raised brings us closer to fulfilling the dreams of children in our state, and we are thrilled to celebrate these milestones with Culver's.”

Wells Fargo Foundation Donates $100,000 to Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator

The Wells Fargo Foundation, committed to empowering small businesses, joined the Benedict College Statewide Investment Accelerator (BCSIA) last week in a joint press conference.

The innovative program received a $100,000 donation from the Wells Fargo Foundation to support the BCSIA graduates' businesses. The statewide program is open to all entrepreneurs.

The BCSIA’s mission is to empower and elevate South Carolina founders from diverse backgrounds by providing more equitable opportunities that include access to capital and mentorship.

In addition, Benedict College seeks to provide additional resources by ensuring early-stages companies have the necessary fiscal investments to kickstart their business ventures.

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