A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place with Patrick Michaels, Goodwill’s President and CEO along with members of the Powdersville Business Council and other dignitaries

Goodwill hosted the Grand Opening of its new store at 3570 Highway 153 in Powdersville, near the intersection of Highway 153 and Hood Road. The facility includes a retail store and drive-through donation center, and will also offer job search and placement assistance at the Goodwill Job Connection.

Goodwill Job Connections provide free assistance to help job seekers connect with potential employers and find permanent employment. Services include access to resources like computers and the internet, fax machines, telephones, and job leads and referrals. A trained employment specialist is on site to assist individuals with their job search. Additional services available through Goodwill Job Connections include resume development, interviewing skills, and classes such as Basic Computer Literacy and English as Second Language.

The Job Connection is also a resource for employers. Goodwill can connect employers with pre-screened applicants, provide space for on-site interviewing, or organize and conduct Job Fairs to help fill open positions.

“Ultimately, Goodwill’s mission is to provide the support people need to become independent, contributing citizens in our community,” said Patrick Michaels, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands SC. “The Job Connection makes it easy for someone to find the resources they need and receive guidance to make their efforts most effective.”

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina helps people with disabilities and special needs become independent citizens through education, training, and employment leading to job placement. In the past year, Goodwill assisted 23,376 people in their quest for independence and created a potential economic impact of over $71 million through the wages of the 4,372 people placed into employment.

From left are Eric Carnell (BB&T), Walker Smith (Regional Director for Congressman Jeff Duncan), Susan & Woody Reedy (owners), Kent Dykes (Pres Easley Chamber) & Tiffany Martin (YMCA)

Back To Nature held a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting ceremony with the Easley Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of their new store located at 106 Pelzer Hwy in Easley, about ½ mile from Walmart, next to the Pickensville marker.

Owned by Woody and Susan Reedy, Back To Nature is a natural food store that promotes healthy food choices that are chemical and additive free. Their goal is to provide a local store where you can choose from a variety of wholesome foods at competitive prices. They also offer an assortment of gluten free foods, as well as grassfed beef, chicken, local raw cow and goat milk, goat cheese, goat yogurt, honey, coffee, grits & cornmeal.

In addition to food, they have a variety of vitamins and supplements along with a discount program for extra savings. Their bath & body section includes shampoos, soaps, bubble bath, aromatherapy soaks and essential oils.

Their store hours are Mon-Sat / 10am – 7pm. They can be reached at 859-0708. You can visit them on facebook at “Back To Nature”.

Front row: Tracy Martin (CertusBank), Shannon & Heather Hudson (Founders), Christy McKean (co-owner), Ricky Benitez (co-owner)Cherri Cox (CertusBank) Back row: Steve Jewsbury, Leroy Sanders, Kayla Scrivner, & Kent Dykes (Pres. Easley Chamber of Commerce)

9Round Easley held a Ribbon Cutting ceremony with the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of the new location at 601 Williams Avenue, Ste C (behind CertusBank) in Easley, 855-8505. 9Round is a specialized fitness center dedicated to serving clients who want a unique, fun, and proven workout that guarantees results. 9Round offers a traditional “old school” boxing and kickboxing fitness program that incorporates functional, interval, cardiovascular, and circuit training regimens. The programs are developed around a proprietary system of 9 challenging workout stations developed by Shannon Hudson, CEO and Founder of 9Round. 9Round delivers total body results in a quick and convenient 30-minute workout with no class times, no person to person hitting, and a trainer with you every step of the way.

Christy McKean and Ricky Benitez, partners in 9Round Easley, are excited to bring this new workout concept to the city of Easley and surrounding areas. “I have tried every workout out there and there is NOTHING like 9Round” says owner, Christy McKean. “This is the end of boring cardio! Every round is fun and challenging.” Grand Opening Celebrations begin Saturday, January 8th from 8am to 10am with Light Rock 98.9. They will be having special membership discounts that day as well as discounts on gloves, wraps, t-shirts and sweatshirts! “Get ready!! We are here to GET EASLEY FIT 9 ROUNDS AT A TIME!!! We invite you to learn more about us by going to our website www.9round.com.”

Front row from left are Pam Bridges (First Citizens), Justin Kernells, Connie & Jim Kernells (owners), Tonya Kernells, Scott McNeely & Jean Riggins (Easley Chamber). Back row from left Michael Bridges, David Garrett, Lamar Wright, Danny Fullbright, Bart Kelley, Cleve Burton and Kent Dykes (President Easley Chamber)

One Stop Public Pest Shop held a Grand opening/Ribbon Cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their newly opened store at 4400 Hwy 153 (across from Tedeschi Auto Repair). One Stop Public Pest Shop is owned and operated by Jim Kernells and his family. Jim is also the owner of Foothills Pest Control. He decided to open a Pest Control outlet to the public allowing the opportunity for home and business owners to handle everyday problems with pest. This completes the integrated pest management process giving complete pest protection that customers deserve.

Jim has been an exterminator in South Carolina for over 30 years, and a Veteran of the Vietnam War. His experience and knowledge are sure to provide customers with the best Pest Control products on the market today. Stop in their store or contact them at 864-855-3076 and ask for Jim or Tonya. Customers can save up to 90% on their Pest Control needs.

From left are Jenny Burton (Carolina First Bank), Kent Dykes (President Easley Chamber), Elizabeth Steele, Tarah Herrold, Melissa Clemons, Gary Clemons, Dr. Andras Koser (Principal Investigator), Jacob Holley, Judy Young and Karen Cole (Carolina First Bank)

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Palmetto Medical Research Associates located at 201 South B Street, Easley, 307-1300. In a time when businesses, small and large have struggled, Palmetto Medical Research Associates has been blessed with growth and development. In 2008 Gary Clemons opened the office and has seen tremendous growth since that time. Palmetto Medical Research has been one of the fastest growing new businesses in Easley. The office expanded in 2009 and purchased a new building that better suited the needs of a medical research facility. This new facility has all the necessary equipment and staff to conduct clinical trials on multiple medical conditions. They have over 300 patients and have started many of them on several studies.

Palmetto Medical Research is recognized by multiple pharmaceutical companies as a top rated research center and is constantly being recruited to conduct new studies. This allows them to select the best studies to fit the needs of the patients. They are currently enrolling patients in COPD, asthma, influenza, and diabetes studies, but are always looking for opportunities to expand into other fields of study.

Gary Clemons, Operations Manager, stated, “The health of our patients is our top priority here at Palmetto Medical Research. We provide them with quality care throughout the clinical trial at no cost. This may include investigational medications, blood work, EKGs, and physicals. They also receive compensation for time and travel at each study visit. We strive to maintain a friendly and comfortable atmosphere where our patients are able to relax. Many of our patients have participated in multiple studies with us since 2008, and in doing so, have become part of the Palmetto Medical Research family. We value our patients immensely at Palmetto Medical Research and hope that we can continue to provide new studies that fit their needs.”

From left are Celia Thompson (Pinnacle Bank), Terressa Batson (Powdersville Water), Kent Dykes (Easley Chamber), Robin Gore (Powdersville Water), Lisa Granger, Jodi Rogers (owner Alpha Printing), Steven Glenn, Kimberly Medgyesy and Pam Bridges (First Citizens)

Alpha Printing held a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Powdersville Business Council of the Easley Chamber to celebrate their newly remodeled printing office and Powdersville Post Office located at 11027 Anderson Road in Powdersville, 269-4140. The owner of Alpha Printing, Jodi Rogers, and her staff are very proud of their new construction and new equipment expansion. Try them out for all your holiday shipping needs.

Alpha printing is striving to be your one stop business center for the Powdersville Community. They offer many different business and personal services and are expanding their capabilities all the time. Some of their services include: Full service printing and copies, secured document and computer shredding, faxing and notary services, US Post Office and FedEx shipping and supplies, Signs and Vinyl lettering and self storage rentals. More services are in their plan for 2011, such as T-shirt printing and embroidery.

From left are Kent Dykes (Easley Chamber), High Hog, Brian Karr, Carol Self, Matthew Self and Terrie Albright (Albright Associates)

High on the Hog announced the recent opening of it’s restaurant and catering business, located at 900 East Main Street in the 900 Block Plaza in Easley. Owners, Matthew Self, Carol Self, and Brian Karr are local people who took a leap of faith to realize their passion in life, which is true Southern BBQ! “We are proud to share our age old family recipes with your family, said owner Carol Self. The restaurant opens at 11am daily, Monday through Saturday, with extended hours for tailgating, and catering anytime. They recently started a music series on Saturday evenings. Join them for Bluegrass and Beef Brisket.

When you walk through the door at High on the Hog, you are welcomed like an old family friend and every effort is made to make sure you are comfortable. They strive to serve the best food possible, with the highest quality meats and freshest ingredients. They only serve Baby Back Ribs and the pulled pork comes from bone-in Boston Butts smoked for hours to infuse their original seasonings for the most tender, succulent meats. Their 5 “Signature Sauces” are homemade for your enjoyment, as are many items on the menu. “So pull up a chair, get comfortable in our home,” said Carol Self. Visit them on line at highonthehogsc.com or call them at 864-442-6918.

From left are Kevin Wynne, Josh Watson, Katy & Dru Wynne, Sarah Turner, Jessica Runnels and Kent Dykes (Easley Chamber President)

T-Mobile held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the recent opening of the Easley T-Mobile retail store located at 6211 Calhoun Memorial Hwy. Matthew Ferrell of T-Mobile stated, “T-Mobile is proud and excited to be serving our Neighbors in Easley, SC.

With Americas Largest 4G Network, affordable family and individual plans and cutting edge devices you are sure to find everything you are looking for in your wireless provider. Come check out all of our Android, blackberry and internet devices including our new Samsung Tablet!” T-Mobile is located on HWY 123 next to Pizza Hut. Please call them for directions to the store or any further questions at 864-306-6802.

From left on the front are Kudzu staff members Sam Brooks, Lindsay Ritter, Chi Hunter, Melissa, Payton, Tanner & Sean Thornton (co-owner), Will Jones (co-owner) and Jaime Fincannon, along with Powdersville Business Council members & Easley Chamber members

Kudzu Staffing held a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Powdersville Business Council & the Easley Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the recent move into its new corporate headquarters. The new location is in Powdersville behind Foothills Motorsports at 108 Clair Drive, 272-0181. Kudzu’s new office is in the office park right beside their former office. The owners of Kudzu Staffing, Sean Thornton and Will Jones, and their employees are very proud of the new space and the quality of construction. The building is even painted in the colors of Kudzu (green)!

Kudzu has a satellite office in Charleston and aspirations to grow to other markets in the southeast. This building will serve as a jumping off point to accomplish those goals. Kudzu Staffing specializes in serving clients of all shapes and size by being a partner and extension of our clients’ Human Resource department. They are adept at staffing every position in an organization from a stainless steel x-ray welder to a chemical engineer.   Remember, Kudzu’s slogan is “We’ve got you covered!”