This month we are highlighting one of Easley’s newest businesses. The Journey Home is the private counseling practice of Brenda Kay Trent, M.A., LPC I. If her name sounds familiar that may be because for some it is. In her “other life” she was the owner of Brenda Kay’s Restaurant downtown Easley, graciously hosting private events and serving specialty lunches each day in the historic home on South 1st Street.

Feeling the call of service on her heart, she began work on her Masters in Mental Health Counseling several years ago, and graduated March 7th, 2009, receiving her state licensure December 2009. Life experience and the desire give back to the community by offering support to women and girls prompted her to pursue this new life challenge. She chose to begin her private practice in the home that so graciously housed Brenda Kay’s for many years.

Located in a serene and peaceful setting The Journey Home provides professional counseling and therapy to women and girls of all ages. Therapy is offered for life issues including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, abuse, grief, loss, life change, emotional problems, and mental illness. One of the special services she offers is that she will make house calls. She travels to nursing homes and hospitals, or she will travel to clients who are not mobile and are unable to get out.

You may reach her to schedule an appointment at 864-855-3231. She also takes referrals from other professionals including physicians, mental hospitals, educators, or other therapists. You may visit her website at www.thejourneyhomellc.com.

Domestic violence is the single largest cause of injury to women.  More injuries are received through domestic violence than automobile accidents, rapes, and muggings combined.  And although statistics show that women are primarily the victims in such incidents, men can also suffer at the hands of a partner.

In 2008, 26 women and 6 men were killed by their intimate partners in South Carolina.  South Carolina currently ranks 8^th in the nation for the number of women murdered by their intimate partners.  Domestic violence is an epidemic affecting women in every community regardless of age, economic status, race, religion or educational background.  It is also one of the most underreported crimes in the United States.

MARYS House, or Ministry Alliance for Regaining Your Safety, was founded in 2003.  It was the collaborative effort of the religious, law enforcement, civic and business communities that helped build the only domestic violence shelter in Pickens County.  We are supported both spiritually and financially by all of these communities and have been blessed by the outpouring of support and their overwhelming generosity.

The MARYS House organization also includes MARYS Closet and Love Shouldn’t Hurt.  MARYS Closet is our resale shop that serves the needs of women in the community:  women who are victims of domestic violence and fire, recently unemployed and/or returning to the work force and mothers of preschool children who cannot afford their clothes.  Love Shouldn’t Hurt is a faith-based program with the goal of putting an end to dating violence.

In 2009, the shelter received approximately 145 calls for help.  In the course of the year, we sheltered 109 women and children and provided services and education for many women that were not residents of the shelter. We continue to support these families as long as assistance is needed.

An important part of our mission at MARYS House is to break the cycle of domestic violence through education and outreach.  The community cannot stay silent about this epidemic any longer. We have individuals available to speak at your event and we welcome every opportunity to educate our community about the cycle of domestic violence and the services and resources that are available to victims through MARYS House. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact MARYS House at (864)855-1708.

Batteries Plus offers a selection of more than 40,000 batteries. From car batteries, boat batteries, to watch, cell phone and hearing aid batteries, local owner, Bates Kennedy, has been providing the region with all their battery needs since 2001.

Kennedy owns eight Batteries Plus locations including the one at 6615-C Calhoun, Memorial Highway, Easley, SC. His other locations are in Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, Mt. Pleasant and North Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Batteries Plus is the nation’s largest and fastest growing battery retailer, selling more than 50 million batteries per year. The franchise has over 410 locations in 44 states and Puerto Rico.

“Most people don’t know that fifty percent of our business is commercial customers,” said Kennedy. “Local businesses can save money and time buying all their batteries from us.”

Kennedy is referring to the company’s ability to lower prices for commercial accounts using buying power when ordering large quantities. Also, Batteries Plus delivers the batteries directly to the business and picks up the used batteries for recycling.

Clemson and Pickens are areas where Kennedy is eager to expand commercial accounts. In an economy where many businesses are looking for creative ways to cut costs, Kennedy believes free delivery and lower costs for durable products makes sense. Also, the Tech Center is equipped to design, assemble, rebuild, and test custom battery packs for costly tools and gadgets, saving businesses the cost of replacing the items.

Batteries Plus services over 250,000 commercial accounts nationwide including many major corporations including Siemens, Heinz Company, Harley Davidson, Briggs and Stratton, and Anheuser Busch.

“We get a charge out of being Easley’s local battery expert,” added Kennedy. “When it comes to batteries we have what you need for your home and your business.”

The Easley Batteries Plus store is open Mon—Fri: 8:00-7:00, Sat: 9:00-6:00, and Sunday 11:00-5:00. For commercial account inquiries and questions, please call 864.306.7811.

From left are Barbara Hanson, Raven Smith, Andrea Pilgrim, Jerry Senn, Brenda Tyler, Pam Jeter and Scott Dunn

First Citizens has a long and proud history of growth and prosperity. With roots that go back nearly 100 years, First Citizens has grown to become one of the largest community banks in the Southeast, with over $8 billion in assets. The bank serves customers in South Carolina and Georgia through an extensive network of more than 190 branches.

In addition to offering a wide range of banking services for individuals and businesses, First Citizens offers brokerage and investment services through First Citizens Securities Corporation. The bank also provides wealth management, retirement and trust services for its clients.

Headquartered in Columbia, First Citizens is privately owned and conservatively managed, an approach that has helped the company remain in a position of financial strength and stability. The bank continues to be rated “Well Capitalized”– the highest and best risk-based classification given to banks by the FDIC.

The staff at First Citizens is proud to be a part of the Easley community and looks forward to continuing to serve the area for many years to come. They invite you to stop by the branch at 6539 Calhoun Memorial Highway and find out why “It’s a GOOD time for a GREAT bank!”

Carl Byars founded the R. Carl Byars Agency in 1947, following WWII. Carl was a man that was very dedicated to serving his community and expressed a tremendous amount of compassion and joy for helping others. Carl seemed to never meet a stranger and was well known throughout the community. Here at “The Byars Agency” we have not forgotten our foundation and the everlasting impression left by Carl that is still very present today. We are about more than just insurance; we are dedicated to offering a personalized based service where the customer is always the first priority. We want you to feel reassured that you have the coverage you need and have been treated with the utmost respect and care.

We are an independent agency that represents many different insurance companies that sell business, home and automobile insurance. We offer many different types of coverage’s and are so fortunate to have a staff that is extremely experienced and trained in all of these fields. We have a helpful staff that is enjoyable to talk to, but at the same time they are dedicated to getting the customer the coverage they need. We have several agents that have more than 30 years of experience in the insurance business and several that have been at “The Byars Agency” the entirety of their career.

As we approach the third generation of our business we are excited about the future and more importantly, the valuable friendships and relationships we get to build with customers each day. Easley is a great place to live and work. We feel so blessed to have the opportunity to serve this community and the wonderful people that make this community such a special place each day. Visit our office located in downtown Easley at 129 East 1st Avenue or call us at (864)859-4091.

Maynard’s Home Furnishings is a third generation business that has been providing the Upstate of South Carolina and Northeast Georgia with quality furniture since 1947. The company was founded by Al Maynard on the idea of providing customers with quality merchandise at affordable prices with great service. Although the company is now being operated by his son Rex and grandsons Alderman and Blake, Maynard’s still adheres to Mr. Al Maynard’s ideas of doing business.

In 1971 Maynard’s built and operated until 1977 the Country Manor Store located at 117 Country Manor Rd, Piedmont SC. In 2000 Maynard’s bought the business back and after a total remodel reopened it as Maynard’s Home Furnishings at Piedmont in March 2001. The “Piedmont” store carries the same lines and offers the same services as the older Belton store. The store at Piedmont is managed by long time employee John Broadwell and has a well qualified sales staff. There is over 115 years of experience between the four employees at the Piedmont location.

Maynard’s offers a complete selection of bedroom, dining room, living room, home office, entertainment, mattresses, accessories, recliner’s, leather and patio furniture. If the item you need is not in stock, Maynard’s has the capability to special order that special item for you. Delivery is offered and in-home design service is free with your purchase.

Maynard’s not only offers fair and competitive prices every day but also works with its manufacturers to give special prices at different times of the year. Maynard’s will have sale periods throughout the year with two of the largest sale periods at Memorial Day and Labor Day. Financing is always available and extended “free financing” is available at certain times.

Both stores, Piedmont (I-85 at exit 35) and Belton, are open the same hours 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM Monday through Saturday. You can call the Piedmont location at 864-845-7502 or go to www.maynardshomefurnishings.com to view the customer friendly web site.

Maynard’s invites you to come by and check out either the Piedmont (I-85) or the Belton locations. You will be offered a cup of coffe or a cold soft drink and allowed to browse at your convenience. And whether you are in need of just a lamp or a whole house of furniture you will be given that “Hello Nice People” treatment.

From left are Charles King, Jr., DMD, Wendy Roach, Bethany James and Maria Exposito.

Easley Periodontics located at 803 Brushy Creek Road, Easley, was established six years ago and is the first full time periodontal practice in Easley. As a native of Easley, Dr. King was pleased to be able to come back home to practice. The community has supported them very well and has demonstrated the need for a full time periodontal practice.

Easley Periodontics specializes in the treatment of all types of gum diseases, cosmetic gum procedures, and the surgical placement of dental implants. “The implant portion of the practice is where we spend the majority of our time because there is such a need for tooth replacement. We place implants for the single missing tooth all the way to multiple implants for full mouth rehabilitation. Our practice also spends a great deal of time getting patients ready for implants through extractions and bone grafting procedures. These procedures create better areas for implant placement. Most people do not realize how simple it can be to replace missing teeth or to stabilize a denture with dental implants,” stated Dr. King.

Easley Periodontics has a great staff consisting of a surgical assistant, dental hygienist, and office manager/insurance specialist that are extremely pleasant to work with and up to date in their respective areas. For further information contact the office at (864)855-2793 or visit www.easleyperiodontics.com.

Easley is a great place to live, work, and play and we appreciate all the support that our practice has been shown by the community and the local dentists.

From left are Evan Landreth, Autumn Durham, Tammy Vaughn, Jenna Henderson, Michael Ankers

People in the Easley community have looked to American General Financial Services (AGFS) for financial assistance with home improvements, emergencies, major purchases, education and more for some 40 years.

“We take a personal approach to lending,” said Branch Manager Mike Ankers. “By getting to know our customers we can help them select the product that is right for them and their budget.”

Mike began his career with AGFS in Easley in 2001 after serving with the US Marine Corps. He progressed through the company’s manager training program at other area offices and returned here in 2008.

Senior CAS Tammy Vaughn is probably the most recognized member of the staff, having served 20 of her 23 years in Easley. She graduated from Pickens High School. Senior CAS Autumn Durham graduate from Daniel High School and Tri-County Tech and has been a member of the AGFS service team for three years.

It’s likely you’ll see Assistant Manager Evan Landreth and Financial Representative Jenna Henderson playing and coaching soccer in Easley when they are not at the office. Evan has been with the company a year and graduated from Wren. Also a Wren alumnus, Jenna holds a degree form Southern Wesleyan University and started her career six months ago.

AGFS also works with local merchants to provide financing for the products and services they sell.

“From furniture to fencing, and even dental work, AGFS has payment plans that make purchases affordable,” Mike added.

The Easley office is located at 1027 S. Pendleton Street, 855-2582. Customers can also apply on-line at agfinance.com.

American General Finance, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged in the consumer finance and credit insurance businesses. The company, headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, has been in business since 1920. Products and services are provided to customers through an extensive nationwide branch network. The company offers direct consumer and home equity loans, retail sales financing, and other credit-related products.

Pictured: (Left-Right) Nick Smith, Samantha Doyle, Libby Brown, Dr. Orr, Betty Mullikin, Kathy Davis, Dr. Mullikin, Carol Crawford.

In 1972, Veterinary Clinic, P.A. opened as a satellite clinic in Easley, treating small and large animals. Dr. Mullikin was the primary veterinarian during the earlier years, and bought this location from his partners in 1976. Dr. Jerry Orr joined the practice in 1981 and became a partner in 1982. Dr. Mullikin did his undergraduate at Clemson University and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia. Dr. Orr received a B.S. degree form Clemson University before attending Tuskegee Institute, where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.

Although the practice continues to treat small and large animals, with the change in the agriculture scene, small animals have become a primary part of the practice.
Dr. Mullikin hired his first licensed veterinary technician from Tri County Tech’s first graduating class in 1976 and has had at least one of their graduates on staff since that time.

Veterinary Clinic, P.A. is a full service Veterinary Clinic offering wellness and preventive medicine, surgery (soft tissue and orthopedic) and dentistry. The clinic can perform most routine laboratory tests in house. Radiographs, x-rays, are done in house as well.

Surgery can be performed with a laser, which will minimize bleeding, pain and tissue damage. The clinic also offers laser therapy. Laser therapy is used for arthritis, sprains, and wounds and to stimulate the healing process.
The clinic staff is a caring and compassionate team, providing excellent care for your beloved pets.

The clinic is located at 503 Ross Ave. Easley, SC