Tag: SC Workforce

Evette praises YMCA’s impact during visit

By Brandon Roberts, Originally posted by The Summerville Journal Scene on April 27, 2025

Lt. Gov. advocates for youth programs, small businesses, public-private partnerships

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette visited the Summerville Family YMCA at The Ponds on April 24 to discuss the YMCA’s role in the community and emphasize the importance of local partnerships.

During the one-hour tour, YMCA CEO Joe Debney highlighted the organization’s community-focused initiatives, such as drowning prevention programs, outreach efforts, and partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits and elected officials.

“Every single time I have heard her speak, she stresses the importance of small business, public-private partnerships and nonprofits,” Debney said. “Not only here in South Carolina, I’ve seen her do this at the national level with the YMCA.”

Evette expressed her strong support for the YMCA’s work, particularly its effect on youth and seniors. She praised the organization’s programs that teach soft skills to high school students and provide seniors with opportunities to stay active and socially engaged.

“I am a huge champion of the Y, and for so many reasons,” Evette said. “First and foremost, because of the impact you’ve had in your community, not just with young people.”

She also shared her enthusiasm for the YMCA’s historical connections to prominent figures such as Ronald Reagan and Walt Disney.

“Ronald Reagan’s first job was being a lifeguard at the Y, and Walt Disney lived at the Y while he was sketching out his characters,” she said. “All these amazing people who did such impactful things have such a strong connection to the Y.”

Evette also highlighted the YMCA’s role in fostering youth involvement in government, pointing out the Youth in Government program led by the Y.

“It is so important for us to get our younger generation involved in government,” she said, referencing the increased awareness of state government processes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to discussing the YMCA’s contributions, Debney recognized local partnerships that strengthen the organization’s impact. The visit underscored the YMCA’s commitment to community health and its role as a resource for Summerville residents.

South Carolina lieutenant governor visits Summerville YMCA

By Anna Harris, originally published by WCSC Live 5 News on April 24, 2025

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) – South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette says the YMCA has played a crucial role in her work and personal life, which led her to take a trip to Summerville’s YMCA on Thursday.

She says the YMCA is a huge help to young people looking to get a job, especially those in high school, and helps make community connections stronger, like at The Ponds in Summerville.

Evette visited one of the three YMCA locations in Summerville to learn more about their programs. In the past, she says she’s visited a location in Florence, Myrtle Beach and even the national organization in Washington, D.C.

In the Lowcountry, Evette has worked with the Y to bring a portable pool to communities like Walterboro and St. George over the past few years. And she says the programs the Y offers are important to the youth as they allow them to learn soft skills.

“School is going to be coming to an end, and parents need to know what they can do with their children during the day,” Evette said. “A safe place, a learning place, a place their kids will have fun and want to come every day. And the Y fills that gap also.”

Plus, she says the Y benefits seniors as they’re able to find new friends and keep up with their social life.

And at The Ponds’ YMCA, a new “Y on the Fly” bus is taking those kinds of programs and bringing them on the go. This new addition came from a $50,000 donation from Boeing.

Evette says anyone with this access is able to succeed.

“Ronald Reagan had his first job as a lifeguard here with the Y,” Evette said. “Walt Disney lived at the Y while he was designing and creating some of his most iconic characters. And so, the Y has a long-standing reputation of being a staple in every community. And so, it’s important to let people know the resources they have right here under this roof.”

Evette says youth and government are headed by the Y. So, it’s important for the younger generation to get involved in government and learn how to vote.

And although she has not officially filed, Evette did mention she is still strongly considering running for governor.

Click here to learn more about the YMCA at The Ponds and to get involved with their programs.

Lt. Gov. Evette Attends Milo’s Tea Co. Grand Opening in Spartanburg County

By Tiare Solis, originally posted April 22, 2025 in Upstate Business Journal

Milo’s Tea Co. held a grand opening for its new Spartanburg County production facility April 22.

The 110,000-square-foot facility is located just off Interstate 26 in Moore and represents a $200 million economic investment in the Upstate. Present at the ribbon cutting were Milo’s CEO Tricia Wallwork, Walmart CEO John Furner and Gov. Henry McMaster, among others.

“We built a business based on values, on putting people first, on delicious drinks with real ingredients that you have in your kitchen and a growth mindset,” Wallwork said. “We’re blessed to have team of remarkable people right here in the Upstate that are ready to live our values.”

Milo’s was founded in Birmingham, Alabama, as Milo’s Hamburgers in 1946 by Wallwork’s grandparents, Milo and Bea Carlton. The restaurant served burgers, fries and sweet tea, and it still exists today. The restaurant franchised in 1982 with Wallwork’s parents.

Walmart partnership

The beverage component eventually branched off into Milo’s Tea Co., which partnered with Walmart roughly 30 years ago. In 2013, Walmart launched its U.S. Manufacturing Initiative, and Wallwork sought an opportunity for expansion.

Milo’s tea is now available at more than 55,000 retail locations.

The Spartanburg County operation was announced in June 2023. The opening marks the fourth facility for the family-owned tea company. It opened a Tulsa, Oklahoma, facility in 2020 to serve western states.

“Now we want to come a little bit further east and a little bit further north so that we could access all of the Eastern Seaboard,” said Milo’s COO Chris Droney.

The Spartanburg facility will brew and package tea, which will then be shipped to Walmart regional distribution centers.

“We continue to be closer to where customers are and closer to our distribution cities, which is a great opportunity for us,” said Will McDonald, Walmart vice president of merchandising for beverages.

By the end of the year, the facility will ramp up to annually produce 25 million cases of tea, each containing four one-gallon bottles. When fully operational, it will employ more than 200 workers.

South Carolina Lt. Governor Pamela Evette Announces STEM Funding for the Palmetto Academy for Motor Sports

PALM to receive funding as part of the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) Lt. Governors’ STEM Scholarship Program

CONWAY, SOUTH CAROLINA – South Carolina Lt. Governor Pamela Evette has announced that Palmetto Academy for Motor Sports is an award recipient of the 2025 NLGA Lt. Governors STEM Scholarship Program! NLGA will award the school $500 as part of a national call for applications for funding STEM programming and curriculum in schools.

“STEM opportunities are essential for students across all ages, disciplines, and career paths,” said Lt. Governor Evette. “South Carolina stands as a national leader in the automotive, manufacturing, and motorsports industries. Through supporting STEM education at PALM, the NLGA funding is advancing the education and development of South Carolina’s future S.C. workforce.”

PALM is a vocational high school dedicated to preparing students for careers in the motorsports industry. The STEM Scholarship will provide funding for microscopes, enabling students to incorporate microscopy into subjects like biology and chemistry, and to enhance their academic experience through a robust, competency-based curriculum.

NLGA opened the application period for the STEM Scholarship Program in January 2025. The application process was competitive, with NLGA receiving more than 125 requests for STEM funding from schools in 32 states and territories. Twelve schools in 12 states and territories were awarded $500 – $1,000 for STEM-related expenses.

“As the seconds-in-command in state and territorial government, lieutenant governors are uniquely poised to lead on STEM education,” said NLGA Executive Director Kellie Rittershausen. “By supporting STEM-related activities in schools across the country, we can encourage a long-term interest and passion in STEM education in America’s youth.”

The Scholarship Program is administered by NLGA, the nonpartisan, nonprofit association for the nation’s seconds-in-command, and sponsored by ACT, the education and career readiness nonprofit.

“ACT is proud to have been the sponsor of the NLGA STEM scholarship program since its inception and to see its growth and impact over the past 4 years,” ACT CEO Janet Godwin said. “STEM education is crucial for our country’s future workforce which will be increasingly reliant on the critical thinking and problem-solving skills it fosters, regardless of a student’s college or career pathway. ACT is uniquely poised to meet this moment, and working alongside NLGA, we are committed to ensuring that all students leave high school prepared to enter a world of evolving postsecondary and work opportunities, including those for which a high-quality STEM education are essential.”

Public, private, and tribal schools serving pre-K – 12^th grade students in the 50 states and five U.S. territories were invited to apply for funding to support STEM-related activities, programming, curriculum, equipment, and other expenses. Funding will be provided to all winning schools in May.

Additional information on the STEM Scholarship Program can be found at https://nlga.us/state-strategies-in-stem/.

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Aim Higher SC: Lieutenant Governor Evette’s March 2025 Email Update

Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette brings her supporters, friends, and the people of South Carolina her 1st Quarter 2025 e-mail update.

In this edition, we share a few highlights of how Evette is supporting President Trump’s agenda in SC, featured news stories, how Team SC is working to fight SC wildfires + SC business features (large & small), non-profits who are making a difference, and a few personal updates.

Below is March 2025’s opening message from Lt. Gov. Evette.

A Message from Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette

If you’re like me, you can’t believe that it’s already March. 2025 is flying by, and a BIG part of that is how President Trump is taking action in the Oval Office at lightning speed. His dedication to keeping the promises he made and his drive to Make America Great Again is awe inspiring.

What a time to be an American — in the Golden Age!

I am committed to being an ally for our President in South Carolina. I will never stop pushing to keep the Palmetto State winning, today and well into the future!

Lt. Governor Pamela S. Evette

SC Lt. Gov. visits Darlington Co. to highlight youth career pathways

by Haleigh West, originally posted March 24, 2025 by ABC 15 News (WPDE)

DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — The South Carolina Lt. Gov., Pamela Evette, traveled across the Palmetto State to visit several companies that hire young people.

On Friday, she was in Darlington County visiting Sonoco, which hires teenagers straight from the area’s schools.

The goal is to introduce them to career pathways early and give them job experience.

Darlington County School District works to prepare students for the workforce with programs like internships, career exploration and career awareness programs.

ABC15 spoke with two students who are involved in the program, one student who had been through it and another who is taking advantage of the program right now.

“The transition coming in as a teenager at 17 years old, I hadn’t really known a whole lot. And over the course of years between school and Sonoco and Darlington County itself, it helped me learn what I know now.”

ABC15 spoke to the Lt. Gov. who said it is a great effort to give students work experience for those who may not want to jump into college debt.

Charleston event to feature South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette at New Realm Brewing

by ABC NEWS 4 STAFF. Originally published February 20th 2025

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette will be the featured guest at the upcoming Charleston Business & Brews event in March.

Slated for Thursday, March 13, at New Realm Brewing on Daniel Island, the event, which runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m., is free and open to the public.

Evette, the 93rd lieutenant governor of South Carolina and the state’s first female Republican to hold the position is known for her entrepreneurial spirit. She founded Quality Business Solutions, a payroll, HR, and benefits services firm, which grew into one of the nation’s fastest-growing small businesses under her leadership.

Since taking office in January 2019, Evette has focused on leveraging her professional experience to benefit South Carolina’s businesses and communities. She has been an advocate for the state’s small business ecosystem and has worked to attract new businesses to the area.

The event is organized by Follywood Productions and sponsored by companies including HNTB, Kavalyn Custom Solutions, Apostioli, and Ridge Media. New Realm Brewing is located at 880 Island Park Dr., Charleston, SC 29492.

World’s largest center console boat travels through South Carolina today

By Stephanie Moore, originally published on WYFF4 February 3, 2025

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. —

The world’s largest center console boat is traveling in South Carolina on Monday.

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office announced it was helping State Transport Police in escorting the boat and announced traffic delays in the area.

Fighter jets manufactured in Upstate to help U.S. ally

by Kelci O’Donnell, originally posted 1/31/2025 by WSPA

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – The United States is strengthening the defense corporation of one of our allies with new fighter jets.

Officials said it’s one of the latest lines of defense, the F-16 Block 70, manufactured in Greenville. For the first time in history, it will soon occupy the sky in the Republic of Bulgaria.

The F-16 is one of the most iconic fighters in history, symbolizing enduring partnerships, industrial collaboration, and security over the past 50 years, according to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

“That’s the sound of freedom,” test and lead production pilot for Lockheed Martin, Chris Nations said, while candidly speaking about the jets’ loud sonic booms.

That sound of freedom is marking a significant milestone for the United States.

“We’re grateful for Bulgaria’s partnership in this endeavor and its commitment to long-term defense plans,” said Maj. Gen. Ricky Mills, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs.

On Friday, the first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet that will be sent to Bulgaria was unveiled at the Donaldson Center.

Air Force leaders said it’s a more than $2 billion investment that came to fruition through the efforts of members of the U.S. government, representatives from Bulgaria, South Carolina elected officials, and Lockheed Martin employees.

According to the manufacturing company, the first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70 took flight on October 22 around 9:30 a.m. EDT at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville. It was officially unveiled three months later.

Bulgaria is the second European country to receive the fighter jet, according to a Lockheed Martin press release.

“We do not want war with our adversaries abroad, but we will not shy away from it,” said Rep. William Timmons, who represents South Carolina’s 4th congressional district. “We will be ready. Your investment in F-16s makes you ready.”

“We have assets all across the company and across the U.S. government making sure that the Bulgarian Air Force is able to use the F-16 to its utmost ability,” said Nations.

Chris “Sasquach” Nations began his 20-year Air Force career on an F-16 fighter jet. He’s now playing a key role in testing and training the next generation at Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin is home to the production of the state-of-the-art military aircraft, the latest of which will modernize Bulgaria’s fleet.

“It’s way more capable. It flies faster. It’s more deadly,” said Maj. Myyah Lockhart, Tennessee State Partnership Program Director with Bulgaria. “You’ve got air policing missions that need to be flown out over the Black Sea region. To have this aircraft in their inventory puts them at the top tier of fighter air superiority.”

With this contribution, South Carolina is making a difference across the globe to enhance defense and security.

“Seeing those young men and women who are here at Lockheed Martin building those plans and the amazing amount of pride that they take, knowing that they are building these aircraft to keep our allies safe all over the globe, I love to talk about South Carolina’s fingerprints,” said South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. “South Carolina’s fingerprints are across the globe.”

Lockheed Martin leaders said 16 fighter jets will be shipped to Bulgaria. The first eight should be in operation by the end of the year.

“We look forward to many more years of partnering with them in military efforts,” added Lockhart.

Lt. Gov. Evette says delivery of F-16 to Bulgaria is “Peace Through Strength”

By Rey Llerena, originally posted January 31, 2025 on WYFF4

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —

Lockheed Martin has delivered the first F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft to Bulgaria as the country plans to develop its air force.

The aircraft was delivered in a ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville County facility on Friday morning, with top Bulgarian defense officials in attendance.

“With the acquisition of this multirole fighter capable of performing a wide range of tasks, we’re marking the beginning of the modernization of our combat aviation,” said Atanas Zapryanov, Bulgaria’s minister of defense.

Friday’s ceremony marked the first of 16 total F-16 Block 70s that will eventually be delivered to Bulgaria.

Chris Nations, Lockheed Martin’s chief F-16 test pilot, said the F-16 has been in service for more than 50 years. He said the Block 70 is the most capable version to date.

However, before the aircraft are delivered to customers, Nations said they are tested in the Upstate, where some people can hear sonic booms.

“That is the sound of freedom,” Nations said. “Realistically, what that is making sure that these jets work exactly like they’re supposed to. On the very first flight, after we’ve put the tires on and strap the wings on, I’ll take that aircraft up to over 40,000 feet in the air.”

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said these planes are one way the state is helping with national security.

“This is peace through strength,” she said. “Making sure that our allies have the equipment they need to keep their citizens safe is something we’re passionate about here. We’ve heard since President Trump took office, ‘How do we bring up the U.S.’s military might to make sure we keep our people and our country safe?'”

Lockheed Martin said there are more than 700 F-16s currently in service across Europe.