Mortgage Broker in Greer, SC

A global industrial automation technology company has chosen Spartanburg County to plant roots for its first South Carolina operation.

Omron Automation’s $9.2 million investment will create 162 new jobs in five years. The company will lease and build out a 60,000-square-foot production facility at 311 Genoble Road in Greer to manufacture industrial automation technologies including motion controllers and drives, machine vision, barcode readers and barcode verification systems, according to a South Carolina Department of Commerce news release.

“We are thrilled to establish our new location in Spartanburg County, expanding our market presence in the Southeast,” Omron Automation Americas President and CEO Robb Black said in the release. “This investment allows us to leverage cutting-edge technologies and generate high-quality manufacturing jobs, contributing to the growth and prosperity of the region.”

With more than 90 years of experience, Omron creates, sells and services fully integrated automation solutions designed to optimize manufacturing and improve safety. The company provides manufacturing solutions to customers in more than 110 countries and has production facilities in Japan, Brazil, China, the Netherlands and the United States.

“We are thrilled to welcome Omron Automation to Atlas at Inland Port Greer,” said Warren Zinn, principal of Atlas Capital Group, said in a separate announcement. “Our ability to attract industry giants is a testament to our commitment to advancing solutions and fostering innovation in Greenville’s industrial landscape as a mindful contributor to the vibrant growth of our community and source of economic vitality for the area.”

Located within an opportunity zone and part of a multi-county industrial park, Atlas at Inland Port Greer is near Inland Port Greer, BMW Manufacturing, Interstate 85 and Greenville Spartanburg International Airport.

“As we embark on this significant move to Atlas at Inland Port Greer, we see it as more than a relocation; it’s a commitment to modernizing our facilities and service capabilities, enhancing our lead-time performance, increasing our production capacity and contributing to the economic development of the Greer community,” Dan Barnes, vice president of manufacturing for Omron Automation, said in the release. “We are excited to join the dynamic industrial landscape Atlas has cultivated and look forward to a seamless transition of positive impact on the region.”

Gov. Henry McMaster welcomed the company.

“We are proud to welcome Omron Automation to South Carolina,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “This announcement is further proof that our state’s reputation as an advanced manufacturing powerhouse continues to attract major international companies to establish operations within our borders.”

Operations will be online in April, the release said.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project. The council also awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside Grant to Spartanburg County to assist with the costs of building improvements, the release said.

Jobs will be posted on the company’s careers page and at www.sctechjobs.com.

“Omron Automation’s decision to invest and create 162 jobs in Spartanburg County will have an immense impact on the state of South Carolina,” said South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III in the release. “We look forward to a strong partnership with Omron for many years to come.”

Get ready, because Santa Claus is coming to Greer-Taylors! This holiday season, the man in red is spreading holiday joy all over town. So get those wishlists ready, be on your best behavior (Santa knows if you've been bad or good!) and mark your calendar. Here's when and where you can catch Santa in the Greer-Taylors area this year!

Please note: Event dates are subject to change or cancellation. We recommend calling ahead to confirm and making reservations when possible.

When: Friday, Dec. 1Where: Greer City Park, 301 E Poinsett Street, Greer, SC 29651What: Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the Greer Christmas Tree Lighting event, held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the heart of Greer City Park. Enjoy a variety of activities including free holiday craft stations, train rides, musical performances and an impressive ice sculpture demonstration. The highlight of the night is Santa's grand entrance at 7:10 p.m., so grab your cameras and keep an eye out! Click here for more info.

When: Saturday, Dec. 9

Where: Cartwright Food Hall, 215 Trade Street Greer, SC 29651

What: Head over to Cartwright Food Hall for a chance to meet the most famous couple in the North Pole! Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be onsite to make crafts, take photos and spread holiday cheer — kids can even tell Santa what’s on their Christmas list. While market entry is free, the meet-and-greet is a ticketed event, with general admission running $10. Click here for more info.

When: Select dates from Friday, Nov. 24 - Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Grand Bohemian Lodge, Greenville, 44 E Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601

What: The Greenville Christmas Market brings some festive cheer to the enchanting Grand Bohemian Lodge, just a quick drive from Greer. Enjoy live music, local vendors, delightful treats and activities for the kids all season long. Don’t forget to snap your picture with Santa Claus, who will be at the market at select times for meet-and-greets! Click here for more info.

When: Now - Sunday, Dec. 24Where: Haywood Mall, 700 Haywood Road, Greenville, SC 29607What: Capture the spirit of the season with a visit to Santa at Haywood Mall down the road in Greenville. Enjoy a timeless tradition where families can meet and take photos with Santa. Photo packages are available for purchase to cherish these holiday memories. For convenience and to reduce waiting time, pre-booking your visit at WhereIsSanta.com is recommended. Click here for more info.

Happy holidays, Greer-Taylors! Wishing you a joyful season filled with warmth and happiness.

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After purchasing property at 112 Trade St. for $1.1 million, according to Greenville County property data, Gossett opened upscale bistro Select Dining during downtown Greer’s repaving and streetscape projects in 2019. He was one of several businesses owners in the district who talked with news media of their support for city’s improvements.

Then came COVID-19. And like millions of business owners, Gossett applied for Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans in March 2020.

But Gossett did things a little bit differently than most, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, South Carolina District.

According to court documents, over the course of six months, Gossett received close to $2 million under various individual and business names, some of which he didn’t own.

Gossett operated accounts under Simply Everything Inc., Select Dining, Select Dining LLC dba as The Epicurean, Keystone Investment Properties, C. Tim Keagy LLC, Jeffrey Gossett and Elizabeth Gossett and Adriel Gossett.

The Epicurean Restaurant, once located on 1455 Woodruff Road, was founded by George Stathakis of the Stax restaurant chain before Stathakis passed the torch to Gossett in 2013, according to Gossett’s Yelp profile. The grill closed permanently, reportedly before 2020, according to CityData.

Today, Gossett pled guilty to felony courts of wire fraud and money laundering through receiving COVID-19 relief funds via fraudulent loan applications, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney General’s Office for the District of South Carolina, which filed the charge against Gossett on July 6.

“Taking money meant for those in need is reprehensible, especially during a pandemic,” Acting U.S. Attorney M. Rhett DeHart, said in the news release. “With the help of our federal and local partners, this office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who seek to turn the misfortune of others into illegal gains for themselves.”

For the most serious charge, Gossett faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment and restitution. U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Gossett after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office, the news release said.

“While many small businesses were struggling to make ends meet at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gossett submitted fraudulent claims for his personal benefit," Susan Ferensic, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Columbia field office, said in the release. “The FBI and its federal partners will continue to pursue those who take advantage of programs meant to help small businesses during difficult times.”

The FBI investigated the case along with the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Marosek is prosecuting the case.

“Making false statements to fraudulently gain access to SBA program funds is unacceptable,” Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General’s Eastern region special agent in charge, said in the release. “SBA OIG will relentlessly pursue evidence of fraud against SBA’s programs aimed at assisting the nation’s small businesses struggling with the pandemic challenges. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its leadership and dedication to pursuing justice.”

SC Ports’ rail-served inland ports are speeding goods to market, with Inland Port Greer handling more cargo than ever before in October.

The team at Inland Port Greer loaded and unloaded 17,000 containers filled with goods last month, which is a 42% increase from last October. Inland Port Dillon also had a strong month, handling 3,148 containers in October, up 31% from last year.

South Carolina’s two rail-served inland ports provide quick access to inland markets, ensuring goods efficiently flow to and from the Port of Charleston. Customers benefit from supply chain efficiencies and reduced emissions by moving more cargo by rail.

SC Ports is currently expanding Inland Port Greer to double its cargo capacity and increase rail capabilities.

“The bustling logistics hub moves cargo 24/7 for many advanced manufacturers, tire producers, apparel companies and major retailers,” Melvin said. “This growth demanded an expansion to meet our customers’ needs.”

The new, rail-served Navy Base Intermodal Facility, which is currently under construction in North Charleston, will feed more cargo to the inland ports. Both CSX and Norfolk Southern will serve this near-port intermodal yard when it opens in 2025.

“As companies expand their operations and invest in new facilities in South Carolina and throughout the Southeast, SC Ports is investing in critical port infrastructure to support this growth,” Melvin said.

Overall, SC Ports handled 235,006 TEUs and 129,171 pier containers in October. Container volumes are down about 9% year-over-year, with empty volumes driving the decline. Loaded import and export TEUs were down 1%, while empty TEUs were down 27%.

Although the trends of a tempered global economy and overstocking continue, October showed a little relief with loaded TEUs near October 2022 highs.

October also showed signs of strength and optimism with SC Ports celebrating its highest monthly container volume ever at Wando Welch Terminal with 116,745 pier containers in October, surpassing the previous record set in March 2021.

“The Southeast continues to be a thriving market where people and businesses want to locate,” SC Ports’ Chief Commercial Officer Byron Miller said. “South Carolina Ports is well-positioned through strategic investments to support this growth. We are a powerful alternative gateway on the U.S. East Coast for shippers wanting a reliable supply chain partner and access to a booming market.”

SC Ports handled 16,209 vehicles in October, down nearly 10% year-over-year, but up 9% fiscal-year-to-date with 79,116 vehicles handled since July. SC Ports accommodated 27,209 cruise passengers in October, up 11% year-over-year.

SC Ports also recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 15,000-square-foot community center in North Charleston.

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Rick Erwin Dining Group, known for its family of steak and seafood restaurants across the Upstate, has plans to open Rick Erwin’s Greer, a traditional fine dining concept like Rick Erwin’s Eastside, Clemson, West End Grille, and Level 10, according to a news release.

“We are thrilled to be back in growth mode,” said Michael Ivey, owner and CFO of Rick Erwin Dining Group. “We opened our first neighborhood restaurant, The Vista, on Augusta Street last fall, and we look forward to opening one of our signature steak and seafood concepts in the heart of downtown Greer in the spring.”

Rick Erwin’s Greer will take over the space previously occupied by the former steakhouse, following owner Jason Clark’s announcement that he was permanently closing the restaurant after more than a decade in business, the release said.

“Strip Club 104 has been a fixture in Greer for many years,” said Ivey. “A lot of people are sad to see it go, including us. We’ve been friends with Jason for a long time and followed his success over the years. It timed out perfectly that he was ready to close one chapter and we were looking to start a new one. We are honored to move into a space where such a well-respected restaurant has been for so long, and we look forward to serving the Greer community.”

The management team for the new location will consist of longtime Rick Erwin Dining Group employees. Both the executive chef and general manager, whose names will be announced later, are being promoted from within, according to the release.

“We are a locally owned and operated restaurant group, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” said Ivey. “We’re not just growing our footprint, we’re growing our team, our future leaders, and our community impact.”

The expansion announcement comes shortly after Rick Erwin Dining Group launched Crab Cakes for a Cause, a new charitable initiative that reflects the company’s commitment to giving back to the community through a popular item featured on all its restaurant menus, the release said.

“Each new location we open is a chance to reach more people through Crab Cakes for a Cause, which helps us bring even more awareness to the needs of our local nonprofits,” Ivey said.

Rick Erwin’s Greer is anticipated to open in May at 104 E. Poinsett St.