South-Carolina
Tacos ‘n Tequila, Drive baseball, free resource fair – In The Know 1-25
South Carolina Recruits $9.1B In Industries During ’25
The South Carolina Department of Commerce recruited of $9.12 billion in industries during 2025. That is the third-highest number on record and represents 8,100 jobs.
In addition, rural recruitment of capital investment and jobs accounted for 46% of the total – the highest percentage since 2010 – and 44% of the jobs, a total of 3,500.
The numbers prove that the state’s strategy is working, said Gov. Henry McMaster.
“Our success in rural communities shows that opportunity exists in every corner of our state. By investing in our workforce and supporting pro-business laws and policies, we continue to bring in thousands of jobs that benefit South Carolina families and strengthen our entire state,” he said.
Rural projects span agribusiness, automotive, energy, and wood and paper products – reflecting South Carolina’s increasingly diverse economy, rural workforce, infrastructure and quality of life.
Of the 82 projects, 34 are in rural communities.
“Rural success is deliberate – driven by strong collaboration among state leadership, local economic developers and committed partners,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.
“South Carolina’s milestone in rural recruitment underscores our commitment to bolstering the potential of these communities,” he said.
For a list of projects announced since 2011, search the internet for Project & Recruitment Data and S.C. Department of Commerce Launch to Legacy 2025.
Greenville Drive Announces Ticket Sales For 2026
The 2026 Greenville Drive baseball season at Fluor Field will begin in April, and single tickets are available for purchase. Tickets will be released in batches.
The first home games of the season are April 2 through April 4.
“Whether you’re here for a social night with friends or a Sunday afternoon with the kids, we’re doing everything possible to ensure you’re getting the best value and experience in Upstate,” said Jeff Brown, President of the Greenville Drive, the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.
Tickets to opening day and games with fireworks went on sale in mid-January.
Tickets to Thursday games will be sold starting Jan. 28; giveaway games, Feb. 12; and remaining games, Feb. 26.
For timely information about ticket sales, go to GreenvilleDrive.com, call (864) 240-4500, or email boxoffice@greenvilledrive.com.
- Opening day, presented by TD Bank, is April 2. Fireworks displays will be April 3, April 17; May 1, May 15, May 29; June 12, June 26; July 24; Aug. 5, Aug. 7, Aug. 21, Aug. 28.
- Thursday home games are April 2, April 16, April 30; May 14, May 28; June 11, June 25; July 23; Aug. 6, Aug. 20, Aug. 27.
- Giveaway games are April 2, April 3, April 4; May 2; June 14; July 18, July 23; Aug. 22.
- Other tickets go on sale Feb. 26.
The Greenville Drive is entering its 21st season at Fluor Field in Downtown Greenville.
Since 2006, more than 500,000 fans have visited Fluor Field annually for Drive games and community events.
To date, 131 Drive alumni have gone on to play in the major leagues. In the 2025 season, 14 former Drive players made their MLB debut – the most ever during a single season. Ten of the last 12 World Series champions had at least one former Drive player on their rosters.
Fluor Field was built to resemble Boston’s Fenway Park, including a 30-foot-high “Green Monster” hand-operated scoreboard in left field and “Pesky’s Pole” in right field. The ballpark has a playground, a covered bar and lounge named the 500 Club, hospitality spaces for large and small groups, and extensive food and beverage offerings.
Fluor Field will host 66 Drive home games, 35 amateur baseball games, and 150 events – from weddings to festivals.
Opportunity Fair To Help Youths With Disabilities
Greenville County Schools, in partnership with The Barbara Stone Foundation, will host a free resource fair, “The Road to Possibilities – An Opportunity Fair,” from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 5. The event is created for students with disabilities (ages 3 to 21), their families, and the district’s special education staff.
The free event is also open to the public; it will be held at University Center, 225 S. Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville.
Exhibitors will provide information about community resources and services for young people and their families – while students are in school and as they plan an inclusive future after high school.
Information will be provided about post-secondary education and training, employment opportunities, recreation and leisure activities, independent living, financial literacy, legal planning and other subjects.
“We had such a positive response from our first “Road to Possibilities – An Opportunity Fair” that we knew this needed to happen every year,” said Carlene Zierfuss, Transition Coordinator, Greenville County Schools.
“When students with disabilities graduate from high school and enter adulthood, the supports they have known and had during their entire educational journey end. We hope to make that journey and transition seamless, so our students have more opportunities and support after they leave Greenville County Schools,” she said.
Lara Ceisel, Executive Director of the Barbara Stone Foundation, said the organization is thrilled to partner with the school district for the opportunity fair.
“Navigating resources and options after high school can be hard for many, and we hope to make new connections and provide options that make their journey a little easier,” Ceisel said.
Food will be available. Disability-related groups will provide live entertainment.
Registration is not required, but it is encouraged. For information, search the internet for The Road to Possibilities – An Opportunity Fair 2026 and Greenville County Schools.
Zierfuss is available by email at czierfuss@greenville.k12.sc.us or email Ceisel at lara@barbarastonefoundation.org with additional questions.
Since 1991, the Barbara Stone Foundation’s focus has been to influence community systems, policies, and culture to create equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the Upstate.
The organization’s signature programs are Greenville CAN (Collaborative Action Network) and the UP (Upward Professionals) Employment Initiative. For information, go to barbarastonefoundation.org.
Tacos ‘n Tequila Returns To Events At Judson Mill
Fans can celebrate tacos and tequila on April 12 at Events at Judson Mill, 701 Easley Bridge Road in Greenville.
The Tacos ‘n Tequila Fiesta, presented by Lunazul Tequila, is back for its ninth year. Tickets start at $70; purchase them at tacotequilafiesta.com/tickets.html.
“This is not just a party. It’s the tastiest, most vibrant event of the season,” said Tammy Johnson, CEO of High Spirits Events, which is producing the event. “Get ready for the ultimate flavor-packed celebration.”
The all-you-can-eat taco feast from the area’s chefs can be washed down with handcrafted Lunazul Tequila cocktails. Greenville’s top bartenders will create the drinks and compete for trophies, cash prizes and bragging rights.
Restaurants and bars can participate by going to tacotequilafiesta.com/participate.html.
The fiesta will also include entertainment, games and prizes.
The day is created for foodies, tequila connoisseurs and folks looking for fun. Everyone must be at least 21 years old. A valid ID is required. All food and beverages are included in the admission price.
The event runs from 2 to 5 p.m., with VIP entry at 1 p.m.
“Come hungry and ready to sip, savor and support your top picks,” Johnson said.
High Spirits Hospitality is five independent brands: Liquid Catering, Events at Judson Mill, Bravo1 Protection, The 405, and High Spirits Events. The company has more than 150 employees and 35,000 square feet of real estate. High Spirits Hospitality is woman-owned.
Upstate Forever Sets Goals For ’26, Recaps ’25
Upstate Forever, a nonprofit conservation organization, has set three key priorities for this year: accelerating work to protect and improve the health of critical lands and waters; expanding advocacy to ensure smart growth, clean water and responsible energy solutions; and strengthening support in the community.
Highlights during 2025 include:
- Permanently protecting more than 4,800 acres through conservation easements and partner projects
- Wrapping up a four-year grant in the Tyger River watersheds, which supported 60 septic repairs or replacements, two agricultural improvement projects, and the protection of 140 acres of forest
- Educating 121 residents to engage in local planning processes
- Serving as co-chair of the South Carolina Conservation Coalition, an alliance of dozens of organizations working to ensure the state’s natural resources are represented at the state House of Representatives
Aldon Knight, Executive Director of Upstate Forever, is asking that Upstate residents consider donating to the organization to ensure its continued protection of land and water, advocacy for sound policies, and growth of the local conservation movement.
Volunteer opportunities are also available at upstateforever.org.
Founded in 1998 by Greenville attorney Brad Wyche, Upstate Forever now has offices in Greenville and Spartanburg and a staff of more than two dozen.
Upstate-Founded Cocktails Now Delivered In 43 States
Six Nineteen of 1865 has launched its e-commerce platform, which means the brand’s ready-to-drink cocktails can be delivered to consumers in 43 states and the District of Columbia.
The company’s Coconut Rum and Grapefruit Agave are available online at sixnineteen1865.com.
“We’re thrilled to make Six Nineteen of 1865 available to customers, not only in South Carolina, where the brand was founded, but across the country,” said Babette B. Jones, founder and CEO of the company.
“This new online shopping option marks a significant step and allows more people to experience our cocktails wherever delivery is available,” she said.
A Greenville native, Jones has worked at Furman University and Greenville Technical College.
She and longtime friends were on a trip when they began raving about a cocktail created by someone in their group, according to a press release.
Jones decided to venture into entrepreneurship and the ready-to-drink beverage space. She named the company in honor of Juneteenth, which commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
In 2023, Jones and 26 other participants were selected to be part of GVL Starts, an eight-week program at Furman University’s Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in partnership with the City of Greenville, Greenville Local Development Corporation and S.C. Department of Commerce.
GVL Starts teaches entrepreneurs the skills necessary to build a successful startup, connects them with other business owners and community members, and helps them turn ideas into action.
Upon completion of the program, Jones was selected to receive a $5,000 grant for the Six Nineteen startup. Friends and family provided additional funds.
The cocktails are packaged in 12-ounce cans and have an alcohol content of 8%.
In the Upstate, the beverages can be purchased at 19 Wine & Spirits, Bottles (Greenville), Bouharoun’s Fine Wines & Spirits, and Hot Shotz Liquors.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Expands To Anderson
Built Different Brands will expand its Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants in South Carolina with a new location in Anderson.
The Nashville-style hot chicken and its high-energy, fast-casual dining were named the No. 1 Most Loved Brand for 2025, released by Yelp.
The new location at 100 Fritz Drive in Anderson will officially open Feb. 6.
“Anderson made it clear they were ready for Dave’s Hot Chicken,” said Kal Gullapalli, CEO of Built Different Brands. “People here in this thriving and growing market have been asking for it, and opening this location is our way of responding to that enthusiasm while thoughtfully expanding our footprint of exciting food brands across the Southeast.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken serves hand-breaded, halal-certified chicken tenders and sliders with heat levels ranging from no spice to the “Reaper.” Side dishes are also available.
The restaurant has high-energy vibes and street-art-inspired décor.
To mark its Anderson debut, Dave’s Hot Chicken is donating $1 from every combo sold between Jan. 30 and Feb. 3 to Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County.
A live DJ and an in-restaurant scavenger hunt will be held on opening day.
Anderson will be the fourth Dave’s Hot Chicken location in South Carolina. It will be open from 10:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; and 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Built Different Brands, a hospitality and franchise investment group, operates seven food, wellness and performance brands.
Deadline Soon For Laurens Electric Youth Scholarships
The deadline is Feb. 2 for students to apply for scholarships from Laurens Electric Cooperative for all-expenses-paid trips this summer to Washington, D.C., or Columbia.
Scholarships will be given to nine students.
Students must prepare an application and participate in a video interview to be eligible for the annual Washington Youth Tour and Cooperative Youth Summit contests.
Co-op officials will judge the contest. The Washington tour begins June 14; the Cooperative Summit begins July 13.
Students in the cooperative’s service area who are in their junior year of high school are eligible to apply for the Washington Youth Tour. Students in their sophomore year are eligible to apply for the Cooperative Youth Summit. Families do not have to receive power from Laurens Electric Cooperative to qualify.
Youths chosen for the Washington Youth Tour will travel with other South Carolina students to meet with state representatives and senators, visit historical sites, learn about cooperatives, and spend time with other young people from across the country.
The Cooperative Youth Summit will include a private tour of the South Carolina Statehouse, a meeting with the governor or lieutenant governor, team-building exercises, and information about electric cooperatives.
Contest winners will be eligible to compete for up to $5,000 in college scholarships.
For information or an application, go to laurenselectric.com/youth, or contact Laurie Riser at laurier@laurenselectric.com or (800) 942-3141.
Laurens Electric Cooperative serves 65,000 member-owners in Laurens, Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Newberry, Union, and Abbeville counties.
Chamber Topic: Emotional Intelligence
This month’s Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Learn will focus on emotional intelligence at 11:45 a.m. Jan. 27 at the chamber office, 105A W. Curtis St.
The presentation is from Mike Ungar, an executive coach with FocalPoint Master Business Coaching. Emotional Intelligence is measured by how well people manage their emotions, understand the emotions of others, and self-motivate.
Ungar will offer tips to improve emotional intelligence and drive personal success.
The Lunch & Learn Series features presentations and conversations on a variety of topics. Those who attend can introduce themselves and their businesses and then network with fellow businesspeople.
Registration for chamber members is $15; for non-members, $25. For information, go to simpsonvillechamber.com and click on the Calendar.
Columbia, Mo. — The South Carolina softball team (25-21, 4-13) dropped the second game of its series at Missouri (24-23, 7-10) 5-0 Saturday night (Apr. 18).
Kai Byars led the Gamecocks with a pair of doubles on the night. It was her second multi-hit game of the season and her first game with multiple extra base hits.
The Tigers scored a run in the third inning without the aid of a hit. They would extend the lead and add four more in the fourth.
Carolina’s best opportunity for a run came in third. Byars doubled to lead off the inning and Shae Anderson followed with a bunt single. A double play on a potential sacrifice fly ended the rally.
Emma Friedel (8-4) took the loss, allowing one run on no hits in 3 1-3 innings. She struck out six and walked three.
The rubber game of the series will be tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET.
Audi Crooks on being in the transfer portal
USAT’s Sam Cardona-Norberg catches up with college basketball star Audi Crooks, who is still looking for her next team.
Sports Seriously
Jordan Lee entered the transfer portal after a breakout season at Texas and the junior guard isn’t going too far. She’s staying in the Southeastern Conference.
Lee announced on Instagram Friday that she’s transferring to South Carolina to play for Dawn Staley after spending the first two years of her collegiate career at Texas under Vic Schaefer. Lee captioned her Instagram post, which featured a video montage of her visit to Columbia, South Carolina, “Feeling cocky.”
Lee was one of four players from Texas to enter the transfer portal after the Longhorns’ second consecutive trip to the Final Four ended in a devastating loss to UCLA. She was named to the All-Region team in the Fort Worth 3 bracket in this year’s NCAA Tournament following her Sweet 16 and Elite Eight performance, where she recorded 22 points, six assists, three rebounds and four steals while also providing strong defense.
After being limited to five starts her freshman year, Lee slid into the starting lineup last season and started a career-high 38 games. She also averaged career highs in points (13.2), assists (2.5), rebounds (2.5), steals (1.5), field-goal percentage (42%) and free-throw percentage (75%), while shooting 34% from 3-point range.
Texas’ Aaliyah Crump, Justice Carlton and Aaliyah Moore also entered the transfer portal. On Friday, Crump announced she’s transferring to Duke, citing her connection with head coach Kara Lawson.
“For me, choosing Duke University goes far beyond one sentence. The moment I connected with Kara Lawson and her coaching staff, I knew I was exactly where I belonged,” said Crump, who averaged 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game her freshman season at Texas.
Crump continued: “Their dedication and vision for the program is truly special, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be a part of it. The connection Coach Lawson and I have built is one of a kind, and I fully trust in her plan for the success of this program. I can’t wait to be coached by genuine people who support my growth not only as a basketball player, but as a person as well.”
Three-time All-American Madison Booker and junior starting forward Breya Cunningham are expected to return to Texas.
Contributing: Mitchell Northam
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
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Each offseason, the NFL shakes up the landscape with free agency, as some of the top names at each position move around the league to new teams. The New Orleans Saints have fallen victim to this in 2026 so far, with Demario Davis and Alontae Taylor both moving on, and Cameron Jordan not having re-signed as of yet. Cornerback was a position that could already use a talent influx alongside Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley; now, it is even more of an issue.
Adding a new defensive back to fill the STAR role for the defense is certainly going to be a focus this spring, and that has been clear from the Saints’ pre-draft meetings. Recently, they added another name to the growing list; this time, it was South Carolina prospect Jalon Kilgore.
There is a lot to like about Kilgore, especially in that nickel or STAR role long term. He is enormously athletic and absolutely rapid both in straight-line testing and on the field. He got a decent chunk of his collegiate snaps at slot corner, 1,382 to be exact, but also had 541 in the box, 238 at free safety, 53 along the defensive line, and 24 as an outside corner.
His coverage metrics in 2025 were very solid, as on 65 targets, he allowed 34 receptions (52.3%) for 390 yards and 2 touchdowns. He picked up 2 interceptions, 10 pass deflections, 54 total tackles, and 2 fumble recoveries in 694 total snaps this season. Throughout the combine, he ended up performing well in pretty much every drill, which bodes well for his ability to translate to the NFL. If the Saints are looking to add someone with slot experience already, Kilgore may be one of the best options available.
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