Spartanburg County Environmental Enforcement Department

Feb 6, 2023 | News

History/Creation of Spartanburg County Environmental Enforcement Department

The Spartanburg County Environmental Enforcement Department was formed in 2000.

At that time, Animal Control and Litter Control were brought together for the purpose of being good stewards of taxpayers’ dollars while also utilizing all available resources. Then, in 2006, four Property Maintenance Inspectors were moved from the Building Codes Division to our team. In 2018, the Keep OneSpartanburg Beautiful Coordinator position was created, and, in 2020, a County employee Roadside Litter Crew was added.

Our department strives every day to meet and accomplish the goals and the vision set by our County Council. Our staff has always had an unpublished mission statement of “Where do you need us to go, what do you need us to do?” This department has served as a model throughout the state for other counties to emulate and adjust to their needs.

Property Maintenance Division

Our Property Maintenance Division consists of one Senior Officer and five field officers. The current major focus of this division is a joint effort to remove blighted areas—mainly structures and blighted properties, while also focusing on cleaning up our county’s gateways.

Spartanburg County’s leaders and elected officials understand that, to have growth, there must be reason for growth to happen. Areas with blight generally do not grow. Our leaders have never ignored the fact that we have blight in our county and removing that blight has always been at the forefront of their minds. In fact, removing blight has become a key part of our County’s most recent Strategic Vision Plan. In an effort to support this vision, we recently removed two large abandoned and nuisance commercial properties and are currently working to remove many other unsafe structures.

Litter Control Division

Our Litter Control Division consists of one frozen Senior Officer position and five field officers. Early on, our leaders understood the need to have resources addressing the crime of littering. These officers use many different tactics to address issues, such as field surveillance cameras, special details, community awareness programs, etc.

The newest program is a joint effort with the City of Spartanburg, United Way of the Piedmont, SC Works, Hope Ministries, PalmettoPride and various private groups. It is called our “Litter Heroes” program. This is a 90-day program which currently employs up to four individuals, who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability, to work in a litter crew as employees. These individuals will earn a wage of approximately $12 an hour and will work approximately 25 hours a week with their assigned agency. While going through the program, these individuals also receive case management and life skills training. The program has graduated nine individuals, with three of those individuals becoming officially employed with Spartanburg County.

Animal Control Division

Our Animal Control Division consists of one Senior Officer, a newly created Animal Cruelty Investigator position, and six field officers. Of all of our divisions, this division receives the most calls for service, on a daily average.

Spartanburg County is currently in the process of building a Pet Resource Center. This would be the first of its kind in our County, as Spartanburg County has always contracted out the animal sheltering portion. Currently, we are partnered with Greenville County Animal Care and have been working with them for the past 11 years. The Greenville County staff has been and continues to be very helpful in this process. Greenville County helped us establish our feral cat program, in which we partner with Animal Allies, a low cost spay/neutering facility. This program is nearing 10,000 surgeries on outdoor community felines.

As part of the planned Pet Resource Center’s team, Spartanburg County recently created our first Animal Cruelty Investigator to tackle the in-depth animal cruelty cases we face. We are also looking to hire a Director of Animal Welfare Services to head our Pet Resource Center. Our next steps will be to secure a site for the Center and begin putting safety net programs into place.

Keep OneSpartanburg Beautiful Division

The Keep OneSpartanburg Beautiful (KOSB) Division is new to our team and consists of the Coordinator position. In 2022, we hosted 45 events and collected 14,997 pounds of litter and 14,200 pounds of recycling from Spartanburg County. In 2023, we’re looking to double our hosted events.

This year, we hope to expand our focus on educational projects and workshops. During the last week of January, we finished our Recycling into Art Mosaic Project with Woodland Heights Elementary School. KOSB and Spartanburg Soil and Water Conservation District will seek design concepts from Spartanburg County artists to enhance selected storm drains along the Butterfly Creek Greenway on the Northside of Spartanburg, SC. Selected artists will turn their concepts into reality in the form of small-scale, semi-permanent, outdoor murals that will adorn Spartanburg County storm drains, raising awareness, and educating the public about the effects of stormwater runoff on water quality.

Another exciting event that we will need everyone’s participation in is the Team-up to Clean-up Litter Competition. The Keep SC Beautiful affiliates in seven counties in the Upstate have organized the Team-up to Clean-up Litter Competition from April 1st – 22nd.

Craig Scharton Takes Over Role as Ten at the Top’s Entrepreneur Ecosystem Facilitator

Nov 15, 2022 | News

Ten at the Top is pleased to announce Craig Scharton is taking over responsibility for its entrepreneurship initiatives, commonly referred to as the Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem.  He replaces Erin Ouzts who volunteered for 10 years before officially creating the role in 2019.  Erin is retiring from her work at Ten at the Top to focus on other ecosystem needs and family.

“Supporting entrepreneurship and specifically the service providers who support entrepreneurship within our region has been a key driver area within Ten at the Top since the beginning of the organization,” said TATT Executive Director Dean Hybl. “Erin Ouzts has done an amazing job cultivating relationships and building awareness of the importance of having a strong entrepreneur ecosystem. I especially want to thank her for all she has done to support entrepreneurship in the Upstate.”

“Erin will be tough to replace, but we are very fortunate to have Craig Scharton moving into the role of facilitator for the Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem. Craig has great experience working with businesses and entrepreneurs and is the ideal person to continue TATT’s work building the collective capacity of support providers and entrepreneurs in the Upstate.”  

Scharton, who moved to the Upstate in June 2022, has over 35 years of progressive experience leading diverse teams in non-profit and public service environments to execute meaningful and innovative projects to improve the standard of living in local communities.

“Craig’s well-rounded experience and welcoming personality make him a great fit for this role.  The Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem will benefit from his knowledge and ability to bring people together around complex topics,” said Erin Ouzts.

In Fresno City, CA, he built ecosystems of support for entrepreneurs and support providers as Senior Director, Economic Development with One by One Leadership, president of the California Main Street Alliance, as a Fresno City Council member, owner of a restaurant, director of Central Valley Business Incubator for Water and Energy Technology, and multiple positions with the City of Fresno and Downtown Fresno Partnership.

While working with California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) (similar to SC MEP), he strengthened CMTC’s relationship with 40+ partner organizations to realize an additional $100 million + in additional sales for small and medium-sized manufacturers.

He taught urban entrepreneurship at Fresno State University as an adjunct professor for 14 years and created the Fresno Downtown Academy which received the International Downtown Association Award in 2016.  Craig has been a featured speaker at multiple events, including the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) National Conference, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the California Workforce Association, and the California Assembly of Local Arts Agencies. 

Scharton has experience on multiple boards, including the Fresno Community Development Financial Institution, Jane Addams Community Development Corporation, and the President of the California Main Street Alliance.

“Erin Ouzts has built out an incredible framework for entrepreneurs and those who support them. I am honored to be able to build on her work,” said Scharton.  I love building communities to support our independent businesses from home-based cottage businesses to downtown retailers to local manufacturers. Every sector has a role in growing our entrepreneurial ecosystem.” 

‘What serendipity to find someone who will seamlessly take over for Erin Ouzts who is such a pro herself at bringing together people and organizations to continue to build a healthy Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem!’  said Justine Allen, Ten at the Top Program Manager.

Scharton will continue the Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem’s mission to increase the ecosystem’s ability and capacity to help entrepreneurs be more successful faster.  The quarterly Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem, Innovation Leaders Coalition, and Rural Entrepreneurship Leaders Coalition groups will continue to meet.  He will focus on continuing to create awareness of the multiple entrepreneur resources available through the StartGrowUpstate.com resource navigator and connecting disconnected entrepreneurs to the ecosystem.

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About Ten at the Top

Comprised of public, private, and civic leaders from across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina Region, Ten at the Top was created to connect and encourage regional collaboration through data-driven research and regular convening of leaders and citizens to address key issues facing the region. Ten at the Top works with regional partners to foster collaboration and strategic planning to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for Upstate residents both today and as the region continues to grow. For more information, visit www.tenatthetop.org. 

Tech Centers in Nursing Homes

Apr 30, 2021 | News

A window to loved ones donated to assisted living residents through “tech centers”

Bill Vicary, Founder of Just Call Bill, saw a need long before COVID hit to have residents in senior living communities better connected to their families and friends who were far away, or not able to visit as frequently as they would like. Vicary developed an idea for senior tech centers when this lack of communication became exacerbated by the pandemic. Visitors not allowed to nursing homes meant increased isolation, depression, loneliness, stress, and anxiety. Typically, senior living communities do not use technology to help engage and benefit the residents.

About a year ago, Vicary was speaking with Stan Means, President of Elder Source Senior Ministries about various topics and issues facing seniors. They talked about the “digital divide,” that vast chasm between those who have access to computers and the internet, and those who do not. They came up with a solution to get seniors connected to their families and friends. Means obtained funding, and Vicary selected the equipment, a 52” Smart TV on a portable stand, the latest iPad in a durable case, and all the adaptors and cables required to operate on a community’s Wi-Fi system. Each tech center costs approximately $1,100.

The first Tech Center donation and installation was done just before Thanksgiving of 2020 at Shepherd’s Care Assisted Living Center in Greenville. When asked about the Tech Center, Director at Shepherd’s Care, Eric Thompson said, “It’s been wonderful. It has become part of our family when we needed it the most.”

Vicary installed the equipment and instructed the staff on how to use it. Now most of the staff can easily roll the setup where it is needed, plug the iPad into the TV, and connect residents to their loved ones. Staff members see the joy firsthand when a loved one’s face appears on the screen.

The virtual visit unit has far exceeded what Thompson’s expectations. Residents have met a newborn great-grandchild, virtually toured a granddaughter’s new apartment, celebrated holidays together, and even attended a funeral of a lifelong friend.

Sometimes the staff will roll out the unit for residents to watch “Frenchie Fails on YouTube,” which always brings laughs, especially since the mascot at Shepherd’s Care is a French Bulldog named Mabel.

The Tech Center was a relief for families not being able to visit. The virtual visits gave them a better picture of how their loved ones were doing.

Although visitors are now allowed, Shephard’s Care will continue to use the unit for families who do not live close enough to visit. “There is still a great need to connect seniors and their families, so Stan and I are seeking donations to provide more Tech Centers to deserving senior communities in the upstate,” says Vicary.

If you would like more information about installing a tech center, please contact Bill Vicary at bill@vicarymanagementgroup.com. Bill’s company, Just Call Bill provides technology services to senior adults and their families so they can be better connected. Bill has worked with hundreds of seniors throughout the South Carolina teaching senior adults how to use their technology more effectively and safely, as well as other educational programs.

For more information on Elder Source Senior Ministries, please contact Stan Means at 864.630.2952. Elder Source has the capability to accept grants from those who would be interested in dedicating a tech center to an assisted living center for a loved one.

Safer Upstate Discovery Committee Releases Recommendations

Oct 30, 2020 | News

Following a series of four meetings convened through Ten at the Top (TATT), the Creating a Safer Upstate Discovery Committee has announced a series of recommendations designed to promote collaboration among stakeholders in fostering a culture in the Upstate that respects and values the lives of all officers and residents. To view the list of recommendations, click here.

The Discovery Committee was originally convened by Terence Roberts, Chairman of the Ten at the Top Board of Directors and the Mayor of the City of Anderson, following a number of highly publicized instances of police force across the country.

“While our region has been fortunate not to have seen the violence and social unrest that has occurred in other parts of the country, we do recognize that not every Upstate resident feels safe or trusts our law enforcement officers, Roberts said. “We felt with the platform already established by Ten at the Top to be a neutral convener, that we had an opportunity to proactively engage stakeholders across the region around the topic of creating a safer region for all residents.”

The Creating a Safer Upstate Discovery Committee consisted of more than 50 representatives from local governments, law enforcement, community organizations, faith leaders and Upstate businesses. The committee met virtually four times to discuss opportunities for how to create a united Upstate region where all stakeholders work collaboratively to ensure that we foster a culture that respects and values the lives of our law enforcement officers and all residents.

As the primary strategy, the Discover Committee recommends the development of a Safer Upstate Steering Committee to represent, support and communicate local efforts to improve relationships between law enforcement and community residents across the region. The Safer Upstate Steering Committee will focus on the following three goals:

1.  Engage law enforcement officials, community leaders and residents to work together to build healthy working relationships that elevate mutual respect, value cultural differences, and acknowledge the roles and responsibilities that each play in creating safer Upstate Communities.

2.  Provide regular opportunities for law enforcement and community leaders to convene to proactively discuss community issues and emerging law enforcement topics while exploring approaches that can be implemented across the Upstate Region.

3.  Enhance public trust by identifying, sharing and implementing best practice approaches for developing a sustainable, healthy relationship between law enforcement officials and the greater Upstate Community.

The Steering Committee will be under the leadership of co-chairs Sheriff Rick Clark and Stinson Ferguson. Both Upstate natives, Sheriff Clark has been the sheriff of Pickens county since 2013 while Ferguson is Special Counsel for Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. in Greenville.

More information about the Safer Upstate initiative can be found at www.tenatthetop.org. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Safer Upstate Steering Committee is invited to reach out to Justine Allen, TATT Program Manager, at jallen@tenatthetop.org or 864-283-0346.

ABOUT TEN AT THE TOP

Comprised of public, private and civic leaders from across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina Region, Ten at the Top was created to connect and encourage regional collaboration through data-driven research and regular convening of leaders and citizens to address key issues facing the region. Ten at the Top works with regional partners to foster collaboration and strategic planning to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for Upstate residents both today and as the region continues to grow. For more information, visit www.tenatthetop.org.

To view the list of recommendations, click here.

Creating a Safer Upstate Discovery Committee Members

TATT Chat, August 13, 2020

Aug 14, 2020 | News

Welcome – Terence Roberts, TATT Chairman

Sam Konduros, President and CEO, SCBIO

Guest Presentation – Sam Konduros, President and CEO, SCBIO (South Carolina Biotechnology Industry Organization)

• While other industries are down as a result of the pandemic, life sciences are up. From testing to face shields to respiratory drugs, the life science industry is an important part of the fight against COVID-19.
• Repatriation and onshoring of life science companies will put the U.S. on a more solid footing in the future in terms of drug and PPE production.
• Third party study was done to reveal the growth of the industry across the state 
• 50,000 jobs, $14 billion annual impact
• What is life science? Drugs & pharmaceuticals, med tech, digital health/heath IT (software, apps, etc.), research/testing/medical labs, bioscience distribution, and bio/agriculture
• See his presentation here
• You can read Sam’s guest post on our Staying on Top blog here

TATT Updates

Dean Hybl, TATT Executive Director

• Next TATT Chat with Sean Dogan, August 27th—register here
• Networking time 20 minutes prior to the meeting on upcoming TATT Chats! Sign on early to network with friends and colleagues.

Justine Allen, Program and Event Coordinator:

• First Sneak Pique event on September 14th—virtual happy hour! Register here

• Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem Workshop: Entrepreneur Resiliency on August 26th—register here

• Ten at the Top Seniors Issues Group Workshop with AARP of SC on August 27th—register here

County Updates

Abbeville County (Shannon Sears, WCTEL):

• About 30% of students will be participating in online schooling
• CARES grants for fiber upgrades to underserved areas

Cherokee County (Drake Scott, Main Street Director, City of Gaffney):

• Despite COVID-19 challenges, good things happening at BGEN, Gaffney’s small business incubator
• 8 businesses housed in the incubator
• First graduate of the incubator: Zachary’s Coffee Shop is moving out to a building in downtown this weekend
• ARC grant to do renovations to the BGEN building to expand office space for more residents

Greenwood County (Art Bush, Greenwood Partnership Alliance):

• Transition in Greenwood County—county council voted to leave the partnership alliance and take industrial development with it
• Re-examining mission, will continue with activities that were going on: workforce development, public transportation, housing, city center development, and working with Greenwood Genetics Center, which just launched a
• Drone project with five industrial projects

Spartanburg County (Bea Smith, Spartanburg Community College Foundation):

• We are open for business! Never really stopped, transitioned to virtual classes in the spring and continued throughout the summer
• Dr. Henry Giles retired as president this summer after 50 years of service
• Welcomed new president, Dr. Michael Mikota
• SCC Foundation has worked to make students aware of emergency fund and book fund
• School starts Monday—virtual, hybrid, and face to face

Union County (Curtiss Hunter, Union County Tourism):

• Continuing to work on comprehensive plan, hope it will be adopted before the year’s end
• Formed a recreation/event task force to help citizens who are hosting events, to keep people in compliance and safe
• Private developer who created a western town as a tourist attraction on the Pacolet River called Wildwood Ranch—beautiful facility for events, working with him to get that up and running once the pandemic subsides