Bon Secours Names New Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Michael Kelley has been named Chief Medical Officer of Bon Secours St. Francis in Greenville.
The health system is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health.
Kelley will be responsible for growth, operational and clinical oversight of the medical staff, and will serve as the liaison between the Bon Secours clinical staff and its executive team. He has more than 25 years of experience, including stints in private practice, medical education, and health care leadership.
“After a national search, it is clear that Dr. Mike Kelley has the expertise and demeanor to excel in this role,” said Dr. Bruce Swords, Chief Clinical Officer at Bon Secours St. Francis.
“Dr. Kelley will have broad responsibilities for clinical and quality outcomes in our hospitals. He will work closely with our medical staff leadership, physicians, clinicians, and our medical group,” Swords said.
Kelley spent the last six years at Owensboro Health in Kentucky, where he served in several physician roles including Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Physician Officer.
He completed his cardiology fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he practiced and was on the clinical faculty for seven years.
“My interactions with Bon Secours leadership showed me a group of caring individuals whose values align with their mission, vision and daily work. Their focus on quality care, patient experience and teamwork resonated with me,” Kelley said.
“This CMO role also offers opportunities to grow a graduate medical education program, foster old and new physician leaders, mitigate caregiver burnout, grow clinical services, and improve the delivery of care,” he said.
Meals On Wheels Greenville Breaks Ground On New Campus
Meals on Wheels of Greenville County recently broke ground for its new facility at 3905 August Road. The 3.5-acre campus is designed to support the growing need in the community and improve Meals on Wheels operations and deliveries.
“While we are expanding our service, we want to reassure the community that our core mission is always our top priority and at the forefront of what we provide every day,” said Catriona Carlisle, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Greenville County.
“As we continue to grow with Greenville and start this new chapter as an organization, we are deepening our commitment as a leader, partner and service provider in the fight to end food insecurity across Greenville County.”
Meals on Wheels of Greenville began construction in January on a new facility that will accommodate a fleet of vehicles, more food storage and increased capacity for meal preparation. The campus will feature a circular drive so that volunteers can pick up meals efficiently, a loading dock for large food deliveries and an outdoor amphitheater.
The 15,000-square-foot kitchen will triple the organization’s current space, allowing for the preparation of up to 6,000 meals a day.
The campus is located at Augusta Road and Pleasantburg Drive near I-85.
“This new facility will strengthen our ability to serve the growing needs of our community,” said Jimmy Buddenberg, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Meals on Wheels of Greenville County. “We look forward to the continued support of our volunteers, partners and donors as we carry this energy into a bright and impactful 2025.”
In 2024, Meals on Wheels Greenville:
- Delivered 394,988 total meals
- Served 2,569 clients
- Gained 1,063 new clients, ages 20 to 102
- Worked with more than 1,400 active volunteers
- Distributed 1,672 emergency meal kits
The nonprofit Meals on Wheels of Greenville provides home-delivered, hot meals for homebound individuals who cannot prepare their own food.
Meals on Wheels of Greenville relies solely on private contributions, with no funding from the government or United Way. Currently, Meals on Wheels provides over 1,500 life-sustaining meals each day to homebound residents and seniors throughout Greenville County.
For information, call (864) 233-6565 or go to www.mealsonwheelsgreenville.org.
‘Fresh-Mex’ Restaurant Offers Opening Day Burritos Promotion
Surcheros, a new restaurant in Taylors, will host its grand opening on March 6.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the restaurant, 2801 Wade Hampton Blvd., Suite 402. Guests who attend will be eligible for giveaways and promotions. The first 50 guests who make a purchase at the restaurant and scan their receipt into the Surcheros app will receive free burritos for a year.
The new Surcheros is the 11th restaurant for long-time franchisees Brian Smith and Doug Puryear, who are partnering with Madison Tuten.
“We’re excited to share our commitment to fresh, healthy food and exceptional guest service with the Taylors-Greenville community,” said Tuten, co-owner of Surcheros in Taylors.
Surcheros features a signature “Fresh-Mex” menu, according to a press release. Items include grilled meats with customizable tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, and over 25 toppings and signature sauces. The restaurant will have a children’s menu, ample parking, a salsa bar, and a self-service line. Each meal is prepared fresh to order.
Dine-in, mobile ordering for pickup, and third-party delivery are available, along with catering for groups of 10 or more.
Surcheros will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The Surcheros app is available through Google Play or the App Store. Guests can earn rewards points for exclusive offers. The “free burritos for a year” winners will receive 52 entrées, one per week, credited to their rewards account. Participants must be at least 16 years old.
Surcheros was founded in 2007 by Luke Christian, who wanted to bring together Tex-Mex meals and Southern hospitality, according to a press release. Christian and his wife, Nicole, began offering franchises in 2017.
SOS eCharging Launches Mobile EV Service In Upstate
SOS eCharging is launching a mobile charging service for electric vehicles, the first business of its kind in the Upstate.
By providing on-demand charging directly to EV owners, SOS eCharging addresses concerns about the distance their vehicles can travel. The service is designed to combat a barrier to EV use and support sustainable transportation.
South Carolina is at the forefront of the EV market, which is spurred by increasing affordability, accessibility, and legislative support, according to a press release. But the pace is hindered by the development of infrastructure for charging vehicles, the release says.
“We are committed to bringing the power directly to the customer. Our mobile charging solution ensures that EV owners in the Upstate can drive with confidence, knowing that a charge is always within reach,” said Don Mills, President and founder of SOS eCharging.
The company’s trucks will offer mobile charging service, the ability to charge two vehicles simultaneously, rapid charging, and service within a 50-mile service radius of Downtown Greenville. The service will launch with a single charging truck.
Key features
- Immediate or planned charging via the SOS eCharging app
- Maintenance and battery checks and 10-point vehicle inspections
- Subscription plans and per-use service
“The transition to electric vehicles is not just about innovation – it’s about sustainability and economic growth,” said Mack Whittle, CFO and co-founder of SOS eCharging.
“SOS eCharging supports local businesses, enhances energy independence, and helps reduce carbon emissions. Our mobile charging model ensures that EV ownership is more practical and convenient, driving both environmental progress and economic opportunity across the Upstate,” he said.
Mills’ background is in automotive sales; Whittle is a veteran financial executive.
David’s Table Schedules Inaugural Fundraising Event
David’s Table – a Greenville-based nonprofit that empowers adults with intellectual and physical disabilities and their families – will host its first fundraising event, On the Hunt.
The fundraiser will take place April 11 at BridgeWay Station, in Simpsonville. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m.
The evening will include mocktails, dinner, a live auction, an adult Easter egg hunt with prizes, and other games.
“David’s Table has seen tremendous growth over the past two years, reflecting the immense need for resources in this often-overlooked community. We provide opportunities to feel seen, known, and loved,” said Sharon DeFelice, a parent and the Fundraising Chair. “Your support helps us continue to make a difference in countless lives.”
Jane Robelot of WYFF News will emcee.
Individuals and businesses can contribute by donating auction items or prizes or becoming sponsors.
For information, contact DeFelice at (864) 630-4668 or events@davidstable.org. Donations can also be made at www.davidstable.org.
BridgeWay Station is located at 1000 Via Corso Ave. Tickets, at $75, will be available starting March 14.
David’s Table offers families a supportive community through events, free weekly activities and other resources.
Hartness Expands With Family-Friendly Park
Hartness, an urban village with green space, thoughtful design and community-focused living, will add a family-friendly park.
The park will be in The Meadow neighborhood, bordered by a 180-acre nature preserve.
The fenced park will have swings, benches, an open lawn, a butterfly garden, lush green spaces and manicured landscaping. Nearby walking paths provide access to the nature preserve and scenic trails.
“The addition of this green space reflects our commitment to fostering a vibrant, engaging environment for our residents,” said Sean Hartness, CEO of Hartness Development. “Parks are essential for building community spirit and providing spaces where families can create lasting memories.”
Hartness also recently unveiled the expansion of its Village Center, with new tenants, to increase options for residents and visitors. The Hartness team is accepting inquiries for homesites in The Meadow.
The 482-acre Hartness community offers homes and homesites, as well as dining, shopping, entertainment and office space.
Hartness has a pool complex, grand lawn, sports garden, Hartness Farm, a fitness center, 10 miles of trails, lakes and ponds. Additional amenities will include a clubhouse and racquet sports.
The Hotel Hartness has 73 guest rooms, a conference center, waterside dining and a spa. Hartness is located on South Highway 14 between Pelham and Woodruff roads.
Meyer Center Appoints Four New Board Members
The Meyer Center for Special Children in Greenville is adding Jake Fischer, Kate Little, Hall Todd and Joseph Williams to its Board of Directors.
The mission of the Meyer Center is to empower children with disabilities to reach their highest potential.
“As we continue to celebrate 70 years of serving children with disabilities, we look to the future with renewed energy and a vision to significantly grow,” said Executive Director Meta Hendricks. “Our new board members share our commitment to creating opportunities for the community’s most vulnerable children.”
Fischer has worked in business development and advocated for causes devoted to children and youths. Little’s career has been in marketing and public relations. Todd is a Meyer Center parent with expertise in operations and sales. Williams has 40 years of project management experience.
Returning board members are President Dave Gable, Hendricks, Janet Calvage, Anne Carter MacNabb, Jim Cassidy, Brian Holmes, Sloan P. Ellis, Paige Reed, John Runion, Sara Shamblin, Andreana Snyder and Skelly Stevens.
The Meyer Center for Special Children has been part of the community since 1954, offering education and therapy to disabled children two decades before public schools were mandated to do so. Meyer Center combines education, therapy and nursing services under one roof to help children with disabilities achieve milestones that change the trajectory of their lives.
Meyer Center for Special Children is located at 1132 Rutherford Road in Greenville.
Events Honor Women Chefs, Build Momentum For Euphoria2025
In honor of National Women’s Month, Euphoria will host events celebrating women in the hospitality industry.
“Fierce & Flavorful: A Tribute to Women in Culinary” will start at 6:30 p.m. March 11 at Curean, 732 S. Main St. in Greenville.
The event will feature six local chefs and a sommelier: Alison Legg, Jianna; Dayna Lee, Comal 864; Emily Maddy, Curean; Gianna Smutzki, Patterson Kitchen + Bar; Khaling Neoh, Sum Bar; Stephanie Bolden, Chef Stephanie Bolden & Co.; and Liz Mitchell, Advanced Sommelier.
For information, go to euphoriagreenville.com/events/fierce-and-flavorful. Tickets are $200.
“Corks Over Calls,” on March 28, is sold out.
The two events are helping to kick off the 20th Euphoria – a food, wine and music festival with proceeds going to charities. Euphoria2025 will be Sept. 18 to 21.
Chamber Spotlight On Plumbing Co., Make A Wish
The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Women’s Impact Network will meet from 8:30 to 10 a.m. March 4 at the chamber’s Prisma Health Conference Room, 105A W. Curtis St.
The meeting is a way to start the day with coffee, networking with fellow women in business, and giving back to the community. Each event includes presentations from a sponsor and a featured nonprofit.
This month’s sponsor is Integrity Plumbing of the Upstate, in Simpsonville. The featured nonprofit is the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
For information, go to simpsonvillechamber.com and click on the Calendar.
March Events At Flywheel Coworking
For information about events at Flywheel Coworking Greenville, go to www.flywheelgreenvillesc.com and click on the Events tab. Flywheel is located at 25 Goldsmith St. in Greenville.
Flywheel Café
Flywheel Café, a gathering of founders, investors and others in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, will be from 5 to 7 p.m. March 13 at Flywheel Coworking Greenville.
Participants can attend the free event, enjoy a beer, network, and hear local successful entrepreneurs discuss their journeys, share advice, and answer questions.
Speakers are co-founders of 6AM City, Ryan Heafy and Ryan Johnston. They will give updates on their effort and the Greenville entrepreneurship community.
Pitch-Space
A panel of investors will give feedback about pitches from startups looking to move to the next level. Pitch-Space will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. March 20 at Flywheel. A question-and-answer session will follow feedback from investors.
Dualboot Partners – a digital platform that connects investors to scalable technology startups – is the title sponsor for Pitch-Space.com, powered by Flywheel. The event is free.
Pitch-Space is open to founders, investors and community members. The event is held monthly, rotating through three regions.
Catalyzer: One to Many
Catalyzer, sponsored by Flywheel Coworking Greenville, will address the challenge of scaling a professional service business from a solo founder to more employees or a larger firm.
The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 20 at Flywheel. Participation is free.
The quarterly event is facilitated by professional leaders who have successfully scaled their firms. Topics will include sales, marketing, avoiding a feast-or-famine loop, 1099s versus full-time equivalents, legal issues and human resources.