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United Community announces executive appointments
United Community, based in Greenville, has named Tom Speir as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Sean Simpson as Chief Commercial Banking Officer..
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Speir joins United Community with than two decades of financial experience, including balance sheet management, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, and investor relations.
In his new role, he will shape the bank’s financial direction, oversee capital management and investor relations, and help guide long-term growth and financial strength.
Speir “brings proven experience to the role, including clear financial expertise, strategic planning skills, and solid relationships in the investment community,” said Chief Executive Officer Lynn Harton.
“Those strengths will help us continue to grow our company and position us for a great future. Tom is a great cultural fit as well, with the right values and approach to connect with our employees and customers,” Harton said.
Speir said this is an exciting time for United Community.
“What attracted me most was the culture, the values, and the shared commitment to improving the financial well-being of the customers and communities we serve,” he said. “I look forward to working alongside this talented team as we build on United’s success and continue growing together.”
Speir will succeed Jefferson Harralson, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
In his new role, Simpson will lead United Community’s commercial banking strategy and specialty banking lines, including asset-based lending, middle market, franchise, commercial real estate, renewable energy, treasury services, and public finance.
“Sean brings a strong track record of strategic vision and a relationship-driven leadership style that aligns with United’s culture,” said Rich Bradshaw, President and Chief Banking Officer at United Community. “As we continue to grow, Sean will help us build on the strength of our commercial banking business and create new opportunities across our footprint.”
Simpson has more than 25 years of banking and financial services experience, with leadership roles in commercial banking, business banking, retail banking, private wealth management, and market operations.
He has led large, multi-line banking organizations, developed growth strategies, and recruited and developed teams, while improving sales productivity and financial performance.
“United Community has built an outstanding reputation for putting relationships at the center of its banking business, and I’m excited to be a part of that,” Simpson said.
United Community Banks Inc. is the financial holding company for United Community, which offers mortgage and wealth management services in addition to banking services.
United Community has 200 offices in South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. The company also manages a nationally recognized SBA lending franchise and an equipment finance subsidiary.
ScanSource Acquiring MicroAge
Greenville-based ScanSource Inc., a technology distributor that addresses complex technologies, has reached a definitive agreement to acquire MicroAge.
MicroAge is an IT solutions integrator, managed services provider and digital transformation partner that helps businesses design, implement, secure, manage and optimize their IT environments.
The acquisition will strengthen ScanSource’s reach into strategic growth technologies; it is expected to grow revenue and increase margins, according to a press release.
MicroAge serves 2,400 diversified clients with more than 200 associates. MicroAge will provide deep customer relationships, a certified team of specialized solutions architects, and established partnerships with leading suppliers including Microsoft, Dell, Sophos, HPE, CrowdStrike, and VMware, the statement said.
MicroAge’s professional services and managed services provider offerings help channel partners unlock growth opportunities.
“MicroAge is an amazing, legendary company that has had tremendous brand recognition for more than 50 years,” said Mike Baur, Chair and CEO, ScanSource Inc. “The acquisition expands ScanSource’s total addressable market, adds new services capabilities, and provides greater visibility into end-user needs.”
Larry Gentry, CEO of MicroAge, said he is proud of what the team has built.
“We see ScanSource as the right partner for our next phase of growth,” Gentry said. “With ScanSource’s greater reach, resources and channel expertise, we will be better positioned to scale our services-led model in high-growth markets, while continuing to deliver the customer-first experience that has defined MicroAge.”
Under the agreement, ScanSource will acquire MicroAge in an all-cash transaction for $220.5 million, payable at closing.
ScanSource expects to fund the acquisition through borrowings under its existing credit facility. Closing is expected in September, subject to regulatory approval.
The acquisition brings together businesses with similar values and workplace culture and a shared commitment to long-term customer relationships and customer experience, the press statement said.
MicroAge has been recognized as a top performer on multiple Computer Reseller News lists, including the Solution Provider 500, MSP 500, Tech Elite 250, and Fast Growth 150 lists.
ScanSource Inc. is a leading technology distributor that addresses complex technologies to accelerate growth for channel sales partners across hardware, software as a service, connectivity and cloud services.
ScanSource enables channel sales partners to deliver converging solutions for their end users.
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Greenville, ScanSource was named one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in South Carolina and is on the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies 2026 List.
BASF ECMS Names Site Director In Seneca
BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions has appointed Mike Estadt as Site Director of its Seneca production site.
Estadt has more than 20 years of operations and manufacturing leadership experience across industrial sectors.
In the new role, he will lead operations at the Seneca facility and support the continued focus on safety, reliability, operational excellence and community engagement.
Most recently, Estadt was the senior site director for Protective Industrial Products (formerly Honeywell PPE) in Charleston, where he led a two-site manufacturing operation and delivered strong results in safety, operational efficiency and employee engagement, according to a press release.
Previously, he held a leadership role at Ascend Performance Materials in Greenwood and was the general manager at Norbord.
“Mike’s proven track record of building strong teams, driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of safety makes him an excellent fit to lead our Seneca site,” said Gareth Smith, Global Director of Manufacturing, Quality, Technology and Engineering, BASF ECMS. “His experience, leadership approach and commitment to developing people will be valuable assets as we continue to advance our goals in Seneca.”
Estadt said he is excited to join the team at the ECMS site in Seneca.
“The site has a strong reputation for operational excellence, and I look forward to working alongside our employees to continue delivering for our customers and the communities we serve,” he said.
BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions offers services to industries such as light and heavy-duty automotive, aerospace, clean air technologies and the hydrogen economy. The company also provides full-loop services with its precious metals trading and recycling.
ECMS operates in 14 countries with 4,400 employees at 30 sites.
Mauldin Cultural Center Hosts BBQ Cook-Off
The Mauldin Cultural Center is gearing up for another “epic pig-out” with the 16th annual SOOIE. BBQ Cook-Off, presented by Duke’s Mayonnaise, on Sept. 11 and 12.
The two-day event will feature more than 20 cookers along with live music and family-friendly activities at the Cultural Center’s outdoor amphitheater, 101 E. Butler Road.
“The SOOIE BBQ Cook-Off is a wonderful celebration of good food, good times and community,” Mayor Terry Merritt said. “Over the past 16 years, SOOIE has become a beloved tradition in Mauldin, bringing people together from across South Carolina to enjoy delicious barbecue, live entertainment and family-friendly fun.”
The festival opens at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 with the Anything Butt competition, where teams can serve any dish – other than their barbecue – to pique festivalgoers’ taste buds. Previously, cooks have offered sliders, grilled chicken, smoked cobbler and fried alligator bites.
A panel of guest judges will pick their favorite. The award will be presented Sept. 12.
Music will start at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 with Chris Taylor and The Rumor.
The main event, Sept. 12, is a barbecue cook-off competition with a panel of certified judges from the South Carolina Barbeque Association.
Fans can sample pulled pork from teams and vote for the best barbecue and winner of the People’s Choice Award.
Music from Pickety Split will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 12.
Vendors, including Traveling Taps, will sell additional food and beverages. The WOW! Fiber Internet Kids Zone will offer face painting, balloon art and inflatables. The Backyard Oasis, sponsored by Ace Hardware, will provide space to relax with hammocks, fire pits and shaded seating.
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“Year after year, the SOOIE BBQ Cook-Off proves to be our largest and most anticipated celebration,” said Gina McAtee, Cultural & Tourism Manager. “We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for another exciting weekend of delicious barbecue, great live music and community spirit.”
Admission, parking, live music and the Kids Zone are free.
Prices are $5 for a sheet of five tickets; $1 for one barbecue sample on Saturday. Vendors will accept payment, not tickets.
Parking is available at Mauldin Cultural Center; Mauldin City Hall, 5 E. Butler Road; Mauldin Sports Center, 10 City Center Drive; Mauldin Methodist Church, 100 E. Butler Road.
Lawn chairs, blankets and leashed dogs are welcome. Outside food and beverages are prohibited.
For details and other prohibitions, go to mauldinbbq.com. For weather announcements, go to the Mauldin Cultural Center’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
In addition to Duke’s, Ace Hardware and Wow!, sponsors are The Greenville News and LocalIQ, South Carolina Federal Credit Union, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Eggs Up Grill, Joyce Factory Direct, Renewal by Andersen and Swamp Rabbit Moving.
KVH Collective Hosts ‘Spill the Tea’ Networking Event
The KVH Collective will host Spill the Tea, with networking and a panel of local women leaders, from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at Seratonic in Greenville.
Spill the Tea will feature vendors, light bites, cocktails and opportunities to connect with women from across the Upstate. The panel will share perspectives on health, wealth, work and life.
KVH founder and President Katie Harrison will moderate the discussion.
Featured speakers include Rebecca Kincaid, founder and CEO of Kincaid Retirement & Wealth Management; Dr. Katherine Birchenough, a medical doctor and owner of OptimalSelf MD; and Jessica McDowell, Senior Vice President, North America Marketing and Digital Customer Success at TD SYNNEX.
“We created this event to bring women together for the conversations we all want to be having,” Harrison said. “It’s an opportunity to connect, learn from one another and, of course, spill a little tea with our girlfriends along the way.”
The second KVH Women in Business Summit will be held this spring. Details, dates and this year’s keynote speaker will be announced at Spill The Tea.
Harrison created KVH Collective to connect, support and celebrate women in businesses throughout the Upstate with events, resources and shared experiences.
TD SYNNEX is a sponsor. Tickets for Spill the Tea are $65. They are available online by searching for “Spill the Tea KVH Collective” or through a link at thekvh.com/kvh-summit. Capacity is limited. For information about KVH, go to thekvh.com. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Cat Wall at [email protected].
Indie Craft Parade Gains Presenting Sponsor
Indie Craft Parade, Greenville’s annual festival of handmade art, will return Sept. 11 to 13 with a new presenting sponsor, Bonnie Christine’s Artisan Educator.
Bonnie Cristine, based in North Carolina, is an education company for people creating any art or craft.
A designer, educator and founder of the company, Bonnie Christine Forkner (her full name) has taught thousands through classes about surface pattern design (artwork, illustrations and repeating patterns), according to a press release.
Her new online course, Artisan Educator, teaches creative people how to share their craft through their own classes.
The 17th Annual Indie Craft Parade, presented by Bonnie Christine’s Artisan Educator, will be held at Judson Mill in Greenville.
Indie Craft Parade was founded in Greenville in 2010 to support and promote independent artists, educate the community about the modern craft movement, and encourage a renewed appreciation for quality handmade goods.
The festival also funds the local artistic and innovative economy.
The 2026 event will feature more than 100 artists and makers from across the United States. For event hours, ticket pricing and a list of participating artists, go to indiecraftparade.com.
“Bonnie was a maker at the very first Indie Craft Parade in 2010,” said Lib Ramos, festival co-founder.
“She has spent the intervening years becoming a talented artist, growing her business, and sharing her knowledge with creatives worldwide through her online education programs.”
Bonnie Christine will have a booth at the Indie Craft Parade and offer a free activity, lounge space, and a chance for artists to learn how to teach their craft.
Additional sponsors are PrymConsumer USA, Bank of Travelers Rest, and ReCraft Creative Reuse Center.
Bonnie Christine’s Artisan Educator is designed to help makers, artists and creatives earn from what they know, preserve their craft, and make the path easier for the next generation.
Indie Craft Parade is an annual curated art festival in Greenville that showcases handmade work from across the United States.
Sippin’ in Simpsonville Showcases Wines
The annual Sippin’ in Simpsonville Wine Tasting, presented by Weichert, Realtors – Shaun & Shari Group, will feature wine, tours of downtown shops and businesses, art displays, vendors and live music from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sept. 11.
This year’s walking tour will feature more than 25 businesses pouring 1-ounce samples of local, regional, and unique wines. Check-in will be on West Curtis Street.
Tickets are $40 in advance, $60 day of the tour, and include tastings and a commemorative tasting glass. VIP tickets are $65 in advance, $85 day of the tour, and include tastings, the commemorative glass, early check-in, a bottle of wine to take home, and a gift.
Designated drivers and non-drinking guests do not need to purchase tickets.
Volunteers are needed to help make Sippin’ In Simpsonville a success. Volunteers may help with check-in, distribution, signage, and set-up and break-down. Many shifts are two hours. Volunteers will receive a T-shirt and a regular guest ticket (for those over the age of 21).
The chamber is also seeking hosts and sponsors for tastings. Sippin’ in Simpsonville will be held rain or shine.
LEGO Store To Open In Powdersville
Bricks & Minifigs – a LEGO buy-sell-trade retail concept – will open a new location at Powdersville Plaza.
The store will offer new and used LEGO sets, minifigures and bulk bricks, a dedicated party room, free “build nights” and community events for families and LEGO enthusiasts.
Owned and operated by local franchisees Mike Ingram, Heather Ingram and Anthony Tran, the Powdersville store is the ownership group’s first Bricks & Minifigs location. Their 2,100-square-foot store will be located at 3518 Highway 153.
Three other independently owned Bricks & Minifigs stores are open in Greenville, Greer and Spartanburg.
Mike Ingram, a Powdersville resident, longtime Boy Scout leader and Navy veteran, learned about Bricks & Minifigs at a local convention hosted by the Upstate LEGO Users Group. Inspired by the franchise opportunity, he and his partners decided to bring the concept to Powdersville.
“I’ve always wanted to own a business. Once I discovered Bricks & Minifigs, it felt like a natural fit,” he said. “We wanted to create a place where families can celebrate birthdays, LEGO fans can connect, and kids have another place to build, create and spend time together right here in Powdersville.”
Aston is the owner, manager and redeveloper of Powdersville Plaza.
“The transformation of Powdersville Plaza is about creating a destination that better serves the growing Powdersville community,” said Barnes Connell, Managing Director of Aston, in Charlotte.
“Bricks & Minifigs is exactly the type of business we want to attract because it offers families a unique experience that extends beyond shopping,” he said.
Bricks & Minifigs plans to open this fall.
The redevelopment of Powdersville Plaza includes exterior renovations, updated storefronts, enhanced landscaping, refreshed common areas and other site improvements. Renovations are expected to continue through 2027.
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Utah, Bricks & Minifigs has more than 300 franchised locations in the United States and Canada.
Aston provides property management, leasing, development and capital market services. In the Greenville area, the company owns The Commons, North Hills Shopping Center, Verdae Village, McDaniel Village and Powdersville Plaza.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: United Community execs, ScanSource acquisition and BBQ: In the Know
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Reporting by Kathy Laughlin, Marketplace Greenville / Greenville News
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