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2026 Icon Honors recipients announced
Icon Honors recognizes South Carolina business leaders, over the age of 60, for their notable success and demonstration of strong leadership within and outside their fields.
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In the Lead: Best Legacy Businesses 2025
SCBiz Staff // September 22, 2025//
Inside this special feature you’ll meet businesses that have stood the test of time. Not only have they endured and overcome challenges, but these businesses have innovated and adapted to a changing and ever-evolving workforce.
The In the Lead Best Legacy Businesses feature recognizes businesses that have shown prolonged success and an ability to effectively navigate changing customer needs, technology, economic environments and more.
To be an In The Lead Best Legacy Business, a company must have at least four employees, have been in business for at least 25 years and be based in South Carolina. You’ll read about significant milestones and achievements, how their core values and vision helped them excel in South Carolina’s business landscape, how they’ve adapted to industry changes and economic challenges over the years, unique factors that have contributed to their longevity, how community engagement and corporate social responsibility play in their business, and much more.
Congratulations to all In the Lead Best Legacy Businesses honorees.
Airsys joins Greenville Triumph as corporate partner
Airsys has partnered with Greenville Triumph SC through 2029, supporting community initiatives, youth programs and the Made in the Upstate match.
Aruza Pest Control acquires Charleston-based pest control company
Listen to this article Aruza Pest Control, which provides services throughout Florida, Texas, North and South Carolina, acquired Charleston-based Core Pest Solutions. Existing customers of Core Pest Solutions will be transitioned into the Aruza Pest Control system, according to a news release. Terms of the deal were not
Auro Hotels
Auro Hotels stands as a testament to the enduring power of the American dream, having grown from a modest 40-room motel purchase into a thriving hospitality empire
Australian-based Detpak brings first U.S. operations to Spartanburg
Detpak is opening its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Spartanburg County, creating more than 50 jobs with a multi-million-dollar investment.
Benedict College names Joshua Spivey career director
Benedict College appoints Joshua Spivey as director of career development services to expand employer partnerships, internships and student engagement.
Benjamin Ayers named Clemson University president
Clemson University has named University of Georgia Provost Benjamin Ayers as its next president following Kevin Guskiewicz’s withdrawal.
Blanchard Machinery Co.
For 43 years, Blanchard Machinery Co. has served as South Carolina’s authorized Caterpillar dealer, providing premium equipment and reliable service solutions across the state.
BMW sponsors Clemson Deep Orange 17 project
BMW is sponsoring Clemson University’s Deep Orange 17, where graduate students are developing a solar-integrated, energy-positive electric vehicle.
Boeing lands up to 148 jet orders at Farnborough Airshow
Boeing secured orders for up to 148 aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow, including up to 48 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to be built in North Charleston.
Bridge Commercial brokers Charleston $4M land sale for storage
Bridge Commercial represented C&M Industries in the sale of 2.3 acres on King St. Ext. in Charleston for a new self-storage facility.
C&L Services
C&L Services has been serving the Anderson community for 25 years, building a reputation as a trusted provider of HVAC and electrical services.
Chakisse Newton named CEO of Cyberwoven
Columbia-based marketing agency Cyberwoven has named Chakisse Newton CEO as the firm marks its 25th anniversary and plans for future growth.
Choate Construction
Choate Construction has transformed from a recession-era startup into one of the Southeast’s leading construction companies, earning recognition as ENR’s number three Southeast contractor in 2024.
Clemson joins NSF Grid Modernization Engine
Clemson University joined the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas, advancing electric grid technology, energy resilience and workforce innovation.
Clemson’s president quits before he starts
Kevin Guskiewicz has withdrawn as Clemson University’s next president for personal reasons, prompting the Board of Trustees to determine next steps.
College in Spartanburg and Charleston expand transfer partnership
College of Charleston and Spartanburg Community College launched a transfer partnership offering guaranteed admission, scholarships and workforce pathways.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport opens new Customs facility
Columbia Metropolitan Airport opened a new U.S. Customs facility to expand international cargo processing, business aviation and future growth opportunities.
Continental Realty sells Mount Pleasant retail center
Continental Realty Corp. has sold Sweetgrass Corner in Mount Pleasant after fully leasing the retail center anchored by Trader Joe’s, HomeSense and Golf Galaxy.
Corner Pantry opens new Camden convenience store
Corner Pantry is expanding in Camden with a new convenience store and Shell fuel station, marking its fifth location in the area.
Data centers drive South Carolina power grid expansion
Growing demand from data centers is driving South Carolina power grid investments as utilities expand capacity while working to protect customers.
Financing leads to $12M apartment sale in Summerville
JLL arranges $8.567 million in financing for the acquisition and renovation of Treehaven Apartments, an 88-unit multifamily community in Summerville.
Five key things to consider when planning an event
As businesses plan 2027 budgets, event investments should focus on attendee experience, ROI, content, venues and sponsorship value.
Fortified Solar to make $23M expansion in Greenville County, add 151 jobs
Fortified Solar is investing $22.75 million in Greenville County, creating 151 jobs and expanding production of steel solar roofing systems.
Greenville Drive hosts Advanced Manufacturing Night
Greenville Drive’s Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Night returns Aug. 4 with BMW, Michelin and Fluor to inspire future STEM careers.
Greenville Federal Credit Union announces second 2027 expansion
Greenville Federal Credit Union will invest $9.5 million to expand its Wade Hampton Boulevard campus with a new administrative building.
Henry Pak Inc.
Henry Pak Inc. has built a reputation as a trusted packaging distributor over four decades, supplying bottles, jars, tubes and closures
Instel Power Products
Instel Power Products stands as the leading electrical solutions provider in the Upstate, operating from an 80,000 square foot warehouse in Simpsonville.
Irmo office buildings sell for $825,000
Two office buildings totaling 7,600 square feet in Irmo sold for $825,000, offering strong visibility near Lake Murray Boulevard and Interstate 26.
Kardea Brown’s CHS restaurant wins airport dining award
Kardea Brown’s Southern Kitchen at Charleston International Airport won a 2026 FAB Award for delivering an authentic Lowcountry dining experience.
Lexington retail center sells for $3.67M
A fully leased retail center anchored by Lexington Modern Dentistry sold for $3.67 million in Lexington, highlighting demand for service-based retail.
Lowcountry Land Trust tops $10M in conservation campaign
Lowcountry Land Trust raised more than $10.3 million in its conservation campaign to expand land protection, the Angel Oak Preserve and conservation efforts.
M. Dumas and Sons
For more than a century, M. Dumas and Sons has remained Charleston’s premier menswear destination, blending tradition with modern retail innovation on historic King Street
Maynard Nexsen PC
Maynard Nexsen PC stands as a testament to strategic evolution in the legal industry, operating as a full-service law firm with 600 attorneys
McMillan Pazdan Smith
McMillan Pazdan Smith stands as a cornerstone of Southeastern architecture, operating 10 studios throughout the region after seven decades in business.
Metromont
Metromont marks its 100th anniversary as a testament to entrepreneurial vision and unwavering commitment to community service.
Milliken & Co.
Milliken & Co. stands as a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers breakthrough solutions across multiple industries.
MUSC Health expands Columbia emergency department
MUSC Health has completed Phase 2 of a $30 million emergency department expansion in Columbia, doubling capacity to improve emergency care.
Narrative at Columbia opens near USC with 826 beds
Landmark Properties opens the 826-bed Narrative at Columbia student housing community near the University of South Carolina with resort-style amenities.
Novant Health opens its first freestanding ED in Clements Ferry
Novant Health has opened its first Charleston-area freestanding emergency department on Clements Ferry, expanding 24/7 emergency care access.
Ogletree Deakins
Ogletree Deakins stands as one of the largest labor and employment law firms in the United States, representing management in employment-related legal matters
Renewable Water Resources
Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) has been treating wastewater in South Carolina’s Upstate region for 100 years.
Rick Erwin Dining Group acquires CityRange
Rick Erwin Dining Group has acquired CityRange Steakhouse Grill, expanding its Upstate restaurant portfolio while preserving the longtime local brand.
SCForge becomes independent South Carolina nonprofit
SCForge has become an independent South Carolina nonprofit, expanding its commercialization efforts to help startups, founders and innovators grow.
South Carolina Military Veterans Hall of Fame grows mission
South Carolina Military Veterans Hall of Fame honors veterans, expands its Columbia presence and seeks sponsors to preserve military legacies statewide.
Southern First Bank
Southern First Bank has built its reputation over 26 years on a simple yet powerful philosophy: relationships come first.
SteelFab expands Florence County plant, adds 108 jobs
SteelFab is investing $38.92 million to expand its Florence County facility, creating 108 jobs and boosting U.S. naval defense manufacturing.
Stevens Towing
Founded in 1913 by brothers Joseph Stanyarne Stevens and William Yates Stevens, Stevens Towing began with a simple vision on Yonges Island, just south of Charleston.
Sweetbriar Apartments sells for $5.6M in Lexington
Sweetbriar Apartments in Lexington sold for $5.575 million as investor demand for multifamily properties remains strong across the Columbia region.
Tennessee health system takes step to join Prisma Health
Prisma Health plans a strategic partnership with Erlanger Health System, backed by $2 billion in investments to expand care and services.
The Caine Co.
The Caine Co. stands as a testament to enduring values and community commitment, having served Upstate South Carolina for 93 years.
The Charleston Place finishes next phase of “reimagination” project
Listen to this article After announcing the project in 2022, The Charleston Place in downtown Charleston announced the completion of the next phase in its $150 million renovation project. The latest phase of the “reimagination” includes a new Club Level, a rooftop pool with garden bar, a redesigned arrival area and renovated
The Factory GVL expands with The Sanctuary event space
The Factory GVL expands in Greenville with The Sanctuary, a new event venue inside a restored historic textile mill in the city’s West End.
THS Constructors building industrial site in Greenwood
THS Constructors will build a 108,000-square-foot speculative industrial facility in Greenwood County, supporting South Carolina’s growing manufacturing sector.
TM Floyd & Co.
TM Floyd & Co. stands as a testament to longevity and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of information technology.
Trehel
For 43 years, Trehel has established itself as one of the most respected privately held general contractors serving the Upstate South Carolina region
Turner Padget Graham & Laney, PA
Turner Padget Graham & Laney, PA stands as one of the South’s most enduring legal institutions, serving clients for 96 years with unwavering commitment to exceptional service
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: 4 South Carolina projects to watch
See four commercial construction projects underway across South Carolina, from an industrial spec building to retail, recreation and government.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: New projects reshape communities across the state
Under Construction highlights commercial projects across South Carolina, including schools, industrial facilities and mixed-use developments.
US budget deficit, debt threaten economic future
Rising U.S. budget deficits, growing national debt and looming Social Security shortfalls threaten long-term economic stability, economist says.
