Sustain SC

This week, Sustain SC is highlighting ex-officio board member Scott Phillips! He has been with the South Carolina Forestry Commission since 1999 and has served as state forester since Jan. 2018.   Scott said he joined the board because Sustain SC is a high-impact organization working at the intersection of conservation and commerce, which is critical for the conservation of forests.   “I have always loved the outdoors. Growing up on a farm instilled in me the desire to work with land and to leave things better than I found them. Thus, I believe that it is our responsibility to wisely use our resources so that future generations have healthy forests, clean air, clean water, bountiful wildlife and beautiful places to recreate like I did growing up.”  

Sustain SC Board Vice-Chair Dale Threatt-Taylor helped serve as a moderator Tuesday at the 2024 Lowcountry Land Conservation Symposium in Charleston.   The event explored how successful land conservation in the Lowcountry hinges on community engagement. Private landowners, advocacy groups, and government agencies must collaborate with local communities to protect and advocate for policies supporting conservation. The Nature Conservancy Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation

Sustain SC CEO Leslie Skardon was excited to take part in South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott’s 2nd Annual Opportunity Leadership Summit.   The event was a great opportunity for Sustain SC to connect with rising leaders from South Carolina and Washington, D.C. to provide them with practical tips, real-life experience and resources to develop their leadership skills. 

This week, Sustain SC CEO, Leslie Skardon had the opportunity to tour the Cayce facility of CMC (Commercial Metals Company). CMC recycles scrap metal into products that companies use across the world. CMC’s innovative efforts in South Carolina will continue to help build a more circular economy for the state. The Circular Economy Roadmap Accelerator focuses on reducing and repurposing materials for production and consumption which cuts down on emissions, reduces costs and saves consumers money. We’re grateful to have CMC and industries alike transforming our waste into new economic opportunities for South Carolina!

I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon discussing sustainability and opportunities for the University of South Carolina to collaborate with business, non-profits, and state government to advance our shared goals of sustainable economic growth. The USC Office of Economic Engagement, Chip Huggins, Chad Hardaway & Andy Bernardin hosted a collaborative discussion with Leslie Skardon (CEO Sustain SC) and tour of the McNAIR Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research, showcasing the innovative work being done by students and faculty. The day ended with a biodiversity event sponsored by SustainSC and hosted by Heritage Landscape Services (Ashley McLeod) and Mark Anthony Brewing Inc at their facility in Columbia, SC. It was inspiring to see the care and attention that was paid to the development of natural spaces around the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Discussions like the ones today continue to influence the sustainability initiatives at University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business and provide opportunities for increased student and faculty engagement across campus.

This week’s #FellowFriday highlights Nikki McDill with Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (Charleston, SC). Nikki serves as an environmental engineer for Mercedes-Benz Vans with more than eight years of experience in the environmental sector. Nikki said she applied for the SLI program to get a better understanding of sustainability and that is exactly what she got plus more. “This program taught me that sustainability is a far broader topic than I ever thought. I also gained a valuable network of similarly minded individuals from all types of industries that I never would have met otherwise. I highly recommend joining the next class of SLI Fellows if you’ve ever had an interest in sustainability.” In partnership, Sustain SC and the The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University, host the Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI), an inventive program for developing leadership skills among forward-thinking individuals in South Carolina.

Yesterday, Sustain SC members gathered at Mark Anthony Brewing Inc in Columbia for an event focusing on biodiversity, health and wellness. The Mark Anthony Brewing campus includes an outdoor recreational space for employees and guests to enjoy the surrounding natural habitat maintained by Heritage. Recognizing that human health & well-being are tied to interactions with nature, Sustain SC applauds Mark Anthony Brewing for its sustainable business actions. Thanks to Mark Anthony Brewing Inc, Heritage, and South Carolina Healthy Business Challenge for sponsoring the wonderful event. Scott Hicks Lori Michelin Ashley McLeod Susan Johnson Cynthia Davis Leslie Skardon

This week’s #FellowFriday highlights Emily Skaggs! Emily is the Global Sustainability Engagement Leader at Milliken & Company, where she drives stakeholder engagement and sustainability communications strategies. She said she decided to join SLI after two colleagues participated in the program and spoke so highly of their experience. “What I found most beneficial from participating in SLI was the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of leaders across sectors like industry, conservation, non-profits, etc. who are all working towards a common goal – to create a resilient and sustainable future for the state of South Carolina.   “Now that I have completed the SLI program, I am most looking forward to maintaining the relationships I’ve built with my classmates and collaborating with them, and other SLI alumni, to forge a path for meaningful progress in the state of South Carolina.” The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University

Sustain SC’s May newsletter is here! We highlight the newest SLI Fellows and their graduation along with a busy spring for Sustain SC. Discover upcoming events for May and into the summer! Come join us: https://lnkd.in/eYWmPvGi

This week, we are highlighting Sustain SC Board Vice Chair Dale Threatt-Taylor!   Dale is the executive director of The Nature Conservancy South Carolina Chapter, which is an environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive.   Dale said Sustain SC offers her the opportunity to engage in conversations, actions, and positive outcomes toward a sustainable future for South Carolina's natural resources with our commerce colleagues.   “I am deeply passionate about sustainability. We face global challenges that affect us in various ways, including environmentally, physically, mentally, spiritually, and economically. To address these challenges and achieve outcomes that benefit everyone, we must work together not only within South Carolina but also regionally. Conservation and commerce can work together to find solutions that will lead to a healthier and more productive future for South Carolina. “