Wedding & Event Venue near Anderson, SC

Eastern Engineered Wood Products, a construction company that designs and distributes structural floor and roof systems for professional contractors, has selected Anderson County as the site for its first operation in South Carolina.

The company has distribution centers in Emporia and Keysville, Virginia.

The $18.7 million investment in Anderson is expected to create 31 new jobs in the area.

The company will be located at 110 Milliken Drive in Belton.

Operations are expected to start later this year, with full project completion in early 2026.

"It is an exciting next step in our growth and expansion strategy," said Todd Lindsey, president of Eastern Engineered Wood Products.

Lindsey said that Eastern Engineered Wood Products has long recognized the need for its products and services in the Southeast.

"We found that the Upstate of South Carolina is the ideal area to support that need," Lindsey said.

Gov. Henry McMaster said Eastern Engineered Wood Products' decision to settle in South Carolina is a "win for our people, the community, and the entire state.

"We congratulate the company on this new distribution operation," McMaster said.

Here is what you should know about Eastern Wood Products' support from state and local authorities.

Eastern Engineered Wood Products: Gain support from state and local authorities

Eastern Engineered Wood Products received significant support from state and local authorities to facilitate its expansion into South Carolina.

A $100,000 set-aside grant from the Coordinating Council for Economic Development to Anderson County will assist with site preparation and building construction.

"We look forward to working together as we grow our operation," Lindsey said.

Mayor Eleanor Dorn said the new facility will positively impact the local economy and community development.

"We are thankful for the opportunities and resources Eastern will bring to our city and look forward to being a part of Eastern’s prosperous future," Dorn said.

Here are some things you should know about Eastern Engineered Wood Products.

What to know about Eastern Engineered Wood Products

Eastern Engineered Wood Products (EEWP) offerings include expert design assistance, precise cutting services, efficient delivery logistics, and comprehensive technical support to ensure successful project completion with a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.

Eastern Engineered Wood Products offersits employees a comprehensive benefits package. This package includes competitive wages, paid time off, holiday pay, and health, vision, and dental insurance.

Employees also have access to disability and life insurance, a 401(K) plan with employer match, profit sharing, and many more de minimis fringe benefits.

Individuals interested in joining the Eastern team should visit the company’s careers page.

Anderson County Councilman Greg Elgin expressed excitement about Eastern Engineered Wood Products' investment in the area.

"Anderson County is committed to a strong partnership with our industries and will do what we can to help them succeed," Elgin said.

Anderson: A manufacturing workforce hotspot

According to an updated report from the S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce, manufacturing is the biggest employer in Anderson County, with more than 15,697 jobs.

Anderson County's manufacturing industry is projected to grow steadily, with estimated employment numbers rising from 25,610 in 2020 to 27,017 by 2030.

The average annual wage for manufacturing jobs in Anderson County stands at $65,104.

Below is a quick overview of what you should know about the companies with established facilities in Anderson County.

Six companies, $99.5 million, $37.1 million annual payroll, 511 jobs

Several manufacturing companies from neighboring states have ventured to Anderson to expand their businesses.

Six companies announced significant projects in late 2023 and 2024 in Anderson County, which are expected to spur economic growth in the Upstate in 2025 and beyond.

Structural Systems, Vertiv, Michelin, Halton MEI, Harbor Freight, and HS Buildco pledged capital investments of $99.5 million and $37.1 million in annual payroll.

These projects are anticipated to create 511 jobs in the area.

Industrial engineers, technologists, laborers, supervisors, machinists, and technicians are among the Top 20 occupational openings in Anderson County.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

If you go to Lake Hartwell in Anderson County this weekend, you may notice blue-green algae floating in the water.

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services reported that multiple Lake Hartwell residents had encountered blue-green algae in the water on April 29 and April 30.

As a result, SCDES staff collected samples from three lake locations near Brooks Drive, Gordon Road, and Whitfield Road in Anderson County to assess the extent of the algae's presence.

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services reported that samples were analyzed for two cyanotoxins -- cylindrospermopsin and microcystin.

According to a press release, these samples contain cyanobacteria capable of producing harmful cyanotoxins. These toxins can pose risks to both human health and animal life.

Cylindrospermopsin concentrations were below the analytical detection limit in all three samples.

However, microcystins were detected in two of the three samples, below the recreational standard of eight micrograms per liter.

As a precaution, SCDES advises residents and visitors to avoid direct contact with the affected water areas where HAB is observed or expected.

It also advises them to keep pets and animals from swimming or drinking from the lake in these areas until the bloom subsides.

Where are the harmful algal blooms located?

Harmful algal blooms are located near Brooks Drive, Gordon Road, and Whitfield Road in Anderson County.

According to a press release, SCDES has been coordinating and communicating with Anderson Regional Joint Water System, Pioneer Rural Water District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and representatives from neighboring Georgia to monitor and address the situation.

These efforts aim to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to protect public health and safety.

Harmful algal blooms, what to know

According to a press release, harmful algal blooms (HABs) are common in natural bodies of water.

Most harmful algal blooms occur in South Carolina in late spring to early fall when water temperatures are warm and sunlight increases.

These algal blooms can persist for several weeks.

Algal blooms can look like bright green spilled paint or blue-green water discoloration.

With cooler temperatures, heavy winds, and rain, these blooms may break up and die off.

For more information, contact SCDES’s Bureau of Water at 803-898-8374. If calling after hours, leave a message that can be returned.

For additional information about harmful algae in South Carolina, visit the SCDES HABs webpage and Algal Bloom Monitoring Map.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

The City of Anderson's signature arts festival, Soiree, returns to downtown Anderson for its fourth year from April 25-26.

The two-day arts festival will feature live performances, visual arts, culinary arts, and a Kid's Kingdom area for children, according to Caroline Gaddis, Community Events Manager.

Exhibitor booths will line Main Street, offering attendees a chance to shop items from local vendors, downtown restaurants, and artisans.

Guests can also enjoy live music on all four stages throughout the weekend, Gaddis said.

Clay Walker will perform on the Papa Bear Car Wash Stage located on South Main Street on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, the Swingin’ Medallions will take to the Duke Energy Stage at the same time.

The two-day festival will be held on Main Street and at Carolina Wren Park.

Festival hours are set for Friday, April 25, from 4-9 p.m. and Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Soiree entertainment lineup for April 25

Duke Energy Stage in Carolina Wren Park

5:30 p.m. -- Tailgate Homeboys

7 p.m. -- Steppin' Out Dance Studio

North Main Commons Stage

6 p.m. -- Luke Deuce

Main Stage at South Main

7 p.m. -- Benton Blount

8 p.m. -- Clay Walker

South Carolina School of the Arts at Courthouse Square

5 p.m. -- Audrey Adams

6 p.m. -- Sydney Wells

Soiree entertainment lineup for Saturday, April 26

Duke Energy Stage in Carolina Wren Park

10 a.m. -- Centerville Elementary School

10:30 a.m. -- Southwood Academy of the Arts

11 a.m. -- Calhoun Academy of the Arts

11:30 a.m. -- New Prospect Elementary School

Noon -- Nevitt Forest Elementary School

12:30 p.m. -- Starr Elementary School

1 p.m. -- Nevitt Forest Kindness Crew

1:30 p.m. -- Renzo Gracie from South Carolina Jiu-Jitsu

2 p.m. -- Flourish Creative Arts Studio

2:30 p.m. -- Lighthouse Christian Theatre

6:30 p.m. -- Those Guys

8 p.m. -- The Swingin' Medallions

Papa Bear Main Stage on South Main

10 a.m. -- Talbert Black

11:30 a.m. -- Second Time Around Band

1 p.m. -- Cecil Tompkins

2:30 p.m. -- The Carolina Moon Band

4 p.m. -- Blue Sky

6:15 p.m. -- Doug McCormick

7:30 p.m. -- Outshyne

North Main Commons Stage

Noon -- Stone Groove

2:30 p.m. -- Marvin King Revue

5 p.m. -- Flipside

7:30 p.m. -- Hoto Mozambique

South Carolina School of the Arts in Courthouse Square

Noon -- Anderson University Jazz Combo

1 p.m. -- AU Greg Alewine Ensemble

2 p.m. -- AU Tim Blackwell Ensemble I

3 p.m. -- AU Tim Blackwell Ensemble II

4 p.m. -- Blacktop Run

5 p.m. -- The AU Faculty Ensemble

6 p.m. -- Authenticity

Soiree festival parking

For the Soire?e Festival in downtown Anderson on Main Street, several free parking options are available for attendees.

Parking lots:

Soiree festival street closures

Main Street will be closed to through traffic beginning Thursday, April 24, at 4 a.m. and will remain closed until Saturday evening, April 26, from Tribble Street to River Street, according to a news release.

The parking lot behind Grace Church, Groucho's Deli, and NAI Earle Furman will be closed from Friday, April 25, to Saturday, April 26.

The Church Street Heritage Plaza parking lot will be for handicapped parking only during the festival. This lot will close on Thursday, April 24.

Soiree 2025: Food Truck Lineup

Food trucks at the Soire?e festival offer a diverse array of culinary delights.

From gourmet burgers to exotic street food, attendees can indulge in a variety of local flavors.

The festival also features specialty desserts to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. —

A Recreational Water Watch has been issued for Lake Hartwell after harmful algae were detected in the water.

On Wednesday, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) issued a Recreational Water Watch for the entirety of Lake Hartwell in Anderson County after identifying the presence of a harmful algal bloom (HAB).

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SCDES was notified of a potential HAB by several people in the Lake Hartwell area, prompting staff to collect samples from three lake locations near Brooks Drive, Gordon Road, and Whitfield Road in Anderson County on Tuesday.

SCDES received additional notifications on Wednesday that residents spotted the HAB in other areas of the lake.

SCDES said it is recommended to avoid contact with the water and to keep pets and animals from swimming or drinking from the lake until the bloom has subsided.

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Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) capable of producing cyanotoxins were observed in each of the samples collected. These samples were then analyzed for the presence of two cyanotoxins: cylindrospermopsin and microcystins. Concentrations of cylindrospermopsin were below the analytical detection limit in all three samples. Microcystins were detected in two of the three samples but were below the recreational standard.

SCDES

According to officials, harmful algal blooms are a common occurrence in natural bodies of water, most likely to occur in South Carolina in late spring to early fall when water temperatures are warmer and there is increased sunlight. These blooms can look like bright green spilled paint or blue-green discoloration of the water. These blooms can persist for several weeks. With cooler temperatures, heavy winds, and rain, these blooms may begin to break up and die off.

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For the Algal Bloom Monitoring map, click here.