April 29, 2024

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59º | 15% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:43 a.m. | Sunset 8:12 p.m.

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Invest Local: Just Cause

Just Cause CEO, Scott Porter, recently presented and lead conversation on establishing business models to GVL Starts participants. | Photo via @justcausescrubs

TOMS, Warby Parker, Bombas…you’re likely well aware of these brands. But what do they have in common? The same thing our latest local investment opportunity does — a charitable business model.

Welcome back to our latest installment of Invest Local, a series in which we’re shining a light on ways Greenvillians can invest their time, talent, and treasure, locally.

With nearly $2 million in revenue and over $123,000 donated to charity in the past two years, we’re taking a look at Just Cause, the apparel industry’s only charity profit-sharing retailer.

About the business model

Did you know corporations represent $60 billion in annual apparel purchases? Just Cause is harnessing this massive purchasing power to support charitable organizations through a unique 50% profit-sharing business model.

So, when a customer buys polos, vests, fleeces, and other work or marketing-related apparel, Just Cause donates 50% of the net profits to their charity of choice through an innovative profit-sharing platform.

Founder Scott Porter is leaning into his medical and business background by selling into large corporations like health systems, restaurant groups, and retailers with unique private label arrangements and simplified supply chains.

In addition to doing good, Just Cause partnerships result in a “one-link” supply chain and an unrivaled ability to pass cost savings to large groups of customers. At the same time, top professional apparel brands (think: Nike, The North Face, Eddie Bauer) gain a values-aligned channel to sell their products and access to a loyal, large customer base.

Vicinity_JustCause_GVL_4.29.24 — While there is no shortage of apparel providers, Just Cause represents the opportunity for corporations to do good while making everyday apparel purchases.
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Photo provided by Just Cause

The investment opportunity

Just Cause’s combination of innovative platform, charity-based business model, and key partnerships has the company poised to become a major player in corporate apparel.

Explore the investment and learn about other local opportunities with Vicinity.

Invest in the Upstate

Asked

In your opinion, what’s the best kind of company swag?

A. Water bottles
B. Backpacks
C. Jackets
D. Shirts

Share your swag preference

Events

Monday, April 29

Let’s Par-Tee | Monday, April 29 | 5-9 p.m. | 3’s Golf and Grubhouse, 61 Villa Rd., Greenville | $5-$50 | In honor of World Wish Day and Make-A-Wish South Carolina’s 40th Anniversary, enjoy activities like a putting contest, a silent auction, and live music.
Two Year Anniversary | Monday, April 29 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | The Community Tap Travelers Rest, 321 S. Main St., Travelers Rest | Free entry | Sip on beer and wine specials + get your groove on with live music.

Tuesday, April 30

Throwback Pop Culture Trivia | Tuesday, April 30 | 7-9 p.m. | Group Therapy Pub & Playground, 320 Falls St., Ste. G, Greenville | Free entry | From classic TV shows to iconic movies, test your knowledge of all things pop culture.
Governor’s School String Chamber Concert | Tuesday, April 30 | 7:30 p.m. | South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, 15 University St., Greenville | Free | Enjoy an evening of chamber music performed by SCGSAH string students.

Wednesday, May 1

Poverty, by Greenville | Wednesday, May 1 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville | $29-$39 | Featuring Pulitzer Prize winner Matthew Desmond, “Poverty, By Greenville” explores groundbreaking research on the complexities of poverty and highlights bold strategies to address them.
Stitzel-Weller Family Bourbon Tasting | Wednesday, May 1 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Spirit & Bower, 44 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville | $80 | Sip on the smoothest bourbon flavors from the Stitzel- Weller family, including Blade and Bow, I.W Harper Cabernet Cask, and Bullet Rye 12-year.

Saturday, May 4

Highland Brewing’s 30th Anniversary VIP Experience | Saturday, May 4 | 12-10 p.m. | Highland Brewing, 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville | $94 | Private rooftop bars, anniversary swag bags, hand-signed bottles from the founder + more are just a sip of Highland Brewing’s 30th Anniversary VIP Experience.*

Calendar of events here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Number

4. That’s the number of subdivisions approved by Greenville County’s planning commission. The 200+ houses will be built from Berea to Greer to the Golden Strip, and the Greenville Journal broke down each approved development.

Open

Flying Fox Coffee is now open inside GVL Art Gallery & Shop on South Main Street. Visit the Greer-based coffee shop’s first Greenville location from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. (Greenville Journal)

Coming Soon

The Slice will open The Slice 2.0 in Fountain Inn this summer, featuring its signature New York-style pizzas. Plus, The Slice’s original Simpsonville location is now serving on its 1,700-sqft rooftop. In pizza we crust.

Seasonal

Sassafrass Flower Farm, located at 255 Alex Dr., Easley, will open for U-pick beginning Friday, May 17. Bring your own clippers and baskets on the following days and times: Wednesdays + Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Thursdays + Fridays 4 p.m.-dusk. If you’re looking for more places to enjoy spring blooms, we’ve got you covered.

Eat

Chef Sungchul Shim — who helped two restaurants (Kochi + Mari) earn Michelin stars in two years — is coming to Greenville for Scoundrel’s next “Friends in Mischief” dinner. Reservations are available now for the six-course dinner on Wednesday, May 8 and Thursday, May, 9 with seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Announced

Congrats to Ashley R. and Tiffany H., the first two winners of our Greenville County Teacher + Staff Appreciation Giveaway in partnership with Greenville Federal Credit Union. TK and TK will enjoy $500 worth of gift cards to local favorites like Oase Day Spa, Top Golf, and more. Pro tip: Don’t forget to enter week 2 (launching at noon today).*

Number

✈️ The sky’s the limit

GMU is just plane awesome. | Photo by GVLtoday

1. That’s the number of airports in SC classified as National Airports — the highest ranking of general aviation with only 85 airports earning the classification across the US. Of our state’s 58 airports, the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) is the only airport with this elite classification. But that’s not the only number we’re celebrating:

$68.8+ million. That’s how much GMU contributes (on average) annually to the Upstate economy.
~90,000. That’s how many takeoffs and landings took place at GMU last year, making it the busiest general aviation airport in the state (think: all flying except for military or commercial flights). It’s the third-busiest airport in SC overall behind CHS + MYR.
1 million. That’s the total gallons of fuel the airport’s operators sold in 2023.
40+. That’s the number of aviation-related businesses and tenants at GMU accounting for 547+ jobs.
94. That’s how many years GMU has been serving the community.

You’re cleared for many more takeoffs, GMU.

The Buy

Gifts for mom. Our guide has something thoughtful and unique for all the mothers in your life.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Danielle

From the editor

This is the first newsletter I’ve written since attending the Greenville Cycling Classic on Thursday, so please bear with me that it’s a bit of “old news.” It was electric and I’m still thinking about it. If you’re reading this, watch my recap + make a note to not miss this event next year.

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