South Carolina Healthy Business Coalition

05/07/2026

We’re excited to continue our 2026 South Carolina Healthy Business Fellowship spotlight series—highlighting leaders working to create healthier workplaces across South Carolina.

Next up is Liz Horton from the Greenville Chamber

Liz brings a thoughtful, leadership-driven perspective on how workplace wellbeing can shape both organizational culture and the broader business community. Here’s a look at what’s driving her work and the impact she hopes to make:

What inspired you to join the SCHBC Fellowship, and what impact do you hope to make in your organization?
A: I was inspired to join the SCHBC Fellowship to gain a deeper understanding of effective workplace wellness strategies and how they can be meaningfully implemented within an organization. I am especially interested in learning from best practices and innovative approaches that not only support employee well-being internally but can also be shared. Through this experience, I hope to bring back practical insights that strengthen our organization’s culture while also equipping us to better support and guide our member businesses in creating healthier, more sustainable workplaces.

What’s one workplace wellness initiative or strategy you’re passionate about, and why?
A: One workplace wellness initiative I am especially passionate about is Mental Health First Aid Training, which our team will be completing this fall. This full-day training will equip every team member with the tools to recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges, and the certification lasts for three years. I believe this is incredibly important because we often do not see what is beneath the surface. People may appear fine while silently struggling. As Robin Williams once said, “People don’t fake depression, they fake being okay.” Creating a workplace where individuals feel seen, supported, and safe to seek help is something I care deeply about.

What’s a fun fact about you or a personal wellness habit that keeps you energized?
A: A fun fact about me is that I have known my husband since kindergarten. This fall we will be celebrating 33 years of marriage. We truly grew up together! It is a relationship that has been a constant source of support and joy in my life, which plays a big role in keeping me grounded and energized.

We’re excited to have Liz as part of this year’s cohort and look forward to the impact she’ll have through her work at the Greenville Chamber and across the business community.

05/05/2026

We’re excited to launch our 2026 South Carolina Healthy Business Fellowship spotlight series—highlighting an inspiring group of leaders working to create healthier workplaces across South Carolina.

First up is Holly Chavis from Heritage Landcare.

Holly brings both personal experience and a passion for helping others build healthier habits into their daily lives. Here’s a look at what’s driving her work and the impact she hopes to make:

Q: What inspired you to join the SCHBC Fellowship, and what impact do you hope to make in your organization?

A: My own health journey along with my husband's. I have struggled for years with my weight and much of this struggle came from my work environment, stress, and not knowing how I could include healthy habits in my day to day. I know that I am not the only one struggling with this and now that I am in a position to help, it is my goal to bring practical solutions to others to meet them where they are in their journey. My hope is to be able to impact people to impact change which will have a ripple effect through Heritage—not only affecting people, but also helping increase productivity and reduce health-related expenses.

Q: What’s one workplace wellness initiative or strategy you’re passionate about, and why?

A: Getting people outside and moving their body along with wellness education. I have initiated daily 10-minute walks outside for our office staff and plan to host these walks over the next several weeks. Along with these walks, we send a fact about the benefits of getting outside and moving your body even for 10 minutes—both physically and mentally. It is so important to remember that our health is and always should be our priority. Without it, we cannot do the things we set out to do.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you or a personal wellness habit that keeps you energized?

A: Fun fact about me: Other than singing in a band, I used to do rodeo barrel races and calf roping. Remembering the rodeo days and how energetic I was keeps me motivated!

We’re excited to have Holly as part of this year’s cohort as we continue working together to build healthier workplaces across South Carolina!

04/22/2026

Today, on Earth Day, we’re proud to spotlight the City of Sumter, South Carolina — a Founding Member of Nature at Work — for bringing nature directly into the workplace in a simple, meaningful way.

In recognition of Earth Day, the City of Sumter provided plants to employees to decorate their office spaces and support workforce wellness efforts. The response? 95 employees showed up to bring a little bit of nature to their desks!

It’s a powerful reminder that even small moments of connection to nature can make a real difference—especially for employees in workspaces without windows or access to natural light.

This is biophilic design in action. And it reinforces something we know to be true: exposure to nature supports both physical and mental health, while also improving focus, creativity, and overall performance.

When we bring nature into the workplace, we’re not just enhancing the environment—we’re investing in healthier people and stronger organizations.

This is Nature at Work.

Happy Earth Day! 🌿

04/08/2026

A milestone launch month for the South Carolina Healthy Business Coalition!

Over the past two weeks, we had the opportunity to bring the South Carolina Healthy Business Coalition to communities across the state and the response has been incredible.

From Columbia to Greenville to Mount Pleasant, we were joined by leaders from business, healthcare, government, and community organizations to officially launch the Coalition and kick off our Spring Seminar Series, Nature at Work.

Across each region, we explored how the environments where people live and work, from the built environment to access to nature, play a critical role in supporting workforce health, wellbeing, and performance.

What stood out most was the shared recognition that workforce health is not just a wellbeing initiative, it’s a business and economic priority. When we invest in people and create environments that support health, we strengthen organizations, communities, and our state as a whole.

It was especially meaningful to close out the series in the Lowcountry, where this work began more than a decade ago with the Charleston Healthy Business Challenge. To see how it has grown into a statewide effort, and now a year-round Coalition, is incredibly special.

Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, partners, and attendees for your leadership and engagement, and for being part of this next chapter.

We’re especially grateful for the leadership and partnership of our presenting sponsor BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Regional Sponsors South Carolina Federal Credit Union, Proactive MD, and Gallagher, Workforce Technology Sponsor Rippling, and Seminar Sponsors Milliken Advisors, Heritage Landcare, and Atlantic Packaging.

Looking forward to what we continue building together across South Carolina.

03/09/2026

We’re grateful for Lt. Governor Pamela Evette’s continued support of the South Carolina Healthy Business Coalition and her leadership in advancing workforce health and wellbeing in South Carolina.

More to come as we officially launch the Coalition and bring together leaders from business, healthcare, and community sectors across the state.

South Carolina’s success is driven by the strength of our people and the businesses that invest in them. I'm very excited about the official launch of the South Carolina Healthy Business Coalition! Thank you for your efforts to bring together leaders across the business, healthcare, and community sectors to advance workforce health and wellbeing.

03/02/2026

We’re excited to officially launch the South Carolina Healthy Business Coalition today!

After more than a decade of work through the South Carolina Healthy Business Challenge, we are expanding into a year-round, statewide Coalition focused on advancing workforce health and wellbeing across South Carolina.

Employers, partners, and professionals from across the state are coming together to strengthen workplaces, support healthier employees, and build more resilient organizations.

Join us for our upcoming regional launch events:

March 24 – Columbia
March 25 – Greenville
March 31 – Mount Pleasant

Learn more about the Coalition and membership opportunities at www.schealthybiz.com

We’re just getting started — and we’re grateful for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, South Carolina Federal Credit Union, Proactive MD, Gallagher, and Rippling who are helping shape this next chapter.

01/26/2026

Our January newsletter is live, with updates on the 2026 Fellowship, spring events, and what’s ahead for the South Carolina Healthy Business Challenge. Thanks for being part of this growing community!

Email from South Carolina Healthy Business Challenge Fellowship applications are open, Spring Seminar dates announced, and more Monthly Newsletter 2026 South Carolina Healthy Business Fellowship The S

01/19/2026

Exciting opportunity for South Carolina workplace leaders! 🌟

Applications are now open for the 2026 South Carolina Healthy Business Fellowship, as we prepare to welcome our third cohort of Fellows from across the state.

This selective, statewide leadership fellowship brings together leaders who influence workplace culture, employee wellbeing, and organizational strategy. Fellows engage in collaborative learning, practical tools, and peer exchange designed to support healthier, more resilient workplaces across sectors.

If you or someone on your team are leading people strategy, benefits, culture, or wellbeing initiatives, this Fellowship offers a meaningful opportunity to grow, connect, and create impact alongside peers from across South Carolina.

Learn more and apply here:
🔗

12/20/2025

Festive scenes from our Holiday party along with Nature at Work. We’re so thankful for this incredible community and the people who are shaping healthier workplaces and healthier places across South Carolina!

11/24/2025

Congratulations to our 2025 SCHBC Leadership Fellows!

On November 12, we gathered in Columbia for our Fellowship Graduation Luncheon—an inspiring afternoon celebrating this year’s cohort and their leadership in strengthening workplace wellbeing across South Carolina.

A special thank-you to Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann for joining us and offering such a warm welcome. We’re grateful for your support of this work.

Over the past 10 months, fellows from a wide range of sectors came together to learn, share ideas, support one another, and deepen their commitment to creating healthier, more connected workplaces. Their reflections at the luncheon were thoughtful, honest, and a reminder of why this program matters.

Congratulations to our 2025 Fellows:

• April Slinkard – City of Charleston
• Bree Slauscious – Hinge Health
• Brian Head – Mount Pleasant Waterworks
• Christa Porth – Landmark Construction
• Dave D’Alessio – Spero Financial
• Jodiannah Rish Peruski – JTEKT North America
• Joy Drago – Novant Health
• Kristin Randolph – Access Healthcare
• Tara Branham – TM Floyd
• Will Escoe – The Onyx Group | Tribe513
• Zoe Watkins – South Carolina Federal Credit Union

We’re also grateful for our SCHBC leadership team—Susan Johnson, Mike Harris, Caitlin Townsend, and Kaitlin DaPore—for guiding this program and supporting our fellows throughout the year.

And a heartfelt thank-you to our sponsors— BlueShield of South Carolina, Assured Partners, Proactive MD, and South Carolina Federal Credit Union—for your partnership and ongoing commitment to advancing workforce wellbeing across the state.

We’re proud of each of our 2025 Fellows and can’t wait to see what you carry forward from this experience.

11/18/2025

🌟 SCHBC Fellowship Spotlight 🌟

Meet Bree Slauscius, a dedicated member of the 2025 SCHBC Fellowship cohort and a passionate leader at Hinge Health!

Q: What inspired you to join the SCHBC Fellowship, and what impact do you hope to make in your organization?

A: I was inspired to join the SCHBC Fellowship to deepen my expertise in workplace wellness and connect with like-minded professionals who are passionate about creating healthier work environments. My goal is to bring innovative and strategic wellness initiatives to my organization that not only enhance employee well-being but also contribute to a more engaged and productive workforce.

Q: What’s one workplace wellness initiative or strategy you’re passionate about, and why?

A: I’m passionate about holistic wellness programs that address not just physical health, but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. One initiative I strongly advocate for is integrating mindfulness and stress management practices into the workplace. When employees have the tools to manage stress effectively, they can perform at their best, foster positive work relationships, and contribute to a thriving company culture.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you or a personal wellness habit that keeps you energized?

A: A fun fact about me is that I once traveled to 39 states in one year! Exploring new places keeps me energized and inspired. As for a personal wellness habit, I prioritize daily movement—whether it’s a workout, a walk in nature, or stretching between meetings. Staying active helps me maintain focus and brings a sense of balance to my day.