For decades, the logistics sector was viewed as the hidden engine of global commerce—quietly moving goods from factories to warehouses to store shelves. Clients and consumers often knew little about what happened in between. But that traditional image has been reshaped. Today, logistics is not just about…
In the fast-paced world of executive leadership, time is the most precious commodity. Yet the most successful leaders carve out space to read — not just for inspiration, but for framework, strategies, and stories that shape their decisions. Whether you’re leading a Fortune 500 company or scaling…
Hey there, Running a small business on a tight budget but know you need a professional website and SEO to compete? You’re not alone. Most small business owners think they can’t afford professional digital marketing—but that’s not true. I’m hosting a FREE webinar to show you what’s…
By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP On Monday, September 8th, the Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg hosted the inaugural OpExChange Golf Tournament, bringing together 20 teams of four players each from OpExChange member companies for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. The event was more than…
By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP The anticipation was palpable on August 19 as members of OpExChange gathered for a highly coveted tour of BMW Manufacturing’s Spartanburg facility. Promoted since January, the event filled its 45 available spots in just five minutes, leaving a growing waiting list…
Critical Threats and How to Defend Against Them In the evolving landscape of modern commerce, the role of a small business CEO is synonymous with vigilance. The digital age has presented a double-edged sword: while opportunities abound, so too do the pitfalls. To lead with foresight is…
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Upstate Chapter #164 is experiencing a significant revitalization, focusing on strengthening the manufacturing community in Upstate South Carolina through enhanced networking opportunities and innovative educational programs. The chapter’s flagship initiative, the IDEA DRIVE 2025: CO2 Dragster Derby Competition, launched at the…
Recently, while pruning plants that had suffered from sun and water stress, I noticed that after pruning, beautiful new growth emerged rapidly. This experience inspired me to express the importance of leaders in fostering similar rejuvenation in their teams by addressing stress and promoting a supportive and…
By Mike Demos, OpExChange Coordinator for the SCMEP Lyman, SC – In the nearly 24-year history of the OpExChange, no plant tour has been larger than the recent visit to SEW-Eurodrive’s Lyman, South Carolina campus. More than one hundred guests from forty-seven organizations, representing 17 counties, gathered to experience…
South Carolina’s manufacturing powerhouse is getting stronger with CONNEX SC – the free, state-funded platform connecting local manufacturers with verified suppliers The Supply Chain Reality Facing SC Manufacturers in 2025 Supply chain disruptions continue to challenge South Carolina’s rapidly growing manufacturing sector, which recorded $8.19 billion in…