Grant Center at CCU elects chair and vice chair
Written by Hattie Jordan
Ed Gilmer of Palmetto Heritage Bank & Trust has been elected as the chair of the Grant Center for Real Estate Economic Development at Coastal Carolina University, and Michael King of KingOne Properties International has been elected vice chair. Both Gilmer and King were elected by a majority vote of the advisory board at its May meeting.
The advisory board of the Grant Center was established to advise the center on matters of significance to industry and commerce locally, nationally and internationally, and to support the Grant Center’s efforts in the fields of research, education and outreach among the professions associated with real estate, economic growth and CCU. The objectives of the board are to strengthen the bonds between the regional business community and the University.
“I am honored to serve as chairman of the advisory board for the Grant Center for Real Estate and Economic Development,” said Gilmer. “I look forward to helping CCU students connect with local real estate professionals.”
Gilmer is in commercial lending with Palmetto Heritage Bank & Trust in Murrells Inlet, S.C. His passion for the real estate industry has led him throughout the state in the real estate development, brokerage and advisory fields. He earned his undergraduate degree in finance and real estate from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in real estate development from Clemson University. Gilmer and his wife, Summer, reside in Murrells Inlet.
King grew up in Myrtle Beach, attending Myrtle Beach schools as well as Coastal Carolina University. He has been in the real estate industry for 35 years and is the founder and CEO of KingOne Properties International, which has offices located in Myrtle Beach, Toronto, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Charleston, S.C. He has a passion for real estate that has led to local, national and international recognition.
King is the current president for the Grand Strand Chapter of 2LiveBeyond, a 501©3 charitable organization that raises money for less fortunate children in Horry and Georgetown counties. He is also the chair of fundraising efforts to bring a safe house to the Myrtle Beach area for mothers and children experiencing domestic violence. He and his wife, Victoria, have a son, Christian, 2, and a daughter, Giselle, 7 months.
“Michael King and Ed Gilmer provide a wealth of knowledge, experience and energy to support the growth and development of our programs,” said Rob Salvino, associate director of the Grant Center. “Their passion for real estate and development leverages the natural attributes of the region. Our students will gain tremendous professional perspective through the advisory board’s influence under their leadership.”
Visit coastal.edu/business/grantcenter to learn more or to register for the Economic Growth and Real Estate Summit on Oct. 5, 2018, at the Marina Inn in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
The Grant Center for Real Estate and Economic Development serves students and professionals engaged in all facets of real estate and economic development and provides market analysis, study-based scholarships, networking opportunities, internships and technical study tours of international sites.
The Grant Center leverages global ties to Coastal Carolina University and key partners, including students, alumni, faculty, staff and board members. It offers courses in commercial and investment real estate, publishes scholarly research and produces applied studies for stakeholders in the region. The Center also hosts an annual Economic Growth & Real Estate Summit, provides seminar talks on a regular basis and consults for various private, government and nonprofit groups.
The Center’s key mission is to support the education of its students to the highest levels of competence and professionalism and to broaden the economic base of the region, serving as a bridge between Coastal Carolina University and the wider community.
Social media: @GrantCenterCCU on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram