Foundation News

Business Advisory Council Profile: BI-LO

April 2, 2008

Since 2002, BI-LO has been supporting the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics through the Foundation's Business Advisory Council (BAC) or annual fund. Participation in the BAC helps to support a variety of key initiatives such as scholarships, classroom technology and new program development. More than 150 businesses, individuals and organizations across the state support GSSM annually through the BAC.

Frank Outlaw founded BI-LO in the Upstate of South Carolina in 1961, when he purchased 50 percent interest in an existing four-store chain. He quickly gained full ownership and expanded the number of stores to 27 over a period of seven years. Today the BI-LO chain is comprised of more than 230 supermarkets in four southeastern states - South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee - and employs more than 20,000 Teammates.

BI-LO is well known for involvement in community development and charities. Not only do the Teammates volunteer in many different charitable organizations and churches, but the company also supports more than 400 charities a year through the BI-LO Charity Classic golf tournament. This annual event began in 1983 and has grown to be the largest one-day golf event in the United States, in terms of money raised for charity. Grants from the BI-LO Charity Classic focus on development of children, education and strive towards the elimination of hunger. More than three million dollars are raised annually for BI-LO's 'Neighbors in Need.'

"A vibrant future for our state, our communities and our employee base all depend upon our ability to educate South Carolina's young people.  The Governor's School for Science and Mathematics continues to provide excellence in training leaders of tomorrow's technology."
-Brian Hotarek, President and CEO

To join the GSSM Foundation's Business Advisory Council, please call 803-252-9152.