Significant progress is being made in achieving the goals of OneSpartanburg’s Vision Plan 2.0, Spartanburg County’s second five-year community and economic development strategic plan.
OneSpartanburg leadership updated community leaders and investors at the organization’s headquarters June 22. The briefing highlighted progress toward six strategic goals in three focus areas — talent, place and economy.
OneSpartanburg CEO Allen Smith credited much of that success to his team and the collaboration of residents, businesses, community organizations and elected leaders in supporting the 15 initiatives called for in the plan.
“These investments are making a difference,” Smith said.
The plan’s six goals are to:
- Raise levels of prosperity
- Increase educational attainment
- Attract and retain talented people
- Diversify Spartanburg’s economy
- Improve quality of life
- Reduce racial-equity gaps in entrepreneurship and small-business ownership
Smith said leveraging investments from community supporters is driving what the organization calls “catalytic philanthropy.” The targeted investments called for in the plan are producing measurable results.
For instance, OneSpartanburg launched Power Up Spartanburg in March to provide capital and technical support for small and minority-owned businesses and has so far connected with more than 500 such firms. Jay Jenkins was brought on board recently to head up the program as director of small and minority business development.
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Boosting educational attainment is the focus of Ron Garner, who retired as superintendent of Spartanburg County School District One last year and joined OneSpartanburg as chief talent officer earlier this spring.
Garner said the more than 48,000 county residents who have some college credits but no degrees represent a significant opportunity and will be the focus of the new Unfinished Business Initiative. He added that a director of degree reengagement position is being created and filled.
For more information about Vision Plan 2.0, visit onespartanburginc.com/visionplan.
