Max Stewart took the helm as CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corp. in July. The GADC, as it is commonly known, is the economic development arm of Greenville County, responsible for recruiting business investments and jobs.
He previously served as vice president of economic development for the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. in Manatee County on Florida’s west coast. Other prior experience includes stints as director of global business development for Manatee County and as international trade development regional manager for Enterprise Florida. Stewart is a graduate of the University of Central Florida. He and his wife, Deanna, have three young children.
Max Stewart interview
Q. Where do you think Greenville County’s development opportunities lie in the next year? Equally, what challenges do we face?
A. Based on the latest data we are seeing and the GADC’s strategic plan forecasts, we still see very good opportunities in the manufacturing, mobility, and professional/technical services sectors. There is a growing emphasis on very technical, engineering-based jobs and support functions. We can be very selective in what we recruit to the area and what projects we assist. As a company is vetting the area, we are also vetting the company to make sure they are a community fit.
One of the challenges we have is a fairly low vacancy rate in the current industrial product. Greenville County is still sitting at 5% (vacancy) which is very low by regional standards. The other challenge (is) workforce availability. As we continue to see a number of the Greenville County established businesses expand — which is a great sign for the local economy — the need for a skilled workforce that is hired locally is important.
Q. One of the constraints we’ve heard about in the past few years is Greenville County’s relatively small inventory of developable industrial properties. In general, what is GADC’s approach to making the best use of what’s available? Are there steps that can be taken to increase the supply of industrial sites?
A. The team has looked at data on a number of quality sites in strategic areas of Greenville County. Land is a limiting resource for sure, but there are a number of sites that are not online yet or coming online in the near future. In our research and talking with both the development and brokerage community we are constantly looking for quality sites. Land close to or adjacent to major roadway arteries is important to preserve so that our local roads are not backed up with traffic.
So, to the question of how we can get more sites online, we have to convene the right land owners who do not necessarily think their land is industrial ready and share with them why it is, or how it can be, and how Greenville County can plan for smart growth in the future. We are putting those meetings together weekly.
Q. Advanced materials, advanced manufacturing and the life sciences sectors have gained ground as part of the area’s manufacturing economy. Many times, such businesses do not require facilities needing the same infrastructure and space as traditional “heavy industry.” Are these sectors where GADC has more options than, say, bringing in a traditional-looking manufacturing company?
A. Absolutely agree. Industry 4.0 has changed the traditional manufacturing floor into a more efficient user of space. With some of the recent announcements, we are seeing companies get creative with technology and automation to utilize the same workforce and production footprint. Part of the GADC’s strategic plan is to aggressively go after these types of companies. High skilled, high wage, high value components, lower space requirements.
Q. Talent recruitment and retention is a perennial issue with companies, regardless of sector. Is there a role for GADC in supporting and advancing the numerous initiatives aimed at helping with this issue?
A. The GADC’s role is as a liaison to support companies with talent recruitment and retention. The GADC has to continue to do a good job at communicating the message to our current and future workforce that manufacturing jobs are valuable, high paying, and there is great opportunity for career advancement. Also, the GADC has to share the data we are getting from our prospect companies and established businesses with our education partners so they can design programs for the type of jobs companies are looking for. Companies will support job upskilling, training and future education attainments for employees that show up to work, work hard and are looking for a rewarding future.
