Maintaining momentum on the heels of $3.9 billion investment
“This is an electrifying time in the Upstate,” Upstate SC Alliance President & CEO John Lummus shared at the nonprofit’s Annual Meeting in March. “2022 was a remarkable year for economic development in South Carolina. Each of the 10 Upstate counties announced business investments. There were 68 announcements, totaling $3.94 billion in capital investment and 6,476 new jobs to be created.”
Increased business investment, job creation and diversity strengthen the Upstate’s position as a prominent global business destination. Among the investments, there has been a continued balance between new and existing announcements.
“That’s a sign that we are both a winning destination for new businesses,” said Lummus. “And that the companies who are already in the Upstate continue to find a successful, supportive work environment.”
Momentum
To maintain the region’s economic momentum, the Upstate SC Alliance recently launched a five-year strategic plan that identifies major trends shaping economic development. “These trends guide how we tell the Upstate’s story,” said Lummus. “For global markets like ours, change is a constant – and it’s affecting how companies consider global value chains.”
Collaboration
The Upstate SC Alliance continues to focus on marketing the 10-county Upstate “for global investment and talent attraction” and to “foster public-private collaboration and regional relationships.” That requires careful and close planning across sectors.
“As cities, we have to be very connected to the people around us — to our legacy institutions, our hospitals and universities — to make it all work,” said Terence Roberts, mayor of the city of Anderson. “It’s important, as cities, that we be connected to organizations like Upstate SC Alliance.”
Leadership
To inspire other Upstate leaders to consider how they can learn from yesterday’s lessons, make the most of today’s opportunities and prepare wisely for tomorrow, Milliken & Company’s Kasel Knight shared how the company has embraced talent, innovation and sustainability. Knight shared the company’s 2025 sustainability goals, which prioritize people, product, and planet.
“This is about having the integrity to see the need for change and to do something about it. South Carolina, the Upstate, Milliken, we have tremendous opportunities on the horizon. We need to continue to act, not react. And to lead, not follow. And I hope that we all have the courage to lead.”
