GADC Announces Record Setting Year for 2014, Areas of Focus for 2015 at Annual Meeting
June 3, 2015
Business leaders, Clemson University president underscore economic successes and workforce preparedness
GREENVILLE, SC – The Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC), the County-chartered organization tasked with promoting and enhancing the economic growth of Greenville County, announced continued growth in capital investment and job creation for 2014 at its 14th annual meeting held Wednesday, May 27. During this record-setting year, GADC helped to secure nearly $452 million in investment and more than 1300 new jobs for the County.
GADC President and CEO Mark Farris informed the crowd of nearly 150 elected officials, economic development leaders and business executives, that GADC had had contact with more than 170 companies interested in the area and helped 17 companies expand in or relocated to Greenville County in 2014. GADC Board member Tim Justice also announced continued growth in the number of GADC investors, from 40 original investors in 2001 to more than 140 in 2014.
In recognition of his efforts to support and advance sustained business growth in Greenville County and the Upstate, the GADC recognized Don Erickson, site director at Lockheed Martin as Greenville County’s 2014 Economic Development Ambassador. Farris also presented the GADC’s first-ever Chairman’s Award to Tom Barton of GE. This award, given to the GADC-assisted company whose presence has made the greatest impact in Greenville County for the year, follows GE’s 2014 announcement of a $400 million, 80-job expansion of its Greenville manufacturing and engineering complex.
Clemson University President James P. Clements underscored the importance of educational partners in workforce development efforts and re-affirmed the University’s commitment to and partnership with the city of Greenville. “Greenville is such a thriving community with so many good things happening and opportunities presenting themselves,” he noted. “We are confident that these opportunities and Clemson’s relationship with Greenville will expand over time.”
Among the key initiatives GADC highlighted for 2015 are:
- More aggressive incentive programs for new and expanding companies in targeted manufacturing operations
- A plan to help identify additional serviceable industrial sites to increase site inventory
- A new program to work more closely with existing businesses to help address any needs or issues
- A focus on attracting new office projects to the area
“Greenville County is extremely fortunate to have a strong team of elected officials, a very committed business community and critical education partners sharing the common goals of job creation, increasing tax revenue, economic growth and quality of life improvements for our community and region,” said Farris. “The GADC continues to deliver on these goals year after year, but our work would not be possible without the generous support and vision of our investors and partners, who we celebrate and thank wholeheartedly today and every day.”
About Greenville Area Development Corporation
The Greenville Area Development Corporation is a non–profit organization established by Greenville County Council to promote and enhance the economic growth and development of Greenville County. Since its founding in 2001,GADC efforts have resulted in the creation of more than 18,000 new jobs and more than $3 billion in capital investment in Greenville County, SC. To learn more, visit www.gogadc.com or call (864) 235–2008.
