As Greenville Business Magazine looks forward to its next 30 years serving the people of Greenville,we also invited a broad assortment of business and political leaders from around the county to give their thoughts about the area’s future. We asked them three questions:

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

What do you feel is Greenville’s biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

What do you think is Greenville’s biggest asset?

Needless to say, the answers were varied and wide-ranging. One thought, however, was present throughout an overwhelming number of responses: that Greenville’s greatest asset is the people who call the city or county home.

Jeanette Brewster

Program director, Village Launch

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

In the next 10-30 years, I envision Greenville County as a place of growth and unity. Entrepreneurship will drive our economy, creating jobs and sparking innovation. We'll empower our small businesses with resources, so our local talent can stay and thrive, rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. We want Greenville County to be a sought-after destination, not just for newcomers but for our own kids who'll want to build their lives where they grew up. This way, we can create a legacy of prosperity that spans generations. To support this growth, we'll improve our infrastructure. This means better education to nurture talent, affordable housing to welcome diverse residents, and efficient transportation. Our Main Street will be a reflection of our vibrant community, highlighting the diversity, especially in minority- and women-owned businesses. This vision is all about unity, innovation, and prosperity for everyone.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

Our main county challenge is addressing unmet needs among underserved communities. While we attract big businesses successfully, we must also balance that with a focus on nurturing local talent and sharing or creating resources that support them. Nurturing these starters as youth through educational programs in schools and in our communities is going to be important to the future of our county. It's time to empower people with knowledge, resources, and awareness to become proactive about shaping their futures.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

Our greatest asset is our people – those who wholeheartedly care about and actively support the growth and development of our city. These individuals champion unity and inclusion through both visible and behind-the-scenes efforts. Within our community, we are fortunate to have a wealth of incredible talent that passionately advocates for Greenville County and its various communities. We recognize the beauty and vision of Greenville and are genuinely committed to being a part of its ongoing transformation.

William W. Brown

Founder and board chair, Legacy Early College

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

I see Greenville becoming the “city on the hill” that serves as a shining example of how the educational process should and could work. We can be the change we want to see in the world.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

Greenville’s biggest challenge right now is equal access to a quality education. A child’s zip code should not determine their outcome in life. We could improve by ensuring that every child has access to a rigorous and relevant education. Access to an excellent education should be available to all children, regardless of socioeconomic status or background.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

Our classroom teachers are our biggest asset. Whether or not you’re in the field of education, somewhere along the way, a classroom teacher made all the difference in your world. Classroom teachers are the pillars that hold up our community. We should dramatically increase their pay and provide them with world-class professional-development opportunities. We should do everything we can to celebrate the positive impact classroom teachers make in all of our lives.

Elizabeth Davis

President, Furman University

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

It’s been exciting to watch Greenville County grow and thrive over the nine-plus years I have served as president of Furman University, and I fully expect our community to continue to progress in ways that are robust and economically, socially, and civically responsible. I see our community continuing to engage civic leadership, corporate investment, and higher education to drive innovative partnerships that advance Greenville and benefit our citizens. Greenville is well on its way to being a regional and national hub for entrepreneurship, and Furman will continue to play a role in fostering this through The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and in partnership with the city, county, businesses, and investors. In fact, civic, corporate, and higher education collaborations will continue to grow through Furman’s four institutes, which also include The Riley Institute, The Institute for the Advancement of Community Health, and The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities. These epicenters of expertise, where students, faculty, and staff conduct research and perform community outreach and service, will join with Greenville to address the most pressing and important issues affecting our community and beyond.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

Greenville is trying to do a lot – and there are many groups working with the city and county to accomplish these goals. There is an opportunity to further connect these diffuse but related efforts and approaches in a way that will strengthen and accelerate success. Convenors such as the developing Crescent Startup Community, the city and county, the Greenville Local Development Corporation, and Furman and other local universities can play a role in bringing together these various groups and initiatives to achieve our shared goals. We’re seeing success in this model as The Institute for the Advancement of Community Health and The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities are bringing together experts to address local challenges such as health care access and affordable housing – both important issues facing our community now.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

There are many, but it starts with Greenville’s collaborative spirit and drive to improve life for its citizens. Among others are a booming life sciences sector and health systems, the burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem, and a collection of service-oriented and innovative colleges and universities focused on educating the next generation of leaders and improving our lives. Our universities are teeming with bright young talent, and our mission is to provide them with the highest quality education and prepare them to contribute to their communities. In addition, our faculty members are experts in fields that offer deep analysis and creative ideas that advance solutions.

David Edwards

President/CEO, GSP Airport District

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

I see Greenville County being a vibrant, inclusive community that welcomes new ideas and is a model that other communities desire to emulate.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

The forecasted growth for Greenville County is approximately 40 percent by 2040. This is significant growth that will tax our infrastructure if we do not get ahead of the curve. Enhanced roads, bridges, broadband, water, sewer, public transportation, and air service will be critical in the future success of our community.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

I think the balanced assets of Greenville are its biggest asset. Greenville has a wonderful downtown that continues to be developed through a well-thought-out plan. In addition, the lakes, mountains, trails, education facilities are all key elements of what Greenville has to offer.

Mark Farris

Former president and CEO, Greenville Area Development Corp.

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

As it continues to experience unprecedented growth, Greenville County will retain its unique sense of place and preserve the very assets that make it a great place to live and work. With over 600 manufacturing companies already here, we will continue to be the statewide leader in value-added processing as our existing industries embrace Industry 4.0. We will also continue to diversify by adding more innovative mobility, life science, and corporate headquarters companies. Workforce development and talent attraction will be a focus as we become the preferred business location between Charlotte and Atlanta.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

Maintaining a land-use balance that creates beneficial growth for the entire county may be our biggest hurdle. We will need to invest in infrastructure and proactively plan for the inevitable demands that come with being South Carolina's largest county. Open-space preservation will be a priority as we seek to keep the “green” in Greenville County. Diligent planning and execution will be a necessity if we are to sustain the very assets that make us extraordinary.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

Every year, communities from across the nation visit Greenville in an effort to learn what makes us so relatively successful. While we have our own challenges, most of these visitors are amazed at the quality of life we enjoy and want to learn from these achievements. The reality is often sobering once they realize that it has taken a half-century of effort and commitment. But by comparison, Greenville has a unique combination of diligence and leadership that has served us well for decades. Our biggest asset may therefore be the public/private partnerships that have chartered and sustained our accomplishments.

Justin Hawkins

Region bank executive – South Carolina | Greater Georgia

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

The next 10-30 years will be an exciting time for Greenville. We are experiencing incredible growth, and the pandemic has only expedited people moving into our city and surrounding areas. With a great climate, energetic downtown, and business-positive state, folks are looking into, learning about, and relocating to Greenville. As larger businesses look to the Palmetto State as a pro-business area, I expect to see continued growth (and the) expansion of existing business and investments in both infrastructure and education.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve? 

There are two major challenges to our city. First is affordable housing. Housing costs have risen dramatically while wages have grown at a slower pace, creating an income gap. If we want to bring in new companies and investments, we need to ensure we have the ability to house those relocating while caring for our most vulnerable. Second is infrastructure. Expanding roads, forging new ones to create bypass is needed now, and with no slowdown in sight, will create a gridlock system at key points throughout the day. Getting in front of that now will be imperative.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

Our downtown is alive and energizing. I travel a lot and am hard-pressed to find another city that is as dynamic as Greenville. The mayor and city employees have done a great job bringing the city to life. Our downtown is the first experience many have with our area and that branded experience matters. This is why our downtown is our biggest asset. As we grow, planning against crime and creating a solution for homelessness will be critical to protecting that asset.

Henry Horowitz

Principal, Windward Partners LLC

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

Greenville County is projected to have an explosive growth including population and new businesses. Hopefully, part of the growth is an influx of the young generation to provide an employment base and, at the opposite spectrum, retirees who can support our cultural, restaurants, and entertainment offerings.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

The biggest challenge is our aging infrastructure, poor roads, and lack of affordable housing.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

Greenville is a great asset which consists of excellent geographic location, terrific corporate and small-business choices, a multitude of cultural and entertainment offerings, incredible downtown, and amazing airport, all contributing to what I call a great formula for its continued success.

Phil Hughes

President, Hughes Investments Inc.

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

The ongoing and increasing quality of growth in our community and respect for our Southern culture continues to attract like-minded people and companies to continue to improve Greenville as the best place to work and raise a family – and so much more.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

Maintaining and expanding our quality and attractiveness of improvements and services will be important as ever-increasing bureaucracy and policy hurdles seem to place a heavier burden on many job-providers and new ideas.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

Our incredible people – absolutely. Here in the Upstate we have always demonstrated the ability and determination to create the most incredible and well-balanced mix of work and pleasure, which results in such a wonderful place to call home. Our great geographical location and pleasant climate and surroundings embrace countless choices of activities and opportunities that everyone can enjoy – from pocket parks to the Smoky Mountains, from fine dining to food trucks, from local comedy shows to renowned Broadway plays, from little league to multiple professional sports, the list is endless.

H.G. “Butch” Kirven

Chair pro tem, Greenville County Council

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

A very desirable and diverse community that values abundant qualities-of-life for all citizens through sound planning, strong land-development regulations, preservation of natural resources, and sensible economic-development policies.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

Balancing infrastructure with the pace of population growth, resolving chronic transportation problems and protecting and preserving natural resources by engaging with citizens to find the resources needed for essential infrastructure, effective planning, strong land-development regulations, and economic policies that result in less land and more job opportunities for a cross section of our population.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

Our greatest asset is the people and the values held dear here – respect for our history and institutions, hard work, friendliness, selfless service, and generosity.

Samuel Konduros

President/founder, SK Strategies LLC

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

Greenville County is just now catching its stride, as it is already becoming a window to the future of what is best about America. Our well-rounded community is no longer a secret, and other counties and cities are striving to emulate its success. Accordingly, expectations are enormous by citizens and visitors alike, and it will be a wonderful challenge for Greenville to continue upping its game over the next three decades to become recognized as the most extraordinary, inviting, and livable city in the U.S.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

Infrastructure that can effectively handle the level of skyrocketing growth that Greenville is clearly on track for, to avoid the extreme level of congestion/highway gridlock that our neighboring cities of Atlanta and Charlotte are dealing with – in addition to ensuring robust water, sewer, and power capacity.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

Our spectacular downtown – which energizes the entire region, and literally sets an example for the rest of the nation for how creative, collaborative leaders can take some meaningful ingredients, and armed with a bold vision, can actually create a downtown "live, work, play" canvas that is far better than any of us could have imagined or believed 30 years ago.

Rhonda Rawlings

Community director, Mill Village Ministries

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

My hope is that Greenville will continue to thrive while being intentional about including all of its residents in the planning of the next steps for the county. I see Greenville as being a hub for innovation and entrepreneurs, a go-to destination for those who have big ideas in the tech and entrepreneurial space. My vision is also a hope that Greenville can be on the best-of list for the planning and implementation of a truly affordable housing complex or structure that can combine a beautiful green space and an onsite grocery store as well as employment opportunities for those who will benefit.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

There is no doubt that Greenville is a beautiful place to live and work. However, with every best-of list that we are placed on, we have to realize that there are also many challenges that we face. The challenge of making sure that Greenville's long-time residents still feel welcome and are able to afford to enjoy and live in the place they have called home for so long. We can't be so focused on beautification that we forget about making space for and thinking about the needs of all of our residents. Diversity and inclusion need to be a priority in the decisions that are made whether they be regarding recreation, employment, housing, entertainment, etc. That being said, Greenville has to make sure that there is diversity within the power structure that is responsible for making these important decisions.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

I think Greenville's biggest asset is its people, people who are willing to serve and work in communities that have been overlooked and underappreciated. We have so many nonprofit organizations that realize that "Yeah, That Greenville" also includes many who are struggling while working hard. The organizations that realize that healthy food, affordable housing, transportation, education, etc. are something that should be available to everyone. The organizations that are intentional about this and the volunteers who put in time to assist in these efforts are Greenville's biggest assets.

W. Burke Royster

Superintendent, Greenville County Schools

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

For Greenville County to thrive during the next 10-30 years, our school district must continue to evolve and innovate in order to meet the changing needs of the community. Doing so will ensure 100 percent of our graduates are college- and career-ready through our Graduation Plus initiative, which ultimately will help individuals break the cycle of poverty, improving their lives and the lives of their families while increasing the economic vitality of our community.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

Greenville’s growth provides great opportunity along with unique challenges. Greenville County Schools must account for the growth in our community by maintaining infrastructure just slightly ahead of the expected rate of growth, so we’re prepared yet responsible with our resources. While Greenville continues to gain national recognition for being a wonderful place to live, raise a family, retire, and visit, it’s also one of the most challenging places in the country to move out of poverty. Our district remains focused on inspiring, supporting, and preparing students so they are college- and career-ready when they graduate. This allows them to continue on a pathway to attain individual financial stability, leading to family and overall community prosperity.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

Greenville’s greatest asset is a combination of visionary leadership and a supportive, collaborative community that invests in public-private partnerships. Having a consolidated school district, one technical college system serving the community, and deeply invested higher education institutions in the region leads to effective and efficient collaboration from pre-K through post-secondary. A partnership between Greenville County Schools, Greenville Technical College, and Clemson University resulted in the Expressway to Tiger Town, an initiative that accelerates a high school student’s career in education while addressing the pressing shortage of teachers in critical subject areas.

Art Seaver

CEO, Southern First Bank

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

My dream for Greenville over the next 10-30 years is to capitalize on the vision and leadership of the past and at the same time, be innovative in creating a community in which all are welcome, and all can thrive.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

I think Greenville has challenges that many growing communities are facing – transportation, affordable housing, headquarters recruitment, airline options, and perhaps a culture where we expand our compassion for those who might need a helping hand.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

A welcoming community that respects the past but is visionary about its future.

Jim Warren

Office managing partner, Maynard Nexsen

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

Living and working as an attorney in the real estate sector in Greenville, I've seen a lot of positive growth and change. Our downtown parks, trails, businesses, schools, neighborhoods, and community have improved significantly. In the next 10 to 30 years, I hope Greenville will stay on a positive growth trajectory for the next generation.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

Greenville's biggest challenge is dealing with growth. We need to continue to grow in positive ways that foster our sense of community. We have been blessed with great community leaders over the years, and the new group of community leaders is outstanding.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

Greenville's biggest assets are its people. Downtown Greenville, the Peace Center, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Liberty Bridge, Unity Park, growing churches, and vibrant neighborhoods are the tangible results of great people taking risks and putting capital and vision into action.

Knox White

Mayor, Greenville

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

That Greenville continues to be a city and county of opportunity with a diverse economy and a welcoming embrace of all people.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

That we not just accept the growth in population sure to come, but actively manage that growth far better than peer cities. Preserving green space, building infrastructure, and investing in affordable housing are top of the list.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

Our people who instinctively collaborate to address our community issues and who keep open doors for others to participate.

David Wilkins

Partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

What is your vision for Greenville County over the next 10-30 years?

My hope is 30 years from now Greenville County will be even more celebrated for wisely balancing its explosive growth and cutting-edge innovations with retaining its hometown charm. What makes Greenville County truly unique is that even through periods of tremendous growth, Greenville has preserved the best of our past while fully embracing the future. We should never get so large that we forget where we started.

What do you feel is Greenville's biggest challenge and what strategies need to take place to improve?

The biggest challenge to Greenville (and our state) is finding highly qualified workers to meet the high-tech demands of our expanding industries. Without these highly skilled and motivated workers, we cannot continue our current trajectory. I would like to see local communities and the state joining forces to encourage a back-to-basics education that emphasizes math, science, engineering, and technology.

What do you think is Greenville's biggest asset?

Our greatest asset is our people. Greenville is a community where everyday heroes live among us. I’ve had the privilege to call Greenville home all my life. I remember that deep sense of community that still permeates. There have always been willing volunteers ready to accept leadership roles, and as importantly, do the work that receives little fanfare but makes the most impact. It is impossible to live here and not desire to get involved in our community. You see that spirit everywhere – in our schools, churches, charities, and local government. This is a place where neighborhoods still matter, and friendships exceed political, religious, and racial boundaries. A community that can be both diverse and unified is one to be truly valued and that is Greenville County.