(Photo courtesy of Greenville Drive)

As the Greenville Drive celebrate its 20th season in downtown Greenville, South Carolina, VisitGreenvilleSC shared results of an economic impact study regarding the Drive’s economic impact on the Greenville community and the redevelopment of the historic West End.

With an estimated 500,000 fans who experience events at Fluor Field annually –– whether for Greenville Drive baseball games or other year-round events –– the Greenville Drive has had a 10-year cumulative economic impact of nearly $300 million on Greenville and the surrounding region.

Privately built in 2006 by the owners of the Drive, Fluor Field has been a catalyst for transformative real estate redevelopment in the West End of Downtown Greenville.

Since its development there have been 433 new business permits within a half mile of Fluor Field and $277M in estimated new business construction.

Greenville Drive Owner and Chairman Craig Brown said, “As we look at Greenville today, we are proud of the role that Fluor Field has played serving as the catalyst for the renaissance of the West End over the past 20 years.”

Brown added, “It has been nothing short of amazing to witness people of all ages and backgrounds gather at Fluor Field and the emerging West End Entertainment District to enjoy all that Greenville has to offer.”

In addition to Drive games, Fluor Field has been home to the Reedy River Rivalry between the University of South Carolina and Clemson, Savannah Bananas, the Southern Conference Baseball Championship, Artisphere, Imagine Upstate, euphoria, and hundreds of other local events each year.

“The team at the Greenville Drive and West End Events have been great partners in helping us secure conventions, meetings and other events, like the 2022 BASSMASTER Classic Kickoff Party. They go out of their way to create a unique experience for our clients and their attendees,” said Heath Dillard, president and CEO, VisitGreenvilleSC.

The impact report was compiled by Tom Regan, associate professor, University of South Carolina, Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management.

2024 Fluor Field Annual Economic Impact:

Direct Spending - $20.4M

Total Economic Impact - $34.0M

Wages/Income Generated - $15.7M

Jobs Supported – 265

Taxes Generated - $1.36M.

Alpha Sheet Metal Works, a metal fabricator, announced it is expanding its operations in Charleston County.

The company’s $3.7 million investment will create 14 jobs, according to Gov. Henry McMaster’s office.

With more than 80 years of experience, Alpha Sheet Metal Works specializes in steel, stainless steel and aluminum metal products.

The company’s products range from individual parts to complete automated assemblies.

Alpha Sheet Metal Works will add 24,000 square feet next to its existing facility at 9525 Hamburg Road in Ladson to increase its computer numerical control (CNC) machining, assembly and large-format fabrication capabilities.

“As a family-owned business, we’re thrilled to expand our operations in Charleston County. This community has been incredibly supportive, and we’re excited to continue serving the local businesses and industries here,” said Alpha Sheet Metal Works President Joseph W. Schady.

Schady added, “Our expertise in steel, stainless steel and aluminum fabrication, combined with our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, makes us well-suited to meet the region’s diverse needs.” 

Operations are already online. Those interested in joining Alpha Sheet Metal Works should contact [email protected].

The Columbia Chamber announced Brand Buzz as the Small Business of the Year Award winner.

 The award, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, honors a chamber partner with less than 50 employees who has demonstrated notable achievements, economic and cultural growth, and outstanding contributions to the Midlands business community. 

Brand Buzz is a full-service branding company based in Lexington, South Carolina, specializing in custom merchandise, corporate apparel, print materials, and trade-show displays.

Brand Buzz partners with organizations of all sizes to bring their brand to life through high-quality, custom solutions that stand out.

From t-shirts and polos to banners, drinkware, and business cards, Brand Buzz aims to make a lasting impression.

Said Manning Kolb, Brand Buzz president: “This recognition is a reflection of the passion, creativity, and relentless dedication of our entire team at Brand Buzz."

Kolb added, "We’re also especially grateful for our partnership with the Chamber, whose unwavering commitment to supporting small businesses has been instrumental in helping companies like ours grow, thrive, and stay connected with our community.”

Past Small Business of the Year winners include AINautics, Sun Solutions, Modern Exterminating, Pendleton Street Business Advisors, Garvin Design Group, Grace Outdoor Advertising, COLAtoday, K2 Tech, South Carolina Community Bank, Gardener Publications, and Colonial Printing.

“Small businesses make up over 99 percent of the business community in South Carolina,” said Carl Blackstone, Columbia Chamber president and CEO. “We are proud to honor and celebrate Brand Buzz for all of their contributions to the small business community.”

Help recognize excellence in South Carolina’s business community.

The nomination period for the SC Best in Business Awards 2025 is officially underway, and we invite you to nominate the companies and professionals who are setting the standard for quality, innovation, and service across the Palmetto State.

From outstanding restaurants and retail establishments to financial firms, healthcare providers, and entrepreneurs — this is your opportunity to highlight the businesses that make a lasting impact on your community.

Nominations are open through June 8

You may submit one nomination per category per day.
Businesses with the most nominations will move on to the official voting round.

Submit your nominations here

Your nomination can help elevate South Carolina’s best and brightest. Let’s honor the businesses leading the way in 2025.

#SCBestInBusiness #SupportLocalSC #NominateExcellence #SCVotes2025