Embracing ‘The Greenville Way’
Its spirit of collaboration and connection is part of what makes Greenville, SC, stand out. With its active downtown, philanthropic community and emphasis on public-private partnerships in Greenville, the city has evolved into a captivating community full of opportunity.
What is the secret to its success? Community leaders credit the “Greenville Way,” which encompasses everything that makes the city unique.
Green Spaces in Greenville
The heart of Greenville lies in its downtown, where business, entertainment and a natural setting blend to create a fun and family-friendly environment.
Downtown’s success, however, was not by accident. For decades, intentional planning by community leaders has cultivated a thriving and aesthetically captivating atmosphere.
“We have had a lot of leaders who were dedicated to a strong sense of urban design and ensuring that the quality of development was there,” says Hank Hyatt, senior vice president of economic competitiveness at the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.
With signature features like Camperdown Plaza, Unity Park and NOMA Square, there’s something in downtown for everyone. Many of Greenville’s public spaces feature a strong natural component, like the Reedy River running through Unity Park. “We like the ‘green’ in Greenville,” Hyatt says.
Greenville has taken inspiration from cities at home and abroad through its community leadership visits. By visiting places like Nashville, Austin, Dublin, Ireland, and Valencia, Spain, Greenville leaders take note of what works for other cities and adapt those ideas into things that will positively serve Greenville. In addition, Greenville invites leaders from other cities to visit and learn from its successes.
“They’re looking for that secret sauce, the recipe for what made Greenville what it is today,” Hyatt says.
Public-private Partnerships in Greenville
Collaborative efforts between public and private sectors make up part of that secret sauce.
“We understand here in our community that nothing worthwhile happens unless you’re collaborative,” says Carlos Phillips, president and CEO of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.
From increasing access to public transportation to creating more options for affordable, attainable housing, the city has worked closely with the philanthropic sector to increase its citizens’ quality of life.
The Hollingsworth Funds and the Community Foundation of Greenville have provided support for talent and workforce initiatives like the Minority Business Accelerator, which began in Greenville and is now a statewide program.
As part of its goal toward increasing educational attainment, Greenville has worked closely with United Way of Greenville County, hoping to raise the percentage of educated working-age adults from 50% to 60% in the coming years. Progress has already been seen across the community, with an increase in per-capita income, educational attainment and affordable housing. The collaborative spirit of Greenville is essential to these results.
“Be willing to work with other people to not only improve your life but the lives of others in our community,” Phillips says.
Agent of Change
Greenville has a long history of cultivating change in the community, and several advancements can be traced back to the Greenville Chamber Foundation, leadership programs and business accelerators.
“The goal is that we’re developing talent, and we’re keeping talent here with us,” says Cheryl Garrison, executive director of the Greenville Chamber Foundation and director of talent, education and leadership programs at the Greenville Chamber.
Leadership Greenville, the chamber’s flagship leadership program, has been creating opportunities for community leaders for 50 years. A 10-month program, Leadership Greenville allows future leaders to collaborate on projects that will impact the community at large and prepare participants for leadership roles.
For younger leaders, LaunchGVL helps connect juniors and seniors in Greenville County Schools with paid, work-based learning experiences. TalentRiseGVL helps people looking to continue or finish their education find the best path possible. Across the board, opportunities exist for people looking to engage with the community.
“It’s easy to get connected here in Greenville and get plugged in,” Garrison says.
Greenville has become a sought-after destination, with an estimated population increase of 250,000 by 2040, and with the close relationships between the city’s diverse sectors, it is easy to see why.
“The collaborative spirit that exists between business organizations and nonprofits is not something that you find in all cities,” Garrison says. “I think that what people feel is that sense of belonging.”
Get to Know Greenville, SC
Want to learn more about living and working in Greenville, SC? Check out the latest edition of Livability Greenville: Live Here. Love Here. Career Here.