Why Greenville, South Carolina? Here’s What We’re Planning & How You Can Join!
Written By: BBA Special Projects Coordinator Claire Christie
Why Did We Choose Greenville, South Carolina?
When selecting a destination for Leadership Exchange 2025, our team at the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) and our Leadership Exchange committee looked closely at cities across the Southeast to see who closely mirrors the Birmingham region but is experiencing competitive growth. We researched and analyzed a variety of thriving cities but found that Greenville, South Carolina was our top-priority destination for 2025.
Greenville can teach the Birmingham region a thing or two. Here’s why:
- The city is experiencing impressive growth and momentum in key areas, offering valuable lessons for our region.
- Over the past five years, Greenville has seen a 6.8% growth rate - the highest among all the cities we researched.
- The city also boasts a labor force participation rate of 62% and a median household income of $66,226, signaling a strong and engaged workforce.
- With 33% of residents holding a college degree, Greenville has cultivated a highly educated talent pool that supports its growing industries.
Beyond the numbers, there’s a strategic fit. Greenville’s target industries (life sciences, mobility and advanced materials), align closely with Birmingham region’s own growth priorities. Recent announcements for Greenville, South Carolina include:
Additionally, it’s no secret that Greenville has undergone incredible transformation over the last four decades. Since 2001, Greenville has garnered over $8 billion in capital investment and created more than 37,400 new jobs. The top industries sustaining economic growth and impact for Greenville are equipment and transportation manufacturing, business services, other manufacturing and chemical manufacturing, (according to Greenville County Economic Impact Study found here).
Through public-private partnerships, visionary leadership and a commitment to placemaking, Greenville has also created a vibrant downtown.
Downtown Greenville is home to more than 115 retailers and 110 independent restaurants, eight museums and eight performing arts venues and four sports and entertainment venues. The city hosts roughly 300 events annually. Since 2022, Greenville has attracted seven million visitors, generating $1.5 billion in economic impact and more than $34 million in tax revenue. Aside from shopping and entertainment, downtown Greenville also boasts a happy green space environment with ample parks and outdoor recreation venues.
Want to learn more? View a regional overview of Greenville’s 10-county region here.
Behind the Planning:
For many months, our team has been working hand in hand with the Greenville Chamber of Commerce to design an agenda that aligns with our strategic plan, which is in refinement, and leaves attendees with tangible takeaways. Sessions will feature local and regional leaders, elected officials and economic developers on topics like downtown redevelopment, business attraction and workforce development. A few sessions that we’re excited about include:
- President & CEO Greenville Chamber Carlos Phillips on Chamber Overview & Regional Cooperation
- Visit Greenville SC President & CEO Heath Dillard on Tourism & Attraction
- Greenville Technical College President Larry Miller on Workforce Development
- + many others
We did manage to find time to sneak in a bit of fun in between a packed schedule of informational sessions. Participants will also enjoy a downtown walking tour led by John Boyanoski, author of Reimagining Greenville, and a tour and tasting at Six & Twenty Distillery.
Regional Collaboration:
One of the most valuable parts of Leadership Exchange is the network and rapport it builds. The trip brings together leaders from every corner of the Birmingham region to learn and solve problems together. The conversations sparked in Greenville will continue back home, fostering collaboration and driving our region forward. At the BBA, we believe that Strong Economies are Regional Economies and that message transcends in everything we do.
Here’s what Leadership Exchange 2024 participants to Raleigh, North Carolina had to say:
"I found great value in learning from leaders of Raleigh and other cities in this dynamic area of our country. I also found great value in traveling to this destination with other regional business and government leaders so that we could collectively share in the knowledge gathering process. I would highly recommend other regional business and government leaders participating in future such trips so that we can work together to make our area better and stronger." - City of Hoover Economic Development Manager Greg Knighton
“The Leadership Exchange was an incredibly valuable experience not only to learn what Raleigh is doing to grow their economy inclusively but to do it together with so many terrific regional leaders. It is clear to me that if we had been doing consistent Leadership Exchanges over the last ten plus years, we would be an even better region. I can only hope that the BBA continues to organize these trips and more organizations choose to participate.” - Prosper President J.W. Carpenter
Next Steps & How You Can Get Involved:
Leadership Exchange 2025 will take place October 12-14 in Greenville, South Carolina. Participant spots are limited and filling quickly. Tickets include flight, hotel, meals and access to all sessions. This opportunity is available to BBA investors or by invite only.
If you have any questions about the trip or registration process, please contact Claire Christie at cchristie@birminghambusinessalliance.com.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversations and connections that will help shape the future of our region.