Greenville creates economic development corporation

Listen to this article

Greenville officials have created a new entity with the goal of raising funding for economic development projects.

The Greenville City Council recently approved the creation of The Greenville City Economic Development Corp., according to a news release. The 501(c)3 will have its own board of directors and the ability to raise private funding.

The GEDEC will have its own president and CEO and is expected to include the following divisions: real estate and property development, small and minority business, retail, marketing, investor relations and business recruitment, the release stated.

Related content: First restaurant tenant signs on to $1B downtown Greenville project

Related content: Greenville city manager John McDonough to step down

“The City of Greenville is relatively small, just over 30 square miles, and our population is under 75,000, neither reflects our true impact on economic development of the region. The City is a hub of innovation. Our vibrant downtown, quality of life, climate and business-friendly approach make us a draw for anyone looking to scale and grow a company. This new structure and organization allow us more flexibility of operation,” said Mayor Knox White in the release.

GCEDC will carry out the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, which was finalized and adopted in 2022, the release stated. This approval provides city staff the authority to begin creating the organization, which includes bylaws, governance and hiring staff.