College names economic visionaries

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Spartanburg Community College has named four companies 2018 Economic Visionaries for transforming the Upstate economy —  Crow & Bulman Engineering, Johnson Development Associates, Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District and AFL.

"New companies are making South Carolina home. Others are increasing their workforce; some are expanding their operations, but all companies, no matter the size, are committed to building the Upstate into a vibrant, economic force. Leaders of these driven companies are giving our area an opportunity to shine by investing in our communities,” said Henry Giles, Spartanburg Community College president, in a news release. “An economic visionary embraces the future with imagination, wisdom and energy that makes an enterprising impact on community resources.”

Crow & Bulman Engineering was recognized as an economic visionary because of innovative work in the engineering profession throughout Spartanburg, Union and Cherokee counties, the release said. A mechanical engineering company with six employees, including three registered mechanical engineers, the company has provided HVAC engineering design for the Spartanburg County Library, Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium and the Evans Academic Building at the Spartanburg Community College downtown campus.

Johnson Development Associates Inc. was recognized for work in Upstate commercial development, education and Spartanburg's downtown revitalization efforts. Employing more than 100 team members, Johnson Development aims to cultivate a talent pipeline to their hiring department through the local colleges and universities, according to the release. The company helped create the Meeting Street Academy in the Spartanburg community, providing an educational environment to underserved neighborhoods. The company also invests in developing office buildings for the city of Spartanburg, the release said.

The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District was named an economic visionary for providing service to the community for more than 55 years. Since opening in 1962, GSP has invested in capital improvements resulting in increased capacity, improved safety processes and efficiencies, according to the release. The airport has a 186 employees and $261 million dollars in assets. To support the environment, the company improved energy efficiency through several key initiatives, including solar heated water, more natural lighting, and automated lighting controls to reduce energy usage. GSP also supports their employees in their educational goals with a tuition reimbursement program that covers tuition, books and fees.

AFL was named an economic visionary award recipient for its commitment to education and giving back. Employees are encouraged to be members of professional organizations, and are encouraged to make suggestions to improve processes, reduce costs and increase productivity, the release said. A newly launched Operation Workforce Program assists high school students in earning manufacturing certificates with a goal to join the company after graduation. To support the local community, the company grants eight percent of its revenue to STEM education and non-profit organizations.