OneSpartanburg celebrates a successful 2022

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OneSpartanburg Inc. recognized community leaders, local businesses and a year’s worth of success in business, economic and tourism development at the annual celebration Showcasing Spartanburg.

“Over the past year, our team and a host of public and private partners across Spartanburg County have put in a lot of work to bring a surge of opportunity to our doorstep. So much so, that it’s easy for the community to lose track,” OneSpartanburg Inc. President and CEO Allen Smith said in a news release. “The annual celebration allows us to step back and showcase the tremendous success Spartanburg is experiencing.”

OneSpartanburg Inc. announced that Spartanburg County will break $2 billion in new economic investment in 2022, surpassing the 2021 total of $1.9 billion.

“We’re fortunate to have a lot to celebrate,” said Phil Feisal, president of Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and chair of the OneSpartanburg Inc. executive board. “Fortunate, but not lucky. Spartanburg’s success is due to the dedication of many community leaders and businesses. Tonight we had the opportunity to celebrate some of our most impactful.”

The 2022 award-winners are:

Neville Holcombe Distinguished Citizenship Award (the highest honor given by OneSpartanburg Inc.): Former S.C. Rep. Rita Allison was recognized for her dedication to public service in Spartanburg County, and the lasting impacts her career will have on the county and its people.

James B. Thompson Small Business of the Year: The Country Meat Center was recognized for its growth, and its commitment to customers, local entrepreneurs and the growing Woodruff area.

Economic Champion Award: The S.C. Research Authority was recognized for its partnership with Spartanburg County and its efforts to grow innovation, entrepreneurship and technology in statewide economic development.

Elaine Harris Tourism Champion Award: USC Upstate was recognized for its impact on sports tourism, including a successful move to NCAA Division I that enables the county to attract larger tournaments.

The Chairman’s Award: Corry Oakes, cofounder and CEO of OTO Development, was posthumously recognized for being a compassionate leader and a champion of all things Spartanburg.

Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award: Jayne McQueen, president and CEO of Mobile Meals, was recognized for the work to nourish the minds, bodies and souls of the 1,500-plus residents served by Mobile Meals daily.

Inclusion Advocate of the Year: Spartanburg County Council members Monier Abusaft and Jessica Coker were recognized for their bipartisan support of the small-and minority-owned business community of Spartanburg County.

Minority-Owned Businessperson of the Year: Tudi Holmes, owner of Tudi Holmes Realty, was recognized for scaling a successful business while remaining dedicated to her clients’ needs.

Ambassador of the Year: Kristi Moon with Coldwell Banker Caine was recognized for her commitment to connecting local businesses and business representatives with the resources they need.

Young Professional of the Year: Sarah Butler, Launch Program manager at Wofford College, was recognized for her work to strengthen the connection young, talented people have to Spartanburg.

Daniel Morgan Award: The Daniel Morgan Award is given to local elected officials working to support the Spartanburg County business community in Columbia, including Reps. Tom Corbin,  Josh Kimbrell, Scott Talley, Shane Martin, Harvey Peeler, Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, Max Hyde,  Travis Moore, Roger Nutt, Bill Chumley, Rita Allison, Steven Long, Dennis Moss and Steve Moss.

Teachers of the year for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years also were recognized.