Business and community leaders gathered Thursday morning for the Greenville Chamber’s annual State of Greenville, an event focused on the economic outlook, opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Greenville.

The program featured an economic outlook from Thomas Barkin, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, followed by a panel discussion with Greenville Mayor Knox White and Greenville County Council Chairman Benton Blount. Bank of America was the presenting sponsor.

The conversation focused on the region’s continued growth and the infrastructure investments needed to support it. As Greenville County continues to experience growth and investment, local leaders discussed the importance of making strategic investments that can keep pace with the community’s needs. Much of the discussion centered on potential funding mechanisms for critical infrastructure improvements, including the upcoming penny sales tax proposal.

The Greenville Chamber publicly supported the county and municipal penny sales tax plans. According to Greenville Chamber President/CEO Carlos Phillips, “The Greenville Chamber supports the municipal and county penny sales tax initiatives and encourages others to vote in support of these measures. These plans form a smart, coordinated plan to repair aging roads and bridges, relieve congestion, expand safe sidewalks and intersections, and protect green space: each of which are key drivers of business productivity, talent attraction, and long-term competitiveness. Kicking the can down the road will only exacerbate our current challenges and will require even more funding in the future if we fail to address this critical issue now.”

Featured Speaker Quotes:

Thomas Barkin, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

South Carolina’s growth year-over-year is one of the top four in the country. Greenville is a great example of people moving in and housing being built that is still affordable. There is a lot of attractiveness to places like this.

Greenville County Council Chairman Benton Blount

The culture and the environment in which we live is so diverse and unique compared to other places all over the country that we sometimes don’t realize how special it is and when it comes to community. I’m excited about our future and our communities working together.

Greenville Mayor Knox White

We have a culture where the quality of life is attractive to young families, there are job opportunities, and people are deeply rooted in our community.

The program also included the presentation of the Butch Kirven Excellence in Public Service Award to Mayor Knox White. Sponsored by Auro Hotels, the award recognizes outstanding public service and leadership in the Greenville community. White was recognized for his longstanding commitment to Greenville and his leadership during a transformative period for the region. As mayor, he has been at the forefront of the city’s growth and transformation and has dedicated decades to serving the community.

The award was established by the Greenville Chamber in 2025 and was named in honor of Butch Kirven following its inaugural presentation to him last year.

The State of Greenville is part of the Greenville Chamber’s ongoing effort to convene business and community leaders around the issues most important to the region’s economic competitiveness and future.

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