During my numerous backpacking trips, once a suitable campsite for the night has been identified, I
always take a few minutes before departing back on the trail the next morning to exercise the mantra of
“leave it a little better than you found it.” By picking up additional trash or discarded camping
equipment, I am determined to do my part to improve the area before I leave. As I count down to my
retirement from GADC, I hope that I have accomplished that goal for the Greenville business
community.

Looking back on the last nine years, with the help of numerous partners and organizations, GADC has
attracted over $3.9 billion in new investment along with over 17,900 new jobs. I am proud to have
been part of an organization that worked hard to bring over 70 new companies to Greenville County
during that period. We also have prioritized existing companies by establishing the organization’s first
existing industry program, branded as Industry Engage.

We helped establish Greenville County’s first new industrial park in over two decades. Fox Hill Business
Park is now home to several new companies with more soon on the horizon. And over the last five
years, GADC has worked diligently to attract new developers to the area, resulting in building over 20
new speculative buildings. By providing incentives for this kind of construction, we will be in an
advantageous position for years to come to attract almost any size company needing existing space.

During the COVID pandemic, GADC – aided by the Greenville Chamber, Greenville City and Greenville
County — helped establish the first set of response guidelines called the Greater Greenville Pledge. This
effort was designed to develop safety protocols for business and industry that were struggling to cope
with one of the most challenging periods in our country’s history.

There have been plenty of challenges in the last nine years, including workforce shortages, explosive
growth leading to competition for land use, international and political discord, and financial uncertainty.
None of that has stopped the momentum that GADC has established for Greenville County. Thanks to
a dedicated GADC staff, Board, elected officials, and supportive investors, we have managed to position
Greenville to succeed for decades to come.

I am honored to have been part of GADC and the Greenville community, and proudly say “Thank you!”
for that opportunity. See you on the trail!

PRESIDENT & CEO
J. Mark Farris