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Dawn Brewer | Smoak Public Relations
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Greenville Technical College Center for Manufacturing Innovation and Amanda Lucas of SC Department of Commerce Honored with Top Award

GREENVILLE, SC | June 18, 2025 – The Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC) hosted its 2025 Investors Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 12, at Willimon Business Park—an industrial building currently available for lease in Greenville County. The meeting brought together investors, public officials, and business leaders to celebrate a transformative year for economic development and to provide insights from major employers helping shape the region’s future.

Honoring Service, Welcoming New Leadership

The GADC Board Chair Marshall Franklin opened the program by welcoming attendees and recognizing the GADC Board of Directors for their vital leadership. He highlighted the service of outgoing directors Justin Bagwell of Michelin North America and William “Robbie” Moon of Moon & Associates, Inc., both of whom received Dedicated Service Awards for their strategic contributions to Greenville County’s economic progress.

Franklin also welcomed four new board members who will begin their terms in July: John Long III, Tim Morgan, Dan Rundle, and Stephen Piper.

“We are grateful for their willingness to serve and excited to have their leadership and expertise helping guide the GADC forward,” Franklin said.

Greenville Technical College Center for Manufacturing Innovation Receives Chairman’s Award for Workforce Innovation

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2025 GADC Chairman’s Award to The Greenville Technical College Center for Manufacturing Innovation (CMI). CMI was recognized for its exceptional partnership in supporting the GADC’s mission and for preparing students for advanced manufacturing careers that are essential to the county’s economic vitality.

“CMI is more than a training facility—it’s an engine of innovation,” said Franklin. “Their 100,000-square-foot campus is a living example of collaboration in action. Thanks to CMI, students find purpose, employers find talent, and Greenville County continues to lead the way in building an economy where everyone can thrive.”

Kelvin Byrd, Dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation Technology accepted the award on behalf of CMI.

Buffalo Hunter Award Presented to Amanda Lucas of SC Department of Commerce

The prestigious William D. Workman III Buffalo Hunter Award, named for Greenville’s visionary former mayor, was awarded to Amanda Lucas, Project Manager at the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Lucas was recognized for her instrumental role in bringing EnerSys, a global energy storage company, to Greenville County. The project represents a $500 million investment and will create 500 new jobs in the area.

“This award celebrates bold leadership and collaboration, and Amanda embodies both,” said Tavia C.M. Gaddy, the GADC Vice President. “Her work on the EnerSys project is a transformational win for our county, and her commitment to improving the quality of life for South Carolinians is deeply inspiring.”

Celebrating Student Innovation and Community Spirit

As an example of collaboration and talent development, the GADC partnered with Greenville County Schools’ CTE Innovation Center to create a one-of-a-kind gift for event attendees. Students from the Aerospace Technologies and Emerging Automotive Research programs were challenged to design and 3D-print a piece that reflects Greenville County’s community spirit.

Avery Powell, a rising senior at Eastside High School and a student at the CTE Innovation Center, was recognized for her winning design. She was honored onstage alongside Katie Porter, Director, and Michael Stone, Program Director of the CTE Innovation Center.

“We are incredibly proud of Avery and the entire student team,” said GADC President and CEO Max Stewart. “Their work reflects the kind of homegrown innovation and talent that is powering our region forward.”

Keynote Panel: The Employer Perspective

The evening also featured a keynote panel discussion with top executives from major employers in Greenville County. Eisaku “Eddie” Akazawa, Executive Officer of Project Integrates for Isuzu North America Corporation; Hiroki Motohashi, VP Sales Division, for Isuzu Motors Limited; and Jason Reagan, Executive Plant Manager of GE Vernova, joined Stewart on stage for a conversation about why they chose Greenville, what challenges they face, and what the future holds.

Both companies recently announced landmark investments in Greenville County:

• Isuzu: $280 million investment creating 700 new jobs
• GE Vernova: $200 million investment adding 230 jobs

The panel offered insights into workforce development, talent pipelines, and the critical role economic development plays in long-term corporate strategy.

Looking Ahead: The GADC’s Vision for Greenville’s Future

In his President’s Report, Stewart reflected on a milestone year and reaffirmed the GADC’s commitment to data-driven strategies and community-centered growth. He highlighted record investment from new and existing industries, strategic wins in recruitment, and the GADC’s role as a trusted resource for business and government leaders alike.

In his forward-looking address, Stewart announced a new headquarters recruitment campaign launching in July, targeting companies within Greenville County’s key industries: advanced materials, aerospace, life sciences, mobility, and professional and technical services. The campaign’s slogan draws on Greenville County’s legacy of resilience and progress, using the Reedy River as the common thread:

The river never stops. Neither do we.

“This momentum is only possible through strong partnerships,” said Stewart. “Together, we’re creating opportunity—for our businesses, for our residents, and for generations to come.”

Made in Greenville County | Product Showcase

To highlight the region’s manufacturing strength and spirit of innovation, GADC invited local industries to showcase products made and developed in Greenville County—demonstrating the skills and capabilities that have earned the region its global reputation as a manufacturing hub.

Displays included:

• Expandable, LLC | The 38-foot Expandable Touchdown unit is a mobile and customizable, 560 square-foot space complete with air-conditioning and a rooftop terrace. Expandable’s trailers and pods can be used in a variety of applications from small events to large exhibitions.
• GE Vernova | The model 7HA Gas Turbine displayed at the event is 1:10 the size of the full-scale product. These turbines are installed in pairs and can power 1 Million South Carolina homes. Their Greenville County facility is the global supplier and servicer of GE Vernova’s Gas Turbines.
• Isuzu North America | Isuzu North America displayed their N-Series Gas Commercial Truck, one of the models they will assemble at their new facility on US HWY 25. Isuzu’s N-Series trucks are built for demanding commercial applications offering superior visibility, tight turning radius, and ease of maintenance.
• Michelin North America | Michelin North America brought two products, their Commercial Lawn Mower Tweel & a special edition tire designed and produced for BMW. Both tires were made and innovated at their facility in Greenville County on Perimeter Road.
• Samaritan Biologics | Samaritan Biologics is located at Clemson University’s Flex Lab on their CU-ICAR campus. The company displayed their product, COMPLETE-AA Wound Care, a multi-layer perinatal tissue allograft used by physicians for patient wound healing.

ABOUT GREENVILLE AREA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
The Greenville Area Development Corporation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2001 by Greenville County Council. As leaders in economic development for Greenville, the GADC provides support and resources to businesses of all sizes and acts as a liaison between the business community and local government. The GADC works closely with government officials and agencies to ensure that the needs and concerns of businesses are heard and addressed. For more information about the Greenville Area Development Corporation, visit www.greenvilleeconomicdevelopment.com.