Upstate Alliance CEO outlines regional investment, job growth to Anderson council

John Lummis, introduced by the city manager as CEO of the Upstate Alliance, told the Anderson City Council on the first April meeting that the regional economic development organization continues to drive investment and jobs across a 10‑county area that includes Anderson.

"Upstate had 53 projects with $7,600,000,000 in capital investment and nearly 5,000 jobs created," Lummis said in a brief presentation to the council, summarizing the alliance's 2025 results. He said the organization leverages public and private dollars to market the region and support local economic developers, noting partnerships with the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

The presentation emphasized manufacturing and advanced industries as engines of growth. Lummis listed target sectors that attract employers to the Upstate: aerospace, automotive, engineered materials, food and beverage, life sciences and professional office. He also said the region hosts more than 590 international companies from 38 countries and called downtowns a central asset for quality of life and recruitment.

Council members thanked Lummis for the briefing. Michael Cunningham, who identified himself as chair of the Community Housing Resource Board, also used the time to applaud the council's support for CDBG and fair‑housing education, framing housing access as essential to community health.

The presentation was informational; no council action was required. The city manager and economic development staff will continue coordinating with the Upstate Alliance on site‑selection responses and regional marketing efforts.