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Upstate SC Alliance says region attracted billions and thousands of jobs; Greenville a key magnet
Summary
John Lomas, president and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance, told council the Upstate has recorded roughly $18.8 billion and just under 30,000 jobs over the past five years, with 2025 alone showing $7.6 billion in investment and about 5,000 new jobs. He emphasized international firms and talent programs.
John Lomas, president and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance, briefed Greenville City Council on regional business recruitment and workforce initiatives. "So, last 5 years have been really, really good in the Upstate, about 18,800,000,000, little under 30,000, jobs created," Lomas said, listing 590 international companies from 38 countries and saying about 40% of recent job growth came from international firms. He noted 2025 produced "7,600,000,000 in capital investment, about 5,000 new jobs created, 21 new companies, [and] 32 existing companies".
Lomas described the Alliance as the marketing arm for the Upstate's 10 counties and five cities, coordinating prospect recruitment, inbound visitor programs and a talent initiative called "move up" that connects jobseekers with training and employers. He said the Alliance brings site consultants, consular representatives and college counselors to the Upstate to promote the region. "We really are the marketing agency... to market the Upstate for global business and develop development and talent attraction," Lomas said.
Council members and staff thanked Lomas and noted Greenville's role as a regional magnet. The presentation closed with council acknowledgement and a transition to the planning department's 36‑month code update briefing. Next steps for the Alliance were not specified in the transcript.
