Jim Fair
Larry Wilson, PFT Campaign Chairman, picks a name out of a bowl held by Mark Owens, Greer Chamber of Commerce President/CEO.
Jim Fair
Russ Braasch, of the Braasch Building Group, is an investor with PFT.
Jim Fair
Mayor Rick Danner cautioned business owners that the next 5-year master plan may be as important as the first, from 1999-2003.
“Folks we find ourselves at a critical crossroads at being mediocre or great,” Mayor Rick Danner told a gathering of contributors. “How far we’ve come in the last 15 years, it doesn’t hold one-tenth of where we will be in the next 10-15 years.”
Danner didn’t mince words and challenged even the “Champions” of the present $1.2 million drive that will go toward the next 5-year master plan. The previous fundraisers were successful with $2 million, $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
The PFT is taking on the fundraising itself instead of hiring a professional firm. “We decided to keep the money in Greer,” said Larry Wilson, PFT Campaign Chairman.
“One million dollars is a worthy goal. I want to propose that we are on shaky ground,” said Danner. “We are standing now on resting on our laurels. A lot of communities don’t have the opportunity to do what Greer has done and a lot have the ability but don’t do it.”
PFT’s public launch at 104 Trade Street was significant in that the Braasch Building is LEED certified while maintaining its historic architecture in a district marketed as Greer Station.
Russ Braasch, who’s family business – Braasch Building Group – is beginning its third phrase of housing development, in south Greer, said PFT has parlayed its vision into entities like Greer City Hall complex, Municipal and Courts building and downtown development. “The reason we have stayed with the partnership (PFT) is because we see a lot of potential,” Braasch said.
The funds will provide five years of investment into Economic Development, Community Development, Quality of Life and Marketing.
Twenty-eight Greer area companies have ignited the campaign pledging more than $300,000.
“We have to seize the opportunity,” said Wilson. “Working on the master plan takes us to 2030. Planning growth is exactly what we’ve been doing for the past fifteen years. The City, Economic Development, CPW, Chamber of Commerce working together has been able to accomplish that.”
Danner said he believes Greer businesses can achieve the goal. “Take this message with you,” Danner told the business leaders. ‘Tell them I said so . . . I think we’re a lot better.”
Contributors through Tuesday were:
AeGis
Allegra Print & Imaging
All Star Storage
BA Bennett
Benson Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge
BMW
Braasch Building Group (BBG)
Brian A. Martin, Attorney at Law
City of Greer
Cypress Internal Medicine
Deal Depot
Del-Tec Imaging
Duke Energy
Events at the Davenport
Greenville Hospital System
Greer Commission of Public Works
Gusto Seafood
Home Helpers of Greer
Marchant Company
Mitsubishi Polyester Film
Palmetto Bank
Pelham Medical Center
SSI
Stomping Grounds
Wild Ace Pizza & Pub