“BB&T is repurposing its Memorial Drive office as a retail loan processing center,” Reno Deaton, Greer Development Corporation executive director, told City Council tonight in his annual economic overview.
The bank has been preparing its top two floors to accommodate the new jobs.
Deaton gave a bullet point and graphic presentation illustrating Greer’s upbeat 2011 economic climate that he believes are indicators foreshadowing a more vibrant economy climate in 2012.
Mayor Rick Danner paused and said Deaton’s presentation was “incredible.”
Deaton encouraged Council to review transportation needs near Velocity Park at Highway 101. “We have the infrastructure in place – water, gas, sewage and electricity. When we visit with potential clients one of the first things they ask is how will I get my trucks in and out of the park.”
Council asked Deaton what course he recommended. “We should get a transportation study in place to plan for new businesses along the Hwy. 101 and Verne Smith Parkway.”
Deaton showed housing starts doubling what they were in 2011.
Retail sales in Greer also showed a big leap over past years, surpassing by big percentages cities larger than Greer and just trailing Gaffney where an outlet mall is located.
Just in the past weeks Honeywell announced it will invest $25 million with the addition of 30 jobs over the next five years at its Greer facility. TD Bank announced it is adding 1,400 jobs to a regional hub it will locate in Greenville.