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Danner rallies businesses around Partnership For Tomorrow

By Jim Fair, Editor
Published on Thursday, July 17, 2014

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Larry Wilson, PFT Campaign Chairman, picks a name out of a bowl held by Mark Owens, Greer Chamber of Commerce President/CEO.
 

Jim Fair

Larry Wilson, PFT Campaign Chairman, picks a name out of a bowl held by Mark Owens, Greer Chamber of Commerce President/CEO.

 



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Russ Braasch, of the Braasch Building Group, is an investor with PFT.
 

Jim Fair

Russ Braasch, of the Braasch Building Group, is an investor with PFT.

 



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Mayor Rick Danner cautioned business owners that the next 5-year master plan may be as important as the first, from 1999-2003.
 
 

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.

 

 

The launch of the fourth campaign for The Partnership for Tomorrow was presented with a warning.

“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

Greer Event Rentals

Gusto Seafood

Home Helpers of Greer

Marchant Company

Mitsubishi Polyester Film

Palmetto Bank

Pelham Medical Center

SSI

Stomping Grounds

Wild Ace Pizza & Pub

 

Businesses mentioned in this article.

All Star Storage, B.A. Bennett & Co., Brian A. Martin, LLC, City of Greer, Greer CPW, Greer Event Rentals, Greer Memorial Hospital, Home Helpers and Direct Link, SSI, Stomping Grounds Coffee House and Wine Bar, The Davenport, Village at Pelham Hospital, Wild Ace Pizza and Pub

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