After 27 years steering the economic development of Spartanburg County, Economic Futures Group Executive Vice President Carter Smith will retire effective June 30.
Smith was instrumental in recruiting BMW Manufacturing Co., and was a key figure in bringing the likes of Amazon, Adidas, Toray and Michelin to Spartanburg County. He, along with many economic development allies, has established Spartanburg as an internationally recognized advanced manufacturing, distribution and logistics destination.
Smith will remain with EFG as part-time Director of Special Projects effective July 1, 2019.
“Thousands upon thousands of Spartanburg County and Upstate families have benefited from the jobs Carter has helped to create. His record of economic development is remarkable, yet I admire him most for his integrity, humility and commitment to family,” said Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce/Economic Futures Group President and CEO Allen Smith. “We are delighted that he will continue to provide his wisdom and knowledge in a part-time capacity.”
Smith has recruited more than $16 billion in new investment and over 50,000 new jobs, making him one of the most successful economic developers in South Carolina history.
“More than a colleague, Carter has been a close friend for nearly 25 years,” said State Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “He was instrumental as we ramped up production at BMW, and that facility’s success in our state can in large part be attributed to Carter’s vision and leadership, and the pro-business environment he helped to cultivate in Spartanburg County,” said Hitt.
“I wish he and Angie all the best in his retirement and thank him for the thousands of lives he impacted during his time as a public servant,” said Hitt.
Over the past five years under Carter’s leadership, Spartanburg County has dominated the Upstate in economic development and has successfully recruited nearly a quarter of the state’s total investment.
David Britt, Spartanburg County Councilman and Chair of the Economic Development Committee, said many states, and some countries, would love to have the economic accomplishments Spartanburg County has seen during Carter’s time.
“Carter’s professionalism and integrity has proven to be our key to success along with his desire to make Spartanburg County the best place all these companies could possibly locate and achieve their goals,” said Britt. “It is bittersweet to have Carter retiring, but I am happy for him and glad he will remain with the Economic Futures Group part-time, as I know he is only a phone call away when I need his advice or help.”
A nationwide search will be conducted to fill the position.