The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the upcoming State of Economy Presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, an event offering valuable insights into current economic trends shaping the local business community. Speaker Tom Barkin, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, is a leader in economic policy and financial stability. Barkin offers an in-depth analysis of the current economic landscape including inflation trends, labor market conditions, and an outlook for growth in the coming year while providing an opportunity for interactive Q&A.

Event Details:

• Monday April 14th
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
• Historic Greer Depot, 300 Randall Street, Greer, SC 29651
• ​Speaker Tom Barkin, President/CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Registration Details
Secure a single spot or full table, either at member or non-member price, online at www.greerchamber.com using our Chamber Calendar. All are welcome.​

• Member Price $40 | Non-Member Price $50
• Member Table $500 | Non-Member Table $650 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is extending the physical damage loan deadline for disaster declarations affected by the 2024 federal funding lapse. The new deadline to apply is April 27, 2025.

The disaster declaration covers Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation in South Carolina which are eligible for both physical damage and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for EIDLs: Berkeley, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dorchester, Lancaster, Lee and Sumter in South Carolina; Burke, Chatham, Columbia, Effingham, Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Lincoln, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, and Stephens in Georgia; and Cleveland, Gaston, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Mecklenburg, Polk, Rutherford and Transylvania in North Carolina.

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

"One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans."

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.25% for PNPs, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

With the changes to FEMA’s Sequence of Delivery, survivors are now encouraged to simultaneously apply for FEMA grants and the SBA low-interest disaster loan assistance to fully recover. FEMA grants are intended to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. The SBA disaster loan program is designed for your long-term recovery, to make you whole and get you back to your pre-disaster condition.

To apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is April 27, 2025. 

The Greater Greer Education Foundation (GGEF) is pleased to announce the opening of its 2025 scholarship application period, offering financial assistance to graduating high school seniors in the greater Greer area pursuing higher education at a South Carolina technical college in the amount of $1,000 per scholarship.

​“We’re excited to support students as they chase their goals, further their education, and ultimately bring valuable expertise back into our community,” said Katie Collins, President/CEO of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce.
Scholarship Details

• Eligibility
  • Must attend a high school in the greater Greer, SC area (Blue Ridge, Riverside, Greer, Byrnes, Bonds Career Center, Greer Middle College Charter High) or be homeschooled within the greater Greer area.
  • Be a high school senior or graduating within the next 12 months.
  • Must have been accepted at an SC technical college.
  • Higher education must begin in the next 12 months from the receipt of scholarship.
• Application Process: Interested students must complete the online application form.
• Deadline: Applications must be submitted by EOD Monday, March 17th, 2025.

"The Greater Greer Education Foundation is proud to invest in our students' futures through these scholarships," said Monica Barnett, GGEF Chair. "By supporting education, we strengthen our community and create opportunities for local talent to thrive."

How to Apply: Students can apply at www.greerchamber.com/greatergreereducationfoundation.html or through via direct link 2025 Scholarship Application.

​For any questions or additional information, please contact [email protected].

Founded in 2009, the Greater Greer Education Foundation has continuously invested in the local community, helping students gain the education and skills needed to build successful careers and enhance the quality of life in the greater Greer area

About the Greater Greer Education Foundation
The Greater Greer Education Foundation supports local students and educators through scholarships and grants. By investing in education, the Foundation strengthens the community and empowers future generations. ​

The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 20th Annual Oyster Roast presented by Presented by Cypress Internal Medicine–Greer, will be held on Friday, February 21st. Guests will enjoy fresh oysters, BBQ, a shrimp boil, live music, and great company at this community tradition. In addition, guests can participate in a silent auction to benefit Leadership Greer Class 45’s class project, Healthy Kids.

Event Details:
• Date: Friday, February 21st
• Time: 6 PM – 9 PM • Location: 1840 South Hwy 14, Ste C, Greer, SC 29650
• Ticket Information: Tickets are $60 and may be purchased online at Greerchamber.com or by calling 864.877.3131 before EOD February 17th.

For more information about the event, ticket purchases, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce website at www.greerchamber.com or contact the Chamber office at (864) 877 - 3131. 

About Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce:
​The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting economic development and improving the quality of life in the greater Greer area. Through advocacy, events, and programs, the Chamber supports local businesses and fosters a vibrant community.

Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 Board of Directors Greer, SC – January 27, 2025 – The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its 2025 Board of Directors. This accomplished group of leaders will steer the Chamber’s initiatives to support the business community and foster growth throughout the greater Greer area.

“As we welcome the 2025 Board of Directors, I am excited about the passion, expertise, and dedication this team brings to the table. Together, we will continue to champion the business community, driving innovation and fostering meaningful connections that strengthen our local economy. I look forward to seeing the incredible impact we will achieve in the year ahead," said Katie Collins, President/CEO of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce.

2025 Board of Directors
Chair Blair Miller Pinnacle Financial Partners
Chair Elect Kevin Duncan Countybank
Immd. Past Chair Mark Hopper Hopper Financial
Director Monica Barnett Coldwell Banker Caine
Vice Chair, Finance Jim Boyd Park National Bank
General Counsel Evan Bramhall Duggan & Hughes Law, LLC
Director Wayne Davis Medical Group of the Carolinas
Director Inez Hannon Prisma Health Greer Memorial Hospital
Director Alan Jones Michelin North America, Inc.
Director Mark King King Consulting
Director Daniel Lovelace Barista Alley
Director Brandon Punch Century 3, Inc.
Director Caroline Robertson Greer Relief & Resources Agency, Inc.
Director Rob Safrit Family Dental Health
Director Donna Smith Berkshire Hathaway C. Dan Joyner Realtors
Director April Staggs United Bank
Director Chris Taylor USC Upstate
Director Willie Thompson Greenville Technical College
Director Tom Tyra Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
Director Myra Whiten Pelham Medical Center

For more information about the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce and its programs, please visit www.greerchamber.com/board-of-directors.html.

About Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting economic development and improving the quality of life in the greater Greer area. Through advocacy, events, and programs, the Chamber supports local businesses and fosters a vibrant community. 

Leadership Greer Class 45 Announces "Healthy Kids" Project to Support Youth Nutrition and Local Farmers

Greer, SC – 12/12/24 – Leadership Greer Class 45 is excited to announce the launch of its class project, “Healthy Kids,” a community initiative aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among children in the greater Greer area. This project, in partnership with the Greer Farmers Market, will provide children with greater access to fresh, locally grown produce and create a fun, educational environment that encourages them to try and enjoy fruits and vegetables.

"The Greer Farmers Market is honored to be chosen for Leadership Greer Class 45's project that will initiate our new Healthy Kids Program and are excited to see the positive impact that this program will have on our youth and our farms in the Upstate,” said Maggie Blair, Executive Director of the Greer Farmers Market.

The project fosters healthy habits among children but also supports the local farming community in a meaningful way.

“We believe that by promoting healthy eating habits among the next generation, we are investing in a healthier, more vibrant future for the entire Greer community,” said Dustin Merritt, President of Leadership Greer Class 45. “The Healthy Kids program benefits not only the children it serves but also supports local farmers who dedicate themselves to providing fresh, nutritious produce for our community."

Healthy Kids Project Overview: The "Healthy Kids" program makes healthy eating fun and accessible for local youth. Children receive vouchers to redeem for fresh, seasonal produce at any of the 27 participating Greer Farmers Market locations throughout the market year. At the market booth, kids can sample produce to explore new flavors before deciding what to buy.

​A designated "Healthy Kids" tent and signage at each market serve as hubs for voucher distribution and interactive lessons on food and gardening. Hands-on activities encourage kids to continue learning about healthy eating and growing food at home.

Building a Healthier Community: "Healthy Kids" not only promotes nutrition but also supports local farmers. Each redeemed voucher boosts sales, strengthening the local agricultural economy. The program complements other market food access initiatives, like SNAP and Healthy Bucks, expanding awareness and access to nutritious food for families in the community.

The project is set to launch at the start of the Greer Farmers Market's upcoming season, and Leadership Greer Class 45 invites families across the area to participate, enjoy, and benefit from this unique opportunity.

For more information on Leadership Greer Class 45’s “Healthy Kids” project, please contact [email protected] or call (864)877 -3131.

​About Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting economic development and improving the quality of life in the Greater Greer area. Through advocacy, events, and programs, the Chamber supports local businesses and fosters a vibrant community.

What is Greenville County’s Penny Sales Tax referendum?
The referendum would fund road improvements to resolve Greenville County’s transportation challenge. If approved, the tax lasts for 8 years, with the intention of raising an estimated $130 million per year. By law, all money raised with the Greenville County's Penny Sales Tax will go to local road and bridge improvements and repairs. The Penny Sales Tax would not include unprepared food, prescriptions, or gas.

Why is a Penny Sales Tax included on the November 2024 ballot?
​Greenville County faces a transportation challenge because of the inadequate condition and capacity of its present road network, which if left unresolved may not bode well for the future of a growing community. During a countywide infrastructure inventory and assessment, it was found that 60% of pavement in Greenville County is in fair or poor condition, that 75% of pavement on arterial (major streets of highest mobility & speed) and collector (corridors between arterial streets) roads is in fair or poor condition, and 15% of state and county owned bridges in Greenville County are restricted or closed. It was concluded $2 billion was required to resolve this transportation challenge, therefore after much process the county council voted “yes” to put the 1 cent sales tax on the November 2024 ballot. 

How are the priority projects decided on and by whom are they decided?
Greenville County staff collaborated with SCDOT, mayors, and administrators of six municipalities to prioritize projects for the Penny Sales Tax. A six-member commission, including Ray Lattimore, Hunter Howard, Gaye Garrison Sprague, Keith Smith, Thomas Epting, and Lisa H. Stevens reviewed and amended the list. The list which is now of part of official ordinance cannot and will not change. Projects focus on road improvement, intersection upgrades, safety, congestion relief, and bridge/road drainage.

What roads in Greer are on the priority list?
The mentioned projects will affect various roads in the Greer area including Devenger Road from Hudson Road to South Batesville Road, Groce Meadow Road from Milford Church Road to Mountain View Road, Memorial Drive Extension from Whitfield Way to West Poinsett Street, Arlington Avenue and North Line Street, Gibbs Shoals Road and Dillard Road, Locust Hill Road, Lynn Road, Waters Road, Milford Church Road and SC 101.

How will the question on the ballot read & where do I learn more?
The exact question to look for on the ballot is, “Must a special one percent sales and use tax be imposed in Greenville County for not more than 8 years to raise the amounts specified for the following purposes?” To learn more before the November 5th 2024 vote you can visit greenvillecountyroads.com.

Click Here to download the Referendum FAQ sheet.