A new analysis reports that recently completed and ongoing construction projects in downtown Spartanburg are expected to generate more than $1.77 billion in economic impact across the county. OneSpartanburg, Inc. photo 

Downtown Spartanburg development spurs record job growth, $1.77 billion economic impact

Edited and composed using information provided by OneSpartanburg, Inc.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Ongoing and recently completed construction projects in downtown Spartanburg are expected to generate more than $1.77 billion in economic impact across the county, according to a new report.

The analysis, conducted by Clemson University researcher Bob Brookover, highlights $1.24 billion in new downtown investments announced or completed since 2017. The report credits this surge in development with supporting 13,706 combined jobs — surpassing the workforce at Spartanburg County’s largest employer, BMW Manufacturing Co.

“All of this growth leads to new jobs, the hiring of more teachers, the construction of new school buildings, improvements to our road network, and more critical support for first responders,” Mayor Jerome Rice said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have a private sector that has made a historic commitment to improving our citizens’ lives. The partnership between the city, county, state and private sector has positioned Spartanburg residents for long-term success. It’s all about the people.”

Major projects driving downtown growth include Fifth Third Park and its parking deck, the Grain District Office Building, new hotels and mixed-use developments on former Herald-Journal and City Hall sites, the Planetarium Learning Center, and multiple multifamily projects such as The Charles, The Fitzgerald and 111 Main. Streetscape improvements along West Main Street also contribute to the revitalization effort.

The report also notes Spartanburg’s hotel industry continues to outperform similar markets across the region. The city’s hotel occupancy rate reached 71.1%, a 9.3% increase from the previous year. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) climbed to $77, up 18.5%, outpacing markets including Birmingham, Ala., Chattanooga, Tenn., and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

“The data couldn’t be any clearer,” said Billy Dunlap, chief tourism development officer for OneSpartanburg, Inc. “The market needs, and can support, more hotel product. As new properties come online, the benefit to local businesses and job creation will be immense.”

“OneSpartanburg and our partners are committed to ensuring current and new residents have every opportunity to succeed,” said Allen Smith, president and CEO of OneSpartanburg, Inc.

“Thirteen thousand seven hundred six jobs represent strengthened families, thriving local businesses and a promising future.” 

Power of a Beat: USC Upstate volleyball hosting fundraiser for Children’s Hospital

Adapted from information provided by USC Upstate

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — When the USC Upstate volleyball team takes the court Nov. 8 against Winthrop, the match will mean more than a win or loss.The Spartans will host the “Toys and Tiny Hearts” fundraiser to benefit the Pediatric Cardiology Unit at the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital at the Medical University of South Carolina — a cause deeply personal to both head coach Ali Skayhan and junior libero Emma DeSensi.

For Skayhan, the sound of a heartbeat carries special weight. Last December, her son, Leo, was born with a congenital heart defect called transposition of the great arteries.

At just two weeks old, he underwent open-heart surgery at MUSC. “There were nights we didn’t know if he’d make it,” Skayhan said. “But then I saw another family bring toys to the hospital after losing their child, and it completely changed the atmosphere. That kindness stayed with me.”

Months later, she returned to coaching with a new perspective — and met a player who understood that same fight.

DeSensi, from Louisville, Kentucky, was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy as an infant after a virus attacked her heart. 

Her parents worried she’d never be able to play sports. But volleyball, considered lower impact than others, became her way to prove them wrong.

“I was always full of energy,” DeSensi said. “Volleyball gave me confidence and showed me I could do more than anyone expected.”

After a decorated high school career at Assumption High, injuries slowed her early college years. She transferred to USC Upstate in 2023, drawn by the school’s nursing program and the genuine connection she felt with Skayhan.

“When I found out Emma had been through 12 heart surgeries, it hit home,” Skayhan said. “I had just lived in a children’s hospital with my own baby. It felt like more than coincidence.”

Their shared experiences inspired the upcoming fundraiser. The team will collect toys and donations for children receiving cardiac care at MUSC, where Leo was treated.

“You never know what someone’s going through,” DeSensi said. “Even the smallest gift can remind a family that people care.”

For Skayhan, the event is about gratitude and perspective. “Volleyball is what we do, but it’s not who we are,” she said. “This is about giving back and showing what it means to be part of something bigger.”

Leo will celebrate his first birthday 10 days after the match. DeSensi, now pursuing a nursing degree, hopes to one day work with children like herself. On Nov. 8, every serve and rally will carry a message of hope — for Leo, for Emma, and for every tiny heart still fighting. 

USC Upstate launches smart recycling pilot with Waste Wise Innovation 

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The University of South Carolina Upstate has partnered with Waste Wise Innovation (WWI) to introduce a new smart recycling pilot program designed to make campus sustainability more interactive and data-driven.

As part of the initiative, USC Upstate will install Topper Stopper™ smart recycling units across campus. Each unit features an interactive display that educates students, faculty and staff on proper recycling practices, while transmitting real-time usage data to TS Analytics™, WWI’s reporting platform.

The partnership highlights USC Upstate’s leadership in environmental stewardship and its commitment to using technology to improve sustainability. By adopting tools such as Topper Stopper™ and TS Analytics™, the university aims to track recycling performance, increase engagement and identify strategies that produce measurable results.

Through the pilot, USC Upstate will gain:

• Actionable insights into recycling rates across campus.

• Increased engagement through on-screen education and reminders.

• Data-driven improvement, identifying which efforts lead to the most impact.

WWI and USC Upstate are collaborating to determine optimal placement and rollout strategies for the smart units. With installation planned soon, both organizations view the project as a model for how data technology can advance recycling efforts in education, local government and corporate environments.

“This partnership demonstrates USC Upstate’s commitment to sustainability innovation,” said Amanda Karls, the university’s director of institutional effectiveness and compliance. 

“By introducing smart recycling on campus, we’re not just asking our community to recycle — we’re showing them the impact and educating them along the way.”

More information about Topper Stopper™ is available at https://wastewise innovation.com/topper-stopper/.

City council Jamie Fulmer, Bill brasington Ed adult learning center and Rahman Khan, GVP Community Impact Spectrum Cable hold the $12,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant check. Photo provided by Spectrum 

Spectrum hosts wi-fi and digital education class at Spartanburg Adult Learning Center

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Oct. 30, 2025 — Spectrum hosted a digital education class last week at the Spartanburg Adult Learning Center to help local adults improve their home Wi-Fi experience, stay safe online and explore digital learning resources.

The session, held Thursday, October 30, from 11 a.m. to noon at the center’s location on Commerce Street, drew more than 50 participants. The class also featured a demonstration of the Xumo Stream Box and practical tips for enhancing streaming performance.

Prior to the training, Spectrum presented the Spartanburg Adult Learning Center with a $12,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant to support the organization’s ongoing digital literacy programs.

“Technology is a powerful equalizer, but only if people have access to a computer and know how to use it,” said Rahman Khan, group vice president of community impact for Spectrum. “Through Spectrum Digital Education, we’re helping our nonprofit partners turn connectivity into real opportunities for their communities — from education and employment to everyday connection and independence.”

Bill Brasington, director of the Spartanburg Adult Learning Center, said the funding would help expand the center’s reach.

“Our team is committed to helping undereducated adults by providing instruction, training and guidance,” Brasington said. “Spectrum’s Digital Education Grant will allow us to broaden our literacy programs for even more Spartanburg-area residents and help them thrive.”

Spectrum Digital Education partners with nonprofits nationwide that use technology to create opportunity — from education and employment to healthcare access and family connection. The 2025 grant recipients support a wide range of community members, including seniors, veterans, students and jobseekers, through one-on-one coaching, AI skills training and community tech hubs that improve digital access.

Since its launch, Spectrum Digital Educa-tion has awarded 383 grants, distributed nearly 20,000 laptops and sponsored more than 45,000 digital education classes, benefiting nearly 188,000 community members across the country.

Eye Health America names Jay Burkett Chief Executive Officer, Mary Lou Parisi Chief Growth Officer 

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Oct. 30, 2025 — Eye Health America (EHA), a leading integrated eye care provider in the Southeast-ern United States, announced that Jay Burkett was appointed chief executive officer.

At the same time, Mary Lou Parisi, who had served as co-CEO, was named chief growth officer.

Burkett, who had served as executive chairman of EHA’s board for the past 18 months, worked closely with Parisi, John Swencki and the company’s leadership team. A veteran of more than 30 years in the health care provider industry, Burkett has focused his career on helping organizations strengthen business performance through periods of growth and transition. He has held multiple permanent and interim executive roles, including C-suite positions with multi-state and multi-site health care companies.

Parisi, who has been with EHA since its founding, transitioned from her co-CEO role to the newly created position of chief growth officer, where she will focus on supporting the organization’s growing network of physicians. EHA currently includes more than 130 physicians across 60 locations throughout the Southeast.

As part of the leadership changes, Swencki, who also served as co-CEO, departed the organization at the end of October. Swencki played a central role in EHA’s expansion, beginning with his leadership of its anchor practice, The Eye Associates, and continuing through five years as co-CEO alongside Parisi.

“We thank John for his years of dedicated service to EHA and recognize his instrumental role in scaling the organization to its current success,” said Sasank Aleti, partner at LLR Partners and a member of the EHA Board. “We look forward to Jay’s increased involvement in leading the organization he has supported over the past 18 months.”

Since its founding, Eye Health America has completed 32 partnerships with eye care practices across the Southeast, advancing its mission to deliver full-service, integrated eye care through a collaborative network of trusted providers and ambulatory surgery centers.

EHA partners with ophthalmology and optometry practices as well as ambulatory surgery centers across the region. Member practices include Clemson Eye, Piedmont Surgery Center, EHA Surgery Center Seneca, The Surgery & Laser Center, Carolinas Centers for Sight, Florence Surgery and Laser Center, and several other eye care providers.

EHA practices provide comprehensive eye care services, from routine exams, contact lenses and glasses to advanced medical and surgical care, including refractive cataract surgery, cornea, retina, glaucoma, LASIK, pediatrics and oculoplastics.