SPARTANBURG — Spartanburg County economic development leaders are looking to continue the county’s growth in 2025.

The county saw approximately $1 billion – yes, billion with a “b” – in capital investments promised in 2024. This continues a multi-year streak of hitting at least that 10-figure mark.

Today, the county’s economic leaders seek to continue diversifying the economy and high-tech industries to create not just any jobs in the county, but skilled, well-paying jobs. These industries could include advanced manufacturing, biosciences, biotechnology and life sciences, healthcare, and technical service providers.

UnSpartanburgthe county Chamber of Commerce, works on business, tourism and economic development and collaborates with elected leaders to ensure a cohesive plan for the county.

Katherine O’Neill, OneSpartanburg’s economic development director, said the county is looking for success in life sciences in manufacturing.

To support technological growth in manufacturing, she said there was more emphasis on engineering and industrial service jobs to make manufacturing “smarter, faster and more efficient.”

“This goes beyond manufacturing, we’re in innovation right now with many of our companies,” O’Neill said.

As an example, she cited two companies already operating in the county: Conteca manufacturing company that produces cleaning products, and Cytivaa life sciences company.

County Councilman David Britt, chairman of the economic development committee, echoed this focus on specific jobs. He said there have been times when he has told businesses they are not a good fit for the county.

“We’re not just focused on businesses and jobs, but the best businesses and jobs in the world,” Britt said. “We don’t need a company that pays low wages and offers poor benefits, because it won’t succeed.”

O’Neill added that with these skilled jobs, economic leaders rely on Spartanburg County’s many colleges and universities. She said their presence provides companies with sufficient basis for internships and apprenticeships.

The ultimate goal is for the county to enjoy a diversified economy. This mission is reflected in OneSpartanburg’s ongoing efforts to make the county a sporting event destination.

These efforts can be seen in collegiate and professional sports. In late November, Wofford College hosted the 2024 Ingles Southern Conference Volleyball Championship. In 2023, Spartanburg County hosted the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Regional Championships.

Of course, Spartanburg getting a professional minor league baseball team was the county’s biggest win. The inaugural season of Hub City Spartanburgers will begin in spring 2025 at its brand new baseball stadium.

John Mark Freeze, vice president of tourism and sports development at OneSpartanburg, said these events are good for sports fans and for people who don’t know the difference between a touchdown and a home run.

Freeze told the Post and Courier in October that the events brought new people and more money to the area.

“You just want to be an active community and have big events,” Freeze said. “It just builds your resume for the future and the bigger and better events that we are able to pursue.”