Greenville is among a handful of U.S. cities at ” the forefront of America’s economic recovery,” according to a profile published Monday by the Wall Street Journal.
The article examined “breakout cities” that had managed to build vibrant economies before the pandemic and are now drawing workers and new businesses at a clip far exceeding that of the rest of the nation.
“Greenville may be the best example of these rising stars, which also include places like Madison, Wis., Fort Myers, Fla., and Columbus, Ohio,” writes the Journal’s Justin Baer.
Baer notes that Greenville has been buoyed by an inventory of large and affordable homes, ample access to outdoor space, less congestion and a mix of high-tech and old-line jobs in industries like manufacturing and finance.
“Greenville may be the best example of these rising stars, which also include places like Madison, Wis., Fort Myers, Fla., and Columbus, Ohio.”@WSJ shares why Greenville is one of the breakout cities leading the charge in the nation’s economic rebound:https://t.co/97kHSYTZKs
— City of Greenville (@CityGreenville) May 10, 2021
“Twenty years ago, the former textile town was pockmarked by vacant storefronts and Falls Park was overgrown, with the river’s cascades hidden under an overpass,” Baer writes. “The city set about recruiting international companies and rebuilding the downtown. In recent years, small businesses have returned to Main Street, larger companies joined Michelin SA and BMW AG and the river has become a centerpiece.”
Greenville Mayor Knox White said he was pleasantly surprised to see the city mentioned on the front page of the Journal.
“And then flipping to read the rest of the story inside and seeing that giant photo of Falls Park staring right back at you, it’s a great feeling,” White said. “It just goes to show you the great opportunity we have, with so many people moving here, choosing Greenville as their home.”
The article also highlighted Provo, Utah, and Des Moines, Iowa, as those that have seen similar resiliency through the pandemic.
