NorthMark Strategies recently announced a $2.8 billion investment in Spartanburg,  which further positions South Carolina as a national leader in technology and innovation. NorthMark Strategies photo 

NorthMark Strategies announces $2.8 billion investment in Spartanburg, 27 new jobs

Article adapted from information provided by NorthMark Strategies and OneSpartanburg, Inc.

NorthMark Strategies, through its subsidiary Valara Holdings, recently announced a transformational $2.8 billion investment to establish a state-of-the-art high-performance computing (HPC) center in Spartanburg.

The facility will be developed at the former Kohler manufacturing site and is poised to become one of the world’s most advanced centers for computational innovation.

“This facility reinforces our leadership in high-performance computing and demonstrates our commitment to long-term growth,” said Jen Byrne, President of NorthMark Strategies. “We’re investing not only in advanced technology but in the future of the industries we serve - enabling breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, data science, and simulation.”

The development will focus on supporting next-generation computational needs, including machine learning, advanced simulations, and large-scale data analytics. The first three phases will repurpose 350,000 square feet of existing warehouse space, followed by the redevelopment of a 500,000-square-foot vitreous plant in later phases. The facility will feature its own self-generating power infrastructure, allowing it to operate independently from the local power grid. Environmental remediation work has already begun at the site to restore the land and enhance sustainability.

Of more than 100 U.S. locations evaluated, Spartanburg was selected for its strategic advantages, business-friendly climate, and strong local workforce.

Construction of the facility is expected to create between 400 and 600 project-based jobs, with the operational phase supporting at least 27 full-time employees. NorthMark also plans to engage local vendors and suppliers for ongoing operations and maintenance.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster applauded the investment, stating “North-Mark Strategies’ $2.8 billion project is a milestone for Spartanburg County and a testament to South Carolina’s reputation as a leader in innovation and technology. We welcome NorthMark to our state and look forward to the long-term economic and technological benefits this project will bring.”

Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt added, “We are excited to welcome NorthMark to Spartanburg. This investment is not only dynamic and forward-looking - it comes at zero cost to taxpayers and places minimal strain on our existing infrastructure. It’s a win for the entire community.”

NorthMark also intends to invest in educational and workforce initiatives in the region, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, community-driven growth. 

Re:Degree initiative marks a year of impact across Spartanburg County

Adapted from information provided by OneSpartanburg, Inc.

OneSpartanburg, Inc. recently celebrated the anniversary of Re:Degree by announcing the initiative’s impact over its first year.

Re:Degree, launched in April 2024, is an initiative designed to break down barriers to degree-completion for more than 50,000 Spartanburg County residents with some college experience but no degree. 

In its first year, Re:Degree has led to 695 individuals beginning the process to reenroll, 118 individuals reenrolling in college, 9 individuals graduating with a degree, and 2 individuals earning certifications to advance in their career field.

Re:Degree is an initiative of OneSpartanburg, Inc., powered by Move-ment 2030, a sweeping plan led by the Spartanburg Academic Movement to dramatically advance economic stability and educational attainment across the county. 

“The completion of my degree has allowed for a heavy cloud to be lifted and a beautiful rainbow full of possibilities and opportunities to appear,” said Kimberly Anderson, the first student to earn a degree thanks to the Re:Degree initiative. “Without Re:Degree, I’m not sure I’d ever have the financial means, as a single mom, to pay for and complete my BA in Studio Art.”

Anderson works in the special education department at Jesse Boyd Elementary School. She earned her degree from Converse in 2024 and planned to pursue her master’s degree to become a fully-accredited art teacher.

Data used to build the OneSpartanburg Vision Plan 2.0 directly inspired Re:Degree’s creation. A team of College Navigators, along with staff at local colleges, work with individuals to overcome barriers preventing them from earning a degree.

“If you live in Spartanburg County, there’s no better time than now to finish your educational journey. Thanks to the Spartanburg Academic Movement and Movement 2030, students have access to resources and support like never before. Don’t wait another day; engage with Re:Degree now,” said OneSpartanburg, Inc. President and CEO Allen Smith.

Anyone interested in connecting can visit www. ReDegreeSpartanburg.com and fill out an inquiry form, which will provide a snapshot of the individual so a customized plan can be crafted.

An official 1-year Re:Degree celebration event was held on April 26 at the OneSpartanburg, Inc. office. 

Renee Klein

PwC names Renee Klein as Office Managing Partner in Spartanburg 

PwC recently announced that Renee Klein has been appointed Office Managing Partner for the firm’s Spartanburg office. She succeeds Margaret Young, who is retiring after a distinguished career with the firm.

With over 20 years of experience, Renee is a Tax Partner in PwC’s Private practice and leads the Personal Financial Services practice in the Carolinas market. Her work focuses on income and estate tax planning for high-net-worth individuals and families with complex tax situations as well as advising closely held businesses and family offices.

“I’m honored to step into this role and continue the legacy of leadership Margaret has built,” said Klein. “Spartanburg is a special place and I’m excited to deepen our connections in the community and support our clients and teams as we grow together.”

Renee is originally from Augusta, Georgia. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and her Master of Accounting from Clemson University. She currently resides in Spartanburg with her husband Brandon, their six-year-old son Connor and their two Labrador retrievers Maverick and Goose.

Outside of work, Renee enjoys running, reading, entertaining and spending time with her family.

PwC's purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We’re a network of firms in 155 countries with over 284,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory, and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

PwC recently achieved its highest ranking yet—#20—on Fortune’s 2025 100 Best Companies to Work For® list, their highest placement since joining the list in 2005 and a two-spot climb from 2024. This recognition underscores the firm’s commitment to fostering a workplace where all 75,000 of theirpeople can thrive, innovate and grow. 

Recent renderings of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena entrance. Photo courtesy of Greenville Arena District Board, LS3P, LMN, and Gensler.  

A bold new vision for Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Since opening its doors in 1998, Greenville’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena has hosted more than 3,000 events and welcomed over 12 million guests—cementing its status as a central hub for entertainment in the Upstate.

Though the arena has seen minor updates over the years, its overall appearance has remained largely unchanged. Now, that could be about to change in a major way.

On Thursday, April 17, the Greenville Arena District (GAD) unveiled a bold new master plan that would not only transform the arena’s appearance but also expand its offerings with the addition of a 6,500-seat downtown amphitheater.

Developed in collaboration with renowned architecture firms LS3P, LMN, and Gensler, the project is estimated to cost between $150 million and $170 million.

Highlights of the Proposed Transformation:

A Striking New Entrance: The arena’s primary entrance would shift to the west side along Church Street - currently home to the VIP entrance - replacing the existing entryway at North Academy and East North Streets.

Expanded Concourse: Plans include a larger concourse area, upgraded restrooms, more concession options, new entrances, and enhanced premium seating.

Downtown Amphitheater: A key feature of the proposal is the 6,500-seat outdoor amphitheater, which will include green spaces and integrated restaurant and retail components. This new venue could add approximately 30 events per year to Greenville’s entertainment calendar and is projected to generate an estimated $63 million annually in economic impact.

“Our charge to the design team was clear: provide us with a roadmap to ensure the arena remains successful and relevant for years to come,” said Beth Paul, General Manager of Bon Secours Wellness Arena. “We’re committed to staying open throughout construction, with no major disruptions to scheduled events.”

Importantly, the renovations will not alter the arena’s current seating capacity of 15,500.

During the design phase, arena officials also met with descendants and community members from Little Texas - the historically Black neighborhood formerly located where the arena now stands - to gather insights and honor its legacy.

“This is our chance to build on the foundations laid by the families of Little Texas, the visionaries behind Memorial Auditorium, and the leaders who opened this arena 25 years ago,” said Neetu Patel, Chair of the Greenville Arena District Board. “This plan isn’t just about a building - it’s about preserving and enhancing a vital community asset for generations to come.”

The next phase will involve refining design details, updating cost estimates, exploring funding strategies, and continuing stakeholder engagement. GAD aims to finalize the plan by year’s end, with construction on key improvements expected to begin in 2026 or early 2027.

TD Charitable Foundation awards $7.2 million to 36 nonprofits

Cherry Hill, N.J. — The TD Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of TD Bank, has announced $7.2 million in grants to 36 nonprofit organizations committed to helping low- to moderate-income (LMI) homeowners maintain long-term housing stability.

The grants, part of the Foundation’s 19th annual Housing for Everyone program, will provide $200,000 to each selected nonprofit across TD’s footprint from Maine to Florida and in Michigan.

These funds will support a range of innovative programs aimed at helping households in LMI communities overcome growing challenges such as rising property taxes, increasing home repair costs, and the risk of foreclosure. Grant recipients are focused on solutions including post-purchase counseling, foreclosure prevention services, emergency financial assistance, essential home repairs, energy-efficiency upgrades, legal aid, and property tax relief.

“Amid rising housing costs, these organizations are vital in helping homeowners across our communities stay in their homes - whether by affording critical repairs, avoiding foreclosure, or navigating legal complexities,” said Paige Carlson-Heim, Director of the TD Charitable Foundation. “By supporting their work, we’re investing in long-term stability for families and communities.”In Greenville, South Carolina, the Greenville Housing Fund received $200,000 to support its Homeownership Preservation Program (HOPP). The initiative helps longtime residents in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods remain in their homes by providing critical repairs and wraparound services. The expanded HOPP 2.0 program will address additional financial, legal, and community challenges, particularly for elderly, very low-income women homeowners.”