U.S. Chamber Spotlights Spartanburg as National Model for Infrastructure-Driven Growth

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce published a major feature today singling out Spartanburg County as a national example of how modern infrastructure investment drives economic growth. The article highlights the county’s $3.5 billion in new capital investment in 2025 alone and credits the Inland Port Greer, expanded rail capacity, and the I-85/I-26 corridor as the backbone of the region’s transformation.

Three Spartanburg-connected leaders spoke at the Chamber’s Keep America Moving Summit. Kyle Sox, Vice President of Industrial Development for OneSpartanburg, called the inland port “an absolute game changer for a consumer brand.” David Chapman, Vice President of Public Affairs for Michelin North America — which operates 15 factories and employs 10,000 workers across South Carolina — emphasized that the infrastructure “tightens the supply chain, lowers the cost of the product, and does wonders for the CO2 emissions.” Angela Ambrose, Vice President of Government Operations for Oshkosh Corporation, said Spartanburg’s talent pool was “vitally important” in the company’s decision to build its Next Generation Delivery Vehicle plant for the U.S. Postal Service in the region.

The article describes Spartanburg as “building a blueprint for how smart infrastructure investment can transform an entire region.” For local employers from BMW to Michelin to Oshkosh Defense, the combination of the Inland Port, interstate access, and proximity to the Port of Charleston continues to make Spartanburg County one of the most competitive manufacturing and logistics locations in the Southeast.

What’s Happening

What did the U.S. Chamber of Commerce say about Spartanburg?
The U.S. Chamber published a feature article on April 17, 2026, highlighting Spartanburg County as a national model for how infrastructure investment drives business growth. The piece was tied to the Chamber’s Keep America Moving Summit.

Who represented Spartanburg at the national summit?
Kyle Sox of OneSpartanburg, David Chapman of Michelin North America, and Angela Ambrose of Oshkosh Corporation all spoke about the Upstate’s advantages — from the Inland Port Greer to the region’s workforce.

How does the Inland Port Greer fit in?
The Inland Port, which opened in 2013 and has expanded twice, connects Spartanburg manufacturers to the Port of Charleston via rail and the I-85/I-26 corridor. Speakers called it a game changer for supply chain efficiency and lower emissions.

What does this mean for Spartanburg businesses and workers?
National recognition from the U.S. Chamber reinforces Spartanburg’s position as a top-tier location for manufacturing, logistics, and advanced industry. The county attracted $3.5 billion in new investment and created over 1,000 new jobs in 2025.