Greenville Magazine - July 2008 - (Page 48)

potential pitfalls of what he describes as “not very elastic” revenues, is to be conservative in his projections, “so we don’t rely on them,” he says, as well as to continue to foster a variety of developments to enhance both quality of life as well as the economy. To date, he’s got a hefty list of major developments that have brought Greenville to the enviable, solid economic position it is enjoying today. “A lot has happened,” he says, laughing at the understatement. There’s the completion of construction in Falls Park and CU-ICAR’s roadway infrastructure, annexing land for the headquarters of Hubbell Lighting and South Financial Group, successful mixeduse at River Place (“a big deal,” he admits), the Reedy River Trail, the Verdae Master Plan and the completion of Fluor Field (Sox memorabilia is everywhere in his office – he even engaged in negotiations to get their Single A affiliates, the Drive), and that is just a partial list. Remember the ailing bus system and the heated debate that sprung up around it? In another fiscally prudent move, Bourey recommended that ownership of the system remain with the independent Greenville Transit Authority board, while the city took over as a contract operator, which he says could save the system roughly $300,000 a year, partly by absorbing administrative functions into existing city departments. Greenlink now sports a new paint job and is powered by biodiesel. Plans to provide new bus shelters, better signage and route extensions are in the works. “I am just the staff leader of this effort,” he is quick to note. “We’ve got a lot of talented people.” Even with a terrific team, the leader is usually the one who deals with problems as they arise. When asked if he’s as even-tempered as he appears, Bourey chuckles and reveals that the combination of experience and a daily twohour run keeps him calm. “It is about 16-20 miles. The first 30 minutes is for the body, the rest is for the mind,” he explains laughing even more. But Bourey’s not resting on his laurels. Instead he points out work to be done on the “woefully inadequate” metal bridge in Cleveland Park, the Wade Hampton, Pleasantburg and Laurens corridors, improving water drainage and sewers all around the city, as well as the larger issue of sustainability. “As a region we have a tremendous challenge. We can’t continue to grow sprawl,” he cautions. He also believes that the city needs to fully embrace diversity to be able to grow socially and economically into the “world-class” destination it has the potential to become. The city has already set a goal of contracting with a minimum of 10 percent minority-owned businesses, and he thinks that figure could increase. With all that has happened and all that is planned, it’s no wonder Bourey is delighted. He smiles again. “It is never dull.” n Hearing is Believing “Being listened to and heard is one of the greatest desires of the human heart.” - Richard Carlson Dial-a-Hearing Screening at 288-8191. Entrust your hearing care to Listening is the greatest gift you have to offer to your business associates, your clients, and especially to your family and friends. Hearing loss can make it virtually impossible to communicate effectively in today’s fast paced world. We can help. St. Francis Women’s Hospital - Eastside 131 Commonwealth Dr. 864-281-9994 Marcy W. Stowell M.A., F.A.A.A. Alisa S. McMahon M.S., F.A.A.A. Carolina ENT, PA - Simpsonville 879 N.E. Main St. 864-228-6142 48 GreenviLLe MaGazine | JULY 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Greenville Magazine - July 2008

Greenville Magazine - July 2008 Contents Editor's Letter My Greenville Alone At Last Watercooler Romance Greenwood Tourist in Your Own Town One-Tank Trips In The Lead Keeping Students In-State After Hours From the Pros A Look Back Walk this Way If These Walls Could Talk Viewpoints Attorneys The Bulletin Around Town Parting Words

Greenville Magazine - July 2008

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