If there's one thing that most families can agree on, it's that losing a loved one is tough. It's a grief-stricken time often filled with sleepless nights and free-flowing tears. Between notifying friends, planning funeral services, and working through your own emotions, the thought of Estate Administration is the last thing on your mind. But you know something must be done. You feel obligated to do something about your family member's estate but aren't sure how to proceed or when to do it. You're probably wrestling with hard-to-answer questions like:
That's where Cobb Hammett comes in - to help guide you through the complicated processes of probate court in South Carolina. Because the truth is, probate can be confusing and intimidating if you're ill-equipped to deal with the court's procedures and inner workings. There is legal paperwork to draft and file, petitions to publish, notices to serve, bonds to file, and a long list of rules that you must adhere to during this time. With a probate lawyer in Woodruff, SC, by your side, however, you can rest easy knowing your loved one's assets are protected, and their legacy is legally preserved.
When someone passes away, their assets have to be distributed according to South Carolina state laws and the directions in their Will. Your probate lawyer will be a significant source of help in this regard, as they will guide an executor of a Will or Beneficiaries of an estate through the often-confusing probate process. From identifying notating estate assets to distributing inheritances, your probate attorney is a crucial partner during this difficult time in your life.
At Cobb Hammett, our probate attorneys understand that when a client's loved one dies, they need a caring presence by their side. But they also need a confident source of knowledge that can act on their behalf as they grieve. That's why, given the complex nature of probate law, it's a good idea to have a trusted attorney on call who can settle an estate and handle the nuanced issues that arise in probate court.
Administering a decedent's estate can be a long, arduous process. That's especially true if disputes are involved with Beneficiaries. When you consider the chances of being held liable for decisions you make as a Personal Representative of an Estate, working with a probate lawyer from Cobb Hammett Law Firm just makes good sense.
As seasoned probate lawyers in South Carolina, we understand that Estate Administration often involves sensitive family dynamics as much as it does the legal minutia involved in probate law. After all, a person's estate not only affects their generation but the generations that follow.
But when your loved one passes, their assets must be managed and distributed correctly. When mismanaged, disputes often arise between parties like the Beneficiaries, Trustees, Heirs, or Executors of a Will. Even when everything is managed the right way, arguments and misunderstandings can still occur, and even evolve into bitter legal battles necessitating probate litigation.
It stands to reason, then, that you should hire a probate lawyer in Woodruff, SC to help. But the truth is, many attorneys don't have vast experience with probate and trust work. If they do, they aren't usually seasoned trial attorneys. That's what separates probate attorneys at Cobb Hammett, LLC from others - we have the ability to help plan your Estate and litigate estate disputes if they arise.
We are keenly familiar with local probate judges, courtroom staff members, and the related procedures involved with South Carolina probate law. Our intimate knowledge and experience help us successfully navigate the probate process to complete our client's cases quickly and efficiently.
But that's just one aspect that sets Cobb Hammett apart from other firms. Understanding the importance of personalized attention, we also make an intentional decision to limit our law firm's overall caseload. This allows us to better focus on individual clients, many of whom remain with us for generations. We do not pass off cases to paralegals or junior associates but rather prioritize the attorney-client relationship. We value compassion and integrity, and our practice reflects those values.
Moreover, trust is one of the most important aspects of the attorney-client relationship. We work to create an open, friendly environment in which you can feel comfortable. After years of experience, we boast the skill and experience necessary to earn that trust - and that's a priceless commodity when it comes to probate cases in South Carolina.
Our attorneys love probate and estate-related legal services, including but not limited to the following:
When our probate lawyers assist with Estate Administration, our team prioritizes efficacy and efficiency to ensure all tasks are accomplished correctly and on time. That way, our clients endure less stress while looking good in front of family members.
When an Estate is disputed and requires litigation, Cobb Hammett probate attorneys fight to win on our client's behalf. From holding unfaithful Executors accountable to contesting Wills, our team searches for the best way to achieve our client's goals.
Things get more complicated in probate cases where Trusts are involved. To ensure that the terms of the Trust are met and handled correctly, our team works closely with clients to advise them on how to proceed.
Every Trust is different. By proxy, every Trust dispute must be handled in a unique manner. After a careful analysis of the Trust and South Carolina law, our team will determine the best strategy to achieve our client's goals.
When a loved one passes away, it's natural to go through a time of emotional adjustment. However, it's crucial for the family of the loved one to face the financial realities of their estate. That reality includes the probate process, which involves distributing assets and settling the estate. A probate attorney in Woodruff, SC is often recommended to assist during this time. This process isn't just recommended - it's often a legal responsibility in South Carolina.
Delivery of Will Upon Death: During probate, the first step involves having a will delivered to an Estate Administrator or to the probate court. The deadline to accomplish this task is 30 days.
A Personal Representative is Assigned: This individual is often named in a Will and should be appointed officially by the court.
A Notice is Sent to Intestate Heirs: If these heirs feel that they should inherit, they have a right to challenge this step.
The Estate is Inventoried and Appraised: This process must occur within 90 days of opening an estate. In some estates with valuables like jewelry, art, and property, professional appraisers may be needed.
Settling Accounts: During this step, the estate must pay any applicable taxes, ongoing expenses, or outstanding debts. Should the estate not have enough money to pay these debts, creditors must be paid according to South Carolina code.
Distributions: If there is money in the estate after debts are paid, those funds are given to heirs of the estate, according to the Will or the State.
Discharge: As soon as any claims are paid, the personal representative of the estate will file documents to close the estate. To make this official, the court will issue a Certificate of Discharge.
Though most estates in South Carolina must go through probate, it is possible to avoid. This happens when a decedent's assets are placed in a Living Trust prior to their death. In this scenario, beneficiaries must be designated in order to inherit the estate. Suppose there are funds that have been promised to beneficiaries via life insurance policies or bank accounts with "payable upon death" designations. In that case, those funds do not have to go through probate.
Assets subject to probate in South Carolina include:
Assets that are not subject to probate in South Carolina include:
Though it's not always possible, some families go out of their way to avoid the probate process in South Carolina. Doing so can help save money in the long run and also expedite the distribution of funds to heirs. By avoiding probate, you're also keeping personal matters private.
Because every person has different estate and probate complexities, it's hard to say whether avoiding probate is good or bad. Whether or not you should avoid probate depends on your unique situation. As a general rule, it's always best to consult with a probate lawyer in Woodruff, SC, for honest feedback and probate assistance.
Typically, having a Living Trust or a Will in place will make transferring assets easier. A little prep ahead of time will make a world of difference when your loved one passes away. After all, nobody is ever prepared for a relative or family friend's death, but a compassionate, trustworthy probate attorney can make the process easier.
For many families, "Probate" is a dirty term that involves heartbreak and headaches. And while the probate process in South Carolina can be complex and stressful, having answers to some of the most common probate questions can help put your mind at ease.
My family member recently passed away, and we're considering their estate. How long will the probate process take?
The time it takes an estate to go through probate in South Carolina varies depending on a number of questions, including:
When conditions are good, a small or simple estate usually takes about a year to close. More complicated estates may take longer.
My loved one mentioned opening a Trust to protect my assets. What is a Trust, and what Trusts should I consider?
As is the case with most probate decisions, opening a Trust should be based on your unique situation and guidance from your probate attorney in Woodruff, SC. With that said, a Trust is meant to hold property for your loved one's benefit. When a Trust is created, assets are transferred into the said Trust and managed accordingly. Though there is a common misconception that Trusts are reserved for the wealthy, just about any family can benefit from opening a Trust.
The most common types of Trusts used in probate include:
When conditions are good, a small or simple estate usually takes about a year to close. More complicated estates may take longer.
What happens when somebody dies without a will in South Carolina?
When a person passes away without a Will in South Carolina, the state decides who gets their decedent's assets. This is also called passing intestate. When this happens, usually only spouses, blood relatives, or registered domestic partners can inherit property according to intestate succession laws.
Relatives who receive the probate property of the deceased are usually chosen in the following order:
If you're in need of a veteran probate lawyer in South Carolina, look no further than Cobb Hammett Law Firm. With years of experience in Estate Administration and probate cases, our team is ready to serve you with excellence and protect your interests. Have additional questions? We're here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about Estate Administration in South Carolina.
Law is complicate matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!
Planning your estate is the first step to take if you want to protect your family, your assets, your well-being, and the fruits of your hard work.
At Cobb Hammett, LLC, our team of experienced probate lawyers in Woodruff, SC, can help you navigate the entire Estate Administration process. Through creative legal strategies and a clear understanding of your goals and desires, we work together to make your asset and estate visions a reality. It's never too early to get your estate in order. In fact, estate planning is important for everyone, whether you're single or married, young or old, with or without children. If you're ready to protect your assets and be prepared for probate, contact Cobb Hammett, LLC, today.
Woodruff, S.C. The BMW Group took a major step on Tuesday towards building electric vehicles in the United States as it broke ground for a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff, South Carolina. Named “Plant Woodruff,” the BMW facility will produce sixth-generation batteries to supply fully electric vehicles at nearby BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. More than 300 jobs will be created onsite at Plant Woodruff with the opportunity to grow.“We're making the BMW Group electric. Our new battery assem...
Woodruff, S.C. The BMW Group took a major step on Tuesday towards building electric vehicles in the United States as it broke ground for a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff, South Carolina. Named “Plant Woodruff,” the BMW facility will produce sixth-generation batteries to supply fully electric vehicles at nearby BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. More than 300 jobs will be created onsite at Plant Woodruff with the opportunity to grow.
“We're making the BMW Group electric. Our new battery assembly plant in Woodruff will soon play an important role in our electric future here in the USA,” said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources and Real Estate. “Through the Woodruff plant, we expand our footprint in the state of South Carolina. At the same time, we are taking our associates with us in this transformation. Our new Technical Training Center at the Spartanburg plant will prepare our 11,000 associates for the future. In this way, we are taking responsibility as a reliable employer and offer future-proof jobs at the same time.”
“Today’s groundbreaking is the start of a new era at Plant Spartanburg as we prepare to produce fully electric BMW X models for the world,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “The road to the future begins here in Woodruff as we build on our legacy of producing high-quality vehicles right here in the U.S. Plant Woodruff will be state-of-the-art in terms of sustainability, flexibility, and digitalization.”
Last October, BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse announced a new $1.7 billion investment in its U.S. operations, including $1 billion to prepare Plant Spartanburg for the production of fully electric vehicles and $700 million to build a new high-voltage battery assembly plant. The Woodruff facility, located on 315 acres near the city, will be more than one million square feet in size that includes construction of a technology building and support buildings such as a cafeteria, fire department, and energy center.
“I am proud to celebrate BMW’s groundbreaking for Plant Woodruff. This new high-voltage battery assembly factory once again proves that South Carolina is a leader in the EV industry and furthers our reputation as an automotive powerhouse,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with BMW as they continue to help move South Carolina forward.”
“BMW continuously recognizes the many possibilities of doing business in South Carolina,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “The company’s innovation, fueled by the highly skilled workforce that our state provides, means Plant Woodruff will help drive future growth that will impact the entire state. Congratulations, BMW!”
BMW Group’s “Local for Local” Principle
As part of the BMW Group’s “local for local” approach, the company will purchase battery cells for its electric vehicles from partner AESC, which is building a new 30 GWh battery cell factory in Florence, South Carolina, with BMW as its first customer. AESC broke ground for its new plant on June 7. They will produce newly developed round lithium-ion battery cells, specifically designed for the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. The new battery format will increase energy density by more than 20 percent and improve charging speed and range by up to 30 percent. At the same time, CO2 emissions from cell production will be reduced by up to 60 percent through the partial use of secondary lithium, cobalt, and nickel material, as well as renewable energy for production.
Battery cells produced at the AESC facility in Florence will be shipped to Plant Woodruff, where the cells will be used to manufacture batteries for fully electric BMW X models at Plant Spartanburg. By 2030, Plant Spartanburg will build at least six fully electric BMWs.
Upskilling the BMW Workforce.
The new BMW Technical Training Center (TTC), which opened in October, will play a critical role in preparing associates to build fully electric vehicles. Plant Spartanburg already produces three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles – the BMW X3 xDrive30e, BMW X5 xDrive50e, and the BMW XM – and several hundred associates already have EV training. The TTC will be at the center of all EV training for North and South America to ensure associates master the skills to set new industry standards.
“Our job is to put together a toolbox for our associates that will be the foundation for a full and satisfying career at BMW,” said Sherry McCraw, vice president of Human Resources. “We must capitalize on our team’s existing skill sets, support them with the appropriate training, and ensure they are well equipped for the EV journey ahead.”
Using Sustainable Methods at Plant Woodruff
The BMW Group’s philosophy of promoting sustainability in all its facilities will be promoted at the Woodruff plant as well. This was important in the building’s design and use of equipment. Some of the innovations include:
Since 1992, the BMW Group has invested nearly $12.4 billion in its South Carolina operations. BMW Manufacturing is the largest BMW Group plant in the world, producing more than 1,500 vehicles each day. The plant is an important part of BMW’s global production network and plays a critical role in meeting the high demand for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes in the U.S. and around the world. Nearly 60 percent of its vehicles are shipped to about 120 global markets, making BMW the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States for nine consecutive years. In 2022, approximately 60 percent of BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. came from Plant Spartanburg. The model portfolio includes six top-selling BMW X models, five Motorsport X models, and three plug-in hybrid electric vehicle X models. The factory has an annual production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles and employs more than 11,000 people.
Question 1: Can you provide an update on the status of the SC 146 (Woodruff Road) Safety Improvements Project in Greenville County? Is construction still on schedule to begin later this year?Question 2: Could you please provide an update on the road widening project on Woodruff Road in Five Forks? It seems like weeks or months have passed with very little visible progress, and the project is long past due for completion. The traffic delays are torture to those of us who liv...
Question 1: Can you provide an update on the status of the SC 146 (Woodruff Road) Safety Improvements Project in Greenville County? Is construction still on schedule to begin later this year?
Question 2: Could you please provide an update on the road widening project on Woodruff Road in Five Forks? It seems like weeks or months have passed with very little visible progress, and the project is long past due for completion. The traffic delays are torture to those of us who live or commute through here.
Answers: In response to the first question regarding the Woodruff Road Safety Improvement Project, contractors will start bidding on that work on October 1.
If the bid is awarded in October, a preconstruction conference and Notice to Proceed may be issued in November, state Department of Transportation spokesman Pete Poore said in an email. The contractor’s schedule, and local weather, will determine when construction will begin, he said.
“We’ll have a better idea of the construction start date after the contract award and preconstruction conference," Poore said.
For those unfamiliar with the planned Safety Improvement Project, the focus will be on Woodruff Road from Roper Mountain Road to Bagwell Road.
The improvements planned include the installation of concrete medians in areas with high frequency of angle crashes, ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, crosswalks, and countdown pedestrian signals at signalized intersections as well as upgraded signal equipment and intersection operations to improve safety.
Regarding the second question, about the widening of Woodruff Road between Scuffletown Road and Bennetts Bridge Road, or State 296, that work is slated for completion next month.
Poore told The Greenville News in December 2020 that the project should be completed in November 2021. In October 2021, he said the project had experienced "an extraordinary number of underground utility conflicts. "
But, weather permitting, it is now scheduled to be completed this October. Poore said concrete work has been ongoing for several weeks, with the contractor on site performing work daily. Paving of the final asphalt surface was set to begin last week.
Do you have a question you want answered? Send it to me at davisal@gannett.com or via mail to Angelia Davis, 32 E. Broad St., Greenville SC, 29601.
BMW Group broke ground Tuesday, June 27, on a new $700 million, high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff.The plant will produce battery assemblies for BMW's fully electric vehicles made at Plant Spartanburg.The new 1 million-square-foot facility, located on a 315-acre former peach farm along S.C. Highway 101, is expected to be operational by 2026. The facility will include a cafeteria, fire department and energy center.More than 300 jobs are expected to be created at Plant Woodruff, according to BMW...
BMW Group broke ground Tuesday, June 27, on a new $700 million, high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff.
The plant will produce battery assemblies for BMW's fully electric vehicles made at Plant Spartanburg.
The new 1 million-square-foot facility, located on a 315-acre former peach farm along S.C. Highway 101, is expected to be operational by 2026. The facility will include a cafeteria, fire department and energy center.
More than 300 jobs are expected to be created at Plant Woodruff, according to BMW.
BMW executives and South Carolina dignitaries spoke at the groundbreaking including Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing; Gov. Henry McMaster; Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey and Ilka Horstmeier of BMW AG's Board of Management. Other speakers included U.S. Rep. William Timmons, R-4th District; Spartanburg County Councilman Manning Lynch; and Woodruff Mayor Kenneth Gist.
"We are breaking ground for our future," Engelhorn said. "Our work at BMW drives our legacy and builds our future. This is what will drive Plant Woodruff."
Lynch said, "BMW's ongoing commitment is evident, and has made a tremendously positive impact on Spartanburg County."
Gist said, "Today we break ground on a facility that will be transformative to our city. We are a very passionate community with a rich past. But make no mistake, we are ready for the future."
Last October, Germany-based BMW Group announced a $1.7 billion capital investment to begin building all-electric vehicles for the U.S. and world markets at its North America manufacturing plant near Greer in Spartanburg County.
The investment includes $1 billion to prepare the Spartanburg plant for production and $700 million to build a high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff.
At the October announcement, BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse said BMW plans to continue to manufacture plug-in hybrids and "highly efficient" combustion engine vehicles as well.
Zipse said BMW also entered a multi-year partnership with Japan-based Envision AESC to build a new 1.5 million-square-foot battery cell plant in Florence County. Groundbreaking for the Florence County plant was held on June 7. Production is expected to start in 2026 and add 1,170 new jobs.
Also last October, the new $20 million BMW Technical Training Center opened, where BMW employees are being trained to build fully electric vehicles.
On Tuesday, Engelhorn said battery cells produced at the AESC facility in Florence will be shipped to Plant Woodruff, where the cells will be used in battery assemblies for the fully electric BMW X models at Plant Spartanburg.
The battery cells to be produced by Envision AESC at its Florence plant will be designed to increase energy density by more than 20% and improve charging speed and range by up to 30%, according to BMW. At the same time, carbon dioxide emissions from cell production will be reduced by up to 60% through the partial use of secondary lithium, cobalt and nickel.
Plant Woodruff will be operated without fossil fuels and will use 100% green electricity with the installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic system, according to Engelhorn. Carbon dioxide emissions per vehicle across the life cycle will fall by 40% by 2030, according to BMW.
The Woodruff plant will also use LED lighting and sensors with dimming to reduce energy consumption, as well as harvest and use rainwater to reduce water consumption.
Plant Spartanburg already produces three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles – the BMW X3 xDrive30e; BMW X5 xDrive50e; and the BMW XM.
Last year, about 60% of BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. came from Plant Spartanburg. The factory employs more than 11,000 people and has a production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles a year.
BMW Manufacturing is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany, and is the global producer of the BMW X3, X3 M, X5, X5 M and X7 sports activity vehicles; the BMW X4, X4 M, X6 and X6 M sports activity coupes, and the all-new XM.
This story has been updated to clarify that the road fee revenue bond would be issued to replenish the county's genral fund balance after financing its portion of the Woodruff Road bypass project last year.Greenville County Council's finance committee advanced a proposal to use road fee revenue bonds to replenish the county's general fund balance at its meeting on Monday, March 27, after using general fund money last fall to finance its portion of the $121 million ...
This story has been updated to clarify that the road fee revenue bond would be issued to replenish the county's genral fund balance after financing its portion of the Woodruff Road bypass project last year.
Greenville County Council's finance committee advanced a proposal to use road fee revenue bonds to replenish the county's general fund balance at its meeting on Monday, March 27, after using general fund money last fall to finance its portion of the $121 million Woodruff Road Congestion Relief Project.
If passed by County Council, Greenville County would then issue up to $31 million in bonds, which will be paid back from revenue generated by the county's road fees, according to county documents.
The county already distributed its funds for the project to the South Carolina State Infrastructure Bank last year, Finance Committee Chair Butch Kirven told The Greenville News on Friday, March 24. The revenue bonds currently under consideration, he said, would be used help the county pay itself back.
County Administrator Joe Kernell further explained at Monday's committee meeting that the county financed its portion of the project using cash from its general fund, and the bonds would be used help the county replenish that general fund balance "to the tune of about 2.2 million per year over the next 20 years."
The project was passed by County Council in December 2021, and has been a topic of discussion since 2011. The bypass has been GPATS top priority since 2013, Kirven previously told The Greenville News in 2021.
Before its passage, there were fears from some council members in Nov. 2021 that the project could potentially be denied by the county's finance committee, which had built a reputation at the time as the "kill committee," for voting down — or killing — multiple projects.
The new bypass will add a new roadway with four travel lanes roughly parallel to Woodruff Road to relieve traffic congestion near Verdae Boulevard, I-85 and I-385.
Construction is tentatively set to begin in 2026, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
The bypass will be jointly funded by the county, the Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation Study and the South Carolina State Infrastructure Bank. The News previously reported the cost breakdown between the three entities:
The proposed bond, if passed by County Council, would be required to be fully paid back by Dec. 31, 2048, if not sooner, with a net interest rate not to exceed 7%, according to county documents.
Raymond James & Associates is the bond's underwriter, meaning the company will sell the bond to investors.
Greenville County currently holds a AAA bond rating, the highest possible rating that may be assigned to an issuer's bonds by major credit-rating agencies. This rating, Kernell said Monday, will help the county when issuing the bonds.
The bond issuance would require three passing votes by County Council before going into effect.
City reporter Macon Atkinson contributed to this report.
− Tim Carlin covers county government, growth and development for The Greenville News. Follow him on Twitter@timcarlin_, and get in touch with him atTCarlin@gannett.com.
WOODRUFF — When it incorporated in 1874, the city of Woodruff’s population was under 200 and its economy relied on farming.At 150, it’s changed. It became a center of trade after the railroad was built, then saw industry grow. The latest major news is BMW Group building a $700 million high-voltage battery assembly plant off S.C. Highway 101, which will create 300 jobs.And Woodruff now has about 5,000 residents, with 4,000 houses scheduled to be built as it prepares to have 18,000 people by 2029.To celeb...
WOODRUFF — When it incorporated in 1874, the city of Woodruff’s population was under 200 and its economy relied on farming.
At 150, it’s changed. It became a center of trade after the railroad was built, then saw industry grow. The latest major news is BMW Group building a $700 million high-voltage battery assembly plant off S.C. Highway 101, which will create 300 jobs.
And Woodruff now has about 5,000 residents, with 4,000 houses scheduled to be built as it prepares to have 18,000 people by 2029.
To celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary, a time capsule will be buried at McKinney Park on East Pine Street near downtown during a ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. on June 28. The night will include live music and fireworks.
Woodruff City Administrator Lee Bailey said the time capsule will be opened in 2074. A monument at the site will mark the time capsule’s location.
“We tried to come up with something as part of the 150th anniversary celebration and thought it would be really cool to do a time capsule,” Bailey said. “The time capsule will be inside a round fiberglass enclosure. It’s going to contain this year’s fiscal budget, our current land use zoning ordinance, maps of the current city limits, photos of downtown from the 1920s, old newspaper articles and memorabilia from BMW.”
The time capsule will also include aerial photos of the city’s downtown from 2024 and information about the new Woodruff High School currently under construction.
Two Woodruff natives — Toni Sloan and Kenneth Gist — have spent most of their lives in the city.
Sloan has served as a member of Woodruff City Council for the past 18 years. Gist was first elected to council in 2002 and was later elected the city’s mayor in 2012 where he continues to serve. They are excited to soon celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary.
Gist can remember a time when the city’s economy was bleak — like when two textile plants closed in the 1990s — and there were few opportunities for advancement. Circumstances have changed. With the new BMW plant coming, Gist said it’ll help restart the area’s economy, which has drawn more interest from national retailers and developers.
,