Spartanburg's Carter Smith gets Order of the Palmetto.

Carter Smith, executive vice president of the Spartanburg Economic Futures Group, has received the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian award in South Carolina. S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster presented the award to Carter during the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce's centennial event Tuesday.

"As an outstanding leader in the area of economic development, you have demonstrated an uncommon commitment to the highest standards in all you do. Your extraordinary efforts and success in recruiting billions of dollars in global business investment to the state has resulted in the creation of countless jobs, brighter futures and promising opportunities for individuals and families throughout our state," McMaster said in a news release. "You have made a positive impact, and one that will last for generations to come."

Carter announced his retirement earlier this year, effective June 20. He spent 27 years positioning Spartanburg County as a statewide economic development leader, the release said. He was involved in many of the public-private partnerships that led to economic development in Spartanburg County. He played "an integral role" in attracting major firms including BMW, Toray, Amazon, Adidas, Michelin and Keurig Dr. Pepper. During his tenure in Spartanburg, Carter recruited $16 billion in investment and 50,000 jobs.

"Carter's record of success is unparalleled. Carter is of the utmost integrity, and his positive spirit is...

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