photo courtesy of Sumter Development Board
Shaw Air Force Base is Sumter’s top employer with almost 10,000 employees.
Military Operations
Downtown Revitalization
Base Boosts economy
new Downtown scene draws residents
Being home to Shaw Air Force Base means great things for Sumter’s economy. Driving the local economy, the base is made up of 9,448 military and civilian employees and approximately 11,000 family members. In addition, it includes the Air Force’s largest combat F-16 wing – the 20th Fighter Wing – whose mission is to provide, protect and sustain combat-ready air forces. But Shaw Air Force Base is just the beginning. Sumter’s diverse employment base also includes manufacturing jobs, positions in the medical field, educators, service providers and more. Sumter is also home to the Third Army, which comprises approximately 1,200 soldiers and 200 civilians. The Third Army arrived in Sumter in 2011 and has its headquarters on Shaw Air Force Base. Experts predict the Third Army will have a large economic impact on the community and will generate more than $120 million each year.
Downtown Sumter is becoming the place to see and be seen in Sumter, thanks to the city’s vision for a revitalized downtown core. Several downtown beautification projects are underway including streetscape, building renovations, and the development of several plazas that will feature picturesque fountains and new construction. Downtown living is also becoming popular in Sumter. The upper level of the historic Piedmont building on Caldwell Street is being converted into trendy apartments, and people are already heading downtown for shopping, dining and community events such as the Downtown Sumter Farmers Market and Sumter’s WineFest Sip ’n’ Stroll. Learn more about the business climate in Sumter at livability.com/sumter/sc.
Business Spotlight Wally’s Hardware Wally’s Hardware is home to a broad selection of tools, camping supplies and items for the home. The store is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (803) 469-8531
Serendipity Catering & Cafe Serving Southern cuisine, Serendipity Catering & Cafe offers a daily menu and provides food for special events, as well as a balcony and loft that can be reserved for parties and banquets. www.serendipitycaterers.com
Cafe on Main Downtown Sumter’s Cafe on Main offers breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, as well as a coffee bar. The eatery is also open for dinner on Friday nights and features live jazz music. (803) 774-8287
Ems-Chemie North America Ems-Chemie North America’s production plant and technical service center in Sumter creates hotmelt adhesives, fusible and separating yarns, adhesion promoters, epoxy systems, and other products. www.emsgrivory.com
Piggly Wiggly With four locations in Sumter, Piggly Wiggly grocery stores provide fresh fruits and vegetables, high-quality meats, a variety of baked goods, a floral department, and more. www.thepig.net l i va b i l i t y. c o m / s u m t e r / s c
41