(Chesnee, SC) On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 9 a.m., Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) will open the doors to its brand new Chesnee retail store and Job Connection. The new location (2316 Chesnee Hwy, Spartanburg) represents the first for Goodwill in the Chesnee area, and the fifth in Spartanburg County. The store and Job Connection will stand as one of Goodwill’s flagship locations, providing donation, retail, and employment assistance services all in one location.
 
The new 18,000 sq. ft. building features fresh décor that has been rolling out across Goodwill stores in the Upstate and Midlands. The new design and aesthetic will continue to highlight and celebrate the mission of Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina: providing access, information, and resources to help people improve their lives through the power of work.
 
“We are excited to enter a new market with our Chesnee location. Over the past 50 years, Goodwill has been a part of the Upstate and Midlands communities, working to ensure everyone has access to employment services that can move them ahead in life. Whether it is through a donation or a purchase at one of our stores, every Goodwill customer provides the opportunity for someone to enhance their life. We are proud to be a member of the Chesnee community and look forward to providing our services to those who need them most,” said GIUMSC CEO Patrick Michaels.

The on-site Job Connection will provide services to job seekers, including resume preparation, job skills training, job leads, and placement assistance.  Last year in Spartanburg County alone, Goodwill helped over 600 people find full-time work with an average hourly wage of $14.76 an hour. In doing so, these new members of the workforce helped inject an economic impact over $10 million in the county.
 
In addition, Goodwill's certification programs help people prepare for careers in healthcare, transportation, logistics, and customer service/retail/food service. Program participants in these free programs improve on skills needed to search for, gain, and retain employment.