City of Rock Hill, SC

Our apprenticeship partnership with York Technical College is still going strong! This morning, we celebrated 1 new CDL apprentice for Public Works and 20 new EMT apprentices for Rock Hill Fire. 👏 CDL Apprentice 🚛 • Bryan DeSouza EMT/Fire Apprentices 🚒 • Vincenzo Amore • Joseph Bairefoot • Thomas Fallow • Noah Gammons • Gehrig Gilreath • David Hatmaker • Bradley Howey • Dominic Martinez • Lucas Martino • Corey McDowell • Braylon Mcgee • Owen Rossi • Johnathan Smith • Aidan Thomas • Solomon Tiberend • Dennis Tuffy • Cameron Wallace • Skylan Wilson • Ethan Nowlin • Zay’veon Williams-Jones In partnership with York Tech, the City has various CDL apprenticeship opportunities within Public Works, Utilities – Water & Sewer, Fire and Parks, Recreation & Tourism departments. All City Apprenticeships include increased compensation once additional licensure has been obtained. Check out our job opportunities at cityofrockhill.com/jobs and apply today!

Sponsorship Packages are now on sale for the annual MLK Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast being held by the Rock Hill Community Relations Council on Monday, January 19, 2026. This year's Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Maggie Glover, the first African American woman elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1992. General admission tickets will go on sale Tuesday, December 2. Nominations are being accepted for the 2026 Dream Keeper Award and essays are being accepted for the 2026 MLK Youth Essay Competition. Learn more, submit nominations and secure your seat today at: cityofrockhill.com/mlk

Congratulations to Michael (Ben) Grant who was promoted to Fire Chief of the Rock Hill Fire Department. Grant succeeds former Chief Mike Blackmon, who retired from the City in July. Chief Grant is a third-generation firefighter with over 22 years of professional experience, including 17 years with the RHFD. As Fire Chief, he’ll oversee the Rock Hill Fire Department’s 142 employees across three divisions: Fire Suppression, Fire Prevention/Inspections, and Administration. The department operates six fire stations in addition to Headquarters/Rock Hill Fire Museum and the Rock Hill Fire Training Center. The RHFD proudly maintains an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 1 rating, the highest rating given to departments, indicating superior property fire protection and emergency response services. Help us congratulate Ben on his promotion! https://lnkd.in/e8ryiktR

Last week, our PRT department welcomed 130+ Clemson University Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Students to Rock Hill to tour our facilities, speak with professionals and learn more about the PRT industry. ✨ We love partnering with SC universities to inspire the next generation of PRT professionals and showcase all that Rock Hill has to offer!

This morning, Mayor Gettys hosted a Key Influencer Breakfast, bringing together community members, business leaders, and partners to discuss the future of Rock Hill. A major highlight of the conversation: Rock Hill is on the rise! Over the last several years, Rock Hill has seen an increase in per capita income, market value and the direct economic impact from sports tourism, while also seeing a decrease in the unemployment rate and the percentage of people in poverty. Economic development continues to pave the way forward. Beth Land spoke on the vision to recruit innovative life sciences companies to the 200+ acre Palmetto Research Park, a City-owned site with immediate access to I-77. Thank you to our guest speakers, Jimmy Bagley, Deputy City Manager, City of Rock Hill, Tracy Dodson, COO + Head of Economic Development, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, and Beth Land, MBA, CEcD, President + Founder, Land Strategies. Rock Hill Economic Development

The Rock Hill-Fort Mill Area Transportation Study is hosting a pop-up Public Engagement Session at the St. Anne International Festival September 12-13 to discuss the RFATS Safe Streets 4 All Plan. 🛣️ Want to give input but can't make it in person? Fill out the survey at the link below to give your input on how RFATS can create a safer, more accessible and reliable transportation network for all users of the transportation system. The survey will remain open until November 7, 2025. https://lnkd.in/egAUuZzU

Last night, Manchester Meadows was inducted into the York County Soccer Hall of Fame. ⚽️🏆 Since its inception (2006), Manchester Meadows has played a pivotal role in the development of soccer in the region, offering high-quality fields and skill development opportunities that support both recreational players and competitive athletes. Manchester Meadows has earned several awards and hosted prestigious events such as the 2012 US Youth Soccer National Championships and the 2015 US Quidditch World Cup. Thank you to past and current City Council members, City Management and staff for their dedication to providing world class facilities and exceptional customer service. 📸 Mychal Frost

Jim Shore, a York County native and renowned international artist, known for creating high-quality hand-crafted figurines that blends quilt patterns and folk art, has announced plans to bring an immersive museum, gift shop, and art gallery to downtown Rock Hill! Once complete, fans of Jim Shore will be able to stroll through a village of artwork showcasing thousands of figurines and designs that trace his journey, from his earliest works to the creations that have made him a beloved name around the world. To learn more about Jim Shore and see his collection visit jimshore.com.

Strong partnerships make for a great community for all! 🤝

We are thrilled to announce that the City of Rock Hill received two 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council. 🥳 The Thread (The Keith Corporation) and University Center (The Tuttle Company) were recognized in the categories of Real Estate Development & Reuse and Public-Private Partnership respectively. 🏢✨ The Thread was named a Silver Winner in the Real Estate Development & Reuse category. The Bleachery Redevelopment - University Center Final Phases earned the status of Gold Winner in the Public-Private Partnership. “The City of Rock Hill is leading the field of excellence in economic development with these projects. This award shines a spotlight on Rock Hill’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honored to present this award to the City of Rock Hill to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field." City of Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys added, “Regionally, we’re well aware of the significant impact The Thread and University Center developments have on our community—both with their storied pasts and the vibrant energy they’re bringing once again. It’s gratifying that industry leaders at IEDC also recognize these projects as being among the best of the best on a global stage." Read more: https://lnkd.in/eQCbJCPR Rock Hill Economic Development