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GM releases statement via e-mail to media
By Hale McGranahan
Staff Reporter
Jerry Balding, overseeing the day-to-day operations as general manager at the Greer Commission of Public Works for 20 years hastily announced
his retirement last Thursday afternoon. Within minutes after The Greer Citizen requested to speak with Balding about his retirement he e-mailed media a brief announcement confirming the report that has been circulating unofficially for months.
“While the Greer CPW I joined some 20 years ago has changed and grown in ways I never could have imagined…” Balding said in his statement.
“…What hasn’t changed is the quality and dedication of Greer CPW employees and I am exceptionally proud of our mission and the things they do to enrich the lives of the citizens of Greer and the Greater Greer Area.”
Balding has had a distinguished career that has spanned 45 years. He joined CPW in July 1988.
During his time as CPW general manager, Balding has garnered accolades and awards for controlling costs, which have kept rates lower for customers. What’s made his nearly two decades of experience at CPW an enjoyable one are those he has worked beside.
“I want to thank the Board of Commissioners for their consistent support and guidance during my career,” he said. “Our employees and management team have made CPW one of the top municipal utilities in the state and they are well positioned for the future.
“I will cherish all the people I’ve worked with, the relationships we’ve forged and the successes we’ve achieved.”
Balding will retire in Greer with his wife, Margaret. He has three children and four grandchildren.
“He’s meant a lot to us. He’s been a great general manager,” Jeff Howell, board chairman, said.
“CPW has made a lot of accomplishments under his guidance…he’s given us a lot of vision and been able to keep us ahead of the curve with all the growth this area has seen.”
Howell said the search for Balding’s successor has been underway for several months.
A recruiter, who specializes in the utility industry, is seeking the services for a new general manager.
“As of right now, we don’t have anyone. I think we are getting fairly close on that,” Howell said.
Balding will continue as general manager until the replacement has transitioned into the position.
“He’s been a great general manager,” Howell said. “We’re going to miss him.”
Balding’s career also includes work as director of Utilities for Seneca Light & Water, City Administrator for Seneca and a stint Duke Power Company. Balding has also worked on several area boards as chairman of The Partnership for Tomorrow, chairman of the Piedmont Center for Mental Health Services, Piedmont Municipal Power Agency Board, Greer Chamber of Commerce Board, Greer Community Ministries Board, Greer Development Corporation Board and the Village Hospital Advisory Board.
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