GADC Welcomes New Chairman: Ray A. Lattimore
Ray Lattimore
By Holly Matheson
At only five years old, native Greenvillian Ray Lattimore had a career goal similar to his self-described goal and title today: eternal entrepreneur.
He knew even as a child he would focus his energies to become a successful businessman.
This considerable drive and ambition was certainly evident in his early years as he earned many achievements. He was first awarded a basketball scholarship to Spartanburg Methodist College. He then earned more degrees—a BA in business administration from Southern Wesleyan and associates degrees in marketing and computer technology from Greenville Technical College.
Lattimore expanded his direction to include volunteering and helping others in their careers even as he began his career at MetLife as a business analyst for the IT department. While he flourished at MetLife for 15 years, he also was an adjunct IT professor at Greenville Tech where he mentored underprivileged college students.
In 1996, Lattimore founded Marketplace Services, a company dedicated to empowering people for their successful entry into the workforce. From holding workshops on interviewing skills and writing resumes to dressing for success and computer software training, Lattimore has built a solid business on the foundation of helping others to help themselves— especially in education and securing employment.
“We are celebrating our 10th anniversary of Marketplace Staffing this year, with six offices located in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Ohio,” said Lattimore. “We are looking forward to growing with Greenville.”
Lattimore’s vision for the community has always concentrated on economic development.
From early in his career he has been active with the Greenville Chamber, serving on many committees and its Board of Directors. Most recently, he was honored to take the reigns of Chairman of Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC) for 2006.
“As a founding member of GADC, I’m excited about the many opportunities ahead, especially the collaboration with the Greenville Chamber and the Upstate Alliance,” he said. “One of our main goals includes an economic study to help attract more development. With the help of many organizations— GreenvilleCounty’s several chambers, the City of Greenville and Greer Development Corporation, GADC will positively impact growth in the county,” he added.
Holly Matheson is president of 10-x Group, a marketing firm for several industries including economic development, financial, construction/engineering and utilities.