Photos by https://www.greerartsandeats.com/
Century Printing & Packaging believes that a strong community is the foundation of a successful business. The company has built deep roots in Greer, South Carolina, and this year, CP&P is proud to be part of the growing Greer Arts & Eats Festival by sponsoring one of its central attractions—the beer tent. The tent will feature craft beer from Southern Growl, a beloved local brewery that has been a CP&P customer for years.
Celebrating Local Culture
The Greer Arts & Eats Festival has quickly become a signature event for Greer. The festival brings together local artists, food vendors, musicians, and small businesses to celebrate the community’s creative spirit. First held in 2021, the festival has grown significantly, becoming a must-attend event for locals and visitors alike. It offers something for everyone, from art lovers to food enthusiasts and craft beer connoisseurs.
For CP&P, supporting the festival is about more than just sponsorship. It’s about being an active part of a vibrant community. The festival allows local businesses to connect, showcase their work, and interact with the people of Greer. By contributing to the success of Greer Arts & Eats, CP&P reinforces its commitment to the town’s cultural and economic growth.
Community involvement is a critical part of CP&P’s identity, and this sponsorship represents just one way the company gives back to the local area. Although CP&P is primarily a business-to-business (B2B) company, events like Greer Arts & Eats offer an in-person chance to engage directly with residents, fostering a relationship beyond business.
The relationship between CP&P and Southern Growl is a testament to the power of local collaboration. When Southern Growl first opened, CP&P reached out to offer support, and over the years, this relationship has blossomed into a strong partnership. Southern Growl, known for its high-quality craft beer and community involvement, has become a staple in the Greer area. By sponsoring the beer tent at Greer Arts & Eats, featuring Southern Growl’s craft beer, CP&P highlights its commitment to supporting local businesses that embody the entrepreneurial spirit driving Greer’s growth.
Why Local Support Matters to CP&P
CP&P’s deep involvement in the Greer community is reflected in its ongoing partnership with the Greer Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, the company’s leadership has been heavily involved in supporting local businesses, with Ben serving on the Chamber’s board multiple times and as chair in 2021. Neil and other team members have also participated in Leadership Greer, a program run through the chamber that develops local leaders and strengthens ties within the community.
Through their involvement with Leadership Greer, Neil and the team have gained a deeper understanding of the area’s needs and challenges. This has allowed CP&P to better align its efforts with the broader community. Century Printing & Packaging believes that being a small, locally focused business comes with the freedom and flexibility to invest in events that reflect their core values—giving back to the people who have contributed to their success. This approach sets them apart from larger corporations, allowing them to build genuine, lasting connections.
A Look to the Future
Century Printing & Packaging views its involvement in Greer Arts & Eats as more than event sponsorship—it’s part of their larger mission to support the growth of the greater Upstate of South Carolina. By sponsoring the beer tent, CP&P enhances the festival’s appeal and helps draw in more attendees, boosting the local economy. Featuring local favorite Southern Growl at the tent ensures festivalgoers can enjoy some of the best local brews, emphasizing the importance of supporting small, homegrown businesses.
Initially scheduled for an earlier date, the festival was postponed to October 26 due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. Greer Arts & Eats has taken on even greater significance in the wake of such a challenging event. Beyond the food, art, and music, the festival offers a much-needed opportunity for the community to come together, heal, and reconnect. In difficult times, events like these help restore a sense of normalcy, giving neighbors, friends, and families a chance to gather and share in something positive.
In response to the storm’s devastation, Southern Growl canned water to donate to Helene’s hardest-hit areas. Recognizing the urgency and importance of this effort, CP&P contributed by donating the labels for the water cans. This initiative is a testament to the strength of local collaboration and the power of businesses coming together to make a difference when needed most.
While Southern Growl produced and distributed clean water—a crucial resource for storm-stricken communities—CP&P applied their expertise in packaging, ensuring that the aid was professionally packaged and recognizable. This collaboration highlights not just the business relationship between the two companies but also their shared commitment to supporting those in need. By working together, they deliver a message of solidarity and compassion to those affected by the hurricane.
Coming together like this is a powerful reminder of the resilience and compassion of small businesses in the Upstate of South Carolina. As a long-standing member of the Greer community, CP&P takes great pride in giving back and supporting the people and companies that make Greer a special place to live and work. Their dedication to the community, especially in times of need, is at the heart of everything they do.