Greenville, S.C. — On Oct. 27, Jim Benson, the founder and longtime owner of Benson Automotive, was presented with South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto. State Sen. Jason Elliott handed the award on behalf of Gov. Henry McMaster during the Greenville Technical College Foundation’s Champions for Student Success event.
Decades of automotive entrepreneurship
Benson opened his first used‑car dealership in Greer in 1959. Five years later the business expanded to sell new Chrysler and Plymouth vehicles, laying the groundwork for what is now a family‑owned network of dealerships across Greer, Easley and Spartanburg. Over more than six decades, Benson Automotive has become a staple of the Upstate economy, providing steady employment and supporting local supply chains.
Philanthropy rooted in faith and family
Beyond his commercial success, Benson’s generosity has profoundly shaped the region’s educational landscape. In 2014 he donated $3 million to Greenville Technical College’s Greer Campus, the largest cash contribution in the college’s history. The campus was renamed the Benson Campus in recognition of the gift, which funds scholarships, workforce‑development programs and campus improvements that keep students close to home.
“His generosity has allowed students to have access to educational opportunities close to home, helping them gain the skills and credentials needed to build rewarding careers,” said Gina Blohm, executive director of the Greenville Tech Foundation.
Community service and recognition
State Sen. Ross Turner, who recommended Benson for the Order of the Palmetto, praised the entrepreneur’s “unwavering commitment to serving others.” Benson has also served on the boards of the Greenville Tech Foundation and the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce, and he remains an active supporter of Greer Community Ministries.
“While his professional accomplishments are impressive, it is Jim Benson’s unwavering commitment to serving others that truly distinguishes him,” Turner added.
Impact on the local economy and future generations
The award highlights how private enterprise, when guided by Christian values and a dedication to family, can drive both economic growth and community well‑being. Benson’s story underscores the importance of local business leaders investing in education and faith‑based initiatives that strengthen the fabric of South Carolina’s neighborhoods.
As the state celebrates Benson’s achievements, the broader business community is reminded that lasting success is measured not only by profit margins but also by the positive, lasting impact on families, schools, and churches across the Palmetto State.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
