Click the above photo for a copy of the MBREDC 2023 Annual Report

“The goals of the MBREDC haven’t changed drastically over time,” Davis continued. “Recruit and retain industry to diversify the Horry County Economy. Create higher paying jobs for our residents, provide employment opportunities for our high school and college graduates, support and grow our existing industry, generate private sector partnerships to support economic development, provide additional tax revenue for government jurisdictions and education, and be recognized as a leader in economic development.”

In 2023, the MBREDC announced two additional subsea cables totaling $58 million in capital investment with plans for a second building to be built by DC BLOX in the International Technology and Aerospace Park (iTAP).

DiDi Caldwell, President & CEO of Global Location Strategies, gave the keynote address. Being a site selector from the upstate of South Carolina, DiDi is well-versed in the opportunities that the Grand Strand offers companies who wish to relocate to South Carolina. In her presentation she addressed trends in the economy and what we can expect in the future.

It is through the continued support of our partners that enables the MBREDC to accomplish these goals and truly move Visions to Reality.

Thank you to our sponsors who helped to make this event possible:

South Carolina achieves second-highest industry recruitment in 2023

$9.22 billion announced capital investment on the heels of a record-setting 2022

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today released its 2023 industry recruitment results which reflect sustained economic activity. From January to December 2023, the state announced total capital investment of $9.22 billion, the second largest amount in state history. That investment represents 81 projects and 14,120 announced jobs.

“Once again, South Carolina has proven that it is among the best places in the world to do business,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “Over the past year, our state proactively prioritized trends and topics that are crucial to maintaining a vibrant and competitive economy. Recording the second-highest year for industry recruitment in state history not only confirms the sustained interest for doing business here, but also signals to the global business community that South Carolina is a trusted partner for successful businesses.”

The announced capital investment of $9.22 billion includes major investments in the state’s two leading industry sectors by total investment, Automotive, Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV Batteries with $4.3 billion investment, and Alternative Energy and Fuels with $1.56 billion investment. Notably, in 2023, there were three announcements with investments of $1 billion or more — the highest such year in state history:

·   Scout Motors

·   Albemarle Corporation

·   QTS Data Centers

The previous record, of two projects with an investment of $1 billion or more in a single year, was set in 2014 and tied again in 2022.

“After a record-breaking 2022, South Carolina has remained committed to ensuring its long-term economic competitiveness and growing reputation as an established destination for transformational industry,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “Back-to-back years of strong industry recruitment reinforces South Carolina’s commitment to the success of our existing and new businesses, alike.”

To access the complete recruitment report, click here. For more details on the state’s announced economic activity, visit S.C. Commerce’s newsroom.

Why is South Carolina the number one place Americans are moving to? Experts say it checks ‘all the boxes’

South Carolina topped list for the most popular state to move to in 2023, Gov. McMaster calls it ‘ideal place to live, work, raise a family’

By Kendall Tietz  Fox News

At the height of the pandemic, Americans ditched their in-person jobs and moved away from dense, highly populated cities in favor of remote work and greater outdoor space to more affordable cities across the country.

Before the pandemic, 13% of Americans moved each year, but when COVID hit in 2020, 22% of Americans moved or knew someone who had once remote work went mainstream. In 2023, Americans are still making moves cross-country. MoveBuddha, which analyzes trends and industry insights to help people find moving information and resources, looked at data from January 1 through September 30, 2023, to find 2023’s most and least popular states to move to and away from.

South Carolina topped the list for the most popular state to move to in 2023, measured by proportion of persons moving in and out of the state, in large part because it is 11.5% cheaper than the average state in the country. In addition, healthcare and tech industries are also growing rapidly in many cities in the state, including Columbia, Greenville and Lockhart.

Read More

Horry-Georgetown Technical College introduces 2 new healthcare programs to meet growing industry needs

Gracie Fusco

WBTW

Horry-Georgetown Technical College is implementing two new healthcare programs for current and future students.

The Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate program and the Electrocardiography Technician (EKG) Certificate program are set for the Summer of 2024 semester.

Both programs will be offered at HGTC’s Grand Strand and Georgetown locations.

HGTC Chair and Professor of Nursing, Shelia Locklair shared her thoughts.

“The importance of the jobs is we’re filling the gaps,” she said. “We’re meeting the needs of the community.”

The program is one semester. Once completed, graduates will be eligible to sit for the examination to be certified.

The decision to introduce the program was supported by a needs assessment previously conducted for the Patient Medical Assistant program.

The findings showed there was a significant demand for trained professionals in this field, reinforcing the relevance and necessity of both programs.

Locklair said this was the first time she presented a stand-alone course to that state.

Read Full Article

Interested in sponsoring an

MBREDC 2024 Event?

Benefits of sponsoring:  

• Your company name/logo/hyperlink emailed in the invitation to all MBREDC members at least twice prior to the event.
• Your company name/logo displayed at the event.
• 3-5 minutes to discuss your business during the event.
• Opportunity to hand out and/or display materials during the event.
• Shared guest list after the event.
• Additional invitations to the event as possible.

Contact Sandra James for more information

and to reserve an event

** Only a few sponsorships are still available**

Our first stop was Diamond Back Classic Tires where custom tires for classic cars are produced.

Stop number 2: Pepsi Bottling Ventures‘ new distribution center located in the Palmetto Coast Industrial Park on Water Tower Road. The class also viewed the new spec buildings being added in the park for future growth.

Next stop, the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex. We were given an overview of all that North Myrtle Beach has to offer and the number of tourists that the park attracts each year.

Our next visit was to bFIVE40 which manufactures custom sports apparel.

Rounding out our day was a visit to Twelve 33 Distillery where handcrafted spirits are made from ingredients sourced from local farms.

Visit the websites of these local industries to learn more about what is being made in Horry County.

Thank you to each of these businesses for welcoming our class.

2050 Hwy 501 East, Building 100

Conway, SC 29526

800-844-4983