"If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney
On the economic front, we are doing it in South Carolina. Our state has grown tremendously in recent years, evolving into a hub for industry, talent and opportunity. Others are taking notice; and today, South Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with an average of more than 170 new residents each day. People are flocking to the Palmetto State because of the way of life here.
The relationship between economic development and quality of life is intertwined. The more businesses and jobs recruited to our state, the higher collective well-being of individuals and communities within our borders.
One recent indicator of the quality of life of South Carolinians is from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, which reports the per capita personal income in South Carolina increased 22% over the last five years. Outpacing the national average, that growth indicates that the citizens of our state are better positioned financially than they were five years ago.
This trend shows that as a state, we are going in the right direction. Reflecting on Walt Disney's famous quote - by continuing to dream big and aim high from an economic development standpoint, we can accomplish our task of further improving the quality of life for all who call our state home.