South Carolina export sales total $37.3 billion in 2023, defying national exports trend
Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) and South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) today announced that the state’s 2023 export sales totaled $37.3 billion, defying the national trend where U.S. exports were down 2.2%, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Since 2013, South Carolina exports have grown at an average rate of 4.4% year-to-year. Over the same period, U.S. exports grew at an average rate of 3% year-to-year.
SC Department of Commerce unveils “Launch to Legacy” brand
In fulfilling its vision of embracing the future to ensure South Carolina’s sustainable advantage, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today unveiled its new agency brand and tagline, “Launch to Legacy,” to support industry recruitment and retention.
South Carolina achieves second-highest industry recruitment in 2023
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.
S.C. Commerce taps familiar name to lead agency’s European office
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III today announced that Sergio Domingues is the new Managing Director of the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s (S.C. Commerce) Europe office. Domingues was with S.C. Commerce from 2012-2018, as part of the Munich, Germany-based team which works to attract European foreign direct investment to South Carolina.
Grants awarded to improve 15 South Carolina communities
Fifteen localities from around South Carolina are receiving community development grant funds totaling more than $7.9 million for public improvement projects. This funding comes from the South Carolina State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which biannually awards grants to aid municipal governments for the purpose of improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs.
ZF Group expands manufacturing facility in Laurens County
COLUMBIA, S.C. – ZF Group, an original equipment supplier for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, today announced it is expanding ZF Transmissions Gray Court, its manufacturing facility in Laurens County. The $500 million investment will create 400 new jobs.
QuicksortRx grows corporate headquarters with expansion in Charleston County
COLUMBIA, S.C. – QuicksortRx, a software-enabled service company that provides pharmacy supply chain management solutions for health systems, today announced it will grow its corporate headquarters with an expansion in Charleston County. The $220,000 investment will create 41 new jobs over the next 3 years.
SC Nexus receives federal designation as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub for advanced energy
The Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC Nexus) received the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) designation as one of 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs). The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C.
Palmetto Railways, a division of S.C. Commerce, awarded more than $4 million to procure and retrofit two locomotives to electric power
Palmetto Railways, a division of the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce), learned today it will receive a grant of up to $4,170,000 for its project to procure and retrofit two zero-emission, lithium battery electric powered locomotives and install associated charging technology.