Commerce News

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The South Carolina Military Base Task Force (Task Force) will be releasing an updated study, which reflects that the South Carolina military community collectively creates an economic impact to the state of $24.1 billion. The 2017 study was prepared by Dr. Joey Von Nessen of the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. The Palmetto State is home to eight major military installations and numerous facilities, supporting 62,520 in Department of Defense (DoD) personnel with $2.6 billion in payroll.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Commerce today announced the launch of its brand new website, which offers companies of all sizes a new view of the resources available to them.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Commerce gathered leaders from across the state on Monday, March 6 and Tuesday, March 7 for the 2017 South Carolina Rural Summit. Held at the Pawleys Plantation Conference Center on Pawleys Island, S.C., this year’s event featured leadership development sessions, opportunities to share best practices between community leaders, an awards ceremony and presentations from several keynote speakers, including former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce today announced the conclusion and release of the South Carolina Innovation Plan. A comprehensive look at the state of innovation in South Carolina, the plan is intended to provide direction on how best to encourage the growth of innovation and tech-related entrepreneurial activity within the state.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Commerce today announced that Amy G. Thomson has been named director of the agency’s International Strategy and Trade Division. Created in 2015, the division is tasked with coordinating and executing a more developed strategic plan across South Carolina’s international recruitment and export efforts.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Commerce today announced that Robert E. “Bob” Marriott, a longtime public servant, is retiring after 53 years of employment with the state. To recognize his contributions to the state of South Carolina, former Governor Nikki Haley has awarded Mr. Marriott the Order of the Palmetto.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Commerce today released its 2016 industry recruitment and international trade results. In total, the state recruited more than $3.4 billion in capital investment, creating approximately 13,100 new jobs, while its exporters posted a seventh consecutive record year with export sales of $31.2 billion – a $400 million increase over last year.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – March 30, 2011 – Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the State Ports Authority today announced the state’s 2010 exports totaled more than $20.3 billion in goods sold to 192 countries around the world, representing a 23.22 percent increase over 2009 totals. In 2010, South Carolina’s 23.22 percent export growth ranked it 17th in the U.S.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina recruited a record level of capital investment by businesses locating or expanding in the state last year. From January to December 2013, the state closed 127 economic development projects, totaling $5.4 billion in capital investment and 15,457 new jobs. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – March 8, 2011 – On Monday Governor Nikki Haley and the South Carolina Department of Commerce gathered leaders from across South Carolina for the 21st annual Rural Summit to hear an informative and inspiring program that challenged attendees to return home to improve their local community.