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managEr raven petty
contEnt coordinator Jessica walker
Staff WritEr kevin litwin
copy Editor Jill wyatt
contributing WritErS pamela coyle, dan hieB, Bill lewis, karen schwartzman, Betsy williams
SEnior graphic dESignErS laura gallagher, Janine maryland, kris sexton, vikki williams
graphic dESignErS rachael gerringer, taylor nunley
SEnior photographErS JeFF adkins, Brian mccord
Staff photographErS todd Bennett, antony Boshier
color imaging tEchnician alison hunter
E xEcutiv E intEgratE d mE dia managE r suzi mcgruder ad production managEr katie middendorF ad traffic aSSiStantS krystin lemmon, patricia moisan
chairman greg thurman
prESidEnt/publiShEr BoB schwartzman
ExEcutivE vicE prESidEnt ray langen
SEnior v p./SalES todd potter
SEnior v p./opErationS casey hester
SEnior v p./cliEnt dEvElopmEnt JeFF heeFner
SEnior v p./buSinESS dEvElopmEnt scott templeton
SEnior v p./agribuSinESS publiShing kim holmBerg v p./buSinESS dEvElopmEnt charles FitzgiBBon v p./ExtErnal communicationS teree caruthers v p./viSual contEnt mark Forester v p./contEnt opErationS natasha lorens v p./travEl publiShing susan chappell
v p./SalES herB harper, Jarek swekosky
controllEr chris dudley
SEnior accountant lisa owens
accountS payablE coordinator maria mcFarland
accountS rEcEivablE coordinator diana guzman
SalES Support projEct managEr sara quint
SalES Support coordinator alex marks
i t dirEctor yancey Bond
SyStEm adminiStrator daniel cantrell
WEb contEnt managEr John hood
WEb projEct managEr noy Fongnaly
WEb dESignEr ii richard stevens
WEb dEvElopEr i yamel hall, nels noseworthy
WEb account managEr lauren euBank
photography dirEctor JeFFrey s otto
mEdia tEchnology dirEctor christina carden
mEdia tEchnology analyStS Becca ary, chandra Bradshaw
audiEncE dEvElopmEnt dirEctor deanna nelson livability.com product managEr allison davis
markEting crEativE dirEctor keith harris
diStribution dirEctor gary smith
ExEcutivE SEcrEtary kristy duncan
human rESourcES managEr peggy Blake rEcEptioniSt linda Bishop
North Eastern South Carolina Economic Development Guide is published annually by Journal c ommunications i nc. and is distributed through the t he n orth e astern s trategic a lliance. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal c ommunications i nc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.
For More InForMatIon, ContaCt: t he n orth e astern s trategic a lliance p o. Box 100547 • Florence, sc 29502 p hone: (843) 661-4669• Fax: (843) 661-1293 www.nesasc.org
v i S it North East E r N s outh Caroli N a E C o N omi C D E v E lopm EN t Gui DE onlin E at n ES outhcarolina E conomicd E v E lopm E nt.com
© c opyright 2011 Journal c ommunications i nc., 725 c ool s prings Blvd., s uite 400, Franklin, tn 37067, (615) 771-0080. a ll rights reserved. n o portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.
m ember t he a ssociation of m agazine m edia
m ember c ustom c ontent c ouncil
m ember t he n orth e astern s trategic a lliance
Overview
south Carolina’s business Corner
Searching for the be S t place to build a bu S ine SS and a life? l ook no further than the n orth e a S tern Strategic a lliance ( ne S a ) r egion
a sk any entrepreneur or company executive, and they will tell you that opening or expanding a business is one of the most exciting times of their careers. the challenges that come with it can be and, often are, stressful, but in a place with the right community support and work-life balance, you can find possibilities where others see obstacles.
in the nesa region — named for the n orth e astern s trategic a lliance, a regional economic development organization representing nine counties in south c arolina’s northeast corner — helping entrepreneurs and executives build and grow their
companies is the central goal of the community. investment in infrastructure, a top quality workforce and an ideal location have all contributed to the nesa region’s positive reputation. But what has earned it the title “south c arolina’s Business c orner” is the community’s commitment to helping businesses thrive.
in truth, a community’s commitment to business can largely be measured by traditional considerations like infrastructure, incentives and workforce. For example, nesa regional leaders are steadfastly committed to improving their already
top-notch transportation infrastructure. h ome to a seaport, a regional and international airport, miles of rail — including c lass i csx rail with access to the port of c harleston — and interstates 20 and 95, the nesa region is still seeking to expand its ground transportation infrastructure. at present, community, business and elected leaders are working together to support the proposed interstate 73, which would run from m yrtle Beach to michigan. a nd they are making progress every day.
HospItable to busInesses
transportation infrastructure is just the tip of the iceberg. s outh c arolina, and the nesa region in particular, pride themselves on maintaining a business-friendly environment by keeping a close eye on taxes, overhead and regulation. in addition to being a right-to-work state, s outh c arolina offers a host of incentives to perspective employers. q ualifying companies are eligible for tax credits of up to $9,000 per job created, which can be used to offset up to 50 percent of a company’s state income tax. c orporate taxes for the state and region are well below competing areas on the e ast c oast, as are industrial electricity rates that average just below 6 cents per kilowatt-hour. s etting up shop in the state also qualifies businesses for sales tax exemptions on electricity and fuel used in manufacturing processes, machinery and equipment used in production, and raw or packaging materials.
t he third leg of the stool is the nesa region’s workforce, which is one of the most productive in the s outheast. t he foundations for success on this front are the region’s seven higher education institutions, as well as the state’s ready sc
program, which offers employerspecific training at little or no cost to businesses through the s outh c arolina technical c ollege s ystem.
a plaCe For InnovatIon
But the nesa region isn’t just courting new big businesses; it is an incubator for tomorrow’s entrepreneurs as well. n estled in the heart of the region, the s outheastern institute for m anufacturing and technology (simt ) has coupled open-enrollment with on-site and customized training, as well as manufacturing start-up assistance and consulting services, to help employers develop an advanced workforce ready for the jobs of tomorrow. t he simt features an a dvanced m anufacturing c enter, a v irtual reality c enter and a n ational robotics c enter that has been utilized by Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs and a host of others to train, develop new products and gain access to 21st-century technology.
a QualIt Y oF lIFe to e nv Y
when it’s time to unwind from the workweek, the nesa region does not disappoint. m ore than a million people live within an hour’s drive of its center and enjoy endless opportunities for culture and entertainment. t he region is home to the world-famous m yrtle Beach, a top-rated vacation destination for travelers — and an economical trip around the corner for those lucky enough to call this area home. residents enjoy 60 miles of coastline, first-rate golf courses, warm summers and balmy winters, fine dining, museums, theme parks and the d arlington raceway.
i t is rare for nine neighboring counties to band together to bring jobs and growth to their community. o ften neighbors compete rather than cooperate when it comes to economic development. But the nesa region recognizes that success in business is central to living a happy, healthy life. For that reason, the nesa community is committed to working together and helping its neighbors thrive. t hat attitude cannot not be manufactured or mandated — it must come from the ground up. a nd it is the attitude that makes the nesa region a great place to build a business and a life.
The Shoppes at
b oostIn G bIo Fuels
what do algae and biofuels have in common? Just ask the folks at renewed world energies in g eorgetown, who launched the first automated facility to grow algae used to extract oil for biofuels. c ompany officials say their production facility is setting an environmentally friendly new standard for the future production of a continuous supply of algaegraded fuel at affordable prices. the georgetown plant grows, harvests and extracts oil from algae for products ranging from livestock feed to medicines and cosmetics. rich in oils, algae can easily be converted into biofuel and its yield per acre is considerably higher than that of any other feedstock.
where can you find the most affordable entertainment in the u. s .? l ook no further than two cities in n orth e astern s outh c arolina. businessweek.com ranked Florence 13th and m yrtle Beach 15th on its list of america’s most fun, affordable cities. Florence was recognized for being home to more than 100 bars and restaurants as well as efforts by its nonprofit Florence d owntown d evelopment c orporation to secure 150,000 square feet of space downtown to develop more restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. m yrtle Beach was noted for its abundance of restaurants, pubs, dinner theaters, cafes and coffeehouses as well as its vibrant nightlife scene tripadvisor.com also named m yrtle Beach the n o. 1 u s beach city for the second year in a row.
plaCe o F p oets
a c oker c ollege alumnus was recently recognized as one of the nation’s top writers. a 1994 graduate of c oker c ollege, terrance h ayes won the 2010 n ational Book award for poetry for his book Lighthead. a student-athlete who excelled in the classroom and on the basketball court, h ayes was exposed to ideas and subjects at the liberal arts school that fueled his poems. his previous poetry collection, Wind in a Box, was named one of the Best 100 Books of 2006 by Publishers Weekly, and he has written other poetry books titled Hip Logic and Muscular Music h ayes is currently a professor of creative writing at c arnegie mellon university in pittsburgh.
above par
m yrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise, home to courses regarded as some of the nicest in the country – and beyond. Golflink.com recently explored several myrtle Beach courses and proclaimed the five best to be: tpc of m yrtle Beach, Farmstead g olf l inks, Barefoot resort & g olf, p awleys plantation resort & g olf and l itchfield Beach & g olf resort. g olflink’s top five m yrtle Beach resorts with exceptional courses include pawleys island, legends, s ea trail, o cean ridge plantation and t idewater. For the city’s five most scenic holes, the site recommended teeing up at tpc of m yrtle Beach, t idewater, Farmstead, Fazio c ourse at Barefoot l anding and p awleys i sland.
b est seaFoo D
In tHe s tate
Craving seafood? For the best Lowcountry cuisine, visit Murrells Inlet, the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.”
Just 10 miles south of Myrtle Beach, this historic fishing village in Georgetown County serves up a large selection of seafood restaurants along its scenic saltwater Marsh Walk, including Bovine’s, Captain Dave’s Dockside, Creek Ratz, Dead Dog Saloon, Divine Fish House, Drunken Jack’s, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen, Spud’s Waterfront Dining and Wahoo’s Raw Bar. Are you a shrimp connoisseur? Feast on succulent “brownies,” or brown shrimp, in Georgetown. One of four major shrimping centers on the East Coast, the town is a top producer of brown Mid-Atlantic shrimp known for their bold flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ho Me o F Heroes
n orth e astern s outh c arolina is the birthplace of two a merican icons: the late ronald m c n air, a l ake c ity native from Florence c ounty and renowned physicist who died aboard the space shuttle c hallenger in 1986; and the late jazz king d izzy gillespie, who grew up in c heraw in c hesterfield c ounty. m c n air, who earned a phd in laser physics from the m assachusetts institute of technology, was among the seven astronauts selected for the ill-fated c hallenger mission that exploded just seconds after launch from c ape c anaveral, Fla. n ext to m c n air’s burial site in downtown l ake c ity is a memorial in his honor, flanked by a reflecting pool and an eternal flame. gillespie’s likeness, including his trademark bulging cheeks and bent trumpet, is captured in a bronze memorial that sits on c heraw’s town green. visitors can view an exhibit on gillespie’s life at the c heraw lyceum museum or stop by the gillespie h ome site p ark, which features a stainless steel fence depicting the notes to “ s alt peanuts” – one of d izzy’s best known works.
a tool For Free D o M
Hundreds of thousands of pounds of filler metals produced in Florence by ESAB Welding & Cutting Products help hold together the structure of 1 World Trade Center – currently under construction on the former World Trade Center site destroyed in the 9/11 attacks. ESAB is providing all the welding filler metals for Tower 1, which will stand 107 stories and 1,776 feet tall, plus the company is also supplying all of the filler metals for a Tower 4 that will stand 65 stories. Tower 1 is being built to withstand a jet fuel-filled plane crashing into it, and ESAB makes a complete line of seismic-certified products for constructing these kind of buildings
taste o F tHe r eGIon
n orth e astern s outh c arolina is known for its diverse agricultural products. For a true taste of the region, stop by these farms:
•Plumfield Plantation: l ocated along the pee d ee river, the d arlington farm is the only colonial plantation in the c arolinas that grows aromatic rice for commercial sale.
•Young Plantations: Founded in the 1920s, the Florence pecan sheller and supplier is known for its pralines and cinnamon-dusted and chocolate-dipped pecans. i ts products are shipped all over the world.
•Hyman Vineyards: t he c onway vineyard grows some of the best muscadine grapes this side of France and sells everything from muscadine-flavored salsa to muscadine wine.
•McCall Farms: t he family-owned farm in effingham grows and cans vegetables, fruit and greens, along with other produce under the m argaret h olmes label, which is known for its quality, freshness and taste.
•McLeod Farms: a trip through m cBee is not complete without a stop at m c l eod Farms’ roadside market. recently named the s outh c arolina Farm of the year by the c lemson university e xtension s ervice, m c l eod Farms is known for its m ac’s pride Brand peaches, but it also sells fresh produce and homemade goodies that draws customers from miles away.
Business Climate
Good to Grow
n orth e astern South c arolina offers ripe climate for investment
s tory by Bill Lewis • photography by Todd Bennett
When global technology and industrial company
Johnson Controls was searching for a site for its newest state-of-the-art battery recycling facility, it came to the same conclusion dozens of other advanced manufacturing companies have reached – there is no better place than the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region of South Carolina.
Low taxes, a pro-business climate, a dedicated workforce, proximity to Atlantic ports and well-developed infrastructure make the nine-county NESA Region the perfect location for growing businesses. Distinct advantages of the region include electrical, construction, land and labor costs lower than the national average, water systems with millions of gallons per day of excess capacity and
telecommunications providers that offer broadband service with available SONET (synchronous optical networking), T-1 lines and self-healing networks.
The region’s extensive transportation network covers two airports, Class I rail service, quick access to East Coast ports and two interstates – I-95 and I-20. Proposed plans for another interstate, I-73, would connect Myrtle Beach with Michigan, opening up even more economic opportunity.
Those are just a few of the reasons why Johnson Controls is investing $150 million in its fully integrated battery recycling facility in Florence, where it is creating up to 250 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs.
a busIness-FrIenDlY r eGIon
“Our decision to build a stateof-the-art recycling center in
Florence demonstrates our commitment to the environment and the region,” says Alex Molinaroli, president of Johnson Controls Power Solutions. “We chose this area because it is ideally situated to serve our existing manufacturing facilities in Oconee and Winston-Salem, and there is a noticeable gap in recycling service to the Mid-Atlantic region.”
“Through our existing operations, we have been very impressed with the quality of the workforce and the quality of life the state provides,” he continues.
Worldwide packaging solutions company Sonoco, which operates its global headquarters in Hartsville, has invested in the region for years.
“Sonoco’s history in South Carolina dates back to 1899,” says Harris E. DeLoach, Sonoco CEO and chairman. “We’ve been in the
fortunate position to not only grow and expand our operations within the state but also globally. And even more importantly, we’ve had the opportunity, as one of the largest companies in South Carolina, to influence and work with the state to improve the business climate.”
The company has benefited from the region’s infrastructure, including ports, railways and interstate highways, “but we have always believed that it is important to give back to the communities in which we live and operate,” DeLoach says. “We have close ties with local schools, including the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics and Coker College, and state schools, such as the University of South Carolina and Clemson University, where we helped fund the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics.”
HoMe to DIverse InDustrIes
The region boasts a strong track record as a center for manufacturing and
distribution for Fortune 500 companies and others, but it is also becoming a magnet for call centers, aerospace companies and manufacturers specializing in plastics and green products. Recent arrivals include:
• Otis Elevator is investing $40 million and creating at least 360 jobs at its new facility in Florence.
• 5-STAR USA , a venture capital start-up, is locating its headquarters in Bennettsville and investing $25 million to set up a manufacturing campus to support new businesses.
•ECAPS , which makes sustainable aluminum composite materials, is investing $3.4 million in its facility in Bennettsville, where it expects to create 150 jobs.
• Carolina AAC , a producer of energyefficient concrete, is investing $16 million and creating 36 jobs at its new facility.
•3V Incorporated , a global manufacturer of specialty chemicals, is investing $15 million to expand its
Top-No T ch Trai N i N g c e NT er Suppor TS Ma N ufac T urer S
The Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT) is the premier technical service provider and training facility for industry in the Southeast. The first facility of its kind in the U.S., SiMT is located on a 146-acre campus in Florence, where it provides engineering/CAD/ CAM, rapid prototyping and 3D/virtual reality services, as well as leading-edge manufacturing workforce development and business process training.
regio N ’ S Top iN ve STM e NTS i N 2011
• Carolina AAC: 36 jobs, $16M investment
• American Luxury Coach: 40 jobs
• 3V Incorporated: 30 jobs, $15M investment
• ECAPS Corp.: 150 jobs, $3.4M investment
• Schaeffler Group USA: 100 jobs, $10M investment
• Otis Elevator Co.: 360 jobs, $40M investment
• Dillon Furniture Manufacturing Co.: 107 jobs, $2.6M investment
• PolyQuest Inc.: 20 jobs, $8M investment
• 5-STAR USA: 1,000 jobs, $25M investment
• JBE Inc.: 30 jobs
• Sonoco: 10 jobs, $100M investment
• SafeRack LLC: 58 jobs, $9M investment
Georgetown facility and create 30 engineering and technician jobs.
•PolyQuest , which distributes recycled PET used in plastic packaging and automotive products, recently expanded for the seventh time in the past decade, investing $8 million to increase capacity at its Darlington plant and creating 20 jobs. Monster.com is the latest global call center to locate in the region, and QVC is one of several national distributors t hat has expanded in the area recently. The region has also attracted an influx of food production companies, including Heinz. Designated as one of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)
“Great Regions,” the area was awarded a Rural Business Opportunity Grant from the USDA, which NESA will use in its efforts to recruit more agribusiness companies.
Geare D For GroW tH
With more than a million people within 60 miles of its center, the NESA Region is best known for its productive workforce, which has continued to grow in proportion to an increasing population. Regional technical schools, colleges and
iN du ST rial Si T e S i N Nor T h e a ST er N Sou T h c aroli N a
■ M Y rtle b eaCH Internat I onal t e CH nolo GY & a erospaC e park
Horry County
460-acre park located at former m yrtle Beach a ir Force Base adjacent to m yrtle Beach international a irport.
■ tH e CarolI nas I-95 Me G as I te Dillon County
1,920-acre, sc -certified site, with utilities and rail service in place.
■ rIDG ev I e W a , b an D C In D ustr I al sI tes
Chesterfield County encompasses 263 acres (a), 350 acres (B) and 879 (c), with rail availability.
■ W HI te HaW k Co MM er C e park
Florence County c ertified “shovel-ready” by
universities, including the premier Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT), partner with industries to produce highly skilled workers. Employers can also take advantage of the state’s ReadySC program, which provides free job recruiting, screening and training through the South Carolina Technical College System.
NESA is committed to the success of the region and the businesses that invest here, says Executive Director Jeff McKay.
“I feel strongly that part of the consideration in bringing any company to our region is that NESA and all of our partners at the local and state level will make sure that we are working closely with prospective employers well past the initial point of agreement, through the entire, often challenging process of making such an investment,” McKay says.
“We believe that by seeking out each and every prospective opportunity, regardless of what may or may not fit into our preconceived notions about modern industry, we will maximize our economic development success and find those companies for whom the NESA region is the best fit,” he continues.
m c c allum sweeney c onsulting, the 1,175-acre site has dual c lass a csxt mainline rail with two side tracks.
■ DarlI n G ton Count Y I-20 In D ustr I al park
Darlington County
163-acre s outh c arolina-certified site located along i -20, with all infrastructure in place.
■ Geor G etoW n Count Y b us I ness Center
Georgetown County
547-acre, sc -certified site with 1,800 feet of frontage on csx rail line and infrastructure in place.
■ Mar I on Count Y In D ustr I al park
Marion County
235-acre site near the m arion c ounty a irport, with infrastructure
in place and natural gas provider on site.
■ p ee Dee Co MM er C e C I t Y park
Florence County
700-acre, sc -certified c lass a industrial park with shovel-ready sites, i -95 frontage and all infrastructure in place.
■ Marlboro Count Y In D ustr I al park
Marlboro County
229-acre, “shovel ready” s outh c arolina-certified industrial site, with utilities in place.
■ WI llI a M sbur G Cooperat I ve Co MM er C e Centre
Williamsburg County
30-acre, sc-certified “shovel ready” site, with utilities in place and an electric substation nearby.
usDa-Certified
n orth e a S tern South c arolina de S ignated “g reat r egion” for agribu S ine SS
when shoppers across the u. s . purchase groceries, clothing or paper, there’s a good chance those items were produced by n orth e astern s outh c arolina’s agribusiness sector. c ompanies with household names like grocery products producer h .J. h einz and paper products manufacturers international p aper and d omtar are major employers. m c c all Farms, a sixth-generation family farm, provides produce for well-known brands like m argaret holmes, peanut patch, greer, o sage and lord chesterfield. c anada-based naturally advanced technologies has development and purchasing agreements with national brands such as hanes and levi s trauss to supply flax grown in the region for use in their clothing products.
w ith more than 12,600 agribusiness workers and annual sales exceeding $4 billion, the region accounts for nearly a quarter of s outh c arolina’s agricultural revenue and farmland. t he u s d epartment of a griculture recently designated the area as a “great region” for agribusiness, awarding it with a $50,000 usda rural Business o pportunity grant, which will be used to fund a
strategic plan and feasibility study aimed at boosting the industry.
“ the recognition is a strong testimonial to our core strengths: a top quality workforce, low taxes and a community laser-focused on bringing and retaining good companies in our region,” says sen. J. yancey mcgill, chairman of nesa’s executive committee.
m c c all Farms, which contracts with farms throughout the s outheast, has undergone major expansions recently. and naturally advanced technologies is investing $15 million in its flax production facility. ceo ken Barker says the company and the region are a natural fit. “ w ith the usda and h anes, we have fully verified the region as ideal for growing our flax,” Barker says. “o ur relationships with the s outh c arolina d epartment of c ommerce and the w illiamsburg c ounty business development team have been fantastic. Both have been extremely helpful in getting us set up in kingstree.”
– Bill l ewis
World-Class Destination
diverse manufacturers grow operations in n orth e astern South c arolina
s tory by Bill Lewis photography by Todd Bennett
World-class manufacturers of products as diverse as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, advanced plastics and metals, auto parts, all-terrain vehicles, elevators and frozen meals are growing in South Carolina’s North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region, thanks to its location, skilled workforce and pro-business environment.
Roche Carolina, a division of Switzerland-based pharmaceutical giant Roche, found “everything they were looking for” in Florence, where the company operates a strategic process development and manufacturing facility, says Pete Mazzaroni, manager of public affairs, including “available land, access to rail, proximity to a major port, location to major interstates and an available, trainable workforce.”
“From the beginning, state and local officials have been extremely supportive of our business,”
Mazzaroni says.“In addition, the growing community, the surrounding area, and the moderate climate and pace provide for a wonderful quality of life for our employees.”
GaInIn G We IGHt WatCHers, b oston Market Meals
Food products giant Heinz conducted a comprehensive search before selecting Florence for its new frozen meals facility. Its 225,000-square-foot facility makes products for three brands: Weight Watchers, Weight Watchers Smart Ones and Boston Market.
Heinz was attracted to the region’s workforce and positive business environment, says Jessica Jackson, senior manager of public relations for Heinz. In addition, the Florence County facility is well-positioned to serve the company’s Northeast and Southeast distribution centers.
“The support Heinz received
from city, state and government officials during the location evaluation helped determine the final site for the facility,” she says. “The partnership developed between Heinz and the community during the planning process is one that will continue to grow long after the facility has been operating.”
WorkFor Ce-CoMMunIt Y ConneC tIon
Successful businesses make their communities stronger. Honda of South Carolina, for example, encourages employees to volunteer their time for Boys and Girls Clubs, make improvements at public parks and participate in other civic and nonprofit activities when activity at the Florence County plant is slow.
While volunteering, employees are on the clock and being paid by Honda. It’s part of the company’s no-layoff policy, Assistant Vice President Jeff Helton says.
honda of south c arolina, one of the region’s major manufacturers, makes nine models of all-terrain vehicles at its timmonsville facility.
“A lot of things can happen when you have a ‘want-to’ attitude,” he says of the enthusiasm Honda’s workers show for their projects. “The people make the difference. Honda has also used the economic downturn as an opportunity to institute innovative training programs at its Timmonsville factory, where it makes nine models of all-terrain vehicles. “We call it HSCU, Honda of South Carolina University,” Helton says.
ManuFaC turIn G MaGnet
Plastics companies make up one of the region’s fastest-growing industry sectors. Wellman Plastics Recycling reinvested $2.5 million in its Florence facility, which manufactures products for the automotive, lawn and garden, consumer products and electronics industries, creating 50 new jobs.
ICE Recycling, a recycler of plastics and polymers, also created 50 new jobs by investing $4.35 million in its Lake City operations. Another advanced plastics manufacturer, Palmetto Synthetics LLC, which produces fiber used in products from apparel to auto products, invested $7 million to expand its Kingstree facility and create 75 new jobs.
Other manufacturers expanding in the NESA Region include:
•Automotive components maker Schaeffler Group USA increased production at its Chesterfield County plant, adding 100 jobs.
•I.T.I. Hydraulik , a Canadabased maker of elevator components, is investing $1 million and creating up to 30 jobs at its new Williamsburg County facility.
•Global welding company ESAB opened a new $3.5 million automation process training center showcasing the latest in welding and cutting technology.
palmetto synthetics llc recently expanded its kingstree operation, which produces thermoplastic fibers used in everything from apparel to automotive products.
aerospace Gains altitude
b oeing provide S lift for a growing group of aero S pace companie S
a erospace is taking off in s outh c arolina’s n orth e astern s trategic a lliance (nesa) region, as low costs, workforce training, legislative support and proximity to Boeing’s new 787 d reamliner production facility in c harleston, s c . create new opportunities for aviation suppliers and maintenance, repair and overhaul companies.
Boeing’s presence is having a positive effect for aviation and aerospace companies throughout the region. h artsville-based JB e inc. is participating in a mentoring program with Boeing designed to improve its diversification and business growth through advanced technological, managerial, and industry segment mentoring and skills development.
t he agreement will enable JB e inc., a provider of business solutions for customers in the automotive,
medical, supply chain management and warehousing industries, to join forces with Boeing at appropriate times to provide additional services to the aerospace industry.
“ we are proud that Boeing selected s outh c arolina as home to their expansion,” says JB e president Jerry ellison. “ we are also thrilled to have a leader, such as Boeing, choose JB e for the mentoring program.”
a nother s outh c arolina aviation company, av c raft technical s ervices, is a leading supplier of high-quality, cost-effective maintenance and technical support services for operators of regional, corporate, and luxury jets and turboprops.
avcraft’s location in myrtle Beach is a nonstop flight from central america, the caribbean and much of the u s and canada. it operates from a
130,000-square-foot complex of facilities, where it provides Faa and easa-approved heavy maintenance, structural repairs and aircraft modification and refurbishment. its customers include airlines, leasing companies and government operators on three continents.
t he region is also home to a branch campus of the pittsburgh institute of a eronautics in m yrtle Beach, which provides specialized workforce training for the aerospace industry, as well as several industrial parks with runway access, including sites near regional airports in Florence, georgetown and williamsburg counties and the m yrtle Beach international technology and a erospace p ark (mB itap) adjacent to the m yrtle Beach international a irport in h orry c ounty.
– Bill Lewis
May I Help You?
Skilled, friendly workforce draws global call centers to n orth e astern South c arolina
s tory by Betsy Williams
Just like much of the South, people in the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region of South Carolina are known for their friendliness. Combine that natural trait with customer service skills, education and work ethic, and it’s no surprise the region is a magnet for call centers for global companies like Monster.com, Assurant, Sykes, BlueCross BlueShield, ADP, JP Morgan Chase, Safe Auto, and others with national and international clients.
In 2009, leading global online career and recruitment resource Monster.com invested $28 million to locate a customer support
center in the Florence region. The company currently employs 250 and has plans to expand to 750 jobs over the next several years.
suIte D For servICe
“We were outsourcing a portion of our North America services overseas,” says Jeremy Curley, director of global services for Monster.com. “The initial reason we began to look for a new location was to bring these jobs back to the states to improve quality and scalability. We looked at more than 3,000 locations, but there are some key assets that made Florence stand out.”
Specifically, the region offered:
monster worldwide employs 250 at its global call center in Florence and continues to expand its worker base.
•Skilled, available workers: Along with graduates of the region’s seven technical schools, colleges and universities, companies can pull from 52,000 workers in the hospitality industry who are trained in sales and customer service and retention. South Carolina is also located in a right-to-work state, and its ReadySC program offers free job training through the South Carolina Technical College System. The Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT) in Florence also offers workforce training.
•Exceptional infrastructure: Reliable, efficient electricity and telecommunications networks give this region an edge. An array of existing buildings can be easily adapted to call centers. Key sites for call centers include the West Evans Call Center building in Florence County and the Compass Center in Horry County.
•Business-friendly incentives: Job development credits, job tax
credits, sales and use exemptions, fee-in-lieu of property taxes and special source revenue credits are offered to qualifying investments.
Those assets are bringing more businesses to the region’s burgeoning call center industry, which currently employs about 3,000 people at more than 20 companies, including Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of South Carolina and Assurant, a Fortune 500 company that handles specialized insurance products nationally and internationally. BCBS operates two major customer service centers in the region, with 825 employees in Myrtle Beach and 1,000 in Florence, and Assurant recently grew its service center by 200 employees, bringing its total employment to 800 in the region.
people Make tHe DIFFerenCe
“The workforce is really something that sets this community apart,” Curley says. “The workforce here has the skill set that we need to continue
to build and expand the capabilities of our site.”
Sykes Enterprises Inc., which has brought more than 500 jobs to the region, also cites the workforce as instrumental in the company’s choice of location. Sykes’ client base consists of Fortune 1000 companies from around the world, primarily in the communications, financial services, health-care, technology, and transportation and leisure industries.
“The labor market (in the region) is filled with hardworking and intelligent people,” says Andrea B. Thomas, corporate communications director of Sykes Enterprises. “As a peopleintensive, customer-care business, this type of labor market is important to our success.”
Curley says the region offers a lasting partnership for businesses. “Leaders here are not just committed to getting you here, but also to integrating you into the community and ensuring your long-term success,” he says.
v isitors stroll along the Harborwalk in downtown Georgetown, s.C. photo by todd b ennett
hikers through one
a 500-foot boardwalk takes
of the last surviving Carolina bays at Woods b ay state natural a rea in o lanta, s.C. in Florence County.
photo by todd b ennett
the skywheel, the largest observation wheel in the e astern u. s., overlooks the Myrtle b each boardwalk.
photo by todd b ennett
Energy/Technology
power players
n
orth e
astern South c arolina offers rich resources for relocating, expanding companies
s tory by Pamela Coyle • photography by Todd Bennett
For one region in a small state, North Eastern South Carolina is packed with energy. Served by investor-owned Progress Energy as well as stateowned Santee Cooper via Horry Electric Cooperative, Lynches River Cooperative, Pee Dee Electric Cooperative, Marlboro Electric Cooperative and Santee Electric Cooperative, the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region
boasts some of the lowest energy rates in the U.S., and its utilities work with local, regional and state officials to attract new businesses and help existing ones expand.
Beyond energy, the region’s rich telecommunications infrastructure also makes the area attractive for a range of industries, from food manufacturers to call centers.
AT&T, Farmers Telephone Cooperative, Horry Telephone
Cooperative, Sandhills Electric Cooperative, Time Warner Cable and Verizon offer fast, reliable broadband networks, with available SONET (synchronous optical networking), T-1 lines and self-healing networks.
The NESA Region also has an abundance of water, with aquifers that provide millions of gallons per day in excess capacity. Sites like National Choice Bakery (LEV) in Chesterfield County sit on aquifers and use them for an unlimited supply of clean water.
InCentIves, CooperatIon brIn Gs InvestMent
Regional electricity rates are lower than the U.S. average, and many sites are dual served with uninterrupted power solutions (UPS) and backup power generation. Close cooperation among key stakeholders sets the region apart and makes relocation or expansion easy for companies. The South Carolina Power Team, an economic development alliance of Santee Cooper and its 20 cooperatives, helps set the tone.
“These businesses are in some sense competitive, but they also see that attracting jobs, payrolls and companies to our state should
be done aggressively and for the good of all,” says Ralph Thomas,
CEO of the SC Power Team.
DIverse provIDers, one Goal
As a regulated utility, Progress Energy builds in flexibility for new or expanding businesses as part of the rate approval process. Rate options include small, medium and large general service and time of use schedules, and the company’s experts work with commercial and industrial clients to determine a cost-effective fit, says Stuart Ames, manager of economic development at Progress Energy.
“In this climate, companies are very concerned about risk, and this is one area where they know what their costs will be,” he says. “We can offer peace of mind on this one item.”
InCentIves sWeeten Deals
Progress Energy also leverages state programs and relationships with private co-ops and public officials to help close deals. For example, Progress is providing standby power service to the Florence Industrial Center, where Otis Elevator is investing $25 million. Reliable, redundant power at Florence’s County’s new $150 million Johnson Controls facility helped secure its battery recycling project. Both companies will save money through the utility’s Economic Development Rider, which discounts demand rates for five years.
South Carolina’s license fee credit program has been a factor in regional projects in which the utility is a partner. The program allows a credit against a utility’s state business license fees when it invests funds to support job-creating economic development projects. Even in a tepid economy, energy incentives and pent-up demand for new projects are persuading prospective companies to look at the NESA Region, where cooperation is still king.
“You don’t get anywhere fighting each other,” Ames says. “The bottom line is about providing jobs.”
t he road b est traveled
workforce, logistical advantages draw major distributors to region
s tory by Dan Hieb
With its strategic location halfway between Miami and New York and exceptional transportation system, the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region of South Carolina is becoming a hub for companies looking to save money while moving products quickly throughout the U.S. and beyond. The region is home to several nationally known distribution and
logistics companies, including: QVC, which ships 1,000 packages an hour out of its 1.4-millionsquare-foot Florence fulfillment center; Institutional Food House, which services the Southeast from its 340,000-square-foot Florence warehouse; Pepsi-Cola, which has five distribution centers in the region; CitiTrends, which houses one of two nationwide clothing distribution centers in Darlington;
Harbor Freight Tools, a tool distributor in Dillon; and WalMart, which operates a grocery distribution center in Pageland three times the size of one of its superstores.
a DIstrIbutIon DreaM
These companies have come to the region for several reasons: inexpensive real estate, an affordable workforce, appealing
Clockwise from top: i -95, a halfway point between new york and miami, runs through the nesa region; the port of georgetown offers international cargo shipping, along with open and covered storage; distributors in the region have access to 350 miles of class i csx rail service.
incentives and a wealth of transportation options. Top logistical advantages of the region include:
•Proximity to major U.S. markets: The NESA Region sits halfway between New York City and Miami on Interstate 95, allowing companies to reach most of the Eastern Seaboard within eight hours. Interstate 20 offers similarly fast access to cities across the Southeast, from Atlanta to Dallas. Plans are in the works for another interstate, I-73, that would provide direct access to the Great Lakes region.
•International shipping: The Port of Georgetown provides international cargo shipping as well as open and covered storage. The bulkbreak port has four berths and a direct on-terminal CSX rail connection. The region also offers more than 350 miles of Class I rail service with access to the Port of Charleston, which provides direct connections to Eastern markets and five terminals – three container, two bulkbreak. The terminals offer access to five interstates and the ability to handle post-Panamax vessels. Shippers can also take advantage of nearby ports in Wilmington, N.C., Savannah, Ga. and Jacksonville, Fla.
•Access to airports: Florence Regional Airport serves commercial jets and private aircraft, as does Myrtle Beach International Airport, which recently opened a new general aviation terminal and is expanding other terminals to keep up with increased air traffic. International airports are also available in nearby Columbia, Charleston and Charlotte.
Along with a well-connected transportation network, locations in North Eastern South Carolina are also inexpensive, with fully served sites costing as little as $3,500 an acre complemented by incentive packages, including tax credits of up to $9,000 per job. Many sites also offer interstate and four-lane highway frontage.
Easy access to key U.S. markets and the quality of the workforce
are the two biggest reasons Institution Food House – the largest food service distributor in the Southeast – has continued to operate out of the region, says Marion Ford, director of operations for IFH’s Florence distribution center.
“There are a lot of good workers here,” Ford says, noting that the decline of tobacco and textile trades that once dominated the region has left many diligent, eager workers.
an e xperIenCe D WorkFor Ce
More than a million people live within 60 miles of Florence, the region’s geographic center and where I-95 and I-20 intersect. Thousands of these workers are experienced in warehousing and distribution, and their desired median wage is just $10.75 an hour.
Not only can employers tap into the existing talent pool, but they can also rely on one of the nation’s oldest and best workforce development programs, ReadySC. Created by the state in 1961, the program provides fast, cost-
effective training tailored to employers’ needs. The region’s labor market is ideal for employers, Ford says.
“Since this is a right-to-work state, you don’t have a lot of the organized labor that impedes what
path to prosperity
p ropo S ed inter S tate could boo S t bu S ine SS, touri S m for region
a new proposed interstate, i -73, could potentially create tens of thousands of jobs and billions in revenue for north eastern south c arolina with a route connecting detroit to myrtle Beach.
the interstate would run through horry, marion, dillon and marlboro counties, cutting through a portion of the state that was once dominated by the “three t’s”: tobacco, textiles and tourism. with tobacco use down in the u. s. and textiles largely moving offshore, tourism is the only one of the three t’s that has maintained its vigor in the region.
a study by virginia-based chmura economics and analytics estimates that the interstate would generate 22,347 new jobs in south c arolina, as well as 7,720 jobs during
construction, which is projected to take up to five years. it could also open up opportunities for tourism, retail and distribution sectors, injecting $2.1 billion into the state and allowing distributors to reach up to 60 percent of the u s. population within a day’s drive.
interchanges and exits are expected to bring new jobs to each of the four counties while also providing interstate access to myrtle Beach – the busiest tourist hot spot in the country lacking an interstate.
the road is expected to boost tourism by 7 percent by giving visitors a better way to drive to and from the beach, says Brad d ean, the president and ceo of the myrtle Beach chamber of c ommerce.
“during the busiest times of the
you need to do,” he says. “The business climate is also good for economic development. There’s not a lot of posturing. We’ve got a lot of businesspeople who have gone into politics, and they understand what businesses need.”
year, our biggest competition isn’t other destinations — it’s infrastructure,” he says. “For many tourists now, the first and last impression of myrtle Beach is a traffic jam.”
d ean, who chairs the n ational i -73/i -74/i -75 c orridor a ssociation which is seeking funds for the route, says the biggest impact “may be on the rural areas that desperately need an economic lifeline.”
plans for the route are moving forward. t he s outh c arolina department of transportation recently voted to invest $105 million to start construction on a 6-mile stretch of i -73 in d illon c ounty. By initiating completion of this portion of the freeway, local leaders hope to raise national interest in the project.
– Dan Hieb
port of georgetown, georgetown, s c
e duca T io N i N T he N e S a r egio N : By T he Nu MB er S 7
Number of universities, colleges and technical schools in the region
74%
Percentage of residents with a high-school education or higher
53,595
Number of residents with a bachelor’s degree
27,339
Number of residents with a graduate degree
Source: The North Eastern Strategic Alliance, www.nesasc.org
piece of Mind
regional colleges, universities offer world of opportunities, enrichment
s tory by Kevin Litwin
Home to four technical colleges and three liberal arts institutions, South Carolina’s North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region produces a steady stream of highly skilled graduates, cultural enrichment and world-class workforce training programs. Colleges and universities in the region are known for their partnerships with each other and local industries.
One top university recognized by Forbes as one of “America’s 100 Best College Buys” and “America’s Best Colleges” is Coastal Carolina University, which provides students with 60 degree options and recently introduced programs in biochemistry, economics, information systems, health administration and accounting. Known for its coastal marine and wetland studies, the Horry
County-based university is one of several local organizations working to promote the development of offshore wind energy on the South Atlantic seaboard.
With more than 700 students, Coker College in Hartsville broke enrollment records in 2011 and was ranked among the “Best Colleges in the Southeast” by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. The college, recognized nationally for its interactive-based curriculum, recently added a campus in Marion where students can earn degrees in business, social work and sociology/criminology.
b oostIn G busIness, Culture U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Francis Marion University (FMU) in Florence as one of the top
c oastal c arolina university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degrees and is known for its coastal marine and wetland curriculum. the horry c ounty-based liberal arts college was recently recognized by Forbes as one of america’s Best c olleges. t odd
Sou T h c aroli N a g over N or’ S School of Ma T h a N d Scie N ce
Founded in 1988, the Hartsville-based South Carolina Governor’s School of Math and Science was recently recognized as one of the top 24 elite public high schools in the nation by the Washington Post. The school helps students develop strong math and science skills that will prepare them for careers in engineering, biotech and other related fields. More than 1,000 students have enrolled at the school in its 24-year history.
universities in the South for business, thanks to its on-campus Small Business Institute and Center for Entrepreneurship.
This fall, FMU also opened a $32 million performing arts center in downtown Florence to provide a concert, theater, dance and lecture venue for national, regional and local performing artists.
“After a decade of planning and half a decade of fund-raising and construction, the center is finally here,” says FMU President Fred Carter.
WorlD -Class teCH traInIn G
The NESA Region is home to FlorenceDarlington Technical College (FDTC), which offers 75 areas of study and provides contract job training for thousands of employers and potential employees in engineering, technology and
health-care fields through its Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT). SiMT is adding a $4 million business incubation center to its facility with hopes of launching new manufacturing companies.
unIversIt Y, InDustrY partnersHIps
FDTC is also partnering with Francis Marion University and Coastal Carolina University to offer business, nursing and entrepreneurship courses in Marion County.
With campuses in Conway, Georgetown and Myrtle Beach, Horry-Georgetown Technical College has 70 associate degrees and certificate programs of study and provides workforce training partnerships for students interested in construction, financial services, health
care, and hospitality and tourism. The college is working with Coastal Carolina University to provide a bachelor’s program for local nurses with associate degrees who want to continue their education.
Williamsburg Technical College in Kingstree offers a range of associate degrees and training certificates as well as continuing education programs, while Northeastern Technical College (NTC) in Cheraw is adding courses to its Dillon and Pageland campuses. NTC recently partnered with Massachusetts-based software company Continuum to train potential employees for a new center the company is locating in the region.
left: c oker c ollege in hartsville has been ranked among the Best c olleges in the southeast by U.S. News & World Report and the princeton review.
right: s tudent tez wright gets hands-on experience in northeastern technical c ollege’s machine tool technology shop.
f ra N ci S Mario N
uN iver S i T y cha M pio NS rural healT h
Medical students at Francis Marion University get hands-on experience treating patients through the Advancing Rural Community Health (ARCH) program, which serves the health needs of rural communities. A team of five to seven students travels weekly to sites in Dillon, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg counties as an outreach to some of the Pee Dee’s most underserved rural communities. In the first two years of the program, more than 2,000 patients were treated as part of 80-plus screenings in churches, schools, community centers and other locations.
a Heart for Health
regional, community hospitals offer top-notch cardiac and patient care
s tory by Kevin Litwin • photography by Todd Bennett
south Carolina is becoming a destination for professionals and retirees, and a big reason why is because of its cutting-edge, quality health care, says Jim O’Loughlin, chairman of the South Carolina Hospital Association and CEO of the Carolinas Hospital System, a top health-care provider in the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region of the state.
The quality of care is getting even better because medical centers are working collaboratively to share information, O’Loughlin says. If an important discovery is made, data is shared among all medical facilities in the region and state.
“Hospitals still compete for patients, but information is shared,” he says. “Most states don’t have such collaboration, but South Carolina does.”
Some of the state’s best hospitals are located in the NESA Region, according to O’Loughlin.
“Cardiovascular and specialty care are especially amazing,” he says. “There is a constant commitment in the region to improving treatment and technology.”
Staffed by 260 physicians who represent every major specialty, the Carolinas Hospital System includes a 402-bed facility in Florence and is best known for its cardiac care and chest pain center, which was recently recognized for its excellence in diagnosing vascular disease.
Other top medical centers in the NESA Region include:
M c leoD HealtH
Serving Florence, Dillon and Darlington, McLeod is home to the McLeod Heart & Vascular Institute, which has established an affiliation with the world-famous Cleveland Clinic. In addition to constructing a new outpatient rehabilitation and sports medicine facility, the hospital system has invested
$6.3 million to expand its emergency department in Dillon. It also recently took over management of the 105bed Loris Community Hospital and Seacoast Medical Center in Horry County.
GranD s tranD r eGIonal Me DICal Center
This 219-bed acute care hospital in Myrtle Beach was ranked the No. 1 hospital in the state in 2010 for its heart surgery program, according to HealthGrades. Grand Strand Regional is currently undergoing a $52 million expansion of its cardiac and emergency departments.
ConWaY Me DICal Center
Conway Medical Center in Horry County recently added a new patient tower with 64
additional rooms, bringing its total number of beds to 210. It is also home to a new $3.5 million diagnostic center.
Geor GetoWn HospItal sYste M
Georgetown Hospital System is in the midst of two expansions. The system is expanding patient care areas and open-heart surgery services for its flagship 131-bed acute-care Georgetown Memorial Hospital. It is also adding a medical office building with specialty departments in wound care and pain management at its 167-bed Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet.
net Work oF CoMMunIt Y HospItals
A robust network of community hospitals provide care to more rural parts of the region. In
Marion County, Marion Regional Healthcare System operates a 124bed acute-care facility in Mullins with emergency services, outpatient surgery, rehabilitation and longterm care. Williamsburg Regional Hospital in Kingstree serves residents in Williamsburg and surrounding counties, and Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Darlington County provides maternity, surgical, emergency, pediatric and wound care through its 116-bed hospital in Hartsville.
The 102-bed Marlboro Park Hospital in Bennettsville recently received high marks on a national survey for patient satisfaction, and the 59-bed Chesterfield General Hospital in Chesterfield County has received awards for its quality care from the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence.
one of two major health-care systems in the nesa region, c arolinas hospital system, based in Florence, sc, is known for its cardiac and vascular care. photo B y t odd Bennett
Visitors explore Myrtle Beach’s worldfamous boardwalk.
Livability
a Great e scape
n orth e astern South c arolina is a haven for culture, recreation
s tory by Karen Schwartzman
From the roar of engines at the Darlington Raceway to the lull of waves on Myrtle Beach, the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region of South Carolina appeals to people of all ages and interests.
“It’s a great place, close to the beach, close to the mountains and close enough to major cities that it’s easy to take a mini-vacation,” says Jake Harris, director of public relations for Darlington Raceway. The area attracts many visitors
and residents with its temperate climate and mix of both rural retreats and big-city escapes.
lIFe’s a beaCH
Perhaps the best known and most visited of the area’s attractions is Myrtle Beach, which draws more than 14 million tourists annually.
“We’re more than just a beach,” says Kimberly Miles, public relations manager for the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. “There are
so many other reasons to visit. There’s great shopping, world-class golf, live entertainment and Carolina coastal cuisine. You don’t have to stay at the beach all day to have fun.”
Of course, no one denies the fun that the coastline, known as the Grand Strand, offers. With 60 miles of beaches, plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment along its worldfamous boardwalk, Myrtle Beach is known as one of the best family-friendly beaches in the
country, and TripAdvisor recently named it the sixth best beach destination in the world.
The beach is comprised of 12 distinct areas, each offering something different.
“People can really choose what kind of vacation they want to have, depending on what area
they like,” Miles says.
Myrtle Beach’s newest attractions include the SkyWheel, the largest observation wheel in the Eastern U.S., and WonderWorks Science Center. Older attractions like Brookgreen Garden and Family Kingdom amusement park continue to draw big crowds as
well. Myrtle Beach is also known for its world-class golf and fishing.
“We pride ourselves on our Southern hospitality,” Miles says. “We have a great attitude about life. It’s a little more laid-back, less hustle and bustle. The culture is so unique, I can’t really explain it. You just have to come see it.”
s tart Your e n GInes
Inland attractions abound throughout the region as well.
The Darlington Raceway, which held its first race in 1950, hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series one weekend each year, nearly doubling the population of the nearby town of Florence in the week leading up to the big race.
“The NASCAR race really puts the spotlight on the area, not just nationally but worldwide,” Harris says.
In addition to the big NASCAR weekend, Darlington hosts several smaller events throughout the year and houses the NMPA Stock Car Hall of Fame/Joe Weatherly Museum, which showcases a collection of race cars and driver memorabilia for avid NASCAR fans. “The track really appeals to different types of people across all ages,” Harris says.
aFFor DabIlIt Y anD Culture
Not only is the region appealing, it’s also affordable. The cost of living is 6.1 percent lower than the national average, and the median home price is $116,715.
Cities throughout the region offer a wealth of cultural activities, including community theater, festivals, concert series and art shows. Florence is home to a fulltime symphony orchestra and a state-of-the-art performing arts center and library. Conway and Georgetown draw visitors with their historic downtowns and riverfront shopping and dining.
Outdoor buffs can find plenty to do wherever they are in the region. State parks, including Myrtle Beach State Park, Huntington Beach State Park, Carolina Sandhills State Forest and Cheraw State Park, offer camping, fishing, bird watching, and biking and hiking trails.
Williamsburg County is known as a sportsman’s paradise for its hunting and wildlife preserves. In Florence County, Lynches River County Park provides canoe, kayak and cabin rentals along the Pee Dee River, wetland trails and an Environmental Discovery Center with a treetop canopy walk for kids.
the nmpa s tock c ar hall of Fame/Joe weatherly museum at the darlington raceway.
our
ArborOne Farm Credit www.arborone.com
Chesterfield County Economic Development Board www.chesterfieldcountysc.org
Coastal Carolina University www.coastal.edu
Coldwell Banker Commercial Seaboard Properties www.seaboardproperties.net
Darlington County Economic Development Partnership www.dcedp.biz
Fields Construction Company www.fieldsconst.com
Florence Civic Center www.florenceciviccenter.com
Florence Convention Visitors Bureau www.visitflo.com
Florence Darlington Technical College www.fdtc.edu
Florence Regional Airport www.florenceairport.com
Francis Marion University www.fmarion.edu
Magnolia Mall www.shopmagnoliamall.com
North Eastern Strategic Alliance www.nesasc.org
Northeastern Technical College www.netc.edu
Powers Properties www.powersproperties.com
Progress Energy www.progress-energy.com
Safe Federal Credit Union www.safefed.org
Smoke Free Florence www.circlepark.com
South Carolina Power Team www.scpowerteam.com
Springhill Suites by Marriott www.marriott.com/flosh
Williamsburg Technical College www.wiltech.edu
p opulatI on (2010)
n orth e ast s outh c arolina r egion: 702,270
c hesterfield c ounty: 43,480
d arlington c ounty: 67,620
d illon c ounty: 30,730
Florence c ounty: 134,510
g eorgetown c ounty: 62,610
h orry c ounty: 265,360
m arion c ounty: 34,160
m arlboro c ounty: 28,430
w illiamsburg c ounty: 35,370
Ma Jor p opulatI on Centers (2010)
Florence, 37,056
m yrtle Beach, 27,109
c onway, 17,103
g arden c ity, 9,209
g eorgetown, 9,163
Bennettsville, 9,069
What’s o nline
e C ono MIC pro FI le
b us I ness snaps H ot
t he n orth e astern s outh c arolina r egion encompasses nine counties, including the population centers of Florence and m yrtle Beach, and has a combined labor force of 325,000. top industries in the region include agribusiness, food processing, manufacturing, plastics, distribution and logistics, and call centers.
n an ya p lastics c orporation, 901 i nternational p aper c ompany, 831
(2005-2009)
transportatI on
HIGHWaYs:
i nterstates 20, 95 and the proposed interstate 73; u s highways 17, 378, 52, 521, 701, 301, 1 and 501
aIrports:
Florence r egional a irport www.florencescairport.com
s onoco p roducts, 2,400
h onda of s outh c arolina
m anufacturing, 1,553
s chaeffler g roup usa , 1,200
avx c orporation, 1,100
p erdue Farms, 1,075
m ohawk i ndustries, 1,000
qvc , 1,000
wal- m art d istribution c enter, 910
for more in-depth demographic, statistical and community information on north eastern South carolina economic development guide, go to nesouthcarolinaeconomicdevelopment.com and click on economic profile.
m yrtle Beach i nternational a irport www.flymyrtlebeach.com
r aIl:
c lass i csx track
nearbY ports:
p ort of g eorgetown www.scspa.com/georgetown p ort of c harleston www.port-of-charleston.com
p ort of w ilmington www.ncports.com/port_of_ wilmington.htm
Sources: http://www.nesasc.org www.quickfacts.census.gov
Ad Index
13 Arbor o ne FA rm Credit
8 Chester F ield County
eC onomi C d evelopment b oA rd
35 CoA stA l C A rolin A u niversity
20 Coldwell bA nker
Commer C i A l s e A boA rd p roperties
42 dA rlington County eC onomi C d evelopment pA rtnership
5 Fields Constru C tion CompA ny
C4 Floren C e Civi C Center
41 Floren C e Convention v isitors b ure Au
C2 Floren C e dA rlington t e C hni CA l College
43 Floren C e r egion A l Airport
20 Fr A n C is mA rion u niversity
16 mAgnoli A mA ll
1 n orth eA stern s tr Ategi C Alli A n C e
43 p owers p roperties
27 p rogress e nergy
42 sAF e Feder A l Credit u nion
5 s moke Free Floren C e
30 s outh C A rolin A p ower t e A m
C3 s pringhill s uites by mA rriott
Get the story behind the photo Through the Lens
now that you’ve experienced the north eastern South carolina economic development guide through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.
with nearly 600 employees, honda’s production facility in t immonsville, Sc makes about 300,000 all-terrain vehicles a year — avts that go by the names of foreman, rancher, recon, rincon, rubicon and Sportrax.
on april 12, 2011, the plant’s first 2012 honda foreman 500 rolled off the assembly line. t his isn’t just any atv it’s the first one designed and built at the t immonsville facility. i t’s their baby.
You might not be allowed into the plant’s delivery room, but you can admire its newborns in the nursery of your local honda dealer. You may even decide to adopt one.
posteD bY toDD bennett
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