Region’s economy experiences strong growth

Region’s economy experiences strong growth

STAFF REPORTS

FLORENCE, S.C. – Counties in South Carolina’s northeastern region reported more than 164 million dollars in new industrial capital projects with over 490 jobs created based on public announcements.

“Our region had a full year of announcements, job creation and developing projects,” said Yancey McGill, former S.C. lieutenant governor and North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) executive committee chairman. “These announcements provide wonderful opportunities, and we are excited to see the potential for further growth and development moving forward into this year.”

According to NESA – the non-profit regional economic development group serving Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg counties – the region had over $164 million in new investment as well as the creation of over 490 jobs in 2024.

The regional unemployment rate was 5.4% as of November 2024. Employment in the NESA region at the end of November was over 334,000.

Regionally, there were 13 announcements: seven were existing industry expansions and six were new locations.

“We want to welcome each of these companies to our communities,” McGill said. “To everyone who helped bring these projects together, we want to thank each and every one of you.”

“In addition to the economic growth and announcements we’ve seen over the past year,” McGill said, “Our state was awarded the prestigious Platinum Shovel Award, which is a testament to our state’s outstanding accomplishments in economic development.”

“Not only is the Myrtle Beach MSA one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S.,” McGill continued. “It was recently ranked third for prime workforce in the U.S.”

Looking forward, McGill said he is optimistic about the year ahead.

“We will continue supporting the efforts of county economic developers, allied partners and entities at the state level with bringing jobs and economic development to the region,” McGill said. “We will employ coordinated strategic recruiting initiatives and provide support to each of our counties’ economic development efforts.”

McGill noted that the NESA staff provide tools to make it easier for searching and virtually touring available sites in the region. All of these tools, along with NESA’s 2024 Annual Report, can be found at nesasc.org. NESA will hold their annual meeting on February 6, 2025.

Here are county-by-county updates and outlooks:

Chesterfield County

Population: 44,031

Unemployment rate: 4.6%

Average annual wages: $46,546

GDP: $1,323,355,000

2024 in review:

Chesterfield County Economic Development was involved in a variety of projects in 2024. The road at Lynches River Industrial Park was completed. The Palmetto Site designation for both Lynches River Industrial Park and Alligator Industrial Park is in process. Road improvements at Carolina Canners, Inc. were completed. The Town of Chesterfield received a strategic planning grant from the South Carolina Department of Commerce that will be managed by Chesterfield County Economic Development.

Chesterfield County Economic Development staff went to job fairs, hiring events, and career days. They worked with existing industries on employee retention, housing, and apprenticeships. They provided a tour of the county for international site selector Michael Edgar of SelectGlobal, LLC. Lisa Gainey, existing industry/project coordinator, completed the S.C. Economic Development Institute and Courtney Hair, administrative assistant/grants coordinator, is attending in 2025.

AO Smith celebrated their 150th anniversary and 44th year in McBee, S.C. Precise Welding Services held its tenth anniversary reception with an address by Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. Chesterfield County Economic Development hosted a successful industry appreciation event.

2025 expectations:

Chesterfield County Economic Development expects a strong year in 2025. After installing the last section of water line in Lynches River Industrial Park, the infrastructure will be complete. Marketing will continue for the Carolinas Centre with a 52,000-square-foot building on state Highway 9 between Chesterfield, S.C. and Cheraw, S.C. The department will continue encouraging trade careers for our youth and supporting existing industries. Further efforts will be spent working with the school district and technical college to support their career programs. Chesterfield County’s industry partners remain vital in the effort to build a stronger economy.

Darlington County

Population: 62,416

Unemployment rate: 5.2%

Average annual wages: $53,968

GDP: $2,634,611,000

2024 in Review:

Darlington County Council approved approximately $310 million in solar farm projects.

Darlington County Economic Development Partnership’s (DCEDP) workforce development and marketing committees worked hard to bring together education leaders and industry leaders to align career opportunities. The ASCEND program, which allows 8th graders the chance to visit local industries and see what opportunities are available to them, has great potential to grow and retain our workforce pipeline.

2025 Expectations:

Darlington County Economic Development Partnership (DCEDP) will complete its strategic plan in 2025. This plan will serve as a playbook for what DCEDP chooses to focus on to develop and sustain industry in Darlington County. DCEDP will continue engaging with business, community and education leaders to create innovative training programs and continue building the workforce pipeline. Darlington County will continue focusing on new industry recruitment through improved educational alignment, skilled workforce, site selection and enhancement.

Dillon County

Population: 27,698

Unemployment rate: 6.9%

Average annual wages: $40,120

GDP: $740,011,000

2024 in review:

Under the leadership of Rodney Berry in his first full year, Dillon County Economic Development underwent a restructuring phase. One of the main initiatives was to recreate the Public Private Partnership Board (DCP3). "I am very pleased with the team we assembled,” said Berry. “It is a very diverse group where every single member adds an impressive amount of expertise in a variety of sectors. We've managed to raise some money to support our efforts without leaning on the county for various expenses."

DCP3 focused on creating an economic development ambassadors’ program this year. DCP3 accomplished this by holding quarterly 3-hour seminars, bringing in several experts to present. The graduates left the last seminar with a more thorough understanding of the economic development process. The first ambassador program yielded an impressive 50 graduates.

The county experienced new industry growth with DCC Metal Recycling announcing a $11 million investment and the creation of 78 jobs.

2025 expectations:

Moving forward, the Dillon Inland Port continues to be a significant driver in attracting potential prospects. An estimated 80 percent of inquiries to do business in Dillon County is fueled by the cost savings that the port presents to industries.

“This year I plan to attend a couple of recruiting trips with NESA and other economic development allies to take our winning message internationally,” said Berry. “This is such a competitive environment. It’s so important to exhaust every advantage possible when a prospect expresses interest. This has become one of our strengths. The county, city, chamber, DCP3 and other state and federal entities have worked beautifully together.”

“Dillon County and our Inland Port are no longer secrets and along with I-95 has catapulted us into a serious player in attracting industry,” said Berry.

Florence County

Population: 137,214

Unemployment rate: 4.7%

Average annual wages: $50,175

GDP: $7,413,412,000

2024 in review:

2024 represented significant milestones for Florence County Economic Development Partnership (FCEDP). FCEDP proudly marked its 25th anniversary (1999-2024) as a testament of collaboration between the public and private sectors. Two-and-a-half decades of dedicated efforts propelled the community towards growth, innovation and economic prosperity. This anniversary is a testament to the unwavering commitment of both public and private stakeholders who played a pivotal role in shaping the county's success story. On the heels of record-setting economic investment in 2022 and 2023, FCEDP finished another momentous year in 2024.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics named Florence County in the top 15 in the nation for percent growth. Florence County saw a 3.7 percent increase in employment over the year, representing the highest in the state. FCEDP publicly announced $1.9 billion in capital investments with the creation of over 2,700 jobs since 2022.

This year, FCEDP engaged MRB Group to develop an internal organizational plan and an economic development strategic plan to guide its work for the next ten years. The project involved demographic data review, organizational benchmarking, and stakeholder surveys. FCEDP took the plan across the county with four public input sessions, and it is available at fcedp.com for anyone interested in reviewing the plan in full.

Over 50 percent of the work on AESC’s lithium-ion battery plant manufacturing building was completed in 2024. This was a monumental achievement that sets the stage for continued growth and opportunity in Florence County. AESC saw a record-breaking 1,700 attendees at their first major job fair. This overwhelming response reflects the strength of our local workforce and the excitement about the opportunities this project brings to the community.

Amazon opened a final mile facility in Florence County, locating in a 117,000-square-foot speculative building within the Pee Dee Commerce City West. This facility will support last-mile deliveries across the region, further solidifying Florence County as a key player in logistics and commerce. The investment also represents the collaboration between MPD Electric Cooperative, Marlboro Development Team and Florence County.

Asset Technology Group, Inc. expanded and relocated its headquarters to Florence County, making a $6.2 million investment and creating 77 new jobs. This project reinforces Florence County’s growing reputation as a hub for technology- and headquarters-related projects.

In December 2024, the groundbreaking of Cheney Brothers, Inc.’s $66 million distribution facility marked a significant step forward for our community. This new facility will create a minimum of 280 jobs and contribute to the continued economic growth of Florence County with a state-of-the-art over 386,000-square-foot cold storage and distribution operations. Cheney Brothers, Inc., AM King, and FCEDP collaborated on a special ground-breaking with Governor Henry McMaster to close out another strong year.

2025 expectations:

FCEDP is now fully staffed with the addition of new team members and an existing industry consultant, enhancing its capacity to drive success through improved efficiency and collaboration. The foundation FCEDP has established will serve as a springboard for even greater opportunities ahead.

Working with existing industrial park partners will position Florence County to be in the Top Tier of Economic Development for years to come. According to the Florence County Planning Department, there are over 8,000 planned homes coming to Florence County within three to five years. All business sectors must continue to collaborate from healthcare to commercial and from industrial to residential. Florence County must continue to foster sustainable, smart growth that improves quality of life and enables the County to keep investing in economic development, education and recreational opportunities.

In 2025, FCEDP’s main goals in Florence County are to leverage public utilities, strengthen existing industries, and prioritize product development to drive sustainable growth and ensure Florence County remains competitive and innovative. Florence County now has over 2,000 acres dedicated to new industrial development thanks to the continued support of the Florence County Council. Florence County must be “site ready” to be competitive in a global economy.

Georgetown County

Population: 65,731

Unemployment rate: 5.3%

Average annual wages: $49,020

GDP: $2,872,657,000

2024 in review:

Georgetown County continued to demonstrate resilience and productivity in the face of economic challenges. While the closure of International Paper impacted the community, the county is on a path of growth and development. Local, state, and federal leaders came together to find employment for those affected by the closure and to ensure a positive outcome.

Spry Industries and Craftmade Foods are nearing completion, signaling the ongoing expansions in the Georgetown County Business Center. Additionally, Zilmet USA and Diatom have initiated their hiring processes, with both companies expected to be fully operational within the first quarter of 2025. Currently, approximately 120 acres remain available for development.

An offer has been made for 50 additional acres near the Zilmet property in the Georgetown County Business Center, which will act as a buffer until the next business park becomes operational. Construction for a rail spur behind Diatom is underway. More utility infrastructure is advancing, with Santee Electric planning to construct another speculative building and substation in the park. Dominion Energy is similarly preparing to build its own natural gas system station to supply both existing and future industries. These developments position the Georgetown County Business Center as a robust hub for continued industrial growth and investment.

2025 expectations:

Looking ahead, a new speculative building, also in partnership with Santee Electric, broke ground by the end of 2024, with a targeted completion and available for acquisition date in 2026. Georgetown County’s economic development team remains focused on promoting industrial development in the Georgetown Business Park, continuing until all available sites are fully occupied. At the Pennyroyal Industrial Park, due diligence is nearly complete, and the site remains highly attractive to a range of potential businesses especially due to its unique water access. Currently, the site remains under an option agreement. Meanwhile, Georgetown County Airport is making significant strides. Having completed its master plan, the airport is actively recruiting aviation-based industries to foster its growth. Traffic at the airport has surged by 33% compared to last year, and with the ongoing expansion of utilities and runway renovations, we anticipate further growth in both businesses and air traffic.

Finally, Georgetown County has been pursuing a comprehensive cleanup and demolition strategy for the Georgetown Port property, including conducting environmental assessments. Having acquired the Port property from the South Carolina Ports Authority in July 2023, Georgetown County is now focused on ensuring the site’s highest and best use in alignment with surrounding properties. Once cleanup is complete, the Port will be positioned as a key asset for future economic development.

Horry County

Population: 397,478

Unemployment rate: 5.3%

Average annual wages: $46,261

GDP: $16,167,397,000

2024 in review:

Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development (MBREDC) attracted new businesses to support the continued growth in Horry County. Amazon announced its first same day delivery facility for South Carolina in North Myrtle Beach with a $14.4 million investment and the creation of 100 jobs. The 165,000-square-foot facility opened in November 2024 within the Palmetto Coast Industrial Park. The new private park owned by Edgewater Ventures is located off Water Tower Road in North Myrtle Beach. The park will be the home to seven state-of-the-art industrial buildings to assist with recruitment efforts.

Existing industries in Horry County continue to grow and thrive. 357 Brewers committed to build a new brewery in the Myrtle Beach area with a $6.4 million investment and 35 new full-time manufacturing jobs.

MBREDC continues growing the “Industry Awareness Course” and kicked off the third successful year. The course allows Myrtle Beach area business leaders the opportunity to visit and learn more details on the numerous manufacturing operations found throughout Horry County. MBREDC added two new employees this year to assist with existing industry and recruitment efforts. Overall, MBREDC continues to work with its regional and state partners, such as NESA, South Carolina Department of Commerce, Santee Cooper, and the SC Power Team to recruit targeted industries to Horry County.

2025 expectations:

Entering 2025, MBREDC foresees another great year for Horry County with several sites and speculative building development projects already underway. MBREDC also anticipates many exciting announcements for 2025 within the distribution, aviation, manufacturing, and technology industry sectors.

With the Myrtle Beach MSA being one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S. for more than 5 years, business leaders are taking notice of the opportunities and assets found in Horry County. The Marlboro Development Team completed a speculative building at Ascott Valley Industrial Park in October. The 100,490-square-foot speculative building expanded to 153,360 square feet will be an asset to assist in landing a project this year.

The Palmetto Coast Industrial Park is 69 acres that currently houses Pepsi Bottling Ventures and Amazon. The Palmetto Coast Industrial Park will be able to accommodate users needing from 25,000 up to 217,000 square feet.

This year, Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development is ensuring all industrial parks are site-ready and anticipates the Loris Industrial Park to be deemed a “Palmetto Site” with all due diligence updated and utility details on hand to allow Horry County to have three SC Palmetto Sites.

Marion County

Population: 28,508

Unemployment rate: 6.2%

Average annual wages: $43,614

GDP: $626,511,000

2024 in review:

Marion County had approximately $6 million in new investment which will create 43 new jobs with the expansion of Maxwood Furniture. This was Maxwood Furniture’s second expansion since their establishment in Marion County in 2018.

In 2024, Marion County continued working on a streamlined workforce initiative with leaders in the county, schools and existing local industry to strengthen and broaden the workforce pipeline. This collaborative effort helped establish various avenues to assist residents and students enrolled in the Academy for Careers & Technology with developing skills and certifications while building awareness of available jobs.

The County also worked with Marion County Progress, a local private organization, and Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority (PDRTA) to fund and create safer bus shelters for passengers to better assist the members of the community outside of the workplace as well as to help combat the workforce transportation issue.

2025 expectations:

Marion County’s focus in 2025 is filling available inventory by creating a favorable environment and climate for new industry looking for its next location. The County will be developing more than 400 acres previously purchased in 2023 while pursuing other development avenues that align with the County’s Strategic Plan. In 2025, Marion County will see the completion of a 150,000-square-foot speculative building and plans for a second one to follow shortly after.

Marion County will continue efforts to attract hotel development along the Highway 501 Bypass. The County will also work on growing partnerships with local organizations and developers to attract and establish more amenities for our communities.

Also in 2025, Marion County will continue working with PDRTA to establish dedicated workforce routes to provide reliable transportation for the hardworking citizens in our county. The County is also partnering with our local industry and working with the school district to implement a Warehouse Distribution & Logistics Program with hands-on training for students. The program goal is to assist students transitioning from the classroom to the workforce by offering signing opportunities with participating industry.

In 2025, Marion County will continue striving for economic growth through assisting existing industry with other workforce needs and connecting industry leaders with resources to align them with opportunities for expansion.

Marlboro County

Population: 25,704

Unemployment rate: 8.6%

Average annual wages: $51,369

GDP: $700,936,000

2024 in review:

Marlboro County had a very productive year and announced over $400 million in new capital investments and 69 new jobs. The announcements included Birdseye Solar with a $385 million investment, Ferroglobe USA with a $20 million investment and the creation of 19 jobs, Palmetto Brick with a $5 million investment and the creation of 25 jobs, and AAC East, LLC with a $6 million investment and the creation of 25 jobs. Marketing efforts continue for Marlboro County’s 50,000-square-foot speculative building and the 1,100,000-square-foot Mohawk building as a part of the initiative to attract more industry to the county.

Renovations are nearly complete on a new Workforce Development Center, which includes workforce, incubators, SC Works and NETC Bennettsville Campus. The new Workforce Development Center is scheduled for completion in April of 2025.

2025 expectations:

The Marlboro County Economic Development Partnership enters 2025 with a renewed focus on developing more available sites, buildings, incubators, enhanced infrastructure and workforce development.

Williamsburg County

Population: 29,891

Unemployment rate: 7.8%

Average annual wages: $47,515

GDP: $733,565,000

2024 in review:

2024 was a year for change for Williamsburg County. The County announced a manufacturing expansion this year and an agribusiness expansion. Meanwhile, there was also one major closing in the region this year.

In March, AGRU America announced an expansion of its facility in Andrews, S.C., including six new jobs created and $7.8 million in new capital investment.

Also in the Spring, Williamsburg County helped McCutchen Brothers Produce expand their distribution footprint in Kingstree by helping administer a $150,000 grant from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

Williamsburg County continues to develop the marketing of its 52,000-square-foot speculative building in Kingstree, S.C. by having updated drone footage and imagery done around the site. The County continues to work with potential prospects and lead generation partners to find a tenant for the building.

2025 expectations:

The Williamsburg County Economic Development Board looks forward to a successful 2025. Our goals for the year are to improve site competitiveness, workforce development, and increase organizational transparency and efficiency.

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