PRESS RELEASE
For
Immediate Release
Contact:
Lindsey Culley, Community Development & Marketing Manager
lculley@dorchestercounty.net | (843) 875-9109 or (843)
259-4778
Dorchester County: A
Year in Review
A note from
the economic development director on 2016:
Presidential
election years always make economic development more interesting. They
are often thought to stifle activity as companies "wait and see" the
outcome before moving forward. The outcome is usually immaterial to the
decision because after the election and regardless of the winner, the company
does what they need to do. I am not sure that was the case this year.
Prospect activity remained strong and the second half of the year showed a real
surge in activity from existing industry. Some of that can be seen below
but much more of it hopefully will show itself in 2017.
The
year 2016 boasted announcements of $177,000,000
in new capital investment and 397 new jobs for Dorchester County.
Here is a quick review of some of the accomplishments we had this year:
Announcements:
- Boeing supplier, The Lighthouse for the Blind Inc.
announced 32 jobs
with a $2 million investment - BAE Systems announced a new facility creating 315 new jobs
- Robert Bosch LLC announced a $175 million expansion, adding
150 jobs
Notables:
- DC Machine opened its new expansion with 17 new jobs
accompanying a $5.3 million investment - WABCO opened their new $17 million facility with 250
employees - Scout Boats opened their new 22,000 SF expansion and
hired 200 new employees - Sportsman Boats open their new 140,000 SF expansion
- Summerville Medical Center announced $53 million
expansion - Palmetto State Armory opened their new facility in
the renovated Collins Square - 100,000 SF Speculative building at Winding Woods
Commerce Park announced - Dorchester County named, "Boatbuilding Capital
of South Carolina" by SCANA’s Insights Magazine - Dorchester School District 2 announces Advanced
Manufacturing Center at Summerville High School - Dorchester County Career and Technology Center opens
second campus in Summerville - County leaders participated in technical college
tour with anticipation of bringing a campus to Dorchester County - Record attendance at the 25th Annual Industry
Appreciation Golf Tournament - SEFA donated truck to DCCTC for Diesel technology
Program - Jim Bozard, CEO for Coastal Corrugated recognized as
Ambassador for Economic Development by the State Department of
Commerce
We
continue to work on strategic positioning for our county and laying the
foundation for future wins. Economic development is a marathon, not sprint and
we are gaining momentum by growing our product base, developing workforce
talent, and investing in our community. We are looking forward to a prosperous
2017. Happy New Year to each of you!
Best
regards,
John
Truluck
Director
Visit www.DorchesterForBusiness.com for more information.
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