Region’s economy experiencing growth

STAFF REPORTS
FLORENCE – Counties in South Carolina’s northeastern region reported more than 930 million
dollars in new investment with over 700 jobs created based on public announcements.
“This has been a rewarding year of announcements, job creation and developing projects for
our region,” said Yancey McGill, a former S.C. lieutenant governor and North Eastern Strategic
Alliance (NESA) executive committee chairman, “We are excited to see the amazing
opportunities these announcements provide and the potential for further growth and
development.”
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 $930 million in new investment as well as the creation of 723 jobs in 2023.
The regional unemployment rate was just over 3% as of December 2023. Employment in the
NESA region at the end of December was over 331,000.
Regionally, there were 10 announcements: four were existing industry expansions and six were
new locations.
“We want to congratulate and commend each of these companies for making investments in
our communities.” McGill said, “To everyone, particularly the economic developers and county
leaders, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring these projects to fruition, 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 region has also been nationally recognized with the City of Florence ranked in
the top fifty cities for overall economic growth and Myrtle Beached ranked in the top five cities
for prime workforce.”
Looking forward, McGill said he is optimistic about the year ahead.
“We will continue to proactively work with county economic developers, allied partners and
entities at the state level to promote product development in the region,” he said. “We will
continue to employ strategic recruiting initiatives and stay fully engaged to support 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 2023 Annual Report,
can be found at nesasc.org. NESA had their annual meeting on February 15, 2024.
Here are county-by-county updates and outlooks:
Chesterfield County
Population: 43,683
Unemployment rate: 3.2%
Average annual wages: $44,998
GDP: $1,692,676,000
2023 in review:
The Chesterfield County Economic Development office experienced transitions over the year
with the retirement of two talented employees, Cherry McCoy and Connie Spencer, and the
addition of two new energetic hires, Lisa Gainey for existing industry and project coordination
and Courtney Hicks Hair for grants and administration. McCoy continues to serve as external
advisor on a part-time basis.
The office hosted a business roundtable, aided by the South Carolina Department of
Commerce, and an investor luncheon for NESA.
Chesterfield County had three industrial closings in 2023: Chesterfield Yarn Mills in Pageland,
Stanley Black & Decker in Cheraw, and JoeAnne Narrow Fabrics in Chesterfield. Around 210
people in total were displaced. While several chose retirement due to their length of
employment, Chesterfield County Economic Development assisted SC Works with a job fair for
Stanley. Over one hundred of the dislocated workers participated with over 35 companies
represented. Chesterfield County hosted a well-attended workshop for JoeAnne employees to
learn about opportunities from the PeeDee Transition Coordinator.
2024 expectations:
Chesterfield County will be receiving payments for the next thirty years from six solar projects
that were approved in 2023. The investment from the solar companies will be over
$473,000,000.
The 100,000-square-foot speculative building at Lynches River Industrial Park in Pageland, built
by Marlboro Development Team in 2022, was sold in 2023. The company, known only as
Project Furnace, will be making a $64 million investment and will be hiring 57 employees over
the next several years. The company wants to postpone giving more information about its
product until the grand opening later in the year.
Construction is starting in February on the first phase of water into Lynches River Industrial Park
along with the final phase of the road through the park.
NESA and the SC Department of Commerce provided the bulk of financing for due diligence at
Alligator Industrial Park in McBee, S.C. This is an 871-acre rail-served park with an ample water
supply.
Chesterfield County is working with the PeeDee Council of Governments on a comprehensive
plan for zoning and planning that will serve as a guideline for future growth. All eight
municipalities have representation on the committee.
The county welcomes Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority as it begins providing county-
wide coverage starting January 29, 2024.

Darlington County
Population: 62,398
Unemployment rate: 3.2%
Average annual wages: $55,149
GDP: $3,278,795,000
2023 in review:

Darlington County saw approximately $300 million in existing industry capital project
expansions completed in 2023. These existing industry expansions represent industry
commitments to manufacturing in Darlington County. Remelt Sources Inc. announced a seven-
million-dollar capital project expansion with the creation of 40 new jobs. In 2023, Darlington
County Council approved approximately $590 million in solar farm projects. This brings the
potential solar farm capital dollar investment approved by Darlington County Council since
2021 to over one billion dollars.

Workforce development committees continue to work with leaders in local private industry,
Darlington County public schools, Florence-Darlington Technical College and Coker University to
properly align education opportunities and career opportunities in Darlington County.

2024 Expectations:

Darlington County Economic Development Partnership (DCEDP) will continue to strive to meet
the needs of existing industries within the county. As part of this initiative, DCEDP will continue
to engage with business, community and education leaders to create innovative employee
training. Darlington County will continue to focus on new industry recruitment through
improved educational alignment, skilled workforce and enhanced industrial sites.

Dillon County
Population: 27,738
Unemployment rate: 4.0%
Average annual wages: $39,640
GDP: $887,854,000
2023 in review:
Dillon County contracted Rodney Berry, of Berry Strategies, LLC, in September 2023 to handle
the county's economic development initiatives. Berry was Dillon County's former administrator
during the Inland Port Dillon and Harbor Freight expansion announcements. He formerly
worked as a congressional director focusing on economic development for eight counties.

"The environment here under the new county administrator Tim Harper, formerly Marion
County administrator, is very optimistic. His leadership and the county council members' vision
are in sync and, accompanied by the phenomenal attributes of I-95 and Inland Port Dillon, are
making the county an excellent place to do business,” says Berry.

2024 expectations:
Dillon County anticipates two upcoming announcements. The Dillon County Public Private
Partnership, now referred to as DCP3, has been reorganized with committed, strong members
composed of business and industry leaders in the county. DCP3 instated an Ambassador
Program with sessions held throughout the year to better inform interested participants in the
economic process. DCP3 intends to live up to their slogan: ALIVE ON I-95.

Florence County
Population: 136,721
Unemployment rate: 2.9%
Average annual wages: $49,280
GDP: $8,528,453,000
2023 in review:
Florence County’s economic development initiatives yielded impressive results in 2023.
Including unnamed project activity, the county contributed to over 90% of the announced
capital investment in northeastern South Carolina with commitments for $917 million in new
capital investment and 707 new jobs. These achievements are a testament to the community's
collaborative spirit and commitment to growth.
In December, AESC announced the expansion of its state-of-the-art battery cell facility in
Florence County. The $810 million investment will create 450 new jobs resulting in a total
investment by the world-leading electric vehicle battery technology company of $1.62 billion
and 1,620 new jobs.
Product development initiatives continue throughout the county, with two speculative
buildings constructed this year.
A 100,107-square-foot speculative building within the newly developed Florence Industrial Park
South located in Scranton is now complete.
Marlboro Development Team's 117,180-square-foot speculative building at Pee Dee Commerce
City West, located on S.C. Highway 327 at exit 170 on Interstate 95 is also complete.
2024 expectations:
2023 was another outstanding year and Florence County Economic Development Partnership
enters 2024 with continued momentum. The county industrial construction pipeline consists of
over two million square feet with an evenly spaced delivery timeline, allowing the market to
maintain consistent growth throughout 2024. The stabilizing interest rate environment, year-
over-year performance improvement and continued user demand is expected to create
additional opportunities in 2024 for the Florence market.
Florence County Economic Development Partnership recently engaged MRB Group to create a
strategic plan for the organization. Delivery of the strategic plan is expected to be complete by
the third quarter in 2024. An emphasis on workforce development initiatives and continued
product development efforts is expected.
This coming year celebrates a remarkable milestone, Florence County Economic Development
Partnership proudly marks their 25th anniversary (1999-2024) as a testament of collaboration
between the public and private sectors. Two and a half decades of dedicated efforts have
propelled the community toward growth, innovation and economic prosperity. This anniversary
is a testament to the unwavering commitment of both public and private stakeholders who
have played a pivotal role in shaping the county's success story.

Georgetown County
Population: 64,722
Unemployment rate: 3.3%
Average annual wages: $47,708
GDP: $3,325,876,000
2023 in review:
Two companies broke ground in Georgetown County last year.
Sherpa 6, a service-disabled veteran-owned technology company, finished its first hangar at the
Georgetown County Airport. Operations have started and the company looks forward to hiring
more operators and pilots. Its plan involves building two additional hangars.
WingIts Innovations, a specialty designer and manufacturer, had its ribbon cutting ceremony in
February of last year. It started operations and are filling forty positions. The Georgetown-
based facility serves as its central hub for processing goods and providing on-demand product
shipping.
Zilmet USA, a worldwide leader in the production of expansion vessels and heat exchangers,
broke ground on the construction of a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the
Georgetown County Business Center in Andrews, S.C. Phase one of the project is scheduled to
be completed in late 2024.
In July, the South Carolina Ports Authority transferred the Georgetown Port property to
Georgetown County. The property sits on 246 acres. Since July, structural and environmental
due diligence have been done to determine the port’s highest and best use.
2024 expectations:
Georgetown County anticipates the momentum of 2023 to continue this year. Various projects
and development are in process in anticipation of growth in Georgetown County.
Georgetown County Business Center (GCBC) is a 633-acre industrial park located off U.S.
Highway 521 near Andrews, S.C. Rail access for the site is under construction and expected to
be complete before the end of the year. Three more industries have established operations in
the park. Through a continuous partnership with Santee Electric Cooperative, a second
100,000-square-foot speculative building is currently under construction at the Business Center
and is expected to be complete mid- to late 2024.
Pennyroyal Industrial Park on Pennyroyal Road boasts 560 developable acres. This industrial
park provides Georgetown County with a unique opportunity as it is the largest site of only a
few located on the East Coast with barge and rail access. Pennyroyal Industrial Site continues to
spark interest among potential projects. Due Diligence for this site has been completed.
Georgetown County Economic Development is working with a civil engineering firm to update
the design and permitting to provide rail access to the park.
The Georgetown County Airport continues to thrive with an increase in tourism and business
coming into Georgetown County. With the announcement of Sherpa 6, the airport has become
a viable site for future aviation-related businesses. With this, Georgetown County Economic
Development and the Georgetown County Airport partnered to complete a master plan to
attract complementary businesses to the airport property. This opportunity allows Georgetown
County Economic Development to market the airport property as its third industrial site.

Horry County
Population: 383,101
Unemployment rate: 3.3%
Average annual wages: $45,108
GDP: $18,252,965,000
2023 in review:
Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development (MBREDC) continued to build on the
momentum of the DC Blox Cable Landing Station, previously announced in 2022. Myrtle Beach
is the first subsea cable landing station in South Carolina and the technology sector has found
Horry County an ideal location for business. Google and META both announced additional
cables to be based at the DC Blox Cable Landing Station. This underwater internet traffic system
will connect Myrtle Beach to South America, Europe and Bermuda. DC Blox has already
announced a total investment of $90 million as of 2023.
Existing industries in Horry County continue to grow and thrive. MBREDC continues growing the
“Industry Awareness Course” which gives Myrtle Beach area business leaders the opportunity
to visit and learn more details on the numerous manufacturing operations found throughout
Horry County. Overall, Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development continues to work with
its regional and state partners, such as NESA and the SC Department of Commerce, to recruit
targeted industries to Horry County.
2024 expectations:
Entering 2024, Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development foresees another great year for
Horry County with several sites and speculative building development projects already
underway. Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development also anticipates many exciting
announcements for 2024 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 three
consecutive years, business leaders are taking notice of the opportunities and assets found in
Horry County. The Marlboro Development Team speculative building at Ascott Valley Industrial
Park broke ground in January. This will be a 100,490-square-foot speculative building that can
be expanded up to 153,360 square feet and has an expected completion date before the end of
the year.
The Palmetto Coast Industrial Park is 69 acres located in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. A private
developer is constructing four speculative buildings ranging from 157,000 square feet to
217,000 square feet. Palmetto Coast Industrial Park will be able to accommodate users needing
from 25,000 up to 217,000 square feet. One of the buildings has a commitment from Pepsi
Bottling Ventures to be a future tenant.
This year, Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development is ensuring all industrial parks are site-
ready and anticipates both the Cool Springs Business Park and the Loris Industrial Park to be
deemed a “Palmetto Site” with all due diligence updated and utility details on hand.

Marion County
Population: 28,450
Unemployment rate: 4.1%
Average annual wages: $40,583
GDP: $728,227,000
2023 in review:
Marion County had approximately $1.2 million in new investment which will create 27 new
jobs. The County saw a significant increase in solar projects with approximately $200 million in
capital investment having passed 2nd and 3rd readings for solar farm development.
Marion County signed an agreement with a developer to invest $3.5 million to construct a
150,000 square foot speculative building within the Industrial Park. To prepare for new industry
in the coming years, the county acquired approximately 420 acres to develop for industrial use
and to establish a new industrial park since the current park is full.
In addition, the runway at the Marion County Airport was extended to 5,000 feet and now
includes amenities for pilots should they need a stopover during flights. In 2023, a strong
emphasis and focus was placed on assisting existing industry with workforce needs and
connecting industry leaders with resources to align them with opportunities for expansion
soon.
An Industry Roundtable series was developed in partnership with Marion County Progress to
deepen the conversations with existing industry on how to specifically address the more
individual needs they may have.
2024 expectations:
In 2024, Marion County will continue working on a streamlined workforce initiative with leaders
in the county, schools and existing local industry in an effort to strengthen and broaden the
workforce pipeline. This collaborative effort will establish various avenues to assist residents
with developing skills and certifications while building awareness of available jobs.
The County will also continue working with PDRTA to establish transit lines in addition to the
routes that are already running. Marion County and PDRTA will also be working together to
create safer bus shelters for passengers to better assist the members of the community outside
of the workplace.
In the new year, Marion County plans to see construction on a new spec building with plans for
a second spec building to be located within the newly identified industrial park, further into the
year. Accompanying the new buildings will be the establishment of an RV park located at the
former Swamp Fox Amphitheater Complex.
The County will also be looking forward to the expansion of multiple existing industries and to
more development of solar farms around the area with another $250 million in the pipeline.
The main focus is on growing the existing industry located in our county while creating a
favorable environment and climate for new industry to make Marion County its next location.

Marlboro County
Population: 26,039
Unemployment rate: 6.4%
Average annual wages: $49,794
GDP: $918,304,000
2023 in review:
Marlboro County continued marketing its 50,000-square-foot speculative building and the
800,000-square-foot former Mohawk Facility as part of its initiative to attract more industry to
the county. Marlboro County identified over 10,000 acres for future industrial development
(Greenfield Sites) throughout the county.
The county broke ground on a new Trinity Behavioral Health Care facility. The new facility will
provide mental health care for the residents of Marlboro County and the neighboring
communities. Construction is nearly complete on a new Workforce Development Center, which
includes workforce incubators SC Works and NETC Bennettsville Campus. The new Workforce
Development Center and the new Trinity Behavioral Health Care Facility are scheduled for
completion by June of 2024. Lastly, the county hired a new County Administrator, Tony Clyburn,
and a seasoned Executive Director of Economic Development, Tonny McNeil.
2024 expectations:
The Marlboro County Economic Development Partnership enters 2024 with a renewed focus on
developing more available product such as industrial sites and buildings, enhanced
infrastructure and workforce development.

Williamsburg County
Population: 30,058
Unemployment rate: 4.8%
Average annual wages: $47,056
GDP: $856,063,000
2023 in review:
Williamsburg County had a productive year in 2023. The county welcomed their newest
community member, Summit Paper Tube, to Andrews, S.C. The company’s $1.68 million
investment will create 19 new jobs in the Andrews, S.C. community.
PolyQuest expanded their distribution footprint by acquiring Baker Transportation in
Williamsburg County. This acquisition will create 25 new jobs in the Cades, S.C. community.
Williamsburg County announced the completion of its 52,000 square foot speculative building
in the Williamsburg Cooperative Commerce Centre South, located on U.S. Highway 52 in
Kingstree, S.C. The speculative building is available for industrial use and can be fitted to meet
the specific requirements of a buyer or lessee.
Finally, the Williamsburg County Economic Development team thanks their former economic
developer, Gilleon Frieson, for his dedication and hard work making 2023 a successful year.
Frieson is pursuing a new opportunity with the Department of Commerce.
2024 expectations:
The Williamsburg County Economic Development Board looks forward to continuing the
success of the previous years and expanding on new opportunities. The Board will continue
fostering constructive relationships with local industry and leaders. The Board will also begin
the search for a new economic director.