Despite our busy schedules and the fast-paced nature of economic development, it's always a good idea to take a moment and reflect upon the true purpose of our efforts. So, as we prepare to close the book on the first two months of 2019, I'd like to explore the primary mission of Team South Carolina. Tasked with more than just recruiting industry to the state, the goal of our team is to improve the quality of life for citizens in all corners of South Carolina. And, based on recent data, we seem to be doing just that.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, per capita personal income in South Carolina increased 17 percent from 2012 to 2017. Outpacing the national average, that growth rate ranks 13th among all states and indicates that the citizens of our state are better positioned to provide for their families than they were five years ago.
Although this positive trend can be attributed to more than just our economic development efforts, it does show that as a state, we are going in the right direction. By continuing to collaborate and help businesses succeed across South Carolina, we'll be able to further improve the quality of life for all who call our state home.