Hosting Global Leaders in the Upstate
A Legacy 125 Years in the Making
May 2024 marks a monumental milestone for Sonoco — globally headquartered in Hartsville, S.C. — 125 fantastic years in the packaging industry. From a team of 12 in a rented warehouse to Fortune 500 status with an international team of approximately 23,000 across more than 300 operations, Sonoco proudly serves some of the world’s best-known brands in industrial, consumer and several other markets.
S.C. Commerce Names New Global Business Development Director
On April 1, 2024, S.C. Commerce named Annie Caggiano the agency’s new Global Business Development director. Caggiano, who is on her second stint with S.C. Commerce and previously served as a business recruitment manager, brings nearly 20 years of economic development experience to the role.
Nurturing Statewide Innovation
“Launch to Legacy” Stories Come in All Sizes
South Carolina-Made Goods Delivered Around the World
Annual trade and export figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce put South Carolina’s 2023 export sales at $37.3 billion, defying a national trend where U.S. exports dropped 2.2% over the same timeframe. The automotive industry remained the state’s leading export — South Carolina was once again the nation’s top exporter of tires, and a national leader in the export of completed passenger vehicles. In total, South Carolina exports reached 211 countries in 2023.
Advancing Life Sciences, from Launch to Legacy
The life sciences industry is South Carolina’s fastest growing sector, accounting for an annual economic impact of $25.7 billion. With high growth potential and average wages nearly 80% above the state’s average, the industry’s upward trajectory is part of its selection as one of three target sectors in S.C. Commerce’s new strategic framework to guide future economic development efforts, announced in January 2024.
Committed to South Carolina's Business Community, from "Launch to Legacy"
Celebrating Economic Development Achievements, Opportunities
To recognize the innovations and talent supporting South Carolina in “advancing the future, now,” The 2024 Governor’s Economic Summit united state, business and community leaders Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, setting forth South Carolina’s long-term economic development vision. In addition to remarks by Governor Henry McMaster, Secretary of Commerce Harry M.
South Carolina achieves impressive economic development in 2023, including $9.22B announced capital investment
On the heels of a record-setting 2022, economic development throughout South Carolina showed few signs of slowing down in 2023. On Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, S.C. Commerce announced its 2023 recruitment results, highlighted by a total capital investment of $9.22 billion — the second-highest amount in state history.