"Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people." -Steve Jobs
In South Carolina, economic development is a team sport. From the various selling agencies of the state to our local governments; regional economic alliances to utilities; and our education partners to private sector allies, it takes all of us working together - Team South Carolina - to ensure the continued economic longevity of our state.
After reviewing the industry recruitment results from 2020, never has it been more clear that our team-first approach is paying off. Building on the momentum generated in previous years while also navigating a global pandemic that transformed the business landscape, from January to December, the state won 126 economic development projects, accounting for $4 billion in capital investment and more than 11,100 new jobs.
To increase our year-over-year capital investment recruitment - particularly during an unprecedented year - takes a remarkable amount of collaboration from many partners across this state. More than just creating opportunities for South Carolinians, these projects continue to diversify the state's economy.
In fact, while manufacturing and agribusiness remain staples of our economy, life sciences and distribution projects were also heavily represented in 2020. Additionally, capital investment in South Carolina's rural communities nearly doubled from 2019, topping more than $1.1 billion in 2020.
It is S.C.'s teamwork and resiliency that brought us through 2020 and it's those same attributes that will carry us forward together.
To review the complete 2020 industry recruitment report, click here.