S.C. Commerce announces first UK and Republic of Ireland office, managing director
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today announced the opening of a new international office to serve the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Irish markets. Located in London, the U.K. and Republic of Ireland (Ireland) office will be led by Managing Director Roxana Gonzalez to bolster the state’s transatlantic trade and investment efforts.
S.C. Commerce awarded grant to support state exporters
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) has been awarded a State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Through a competitive application process, the state received its full requested amount of $325,000 to support and encourage small business export success.
S.C. Commerce selects first executive director of the SC NEXUS Tech Hub
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today announced Cristina Paredes will serve as the first executive director of the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS), South Carolina’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub).
South Carolina export sales total $37.3 billion in 2023, defying national exports trend
Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) and South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) today announced that the state’s 2023 export sales totaled $37.3 billion, defying the national trend where U.S. exports were down 2.2%, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Since 2013, South Carolina exports have grown at an average rate of 4.4% year-to-year. Over the same period, U.S. exports grew at an average rate of 3% year-to-year.
SC Department of Commerce unveils “Launch to Legacy” brand
In fulfilling its vision of embracing the future to ensure South Carolina’s sustainable advantage, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today unveiled its new agency brand and tagline, “Launch to Legacy,” to support industry recruitment and retention.
South Carolina achieves second-highest industry recruitment in 2023
The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today released its 2023 industry recruitment results which reflect sustained economic activity. From January to December 2023, the state announced total capital investment of $9.22 billion, the second largest amount in state history. That investment represents 81 projects and 14,120 announced jobs.
S.C. Commerce taps familiar name to lead agency’s European office
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III today announced that Sergio Domingues is the new Managing Director of the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s (S.C. Commerce) Europe office. Domingues was with S.C. Commerce from 2012-2018, as part of the Munich, Germany-based team which works to attract European foreign direct investment to South Carolina.
Grants awarded to improve 15 South Carolina communities
Fifteen localities from around South Carolina are receiving community development grant funds totaling more than $7.9 million for public improvement projects. This funding comes from the South Carolina State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which biannually awards grants to aid municipal governments for the purpose of improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs.
ZF Group expands manufacturing facility in Laurens County
COLUMBIA, S.C. – ZF Group, an original equipment supplier for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, today announced it is expanding ZF Transmissions Gray Court, its manufacturing facility in Laurens County. The $500 million investment will create 400 new jobs.