Commerce News

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Commerce today announced that Amy G. Thomson has been named director of the agency’s International Strategy and Trade Division. Created in 2015, the division is tasked with coordinating and executing a more developed strategic plan across South Carolina’s international recruitment and export efforts.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Commerce today announced that Robert E. “Bob” Marriott, a longtime public servant, is retiring after 53 years of employment with the state. To recognize his contributions to the state of South Carolina, former Governor Nikki Haley has awarded Mr. Marriott the Order of the Palmetto.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Commerce today released its 2016 industry recruitment and international trade results. In total, the state recruited more than $3.4 billion in capital investment, creating approximately 13,100 new jobs, while its exporters posted a seventh consecutive record year with export sales of $31.2 billion – a $400 million increase over last year.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – March 30, 2011 – Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the State Ports Authority today announced the state’s 2010 exports totaled more than $20.3 billion in goods sold to 192 countries around the world, representing a 23.22 percent increase over 2009 totals. In 2010, South Carolina’s 23.22 percent export growth ranked it 17th in the U.S.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina recruited a record level of capital investment by businesses locating or expanding in the state last year. From January to December 2013, the state closed 127 economic development projects, totaling $5.4 billion in capital investment and 15,457 new jobs. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – March 8, 2011 – On Monday Governor Nikki Haley and the South Carolina Department of Commerce gathered leaders from across South Carolina for the 21st annual Rural Summit to hear an informative and inspiring program that challenged attendees to return home to improve their local community.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – January 5, 2011 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce announced today that its 2010 recruitment efforts have resulted in the sale or lease of over 5,000,000 square feet of available industrial space in 2010. “This activity is yet another measure of the success of the Department of Commerce and its economic development allies at the local level. The sale or lease of five million square feet that has been sitting empty significantly impacts the state’s commercial real estate market.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - In its inaugural round of innovation-related grants, the South Carolina Department of Commerce is awarding $2.4 million in grant funds to 14 organizations across the state to further high-tech and entrepreneurial economic development. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – September 9, 2013 – South Carolina has tied for a second place ranking among the top states for key site selection criteria, according to Area Development magazine’s recent survey of site consultants. South Carolina tied with Georgia for second overall in meeting key location requirements.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Individuals and companies from every county in South Carolina were recognized Thursday for the many contributions they provide to their communities and to economic development as part of the 23rd annual Industry Appreciation Week.