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Commerce News

State’s Exports Increase by More Than 23 Percent

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.

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South Carolina nets record recruitment year at $5.4 billion in capital investment

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. 

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Department of Commerce Holds 21st Annual Rural Summit

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.

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Department of Commerce 2010 Recruitment Efforts Result in the Purchase or Lease of Over 5 Million Square Feet of Available Industrial Space

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.

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Commerce awards $2.4 million in innovation grants

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. 

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Site consultants rank South Carolina among top states for doing business

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.

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Commerce honors 46 Ambassadors for Economic Development

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.

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Ambassadors for Economic Development to be honored during Industry Appreciation Week

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Individuals and companies across South Carolina are being recognized for their many contributions to their communities and to economic development this week as part of the 24th annual Industry Appreciation Week, held March 31-April 4. 

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Awards at Rural Summit recognize leaders making an impact in rural South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The South Carolina Department of Commerce gathered leaders from across the state on Monday for the 24th annual South Carolina Rural Summit and challenged attendees to make a difference in their communities.  

This year's Rural Summit was held at the Opera House in Sumter, S.C., where rural community leaders, economic developers and state officials shared ideas, experiences and practical knowledge to improve rural South Carolina. 

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South Carolina exporters post record: $26.1 billion in products sold to 202 countries

COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina again posted a record year for export activity, with more than $26.1 billion in goods sold last year to 202 countries around the globe. 

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