Harry Lightsey

S.C. Commerce, led by Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey, was honored to send a state delegation to U.S. Business Opportunities Day in Taiwan in early October to promote global business relations and investment opportunities.

South Carolina formally strengthened its ties with Ireland Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, when Governor Henry McMaster signed a bill establishing the South Carolina-Ireland Trade Commission.

South Carolina’s most recently announced automotive original equipment manufacturer, Scout Motors publicly unveiled its long-awaited EV models during the company’s highly anticipated live event Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024.

As utility demands rise, so too does the need for a diverse and secure power supply. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ashely Teasdel recently spoke at the South Carolina Advanced Nuclear Forum, alongside utility, higher education and advanced energy partners including Governor Henry McMaster.

Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey and S.C. Commerce’s international staff proudly represented South Carolina at the 2024 Republic of Korea-Southeast U.S. Economic Partnership Conference (ROK-SEUS), Aug. 23, 2024, in Atlanta.

South Carolina’s dominant aerospace industry was well-represented at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, one of the largest global aerospace and defense industry events. The state delegation, led by S.C. Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III, included economic development professionals, existing industry and aerospace suppliers, as well as research and strategic industry partners.

South Carolina is a proud member of the Southeast United States-Canadian Provinces (SEUS-CP) Alliance, which works to grow economic opportunities between the member regions. This summer, the biannual SEUS-CP conference will be hosted in Biloxi, Mississippi, providing attendees access to high-level decision makers and business leaders, business-to-business matchmaking meetings, panel discussions, and more. This is the premiere event for local Canadian-owned businesses or South Carolina businesses looking to grow their reach in the Canadian market.

Tag der Industrie (TDI), also known as the “Day of German Industry,” is Germany’s most prominent celebration and gathering of the European nation's industry leaders, business executives and economic policymakers.

The 2024 South Carolina Rural Summit gathered local economic development champions March 4-5, 2024, in North Augusta, S.C., to continue the advancement and promotion of rural communities. Speakers highlighted success stories, from creative childcare and mobility solutions to Main Street walkability and community engagement strategies. Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III also hosted a conversation with state legislators on crucial priorities for rural communities.

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.