Northeast South Carolina Development Guide 2012

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Lifestyle Find out what it’s like to live here and what makes the community such a special place to be.

Manufacturers expand operations

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Read the magazine on your computer, zoom in on articles and link to advertiser websites. site guide >> Find available commercial and industrial properties with our searchable database.

Workstyle A spotlight on the region’s innovative companies

success breeds success >> Meet the people who set the pace for business innovation.

Dig Deeper >> Plug into the community with links to local websites and

201 2 Edition , volum e 1 editorial project manager Emily McMackin Content Director Bill McMeekin Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editor Jill Wyatt Contributing writers pamela coyle, dan hieb, bill lewis, karen schwartzman, betsy williams Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Rachael Gerringer, Taylor nunley Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier color imaging technician alison hunter executive Integrated Media Manager Suzi McGruder Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./business Development Scott Templeton Senior V.P./Agribusiness Publishing kim holmberg V.P./business Development Charles Fitzgibbon V.P./external communications Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens V.P./travel publishing susan chappell V.P./Sales Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman sales support project manager sara quint Sales Support Coordinator Alex Marks I.T. Director Yancey Bond system administrator Daniel cantrell Web Content Manager John Hood Web project manager noy fongnaly Web Designer II richard stevens Web Developer I Yamel Hall, Nels noseworthy Web account manager lauren eubank Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Media Technology Director Christina Carden Media Technology Analysts Becca ary, Chandra Bradshaw Audience Development Director Deanna Nelson livability.com product manager allison davis Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris Distribution Director Gary Smith Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop

resources to give you a big picture of the region.

Demographics >> A wealth of demographic and statistical information puts the community at your fingertips.

See the Video Our award-winning photographers give you a virtual tour of unique spaces, places and faces.

guide to services >> Links to a cross section of goods and services special to the community

North Eastern South Carolina Economic Development Guide is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the The North Eastern Strategic Alliance.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.

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The North Eastern Strategic Alliance P.O. Box 100547 • Florence, SC 29502 Phone: (843) 661-4669• Fax: (843) 661-1293 www.nesasc.org

Visit North Eastern South Carolina Economic Development Guide online at nesouthcarolinaeconomicdevelopment.com ©Copyright 2011 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

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N o r t h E a s t e r n S o u t h C a r o l i n a Ec o n o mic D e v e l o p m e n t G u id e

Workstyle Good to Grow

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Region ripe for investment

World-Class Destination

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Manufacturers expand operations

May I Help You?

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Call centers come calling

Insight

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Overview

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Almanac

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Gallery

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Energy/Technology

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Transportation

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Education

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Health

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Livability

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Economic Profile

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Through the Lens

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On the Cover A Honda of South Carolina worker puts the finishing touches on an all-terrain vehicle produced at the automaker’s Timmonsville plant. Photo by todd bennett

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All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

Please recycle this magazine

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South Carolina’s Business Corner Searching for the best place to build a business and a life? Look no further than the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region companies is the central goal of the community. Investment in infrastructure, a top quality workforce and an ideal location have all contributed to the NESA Region’s positive reputation. But what has earned it the title “South Carolina’s Business Corner” is the community’s commitment to helping businesses thrive.

In truth, a community’s commitment to business can largely be measured by traditional considerations like infrastructure, incentives and workforce. For example, NESA regional leaders are steadfastly committed to improving their already

Ask any entrepreneur or company executive, and they will tell you that opening or expanding a business is one of the most exciting times of their careers. The challenges that come with it can be and, often are, stressful, but in a place with the right community support and work-life balance, you can find possibilities where others see obstacles.

In the NESA Region — named for the North Eastern Strategic Alliance, a regional economic development organization representing nine counties in South Carolina’s northeast corner — helping entrepreneurs and executives build and grow their

North Eastern South Carolina

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top-notch transportation infrastructure.

Home to a seaport, a regional and international airport, miles of rail — including Class I CSX rail with access to the Port of Charleston — and Interstates 20 and 95, the NESA Region is still seeking to expand its ground transportation infrastructure.

At present, community, business and elected leaders are working together to support the proposed Interstate 73, which would run from Myrtle Beach to Michigan. And they are making progress every day.

Hospitable to Businesses Transportation infrastructure is just the tip of the iceberg. South Carolina, and the NESA Region in particular, pride themselves on maintaining a business-friendly environment by keeping a close eye on taxes, overhead and regulation.

In addition to being a right-to-work state, South Carolina offers a host of incentives to perspective employers.

Qualifying companies are eligible for tax credits of up to $9,000 per job created, which can be used to offset up to 50 percent of a company’s state income tax. Corporate taxes for the state and region are well below competing areas on the East Coast, as are industrial electricity rates that average just below 6 cents per kilowatt-hour. Setting up shop in the state also qualifies businesses for sales tax exemptions on electricity and fuel used in manufacturing processes, machinery and equipment used in production, and raw or packaging materials.

The third leg of the stool is the NESA Region’s workforce, which is one of the most productive in the Southeast. The foundations for success on this front are the region’s seven higher education institutions, as well as the state’s Ready SC

program, which offers employerspecific training at little or no cost to businesses through the South Carolina Technical College System.

A Place for Innovation But the NESA Region isn’t just courting new big businesses; it is an incubator for tomorrow’s entrepreneurs as well. Nestled in the heart of the region, the Southeastern Institute for Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT) has coupled open-enrollment with on-site and customized training, as well as manufacturing start-up assistance and consulting services, to help employers develop an advanced workforce ready for the jobs of tomorrow. The SiMT features an Advanced Manufacturing Center, a Virtual Reality Center and a National Robotics Center that has been utilized by Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs and a host of others to train, develop new products and gain access to 21st-century technology.

A Quality of Life to Envy When it’s time to unwind from the workweek, the NESA Region does not disappoint. More than a million people live within an hour’s drive of its center and enjoy endless opportunities for culture and entertainment. The region is home to the world-famous Myrtle Beach, a top-rated vacation destination for travelers — and an economical trip around the corner for those lucky enough to call this area home.

Residents enjoy 60 miles of coastline, first-rate golf courses, warm summers and balmy winters, fine dining, museums, theme parks and the Darlington Raceway.

It is rare for nine neighboring counties to band together to bring jobs and growth to their community.

Often neighbors compete rather than cooperate when it comes to economic development. But the NESA Region recognizes that success in business is central to living a happy, healthy life. For that reason, the NESA community is committed to working together and helping its neighbors thrive. That attitude cannot not be manufactured or mandated — it must come from the ground up. And it is the attitude that makes the NESA Region a great place to build a business and a life.

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Almanac

Boosting Biofuels What do algae and biofuels have in common? Just ask the folks at Renewed World Energies in Georgetown, who launched the first automated facility to grow algae used to extract oil for biofuels. Company officials say their production facility is setting an environmentally friendly new standard for the future production of a continuous supply of algaegraded fuel at affordable prices.

The Georgetown plant grows, harvests and extracts oil from algae for products ranging from livestock feed to medicines and cosmetics. Rich in oils, algae can easily be converted into biofuel and its yield per acre is considerably higher than that of any other feedstock.

Florence, Myrtle Beach: Top U.S. Cities for Affordable Fun Where can you find the most affordable entertainment in the U.S.? Look no further than two cities in North Eastern South Carolina. Businessweek.com ranked Florence 13th and Myrtle Beach 15th on its list of America’s most fun, affordable cities. Florence was recognized for being home to more than 100 bars and restaurants as well as efforts by its nonprofit Florence Downtown Development Corporation to secure 150,000 square feet of space downtown to develop more restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Myrtle Beach was noted for its abundance of restaurants, pubs, dinner theaters, cafes and coffeehouses as well as its vibrant nightlife scene. TripAdvisor.com also named Myrtle Beach the No. 1 U.S. beach city for the second year in a row.

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Place of Poets A Coker College alumnus was recently recognized as one of the nation’s top writers. A 1994 graduate of Coker College, Terrance Hayes won the 2010 National Book Award for Poetry for his book Lighthead. A student-athlete who excelled in the classroom and on the basketball court, Hayes was exposed to ideas and subjects at the liberal arts school that fueled his poems. His previous poetry collection, Wind in a Box, was named one of the Best 100 Books of 2006

by Publishers Weekly, and he has written other poetry books titled Hip Logic and Muscular Music. Hayes is currently a professor of creative writing at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Above Par Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise, home to courses regarded as some of the nicest in the country – and beyond. Golflink.com recently explored several Myrtle Beach courses and proclaimed the five best to be: TPC of Myrtle Beach, Farmstead Golf Links, Barefoot Resort & Golf, Pawleys Plantation Resort & Golf and Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort. Golflink’s top five Myrtle Beach resorts with exceptional courses include Pawleys Island, Legends, Sea Trail, Ocean Ridge Plantation and Tidewater. For the city’s five most scenic holes, the site recommended teeing up at TPC of Myrtle Beach, Tidewater, Farmstead, Fazio Course at Barefoot Landing and Pawleys Island.

Best Seafood in the State Craving seafood? For the best Lowcountry cuisine, visit Murrells Inlet, the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.”

Just 10 miles south of Myrtle Beach, this historic fishing village in Georgetown County serves up a large selection of seafood restaurants along its scenic saltwater Marsh Walk, including Bovine’s, Captain Dave’s Dockside, Creek Ratz, Dead Dog Saloon, Divine Fish House, Drunken Jack’s, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen, Spud’s Waterfront Dining and Wahoo’s Raw Bar. Are you a shrimp connoisseur? Feast on succulent “brownies,” or brown shrimp, in Georgetown. One of four major shrimping centers on the East Coast, the town is a top producer of brown Mid-Atlantic shrimp known for their bold flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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Home of Heroes North Eastern South Carolina is the birthplace of two American icons: the late Ronald McNair, a Lake City native from Florence County and renowned physicist who died aboard the space shuttle Challenger in 1986; and the late jazz king Dizzy Gillespie, who grew up in Cheraw in Chesterfield County. McNair, who earned a PhD in laser physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was among the seven astronauts selected for the ill-fated Challenger mission that exploded just seconds after launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla. Next to McNair’s burial site in downtown Lake City is a memorial in his honor, flanked by a reflecting pool and an eternal flame. Gillespie’s likeness, including his trademark bulging cheeks and bent trumpet, is captured in a bronze memorial that sits on Cheraw’s Town Green. Visitors can view an exhibit on Gillespie’s life at the Cheraw Lyceum Museum or stop by the Gillespie Home Site Park, which features a stainless steel fence depicting the notes to “Salt Peanuts” – one of Dizzy’s best known works.

A Tool for Freedom Hundreds of thousands of pounds of filler metals produced in Florence by ESAB Welding & Cutting Products help hold together the structure of 1 World Trade Center – currently under construction on the former World Trade Center site destroyed in the 9/11 attacks. ESAB is providing all the welding filler metals for Tower 1, which will stand 107 stories and 1,776 feet tall, plus the company is also supplying all of the filler metals for a Tower 4 that will stand 65 stories. Tower 1 is being built to withstand a jet fuel-filled plane crashing into it, and ESAB makes a complete line of seismic-certified products for constructing these kind of buildings.

Taste of the Region North Eastern South Carolina is known for its diverse agricultural products. For a true taste of the region, stop by these farms: •Plumfield Plantation: Located along the Pee Dee River, the Darlington farm is the only colonial plantation in the Carolinas that grows aromatic rice for commercial sale.

•Young Plantations: Founded in the 1920s, the Florence pecan sheller and supplier is known for its pralines and cinnamon-dusted and chocolate-dipped pecans. Its products are shipped all over the world.

•Hyman Vineyards: The Conway vineyard grows some of the best muscadine grapes this side of France and sells everything from muscadine-flavored salsa to muscadine wine.

•McCall Farms: The family-owned farm in Effingham grows and cans vegetables, fruit and greens, along with other produce under the Margaret Holmes label, which is known for its quality, freshness and taste.

•McLeod Farms: A trip through McBee is not complete without a stop at McLeod Farms’ roadside market.

Recently named the South Carolina Farm of the Year by the Clemson University Extension Service, McLeod Farms is known for its Mac’s Pride Brand peaches, but it also sells fresh produce and homemade goodies that draws customers from miles away.

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Business Climate

Good to Grow North Eastern South Carolina offers ripe climate for investment Story by Bill Lewis • Photography by Todd Bennett

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hen global technology and industrial company Johnson Controls was searching for a site for its newest state-of-the-art battery recycling facility, it came to the same conclusion dozens of other advanced manufacturing companies have reached – there is no better place than the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region of South Carolina.

Low taxes, a pro-business climate, a dedicated workforce, proximity to Atlantic ports and well-developed infrastructure make the nine-county NESA Region the perfect location for growing businesses. Distinct advantages of the region include electrical, construction, land and labor costs lower than the national average, water systems with millions of gallons per day of excess capacity and

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telecommunications providers that offer broadband service with available SONET (synchronous optical networking), T-1 lines and self-healing networks.

The region’s extensive transportation network covers two airports, Class I rail service, quick access to East Coast ports and two interstates – I-95 and I-20. Proposed plans for another interstate, I-73, would connect Myrtle Beach with Michigan, opening up even more economic opportunity.

Those are just a few of the reasons why Johnson Controls is investing $150 million in its fully integrated battery recycling facility in Florence, where it is creating up to 250 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs.

A Business-Friendly Region “Our decision to build a stateof-the-art recycling center in

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Florence demonstrates our commitment to the environment and the region,” says Alex Molinaroli, president of Johnson Controls Power Solutions. “We chose this area because it is ideally situated to serve our existing manufacturing facilities in Oconee and Winston-Salem, and there is a noticeable gap in recycling service to the Mid-Atlantic region.”

“Through our existing operations, we have been very impressed with the quality of the workforce and the quality of life the state provides,” he continues.

Worldwide packaging solutions company Sonoco, which operates its global headquarters in Hartsville, has invested in the region for years.

“Sonoco’s history in South Carolina dates back to 1899,” says Harris E. DeLoach, Sonoco CEO and chairman. “We’ve been in the

fortunate position to not only grow and expand our operations within the state but also globally. And even more importantly, we’ve had the opportunity, as one of the largest companies in South Carolina, to influence and work with the state to improve the business climate.”

The company has benefited from the region’s infrastructure, including ports, railways and interstate highways, “but we have always believed that it is important to give back to the communities in which we live and operate,” DeLoach says. “We have close ties with local schools, including the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics and Coker College, and state schools, such as the University of South Carolina and Clemson University, where we helped fund the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics.”

Home to Diverse Industries The region boasts a strong track record as a center for manufacturing and

distribution for Fortune 500 companies and others, but it is also becoming a magnet for call centers, aerospace companies and manufacturers specializing in plastics and green products. Recent arrivals include: •Otis Elevator is investing $40 million and creating at least 360 jobs at its new facility in Florence.

•5-STAR USA, a venture capital start-up, is locating its headquarters in Bennettsville and investing $25 million to set up a manufacturing campus to support new businesses.

•ECAPS, which makes sustainable aluminum composite materials, is investing $3.4 million in its facility in Bennettsville, where it expects to create 150 jobs.

•Carolina AAC, a producer of energyefficient concrete, is investing $16 million and creating 36 jobs at its new facility.

•3V Incorporated, a global manufacturer of specialty chemicals, is investing $15 million to expand its

Top-Notch Training Center Supports Manufacturers The Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT) is the premier technical service provider and training facility for industry in the Southeast. The first facility of its kind in the U.S., SiMT is located on a 146-acre campus in Florence, where it provides engineering/CAD/ CAM, rapid prototyping and 3D/virtual reality services, as well as leading-edge manufacturing workforce development and business process training.

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region’s Top Investments in 2011 • Carolina AAC: 36 jobs, $16M investment • American Luxury Coach: 40 jobs • 3V Incorporated: 30 jobs, $15M investment • ECAPS Corp.: 150 jobs, $3.4M investment • Schaeffler Group USA: 100 jobs, $10M investment • Otis Elevator Co.: 360 jobs, $40M investment • Dillon Furniture Manufacturing Co.: 107 jobs, $2.6M investment • PolyQuest Inc.: 20 jobs, $8M investment • 5-STAR USA: 1,000 jobs, $25M investment • JBE Inc.: 30 jobs • Sonoco: 10 jobs, $100M investment • SafeRack LLC: 58 jobs, $9M investment

Georgetown facility and create 30 engineering and technician jobs.

•PolyQuest, which distributes recycled PET used in plastic packaging and automotive products, recently expanded for the seventh time in the past decade, investing $8 million to increase capacity at its Darlington plant and creating 20 jobs.

Monster.com is the latest global call center to locate in the region, and QVC is one of several national distributors t hat has expanded in the area recently.

The region has also attracted an influx of food production companies, including Heinz. Designated as one of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) “Great Regions,” the area was awarded a Rural Business Opportunity Grant from the USDA, which NESA will use in its efforts to recruit more agribusiness companies.

Geared for Growth With more than a million people within 60 miles of its center, the NESA Region is best known for its productive workforce, which has continued to grow in proportion to an increasing population.

Regional technical schools, colleges and

universities, including the premier Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT), partner with industries to produce highly skilled workers.

Employers can also take advantage of the state’s ReadySC program, which provides free job recruiting, screening and training through the South Carolina Technical College System.

NESA is committed to the success of the region and the businesses that invest here, says Executive Director Jeff McKay. “I feel strongly that part of the consideration in bringing any company to our region is that NESA and all of our partners at the local and state level will make sure that we are working closely with prospective employers well past the initial point of agreement, through the entire, often challenging process of making such an investment,” McKay says.

“We believe that by seeking out each and every prospective opportunity, regardless of what may or may not fit into our preconceived notions about modern industry, we will maximize our economic development success and find those companies for whom the NESA region is the best fit,” he continues.

Industrial Sites in North Eastern South Carolina ■ Myrtle Beach International Technology & Aerospace Park Horry County 460-acre park located at former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base adjacent to Myrtle Beach International Airport.

■ The Carolinas I-95 Megasite Dillon County 1,920-acre, SC-certified site, with utilities and rail service in place.

■ Ridgeview A, B and C Industrial Sites Chesterfield County Encompasses 263 acres (A), 350 acres (B) and 879 (C), with rail availability.

■ White Hawk Commerce Park Florence County Certified “shovel-ready” by

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McCallum Sweeney Consulting, the 1,175-acre site has dual Class A CSXT mainline rail with two side tracks.

■ Darlington County I-20 Industrial Park Darlington County 163-acre South Carolina-certified site located along I-20, with all infrastructure in place.

■ Georgetown County Business Center Georgetown County 547-acre, SC-certified site with 1,800 feet of frontage on CSX rail line and infrastructure in place.

■ Marion County Industrial Park Marion County 235-acre site near the Marion County Airport, with infrastructure

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in place and natural gas provider on site.

■ Pee Dee Commerce City Park Florence County 700-acre, SC-certified Class A industrial park with shovel-ready sites, I-95 frontage and all infrastructure in place.

■ Marlboro County Industrial Park Marlboro County 229-acre, “shovel ready” South Carolina-certified industrial site, with utilities in place.

■ Williamsburg Cooperative Commerce Centre Williamsburg County 30-acre, SC-certified “shovel ready” site, with utilities in place and an electric substation nearby.

USDA-Certified North Eastern South Carolina designated “Great Region” for agribusiness When shoppers across the U.S. purchase groceries, clothing or paper, there’s a good chance those items were produced by North Eastern South Carolina’s agribusiness sector. Companies with household names like grocery products producer H.J. Heinz and paper products manufacturers International Paper and Domtar are major employers. McCall Farms, a sixth-generation family farm, provides produce for well-known brands like Margaret Holmes, Peanut Patch, Greer, Osage and Lord Chesterfield. Canada-based Naturally Advanced Technologies has development and purchasing agreements with national brands such as Hanes and Levi Strauss to supply flax grown in the region for use in their clothing products.

With more than 12,600 agribusiness workers and annual sales exceeding $4 billion, the region accounts for nearly a quarter of South Carolina’s agricultural revenue and farmland. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently designated the area as a “Great Region” for agribusiness, awarding it with a $50,000 USDA Rural Business Opportunity Grant, which will be used to fund a

strategic plan and feasibility study aimed at boosting the industry.

“The recognition is a strong testimonial to our core strengths: a top quality workforce, low taxes and a community laser-focused on bringing and retaining good companies in our region,” says Sen. J. Yancey McGill, chairman of NESA’s executive committee.

McCall Farms, which contracts with farms throughout the Southeast, has undergone major expansions recently.

And Naturally Advanced Technologies is investing $15 million in its flax production facility. CEO Ken Barker says the company and the region are a natural fit. “With the USDA and Hanes, we have fully verified the region as ideal for growing our flax,” Barker says. “Our relationships with the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Williamsburg County business development team have been fantastic. Both have been extremely helpful in getting us set up in Kingstree.”

– Bill Lewis

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World-Class Destination Diverse manufacturers grow operations in North Eastern South Carolina Story by Bill Lewis Photography by Todd Bennett

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orld-class manufacturers of products as diverse as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, advanced plastics and metals, auto parts, all-terrain vehicles, elevators and frozen meals are growing in South Carolina’s North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region, thanks to its location, skilled workforce and pro-business environment.

Roche Carolina, a division of Switzerland-based pharmaceutical giant Roche, found “everything they were looking for” in Florence, where the company operates a strategic process development and manufacturing facility, says Pete Mazzaroni, manager of public affairs, including “available land, access to rail, proximity to a major port, location to major interstates and an available, trainable workforce.”

“From the beginning, state and local officials have been extremely supportive of our business,”

Mazzaroni says.“In addition, the growing community, the surrounding area, and the moderate climate and pace provide for a wonderful quality of life for our employees.”

Gaining Weight Watchers, Boston Market Meals Food products giant Heinz conducted a comprehensive search before selecting Florence for its new frozen meals facility. Its 225,000-square-foot facility makes products for three brands: Weight Watchers, Weight Watchers Smart Ones and Boston Market.

Heinz was attracted to the region’s workforce and positive business environment, says Jessica Jackson, senior manager of public relations for Heinz. In addition, the Florence County facility is well-positioned to serve the company’s Northeast and Southeast distribution centers.

“The support Heinz received

from city, state and government officials during the location evaluation helped determine the final site for the facility,” she says.

“The partnership developed between Heinz and the community during the planning process is one that will continue to grow long after the facility has been operating.”

Workforce-Community Connection Successful businesses make their communities stronger.

Honda of South Carolina, for example, encourages employees to volunteer their time for Boys and Girls Clubs, make improvements at public parks and participate in other civic and nonprofit activities when activity at the Florence County plant is slow.

While volunteering, employees are on the clock and being paid by Honda. It’s part of the company’s no-layoff policy, Assistant Vice President Jeff Helton says.

Honda of South Carolina, one of the region’s major manufacturers, makes nine models of all-terrain vehicles at its Timmonsville facility.

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“A lot of things can happen when you have a ‘want-to’ attitude,” he says of the enthusiasm Honda’s workers show for their projects.

“The people make the difference.

Honda has also used the economic downturn as an opportunity to institute innovative training programs at its Timmonsville factory, where it makes nine models of all-terrain vehicles. “We call it HSCU, Honda of South Carolina University,” Helton says.

Manufacturing Magnet Plastics companies make up one of the region’s fastest-growing industry sectors. Wellman Plastics Recycling reinvested $2.5 million in its Florence facility, which manufactures products for the automotive, lawn and garden, consumer products and electronics industries, creating 50 new jobs.

ICE Recycling, a recycler of plastics and polymers, also created 50 new jobs by investing $4.35 million in its Lake City operations. Another advanced plastics manufacturer, Palmetto Synthetics LLC, which produces fiber used in products from apparel to auto products, invested $7 million to expand its Kingstree facility and create 75 new jobs.

Other manufacturers expanding in the NESA Region include: •Automotive components maker Schaeffler Group USA increased production at its Chesterfield County plant, adding 100 jobs.

•I.T.I. Hydraulik, a Canadabased maker of elevator components, is investing $1 million and creating up to 30 jobs at its new Williamsburg County facility.

•Global welding company ESAB opened a new $3.5 million automation process training center showcasing the latest in welding and cutting technology.

Palmetto Synthetics LLC recently expanded its Kingstree operation, which produces thermoplastic fibers used in everything from apparel to automotive products.

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Aerospace Gains Altitude Boeing provides lift for a growing group of aerospace companies Aerospace is taking off in South Carolina’s North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region, as low costs, workforce training, legislative support and proximity to Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner production facility in Charleston, S.C. create new opportunities for aviation suppliers and maintenance, repair and overhaul companies.

Boeing’s presence is having a positive effect for aviation and aerospace companies throughout the region. Hartsville-based JBE Inc. is participating in a mentoring program with Boeing designed to improve its diversification and business growth through advanced technological, managerial, and industry segment mentoring and skills development.

The agreement will enable JBE Inc., a provider of business solutions for customers in the automotive,

medical, supply chain management and warehousing industries, to join forces with Boeing at appropriate times to provide additional services to the aerospace industry.

“We are proud that Boeing selected South Carolina as home to their expansion,” says JBE President Jerry Ellison. “We are also thrilled to have a leader, such as Boeing, choose JBE for the mentoring program.”

Another South Carolina aviation company, AvCraft Technical Services, is a leading supplier of high-quality, cost-effective maintenance and technical support services for operators of regional, corporate, and luxury jets and turboprops.

AvCraft’s location in Myrtle Beach is a nonstop flight from Central America, the Caribbean and much of the U.S. and Canada. It operates from a

130,000-square-foot complex of facilities, where it provides FAA and EASA-approved heavy maintenance, structural repairs and aircraft modification and refurbishment. Its customers include airlines, leasing companies and government operators on three continents.

The region is also home to a branch campus of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in Myrtle Beach, which provides specialized workforce training for the aerospace industry, as well as several industrial parks with runway access, including sites near regional airports in Florence, Georgetown and Williamsburg counties and the Myrtle Beach International Technology and Aerospace Park (MB ITAP) adjacent to the Myrtle Beach International Airport in Horry County.

– Bill Lewis

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May I Help You? Skilled, friendly workforce draws global call centers to North Eastern South Carolina

Story by Betsy Williams

center in the Florence region. The company currently employs 250 and has plans to expand to 750 jobs over the next several years.

Suited for service “We were outsourcing a portion of our North America services overseas,” says Jeremy Curley, director of global services for Monster.com. “The initial reason we began to look for a new location was to bring these jobs back to the states to improve quality and scalability. We looked at more than 3,000 locations, but there are some key assets that made Florence stand out.”

Specifically, the region offered:

Monster Worldwide employs 250 at its global call center in Florence and continues to expand its worker base.

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PHOTOS B Y T o d d B e n n e t t

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ust like much of the South, people in the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region of South Carolina are known for their friendliness.

Combine that natural trait with customer service skills, education and work ethic, and it’s no surprise the region is a magnet for call centers for global companies like Monster.com, Assurant, Sykes, BlueCross BlueShield, ADP, JP Morgan Chase, Safe Auto, and others with national and international clients.

In 2009, leading global online career and recruitment resource Monster.com invested $28 million to locate a customer support

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•Skilled, available workers: Along with graduates of the region’s seven technical schools, colleges and universities, companies can pull from 52,000 workers in the hospitality industry who are trained in sales and customer service and retention.

South Carolina is also located in a right-to-work state, and its ReadySC program offers free job training through the South Carolina Technical College System.

The Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT) in Florence also offers workforce training.

•Exceptional infrastructure: Reliable, efficient electricity and telecommunications networks give this region an edge. An array of existing buildings can be easily adapted to call centers. Key sites for call centers include the West Evans Call Center building in Florence County and the Compass Center in Horry County.

•Business-friendly incentives: Job development credits, job tax

credits, sales and use exemptions, fee-in-lieu of property taxes and special source revenue credits are offered to qualifying investments.

Those assets are bringing more businesses to the region’s burgeoning call center industry, which currently employs about 3,000 people at more than 20 companies, including Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of South Carolina and Assurant, a Fortune 500 company that handles specialized insurance products nationally and internationally. BCBS operates two major customer service centers in the region, with 825 employees in Myrtle Beach and 1,000 in Florence, and Assurant recently grew its service center by 200 employees, bringing its total employment to 800 in the region.

People Make the Difference “The workforce is really something that sets this community apart,” Curley says.

“The workforce here has the skill set that we need to continue

to build and expand the capabilities of our site.”

Sykes Enterprises Inc., which has brought more than 500 jobs to the region, also cites the workforce as instrumental in the company’s choice of location. Sykes’ client base consists of Fortune 1000 companies from around the world, primarily in the communications, financial services, health-care, technology, and transportation and leisure industries.

“The labor market (in the region) is filled with hardworking and intelligent people,” says Andrea B. Thomas, corporate communications director of Sykes Enterprises. “As a peopleintensive, customer-care business, this type of labor market is important to our success.”

Curley says the region offers a lasting partnership for businesses. “Leaders here are not just committed to getting you here, but also to integrating you into the community and ensuring your long-term success,” he says.

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Gallery

Visitors stroll along the Harborwalk in downtown Georgetown, S.C. Photo by Todd Bennett

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A 500-foot boardwalk takes hikers through one of the last surviving Carolina bays at Woods Bay State Natural Area in Olanta, S.C. in Florence County.

Photo by Todd Bennett

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Gallery

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The Skywheel, the largest observation wheel in the Eastern U.S., overlooks the Myrtle Beach boardwalk.

Photo by Todd Bennett

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Energy/Technology

Power Players North Eastern South Carolina offers rich resources for relocating, expanding companies Story by Pamela Coyle • Photography by Todd Bennett

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or one region in a small state, North Eastern South Carolina is packed with energy. Served by investor-owned Progress Energy as well as stateowned Santee Cooper via Horry Electric Cooperative, Lynches River Cooperative, Pee Dee Electric Cooperative, Marlboro Electric Cooperative and Santee Electric Cooperative, the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region

boasts some of the lowest energy rates in the U.S., and its utilities work with local, regional and state officials to attract new businesses and help existing ones expand.

Beyond energy, the region’s rich telecommunications infrastructure also makes the area attractive for a range of industries, from food manufacturers to call centers.

AT&T, Farmers Telephone Cooperative, Horry Telephone

Cooperative, Sandhills Electric Cooperative, Time Warner Cable and Verizon offer fast, reliable broadband networks, with available SONET (synchronous optical networking), T-1 lines and self-healing networks.

The NESA Region also has an abundance of water, with aquifers that provide millions of gallons per day in excess capacity. Sites like National Choice Bakery (LEV) in Chesterfield County sit on aquifers and use them for an unlimited supply of clean water.

Incentives, Cooperation Brings Investment Regional electricity rates are lower than the U.S. average, and many sites are dual served with uninterrupted power solutions (UPS) and backup power generation. Close cooperation among key stakeholders sets the region apart and makes relocation or expansion easy for companies.

The South Carolina Power Team, an economic development alliance of Santee Cooper and its 20 cooperatives, helps set the tone.

“These businesses are in some sense competitive, but they also see that attracting jobs, payrolls and companies to our state should North Eastern South Carolina offers some of the nation’s lowest energy rates.

Right: A Horry Electric Cooperative employee upgrades a power line near Galivants Ferry.

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be done aggressively and for the good of all,” says Ralph Thomas, CEO of the SC Power Team.

Diverse Providers, One Goal As a regulated utility, Progress Energy builds in flexibility for new or expanding businesses as part of the rate approval process.

Rate options include small, medium and large general service and time of use schedules, and the company’s experts work with commercial and industrial clients to determine a cost-effective fit, says Stuart Ames, manager of economic development at Progress Energy.

“In this climate, companies are very concerned about risk, and this is one area where they know what their costs will be,” he says. “We can offer peace of mind on this one item.”

Incentives Sweeten Deals Progress Energy also leverages state programs and relationships with private co-ops and public officials to help close deals. For example, Progress is providing standby power service to the Florence Industrial Center, where Otis Elevator is investing $25 million. Reliable, redundant power at Florence’s County’s new $150 million Johnson Controls facility helped secure its battery recycling project. Both companies will save money through the utility’s Economic Development Rider, which discounts demand rates for five years.

South Carolina’s license fee credit program has been a factor in regional projects in which the utility is a partner. The program allows a credit against a utility’s state business license fees when it invests funds to support job-creating economic development projects. Even in a tepid economy, energy incentives and pent-up demand for new projects are persuading prospective companies to look at the NESA Region, where cooperation is still king.

“You don’t get anywhere fighting each other,” Ames says.

“The bottom line is about providing jobs.”

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Transportation

Brian McCord

The Road Best Traveled Workforce, logistical advantages draw major distributors to region Story by Dan Hieb

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ith its strategic location halfway between Miami and New York and exceptional transportation system, the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region of South Carolina is becoming a hub for companies looking to save money while moving products quickly throughout the U.S. and beyond.

The region is home to several nationally known distribution and

logistics companies, including: QVC, which ships 1,000 packages an hour out of its 1.4-millionsquare-foot Florence fulfillment center; Institutional Food House, which services the Southeast from its 340,000-square-foot Florence warehouse; Pepsi-Cola, which has five distribution centers in the region; CitiTrends, which houses one of two nationwide clothing distribution centers in Darlington;

Harbor Freight Tools, a tool distributor in Dillon; and WalMart, which operates a grocery distribution center in Pageland three times the size of one of its superstores.

A Distribution Dream These companies have come to the region for several reasons: inexpensive real estate, an affordable workforce, appealing

Clockwise from Top: I-95, a halfway point between New York and Miami, runs through the NESA Region; The Port of Georgetown offers international cargo shipping, along with open and covered storage; Distributors in the region have access to 350 miles of Class I CSX rail service.

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Brian McCord

incentives and a wealth of transportation options. Top logistical advantages of the region include: •Proximity to major U.S. markets: The NESA Region sits halfway between New York City and Miami on Interstate 95, allowing companies to reach most of the Eastern Seaboard within eight hours. Interstate 20 offers similarly fast access to cities across the Southeast, from Atlanta to Dallas. Plans are in the works for another interstate, I-73, that would provide direct access to the Great Lakes region.

•International shipping: The Port of Georgetown provides international cargo shipping as well as open and covered storage.

The bulkbreak port has four berths and a direct on-terminal CSX rail connection. The region also offers more than 350 miles of Class I rail service with access to the Port of Charleston, which provides direct connections to Eastern markets and five terminals – three container, two bulkbreak. The terminals offer access to five interstates and the ability to handle post-Panamax vessels. Shippers can also take advantage of nearby ports in Wilmington, N.C., Savannah, Ga. and Jacksonville, Fla. •Access to airports: Florence Regional Airport serves commercial jets and private aircraft, as does Myrtle Beach International Airport, which recently opened a new general aviation terminal and is expanding other terminals to keep up with increased air traffic.

International airports are also available in nearby Columbia, Charleston and Charlotte.

Along with a well-connected transportation network, locations in North Eastern South Carolina are also inexpensive, with fully served sites costing as little as $3,500 an acre complemented by incentive packages, including tax credits of up to $9,000 per job.

Many sites also offer interstate and four-lane highway frontage.

Easy access to key U.S. markets and the quality of the workforce

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An Experienced Workforce More than a million people live within 60 miles of Florence, the region’s geographic center and where I-95 and I-20 intersect. Thousands of these workers are experienced in warehousing and distribution, and their desired median wage is just $10.75 an hour.

Not only can employers tap into the existing talent pool, but they can also rely on one of the nation’s oldest and best workforce development programs, ReadySC. Created by the state in 1961, the program provides fast, cost-

Photo Courtesy of South Carolina Ports Authorit y

are the two biggest reasons Institution Food House – the largest food service distributor in the Southeast – has continued to operate out of the region, says Marion Ford, director of operations for IFH’s Florence distribution center.

“There are a lot of good workers here,” Ford says, noting that the decline of tobacco and textile trades that once dominated the region has left many diligent, eager workers.

Port of Georgetown, Georgetown, S.C.

effective training tailored to employers’ needs. The region’s labor market is ideal for employers, Ford says.

“Since this is a right-to-work state, you don’t have a lot of the organized labor that impedes what

you need to do,” he says. “The business climate is also good for economic development. There’s not a lot of posturing. We’ve got a lot of businesspeople who have gone into politics, and they understand what businesses need.”

Path to Prosperity Proposed interstate could boost business, tourism for region A new proposed interstate, I-73, could potentially create tens of thousands of jobs and billions in revenue for North Eastern South Carolina with a route connecting Detroit to Myrtle Beach.

The interstate would run through Horry, Marion, Dillon and Marlboro counties, cutting through a portion of the state that was once dominated by the “three T’s”: tobacco, textiles and tourism. With tobacco use down in the U.S. and textiles largely moving offshore, tourism is the only one of the three T’s that has maintained its vigor in the region.

A study by Virginia-based Chmura Economics and Analytics estimates that the interstate would generate 22,347 new jobs in South Carolina, as well as 7,720 jobs during

construction, which is projected to take up to five years. It could also open up opportunities for tourism, retail and distribution sectors, injecting $2.1 billion into the state and allowing distributors to reach up to 60 percent of the U.S. population within a day’s drive.

Interchanges and exits are expected to bring new jobs to each of the four counties while also providing interstate access to Myrtle Beach – the busiest tourist hot spot in the country lacking an interstate.

The road is expected to boost tourism by 7 percent by giving visitors a better way to drive to and from the beach, says Brad Dean, the president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.

“During the busiest times of the

year, our biggest competition isn’t other destinations — it’s infrastructure,” he says. “For many tourists now, the first and last impression of Myrtle Beach is a traffic jam.”

Dean, who chairs the National I-73/I-74/I-75 Corridor Association which is seeking funds for the route, says the biggest impact “may be on the rural areas that desperately need an economic lifeline.”

Plans for the route are moving forward. The South Carolina Department of Transportation recently voted to invest $105 million to start construction on a 6-mile stretch of I-73 in Dillon County. By initiating completion of this portion of the freeway, local leaders hope to raise national interest in the project.

– Dan Hieb

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Education

Piece of Mind Regional colleges, universities offer world of opportunities, enrichment Story by Kevin Litwin

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Number of universities, colleges and technical schools in the region

74%

Percentage of residents with a high-school education or higher

53,595

Number of residents with a bachelor’s degree

27,339

Number of residents with a graduate degree Source: The North Eastern Strategic Alliance, www.nesasc.org

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ome to four technical colleges and three liberal arts institutions, South Carolina’s North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region produces a steady stream of highly skilled graduates, cultural enrichment and world-class workforce training programs. Colleges and universities in the region are known for their partnerships with each other and local industries.

One top university recognized

by Forbes as one of “America’s 100 Best College Buys” and “America’s Best Colleges” is Coastal Carolina University, which provides students with 60 degree options and recently introduced programs in biochemistry, economics, information systems, health administration and accounting.

Known for its coastal marine and wetland studies, the Horry

County-based university is one of several local organizations working to promote the development of offshore wind energy on the South Atlantic seaboard.

With more than 700 students, Coker College in Hartsville broke enrollment records in 2011 and was ranked among the “Best Colleges in the Southeast” by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. The college, recognized nationally for its interactive-based curriculum, recently added a campus in Marion where students can earn degrees in business, social work and sociology/criminology.

Boosting Business, Culture U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Francis Marion University (FMU) in Florence as one of the top

Coastal Carolina University offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degrees and is known for its coastal marine and wetland curriculum. The Horry County-based liberal arts college was recently recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Colleges.

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Todd Bennet t

Education in the NESA Region: By the Numbers

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South Carolina Governor’s School of Math and Science Founded in 1988, the Hartsville-based South Carolina Governor’s School of Math and Science was recently recognized as one of the top 24 elite public high schools in the nation by the Washington Post.

The school helps students develop strong math and science skills that will prepare them for careers in engineering, biotech and other related fields. More than 1,000 students have enrolled at the school in its 24-year history.

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universities in the South for business, thanks to its on-campus Small Business Institute and Center for Entrepreneurship.

This fall, FMU also opened a $32 million performing arts center in downtown Florence to provide a concert, theater, dance and lecture venue for national, regional and local performing artists.

“After a decade of planning and half a decade of fund-raising and construction, the center is finally here,” says FMU President Fred Carter.

World-Class Tech Training The NESA Region is home to FlorenceDarlington Technical College (FDTC), which offers 75 areas of study and provides contract job training for thousands of employers and potential employees in engineering, technology and

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health-care fields through its Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT). SiMT is adding a $4 million business incubation center to its facility with hopes of launching new manufacturing companies.

University, Industry Partnerships FDTC is also partnering with Francis Marion University and Coastal Carolina University to offer business, nursing and entrepreneurship courses in Marion County.

With campuses in Conway, Georgetown and Myrtle Beach, Horry-Georgetown Technical College has 70 associate degrees and certificate programs of study and provides workforce training partnerships for students interested in construction, financial services, health

Left: Coker College in Hartsville has been ranked among the Best Colleges in the Southeast by U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review.

Right: Student Tez Wright gets hands-on experience in Northeastern Technical College’s machine tool technology shop.

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care, and hospitality and tourism. The college is working with Coastal Carolina University to provide a bachelor’s program for local nurses with associate degrees who want to continue their education.

Williamsburg Technical College in Kingstree offers a range of associate degrees and training certificates as well as continuing education programs, while Northeastern Technical College (NTC) in Cheraw is adding courses to its Dillon and Pageland campuses. NTC recently partnered with Massachusetts-based software company Continuum to train potential employees for a new center the company is locating in the region.

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Health

A Heart for Health Regional, community hospitals offer top-notch cardiac and patient care Story by Kevin Litwin • Photography by Todd Bennett

Francis Marion University champions rural health Medical students at Francis Marion University get hands-on experience treating patients through the Advancing Rural Community Health (ARCH) program, which serves the health needs of rural communities. A team of five to seven students travels weekly to sites in Dillon, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg counties as an outreach to some of the Pee Dee’s most underserved rural communities. In the first two years of the program, more than 2,000 patients were treated as part of 80-plus screenings in churches, schools, community centers and other locations.

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outh Carolina is becoming a destination for professionals and retirees, and a big reason why is because of its cutting-edge, quality health care, says Jim O’Loughlin, chairman of the South Carolina Hospital Association and CEO of the Carolinas Hospital System, a top health-care provider in the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region of the state.

The quality of care is getting even better because medical centers are working collaboratively to share information, O’Loughlin says. If an important discovery is made, data is shared among all medical facilities in the region and state.

“Hospitals still compete for patients, but information is shared,” he says. “Most states don’t have such collaboration, but South Carolina does.”

Some of the state’s best hospitals are located in the NESA Region, according to O’Loughlin.

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“Cardiovascular and specialty care are especially amazing,” he says. “There is a constant commitment in the region to improving treatment and technology.”

Staffed by 260 physicians who represent every major specialty, the Carolinas Hospital System includes a 402-bed facility in Florence and is best known for its cardiac care and chest pain center, which was recently recognized for its excellence in diagnosing vascular disease.

Other top medical centers in the NESA Region include: McLeod Health Serving Florence, Dillon and Darlington, McLeod is home to the McLeod Heart & Vascular Institute, which has established an affiliation with the world-famous Cleveland Clinic. In addition to constructing a new outpatient rehabilitation and sports medicine facility, the hospital system has invested

One of two major health-care systems in the NESA Region, Carolinas Hospital System, based in Florence, SC, is known for its cardiac and vascular care. p h o t o b y T o d d B e n n e t t

$6.3 million to expand its emergency department in Dillon. It also recently took over management of the 105bed Loris Community Hospital and Seacoast Medical Center in Horry County.

Grand Strand Regional Medical Center This 219-bed acute care hospital in Myrtle Beach was ranked the No. 1 hospital in the state in 2010 for its heart surgery program, according to HealthGrades. Grand Strand Regional is currently undergoing a $52 million expansion of its cardiac and emergency departments.

Conway Medical Center Conway Medical Center in Horry County recently added a new patient tower with 64

additional rooms, bringing its total number of beds to 210. It is also home to a new $3.5 million diagnostic center.

Georgetown Hospital System Georgetown Hospital System is in the midst of two expansions.

The system is expanding patient care areas and open-heart surgery services for its flagship 131-bed acute-care Georgetown Memorial Hospital. It is also adding a medical office building with specialty departments in wound care and pain management at its 167-bed Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet.

Network of community hospitals A robust network of community hospitals provide care to more rural parts of the region. In

Marion County, Marion Regional Healthcare System operates a 124bed acute-care facility in Mullins with emergency services, outpatient surgery, rehabilitation and longterm care. Williamsburg Regional Hospital in Kingstree serves residents in Williamsburg and surrounding counties, and Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Darlington County provides maternity, surgical, emergency, pediatric and wound care through its 116-bed hospital in Hartsville.

The 102-bed Marlboro Park Hospital in Bennettsville recently received high marks on a national survey for patient satisfaction, and the 59-bed Chesterfield General Hospital in Chesterfield County has received awards for its quality care from the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence.

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Visitors explore Myrtle Beach’s worldfamous boardwalk.

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Livability

A Great Escape North Eastern South Carolina is a haven for culture, recreation Story by Karen Schwartzman

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rom the roar of engines at the Darlington Raceway to the lull of waves on Myrtle Beach, the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region of South Carolina appeals to people of all ages and interests.

“It’s a great place, close to the beach, close to the mountains and close enough to major cities that it’s easy to take a mini-vacation,” says Jake Harris, director of public relations for Darlington Raceway.

The area attracts many visitors

and residents with its temperate climate and mix of both rural retreats and big-city escapes.

Life’s a Beach Perhaps the best known and most visited of the area’s attractions is Myrtle Beach, which draws more than 14 million tourists annually.

“We’re more than just a beach,” says Kimberly Miles, public relations manager for the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. “There are

so many other reasons to visit.

There’s great shopping, world-class golf, live entertainment and Carolina coastal cuisine. You don’t have to stay at the beach all day to have fun.”

Of course, no one denies the fun that the coastline, known as the Grand Strand, offers.

With 60 miles of beaches, plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment along its worldfamous boardwalk, Myrtle Beach is known as one of the best family-friendly beaches in the

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country, and TripAdvisor recently named it the sixth best beach destination in the world.

The beach is comprised of 12 distinct areas, each offering something different.

“People can really choose what kind of vacation they want to have, depending on what area

they like,” Miles says.

Myrtle Beach’s newest attractions include the SkyWheel, the largest observation wheel in the Eastern U.S., and WonderWorks Science Center. Older attractions like Brookgreen Garden and Family Kingdom amusement park continue to draw big crowds as

well. Myrtle Beach is also known for its world-class golf and fishing.

“We pride ourselves on our Southern hospitality,” Miles says.

“We have a great attitude about life. It’s a little more laid-back, less hustle and bustle. The culture is so unique, I can’t really explain it.

You just have to come see it.”

Start Your Engines Inland attractions abound throughout the region as well.

The Darlington Raceway, which held its first race in 1950, hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series one weekend each year, nearly doubling the population of the nearby town of Florence in the week leading up to the big race.

“The NASCAR race really puts the spotlight on the area, not just nationally but worldwide,” Harris says.

In addition to the big NASCAR weekend, Darlington hosts several smaller events throughout the year and houses the NMPA Stock Car Hall of Fame/Joe Weatherly Museum, which showcases a collection of race cars and driver memorabilia for avid NASCAR fans. “The track really appeals to different types of people across all ages,” Harris says.

Affordability and Culture Not only is the region appealing, it’s also affordable.

The cost of living is 6.1 percent lower than the national average, and the median home price is $116,715.

Cities throughout the region offer a wealth of cultural activities, including community theater, festivals, concert series and art shows. Florence is home to a fulltime symphony orchestra and a state-of-the-art performing arts center and library. Conway and Georgetown draw visitors with their historic downtowns and riverfront shopping and dining.

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Outdoor buffs can find plenty to do wherever they are in the region. State parks, including Myrtle Beach State Park, Huntington Beach State Park, Carolina Sandhills State Forest and Cheraw State Park, offer camping, fishing, bird watching, and biking and hiking trails.

Williamsburg County is known as a sportsman’s paradise for its hunting and wildlife preserves.

In Florence County, Lynches River County Park provides canoe, kayak and cabin rentals along the Pee Dee River, wetland trails and an Environmental Discovery Center with a treetop canopy walk for kids.

The NMPA Stock Car Hall of Fame/Joe Weatherly Museum at the Darlington Raceway.

visit our

advertisers ArborOne Farm Credit www.arborone.com

Magnolia Mall www.shopmagnoliamall.com

Chesterfield County Economic Development Board www.chesterfieldcountysc.org

North Eastern Strategic Alliance www.nesasc.org

Coastal Carolina University www.coastal.edu Coldwell Banker Commercial Seaboard Properties www.seaboardproperties.net Darlington County Economic Development Partnership www.dcedp.biz

Northeastern Technical College www.netc.edu Powers Properties www.powersproperties.com Progress Energy www.progress-energy.com Safe Federal Credit Union www.safefed.org

Fields Construction Company www.fieldsconst.com

Smoke Free Florence www.circlepark.com

Florence Civic Center www.florenceciviccenter.com

South Carolina Power Team www.scpowerteam.com

Florence Convention Visitors Bureau www.visitflo.com

Springhill Suites by Marriott www.marriott.com/flosh

Florence Darlington Technical College www.fdtc.edu

Williamsburg Technical College www.wiltech.edu

Florence Regional Airport www.florenceairport.com Francis Marion University www.fmarion.edu

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N o r t h E a s t e r n S o u t h C a r o l i n a Ec o n o mic D e v e l o p m e n t G u id e

economic profile Business snapshot

Population (2010) North East South Carolina Region: 702,270

The North Eastern South Carolina Region encompasses nine counties, including the population centers of Florence and Myrtle Beach, and has a combined labor force of 325,000. Top industries in the region include agribusiness, food processing, manufacturing, plastics, distribution and logistics, and call centers.

Change in Regional Population (2005-2009)

Chesterfield County: 43,480 Darlington County: 67,620 Dillon County: 30,730

Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, 901 International Paper Company, 831

Transportation

NESA Region: 5.44%

Florence County: 134,510

Highways:

Georgetown County: 62,610

Per Capita Income (2009)

Horry County: 265,360

Interstates 20, 95 and the proposed interstate 73; U.S. highways 17, 378, 52, 521, 701, 301, 1 and 501

Marion County: 34,160 Marlboro County: 28,430

NESA Region: $27,956

Williamsburg County: 35,370

Top Employers

Major Population Centers (2010)

Sonoco Products, 2,400

Florence, 37,056

Schaeffler Group USA, 1,200

Myrtle Beach, 27,109

AVX Corporation, 1,100

Conway, 17,103

Perdue Farms, 1,075

Nearby ports:

Garden City, 9,209

Mohawk Industries, 1,000

Port of Georgetown www.scspa.com/georgetown

Airports: Florence Regional Airport www.florencescairport.com Myrtle Beach International Airport www.flymyrtlebeach.com

Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing, 1,553

Rail: Class I CSX track

QVC, 1,000

Georgetown, 9,163

Wal-Mart Distribution Center, 910

Bennettsville, 9,069

Port of Wilmington www.ncports.com/port_of_ wilmington.htm

What’s Online For more in-depth demographic, statistical and community information on North Eastern South Carolina Economic Development Guide, go to nesouthcarolinaeconomicdevelopment.com and click on Economic Profile.

Florence Regional Airport Get of f th Get dow e ground. n t o bu s iness.

Choose Florenc e Regiona l Airpor t.

Port of Charleston www.port-of-charleston.com

Sources: http://www.nesasc.org www.quickfacts.census.gov

Woodlake apartments Nicely Appointed Apartment Homes Two- and Three-Bedrooms, Two Baths Swimming Pool • Cardio Workout Room Water View • From $825 Per Month Controlled Access Gate

POWERSPROPERTIES

843.667.4900 www.powersproperties.com

n e s o u t hc a r o l i n a e c o n o micd e v e l o p m e n t . c o m

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Ad Index

13 ArborOne Farm Credit 8 Chesterfield County Economic Development Board

35 Coastal Carolina University

20 Coldwell Banker Commercial Seaboard Properties

42 Darlington County Economic Development Partnership

5 Fields Construction Company

C2 Florence Darlington Technical College

43 Florence Regional Airport

20 Francis Marion University

16 Magnolia Mall

1 North Eastern Strategic Alliance

43 Powers Properties

27 Progress Energy

42 Safe Federal Credit Union

5 Smoke Free Florence

C4 Florence Civic Center

30 South Carolina Power Team

41 Florence Convention Visitors Bureau

C3 Springhill Suites

by Marriott

Through the Lens

Get the Story Behind the Photo Now that you’ve experienced the North Eastern South Carolina Economic Development Guide through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

From Our Photo Blog: North Eastern South Carolina Economic Development Guide With nearly 600 employees, Honda’s production facility in Timmonsville, SC makes about 300,000 all-terrain vehicles a year — AVTs that go by the names of Foreman, Rancher, Recon, Rincon, Rubicon and Sportrax.

On April 12, 2011, the plant’s first 2012 Honda Foreman 500 rolled off the assembly line. This isn’t just any ATV. It’s the first one designed and built at the Timmonsville facility. It’s their baby.

You might not be allowed into the plant’s delivery room, but you can admire its newborns in the nursery of your local Honda dealer. You may even decide to adopt one.

Posted by todd bennett

More Online

See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.

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N o r t h E a s t e r n S o u t h C a r o l i n a Ec o n o mic D e v e l o p m e n t G u id e

Come enjoy our newly renovated Courtyard where high style meets high tech The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect.

Breakfast, Dinner and Full Bar

2680 Hospitality Blvd.

Florence, SC 29501 (843) 662-7066 (843) 662-6949 Fax www.marriott.com/flocy

Newly renovated guest rooms and lobby Every suite at SpringHill Suites is 25% larger than a typical hotel room Complimentary expanded hot continental breakfast

Residence Inn is the only full amenity long-term stay hotel in the Florence area.

Spacious suites with full kitchens help our guests to feel at home.

Our meeting room is the perfect setting for smallto medium-sized events.

2670 Hospitality Blvd.

Florence, SC 29501 (843) 317-9050 (843) 317-9025 Fax www.marriott.com/flosh

2660 Hospitality Blvd.

Florence, SC 29501 (843) 468-2800 (843) 468-2900 Fax www.marriott.com/flori

Courtyard, SpringHill Suites and Residence Inn by Marriott are all conveniently located side by side at the intersection of I-95 and I-20. We are within walking distance of the Florence Civic Center, Magnolia Mall, Florence Rail Trail, and many restaurants and shopping venues.

Contact Lyles Cooper Lyles at (843) 250-8175 or lyles.lyles@marriott.com for information about group and event bookings, meetings, and corporate accounts.