Photo/Continental Tire
Photo/Dustin Shores
An Economic Development Alliance Representing Lee and Sumter Counties, South Carolina
ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT AN OVERVIEW OF LEE AND SUMTER COUNTIES 2017
Photo/City of Sumter
Welcome
We have work to do. The regions who think strategically about infrastructure, talent development, leadership development, quality of life and livability will be successful communities. This success leads to retail and industrial growth, new capital investments in automation, technology and new job opportunities. The snapshot uses up-to-date, comprehensive data covering education, workforce, quality of place and business development. The data was compiled, broken down and analyzed using qualitative and quantitative research tools and methods. The data is the most current and relevant as it not only highlights our successes, but also underscores opportunities for improvement and advancement. And that perfectly aligns with the State of our Region—fashioned for wins, touting a 44% 10-year per capita increase and a significant reduction in our unemployment rate, all while continuously seeking ways to stay competitive and continue to grow and prosper as a community. Most of all, we all must champion our Region and recognize it as a true global mainstay. I’m particularly excited about opportunities for continued growth in our region. This piece offers valuable insight about the positive aspects of our region, as well as the areas that require focused attention. This resource will help us to showcase our strengths as a community and develop new strategies to identify our improvement opportunities. I encourage you to read it over carefully and I trust that you too will find it beneficial in helping to inform decision making, investments, and to generate community support.
2 TheLINK Regional Snapshot Report
Photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
The needle is moving! Our job as an organization charged with being thought leaders, doers, and the galvanizing force for economic growth is in a constant state of motion. There should never be a moment that we sit back and watch the world turn. We as leaders have a responsibility to take an unbiased, objective look at our communities and offer solutions to continuously make them better and more prosperous and to create more opportunities. A continuous and steady uptick in our per capita income coupled with a renewed sense of our collective regional strength, led us to present this Regional Economic Snapshot. This Snapshot Jay Schwedler provides a baseline to provoke a thought process for community leaders and President citizens. The purpose is to actively engage in a dialogue and develop a strategy that will foster economic progress and chart our course towards greater prosperity. This document presents an objective depiction of where our region stands against similar type cities and regions that we often compete with for new business and industry.
What are Comparative and Peer Locations and how were they chosen? Photo/City of Orangeburg
T
Fayetteville, NC MSA
Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC MSA
Orangeburg County, SC
Military presence, Industry Proximity to interstates Population: 204,759
Higher education system, Revitalized downtown Proximity to interstates Population: 884,975
Proximity to interstates Higher education system, Industry Population: 87,903 Photo/Columbus-Lowndes Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo/City of Florence
he metro areas in this report were chosen based on diverse factors and economic assets comparable to the Sumter MSA. These vary across the metro areas, but all will have at least one of the following assets in common with TheLINK region, comprised of Sumter and Lee counties. • Higher education system (Two- and four-year) • Comparable population • Similar industries • Similar geographic location • Military installation • Distinctive community character (natural assets, recently redeveloped and thriving downtown area)
Florence, SC MSA
Columbia, SC MSA
Columbus, MS Micropolitan
Proximity to interstates Industry, Revitalization Population: 205,976
Military base, Higher education system Industry Population: 134,309
Military presence, Comparable population Low cost of living Population: 24,561
Metropolitan, Micropolitan and Combined Statistical Areas:
The substate area data published in this release reflect the standards and definitions established by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Anderson, S.C., Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes Anderson County in South Carolina. Augusta-Richmond County, Ga-S.C., MSA includes Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina and Burke, Columbia, McDuffie and Richmond counties in Georgia.
Charleston-North CharlestonSummerville, S.C., MSA includes Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties in South Carolina. Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, N.C.-S.C., MSA includes Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Mecklenburg and Union counties in North Carolina and York County in South Carolina.
Columbia, S.C., MSA includes Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Richland and Saluda counties in South Carolina. Florence, S.C., MSA includes Darlington and Florence counties in South Carolina. Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, S.C., MSA includes Greenville, Laurens and Pickens counties in South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle BeachConway, S.C., MSA includes Horry and Georgetown counties in South Carolina and Brunswick County in North Carolina. Spartanburg, S.C., MSA includes Spartanburg County in South Carolina. Sumter, S.C., MSA includes Sumter County in South Carolina.
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) - is a geographical region in the United States with a relatively high population density at its core and close economic ties throughout the area. Micropolitan Statistical Areas - as defined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), are urban areas in the United States centered on an urban cluster (urban area) with a population at least 10,000 but less than 50,000. Combined statistical area (CSA) - is composed of adjacent metropolitan (MSA) and micropolitan statistical areas in the United States that demonstrate economic or social linkage. The US OMB defines a CSA as consisting of various combinations of adjacent metropolitan and micropolitan areas with economic ties measured by commuting patterns. These areas that combine retain their own designations as metropolitan or micropolitan statistical areas within the larger combined statistical area.
TheLINK Regional Snapshot Report
3
SNAPSHOT
T
are just a few of the key attributes that make life in TheLINK region desirable. As you flip through the next few pages, you will see some of the statistics and data highlighting different demographic aspects of the region, including age and population breakdown, job expansion, major industries, income, cost of living, real
he people of Sumter and Lee counties are the region’s most valuable resource, representing an innovative, hard-working and skilled labor force with a strong sense of community pride. Location, numerous recreational and cultural opportunities, low cost of living and a business-friendly environment
estate, commuting patterns, health care and recreational assets. This publication paints a picture of a diverse region steeped in unique history and rich traditions. Take a closer look at the makeup of the people who live and work in the area and make the community special.
DEMOGRAPHICS Population Change
2010
Population % Change April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2016
2016
15%
-0.1% -8.3%
10%
107,463 107,396
South Carolina’s population has
grown 7.3% 19,222
over this same time period.
17,635
Lee County
10.5% 6.5%
5% 0% -5% -10%
Sumter County
13.2%
-5.0% -8.3% Lee County, SC
Orangeburg County, SC
-2.5% Columbus city, MS
1.4%
2.1%
Florence County, SC
Fayetteville city, NC
-0.1%
Sumter County, SC
Richland County, SC
Greenville County, SC
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Charleston County, SC
Source:U.S. Census Bureau
JOB EXPANSION AND WAGES RISING Unemployment Rate 17.9%
Per Capita Income % Change 2010-2015 Lee County Sumter County
17.4%
2010
12.1%
2011
10.6%
2012
8.7%
2013
22.0%
20%
20.8%
20.5%
18.3%
15%
15.9% 12.9%
12.5%
25%
9.3%
9.7%
7.3%
6.9%
2014
2015
4 TheLINK Regional Snapshot Report
15.6%
14.3%
14.2%
Lee County, SC
Orangeburg County, SC
10.7%
10% 7.9%
6.2%
5%
6.0%
5.6%
0%
2016
2017
Sumter, SC MSA
GreenvilleCharlestonColumbia, SC Anderson- North Charleston, MSA Mauldin, SC SC MSA MSA
Florence County, SC
Fayetteville, NC MSA
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Snapshot
COST OF LIVING INDEX
Lee County, SC
Columbus City, MS
Sumter County, SC
Florence County, SC
Richland County, SC
Fayetteville, NC MSA
Orangeburg County, SC
82 83
100 U.S. Average
86 89 91
Lee and Sumter counties’ cost of living is under the U.S. average.
95 95 95 95
Greenville-Anderson-Maudlin, SC MSA
The average cost of groceries, health care, housing, transportation, utilities and miscellaneous items.
South Carolina
117
Charleston-N. Charleston, SC MSA Hilton Head Island-Beaufort- Bluffton, SC MSA
133
Source: Chmura Economics & Analytics; U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE Median Sales Price, 2016
Columbus City, MS
Fayetteville, NC MSA
Florence County, SC
Sumter County, SC
Spartanburg County, SC
Lee County, SC
Aiken County, SC
Richland County, SC
Greenville County, SC
Beaufort County, SC
Charleston County, SC
$106K $111K $134K $135K $145K $151K $155K $159K
Lee and Sumter counties offer more affordable housing than other communities throughout the area.
$180K $193K
$240K
Sources: 2016 Annual Report on the South Carolina Housing Market, Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year Estimate, South Carolina Housing Authority, updated report released June 2017
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Snapshot
WHERE ARE PEOPLE COMMUTING? Commuting Times
Lee County has a longer communte time due to the rural environment, not traffic congestion.
Commuting Patterns Work and Live in County
47%
21.8 minutes
Sumter County
Out Commuters
22+32+46 72+13+15 15%
22%
27.3 minutes
Lee County
In Commuters
LEE COUNTY
13%
SUMTER COUNTY
72%
32%
23.8 minutes
S.C. Average
Lee and Sumter Counties have very different commuting patterns. Forty-seven percent of Lee County residents commute out of the county for work while 72% of Sumter County residents work and live in Sumter. This illustrates that there are more employment opportunities in Sumter County. Also, the presence of Shaw Air Force Base, where many people live and work increases that number.
24.8 minutes
U.S. Average Source: U.S. Census Bureau
REGIONAL HEALTH CARE
Palmetto Health Tuomey In January 2016, Tuomey merged with Palmetto Health to become part of the largest, strongest and most comprehensive integrated health care system in the Midlands.
Health Statistics Sumter County 35%
of the adult population is obese
14%
of the population has diabietes Percentage low-birthweight babies 17.7%
Lee County
Lee County 44%
of the adult population is obese
17%
of the population has diabietes Infant mortality rate per 1,000 Lee County 0
Sumter County
9.5%
Sumter County
S.C. Average
9.7%
S.C. Average
5.5 6.9
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE); Children's Trust of South Carolina, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
6 TheLINK Regional Snapshot Report
• 301-bed Joint Commission-accredited medical center. • One of seven hospitals in the Palmetto Health sytem and one of the largest
employers in Sumter County. • Palmetto Health Tuomey is the first hospital in the state to install the Hologic Affirm Prone Biopsy System technology for breast biopsy. • Palmetto Health Tuomey is designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ for maternity care by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.
McLeod Health For more than 110 years, McLeod Regional Medical Center has consistently delivered compassionate, leading-edge health care. From nationally recognized quality and safety programs to new healing environments for Intensive Care and Cancer patients, McLeod Health and its family of 7 hospitals continue to
achieve new levels of medical excellence. The 461-bed McLeod Regional Medical Center anchors the system providing a vast array of specialized services in Heart and Vascular, Cancer, Surgery, Orthopedics, Women’s and Children’s and many others.
Snapshot
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION After just a handful of years of strategic planning, the region has experienced tremendous growth and rejuvenation. New businesses cropped up all over the downtown areas. This is a result of the concerted efforts to reinvigorate an area that had been neglected over the years. Over the past decade, Sumter and Lee counties have committed to a long-term vision and a strategic plan to improve their respective downtown areas. Here are a few examples:
The Economic Impact of Buying Local
Hyatt Place • $11 million hotel being built on Main Street, opening spring 2018. • 93 rooms, nearly 60,000 sq. ft.
Regional Economic Development Headquarters • Housing TheLINK, Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative, Sumter Economic Development
Historic Sumter Opera House • The City of Sumter relocated its offices to the Opera House and renovated it • 550-seat venue hosts music, dance and theater
Downtown Bishopville • Completed an extensive $5 million streetscaping and revitalization project • Greater Bishopville Inc. was formed in 2015 to support new downtown business and renovations
Successful downtown revitalization efforts lead to more locally owned businesses. If every family in the Sumter metro statistical area spent just $10 a month with a locally owned, independent business instead of a national chain, $3,081,787* would be directly returned to the community. * Based on Civic Economics Andersonville Study of Retail Economics Source: Independent We Stand
Culture and Recreation, 2016
NATURAL ASSETS AND RECREATION Local and regional public parks and recreational assets contribute significant value and benefits to their communities. They promote health and wellness, improve quality of living, promote a sense of community pride and serve as engines for economic growth. In Sumter and Lee counties, major attractions include sports tournaments, access to treasured natural assets, festivals, parks and state-of-the-art recreation facilities. Here are a few examples:
Employment in the arts, entertainment, sports and recreation. Sumter MSA Employment: 120 Employment per 1,000: 3.37 Annual Mean wage: $40,220 Columbia MSA Employment: 4,070 Employment per 1,000: 10.90 Annual Mean Wage: $46,310
Photo/City of Sumter
Charleston-North Charleston MSA Employment: 3,510 Employment per 1,000: 10.70 Annual Mean Wage: $44,800
Swan Lake Iris Gardens • Only public park in the United States to feature eight swan species • More than 15,000 visitors annually
Pearl Fryar Topiary Gardens • Pearl Fryar’s worldrenowned topiary garden features more than 300 plants
Patriot Park Athletic Complex and Activities Center • Built for hosting regional and national tournaments, it boasts five baseball and softball fields and six soccer fields
Palmetto Tennis Center • 24 state-of-the-art tennis courts, lit for night play • Host to local, state, regional and national tournaments, including USTA Women’s Pro Circuit Events
Florence MSA Employment: 360 Employment per 1,000: 4.34 Annual Mean Wage: $46,350 Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin MSA Employment: 3,840 Employment per 1,000: 9.69 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Annual Mean Wage: $51,500
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ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
W
hy consider TheLINK region? Comprised of Sumter and Lee counties, the area has the infrastructure to support any business opportunity, domestic or global. The area has experienced momentum over the past several years in attracting new business and industries, creating new jobs and generating revenue. This has been a
major boost to the area and the quality of life of its residents. Promoting the unique characteristics that Sumter and Lee offer is critical to the region’s economic and business development efforts. Attracting new businesses to the area, such as Continental Tires of the Americas and Mount Franklin Nutritionals, stimulates
economic activity and boosts business revenue. TheLINK region’s unique history, cultural opporutnies, low cost of living, and friendly people with a strong sense of community are assets that attract new business and people to the area. Workforce readiness and training programs are one of the region’s most powerful resources directly shaping the
quality of the workforce. Sumter County is home to one of the nation’s oldest and most successful workforce training and readiness programs, readySC. Continued investment in excellent and diverse higher educational opportunities along with work training programs are critical to attract new business and economic prosperity to the area.
OCCUPATIONAL BREAKDOWN Top Five Industries by Number of Employees, 2015 Lee County
Sumter County
7,753
5,764
Manufacturing
4,672
Retail Trade
Health Care & Social Assistance
3,860
Public Administration
3,486
Educational Services
1,272
898
Manufacturing
751
Retail Trade
Health Care & Social Assistance
537
Accomodation & Food Service
453
Public Administration
Manufacturing is the largest industry in Lee and Sumter counties. This concentration in the labor pool can be used to attract more manufacturers to the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Largest Employers Sumter County, Industrial Employers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Continental Tire the Americas 1,033 Pilgrim’s Inc. 1,009 Sykes Inc. 950 Eaton Electrical 750 BD Diagnostics, Preanalytical Solutions 715
Source: S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce Business Intelligence Department
8 TheLINK Regional Snapshot Report
Sumter County, Nonindustrial Employers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Shaw Air Force Base Sumter School District Palmetto Health Tuomey Thompson Construction Group Sumter County Government
8,524 3,070 2,800 1,360 676
Top 5 Employers in Lee County 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
S.C. Department of Corrections Lee County School District Lee County Administration Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Ardagh Group
284 250 200 130 110
Economic and Business Development
MANUFACTURING WAGES The table below shows average annual wages for Manufacturing in 1st Quarter, 2017.
$81,016 $71,656 $63,700 $62,608 $60,112 app. $58,240 $56,992 *Assumes a 40-hour week worked the year round. $56,108 **Info not available for Columbus, MS. Data reflects “workforce development area” categorized as “Mississippi Partnership”, which includeds Lowndes County and Columbus, MS. $55,640 ***Calculated by Average Weekly wage x 52 wks/year = $1,120/week x 52 wks/year = $58,240 $52,120 Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, S.C. Dept. of Employment & Workforce, N.C. Department of Commerce, $48,308 Labor & Economic Analysis, Mississippi Department of Employment Security
Charleston County Richland County Greenville County Lee County Spartanburg County ***Fayetteville, NC MSA Florence County Orangeburg County Anderson County **Columbus, MS Sumter County
EXPORT VOLUME AND INTENSITY BY METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA, 2015 – 5% export volume
According to this chart from the Brookings report, exports account for a relatively large portion of Sumter’s economy. The Sumter Metropolitan Area is ranked 74th out of the nation’s 381 metropolitan areas in terms of the percentage share of its GDP, 14.3%, tied to exports.
24.1%
15.4% 14.3%
13.3%
12.7% 8.9%
8.6% 6.6% 2.2%
Spartanburg, SC MSA
GreenvilleAndersonMauldin, SC MSA
Sumter, SC MSA
Florence, SC MSA
Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA
Columbia, SC MSA
Fayetteville, NC MSA
Hattiesburg, MS MSA
HIlton Head Island-BlufftonBeaufort, SC MSA
Source: Brookings analysis of data from Census, BEA, Moody’s Analytics, BLS, NAFSA, IRS, EIA and Sabre
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Economic and Business Development
LOGISTICS & LOCATION
South Carolina State Ports Authority Economic Impact Study: The Midlands Total Economic Impact of SCPA: Midlands
$13.6 BILLION Total Economic Impact
47,998 Total Jobs
$2.6 BILLION
Total Labor Income Generated
Employment
Labor Income
Economic Output
Direct Impact
19,828
$1,342,850,674
$9,224,796,379
Indirect Impact
15,866
$813,141,169
Induced Impact
12,304
$461,420,668
$1,560,279,769
Total Impact
47,998
$2,617,412,511
$13,597,536,765
Major Flows by Truck To, From, and Within South Carolina: 2040
$2,812,460,616
Midlands Region includes the following counties: Sumter, Lee, Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, Aiken, Allendale, Bamber, Barnwell, Edgefield. Source: University of S.C. Darla Moore School of Business, The Economic Impact of the South Carolina Port’s Authority, A Statewide and Regional Analysis. September 2015
Major Flows by Truck To, From and Within South Carolina
Major Flows by Truck To, From, and Within South Carolina: 2040
TheLINK region is ideally situated in the state with its close proximity to major US interstates. Enhanced transportation mobility and access ensures economic competitiveness and attracts new businesses to the area. Its close proximity to interstate highways, the rail system, two international airports and the Charleston Port is critical to continued economic growth. There has been dramatic growth in domestic and international freight movement in Major flows include domestic and international freight moving by truck on highway segments with more than twenty five FAF trucks per day the last decade, whichNote: isbetween projected to more than fifty miles apart. and places typically Note: Major flowsAdministration, include domestic international freight moving byFreight truckAnalysis on highway segments more U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Officeand of Freight Management and Operations, Framework, versionwith 3.1.2, 2011.than twenty continue over the nextSource: several decades five FAF trucks per day and between places typically more than fifty miles apart. ensuring sustained economic growth.
2012
2040
Major flows include domestic and international freight moving by truck on highway segments with more than twenty five FAF trucks per day Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration,Note: Office of Freight Management and between places typically more than fifty miles apart. and Operations, Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Office of Freight Management and Operations, Freight Analysis Framework, version 3.1.2, 201 Freight Analysis Framework
10 TheLINK Regional Snapshot Report
Economic and Business Development
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE ON SOUTH CAROLINA, 2017 $2.39 BILLION Annual Economic Impact
$1.1 BILLION Labor Income Generated
16,381
Number of Veterans
16,397
Number of Jobs Supported
5,276
Number of Service Members
687
Number of DoD Civilians
Note: Economic impact includes Shaw Air Force Base, U.S. Army Central Command (ARCENT), DoD contractors, Military Retirees and Veterans, Portions of the South Carolina National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve
U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jeffrey Downie, 77th Fighter Squadron pilot, returns to Shaw Air Force Base on Feb. 26, 2017, after a flyover at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. (Photo/U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman Michael Cossaboom)
Economic Impact of Shaw AFB on the Sumter Region* Rental activity for owner-occupied dwellings........................................$65.83M Food services and drinking places........................................................$32.77M Real estate establishments....................................................................$24.98M Retail stores – General merchandise.....................................................$21.44M Offices of physicians, dentists and other health practitioners..............$19.52M Wholesale trade businesses...................................................................$15.27M Monetary authorities and depository credit intermediation activities......$14.26M Nursing and residential care facilities......................................................$7.18M Electric power generation, transmission and distribution......................$5.36M Telecommunications.................................................................................$4.75M *The Sumter region is comprised of Sumter, Lee and Clarendon counties
Continued growth
• U.S. Army Central (ARCENT), or Third Army, transferred to Shaw in 2006. It is the Army component of USCENTCOM and the Coalition Forces Land Component Command. • In January 2017, the Air Force chose Shaw as the location for the MQ-9 Reaper (remotely piloted aircraft) drone unit. The MQ-9 unit is expected to consist of approximately 430 personnel. • The Air Force has indicated its preference for Shaw to become the East Coast operational location for the new F-35A aircraft when the F-16s are phased out of service.
Sources: South Carolina Military Task Force; University of S.C. Darla Moore School of Business; The Economic Impact of South Carolina’s Military Community: A Statewide and Regional Analysis, April 2017
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EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
T
he state of education is perhaps the most telling indicator of a region’s economic competitiveness and its ability to meet the demands of the area’s current and future labor needs. While Sumter and Lee counties have made strides over the years identifying significant gaps in its public school systems and ways to combat these challenges, there is much work to be done to ensure its local students are
adequately prepared to become part of the region’s diverse workforce. The best investment a county and state can make is the education of its people. Sumter and Lee school districts must therefore invest more in all facets of its K-12 public education systems and hone in on the integration of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs to better prepare students for jobs that require the
SCHOOL DISTRICT DASHBOARD Lee 01 School District
Total Enrollment...............................17,130 Total Schools...........................................27 Total Classroom Teachers.................1,083 Student/Teacher Ratio.................... 16 to 1
Total Enrollment.................................2,133 Total Schools.............................................7 Total Classroom Teachers....................140 Student/Teacher Ratio.................... 15 to 1
South Carolina College and Career-Ready Assessments (SC READY) The South Carolina College-and Career-Ready (SC READY) assessment was given to students in grades 3-8 in spring 2016.
South Carolina
South Carolina
Beaufort County
83.4%
Sumter County
83.1%
Richland County
83.1%
Charleston County
82.9% 81.9% 79.8% 78.5% 80%
22%
35%
51% 22%
36% 25%
12 TheLINK Regional Snapshot Report
33%
90%
Source: S.C. Department of Education; U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics
35%
35%
84.4%
82.6%
Fayetteville City, NC
Percentage of students from 2015 graduating class enrolled in a two-year, four-year or technical college pursuing an associate's degree, certificate or diploma in fall 2015
51.6%
Lee County
19% 18%
49%
29%
14%
8%
Florence County
Orangeburg County
38%
86.8%
Columbus City, MS
36%
Mathematics Assessment 3% Lee County 11% Sumter County
Greenville County
70%
21%
6%
Lee County 91.3%
S.C. State Average
- Exceeds Expectations - Meets Expectations - Approaches Expectations - Does Not Meet Expectations
Sumter County
prepare current and future employees. Companies seeking to relocate will gravitate to places with a knowledgeable, skilled and talented local labor pool. New businesses bring new jobs, financial investments and business rewards. Therefore, investing more at all levels of education in Sumter and Lee counties is a top priority for the community and its future economic prosperity.
High School Graduation Rates, 2015-2016
Sumter 01 School District
English Assessment 1% Lee County 14%
specialized skills of modern industry. readySC and Sumter County’s Career Readiness programs are invaluable resources that educate students and provide the skills and tools to prepare them for the demands of the business world once they graduate. readySC is one of the nation’s premier workforce training programs, and it has been successful in TheLINK region where it partners with Central Carolina Technical College to
24%
Sumter County
South Carolina
70.7%
Source: S.C. Department of Education
66.1%
Education and Workforce Development
HIGHER EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC IMPACT Community Voices Central Carolina Technical College
Morris College
Developing a skilled workforce now and in the future is a challenge for many communities across the country. These challenges can be attributed to rapidly changing technology in business and evolving industry that requires different skill sets and knowledge. With technological advancements, a high school diploma is no longer enough; the same jobs from previous years now require more rigorous technical skills and additional training attained through postsecondary education. Sumter County offers numerous post-high school opportunities and work readiness programs. These institutions of higher learning are accessible and diverse. Central Carolina Technical College is a two-year institution featuring degree programs from diverse fields
University of South Carolina, Sumter
with special emphasis on industrial technology and workforce training and certification. The University of South Carolina, Sumter draws students seeking associate’s degrees in arts or science, as well as those interested in earning a four-year baccalaureate degree in one of USC-Sumter’s four-year undergraduate degree programs and Liberal Arts Studies. Morris College is a coeducational liberal arts college that emphasizes personal growth for its students through a liberal arts educational environment. Shaw Air Force Base boasts four institutions of higher education: Troy State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Saint Leo and Webster University; these feature excellent opportunities for military employees and anyone seeking highly specialized, technical graduate programs.
“It is clear that South Carolina is focused on providing quality jobs for its citizens. We especially appreciate the cooperation and hospitality provided by the state, county and local government agencies. It is great to work with people who are genuinely interested in creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.” Gary Ricco President and CEO, Mount Franklin Foods “I’ve spent enough time in Sumter now to know that this is a strong community with great people and dedicated leaders looking toward the future. Continental Tire is proud to continue to be a part of Sumter’s success story.” Craig Baartman Plant Manager, Continental Tire the Americas, Sumter “While a strategic location is important in our industry, it was the quality of the people and the strong work ethic that ultimately drew Crown to the area.” Don Haferkamp President and CEO, Crown Healthcare Laundry Services
Percent of persons age 25 years+ with an associates degree or bachelor’s degree, 2011 - 2015 Associates degree 25.9%
Bachelor’s degree
20.7% 7.8%
CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC
8.7%
13.9%
FLORENCE COUNTY, SC
8.6%
GREENVILLE COUNTY, SC
9.5%
11.7%
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, SC
9.4%
11.8%
SUMTER
COUNTY, SC
6.4%
8.0%
LEE
COUNTY, SC
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
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STANDING STRAIGHT Based on the data presented in this publication this is where our community stands.
What we are doing well
Where we need to improve
3
Marked downtown revitalization efforts
3
3
Maintained a cost of living well below the national average
Build awareness of the manufacturing and industrial opportunities in our area
3
Raised per capita income
3
Better align school curriculum with industry labor needs
3
Decreased unemployment rate
3
Create a clear, seamless pathway for students to enter the workforce
3
35% of residents are 18-44, combining energy and expertise
3
Improve public education in both K-12 and beyond
3
Boast affordable housing for the working and retirement class
3
Reverse the region’s population decline
3
Awarded recognition for our more than 30 parks and recreational facilities
3
Recruit more high quality, high paying jobs
3
Improve overall health and wellness
Community Voices “We are joining our hearts, minds, and resources for continued improvement of the community.” Mack Kolb Chairman, Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative
“Talent Development is a priority and has been for a while. We are confident that sustaining a skilled workforce will set us apart from other areas across the state and from other states in the Southeastern Region.” Greg A. Thompson Chairman, Sumter Development Board
14 TheLINK Regional Snapshot Report
“I am encouraged by the outward support of our leaders in both government and business to move this region forward.“ Gordon Eckley Chairman, TheLINK Economic Development Alliance
“The partnership between Sumter and Lee counties has been beneficial in numerous ways. Collectively, we have more people, more product and thus unlimited regional potential.” Alan Watkins Lee County Administrator
RAISING THE BAR 1. No Innocent Bystanders
2. No Players, No Wins
3. Use them or lose them
4. Embrace our Space
We must play an active role in improving the quality of education at all levels and preparing students for the workforce post graduation. Attending public school in Sumter or Lee County should be an advantage and attract families looking to relocate. There are more than 20,000 students in our region and we as a community must invest everything— time, money and resources—to ensure that each student receives a strong foundation in which they can learn and thrive, and that prepares them to graduate and succeed as they enter the workforce.
We must develop a strategy to hone the skills of local talent, while also attracting other skilled individuals to the region. In today’s modern manufacturing and technology environment, it is crucial that students are being adequately prepared and trained for the business sector they will be entering after graduation. Training and workforce readiness programs are one of TheLINK region’s most powerful resources directly shaping the quality of its workforce. Sumter County is home to one of the Nation’s oldest and most successful such programs called readySC. Continued investment in excellent and diverse higher educational opportunities along with work training programs are critical to attract new business and economic prosperity to the area.
More than 1/3 of our region’s residents are adults 44 years old or below. We must engage this young adult demographic with attractive career, community, and cultural opportunities to keep them here and their valuable contributions to the region. Maintaining this group in the region can greatly assist our population growth. Direct community involvement will be necessary to drive the region forward.
We must recognize our success and position. Our region, despite our economic growth has experienced a steady decline in population over the years. It is a concerning trend and we must develop a sound strategy to attract more talented, diverse and skilled individuals to our thriving community. It is our privilege and our responsibility to showcase our numerous award-winning parks and state-of-the-art recreational facilities, and leverage the resources and the charm of our bustling downtown area.
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: A CALL TO ACTION Looking toward the future, we must focus on making steps to improve our public education system, and engage all leaders and citizens of our community to hear the call to action and invest in making it better for all.
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Align our Curriculum with the business needs of industry
Be prepared for careers requiring advanced technology by increasing focus in the STEM field both at the K-12 and secondary levels
Continue to combat the challenges facing the region’s public-school system and work toward improvement
Diversify employment opportunities that will grow our per capita income
TheLINK Regional Snapshot Report
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An Economic Development Alliance Representing Lee and Sumter Counties, South Carolina
10 East Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29150 www.TheLinkSC.ccom | 800.888.7926 TheLINK is a public-private economic development organization charged with facilitating the creation of jobs and the investment of capital in our region. Governed by a board of directors comprised of business leaders and public officials throughout our region, TheLINK is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization recognized by the South Carolina Secretary of State.
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