2012 Jan/Feb South Carolina Business

J anuary /F ebruary 2012 V ol . 33 | N o . 1

Building a Stronger Economy 2012 Competitiveness Agenda Top Economic Development Announcements of 2011 Shipping Companies Weigh in on Port Deepening SmartState Celebrates 10 Years

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TRANSFORMING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LANDSCAPE

OUR TEAM L-R: William R. Johnson; Kimberly Witherspoon; Robert S. Galloway III; Jeremy L. Cook; Edward G. Kluiters; Julie O. Medich; Tigerron A. Wells; Gary W. Morris; Frank T. Davis III; Kathleen C. McKinney; Benjamin T. Zeigler; *Carl W. Blackstone; **Michael A. Tongour

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPED WITH A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Economic Development Team works extensively with state and local governments and agencies in successfully locating projects in South Carolina. Companies from the U.S. and around the world rely on our knowledge and experience in doing business in South Carolina, whether for the first time or in expansions or restructurings of existing operations.

Our lawyers and government relations advisors are committed to the growth and prosperity of our communities. Bring Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd in on your next project and put our world of knowledge to work for you. * Non-attorney professional ** Admitted to practice in DC only

ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW

WWW.HSBLAWFIRM.COM

CHARLESTON

COLUMBIA

FLORENCE

GREENVILLE

MYRTLE BEACH

Edward G. Kluiters, Economic Development Team Chair 1201 Main Street, 22nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201 803.779.3080 ekluiters@hsblawfirm.com

WASHINGTON, DC

FEATURES

2012 Competitiveness Agenda........................................ 9

By Darrell Scott

The Top Economic Development Announcements of 2011..............................................12

By Bobby Hitt

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Shipping Companies Weigh in on Port Deepening.........................................................14

By Dana W. Todd Minor’s Major Impact..................................................16

By Matthew Gregory SmartState Celebrates 10 Years..................................20

By Melanie Lux ECONOMIC DRIVERS Creating a 21st century workforce • John W. Kelly. .................................................5 Challenges ahead for unemployment insurance • Tim Timmons..............................5 Pollution Control Act ruling alters permit requirements • Randolph R. Lowell................ 7 Cities shoring up aging infrastructure • Reba H. Campbell..........................................7

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Eight great employee motivators • Tish Anderson.....................................................8

D E PA RT M E N T S Message from the President......................................3

Member News...........................................................30

Otis Rawl Welcome, New Members.........................................31

Business Briefs...........................................................24 Events Calendar.........................................................32 After the Event

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32nd Annual Summit Recap...................................25

2011 Best Places to Work........................................26

2nd Annual Manufacturers Conference.................27

2011 Manufacturer of the Year Awards.................28

7th Annual Excellence in Workplace

Diversity...................................................................29

Advertiser Index........................................................32

The opinions and views expressed by the contributors to this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, its staff or members.

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A M e ss a g e f r o m t h e P r e s i d e n t ~ O t i s R a w l

January/February 2012 Volume 33, Number 1

South Carolina Chamber of Commerce 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 1100 Columbia, South Carolina 29201 800.799.4601 www . scchamber . net

M P resident & C hief E xecutive O fficer OTIS RAWL V ice P resident of P ublic P olicy & C ommunications DARRELL SCOTT A ssociate V ice P resident of C ommunications

JULIE SCOTT M ulti M edia C oordinator MATTHEW GREGORY G raphics & W eb A dministrator BOBBY BAKER

M SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESS MAGAZINE E ditor MATTHEW GREGORY A rt D irection & D esign TIM MCKEEVER / TMCA INC. P roduction & P rint C oordination TMCA INC./CONVERGING MEDIA LLC A dvertising S ales CONVERGING MEDIA LLC DEIDRE MACKLEN 803.318.3923

STATE CHAMBER with Distinction

Copyright © 2012 by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Converging Media LLC. All foreign and U.S. rights reserved. Contents of this publication, including images, may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. Published for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce by Converging Media LLC. 803.256.3010

Protecting employers and employees from union interference

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ver the past year, leaders of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) have overstepped their authority to add costs and unnecessary burdens to businesses all across this nation. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce continues to work diligently on behalf of its members to protect employers and their workers from this type of gross interference in the free market system.

One of the most widely covered overreaches, which I wrote about in our November/December edition, was when the NLRB filed a complaint against Boeing calling for the company to open a second 787 facility in the state of Washington to remedy what it called an illegal transfer of work to non-union facilities in North Charleston. The business community fired back in support of Boeing, reminding the nation that companies should be able to build new plants and create new jobs without government interference. In midDecember, the NLRB dropped its suit against Boeing following a settlement between the company and its Machinists union.

The NLRB has also proposed a new rule requiring businesses to post notices explaining employees’ rights to unionize. In response, the South Carolina Chamber and the United States Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit against the NLRB challenging the Board’s new rule. The lawsuit alleges that the misguided NLRB rule violates federal labor and regulatory laws as well as the First Amendment. The case, Chamber of Commerce, et al. v. National Labor Relations Board, et al., is in the U.S. District Court of South Carolina.

Several members of Congress have also filed a “friend of the court” brief in support of the Chambers’ motion, in which they detail the legislative history of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and prove Congress never intended to give the NLRB authority to require the notice posting.

Nowhere does the NLRA give the NLRB authority to mandate employers to post such notifications or to impose onerous penalties for those who fail to post the notices.

Additionally, the rule violates the First Amendment by compelling employers to post the NLRB’s ideological views on unionizing.

In response to the lawsuit, the NLRB agreed to delay the implementation of the controversial rule until January 31, 2012. However, the South Carolina Chamber is committed to pressing forward and continuing to protect employers from pro-union overreach.

On November 30, the NLRB took another step against businesses by proposing what is known as “ambush elections.” The rule, adopted by the NLRB, revises the process for union elections, shortening the time from election filing until the actual vote is held, making it easier for unions to win and much more difficult for employers to communicate with their employees prior to a vote. The South Carolina Chamber and other business groups will continue to work to block this rule and support passage of the federal Workforce Democracy

and Fairness Act, designed to overturn the original proposals of the rule. The business community may also ask Congress to deny funding to enforce the rule.

The NLRB may lose quorum in early 2012 after its chair stepped down, leaving Otis Rawl is president and chief three members, all executive officer of the South President Barack Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Obama’s appointees.

In addition, Craig Becker, a former attorney for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), had his term expire at the end of 2011. Many are calling for the lone republican on the Board, Brian Hayes, to step down to cripple the Board’s ability to rule on hearings. It remains to be seen whether this will happen.

South Carolina’s republican leaders in Congress are committed to protecting jobs by opposing such unfair practices of the NLRB. U.S. Congressman Tim Scott (SC- 1st District) introduced the Employee Rights Act, legislation requiring a secret ballot vote in union elections and providing that unions stand for reelection every three years. Congressman Scott’s bill prevents a union from ordering a strike unless the majority of employees agree through a secret ballot vote. The legislation also gives employees more control over how their union dues are spent. Congressman Trey Gowdy (SC-4th District) introduced the National Labor Relations Reorganization Act, a bill seeking to eliminate the NLRB and allow the Department of Justice and Department of Labor to oversee the functions and responsibilities previously delegated to the NLRB. With the NLRB using its time to attempt to institute rules and regulations that support pro-union abilities across the nation, it is clear the business community must remain proactive in our work to protect employers’ rights to run their businesses effectively. And, at a time when creating jobs is so important, it is unfathomable that a government agency would work so diligently to kill them. Your South Carolina Chamber of Commerce will continue to work on the business community’s behalf to promote economic development and job creation at a time where it seems the NLRB is doing the opposite.

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B u s i n e ss B r i e f s

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We have unparalleled knowledge of the history and upside potential of each one of our properties, and take great care to maintain strong relationships with local governments, state agencies and economic development organizations. Our commercial properties and industrial parks are attracting a host of multinational companies to South Carolina, helping to build our state’s economy.

Call James Hill, Mark Dishaw or Norman Brody at 843.871.5000 to learn more about growing your business in an MWV commerce park.

B y J ohn W. K elly

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To spearhead our workforce development he economic landscape in South Carolina efforts, Clemson appointed Dr. Anand is expanding. Tourism and agriculture are Gramopadhye, chair of our industrial engineering well-established economic drivers. Now, department and director of the workforce automotive and aviation engineering represents development center, as associate vice president for a new breed of manufacturers. workforce development. Dr. Gramopadhye will While we read about high unemployment develop initiatives and identify funding opportunities statewide, our leading companies tell us designed to bolster workforce training across the they have many jobs to fill. Central to their state. success is an applicant pool rich with qualified Our goal at Clemson is to develop more technicians and engineers. Clemson University, qualified technicians and engineers to work in in partnership with other colleges, is forming industries that drive the state’s economy. These strategic alliances to elevate the state’s programs will enable students to enter the workforce to meet the needs of our 21st century workforce with a degree or certificate that meets manufacturing industries.

Clemson University’s goal is to develop more qualified technicians Last fall, Clemson announced central roles and engineers to work in industries that drive the state’s economy. specific industry needs.

Workforce and economic development are in three important workforce development initiatives.

Also in October, Clemson and its partner technical critical for South Carolina to stay competitive. Through In September, the university announced a $1 million colleges were awarded a $2.3 million competitive grant partnerships such as the Center for Workforce grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to create a by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create the Development, we will develop the workforce of the center for research and education in sustainable vehicle Center for Workforce Development for aviation and future. systems at the Clemson University International Center automotive technology. The partnership creates NSF for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville.

Advanced Technological Education satellite resource John W. Kelly is vice president for economic In October, Clemson was part of a statewide centers at Florence-Darlington Technical College, development at Clemson University. education consortium led by Florence-Darlington Greenville Technical College and Trident Technical Technical College awarded a nearly $20 million grant by College in the Charleston area. The role of our partner the U.S. Department of Labor to develop online courses technical colleges is a vital link that ensures this initiative in math, science and technology in a 29-county region. will reach the widest audience possible.

E conomic D ri v ers

Creating a 21st century workforce

Challenges ahead for unemployment insurance B y T im T immons

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n 2011, the South Carolina General Assembly addressed rising Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax rates for businesses while instituting a host of needed reforms. The UI situation had reached crisis stage, with a nearly $1 billion debt to the federal government and suspect payouts for some employees. Reform was long overdue.

The business community was at the table and has seen the positive impacts of these reforms, including new disqualifications from benefits for certain employees. In addition, the business community has experienced firsthand a fairer process with new appellate officers. The General Assembly also reduced benefit weeks from 26 weeks to 20 weeks and provided $146 million in UI tax relief for employers.

The business community realizes that with reforms, there are still challenges ahead for the business community, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) and the General Assembly. There is still much work to be done.

• The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is encouraging the General Assembly to provide a similar tax relief package for still struggling employers in 2012 to offset their high UI tax bills.

•The General Assembly should repeal unemployment benefits to part-time workers.

There are nearly 40,000 available jobs in South Carolina, according to the SCDEW. South Carolina should encourage workers to seek full-time employment.

•The business community applauds the General Assembly’s work to restrict seasonal benefits, but the U.S. Department of Labor has rejected the plan. The business community believes there is value in redrafting the South Carolina seasonal restriction plan in 2012.

• Workers should be required to apply for at least one job each week that they meet the minimum requirements for. The SCDEW is creating a work search mechanism to better match unemployed workers with available jobs.

• There should be parameters on those who

test positive for drugs and still collect benefits.

South Carolina must find ways to craft a policy that is fair to employers and those searching for work.

• The business community is calling for examination of the amount of time the appeals process takes from initial filing to actual appellate panel. Business leaders have said that, in some cases, by the time an appeal gets to the appellate panel, the benefits paid out cannot be recovered.

The rising cost of unemployment insurance for businesses continues to be a major issue. Continued, meaningful reform can be achieved in 2012 with the assistance of the General Assembly.

Tim Timmons is the vice president of human resources at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

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B y R andolph R. L owell

springboard

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mith Land Company sought 1970, contains a provision stating: to develop a residential lot it “It shall be unlawful for any person, owns in Georgetown County. directly or indirectly, to throw, drain, That proposed development run, allow to seep or otherwise required the fill of approximately discharge into the environment 0.19 acres of an isolated wetland. of the State organic or inorganic Smith Land Company consulted matter, including sewage, industrial with the U.S. Army Corps of wastes and other wastes, except as Engineers and the South Carolina in compliance with a permit issued Department of Health and by the Department.”

Environmental Control (DHEC), The circuit court dismissed the and both regulatory agencies case, reasoning that a private party determined that no permit was could not bring a claim, as only required. From DHEC’s perspective, the government could enforce the the trigger for permit coverage was A permit from DHEC is required for any PCA. The circuit court’s rationale is the disturbance of 0.5 acres, and discharge, regardless of whether DHEC has consistent with the implementation from the Corps’ perspective, no a permitting program in place. of the PCA throughout its history permit was required because it was and several of its provisions, an isolated (as opposed to jurisdictional) wetland. including the declaration of public policy charging DHEC The Georgetown County League of Women Voters with the responsibility for the enforcement of the PCA. sued, claiming, among other things, that Smith Land On appeal, the South Carolina Supreme Court Company was required to obtain a permit from DHEC disagreed. In a majority opinion issued on July 11, 2011, pursuant to the South Carolina Pollution Control Act it reversed the circuit court. The South Carolina Supreme (PCA). The PCA, first enacted in 1950 and amended in Court unanimously held that under the plain language

of the statute, a permit was required for any fill, regardless of the amount or whether a permit program existed for the discharge. However, the court split on whether a private party could enforce the provisions of the PCA. The three-justice majority found that a “private right of action” existed, giving a private party a right to bring an action in court for an alleged violation of the PCA. Justices Kaye Hearn and John Kittredge dissented, arguing that the statute did not allow private citizens to enforce the PCA, leaving enforcement to the government.

The decision could have significant ramifications for business and industry going forward. Under a formalistic reading of the Smith Land Company opinion, a permit from DHEC is required for any discharge, regardless of whether DHEC has a permitting program in place. For any “unpermitted” discharge into the environment, the decision could be read to give any person the right to sue another for failing to acquire a permit from DHEC. The decision creates uncertainty because no permit program may exist or be available for some discharges.

E conomic D ri v ers

Pollution Control Act ruling alters permit requirements

Randolph R. Lowell is an attorney with Willoughby & Hoefer P.A.

Cities shoring up aging infrastructure B y R eba H. C ampbell

MASC

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n today’s economic times when questions come down to deciding between fixing aging underground pipes or keeping police cars on the streets, local officials often have tough choices to make.

In the area of infrastructure, one lifesaver for many cities and towns has been the federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program. This program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funded more than $50 million in South Carolina projects in 2010 and has given cities and towns funding options not otherwise available.

In many cities and towns, CDBG funds provide the infrastructure improvements that have been catalysts for economic growth.

These grants also are essential to small towns like Harleyville in Dorchester County. In 2004, the town began an overhaul of its water system, which originally had been installed during the 1960s. Harleyville was awarded a total of $1 million for its water project. In addition, the town has been awarded more than $250,000 in CDBG funds to rehab two of its sewer pump stations.

The Town of Port Royal has used CDBG funds for several sewer upgrades in low-to-moderate income areas and was awarded a planning grant that allowed the town to identify where its septic systems were failing. Funds also helped the town begin the process

of creating a capital improvements plan to identify those areas most desperately in need of sewer due to potential impacts on critical areas nearby.

The City of Georgetown already is seeing the results of its work completed using CDBG funds. The city has received $3.5 million in CDBG funds the last two years for streetscape and drainage improvements. Those upgrades have spurred residential growth, with commercial growth expected to follow.

In the Aiken County town of Wagener, the aging water and sewer infrastructure The City of Georgetown has received $3.5 million in CDBG funds the led to massive leaks on Main Street. The last two years for streetscape and drainage improvements. town has received more than $600,000 in funds over the past year from the CDBG renovation projects would not have been undertaken program, ensuring that Wagener will be able to improve without CDBG funding. Both have promoted new its water system along two major roads in town, clean and increased business in the Triangle City portion of up contamination and remove an eyesore by tearing West Columbia. These projects have resulted in private down a vacant gas station. businesses upgrading and improving their facilities, Façade and renovation projects funded by CDBG bringing growth and jobs to that area. grants have brought new life to the business district in West Columbia. The city has completed the second Reba H. Campbell is deputy executive director of the phase of a renovation and façade improvement project Municipal Association of South Carolina. in a two-block area of Triangle City, which has been the city’s business district since the 1940s. The façade and

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E conomic D ri v ers 8

Eight great employee motivators B y T ish A nderson

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he Best Places to Work in South Carolina initiative is dedicated to identifying and recognizing the state’s most innovative and top-notch employers.

From the data gathered, it was determined 93 percent of employees working for the 27 companies that made this year’s list are engaged and connected with their employers.

Here are eight best practices for motivating employees from the 2011 Best Places to Work in South Carolina.

3. Having fun is important.

First-year applicant and the number one small/medium company, SPARC LLC, promotes fun and relaxation by allowing employees to play basketball and video games.

4. Getting out of the office from time to time is a good idea.

C. F. Evans & Company Inc. takes it a step further by offering fishing excursions and dinner cruises to its employees.

1. Employees value receiving recognition from their employers.

All associates at Charleston Water System are eligible for a recognition program that rewards associates for displaying their core values and going above and beyond each day. Associates can choose gift cards, paycheck bonuses and even paid time off.

5. Recognize that employees have lives outside of work.

Erwin Penland offers on-site alterations, dry cleaning, massages and car wash services to aid in managing the work/life balance. In addition, every day at Erwin Penland is Bring Your Dog to Work Day.

2. Wellness programs motivate employees to stay healthy and help companies control health care costs.

Many companies offer reimbursements for gym memberships while others, such as SYNNEX Corporation, offer on-site Weight Watchers and Biggest Loser competitions.

6. Dependent care benefits are important.

Mayer Electric Supply offers college scholarships for associates’ children. In addition, almost half of the companies on the list offer adoption assistance, such as reimbursement of agency fees, travel fees, legal assistance and paid time off before or after adoption.

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7. The flexibility to dress casual is appreciated.

With a $5 donation to a selected charity, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP employees can wear blue jeans to work every Friday. It’s a win-win situation for both the charity and the employees.

8. Don’t just offer vacation time – encourage it.

Human Technologies Inc. offers a unique benefit to its employees. Employees with at least one year of service receive a $1,000 per person vacation allowance.

To apply for the 2012 Best Places to Work program, visit www.bestplacestoworksc.com.

Tish Anderson is the associate vice president of programs and events at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

2012 Competitiveness Agenda B y D arrell S cott

For many, the New Year brings promise of new choices and opportunities and hope for a prosperous year to come. South Carolina employers and employees share that same vision, with the hope the New Year will bring a focus on economic development and job creation by the General Assembly.

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fter 10 grassroots meetings across the state with hundreds of business leaders and in conjunction with local chambers of commerce, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the state’s unified voice of business, has released the 2012 Competitiveness Agenda. The Competitiveness Agenda is the business community’s annual list of legislative priorities. Each of the solutions presented in the Competitiveness Agenda provides a clear path to improving the state’s business climate, thus increasing prosperity for all South Carolinians.

Here is a snapshot of the priorities outlined in the 2012 Competitiveness Agenda.

Comprehensive Tax Reform South Carolina manufacturers pay the highest industrial property taxes in the country, while all other business properties pay the 7th highest property taxes.

Tax policy is critical to companies considering expanding or locating in South Carolina. Decisions are based largely on competitive rates, predictability and stability. In 2006, the South Carolina General Assembly addressed

rising homeowner property tax rates with Act 388, piecemeal legislation that provided relief from school operating taxes for homeowners, funded with an increase in the state sales tax. The measure, especially in economic downturns, is negatively impacting school funding in addition to exposing businesses to higher costs.

A small business owner recently lamented that since Act 388 went into effect, his taxes have gone from $4,000 to $15,000. One of the state’s largest employers, Michelin, pays more property taxes at its Lexington, S.C. facility than at any of its more than 60 facilities around the world.

The General Assembly must provide comprehensive tax reform, which includes examining property taxes, exemptions, sales taxes, etc. With comprehensive tax reform and a business climate structure to foster economic development, South Carolina can become a leader in the global marketplace.

Port Expansion In a recent CNBC comprehensive assessment of state business climates, South Carolina ranked 37th. Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia ranked in the top five. South Carolina must continue to improve its overall business

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climate to create a competitive environment. A strong emphasis on economic development is required.

One of the state’s largest economic drivers is the port system. In order for South Carolina to stay competitive, port expansion must remain a top priority. With the Panama Canal expansion estimated to be completed in 2014, larger ships will be able to sail directly to and from the U.S. East Coast.

To accommodate these larger ships, Charleston Harbor must be deepened to 50 feet.

South Carolina must keep port expansion in the forefront to remain competitive with other ports on the East Coast. The business community is calling for continued port expansion. Funding for harbor deepening is of special importance.

Education and Economic Development Act South Carolina has experienced a 22 percent decrease in high school dropout rates thanks to initiatives like the Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA), now called Personal Pathways to Success. Business leaders know developing a high-skilled and well-educated population is integral to increased job opportunities and security with companies doing business in South Carolina.

Spearheaded by the business The South community, the General Assembly passed Carolina Chamber’s the EEDA in 2005 with the goals of Excellence in increasing high school completion rates, Education Council better preparing students for work and has developed college, increasing parental involvement 10 overarching and increasing options for students at-risk Education Goals it of dropping out. The EEDA is working, but believes should be its funding has come under attack by the met or exceeded by General Assembly in recent years.

2020. Learn about Trenton Smith, a recent graduate of them at www.

North Myrtle Beach High School, wrote in scchamber.net the November/December edition of South under Education Carolina Business magazine, “I soon learned and Workforce that with such a high degree of competition Development. in our nation’s system of higher education and in our job market, planning ahead is everything. From my first Individual Graduation Plan meeting as a 13-yearold student to the moment I walked across the stage at my high school graduation, the South Carolina Personal Pathways to Success program put me on the right track.”

There is no greater investment the business community can make than 10

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in the education of today’s children and tomorrow’s workforce. Continued support for the EEDA is critical to the success of the state’s students, the future workforce.

Infrastructure While South Carolina spends an average of $15,000 per mile to maintain roads, Georgia spends more than $35,000 per mile and North Carolina spends more than $150,000 per mile. Businesses rely on an efficient, safe and reliable transportation system to move materials, goods and people.

CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business 2011 ranked South Carolina 19th in infrastructure and transportation. Georgia and North Carolina were ranked 2nd and 3rd.

An improved transportation system can provide a much needed edge for South Carolina. The Palmetto State is responsible for maintaining the fourth largest state maintained system in the nation. Nationally, only 19 percent of roads are under state ownership. In 1970, state-source highway funding represented 17 percent of the state budget. Today, it represents less than 7 percent. Additionally, South Carolina has the 6th highest highway fatality rate in the nation.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has not seen an increase in dedicated funding for maintenance or expansion of roads and bridges since 1987, while the state’s population has increased dramatically.

It is time for the General Assembly to support an infrastructure plan that allocates General Fund revenues and surpluses to be dedicated to the Highway Fund and examines other revenue sources for maintaining existing infrastructure.

Energy and Environment Recently, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that any emission or discharge into the environment now requires a permit. Under this Smith Land Company opinion, every citizen of the state is violating the Pollution Control Act (PCA), and every other citizen has the right to sue him or her for it. In the case, less than 2/10 of an acre of an isolated wetland was filled after a landowner contacted the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and DHEC. Neither agency had a regulatory program requiring a permit to fill in the isolated wetland. The landowner did not acquire a permit because no permit was applicable.

The state Supreme Court held that a permit from DHEC was required, not because a regulatory program covered the act of filling the isolated wetland, but because the PCA contains what the Supreme Court interpreted as an absolute prohibition on any discharge into the environment without a DHEC permit. The decision opens the door for a tidal wave of additional

environmental litigation and has the potential to halt economic development in the state.

South Carolina businesses rely on fair energy policy to improve stability and certainty for companies to make long-term investment decisions. The business community advocates sustainable, balanced solutions based on sound science. South Carolina must restore balance to the PCA by correcting the Smith Land Company ruling from the South Carolina Supreme Court.

State Retirement System The South Carolina retirement system currently has a $17 billion unfunded liability. In the early 2000s, the unfunded liability in the state retirement system was several hundred million dollars. Because of this growing unfunded liability, local and state tax dollars are being diverted from items like education and infrastructure to keep pace with growing

interest payments. In 2012, the legislature must find workable solutions to the state retirement system’s unfunded liability.

South Carolina has seen a nearly $3 billion drop in state revenues over the last five years. As the state recovers from the economic downturn, it is paramount to adopt certain measures for the long-term sustainability of state services. The state must take a revived look at how revenue forecasting and budgeting is performed at the state level.

Darrell Scott is the vice president of public policy and communications at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Learn more about the 2012 Competitiveness Agenda, and join the Grassroots Network at scchamber.net.

Aiken and Edgefield Counties, South Carolina

Look Closer.

The Aiken and Edgefield County area is a modern community of cutting-edge manufacturing, world-changing research and development, all the while being a part of the quintessential Southern experience.

• A leader in chemicals, plastics, automotive technology and hydrogen technology • A stable, quality workforce with advanced manufacturing skills • Major highways, rail lines, air service and port access • Small-town atmosphere with proximity to big-city amenities

AIKEN AND EDGEFIELD COUNTIES

For a closer look, contact: Will Williams, Director wwilliams@edpsc.org

P.O. Box 1708 | Aiken, SC 29802 | Phone: 803.641.3300 | Fax: 803.641.3369 | www.edpsc.org LookCloserSCBusMagHlfPgHoriz.pdf 1

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The top

economic development announcements of 2011 t’s been another great year for business recruitment in South Carolina. The automotive sector. ZF Group announced its project in Laurens County would increase South Carolina Department of Commerce has been busy helping companies in size. The company will invest an additional $80 million and add 300 new jobs to in the process of expanding or locating new operations in the Palmetto State. the plant there. That expansion adds to the $350 million investment and 900 jobs the company announced in July 2010. South Carolina also saw BMW add a $100 million As a new year begins, it is worth looking back at the progress made in 2011.

One aspect of 2011 that really stands out is the number of manufacturing investment and commit to create 100 new jobs at its Spartanburg plant. And on the announcements. In fact, most of the largest announcements were in the front of expanded commitments – while not automotive – Amazon announced an manufacturing sector. South Carolina is known as a state that makes things. increase in investment of $25 million and 750 jobs to its plant in Lexington County.

Perhaps the biggest news in the automotive-related sector involved two Traditionally, South Carolina manufacturing has been dominated by textiles, but as announcements fairly close together. Bridgestone announced a major expansion last year’s announcements show, the state has diversified.

May brought one of the first major announcements with the decision by Amy’s in Aiken County, increasing its operations there with a $1.2 billion investment, which will result in more than Kitchen to locate its East 850 new jobs. This project Coast manufacturing facility involves the construction of in Greenville. The company a new 1.5 million-squaremakes a wide range of foot off-road radial tire (ORR) organic food products, manufacturing facility on a and the Greenville facility greenfield site, as well as an will produce a select line of additional 474,000-squarefrozen entrées. The company foot expansion of the existing committed to invest $63 passenger (PSR) and light truck million and create 700 new (LTR) tire plant in Aiken County. jobs over the next six years.

A few weeks later, Operations at the plant are Continental Tire the Americas expected to begin this year.

(CTA) announced plans to The first project to hit the build a new tire manufacturing 1,000 job mark was 5-STAR plant in Sumter County to meet USA, a venture capital startup. growing demand from both The company is creating a the retail level and automotive manufacturing campus in manufacturers. The $500 Marlboro County that will BMW’s $100 million investment brings 100 new jobs to its Spartanburg plant. million investment is expected finance and manage vertically to generate 1,700 new jobs in integrated businesses. The company announced in August a commitment to invest $25 million and create more South Carolina over the next 10 years. CTA also announced the expansion of the than 1,000 jobs over the next five years in Marlboro County. As 5-STAR USA Board company headquarters in Lancaster County.

These two projects, along with Michelin, which also announced a sizable Chairwoman Dr. Darlene M. Andert noted at the time, one of the big draws for the company was the location – “which permits 24-hour shipment to 80 percent of expansion last year, will make South Carolina the tire producing capital of North America. That’s a game changer. the U.S. market and has ready access to some of the best port facilities in the U.S.” One part of South Carolina’s manufacturing sector that is up-and-coming is That’s something companies say often when considering investing in South Carolina. Both South Carolina’s central location between Miami and New York City aerospace and aviation. Like BMW before it, the Boeing announcement in 2009 really and the state’s great port facilities are important draws for a wide range of businesses. put South Carolina on the map. Since then, aerospace-related companies have shown a lot of interest. In September, TIGHITCO Inc., South Carolina’s automotive sector continued Top five announcements in 2011 part of Charleston-based The InterTech Group, to perform well last year. Gestamp South Total Capital Investment announced plans to locate a new manufacturing Carolina, a producer of automotive components, Company County Investment facility in Charleston County. The more than $30 announced the expansion of its plant in Union Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Aiken $1,240,700,000 million investment is expected to generate 350 County. The company will invest more than $51 Continental Tire the Americas LLC Sumter $506,866,000 new jobs. When you add in the announcements million, adding about 150,000 square feet to its Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation Lexington $313,000,000

by GKN Aerospace and Carbures, both aerospace existing facility and creating 100 new jobs.

Michelin North America Inc. Lexington $130,000,000 suppliers, the positive trend in the sector is clear.

When it came to building on previous BMW Manufacturing Co. Spartanburg $100,000,000 In the coming years, South Carolina’s commitments, Gestamp wasn’t alone in the

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B y B obby H itt

B ridgestone

Before you dive in, you’d better know Governor Nikki Haley joins Bridgestone officials to announce a $1.2 billion expansion in Aiken County.

aerospace sector will almost certainly grow, and there will be more and more announcements like TIGHITCO’s.

While the aerospace and automotive sectors have created a lot of buzz, they aren’t the whole story when it comes to manufacturing.

Bosch Rexroth Corporation announced plans last fall to increase its footprint in the Palmetto State with an expanded hydraulics manufacturing operation in Fountain Inn. The company committed to invest $80 million and create 160 new jobs over the next five years.

exactly how deep the water really is.

Top five announcements in 2011 Total Jobs Company

County

Continental Tire the Americas LLC

Sumter

1,700

Marlboro

1,000

Aiken

850

5-STAR USA Inc. Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations

No. of Jobs

Amazon.com Inc.

Lexington

750

Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Lexington

707

This investment will allow for the company to grow even more in the future.

There was also a major investment by a pharmaceutical company last fall. Orlando-based Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation announced in October it will locate its new operations in Lexington County. The $313 million investment is expected to generate 707 new jobs, and the company will establish a new pharmaceutical manufacturing campus and offices in the Midlands. Part of what made this announcement unique was the owners of the company, William and Lou Kennedy, are South Carolina natives and University of South Carolina alumni.

These are just some of the larger announcements of 2011. A wide range of companies announced either the establishment of new operations or the expansion of existing operations in the Palmetto State. This year, the Department of Commerce will look to continue building on last year’s success in bringing jobs and investment to South Carolina.

Robert “Bobby” M. Hitt III is South Carolina’s secretary of commerce.

See time-lapse video of simultaneous 8,000 TEU ship calls.

The deepest channels in the Southeast are in Charleston, South Carolina, the only port in the region that routinely handles 8,000+ TEU post-Panamax ships drafting up to 48 feet.

With the expansion of the Panama Canal coming in 2014 and even more big ships on the way, you need a post-Panamax supply chain to reduce risk and cost. And you can only realize the benefits of these ships in a port capable of handling fully loaded ones. So before you take the plunge, visit PortCharleston.com.

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companıes weigh in on port deepening B y D ana W. T odd

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he ancient Phoenicians discovered maritime trading was essential to survival and economic viability. They were the first known for excellent seafaring skills, trading valuable goods with other civilizations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. They learned then what South Carolina finds true today – competition is everything.

According to the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA), in the last two years, container traffic at the Port of Charleston has increased 18 percent despite a temporarily slowing global economy. The port’s water depth is 45 feet inside the harbor, deepening to 48 feet during high tide.

Five additional feet – the amount by which the SCSPA wants to deepen the Port of Charleston – would allow larger ships to carry an additional 500 containers.

The Panama Canal’s expansion, due to be completed in late 2014, enables larger vessels to reach East Coast ports.

The canal’s widening and deepening is driving shipping companies to build larger ships to carry more cargo in fewer trips, economizing resources. But will they have a place to dock on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States?

Shipping companies want harbors as deep as possible since 78 percent of ships on order are too large for the existing Panama Canal.

The canal’s widening and deepening is driving shipping companies to build larger ships to carry more cargo in fewer trips,

P hotography by hapag - lloyd and maersk lines

economizing resources.

Shipping companies’ opinions on Charleston seaport deepening vary depending on whether they move bulk carriers, container ships or oil tankers.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) owns and operates its own container ships and is the second largest shipping company in the world.

“We have an interest in all harbors being deepened to help us remain competitive and efficient,” says Chris Parvin, MSC’s president of marine operations, whose largest ship deployed in Charleston is 9,200 TEUs [twenty-foot equivalent units]. “We have no problems getting into the harbor now, but we could bring in larger ships if it’s deepened.”

Many MSC ships cannot come into the port fully laden because they would sink too deep in the water.

Ships often time the tides to take advantage of an additional three feet of water depth, but timing can be tricky.

“Any delays and my ship sits there an additional 12 hours waiting for high tide, costing money,” said Parvin.

“Most ports on the East Coast are not deep enough, and there is no U.S. policy for harbor deepening,” Parvin continued. “Deepening is very positive if we want to continue to grow. Our global transportation network must be efficient to keep prices down for retailers. Charleston is an easy port to get in and out of; we just need to remain competitive.

Shipping is a fiercely competitive business, and the margins are razor thin.”

Judd Willard, Charleston port manager with Carolina Shipping Company, is an agent with shipping company clients. He concurs with Parvin, saying container lines are concerned with all ports of call, not just one in particular.

“They want all options at every port. Ships can go only where they can be accommodated,” said Willard.

“Deepening is not necessarily good for us because our ships are basically multi-level floating parking garages,” said South Atlantic Port Manager Anthony Perez of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carriers, which primarily ships military vehicles and BMWs out of Charleston. “Container and bulk ships are more affected, but deepening is good for the industry as a whole.”

Perez warns that super-sizing ships’ width decreases efficiency by increasing unloading time because cranes can’t reach completely across the deck to move containers. On the positive side, larger ships decrease fuel costs by decreasing trip frequency.

However, shippers need more than just deeper water.

“Port deepening is good, but we need more business and distribution centers near the Charleston AD.indd 1

Maersk’s Triple-E container vessel could hold a basketball court, a football stadium and an ice hockey arena all below deck.

port,” said Sean O’Toole of shipping company HapagLloyd.

Many of Hapag-Lloyd’s ships dock in the Savannah port because that’s where customers and distribution centers are located.

“But that may change when the [Charleston] port is deepened,” said O’Toole. “There will be bigger vessels on the East Coast, so it must happen. Charleston is on the right track; it’s just too soon to tell the outcome.”

“South Carolina is an up-and-coming state with a lot of land and a good workforce,” said Parvin. “There is incredible potential, but we can’t stand still for five minutes. There is an urgency to get things done, and the Charleston port is an intricate part of the import/ export business puzzle.”

Dana W. Todd is a writer and PR consultant based in Columbia, S.C.

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Unemployment fraud is: • Paying individuals “under the table” to avoid unemployment taxes • Paying an employee who is submitting unemployment claims • Purposely categorizing employees as independent contractors

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visit: dew.sc.gov/fraud

SC Department of

EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE

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M i n o r M i ck e l S h aw

January~February 2012 Centerfold

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B y M atthew G regory

P hotography by pat crawford

inor Mickel Shaw is an essential part of the Upstate’s business community, impacting the Greenville-Spartanburg area though her commitment to philanthropy, community service and economic development initiatives. While Shaw stays busy as president of Micco LLC, a Greenville-based private investment company, her true passion is improving the quality of life for the citizens of South Carolina’s Upstate.

Shaw attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Virginia for two years and transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to attain a bachelor’s degree in history. She married her husband, Hal, in 1970. During his medical training, the couple moved frequently, living in Atlanta, Chapel Hill, Durham, Houston and Miami. Shaw didn’t forget about her love for Greenville, nor did many of the people who met her, as she would regularly tout South Carolina’s Upstate.

“I was a travelling chamber of commerce for Greenville,” said Shaw.

Shaw returned to Greenville in 1979, ready to get involved in the community. The Upstate would never be the same.

M

Minor’s major impact

January~February 2012 Centerfold M i n o r M i ck e l S h aw Micco llc

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summer arts program at Furman University, the Governor’s School leadership, led by founder Dr. Virgina Uldrick, began talking with students and realized there was demand for a year-round school focusing on the arts. After getting approval from Governor Carroll Campbell and passing legislation in the South Carolina House and Senate, the project moved forward with Shaw and Mary Rainey Belser as co-chairs of the capital campaign. Together, they raised more than $12.5 million. When the school opened in 1999, its location in Greenville helped the still developing west end of the city attract more people to the downtown area.

Today, Shaw continues to spend her time advancing business development in the Upstate. She serves on a variety of boards and foundations, including the board of directors of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Piedmont Natural Gas, the Greenville Housing Fund, the Clemson University President’s Advisory Board, the United Way of Greenville County’s Financial Stability Cabinet and Community Impact Cabinet, the Palmetto Institute and the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

Her position as chair of the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Commission led to one of the most important economic development deals in the history of the Upstate with the 2010 announcement that Southwest Airlines was coming to the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). According to Shaw, the GSP had been trying to get Southwest to come to the Upstate for more than a decade. Southwest had actually visited GSP 10 years earlier. The staff and commissioners of GSP continued to focus on attracting Southwest, knowing how much their presence would impact air service and economic development in the Upstate region.

“We had a 66 percent leakage rate, which represented a significant number of people leaving our area to either drive to their destinations or fly out of other airports. It was difficult for businesses because the airfares out of GSP were often significantly higher when compared to those at Charlotte and Atlanta airports,” said Shaw.

Shaw was part of a leadership group comprised of GSP President Dave Edwards, the commissioners and staff of the GSP Airport Commission, SK Strategies President and 2011 Greenville Chamber of Commerce Chairman Sam Konduros and Erwin Penland President and Co-founder Joe Erwin. They worked closely with Upstate economic development groups, including the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greer Chamber of Commerce, the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC), the Upstate Alliance, the Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau and the cities and counties of The revitalized West End District is just one of downtown Greenville’s many improvements Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and Greer. aided by Shaw’s continuing efforts to advance the Upstate.

A team of Upstate leaders, including Shaw, traveled to Dallas to Shaw has closely followed her parents’ lead as an ambassador for Greenville meet with Southwest Airlines representatives and tell them about how the Upstate and South Carolina by giving back to others. Having worked with Citizens & had changed over the past decade, highlighting the economic development Southern Banks of Georgia and South Carolina, Shaw was later asked to join the accomplishments in the region. After the meeting, Southwest Airlines officials board of C&S Bank of South Carolina. By that time, she had served as chair of the came to the Upstate for a site visit. Shaw and the group proudly showed off the Community Foundation of Greenville and the United Way of Greenville. She also Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), the had served as president of the Junior League of Greenville. She later became a revitalized downtowns of Greenville and Spartanburg and more. Business leaders trustee of The Duke Endowment, a private foundation that serves the people of sent letters to Southwest Airlines telling the company how much the business North Carolina and South Carolina by supporting programs in higher education, community needed a low-cost carrier and pledging their support. Upstate colleges health care, children’s services and rural churches. and universities also joined in the recruitment efforts.

Shaw played a crucial part in establishing the South Carolina Governor’s School Shaw and her team’s hard work paid off, as Southwest Airlines began for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville. After seeing success with a five-week offering service at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in 2011. For her

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denis tangney jr .

orn in Eleberton, Georgia, Shaw’s family moved to Greenville when she was four-years-old. Her father, Buck Mickel, was extremely influential in the Greenville business community, serving as president and CEO of Daniel Construction Company, which eventually became Fluor Daniel before becoming Fluor Corporation, a Fortune 500 engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance services company. Together with Shaw’s great uncle, Charlie Daniel, Mickel was instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Greenville, helping turn the textile town into the business destination it is today.

Shaw fondly recalls how her father, in an effort to diversify industry in the area, would look up names of individuals serving on the boards of directors of major corporations and see who had ties to the South. He would then meet with these executives to convince them to bring their companies to South Carolina, helping transform the state’s economy.

Shaw’s mother, Minor Mickel, was also involved in the community, helping Shaw’s father develop his business through sales and networking. She was asked to join the board of Furman University, eventually becoming the first female chair of the board. She was also involved with the Greenville Hospital Foundation as well as many other community organizations.

southwest press

for Economic Development from across the state during Industry Appreciation Week.

Shaw continues to carry on her family’s philanthropy efforts as chair of the Daniel-Mickel Foundation. The foundation has donated millions of dollars to help with education, health care, the arts and other causes.

According to Scott and Company LLP Upstate Managing Partner and former South Carolina Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Hunter Howard, who served with Shaw on the United Way of Greenville Board of Directors, she has always been community-minded.

“It’s hard to think of anything major that’s happened in Greenville that she hasn’t been involved in,” said Howard. “She has a sincere passion for not only growing the economy but helping people.”

Shaw has received numerous awards over the years for her dedication to making South Carolina a better place to work and live. She has received the State of South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto, the Greenville Chamber of Commerce Chair’s Award, the Urban League’s Whitney Young Humanitarian Award, the Riley Institute’s Wilkins Citizenship Award and many other honors.

“Minor is one of our community’s most effective leaders. She Shaw’s position as chair of the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Commission led to understands how successful economic development today depends one of the most important economic development deals in the history of the Upstate with the 2010 on a community’s attention to everything from education and the announcement that Southwest Airlines was coming to the Greenville-Spartanburg International arts to convenient air travel. She brings an unmatched integrity and Airport. thoroughness to all of her tasks,” said Greenville Mayor Knox White.

Looking ahead to the future of South Carolina, Shaw said the whole state involvement in the Southwest deal and her many years of economic development must work together to improve education and achieve comprehensive tax reform. work, the GADC named Shaw Greenville County’s Economic Development “I want the state of South Carolina to be successful, and it will take all of us Ambassador for 2010. working together to make that happen,” she said.

GADC President and CEO Jerry Howard commended Shaw for her “tireless efforts and total commitment to the successful recruitment of Southwest Airlines to Matthew Gregory is the multimedia coordinator at the South Carolina Chamber the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport.” Shaw was honored by Governor Nikki Haley at and the editor of South Carolina Business. the State House last January along with 45 other 2011 South Carolina Ambassadors

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SmartState celebrates10 years B y M elanie L ux

South Carolina’s “Aha!” moment Many people do not realize the SmartState Program is not funded by taxpayer dollars. The program is funded by proceeds from the South Carolina Education Lottery, which are matched, dollar-for-dollar, by external investors.

The SmartState Program and its unique funding structure were the brainchild of Sam Tenenbaum, a businessman and now president of the Palmetto Health Foundation. Tenenbaum was exploring ways to help jumpstart South Carolina’s economy by engaging the research universities when the idea that eventually became the SmartState Program struck him.

“I had an epiphany. Why not fund a researchbased economic development program with lottery dollars that the universities would have to match with external dollars to get funding, in effect doubling the investment in South Carolina’s economy? I took the idea to then University of South Carolina President Lee Palms, then South Carolina Chamber of Commerce President Hunter Howard and John Monk at The State.

They all loved it,” recounted Tenenbaum. “We then

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Left to Right: Saul Singer, author of Startup Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle; Opher Aviran, Israel’s Consul General to the Southeast; and SmartState investors Jonathan Zucker and Anita Zucker of the InterTech Group.

took the idea to then Speaker of the House David Wilkins and others in the House and Senate, and they loved it. The legislation, the Research Centers of Economic Excellence Act, was passed by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2002,” he said.

The legislation authorizes the state’s three public research institutions—the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Clemson University and the University of South Carolina (USC)—to use South Carolina Lottery funds to create Centers of Economic Excellence in research areas that will advance South Carolina’s economy.

Current Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell, a Republican, was one of the members of the General Assembly who Tenenbaum, a Democrat, reached out to for support, which Harrell gladly provided.

“I saw the SmartState Program as an ‘across the aisle’ program that would allow South Carolina to attract top researchers and companies to our state,” Harrell recalled while addressing the SmartState Program’s national conference. “The SmartState Program follows a formula that makes our country great. It relies on the private sector, not government, to create sustainable jobs.”

Sam Tenenbaum receives an award at the SmartState Program’s national conference for his efforts to establish and support the program.

photography by R enee ittner - mcmanus / rim photography

he 250 attendees of the SmartState™ Program’s inaugural national conference in Charleston this past December were treated to some very impressive numbers. Since the legislation enabling the SmartState Program was passed in 2002, the knowledge-based economic development program has: • Attracted $1.2 billion in external investment to South Carolina, a six-to-one return on the state’s investment of South Carolina Education Lottery revenue; • Created nearly 7,000 jobs; • Established 49 Centers of Economic Excellence in areas of critical importance to the state and national economies, including advanced materials, automotive manufacturing, biomedicine, sustainable energy and tourism; • Recruited 41 world-class research scientists and engineers away from top universities like Harvard, Georgetown, Penn State and Duke to lead these centers; • Engaged more than 40 corporate and non-profit organization investors, which have each donated $500,000 or more; and • Helped attract companies such as Proterra, a high-tech bus manufacturer, and SAGE, a global company that designs and produces automotive interiors, to the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) campus.

At a time when the global economy remains in the doldrums, the success of the SmartState Program seems to fly in the face of reality. How is it that a small state like South Carolina suddenly emerged as a poster child for knowledge-based economic development? It all started with an idea to ignite South Carolina’s economy and create high-paying jobs by investing in intellectual talent and technology.

A magnet for investment That formula, attracting external investment, lies at the core of the SmartState Program.

Each SmartState Center is awarded $2 million to $5 million in South Carolina Lottery funds, which must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis with non-state funds. Each center has world-renowned scientists and engineers who lead research efforts in areas critical to the state and national economy. In addition, the centers are training grounds for university graduate students preparing for high-tech jobs with corporations or in their own startup companies.

BMW Manufacturing was among SmartState’s first non-state investors. South Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt was with BMW when Clemson approached the German automaker with the concept that would become CU-ICAR, now an internationally recognized automotive/motorsports research and development campus.

“BMW was immediately excited by the idea of synergistic collaboration between industry, university and government,” Hitt said. “We invested $10 million to fund two endowed chairs in automotive manufacturing and systems integration. BMW’s investment in SmartState Endowed Chairs really got the ball rolling on CU-ICAR.” Clemson President Jim Barker acknowledges there would be no CU-ICAR, nor would South Carolina be the global automotive center that it is today, without the SmartState Program.

“The SmartState Program is clearly one of the best ideas South Carolina has ever had. BMW’s original $10 million investment in CU-ICAR, which was matched with another $10 million in state lottery funds, is now $200 million in commitments from multiple sources. BMW has helped attract other corporate stakeholders that want to take advantage of CU-ICAR’s brainpower. Originally designed for 50 graduate students a year, the program now has 100, all of whom graduate with jobs,” said Barker.

The SmartState Program has attracted other corporate investors, including Michelin, Timken, Smith & Nephew, General Atomics, Westinghouse and Fluor. In all, more than 35 corporations have donated more than $500,000 each for a total of more than $54 million.

Non-profit investors, such as the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, The Duke Endowment and Health Sciences South Carolina, have contributed more than $30 million combined.

Additionally, SmartState Endowed Chairs have secured hundreds of millions in grants from federal agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Israel’s Consul General to the Southeast, Opher Aviran, tests his driving skills on a CU-ICAR automotive simulator.

Inspiring cultural change The presidents of Clemson, MUSC and USC agree the SmartState Program also inspired a significant cultural change at the state’s research universities, not the least of which is cross-institutional collaboration. Forty percent of the 49 SmartState Centers of Economic Excellence are collaborations among multiple institutions, leveraging the state’s brainpower, assets and results.

Some examples include new bioengineering and drug discovery buildings on the MUSC campus that house SmartState researchers from MUSC, Clemson and USC conducting joint research. Researchers from the three institutions are working together through SeniorSMART to develop technology that will improve the lives

SmartState Endowed Chair Tom Kurfess (left) presents Speaker Bobby Harrell an award for his ongoing support of the SmartState Program. Kurfess is the BMW Endowed Chair in Automotive Manufacturing at CU-ICAR and was one of the co-chairs of the national conference.

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dollars where we know we can make a difference: biomedical, advanced materials, energy and now aerospace,” said Pastides.

Launch pad and landing pad Commerce Secretary Hitt has challenged SmartState stakeholders to decide whether the program is a launch pad or a landing pad. The answer is both. The SmartState Program is a launch pad for innovative ideas, new technology, investment and startup companies. The program is a landing pad for top researchers and companies relocating to South Carolina. However, the program must strengthen its role as a launch pad for jobs in South Carolina, which increasingly demand hightech skill sets and a life-long penchant for learning.

In 2011, the SmartState Program established a new internship program with the Governor’s School of Science and Mathematics (GSSM) in Hartsville. The program partners GSSM rising seniors with SmartState Endowed Chairs in their laboratories. The internship program introduces the high school students not just to research, but also to The Endowed Chairs and leadership along with guests from around the world gather in Charleston December 4-6 the active entrepreneurship at each Center. for a national conference showcasing South Carolina’s knowledge-based economic development successes.

Regan Voit, chair of the SmartState Review Board, said the initiative is designed to keep South of senior citizens.

Carolina’s top students in the state.

MUSC President Ray Greenberg said the opportunity to conduct joint research “In the past, many of South Carolina’s best and brightest students left the state with colleagues from other South Carolina universities has “energized” the MUSC for institutions with established reputations. When we connect our high school faculty. students with SmartState Endowed Chairs, they realize they can stay in South USC President Harris Pastides said the SmartState Program has changed USC’s Carolina for a top education and careers in research and as entrepreneurs in their research culture as well. own companies,” he said.

“SouthPhillips_Columbia Carolina is not the only stateOffice:announcement trying to transform its economy. We are Voit11:23 said theAM SmartState will work to expand such opportunities to Fisher 12/15/2011 PageProgram 1 competing at the highest levels, which requires us to focus our research efforts and children in grades K-12.

SmartState 2.0

Fisher & Phillips LLP Announces the Relocation of its Columbia Office Effective January 23, 2012 our new location is: 1320 Main Street Suite 750 Columbia, SC 29201

After a decade, what’s next for the SmartState Program? The program’s original stakeholders, the university presidents and Commerce Secretary Hitt share the notion that it is time to move to “SmartState 2.0.”

Tenenbaum, who remains an active supporter, is encouraging the business community to rally behind the SmartState Program to ensure its continuance.

“The Washington Advisory Group (now the Advisory Group at Huron) called the SmartState Program the best program of its kind in the country. How many times can South Carolina say our state is number one? The benefits have been exponential,” said Tenenbaum.

MUSC President Greenberg said the bad economy has created an even greater sense of urgency for the SmartState Program.

Phone: (803) 255-0000 Fax: (803) 255-0202

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(Pictured above, left to right) Simon Hudson, SmartState Endowed Chair, USC; Peter Beattie, former premier of Queensland, Australia; Melvin Williams, SmartState Review Board Member; Anita Zucker, InterTech Group; Saul Singer, author of StartUp Nation; Israel Consul General Opher Aviran; Sam Tenenbaum; Jonathan Zucker, InterTech Group; Tom Kurfess, Smart State Endowed Chair at CU-ICAR.

Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt addresses SmartState Conference attendees.

“If we don’t continue to build a strong footprint in technology, we could see unemployment in our state double in the years ahead,” Greenberg warned.

“Without the SmartState Program, we’ll become an economic backwater.”

USC President Pastides believes the structure of the SmartState Program must be dynamic. He sees closer ties with business as the answer.

“We must do an even better job of connecting with businesses like BMW and Boeing but also with entrepreneurs who want to start companies. This may involve closer alignment of SmartState Endowed Chairs with industry to generate tangible results more quickly,” said Pastides.

Greater alignment makes sense at a time when financing and resources in the public and private sectors are scarce. According to Commerce Secretary Hitt, each of the 12 automotive companies recruited to South Carolina in 2011 had one thing on their minds: CU-ICAR. “They saw how BMW, Michelin, Timken and others have invested in CU-ICAR through the SmartState Program and gotten access to world-class researchers, highly educated, motivated graduate students who will become future employees and South Carolina’s new culture of innovation. They want to be part of it. They want to invest,” said Hitt.

But, Hitt said, it will not be a blank check and may require restructuring the Endowed Chair concept.

Industry-specific chairs or visiting chairs are two options being discussed.

Hitt believes this will give companies investing in the SmartState Program even more “skin” in the game, thereby creating more opportunities—read jobs—for South Carolina.

“The SmartState Program is the intersection of the knowledge economy and industry in South Carolina,” said Hitt. “Connecting our universities with the BMWs, Michelins, Koyos and Boeings of the world is powerful. South Carolina builds the most sophisticated automobiles in the world. The largest tire makers are all here. Soon, wide-body planes will roll off a South Carolina assembly line. We’re showing the world what we can do.”

Melanie Lux is president of Columbia-based Lux Strategic Communications.

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B u s i n e ss B r i e f s

Business leaders show support for Charleston Harbor deepening With Charleston’s next harbor deepening project underway, business and maritime leaders recently joined with elected officials to support both the reduced transportation costs and the job benefits of a true postPanamax harbor in the Southeast U.S. Meeting at the Charleston Maritime Center on Charleston Harbor, a diverse group of leaders rallied behind Charleston’s harbor project.

“This deepening project will drive economic investment and jobs in our state, while customers across the entire region will benefit from lower supply chain costs.

And, importantly, this is the nation’s best buy for a South Atlantic deepening project,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA).

“Companies in all 46 counties of the state do business in this port on a daily basis. This project will reduce the cost of doing business for the thousands of companies in South Carolina that ship internationally,” said Otis Rawl, president

Otis Rawl (left) joins business and maritime leaders to show support for Charleston Harbor deepening.

and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

More than 20,000 companies in several dozen states use the Port of Charleston to access global markets, shipping cargo valued at $50 billion a year through the Charleston Customs District. Charleston’s project will have an estimated $106 million in annual net benefits for a $140 million federal investment.

S.C. Chamber awarded accreditation with distinction

BMW Manufacturing receives Exporter of the Year Award

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has been awarded Accreditation with Distinction by the United States Chamber of Commerce. The South Carolina Chamber, the first state chamber Moore Hallmark, executive Accredited with director of the U.S. Distinction in the nation, Chamber’s Southeast is currently one of only Region, presents an Accreditation with four state chambers of Distinction plaque to S.C. commerce Accredited Chamber President and with Distinction.

CEO Otis Rawl.

The only program of its kind in the country, U.S. Chamber Accreditation recognizes excellence in chamber planning and performance. To achieve Accreditation, a chamber must demonstrate quality programs, clear organizational procedures and effective communications by meeting minimum standards in its operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs and technology.

Accredited chambers represent the top 3 percent of all chambers in the United States. Local and regional chambers are rated Accredited or Accredited with Three Stars, Four Stars or Five Stars, while state chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members and chamber CEOs from across the country.

The National Association of Foreign Trade Zones (NAFTZ) has recognized BMW Manufacturing Co. for its significant contribution to the U.S. export industry by giving the company the Exporter of the Year Award.

BMW’s plant in South Carolina has steadily increased its export activity. In 2009, the plant contributed more than $3.1 billion in exports. In 2010, the company’s export value grew to well over $4 billion annually. BMW’s plant in Spartanburg currently produces approximately 1,000 vehicles each day and is the exclusive exporter of passenger vehicles through the Port of Charleston.

Grant seeks to help companies export ECI-Find New Markets is looking to increase job opportunities and per capita income in Appalachia through a $600,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). With this grant, ECI will recruit and train 36 small companies over a three-year period within the Appalachian region to begin or expand exporting and support trade missions and trade activities of the South Carolina Department

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Sonoco announces $100 million investment at Darlington County plant

| S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss

BMW is the exclusive exporter of passenger vehicles through the Port of Charleston. Pictured above is the SC Ports Authority’s Columbus Street terminal.

of Commerce and international trade programs.

Counties in the Appalachian region include Cherokee, Spartanburg, Greenville, Pickens, Oconee and Anderson.

ECI will concentrate on export trade opportunities with the automotive and aerospace industry, the forest products industry and Trade Winds Business Forum. ECI will work with partner organizations such as the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the U.S. Commercial Service, South

Sonoco, a global producer of packaging products, has announced plans to upgrade its Darlington County plant.

The $100 million investment is expected to generate up to 10 new jobs, in addition to the more than 1,600 employees currently working for the company in Hartsville.

Sonoco will invest about $75 million to add a new biomass boiler to its plant in Hartsville, replacing two aging coal-fired boilers. The new boiler will be fueled primarily by woody biomass created by regional logging activity but can also run on natural gas. The boiler will produce about 16 megawatts of “green” energy that will be consumed by the manufacturing complex as well as steam that is used in the paper making process. The company will also upgrade a machine that produces corrugated paperboard along with emission control technology on another boiler at the plant.

Employment activity during construction will peak at around 200, with up to 10 new jobs added, including about 30 indirect jobs due to the amount of biomass material that has to be collected and delivered to Sonoco. The boiler is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2013.

S.C. Chamber unveils new website The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has released a redesigned website at www.scchamber. net. The new website is the culmination of numerous surveys and interviews with South Carolina Chamber members and other stakeholders from across the Palmetto State.

The website is built around this year’s Competitiveness Agenda, the business community’s annual list of legislative priorities, which includes comprehensive tax reform, economic development, workforce development, infrastructure, energy and environment, and government restructuring. In addition, www.scchamber.net features current headlines of interest to the business community, a Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down section, event information and a statewide business directory.

Exclusive advertising opportunities are still available. Contact Julie Scott at 803-255-2628 for more information.

Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, South Carolina Forestry Association, New Carolina and the Small Business Development Centers to help identify and prescreen firms that have a strong desire to expand into new markets. For more information, contact Fred Monk, president of ECI-Find New Markets, at 803-255-2623.

After the event

State’s business leaders gather for 32nd Annual Summit

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ore than 250 of the state’s top business leaders gathered in the Lowcountry November 9-11 at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s 32nd Annual Summit, Fast Forward: Defining the Next Decade. The 32nd Annual Summit focused on several important issues in South Carolina, including government regulations, federal legislative issues, labor unions, tax reform, education and the economy. The Annual Summit was presented

by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. The Summit began with a compelling symposium.

Lonnie Carter, president and CEO of Santee Cooper, discussed the cost and consequences of regulations and South Carolina’s future energy needs. Congressman Tim Scott provided a federal update, discussing the NLRB’s recent overreaching rulings. Representative Tommy Stringer provided an in-depth look at how South Carolina can achieve comprehensive tax reform, while John Creech of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. updated attendees on a variety of legal issues.

A noon luncheon was held to announce South Carolina’s 25 Fastest-Growing Companies, presented by The Capital Corporation and Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP. These innovative companies have excelled and found a way to prosper during a tough economy. The top three fastest growing companies in employment and revenue are Barling Bay LLC (No. 1), Southern Tide (No. 2) and Levelwing (No. 3).

The luncheon also featured the 2011 Sergeant William Jasper Freedom Award recipient, Captain Ted Pitts, deputy chief of staff in the Office of the Governor.

Pitts was honored for his heroic service in the South Carolina Army National Guard, including his 2010 deployment to Afghanistan. In addition, two scholarships were awarded to bright young students who attended the prestigious South Carolina Business Week this summer.

William Kristol, editor of the influential Washingtonbased political magazine, The Weekly Standard, spoke to the state’s business community during the Annual Summit Banquet on November 10. Kristol is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading political analysts and commentators, regularly appearing on FOX News Sunday.

The South Carolina Chamber’s Annual Summit Banquet also honored South Carolina’s 2011 Business Leader of the Year, AT&T South Carolina President Pamela Lackey, and South Carolina’s 2011 Public Servant of the Year, South Carolina House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham.

The 2012 Annual Summit will be held at Wild Dunes Resort November 7-9. For more information or to sponsor, please contact Tish Anderson, associate vice president of events and seminars, at 803-255-2627.

William Kristol provides the keynote address at the 32nd Annual Summit Banquet.

Jim Reynolds, chairman of the 2011-2012 S.C. Chamber of Commerce board of directors, addresses banquet guests.

P r e s e n t i n g Sp o n s o r Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Greenville, Columbia, Charleston Offices) Platinum Sponsors Bank of America BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina The Capital Corporation

Bob Bush of Barling Bay LLC accepts his company’s award for being ranked No. 1 on the 2011 South Carolina’s 25 Fastest-Growing Companies list.

Gold Sponsors BB&T Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. Milliken & Company Santee Cooper SCANA Corporation Sonoco Products Company Silver Sponsors AT&T Duke Energy Carolinas McNair Law Firm, P.A. MeadWestvaco - Community Development & Land Management Progress Energy Total Comfort Solutions H o sp i t a l i t y S u i t e S p o n s o r FN Manufacturing LLC

Attendees listen to speakers at the 32nd Annual Summit Symposium.

Reception Sponsors Alcoa Mt. Holly Delta Dental Bronze Sponsors Arnold Construction Corporation Coleman Lew & Associates Inc. Colonial Life eGroup Inc. Ernst & Young LLP FUJIFILM Manufacturing U.S.A. Inc. Michelin North America Palmetto Health TeamIA Inc. Wells Fargo

Catherine Chee, the 2011 Ron McNair Leadership Award winner, accepts a scholarship presented

by SCANA.

Media Sponsor SCBIZ

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After the event

2011 Best Places to Work in South Carolina The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the publishers of SCBIZ magazine are pleased to announce the rankings of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina. This program recognizes South Carolina’s most innovative and top-notch employers. The 2011 rankings were announced at an October 4 awards banquet.

The Best Places to Work Small/Medium Employer of the Year is SPARC LLC.

Small/Medium Employer Category (15-249 U.S. Employees) Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Company SPARC LLC SynTerra Corp.

VC3 Inc. Human Technologies Inc. Family Trust Federal Credit Union ArborOne ACA Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union First Reliance Bank SCRA C. F. Evans & Company Inc. Select Health of South Carolina First Community Bank Rosenfeld Einstein Edens & Avant Environmental Express Inc. KeenanSuggs South Carolina Education Lottery

Large Employer Category (250 or more U.S. employees) Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Company Edward Jones Elliott Davis Life Cycle Engineering Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP Blackbaud Inc. Palmetto Health Erwin Penland LLC SYNNEX Corporation Charleston Water System Mayer Electric Supply Company

(Right) The Best Places to Work Large Employer of the Year is Edward Jones.

You see a police car.

We see a police officer named Hal who works closely with fire departments and EMS, who knows every business owner downtown, who can name every city street and who buys 12 snow cones on Saturdays even though his T-ball team has never won a game. www.citiesmeanbusiness.org

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12/2/2010 8:02:52 AM

After the event

Industry experts speak at 2nd Annual Manufacturers Conference

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anufacturers from across South Carolina gathered on Hilton Head Island December 7-9 for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Annual Manufacturers Conference: International Manufacturing-South Carolina’s Worldwide Reach, presented by Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP. The annual conference provided attendees with valuable networking opportunities and up-to-date information from a variety of expert speakers.

Conference topics covered such areas as sustainable manufacturing, future energy solutions, international tax issues, supply chain management,

intellectual property issues, employment and workforce, ports, transportation, labor, and innovation and technology in manufacturing. Featured speakers included Peter Fischer, minister of economics, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Ned Monroe, senior vice president of external relations for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

Plans are underway for the 3rd Annual Manufacturers Conference. Details will be announced soon. For more information, contact Tish Anderson, associate vice president of programs and events, at 803-255-2627.

Steeped in tradition , steps ahead in legal leadership.

Attendees enjoy an evening reception kicking off the 2nd Annual Manufacturers Conference.

South Carolina State Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome provides an update on port expansion.

P resenting S ponsor Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP D inner S ponsors Akebono Brake Corporation MAU Workforce Solutions McNair Law Firm, P.A. L unch S ponsor Aloca Mt. Holly B reakfast S ponsors BMW Manufacturing Co. Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP Vivian Harper with the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership addresses attendees on future energy solutions.

H ospitality S uite S ponsor Elliott Davis LLC

Collins & Lacy, P.C. is pleased to announce Ellen Adams* as managing partner.

We proudly join the elite 15 percent** of law firms nationwide with female leadership.

Let us put our tradition and leadership to work for you. *Pictured above (center) with Suzanne Cole & Pete Dworjanyn. **According to ABA Market Research Report, November 2010.

C onference B ag S ponsor Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. N ame B adge L anyard S ponsor Duke Energy Carolinas W elcome R eception S ponsors AT&T Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP FN Manufacturing LLC Landstar Transportation Solutions

Chuck Bundy with the S.C. Department of Commerce (left) chats with Paul and Ginger Kumler with KTM Solutions Inc.

B reak S ponsors Find Great People International The GEL Group Inc. Hitachi Electronic Devices USA Inc. Total Comfort Solutions M edia S ponsor SCBIZ

Public Policy | Products Liability Retail / Hospitality / Entertainment Workers’ Compensation | Employment Professional Liability | Construction Transportation | Insurance Coverage

COLUMBIA GREENVILLE MYRTLE BEACH

1330 Lady Street 6th Floor Columbia, SC 803.256.2660 | www.collinsandlacy.com

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2011 Manufacturer of the Year Awards Luncheon

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he 2011 Manufacturer of the Year Awards Luncheon was held September 13 at the Embassy Suites in Columbia. Manufacturer of the Year selections were based upon quality improvement efforts, quality of life programs, improvements in environment, involvement in local community and economic development, and overall effectiveness.

2011 MANUFACTURERS OF THE YEAR The Small S.C. Manufacturer of the Year (based in S.C.) is Cox Industries, located in Orangeburg.

ATVs are manufactured at the Honda of South Carolina plant in Timmonsville, S.C.

(Left) Cox Industries of Orangeburg, S.C. and subsidiaries include 10 locations participating in the production of a variety of quality pressuretreated wood products.

The Large S.C. Manufacturer of the Year is Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing Inc., located in Timmonsville.

Mark Your Calendar!

2012 Events Schedule LEGISLATIVE EVENTS

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AWARDS EVENTS

Business speaks January 17, 2012 Marriott, Columbia 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Town Meeting 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Reception

hr institute – Module 1 January 26-27, 2012 TD Bank Room, Columbia*

hr professional of the Year February 9, 2012 ~ Marriott, Columbia 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Reception 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Awards dinner

Washington night in south Carolina April 3, 2012 Marriott, Columbia 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Town Meeting 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Reception

ANNUAL MEETING annual suMMit November 7-9, 2012 Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Tish Anderson at (803) 255-2627 or Tish.Anderson@scchamber.net.

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hr institute – Module 2 February 23-24, 2012 TD Bank Room, Columbia* hr institute – Module 3 March 29-30, 2012 TD Bank Room, Columbia* hr institute – Module 4 April 26, 2012 TD Bank Room, Columbia* huMan resourCes ConferenCe May 6-8, 2012 Marriott Grand Dunes, Myrtle Beach ManufaCturers ConferenCe December, 2012 Date/Location TBD

safetY aWards lunCheon March 14, 2012 ~The DoubleTree, Columbia Noon ManufaCturer of the Year aWards lunCheon August 29, 2012~ Embassy Suites, Columbia Noon exCellenCe in WorkplaCe diversitY aWards September 13, 2012, Embassy Suites, Columbia 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Reception 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Awards dinner Best plaCes to Work in south Carolina October 4, 2012~ The DoubleTree, Columbia 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Reception 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Awards dinner * 1301 Gervais Street, Ste. 1100

COX INDUSTRIES

The Medium S.C. Manufacturer of the Year is Pure Power Technologies, located in Columbia.

HONDA OF SC

The Small S.C. Manufacturer of the Year (based outside of S.C.) is PPG Industries Fiber Glass Products Inc., located in Chester.

After the event

7th Annual Excellence in Workplace Diversity Awards he South Carolina Chamber of Commerce recognized the state’s top companies (large, medium and small) in the field of diversity, October 18 in Columbia at the 7th Annual Excellence in Workplace Diversity Awards, presented by Fisher & Phillips LLP.

Founded in 1925, we know what it takes to do business in the Carolinas.

The Elliott Davis Economic Development Team advises companies considering investments, expansions or relocations in the state of South Carolina. Our solutions span economic incentives, government relations, real estate purchases, mergers and acquisitions as well as international, federal, state and local tax issues and other financial matters. Are you poised for growth? Let our experience help guide the way.

fully engaged: for you www.elliottdavis.com

© 2011 Elliott Davis LLC © 2011 Elliott Davis PLLC

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Small Employer Category: Erwin Penland

When your message needs to reach the largest possible business audience, there is only on choice:

Medium Employer Category: Time Warner Cable Inc.

the magazine of choice for South Carolina’s top executives.

Contact Deidre Macklen at 803.318.3923 for 2012 marketing and advertising opportunities.

Large Employer Category: Palmetto Health PUBLISHING & MEDIA SERVICES

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MEMBER NE W S Economic Development

Surveying & GIS

Water & Wastewater Transportation

Electric & Gas

Environmental

Sonoco Chairman and CEO Harris DeLoach (left) cuts the ribbon at the Sonoco Health Connection grand opening ceremony with Allan McLeland, vice president of human resources (right).

South Carolina Operations Columbia

Abacus Planning Group has welcomed Stephen (Scotty) Scott, CFP to the Abacus Investment Team, where he will work with the other advisors to assist in the investment management process.

803.254.4400

Charleston 843.767.4602 Florence

843.665.9166

Greenville 864.609.9111

www.urscorp.com

DESIGNING, MACHINING AND MANUFACTURING For more than 30 years, PDQ has been the onestop source for custom molded injected parts.

Call us today at 843-672-3582 or visit our web site, pdqsouth.com, to see how we help with your next manufacturing project.

DESIGN | ENGINEERING MOLD BUILDING MOLD MAINTENANCE PRECISION MACHINE PARTS MANUFACTURING | MOLD PLASTIC INJECTED PARTS C A P A B I L I T I E S Short run | custom • Long run | production • Integrated mold build and injection molding “under-one-roof” • 3rd party mold building and mold maintenance programs • Precision machine parts with 5-axis CNC • Value added | secondary operations for assembly, packaging and fulfillment

PDQ South InjectIon technologIeS, Inc. Pageland, SC sales@pdqsouth.com

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Sonoco has opened the Sonoco Health Connection, a state-of-the-art employee health center that will operate during working hours on the company’s Hartsville campus. The Sonoco Health Connection gives employees quick and easy access to a nurse practitioner, a health coach, a medical assistant and a collaborating physician while at work. Sonoco employees who don’t feel well can visit the Sonoco Health Connection, pay a reduced co-pay and get examined, diagnosed and treated without having to leave Sonoco’s Hartsville campus.

Alcoa Mt. Holly has announced its recertification in the South Carolina Environmental Excellence Program (SCEEP). A member of the program since 2004, Alcoa Mt. Holly earned the renewal of its membership based on demonstrated commitment to waste reduction and continued environmental improvements. Less than 40 companies in the state are currently members of the program, which was created in 1998 with the involvement of The Office of Environmental Quality Control at the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

AT&T has announced it has completed a key initiative in its ongoing efforts to enhance the wireless capacity and performance of its mobile broadband network between Columbia and Camden along Interstate 20. The network enhancement adds new layers of frequency, also known as “carriers,” to six cell sites near I-20 between Columbia and Camden, also covering the communities of Elgin and Lugoff, to more efficiently manage available spectrum and increase mobile broadband capacity.

manufacturing operations in Greenville County. The $80 million investment is expected to generate 160 new jobs over the next five years.

Ken Carrick Jr., president of Coleman Lew & Associates Inc., has announced the appointment of Shana Plott as a consultant for the company.

Collins & Lacy P.C. and the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Educational Association (SCWCEA) are pleased to announce founding partner Stanford E. Lacy has been honored with the Lifetime Service Award.

Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company has been named the top benefits carrier in five categories by brokers across the country in the 2011 Benefits Selling Readers’ Choice Awards program. The national publication is targeted to brokers and agents who sell group and voluntary insurance products.

Dennis Corporation has named David Russell, PE the director of roadway design and civil infrastructure. Russell has 15 years of industry experience and will oversee the planning and design of all Dennis Corporation civil infrastructure and transportation projects.

Barnes, Alford, Stork & Johnson LLP has been accepted into the International Society of Primerus Law Firms. Primerus is a society of independent, boutique law firms that was created to uphold the highest ideals of the legal profession.

Duraclean has welcomed Representative Chip Huggins as director of business development and sales. Duraclean is a disaster clean-up and restoration company servicing all of South Carolina. Duraclean specializes in water damage, fire and smoke damage and mold remediation.

Bosch Rexroth Corporation will expand its existing hydraulics

Rick Davis, managing shareholder for Elliott Davis LLC, has been named

MEMBER NE W S

Adams

Bobertz

Crapps

Gower

Griffith

Hill

Hollis

Kunz

Kuppens

McKinney

C o m p i l e d b y M at t h e w G r e g o ry ( S e n d p u b l i c i t y a n d e v e n t p h o t os to: m a t t h e w. g r e g o r y @ s c c h a m b e r. n et)

Rice

Rogers

Scott

the 2011 Clemson at the Falls Business Person of the Year. Under Davis’ leadership, Elliott Davis has expanded into new markets, acquiring offices in both Charleston and Charlotte, and led efforts to support the continued growth of the Upstate region’s business community.

Erwin Penland has hired Channing Barnes as media planner, Meighan Fraga as account executive, Aaron Johnston as associate creative director, Margaret McGinty as proofreader and Elizabeth Windley as associate production manager in its Greenville office. Kimberly Langston has been promoted to assistant art director.

Bradford J. Gower and Robert “Rocky” Rogers have joined the Greenville office of Gallivan, White & Boyd P.A. Gower has joined the firm’s Business and Commercial Group, while Rogers has joined the firm’s Workers’ Compensation group.

Charles Rice II has joined GEL Engineering LLC as a stack testing technician. He will be responsible for performing air emissions testing for GEL’s Stack Testing Group.

C. Grant Jackson, senior vice president for community development at the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, was presented the Chairman’s Award at the City Center Partnership (CCP) annual meeting Nov. 14. The award was presented by David Lockwood, outgoing CCP chairman, for Jackson’s “unwavering dedication and countless hours spent” developing a three-year strategic plan and a 10-year Business Improvement District (BID) Renewal Plan.

The South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presented its 2011 President’s Award to Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A. at the organization’s 3rd Annual Corporate Gala in Greenville. The organization’s president, Evelyn Lugo, presented the award to Shareholder Andrew J. (Andy) White

Warren

White

Williams

of the law firm’s Greenville office. Jeff Thordahl, Billy Routh and Kimberly Varnadoe (Kim) Kent have been added to Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A.’s Governmental Relations team. They are joining Carl Blackstone, governmental relations advisor, in the firm’s Columbia office. Kent will work out of both the Columbia and Greenville offices. To grow the firm’s commitment to governmental relations, Blackstone and the trio will form a new subsidiary called Copper Dome Strategies LLC. The group will also work with Mike Tongour, special counsel, who heads the firm’s federal legislative office in Washington.

Honeywell International has announced it will expand its current operations in Greenville County. The $25 million investment is expected to generate 30 new jobs over the next five years.

ITI Hydraulik USA celebrated its first year in business with an October 21st event held in Andrews. The company, which specializes in hydraulic elevator jack manufacturing, hosted the event for business partners, dignitaries, families and friends to highlight one year of tremendous efforts and achievements.

For the occasion, Governor Nikki Haley, represented by M. André Leblanc from the South Carolina Department of Commerce, gave ITI Hydraulik USA’s representative a flag of the state along with gratitude for the company’s involvement in the social and economical spheres of the state.

Manning Crapps, Billy Hollis and Courtney Warren have joined Keenan & Suggs Inc.’s Greenville and Columbia offices. Crapps joins KeenanSuggs as a commercial broker for the Columbia office and will provide exceptional customer service to many of KeenanSuggs’ commercial clients.

Hollis will serve as commercial broker for KeenanSuggs’ Greenville office and will focus in the areas of manufacturing, retail, finance and general commercial.

Warren will serve as a commercial

Welcome, New Members Adams Scrap Recycling LLC Greenville Allen University Columbia Belk Inc. Charlotte, NC Bob Jones University Greenville Carolina Infrared LLC Lexington CBC National Bank Beaufort Charleston Rubber & Gasket Co. Inc. Hanahan

Meridian Energy & Environment LLC Charleston MidlandsBiz.com Columbia PatientTrack PRM Charleston PrimeTRUST Advisors Columbia SC Beer Wholesalers Association Columbia Senex Biotechnology Inc. Columbia The Shaw Group Charlotte, NC

CollinsCraft Corporation Westminster

Sixteen Candles LLC Columbia

Columbia Tool and Die West Columbia

Spartanburg Methodist College Spartanburg

Diverse Industries Inc. Greer

Synalloy Corporation Spartanburg

Dunhill Staffing Systems Mount Pleasant

Travel Surgery USA Summerville

Fehrer Automotive South Carolina Fountain Inn

Trulane General Contracting Inc. North Charleston

Hospice Care of South Carolina Spartanburg

Universal Trade Solutions Inc. Orangeburg

Integrated Media Publishing LLC Greenville

VCI-SC Inc. Easley

Made You Look Marketing LLC Blythewood broker for KeenanSuggs’ Greenville office and focus on financial institutions, manufacturing, surety and general business.

Upstate professional Andrea Williams has joined Marketplace Staffing as director of first impressions. Williams will handle a range of administrative functions, as well as provide support

to the marketing/sales and recruiting functions of the organization.

Robert Adams has joined McGuireWoods Consulting as a vice president of state government relations in its Columbia office. Adams has extensive lobbying experience in many areas, including retail, education, financial services, insurance, public utilities, the

s c c h a m b e r. n e t | J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 2 | S o u t h C a r o l i n a B u s i n e ss |

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MEMBER NE W S

Events

Calendar January 17, 2012 Business Speaks Columbia Board of Directors Meeting Columbia Executive Committee Columbia January 19, 2012 Tax Committee Columbia PR Advisory Committee Columbia January 26-27, 2012 HR Institute Module 1 Columbia February 2, 2012 Human Resources Committee Columbia February 3, 2012 Environmental Technical Committee Columbia February 8, 2012 Small Business Committee Columbia February 9, 2012 Human Resources Professional of the Year Awards Dinner Columbia Legislative Agenda Task Force Columbia February 16, 2012 Tax Committee Columbia February 21, 2012 Safety, Health & Security Committee Columbia February 23-24, 2012 HR Institute Module 2 Columbia

For additional events, log on to scchamber.net.

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automotive industry and procurement.

Healthcare Distinction.

Rita M. McKinney has been elected managing shareholder of the Upstate Unit of McNair Law Firm P.A. In this role, she will have management oversight of the firm’s Anderson and Greenville offices.

Long-known for supplying qualified temporary and contract workers to employers in the Midlands region, Snelling Staffing Services of the Midlands has expanded its role to include medical staffing. Through Snelling Medical Staffing, health care providers and medical office managers in the Columbia area can now turn to Snelling to help find temporary, contract and direct-hire clinicians.

Ron Anderson, vice president of research and technology with NAI Avant, has been appointed by the City of Columbia to serve on the board of directors for the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority. Anderson is one of 11 newly appointed members. He will serve on the board until November 2014.

John F. Kuppens, a partner in Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough’s Columbia office, has been elected to a three-year term as a National Director for DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar. DRI is an international organization of attorneys defending the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation.

Nexsen Pruet has hired 17 attorneys in its North Carolina and South Carolina offices. The latest additions are three newly sworn-in members of the South Carolina Bar. The three new associates are Kenny Gardner, Sima Patel and Tommy Preston, and they will practice in firm’s Charleston, Greenville and Columbia offices. Brian A. Autry has rejoined the firm’s Columbia office. He is special counsel and practices with the firm’s Construction Group.

Presbyterian College President John V. Griffith has announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2011-12 academic year. Griffith, who in 1998 became the 16th president in Presbyterian’s 131-year history, informed the Board of Trustees of his decision in late October. His 14-year tenure as president of the college will officially end June 30, 2012.

Greenville-based Sage Automotive Interiors is producing sustainable seat covers that come standard in the all-new 2012 Focus Electric vehicle. The Sageproduced seating cover fabric is made from sustainable yarns and upholds the highest manufacturing standards required by Ford Materials Engineering.

First Choice by Select Health is the highest nationally ranked (No. 46) Medicaid health plan, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Medicaid Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2011-2012.

NCQA awarded the First Choice health plan with its highest accreditation status of ”Excellent” for service and clinical quality that met or exceeded NCQA’s rigorous requirements for consumer protection and quality improvement.

First Choice is also one of the first in the country to achieve NCQA’s Multicultural

Advertiser Index BlueCross BlueShield of S.C.........Inside Front Cover Clemson University................................................8 Collins & Lacy......................................................27 Duke Energy..........................................................6 Economic Development Partnership.....................11 Elliott Davis..........................................................29 Fisher & Phillips LLP..............................................22

The South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees has elected Henri Etta Baskins of Columbia to serve as chair and Hugh C. Lane Jr. of Charleston to the position of life trustee.

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.................................1 MWV MEADWESTVACO........................................4 Municipal Association of S.C................................26 PDQ South Injection.............................................30

Amy L.B. Hill, of counsel with Sowell, Gray Stepp & Laffitte, has been appointed chair of the South Carolina Bar Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. Alexander E. Davis has joined the firm as an associate. His practice will focus on products liability, health care litigation and construction litigation.

Santee Cooper.....................................................19 SCDEW................................................................15 SCRA...................................................................23 S.C. Chamber Event Schedule..............................28 S.C. Chamber of Commerce.........Inside Back Cover S.C. Ports Authority.............................................13

TD Bank is South Carolina’s top U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) bank lender by dollar volume for the second consecutive year. TD Bank topped a long list of South Carolina SBA lenders during the SBA’s 2011 fiscal year, making 29 SBA loans totaling $32 million to South Carolina small businesses in 2011. TD Bank will expand its corporate operations at the bank’s campus adjoining Interstate 85 in Greenville, creating about 1,400 new jobs in the next three to five years.

TD Bank will also add more than 200 new positions in Lexington.

Andrew W. Kunz has joined the law firm of Turner Padget Graham & Laney P.A. as an associate attorney. He practices in the area of product liability.

Julie J. Moose, an attorney in the firm’s Florence office, was honored at the 2011 Tribute to Women of Influence (TWIN) ceremony. Moose was one of 10 professional women nominated for recognition in the Pee Dee region.

Shannon Furr Bobertz, a shareholder in the firm’s Columbia office, has been approved for membership by the National Board of Directors of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

Young Clement Rivers LLP Partner Carol B. Ervin has been elected to the board of directors of ALFA International, Global Legal Network Inc. and named vice chair of the organization, a global network of independent business focused law firms.

Sonoco......................................Outside Back Cover URS Corporation..................................................30

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Founded in 1940, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is the Palmetto State’s largest statewide broad-based business and industry association and voice of business at the State House.

Agenda, is based on feedback from the more than 18,000 businesses the Chamber represents.

Over the past four years alone, the return on investment for South Carolina The South Carolina Chamber keeps a close businesses has been $2 billion through eye and constant presence at the State legislative advocacy on issues like workers’ House, engaging legislators in meaningful compensation reform, Employment dialogue while working to get positive Security Commission reform, port business legislation passed and halting restructuring and more. dangerous anti-business bills.

The business community’s annual list of legislative priorities, the Competitiveness

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Learn more at www.scchamber.net.

Last year, Sonoco invested $2.5 million to improve the communities we do business in.

Accountability. It’s what drives us to make better choices today so that we can all enjoy better returns tomorrow. It’s why we support education, community partnerships, diversity, and workplace safety. It’s why we were selected to join the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Accountable to our planet, our stakeholders and ourselves… it’s who we are.

Acting today for a better tomorrow.

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