It’s no secret that rural communities face different realities and challenges than urban environments, from smaller populations to fewer large corporations that can provide employment. The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, which covers Maryland,...
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it awarded more than $8 million in grants to 50 organizations, including the South Carolina Research Authority, through the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership...
In August, South Carolina saw both job growth and home values increase, according to a new regional economic snapshot by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. "South Carolina's job growth accelerated in August, adding 10,800 jobs on net," said...
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index decreased by 0.8 points to 89.4 (1985=100) in August, down from 90.2 in July. The Present Situation Index — based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market...
Thank you for that kind introduction, and for inviting me to join you today. I hope you’ve had a good summer, whether spending time with family, celebrating our 250th, watching the World Cup, or just enjoying the air conditioning. I spent time...
Preliminary analysis by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International indicates a projected decline in international student enrollment for Fall 2026, with cascading effects on U.S. economic contribution and jobs supported....
Local governments in rural areas of South Carolina can compete for grant funds to help bring transformative projects to life. The Rural Development Initiative annual competitive grant program, administered by S.C. Commerce, will open soon....
The Greenville Chamber’s vision is a globally competitive Upstate economy where businesses succeed and people prosper. We believe that when people prosper, businesses win, too. One way the Greenville Chamber tracks our community’s prosperity is by...
South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) has announced the launch of its new Energy Council, a member-led initiative that will bring together business leaders and industry experts to discuss the issues shaping South Carolina's energy...
Labor Market Conditions"South Carolina's job growth stalled in June, with a decline of 400 jobs on net. Many industries saw either flat or declining employment." – Bethany Greene Payroll employment in South Carolina declined by 400 jobs (0.0...
Communities throughout South Carolina are receiving community development grant funds totaling more than $7 million for public improvement projects. This funding comes from the South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)...
South Carolina’s economic development successes in recent years are the result of concerted efforts from many organizations and government entities. And the state’s economic development alliances and partnerships are an important part of that...
On June 15, 2026, the Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments' board of directors held its final meeting for Fiscal Year 25-26. At the meeting, Executive Director Joette Dukes presented an end-of the year summary, highlighting the work of the Pee...
The Florence Chamber held its annual Board Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, June 18th at Victors in Downtown Florence to acknowledge departing board members for their service. The chamber staff presented current chairperson Paige Ard, VP and...
Cheney Brothers, Inc., Florence County Economic Development Partnership and design-build firm A M King are hosting an official grand opening event for the food distributor’s first facility in South Carolina. A M King has completed design and...
South Carolina’s small business innovation community received a major piece of good news this spring: Congress has reauthorized the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, ending a long period of...
Airbnb and five NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports racetracks announced a first-of-its-kind partnership that will make Airbnb the official lodging partner for those racetracks during the 2027 racing season. The announcement was made at the South...
The Opportunity Zones program is now permanent, signed into federal law in 2025, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Commerce officials said that under the updated law, Opportunity Zones will be redesignated every 10 years,...
NSP Panels, an acoustic panel manufacturer, announced March 18, 2026, it is establishing operations in Marion County. The company’s $4.75 million investment will create 63 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of...
Cheney Brothers, a leading broadline food distributor, announced it is expanding its Florence County operations with an additional $42.5 million investment that will create 85 new jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of...