March 19, 2021

We are happy to host Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb as our special guest for our Government Relations Update on April 1! Under Supervisor Cribb’s leadership, Berkeley County is making positive strides for the business community.

Since 2015, Berkeley County has received over $4.1 billion in new capital investments and created 12,000 new jobs. In 2020 alone, 200 new jobs were created with an average salary of over $24/hour. The County’s median income increased to $51,772 in 2019. The County began 2021 with a $90 million project announcement for Mainstream Pine Products in the Charleston International Manufacturing Center at Bushy Park. The County continues to prioritize the development of industrial sites to attract new capital investment and jobs to its communities.

Despite the pandemic, Berkeley County workforce development has continued. The County worked with local communities like Cainhoy to host virtual manufacturing classes to graduate 10 students in the fall. Students that were unable to attend virtually are registered to attend this spring on Trident Technical College’s campus. The Economic Development department understands that an increase in new jobs will require several interested prospective employees. In partnership with the local schools, the Economic Development department is sponsoring a state-wide virtual event, Your Next Step Youth Symposium, connecting over 500 students from 27 high schools to local companies.

The Berkeley County Economic Development department is optimistic about what 2021 will hold. Currently, they have no less than a dozen existing industries looking to expand in 2021. Their priorities for this year include being more inclusive and centered on the quality of life and prosperity for all citizens.

On the infrastructure side, Berkeley County continues to make impactful improvements.

The 2008 One-Cent Sales Tax referendum allowed for:

• 5 capacity projects
• 4 intersection improvements
• 2 major resurfacing
• numerous miles of local resurfacing
• 28 unpaved road improvements

The 2014 One-Cent Sales Tax referendum allowed for: 

• 9 capacity projects
• 4 intersection improvements
• 7 major resurfacing
• numerous miles of local resurfacing
• dredging
• runway extension
• bridge replacement
• pedestrian & bicycle facilities
• 59 unpaved road improvements

The County has shown they know how to manage tax dollars in the best interest of their citizens. Over $6 million has been allocated to resurface 21 miles of State roads and 7 miles of County roads.

The County has five capital projects in progress now:

• Building remodels
• Parking lot expansions
• Building new boat landings
• Expansion of existing boat landing parking lots
• Dredging waterways
• Berkeley County welcome signs

Whether your job focuses on education, investment, manufacturing or development, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to talk with elected officials who understand the business community. To hear more about Supervisor Cribb’s plans for Berkeley County, join us on April 1 for an update followed by a reception to connect with fellow members and members of Berkeley County Council. Seats are limited, so register today!

Bailey Vincett
Government Relations Coordinator