The Economic Development Directors from Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties joined us for a discussion on regional collaboration and ways we can continue to competitively position our region nationally and globally.

Featuring:

• Steve Dykes, Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director
• Kristen Lanier, Berkeley County Economic Development Interim Director
• John Truluck, Dorchester County Economic Development Director

Berkeley County Economic Development Highlights

• Berkeley County has seen $4 billion in investments since 2015
• In 2018, 22 projects resulted in $1,220,292,375 in investments (making up about 30% of the state’s total capital investments)
• 10,000 new jobs created since 2015
• Median income is $51,772 (20% increase over 10 years)

Charleston County Economic Development Highlights

• Since its founding in 1993, 34,449 jobs created and $6.4 billion in total capital investment
• Consistently ranked in top 10 in jobs and capital investment among 46 SC counties
• In 2018-19, there were 27 announcements, 1,571 total jobs created and $153.4 million total capital investment

Dorchester County Economic Development Highlights

• Since 2017, announced over 3,500 jobs and $718.6 million capital investments
• In 2018-19, have announced 585 jobs (6th in the state) and $140 million in capital investments (3rd in the state)
• In 2020, announced $220 million, 3 million sq. ft. Walmart distribution center that will employ 1,000 people