Why the Palmetto State is Just Right for Business. Globally-recognised for picturesque beaches and golf courses, paired with gracious hospitality and a relaxed lifestyle, South Carolina has long been recognised as one of the top travel destinations in the South. In fact, Condé Nast Traveller magazine recently named Charleston, South Carolina the number one small US city tourist destination for the fifth consecutive year. In recent years though, the Palmetto State has been making its footprint on the map for its business recruitment endeavours.

The past few years have seen record levels of investment, shrinking unemployment and big announcements from world-class brands. In 2014, South Carolina’s capital investment topped $5 billion for the second year in a row and for the third time in four years. This record investment represented more than 19,000 jobs by new and expanding businesses. And, as a result, South Carolina’s unemployment rate continues to decline. In September 2015, the state’s unemployment rate fell to 5.7%, recording its lowest level since 2008. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s total employment has increased for more than 70 consecutive months.

The Palmetto State’s roster of world-class companies also grew in 2015 when Mercedes-Benz Vans announced the $500 million expansion of its South Carolina facility, creating 1,300 new jobs. Volvo Cars also announced its  first North American manufacturing facility, representing a $500 million investment and up to 4,000 new jobs.

With a fantastic business climate, an extensive transportation network and a talented workforce, it is no surprise that South Carolina is now home to four of the top 10 global tyre manufacturers and is the nation’s top producer and exporter of tyres. Companies from all corners of the globe are discovering that South Carolina is just right for business.

SOUTH CAROLINA: STRONG, DEPENDABLE WORKFORCE

South Carolina’s recent growth has been the result of refining a team approach and sharing the story that the Palmetto State is a great place to build things for a variety of reasons.

The secret ingredient fuelling South Carolina’s success – also the state’s greatest asset and source of pride – is the people. The Palmetto State’s loyal, world-class workforce has earned a reputation for making first-class products. That dedication to quality is one of the main reasons why the world’s most respected brands choose to do business in South Carolina. In addition to great people, South Carolina has built one of the top programmes in the nation for workforce training. Known as readySC, this programme provides no-cost, customised training to companies making major investments in South Carolina. Working with the state’s technical colleges, readySC has led screening, hiring and training initiatives for more than a quarter of a million workers, in almost 2,000 companies, since the programme’s inception.

SOUTH CAROLINA: GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE

South Carolina is ideally located midway between New York and Miami, giving companies the ability to serve a rapidly growing population and consumer base in the south east. The state is also connected to a vast logistics network of rail, roads, airports and the dynamic gateway to trade – the Port of Charleston.

Because of these factors, South Carolina has led the nation in recruiting foreign direct investment on a per capita basis, and today is home to more than 1,200 locations of foreign companies operating within its borders. Since January of 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $13 billion in capital investment from foreign companies, bringing more than 29,500 jobs to the state.

In South Carolina, a robust logistics infrastructure, skilled workforce, access to growing markets and business-friendly environment are all key assets that will continue to make the state particularly attractive for foreign investment.

SOUTH CAROLINA: A STRONG REPUTATION

South Carolina’s diverse economy continues to attract companies from all corners of the globe, and the Palmetto State takes pride in offering businesses the competitive advantages they need to be successful in today’s global market. To see more about doing business in South Carolina, please visit www.sccommerce.com