FORT MILL, SC —Β It’s a record-setting day for South Carolina.
Thousands of jobs, and hundreds of millions of dollars in investment, are coming to Chester and York counties. Big economic development is heading to the I-77 corridor, and it’s a much-needed shot in the arm.
“Being made to feel welcome,” says Karlisa Parker of the South Carolina I-77 Alliance. “The warm welcome they received from everybody.”
A little southern hospitality can go a long way. Chester County used that charm, and a work force with manufacturing experience, to woo Giti Tires and a new manufacturing plant that brings $560 million in investment and 1,700 jobs.Β
“We were hit hard economically with the businesses closing,” says Katie Gilden with the Front Porck Restaurant. “So this is just a Godsend, really. This is wonderful.” Β
Chester County has lost so many jobs, and local businesses like the Front Porch Restaurant have seen some tough times.
Monday’s announcement is breathing life back into the county.
“We’ve already had calls,” says Parker. “You know, commercial developers looking at real estate. We have other people now talking to us that we haven’t heard from before.”
Chester County was just the first stop for Governor Nikki Haley, who was making the rounds to announce plans for three businesses to establish facilities in South Carolina.
The Lash Group will put $90 million and their national headquarters in Fort Mill, bringing 2,400 health care service jobs to the area.
LPL Financial LLC will relocate to Fort Mill, with a $150 million investment expected to create another 3,000 jobs in York County.
It’s the most jobs announced in a single day in South Carolina’s history.
“We had three very different announcements. Three great companies. Three different assets to the state. South Carolina is very proud,” says Governor Haley.
The three businesses plan to bring 7,100 new jobs and $800 million dollars in capital investment to South Carolina and the I-77 corridor.
