Beaufort County Joins SouthernCarolina Regional Economic Development Alliance

Beaufort County and SouthernCarolina Alliance (SCA), the regional economic development organization representing Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties, have announced that Beaufort County has joined the SouthernCarolina Alliance team. The partnership was finalized through the efforts of the council-appointed Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation and approved by Beaufort County Council.  SouthernCarolina Alliance will provide economic support services to Beaufort County through a regional strategy based on the assets of Beaufort County and the region.

“SCA welcomes Beaufort County to our regional team.  The county has unique qualities that will enhance the diverse array of properties and workforce that we offer industrial prospects through our global marketing campaign,” said SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman Buddy Phillips.  “Beaufort County Council and community leaders share our belief that the way to stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life for our citizens is through job creation.”

“Good economic development is a priority for Beaufort County Council,” said Council Chairman Paul Sommerville.  “SouthernCarolina Alliance has a 21-year track record of success in recruitment and marketing, and we want to utilize that expertise to bring new opportunities to the County.  Economic development not only brings new jobs for our local workforce, the capital investment by new and growing industries will allow us to expand our tax base, thereby providing sustained services to our citizens.”

“Our team has worked to find the best solution for Beaufort County,” said Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation Chairman Stephen Murray.  “We are excited about our membership in SouthernCarolina Alliance and our partnership with our sister counties.  With the range of assets throughout the counties and a regional approach, we will have a greater impact in marketing Beaufort internationally.” 

According to SouthernCarolina Alliance President and CEO Danny Black, Beaufort County is positioned for growth, and the focus will be on recruiting industries that will enrich the community and bring high-paying jobs to the area.

“With Beaufort County’s proximity to the Ports of Savannah and Charleston, as well as the opportunities that a Jasper Port will bring, we need to do everything we can now to identify and develop shovel-ready sites, as well as available buildings,” said Black.  “We need to capitalize on Beaufort County’s attributes and look at ways to enhance the county’s position for high-tech manufacturing, distribution, bioscience, and information technology opportunities.  We are excited about the potential.” 

Senator Brad Hutto, Chairman of SouthernCarolina Alliance’s Executive Committee, welcomed Beaufort County into the Alliance, saying, “Beaufort County’s workforce, from recent graduates to military personnel, will be attractive to industries demanding skilled employees.  We hope that by recruiting companies to build a larger tax base to shoulder the growing costs of community services like health care, infrastructure and education, we can maintain the high quality of life enjoyed in Beaufort County.” 

According to Council Chairman Sommerville, “From the county’s perspective, we will have the advantage of building partnerships with other counties while sharing resources and costs in marketing and planning.  The county council and administration believe this is a cost-efficient way to approach economic development. Regionalism is an international economic development protocol, and we look forward to working with this progressive organization.”