2013 Competitiveness Agenda

Post-election:What Employers Can Expect

Top Economic DevelopmentAnnouncements of 2012

Drive For Dollars

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTTHE POWER OF A TEAM

Ja n u a ry /Fe b r u a ry 2013Vo l . 34 no.1

Gives Physician Control

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Oncology Pathways Program

Because it matters how you’re treated.

Health care is changing.And it’s for the better.By collaborating with your doctors, we’re providing a path toward healthy living for all South Carolinians. With the Oncology Pathways Program, we’re putting patients first by collaborating with oncologists to innovate new payment structures for common cancer treatments. This evidenced-based pathway approach for colon and lung cancer not only lowers the cost of drugs for our patients, it also helps to improve their quality of care. It matters how you’re treated. And we’re working to make health care better

for you and everyone else in the state.

See what your physician has to say about the future of our health care by visiting

aHealthySC.tv

Copyright © 2012, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. All rights reserved. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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TRANSFORMING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LANDSCAPE ®

Edward G. Kluiters, 1201 Main Street, 22nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201 803.540.7955 ekluiters@hsblawfi rm.com

WWW.HSBLAWFIRM.COM CHARLESTON COLUMBIA FLORENCE GREENVILLE MYRTLE BEACH WASHINGTON, DC

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Robert S. Galloway; Jeremy L. Cook; Carlisle Roberts, Jr.; Benjamin T. Zeigler; Tigerron A. Wells; Kathleen C. McKinney; Kimberly Witherspoon; William R. Johnson; Edward G. Kluiters; Julie O. Medich; Frank T. Davis; Gary W. Morris

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s team of economic development attorneys are proud to work with the state and our partners in spurring job creation and investment in South Carolina.

WE FEEL THAT SOUTH CAROLINA IS JUST RIGHT FOR BUSINESS.

2013 SC Business Jan-Feb - Econ Dev.indd 1 12/19/2012 11:23:23 AM

| So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S2

2013 CompetitiVeness agenda ........................ 10 by Katie King Schanz

top eConomiC deVelopmentannounCements oF 2012 ................................... 15 by Bobby Hitt

the power oF a team ....................................... 16 by Jean Cecil Frick

driVe For dollars ............................................ 20 by Dana Todd

streit usa armoring outFitting VehiClesFor the world ................................................. 22 by Jean Cecil Frick

Kids drive our future • Jamie Moon and Dick Wilkerson ...............................5

30 years of delivering student inspiration • Robbie Barnett .....................5

Inland port will drive economic growth • David Cordeau ........................6

Export assistance offered to the Upstate • Julie Scott.............................6

Post Election: What employers can expect in 2013 and beyond• Michael Carrouth ..................................................................................7

Message from the Chairman .....................3 Mike Brenan

Message from the President ......................3 Otis Rawl

Business Briefs .............................................4

After the Event 33rd Annual Summit .............................. 24 8th Annual Excellence in Workplace Diversity Awards ................................. 26

After the Event 2012 South Carolina Manufacturer of the Year Awards Luncheon ................. 27 2012 Best Places to Work in S.C ............. 28

Members News ......................................... 30

Welcome, New Members ........................ 31

Advertiser Index ....................................... 32

D E P A R T M E N T S

The opinions and views expressed by the contributors to this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, its staff or members.

January/February 2013Volume 34, Number 1

South CarolinaChamber of CommerCe

1301 GervaiS Street, Suite 1100Columbia, South Carolina 29201

800.799.4601www.SCChamber.net

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President & Chief exeCutive OffiCer

OTIS RAWL

viCe President Of PubliC POliCy

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DARRELL SCOTT

assOCiate viCe President

Of COmmuniCatiOns

JULIE SCOTT

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TIM MCKEEVER / TMCA INC.

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DEIDRE MACKLEN

803.318.3923

Copyright © 2013 by Converging Media LLC and the South Caro l ina Chamber o f Commerce. A l l fo re ign and U.S. rights reserved. Contents of this publication, including images, may not be reproduced without writ-ten consent from the publisher. Published for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce by Converging Media LLC. 803.256.3010

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Every day, each of us strives to make South Carolina a better place to live, work and raise our families. I am honored to help do my part in transforming

South Carolina by serving as chairman of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce this year.

Working with other chambers across the state, we have outlined a Competitiveness Agenda that will help move South Carolina forward. In this edition of South Carolina Business, you will learn more about the Chamber’s 2013 Competitiveness Agenda.

At the heart of this Agenda is the need to improve the state’s infrastructure. Increasing investment in the state’s roads and bridges, specifically prioritizing expansion of Interstates 26, 85 and 95 as well as secondary road maintenance will drive economic growth and job creation.

Any of us who do business on our state’s roads know firsthand the needs related to infrastructure. South Carolina’s population has increased by more than one million over the last two decades. Additionally,

port volumes are expected to double to more than two million containers a year by 2025. At the same time, our tourism economy continues to expand with more visitors traveling to the Palmetto State each year adding to our coffers. All of this is wonderful news for South Carolinians; however, we continue to put off improvements to our state’s infrastructure.

South Carolina’s infrastructure has not seen a dedicated revenue increase since 1987. While we spend an average of $15,000 per mile on our roads, Georgia spends $35,000 per mile, and North Carolina spends more than $150,000. With other states focused on financing infrastructure to drive economic development, South Carolina policy makers must make infrastructure financing the top priority in 2013. Let’s stay competitive with other states in bringing in new economic development.

I look forward to working with you and other business leaders to help make the Palmetto State the best place to do business.

Otis Rawl is president and chief executive

officer of the South Carolina Chamber of

Commerce.

Infrastructure investment will drive economic growth

Mike Brenan is president of BB&T South Carolina

and chairman of the 2012-2013 South Carolina

Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

By Mike Brenan

By otiS rawl

Members of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and local area chambers of commerce across the state are prepared

for a successful 2013 legislative session. During the final months of 2012, the South Carolina Chamber traveled the state to hear from hundreds of employers, like you, about the biggest issues impacting the state’s businesses.

Through regional grassroots meetings, your voice was heard and Chamber staff was proud to present the South Carolina Chamber Board of Directors with a list of the most pressing concerns from businesses in the Palmetto State. With approval from the Chamber’s Board, these issues are presented in the 2013 Competitiveness Agenda and will drive our efforts at the State House this year.

We look forward to continuing to educate lawmakers on our top priorities, including the importance of investing in infrastructure and improving workforce development. In order to remain competitive with surrounding states, we must invest in our roads and bridges, and we must transform education, beginning with a focused plan on early childhood education.

Your voice is heardRest assured, the Chamber will make your voice

heard at the State House, but you may be wondering how you can do your part as well.

You can start by spreading the word. Look over the issues found in our 2013 Competitiveness Agenda on page 10 and talk to your employees, write an article or share information with other business leaders about our top concerns.

Additionally, take a stand and communicate with your state and local policy makers about why these issues are important to you and your business.

Finally, join our grassroots network so you can stay up-to-date on these issues and more with regular reports on legislative and regulatory activities. Be the first to hear about how you can make your voice heard. Visit www.scchamber.net.

With a strong, united voice for businesses, we can make a difference in South Carolina!

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The National Association of Foreign Trade Zones (NAFTZ) recognized BMW Manufacturing Co. as its Exporter of the Year. In addition, NAFTZ recognized

BMW as the recipient of its Export Achievement Award for being the member that showed the most improvement in value.

BMW’s plant in South Carolina has steadily increased its export activity. According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, based on the 2011 value of BMW exports from South Carolina, the company’s Spartanburg facility is the largest automotive exporter from the U.S.

BMW’s plant in Spartanburg currently produces over 1,000 vehicles each day and is the exclusive exporter of X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and the X6 Sports Activity Coupe through the Port of Charleston. During 2012, the plant was projected to produce more than 300,000 vehicles and export approximately 70 percent of those vehicles to more than 130 global markets.

BMW Manufacturing receives Exporter of the Year Award

Hospitality Association gets new leader and name

AFL’s community outreach program supports Dream !t Do !t® South Carolina

AFL’s Community Advisory Board presented a $5,000 grant to Dream !t Do !t South Carolina (DIDI SC) to commemorate Governor Nikki Haley’s visit

to AFL and in celebration of its recent expansion and investment in Spartanburg. AFL is giving back to the manufacturing community by supporting DIDI SC, an organization that supports advanced manufacturing careers. The grant specifically funds “Education and Economic Development 101” where educators learn more about how the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curricula apply in industry.

“As a successful manufacturer headquartered in Spartanburg, we are grateful for the opportunities our community has provided us over the past 28 years. AFL manufactures technologically advanced fiber optic products for multiple markets and the opportunities that lie before us are abundant. We continuously seek qualified applicants with advanced skills and talent. Supporting Dream !t Do !t SC is one way we can give back to help all manufacturers in the state who have the same need we do—associates who possess these technical skills and have a passion to be a part of a manufacturing career,” said Corie Culp, community relations manager for AFL.

Cherie Pressley, director, Upstate Regional Education Center, and Stuart Smith, board chair, Upstate Regional Education Center, accepted the check on behalf of the South Carolina Business Center for Excellence in Education Foundation, of which Dream !t Do !t SC resides.

John Durst

Pictured left to right during the presentation are Susanne Hite, director of marketing communications, AFL, Stuart Smith, president of Stuart Smith & Co. and the co-chairman of the Regional Education Center Boards of South Carolina, Cherie B. Pressley, director, Upstate Regional Education Center, Corie Culp, public relations and community relations manager, AFL and Steve Althoff, executive vice president, AFL.

The South Carolina Hospitality Association announced that John Durst, former director of the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, is the new president and CEO of the organization, whose membership is comprised

of restaurant and hotel owners and operators. The association, founded in 1993, also announced that it has changed its name to the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Durst, who served as the state’s top tourism official in Governor Jim Hodges’ administration, took over as head of the state’s most prominent tourism trade group in November. His background is in communications and marketing, most recently running the South Carolina office for Carolina Public Relations and Marketing based in Charlotte.

“We were flooded with interest in this position for one of the highest-profile associations in the state,” said Rick Erwin, a Greenville restaurant owner and immediate past association chairman. “But the executive committee and our board quickly came to the conclusion that John’s management skills, coupled with his marketing background, reputa-tion, credibility and passion for our industry, were exactly what we needed to position us for the future.”

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”Business Week–the ideal program for students who could become tomorrow’s business leaders.”

That’s how South Carolina Governor Richard W. Riley described the first South Carolina Business Week at a 1984 press conference. Thirty years

later, the statement still holds true. For the inaugural Business Week, more than 200

students from over 100 high schools around the state converged on the campus of Presbyterian College in Clinton and began a week-long intensive practical study of the American free enterprise system. Since then, more than 5,700 students have attended the program and business support has never wavered with over 500 leaders donating a week of their time and financial contributions exceeding $2.1 million.

Business Week has grown to become one of the premier summer youth programs in South Carolina with a select group of 200 high school juniors and seniors getting a sneak peek at the business world that awaits them after college. The program provides a crash course in running a business and gives those who are planning to go to college a chance to spend time on a college campus. It also facilitates partnerships among people who might have never met but will likely meet again in the business world.

Devin Tiernan, a 2009 Business Week graduate,

By roBBie Barnett

30 years of delivering student inspiration

said, “During Business Week, I acquired more leadership skills, as well as tips on how to develop myself as a leader in the business world. This experience provided me with a solid background in the business world because I furthered my knowledge of both entrepreneurship and the American free enterprise system.”

The annual event could not be held without the tremendous support of the business community. Management-level men and women are “loaned” by some of South Carolina’s most prestigious businesses to serve as Company Advisors (CA). CAs are truly the backbone of the South Carolina Business Week experience.

As one 2012 Business Week parent, Tom Gulya, said, “I just wanted to thank you for your dedication to our S.C. youth. I was glad that Katelynn’s CA encouraged her to take leadership responsibility as CEO of her company. I think Business Week contributed to her growth and confidence.”

Each CA works with 12-15 students and guides them through a computerized business simulation to start-up and run a small business, even learning how to make tough decisions. The advisors find themselves cast in many roles, including teacher, coach, mentor, disciplinarian and friend. The two longest serving CAs are Matthew Capelli from Michelin and Bill Harmon from Colonial Life who have each volunteered for 13 years.

By JaMie Moon and diCk wilkerSon

Kids drive our future

The future of our state is inextricably tied to how we work to foster the health, well-being and education of the next generation of South

Carolinians: kids drive our future. Abundant evidence has shown that quality early

childhood investments generate enormous long-term benefits for children as they grow to become productive adults for our economy and for society. There is a strong business case to be made that investing in early childhood will pay high dividends in the future.

These businesses in South Carolina have made commitments to early childhood and to our state’s future prosperity:

Boeing South Carolina supports Reach Out and Read, a program that prepares young children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. Reach Out and Read doctors send families home from checkups with a very important prescription – “read aloud to your children.” At regular pediatric checkups, doctors give every child six months through five years old a new, developmentally-appropriate children’s book to take home and enjoy. Currently, Reach Out and Read has 113 programs across South Carolina that serve more than 115,000 children annually.

Lexington Medical Center has partnered with Lexington County First Steps to create a program called From Day One to Grade One. This program

provides all new mothers delivering a baby at Lexington Medical Center with a “baby bag,” a bag filled with informational materials about how to care for newborns, as well as a list of available resources for new parents who may otherwise not be aware of community services available to them.

In Darlington and Chesterfield counties, Pee Dee Electric Cooperative and Bi-Lo Charities have supported First Steps’ summer home visitation program, Countdown to Kindergarten. Countdown to Kindergarten serves at-risk children and their families and utilizes home visitation to assist parents with their children’s school readiness. The program has been utilized effectively to improve the quality of parent-child learning interactions, increase parents’ involvement in their children’s education, and introduce parents to educational resources in their communities.

Greenville Hospital System (GHS) has built a child development center which supports employees with young children. This childcare center serves children of GHS employees and physicians and offers quality child care and early education programs Monday through Friday for children ranging in age from six weeks to five years. The center’s close proximity to GHS’s main facilities provides a convenient location and allows parents to visit their children during the day.

Dollar General, through a community grants program, assists local organizations in Laurens County in an effort to promote school readiness. Grant funding in this case supports a Family Literacy Program that offers adult education, child care services, and parenting resources in partnerships with Laurens County School District.

For more information on how you can help create a business environment that enhances early childhood development, visit www.kidsdriveourfuture.com. We can all help build a competitive future workforce in South Carolina, and the time to act is now. Our kids’ future depends on us.

Jamie Moon is the executive director for the Institute for Child Success and Dick Wilkerson is the retired chairman and president of Michelin, N.A. and a member of the board of directors for the Institute for Child Success.

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is proud of its involvement with this impactful program. The Business Week 30th Anniversary event will be held July 14-19, 2013 at Presbyterian College. Visit www.scbusinessweek.com for more information on how you can help keep this invaluable youth program in place for the next 30 years.

Robbie Barnett is associate vice president of workforce, education and manufacturing policy at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Along with an emphasis on teamwork and leadership skills, Business Week included programs on entrepreneurship, ethics, leadership and diversity.

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The South Carolina Ports Authority and Norfolk Southern recently announced plans to construct a $30 million Inland Port in the city of Greer in

Spartanburg County. The new facility will be owned and operated by the Ports Authority and is scheduled to open in September 2013, offering customers daily rail service to the Port of Charleston. One immediate benefactor of the new Inland Port will be nearby neighbor, BMW Manufacturing Co. BMW continues to invest in their Spartanburg County manufacturing facility with the latest announcement coming in 2012 in the form of a $900 million expansion and creation of 300 new jobs to facilitate the production of the new BMW X4.

The Inland Port presents an opportunity for companies who are either importing or exporting goods through the Port of Charleston. By locating a manufacturing or distribution facility in close proximity to the Inland Port, companies now have the added advantage of same day sea port service in addition to the already present freight corridors of Interstates 85 and 26, which provide North/South and East/West access to the East Coast. The Upstate of South Carolina provides easy access to a large and growing consumer base with 6.5 million people located in a 100 mile radius, 22.7 million people within a 250 mile radius and 94.2 million people within a 500 mile radius.

By david Cordeau

By Julie SCott

Inland port will drive economic growth

Export assistance offered to the Upstate

Spartanburg County has long been a location of choice for companies who wish to locate in a community that understands and appreciates the nuances required by both manufacturers and distributors. Recent investments by Amazon (1 million sq. ft.), adidas Group (2.1 million sq. ft.) and Timken (300,000 sq. ft.) from a distribution standpoint and Draexlmaier, BMW, and SEW Eurodrive from manufacturing, are examples of companies making great investments in Spartanburg. Because of the pro-business environment in South Carolina, Spartanburg County has enjoyed great success in an otherwise unstable national economy, averaging over $8 million of capital investment and the creation of over 20 new jobs every week over the last three years.

Spartanburg County stands prepared to assist any company who wishes to be in close proximity to the

The new Inland Port will offer customers daily rail service to the Port of Charleston.

new South Carolina Inland Port. Industrial sites, ranging in size from five to 1,300 acres, are available within 15 miles of the facility.

David Cordeau is the president and CEO of the Economics Future Group and the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

For many businesses, it is a dream to have a team ready to complete vast market research, create appealing logos and facilitate matchmaking

with other companies. ECI-Find New Markets, a non-profit partnership with a public focus on expanding South Carolina’s economy, is offering assistance to companies in six Upstate counties interested in developing first-time or new export opportunities.

A grant provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and South Carolina Department of Commerce allows ECI to help up to 12 companies per year identify new markets through its research capabilities at no cost to the companies. The grant applies to existing companies in six counties in the ARC region – Cherokee, Spartanburg, Greenville, Pickens, Anderson and Oconee.

“The Appalachian Regional Commission has created a tremendous opportunity to help existing industries and businesses in the Upstate identify new international markets or explore export opportunities for the first time,” said Fred Monk, president of ECI-Find New Markets.

ECI is recruiting and training 36 small companies over a three-year period within the ARC region to begin or expand exporting and support trade missions and trade activities on the state and federal

level. The grant is in its second year. ECI will focus on export trade opportunities within the automotive and aerospace industry, the forest products industry and Trade Winds Business Forum, which helps small U.S. businesses seek out new market opportunities to successfully grow export sales through the U.S. Commerce Service. However, the grants are not limited to those sectors and are open to any existing industry that qualifies for the trade assistance.

Cherod Webber’s company, Innovative Global Supply (IGS), has been working with ECI since 2008. The Greenville based exporter of vitamins, supplements and fortified foods has found the tools offered in the ARC grant to be immense.

“In our case with the ARC grant, we were able to coordinate our travel to East Africa, and they provided us with market research. The ARC has enabled us access, and we are now able to ship products there. There is no better way to help small companies than a grant like this,” said Webber.

In addition to export assistance, ECI will underwrite fees for companies to use the U.S. Department of Commerce’s international matchmaking service, known as the Gold Key Service, as well as offer reduced registration fees for certain trade shows.

“The Department of Commerce’s Gold Key

Service is essentially a matchmaking service for American businesses with companies abroad. It is a great way to find pre-qualified potential customers for your business,” said Webber.

ECI’s partner organizations include the S.C. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service, South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, South Carolina Forestry Association, New Carolina and the Small Business Development Centers to help identify and prescreen firms that have a strong desire to expand into new markets.

“The outcome of this grant is to stimulate the local economy and create, or in some cases, save jobs,” said Monk. “These activities have achieved significant success in recent years.”

For more information, contact Fred Monk at 803-255-2623 or Mary Sparrow at 803-777-4432, or visit ECI’s website at www.findnewmarkets.com

Julie Scott is associate vice president of communications at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

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By MiChael Carrouth

Post-election: What employers can expectin 2013 and beyond

Since the November elections, a lot of attention has been paid to taxes and the looming “fiscal cliff.” While these are certainly important issues to all

Americans, employers should expect to see a number of changes regarding workplace management and employee relations as a result of the recent elections. Employers need to understand these changes and plan accordingly.

regulationS over legiSlation: Because the November elections did not change the Democratic control over the U.S. Senate and the Republican control over the U.S. House of Representatives, employers should not face significant legislative changes regarding employment or labor matters. Instead, employers can expect to see the continued use of administrative actions, administrative decisions and aggressive rulemaking to impact a wide array of labor and employment issues.

laBor relationS: Like 2008, organized labor’s

influence had a significant impact on the results of the 2012 election. Because organized labor will expect to be repaid for this effort, employers can expect federal agencies to try and reverse the decline in unionization by making it easier for unions to win organizing drives and recruit new members.

Even before the 2012 election, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) engaged in unprecedented, rulemaking efforts to shorten the time it takes to complete a union election and by imposing a notice posting requirement on non-union employers. While these actions are facing legal challenges, employers can expect a renewed effort to push through these and other rule changes.

Employers should also expect the NLRB to continue an increased focus on scrutinizing handbooks, policies and procedures that can provide unions with access to enhanced remedies for unfair labor practice charges. Because the NLRB has already initiated an effort to educate employees on how they can use protected, concerted activities (i.e. walkouts) to support organizing efforts, decisions expanding these rights and further limiting an employer’s ability to respond are likely. At the same time, more aggressive administrative action is expected from the NLRB. The Department of Labor (DOL) will also move forward with its efforts to narrow the “advice exemption” recognized in Section 203(c) of the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA), making it difficult for employers to utilize legal counsel to lawfully oppose union organizing efforts.

equal eMployMent: Employers should expect continued aggressive administrative actions from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC has already identified a number of priorities that are part of its “strategic enforcement plan.”

These priorities include eliminating systemic barriers

in recruitment and hiring (screening tools and credit checks); protecting immigrant, migrant and other vulnerable workers (discriminatory language policies); expanding discrimination protection to gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals; and focusing on pregnancy, age and disability discrimination, harassment and retaliation. From a practical standpoint, this focus on “strategic enforcement” will result in more aggressive investigatory tactics, closer scrutiny of employer position statements and an increased demand for onsite inspections.

wage and hour: In addition to an overall more aggressive enforcement of wage and hour laws, the DOL will use its administrative authority to increase the likelihood that employer violations are identified and employers are subject to increased penalties. For example, the DOL is expected to propose a rule requiring employers to give notice regarding how pay is computed and perform a classification analysis for each worker excluded from coverage under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The DOL is also expected to publish a final rule revising the FLSA’s companionship and live-in worker regulations. At the same time that these rules and regulations are expanded, the DOL will likely increase demands for liquidated damages, seek greater civil money penalties and emphasize litigation over settlement.

health Care reforM: At least for the next four years, employers will need to take steps to address their obligations under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). While 2014 appears to be the critical year regarding implementation of the ACA, the federal agencies involved in managing this legislation are expected to issue numerous regulations regarding such matters as defining the “essential benefits” that qualified health plans must provide, defining “minimum value” for purposes of the employer pay-or-play penalty, and identifying the criteria used to classify a worker as “full-time.” While such regulations will clarify employer obligations, it is also clear that employers will need to take sufficient steps to understand and comply with these new regulations.

eMployerS need to prepare now: The results of the November 2012 elections indicate that employers are unlikely to face new legislation challenges. However, recent history shows that aggressive administrative rulemaking and enforcement will be part of doing

business and will be every bit as difficult to manage as new legislation. For that reason, employers can put themselves in a better position to avoid or limit future labor and employment issues by carefully evaluating expected administrative challenges and ensuring that their organization is prepared.

Mike Carrouth is a certified labor and employment specialist and partner in the Columbia office of Fisher & Phillips LLP, a national labor and employment law firm representing management exclusively.

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The Aiken and Edgefield County area is amodern community of cutting-edgemanufacturing, world-changing research anddevelopment, all the while being a part of thequintessential Southern experience.• A leader in chemicals, plastics, automotive technology and hydrogen

• A stable, quality workforce with advanced manufacturing skills• Major highways, rail lines, air service and port access• Small-town atmosphere with proximity to big-city amenities

technology

For more information, contact:Will Williams, Directorwwilliams@edpsc.org

P.O. Box 1708 Aiken, SC 29802Phone: 803.641.3300 Fax: 803.641.3369 www.edpsc.org

You see a small town…We see a lively downtown district where local shops and businesses thrive and residents gather to live, work and play. South Carolina’s small towns are a critical part of our state’s economic engine that attracts industry and creates jobs.

www.CitiesMeanBusiness.org

small-town_h3x4.indd 26 10/8/2012 9:52:16 AM

We don’t just talk about Southern hospitality. We practice it.

www.duke-energy.com

Being a good neighbor is a tradition with us. We’ve been by your side for

more than 100 years, providing reliable, low-cost power and helping your

community prosper.

We also share a stake in your future. Whether it’s helping new businesses

get started, showing customers how to save energy or supporting community

causes, you can count on us.

So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S10

ith the dust settled on the 2012 state and federal elections, it’s time to get down to business on priorities to make South Carolina a more competitive place to do business.

After 10 grassroots meetings this past summer with hundreds of business leaders and in conjunction with local chambers

of commerce, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has released the 2013 Competitiveness Agenda. The Competitiveness Agenda is the business community’s annual list of legislative priorities. Each of the solutions presented in the Competitiveness Agenda provide a clear path to improving the state’s business climate, thus increasing prosperity for all South Carolinians.

The 2013 Competitiveness Agenda outlines a strategy to address infrastructure improvements, workforce development, comprehensive tax reform, energy and environment issues, health care and economic development.

SOuTH CAROLINA HAS NOT HAD A DEDICATED fuNDING INCREASE TO MAINTAIN AND ExPAND ROADS AND BRIDGES SINCE 1987.

There is no more prevalent issue facing South Carolina than the state of its infrastructure. The statistics are staggering: nearly one-third of South

Carolina’s primary and interstate highways are in poor or mediocre condition, half of secondary roads are in poor or mediocre condition, and one out of every five bridges in the state is considered deficient. The Palmetto State has the fourth largest state maintained highway network in the nation, yet it is funded almost solely through a motor fuel user fee (or gas tax) that hasn’t been increased since 1987. Almost all other states supplement their highway funding with other fees.

Piggly Wiggly Company’s Christopher Ibsen recently told South Carolina Business, “Roads are not keeping up with demand. Interstate 26 needs to be widened to four lanes from Summerville to Columbia. Interstate 95 will only see more traffic in the future, especially when the Port of Charleston is deepened, so clear improvement planning should be taking place.”

One bit of good news is the General Assembly proactively allocated dollars towards port expansion in 2012. As a result, South Carolina is still on the path to be the port of call on the East Coast once the Panama Canal widening project is completed. However in 2013, the General Assembly must invest in corresponding infrastructure improvements to complement the port, its users and South Carolinians. With other states focused on financing infrastructure to drive economic development, South Carolina policy makers must make infrastructure the top priority in 2013. Expansion of Interstates 26, 85 and 95 is critical.

The South Carolina Chamber and allied organizations are advocating for a focused, statewide strategy to invest $6 billion over 10 years by prioritizing state resources. If successful, this effort will create more than 170,000 jobs.

SOuTH CAROLINA HAS A SkILLS GAP. 45% Of jOBS ARE MIDDLE SkILLED jOBS, REquIRING A CERTIfICATE OR ASSOCIATES DEGREE WHILE ONLy 29% Of WORkERS HAVE THE NECESSARy SkILLS TO fILL THESE jOBS.

States and nations with the highest levels of educated citizens will have the advantage in attracting and creating jobs and thus an improved standard of

living. South Carolina must stay competitive.The business community is united in an effort to transform – not reform –

education. In order to transform education, the Chamber believes the state must focus on early childhood education, specifically on school readiness and 3rd grade reading proficiency. Statistics in these two key areas are indicative of whether a child will successfully graduate from high school.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Chamber supports investing in current workers to prepare them for the jobs that are available in the state. South Carolina’s manufacturing base is growing. Since January 2011, over 200 manufacturing firms have committed to invest $7.4 billion in South Carolina. These investments are expected to create more than 24,000 new manufacturing jobs in the state. To ensure a skilled workforce can meet the demands of these jobs, the Chamber supports creating a Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) certificate to educate and prepare a portion of the workforce for entry-level positions in manufacturing as a first step to meeting this significant challenge.

SOuTH CAROLINA HAS THE HIGHEST INDuSTRIAL PROPERTy TAx RATE AND THE 7TH HIGHEST COMMERCIAL PROPERTy TAx RATE IN THE NATION.

Tax policy is critical to existing businesses and potential companies deciding to open, expand or locate in South Carolina. Decisions are based largely on

competitiveness, predictability and sustainability.More than six years ago, the General Assembly addressed rising homeowner

property tax rates with Act 388, legislation that provided relief from school operating taxes for homeowners, but funded it with an increase in the state sales tax. That measure, especially in recent economic downturns, exposes businesses to enormously higher costs.

One South Carolina small business lamented that since Act 388 went into effect, his taxes went from $4,000 to $15,000 a year. And, one of the state’s largest

WBy katie king SChanz

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s cchamber.net | January / February 2013 | So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S | 11

employers, Michelin, pays more property taxes at its Lexington, S.C. facility than at any of its other facilities around the world.

The General Assembly must finally address tax reform by modernizing the state’s tax code to reflect a strategy that supports long-term economic prosperity, including mechanisms to fund critical needs like education and infrastructure.

Another top tax issue is the burden of business license fees. Like many other businesses, one service company with four offices spread across the state spends more money and time trying to comply with the patchwork of business license rules that vary in each locality than it does on the actual cost of business licenses. Since fees are based on revenues across jurisdictions and fluctuate greatly from year to year, the process becomes tedious. This employer’s controller must spend a full day each month preparing business license renewals and calling offices to get a best estimate of annual revenue in each jurisdiction. And every jurisdiction has a different set of rules. For businesses across the state, knowing and complying with all the different licenses is costly, time consuming and frustrating. South Carolina must reform its business license fee structure.

ACCORDING TO AREA DEVELOPMENT’S CORPORATE SuRVEy, ENVIRONMENTAL REGuLATIONS RANk AS A TOP 10 fACTOR WHEN COMPANIES DECIDE WHERE TO LOCATE.

In today’s global economy, business investment is largely driven by how timely a project can be permitted, built and operational. Companies with various locations

around the United States look at a state’s environmental regulations when deciding where to expand, therefore the certainty of when a permit will be approved and a plant operational are of the upmost importance.

South Carolina’s regulatory permitting process must be efficient and based on the rule of the law. South Carolina must ensure that state regulations are no more stringent than the federal government, specifically in the issuance of permits, unless there is significant justification.

Streamlining the regulatory process so agencies deliver an estimate of time within which a permit will be made is also important. Federal agencies do not respond to comments when received during the public commenting period on an environmental permit. Unlike their federal counterparts, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) individually responds to each comment received, regardless of its relevance to the permit at issue. This process can significantly delay the issuance of a permit and wastes time and efforts that could be better used in reviewing the components of the permit and more efficiently issuing permits.

Learn more about the 2013 Competitiveness Agenda and stay up-to-date on legislative developments by joining the Grassroots Network at www.scchamber.net.

BETWEEN 1999 AND 2010, HEALTH CARE PREMIuMS INCREASED 138%, WHILE WAGE GROWTH INCREASED By ONLy 42%.

The national health care debate is ongoing, but one thing is clear- health care insurance costs remain one of the highest expenditures for businesses after

payroll, and they are increasing. As the state and nation navigate new health care laws and regulations, the South Carolina Chamber is committed to finding viable solutions to rising health care costs for businesses and citizens alike.

IN NuMEROuS SuRVEyS RATING BuSINESS CLIMATES, SOuTH CAROLINA RANkS IN THE TOP 10. HOWEVER, SOuTH CAROLINA’S MOST DIRECT COMPETITORS – NORTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, fLORIDA AND VIRGINIA – ALSO RANk IN THE TOP 10.

South Carolina’s unemployment rate is still around 9 percent. In 2013, the General Assembly must continue to concentrate on job creation, beginning

with a focused economic development plan. Funding the South Carolina Department of Commerce, including the Closing Fund, will help continue the forward momentum in recruiting industry to the state.

Continued promotion of two of our state’s top industries, tourism and agribusiness, will also enhance the business climate, ensuring many South Carolinians have jobs and maintain a sound tax base. South Carolina’s tourism industry contributes $16 billion to the economy, and more than 30 million visitors come to South Carolina each year. Providing dedicated dollars for broad state marketing to include tourism, agribusiness and other efforts are key to the state’s future.

As the unified voice of business, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is committed to creating prosperity for all citizens through an economy of increased productivity and global competitiveness.

Katie King Schanz is the legislative counsel for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

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T h e E l e c t r i c C o o p e r a t i v e s & S a n t e e C o o p e r

A Right to Work state

Most efficient port in the Southeast in Charleston

Boeing selected South Carolina for its new Dreamliner 787assembly plant

BMW has the largest work force of any U.S. auto assembly plant

Ranked #1 in competitive utility rates

WhySouthCarolina?

Visit www.SCpowerteam.com

Contact Fred Gassaway atFgassaway@SCpowerteam.com

Many world-classcompanies have chosen South Carolina.Find out why.

SOUTH CAROLINA IS RANKED AS ONE OF THE NATION’S MOST PRO-BUSINESS STATES BY FORBES.

Project10_Layout 1 12/21/12 9:34 AM Page 1

Together, the Center for Workforce Development and partners have received more than $22 million in funding from the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor and the National Science Foundation to educate students for rewarding, high-demand careers educate students for rewarding, high-demand careers using cutting edge e-learning technologies including interactive virtual reality simulations. This will support the center’s mission of educating and preparing South Carolina’s next generation workforce.

Clemson.edu/cucwd 864-656-4716

P R O V I D I N G TA L E N T F O R T H E 2 1 S T C E N T U R Y

“We must provide the right talent pool, so South Carolina companies can remain innovative and competitive in the marketplace,” says John Kelly, Clemson University vice president for economic development. “It is vital we keep our students in-state through college and provide the jobs they seek college and provide the jobs they seek after graduation.”

Workforce Developmentleading to Economic DevelopmentClemson University’s Center for Workforce Development is collaborating with business and industry leaders, technical colleges and government agencies to prepare the next-generation of technicians, engineers and scientists.

SCBiz ad MJ12_outl.indd 1 4/11/12 2:05 PM

s cchamber.net | January / February 2013 | So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S | 15

s we start each new day in South Carolina, one thing is certain: hundreds of thousands of Carolinians are hard at work. Our job at the South Carolina Department of Commerce is to sustain

and continue to add opportunities for our state’s workers. 2012 proved to be another great year for business recruitment in South Carolina, and we were able to help bring high-quality jobs to the state. Our staff has been busy assisting companies in the process of expanding or locating new operations here, and as we begin a new year, it is worth looking back on the last year.

One thing that stands out is the number of manufacturing announcements. In fact, most of our largest announcements were in the manufacturing sector. These announcements show that the trend in South Carolina’s manufacturing renaissance continues.

We opened the year with a major announcement from BMW. In January, the company announced it was expanding its Spartanburg County plant and adding 1,000 new jobs. Since the original decision to build BMW’s only U.S. plant in South Carolina in 1992, the automotive giant has been a major driver in the state’s economy, investing nearly $6 billion and employing 7,500 people.

Another major investment in manufacturing came from worldwide cable industry leader Nexans. The company established a new high-voltage cable manufacturing plant in Berkeley County and invested $85 million in the Charleston region, expecting to create 200 jobs.

While 2012 was a great year in manufacturing, the state’s next major jobs announcements were in the technology sector. In August, technology powerhouse, Red Ventures, expanded its headquarters in Lancaster County; the project is expected to generate 1,000 jobs over the next five years. Another boon for our state was the WNS announcement last spring. The company, a leading provider of global business process outsourcing, located a new delivery center in Richland County, and along with creating 750 new jobs, the company delivered a multi-million dollar investment to the state. WNS CEO Keshav Murugesh said the center’s Midlands location offers great access to customers: “This new center will allow us to partner more closely with our U.S.-based clients and offer services that are strategic and higher-end in nature. It will also allow WNS to provide our clients with the optimal mix of services, talent, location and technology.”

That’s something we hear often from companies considering investing in South Carolina. Both our central location between Miami and New York City and our world class port facilities are important draws for a wide range of businesses. Our state has become home to a number of distribution centers over the past few years because of the market access South Carolina provides. Ross Stores announced the opening of a new distribution center in York County that is expected to create 600 new jobs. Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, also opened another fulfillment center in S.C., this time in Spartanburg with a $50 million investment expected to create more than 300 new jobs.

Our automotive sector continued to perform well last year, too.

JTEKT Automotive South Carolina announced

that its projects in Richland and Greenville Counties will invest an additional $230 million and add nearly 300 new jobs. South Carolina also saw Drive Automotive Industries expand its Greenville facility, adding $50 million to its initial investment and commit to create an additional 60 new jobs. Also on the front of expanded commitments, last fall, the Schaeffler Group, an international automotive supply company, increased its footprint in the Palmetto State with a $40 million investment that is expected to bring 190 new jobs to Chesterfield County.

Perhaps the biggest news gaining traction in the automotive-related sector was the expansion programs of the state’s tire makers. Michelin North America announced the expansion of its Earthmover tire production in South Carolina, investing an additional $750 million in our state and rolling out 500 new jobs. Michelin Chairman and President Pete Selleck commented on the expansion, “It’s a tribute to the productivity of

our employees and the pro-business environment in South Carolina that the company is expanding in the state where we first began manufacturing in the United States.” When added to the $200 million announced last May in Lexington, this announcement brings the total Michelin investment in South Carolina to almost $1 billion in the last year.

With Michelin’s expansion, along with the presence of Bridgestone Americas and Continental in our state, South Carolina is on track to be the tire producing capital of North America. That’s a game changer and proves that international heavyweights want to put down roots here. We are doing the right things, the right way in South Carolina and the world is taking notice.

One part of our manufacturing sector that continues to open opportunities is aerospace and aviation. Like BMW before it, the Boeing announcement in 2009 really put South Carolina on the map. One of the big things that BMW has helped South Carolina do is to attract automotive suppliers. In an effort to bring more aerospace suppliers to the state, Commerce launched the Aerospace Task Force last year. Led by Charlie Farrell, the advisory council is a strategic initiative to enhance and grow the state’s aerospace industry. Indeed, we have seen some of that growth recently with firms like A.I.D. Company and Southern Air Repair setting up new facilities in our state. These firms not only create jobs in the community in which they locate, but also help build our reputation as a player in the aerospace industry.

While the automotive and aerospace sectors continue to create a lot of buzz, South Carolina continues to see diversity in the companies setting up shop in the state.

Physicians Choice Lab Services, a provider of testing services to clinicians, is locating in Rock Hill and expects to create more than 360 jobs. Electronic component maker

AVX is building on its presence in Greenville with a $14 million investment and 279 new jobs. And South Carolina continued to see investments last year from household names like Honda, Siemens, Shutterfly and Britax.

These are just some of the announcements from 2012. This year, we’ll look to continue building on the success of the past two years, and work with companies to bring more jobs and investment to South Carolina.

Robert “Bobby” M. Hitt III is South Carolina’s Secretary of Commerce.

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n the mid 1980s, the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina and Santee Cooper decided to join together to create Palmetto Economic Development Corporation and form a strategic plan each year to market South Carolina and attract more industry and jobs to the state. With more local industry, there would be an increased demand for electricity in the state. A win win for everyone involved.

This idea is what first brought Thomas to South Carolina when he was hired to head up the economic development team in 1988. One could argue that Thomas took an idea and turned it into action. As head of the group, Thomas has been at the center of economic development in South Carolina for more than 20 years. He highlights economic development isn’t an individual sport, it’s a team sport and one in which South Carolina excels.

By the early 1990s, the Palmetto Economic Development group became known as the South Carolina Power Team. The name stuck because power shows a connotation of strength. And, it was important to let companies know when they were looking in South Carolina; they were working with a team to move economic development forward in the state.

“Ralph has quite possibly devoted more time than anyone else in our state to promote South Carolina as a place for businesses to locate, grow and thrive, and under his consistent leadership, the Power Team has achieved spectacular results,” said Lonnie Carter, president and chief executive officer of Santee Cooper.

Joining the South Carolina Power Team wasn’t Thomas’ first interaction with the state. In previous positions in Tennessee, Texas and Louisiana, Thomas always remembers South Carolina being a fierce competitor. He said, “It was known that when competing with South Carolina, it was tough. The state has always had a strong presence when it comes to economic development.”

Edward Kluiters, chair of the Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. economic development team, said “Ralph Thomas is a great leader and someone who has the ability to get to the essence of a problem very quickly. Ralph will always make the right call for the situation involved. He and his team have provided enormous support to South Carolina’s national and international economic development efforts, and he is a very well respected figure in the economic development world.”

Thomas believes that part of South Carolina’s rich history in economic development can be attributed to the leaders of the state. He said, “South Carolina governors have always taken a strong interest and been actively involved in economic development. Governors have led the charge and helped South Carolina be a leader.”

Today, that trend continues with Governor Haley making economic development her number one issue. The South Carolina Department of Commerce leads economic development efforts for the state and Thomas believes it is very important to assist them in those efforts.

In addition, the 46 counties in South Carolina work with regional alliances to promote economic development. The efforts don’t stop there as law firms, financial institutions and architectural and construction firms also get involved. The underlying goal for all of these groups is to bring jobs to the Palmetto State.

According to Thomas, there are many keys to South Carolina’s success in economic development and we must not become complacent with them. South Carolina remains aggressive in recruiting industries to the state and the state shares information about the world class companies that are locating here. Just think about how many times you have heard the name Boeing, BMW or Michelin mentioned. South Carolina is proud of the multinational companies it has recruited and wants the world to know companies will find a warm welcome here.

Success is also seen because companies are not just recruited, but they continue to make investments in the state. In the past year, both BMW Manufacturing and Michelin, two companies that have North American headquarters in South Carolina, announced major expansions in the state. Thomas claims the state sees success like this because “South Carolina works across all lines to create a pro-business environment.”

The South Carolina Power Team has focused its efforts on bringing economic development to rural communities and there are different challenges there. Most importantly, adequate infrastructure including roads, water and sewer are needed. The Honda facility in Timmonsville and Nan Ya plastics facility in Lake City are two examples of companies that have strengthened rural communities.

Under Thomas’ leadership, the Power Team participated in more than 600 new and expanded industrial projects in South Carolina representing $9 billion in

January~February 2013 CenterfoldR A L P H T H O M A S

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Central Electric Cooperative President Ron Calcaterra, South Carolina Power Team President Ralph Thomas, Electric Cooperatives of S.C. President Mike Couick and Santee Cooper President Lonnie Carter at the announcement of a new economic development incentive electric rate for industrial customers in 2012.

Receiving the 2011 Distinguished Service Award from the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA), Ralph Thomas is pictured with former SCEDA Presidents Heather Simmons Jones (left) and April Allen (right).

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Fast Facts aboutRalph thomas

favorite spot in S.C.: Charleston

favorite movie: Red River with John Wayne

and Walter Brennan

favorite book: Currently reading Killing

Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly

People might be surprised to know:

Big country music fan- Merle Haggard and

Waylon Jennings

What inspires you: I care a lot about our

country and take great interest in current

affairs. I want to do what I can to make our

country a better place to live.

capital investment and the creation of more than 50,000 new jobs with an annual payroll of $2 billion. But Thomas would be the first to say he won’t claim the credit for these accomplishments because economic development is a team sport.

In May 2013, Thomas will be retiring from the industry and a career he has cherished.

“He is an economic development force, and although his retirement is well-earned, he will be sorely missed. His legacy is the jobs and businesses he has helped recruit that will be here for generations to come,” said Carter.

Thomas finds it rewarding to be able to pass a building and know that he helped play a part in bringing a business to South Carolina. “That’s a good feeling,” he says. He also has fond memories of the people he has met along the way, including many wonderful people from other countries.

“From his first job at Tennessee’s industrial recruitment program to his career stops in Memphis, Texas, Louisiana and South Carolina, Ralph’s life work has been to attract jobs and payrolls,” said O.L. Thompson, chairman of the South Carolina Power Team Board of Trustees. “We cannot begin to calculate how many lives have been positively impacted because of his efforts. Even when his daily presence in our organization ends, the program for success he has created with the board, staff and supporters of the Power Team will continue to be the bedrock of our activities.”

There is no question that Thomas’ passion has helped South Carolina remain competitive in economic development. When asked what made him want to retire in the state, Thomas replied “It just feels good being in South Carolina!”

We couldn’t agree more.

Jean Cecil Frick is the multimedia manager at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the editor of South Carolina Business.

| So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S20

nfrastructure plays a critical role in furthering economic development efforts in our state, as well as increasing commerce and ultimately jobs. However, infrastructure funding has not seen a dedicated increase since 1987, a time when there were 1 million fewer South Carolinians and much less economic activity in the state. The private sector can do a lot to move the state forward, but businesses cannot expand interstates, replace bridges or build new roads. Investing in infrastructure is inherently a core function of government. How does a perfect roadway transportation system look? It has:3 Safe roads; 3 Rut-free highways;3 Structurally stable bridges;3 No drive-time congestion;3 100 percent paved roads; and3 Economical gas prices.

Unfortunately, some of these items can’t be fulfilled without encroaching or eliminating some of the other items on the list, especially in a constrained economy and in a state with an expanding population and more drivers. There is a point where interstates, highways and bridges become a detriment to economic development and a safety hazard if there is not enough money appropriated to maintain and enhance them. South Carolina possesses many positive attributes that attract employers to the region, including low union rates, enjoyable quality of life, and a pro-business climate. A need for upgraded highways and bridges is one aspect that needs attention to continue prosperity in South Carolina.

“Investment in infrastructure is critical to our state,” says George Acker, vice president of SC external relations at Duke Energy, whose company vehicles number in the thousands on South Carolina’s roads. “It’s a global competition. If you’re not investing in infrastructure, you’ll lose business, and sometimes you don’t even know it. The companies just go somewhere else.”

With the Charleston port deepening initiative underway, Acker says the state needs upgraded highways and interstates to show companies they can transport goods around the state in a reasonably short amount of time. And while the inland port under construction in Greer is expected to relieve some of the I-26 trucking traffic through more efficient cargo movement when it opens in the fall of 2013, for now, I-26 remains a congestive nightmare at various points throughout each day.

“We’re spending money to improve the port’s competitive position; we need to do the same with I-26,” says Rick Todd, president and CEO of the SC Trucking Association, which represents fleet owners throughout the state.

Interstate 26 is not the only South Carolina road that is particularly troubling, although the infamous “malfunction junction” at the crossroads of I-26 and I-20 is considered by many to be the worst spot in the state.

“Interchanges all over the state are obsolete because of their design,” says Todd. “They are chokepoints and need to be addressed.”

In addition to higher volumes and faster speeds on today’s highways and interstates, most of which were designed and constructed 50 to 60 years ago,

Drive forDollar$By dana todd

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s cchamber.net | January / February 2013 | So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S | 21

many intersections have tight turn radii, which are difficult for today’s larger trucks.

I-85 is another hotspot for vehicular volatility, as well as highway entrances into our state from our next door neighbors. Business leaders who have fleets on the roads on a daily basis say the roads are significantly different in Georgia and North Carolina. Once over the state line into South Carolina in the Upstate, roads narrow, conditions worsen, ingress and egress lanes are shortened, and there are smaller aprons and less effective barrier systems on the highways.

P A y I N G T H E P R I C E

According to the state’s Secretary of Transportation, Robert St. Onge, SCDOT receives two primary sources of revenue to fund

new highway construction and maintenance projects: the state’s motor fuel user fee (the “gas tax”) and the federal motor fuel user fee from the Federal Highway Trust Fund. Other small amounts of revenue are pulled from the state’s General Fund.

South Carolina’s gas tax is 16.8 cents per gallon, unadjusted since 1987, and it is not indexed to keep up with inflation, as are North Carolina’s and Georgia’s tax rates. The state gas tax comprises about 35 percent of SCDOT’s highway maintenance and construction budget. SCDOT has to make do with approximately 75 percent of the annual amount collected, as “the rest is bled off for a variety of other things like DHEC and DNR and some of these other agencies that have convinced the legislature they have a claim to gas money for whatever reason,” according to St. Onge.

The U.S. government returns a portion of the money it collects from South Carolina motorists. This amount makes up about 65 percent of SCDOT’s highway budget, but the money is allocated only on a reimbursable basis, meaning SCDOT has to come up with matching funds to acquire these federal funds and complete highway projects. Half of our roads are not eligible for federal assistance and must be paid for by state revenues only.

“We are almost entirely dependent on the gas tax,” St. Onge says. “Our priority list is formula-driven, set by [legislative] Act 114, which is the act put into place in 2007 by the state legislature to ‘reform’ SCDOT with other rules about how we must maintain the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). We have the fourth largest highway system in the nation that we have to maintain with the fourth lowest gas tax.”

“We put about $285 million per year into maintenance activities, and that number changes year to year depending on the budget. That’s really not adequate to maintain all roads in the condition citizens would like or deserve. To handle maintenance, bridge repair, replacement and capacity, we need an additional $1.4 billion per year for the next 20 years.”

SCDOT’s current annual budget is $1.43 billion.“If you doubled my budget for the next 20 years, we could fix ourselves,” St.

Onge continues. “That won’t happen.”There are numerous avenues for raising revenues, from increasing user fees to

tolling, which may not be popular in some circles. Avoidance of the issue, however, will eventually cost the state jobs.

“Legislative leaders are going to have to make a decision,” says Todd, “to redirect existing revenue if they think public infrastructure is important or increase taxes and fees.”

St. Onge says rising health care and social services needs present the state with a challenge in finding enough tax dollars to provide for necessary highway and bridge funding.

“There are people out there with great intentions that are going to be faced with some tremendously hard decisions about how they’re going to find money for infrastructure,” says St. Onge. “The nice thing about investing in infrastructure is that you own something when it’s over.”

Dana W. Todd is a professional writer and public relations consultant who writes for news outlets and publishers nationwide.

Infrastructure funding has not seen a dedicated increase since 1987, a time when there were 1 million fewer South Carolinians and much less economic activity in the state.

south caRolina’s Roadsat a Glance

u 42,000 miles of roadsu 8,388 bridgesu 128,000 roadside acres mowedu 1,700 miles of guardrailsu 500 miles of median cable barriersu 5,600 state-owned traffic signalsu More than 900 miles unpavedu 40 percent of fatal crashes are related to speeding (fifth worst in the nation)u 20 percent of fatal crashes occur at an intersectionu $2.6 billion is the cumulative cost of congestion on highways and interstatesu 50 of 271 interchanges will require reconstruction within 20 yearsu 14% of interstate mileage experiences recurring congestionCompiled by the South Carolina Department of Transportation

So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S22

M e M B e r S p o t l i g h t

Did you know North Charleston is home to a vehicle-armoring factory that outfits vans for SWAT teams? Since 2007, Streit USA

Armoring has been a leading U.S. manufacturer of armored vehicles for military, law enforcement and commercial customers. The South Carolina manufacturing facility and sales center is dedicated to the design, manufacture and distribution of armored vehicles for use in the United States and around the world.

In September 2012, Streit opened up a new 75,000 square-foot facility that sits on eight acres in Charleston County. The $5.8 million plant is Streit’s only production factory in the United States. They were previously located in a 30,000 square-foot leased space that only had two production lines, but the size of the new building increases production to seven lines and shows the company is here to stay for a while.

Since the company imports parts and exports finished products across the world, proximity to the Port of Charleston was an important factor when the company initially decided to locate operations in the United States. With other production plants in Canada, India, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey and the UAE, Streit was strategic about selecting South Carolina as the location for its U.S. operations.

Eric Carlson, president of Streit USA Armoring said, “Streit selected South Carolina as the location for its U.S. operations because of the area’s manufacturing infrastructure, skilled workforce and proximity to world class shipping from the Port of Charleston. When the time came to decide on moving or staying for our expansion, the decision was easy. Steve Dykes, the North Charleston economic development director, and his entire team went out of their way to make sure Streit USA Armoring received appropriate incentives and innumerable support leading up to and after the decision. Throughout the entire building process, North Charleston and our builder, Frampton & Associates, went above and beyond helping us achieve our goals. The building is superb, and the location is outstanding.”

“We appreciate Streit USA Armoring’s trust in our port, the region and our state,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. “The Port of Charleston has the quality facilities, skilled labor and support industry to handle any international shipping need.”

Streit USA Armoring builds vehicles to industry leading standards and is a showcase of production efficiency with the new facility able to produce up to 70 vehicles a month. Implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Principles, the company

Streit USA Armoring outfıtting vehiclesfor the world

produces its ballistic and blast resistant vehicles in an assembly line process. The vehicles Streit produces are built to take fire from all sides and angles. Even the battery and control module under the hood are surrounded by steel plates in order to prevent a bullet from disabling the vehicle.

Used for transporting law enforcement, federal dignitaries, corporate executives and other VIPs, the fully armored vehicles, which can range from big vans to Bentleys, retain the look and feel of the vehicle’s original models, down to the decorative trim, so they can be driven incognito.

The mostly high-dollar vehicles come fresh from dealerships and are then disassembled. From the doors off, windows out, dashboard detached, flooring removed and wiring disconnected, everything is removed except for what is under the hood. Then, carefully cut steel plates of all shapes and sizes are meticulously attached to the doors, frames, tops and bottoms of the vehicles, along with bullet-resistant glass before the vehicles are reassembled and shipped to customers.

While the federal government buys most of the armor-plated vehicles, ranging in cost from $110,000 to $180,000, the city of Charleston is also a customer. The latest addition to the Streit inventory is a specially designed armored SWAT vehicle capable of carrying 12 fully equipped SWAT team members. This vehicle, manufactured exclusively by Streit USA, provides a new approach to SWAT operations. Working with the Charleston Police Department SWAT Team, Streit designed and manufactured a Sprinter Cargo Van to meet International Ballistic Armor standards.

Streit doesn’t just armor vehicles; it also gives back to the community. Streit USA supports the American Red Cross (Charleston Chapter) and The Legend Oaks of Summerville “Giving Back” to the community annual event.

Armored vehicles aren’t just for action packed movies. They are used to protect traveling law enforcement and federal dignitaries every day. Next time you see a SWAT vehicle riding down the road, take a minute to think about how and where it was armored.

Jean Cecil Frick is the multimedia manager at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the editor of South Carolina Business.

In 2012, Streit opened up a new 75,000 square-

foot facility in North Charleston that is Streit’s only

production factory in the United States.

By Jean CeCil friCk

Governor Haley inspects a Mercedes outfitted by

Streit USA at the South Carolina Automotive Summit

in 2011.

The latest addition to the Streit inventory is a specially

designed armored SWAT vehicle capable of carrying

12 fully equipped SWAT team members.

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Welcome, Frontier®.Before the fi rst call came in. Before the fi rst worker sat comfortably at his desk. Before the lights came on for the fi rst time. Santee Cooper partnered with Frontier Communications to bring their new call center to Horry County, creating more than 180 new jobs. By partnering our low-cost, reliable power and development opportunities with our state’s attractive tax base, relocation incentives, and an unparalleled quality of life graced with Southern hospitality, Santee Cooper helped Frontier expand in South Carolina. And continues to power South Carolina toward Brighter Tomorrows, Today.

POWERING S.C.www.scprimesite.com

54677SC_InstateSCbusiness.indd 1 12/21/12 11:33 AM

So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S24

a f t e r t h e e v e n t

The Voices of Deliverance, from Charleston, SC, entertain banquet attendees.

State’s business leaders gather for 33rd Annual SummitMore than 200 of the state’s top business leaders gathered in the Lowcountry November 7-9, 2012 for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s 33rd Annual Summit, presented by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. The event featured a keynote luncheon address by Governor Nikki Haley. In addition, the following individuals were recognized: Josef Kerscher of BMW Manufacturing Co. as the 2012 Business Leader of the Year, The Honorable John E. Courson as the 2012 Public Servant of the Year and Lieutenant (Ret.) Clebe McClary received the Sgt. William Jasper Freedom Award. Two Business Week students, Caroline Hester of Clover High School and Kelly Spencer of Ashley Ridge High School, were both honored with college scholarships.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.(Greenville, Columbia and Charleston Offices)

PLATINuM SPONSORS

Bank of America

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

GOLD SPONSORS

BB&T

BMW Manufacturing Co.

Milliken & Company

Santee Cooper

Total Comfort Solutions

SILVER SPONSORS

Alcoa Mt. Holly

AT&T

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.

J. W. Hunt and Company, LLP

MAU Workforce Solutions

MWV MeadWestvaco

SCANA

Sonoco

RECEPTION SPONSORS

Duke Energy Carolinas

Piedmont Natural Gas

Progress Energy

HOSPITALITy SuITE SPONSOR

Time Warner Cable

BRONzE SPONSORS

Absolute TOTAL Care

The Boeing Company

Coleman Lew & Associates, Inc.

Colonial Life

Ernst & Young LLP

FN Manufacturing, LLC

FUJIFILM Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc.

McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture

Michelin North America, Inc.

Palmetto Health

Wells Fargo

33rd annualsummit sponsors

Governor Nikki Haley provides the keynote address at the 33rd Annual Summit luncheon.

Caroline Hester, the S. Hunter Howard Scholarship winner, accepts a $5,000 college scholarship.

Kelly Spencer, the Ron McNair Leadership Scholarship winner, accepts her award presented by SCANA.

Jim Reynolds and Governor Nikki Haley honor Lt. Clebe McClary with the 2012 Sgt. William Jasper Freedom Award.

Frank-Peter Arndt, member of the board of management of BMW AG, traveled from Germany to join Josef Kerscher, 2012 Business Leader of the Year, and fellow BMW Manufacturing Co. associates.

Secretary of Transportation, Robert St. Onge, speaks about infrastructure to a packed room during the symposium.

The NESA Advantage...• ReadySC, a division of the S.C. Technical College

System, screens, recruits and trains employees – free of charge – to ensure a well-trained workforce on the first day of operations.

• A wide variety of industrial properties available.

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• A superb quality of life.

• With a location halfway between New York and Miami and consisting of nine counties in north eastern South Carolina with a population base of over 700,000 and a business-friendly environment, the NESA Region provides the ideal mix of community and commerce to enable the success and growth of your business.

• The NESA Region is located in close proximity to the Ports of Charleston, Georgetown, Savannah, and Wilmington.

Where Business Opportunities Flourish!

(843) 661-4669 | www.nesasc.org

N O R T H E A S T E R N S T R A T E G I C A L L I A N C E

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So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S26

When your message needs to reachthe largest possible business audience,

there is only one choice:

the magazine of choicefor South Carolina’s top executives.

PUBLISHING & MEDIA SERVICES

Contact Deidre Macklen at 803.318.3923for 2013 marketing and advertising

opportunities.

September/OctOber 2012VOl. 33 | NO. 5

Sequestration Takes Aim

The State of Infrastructure

FUJIFILMA Broader Focus

Tire Empire

ManufacturingSouth Carolina’s Worldwide Reach

November/December 2012vol. 33 | No. 6

Business Leader of the Year

s.C. top 100™

eConomiC sporting events

puBLiC servant of the Year

famous south CaroLinians

s.C. Big 50®

sgt. Jasper freedom award

StarS of BuSineSS

1-3 Page-2013.indd 1 12/22/12 9:43 AM

a f t e r t h e e v e n t

(Far Left) Large employer

winner: Greenville Hospital

System, (Left) Medium

employer winner:

TD Bank

8th Annual Excellence in Workplace Diversity Awards

GOLD SPONSORS

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Fisher & Phillips LLP

Greenville Hospital System

Lockheed-Martin

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash,

Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC

South Carolina Electric & Gas

Southeastern Freight Lines

TD Bank

WSI-Savannah River Site

SILVER SPONSORS

Midlands Technical College

Nexsen Pruet, LLC

Sonoco

US Engine Valve Corp. Eaton Corporation

VERIZON Wireless

BRONzE SPONSORS

Colonial Life

The Credit Unions of South Carolina

First Citizens Bank

Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP

Time Warner Cable

OTHER 2012 NOMINEES:Lockheed Martin Aeronautics - Greenville Midlands Technical College - Columbia

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions LLC - AikenSmith Moore Leatherwood LLP - Greenville

U.S. Engine Valve - WestminsterVERIZON Wireless - Greenville

WSI SRS - Aiken

Small employer

winner:

Columbia

Metropolitan

Airport

2012 excellence inWorkplace diversity

sponsors

s cchamber.net | January / February 2013 | So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S | 27

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry,it’s our business to protect yours.

COLUMBIA GREENVILLE MYRTLE BEACH CHARLESTON

Toll Free: 888.648.0526www.collinsandlacy.com

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The Elliott Davis Economic Development Team advises companies considering investments, expansions or relocations in the state of South Carolina. Our solutions span economic incentives, government relations, real estate purchases, mergers and acquisitions as well as international, federal, state and local tax issues and other financial matters. Are you poised for growth? Let our experience help guide the way. fully engaged for you

www.elliottdavis.com

Founded in 1925, we know what it takes to do business in the Carolinas.

a f t e r t h e e v e n t

Small SC Manufacturer of the Year - Cytec Industries, Inc. located in North Augusta

2012 South Carolina Manufacturer of the Year Awards Luncheon

Medium SC Manufacturer of the Year - Holcim (US) Inc. located in Orangeburg

Large SC Manufacturer of the Year - The Boeing Company located in North Charleston

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 2012 Manufacturer of the Year Awards on August 29 in Columbia. All nominees and winners were honored before an audience of fellow manufacturers and business leaders at the Manufacturer of the Year Awards Luncheon, presented by Nexsen Pruet, LLC.

OTHER 2012 NOMINEES:Allied Air Enterprises – OrangeburgCarolina Ingredients, Inc. – Rock HillDomtar Corporation – Fort MillLockhart Power Company – LockhartMeritor – ManningProcter & Gamble Duracell Manufacturing –LancasterScout Boats Inc. – Summerville Sumter Packaging – Sumter

So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S28

Advanced Manufacturing: Using Technology to Secure SC’s Manufacturing Future

Presented by:

February 20-22, 2013 • Francis Marion Hotel • Charleston, SC

MORE INFORMATIONalexa.stillwell@scchamber.net

(803)255-2621www.scchamber.net

Don’t miss the opportunity to network with top manufacturing executives and learn how to sustain

South Carolina’s manufacturing future.

a f t e r t h e e v e n t

2012 Best Places toWork in South CarolinaThe South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the publishers of SCBIZ magazine are pleased to announce the rankings of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina sponsored by Colonial Life. The companies participating are surveyed by Best Companies Group, an independent research company.

A record number of attendees participated in the 2012 Best Places to Work awards dinner.

Marie McGehee, manager of community relations for Colonial Life, delivered remarks on behalf of presenting sponsor, Colonial Life.

A dinner held on October 4 in Columbia recognized 40 of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina.

s cchamber.net | January / February 2013 | So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S | 29

SMALL/MEDIUM COMPANIES

(15 - 249 Employees)

Rank Company

1 Geocent, LLC

2 SPARC LLC

3 VC3, INC.

4 Clarke & Company Benefits/

McLaughlin Smoak & Clarke Benefits

5 Benefit Controls

6 Human Technologies, Inc.

7 Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

8 EDENS

9 SCRA

10 O’Neal, Inc.

11 Rhythmlink International, LLC

12 Comatrol

13 Environmental Express, Inc.

14 C. F. Evans & Company, Inc.

15 Scott and Company LLP,

Certified Public Accountants

16 Rosenfeld Einstein

17 First Reliance Bank

18 CMT, Inc.

19 Barling Bay, LLC

20 Levelwing

BRONzE SPONSORElliott Davis LLC

A Geocent LLC representative accepts the #1 Small-Medium Company award from Peter Burke, president of Best Companies Group.

Life Cycle Engineering representatives accept the #1 Large Company award from Peter Burke, president of Best Companies Group.

LARGE COMPANIES

(250 or More Employees)

Rank Company

1 Life Cycle Engineering

2 Edward Jones

3 Elliott Davis, LLC

4 Continental Tire the Americas

5 McAngus Goudelock & Courie

6 Safelite Auto Glass

7 Total Quality Logistics

8 SYNNEX Corporation

9 MARS Petcare

10 Colonial Life

11 Palmetto Health

12 Sage Automotive Interiors

13 Blackbaud, Inc.

14 Womble Carlyle Sandridge

& Rice, LLP

15 Select Health of South Carolina

16 InterContinental Hotels Group

17 NBSC, a division of Synovus Bank

18 First Citizens Bank

19 Charleston Water System

20 Benefitfocus

Best Places to Work by Ranking

2012 BEST PLACES TO WORk SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSORColonial Life

BenefitfocusBlueCross BlueShield of South

CarolinaC.F. Evans Construction

Comatrol/Sauer Danfoss, Inc.Continental Tire North America

EDENS Edward Jones

Environmental Express, Inc.First Citizens Bank

Human Technologies, Inc.IHG - InterContinental Hotels Group

Mars Petcare US, Inc.McAngus, Goudelock & Courie, LLC

NBSC, a division of Synovus BankPalmetto Health

Rhythmlink International, LLCSAGE Automotive Interiors, Inc.

Scott and Company LLPSelect Health of South Carolina, Inc.

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORSBlackbaud, Inc.

Charleston Water SystemO’Neal Inc.

SCRASYNNEX Corporation

VC3, Inc.

So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S30

Cheryl R. Holland, CFP®, p r e s i d e n t o f A b a c u s Planning Group, located in Columbia, has been named to Wealthmanagment.com’s list of The Top 25

Women Registered Investment Advisors in the Country. According to recent data from Cerulli Associates, females accounted for only 11.6 percent of RIAs in 2012.

Alcoa’s Mt. Holly plant announced $110,000 in Alcoa Foundation grants to four local non-profit organizations: the South Carolina Aquarium, Junior Achievement of Coastal South Carolina, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Math, and Trident Habitat for Humanity.

joyce Nelson, former president and CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), has joined Blackbaud, Inc’s board of directors. Nelson was with NMSS for 28 years, serving as CEO for the last seven years until she retired in October 2011.

BMW Manufacturing announced that Bernd koenigsbruegge has been named the new vice president for painted body. Koenigsbruegge served

as vice president for the body shop in the Spartanburg plant from 2004 to 2008 before moving to BMW’s plant in Regensburg, Germany.

Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company has been named the top benefits carrier in five categories by brokers across the country in the 2012 Benefits Selling Readers’ Choice Awards program. The national publication is targeted to brokers and agents

who sell group and voluntary insurance products.

Elliott Davis, LLC announced Brittany Owen, a tax manager in the Columbia office, has been named one of 2012’s “Women to Watch” by the South

Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA). Additionally, Rick Davis, managing shareholder and chair of the executive committee, has been appointed chair of the board of the Governor’s School for the Arts foundation.

Paul Halphen of first Citizens has been promoted to relationship manager based at the company’s Cayce branch. kevin Markland has joined the company as senior loan administrator and senior vice president based out of Greenville. Daniel Smith has joined First Citzens’ Wealth Advisory Group as capital management group sales and service director. jerry Stevens has joined the company as senior vice president and commercial lending executive based in Greenwood.

fuss & O’Neill celebrated its 10th anniversary in Columbia. Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin declared October 23rd as “Fuss & O’Neill Day.” Fuss & O’Neill is a leading environmental and engineering firm.

The law firm of Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. announced that Arthur L. Howson, jr. was selected by his peers to receive the 2012 Tommy Thomason Award, which is given annually by the Greenville County Bar Association (GCBA). The Tommy Thomason Award is given to an attorney who displays the qualities of compassion, optimism, diplomacy, public service, justice and integrity throughout his or her legal career.

The 5 Star accredited Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce was named the 2012 Chamber of Commerce of the Year in the two Carolinas at the July Annual Management Conference of the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE).

The Institute for Child Success, a non-profit organization working across South Carolina to create a culture that facilitates and fosters the success of all children, has elected Dick Wilkerson, retired chairman and president of Michelin North America to its board of directors.

William R. (Will) johnson, a bus iness l awyer a t Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Columbia office, was recognized by the American Bar Association’s Young

Lawyers Division (ABA YLD) as a “Star of the Quarter” at its 2012 Fall Conference.

The Greater Lexington Chamber has debuted a weekly radio show called “Tower Talk Live” on WLXM 107.9 FM. Hosted by Emily Russell, the Chamber’s

branding and media manager, “Tower Talk Live” will broadcast live each Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and present Chamber news, events and interviews with members.

David j . Tigges , the managing shareholder and CEO of McNair Law firm, P.A., has been appointed to serve on the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit

Authority (PEBA) Board of Directors. The appointment was made by House Speaker Bobby Harrell. Established by pension reform legislation, PEBA is responsible for administering the state retirement systems and the employee insurance program.

Melissa Azallion has joined the McNair Law firm, P.A. as a shareholder. Azallion will lead the firm’s immigration practice and is based out of the Hilton Head Island office.

j a s o n P . Luther and C h a d E . Poteat have jo ined the law firm of

Murphy & Grantland, P.A., located in Columbia.

Legal corporate attorney Renee Dankner has joined Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough as of counsel in its Columbia office, bringing her experience in corporate

in-house, law firm and nonprofit work to the firm.

The Greater Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center opened a new 7,000 square-foot building on November 15. Its 800-square-foot Visitors Center and larger parking lot will accommodate the growing number of people visiting and moving to the area. Pictured from front to back: Mandy Summers, Nancy Hutto, Randy Halfacre, Scott Middleton, Chris Metz, Mike Crapps, Mike Flack, Glenn Martin, Barbara Willm, Royce Lehman and Craig Otto.

M E M B E R N E W S

The Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers (ECCHC) Innovations Health concept, linking Medicaid and Medicare patients in zip code 29203 to community health coaches and primary care delivered in their homes or neighborhoods, was selected for a Health Care Innovation grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Of the $4.2 million initiative, $2.7 million is from the CMS grant with ECCHC funding the balance. Select Health of South Carolina stepped up early to commit to share savings based on reductions in hospital charges for participants and to pay for the nurse visits. Other insurers, BlueCross/Blue Shield of South Carolina and Absolute Total Care of South Carolina, have indicated that they are considering similar commitments to share savings.Pictured from left: Martine Naar, Chairperson, Board of Directors, Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers; Henry Hopkins, Executive Director, Eau Claire Community Council; Cindy Helling, Executive Director, Select Health of South Carolina; Christie Savage, Coordinator, Innovations Health, Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers; Stuart Hamilton, MD, Founder and CEO, Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers; Laura Long, MD, Chief Medical Officer, BlueCross/BlueShield of South Carolina; Melanie Giese, Deputy Director, Office of Medical Services, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services; Paul Accardi, President, Absolute Total Care of South Carolina.

Lorick Office Products celebrated its 75th anniversary serving the Midlands. Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin proclaimed September 4, 2012 as “Lorick Office Products Day.”

s cchamber.net | January / February 2013 | So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S | 31

w e l C o M e , n e w M e M B e r S

M E M B E R N E W S

AccurideCamden

Acumen I. T. LLCGreenville

Advanced Automation Inc. (Doerfer Greenville)Greenville

Advanced Data MiningInternational, LLC

Travelers Rest

AeSolutions, Inc.Greenville

Agru/America Inc.Georgetown

American Lantern Press, Inc.Fort Mill

American Timberlands Co.Columbia

Architectural Railings & Grilles, Inc.Fort Mill

Art Institute of CharlestonCharleston

AssurantMiami, FL

AtlancoInman

Atlantic Control Products Inc.Summerville

Atotech uSA Inc.Rock Hill

B Lab CompanyBerwyn, PA

Bauschlinnemann North AmericaMyrtle Beach

Belcher Staffing Services, Inc.West Columbia

BorgWarner TorqTransfer SystemsSeneca

Britax Child Safety Inc.Charlotte, NC

C. H. Patrick & Co. Donaldson DyeGreenville

Canavac LLCGaffney

Carolina filters, Inc.Sumter

Carolina PanthersCharlotte, NC

CEL Chemical & Supplies Inc.Piedmont

Century fasteners CorporationColumbia

Children’s Trust of South CarolinaColumbia

Comatrol, Sauer-Danfoss (uS) Company

Easley

Communities In Schools of South Carolina

Charleston

Community Integrated Management Services, LLC (CIMS)

Columbia

Cooley GroupLancaster

CreatiVasc Medical, LLCGreenville

Currahee ClubToccoa, GA

Cytec Industries Inc.Beech Island

Dianne’s On Devine, Inc.Columbia

Diversified Signs & GraphicsYork

Donate Life SCGreenville

Dynamic Educational Systems Inc. DBA job Corps

Columbia

Dynamic fluid Components, Inc.West Union

EDf Renewable EnergyReston, VA

Encotech Inc./Carbon Service & Equipment Company

Chapin

Engine Power Source, Inc.Rock Hill

G & H Mail Service, LLCWest Columbia

Galey and LordSociety Hill

Gestamp South Carolina, LLCUnion

Greater Bluffton Chamber & Visitor’s and Convention Bureau

Bluffton

GSE Lining Technology Co. Inc.Kingstree

Hacker Industries, Inc.Winnsboro

Harbour Corporate and Private Wealth Management Groupof Raymond james

Mount Pleasant

Hay Hill Garden MarketColumbia

HRP Associates, Inc.Greenville

Human Technologies, Inc.Greenville

Ingenics Corp.Greenville

Insurance Management Group, Inc.Columbia

Integrated Power Services LLCGreenville

International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals

Raleigh, NC

Iron MountainWest Columbia

kestrel Horizons, LLCCharleston

kontane LogisticsCharleston

Lau Rubber & PlasticsGreer

Louis Berger Services Inc.Greenville

Mapal Inc.Port Huron, MI

McAlister Design Inc.Greenville

McCall farms Inc.Effingham

McCormick Taylor, Inc.Baltimore, MD

McCrory Construction Co., LLCColumbia

Metso MineralsColumbia

Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc.Pamplico

Nemato Corp.Spartanburg

Nexans High Voltage uSA Inc.Goose Creek

NfP-CBAGreenville

OOBE, Inc.Greenville

Pfizer Inc.Raleigh, NC

Phillips StaffingGreenville

Project Integration Inc.Greer

Provost Academy South CarolinaColumbia

PSC Environmental ServicesCharlotte, NC

Research Technologies, Inc.Mauldin

Rhodes CompaniesSummerton

Richland County first Steps to School Readiness Partnership

Columbia

Rieter CorporationSpartanburg

Safety Management CorporationEvansville, IN

Sanders Brothers ConstructionNorth Charleston

SEM Products, Inc.Rock Hill

Sjolund Enterprises Inc.DBA Accutech Machine

Blythewood

South Carolina Business Coalitionon HealthGreenville

Southern Way CateringColumbia

Southern Wesleyan universityCentral

SuMTER COATINGSSumter

Sumwalt Associates, Inc.Columbia

SunPak LogisticsSumter

SunTrust BankGreenville

The Byrum Innovation Group, Inc.Greenville

The Hobbs Group, PAColumbia

The Westin Hilton Head IslandResort & Spa

Hilton Head Island

Thermal Technologies, Inc.Blythewood

TM floyd & CompanyColumbia

Tognum AmericaGraniteville

Tony Pope - State farm InsuranceSummerville

Transfer Point, Inc.Columbia

Trehel CorporationClemson

Triangle Construction Company, Inc.Greenville

unitrends, IncColumbia

upstate Workforce Investment BoardSpartanburg

utility Audit Solutions LLCTaylors

Weston & Sampson EngineerCharleston

Williams & fudge Inc.Rock Hill

WingfanRock Hill

Women’s Distribution Services, Inc.Clover

xPO Logistics Inc.Greenwich, CT

yli CorporationRock Hill

york Horizons IndustriesYork

So u t h Ca r o l i n a Bu S i n e S S32

O’Neal, Inc. has hired Stella Dominguez as a process department head at its Greenville headquarters.

State farm® Agent Tony Pope has been chosen to become the first Multi Office State Farm Agent in South Carolina and will open a second office location in

North Mount Pleasant. Pope is an active member and past chairman of the board for the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce.

PrimeTRuST Advisors, an independent pension consulting and investment advisory firm to the retirement plan industry, announced the addition of jason Hoody, CFA® as chief investment strategist.

Richardson Plowden law firm announced its expansion into the Lowcountry. In addition to its Columbia and Myrtle Beach offices, the firm now has an office in downtown Charleston and welcomes attorneys james H. Elliott, jr. and Samia H. Nettles.

Leadership South Carolina hosted the third annual Dick & Tunky Riley Legacy of Leaders event and honored Hayne Hipp, founder of Liberty Fellows, Senator Lindsey Graham R-SC, and Deb Sofield, an internationally recognized communication coach, for their contributions to the state, the southern region, the nation and the world.

Scott and Company LLC announced that Donald j. Mobley, CPA has been named managing member of the firm.

For advertising andmarketing opportunities,

call Deidre Macklenat 803 318 3923.

When your message needs to reach South

Carolina’s business leaders, there is only one choice:SOUTH CAROLINA

BUSINESS.The magazine of choice for South

Carolina’s topexecutives.

Advertiser Index

BlueCross BlueShield of S.C. . Inside Front Cover

Clemson University ......................................... 13

Collins & Lacy .................................................. 27

Columbia Metropolitan Airport .......Back Cover

Duke Energy ......................................................9

Economic Development Partnership ................8

Elliott Davis ...................................................... 27

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. ..........................1

Kids Drive Our Future..............Inside Back Cover

MASC ................................................................8

North Eastern Strategic Alliance ..................... 25

Santee Cooper ................................................ 23

South Carolina Power Team .......................... 12

SCRA ............................................................... 19

Sonoco ............................................................ 14

SCRA received a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award recognizing SCRA’s Innovation Centers. The award, given by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), was in the category of Real Estate Redevelopment & Reuse for communities with populations of greater than 500,000.

Sonoco announced Marty f. Pignone has been named vice president of its North American paper operations. Pignone will be responsible for Sonoco’s 12 uncoated recycled paperboard mills in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and related support functions.

South Carolina Independent Colleges and universities announced nine appointments to its Board of Trustees. The newest members of the group’s board include: Michael O. Allen, architecture project manager, Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood; Michael R. Brenan, president of BB&T South Carolina; john W. Gandy, owner of Gandy CPA Group; Lakesha jeffries, managing partner, Jeffries Law Firm; Debbie Nelson, founder and principal, DNA Creative Communications; jim Reynolds, CEO and partner, Total Comfort Solutions; Dr. Harriet Lee Rucker, educator; Brent Weaver, vice president and relationship manager for Government and Institutional Banking, Wells Fargo Bank; Dick Wilkerson, retired chairman and president, Michelin North America.

The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) has hired john M. Wheeler to the position of vice president, carrier sales. Wheeler will lead ocean carrier sales efforts for South Carolina’s public port system based in Charleston.

Spartanburg Water announced Gary Huntley to the position of drinking water treatment manager. In his new role, Huntley will be responsible for supervising

the operation, maintenance and process laboratory functions of the Drinking Water Treatment Department.

The 2012 S.C. Governor’s Quality Awards event recognized Bridgestone America’s Tire Operations which participated in the Explorer process in 2012. Brian Catoe, quality assurance engineer, Bridgestone America’s Tire Operations, accepts an award from Frank Fusco, chairman of the S.C. Quality Forum Advisory Committee.

TD Bank provided South Carolina small businesses with $25 million in approved loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), supporting local businesses’ efforts to invest in their business and create new jobs. TD Bank was South Carolina’s top SBA bank lender by dollar volume for the SBA’s 2012 fiscal year ending September 30, the third consecutive year TD Bank ranked No. 1 in the state.

Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A. announced Ashley Rudisill forbes has joined the Greenville office concentrating on workers’ compensation. Lauren Thorne Maxwell, former law clerk to the Honorable Helen Elizabeth Burris, has joined the Greenville office as an associate in the firm’s business group. Lanneau Wm. Lambert, jr. has been elected to serve as the chair-elect of the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Central South Carolina, Inc. Sam Sammataro, a shareholder in the Columbia office, has been elected to serve as president of the South Carolina Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Shawn R. Willis has been selected as the chairman for the Tri-Counties Regional Advisory Council of the South Carolina Chapter of the Community Associations Institute.

WebsterRogers LLP announced Debra A. Turner, CPA has been recognized as a Woman to Watch by the South Carolina Association of Certified Public

Accountants (SCACPA) in conjunction with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). This award highlights the accomplishments of women in the CPA profession.

2012 S.C. Governor’s quality Awards

Goodwill Industries of upstate/Midlands S.C. received the Bronze Achiever recognition award during the 2012 S.C. Governor’s Quality Awards event on November 14. Pictured from Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands S.C. are David Hessberger, regional manager; Scott Messenger, vice president of contract services; Tina Pressley, director of corporate training; Sandy Austin, program compliance manager and John Deloach, vice president of retail sales.

Hospice Care of South Carolina was recognized for the Bronze Achiever award during the S.C. Governor’s Quality Awards program for demonstrating varying levels of progress in quality improvement. Hospice Care of South Carolina participants included Todd Picou, co-founder; Mary Jennings, sales specialist; David Powell, COO; Diane Parker, CNO; Dawn Michele Teachey, CEO; Colleen Rice, administrative analyst; Anna Wright, community relations liaison and David Niday, co-founder.

Mark Your Calendar!2013 Events Schedule

Business speaks at the state house

January 29, 2013 ~ Marriott, Columbia4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Town Meeting6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Reception

Washington night in south Carolina

March 26, 2013 ~ Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Town Meeting6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Reception

LEGISLATIVE EVENTS AWARDS EVENTShr professional of the Year

February 6, 2013 ~ The DoubleTree, Columbia5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Reception6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Awards dinner

safetY aWards lunCheon

March 14, 2013 ~ Embassy Suites, ColumbiaNoon

ManufaCturer of the Year aWards lunCheon

August 27, 2013 ~ The DoubleTree, ColumbiaNoon

exCellenCe in WorkplaCe diversitY aWards

September 10, 2013 ~ The DoubleTree, ColumbiaNoon

Best plaCes to Work in south Carolina

October 8, 2013 ~ Embassy Suites, Columbia5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Reception6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Awards dinner

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTManufaCturers ConferenCe

February 20-22, 2013Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston

huMan resourCes ConferenCe

May 15-17, 2013Marriott Grand Dunes, Myrtle Beach

Contact Alexa Stillwell at (803) 255-2621 or Alexa.Stillwell@scchamber.net.

QUESTIONS & MORE INFORMATION

ANNUAL MEETING

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIESloWCountrY MeMBership reCeption

pee dee MeMBership reCeption

upstate MeMBership reCeption

Midlands MeMBership reCeption

August 2013

annual suMMit

November 13-15, 2013Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms

Investing in high-impact early childhood interventions can yield more than a 10:1 return on investment.*

Now is the time to invest in SC’s future.

For more information, kidsdriveourfuture.com

I’m the future of South Carolina. Invest in me.

* Reynolds et al. (2002)

South Carolina Economic Forum on Early Childhood Investment Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 12 noon | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center