Charleston | SC 2017: A Year in Review

December 21, 2017

By Jamie DeMent

2017 brought the Charleston region billions in investment, new job opportunities, global fluency developments, coast-to-coast recognition of our growing tech sector, and the national pilot of a youth apprenticeship program.

“It’s time to shift and broaden the purpose and practice of economic development to generate continuous growth, prosperity, and inclusion.” – The Brookings Institution, 2016 Remaking Economic Development

This is the perfect quote to sum up Charleston | SC’s economic progress in 2017.

As the region experiences sustained momentum, the community continues to work together to not only create jobs and raise capital investment, but to help make advancements in infrastructure, breach gaps in economic and education equity, build a STEM workforce pipeline, broaden youth apprenticeships, and support the metro’s high impact clusters ecosystems.

2017 Top Headlines:

– Sundaram-Clayton Limited launching first U.S. operations
Sundaram-Clayton Limited announced the launch of its first U.S. operations in February. The Indian manufacturer and supplier of aluminum cast products for automotive OEMS plans to invest $50 million into its facility in Dorchester County, creating 130 new jobs by 2018.

– The Charleston Metro FDI plan launched in February, called for a “more comprehensive approach to our international engagement” by working closely with foreign-owned companies and supporting them to help success and create new jobs and investment in the region. Learn more.

– Google launches of Rolling Study Halls
GoogleSC and Berkeley County School District launched South Carolina’s first “Rolling Study Halls” initiative, providing WiFi access and teacher support to thousands of students during their daily bus ride.

– Isringhausen GmbH launching Charleston County manufacturing operations
The region announced a new automotive supplier, Isringhausen GmbH, a global leader in innovative seating systems for commercial vehicles. The new manufacturing operations, located Charleston County, will add 130 jobs to the region and readySC provided hiring support.

– The Charleston region earned the Site Selectors Guild‘s award for “Best Project of the Year” for the collaborative teamwork involved in winning the community’s largest life sciences project, when Thorne Research selected Berkeley County for its new headquarters, R&D, and manufacturing operation.

– The U.S. Department of Labor and Project Lead The Way, announced they are piloting the nation’s first youth apprenticeship for engineering in the Charleston region in partnership with Trident Technical College and all four local school districts. This helps the region continue to lay the foundation for success in Charleston’s knowledge economy. Learn more.

– A Vibrant Turnaround for a Neglected Charleston Neighborhood
Charleston’s booming tech sector makes national news with a significant article in The New York Times, focused on revitalization of Charleston’s Upper Peninsula which is giving the region’s tech sector a place to grow.

To stay up-to-date on announcements in the Charleston region, check out the Charleston Regional Development Alliance’s news page and social media channels.

Wishing you all Happy Holidays, and a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

Contact Us:


Jamie DeMent | Marketing Services Manager
843.760.4522 | [email protected]

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