Berkeley Means Business

September 26, 2023

Tri-County STEMersion received a 2023 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed specifically for the organization’s work in the Regionalism & Cross-Border Collaboration category that impacted population between 200,000 – 500,000 residents. Tri-County STEMersion, which includes Berkeley County Economic Development, Charleston County Economic Development, and Dorchester County Economic Development, were acknowledged, and honored at the IEDC 2023 Annual Conference during the inaugural recognition night event in Dallas, TX, September 19.

Tri-County STEMersion is a unique hands-on institute for middle and high school instructors in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties in South Carolina that centers on building collaboration with existing industries to launch STEM into local schools.

“Tri-County STEMersion has raised the bar for excellence in economic development with its Tri-County STEMersion project/program. This award is a testament to Charleston County Economic Development’s dedication to its residents and serves as a great example of how economic development can help transform a community for the better,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “It is IEDC’s honor and privilege to present Charleston County Economic Development with this award and recognize its leadership and innovation in the field of economic development!”

Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.

“We are super excited and honored to be part of such an amazing program and initiative. The lessons and experiences gained by our counselors and educators will have an immediate impact on our future workforce. STEMersion is a vital and valuable piece of the solution to developing the pipeline of workers needed for the industries of Berkeley County and the Tri-County Region at large. We look forward to expanding STEMersion’s reach and influence to maximize the impact it has to better prepare our educators, counselors, students, and community for greater success.” – Corey McClary, Workforce Development Manager at Berkeley County Economic Development

“This recognition is a testament to the power of collaboration and unity as a Tri-County, empowering our regional future leaders to cross boundaries. The program’s influence on the children of our region ripples out into our communities, carving a path toward a brighter, more STEM-driven future.” – Ashley Richardson, Senior Director of Strategy and Communications at Charleston County Economic Development

“Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties are united in the effort to bridge education and the workforce of tomorrow.  Through the STEMersion program, educators get to experience STEM needs directly via the industry floor and then build tools to help guide students into the vast fields of local opportunity.  Having the right allies behind the scenes has enabled STEMersion to grow both in quantity of participants and quality of experience.  To make the greatest impact in our community it’s key that the counties continue to collaborate united as one region.” – Michelle McDonald, Deputy Director at Dorchester County Economic Development

About Tri-County STEMersion

Tri-County STEMersion is a collaborative effort by Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, to bridge education and existing industry by developing coursework related to the needs of the local workforce. The immersive hands-on institute is a week-long summer program which introduces real-world workplace demands to area educators through a variety of site visits, activities, and discussions. Designed to reinforce the necessary math, science, and soft skills needed to succeed in local industry professions, STEMersion exists to influence the workforce pipeline of tomorrow. For more information on the STEMersion institute visit www.tricountystemersion.com.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at iedconline.org.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. Honor LSV, a startup manufacturing company, today announced it chooses Berkeley County for establishing South Carolina operations to design, manufacture and assemble golf carts and luxury low speed vehicles (LSV). The company’s $34.2 million investment will create 65 new jobs.

Honor LSV is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of golf carts and LSVs, and is a contract manufacturer that utilizes precision lasers and robotic welding while working with mostly American-made metals, plastics and other components to build its products. The company also provides in-house powder coat services utilizing its state-of-the-art, 9,000-square-foot automated powder coat line. As a result, Honor LSV has the capacity for full production – from manufacturing to finishing – at its Berkeley County operations.

Operations are online at the company’s 130,000 square-foot building located at 636 Omni Industrial Blvd. in Summerville. Individuals interested in joining the Honor LSV team should submit resumes electronically.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“I am beyond thrilled to be launching my third startup company, the second of which is in Berkeley County. There has never been a more important time to bring manufacturing back to America than now, and we are doing just that!” –Honor LSV Owner Brian Plaisance

“South Carolina continues to provide the workforce and resources needed for startups like Honor LSV to thrive. This investment will bring our people even more opportunity and help continue to propel the state’s rapidly growing economy forward.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“We are excited to announce Honor LSV’s new operations in South Carolina. This is the result of the state’s leading-edge manufacturing infrastructure and Berkeley County’s foundation that enables companies to excel. We look forward to partnering with Honor LSV for years to come.”  -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Berkeley County is excited to welcome Honor LSV to our industrial sector. This state-of-the-art, startup company’s $34 million investment will benefit our county’s economy, workforce and residents by creating more quality paying jobs and helping to keep our taxes low. This project is yet another shining example of how strategic investments can go a long way to positively impact our community.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb

FIVE FAST FACTS:   

Honor LSV chooses Berkeley County for establishing South Carolina operations.
The $34.2 million investment will create 65 new jobs.
Honor LSV designs, manufactures and assembles golf carts and luxury low speed vehicles (LSV).
Honor LSV is located at 636 Omni Industrial Blvd. in Summerville, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the Honor LSV team should should submit resumes electronically.

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Thursday, April 6, 2023) – Berkeley County Economic Development will host a Brownfield 101 community meeting on Tuesday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hut in St. Stephen, located at 180 Ravenell Drive.

This informational meeting will provide more details on the $500,000 EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant Berkeley County Council accepted in September 2022. Economic Development officials and representatives with Terracon Consulting Engineers and Scientists, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be on hand to answer questions.

This grant is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfield Assessment Grant Program and will help fund the first steps in a large-scale revitalization initiative to improve quality of life opportunities in the St. Stephen/Russellville area. Specifically, the grant will allow the Town of St. Stephen, Berkeley County Economic Development, and the EPA to work together to determine brownfield sites in the St. Stephen area that could be redeveloped to provide more job opportunities and other quality of life resources for the community.

Brownfield sites are properties that are or may be contaminated with hazardous substances, pollutants, petroleum, or other contaminants that pose a barrier to productive reuse. Such sites are often are in struggling neighborhoods and areas with blight, deteriorated infrastructure, or other challenges. A brownfield site may include public or private properties, green spaces, or parks in need of preservation. The grant has already identified two such sites: the former St. Stephen High School, which closed in 1996, and the area’s former Lumber Mill, which operated as a steam-powered lumber mill from the 1930s to mid-1960s and closed around 1970.

Members of the public are encouraged to submit information HERE if they own a property or know of a property in the St. Stephen area that could be considered for an assessment as a brownfield site. Landowners may be asked to participate in an assessment by providing information on the site’s history.

This EPA program also provides funding for these assessments—which are critical for determining real estate values—and will help identify and/or alleviate any potential environmental concerns at a site.

This revitalization initiative, which will be conducted in multiple phases, will include community input and engagement throughout the entirety of the process. For more information on the EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant Program, go HERE.

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-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-

COLUMBIA, S.C. ZEB Metals, as part of a newly established joint venture with Glencore, today announced plans to establish its first South Carolina operations in Berkeley County. The company’s new operations will create 28 new jobs.

Founded in 2021, ZEB Metals is a buyer and trader of non-ferrous scrap, as well as a recycler of metals other than iron and steel. The company processes metals through shredding, melting, screening and sorting materials while providing full-service metal recycling including industrial clean-up and off-site demolition.

Glencore, a Swiss-based commodities trader and one of the world’s largest diversified natural resource companies, will partner with ZEB Metals to expand its current aluminum portfolio. The joint venture will allow for the development of a new line of recycled products to support the companies’ regional customer base.

Relocating operations from Kentucky to a facility near Highway 52 in Moncks Corner, ZEB Metals’ new facility will process dross and other types of secondary aluminum scrap that would otherwise be destined for a landfill. This is the first secondary re-melt facility of its kind in the Southeast region of the United States.

Operations are expected to be online by late 2023. Individuals interested in joining the ZEB Metals team should visit the company’s contact page.  

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $75,000 Set-Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with site preparation and building construction.  

QUOTES:

“ZEB Metals is very excited about relocating our company to the Lowcountry and cannot wait to be a part of the community. South Carolina brings a unique opportunity in the recycling space with local businesses and government support. We’d like to thank everyone at Berkeley County for all their help in making this project come to life.” -ZEB Metals President and Chief Executive Officer Cole Lanham

“We’re delighted to announce the addition of ZEB Metals to our growing family of innovative recycling businesses in our state. Congratulations to ZEB Metals on establishing operations in South Carolina, and we look forward to creating a partnership that will last for years to come.” -Gov. Henry McMaster  

“This announcement is further proof that South Carolina has the necessary tools to support recycling companies across the state. We welcome ZEB Metals and look forward to seeing how their investment in Berkeley County will create opportunities for South Carolinians.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III  

“We are pleased to welcome ZEB Metals to Berkeley County. Berkeley County leadership strongly supports ZEB Metals’ commitment to recycling and properly salvaging our natural resources.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb   

“Glencore and ZEB Metals are welcome additions to Berkeley County’s aluminum production sector. They are also part of the growing industrial recycling effort in our state, which better secures our supply of critical materials and provides energy savings compared to the manufacturing of raw materials.” -Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman and President and Chief Executive Officer of Berkeley Electric Cooperative Mike Fuller
Compacted aluminum scraps
FIVE FAST FACTS:
ZEB Metals is relocating / establishing its first South Carolina operations in Berkeley County and plans to establish a joint venture with Glencore.The company will create 28 new jobs.
ZEB Metals is a full-service scrap recycling company.
Located near Highway 52 in Moncks Corner, S.C.  
Individuals interested in joining the ZEB Metals team should visit the company’s contact page.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3YjooZCuBE&feature=youtu.be

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Redwood Materials, a producer of anode and cathode battery components for electric vehicles, along with Governor Henry McMaster, today announced plans to establish operations in Berkeley County. The company’s $3.5 billion investment, which marks the largest economic development announcement in the history of South Carolina, will create 1,500 new jobs.

“Redwood Materials’ record-breaking announcement shows that our state’s strategic plan to remain a top destination for automobile manufacturers and their suppliers as the industry innovates is working,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “This $3.5 billion investment, and the 1,500 jobs it will create in Berkeley County, is a transformative accomplishment that can only be attributed to the strong, talented, hardworking South Carolinians who make our state as great as it is.”

Headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, and founded by Tesla’s former Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder JB Straubel, Redwood Materials will use its South Carolina campus to create a circular supply chain for electric vehicles. To do so, the company will onshore production of the most critical components in batteries – the anode and cathode – to drive down costs and emissions while securing the supply chain within the United States. All battery components will be built from as much recycled material as possible. The more than 600-acre campus, located at Camp Hall Commerce Park in Ridgeville, will initially produce enough anode and cathode material for 100 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery cell production or 1 million electric vehicles each year.

“South Carolina’s commitment to creating a secure energy future and a competitive landscape for electric vehicle manufacturing, supported by a world-class workforce, fast and efficient logistics, zero-carbon electricity and a phenomenal site made it a smart decision for Redwood to invest here. Redwood’s South Carolina Battery Materials Campus will recycle, refine and remanufacture anode and cathode components allowing us to support our current and future customers in the heart of America’s battery belt. We’re ready to support this region and U.S. electrification by driving down battery costs, emissions, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains,” said Redwood Materials Founder and Chief Executive Officer JB Straubel.

Currently, nearly 100% of the components required for electric vehicle batteries are manufactured overseas. Redwood Materials works to recover more than 95% of the critical minerals and rare earth elements from batteries, like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper, and then reintroduce those materials into the supply chain through the anode and cathode materials it produces for U.S. battery manufacturers.

Redwood Materials works with multiple partners that have existing operations across the U.S., such as Volvo, Envision AESC, Proterra, Panasonic, Volkswagen and Audi, for reclaiming and recycling end-of-life batteries and production scrap to produce battery components.

Operations will begin in 2023.

Individuals interested in working for Redwood Materials may apply by visiting the company’s website.

After the Joint Bond Review Committee recommended approval, the State Fiscal Accountability Authority authorized the issuance of General Obligation State Economic Development Bonds not exceeding $226 million, and notes in anticipation thereof, to offset the cost of acquiring the site, site improvements, related infrastructure and bond issuance costs.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development also awarded job development credits related to this project.

QUOTES

“The future of the automotive industry is paving a path through South Carolina, and Redwood Materials establishing operations in our state proves that point. The company’s historic announcement and the 1,500 new jobs it will create mean we are strengthening sustained, long-term economic growth that will benefit South Carolinians for years to come. We applaud Redwood Materials for their commitment to creating a circular economy here and working to shorten the supply chain through recycling efforts.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“South Carolina Ports is excited to welcome Redwood Materials to South Carolina. SC Ports is a critical supply chain partner for many of South Carolina’s advanced manufacturers, efficiently importing goods for production and exporting finished products to global markets. SC Ports looks forward to supporting Redwood Materials’ new investment that will strengthen our state’s position as a leader in automotive, electrification and sustainability.”
-SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin

“Redwood Materials represents a tremendous opportunity for South Carolina to increase our sustainable manufacturing footprint and supply chain security. Redwood Materials fits perfectly with Santee Cooper’s vision in developing Camp Hall, and we are proud to welcome JB Straubel and his team to Berkeley County, South Carolina.”
-Santee Cooper Director Stephen H. Mudge

“This historic investment in Berkeley County will offer unique career opportunities for our citizens and region. Redwood Materials’ investment will also allow for significant investments in road infrastructure, schools, and public safety, improving the overall quality of life for our residents.”
-Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb

“This record-setting economic development win will have a significant positive return on investment for our community. Congratulations to Redwood Materials, our partners in Berkeley County, and to everyone involved in this impactful economic development deal that will bring not only high-paying jobs to our residents, but innovation opportunities to our region.”
-Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman and President and CEO of Berkeley Electric Cooperative Mike Fuller

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Redwood Materials is establishing operations in Berkeley County.
  • The company’s $3.5 billion investment, which marks the largest economic development announcement in state history, will create 1,500 new jobs.
  • Redwood Materials will produce anode and cathode battery components for electric vehicles to drive down costs and emissions while securing the supply chain within the United States.
  • Locating at Camp Hall Commerce Park in Ridgeville, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Redwood Materials team should visit the company’s website.

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Thursday, September 15, 2022) – At its meeting on Monday, September 12, 2022, Berkeley County Council approved a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment grant to help fund a large-scale revitalization initiative to greatly improve quality of life opportunities in the St. Stephen/Russellville area. Watch the full Council meeting HERE.

This grant, part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Community Wide Assessment Grant Program, will help fund environmental assessments on properties located within a certain designated Census Tract in the St. Stephen area. With the help of community and residential input, the Town of St. Stephen—together with the EPA and Berkeley County Economic Development—will conduct up to 15 site inventories of brownfield sites, in the St. Stephen area, that could be redeveloped to provide more job opportunities and other quality of life resources for the community.

The grant has already identified two such sites: the former St. Stephen High School, which closed in 1996, and the area’s former Lumber Mill, which operated as a steam-powered lumber mill from the 1930s to mid-1960s and closed around 1970. Another goal of this large-scale initiative will be to develop a complete revitalization plan unique to St. Stephen.

Public meetings and community engagement will be critical throughout this process. More information on public meetings will be forthcoming.

“County Council is committed to improving access to resources and employment opportunities for people throughout Berkeley County. This grant will not only help fund these initiatives, but also ensure the St. Stephen community is involved in the process. Berkeley County’s success is directly related to the success of its citizens; inviting the public to the table on critical decision-making efforts like this one are what makes us #OneBerkeley.”  -Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County Supervisor

“The town of St. Stephen is grateful that the EPA selected us to receive one of the 2022 Brownfields Program Grants for $500,000. We were the only municipality in Berkeley County to receive this. In countless other communities around the United States, the EPA’s Brownfield Program has had a proven track record of leveraging private sector investment, creating jobs, and protecting the environment. St. Stephen will use this Brownfields Grant to spur our town with redevelopment and cleanup projects and bring sustained economic growth. We are thankful for the support of the Berkeley County Economic Development Office and their ability to work with myself, Town Council, and the Town’s administration to write the grant proposal. We are ready to collaborate with the various committees that will be comprised of St. Stephen residents and business owners to help us continue to grow and revitalize our town. It has been well worth the wait. This is the first of many blessings in store for our great town.” -John Rivers, St. Stephen Mayor

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-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-

Berkeley County is proud to be home to seven businesses recently named the Best Places to Work for 2022. During a special ceremony in Columbia last week, SC Biz News and the Best Companies Group recognized the following businesses as Best Places to Work in South Carolina.

South Carolina Research Authority – SCRA

JEAR Logistics

Mankiewicz Coatings

Advanced Technology International

Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Henry Lee Distributors

TQL Total Quality Logistics

The list is compiled through an employer questionnaire about policies and procedures, as well as an employee survey focused on work environment, pay and benefits, leadership and planning, and overall engagement.

Congratulations to these companies! Our Berkeley County Economic Development team is proud to celebrate your success and the success of so many other industries around our great County.

Do you own a business in Berkeley County or are interested in starting one? We want to hear from YOU!  Our Berkeley County Economic Development teams wants to know what you like about living, working, and doing business in Berkeley County.

Please consider taking our survey so we can learn more about how your business is doing—and what WE can do—to help make EVERY business a success in our County.

Berkeley County is proud to announce Nucor Steel has been named the “Coolest Thing Made in SC.” The inaugural competition was put on by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance to highlight the state’s manufacturing industry.

In all, 175 products were nominated. After two months and more than 100,000 votes, Governor Henry Mcmaster announced Nucor Steel as the winner on March 30.

Other Berkeley County industries that took part: Horizon ScientificIFAThorne HealthTechW InternationalFreeman BoatworksCurtiss-Wright Steam & Air SolutionsVolvo Cars USA, and Nexans High Voltage USA Inc.

Nucor Steel has been making steel—one of the world’s most important engineering and construction materials—in the Palmetto State since 1969. Nucor opened its local plant in 1996.

Berkeley County is honored to have world-class companies like Nucor as part of our business community. We look forward to future opportunities to attract more business investments and continue to grow our local economy.

For more about Nucor Steel, visit https://www.nucor.com/.

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MONCKS CORNER, S.C.- (Tuesday, July 20, 2021)- Berkeley County residents interested in growing their qualifications for manufacturing jobs can apply for scholarships for the ManuFirst SC program HERE. This free program is available for Berkeley County residents and will start on August 16, 2021.

When: Monday – Thursday, starting August 16, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 6-10 p.m.

Where: Trident Technical College, Berkeley Campus, 1001 S. Live Oak Dr., Moncks Corner

Why: Help Berkeley County residents get the necessary training for manufacturing positions

This four-week course, ending on September 15, 2021 will provide the necessary training for graduates to qualify for positions at industries around Berkeley County and in the state of South Carolina. ManuFirstSC participants learn essential safety policies, communication best practices, quality standards, production processes and maintenance awareness. All successful graduates receive an OSHA-10 card and Yellow Belt Lean Six- Sigma certification. The course also includes preparation and testing for the MSSC Safety Certification Assessment. Materials are provided.

About ManuFirstSCTM – Berkeley County worked in partnership with Trident Technical College, South Carolina Department of Commerce, Volvo Cars, and Ready SC to pilot the program in June 2017. Since then, neighboring counties have emulated the training program to provide opportunities for residents around the state. SC Department of Commerce rebranded the program ManuFirstSCTM and has rolled it out across the state’s technical college system by industry demand. 

To qualify for a Berkeley County ManuFirst SC scholarship, participants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be able to legally work in the United States
  • Provide documentation of Berkeley County residency
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Provide proof of Bronze WIN/WorkKeys score

Scholarships are available for upcoming ManuFirst SC courses. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply now! Anyone with questions should contact Berkeley County Economic Development Workforce Development Manager Corey McClary at 843-719-4096 or corey.mcclary@berkeleycountysc.gov.

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– Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office –