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. – 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.
SC Ports, Berkeley County, and Town of Summerville officials help celebrate CALI as they cut the ribbon on their first custom-built distribution center at 454 Tradeport Dr., Summerville, SC in the Berkeley Charleston Tradeport Industrial Center. CALI’s $3M investment will create 50 new jobs in Berkeley County.
The new center will serve CALI customers along the eastern seaboard, enabling faster deliveries and more reliable service of high-quality flooring, composite decking, and other home design collections. The SC distribution center is the first of 4 new centers the company is planning across the nation.
“I am excited about what this DC will add to the customer experience,” says CALI COO, Eugene Garcia. “The 250,000 square feet facility supports a multishift operation with product sampling, customer service, and a logistics team. Our goal is to provide a world-class service experience.”
When fully staffed, the center will employ about 50 new CALI team members, primarily recruited from the local community. The company’s acclaimed employee culture will be extended to the Summerville team, along with competitive salaries and benefits.
“We are thrilled to launch this distribution center along with a new relationship with the community of Summerville,” says CALI president, Doug Jackson. “CALI has found success by prioritizing the well-being of not just our customers and partners, but our employees as well. We look forward to supporting our new South Carolina team so that we may all grow and accomplish great things together.”
CALI is one of the fastest-growing flooring leaders with some of the best, most innovative, high-quality, and eco-conscious flooring and building products in the industry. They have been recognized on INC 5000 and San Diego Business Journals’ fastest-growing companies and name a top place to work. CALI recently won the GreenStep Sustainability Award too – for their eco-conscious/friendly flooring options. https://www.calibamboo.com/blog/cali-wins-greenstep-sustainability-award/
ABOUT CALI
CALI empowers stunning home transformations with durable, high-value products that are easy to buy, install, and maintain. Guided by a coastal aesthetic and attitude, the omni-channel home improvement platform enables customers to design responsibly with eco-minded options.
Based in San Diego, California, CALI’s ever-expanding flooring collections include bamboo, European oak, eucalyptus, cork, luxury vinyl, and engineered planks, in addition to composite decking, rugs, fencing, and plywood — all while delivering the industry’s best customer experience.
Founded in 2004 and recognized as an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company for 13 consecutive years, CALI models how individuals, businesses, and communities can implement modern designs with structural strength and authentic coastal style. CaliFloors.com
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-
On Wednesday, August 3, 2022, Berkeley County and State leaders gathered to celebrate a special groundbreaking ceremony for RL Cold, a company that will bring much-needed cold storage and warehousing to the region to address critical needs in the domestic food supply chain.
This $90-million capital investment for the County will create 100-plus jobs, help provide a good tax revenue for the County, and help us increase our services for our citizens.
Thank you to the State, South Carolina Ports Authority and Santee Cooper for supporting this project, located in Camp Hall – Campus 5 in Ridgeville. Camp Hall was designed for growth in mind, putting the infrastructure and entitlements in place to attract world class businesses.
Thank you to County Councilman Phillip Obie II for speaking on behalf of the County and County Council. Obie currently serves as Berkeley County’s Ambassador to the Port.
We are grateful for your investment in Berkeley County, RL Cold & Maersk!
Expansion of biopharma processing tubing manufacturing capabilities with state-of-the-art infrastructure will support customer growth
WILMINGTON, Del., May 31, 2022 – DuPont (NYSE:DD) today announced the opening of its new DuPont™ Liveo™ Healthcare manufacturing site in Cooper River, South Carolina, to help better serve customers worldwide.
The site, located in Berkeley County, will be operated using the same quality standards as DuPont’s Healthcare Industries Materials Site, the company’s longstanding biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in Hemlock, Michigan. The Cooper River site will bring additional extrusion capacity online over the next two years to serve strategic customers in the short term and expand its Liveo™ Healthcare customer base with additional supply in the medium term.
“The biopharma processing manufacturing investment at Cooper River is a key milestone in our growth strategy; it supports our customers’ expansion and contributes to business continuity,” said DuPont Healthcare & Specialty Lubricants Global Business Director Eugenio Toccalino. “We’re committed to investing in our healthcare business, and our recent expansions help us offer a highly reliable and sustainable product supply.”
DuPont™ Liveo™ Healthcare is also expanding its manufacturing footprint regionally to support customers locally, which will help alleviate supply pressure and allow customers to grow in their respective markets. In the second half of 2022, the company expects to add biopharma silicone tubing capacity in China to serve the fast-growing customers in the region.
“Through a strong, close collaboration between our DuPont team and our contractor partners, construction of the new Cooper River site was completed in 18 months, without a single safety incident”, said Bill Alexander, Cooper River site and unit leader for the DuPont™ Liveo™, and MOLYKOTE® plants. “The site has enabled the creation of 25 positions at start-up, with an additional 25 positions expected to be created as we ramp up operations over the next two years”, added Alexander.
“For more than fourteen years, DuPont Cooper River has continued to diversify and reinvest in new products ensuring the viability of this Berkeley County facility. Life sciences and biotechnology innovation is a growing sector with an $11 billion annual economic impact and over 40,000 jobs in the State of South Carolina. We thank DuPont for their commitment to this community and for creating more high-paying jobs for the local workforce,” said Kristen O. Lanier, Berkeley County Economic Development Director.
In 2021, the DuPont Cooper River site expanded to include manufacturing of DuPont™ MOLYKOTE® Specialty Lubricants.
As a trusted partner in the healthcare processing industry, DuPont has developed a leadership position within the industry by building upon more than seven decades of foundational capabilities that serve the highly regulated biopharmaceutical market. With these recent investments, DuPont is committed to serving the healthcare market and its customers more than ever, offering high-quality, high-performance solutions; application and material science expertise; and strong regulatory support to address healthcare customers’ specific needs and challenges.
About DuPont™ Liveo™ Healthcare Solutions
DuPont™ Liveo™ is a globally recognized leader in technology for a broad range of innovations in medical devices, biopharmaceutical processing and pharmaceutical solutions. DuPont high-performance materials help create safer healthcare environments and protect the health of patients and healthcare providers worldwide. We help enable smarter healthcare and positive patient outcomes. More information can be found at liveo.dupont.com.
About DuPont Electronics & Industrial
DuPont Electronics & Industrial is a global supplier of new technologies and performance materials serving the semiconductor, circuit board, display, digital and flexographic printing, healthcare, aerospace, industrial, and transportation industries. From advanced technology centers worldwide, teams of talented research scientists and application experts work closely with customers, providing solutions, products and technical service to enable next-generation technologies.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com
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.
On Thursday, April 21, Berkeley County Economic Development hosted its inaugural Industry Luncheon at the Lowcountry Conference Center in Nexton. Nearly two dozen industry partners gathered to learn more about what the County, and municipalities within the County, are doing to draw in new business and support existing ones.
“Industrial development in Berkeley County helps keep our taxes the lowest of any County government in the State. More than that, it has provided many job and career opportunities for our residents. The average hourly wage on new investment in 2021 was over $27 per hour, compared to the $21 (per hour) average County wage. Everyone focuses on ‘unemployment,’ but we realize many of our hard-working residents are ‘underemployed’ and these job opportunities are life-changing.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb
“I hope the word that you have heard over and over from every leader…is the word ‘together.’ We’ve heard ‘One Berkeley’—that’s the theme—and it’s something that we truly do so well. …We need to become a team together. …Your (industry’s) people are our residents; we care about our residents. They are your employees; they’re the people shopping in the towns that we’re…all trying so hard to make so amazing.” –City of Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater
“If you’re thinking about putting your business here (or) you’re growing your business, you want to have a quality of life for the people who work for you; and that’s what we work very hard at. …We want to create as many opportunities for people to come together as possible. …We put people and jobs and education and retail and recreation in the same place.” –City of Goose Creek – Municipal Government Mayor Greg Habib
“We, Moncks Corner, are going to focus more on commercial and retail because we see development as a broadband approach; it is our responsibility to create the communities that those industries want to come into. …The things Moncks Corner is doing is a three-pronged approach: recruiting new businesses, providing infrastructure for significant development, and business assistance because we can’t forget the businesses that we already have.” –Town of Moncks Corner Administrator Jeff Lord.
This event was a direct reflection of the #OneBerkeley mindset that helps create positive partnerships, fuel the County’s ongoing economic success, and sustain our communities’ exceptional quality of life.
$80 million investment creating 117 new jobs
Sagebrook Home, a global home décor brand, today announced plans to establish operations in Berkeley County. The company’s $80 million investment will create 117 new jobs.
Founded in 2015, Sagebrook Home’s portfolio includes over 10,000 products including furniture, accessories, wall art, garden décor, lighting and more. The company is a leader in delivery, fulfillment and drop shipping to customers worldwide.
Located at 574 Trade Center Parkway in Summerville, Sagebrook Home’s Berkeley County facility will serve as a 500,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art distribution center for the company’s home décor and wholesale operations.
Operations are expected to be online in May 2022. Individuals interested in joining the Sagebrook Home team should visit the company’s contact page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.
QUOTES
“As Sagebrook Home continues to grow, the decision to distribute from both the East and West Coasts seemed a natural evolution. With the rising cost of shipping, there was no better time to add bicoastal distribution. This new distribution center gives us the opportunity to implement the latest in technology and keep Sagebrook Home a force in the HOME category.” -Sagebrook Home Co-CEO Justin Kachan
“With its proximity to Interstate 26, Interstate 95 and the Port of Charleston, Berkeley County is the ideal place for a business to get their product to marketplaces all over the world. Today’s announcement by Sagebrook Home is a testament to our strong logistics network that helps make South Carolina the ideal destination for businesses.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“Sagebrook Home’s decision to locate a new distribution facility in Berkeley County is reason to celebrate. This announcement speaks volumes to our state’s logistics advantages, infrastructure and business-friendly environment.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“SC Ports is thrilled to handle goods for Sagebrook’s first East Coast distribution center. This impressive home décor company will benefit from SC Ports’ creative supply chain solutions and expansive port infrastructure. Sagebrook’s new furniture distribution center builds on Charleston’s centrality to the furniture and home goods segment.” -SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome
“Berkeley County is proud to welcome Sagebrook Home to our community. Sagebrook Home’s $80 million investment will help provide more jobs and quality workforce opportunities for the hardworking people in our county. This industry commitment is proof that Berkeley County continues to shine as a bright beacon for industry growth.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb
FIVE FAST FACTS
· Sagebrook Home is establishing operations in Berkeley County.
· $80 million investment will create 117 new jobs.
· Sagebrook Home’s portfolio includes over 10,000 products including furniture, accessories, wall art, garden décor, lighting and more.
· Located at 574 Trade Center Parkway in Summerville, S.C.
· Individuals interested in joining the Sagebrook Home team should visit the company’s contact page.
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 Scientific, IFA, Thorne HealthTech, W International, Freeman Boatworks, Curtiss-Wright Steam & Air Solutions, Volvo 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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