Berkeley County Economic Development will host its annual Industry Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Dean Hall at Cypress Gardens, located at 3030 Cypress Gardens Road in Moncks Corner. More than two dozen industry partners are invited.
Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the program will start promptly at 12 p.m. A full lunch buffet will be provided.
South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce Director, William H. Floyd III, will speak on meeting the needs and challenges of the changing workforce. Trident Technical College Dean of Manufacturing and Maintenance, Robert W. Elliott, Jr. will speak on the Future Ready Workforce Program with Berkeley County School District.
Please RSVP by May 1 to vog.csytnuocyelekreb@yesmaR.leahciM.
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Thursday, April 10, 2025) – Berkeley County Economic Development, in partnership with SC Works Trident, is hosting a Workforce Career Expo on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Berkeley County Administration Building, located at 1003 Highway 52 in Moncks Corner.
While this event is meant to offer employment opportunities to military Transition Assistance Program (TAP) participants, their spouses, and individuals impacted by federal layoffs, it is FREE and open to the public. Anyone seeking a job or career change may attend.
Several employers from Berkeley County’s industrial sector and other organizations from various career fields around the Tri-County region will be on hand to meet with potential employees.
Please bring an updated copy of your resume and be prepared to interview on the spot.
For more information and an ongoing list of employers, go HERE.
For questions, please contact Corey McClary, Berkeley County Workforce Development Manager, at vog.csytnuocyelekreb@yralccm.yeroc.
###
-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-
Congratulations to four different Berkeley County-based manufacturing companies on being recognized by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) for their “exceptional workplace safety performance” in 2024. They include the following industrial facilities, out of 105 across the state: Volvo Cars US Operations; Agfa Materials Corporation; Celanese Polymer Products, LLC; Nucor Steel Berkeley; and Cooper River Partners & Hydera,
LLC.
To earn an SCMA Safety Award, plants had to achieve an incident rate below the statewide average for their NAICS code.
To view the full list of award recipients, go here. To view the full release from the SCMA, go here.
MONCKS CORNER, SC (Friday, March 7, 2025) – Berkeley County Economic Development is set to host an Executive Roundable Event for CEOs, CFOs, Supply Chain Leaders, and Senior Tax Personnel on Thursday, March 27 at the Lowcountry Conference Center, located at 406 Sigma Drive in Summerville (Nexton).
This will be a unique opportunity to engage with peers and industry experts as we explore the potential impacts of a Trump administration on business operations and strategy. Come learn how to prepare your organization for the future with insights and strategies tailored for today’s business leaders. Discussion will be led by David Zaiken, Director of International and Corporate Tax Technical Leader with WebsterRogers, LLP.
Please RSVP by emailing vog.csytnuocyelekreb@yesmaR.leahciM.
(from SC Commerce) COLUMBIA, S.C. – HII(NYSE: HII), a global defense provider, announced it selects Berkeley County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation through the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of W International SC, LLC and Vivid Empire SC, LLC (collectively, “W International”), a South Carolina-based complex metal fabricator specializing in the manufacture of shipbuilding structures, modules and assemblies. Through its investment, HII anticipates creating over 250 new jobs.
Headquartered in Virginia, HII manufactures naval ships and defense technology solutions for customers including the U.S. Navy. The company has over 135 years of experience and currently has 44,000 employees nationwide.
In connection with the transaction, which was completed on Jan. 22, 2025, HII will invest in new equipment as well as retrofit the acquired facility, located at 2040 Bushy Park Road in Goose Creek, to meet HII’s manufacturing requirements. The renovated facility will operate within HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division and serve as a manufacturing center in support of Virginia-class, Columbia-class and aircraft carrier programs.
Operations will remain ongoing. Individuals interested in joining the HII team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $750,000 Set-Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with the costs of building improvements.
“HII is committed to going where the labor is to increase capacity and increase throughput for our national security customers. This transaction is a win-win with our new partners in South Carolina – we’re excited to bring work and grow jobs. This lets us efficiently add trained talent and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities to the urgent job of building ships, making it a unique opportunity to immediately accelerate throughput at Newport News Shipbuilding in support of the Navy and AUKUS.” -HII President and CEO Chris Kastner
“HII establishing operations in Berkeley County further solidifies South Carolina’s reputation as the ideal location for advanced manufacturing. The more than 250 anticipated new jobs this investment will bring is proof that manufacturing companies of all types recognize the benefits of doing business in our state.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
FIVE FAST FACTS:
Individuals interested in joining the HII team should visit the company’s careers page.
HII selects Berkeley County to establish the company’s first South Carolina shipbuilding operation.
The company anticipates creating over 250 new jobs through its investment.
HII is a global defense provider.
The acquired facility is located at 2040 Bushy Park Road in Goose Creek, S.C.
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Tuesday, October 1, 2024) – Berkeley County is pursuing an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup Grant for the former St. Stephen High School property that closed to the public in 1996 and is located at 1266 Russellville Road in St. Stephen.
The County plans to submit an EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application in November 2024 to apply for funding to remove hazardous materials and/or petroleum products identified at the property. Prior to submitting the grant, the County is encouraging community members to review and comment on the draft application which includes draft Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) online at https://berkeleymeansbusiness.com/brownfield/ beginning October 15, 2024, for public review and comment.
This initiative is part of a larger Brownfield Grant Program the County commenced in 2022 when County Council approved a $500,000 EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant to fund a large-scale revitalization initiative in the St. Stephen area. Part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfield Community Wide Assessment Grant Program, the EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant is helping fund
environmental assessments on certain properties throughout St. Stephen—including the former St. Stephen High School property.
“We are eager to see our revitalization efforts in the St. Stephen area continue to advance and know this EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant will be another critical step in our vision to grow vital opportunities and improve quality of life for all who live and work there. Through solid and supportive partnerships with Terracon, the Asiko Group, and Town of St. Stephen, we have a team of skilled and like-minded individuals passionately working toward the preservation of St. Stephen’s unique landmarks and community members’ enduring success.” -Corey McClary, Berkeley County Workforce Development Manager
The EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant identified the former high school as a potential site for redevelopment in the area with a goal to provide more job opportunities and other quality of life resources for the community.
Over the last two years, community engagement has been a critical part of the EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant, including the establishment of the Brownfield Steering Committee, an 11-member team of local residents. This group directs the County in the assessment of properties and establishing goals and outcomes of the grant process.
A community meeting on the new EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant is set for Tuesday, October 29 at 6 p.m. at St. Stephen Elementary School, located at 1053 Russellville Road, St. Stephen. The meeting will be a time for the public to review and comment on the draft grant application and ABCA in person and provide public comment.
Should you need assistance accessing the grant or if you are unable to attend the public meeting or wish to submit public comments, please contact Corey McClary, Workforce Development Manager for Berkeley County Economic Development, at vog.csytnuocyelekreb@yralccm.yeroc or 843-719-4096.
For more information on the Brownfield Grant Program, visit berkeleymeansbusiness.com/brownfield.
###
-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Google today announced plans to grow its South Carolina footprint by establishing two new data center campuses in Dorchester County and expanding its existing data center campus in Berkeley County. The company’s combined investment of $3.3 billion will create hundreds of new jobs across both counties.
Data centers support the company’s digital services including Google Cloud, Search and Maps. These tools have become an essential part of daily life, molding Google into a global brand with 17 operational data center campuses in the U.S.
The new Dorchester County facilities, located in the Pine Hill Business Campus in Ridgeville and Winding Woods Commerce Park in St. George, represent a $2 billion investment and will create 200 new operational jobs. The facilities will support growing demand for the company’s cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI).
In Berkeley County, Google will invest $1.3 billion to expand its existing data center campus, located in the Mount Holly Commerce Park in Moncks Corner, and support continued job growth. Established in 2007, the Berkeley County operation was the company’s first in South Carolina.
Individuals interested in joining the Google team should visit the company’s careers page.
“Today marks a significant milestone in Google’s collaboration with South Carolina. Our continued investment is a testament to the state’s exceptional workforce and thriving business environment. Google data centers are the backbone of digital services that underpin our modern lives, along with tech innovation like AI. We’re grateful for the collaboration with leaders in the state to not only grow our digital infrastructure here but contribute to this thriving community.” -Google Global Vice President of Cloud Supply Chain and Operations Monique Picou
“Google’s latest investment will strengthen South Carolina’s position as an emerging leader in technology and innovation. We are proud to support Google’s operations in Dorchester and Berkeley counties and look forward to the many opportunities our continued partnership will create for our people.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“We are thrilled Google has once again chosen to invest in South Carolina by establishing two new data center campuses in our state and expanding existing operations. The company’s significant investment of $3.3 billion will greatly benefit the Dorchester and Berkeley communities and beyond for years to come.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“We welcome Google’s historic investment in Dorchester County and the transformative economic opportunities it will bring. This project will have a lasting positive impact on our county, providing new jobs, elevating our schools, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Google’s proven track record of empowering local workforces and strengthening communities, including right here in the Lowcountry, makes them an invaluable partner for our region, and we are excited to work with them to build a brighter future for Dorchester County together.” -Dorchester County Council Chair Todd Friddle
“Google’s growing footprint in the Lowcountry is indicative of the company’s successful partnership with the counties in our region. Over the years, Google has brought critical capital investment and job opportunities to our communities; and we look forward to seeing how expansions, both in Berkeley and Dorchester counties, positively impact our area.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Individuals interested in joining the Google team should visit the company’s careers page.
- Google is growing its South Carolina footprint with new operations in Dorchester County and an expansion in Berkeley County.
- The company’s combined investment of $3.3 billion will create hundreds of new jobs across both counties.
- The expansion will support growing demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence.
- Google’s two new data center campuses will be located in the Pine Hill Business Campus in Ridgeville, S.C. and the Winding Woods Commerce Park in St. George, S.C. The existing data center campus is located in the Mount Holly Commerce Park in Moncks Corner, S.C.
A number of local industries and businesses are attending a Workforce Career Fair on Wednesday, September 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Berkeley County Administration Building, located at 1003 Highway 52 in Moncks Corner.
To view a list of participating organizations, go HERE (this list is continually being updated.). They range from healthcare and law enforcement to manufacturing, government, automotive, and aerospace sectors, among others.
This event, and others like it across the Tri-County, are being put on in partnership with SC Works Trident and the SC Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) in recognition of September as Workforce Development Month across the state. Other events include:
- Sept. 10– Trident Public Service Career Fair
- Sept. 18 – Dorchester Workforce Career Fair
- Sept. 25– Charleston Workforce Career Fair
Interested individuals are encouarged to come out and attend one or more of these events, whether seeking employment or a career change. Bring an updated resume and be prepared to interview on the spot.
On Thursday, May 2, 2024, Berkeley County Economic Development hosted its annual Industry Luncheon at Dean Hall at Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner. More than two dozen industry partners gathered to learn more about a new workforce initiative pilot program Berkeley County School District is spearheading called “Future Ready.”
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon served as the keynote speaker. Corey McClary, Workforce Development Manager for Berkeley County Economic Development, also spoke. County Economic Development Director, John O. Williams, served as emcee.
The “Future Ready” program is a collaborative effort to prepare local youth for the workforce in the area’s thriving industrial sector. Learn more HERE.
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. |
