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 or 843-719-4096. @yralccm.yeroc
For more information on the Brownfield Grant Program, visit berkeleymeansbusiness.com/brownfield.
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-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
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:
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 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.
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. |
This past June witnessed the first-ever Tri-County STEMersion Student Camp, sponsored by Google. The unique pilot program is designed to advance hands-on stem skills and introduce rising 9th and 10th graders to local career opportunities. Berkeley County Economic Development Workforce Development Manager, Corey McClary, served as the camp administrator with educational partner, ECPI University.
Tri-County STEMersion 2023 marks six years of this two-week, unique hands-on institute for middle and high school instructors and counselors in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties in South Carolina. This collaborative program is presented by the economic development offices in Berkeley, Dorchester County and Charleston counties, along with the SC Department of Commerce and four school districts in the region.
The STEMersion Institute provides an opportunity for select teachers to interface with the region’s leading employers to develop high-impact, meaningful, and thought provoking lessons for their students. Educators accepted the into program spend time under the hood of region’s top manufacturing facilities to experience the practical use of formulas, theories and/or concepts necessary for success. Educators also participate in workplace simulations and lesson writing activities that reinforce why math, science and soft skills are so critical to the Tri-County region’s workforce and economic growth. Participants in the STEMersion Institute serve as the critical connection point between industry and the classroom. Their participation helps to enrich and ensure the bright future of their students and the region’s future workforce. Learn more at
MEDIA COVERAGE HERE:
LINKS:
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-