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Not that this will really come as a surprise to anyone. It’s amazing how stagnant Columbia’s gdp growth was compared to the other metros in the state. It really shows where economic development efforts are focused. To have bigger gains in both Myrtle Beach and Spartanburg is absolutely shameful.
Don't forget about Florence and Sumter made gains as well which is somewhat surprising when compared to Columbia. Maybe it just cyclical..Even though it may be stagnant, the city "feels" like its doing well.
While you need to look at data like this over the course of several years to get an accurate picture of economic growth trends, I do think this one-year snapshot says a lot about SC's economic development priorities and which regions have more political clout. We have to also acknowledge that for the longest time, Columbia hasn't done much of anything to promote itself in any facet and has been content with its fixed status as state capital and home of USC. Progress has been made since the city/region has awakened from its slumber, but local leaders need to accept the reality and do as much as it can to market and promote the city themselves. It will be tough to do so without a lot of state support, but that doesn't mean progress can't be made. In terms of economic development, I think three of four areas where the city already shows signs of strength should be the focus; throw everything you've got in chasing down companies in those industries and nurturing homegrown firms. Don't even consider making manufacturing one of those areas because Columbia will always fall short to the Upstate and Charleston there, and the region will usually always get something due to SC's relatively small size and the state's intense focus on that sector.
While you need to look at data like this over the course of several years to get an accurate picture of economic growth trends, I do think this one-year snapshot says a lot about SC's economic development priorities and which regions have more political clout. We have to also acknowledge that for the longest time, Columbia hasn't done much of anything to promote itself in any facet and has been content with its fixed status as state capital and home of USC. Progress has been made since the city/region has awakened from its slumber, but local leaders need to accept the reality and do as much as it can to market and promote the city themselves. It will be tough to do so without a lot of state support, but that doesn't mean progress can't be made. In terms of economic development, I think three of four areas where the city already shows signs of strength should be the focus; throw everything you've got in chasing down companies in those industries and nurturing homegrown firms. Don't even consider making manufacturing one of those areas because Columbia will always fall short to the Upstate and Charleston there, and the region will usually always get something due to SC's relatively small size and the state's intense focus on that sector.
Insurance isn't a huge growth industry, but I wonder if the answer is to lobby hard for back office functions of insurance firms in the northeast. This was Charlotte's approach in banking and it's seemingly helped the city emerge as a national banking center.
I agree; insurance is an area where we have a lot of citizens with experience. We're primarily a white collar city. We also have a lot of law firms, so support services for them could be a growth industry.
Insurance isn't a huge growth industry, but I wonder if the answer is to lobby hard for back office functions of insurance firms in the northeast. This was Charlotte's approach in banking and it's seemingly helped the city emerge as a national banking center.
Charlotte's approach to banking was more acquisition-oriented but yes, I do agree with this strategy for Columbia and the insurance industry with is rather strong.
Looks like some manufacturing is about to start in Columbia, sure it's not Boeing or Volvo or BMW, but right now it's a 800,000 square foot facility and in 3 years it will double to 1.6 million square feet:
Jushi, founded 25 years ago, is headquartered in Zhejiang, China. It is the largest fiberglass manufacturer in the world. It has five factories in China, Egypt and now Richland County. And it’s growing like crazy, with new plants planned for Turkey and India.
Companywide gross sales are $1.45 billion. The Pineview plant will be the company’s first production facility in the United States, said Walker, an Englishman working for a Chinese company in South Carolina.
The facility will exclusively produce fiberglass rovings and chopped glass fiber for thermoplastics, Walker said. It will produce $110 million to $120 million in product each year. That’s 80,000 tons a year of the super-light fiberglass thread.
Workers will be paid from $15.25 an hour to $17.25 an hour, Walker said. The plant needs 400 workers now, and another 400 when the second phase is complete. The trouble has been finding them.
Looks like some manufacturing is about to start in Columbia, sure it's not Boeing or Volvo or BMW, but right now it's a 800,000 square foot facility and in 3 years it will double to 1.6 million square feet:
Jushi, founded 25 years ago, is headquartered in Zhejiang, China. It is the largest fiberglass manufacturer in the world. It has five factories in China, Egypt and now Richland County. And it’s growing like crazy, with new plants planned for Turkey and India.
Companywide gross sales are $1.45 billion. The Pineview plant will be the company’s first production facility in the United States, said Walker, an Englishman working for a Chinese company in South Carolina.
The facility will exclusively produce fiberglass rovings and chopped glass fiber for thermoplastics, Walker said. It will produce $110 million to $120 million in product each year. That’s 80,000 tons a year of the super-light fiberglass thread.
Workers will be paid from $15.25 an hour to $17.25 an hour, Walker said. The plant needs 400 workers now, and another 400 when the second phase is complete. The trouble has been finding them.
Wow.. that may spur additional development along 378 and the new Shop Road ext. That is the perfect area for industrial development given its access to 77 and 26 and its not directly impacting residential neighborhoods. Columbia-Richland need more blue collar/manufacturing jobs especially since this area has access to public transportation.. Lexington seems to have done well with recruitment but has less public transit options.. so I am glad Richland is finally getting on it. That said... transit may only benefit the early shift workers assuming any choose to use it.
Looks like some manufacturing is about to start in Columbia, sure it's not Boeing or Volvo or BMW, but right now it's a 800,000 square foot facility and in 3 years it will double to 1.6 million square feet:
Jushi, founded 25 years ago, is headquartered in Zhejiang, China. It is the largest fiberglass manufacturer in the world. It has five factories in China, Egypt and now Richland County. And it’s growing like crazy, with new plants planned for Turkey and India.
Companywide gross sales are $1.45 billion. The Pineview plant will be the company’s first production facility in the United States, said Walker, an Englishman working for a Chinese company in South Carolina.
The facility will exclusively produce fiberglass rovings and chopped glass fiber for thermoplastics, Walker said. It will produce $110 million to $120 million in product each year. That’s 80,000 tons a year of the super-light fiberglass thread.
Workers will be paid from $15.25 an hour to $17.25 an hour, Walker said. The plant needs 400 workers now, and another 400 when the second phase is complete. The trouble has been finding them.
Transportation is needed. and I think the COMET is looking to expand buses down through there. once a good transit line is reliably marketed through there day and night they can find those employees easily
Is Mack Home moving to Millwood Ave? I noticed a sign on a building on Millwood for Mack Home, and It looks like there was a Granger Owings sign on the old Mack space in Trenholm Plaza.
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