Sanford Addresses South Carolina's Economic Future

Governor Mark Sanford today commented on the growing number of encouraging economic signs seen across South Carolina.

"With yesterday's stock market violence and today's national jobs numbers, I believe the American economy stands at the edge of relapse into financial turmoil," said Gov. Sanford. "This again makes getting our own financial house, and economy, in order that much more important. On the economy front, there are encouraging signs as South Carolina is pointed in the right direction with regard to jobs and investment. Indeed, the hardworking people across this state deserve much of the credit for beginning this process of getting back on sound financial footing.

"Our state Commerce Department also deserves recognition, as Joe Taylor and his team have stepped up to the plate and found success in the midst of a very challenging economy. So while there is much left to be done, I think it's worthwhile to point out some good economic news that has come as a result of the Commerce team, legislative initiative, and local and private sector efforts.

"Did you know that South Carolina actually led the entire Southeast with over 18,000 jobs recruited in 2009 and was ranked fourth nationally by IBM? Did you know we've welcomed four 1,000 plus job announcements in the last few months, and more are expected soon? Did you know Boeing's decision to land in North Charleston last fall marked the largest economic development announcement in state history and was named the "Deal of the Year" by Business Facilities magazine? Did you also know that we've made strides in rural economic development including six project announcements in Hampton, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell Counties totaling 1,139 new jobs? And finally, did you know that we've expanded our state's QuickJobs training program, led the nation by certifying over 100,000 South Carolinians for Career Readiness, and graduated 94% of our Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG-SC) students, easily besting the national standard?

"These efforts are garnering national attention, with an upcoming Fortune magazine cover story featuring the massive cross-investment and economic relationship between South Carolina and China. Chinese companies have already invested roughly $280 million and created more than 1,200 jobs in South Carolina, statistics that speak volumes in today's increasingly competitive global marketplace. On the international front and here domestically, I'd again give real credit to Joe and the Commerce Department, state leaders, and those involved statewide as we continue our pursuit of jobs, capital and way of life.

"Still, there is much left to do to make our state the best possible place to live, work and raise a family. For instance, we've got to start better connecting unemployed South Carolinians with open jobs using our new, more accountable Department of Employment and Workforce. We also have to make the legislative decisions necessary to continue improving our state's business climate - and that means keeping taxes and government fees low, as well as things like creating a Department of Administration and tort reform."