FLORENCE – The North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) announced its member counties had a record $857 million in capital investment in 2017 during its 2018 Annual Meeting on Monday, Feb. 12 at Carolina’s Hospital Systems Floyd Conference Center.
NESA, a regional economic development organization, also announced nearly 2,300 jobs were created as a result of this investment, which is the second highest on record for the region. In all, seven new companies located in the region and eight existing industries expanded their operations.
NESA represents nine counties including Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Horry, Georgetown, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg.
NESA Executive Committee Chairman, S.C. Senator Luke Rankin said the regions 2017 success is a reflection on the collaborative efforts of all of NESA’s member counties. “Working together as one region continues to be very fruitful,” Rankin said. “2017 was a great year with record numbers, but we are not satisfied. Together we will continue working hard to create job opportunities for the people of the NESA region.”
Activity in the region also saw a boost in 2017.
Doug Jennings, a member of the NESA Executive Committee, said although many factors need to be considered for the regions increase in activity, one major contributor is Inland Port Dillon.
“It will forever change the region and will generate business opportunities that we have not previously seen,” Jennings said. “And for all of those who still believe this project isn’t happening, let me be the first to assure you that it is coming, and it will be a gamechanger for our region.”
The South Carolina Port’s Authority announced in April 2017 they would be constructing their second inland port facility in Dillon County. Construction is expected to be completed in April 2018.
Moving forward, NESA expects 2018 to be another active year for the region.
“With our supporters continued help, we can make 2018 another banner year for the NESA region,” Jennings said.
Joseph Von Nessen, a research economist with the University of South Carolina, also presented during the meeting. He spoke on trends in the economy nationally, statewide and for the NESA region.
Nessen said he expects to see the region continue to have employment growth and therefore a drop in the unemployment rate.