From The Director's Desk. Each summer we officially close out our fiscal year and take a moment to reflect on those investments made in our community, the job opportunities gained, and various other achievements that have highlighted the year. And, while 2020 has brought significant challenges and impacted communities across the globe, it is important to note that York County continues to fare well relative to these challenges.
At the close of our fiscal year in June, York County Economic Development had recognized 13 firms locating or expanding operations in the county, with plans to add over 1,230 new jobs and investment of over $900 million. Our population growth continues to rank as one of the highest in South Carolina and the Charlotte region. Earlier this year, unemployment remained below 3%, but quickly jumped to 12.5% and has since declined to 9% due to pandemic related closures. Even as the economy slowed, York County received good news with the June announcement of Ross Stores adding 700 new jobs and a $68 million investment in technology upgrades to their multiple distribution centers in the county.
While monitoring global and national trends in the economy is important, we know monitoring how our local economy is faring relative to benchmark communities is also imperative. For this reason, we have developed a new Quarterly Economic Indicator report. The report provides insights on current trends and the overall economic health of York County, especially compared to the Charlotte region.
Finally, as we continue to elevate and refine the approach to achieving our mission, we have found that keeping in close contact with local businesses has been particularly key over the last several months. Working in partnership with the SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership, we recently completed a survey on how our local manufacturers are handling the safety of their employees during the pandemic. The results were positive and reaffirming that we have some great local companies that aren’t taking employee safety for granted.
I hope that you enjoy the start to the fall season, and know that even during these challenging times, York County remains in the eyes of many -- The Location You Need. The Life You Want.
Sincerely,
– David Swenson, Director of York County Economic Development
Ross Stores, Inc. expanding distribution operations in York County
Ross Stores, Inc. (Ross), a leading off-price apparel and home fashion company in the United States, expands its distribution and warehousing operations in York County. The company's $68 million investment is projected to create 700 new jobs over a period of five years.
Founded in 1982, Ross offers high-quality name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear, home fashions and more at bargain prices. The company operates retail operations in over 1,800 locations across the United States and Guam.
"York County and the state of South Carolina have been a good place to do business for Ross for many years. We look forward to expanding and improving our distribution and packaging capabilities as we increase our presence in York County."
–Ross Stores, Inc. Senior Vice President Eric Johnson
York County Economic Indicators
York County Economic Development's first Economic Indicator report. This report is intended to provide insights on current trends and the overall economic health of York County compared to the surrounding region. Quarterly updates to this report can be found in each York County Economic Insight!
How York County, SC Industries are Handling Safety Amidst Virus
A recent survey completed by York County companies revealed how industries are handling the safety of their employees’ amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an effort to allow companies to collaborate and share how they have been handling processes within their facilities during the pandemic, the survey was distributed to over 40 manufacturing and distribution companies in York County prior to a recent (virtual) Safety Council meeting.
"It was a very informative conversation…and great to hear what other companies in the area are experiencing when opening back up in these unusual times."
– Mark Byrne Plant Manager, Coroplast Tape.
The Rise of the Remote Worker | How York County, SC Stacks Up
The rapid pace of technological advancements in recent years had already laid the ground work for the trend towards remote work, but the arrival of COVID-19 has actively propelled a trend in to what some say will be a permanent change to the workforce moving forward.
Featured Property in York County, SC | 605 Munn Road, Fort Mill, SC
Located in the heart of Fort Mill, SC, this unique, full building surrounded by amenities is available with an extensive employee base to pull from within the surrounding region. The 160,000 RSF office building has a 6.5/1000 parking ratio and is ideal for large users looking for a location that helps them capture, attract and retain talent.
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A New Member to the York County Economic Development Team
Kelly Reddecliff joined our team as Research Manager in late February and was quickly thrown into the world of Economic Development amidst a pandemic.
Hitting the pavement running, Kelly has already proved to be a huge asset to our team. With a background in commercial real estate research, her primary focus is to monitor trends and provide supporting data helpful in promoting York County. She will also assist with projects that provide crucial information to both assess and assist local businesses in York County, as well as the community as a whole.
"Here, I can utilize my research experience to clearly offer data that not only supports, but brings light to what makes York County unique and appealing for so many businesses."
– Kelly Reddecliff, Research Manager, York County Economic Development
