www.lowcountryall iance.org

2 3www.lowcountryall iance.org2

The Lowcountry is widely known for its beauty. If you’ve spent any time

here, you’re surely familiar with our quaint, historic towns and roadways

draped with Spanish moss. You may even know a little about the strong mili-

tary presence in the area and that our economy has long been supported by

agriculture, small industry and tourism. But there’s more.

The Lowcountry is poised for growth and we’re going after it. Leaders

have identified specific industries that go hand in hand with the resources and

quality of life we have to offer. The Region is competitively positioning to

pursue business and industry in target clusters of health care and biomedical,

back office and information technology, light manufacturing, and logistics and

distribution.

In addition to the typical advantages companies look for when they expand

or locate to an area (low tax rate and affordable labor), the region also offers a

unique workforce pipeline that includes experienced exiting military person-

nel, skilled young professionals and Fortune 500 retirees who are looking for

their next venture. Our quality of place is second to none because we’ve set

our sights on smart growth and have preserved our natural resources, while

other growing communities have sacrificed them.

Now that you know a little more about the place and our people, now is

the time to visit the Lowcountry. We invite you to come and see for yourself

what this region has to offer.

Cover and Table of Contents Photos: Beaufort Chamber of Commerce

2 3www.lowcountryall iance.org

Right PlaceQuality of life and a growing economy makes the Lowcountry a good fit for business.

Right PeopleThe Lowcountry is populated with young, energetic and talented individuals with a diverse range of skills and training.

Right TimeTarget industries have been identified for which our region offers the ideal opportunity for economic growth.

4

8

12

Right PlaceThe Lowcountry offers more than 30 miles of Atlantic coastline, rivers and marshlands. It also

offers a flat terrain that provides an exceptional natural environment to live, work and play. The

region also is located between the ports and airports of Charleston and Savannah, Interstate

95 and the major East Coast rail corridor. Its quality of life coupled with a healthy and growing

economy makes the Lowcountry an attractive location for businesses seeking access to their

U.S. and worldwide customers, as well as a beautiful place to call home.

4

16

95

Beaufort

Hilton Head Island

Bluffton

Savannah

Opportunities abound in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The

area is one that is committed to responsible economic develop-

ment with one foot solidly planted in its history and culture

and the other ready to take a step forward to welcome new business and

industry.

This region is attractive in many ways, including its natural environ-

ment, geographic location, military presence, scenic beauty, visitor indus-

try, friendly residents, active retiree community, burgeoning entrepreneur-

ial climate, connectivity and location in the high performing Southeast.

The most southern portion of the region is home to renowned Hilton

Head Island, which has a strong economic base oriented toward active

retirement lifestyles. Of equal importance, the area is also home to thriv-

ing industries such as high-tech, back office operations, health care and

corporate headquarters.

The northern portion of the region is well suited for light manufac-

turing, back office operations, logistics centers and aviation suppliers.

Opportunities for general economic development are expanding rapidly

and new doors are opening.

Creating an Environment to Recruit IndustryIn addition to preserving the incredible natural assets of the region,

leaders also have created a rich environment to recruit industry. Aware

of the competition, the region offers low corporate income tax rates,

affordable labor and low-cost energy. Industrial property is readily avail-

able at a competitive price and innovation centers are popping up to aid

startup companies.

When you’re looking for a place to set up a new company, location

is always key. You’ll find the Lowcountry’s geographic location provides

lower cost shipping options for companies moving products globally

and across the U.S. Established railways and highways (I-95 and U.S.

Highway 17) provide easy access to the Port of Charleston and the Port

of Savannah. Our proximity to these transportation corridors, as well

as international airports in Charleston and Savannah, also connect the

Lowcountry with the rest of the nation.

In addition, policy makers are committed to ensuring the Lowcountry

is competitive and proactive when it comes to economic development

and long-term prosperity.

Daily nonstop service from Savannah Hilton Head International Airport:

American Airlines

Dallas/Fort Worth

Delta

AtlantaNY LaGuardiaDetroit

United

Chicago - O’HareHoustonNewarkWashington DC - Dulles

U.S. Airways

CharlotteWashington Reagan

CSXNorfolk So.

Railroad Key

Port of Charleston

Port of Savannah

Map/Ryan Wilcox

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6 7www.lowcountryall iance.org

The Lowcountry is home to many great businesses and our

region stands ready to help them grow and attract others. Stra-

tegic market targets have been established and we are gearing

up our workforce pipeline to service all of your business needs. Existing

building space and greenfield sites are available and competitively priced.

For more detailed information, go to www.lowcountryalliance.org. To

search available sites, go to http://lowcountry.binarybus.net/.

The following are examples of the types of space we have available,

as well as target companies already located here.

Available sitesBuckwalter Place is a 94-

acre knowledge-based, mixed-use,

new town development located in

Bluffton near Hilton Head Island.

The goal of Buckwalter Place is to

expand the economic base of the

Town of Bluffton and the region

by attracting knowledge-based

companies that produce primary,

high quality jobs.

The Beaufort Commerce Park (BCP) is 160-acres of greenfield

uplands well suited for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribu-

tion located in Beaufort, SC. The

Park is situated between the Ports

of Charleston and Savannah, and

within 20 miles of I-95, and central

in the coastal region to Boeing,

Gulf Stream, Savannah, and three

Military installations. The master

plan provides for upwards of one

million square feet of industrial/

warehouse and distribution space. BCP is fully equipped with onsite

utilities including, roads, electricity, natural gas, and a master storm

water system in addition to completed Phase I Analyses.

Existing industries CareCore National helps

large health insurance companies

manage their customers, provide

higher quality service, and keep

costs down. The company has

grown to over 400 employees in

the Lowcountry in just three years and is located in Buckwalter

Place. (Photo courtesy CareCore National)

Greenline Industries has been a

leading supplier of high-end marine

and architectural plywood for over

20 years. It operates a 60,000-square-

foot custom hardwood plywood and

HPL panel manufacturing facility

in Beaufort, as well as a facility in

Canada. Local employees produce 800-1,000 sheets of ply-

wood per day. (Photo courtesy Greenline Industries)

Parker Hannifin Corp. is a global leader in

filtration solutions. The company’s Racor Divi-

sion, which includes a facility in Beaufort, is the

most trusted name in the engine, mobile, marine

and stationary fuel filtration and water separation

industries. (Photo courtesy Parker Hannifin Corp.,

Racor Division, Beaufort, S.C.)

Vetronix Research Corp. is a

recognized leader in the rapid creation,

development and manufacturing of

rugged, electronic systems and com-

ponents for mission critical environ-

ments. In addition to the company

headquarters in Hilton Head, Vetro-

nix also has a facility in Michigan.

(Photo courtesy Vetronix Research Corp.)

Location ... Location ... Location ...

6 7www.lowcountryall iance.org

Beaufort Rail Trail.

(Renderings/Lawerence Group)

Top Right: Beaufort County Open

Land Trust has preserved nearly

17,000 acres.

Bottom Right: Oyster bed restora-

tion program. (S.C. Department

of Natural Resources)

Environmental compassThe Beaufort County region has always highly valued its natural

and historical assets. This value system is what provides our citizens

a tremendous sense of place and quality of life. Leaders have been

unwilling to compromise those assets preserving our area for quality

business development.

Businesses of today and the future know that their employees also

value quality in the community in which they live, work and raise a

family. We realize in this competitive investment environment that

businesses have choices in location and when they make that choice

to invest, they want quality and they want it for their employees too.

Shorter commute times, air quality, outdoor amenities and so much

more are what set the Beaufort region apart from all the others. This

is the Right Place for Business.

Alternate routeThe wheels are in motion to create a green corridor called the

Beaufort Rail Trail. This 20-mile long pedestrian and cycling trail will

eventually link Port Royal to the East Coast Greenway in Sheldon on

Highway 17. The first phase of this trail is a $2 million 2.1-mile section

that will parallel U.S. 21 and Ribaut Road in Beaufort. As each section

of the trail is complete, it will improve the quality of life and provide an

alternative mode of transportation to link people with jobs. The project

also provides opportunities for recreation and ecotourism businesses.

Hilton Head Island already has a vast network of more than 60 miles of

pedestrian and bike paths and plans are underway to upgrade the paths.

Land preservationProtecting the Lowcountry’s precious environment, ecosystem, rural

lands and historic properties has long been a high priority to county

leaders and citizens. In 1998, the county and a group of citizens formed

the Rural and Critical Lands Board to prioritize the protection of land

most at risk of development and conserve that land for citizens to

enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands and other

natural places, ensuring a livable community for generations to come.

Since that time, by using a combination of outright purchase, purchase

of development rights, and conservation easements, the Program has

preserved nearly 17,000 acres.

Right PeopleThe Lowcountry is a unique melting pot of talent, including young

entrepreneurs, professional families, experienced business owners, exiting

military veterans and retired executives. Your business needs good people

to impact the bottom line. Those people are already here and they want

to stay because of the quality of life this region affords. We know that

ultimately the Right People are what make your business successful.

Beaufort Shrimp Festival. (Photo/SCLRITC)

8

A little fresh airOutdoor enthusiasts can get

their fill of activities throughout

the year. The Lowcountry offers

opportunities for saltwater fish-

ing, freshwater fishing, kayaking,

birding, hunting, as well as golf,

tennis and more. Jasper County is

home to the Blue Heron Nature

Center and the Savannah Wildlife

Refuge, a protected environment

where you can catch a glimpse of

native wildlife ranging from ducks

to alligators. Jasper County’s Ser-

geant Jasper Park offers 132 acres

of trails, picnic areas and more.

Beaufort County boasts numer-

ous waterfront parks and beautiful

Hunting Island State Park, which

offers miles of trails and unspoiled

beaches.

Building a strong foundationEducation is an important topic in any region. After all, education is the

foundation for success, and making sure schools provide quality programs for

K-12 students, as well as opportunities for higher education, is a key factor in

attracting new businesses and new residents.

Two quality public school districts serve more than 23,500 students in the

Lowcountry region. Both districts, with 38 schools between them, received

an overall excellent growth/improvement rating from the state for the 2011

school year.

Private schooling is also available in both communities, as are oppor-

tunities for businesses to partner with schools to provide students a look

at “work in the real world.” These partnerships not only help build stron-

ger schools and students, but show the commitment between businesses,

schools and the community.

Higher education facilities for the area are provided by a branch of the

University of South Carolina in Beaufort, the Technical College of the

Lowcountry. Nearby Savannah Georgia is home to two four-year col-

leges. In addition to opportunities offered by the counties, the state of

South Carolina is prepared to address a workforce with specialized skills

through ReadySC, a statewide employment training resource that can be

easily implemented through the Technical College of the Lowcountry.

In your spare timeThere is always something going on in the Lowcountry. Festivals in

Beaufort abound, including the Beaufort Air Show, the Beaufort Shrimp

Festival, the water festival an international film festival and much more.

Jasper County also has several fun festivals each year, including the Bliz-

zard at the Blue Heron Trail, Taste of the Lowcountry-Jasper Style and the

annual Gopher Hill Festival.

Historic downtown Beaufort is the focal point for many of the area’s

festivals, historic and holiday tours, and the farmer’s market. Downtown also

is a “hot spot” to grab a bite to eat and listen to some music. Bay Street runs

along the Intra-Coastal Waterway and a variety of restaurants back up to the

water offering a direct view of the sailboats and shrimp boats floating by. In

addition to restaurants, there are plenty of places to shop, as well as art galler-

ies to browse.

Top: Lighthouse on Hunting Island.

Bottom: Kayakers. (Photo/Beaufort

Chamber of Commerce).

Bluffton Farmer’s Market. (Photo/SCLRITC)

Beaufort Shrimp Festival. (Photo/SCLRITC)Great dining is available at the areas many

restaurants. (Photo/Ryan Wilcox)

9www.lowcountryall iance.org

Quality education equals a quality workforce

In addition to quality K-12 programs, opportunities for higher educa-

tion is key to attracting new businesses and new residents. Lowcountry

leaders want our students to have the opportunity for careers that align

with jobs here in the Lowcountry. They are listening to the business com-

munity and working tirelessly to make sure our education programs are

aligned with the future needs of our businesses.

University of South Carolina – BeaufortUSC-Beaufort offers baccalaureate degrees and continuing education

programs at its campuses in Beaufort and Bluffton. One of its offerings

is a B.S. in Computational

Science, considered to

be one of the five college

majors on the rise and one

that’s central to the nation’s

long-term technical leader-

ship. Corporate organiza-

tions and government and

nonprofit institutions employ

graduates of Computational

Science programs, including AT&T, Boeing, IBM, Lockheed Martin,

Aerospace Corp., the U.S. Dept. of Energy and many others.

Don Ryan Center for InnovationIn a world of innovation, the better the idea, the faster you need to get

it to market. The Don Ryan Center for Innovation in Bluffton offers an

incubator program that provides the resources entrepreneurs, inventors

and small business people need to make their vision a reality. The center is

a public-private partnership with the support of Clemson University.

Technical College of the LowcountryThe Technical College of the Lowcountry is one of 16 public two-year

technical colleges in South Carolina. It serves Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton

and Jasper counties. TCL offers four programs of study, including arts and

sciences, business technology, industrial technology and health sciences.

Workforce pipelineCompanies settling in the Lowcountry can pull from a reliable available

workforce, as well as access programs created to ensure the workforce is

trained to meet a company’s exact needs.

Advantages in the Lowcountry include: • University of South Carolina - Beaufort.

• Technical College of the Lowcountry.

• A high-level of uniquely skilled retirees returning to the workforce.

• Steady supply of transitioning military and military spouses fueling

the workforce.

• Collaborative pipeline programs and transfer agreements across

K-12, Technical College and USC-B.

• Early college programs and career academies across the region.

• ReadySC.

• Lowcountry lifestyle makes recruiting employees easy.

Students in front of the Hargray Building on the University

of South Carolina – Beaufort campus. (Photo/USCB)

TWEACThe Lowcountry region has always had the greatest admiration and

respect for the men and women that serve our country and populate our

bases. Now as some of them transition out into the civilian world we want

to make sure we honor their value to us and to the business community

with a full service transition program.

Transitional Workforce Educational Assistance Collaboration (TWE-

AC) is a multidisciplinary team of stakeholders from government, educa-

tion, industry and the military. The purpose of this team is access, recruit,

and train exiting military personnel for transition into private job op-

portunities. While there is an immediate and direct link with

their skills sets to the aeronautics industry, this

labor pool is also very attractive to many

other high skill manufacturers.

10

Aerospace A prepared workforce

With the resurgence of manufacturing to the U.S. and South Carolina,

the Lowcountry is poised to serve as a base for these operations. The

Lowcountry has a particular interest in the aerospace industry for several

reasons. First, Beaufort has long been a military community, as its home to

the Marine Corps Air Station, Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot

and the Navy Hospital. Second, the region also is home to a tremendous

workforce pool. The skills our exiting military possess are tremendous,

including security clearance, aeronautics skills, and reliability and produc-

tivity like none other.

With Gulfstream in Savannah and Boeing in Charleston, the Southeast

is becoming a global hub for advanced aerospace manufacturing, materials

and components. The Lowcountry is a great place for suppliers of all sizes,

as well as defense contractors, to come be a more integrated part of the

supply chain and to tap into the existing labor force.

Cpl. Jeffery Ruff, a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 533 aviation

electrician, is among the many skilled personnel who stand ready to fuel the workforce pipeline when they exit the military. (Photo/U.S. Marine Corps.)

Aerospace related workforce in the transitioning Military

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Emory-Riddle University is sponsoring two college-level courses at Battery Creek High

School this year. Students who take the courses will learn about aviation careers, flying and

aviation operations.

1 1www.lowcountryall iance.org

Right TimeThe groundwork is complete and now is the right time to merge the Lowcountry’s

assets with the needs of growing business and industry. Right now there is a

resurgence of investment in manufacturing back to the U.S. and into South Carolina.

At the same time, the Lowcountry has lower-cost property to offer manufacturers,

and other industries, on which to build their manufacturing centers. Business

investment is returning and our timing could not be better. We have the right place

and the right people, and we’ve identified target industries for which our region

offers the ideal opportunity for economic growth at the Right Time.

Photo/SCLRITC

12

Target Clusters

Healthcare & BiomedicalThis sector includes both health care service providers and

biosciences research and manufacturing (equipment, devices, and pharmaceuticals). Health care and biomedical industries are clearly

complementary, as they benefit from being located in close proximity. Niche targets include research and development, records

management, medical-related back office and regional headquarters.

Light Manufacturing Light Manufacturing is a broad category that includes the assembly

and manufacture of light components, materials and equipment that supply larger end-use original equipment manufacturers. The aero-space industry provides some of the best examples in this category. Niche targets include assembly and kitting, military vehicle compo-

nents, aircraft and aerospace components and training and green products.

Logistics & DistributionThis cluster includes freight carriers (sea, air, rail and trucking), warehousing, materials handling and logistics. The industry is a

complex network of freight-forwarders, shipping companies, and logistics consultants. The Lowcountry has direct access to railways, highways, two ports and two international airports. Niche targets

include warehousing facilities, military vehicle components, aircraft / aerospace components and training, and logistics management.

The Lowcountry Economic Alliance recently completed three economic devel-

opment studies, the results of which clearly outlined the region’s strengths and

assets, as well as four industry clusters for which this region is the “right fit.”

Back Office & Information TechnologyBack Office encompasses operations such as call centers, technical support, processing facilities and data centers. Information Tech-nology is an important backbone to any industry. It is particularly important to a region’s ability to support back office operations.

Niche targets include IT and technical services, records management, medical-related back office and regional headquarters.

13www.lowcountryall iance.org

Recent Investments Here is a snapshot of the Lowcountry’s recent investments.

New businessBe Green Packaging announced

a new facility in Jasper County. With

a $7.3 million investment, the com-

pany expects to create at least 175

new jobs over the next few years. Be

Green Packaging manufactures and

distributes consumer, tree-free and

food-grade compostable packaging.

ExpansionCareCore National recently

completed a $4.4 million expan-

sion to establish its Bluffton facility

as its national headquarters. The

expansion is expected to generate

up to 125 new jobs.

LowCountry Biomass an-

nounced in 2012 it would invest

$16 million into its existing plant in

Jasper County and add 26 new jobs.

LowCountry Biomass manufac-

tures wood pellets.

Start-upDuer High Performance Com-

posites opened a 15,000-square-

foot manufacturing facility in the

Hardeeville Industrial Park. Duer

manufactures composite compo-

nents serving the Department of

Defense, marine, medical, industrial,

transportation and automotive

industries. It plans to employ 10

workers in the first year.

InnovationThe Don Ryan Center for

Innovation is a Bluffton incubator

that provides entrepreneurs, in-

novators and small business people

the resources they need to help

their business succeed. The center

offers start-ups office space and

resources, and it links participants

to intellectual property, technology

evaluation, product development

services, seed financing, business

mentorships, corporate relation-

ships and hands-on consulting sup-

port. The center is a public-private

partnership with the support of

Clemson University.

Re-investmentHilton Head Island is a major

destination for tourists. As such,

several hotels and resorts are

embarking on multi-million dollar

projects to improve and expand

existing facilities.

Photo/Be Green Packaging

Photo/Daniel Defense Inc.

14

Daniel Defense Inc. established

a new manufacturing facility in

Jasper County in 2012. The company

engineers and manufactures parts,

accessories and rifles for military

small arms. Daniel Defense invested

more than $5.3 million to up-fit an

existing facility in Jasper County and

is on target to create 100 new jobs.

The Inn at Harbour Town

recently completed a multi-million

dollar renovation of all its guest

rooms, common areas and meet-

ing space. The Beach House, a

Holiday Inn Resort, also recently

completed a multi-million dollar

revitalization, which resulted in the

Photo/Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa

Photo/The Inn at Harbour Town

facility’s status being upgraded to

the new boutique family of hotels

known as The Beach House.

Several other establishments

are following suit, as The Sonesta

Resort Hilton Head Island, The

Westin Hilton Head Resort &

Spa, Omni Hilton Head Ocean-

front Resort, Sea Pines, and

Hilton Head Marriott Resort

and Spa have all announced plans

to upgrade facilities amounting in

tens of millions of dollars worth of

upgrades.

Other Hilton Head Island im-

provements include a $13 million

investment by the town to convert

the existing enclosed Coligny Mall

Want more info?We love it here, our existing companies love it here, and you will too. Want to know more?

Visit www.lowcountryalliance.org or call us at 843.470.3502.

15www.lowcountryall iance.org

into an open-air mixed-use devel-

opment containing retail, restau-

rant and residential components, as

well as a community park.

The town of Hilton Head

Island also has announced plans

to redevelop Shelter Cove Mall.

The plan includes a lifestyle shop-

ping and dining facility as well as

residential and waterfront redevel-

opment of the Shelter Cove Park

area. The retail center would be

anchored by the two existing Belk

stores. The remaining commer-

cial space would be redeveloped

to include a Kroger grocery store

plus a mix of retail, restaurant and

shops. The proposed residential use

includes apartments.

Show of supportRBC Bank and Boeing will

invest more than $25 million over

the next five years in what’s now

known as the RBC Heritage, a

major golf tournament that’s been

played on Hilton Head Island since

1969. However, the tournament

is more than just a round of golf

at Harbour Town Golf Links.

The tournament is transmitted

around the globe and the exposure

translates into a stream of tourism

and sales that fuels the economics

of the Lowcountry and the entire

state of South Carolina. A 2010

Clemson Economic Impact Study

said the tournament infuses $81

million into the state each and

every year.

S.C. a Leader in Manufacturing Renaissance

South Carolina is a leader in the manufacturing renaissance

with nearly 27,000 jobs announced and $7.7 billion in investments

made since January 2011. The announcements include both new

industry and expansion of existing industry.

Companies including Continental Tire, Bridgestone, Michelin

and BMW call South Carolina home. So does Boeing, which

recently delivered a newly built, made-in-South Carolina 787

to its first international customer. South Carolina is bringing

manufacturing back and making way for a solid middle class with

thriving communities able to hire new generations of talented

people.

Manufacturing activity remains high. Since mid-2011, South

Carolina has experienced a 15% increase in new projects month-

over-month and that level has essentially remained throughout

2012. From January to July of 2010, S.C. was average 34 new

projects a month. We’re now averaging 43 per month.

16 PBwww.lowcountryall iance.org

Designed & Published by:

www.scbiznews.com

Photography provided by: Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, S.C. Lowcountry & Resort Islands

Tourism Commission, U.S. Marine Corps.

University of South Carolina-Beaufort

Phone: 843.470.3502 • Fax: 843.525.7013www.lowcountryalliance.org

The Lowcountry is a special place. Its climate, water access, beach ac-

cess, and salt water life-style is like nowhere else you will ever visit or live.

Many people dream to retire here or at the very least slow down for a

vacation. Why not bring your business here too? No person or business

should miss out on this location; local leadership is aggressively taking the

steps to make that possible.

Right PlaceThe Lowcountry is the ideal location for business and industry. With

locational proximity between the Ports of Charleston and Savannah, giv-

ing customers the option of two viable Ports for shipping and receiving,

and access to major transportation corridors and railways, movement of

goods and products within our region rivals those in other parts of the

nation.

Right PeopleHaving long valued its military, Beaufortonians embrace the “sound

of freedom” and the investment that comes with it. With impassioned

leadership leading the effort, Beaufort was awarded the basing of the F-35

Joint Strike Fighter bringing with it operational and training squadrons.

Anchored by its three major military installations; Beaufort is a proud

military community and home to a tremendous workforce pool. We

know the value of this pool to industry and see this workforce as our

competitive game changer for economic development in our region and

around our state.

Right TimeProspective business and industry from around the world know the

State of South Carolina. South Carolina has made a name for itself in

its competitive ability to bring quality jobs to our state. We want you

to know Beaufort and the Lowcountry too. Our region stands ready to

compete for your business.

The Right Place, Right People, Right Time is right here.