Gov. Nikki Haley, South Carolina Celebrate Over 50,000 New Jobs Since January 2011

COLUMBIA, SC – Governor Nikki Haley and state business leaders today responded to the news that South Carolina has announced over 50,000 new jobs since 2011. This benchmark was reached on the same week the governor joined state officials and company representatives from Giti Tire, The Lash Group, and LPL Financial for three economic development announcements that combined for a record-setting 7,100 new jobs and $800 million in capital investment. A total of 56,239 new jobs have been announced across the state since 2011.

“This is a great and historic week for South Carolina. Getting to the point where we can say that over 50,000 new jobs have been announced since 2011 didn’t happen overnight and has everything to do with the amazing and hardworking people who make up Team South Carolina,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “This is about bringing better opportunities to the people and families of our state – and that’s a real reason to celebrate.”

Today’s announcement comes after eleven consecutive months of the unemployment rate decreasing in South Carolina, most recently from 5.5 percent in March down to 5.3 percent in April. Since January 2011, the unemployment rate has dropped 5.2 percentage points. Additionally, 2,050,776 South Carolinians were employed in April – the highest level in the state’s history. 5.3 percent is the lowest level the rate has reached since June 2001.

“In her first four years leading our state, Governor Haley has changed the conversation and perception of South Carolina by making job creation and a better business climate her number one priority. Typically not a week goes by that we don’t see a company announce it is locating here or expanding in this state,” said Otis Rawl, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. “Other states now look to us as an example of how to recruit new businesses while taking care of the businesses we already have. That is because of Governor Nikki Haley’s leadership.”

“When Governor Haley took office she faced a daunting challenge – to reestablish South Carolina as the location of choice for companies looking to grow and succeed – and she has met that challenge time and time again,” said Lewis Gossett, president and CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. “Other states now know we are back in the game. Governor Haley understands that it’s her job to create an environment where the private sector can thrive and then she simply closes deals.”