LCDC Annual Meeting and New Vision for Laurens County

2020 is in the rearview mirror and the Laurens County Development Corporation (LCDC) provided a snapshot of progress and challenges in the face of COVID-19 at their annual meeting.  The meeting was held on Tuesday, January 19^th via live stream.

Jonathan Coleman, President and CEO of the LCDC led the meeting. In his opening remarks he recognized the 2021-2022 Executive Committee which includes:

• John Young, Chairman (Laurens CPW)
• Steve West, Vice Chairman (Duke Energy)
• Randy Garrett, Past Chairman (Laurens Electric Cooperative)
• Brown Patterson, Secretary (Laurens County Council)
• Shawn Bell, Treasurer (City of Fountain Inn)

Also acknowledged was the 2021 Board of Directors comprised of:

• Justin Benfield – Prisma Health, Laurens County Memorial Hospital
• Bill Ed Cannon – City of Clinton
• Jimmy Capps – Clinton-Newberry Natural Gas Authority
• Rusty Denning – Piedmont Technical College
• Jeff Field – Laurens County Water & Sewer Commission
• Mayor Stellartean Jones – Town of Gray Court
• Randy Lis – Piedmont Rural Telephone Company
• Amanda Munyan – Laurens County Chamber of Commerce
• David O’Shields – Laurens County School District 56
• Ameca Thomas – Laurens County School District 55
• Mayor Nathan Senn – City of Laurens
• David Tribble – Laurens County Council

In his virtual presentation, Coleman reviewed some metrics that are used each year to assess progress.

“2020 brought challenges no one could have imagined,” said Coleman.  “Despite the impact of COVID-19 we have managed to continue to push forward for progress and innovation in Laurens County.”

Coleman reviewed many statistics used to measure success and growth.  He reported that

Requests for Information (RFIs) was steady with that of 2019 and 2018. In another slide (see below) Coleman reported that five companies provided 200 jobs and a total of $56,970,000 in capital investments in the county. This jobs number is higher than the past four years. Wages continued to rise with the average hourly rate being $17.72 from $17.31 previously.

COVID-19 Impact on Industry:

Unemployment numbers are higher than normal but as expected due to the impacts of COVID-19. In March of 2020 the unemployment rate for Laurens County was 3.1 (down from 3.2 in 2019) and then the shutdown occurred.  The unemployment rate rose to 14 percent and closed the year at 7.1 percent.  It was also noted that it continues to decline and is currently at 4.2 percent. Several companies are hiring, and job growth and hiring is expected to continue.

Laurens County businesses and industry leaders modified production to support the needs of the local community and the country by producing much needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE).  Local companies working in this effort include Renfro, Norbord, ZF, Jostens, and Fibertex Nonwovens.

Prime Space Available in Laurens County:

Coleman reported that the County has three prime buildings available in the county. The Connexial Center Spec Building in Gray Court, the Clinton spec building, and 101 Michelin Road in Laurens.

Moving Forward:

At the conclusion of his report, Coleman introduced Jennifer Vernon, Manager of Economic Development Advisory Services at Ernst & Young LLP.  Vernon provided an update on the Laurens County Economic Development Strategy that has been in process since October 2019.

Since the launch they have engaged in many levels of discovery including focus groups, interviews (personal and small group), community surveys and workshops with community leaders.

In her remarks Vernon reviewed some key economic metrics which included:

• 20% of Laurens County residents were in poverty
• 70% of residents work outside of Laurens County
• Nearly 30% of possible workers were not in the workforce
• Population growth was stagnant

She also reported that the group and individual interviews revealed that while many in the community are aware of the efforts to improve the County, many others do not have the same positive opinion.

But there was good news.  Vernon spoke of a new vision for economic development – “Laurens County is building a future of shared economic prosperity, rich in livability and business opportunity.”

To achieve this vision the LCDC will work on a series of strategic priorities which include:

• Continued efforts in business attraction, retention & expansion – automotive, engineering materials, food manufacturing, and biomedical
• Awareness for current and future infrastructure needs
• Expanded awareness for career opportunities in Laurens County with focused efforts to increase workforce participation
• Coordinated efforts to inspire a greater sense of community pride
• Greater collaboration throughout the community

Vernon emphasized the need to bring members of all communities in the County together to work in a unified manner for the overall betterment of the County.  She recommended increased participation at all levels, improved communication and the need for community leaders, local governments, educators, utilities, civic groups, associations and community agencies, to work together in this effort.

To bring a more collaborative approach across the County, Vernon identified six teams being established to support implementation of the LCDC strategic priorities. The six teams created are:

• Infrastructure Priority Task Force
  This team will identify and raise awareness for the infrastructure needs of Laurens County.
• Industry/Large Business Solutions team
  This team will work to ensure Laurens County remains competitive for potential and existing industry and large business. It will also support the LCDC’s existing industry efforts by seeking solutions for challenges facing local industry.
• Talent & Workforce Solutions team
  The talent team’s work will focus on building the talent pipeline in Laurens County.
• Communications/Marketing team
  This team will work diligently to unite Laurens County in celebration of its numerous achievement and assets.
• Small Business & Entrepreneurship solutions team
  Tagging on to the efforts of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, this team will drive support for the establishment and growth of small and locally owned businesses in Laurens County.
• Livability Solutions team
  This team will develop priorities for increasing quality of life throughout Laurens County. They will raise awareness for these priorities and placemaking investments and lead efforts to fund them. Additionally, this team will ultimately coordinate with the Communications team to promote livability in Laurens County.

Vernon closed her remarks by saying that by working together in a collaborative way to address the needs of the community, the future of Laurens County is bright.