LCDC Highlights Investment, Job Growth, and Regional Impact at Annual Meeting

The Laurens County Development Corporation (LCDC) showcased a year of significant economic progress during its Annual Meeting and Year in Review, held at the Mabry-Smith-Yonce Center on the campus of Presbyterian College in Clinton.

The event began with networking at 4:00 p.m., followed by the formal meeting at 4:30 p.m. and a reception immediately afterward. As PC Corporate Athletic Sponsors, LCDC invited attendees to remain for the men’s Bluehose basketball game later that evening.

Leadership Reflects on Progress and Partnerships

LCDC President and CEO Jonathan Coleman opened the program by thanking board members, investors, elected officials, and community partners for their ongoing commitment to Laurens County. He noted that the annual gathering provides an opportunity to reflect on progress, recognize partnerships, and refocus on strategic priorities for the future.

Coleman reported a strong year of economic momentum in 2025, with five project announcements totaling $125.2 million in capital investment and 250 new jobs. That momentum has continued into 2026, with more than $165 million in new investment and 209 jobs already announced, along with additional projects that could make this a record-setting year for the county.

He emphasized that much of the community’s job growth comes from companies already operating locally, highlighting the importance of supporting existing industries while continuing to recruit new investment.

Coleman also pointed to efforts to strengthen development readiness, including securing $9.16 million through the state’s Site Enhancement initiative — the second-largest award in South Carolina — to support a new I-385 interchange and critical wastewater infrastructure upgrades.

“Economic development is about more than announcements and numbers. It’s about creating opportunity, building career pathways for our young people, strengthening our tax base, investing in infrastructure and public safety, and ensuring growth reflects the long-term vision and values of Laurens County.”

New Economic Impact Data Presented

A key portion of the meeting featured a presentation by University of South Carolina research economist Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, who shared findings from a new economic impact analysis quantifying LCDC’s contributions to the local and regional economy.

The report found that LCDC-facilitated business activity generates approximately $3.7 billion in annual economic impact within Laurens County, supporting 7,639 jobs and more than $549 million in labor income. These positions represent high-skill, high-wage jobs that pay nearly 40 percent more than the average job in the county.

Across the broader 10-county Upstate region, the impact rises to an estimated $4.9 billion annually and supports more than 12,500 permanent jobs. The analysis also indicates that roughly one out of every four jobs in Laurens County can be tied to LCDC-supported companies.

Manufacturing continues to play a central role in the regional economy, with the Upstate accounting for nearly half of South Carolina’s direct manufacturing employment base.

Regional Ripple Effects of Investment

The study highlighted the broader economic ripple effects of industrial growth. For every 10 jobs created by LCDC-related projects, an additional 14 jobs are generated elsewhere in the Upstate region — a multiplier significantly higher than the statewide average.

Construction and site development associated with LCDC-facilitated investments have also produced substantial short-term benefits, generating an estimated $2.8 billion in activity between 2007 and 2025 and supporting hundreds of temporary jobs during that period.

Looking Ahead to Continued Growth

As LCDC approaches its 19th year, Coleman recognized the organization’s founders and credited nearly two decades of progress to strong collaboration among business leaders, government entities, utilities, educational institutions, and community stakeholders.

“With the continued commitment of our investors, partners, and community leaders, Laurens County is well positioned to compete, grow, and build a prosperous future for all who live and work here.”

The annual meeting underscored that Laurens County’s economic success is rooted in collaboration — and that the partnerships built today are laying the foundation for continued growth and opportunity in the years ahead.

Readers who wish to explore the details further can review the full Annual Report and the LCDC Economic Impact Report, both available online.