Study highlights Camp Hall’s value to region, state

Commerce park contributes billions in annual economic impact

Santee Cooper today released a comprehensive impact study on Camp Hall Commerce Park, detailing the environmentally focused industrial park’s significant economic influence and additional potential for growth.

The study puts Camp Hall’s current annual economic impact at $3.8 billion across South Carolina and $3.4 billion in the Charleston tri-county region. The study also provides valuable insight into Camp Hall’s pivotal role in driving economic growth in Charleston’s tri-county region and the state of South Carolina. Conducted by Joseph C. Von Nessen Ph.D., Research Economist at the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business, the study concludes that at full development (after 2035), Camp Hall will contribute $7.9 billion a year in state economic impact and $7.3 billion in the tri-county region.

“We are developing Camp Hall with the workforce in mind and with an intentional focus on preserving wetlands and other natural space, knowing that those unique attributes will separate it from other commerce parks and contribute significantly to the success of this region,” said Jimmy Staton, Santee Cooper President and CEO. “This study quantifies the park’s meaningful contribution already to job creation, revenue generation and innovation, and Santee Cooper remains committed to realizing the full potential Camp Hall offers to the industries that locate there, the people who work there and live nearby, and the entire state of South Carolina.”

The $3.4 billion regional figure corresponds to 5,022 jobs and $403.9 million in labor income for area residents made possible by Camp Hall industries. It also reflects the dollar value representing all final goods and services produced that can be attributed (either directly or indirectly) to all businesses currently operating at Camp Hall. The statewide impact of $3.8 billion reflects 6,364 jobs and $479.4 million in labor income.

Construction began on Camp Hall in 2016, and the industrial tracts are nearly sold out, with more than 1,000 acres developed and approximately 100 acres still available for industrial use. Major industries operating or building facilities there include Volvo Car USA, Redwood Materials and DC BLOX. An additional 140 acres is available for future office and other commercial uses and will be part of Camp Hall’s Avian Commons, which also includes recreation space, access to over 15 miles of hiking/biking trails, and other amenities that make Camp Hall unique. Camp Hall also has over 2,650 acres as preserved or improved wetlands and other natural areas.

Business Facilities Magazine has consistently ranked Camp Hall as the top commerce park in the Southeast, and among the top seven in the nation, over the past several years.

Upon completion of Avian Commons, Camp Hall’s annual economic impact across the state is expected to increase to $7.9 billion, supporting 22,128 jobs and $1.4 billion in labor income. The regional impact is projected to be $7.3 billion, supporting 19,928 jobs and $1.2 billion in labor income.

Avian Commons, with its many consumer amenities, gives Camp Hall a distinct competitive advantage in recruiting businesses and workers.

In the executive summary of the report, Von Nessen points out that the ability to attract and retain talent will be an increasingly important component of economic development in the coming years. Camp Hall’s “people-first” approach, which focuses on providing amenities that contribute to a high quality of life, will help ensure that future workforce needs can be met. The “people-first” strategy can also act as a road map to replicate the success of Camp Hall elsewhere in the state.

“The Charleston tri-county region has been a major economic success story for South Carolina throughout the 21^st century, and Camp Hall is helping to build on this momentum,” said Von Nessen. “By providing resources to attract and retain businesses associated with high-demand industries, Camp Hall has become a key asset for Charleston’s future economic development efforts.”

Santee Cooper has served the people of South Carolina for 90 years. Santee Cooper is the state’s largest power provider and the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people across the state. It also provides clean drinking water to more than 200,000 people. Through its affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and jobs, Santee Cooper helps power South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com and follow #PoweringSC on social media.