South Carolina Economic Developers' Association

10/06/2026

A career in economic development can leave an impact that lasts for generations.
SCEDA's Member Emeritus designation recognizes retired members whose leadership, service and commitment have made a meaningful contribution to the association and South Carolina's economic development community.

First announced at SCEDA MidYear 2026, this new initiative recognizes a lifetime of involvement, leadership and service to the profession and to the association.

Learn more about SCEDA's Members Emeritus: https://sceda.org/recognizing-a-lifetime-of-service-sceda-members-emeritus/

10/02/2026

Meet BJ Unthank, director of economic development for the City of West Columbia.

For BJ, economic development comes down to relationships, whether he’s working with businesses, brokers and builders or learning from fellow professionals across South Carolina.

He joined SCEDA in 2017 while still relatively new to the profession and describes the knowledge, connections and professional network he’s gained since then as “invaluable.”

09/25/2026

SCEDA MidYear is in full swing in Greenville!

Members kicked things off yesterday with outings across the Upstate before welcoming new members and gathering at the kickoff dinner for an evening of networking.

We’re back this morning for a full lineup of education sessions focused on the issues and partnerships shaping economic development across South Carolina.

09/23/2026

Who's headed to SCEDA MidYear? We're looking forward to learning, connection and conversation with South Carolina's economic development community in Greenville.

🔗 View scheduled events and offerings: SCEDA.org/midyear-meeting/

09/18/2026

Good News 💡 Prysmian, a global leader in cable manufacturing and energy solutions is expanding its Lexington County operations with an $80 million investment that will create approximately 135 new jobs. The company will expand its existing facility at 700 Industrial Drive in Lexington to increase its manufacturing capabilities in fiber optics and connectivity. This shows strong confidence in South Carolina's workforce and industrial climate.

09/17/2026

What’s on the agenda for SCEDA MidYear? This year’s education sessions tackle issues economic developers are navigating every day. Friday’s lineup will explore Turn90 as a workforce solution, multi-group community collaboration and partnership-based permitting strategies. Members will also hear updates on the Landing Pad Program launch and explore the role economic development plays in communities across South Carolina.

See the full education lineup and MidYear agenda: SCEDA.org/midyear-meeting/

09/10/2026

"If you don't have it, you can't sell it." In his latest column for The Press and Standard, SCEDA board member Brantley Strickland, executive director of the Colleton County Economic Alliance, explores the critical role real estate plays in economic development, and why having the right sites and buildings available can make all the difference when companies are considering a community.

Whether you define it as bricks and mortar or a parcel in an industrial park, real estate plays a critical role in the economic development process.

09/09/2026

Our MidYear Meeting in Greenville is just two weeks away! We’re looking forward to seeing members there for two days of connection, conversation and celebrating progress through partnerships.

View the full schedule of events at SCEDA.org/midyear-meeting/.

09/04/2026

Earlier this year, SCEDA member Ashley Richardson shared something deeply personal: her search for a living kidney donor.

South Carolina’s economic development community is known for showing up for one another. Today, we’re sharing Ashley’s story to raise awareness of living kidney donation and the many South Carolinians whose lives can be changed by it.

Watch Ashley’s story and learn more about living kidney donation:

SCEDA member Ashley Richardson shares her personal journey with kid...