The Buzz | an Economic Development Podcast

This week, we are joined by South Carolina Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Ashely Teasdel. Teasdel spent almost a decade working in the banking sector, focusing on small business advisory support and development within South Carolina before joining the S.C. Department of Commerce in 2015.

Since joining the S.C. Department of Commerce, Teasdel has dedicated her time to developing statewide programmatic relationships to benefit local businesses and global enterprises alike and she was promoted to Deputy Secretary in November 2021.

After a nationwide search, James has been named as SCBIO’s new President & CEO to lead the organization’s great work in directing the flourishing life sciences industry in South Carolina. Tune in for this special episode to learn about James Chappell, the future of life sciences in the state and SCBIO’s development efforts at www.thepulsehealthcast.com or www.buzzpodcast.com.

Effective community + economic development often has its challenges across all levels - locally, affordable housing has been a particular point of stress in South Carolina. Greenville Housing Fund President + CEO Bryan Brown joins Burnie and Kara on this episode to discuss exactly what affordable housing is, how it can be achieved (and maintained), and what the GHF is doing to make it a reality in the Upstate. Join us for a deep-dive on the subject!

Who doesn't love good ol' economics? In this episode, we've got two guys who definitely do (and one female co-host slowly being converted). Burnie + Kara sat down with Clemson University Regional Economic Analysis Laboratory (CU-REAL) Director Dr. Robert Carey to explore exactly what (and who) CU-REAL is, and deep dive into a couple of recent economic impact studies. If you don't know, CU-REAL performs public policy, economic and fiscal analysis for public, private, and nonprofit sector clients - around the Palmetto State, they're kind of a big deal. Tune in and learn something with us!

Inspire. Innovate. Scribble. Generate. However you create ideas, we're here for it - and South Carolina's Office of Innovation is, too. This week, Burnie and Kara sat down with S.C. Office of Innovation and Scribble SC Managing Director Laura McIntosh, and we got the scoop on tech fellowships, how the office nurtures South Carolina's innovation and knowledge economy, and MUCH more. Laura gave us a peek into her background and how she's risen to her current role, plus a peek into what's to come. Don't miss this interview! Listen now.

The Buzz alum Jim Stritzinger is BACK to discuss rural broadband connectivity in South Carolina! You may remember him from an early Buzz episode (from July 2020), discussing his career in broadband mapping and outlining the finer points of South Carolina's 'digital divide,' along with what it would take to close that gap.

Today, Jim is back in his new role as Director of the NEW South Carolina Broadband Office to discuss next steps - how is the state tackling broadband accessibility challenges? What infrastructure is in place, and what is being built to connect South Carolinians? What kind of money does that even take??

Kara and guest host Tushar Chikhliker dive into all of that and MORE with Jim. Tune in!

DYK that some of the U.S. Navy's latest technology is being developed and implemented right here in South Carolina? The Palmetto Tech Bridge is linking innovative tech developers directly to our Lowcountry military operations. PTB Regional Director Michael Merriken explains more about the program, part of the South Carolina Research Authority umbrella. Find out more about that technology incubator-style operation - who they are, what they do, and how they're poised to change the future of military operations, right here in the Palmetto State! Tune in!

Workforce development is always a *hot* economic development topic - join us to learn more about what one technical college program is doing to fill that pipeline! Midlands Technical College Business Solutions Director Jeremy Catoe sat down with Kara and surprise guest host Tushar Chikhliker. We explore internships vs apprenticeships, the benefits of apprenticeships, and how MTC's program is working with students as early as their high school careers. Interested in hosting an apprenticeship, or know someone who may want to participate? Tune in and learn the ins and outs! 

Dr. Joseph Von Nessen is one of South Carolina's leading researching economists and, as he explains it, a specialist in "So What? Economics." As in, those numbers and data look great, but - so, what? Dr. JVN gets into the details of a recently published report on South Carolina's manufacturing sector, and why we (and all of us) should care. The report, published by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance and SC Future Makers, provides a big-picture look at the $206 billion industry - and what the future of manufacturing in South Carolina may look like. Tune in to get the manufacturing scoop, and click here to find out more about the report.

Just before the 4th of July weekend, we sat down with Karen Riordan (MBACC President & CEO) to discuss the rebound in Myrtle Beach-area tourism and hospitality. DYK, Myrtle Beach was recently named a top U.S. travel destination? Plus, we got to discuss some emerging trends, like e-sports and gaming - bet you didn't expect us to go there! Tune in today.

This week, Kara & Burnie sat down with Mark Williams, an economic developer, site selection consultant, founder & president of Strategic Development Group, and now, an author! Mark gives his perspective on South Carolina's current econ dev landscape - from challenges to advantages, COVID recovery, and what sets S.C. apart from other states (+ more!). Listen in for some great insight from a site selector!

Our cup runneth over with excitement for this episode! We spoke with Chester County Economic Development Director Robert Long, CEcD, to get the scoop on the recent (6/15/21) E. & J. Gallo Wines location announcement! The $423 million investment will create nearly 500 jobs over the next eight years, a 'mega project,' indeed! We spoke to Robert about the recruitment and site selection process (and the SERIOUS teamwork involved), and much more. Tune in!

Newberry County has been on the up-and-up of economic activity over the past several years. We were lucky to catch up with Rick Farmer (Newbery County Economic Development Director) and chat more about local development tactics and news - setting up your county for success; nurturing existing industries and recruiting new ones; addressing community needs (like food deserts); and advice to another developer. 

We had a lot of fun catching up with Rick! Learn more about Newberry County, here: https://newberrycountysc.org/

The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) is helping recruit and launch some of South Carolina's leading tech start-ups around the state. We spoke with SCRA Industry Manager Catherine Hayes and New Forge Technologies Co-Founder Javier Ortiz to learn more about SCRA's many programs - what they are, how they're mutually beneficial to existing industries and start-ups alike, and how innovations - like New Forge's augmented reality tech is changing the game for manufacturers. Tune in!

The Buzz is On The Road Again and Truckin' right along with another episode, where we sat down with South Carolina Trucking Association President & CEO Rick Todd. Logistics and supply chain movement remain critical to econ dev activity around South Carolina, especially with COVID-19 straining logistics capabilities. We discuss that, plus the state of S.C. roads (thank you, DOT!), plus training the next generation of trucking pros. And more! Check it out.

Burnie + Kara recently sat down with David Lockwood (Colliers International South Carolina) to discuss the status of commercial real estate in South Carolina. What are the major sector trends David is seeing? What has COVID recovery looked like? How was his latest run? (looking at you, F3ers!) We had fun with this interview, and know you'll enjoy it, so tune in! 

Want more David in your life? Follow him on Twitter for some fantastic run motivation.

Food and beverage manufacturing is an economic development sub-sector that's taking off across the Carolinas, so Nexsen Pruet is diving deeper into the subject. Why is this taking off here, and why now? Attorneys John Skvarla (Raleigh) and Julie Medich (Charleston) join The Buzz to discuss trends they are seeing, as well as to highlight NP's upcoming Food & Beverage Friday Webinars. Both sessions are *free* and *virtual,* so anyone can join from anywhere (need we say more?). 

Session 1 of Food & Beverage Friday explores Innovation in the Food and Beverage Industry, while Session 2 will cover Workforce Issues in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry. ( )

Shennice Cleckley is a small-business owner, SHE-EO, and mom, among MANY things. Recently, she spoke with Burnie and Kara about her role as a Google Digital Coach. In this position, she helps educate and equip South Carolina small business owners - especially minority business owners - with the *FREE* tools they can use to promote, grow and sustain their business. Looking for new customers? Don't know who your target customers are or should be? Shennice can help with that, and MUCH more. Listen to hear more, or visit Shennice online to register for a class.

In South Carolina, among many things, we love seeing our businesses thrive, and we love our beautiful outdoors. Ethel Bunch explains how Sustain South Carolina is the organization at the intersection of industry and conservation, bringing together Palmetto State business leaders to discuss, set, and achieve their sustainability goals. 

Is your company pushing to expand its ESG performance? Sustain SC is the "E" in that equation - and they may be able to help your company. 

Find out more at www.sustainsouthcarolina.org.

Business seems to have been BOOMING in Lancaster County as of late. So, what's the secret? We may not have gotten a magical recipe, but we did have a *golden* conversation with Jamie Gilbert. To what does the county attribute its success? How are they battling some of the emerging industry challenges? Listen in - it's always fun to catch up with Jamie.

This week, we're bringing the TAX FACTS. Specifically, property taxes. We spoke with Dr. Daphne Kenyon to get the details on the Lincoln Institute's recent report on the state of South Carolina. With a foreboding title ("A Deep Dive on South Carolina's Property Tax System: Complex, Inequitable and Uncompetitive"), Dr. Kenyon explains the key findings and what it really means. Commissioned by the South Carolina Chamber Foundation and South Carolina Realtors to better understand how the South Carolina property tax system could be improved. Buckle up, and tune in!

What exactly is the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness? We guarantee you've seen them, or maybe you know President & CEO Susie Shannon. Or, perhaps you've seen one of their several clusters (SC Aerospace, SC Logistics, Transform SC, SC Tech, or SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance).

We deep dive with Susie about who is the Council - what they do, and how they do it. How does one organization advance the competitiveness of an entire state? Susie doesn't give away the secret sauce, but she does give us a great look behind the curtain. 

Nonwoven fabrics surround us every day - wipes, hygiene products, face masks. What are they? How are they made? Today, we sit down with David Rousse, President of INDA (Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry). 

Dave explains what nonwovens are - how they're made, material sourcing, how manufacturers have easily adjusted to nonwovens production and why the Carolinas (and the southeast) are a hotbed for manufacturers. Learn more about this industry, and how they're helping to safely and quickly create solutions for PPE manufacturing. Listen now!

It's been 8 months (!) since we've last spoken to SC Realtors CEO Nick Kremydas - and a lot has changed in that time. As COVID continues to play out, the Palmetto State's residential real estate industry has seen significant impacts. As Nick says, with high demand and very low inventory, it's truly a seller's market. Click here to see SCR's latest market reports from around the state, and tune in today for a great update on residential real estate!

Today, we're joined by SC Technical College System representatives Michelle Fehr and Karmen Hewitt to discusses the EZone (Enterprise Zone Retraining Program) retraining program. Did you know that your company could earn 67% back on expenses for tools and programs used to retain your employees? Are you taking advantage of available incentives? Tune in and find out more about EZone - what it is, who is applicable, how to apply and MUCH more! Listen in!