Saturday, Nov. 08, 2008

McGill: Pee Dee growing through cooperation

Across the country, intrastate regions have begun to realize the benefits of cooperation in efforts to develop their local economies. In the Pee Dee, we have taken the successes of others to heart, and the economic tide is now turning our way. The opportunity presented to businesses through a willing and able work force, strong infrastructure, high quality of life and low taxes is beginning to shine brightly.

From as far south as Georgetown all the way up to Marlboro, we have seen unprecedented success since our region committed itself to a collective economic development strategy through the creation of the North Eastern Strategic Alliance.

Just in the past six months, Monster, a leading global online recruitment service, has announced plans to open a facility in Florence creating 750 new jobs; in Marion county, Carolina AAC is investing $17 million to build a manufacturing facility; Metglas plans a $20 million expansion of its Horry County facility; and in Marlboro County, Defense Technologies will begin research and development operations at a facility in Bennettsville with sights on future growth.

Across the Pee Dee, every county involved in our efforts has seen million-plus-dollar investments that strengthen the central sectors of our area’s economy and create new jobs for our residents. Businesses of all sizes, such as H.J. Heinz Co., South Strand Contractors and American Prefabricated Drain, have taken notice of the opportunities offered by our region and are responding to our united efforts.

We have embraced the opportunities presented by 21st century technology, building a tradition of industrial excellence. From the Southeastern Institute for Manufacturing and Technology to the four technical colleges found in our nine counties, we can train the work force and provide the manpower for virtually any manufacturer. With the development of I-73 and the intersection of I-20 and I-95, distributors need look no further than our region in their search for an East coast hub.

We can do more. The development of our economy will be steady and progressive only if we remain forward-thinking and united. We cannot take our recent successes for granted, nor attribute them to happenstance or luck. To continue along this new and positive path, we must maintain our strong regional partnership, continue to develop our infrastructure and always identify and implement new, innovative ways to develop our region.

The saying goes that a rising tide raises all ships, but this phenomenon does not happen by accident. The rising tide only raises those ships that are in the water. Collectively, the leaders of our region must always be cognizant of the considerations that brought us together when we first chose to embark on this effort. It is important to understand the value of each others’ successes, bearing in mind that each new investment, regardless of its specific location, raises the prospects for future development across the region. We should embrace the diversity of our communities and always seek out new ways to work together in order to bring prosperity to our region.

The fundamental element in all of our efforts is inter-county cooperation. We are competing with other state organizations that have a stronger economic history than the Pee Dee, but we are constantly making great gains and surpassing expectations because our close alliance has enabled us to successfully highlight our strengths to every prospective business seeking to build or expand. Our partnership has brought us quite far, and as long as we continue to work together, we will be able to achieve our full potential.

Mr. McGill represents Florence, Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties in the S.C. Senate and serves as chairman of the executive committee of the North Eastern Strategic Alliance.