Charleston County Government is pleased to announce the hiring of Morgan Grimes as the Marketing Manager for Economic Development.

Grimes will create, manage and execute Charleston County Economic Development’s marketing initiatives to support business attraction, expansion, and investment. She will play a key role in translating strategy into high-quality marketing deliverables that position Charleston County’s competitive advantages to site selectors, industry partners, and community stakeholders.  

“Morgan brings strong expertise in communications and has a deep understanding of local sentiment, enabling her to craft compelling messaging to effectively capture the story of Charleston’s global advantage,” stated Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Merle Johnson. “As Charleston County’s business climate continues to gain momentum, her skillset will be instrumental in amplifying how our strategic partnerships and initiatives are driving sustainable economic growth.”  

“I am honored to lead the marketing efforts for Charleston County Economic Development,” said Grimes. “I look forward to contributing to the County’s impactful work in attracting global talent and strengthening the existing industries that power our local economy and help our communities thrive.”  

Grimes previously worked at NP Strategy, where she supported organizations through strategic communication services, including digital media, stakeholder engagement, message development and event planning. Prior to that, she served as the Communications and Outreach Specialist for the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, where she played a significant role in community outreach efforts for several regional infrastructure planning projects, including Lowcountry Rapid Transit, South Carolina’s first bus rapid transit system.  

Grimes holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Science in Communication from Purdue University. 

About Charleston County Economic Development

For over three decades, Charleston County Economic Development Department has been dedicated to establishing and maintaining business relationships with new and existing industries to preserve the Charleston area’s exceptional business climate and quality of life. To learn more about Charleston County Economic Development, visit www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org.

Charleston County Economic Development (CCED) brought together business leaders, elected officials, and community partners on Tuesday, January 13, for its annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon, recognizing the companies and individuals driving investment, innovation, and job creation across Charleston County. The event was held at Trident Technical College’s Complex for Economic Development.

In 2025, Charleston County announced 11 company expansions and investments totaling more than $146 million, resulting in 442 new jobs across the county.

The Industry Appreciation Luncheon is CCED’s signature annual event, recognizing the collective impact of Charleston County’s business community while highlighting the region’s continued economic momentum. Attendees received updates from CCED’s Business Development Division and joined in honoring recipients of the Industry Impact Awards, Innovator of the Year, and Economic Development Ambassador Award.

The 2025 Industry Impact Award recipients included:

• Small Business: R2P Innovations
• Medium Business: Low Country Case and Millwork
• Large Business: KEEL
• Community Impact: Lowcountry Street Grocery

CCED also recognized QuicksortRX as Innovator of the Year for its leadership in pharmacy purchasing technology and its role in reshaping the financial landscape of American healthcare.

Robbie Lahmon was named the Economic Development Ambassador for his leadership in connecting Charleston County’s major employers with a diverse, skilled workforce. Through initiatives such as the USS Yorktown’s Operation Employment and large-scale hiring events for companies including Boeing and Mercedes-Benz Vans, Lahmon has helped create sustainable economic opportunities for residents across the region.

The luncheon featured a keynote address from Colonel Jason Parker, Commander of Joint Base Charleston, who emphasized the base’s role as a cornerstone of Charleston County’s modern economy. Parker highlighted how Joint Base Charleston supports thousands of military and civilian jobs while anchoring a broad ecosystem of defense, manufacturing, aviation, and technology employers throughout the region.

Following the keynote, CCED formally announced 2026 as the “Year of Defense.” The initiative underscores the department’s strategic focus on strengthening and elevating the defense sector—one of Charleston County’s most significant economic drivers and a cornerstone of the region’s long-term competitiveness.

“As I reflect on the past year, one word continues to come to mind: momentum,” said Merle Johnson, Executive Director of Charleston County Economic Development. “2025 was defined by continued confidence in Charleston County, with expansions from existing industries and growing interest across advanced manufacturing, life sciences, logistics, defense, and technology. These investments speak to the strength of our workforce, the reliability of our infrastructure, and the collaborative environment we work hard to foster between business, government, education, and community partners.”

About Charleston County Economic Development

For more than 30 years, CCED has worked to attract, support, and grow businesses while preserving the region’s exceptional quality of place. Through strategic partnerships and a business-first approach, CCED helps position Charleston County for long-term economic success. Learn more at www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org.

Dayton Ward, Project Coordinator for Charleston County Economic Development, has earned a well-deserved spot on Charleston Business Magazine’s prestigious Best & Brightest 35 and Under list for 2025.

The annual recognition celebrates outstanding young professionals across South Carolina who demonstrate significant professional achievement and make a substantial impact on their communities.

Ward was selected as one of the honorees in the Charleston region, underscoring his critical role in enhancing the county’s economic vitality. The award specifically targets individuals under the age of 35 who are already demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication in their careers.

The Best & Brightest 35 and Under program is designed to spotlight young leaders making a difference not only in their professions but also through their broader community involvement. Mr. Ward’s recognition places him among a select group of rising stars across five South Carolina regions: Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Florence, and Myrtle Beach.

Charleston County Government is pleased to announce the hiring of Kedyky “KK” Sherrill as the new Director of Community Competitiveness for Economic Development.

In this newly created leadership role, Sherrill will lead strategic initiatives that strengthen Charleston County’s long-term economic competitiveness by addressing the community factors that influence business growth, talent attraction, and workforce participation. She will also support the County’s Community Services Directorate by aligning economic development priorities with community programs and initiatives. Her portfolio will focus on advancing economic development solutions related to quality-of-place enhancements, public transportation, workforce housing, access to dependent care, and workforce development.

“KK is a dynamic leader who combines data-driven insight with a deep understanding of how community issues intersect with economic growth,” stated Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Merle Johnson. “Her experience and collaborative approach will help us create lasting partnerships that improve the quality of place and strengthen the region’s business climate.”

“I am honored to return to Charleston County Economic Development in this new capacity,” Sherrill said. “Community competitiveness is central to our long-term prosperity, and I look forward to working closely with our partners, including Charleston County’s Community Services Directorate, to advance solutions that support families, strengthen neighborhoods, and create conditions where both residents and businesses can thrive.”

Sherrill brings more than 15 years of experience in economic development, analytics, and community programming. Previously, she held multiple leadership roles with Increasing H.O.P.E. Financial Training Center, where she supported entrepreneurship programs and financial empowerment initiatives across the Lowcountry. She also spent over eight years at Visit Pittsburgh, where she served as Director of Market Research and led data-driven strategy to enhance regional tourism and economic impact.

Sherrill returns to Charleston County Economic Development from a previous stint from 2016 to 2022, when she served as Director of Business Intelligence. She led data analytics, project research, and performance measurement to advance recruitment, support existing industry, and inform marketing strategy.

Sherrill holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s degree in Analytics from Charleston Southern University.

About Charleston County Economic Development

For over three decades, Charleston County Economic Development Department has been dedicated to establishing and maintaining business relationships with new and existing industries to preserve the Charleston area’s exceptional business climate and quality of life. To learn more about Charleston County Economic Development, visit www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org.

Maars North America (Maars), a global leader in architectural wall solutions, today announced it selects Charleston County to establish the company’s first U.S.-based production operation.

The $3 million investment will create more than 10 new jobs.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, Maars offers premium, customizable modular wall systems for commercial interiors including offices, hospitals, airports and universities. The company is active in more than 50 countries and supplies to a worldwide network of dealers.

Maars’ new operation, located at 437 Interlock Alley in Mount Pleasant, will serve as a fabrication plant aimed at meeting increasing market demand and streamlining distribution across North America. In addition to the manufacturing operations, the site will feature a state-of-the-art showroom for the company’s architectural solutions.

Operations are expected to be online in the second quarter of 2026. Individuals interested in joining the Maars team should contact ricardo@maars.nl.

Quotes

“This expansion reflects our long-term commitment to supporting high-growth market segments and delivering excellence on key projects. We are bringing the same standards of manufacturing excellence, process discipline and quality that have defined Maars for over 80 years.”
-Maars North America Vice President Ricardo Costa

“We are always proud when a business decides to locate in South Carolina. Maars North America’s investment in the Lowcountry will contribute greatly to our state’s economy while bringing new opportunities for our people. We look forward to a strong and successful partnership with Maars in the years ahead.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“Maars North America selecting South Carolina for its newest operation is another victory for our state’s business community. We are confident Charleston County will be an ideal location for Maars’ new fabrication plant and congratulate the company on this $3 million investment.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Maars North America’s presence here highlights Charleston County’s strategic position on the East Coast, which is ideal for port access and distribution. We are delighted to welcome the company and the quality jobs they are bringing to our community, reinforcing our commitment to building a diverse and dynamic local economy.”
-Charleston County Council Chairman Rev. Dr. Kylon Jerome Middleton

“Mount Pleasant is proud to welcome Maars North America to our community. Their decision to locate here reflects the strength of our region’s workforce, logistics network, and business climate. This investment reinforces our role as a hub for innovative, high-quality manufacturing, and we look forward to seeing Maars thrive and grow as part of the Mount Pleasant family.”
– Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie

“Attracting such a leading manufacturer confirms that Charleston County is a prime location for international businesses looking to grow and succeed in the North American market. Our favorable business climate, access to a superb local labor force, and the superior logistics planning for distribution across the continent make us an essential strategic gateway for global expansion.”
-Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Merle Johnson

“Maars North America’s expansion into Charleston County speaks to the strength of our business climate and the talented people who call this region home. We’re thrilled to see a company with such a strong global reputation for design and innovation join our community and contribute to our growing advanced manufacturing ecosystem.”
-Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chair William Russell

Five Fast Facts

• Maars North America (Maars) selects Charleston County to establish its first U.S.-based production operation.
• The company’s $3 million investment will create more than 10 new jobs.
• Maars is a global leader in architectural wall solutions.
• The company will be located at 437 Interlock Alley in Mount Pleasant, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Maars team should contact ricardo@maars.nl.

About Charleston County Economic Development
For over three decades, Charleston County Economic Development Department has been dedicated to establishing and maintaining business relationships with new and existing industries to preserve the Charleston area’s exceptional business climate and quality of life. To learn more about Charleston County Economic Development, visit www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org.

The South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) is proud to announce that nine members have recently earned credentials as South Carolina Certified Economic Developers (SCCED). The newly certified statewide economic developers were recognized on October 10 during the Mid-Year Members Meeting.

The nine members come from a variety of backgrounds and industries across the state:

● Tony Allen, Business Recruitment Manager, SC Department of Commerce

● James Bateman, Economic Development Director, Greenwood County

● Ann Broadwater, Director, Fairfield County Economic Development

● Gilleon Frieson, Rural Program Manager, SC Department of Commerce

● Kristin Lanier, Client Development Manager, Terracon Consultants, Inc.

● Holly McCrary, Business Development Manager, Davis and Floyd

● Michelle McDonald, Deputy Director, Dorchester County Economic Development

● John O’Toole, Executive Director, Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation

● Ashley Richardson, Deputy Director, Charleston County Economic Development

“During their time in this rigorous and extensive program, these recipients have shown their dedication to excellence in the field of economic development,” said Tavia Gaddy, President of the SCEDA Board of Directors. “Beginning with a competitive application process, recipients are required to complete the Advanced Symposium, a series of advanced level courses for professional economic development practitioners. The attendees learn in an interactive environment with coaching from economic development experts, consultants, and private industry representatives.” “We are extremely proud of each graduate, and welcome them to our distinguished cadre of SC Certified Economic Developers.”

This distinct honor is awarded to very few applicants each year. Since the program began in 2001, only 131 have received the SCCED certification.

About Charleston County Economic Development

For over three decades, Charleston County Economic Development Department has been dedicated to establishing and maintaining business relationships with new and existing industries to preserve the Charleston area’s exceptional business climate and quality of life. To learn more about Charleston County Economic Development, visit www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org.

About SCEDA

Since 1965, the S.C. Economic Developers’ Association has served as the Voice of Economic Development in the Palmetto State. A professional trade association of more than 580 members, with representation from all 46 counties, SCEDA includes local and regional economic developers, as well as officials from municipal, county and state government agencies, construction and engineering firms, utility companies, attorneys, consultants, financial institutions, and higher education. To learn more, visit www.SCEDA.org.

Powering Potential: Key Takeaways from the SC Workforce Development Symposium

September was Workforce Development Month, and the recent 2025 SC Workforce Development Symposium highlighted a crucial, recurring theme: building a stronger workforce is a collaborative effort. Leaders and innovators across South Carolina agreed that adapting to modern challenges—from evolving skill demands to the childcare crisis—requires collaboration, investment, and a dedicated focus on people.

Here are the key takeaways essential for driving our economic future:

1. Bridging the Skills Gap: Education and Industry Must Partner

The “skills gap” is not solely a lack of technical knowledge; it’s a disconnect between an individual’s potential and a clear career pathway. The resounding message from the Symposium was that bridging this gap is a shared responsibility.

• Nimble Education: Educational institutions must be responsive to the real-time needs of the workforce. The SC Technical College System demonstrated this by creating an inboard motor program specifically to meet local industry demands in Horry County. This model of adjusting curriculum to align with industry needs is the future of talent development.
• Industry Investment: Businesses must invest in their people and see talent development as a continuous process. Bank of America’s approach—focusing on soft skills and offering free community training—underscored the need for companies to provide clear paths for lifelong learning, embrace on-the-job training, and utilize vital tools like apprenticeships and work-based learning. The goal is to create organizations where people feel welcomed and supported, regardless of their background.

   

2. Supporting Families is Supporting the Workforce: The Childcare Imperative

A fundamental barrier to workforce growth is the childcare crisis. Staggering statistics reveal that South Carolina loses nearly $1 billion annually due to a lack of accessible and affordable childcare, with over $800 million of that cost burdening industries through employee absence and turnover.

While government support, such as DSS scholarships, is vital, sustainable solutions also require corporate innovation. Mercedes-Benz Vans demonstrated a creative solution by offering a $250 monthly stipend to employees with young children to help alleviate the high costs associated with childcare. Addressing childcare is not just a family issue; it is an economic health imperative that requires long-term, inventive solutions from both the public and private sectors.

3. Competing for Talent: Culture and Compensation are King

In the fierce talent competition, compensation remains a critical factor. Lagging wages in South Carolina continue to cause the loss of skilled workers to neighboring states. Regular, equitable compensation studies are now essential to attract and retain high-quality talent.

Beyond the paycheck, however, culture and connection determine retention. The modern employee seeks more than a job; they seek flexibility, wellness, and a sense of belonging. Employers were urged to:

• Be Transparent: Post salary ranges in job descriptions to build trust and prevent great candidates from opting out early.
• Invest in Wellness: Implement financial wellness programs and rethink “mindless touchpoints,” creating space for team connection and personal well-being.
• Conduct “Stay Interviews”: Instead of focusing solely on why people leave, proactively ask top performers what keeps them engaged and motivated. This feedback is invaluable for creating a loyal and resilient workforce.

Charleston County’s Commitment in Action: Workforce Development Job Fair

In alignment with the spirit of the Symposium, Charleston County Economic Development and SC Works celebrated Workforce Development Month by hosting a highly successful job fair on Wednesday, September 24th.

The event brought together 34 employers from diverse industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, and attracted 185 job seekers. This collaborative space facilitated on-the-spot interviews, directly connecting local talent with meaningful career opportunities.

The job fair underscored Charleston County’s commitment to partnership, opportunity, and fostering economic growth. It serves as a strong reminder that Workforce Development Month is not just a celebration, but an ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more skilled future for our local workforce.

Written by attendees, Dayton Ward, Project Coordinator, and Gene Borzendowski, Project Manager

The 2025 South Carolina Automotive Summit, held from February 25 to 27, 2025, in Greenville, SC, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and disruptors to discuss the latest advancements and emerging trends in automotive manufacturing.

There can be no doubt about the exciting times the automotive industry has found itself in. There can be even less doubt that South Carolina is at the forefront. The 2025 SCMA Automotive Summit proved yet again to be an energizing and exciting event full of expert insights about the state of the automotive industry, where it is headed, and how South Carolina is poised to continue leading the charge. Attendees ranged from educators to executives, suppliers to supply chain experts, public officials, and more. Topics ranged from tariffs and industry forecasting to educational partnerships, workforce trends, and more.

While the automotive industry is an exciting and fast-paced landscape, it is not without its own unique set of challenges and ambitious goals. Automation and AI lead the conversation of many aspects of everyday life. Their impacts on this particular industry are no exception. We heard from leadership at Magna International about the future of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), a collection of cameras and sensors charged with perceiving and predicting the world around the vehicle and the occupants within it. Many vehicles on the road today possess some of the features these systems entail (blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, etc.). These technologies, many of which are designed, tested, and installed on vehicles made in the Palmetto State, work in constant unison to predict and avert accidents for drivers and occupants worldwide. That said, the benchmarks for these technologies are ever-rising. We heard about further advancements in non-invasive alcohol detection systems, adaptive traffic jam cruise control, and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communications providing real-time alerts to traffic conditions and road hazards to drivers in the rearview. What’s more, machine learning is being implemented to analyze and predict driver behaviors and habits so as to respond accordingly to future events.

The workforce, an issue of constance, is a double-edged sword- one met with common misconceptions, particularly in the Charleston region. Over the last decade, Charleston has had annual unemployment rates below state and national averages. It is a tremendous metric to be celebrated. This is one that also serves as a challenge for employers, particularly those in the automotive sector, who aim to continue growing and prospering in our region. Fortunately, Charleston is home to world-class companies that employ the best and brightest minds to tackle these issues. As such, the hiring and retention efforts they are putting into practice are best in class- just like the vehicles and vehicle components they produce. We had the chance to hear from local experts about some of the creative and impactful initiatives they are deploying. Matthew Hamrick of Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston discussed everything from childcare stipends to Family Day events and employee referral programs that MBV provides to its people. Efforts such as these have proven to maintain a high-quality culture, work-life balance, and even multi-generational employment for the individuals and families that keep MBV moving. It takes out-of-the-box thinking and above-and-beyond resourcefulness to tackle talent needs. These serve as just a few examples that exemplify the ingenuity and human spirit of Charleston County.

Trade wars, foreign competitors, and rapidly emerging technologies have all contributed to the unpredictability of and forecasting for the automotive market and its 5-year outlook. That said, the OEMs and suppliers that call our state “home” have remained unwavering in their ingenuity and proactive approaches to staying ahead of the curve. Some examples include improved life cycle development, which means greater speed to market for efficient and life-saving vehicle technologies. Reshoring of supply chains ensures more stable streams of materials and services vital to daily operations. Green manufacturing results in cost-saving best practices and the sustainability of our beautiful landscapes. OEM and Tier 1 collaborations continue to arise in support and pursuit of these causes.

With an annual economic impact of over $27 billion and an industry workforce of more than 75,000, ‘the rubber meets the road’ from across our great state, through our ports, and beyond. The Charleston region alone accounts for over 13,000 of said workforce, a group we are excited to continue supporting in an industry that continues to excite.

The 21st Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon, hosted by Charleston County Economic Development (CCED), took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Trident Technical College’s Thornley Campus, Complex for Economic Development. More than 300 industry executives, elected officials, and economic development professionals attended the event to celebrate the contributions of Charleston County’s existing industries to economic growth and community prosperity.

This year’s program featured the presentation of the 2024 Charleston County Industry Impact Awards, which celebrate companies making significant contributions to the region. The winners included AGRU America (Small Business), LANXESS Charleston (Medium Business), SHL Medical (Large Business), and Allegiance Flag Supply (Community Impact). These businesses were recognized for their innovation, workforce development, and community engagement achievements. The Charleston County Economic Development Ambassador Elias Deeb, CEO of CMMC Navy Yard Industrial Campus, was also recognized for outstanding contributions to economic development within the county.

A special tribute, including the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, was paid to J. Steven Dykes, commemorating his 32 years of leadership as Executive Director of Charleston County Economic Development as he has recently entered retirement. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and sustained contributions to their community and field throughout their career.

“For more than two decades, Charleston County Economic Development has proudly recognized the businesses that drive our community’s prosperity, and this annual event is a celebration of their innovation, resilience, and impact,” said CCED Executive Director Merle Johnson. “We are especially honored to recognize Steve Dykes for his remarkable leadership and lasting contributions to Charleston County’s economic success. His vision has paved the way for continued growth, and we look forward to building on that strong foundation.”

Charleston County Councilmember Joe Boykin added, “The annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon is a testament to the strong partnership between Charleston County and its thriving business community, and I was honored to attend to take part in that celebration. These industries play a critical role in our economic vitality, and we are committed to supporting their continued success.”

A luncheon highlight was a dynamic panel discussion titled “Cultivating a Culture of Retention.” Moderated by Natalie Hauff with the Charleston County Public Library, the panel featured Matthew D. Hamrick of Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC, and David Stasiukaitis of Low Country Case & Millwork. The discussion focused on workforce retention strategies and best practices for fostering a thriving business environment.

About Charleston County Economic Development

For over three decades, Charleston County Economic Development Department has been dedicated to establishing and maintaining business relationships with new and existing industries to preserve the Charleston area’s exceptional business climate and quality of life. To learn more about Charleston County Economic Development, visit www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org.

Charleston County Government is pleased to announce the return of Merle Johnson as its new Economic Development Executive Director, effective February 7, 2025. Johnson, a highly regarded economic development professional with 20 years of experience, previously served in multiple leadership roles with Charleston County Economic Development for over seven years.

Johnson returns to Charleston County after serving as the Executive Director of the Orangeburg County Development Commission (OCDC) for the past two years. During his tenure, he led efforts that resulted in over $1.1 billion in new investment and more than 600 new jobs in Orangeburg County. His expertise in business recruitment, process improvement, and strategic site development played a key role in expanding the County-owned mega site and developing infrastructure growth plans to support industrial and residential development.

Prior to his leadership in Orangeburg, Johnson was the Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of Greenville, where his leadership resulted in more than $356 million in new capital investment and 1,300+ new jobs. He facilitated major corporate relocations, including Kiyatec’s bio-tech headquarters, Southern First Bank, and United Community Bank, helping to drive Greenville’s economic growth and business expansion.

Johnson previously spent more than seven years with Charleston County Economic Development, holding key positions including Deputy Director, Director of Operations, and Director of Business Development. He also played a significant role in regional economic development efforts through his work with the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA), supporting business growth across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.

Johnson holds a Bachelor’s in Math and Computer Science from the United States Coast Guard Academy. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute, a three-session advanced leadership program accredited by the International Economic Development Council, and a Master Practitioner of the Advanced Economic Development Leadership (AEDL) program.

About Charleston County Economic Development

For over three decades, Charleston County Economic Development Department has been dedicated to establishing and maintaining business relationships with new and existing industries to preserve the Charleston area’s exceptional business climate and quality of life. To learn more about Charleston County Economic Development, visit www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org.