Charleston County Economic Development won a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award for its Business Concierge Program. The program was recognized in the category of Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program of 3 Years or more of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The Economic Development team received the honor at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 2, during the IEDC Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Charleston County’s Economic Development staff continues to evolve and adapt to the ever changing business climate in our region,” said Economic Development Director Steve Dykes. “Our Business Concierge Program is a perfect example of that effort and I’m excited to watch this initiative continue to succeed in the years to come.”
Charleston County Economic Development has a dedicated business retention and expansion team that focuses solely on the care and feeding of existing industry. Coined “Business Concierge”, our team acts as an extension of the company, performing as a primary facilitator between industry, municipality, education, and workforce development. The Business Concierge Team engages with more than 200 companies annually. Since 2013, 26 companies have announced expansions creating 3,216 jobs and $674M in capital investment. In 2017, there was a record number of 17 expansions announced.
Created in 1993, the Charleston County Economic Development Department is dedicated to:
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world’s largest membership organization for economic development professionals. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life in their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, our members represent the entire range of economic development. Learn more at iedconline.org.
Announcement
October 8, 2026
Obatala Sciences (Obatala), a biotechnology company, today announced it selects Charleston County for its first East Coast operation. The company’s $656,000 investment will create 46 new jobs and training opportunities in biotechnology and related fields.
Announcement
September 29, 2026
Charleston County Economic Development (CCED) is investing $2.025 million in Charleston County School District’s expansion of Universal Pre-K in North Charleston, a major partnership designed to support young children, working families, and the region’s workforce.
Announcement
September 8, 2026
Arvaya AI Automations Consulting, an SBE-certified and woman-owned AI and technology consulting firm, today announced plans to expand its operations in Charleston County. The company is supported by Charleston County Economic Development’s new Job Development Incentive, which will help it create six new jobs over the next two years. The new positions are expected to pay an average wage of approximately $92,000.
