The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), the largest regional economic development association in North America, representing 17 states and the world’s best economy builders, has recognized Charleston County Economic Development as a top performer in the American South for communications. Each year, SEDC reviews marketing and informational content from organizations across its 17-state footprint, evaluating design, strategy, innovation, and impact. At this year’s 2025 SEDC Annual Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Charleston County was awarded as the Best-in-Class for Printed Reports for their 2024 Annual Report.
“The American South is the strongest and best-positioned economy on the planet. Within our membership are professionals responsible for billions in corporate investment, millions of created jobs, and those who tell our story across the globe,” stated SEDC President Matt Tackett. “SEDC members compete successfully in a global marketplace, which is why our communications content is truly world-class. The SEDC Communications Awards showcase the best of the best.”
SEDC reviewed member submissions across approximately twenty categories. Judges for the Communication Awards competition included site selection consultants and marketing professionals from across the southern United States. The Communications Awards are presented annually at the SEDC Annual Conference, the Council’s largest event. The 2025 conference brought together 650 professionals over three days to celebrate and advance economic development in the American South.
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 SEDC
SEDC is the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America, with over 1,800 members representing a variety of sectors. From local, regional, and state economic development agencies to chambers of commerce, business and industry, utilities, transportation, finance, and education, members share a common goal: to accelerate economic development in the American South. To learn more about SEDC, visit www.sedc.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.
