TheLINK Economic Development Alliance

The Ross McKenzie Emerging Leaders are making an impact in the community! This amazing group of high school juniors from Sumter and Lee County partnered with The By Name Project this past Saturday to serve meals to the community. But it's more than just a meal - it's an opportunity for everyone to share their names and their stories while building connections and fostering understanding. These students aren't just learning leadership principles, but they are also giving back in a meaningful way.

We are pleased to highlight the ongoing progress in Sumter County’s Pocotaligo Industrial Park, where eVAC Magnetics is constructing a state-of-the-art rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing facility, a first in the western hemisphere. The new eVAC Magnetics facility is a key addition to the area, bringing advanced manufacturing capabilities and creating job opportunities to further advance the defense and e-mobility sectors. Along with the construction progress, take note of the available 106,000 square-foot spec building and surrounding greenfield acreage perfectly suited for manufacturers searching for a new location to grow and call home. TheLINK Region is well-positioned to continue excelling as a hub for economic advancement and technological innovation. To learn more, please visit our website! #thelinksc #sumtereconomicdevelopment

G-O-O-D M-O-R-N-I-N-G! ?? Let’s welcome the newest class of Ross McKenzie Emerging Leaders! ???? Today these rising juniors from area high schools begin a two-day retreat to prepare for the upcoming monthly sessions throughout the school year. ??

Our Communications & Strategic Initiatives Manager Erika Williams traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to represent TheLINK and South Carolina at the annual SelectUSA Investment Summit. SelectUSA invites companies from all around the globe to meet with representatives in hopes of establishing or expanding operations in the United States. Team South Carolina was comprised of Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ashely Teasdel, representatives from SC Department of Commerce's state and international offices, and members of the state's regional economic development alliances. We are thrilled to see the continued success in our region and state!

Thank you to the Sumter Board of Realtors for hosting an Eat On This session at their quarterly member luncheon yesterday! Erika Williams spoke to the group about several things including an overview of the economic development recruitment process. She also told attendees that as our region attracts more global industries, we also need to be diligent about shopping local and keeping our money in our communities. As we do, this circles back around and increases wealth for all citizens. It also keeps current jobs staffed and creates new jobs for all. If your company, organization, or group is interested in hosting an Eat On This, please email nbailey@thelinksc. #EatOnThis #TheLINKsc

Congratulations to Ariana Montgomery, an alumna of the Ross McKenzie Emerging Leaders Class of 2023 and Sumter High School Class of 2024. She was acknowledged for serving on the Board of Directors for United Way of Sumter, Clarendon, and Lee as the Emerging Leaders representative. Pictured with Ariana are United Way Executive Director Vickie Singleton and Board Chair Jay Montgomery.

EFP, LLC. hosts a plant commissioning ceremony today celebrating the expansion into the state of South Carolina and the Southeast part of the #UnitedStates. ???? Check out the press release on this milestone: https://lnkd.in/gqNYswnp. #EFPLife #SouthCarolina #LeeCounty #PamelaEvette Carlisle Associates Inc. Thompson Construction Group, Inc. South Carolina Department of Commerce South Carolina Power Team Black River Electric Cooperative Burr & Forman John F Wall IV Sumter Economic Development TheLINK Economic Development Alliance

Congratulations to EFP, LLC.! Today was the plant commissioning for the Lee County facility, and we celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. EFP announced last year that they would invest $15 million to establish operations in Bishopville and create 53 jobs. We look forward to many years of success in this valued partnership!

Congratulations to the Ross McKenzie Emerging Leaders Class of 2024 for completing the first year of the program and earning three hours of college credit from the University of South Carolina Sumter in the process. As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child," and we are thankful for every person who helped make this year a success for these high school juniors. We'd also like to extend a huge thanks to Sam Perez for giving the key note speech for graduation.

We wrap up National Economic Development Week by looking at TheSuccess in TheLINK region. Since 2018, Sumter and Lee Counties have secured $882 million in capital investment, which has led to the creation of more than 7,000 direct and 24,000 indirect jobs (using the 3.4x multiplier effect). While growing our industry portfolio, per capita income in both Lee and Sumter Counties has risen by 23% and 21%, respectively in that same time frame. All the individual pieces of economic development mentioned this week, properties, utilities, logistics, and talent, come together beautifully in TheLINK communities to create an exceptional quality of life and to support the growth that is happening daily. #TheLINKsc