By Betsy Finklea
Mark Williams of the Strategic Development Group, Inc. presented the recommendations from the final strategic plan report.
Some of the recommendations are:
-Target specific industry sections such as general distribution, e-commerce distribution, a medium workforce manufacturing operation, and food-related processing, storage, and distribution.
-Pursue commercial development along the interchanges
-Identify and consider options along land tracts suitable for hotel and restaurant locations as well as light industrial development.
-Target Post-Panamax-related logistics development for continued interaction with ports and logistics consultants.
-Consider the development of a spec building. He said that they need more product.
-Pursue the digital fast concept (e-commerce).
-Pursue locations related to fast growing occupations and industries.
-Team with adjacent South Carolina counties to develop joint development projects.
-Determine funding options for purchase of land at interstate interchanges.
-Consider alternative strategies such as funding a multi-park agreement with Horry County.
-Identify sites for the most appropriate retail development and target retail business to locate in the county to reduce sales tax leakage and generate added sales tax revenue.
-Continue positive dialogue with existing firms through a small committee of leaders from council or an employers council.
-Form an education council or similar group from key leaders and community members to meet on a regular basis to discuss needs, etc.
-Encourage residents to utilize existing programs at technical colleges and the One Stop Workforce Center.
-Market existing education resources to residents.
-Establish and promote the Affordable College program.
-Evaluate the benefits of funding to the Technical College to provide free educational programs.
Williams said he feels there is a “real momentum” here and “real potential at the interstate.”
“I feel there are real opportunities here,” said Williams. Williams will provide final reports to council.