Optimism and opportunities: The conference of SCEDA 2025 shows in the economic dynamics of South Carolina in the middle of uncertainty

Economic developers, managing directors and political decision -makers gathered this week in Myrtle Beach for the annual conference of the South Carolina Economic Developers' Association (SCEDA), which was held in Myrtle Beach, SC from May 14th to 16th. The event served as a platform to celebrate the economic services of the state and to discuss strategies to navigate the developing economic landscape.

A positive economic outlook

South Carolina's economy has shown resilience and growth in recent years. Economists of the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina have included the state's economic output on “B+” rule, whereby factors such as wage growth over inflation and historically low unemployment rates are transferred. The state's gross domestic product (GDP) reached almost 350 billion US dollars in 2024 and marked 6.9%compared to the previous year.

Investment and development initiatives

Harry Lightsey, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce of South Carolina, has given a positive update about the recent successes and the activity flow of prospects of the state. He emphasized several significant investments that contributed to the economic dynamics of the state. Another session focused on Visionsc, an interactive digital twin tool with which the status promotes, with which remote users can visit practically potential websites.

Loudspeakers and discussion participants

The conference contained a number of respected speakers and discussion participants who gave an insight into the state's economic development strategies. Dr. Laurie G. Hillstock from Hillstock Consulting provided a keynote address entitled “Navigating generation layers: building bridges for economic growth” and offers practical strategies to use changes in the generation for economic progress.

In a session that Sam Moses moderated with Parker Poe, the trading point of the commercial fund, which moderated global office representatives, from a late -day arrival of Selectusa in Washington DC, gave the view of growth options and the current market.

In an interactive session, economic developmental incentives in neighboring countries were compared to the moderators Tushar Chikhliker from Maynard Nexsen, Ford Graham by McGuire Woods Consulting and Will Clarke by Elliott Davis. Her discussion provided valuable perspectives on regional competitiveness and cooperation.

Navigate political and trade unconcursions

Despite the positive indicators, the participants of the conference recognized the challenges of political dynamics and international trade voltages. Recent political shifts and tariff discussions have introduced uncertainties, especially the effects on the sectors that rely on global supply chains. For example, the automotive industry in South Carolina, the home of BMW, Volvo, Mercedes and now Scout engines, concerns about potential tariffs and trade disputes, primarily due to the potential increase in the imported parts, which are subject to tariffs, are exposed to the potential climbs of the imported parts.

Look ahead

The annual conference of SCEDA 2025 underlined South Carolina's economic strengths and the cooperation that promotes its growth. While the recognition of external uncertainties recognized, state leaders and economic developers expressed confidence in the ability of the state to adapt and thrive. The conference ended with a new commitment to promoting innovations, gaining investments and ensuring sustainable economic development of the state of Palmetto.

For more information about SCEDA and his initiatives, see SCEDA.ORG.