The Buzz | an Economic Development Podcast

Workforce development is always a *hot* economic development topic - join us to learn more about what one technical college program is doing to fill that pipeline! Midlands Technical College Business Solutions Director Jeremy Catoe sat down with Kara and surprise guest host Tushar Chikhliker. We explore internships vs apprenticeships, the benefits of apprenticeships, and how MTC's program is working with students as early as their high school careers. Interested in hosting an apprenticeship, or know someone who may want to participate? Tune in and learn the ins and outs! 

Dr. Joseph Von Nessen is one of South Carolina's leading researching economists and, as he explains it, a specialist in "So What? Economics." As in, those numbers and data look great, but - so, what? Dr. JVN gets into the details of a recently published report on South Carolina's manufacturing sector, and why we (and all of us) should care. The report, published by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance and SC Future Makers, provides a big-picture look at the $206 billion industry - and what the future of manufacturing in South Carolina may look like. Tune in to get the manufacturing scoop, and click here to find out more about the report.

Just before the 4th of July weekend, we sat down with Karen Riordan (MBACC President & CEO) to discuss the rebound in Myrtle Beach-area tourism and hospitality. DYK, Myrtle Beach was recently named a top U.S. travel destination? Plus, we got to discuss some emerging trends, like e-sports and gaming - bet you didn't expect us to go there! Tune in today.

This week, Kara & Burnie sat down with Mark Williams, an economic developer, site selection consultant, founder & president of Strategic Development Group, and now, an author! Mark gives his perspective on South Carolina's current econ dev landscape - from challenges to advantages, COVID recovery, and what sets S.C. apart from other states (+ more!). Listen in for some great insight from a site selector!

Our cup runneth over with excitement for this episode! We spoke with Chester County Economic Development Director Robert Long, CEcD, to get the scoop on the recent (6/15/21) E. & J. Gallo Wines location announcement! The $423 million investment will create nearly 500 jobs over the next eight years, a 'mega project,' indeed! We spoke to Robert about the recruitment and site selection process (and the SERIOUS teamwork involved), and much more. Tune in!

Newberry County has been on the up-and-up of economic activity over the past several years. We were lucky to catch up with Rick Farmer (Newbery County Economic Development Director) and chat more about local development tactics and news - setting up your county for success; nurturing existing industries and recruiting new ones; addressing community needs (like food deserts); and advice to another developer. 

We had a lot of fun catching up with Rick! Learn more about Newberry County, here: https://newberrycountysc.org/

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance is tackling a lot of major issues and trends in economic development, like onshoring/reshoring, electric vehicles and life sciences (to name a few). Burnie & Kara spoke with Mike Graney, CRDA's VP of Global Business Development, and Tushar Chikhliker, CRDA Board Member and head of Nexsen Pruet's Economic Development group, about this and more - including sustainable growth and workforce availability in the Lowcountry. Tune in!

The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) is helping recruit and launch some of South Carolina's leading tech start-ups around the state. We spoke with SCRA Industry Manager Catherine Hayes and New Forge Technologies Co-Founder Javier Ortiz to learn more about SCRA's many programs - what they are, how they're mutually beneficial to existing industries and start-ups alike, and how innovations - like New Forge's augmented reality tech is changing the game for manufacturers. Tune in!

The Buzz is On The Road Again and Truckin' right along with another episode, where we sat down with South Carolina Trucking Association President & CEO Rick Todd. Logistics and supply chain movement remain critical to econ dev activity around South Carolina, especially with COVID-19 straining logistics capabilities. We discuss that, plus the state of S.C. roads (thank you, DOT!), plus training the next generation of trucking pros. And more! Check it out.

Burnie + Kara recently sat down with David Lockwood (Colliers International South Carolina) to discuss the status of commercial real estate in South Carolina. What are the major sector trends David is seeing? What has COVID recovery looked like? How was his latest run? (looking at you, F3ers!) We had fun with this interview, and know you'll enjoy it, so tune in! 

Want more David in your life? Follow him on Twitter for some fantastic run motivation.