The Buzz | an Economic Development Podcast

The South Carolina legislature is back in session, and we needed a primer on key issues expected to be taken up. Nexsen Pruet Governmental Affairs Advisor Mark Harmon stepped in to brief us on key economic development issues, like Abandoned Buildings Tax Credit extensions, the state's Unemployment Fund, broadband accessibility, liability protections, and more. (And yes, this was filmed in advance, so these issues may have seen action since we recorded.) Listen and learn with us!

Inauguration Day calls for a special edition of #TheBuzz - today, we interview NP Strategy COO Amanda Loveday, a longtime South Carolina + Democratic politics pro to discuss her work alongside the Biden administration. She gives us a look behind the curtain at what to expect after President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in, and how his policies and relationships might impact the Palmetto State. Get an insiders' look with us before the inauguration!

What better way to kick off the new year than with something so near and dear to our hearts? That's right - we're talking TAX CREDITS with South Carolina Department of Revenue Tax Attorney Jerilynn VanStory. Jerilynn explains all aspects of job tax credits, especially in Tier 1 - 4 counties. How much are businesses eligible for? What do they mean? How do you even claim the credits? We review it all - listen in!

So you want to know about COVID-19 vaccines? Attorneys aren't usually ones to dole out free legal advice, but we sat down with Nexsen Pruet Employment & Labor Law chair David Dubberly to discuss employer and employee rights. Of course, South Carolina is an at-will state, but how does that play a part in vaccination recommendations, proof of COVID-19 testing/vaccines, or employee opt-outs? What role do liability protections play in all of this? We dive into all that - and more - with David on this episode of The Buzz!

Railroads: the logistics and supply-chain giant, particularly critical across the Carolinas. For many companies and site selection professionals, access to rail is a must; but, rail as we know it is evolving. Enter Scott Saylor, former president of the North Carolina Railroad Company and current Nexsen Pruet Of Counsel. An expert on rail in the region, Scott built his career in the industry over several decades - and is here to update Buzz listeners on all things rail (types, infrastructure, major players, role in economic development, etc.). Listen in for a lesson on Railroads 101!

This might be the best trivia episode of The Buzz, ever. Calling all film buffs: test your knowledge of movies shot around the Palmetto State! Or, do you know the film industry's economic impact on the state? We also get into incentives (of course), how COVID-19 has impacted movie and television sets, (several) Burnie anecdotes, and much more. Tune in to the latest episode now! We promise you'll enjoy it.

Confidentiality is a big part of economic development projects - but so, too, is transparency (at least when it comes to governing bodies and government entities). Enter the Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA. We called in a FOIA expert - attorney Jay Bender - to explain the ins-and-outs of FOI. What exemptions apply to economic developers? Who does FOIA apply to? Jay Bender lays down the facts in this episode - listen now!

On today's episode, Kara and Burnie spoke to the good doctor: Dr. Matt Martin of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. We spoke up and down about the economy - how COVID has impacted certain sectors (and how they have or have not bounced back), how that will have a ripple effect on real estate markets, and how manufacturing and workforce retention are also affected. You don't have to be an economics major to track this one - Matt makes it easy (and, honestly, kind of uplifting). Listen now, and learn something new! 

Our latest guest has traded her frequent flyer miles for Zoom credits, but she's working as hard as ever to facilitate international trade in the Palmetto State. S.C. Department of Commerce's Anita Patel, Deputy Director of International Strategy and Trade Division, walks us through her day-to-day - under normal circumstances AND since adjusting to COVID-19 procedures. For South Carolina manufacturers looking to export products to international markets, Anita is your go-to. How does Commerce support companies through the export process, or target market growth? Anita walks us through it - tune in to learn more!

You may know him for his dad jokes on social media- President and CEO of Economic Development Partnership, Will Williams talks about the post COVID economy and new investment on the latest episode of #TheBuzz.