The Buzz | an Economic Development Podcast

Boeing is the buzzword this week in economic development. You’ve seen the announcement in the news, but today we get a behind the scenes look from an elected official who has been close to the discussions between Boeing and South Carolina. Listen to learn more about Boeing’s decision to consolidate the production of its 787 Dreamliner in the Palmetto State.

Foreign Trade Zones (or, FTZ's as they are affectionately known) are a huge buzzword in econ dev. Whether it's the site selection process, incentives, manufacturing or imports/exports, there's a lot to unpack on the subject. So, we sat down with Foreign-Trade Zone Corporation Founder & Vice President Greg Jones to get into the nitty-gritty (but not too nitty-gritty, the just-right level of nitty-gritty). What even are FTZ's? How can they benefit your company, or a company looking to invest in your region? What are the limitations of the program? How does one even apply? We'll give you the skinny in under 23 minutes. Tune in!

We had the honor of being escorted in episode 28 by a real pro - a pro's pro, if you will - North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Executive Director Jeff McKay! If you don't know, Jeff has been with NESA for nearly 15 years, making him a NESA savant, if you will. We talked to Jeff about lots of #econdev topics on the local and regional level, like site selection processes, project involvement, and how COVID has impacted it all. We also discussed the Dillon Inland Port, and its tremendous impact on Jeff's region (ports are just for seafaring folks anymore).  Hear more about local development from a longtime pro - and an all-around great guy - listen now!

So, what exactly is EXIM Bank? What do they do and who do they help? You may have heard a lot about them, but now you can hear from them - Burnie and Kara interview Eastern Region Managing Director Sharyn Koenig all about EXIM's presence in S.C., and how our companies can benefit from EXIM. No, they're not just for the 'big boys' of business. Listen now!

Burnie and Kara had the pleasure to speak with South Carolina Department of Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers on the heels of a huge agribusiness announcement (Agriculture Technology Campus) in Hampton County. We discussed a lot about that project - what went into it (years of research and planning), how it became a reality, and what it means for the future of agribusiness in S.C. We also discussed SCDA's ACRE program, its farm-to-food bank initiative, and MUCH more. Tune in!

Southern Current's Bret Sowers (VP of Development + Strategy) was positively beaming about solar energy in this episode of The Buzz. The discussion was illuminating - Burnie, Kara and Bret (& Bret's cat) discussed everything about the industry (taxes, tax credits, incentives, residential vs corporate and a lot more). Burnie beamed at the subject, Kara shined, and Bret brightened our day. If you had any questions about South Carolina's solar industry, we're certain this episode covers it - listen in!

Burnie and Kara brought in Rich Fletcher (President & CEO, I-77 Alliance) to break in the new studio - can't you just hear the difference?? The trio get into the latest in the I-77 Alliance region: the Fairfield County megasite, possibilities of reshoring, and how Charlotte is our friend - not a cross-state rival. Anyone else feel that *buzz* in the air? That's football season trying to work its way back. Yes, we got into the Carolina Panthers development, which is basically our version of Hard Knocks. All that, and much more. Give it a listen!

On our latest episode of The Buzz, we're talking about all things apprenticeship - they've become a widely successful tool in developing South Carolina's workforce, and introducing young people to career opportunities they may never have had exposure to otherwise. Kara and Burnie sit down with Amy Firestone, Vice President of Apprenticeship Carolina, to discuss the programs available. We discuss apprenticeship eligibility, how companies can get involved, and how COVID-19 has adjusted the apprenticeship process. Listen in for that and much more!

Economic developers will be the first to tell you - their work means nothing without a workforce. While COVID-19 has caused record unemployment numbers in South Carolina, it's also a huge hiring opportunity for companies looking to build their workforce. So today, Burnie and Kara spoke with South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Chief of Staff Jamie Suber abut life at the agency - what are they seeing and doing day to day? How did they adjust (basically immediately) to respond to the pandemic? What unemployment trends are they seeing? Plus much, much more. Tune in!

Today, we dive a little deeper with our hosts - that's right - Kara and Burnie go one-on-one in Episode 21. Kara (a former journalist - and it shows!) finds out what makes Burnie tick (don't we all want to know??). We talk about Burnie's background, his professional experiences, and a little bit about how he's become the Burnie Maybank we all know and love. Take a walk down Maybank Highway Lane with us for a a little fun.