Greenville, South Carolina, December 16, 2025
News Summary
Fifteen South Carolina companies have made it to Forbes’ inaugural list of America’s Best-in-State Companies, showcasing excellence in employee satisfaction, financial health, and sustainability. The ranking aims to set higher standards for companies by celebrating those that excel in various categories. Each company was measured against peers in their state, highlighting their commitment to excellence. Notable companies include Michelin Tire and Sonoco Products, among others. This recognition underscores the impact of these businesses within South Carolina.
Fifteen South Carolina Companies Shine in Forbes’ Best-in-State Rankings
Greenville, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as fifteen companies from the state have made it onto Forbes’ prestigious inaugural list of America’s Best-in-State Companies. Released on November 19, 2026, this ranking evaluated over 50,000 companies across the nation based on a variety of important criteria, including employee satisfaction, financial health, sustainability, and more.
What Makes The Ranking Special?
The aim of this ranking is to raise the bar for overall company excellence. By recognizing businesses that excel in numerous areas, Forbes hopes to encourage all companies to strive for higher standards. Each company was measured against others in the same state, ensuring fair comparisons that reflect their specific environments and challenges.
Top South Carolina Companies in the Rankings
Here’s the breakdown of the acclaimed companies from South Carolina and their rank:
- No. 1: Michelin Tire in Greenville
- No. 2: Sonoco Products in Hartsville
- No. 3: Milliken & Company in Spartanburg
- No. 4: Horry Telephone Cooperative in Conway
- No. 5: The Jackson Companies in Myrtle Beach
- No. 6: United Community Bank in Greenville
- No. 7: Beach Automotive Group in Myrtle Beach
- No. 8: Farmers Telephone Cooperative in Kingstree
- No. 9: The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island
- No. 10: Southeastern Freight Lines in Lexington
- No. 11: Red Ventures in Fort Mill
- No. 12: Sonepar USA in Charleston
- No. 13: The Villas at Kiawah Island Golf Resort on Kiawah Island
- No. 14: Berkeley Hall Club in Bluffton
- No. 15: Schaeffler Group USA in Fort Mill
How Did They Score?
The ranking evaluated companies on 11 different categories. Some of these categories included:
- Employee sentiment
- Customer sentiment
- Financial performance
- Business trajectory
- Cybersecurity
- Media sentiment
- Sustainability
- Workforce diversity
- Workforce stability
- Company size
The scores were determined from data and ratings sourced from third-party partners such as Glassdoor, Yelp, Google, and Data Axle, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each company’s standing.
What Does it Take to Be Considered?
To be considered for the ranking, companies must meet specific criteria; they have to be headquartered in the U.S. and employ over 7,000 people. It’s noteworthy that organizations such as colleges, school districts, government offices, and charities were not eligible. Each state had between five to 25 honorees based on population, resulting in a national list that totaled 750 companies.
No Fees for Honorees
For those curious about how these companies made the cut, it’s essential to note that they did not pay any fees to be considered or selected for the rankings. This commitment to integrity in the evaluation process adds to the prestige of making the list.
So, whether you’re a local resident, a proud employee, or just curious about the best businesses South Carolina has to offer, this ranking highlights some truly remarkable places to work and do business. Here’s to the success of these fifteen companies and the impact they continue to make in the Palmetto State and beyond!
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: South Carolina News
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Aftermarket News: Continental Named Best Place to Work in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- PR Newswire: Sharp Named 2025 Best Place to Work in South Carolina
- Google Search: South Carolina News
- Engineering.com: TPM Announced as Best Place to Work in South Carolina for 7th Year
- Google News: South Carolina Companies
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
