News Summary
Myrtle Beach served as the venue for the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association Annual Conference, gathering economic developers, business leaders, and policymakers to discuss the state’s economic progress and future challenges. Highlights included insights into significant investments, wage growth, and notable expansions by companies like Amazon and Pepsi Bottling Ventures. Discussions focused on navigating political dynamics and trade tensions affecting the economy, while regional growth indicators projected a positive outlook for South Carolina’s economic landscape.
Myrtle Beach Hosts South Carolina Economic Developers’ Conference
From May 14 to 16, 2025, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was the venue for the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) Annual Conference. This year’s event gathered economic developers, business leaders, and policymakers to celebrate the state’s economic achievements and explore strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of the economy.
South Carolina’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, as noted by the economists at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, who graded the state’s economic performance as B+. Key economic indicators showcased during the conference revealed wage growth outpacing inflation, historically low unemployment rates, and a gross domestic product (GDP) that reached nearly $350 billion in 2024, marking a 6.9% increase from the previous year.
South Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey provided insights on significant investments that are propelling the state’s economic momentum. One highlight was the introduction of VisionSC, an interactive digital tool designed to promote South Carolina as a hub for business and investment.
Expert Discussions and Challenges
Featured speakers at the conference included economic expert Dr. Laurie G. Hillstock, who focused on leveraging generational changes for economic growth. Additionally, a panel moderated by Sam Moses highlighted growth opportunities that exist in the current market context. The discussions included comparing economic development incentives offered by neighboring states through an interactive session with experts.
However, the conference also acknowledged pressing challenges facing the state, including political dynamics and international trade tensions that could impact the economy negatively. Notably, representatives from the automotive sector expressed concerns over potential tariffs and trade disputes that might affect operational costs and overall stability.
Regional Economic Growth
Economic growth continues to flourish in the Myrtle Beach area, highlighted by the expansions of major corporations such as Amazon and Pepsi Bottling Ventures. In late 2024, Amazon opened a 165,000-square-foot Same-Day Delivery facility in North Myrtle Beach. This facility is expected to enhance delivery speed and create job opportunities, with Amazon planning to hire 2,000 seasonal workers throughout South Carolina, with many positions to be based in North Myrtle Beach, offering at least $18 per hour.
Pepsi Bottling Ventures also made significant strides by relocating to a new 164,850-square-foot distribution center in North Myrtle Beach, investing $15 million, retaining over 140 jobs, and creating an additional 27 new positions.
The expansion of industries in the region was underscored by the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation (MBREDC), which noted a rise in average wages in Horry County from $14.50 per hour in 2014 to $25.52 per hour in 2025. Furthermore, the unemployment rate fell from 7.2% in 2014 to a current 5%.
Future Projects and Investments
MBREDC aims to attract at least $10 million in capital investment annually, a goal it has successfully surpassed in recent years, with achievements of over $20 million. Additionally, a new craft brewery named 357 Brewers is scheduled to open in the Grand Dunes Marina in 2026, marking a $6 million investment that will create 35 jobs.
The MBREDC is actively engaged with 42 projects designed to attract businesses to local industrial parks, ensuring sustained economic development. City officials in North Myrtle Beach have highlighted the importance of economic diversification and job creation stemming from Amazon’s new facility, which will also enhance convenience for local consumers.
In summary, the SCEDA conference underscored South Carolina’s commitment to innovation, investment attraction, and sustainable development, even amidst external uncertainties. The positive trends in economic indicators and significant corporate investments point toward a promising future for the state’s economy.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Business Magazine: Myrtle Beach Area Experiencing Significant Growth
- Wikipedia: Economic Development
- WPDE: Horry County Sees Economic Boom
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Economic Growth
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local Economic News
- Google Scholar: Economic Development South Carolina
- WMBF News: North Myrtle Beach Economic Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Growth
- GroundBreak Carolinas: SC Economic Development Institute
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Economic Development
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.
