By Andy Brack | Many of the themes in this weekly column highlight discouragement – policies and events in South Carolina that aren’t optimal or could work out better for regular people. Examples: The need for better education, health care, roads, wages, gun reform, fair voting, less political division and on and on.
But for all of the challenges that South Carolina has, there are signs of encouragement during this holiday season. We only have to look to recent headlines to find a little bump of cheer. Some examples:
Clemson’s getting a vet school. For South Carolinians to become veterinarians, they now have to go out of state to get training. More than 200 students are now doing that. But in 2026, Clemson will start enrollment for the state’s first veterinary school, something long needed here. Clemson’s new vet college is fueled by a $285 million investment by the General Assembly.
“The new college will continue to elevate the state of South Carolina by meeting the needs of our communities, retaining top talent, supporting the state’s economy and protecting animal and human health,” Clemson President Jim Clements said in June.
Daily international flight. Charleston airport officials announced this week that the state is getting its first daily international flight from Air Canada between Charleston and Toronto, two of the world’s top cosmopolitan destinations. What an indicator of progress! Just think 50 years back about how hard it was to travel. Now in less than three hours, you can be in Canada.
“Air Canada’s announcement is a major milestone for our industry, the Charleston region and beyond,” said Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston and chair of the Aviation Authority Board. “International visitation is integral to a healthy and sustainable tourism economy.”
Big Sumter investment. As a tip of the hat to South Carolina’s solid manufacturing economy, a German company that makes rare earth permanent magnets is investing $500 million in a Sumter County facility. It will bring 300 jobs to the area and shows how South Carolina is a key player in the growing electric vehicle industry.
GOP House Speaker Murrell Smith, who lives in Sumter, commented: ““The arrival of e-VAC Magnetics in Sumter County is a testament to our state’s booming economic growth and our commitment to fostering an environment that attracts business and opportunity.”
More infrastructure. In fact, infrastructure investment across the state thanks to billions of dollars of federal Covid-era funds are making us more competitive, meaning that South Carolina has used recovery dollars strategically and well to position itself for the future, one seasoned state official said.
One example is how broadband internet connections will be ubiquitous within three years. At present, the state’s billions in spending has brought faster internet to about three-quarters of the state. Up next – connecting the last mile of rural areas across the Palmetto State.
Another example – the state and local governments have spent $1 billion in recent years improving water and sewer infrastructure – something required for more and higher quality economic development.
Low unemployment rate. South Carolina remains blessed to have a low unemployment rate – just 2.9% in the most recent report – meaning there are jobs out there for just about anyone who wants to work. These jobs may not be the highest paying in the nation, but there’s work around, particularly with increased investment by companies from the Upstate to the coast.
“Nearly every economic sector grew or stayed the same month-over-month, with increases in sectors like finance and insurance, as well as professional, scientific and technical services, which includes jobs like computer systems design, engineering and research and development,” S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director William Floyd said last month. “Digging deeper into these sectors and understanding the jobs in the different industries is key to being able to appropriately support the workforce.
South Carolina still has a long way to go to catch up in everything from education to health care, but we continue to be on our way. That’s good news for the holiday season.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of Statehouse Report and the Charleston City Paper. Have a comment? Send to: feedback@statehousereport.com.
We Can Do Better, South Carolina!