Contributing Content by:
David Swenson, Director, York County Economic Development

2018 was another year of continued growth and success in York County. Unemployment remained below 4 percent, wages increased, and population growth ranked second highest in the state. York County Economic Development recognized 11 firms locating or expanding operations in the county, with plans to add over 2,100 new jobs and investments over $115 million.

The private real estate development market remained strong resulting in nine speculative buildings generating over 1.9 million square feet of industrial space. This level of growth ranks us as one of the top submarkets in the Charlotte region, and all of South Carolina, allowing opportunity for more new jobs and investment in York County.

More and more publications continue to rank our state and county as the location for success, whether it be our schools, competitive business climate, or balanced quality of life. Money Magazine named Rock Hill as one of its 50 Best Places to Live in America. And, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, York County continues to lead the nation in year-over-year job growth, ranking in the top five of counties of similar size, five of the past eight quarters. Something to celebrate indeed.

As York County continues to evolve, we see a sustained commitment by elected officials to make York County the best it can be. In 2018, our County Council purchased over 1,900 acres of land that will focus on green space development, and we continue to see municipalities and local leaders work to increase sports and recreational amenities.

Partnerships remain our recipe for success. In 2018, we teamed with utility, state and local government allies to address site readiness goals. We also saw growing support from the York County Growth Partners organization which helped us to better market and promote quality opportunities in our area. We saw new additions and expansions to our community like Wheel Pros, LLC., Linde Hydraulics, and Quality Electronic Manufacturing Services. Looking ahead to 2019 can be a little more concerning compared to this time last year. Unknowns like trade policy, federal government operations, interest rate changes, stock market volatility, and many other items provide us with some caution as to the future of our economy and country. One thing is certain – change is going to occur and York County is going to see it. Optimistically, with what we know we have in regards to a balanced economy, a competitive business climate, a quality, growing workforce and a strategic location, we will see minimal negative and maximum positive in the year to come.

Looking ahead to 2019 can be a little more concerning compared to this time last year. Unknowns like trade policy, federal government operations, interest rate changes, stock market volatility, and many other items provide us with some caution as to the future of our economy and country. One thing is certain – change is going to occur and York County is going to see it. Optimistically, with what we know we have in regards to a balanced economy, a competitive business climate, a quality, growing workforce and a strategic location, we could see minimal negative and maximum positive in the year to come.

These examples along with community leadership commitment exemplify why York County is and continues to be — The Location You Need. The Life You Want.