The pandemic has enhanced the talent of many in seeking fringes of hope, however weak. When it comes to unemployment, this sliver of silver can carry a heavy patina, but it is still visible to the interior of the state.
First, however, the cloud: South Carolina had almost twice as many unemployed in December as it did in the same month in 2019. The state’s unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent in late 2020, from 2, 4 percent a year earlier, according to data released by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.
Now, for the relative brightness, at least for the interior. The Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin Metropolitan Statistical Area surpassed the state average with 4% unemployment, easily the lowest number among the state’s four MSAs. Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Anderson counties were among the 11 lowest counties in the state in percentage of unemployed.
We are talking about one of the most difficult years in memory, so even the flashes are stained. Unemployment increased considerably between November and December, with an increase in the MSA in the interior of the state of about 1,900 unemployed workers plus a drop of almost 2,000 in the total workforce.
Altogether, almost twice as many workers were unemployed at MSA Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin in December than in the previous year. The general news is not good, but the interior of the state is doing better than the rest of the state.
South Carolina’s total unemployment rate until the end of 2020 was about 2 percentage points below the national average.
GADC promotes growth despite the pandemic
Greenville Area Development Corporation announced $ 631 million in new capital investments in 2020, despite dealing with the uncertainty generated by the pandemic. The GADC, a nonprofit, growth-oriented branch of the Greenville County government, identified 25 companies that chose to expand or move to Greenville County and more than 1,400 new jobs in a press release.
Eight new companies were recruited to the county by GADC last year, according to the statement. Of the 25 ads, 17 were in manufacturing and distribution, long considered the core of GADC’s efforts.
GADC was formed in 2001 by the Greenville County Council to promote and increase economic growth.
According to the statement, the accumulated investment committed last year exceeded the previous record, established in 2014, by more than R $ 150 million.
“With COVID, we were concerned about a major slowdown, but frankly it was a rewarding and remarkable year for Greenville County in just about any metric,” said GADC President and CEO Mark Farris.
The summary
The South Carolina business news you need to know.
- Boeing’s North Charleston operation has reduced more than 1,100 employees from last year. The fall in employment comes after a turbulent period in which the company dealt with quality control problems with the 787 Dreamliner, as well as pandemic problems and the stranding of the 737 Max, which was only lifted in November.
- From The Post and Thad Moore of the Courier: “With or without the ban on evictions, tenants still owe rent to landlords, meaning they can be removed from their homes when protection expires. And groups of landlords have opposed the measures. , saying they are stuck with bills and mortgage payments – and less income to pay them. In the meantime, significant money for rent assistance was slow to arrive. “
- Hotel revenue fell 39 percent in South Carolina in 2020. But short-term rentals, which the state’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism began tracking in detail last year, rose by half a percent. That number helped to soften the tourism scam driven by the pandemic.
Direct from launch
- “Lonza, the world’s leading supplier to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and nutrition markets, today announced plans to expand operations in Greenwood County. The $ 53.7 million investment will create 30 new jobs over the next five years.” Full version of the Upstate SC Alliance here.
- “3D Systems, a global additive manufacturing solutions company, today announced plans to expand operations in York County. The $ 13 million investment will create 50 new jobs.” Full release here.
- “People are taking shelter in the place, not going to galleries, not buying art. Artists are also taking shelter in the place, making more art than usual. As a result, there is an excess in the market, and the (Collective of Artists) of Spartanburg) has more art than space for which it has space. To stimulate sales and open space for new arts, the collective will hold an art sale in February. Details here.
In motion
New hires, promotions or commitments in your company or organization? Inform us. The e-mail [email protected] and [email protected].
- Hughes Agency hired four new employees in December and January. Morgan Fields, Natalyn Klump and Lauren Knight joined as senior account executives. Mims Stewart joined as a graphic design intern.
7-digit home sales
Recent million-dollar home sales in the state.
- 8 Pristine Drive, Greer, 29650 sold on January 29 by $ 2.25 million. 5 bedrooms, over 5.5 bathrooms, 7,430 square feet, 0.76 acres. The seller was represented by Molly Mills of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices / C. Dan Joyner, real estate agents. The buyer was represented by Jana Candler of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices / C. Dan Joyner, real estate agents.
- 1790 Jackson Hollow Trail, Travelers Rest, 29690 sold January 29 by $ 1.6 million. 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, 10,656 square feet, 32.88 acres. The seller was represented by Jordan Corbett of Coldwell Banker Caine. The buyer was represented by Kristina Hannu Pardi of Greer Real Estate Company LLC.
- 817 Mountain Summit Road, Travelers Rest, 29690 sold January 28 by $ 1.35 million. 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, approximately 5,000 square feet, 4.81 acres. The seller and buyer were represented by Vince Roser of Cliffs Realty Sales SC, LLC.
- 403A E Camperdown Way, Greenville, 29601 sold on January 25 by $ 1.24 million. 4 bedrooms, 3.5+ bathrooms, 0.1 acres. The seller was represented by Leigh Irwin of The Spaulding Group with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices / C. Dan Joyner, real estate agents. The buyer was represented by Joan Herlong of Joan Herlong and Associates / Sotheby’s International Realty.
Come back for more next week. Send your tips, announcements and news by email to [email protected] and [email protected].
Follow Ryan Gilchrest on Twitter at @ryangilchrest.