COLOMBIA – While Chester County envisions a $ 400 million economic development deal that is expected to generate about 500 jobs, SC Governor Henry McMaster urges lawmakers to pass legislation to make this happen.
The county, an hour north of Columbia, gave initial approvals for tax incentives to California-based E&J Gallo Winery, a business known as “Project Magma”, but South Carolina’s alcohol laws may prevent the company to make all the investments it planned.
That’s why lawmakers, led by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Luke Rankin, R-Myrtle Beach, have filed a bill that would attract and benefit South Carolina wineries. The bill is co-sponsored by the powerful president from the Senate Finance Committee, Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, and now receives a new incentive from the governor.
“South Carolina has a reputation as a state where world-class brands establish operations and thrive,” McMaster said in a letter to lawmakers on March 9. “This reputation has been earned, in large part, because of a pro-business climate resulting from careful legislative deliberation that balances the interests of our diverse constituencies with the opportunities arising from robust economic development.”
In the letter, McMaster praised Gallo “as a well-respected family business, with products distributed around the world”.
“This Gallo investment will transform the community and contribute greatly to South Carolina’s economic prosperity,” he wrote.
The main change that the legislation would allow is up to four satellite tasting and sales locations for wineries, breweries and distilleries. According to current law, these locations can only sample and sell their products where they are produced.
The change in law also comes with a tailor-made investment requirement for Gallo.
The provision requires a minimum investment of $ 400 million and at least 300 new jobs to be eligible for what it calls a “manufacturer’s satellite certificate”. The company must also pay an annual fee of $ 5,000 per location.
“I look forward to signing this bill and welcoming Gallo to South Carolina,” said McMaster.
This is a developing story. Please check again for updates.
