Local leaders say Boeing plant will spur economic development across the state
Boeing’s decision to land a new aircraft assembly plant in South Carolina should mean thousands of jobs beyond the plant’s walls.
On Friday, Gov. Mark Sanford signed an incentive package that includes $170 million in low-interest loans used to lure Boeing to the Palmetto State.
State Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell said he expects two to three spinoff jobs for each of the 3,800 Boeing hopes to create in seven years.
Construction begins in November and it will take about 2,000 workers to build the new plant in North Charleston, near Charleston International Airport.
State Sen. Hugh Leatherman of Florence said he had been in talks with Boeing officials for the past six to seven weeks. He said he even continued speaking with Boeing officials during his recent overseas economic development trip to Asia.
Leatherman said he and McConnell spoke with a Boeing executive about what South Carolina had to offer, and assured the company official the Palmetto State would be the appropriate spot for its new facility.
“The two of us met, talked about what Boeing had to offer, what South Carolina could offer and sort of put together a tentative package,” Leatherman said.
Leatherman said he then found out that Boeing officials decided to take South Carolina up on its offer and locate the plant in North Charleston.
The announcement will permanently alter the course of economic development in the state, Leatherman said.
“We can’t imagine, we just can’t imagine ... it will change the economic landscape in this state forever. I don’t think any of us at this point in time can really imagine or evaluate the economic impact this will have on our state,” he said.
In terms of economic impact, the plant will not only provide thousands of jobs in the Charleston area, but some economic development leaders say it could help them entice future companies.
“Having such a large win that you can tout, I think it raises the eyebrows of other companies,” North Eastern Strategic Alliance Executive Director Jeff McKay said.
McKay said those prospective companies will be saying, “If Boeing did this, what is there that made them make that decision and should we be looking there as well?”
Though McKay said he doesn’t know yet how the plant will directly impact the Pee Dee and the Grand Strand, he does know it will only have positive effects on economic development across the state.
“I think it’s a tremendous win for the state and it’s definitely something that we as an economic development community will tout as the reason why companies should consider the state of South Carolina for their business expansion or opportunity,” he said.
Leatherman said the plant will create more jobs across the state in offshoot companies, just as other major plants have done in the past.
“We know up in Greer where BMW located, they have about 5,000 jobs but it created about 20,000 spin-off jobs for suppliers, vendors and things of that nature,” Leatherman said.
Economic leaders and lawmakers say they worked hard to recruit Boeing, and now Boeing will turn to South Carolina’s workforce to help make the company a success.
Reader Reactions
Boeing constructing a plant in North Charleston is an excellent thing for South Carolina as a whole. I just hope that some of the offset jobs come to this area…where it is seriously needed.
If these companies do locate in our area, the local governments will NEED to look in to some of the laws affecting everyone. We live in a global economy…and yes, the Pee Dee is part of it. If they can make special provisions for QVC to be open and working/shipping on a Sunday, they can do it for everyone…and that includes stores.
A couple of years ago, they allowed a temporary opening of retail stores during the holiday season on Sunday. I can remember the stores were packed. Perhaps this will be considered again..it is obvious it is wanted and needed.
You guys don’t be haters. We all have our opinions but your constant debate generally leads away from good information. Although as you say the pages may be dead without your sharp wit.
Bottom line is, it is irritating if you find yourself really needing something at the last minute but you have to wait for those stores or those departments to open. Just because some want the blue laws revised or done away with really doesn’t speak of beliefs, I don’t think. Employees do/should always have the right to observe their own beliefs. This article isn’t about that however or the debate of hatred of Christians, which is being twisted here, that is ridiculous and a hot topic which would have to have its own space.
The acquisition of Boeing to N. Charleston South Carolina (which is less than 100 miles from us) should have more serious discussions considering it [should] make South Carolina much better as a whole.
Just some thoughts.
Well Lisa, i am obviously smarter than little old you. Of course, that ain’t saying MUCH! For the record, i am defending, not attacking. You and other atheists are fooling no one with your left handed slanted swipes at yes, Christian principles. That is what blue laws are about. And yes, they are antique and seldom obeyed. I am not going anywhere, so grin and bear it. I fully expected a vicious response from the RED team, so bring it on. I never did get the turn the other cheek part down, but sticks and stones, etc. As one of the non christians opined, i personally am not a good one myself. But i will defend them against all comers. You people will not give the lie to Americas Christian roots as long as we are alive.
Really, is it just me? By the time I finished reading the posts here (and lots of articles actually) I have to go back and make sure I am still on the article in question because there is an element that seems to always detract from the actual story. LMBO!
Lisa, I must agree with you here, since this post actually > November 01, 2009 at 1:16 pm,< turned the interaction here into hatred for christianity when he should just leave christianity out of it since his posts never exhibit any kind of christian love. Which is after all what Christianity is all about, not stirring up strife on every article just cuz you can. Just because someone is against blue laws does not mean they have hatred for christianity, get real!
Oh yes, that’s right, this article is about ‘Local leaders say Boeing plant will spur economic development across the state’ not ‘hatred of values’ because some would like to shop before 1:30 on Sunday in their hometown. We don’t have to all follow the crowd if we don’t like it.
Does it occur to any of the so called “Christians” that there are LOTS of non-Christian people and people of OTHER Christian religions that go to services on Friday and or Saturday?!
How very Christian of you to think of others.
If anyone wants to attend services on Sunday morning….go right ahead…the rest of the city should not have to put up with antiquated Blue Laws because of it.
Lisa, may I ask where you grew up? I wonder what cultural values in your home area would seem “insane” to those not familiar with them.
Perhaps, before you blast the practices of this area, you may want to seriously consider treating people with respect and consideration.
I’d be more than glad to engage you in an intellectual discussion about the rural South in general, and South Carolina in particular. But, somehow, I don’t think you’re really interested in dialogue, when there is the option to blast those with whom you disagree.
scarecrow457 : I’ve seen your postings and I doubt anyone wants to see how smart our little scarecrow is. Go away!
For you information [Lisa] i have traveled all 48 continental over a 35 year period, spent many months in Europe through many countries while there. At the same time i AM also familiar with a horse and wagon. In the process i have been witness to what happens to an area when there is NO human decency in it. Just what is YOUR beef against Christians ? Take care, God IS listening.
scarecrow457 : Christian values?
If individuals would like to shop on Sundays ... they should not have to wait until 1:30.
If you had ever lived anywhere else besides this area, you would realize how insane this law is.
Let me go get the horse and wagon ready before I go down to the river!
Why are so many of the posts on here hateful toward Christian values? You are trying to say you cannot even have respect for people who attend church and truly believe this is Gods day? Have you no other 1/2 days to shop, or must it be on the sabbath only? Poor baby, can’t shop till 1:30 pm. You dissenters have already vanquished most of the culture this once great nation was founded on. Can you not allow Christian people even one half of one day ? Your real objective is clear . You will not rest until America is a pagan nation. Barring a miracle, you will not have a long wait. Don’t bother telling me what a poor example of a Christian I am, i already know that. I am also cognizant of being off subject, but so were those uncalled for attacks on christian principles in this country.
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