ISSUE: Economic summit

OUR VIEW: Orangeburg County event is about preparing for better times ahead

Orangeburg County's latest round of economic summitry comes amid difficult times. But there is reason for optimism as leaders from the public and private sectors gather today with the theme "Going Global, Acting Local, Coming to the Table - Vision 2020."

As if state budget woes were not enough indicator of a struggling economy, industries locally have seen cutbacks and layoffs. The county unemployment rate remains in double digits and is sixth highest among S.C. counties.

Times will get better -- and today's event is about focusing on better times. Headlining the summit at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College will be the unveiling of Jafza International's awaited master plan.

Steve Eames, executive vice president for operations of Jafza Americas Inc. and Jafza South Carolina LLC, will make the presentation.

Jafza, a subsidiary of Dubai World, first announced in September 2007 its intent to invest between $600-700 million in Orangeburg County near Santee.

Plans call for a 1,300-acre logistics, manufacturing and distribution park that could mean about 6,000 direct jobs.

The master plan will include a 20-year market-demand analysis, an environmental impact study, a traffic impact study, a wetlands study and an endangered species study.

Jafza plans to begin the permitting process by year's end and break ground in October 2009. The company hopes to have its first clients open for business in 2010.

The project has been called "transformational" for Orangeburg County. It stands to have major impact as logistics-related business concentrates along the north-south route that is Interstate 95. South Carolina's projected growth as an import-export center via ports in Charleston and Jasper County positions Orangeburg County perfectly for growth and prosperity.

Interest in the county and T&D Region is running high. Witness today's summit, for which 550 people are registered and anther 100 are on a waiting list.

The success of previous such events is also an attraction.

More than a decade ago, the first summit called by then-Orangeburg County Council Chairman John Rickenbacker produced tangible results. As much as any single occurrence, the summit began the emphasis on developing the transportation corridor of I-95 and Interstate 26.

Two years after it was held, in a united action some would have said once could never happen, Orangeburg County and the city of Orangeburg announced combined forces and resources to build an industrial park at U.S. 301 and I-26. Beyond simply bringing the two governments together in the effort, the project was no small accomplishment. It required purchase of the land, installation of infrastructure and construction of a spec building to bring in prospects.

Today, the Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park is a success story, with other parks now in development in what Orangeburg County has labeled the Global Logistics Triangle.

Today's summit promises news that will further boost interest in the county and assist its efforts at development. Hoping for better is no reason not to plan and prepare during the tough days for brighter times ahead.

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