On the day of news that Orangeburg County’s unemployment rate was 17 percent in August, local and state economic development and business leaders Friday were nearly unanimous in highlighting the successes of business and industry despite recessional challenges.

The leaders also pointed to economic indicators showing glimpses of a recovery in the market.

“New orders in production are up,” David Clayton, research director of the S.C. Department of Commerce told those gathered at Claflin University’s Ministers’ Hall for an “Eye on the Economy” Industry Appreciation Luncheon. “Retail sales are up, South Carolina stock investment is up, manufacturing is up. There are a lot of indications we are moving in the right direction over the last several months.”

Dr. Harpal Grewal, dean of the Claflin University School of Business, said he expects The T&D Region to begin to come out of the economic doldrums by the latter part of 2010.

“The state was not only hurt by the recession but also we will have a little more lag in terms of recovery,” Grewal said, predicting that by the middle of 2010 there should be visible indications the economy is improving. “Normally there is a six-month lag in the national economy and the state.”

Grewal said while the recession is difficult, it has been an “opportunity.”

“It helps us to become more efficient,” he said. “It forces us to tighten our belts. It forces us to look back and see what we really need and what we don’t need.”

Grewal said the challenge for industries and businesses will be to meet the “increasing demand” when the economy recovers.

“You will need additional work force, you will need additional resources and new technologies,” he said.

Bowman Sen. John Matthews touted the importance of higher education and economic development as the “key” to helping South Carolina and Orangeburg County be competitive.

“Manufacturing is the goose that lays the golden egg,” Matthews said. “Without manufacturing, we would not be here.”

Matthews pointed to an economic development study recently conducted to examine the Interstate 95 corridor -- or what is commonly referred to as the “Corridor of Shame.” The region is considered among the poorest areas in the state.

He said the study looked at where counties in the corridor have been and goals of closing the economic development gap.

He said while Orangeburg County has made some progress, Jasper County has been able to close the gap, though, he described it as an “artificial economy.”

“They are closing the gap in per-capita income but not by the indigenous people who live in the county ... It is because people are moving there from Hilton Head and Beaufort,” Matthews said. “We have to come up with a comprehensive strategy that builds long-term value and sustainability. To do that, education has to be the key. Education is the gateway to the American dream.”

Clarence Kegler, vice president and chief diversity officer for Michelin North America, said despite the economic downturn, Michelin’s 10,000 state employees have not lost wages.

In fact, Kepler said the company has been proactive in helping address the challenges by having outreach programs to schools to ensure students are ready for the 21st century.

“We are competitive with our business model and we looked at what we needed to do to remain competitive in the aspect on reducing waste,” Kegler said. The company also has begun an economic development plan where it has helped small businesses obtain low-interest loans to remain viable. “Small businesses are the core of our manufacturing.”

Times and Democrat Publisher Cathy Hughes touted how The T&D has become “innovative” during the recession. The recession has impacted the paper’s largest advertising sectors: real estate, automotive and help wanted.

But to laughter, Hughes said the “reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”

“We have tried to manage expense better while not changing the product,” Hughes said. “Actually we are enhancing the product.”

Hughes said through cost-saving efforts, The T&D has managed to operate without any employee layoffs or furloughs.

She said innovation has included the Internet and multimedia, both of which have helped open up new audiences.

Following an economic overview, the Okonite Co.; Zeus Industrial Products Inc.; Koyo Corp. of U.S.A., Holcim Inc., and Mars Petcare were recognized for their contributions to the local economy.

The luncheon was part of a two-day Claflin event in recognition of local industries and their economic impact.

On Saturday, the university, along with Okonite, will sponsor an Industry Appreciation Basketball Tournament at Claflin’s Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center.

Proceeds from the game will benefit the Second Chance Scholarship at Claflin University. The scholarship is designed to give single working parents a second chance at earning a degree.

n T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com

You must be logged in to comment.