About Oconee County, SC

I read an article today about how Oconee CVB has requested and received $20000 to do a study about building a hotel/conference center. And at first it might seem that in this economy any spending needs to be scrutinized. But if we are thinking about long term growth and adding jobs it could be a great thing for Oconee County to host conferences at a Hotel/Convention Center.

Why? Well getting businesses to become more aware of our area is always going to be a good idea. Also every person that goes to a conference is also going to become aware of all the fantastic recreational facilities such as the golf course and lakes that are in Oconee County. There is no doubt this is an expensive self promotional undertaking but unless we work towards long term growth, both by attracting new businesses and new residents, we will never be able to move forward. there will be jobs created by the Hotel/Convention center itself, but the real benefit will be attracting more businesses to Oconee County.

The article also talks about is how this study could help county officials. County officials could use the information to help them to decide what project they’d be willing to help with incentives or other financial help. To me, this is where we must really watch the money. But using a little money to help us make a more informed decision can only help us get the best type of facility that will contribute to the most to the growth of Oconee County.

We are all aware of the work to have more businesses come to the southern portion of Oconee County recently by expanding sewer service. But we cannot forget about how blessed we are with the natural beauty of our area. And we can take advantage of the scenic wonder that is Oconee County by using it to recruit new businesses and residents. Imagine a conference of one hundred business owners seeing the beauty of Oconee County and all these business owners having the subliminal suggestion implanted in the back of their minds about how great it would be to relocate to Upstate South Carolina. With the work on the expansion of sewer service in southern Oconee County and a method to get more visitors to Oconee County, this could be the one-two combination we need to attract more businesses!

If it is done intelligently and with an eye on getting the most bang for our buck, then there is no doubt that this could be a great tool for helping Oconee County grow in ways we never imagined in the past!

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Today the SC Department of Commerce and Oconee County announced a local company, Greenfield Industries is expanding. greenfield plans to invest $18 million and add 85 jobs in the next 5 years.

The company is planning to add 50,000 square feet to its current facility. The expansion will allow the company to consolidate some operations and add a North American Distribution Center.

Greenfield Industries plans to begin hiring for the new positions this month through Phillips Staffing in Seneca.

I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of many companies looking to either expand their current operations in Upstate SC or for companies from all over the world to open new facilities in our area. There is no doubt that our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce provide the solid foundation businesses need to grow and succeed.

And considering the projected number of people looking to relocate to Upstate South Carolina, it is a great sign that Oconee County is getting a head start on making sure there are plenty of jobs!

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Just a few days ago I wrote about how the SC Secretary of Commerce had talked at a luncheon with the Anderson County Council and REALTORS from Anderson County on my Upstate SC Real Estate Blog. And today I read this article how Oconee County is taking the bull by the horns and working to do exactly what is needed to get growth in the southern portion of the county.

I am glad to see that Oconee County is taking the needed steps to plan for future growth. Without the necessary utilities already in place, almost all businesses will look elsewhere. I am sure that no one wants to spend the money but if we want Oconee County to continue down the path towards future growth we must take steps today.

There is so much room for growth and with the excellent workforce available in Oconee County, many manufacturers are going to want to move here. Look at the recent news about Boeing moving to SC. It was many reasons, but one that really made it happen was the site was ready for Boeing to break ground almost immediately.

Imagine if Oconee County were to have a huge impact in the economy like Boeing has made in the lower part of South Carolina. It is up to us to ensure our children can look forward to a robust job market right here in Upstate SC. We are blessed with so much natural beauty in Oconee County. But it is going to take proper planning to have more jobs for future generations in Oconee County.

Please take the time to think about this very important issue and let your elected officials know that you want more jobs and growth in Oconee County.