SC earns Area Development’s Gold Shovel and Investment Project of the Year

The State of South Carolina once again has been awarded a Gold Shovel by Area Development magazine, a leading national economic development publication. The Gold Shovel is awarded to states in recognition of projects undertaken during the previous year that have created a significant number of high-value-added new jobs and investment. The magazine also recognized South Carolina’s Giti Tire investment as a “Project of the Year.” This year’s Gold Shovel was awarded to five states that excelled in job creation through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, processes and promotions that attract new employers, and investments in expanded facilities. The Gold Shovels are presented annually to the states that have achieved the most success in terms of new job creation and economic impact. South Carolina also was recognized as a 2015 Investment Project of the Year for attracting Giti Tire to Chester Country. Giti Tire is the 10th largest tire company in the world and is establishing its first North American manufacturing facility in South Carolina. This $560 million investment will create 1,700 jobs and manufacture 30,000 tires daily. The addition of Giti Tires solidifies South Carolina’s position as the country’s top producer and exporter of tires. Upon receiving the award, Governor Nikki Haley said, “South Carolina is on the move and the world has taken notice. Companies know that if we build their product in South Carolina we build it well and with pride that paired with our loyal workforce is always a recipe for success. We want to congratulate Team South Carolina for all of their hard work and success, but we are just getting started.” For more information about the Gold Shovel and Investment Project of the Year, visit www.areadevelopment.com.