The Laurens County Economic Development Corporation has tied its strategy to the growing automotive industry, and that move has spearheaded an economic impact of $3.7 Billion.
But a leading economist said Thursday that the need to “pivot” to other industries, and diversify the prospects attracted to Laurens County, could be on the horizon with the emergene of Artificial Intelligence.
“Manufacturing is going to continue to be a winning strategy for South Carolina,” said Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, research economist at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. “AI will be disruptive to the industry and will add to jobs-creation over time. It will increase productivity.”
The auto industry will evolve with the continued emergence of EV (electric vehicle), Von Nessen (pictured right) said, in response to questions at the end of the LCDC Annual Meeting, Feb. 19 at Presbyterian College. In comparison to neighboring counties, he said, “Laurens County generally does well because it leans into successful industries.”
He said the School of Business could do a comparison, if asked to do so, of Laurens County’s development effects compared to similar, neighboring counties. In his talk, Von Nessen said Laurens County’s positioning between Columbia and Greenville has it competing constantly for attention and workforce.
To sustain economic growth, LCDC Board Chairman and County Council Member Brown Patterson said, “It takes a workforce and a community that is ready to grow.”
LCDC Executive Director Jon Coleman pointed out that next year, LCDC will mark its 20th year of existence in Laurens County. The corporation is supported by public funds from the Laurens County Council and private donations.
“It’s about opportunity,” Coleman said. “It’s about creating career pathways so our young people can stay here and build a prosperous life. It’s about strengthening our tax base so we can invest in infrastructure, public safety, education, and quality of life.”
For 2025, LCDC announced 5 projects totaling $125.1 Million in new capital investment and 250 new jobs created.
For 2026, early momentum means more than $165 Million in new capital investment already announced, with 209 new jobs announced, and several additional announcements anticipated in the coming months.
For the nearly 20 years of existence of the LCDC, the economic impact has been, according to Von Nessen’s figures:
-- 7,629 jobs;
-- $549.3 Million in labor income;
-- A 39.5% wage premium over the county average; and
-- when expanded to the broader 10-county Upstate region, the impact grows to:
-- $4.9 Billion in annual economic activity; and
-- 12,551 permanent jobs supported.
Also, site development and construction tied to LCDC-facilitated investments generated $2.8 Billion between 2007 and 2025, and that supports about 544 temporary jobs during that period.
One out of every 4 jobs in Laurens County can be tied to LCDC-affiliated companies.
Right now, Laurens County is on track for a $165 Million investment-year in 2026, coming off another record year in 2024, Coleman said. Much of the 2026 development is coming from existing industries, he said. Of the $180 Million in infrastructure-preparation money allocated by the State, Laurens County is receiving $9.16 Million for an I-385 interchange upgrade near Gray Court and for wastewater at industrial sites.
