I’ve heard many elected officials say that economic development is their primary focus. But as leader of Vought Aircraft Industries, one of South Carolina’s newest corporate citizens, I’ve found out that Gov. Mark Sanford really means it. His actions speak louder than words.

We looked at many sites before deciding to locate our $560 million manufacturing complex for the 787 airplane in South Carolina. This facility is helping to establish the state as a key player in the creation of the next generation of commercial aircraft. Gov. Sanford’s keen focus on economic development and active recruiting efforts were key factors in our decision to choose this state.

Gov. Sanford and the team of state and local officials were hands-on in bringing the Vought-Alenia team to North Charleston. In fact, Gov. Sanford and Commerce Secretary Bob Faith told us from the very beginning that they simply would not take “no” for an answer. They were engaged throughout the negotiation process and demonstrated, by their actions, that South Carolina is a pro-business state.

I’ve read recent news reports criticizing Gov. Sanford’s economic agenda — that he hasn’t done enough to advance job growth in the state. From my experience, Gov. Sanford is the state’s best salesman.

Admittedly, there are many factors affecting South Carolina’s high unemployment rate and slow job growth. These problems didn’t arise overnight, nor will their solutions. However, I am convinced that Gov. Sanford is committed to making South Carolina’s business climate highly competitive so that companies like ours can succeed and grow here.

Gov. Sanford has a track record of targeting companies that promise a strong return for the state’s taxpayers. As a result, he makes wise investments with the state’s incentive dollars. By the same token, he also has proven his commitment to shore up South Carolina’s finances so that the state has more money to take care of future economic development.

I can tell you this: Gov. Sanford and his team spent as much time vetting our company as we did the state. In other words, just as our executive team was tasked with making sure South Carolina was the best fit for Vought, Gov. Sanford and his team took the time to make sure Vought was the best fit for South Carolina. What is even more reassuring is the follow-through. Gov. Sanford and the state and local economic development folks have continued to meet with us, to encourage us that as we grow, we should grow in South Carolina.

Vought plans to hire about 350 workers and, through our joint venture company Global Aeronautica, another 250 workers earning competitive wages and benefits. But it probably wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for a governor who was willing to catch a trans-Atlantic flight and meet with stakeholders eyeball-to-eyeball. Likewise, it probably wouldn’t have happened if local economic development folks from the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, city of North Charleston, Lowcountry officials and technical college system leaders weren’t willing to go the extra mile on our behalf.

If South Carolina’s governor was not personally willing to fly to Dallas to seal the deal, we might be elsewhere today. To me, those kinds of actions speak louder than words and show the level of commitment he is willing to make on your behalf.

Vought looks forward to many years of success in South Carolina. As we do business in the state, and count South Carolinians among our workforce, we’ll look forward to working with a governor who is dedicated to actively recruiting the right industry and to building the state’s competitive advantages.

Mr. Risley is chairman, president and CEO of Vought Aircraft Industries, one of the world’s largest independent suppliers of aerostructures.