Recently, I read that Darla Moore criticized the S.C. Department
of Commerce for being in “disarray.”
As someone charged with representing the manufacturing community
in South Carolina, I watch economic development issues very closely.
In this area, I am pleased that I am able to disagree with Ms.
Moore’s assertion, and I am more pleased that my disagreement with
her is based on personal observations.
Gov. Mark Sanford and Secretary of Commerce Bob Faith have
received extensive criticism for the seemingly lackluster
performance of South Carolina’s economic development efforts.
Fortunately for the state, however, that criticism has been
somewhat misdirected. For example, the governor and the secretary
have been blamed for losing out to the state of Alabama on the
Airbus project. Realistically, though, South Carolina had little
chance of winning that project. We simply do not have enough
seniority at this time in Washington to influence whether the
Department of Defense will execute a contract that will make that
project come to fruition.
On the other hand, I’ve been told by executives involved with the
Vought Alenia and Global Aeronautica projects in Charleston that the
personal involvement of these two individuals was responsible for
winning those two significant projects, which will initially employ
approximately 600 South Carolinians.
I have had the opportunity to work with the governor’s office and
with the Department of Commerce on several projects within the past
two years. I have seen dedicated professionals spend an enormous
amount of time, both on and off the clock, in efforts to bring jobs
to this state. Based on my observations, I do not believe that the
Department of Commerce is in disarray. In fact, I believe that it is
accomplishing quite a lot with the limited resources available.
Additionally, I am confident that what has already been a strong
year for economic development in South Carolina has the potential to
be even better as we head toward December.
With the possibility of Commerce getting more tools for its work
in the future, 2006 could also prove to be very successful. The
governor and his Commerce secretary are on the right track. Commerce
is working hard and effectively. Let’s wait a little longer to see
the results of that hard work before we leap to conclusions. I
believe they just may surprise the critics yet.
LEWIS F. GOSSETT
President and CEO
South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
Columbia
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