LCDC Celebrates Momentum and Record-Breaking Impact at 2026 Annual Meeting
02/20/2026
Photo provided by Laurens County BUZZ
Supporting documents:
LCDC 2025 Annual Report
LCDC Economic Impact Study
On Thursday, February 19, LCDC welcomed investors, partners, elected officials, and community leaders to Presbyterian College for its Annual Meeting & 2025 Year in Review. The evening began with networking, followed by the program and a reception celebrating another year of strategic progress for Laurens County.
Reflecting on Progress, Building for the Future
LCDC President and CEO Jonathan Coleman opened the evening by thanking those in attendance for their continued investment in the county’s future.
“This event serves as an opportunity each year to reflect on the impact we are making together and the momentum we are building for the future of Laurens County — to measure progress, to recognize partnerships, and to reset our focus on where we’re headed next.”
Coleman emphasized that 2025 marked a year of “steady, strategic momentum,” which has already positioned 2026 to potentially become a record-setting year for economic development in Laurens County.
In 2025, Laurens County celebrated:
- Five project announcements
- $125.2 million in new capital investment
- 250 new jobs created
The momentum has accelerated in early 2026:
- Over $165 million in new capital investment already announced
- 209 new jobs announced
- Several additional announcements anticipated in the coming months
Coleman also highlighted the importance of supporting existing industry, noting that most job growth comes from companies already operating within the community. Retention and expansion, he emphasized, remain top priorities.
Strengthening the Foundation for Growth
Beyond project announcements, 2025 was also a year of strengthening Laurens County’s competitive position.
Through the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s $80 million Site Enhancement Initiative, Laurens County secured $9.16 million — the second-highest award in the state. These funds will support property acquisition for a new interchange along I-385 and critical wastewater upgrades to increase capacity at key industrial sites.
“Successful economic development doesn’t happen by accident,” Coleman said. “It happens when a community prepares — when sites are ready and infrastructure is in place.”
He reaffirmed LCDC’s commitment to smart, strategic growth that enhances — rather than erodes — the character of Laurens County.
Measuring the Impact: A Data-Driven Look at LCDC’s Economic Influence
The highlight of the evening was a comprehensive economic impact presentation by Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, Research Economist at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Von Nessen shared the results of an independent economic impact analysis measuring the long-term influence of LCDC’s efforts.
Among the key findings:
- 1 out of every 4 jobs in Laurens County can be tied to LCDC-affiliated companies
- LCDC maintains a regional employment multiplier of 2.4, meaning that for every 10 jobs created through LCDC efforts, an additional 14 jobs are created elsewhere in the 10-county Upstate region
- The average South Carolina employment multiplier is 1.7, underscoring the strength of Laurens County’s manufacturing base
Dr. Von Nessen reported that LCDC’s current annual economic impact on Laurens County totals approximately $3.7 billion, supporting:
- 7,639 jobs
- $549.3 million in labor income
- A 39.5% wage premium over the county average
When expanded to the broader 10-county Upstate region, that impact grows to:
- $4.9 billion in annual economic activity
- 12,551 permanent jobs supported
In addition, site development and construction tied to LCDC-facilitated investments generated $2.8 billion between 2007 and 2025, supporting approximately 544 temporary jobs during that period.
Dr. Von Nessen noted that manufacturing continues to carry some of the highest employment multipliers of any industry in South Carolina — meaning that each new manufacturing investment produces far-reaching ripple effects throughout the supply chain and local economy.
Opportunity Beyond the Numbers
Throughout the evening, a clear message emerged: economic development is about more than capital investment totals.
“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.”
As Laurens County competes in an increasingly competitive regional, national, and global landscape, LCDC leaders emphasized the importance of remaining prepared, unified, and forward-thinking.
With strong momentum entering 2026, record-setting potential on the horizon, and measurable economic impact reaching billions of dollars annually, Laurens County’s future is not only promising — it is being strategically built.
