Under the leadership of Rodney Berry in his first full year, Dillon County Economic Development underwent somewhat of a restructuring phase. One of the main initiatives was to recreate the Public-Private Partnership Board otherwise referred to as DCP3. “I am very pleased with the team we assembled. It is a very diverse group where every single member adds an impressive amount of expertise in a variety of sectors,” says Berry. “We’ve managed to raise some money to support our efforts without leaning on the county for various expenses,” he continued. One of the main focuses was to create an economic development ambassadors program. DCP3 accomplished this by holding quarterly, 3-hour seminars, bringing in a multitude of experts as presenters. The graduates departed the last session with a more thorough understanding of the economic development process. The first ambassador program yielded an impressive 50 graduates. The first year also boasted an $11 million investment and 78 employees announced by DCC Metal Recycling.
Moving forward, the Dillon Inland Port continues to be the driver in attracting potential prospects. An estimated 80% of inquiries to do business in Dillon County is fueled by the cost savings that the port presents to industries. “This year I plan to attend a couple of recruiting trips with NESA and other economic development allies to take our winning message internationally,” said Berry. Currently Dillon County has three bonafide projects and one expansion that Berry gives an excellent chance of realizing. “This is such a competitive environment. It’s so important to exhaust every advantage possible when a prospect expresses interest. This has become one of our strengths. The county, city, chamber, DCP3 and other state and federal entities have worked beautifully together,” said Berry. “Dillon County and our Inland Port are no longer secrets and along with I-95 has catapulted us into a serious player in attracting industry.”
Pictured at top is Economic Development Director Rodney Berry.
