Dorchester County Economic Development

04/22/2026

Recently, community leaders, elected officials, and regional partners from Dorchester and Berkeley counties came together for an informative forum hosted by Google to learn more about the data centers planned for our region.

The goal was simple: share facts, ask questions, and ensure our community is equipped with clear, accurate information about what these projects mean for our future.

Topics like water usage, energy infrastructure, and tax impact were discussed openly. Most importantly, the conversation reinforced something we value deeply: collaboration. Local leaders across both counties are working together with industry partners to plan responsibly, address concerns thoughtfully, and support long-term growth that benefits our entire community.

As our region continues to grow, staying informed and engaged will be key. We’re grateful for opportunities like this that bring people to the table, encourage transparency, and help move our community forward—together.

💙💚

04/13/2026

It was another beautiful day on the greens at Pine Forest Country Club as we celebrated the incredible industries that make Dorchester County thrive! ⛳️

A big thank you to our generous sponsors for helping make this tournament such a success. And congratulations to BoschUSA for taking home the top prize! 🏆

We’re grateful for the camaraderie, competition, and community spirit that made it a great time for all. We’re already looking forward to next year!

SPONSORS:
Presenting | Kozlarek Root Law
Lunch | Thomas & Hutton
Hospitality | Vannoy Construction
Happy Hour | HITT Contracting
Bev Carts | Terracon & SeamonWhitesidehiteside
Trophies | First Citizens Bank & Trident Construction
Prizes | Knight's Companies & JE Dunn Construction
Hole in One | Cypress Engineering & Enterprise Bank S.C.
Mulligans | Bridge Commercial
Prize Holes | Hill Construction & CRDA
Premium Holes | Bowman, Miller Valentine Construction , Peak Construction Corporation , & Tony Pope - State Farm Agent
Water | ECS Group of Companies

04/08/2026

📣Join us on April 16 from 10:30am-12:00pm for the SC Works Disability Employment Resource Expo & Job Fair! 📣

This event is open to the public and will cover a range of topics pertaining to employment like:
✅Maintaining your benefits while working
✅Applying for benefits
✅Resources and training that are available through SC Works ✅Access to employment
✅And much more!

📍Vocational Rehabilitation
4360 Dorchester Rd., North Charleston, SC 29405

04/08/2026

03/02/2026

🎉 DEADLINE EXTENDED! 🎉
Still thinking about applying for Tri-County STEMersion? You’re in luck—we’ve extended the application deadline!

STEMersion is a hands-on, immersive summer experience educators love! From real-world industry exposure to fresh ideas and classroom-ready lessons, it’s professional development that’s engaging, inspiring, and truly different.

If you’ve been on the fence, this is your moment.

⏰ Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a teacher-favorite experience!

🗓 Apply online by March 15
👉 www.TriCountySTEMersion.com
🥽📐⚙️🧪

02/20/2026

Employer Opportunity💡$30,000 in Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) funds are now available to help employers cover training costs needed to retain a competitive workforce.

Apply for this cost-effective grant to upgrade your team's skills through reimbursable training services and expenses.

➡️ Full details and the application form are available at https://bit.ly/4tHANwx.

➡️ Applications are due MARCH 9, 2PM.

UPDATE: The application deadline has been extended to MARCH 13, 2PM.

Fast Facts:
✦ All training must be completed and funds expended by JUNE 30, 2026.
✦ Training must be completed through a third-party training provider. A training curriculum will need to be submitted with the application on the trainer's letterhead.
✦ Employer must be current on all state tax obligations.
✦ Employer must have at least one full-time employee.
✦ Employer must document that potential trainees have an established employment history of six month or more with the employer.

S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce

02/07/2026

Dorchester County continues to draw attention on the national stage.

According to new rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Dorchester County has been named one of America’s Most Desirable Counties to Move To, landing at No. 9 in the country.

The list highlights communities that offer a strong quality of life, economic opportunity and sustained population growth.

02/06/2026

👋 Hey Educators—this one’s for you!

Tri-County STEMersion gives educators a behind-the-scenes look at real-world industries and career pathways right here in our region. You’ll step outside the classroom, connect with local businesses, collaborate with fellow educators, and leave with fresh ideas and classroom-ready lessons that help students see how learning connects to life beyond school.

This is more than professional development—it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re ready to get inspired, and bring real-world relevance back to your classroom, now’s the time to apply!

✨ Don’t sit this one out—join us and help shape the future, one classroom at a time.

⏰ Don’t wait—spots are filling fast!

If you’ve been thinking about applying to the 2026 TriCounty STEMersion Institute, now’s the time—applications are already rolling in!

STEMersion is a one-of-a-kind, 5-day, immersive summer professional development experience that takes educators beyond the classroom and into local industries. You’ll collaborate with fellow educators and leave with classroom-ready lessons that bring real-world learning to life.

🗓 Application Deadline: February 28
🖥️ Apply at www.TricountyStemersion.com

📐🧪🥽⚙️

02/01/2026

Due to winter weather conditions, roads in Dorchester County may become impassable. You can find posted road closures at https://www.waze.com/live-map or download the Waze app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. We, along with other county, municipal, and state agencies, will update road closures as we become aware of impassable roads. Roads could still have hazardous conditions or black ice overnight, even if it's not immediately posted on the map, so please stay off the roads unless it is absolutely necessary. Your safety and the safety of our responders depend on it. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Stay safe!

01/26/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our Deputy Director, Michelle McDonald! 🎉

We are beyond proud to announce that Michelle McDonald has been named the 2025 Trailblazer of the Year – Woman of Excellence by the ! 🏆✨

Michelle was honored at last Friday’s 2025 Member Awards Celebration, where the community came together to recognize outstanding leadership, innovation, and community impact. This award celebrates an exceptional female leader who has courageously blazed a path for others to follow.

Please join us in celebrating Michelle’s remarkable achievement and her continued leadership that helps shape a brighter future for Dorchester County! 🎊🙌