South Carolina to Offer Free Code Education for All Residents

Monday, September 24, 2018
S.C. Department of Commerce Office of Innovation and Build Carolina to launch statewide SC Codes initiative

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation, in collaboration with Build Carolina, today announced SC Codes, a new statewide program designed to provide free access to code education for all residents. A first-of-its-kind, state-funded resource, the new platform connects students with experienced industry mentors and provides pathways for continuing education and employment in technology-related fields.

“The continued development of South Carolina’s digital workforce is critical to ensuring future economic prosperity within our borders,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Our ability to compete in the global economy will rely on the availability of an educated, job-ready technology workforce in South Carolina. SC Codes will help us develop such talent, preparing the citizens of this state for the jobs of tomorrow.”

SC Codes is available to any resident with access to the internet; no downloads or special equipment are required. Interested participants can enroll in beginner to advanced curriculum, specifically designed with the demands of the state’s industries in mind. Additionally, cohort-style and classroom-led sessions will be available through local community partners. Those interested in becoming a student, a mentor or a community partner can find more information at www.sccodes.org.

SC Codes was first established in 2016 as a pilot project under S.C. Commerce’s Innovation Challenge grant with BMW and the Greenville County Public Library System. Now, the statewide platform utilizes proprietary technology created by the leadership of the former Greenville-based Iron Yard Academy.

“The beauty of the platform is that anyone who wants to learn to code can access educational resources that are specific to the needs of employers right here in our state,” said Lelia King, executive director of Build Carolina. “South Carolina is leading the charge when it comes to removing barriers to technical education, which will have a direct impact on our workforce, our innovative employers and our economy.”

South Carolina’s tech sector continues to grow and opportunities for individuals entering the workforce with this type of training are vast. Employment in the state’s technology industry expanded by an estimated 2,520 jobs in 2017 and contributed $10.8 billion to the state’s economy, according to Cyberstates™ 2018, an analysis published in March by CompTIA. Including more than 6,600 tech businesses, South Carolina’s tech sector is responsible for an estimated 5.6 percent of the overall state economy.

Betsy Kinsley Selected for Riley Institute DLI

Betsy Kinsley, CCF’s Vice President of Development & Stewardship
Selected for The Riley Institute at Furman’s 12th Class of
Lowcountry Diversity Leaders
CCF board member Bill Stanfield (Metanoia) also selected

CHARLESTON, S.C. – August 31, 2017 – Coastal Community Foundation (CCF) is pleased to announce our Vice President of Development & Stewardship, Betsy Kinsley, is one of 42 leaders from across the Lowcountry and surrounding areas selected to participate in the Riley Institute at Furman’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) this fall. CCF board member Bill Stanfield, CEO of Metanoia Community Development Corporation, has also been selected to the Lowcountry DLI fall 2017 class.
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Statement From Gov. Henry McMaster On Charleston Harbor Deepening Project

May 24, 2017

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers naming the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project one of six new starts and allocating $17.5 million in construction funding in its Fiscal Year ’17 Work Plan.

“Getting the Charleston port’s harbor deepening project included in the Corps of Engineers’ 2017 Work Plan – when important projects all over the country were fighting for the same dollars – is a major breakthrough for our State. This will supercharge our already vigorous economic growth opportunities. This reflects a solid and sustained team effort by our State and congressional leadership, including powerful persuasion by Senator Lindsey Graham. Our competitive edge in the world’s economy just got stronger.”

Berkeley Chamber Board Endorses Statewide Gas Tax

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.-Berkeley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorses a state-wide gas tax to repair and maintain South Carolina deteriorating roads.

The Board supports increasing the gas tax to provide a sustainable and recurring funding source that will enable the Department of Transportation to work on the more than 85% of our state roads that are rated “poor or fair”.

The Berkeley Chamber Board believes that a safe and well-maintained infrastructure is critical to a growing economy, along with safety for residents and businesses. Continue reading “Berkeley Chamber Board Endorses Statewide Gas Tax”

PhishLabs Expanding Into New Headquarters In Charleston County

Cybersecurity Firm Creating 45 Jobs At New Corporate Office

COLUMBIA, S.C. – PhishLabs, a leading provider of cybersecurity services, is expanding its existing operations in Charleston County. To accommodate its continued growth, the company is expecting to create 45 new jobs over the next three years.

Founded in 2008, PhishLabs fights back against phishing attacks – the primary source of data breaches and online fraud. PhishLabs combines technology, human expertise and cyber threat intelligence to protect against these attacks. The company’s clients include top financial, technology, healthcare, retail and insurance companies. Recognized by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™ and Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the U.S., PhishLabs was also named one of the 2016 Best Places to Work in South Carolina by the S.C. Chamber of Commerce.
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Berkeley County and DuPont respond to Kevlar plant closure

Press Release Published: February 23, 2017, 2:38 pm

MONCKS CORNER, SC –  Berkeley County Supervisor Bill Peagler and County leaders are working to find job opportunities for all employees impacted by the DuPont Kevlar plant closure. The County is working with the South Carolina Department of Commerce and our Berkeley County corporate family to find job connections for employees of the plant. Continue reading “Berkeley County and DuPont respond to Kevlar plant closure”

Carver Companies Expanding Its Charleston County Operations

Diversified Group Of Companies Investing $13 Million And Creating 22 Jobs

February 22, 2017

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Carver Companies, a diversified group of manufacturing and construction companies, will be expanding its Charleston County operations. Located in North Charleston, S.C., the expansion is expected to bring $13 million of new capital investment and lead to the creation of 22 new jobs.
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