Press Releases
Wolfe Assists in Economic Development Initiative
COLUMBIA -- (Feb. 8, 2010) -- Columbia partner George Wolfe recently was appointed by S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell to a new group developed to examine economic development and suggest legislative solutions to the General Assembly. The group’s work and recommendations were drafted into legislation and introduced in January in the House.
Comprised entirely of private sector industry leaders, the economic development group worked closely with business leaders, industry experts, the Department of Commerce, and other economic development entities to address a unified goal of growing South Carolina’s economy.
Some of the major recommendations included in the bill are the elimination of the Corporate Income Tax, Restoration of the Closing Fund, and various improvements to the state's economic incentive tools. The economic development group also expressed their support for other legislative initiatives being sought by the House this year – Tort Reform, ESC Reform and Dual Rail access at the Port of Charleston.
“South Carolina’s economy is the biggest issue facing our state for the next two decades,” Speaker Harrell said. “Lowering unemployment and increasing per capita income are issues that directly affect the lives of South Carolina families. This legislative session will focus intensely on our state’s economic priorities. The Economic Development Competitiveness Act lays out steps we need to take to make our state more competitive in today’s global economy.”
“This job creation strategy was created by private sector input, because it’s the private sector – not government – that must lead us out of these difficult economic times,” Harrell continued. “I would like to thank the members of this economic development group for volunteering their time and expertise as we work together to improve South Carolina’s economy.”
