Lt. Governor Evette’s visit was covered exclusively by Fox Carolina. She spoke to a class at USC Upstate Wednesday about women in leadership and the impact they are making in South Carolina.
Lt. Governor Evette’s visit was covered exclusively by Fox Carolina. She spoke to a class at USC Upstate Wednesday about women in leadership and the impact they are making in South Carolina.
By Ann McGill originally published by Live 5 WCSC on Jan 25, 2024.
RIDGEVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) – Big changes are coming to the Volvo manufacturing plant in Ridgeville.
The automaker says just six years from now, the Swedish carmaker will go fully electric.
Starting in 2030, the company will kick gas-powered engines to the curb and only manufacture electric vehicles.
The company invited one of the state’s top officials to the Lowcountry to check out the plant as it prepares to move forward.
Lt. Governor Pamela Evette got full access to the assembly plant that is working to attract the next generation of manufacturing employees.
She even took part in a training exercise designed for new workers.
“This really gets continuity you know. There’s this manual you look at, you do it. The same thing everybody is trained on the same way. I think this is great. I think this is why it’s so important to get our kids involved in our robotics and STEM programs. Cause Legos are a huge part of that dexterity, that creativity,” Evette said.
Volvo is working with ReadySC on a new program to recruit students even before they graduate high school to help them get ready for that 2030 deadline. The Accelerator Program is working with seniors at Woodland, Ashley Ridge, Cross and Stall High Schools.
The company currently employs 2,000 people and is working to bring 1,300 more on board to staff a second shift as it prepares to roll out the all-electric EX90 SUV starting this summer.
There are two application events happening soon. The first one is on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Ridgeville at the Ridgeville Community Center people can fill out applications.
There’s another one happening Tuesday in Moncks Corner at the Moncks Corner Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
By Shawn Cabbagestalk, Originally Posted Jan 17, 2024 by WJBF News Channel 6
BAMBERG, S.C. (WJBF) – South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette visiting Bamberg, S.C. It was one of many stops focusing on economic development and rural communities. “We know when companies come to rural communities, it, it changes everything for a town and a county and a city,” South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said.
In the aftermath of last week’s E-F 2 tornado, Lt. Gov. Pam Evette did not tour the damage. Instead, she toured Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing to highlight economic prospects in the area. Our cameras were not allowed inside for security reasons. “I met Phoenix when they were up in Greenville. They won a manufacturing award. So I said, I’d love to come down and see what you’re doing. So that’s what’s brought me here today, to become a better salesman for our state,” she added.
During the strategic tour, she highlighted the transformative impact of industrial development in rural areas and its positive effects. “When somebody makes an investment in our small communities, little by little all kinds of things start to change,” she said. “Grocery stores start to look at coming here, strip malls start to pop up. Builders get excited about building homes in those areas.”
Her vision extends beyond immediate challenges, addressing healthcare concerns and emphasizing the need for infrastructure development, including broadband access. “As other companies see the exciting growth that happens and how communities, really make them part of everything that’s happening, we know that that kind of news is very infectious,” she shared. “South Carolina is where everybody’s looking to grow and we’re looking to show ’em the success in these areas.”
Lt. Gov. Evette plans to visit the tornado-hit area to assess the damage, collaborating with South Carolina EMD to coordinate federal assistance. “They’re waiting word, to see what kind of funding, and how what they’ll declare that incident. So we’re just kind of waiting now on the feds,” Lt. Evette said. “I’m excited to see, the rebuild down here and just how it attracts people from all over the state to come down and support, support the businesses that have been impacted.”
She also visited the TICO tractor factory in Jasper County.
By Matthew Christian, Originally published in the Aiken Standard on January 12, 2024
NORTH AUGUSTA — South Carolina’s technical education system is a big reason for the state’s economic growth, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said Jan. 10.
South Carolina broke its record for largest single economic development project announced twice in 2022, Evette told the women of the Steel Magnolias Republican women’s group at Southbound Smokehouse.
BMW announced a $1.7 billion expansion of its Upstate operations, including $1 billion for the production of electric vehicles in Spartanburg and $700 million to build a battery assembly plant in Woodruff.
Redwood Materials announced plans to construct a $3.5 billion plant in Berkeley County that will build electric vehicle parts.
The Census Bureau recently announced that South Carolina led the nation in population growth percentage from 2022-2023.
“We keep growing because we are so blessed with an amazing technical college system,” Evette said. “We can create the workforce of tomorrow.”
South Carolina’s technical college system includes 16 schools serving different areas of the state. Aiken County is served by Aiken Technical College.
Evette added her middle son, Joey, chose to attend Greenville Technical College.
The Evettes live north of Greenville in Travelers Rest.
Evette said Joey played lacrosse in high school, and her friends would ask her about Joey’s college plans at the games. She said Joey was the smartest of her three children but didn’t want to be in school anymore.
“Oh my God, he didn’t get into Clemson,” Evette remembers her friends asking. “It really dawned on me how everyone viewed our technical college system as almost a second-tier option.”
Most people don’t realize there are good careers for graduates of a technical college, Evette continued.
She added someone with a mechatronics degree — design and analysis of sensors and actuators — can make $55,000 per year and, if that person is a good employee, six figures three years after graduation.
The best part, Evette continued, is that graduates will have zero college debt.
Evette said she tours businesses around the state — she visited Aiken’s AGY plant in 2023 — and speaks to groups of Republicans. She said she is often told by businesses that employees need soft skills and by parents that children need to learn fiscal responsibility.
“Really all we need to do is get our kids working again,” Evette said.
She added youth employment is as low as it’s been.
“Kids will learn soft skills in that first job,” Evette continued. “You can’t teach fiscal responsibility to someone who’s never had a job. They don’t know what they’re giving up to earn a dollar.”
Evette said she’s started a statewide campaign to encourage parents to let their children get afterschool jobs
By Aria Surka with WFXG News, originally posted 1/13/24
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. – In an effort to support North Augusta’s downtown revitalization and maximize the use of the Medac building, Augusta Oncology says it’s bringing a new multispecialty clinic to the former Medac building.
City and state leaders announced the second phase of the Beacon Bluff project.
North Augusta says this will bring 250 jobs and will be the most advanced radiation treatment facility in Georgia and South Carolina.
South Carolina Senator, Tom Young said “Our goal is for there to be timely affordable and accessible care for South Carolinians and Georgians in this region by doing that and it is a win win for consumers and patients in our view and as Governor McMaster said last year as he signed the legislation he said South Carolina is open for business.”
This center will provide chemotherapy and radiation, making it easier on patients to get all their treatments at one site.
Augusta oncology’s plan is to have a 30 thousand square foot medical oncology suite on the second floor to include chemotherapy and a 15 thousand square foot radiation center with what it calls the latest technology in the two-state area.
“Our patients have relayed to us that their most difficult challenges is traveling to multiple sites to receive their cancer care. This puts a strain on their and it puts a strain on the patient. Our goal is to enhance the cancer patient’s experience and provide the most advanced care with cutting edge technology for these patients,” said Augusta Oncology CEO, Tracy Duffie.
This clinic along with the full beacon bluff development project represents over $35 million dollars into North Augusta.
“It doesn’t stop here we want to sure this year in our executive budget,” said SC Lieutenant Governor, Pamela Evette, “We are targeting investments in health care agencies to help patients benefit. We are looking forward to this not just being the first but the first of many announcements across our state.”
Demolition for this project will begin February 5th with a goal to be open and treating patients by the end of this year.
by: Adrianna Lawrence with WBTW. Originally posted Nov. 17, 2023
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) — South Carolina’s lieutenant governor visited Coastal Carolina University on Thursday to talk about workforce development with the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies.
Representatives from Santee Cooper and Conway Medical Center also talked about how the workforce needs to continue to improve and grow.
“Here in South Carolina, we’ve been very focused on creating the workforce of tomorrow, making sure that the world-class companies that are coming here to our state have the workforce that they need,” Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said.
The Grand Strand is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country but ranks low for people obtaining college degrees. Recent U.S. Census Data shows nearly 30% of the state’s residents 25 or older have a bachelor’s degree. In Horry County, that number is about 24%.
CCU officials acknowledge the need for higher education credentials across the state. Evette said colleges influence the workforce starting at a young age.
“Many of the skills that we find our employees are lacking are soft skills, things that you learn in that first job,” Evette said. “So for all the parents that are watching, realize we need your children.”
Evette said the problem isn’t limited to South Carolina. It’s a worldwide issue. She also said colleges can help give hope to young adults looking for a path while solving the current problems employers face.
“When you get your kids employed and they get out there and see the real world and they see what’s going on and they see the difference that education makes, it inspires them to make sure that they stay in school, they do well,” she said.
Dr. Lee Brown, the dean of CCU’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies, said they created the program two years ago and have seen a significant increase in adult enrollment.
“Trying to be flexible, convenient, for that mom that has to work and has an issue with daycare or has to be home in the evening, being able to provide that access to education is where we sort of hang our hat on,” Brown said.
CCU recently began offering a program called CCU Complete that allows students who have earned some college credit in the past but did not finish to return and take up to five classes for $100 each.
Originally published in The Summerville Journal Scene on Nov 7, 2023
South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette talked about the importance of education and a burgeoning workforce at the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Luncheon Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the Summerville Country Club.
Along with Evette, the 93rd Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina and the state’s first female Republican lieutenant governor, state legislators Sen. Sean Bennett, Sen. Sandy Senn, Rep. Chris Murphy, Rep. Gary Brewer and Rep. Robby Robbins spoke about adopted legislation and current legislation being considered in Columbia and what it could mean for the greater Summerville area.
Evette first spoke about the role South Carolina’s technical schools play in the future of the state’s commerce and economic development and efforts to get young people involved in the workforce.
“When I became lieutenant governor, along with the governor, we decided to use our platform or microphone to really talk about the technical schools, and what a big impact they have because everywhere I go, every business I talk to, relies on the workforce provided through our technical colleges,” she said. “When I first became lieutenant governor – this is kind of a daunting statistic – we only had 42% of our population that had secondary degrees or certifications, and with the amount of industry that we have in South Carolina, and continuing to come in, we should have been at like 71 or 72%. So, we really have a lot of ground to make up.”
Evette mentioned the importance of workforce scholarships and said they are “making all the difference” in the state’s employment numbers. Workforce Scholarships for the Future cover tuition and required fees at the state’s 16 technical colleges for South Carolina residents enrolled in a high-demand field such as manufacturing, healthcare, computer science and information technology, transportation, distribution and logistics, or construction. She said these scholarships give people a real opportunity to join and thrive in the workforce.
Employees with basic communication and problem-solving skills is also something businesses desire but have difficulty finding, she said.
“I fancy myself a business person, so I like to be out in the community,” she said. “I like to sit across the table from businesses. I like to figure out what we can do to really make businesses grow. As I travel around, I keep hearing, first and foremost from businesses, can you please teach soft skills in the classroom? We’re getting these great kids out of college and they don’t know how to talk. They don’t know how to solve problems. Can you just teach that?”
Evette then spoke about the importance of students learning fiscal responsibility, saying many young people “do not know the value of a dollar” or how long it takes to pay off loans.
“You can’t teach fiscal responsibility to somebody who’s never had a job because they have no idea what they have to give up to earn a dollar,” she said. “I started going around the state encouraging parents to get their kids working again. Our mom-and pop-companies need our kids to start working again. That’s why our favorite coffee shop’s not open on Sundays anymore and you can’t go get an ice cream cone after eight o’clock. There’s nobody to work.”
Evette said South Carolina’s small businesses and young adults need the experience of having a first job and she will be working with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) to focus on youth employment.
“Youth employment in South Carolina is the lowest it’s ever been,” she said. “And it’s not just here, it’s everywhere, and it’s not just everywhere in our country. When I was in Germany, I asked them what their three pain points were. It was energy, employee workforce and immigration – the same things we’re dealing with here in our country, they’re dealing with there. Getting those kids working is really a big deal.”
BY MICHAELE DUKE Williamsburg Hometown Chamber Director
Originally published in The News on Sep 27, 2023
Local industry, Palmetto Synthetics, has been producing thermoplastic fibers to companies across the globe since 1997. On September 13, owners Henry and David Poston were recognized by Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette for their 25 years of leadership in the textile industry. Palmetto Synthetics produces materials that are used in a myriad of applications such as military grade clothing and inside automobiles. The industry is also celebrating six expansions since opening. Evette toured the facility and presented the men with a brass plate engraved with the Department of Commerce and Governor’s Seal.
“I love talking about new businesses, but I also love talking about businesses that have been here so long that have created a family and a culture and a reputation in rural areas that are not rural anymore,” said Evette. “They are continuing to grow, and we are needing more and more people in our great state that want to be a part of our manufacturing framework.”
Leading the recycling and sustainability industry for over 25 years, Palmetto Synthetics is supportive of our community and workforce pipeline through initiatives such as the Apprenticeship Carolina program.
They could have started their company anywhere but chose Kingstree because of the people. “It didn’t take very long to decide where to build because part of the reason is the good people,” said Henry Poston. “We can talk about all the good that we’ve done but without the people here we wouldn’t be here”.
Lt. Gov. Evette was elected on November 6, 2018. Evette is an advocate of getting kids between high school and college into the workforce through programs such as Apprenticeship Carolina, which Palmetto Synthetics is involved in. Evette is also a champion of “Grab A Bag”, a campaign through Palmetto Pride, that encourages communities to pick up litter. In August, she was awarded the 2023 Recycling Impact Award for demonstrating leadership in recycling, resource conservation, and sustainability in the U.S.
by Michael Owen – originally published by WPDE on September 14, 2023
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — South Carolina is pushing to be an attractive destination for tech companies, and our state’s Lieutenant Governor said the key is being a national leader in stem education.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette visited the Grand Strand today to speak at a tech conference.
She was the host speaker Wednesday at the SC Decoded Conference in North Myrtle Beach.
She said that having these types of jobs and education resources available is crucial to our area if we want the younger generations to stay here.
The Lieutenant Governor also said that while Myrtle Beach has always been routed in hospitality, it’s now expanding into a new industry.
“With DC Blox announcing they’re coming to Myrtle Beach, basically bringing transatlantic fiber in here and being a data center. So, what that’s saying is this is the area you want to be in if you’re going to be in the cyber computer science arena,” said Lt. Gov. Evette.
In order to keep attracting those companies and providing future generations with jobs, Evette said education is the key.
“We have an opportunity. There are great choices in this field, and we as a state, want our kids to stay here. We’re looking out into the future that we are educating our kids for the jobs of the future,” she said.
In 2018, just 43% of all high schools in South Carolina offered computer science courses. Now 93% offer them, which is number two in the country.
She said we need to introduce kids to stem fields at earlier ages.
“It’s never too young. You know I first learned here in Myrtle Beach about STEM and STEAM doing robotics. They start them out very young with Legos getting the dexterity to put things together to create and build and they continue to ramp that up each year,” said Lt. Gov. Evette.
The leader of FIRST Robotics competitions in South Carolina tells me they have kids as young as four years old participating.
“When you go look at kids, they’re using technology. They’re using their iPads. They’re using all these resources and sometimes it’s just to have an environment they can relax in. What we try to do is flip that brain the other way and say how can we actually show the kids how to build that app,” said Chris Cortez, FIRST South Carolina. He added, “They’re using encoding skills that we teach them to build those apps. So they can actually understand at a fundamental level of actually how this comes to be.”
Cortez said FIRST wants to give all kids the opportunity to be introduced to STEM fields and have mentors to be able to help guide them in the industry.
“We also want to empower the students that are in our programs, and future members of our programs to stay in the state of South Carolina. There are great opportunities here and we are going to help build that economic boom of those STEM leaders with our programs,” said Cortez. He went on to add, “When they say there’s great jobs here, we want to be a part of that and say we’re helping build those opportunities for those kids to be successful for those businesses. So those businesses can come here and say ‘You know what there is a great workforce here.’ ”
The Lieutenant Governor agrees that equipping students with the right resources will be crucial to continued expansions into STEM careers for South Carolina. It’s not just kids she wants to be educated either. She also wants to see more veterans use scholarship opportunities to live in South Carolina and enter the STEM field.
“We know that cyber is the future, technology is the future, and we want to make sure that we equip all South Carolina students with the knowledge that they need for these amazing careers,” said Lt. Gov. Evette.
Many tech companies were on hand for the meet and greet style event with speakers on topics like A.I. and cyber security.
Originally published August 17, 2023 by Recycling Product News
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has awarded South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette with the 2023 Recycling Impact Award.
The award, presented during the NLGA’s 2023 annual meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, is presented annually by ISRI in partnership with the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA), honouring a lieutenant governor demonstrating leadership in recycling, resource conservation, and sustainability in the U.S.
“Throughout her life, Lt. Governor Evette has been a champion of recycling initiatives, making an immeasurable impact on South Carolina,” said ISRI President Robin Wiener. “A true steward of the recycled materials industry and a dedicated public servant, she has demonstrated leadership in support of policies that recognize how valuable, high-quality recycled materials can support America’s sustainable supply chain. It is an honour to present her with the 2023 Recycling Impact Award, highlighting her contributions to critical recycling efforts.”
The granddaughter of a steel mill worker, Lt. Gov. Evette learned early on about the recycled material industry’s role as part of the global manufacturing supply chain. During her time in office, she has leaned on her experiences, along with her entrepreneurial background, to lead one of her key initiatives, ‘Grab A Bag SC’, a statewide effort encouraging communities across the state to pick up litter and recycle.
“This award serves as a collective reminder that every instance of recycling, regardless of its scale, truly impacts our communities and the pride we hold for them. Industries in our state count on recycled plastics this isn’t just an environmental issue but also a business issue,” said Lt. Gov. Pamela S. Evette. “I look forward to continuing to lead the charge against litter in South Carolina and hope this inspires others to take part in a recycling initiative in their community.
“The impact of our industry touches every aspect of life, from protecting the environment to ensuring the health of the manufacturing supply chain and supporting our communities through well-paying jobs,” said Mark Fredrickson, ISRI member and area manager of the South Carolina-based Commercial Metals Company (CMC) who presented Lt. Gov. Evette with the award. “Lt. Gov. Evette understands the importance of recycled materials. We are grateful for her support of our industry and the core values of ISRI’s member companies.”