Tag: SC Economy

Early poll gives SC lieutenant governor edge in 2026 race

By Nick Reagan; Originally Published: Mar. 12, 2025 by WCSC

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Extremely early polling shows South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette with a slight lead among likely Republican voters in the state’s 2026 governor’s race.

The Trafalgar Group, an Atlanta-based political research group, polled 1,127 likely Republican voters between March 8-10 and found 31 percent of voters said they would vote for Evette.

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, who represents South Carolina’s First Congressional District, locked in 29 percent while Attorney General Alan Wilson maintains a close third with 27 percent of the vote.

About 11 percent said they’d vote for Rep. Ralph Norman, who represents the state’s Fifth Congressional District.

While prospective candidates are starting to position themselves for a run at the governor’s mansion, no one has officially announced their intentions yet.

The same poll questioned voters on how they feel about a variety of issues, including the performance of the president, tort reform and changes to state income tax.

On President Donald Trump’s work in office so far, the poll showed 73.7 percent of South Carolina Republicans approve of how he’s handling the job.

The poll shows there’s strong support, nearly 65 percent, for House Bill H. 3497, which would reform liquor liability for bars and restaurants but less support for the current tort reforms in Senate Bill S.244. Nearly 55 percent of those polled said they view the bill unfavorably.

When it comes to eliminating the state income tax through House Bill 3733, more than 80 percent of people polled supported the idea. However, the question set sets up respondents to believe cutting state income tax would generate more revenue by spending cuts and making the state more competitive.

The polls also found strong support for an SC DOGE with about 75 percent of people saying they view House Resolution 3926 and Senate Resolution 318 favorably or very favorably. 44 percent said it’s their top legislative priority.Those who responded to the poll were primarily white and over the age of 65 with a near even split between men and women.

The group reports a 2.9 percent margin of error.

Click here to read the full findings.

World’s largest center console boat travels through South Carolina today

By Stephanie Moore, originally published on WYFF4 February 3, 2025

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. —

The world’s largest center console boat is traveling in South Carolina on Monday.

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office announced it was helping State Transport Police in escorting the boat and announced traffic delays in the area.

Lt. Gov. Evette says delivery of F-16 to Bulgaria is “Peace Through Strength”

By Rey Llerena, originally posted January 31, 2025 on WYFF4

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —

Lockheed Martin has delivered the first F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft to Bulgaria as the country plans to develop its air force.

The aircraft was delivered in a ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville County facility on Friday morning, with top Bulgarian defense officials in attendance.

“With the acquisition of this multirole fighter capable of performing a wide range of tasks, we’re marking the beginning of the modernization of our combat aviation,” said Atanas Zapryanov, Bulgaria’s minister of defense.

Friday’s ceremony marked the first of 16 total F-16 Block 70s that will eventually be delivered to Bulgaria.

Chris Nations, Lockheed Martin’s chief F-16 test pilot, said the F-16 has been in service for more than 50 years. He said the Block 70 is the most capable version to date.

However, before the aircraft are delivered to customers, Nations said they are tested in the Upstate, where some people can hear sonic booms.

“That is the sound of freedom,” Nations said. “Realistically, what that is making sure that these jets work exactly like they’re supposed to. On the very first flight, after we’ve put the tires on and strap the wings on, I’ll take that aircraft up to over 40,000 feet in the air.”

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said these planes are one way the state is helping with national security.

“This is peace through strength,” she said. “Making sure that our allies have the equipment they need to keep their citizens safe is something we’re passionate about here. We’ve heard since President Trump took office, ‘How do we bring up the U.S.’s military might to make sure we keep our people and our country safe?'”

Lockheed Martin said there are more than 700 F-16s currently in service across Europe.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette visits Summerville for Scout Boats unveiling

By Aeon Bailey. Originally posted in the Journal Scene 1/22/2025

On Thursday, Jan. 16, in Summerville, Scout Boats hosted an unveiling event for the 670 LXS, which the company’s website describes as “one of the largest outboard-powered sportfishing yachts” in the world. In attendance was South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who spoke at the unveiling.

“This is such a thrill for me to be here,” Evette said. “As Lieutenant Governor, I talk about our boaters, especially Scout Boats and the bragging rights that they give South Carolina. Sometimes, I don’t believe we see the forest for the trees with the amazing manufacturers we have here in our state, but manufacturers like Scout Boats allow us to send South Carolina’s fingerprints all across the globe.”

Evette has attended business events in the past, including for political causes such as Donald Trump’s rally at Sportsman Boats in 2023, when South Carolina’s Small Business Leaders for Trump Coalition was announced. In a press release from the Trump campaign, Evette is quoted as saying, “No one has done more for America’s small businesses than President Donald J. Trump.” Trump was also mentioned at the Scout Boats unveiling, with one company official jokingly saying to the crowd that while the president-elect could not be there, he’d stated Scout Boats is “making boats great again.”

Evette’s website highlights her business involvement, including her time serving as a member of South Carolina’s Small Business Regulatory Review Committee.

“As Lt. Governor, Evette has used her professional background to serve the people and businesses of South Carolina,” according to the website. “She has dedicated her time to highlighting S.C.’s thriving small business ecosystem and attracting new business to the Palmetto state.”

The event consisted of a meet-and-greet, an unveiling, a tour of the boat and a reception.

Charleston celebrates Chanukah in the Square with special visits from state representatives

by Emma Charles, originally posted Dec 30, 2024 by WCBD News 2

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — Monday night, the Lowcountry celebrated Charleston’s 17th annual Chanukah in the Square.

“Chanukah is one of those holidays that brings out the light and we’re lucky to do that every year,” said Rabbi Yossi Refson.

The Center for Jewish life puts on Chanukah in the Square every year to celebrate the Jewish Holiday. Charleston has a history of religious tolerance which is one of the reasons the event takes place in Marion Square in the heart of the city.

“Charleston has a wonderful history of religious tolerance and Chanukah is the holiday where we celebrate our religious freedom and we celebrate it publicly we can celebrate our traditions here in Marion square the most public place in Charleston,” said Refson.

There is traditional food, live music and decorations as the low country celebrates Chanukah. South Carolina leaders spoke at the event including representative Nancy Mace, State Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette

“It’s great we can all celebrate together. Everybody of all faiths coming together and standing in solidarity to make sure we can worship freely: that’s what this country is based on. That’s why my grandparents came here, they said this is the best place in the world. You can worship any way you want; you can be anything you want here in the United States and that’s what this shows. Here in South Carolina, we’re special, we don’t let hatred, and we don’t let racism cast a dark shadow over our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette.

State Attorney General Alan Wilson said this event is an opportunity to show support for the Jewish community in South Carolina.

“This Jewish community is one of the oldest Jewish communities in the United States of America and we come from different faiths and different traditions, but we have a shared history we have a shared value system and being down here to support this community and rededicate ourselves as we go into 2025 is a real special thing for me,” said Wilson.

Greenwood Republican Party hosts SC Lt. Gov. Evette

Originally posted by Index-Journal on August 12, 2024

By MYA ATTEN

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette addressed the Greenwood County Republican Party during its August monthly meeting at Lander University.

On Monday, Evette urged the audience to come together, highlighting the importance of unity.

“South Carolina is a huge state when it comes to its impact on the world,” Evette said. “We are small but mighty and our impact is everywhere.”

Evette noted that South Carolina must increase its energy production to maintain growth and continue attracting new businesses.

State Rep. John McCravy thanked Evette for her efforts in floodwater prevention, her commitment to protecting South Carolina’s natural resources and for initiating the statewide “Grab a Bag” liter pickup challenge.

“Evette is one of the greatest advocates for our state,” McCravy said. “She was born in Ohio, but she has the South Carolina traditional values that we share.”

Evette reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for school choice and discussed key legislative actions from this year’s General Assembly.

Among the topics she highlighted were the “Help Not Harm” bill and legislation aimed at protecting children from online pornography.

“As parents, we need help,” Evette said. “There are so many things out there that we can’t monitor all on our own.”

Evette emphasized that her top priority is eliminating DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs from schools. She said she is a strong supporter of school choice.

“It’s a parent’s right and responsibility to determine the best educational path for their children,” Evette said.

Evette shared that during her first year as lieutenant governor, she made it a priority to visit any place that would host her, aiming to listen and learn.

“It was quite a leap for me,” Evettte said. “I went from owning a business to being lieutenant governor.

She also mentioned that she has enjoyed traveling to different parts of South Carolina and engaging in conversations about the diverse developments taking place across the state.

Evette has been South Carolina’s 93rd lieutenant governor since 2019, making her the first woman to ever hold the office in the state.

Lt. Governor Evette says Myrtle Beach Class is an economic driver

Originally posted May 10, 2024 by Jackie LiBrizzi, WBTW

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Thousands of people including South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette have been attending the Myrtle Beach Classic.

Evette said that South Carolina is the fastest-growing state in the country and is made up of great hospitality and tourism. She said the Myrtle Beach Classic is a great representation.

“It’s so exciting to see a PGA event here in Myrtle Beach,” Evette said. “I love Myrtle Beach, it’s my second home and you can see the enthusiasm, people are excited. Myrtle Beach is the golf capital of our state.”

Evette said she’s not sure what took so long for the PGA Tour to have an event in Myrtle Beach, but it’s here now and it’s a huge economic driver.

“Small businesses love events like this. People come in from all over the state and other states use our restaurants, they’re buying gas, they’re stopping at the local grocery store, they’re getting coffee, they’re getting ice cream, these mom-and-pop businesses, they love these events,” she said.

Evette said if you’re a tourism state, golf is important, and more and more kids are getting involved.

“I’ve heard for years, being a mom, those golf scholarships are some of the most unused scholarships across the country,” she said.

Evette said her husband played in the Pro-Am on Wednesday, adding golf offers quality family time with some friendly competition. She said her and her family play regularly.

“I want to see all the events come to South Carolina,” Evette said. “These kinds of events make a brighter spotlight on South Carolina continuing to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family and start your business.”

Speaking of businesses, the Dunes Club merchandise store has already run out and ordered more products ahead of this weekend.

An assistant professional golfer and merchandiser, Cyndi Graham, said since this is the first PGA event they’ve had, it’s kind of a test run.

“We go with our normal pricing on our stuff so basically keystone on our retail,” Graham said.

Graham said the board of directors and club managers will determine where the profits made from the tournament will go.

Evette hopes to see this event continue to grow and see the LPGA come in. She said all hands-on deck is the reason events like this are possible and encourages everybody to come out and show their support.

Lt. Gov. Evette on Fox & Friends: Americans Want Change that Impacts Them at Their Kitchen Tables

On Sunday morning, February 25, Lt. Governor Evette joined Rachel Campos-Duffy on Fox & Friends Weekend live from Senate’s End in Columbia, SC.

During the interview, she reacted to President Donald Trump’s win over Nikki Haley in the February 24th South Carolina Presidential Primary.

Tag: SC Economy

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