December 2016 Features

• Economist Talks to SC Leaders About the Implications of President-elect Trump for the U.S Economy

  December 21, 2016

  Laurence Kotlikoff, who received his PhD. in economics from Harvard and has twice run as a write-in candidate or president, spoke on “The Implications of President-elect Trump for the U.S Economy” at the recent 36th Annual Economic Outlook Conference at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business.

• Analysis and Comment on South Carolina's Recent Unemployment Data, Expected to Stay Low in 2017

  December 20, 2016

  South Carolina has been continuously growing its population, so some new workers could have come from out of state. Also, some people not officially looking for jobs - a group that doesn’t get counted in the unemployment figures - may have come off the sidelines and re-entered the workforce.

• Grand Strand, Charleston and Hilton Head Are Helping to Lead South Carolina's Economy

  December 19, 2016

  Economic development along the Grand Strand has helped to drive the South Carolina economy in 2016, experts say. “Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head have been shining spots for the state and that is due to construction,” said Dr. Joey Von Nessen, research economist at the University of South Carolina.

• Tightening Labor Market Impacting Economic Growth in South Carolina

  December 19, 2016

  Research economists with USC's Darla Moore School of business are predicting continued economic growth for the state in 2017, although at a slower pace than each of the past five years of expansion. A tightening labor market is expected to keep South Carolina’s economic growth at a slow steady pace in 2017 and state leaders will need to address a growing skills gap if they want to accelerate that growth.

• Thoughts from a South Carolina Business Owner, Leadership from the Bike Seat

  December 09, 2016

  I didn’t approach my 350-mile bike trip with the goal of learning leadership lessons. I just wanted a cool experience and a bit of adventure. Lucky for me, I got all of the above and more.

• M&A to Increase in First 90 Days After US Elections and in 2017

  December 08, 2016

  When asked if M&A will change during the first 90 days after the 2016 elections, 53 percent of respondents (65 percent of private equity respondents and 48 percent of corporate respondents) expected an increase in deal activity.

• Magna International Constructing Fourth Manufacturing Plant in South Carolina

  December 07, 2016

  Headquartered in Aurora, Ontario, Canada, Magna International operates facilities across the globe, employing approximately 155,000 people worldwide. The company’s product capabilities include producing many parts of the automobile, such as the body, chassis, exterior, seating, powertrain, electronic, vision, closure and roof systems and modules, as well as contract manufacturing.

• University of South Carolina's Peter Brews, Darla Moore School Raising Bar for Business Education

  December 06, 2016

  The school has raised performance standards while moving from a two-year curriculum, where students completed business courses in their junior and senior years, to a four-year curriculum, where business courses start in the freshman year. Here, Brews talks about the initiative, as well as the broader landscape of higher education.

• Sonoco Reports Financial Guidance and Strategic Priorities, Expects Record Earnings Performance

  December 05, 2016

  "2016 has been a strong year, and we expect to report record earnings performance despite flat to negative growth from many of our largest customers and generally muted growth around the world." - Sonoco President and Chief Executive Officer Jack Sanders

• As Executive Director of USC's 24,000-member Alumni Association, Jack Claypoole Explains How My Carolina Looks to Engage Every Generation

  December 01, 2016

  My Carolina boasts a $26-million building that just celebrated its first birthday and is also taking on a new mission in supporting USC. Jack Claypoole talks about an eventful past year and an exciting future for the organization.

• How to Train Temporary Workers During the Busy Holiday Season

  December 01, 2016

  Many businesses hire additional workers during the holiday season to help with increased demand. This year, retailers are expected to employ between 640,000 and 690,000 temporary workers, according to the National Retail Federation. Improperly trained temporary hires can present workplace safety risks. A 2014 study conducted by Travelers Insurance found that 28% of injuries happen within the first year of employment.