Southern Carolina Alliance Marks 30 Years, Announces Major Bamberg County Project

The Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance celebrated 30 years of work in 2026 and used the milestone to highlight a new, major economic development project in Bamberg County, SCA Chairman Steve Murdaugh wrote in the alliance’s February newsletter. Murdaugh framed the Bamberg announcement as the region’s kickoff to 2026 after a busy 2025: "As we ended 2025 with announcements and expansions in Colleton, Bamberg, Beaufort and Hampton counties, 2026 kicked off with a major economic development project announcement in Bamberg County," he wrote.

Murdaugh also invoked the anniversary as a moment to look ahead, writing, "As SCA reflects this year on our 30 years of service to the counties of our region, we look forward to what's to come as our region remains a hub for investment and job creation." SCA was founded in 1996 and serves seven Lowcountry counties - Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell and Colleton - with stated goals of attracting, retaining and expanding business investments, particularly in automotive, aerospace and manufacturing.

Statewide context underscores the scale behind the alliance’s optimism. The S.C. Department of Commerce reported 2025 industry recruitment totals of $9.12 billion in capital investment and more than 8,100 new jobs statewide. The department recorded 82 announced projects in 2025, with 34 of those selecting rural communities. Within the SCA seven‑county region, SCA announced 16 projects in 2025 that together accounted for $531.7 million in capital investment and 1,144 new jobs.

SCA has been promoting its anniversary across local channels. On February 2 the alliance’s official Facebook page launched a #BoardMemberMonday series and highlighted Ashley Feaster, Manager of Community Affairs and Economic Development for Palmetto Electric Cooperative. The post noted Palmetto Electric serves southern Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties, said Feaster has served on the SCA board since 2019, and recorded 29 reactions and one share at the time of publication.

SCA communications also indicate more activity ahead in 2026, with plans to unveil new initiatives and community partnerships throughout the year. The alliance’s materials further state the region has been "recognized among Forbes' 2026 Top 15 Companies in S.C.," though the announcement materials do not list the specific companies or provide further detail on that recognition.

Local officials and economic development staff in Bamberg County have been told a major project is under way through SCA’s February communications; the announcement did not include the project name, investment amount or job projections. County and SCA officials will be expected to supply those specifics as the project is finalized and public disclosure requirements are met.