Senate has a choice: Put taxpayers and small businesses first or “go the way of Washington”

Gov. Nikki Haley urges Senators to pay for $93 million in tax relief as budget debate begins

May 15th

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley today said senators, who began debating the state budget, have a choice to make: show the people and small businesses of South Carolina that they come first and pay for $93 million in tax relief for taxpayers and businesses or go the way of Washington and spend the funds.

$93 million represents 1.6 percent of the $6.1 billion state budget the Senate is considering.

Gov. Haley said, “The Senate has a choice today: in a $6.1 billion dollar budget, will they give 1.6% back in tax relief or spend it? This is not partisan. This is about responsibility - to the taxpayers and small businesses of this state. This is the taxpayers’ money, not the legislature’s.”

Video of the governor’s press conference is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t37bo-jaX4

“The budget is the ultimate expression of our priorities as a government, as a state,” said Gov. Haley. “It is time for us to show South Carolina – and everyone else – that in our state, jobs, the people and our businesses come first.”

The governor’s letter to senators is attached as is a state budget chart the governor presented during her press conference.

Attachments:

Letter to the Senate

Haley, Zais, Owens celebrate Charter Schools bill signing

Governor: “We will no longer settle for what we think education has to be, we will lead on what education should be.”

May 14th

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley, State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais, House Education and Public Works committee Chairman Phil Owens and State Rep. Garry Smith today celebrated the signing of H. 3241, the Charter Schools bill, into law at Greenville Technical Charter High School.

Video of the event is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V526cibdZsE

“It is a great day in South Carolina,” said Gov. Haley. “We will no longer settle for what we think education has to be, we will lead in this country on what education should be – and that means options, innovation and creativity.”

Superintendent Zais said, “A one-size-fits-all model of education simply doesn’t work for many students.  Public charter schools are laboratories of innovation where the interests of students come first.”

“About three and a half years ago, we began to look at how we could increase the opportunities in education in South Carolina,” said Chairman Owens. “I want to start by thanking Governor Haley and Superintendent Zais for their leadership and collaborative effort that they have put forth to advance public school options in South Carolina. House bill 3241, which we are celebrating today, is yet another step forward in recognizing that parents must be empowered to choose the educational path that’s best suited for their children.”

Gov. Nikki Haley’s Weekly Schedule: May 14, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley’s schedule for the week of May 14 includes:

Monday, May 14, 11:00 AM:  Gov. Haley will join Superintendent Mick Zais and legislators for a ceremonial bill signing, Greenville Technical Charter High School, 506 South Pleasantburg Drive, Building #119, Greenville, S.C.

Tuesday, May 15, 11:30 AM:  Gov. Haley will participate in an economic development announcement, Blackville Community Center, 19464 Solomon Blatt Avenue, Blackville, S.C.

Wednesday, May 16, 10:00 AM:  Gov. Haley will speak to Leadership Charleston, Statehouse, Columbia, S.C.

Thursday, May 17: Gov. Haley will attend the Republican Governors Association’s Corporate Policy Summit, Charlotte, N.C.

Saturday, May 19, 10:00 AM:  Gov. Haley will address the South Carolina Republican Party’s State Convention, Carolina Coliseum at the University of South Carolina, 701 Assembly Street, Columbia, S.C.

Saturday, May 19, 7:00 PM:  Gov. Haley will provide welcoming remarks at the South Carolina Republican Party’s Silver Elephant dinner, Columbia, S.C.

Note: As additional public events are added to the schedule, you’ll be notified.

Gov. Nikki Haley’s Schedule: May 7, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gov. Nikki Haley’s schedule for the week of May 7 included the following:

Monday, May 7

11:00 AM:  Economic development call.

11:30 AM: Gov. Haley attended an economic development announcement, Cooley Group South Carolina Manufacturing Facility, 861 Quality Drive, Lancaster, S.C.

12:15 PM: Media availability.

1:00 PM:  Economic development call.

1:15 PM:  Gov. Haley visited Castle Heights Middle School, Auditorium, 2382 Fire Tower Road, Rock Hill, S.C.

2:30 PM:  Economic development call.

3:00 PM:  Gov. Haley visited Red Ventures, Red Ventures, 521 Corporate Center Drive, Fort Mill, S.C.

4:00 PM:  Economic development call.

4:10 PM:  Economic development call.

6:15 PM:  Gov. Haley spoke to the Association of Corporate Growth’s monthly meeting, The Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Tuesday, May 8

9:00 AM:  Call with a member of the congressional delegation.

10:45 AM:  Gov. Haley met with company officials and toured the GE Energy Turbine Plant, Greenville, S.C.

11:45 AM:  Media availability.

12:30 PM:  Gov. Haley spoke at the Rotary Club of Greenville meeting, Westin Poinsett Hotel, Poinsett Ballroom, 2nd Floor, 120 South Main Street, Greenville, S.C.

1:30 PM: Media availability.

3:00 PM:  Gov. Haley arrived at the Office of the Governor for office hours, Statehouse, Columbia, S.C.

3:30 PM:  Legislative meeting.

Wednesday, May 9

8:30 AM: Gov. Haley arrived at the Office of the Governor for office hours, Statehouse, Columbia, S.C.

9:00 AM:  Gov. Haley attended a Budget & Control Board meeting, Room 252, Edgar Brown building, Statehouse grounds, Columbia, S.C.

10:00 AM:  Meeting with a fellow constitutional officer.

Thursday, May 10

4:30 PM:  Economic development meeting.

5:00 PM:  Economic development meeting.

5:30 PM:  Economic development meeting.

Friday, May 11

10:00 AM:  Economic development meeting.

12:45 AM:  Magazine interview.

2:00 PM:  Economic development call.

Saturday, May 12

3:30 PM:  Gov. Haley and First Gentleman Michael Haley toured Darlington Raceway, 1301 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington, S.C.

5:00 PM:  Gov. Haley spoke at Darlington’s Drivers Meeting, Darlington Raceway, 1301 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington, S.C.
5:45: PM: Media availability.

6:40 PM:  Gov. Haley spoke at the Welcome and Pre-Race Ceremonies, Darlington Raceway, 1301 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington, S.C.

7:00 PM:  Gov. Haley and First Gentleman Michael Haley attended the 2012 Bojangles' Southern 500, Darlington Raceway, 1301 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington, S.C.

7:30 PM:  Radio interview.

Frontier Communications expands operations in Horry County

Investment expected to create 110 new jobs

May 11th

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Frontier Communications, a provider of telephone, television and internet services, today announced plans to expand its Horry County operations. The expansion is expected to generate 110 new jobs.

“Frontier Communications places its customers first, and this new call center will give us more resources to provide great service,” said Ken Arndt, president-East Region for Frontier, who took part in a news conference at the Horry-Georgetown Technical College Grand Strand campus today.  “We are excited to continue to be a part of the Myrtle Beach community and to have a growing presence here.”

John Swallow, senior vice president and general manager for Frontier Communications in the Carolinas, said local and state officials and the entire Myrtle Beach community have welcomed Frontier since its arrival in July 2010, when it acquired Verizon properties in 14 states.

“South Carolina has provided us with an excellent business environment, and we appreciate the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” Swallow said. “Our company considered several locations to establish the call center, but Myrtle Beach truly stands out as a great place to do business. This was an easy decision for us to make.”

Frontier will invest in renovating its facility, located at 919 Lumber Street, in Myrtle Beach to accommodate the call center. The company also will continue to spend millions of additional dollars for network infrastructure upgrades across South Carolina

“South Carolina continues to be a place where companies can establish business and prosper, and today’s announcement certainly speaks to that reputation. We celebrate Frontier Communications’ decision to invest and create 110 new jobs in Myrtle Beach,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Frontier serves Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Sumter, Georgetown, Simpsonville and numerous other South Carolina communities.

“We appreciate Frontier Communications’ commitment to South Carolina with this decision to grow operations here. Every one of these jobs will have an impact in the Myrtle Beach area for years to come,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“Today’s announcement signifies the quality of our local workforce and our attractiveness as a business destination. I am thankful for Frontier's commitment to Horry County. I’m proud of our economic development efforts,” said Horry County Council Chairman Tom Rice.

“I am happy that Frontier Communications will be locating in Horry County in the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region.  The company’s decision to create 110 new jobs in the NESA Region proves once again that our region of South Carolina has what it takes for companies to be successful,” said Senator Yancey McGill.

Employees in the center will provide customer support in all Frontier markets for billing, order fulfillment and other functions.  Beginning in June, Frontier will accept applications online from persons who seek employment in the center.  The website is www.frontier.com. (Click the “Careers” tab.)

About Frontier Communications

Frontier Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: FTR) is an S&P 500 company and is included in the FORTUNE 500 list of America’s largest corporations. Frontier offers broadband, voice, satellite video, wireless Internet data access,  entertainment services like TumTiki.com, data security solutions, bundled offerings and specialized bundles for residential customers, small businesses and home offices and advanced business communications for medium and large businesses in 27 states.  Frontier’s approximately 15,400 employees are based entirely in the United States.  More information is available at www.frontier.com.

US Fibers expanding operations in Edgefield County

$5.5 million investment expected to create 48 new jobs

May 9th

COLUMBIA, S.C. – US Fibers, a recycler of PET Post Industrial and Post Consumer material, today announced plans to expand its current operations in Edgefield County. The $5.5 million investment is expected to generate 48 new jobs.

“This investment and expansion represents another important step in our evolution as a major recycled PET fiber producer. We appreciate the excellent business environment that South Carolina offers and the continued support from our employees, customers and suppliers,” said Steve Zagorski, vice president of New Business Development at US Fibers.

US Fibers President and Founder Edward Oh has conducted recycling business in South Carolina for the past 20 years. “US Fibers is focused on growing and expanding our operations in the Palmetto State,” Oh said. “We are grateful to our customers and suppliers for their loyalty and the partnerships that we have developed.  Together, with the efforts of our employees, we will continue to add jobs and build the company we can all be proud of.”

US Fibers will expand its polyester recycling operation in Trenton, located at 30 Pine House Road, which will allow the company to increase the facility’s capacity. Work on the expansion is to start immediately and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.

“It’s another great day in South Carolina when one of our existing businesses chooses to increase its footprint in our state. It’s also exciting to see this expansion take place in one of South Carolina’s rural areas. We truly celebrate US Fibers’ decision to invest $5.5 million and create 48 new jobs in Trenton,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Since the beginning of 2010, Commerce has recruited more than $430 million in capital investment and more than 1,000 new jobs in the recycling-related sector.

“Our state’s recycling sector continues to grow and create new jobs. We appreciate US Fibers’ commitment to South Carolina with this expansion and look forward to the company’s continued success in the Palmetto State,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

US Fibers has operated in South Carolina for nearly 20 years and in Edgefield County for 10 years. The company previously expanded its Trenton facility in 2010.

“We are pleased that US Fibers has decided to reinvest in Edgefield County,” said Edgefield County Council Chairman Dean Campbell. “Capital for expansions is a very competitive market in today’s global economy, and we are proud that their investment dollars are being made here. Edgefield County Council has been diligently working to prepare the county for economic development, and we will continue to do so. Edgefield County thanks US Fibers for the new jobs and investment we celebrate today.”

“Two years ago the last expansion announcement the county had was by US Fibers. Today we are appreciative that they continue to grow and provide job opportunities for the people of Edgefield County,” said Gary Stooksbury, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Partnership. “We also congratulate Chairman Campbell and the other members of Edgefield County Council for their hard work in creating a community that is open and ready for business.”

The company will begin hiring for the new positions sometime in the third quarter. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should continue to check the company website, www.usfibers.com for hiring information.

US Fibers, a division of the Pac Tell Group Inc., is one of the first companies in the United States to recycle all forms of PET Post Industrial and Post Consumer material and then convert it into a high quality, regenerated staple fiber. The company supplies material to a wide range of markets, including: non-woven, automotive, filtration and construction industries, and the home furnishings market. For more information about the company, please visit www.usfibers.com.

Gov. Nikki Haley’s Weekly Schedule: May 7, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley’s schedule for the week of May 7 includes:

Monday, May 7, 11:30 AM:  Gov. Haley will attend an economic development announcement, Cooley Group South Carolina Manufacturing Facility, 861 Quality Drive, Lancaster, S.C.

Monday, May 7, 1:15 PM:  Gov. Haley will visit Castle Heights Middle School, Auditorium, 2382 Fire Tower Road, Rock Hill, S.C.

Monday, May 7, 3:00 PM:  Gov. Haley will visit Red Ventures, Red Ventures, 521 Corporate Center Drive, Fort Mill, S.C.

Monday, May 7, 6:15 PM:  Gov. Haley will speak to the Association of Corporate Growth, The Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Tuesday, May 8, 11:45 AM:  Gov. Haley will hold a media availability after touring the GE Energy Turbine Plant, Greenville, S.C.

Tuesday, May 8, 12:30 PM:  Gov. Haley will speak to the Rotary Club of Greenville, Westin Poinsett Hotel, Poinsett Ballroom, 2nd Floor, 120 South Main Street, Greenville, S.C.

Wednesday, May 9, 9:00 AM:  Gov. Haley will participate in a Budget and Control Board meeting, Room 252, Edgar Brown Building, Statehouse grounds, Columbia, S.C.

Saturday, May 12: Gov. Haley and First Gentleman Michael Haley will attend the 2012 Bojangles' Southern 500, Darlington Raceway, 1301 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington, S.C.

Note: As additional public events are added to the schedule, you’ll be notified.

Gov. Nikki Haley’s Schedule: April 30, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gov. Nikki Haley’s schedule for the week of April 30 included the following:

Monday, April 30

9:00 AM:  Gov. Haley attended a Hurricane Preparation briefing, Emergency Management Division, 2779 Fish Hatchery Road, West Columbia, S.C.

10:30 AM:  Gov. Haley held a Cabinet meeting, Emergency Management Division, 2779 Fish Hatchery Road, West Columbia, S.C.

12:10 PM:  Gov. Haley arrived at the Office of the Governor for office hours, Statehouse, Columbia, S.C.

12:15 PM:  Gov. Haley visited with Kershaw County’s Doby’s Mill Elementary School, Statehouse, Columbia, S.C.

3:55 PM:  Agency call.

6:30 PM:  Gov. Haley and the Republican Governors Association hosted a meeting with corporate executives, Kiawah Island, S.C.

8:00 PM:  Economic development meeting.

Tuesday, May 1

8:00 AM:  Gov. Haley and the Republican Governors Association hosted meetings with corporate executives, Kiawah Island, S.C.

11:00 AM:  Economic development meeting.

7:00 PM:  Policy meeting.

Wednesday, May 2

9:50 AM:  Gov. Haley arrived at the Office of the Governor for office hours, Statehouse, Columbia, S.C.

10:00 AM:  Gov. Haley joined Dr. Mick Zais and South Carolina Future Minds in recognizing Teacher Appreciation Month, Statehouse, Columbia, S.C.

10:45 AM:  Agency meeting.

11:15 AM:  Agency meeting.

11:45 AM:  Agency meeting.

1:30 PM:  Gov. Haley visited Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing, Inc. 1111 Honda Way, Timmonsville, S.C.

2:15 PM: Media availability.

3:00 PM:  Gov. Haley visited the Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics, Cafeteria, 401 Railroad Avenue, Hartsville, S.C.

7:00 PM:  Legislative meeting.

Thursday, May 3

10:05 AM:  Economic development call.

10:45 AM:  Gov. Haley arrived at the Office of the Governor for office hours, Statehouse, Columbia, S.C.

11:00 AM:  Constituent meeting.

11:30 AM:  Gov. Haley welcomed the 2012 Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Governor’s Awards for the Arts winners, Statehouse, Columbia, S.C.

12:00 PM:  Economic development call.

1:00 PM:  Economic development meeting.

1:50 PM:  Agency meeting.

2:30 PM:  Gov. Haley visited with Taylors’ Brushy Creek Elementary School, Statehouse, Columbia, S.C.

3:00 PM:  Gov. Haley met with the South Carolina Federation of Republican Women, Mansion, Columbia, S.C.

Friday, May 4

11:00 AM:  Gov. Haley arrived at the Office of the Governor for office hours, Statehouse, Columbia, S.C.

Saturday, May 5

10:00 AM:  Gov. Haley attended the South Carolina Republican Party’s State Executive Committee meeting, State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C.

10:45 AM:  Gov. Haley, First Gentleman Michael Haley, and the First Family attended the South Carolina Special Olympics’ Summer Games, Aquatics Competition, Knight Pool, Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

Appeals court affirms dismissal of IAMAW suit against Haley, Templeton

Haley: Unions not needed, not wanted, not welcome in S.C.

May 3rd

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley today issued the following statement after an appeals court affirmed the decision of the district court to dismiss the IAMAW suit against the governor and Catherine Templeton:

“The efforts of union bosses to silence our free speech and stop us from standing up for our workers and businesses have failed – and we’re going to continue to make it very clear: unions are not needed, not wanted and not welcome in South Carolina.”

Gov. Nikki Haley designates today as “South Carolina Day of Prayer”

May 3rd

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley today issued a gubernatorial proclamation that designates Thursday, May 3, 2012, as “South Carolina Day of Prayer.”

Gov. Haley said, “Let us join together with humility and grace as we acknowledge our blessings to live in an amazing country and a great state on this National Day of Prayer.”

Carolina Canners Inc. expanding in Chesterfield County

$20.8 million investment expected to create 10 new jobs

May 2nd

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Carolina Canners Inc., an independent Pepsi bottler and production cooperative, today announced plans to expand its facility in Chesterfield County. The $20.8 million investment is expected to generate at least 10 new jobs.

“We are excited to move forward with this investment that will enable us to maintain our competitive position as an Independent Pepsi Bottler. For 44 years the city of Cheraw, S.C. and Chesterfield County have provided a great business climate and we are looking forward to this positive relationship for many years to come,” said Jeff Stevens, CEO of Carolina Canners Inc.

Carolina Canners will add machinery and equipment to the company’s canning and bottling facility located at 300 U.S. Hwy 1. Work on the expansion is expected to begin in June.

“Today’s announcement is another win for one of our rural counties. Carolina Canners has a long history in South Carolina and it’s exciting to see Carolina Canners invest more than $20 million and create new jobs in Cheraw,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

The company has operated in Cheraw since 1968, expanding operations several times over the last 40 years. It now has two can production lines, two bottle production lines and a fountain syrup production line for a wide range of soft drinks.

“Making sure our existing businesses have the opportunity to prosper and grow is just as important as attracting new companies to our state. We appreciate Carolina Canners’ decision to grow here. Every one of these new jobs will have impact in Chesterfield County,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“This is a great day for the town of Cheraw and Chesterfield County. The expansion announcement by Carolina Canners validates that Carolina Canners has faith in our strong local business climate,” said Chesterfield County Council Chairman Matt Rivers.

Cheraw Mayor Andy Ingram added, “This is very exciting news for the Town of Cheraw. We are pleased to be in a position to offer added incentives to Carolina Canners to bring this expansion to Cheraw. This proves that we want to do what's necessary in order to keep our existing industry here.”

Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers said, “Agribusiness, the bright spot in our state’s economy, continues to generate positive returns on investment, creating jobs and spurring development. Companies like Carolina Canners want to expand where they can enhance their competitiveness and profitability. South Carolina is that place.”

The new positions will be highly skilled jobs requiring a technical background. The company will begin the hiring process during the third quarter of this year. Qualified and interested candidates should contact the Department of Employment and Workforce, located at 460 Highway 9, Bennettsville, S.C. or call (843) 479-4081.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant for $100,000. readySC will provide pre-employment training.

For more information about the company, please visit www.carolinacanners.com/.