AGP Executive Report

Port & Logistics: South Carolina Ports Authority plans to pause operations at the Leatherman Terminal at the Port of Charleston starting Aug. 1, shifting work to Wando and North Charleston to rein in costs amid softer container volumes and trade headwinds. Higher Ed Construction: South Carolina State University marked a major milestone with the final steel beam for its new 90,000-square-foot, $54.7 million academic building, targeting a Q4 2027 opening. Real Estate: EmpowerHome Team Charlotte earned top-10 North Carolina rankings from RealTrends Verified, placing #8 for families served and #3 for transaction volume in Charlotte. Retail & Dining: CAVA opened a new Summerville location, while Grub Shack debuted in Ridgeville; SALT LIFE also held a North Myrtle Beach grand opening tied to its coastal retail expansion. Business Leadership: Georges Media hired South Carolina media veteran Chase Heatherly as chief revenue officer, aiming to scale sales across its brands. Workplace & Safety: Penn Installations was recognized as the safest subcontractor in Pennsylvania by the Keystone Contractors Association.

Retail Expansion: Target is pushing into South Carolina’s retail map with a planned July opening in the state, part of a broader 2026 rollout that includes Brookings, S.D., and more stores nationwide. Politics & Elections: A letter to the editor blasts an $18,000 raise for legislators as a recipe for “insurance for incumbents,” arguing it worsens uncontested races and deepens big-money influence. Healthcare Policy: Medicaid will again cover non-abortion care at Planned Parenthood as a GOP ban ends, shifting the decision back to states and raising concerns about access after clinics were forced to close. Housing Affordability: Beaufort-area mobile home park residents say new owners will double lot rents starting July 1, with tenants calling the jump unjustified and unsustainable. Manufacturing & Jobs: BMW marked completion of a $1.7B South Carolina investment, unveiling the fifth-generation X5 assembled in Spartanburg and setting up fully electric production. Business Growth: UMH Properties reported stronger Q2 results, including higher rental income, increased occupancy, and new preferred stock sales. Public Safety: Duke Energy and county officials will test outdoor sirens around Brunswick Nuclear Plant July 1. Community & Philanthropy: The Myrtle Beach Corvette Club donated $1,000 checks to local charities during its annual car show.

Biotech & Manufacturing: Cytiva’s exec highlighted how new drug modalities (beyond monoclonal antibodies) and faster regulatory timelines are reshaping demand for bioprocess equipment and reagents. Commercial Real Estate: DXD Capital broke ground on an 800+ unit, 90,000-sq.-ft Class-A self-storage project in Mount Pleasant, a second deal under its CrossHarbor partnership. Retail Expansion: Costco filed plans for a third Charleston-area store in North Charleston (181,000 sq. ft. plus a 32-pump gas station), potentially its eighth in South Carolina. Workforce Development: Walmart is rolling out a fully funded “Associate to Optician” program in SC and other states to address optical labor shortages. State Economy Snapshot: A new pay analysis says South Carolina private-sector workers average $33.07 an hour, with weekly pay around $1,121. Sports Business: South Carolina Athletics officially started a 10-year Nike partnership, making Nike the exclusive supplier for Gamecock uniforms and gear. Local Growth & Community: SCDOT will close the SC 160/Assembly Drive intersection in Fort Mill for about a week starting July 12 for interchange improvements. Public Health: DPH confirmed a rabid raccoon in Columbia exposed two people, urging anyone with contact to seek guidance.

Auto Manufacturing: BMW has finished a $1.7 billion expansion in South Carolina, completing its Woodruff high-voltage EV battery plant and setting up production of the next-generation X5, including an all-electric version, with battery supply tied to Spartanburg assembly. Higher Ed & Sports Business: The University of South Carolina officially switches to Nike as its athletic uniform supplier on July 1, starting a 10-year, $70 million deal after 19 years with Under Armour; Under Armour inventory will be sold through South Carolina State Surplus. State Economy & Budget: South Carolina begins the new fiscal year without a final budget as lawmakers stall over property tax relief and earmarks, using a continuing resolution that keeps agencies operating at prior levels while pay increases wait. Policy & Regulation: A small business regulatory reform bill advances after House and Senate adopt a conference report, tightening oversight of agency rules and requiring joint approval for regulations with major financial impacts. Food Costs: A Fourth of July cookout for 10 in South Carolina hits a record $73.82, reflecting higher prices for key meats even as some sides cool. Tourism & Community: SC250’s “Carolina Days” kicks off with more than 130 Revolutionary War-related events statewide, tying history, education, preservation and tourism into a single statewide push.

BMW Expansion & Jobs: After a $1.7 billion investment in Spartanburg/Greer, BMW unveiled the next-generation X5, its first model to offer five powertrain options globally—gas, diesel, plug-in hybrid, fully electric (iX5) and hydrogen—built at the Greer campus. Logistics & Manufacturing: Calhoun County approved a $37 million Amazon deal for a 220,000-square-foot sort-and-load facility plus a fleet maintenance center, targeting about 100 full-time jobs. Port & Trade Watch: South Carolina Ports is pausing Leatherman Terminal operations as trade headwinds mount, with container moves shifting in the short term. Workplace & Legal: EEOC sued the Salvation Army over alleged disability discrimination tied to cancer treatment accommodations. Higher Ed Policy: Florida’s board voted to bar undocumented students from state colleges, joining similar “prohibitive enrollment” moves in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. Community Growth: A MoveCrew index highlights where Upstate growth is landing around Greenville, led by Fountain Inn and Greer.

Kids Online Safety: An SC GOP lawmaker and parents whose children were harmed by online sextortion are urging Congress to pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) now, arguing delays have cost lives. AI Infrastructure: Opinion warns the U.S. can’t win the AI race on software alone—data centers and power delivery are becoming strategic economic and national-security assets. Upstate Manufacturing: BMW is set to unveil the new X5 at its Greer plant, highlighting continued Upstate investment and a broader electrification push. Ports & Trade Headwinds: South Carolina Ports is consolidating container operations and pausing Leatherman Terminal activity as trade uncertainty mounts. State Economy: First-quarter GDP data show South Carolina’s economic output rising 3.2%, among the highest in the nation. Retail Growth: Greene Concepts says Walmart point-of-sale sales for its Be Water brand jumped 34% year over year as distribution expanded across the Carolinas and nearby states. JPMorgan Succession: Reuters reports JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon’s succession timeline is finally taking shape, with insiders pointing to internal candidates. Legal Watch: Alex Murdaugh returned to court as a judge set a tentative retrial date for April 5, 2027. Local Governance: The SC GOP adopted a rule change to restrict who can run in primaries, setting up a likely lawsuit over “closed” primary enforcement.

JPMorgan Succession: Jamie Dimon’s long-awaited handoff is finally getting a clearer shape, with insiders saying he could stay up to three more years and that consumer-banking co-president Troy Rohrbaugh is viewed as the frontrunner to succeed him, potentially with Dimon shifting to executive chair. South Carolina Courts: Alex Murdaugh returned to court as Judge Debra McCaslin set a tentative April 5, 2027 retrial date and pushed a fast-moving schedule for discovery and pretrial steps, while Murdaugh remains behind bars on separate financial-crime sentences. Food Labeling Law: South Carolina’s shrimp labeling bill has cleared the legislature and heads to the governor, requiring restaurants to disclose whether shrimp is foreign or domestic—aimed at cracking down on seafood fraud. Water & Utilities: Severe drought conditions triggered water limits for the Grand Strand and Pee Dee, with Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority tightening excess-use thresholds starting July 1. Port & Trade: South Carolina Ports is consolidating container operations and pausing Leatherman Terminal activity as trade headwinds mount. Defense Manufacturing: Leonardo DRS is expanding in Charleston to build key components for the Columbia-class submarine, with hiring planned locally. Banking Deal: Commerce Bancshares agreed to acquire Nolan & Associates, adding middle-market investment banking capabilities.

South Carolina Legal Watch: Alex Murdaugh is back in Lexington County court Monday for a status and scheduling hearing after the state Supreme Court overturned his double-murder conviction, with the judge expected to set deadlines and map next steps for a potential retrial. State Politics: Alan Wilson’s historic GOP primary win over Pamela Evette is being framed by observers as a campaign that avoided major missteps while converting his attorney general brand into a dominant runoff victory. Energy & Resilience: Dominion Energy is meeting with South Carolina local governments to prepare for hurricane season, stressing relationship-building and coordination before storms hit. Banking Deal: Commerce Bank agreed to acquire St. Louis boutique investment bank Nolan & Associates, expanding middle-market investment banking capabilities. Health Policy: Medicare’s new weight-loss drug coverage pilot begins July 1, with seniors eligible for the first time under the program. Business/Industry: Polestar says U.S. Commerce Department rules will block its vehicle sales from 2027, pushing the company to refocus on Europe. Local Economy/Infrastructure: South Carolina Ports is moving toward consolidating container operations and pausing Leatherman Terminal work as part of a broader operational shift.

Education & Economic Outlook: A commentary argues North Carolina’s Leandro education fight shows what happens when legislatures underfund “sound basic education,” warning that shortfalls translate into long-run economic damage. Community Philanthropy: The 36th Rudolph Canzater Memorial Classic returns July 30–Aug. 2 on Lake Marion, continuing its scholarship and healthcare-access mission for South Carolina’s I-95 corridor. Workforce & Mobility: A report highlights the military spouse employment challenge, saying career paths often don’t fit the realities of frequent moves and unpredictability. Higher Ed Leadership: Southeastern Louisiana University named Caroline E. Sawyer as department head for communication and media studies, bringing experience from USC Beaufort’s Sand Shark Center. Local Business & Growth: A Charleston boat-club guide points to membership models that reduce the cost and hassle of owning boats, with multiple clubs operating across the area. Politics & Trust: Former SC Rep. Joe Cunningham says Democrats must rebuild trust with voters by focusing more on affordability and locally relevant issues. Sports Business Angle: The PGA Tour’s restructuring keeps RBC Heritage on Hilton Head expected to retain “signature” status, signaling continued economic value for South Carolina.

Severe Weather Watch: South Carolina is bracing for another round of isolated strong storms this afternoon, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., then heat and humidity pushing highs into the mid-90s through the week. Local Business & Consumer Protection: A shrimp-labeling bill cleared the South Carolina House, requiring restaurants to tell customers whether shrimp is domestic or imported, with menu or entrance signage and penalties for repeat noncompliance. Cybersecurity: AssuranceAmerica says a March breach may have exposed sensitive data for about 611,000 South Carolina residents, including names, driver’s license numbers and possibly Social Security numbers. Energy & Growth: Kershaw County moved forward with second reading of incentives tied to a proposed $900M gas plant (“Project Ballast”), but nearby residents say they weren’t fully informed and want more answers. Sports & Economy: The PGA Tour’s restructuring is coming, but South Carolina’s RBC Heritage on Hilton Head is expected to keep its “signature” status, a key economic draw for the state.

Energy & Industry: Kershaw County moved forward with second-reading tax incentives for “Project Ballast,” a proposed $900M natural gas plant near Bethune, but residents say they weren’t properly notified and want clearer answers on impacts and site plans. Cybersecurity: AssuranceAmerica says a breach may have exposed sensitive data for at least 1.1 million people across seven states, including South Carolina, with Social Security information among what was accessed. Consumer Safety: Reser’s Fine Foods recalled “Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad” after a mislabeling error—some tubs were actually chicken salad and may contain undeclared egg and milk allergens. Local Governance & Culture: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson joined a multi-state legal push backing Greenville County Library System’s authority to remove materials, arguing local libraries should control what’s on shelves under taxpayer-funded oversight. Housing & Homelessness: One80 Place’s One80 Place expansion is gaining ground on homelessness, adding shelter capacity and support services aimed at moving people into permanent housing. Business Climate: South Carolina lawmakers failed to agree on new limits for hemp THC products, leaving sales largely unchanged as the debate continues. Public Events: Clemson’s Morgan Wallen concert faced delays after severe weather, with gates opening only after storms passed.

Local Government & Public Safety: Berkeley County Council approved a $377.4 million budget for FY 2026-27 with no property tax increase, adding EMS, sheriff/Detention, 911 staffing and Public Defender funding, plus a shift to a 24-on/72-off EMS schedule. Housing & Development: A long-dormant 11-story Charleston hotel plan at 194 Cannon St. is back in play, with officials debating whether to apply current zoning rules or the 2017 approvals. Economic Development & Incentives: Spartanburg County’s data center moratorium debate is framed as a transparency and tax-incentive accountability issue after council’s post-primary reversal. Arts Funding: The S.C. Arts Commission delayed $3.7M in grants after board concerns about potential conflicts with a Trump gender-identity executive order. Real Estate Stress: ATTOM reports foreclosure filings in South Carolina remain among the worst rates nationwide, even as monthly activity eased. Business Compliance: SCDOR arrested a Moncks Corner woman for operating a retail business after her retail license was revoked. M&A Watch: Haleon is among bidders for South Carolina-based Thorne supplements, with Unilever also reported as a possible contender. Ports & Trade: South Carolina Ports is moving to pause Leatherman Terminal operations and consolidate container work.

EV Policy Shock: The U.S. Commerce Department has barred Polestar from selling new EVs starting with the 2027 model year under the connected-vehicle rule, a move Polestar says will push it to “go dark” in the U.S. while it keeps supporting existing customers; the company’s Polestar 3 is built at Volvo’s South Carolina plant, raising local supply-chain and jobs questions. Local Energy Readiness: Dominion Energy is meeting with South Carolina local leaders ahead of hurricane season, stressing earlier planning, vegetation management, and urging customers to keep backup power options. Data Center Pushback: With no statewide rules, South Carolina counties are adopting moratoriums to slow data center development, including a one-year pause in Spartanburg and similar steps in other counties as residents question power demand and rising bills. Cybersecurity Gap: A new report says many of South Carolina’s largest companies lag on email security, with only 35% fully implementing DMARC, leaving them exposed to common phishing scams. State Budget Uncertainty: South Carolina lawmakers appear unlikely to pass the next budget by June 30, with talks gridlocked and the state potentially facing a continuing resolution. Tourism & Community: Explore Charleston’s annual meeting highlighted tourism’s economic impact, while Myrtle Beach’s first Myrtle Duck Festival is set to raise money for local nonprofits. Sports & Culture: A Charleston-area tourism event and Newberry Opera House’s ongoing draw underscore how South Carolina’s entertainment economy keeps building momentum.

EV Policy & Trade: Polestar says the U.S. Commerce Department denied it authorization under the Connected Vehicles Rule, forcing the company to stop selling new cars in the U.S. starting with the 2027 model year, a move tied to China-linked connected-tech rules. Ports & Logistics: South Carolina Ports will pause operations at the Hugh K. Leatherman Port Terminal in Charleston starting Aug. 1, citing low volumes and high costs, with container work consolidated at Wando Welch and North Charleston. Energy & Industry: A new USGS assessment suggests the Carolinas could hold one of the nation’s largest untapped lithium resources, with potential relevance as battery storage demand rises alongside AI data-center growth. Cybersecurity: A report says two-thirds of South Carolina’s largest enterprises are vulnerable to common email scams, with low DMARC adoption blamed for enabling phishing and fraud. Local Business Growth: Higginbotham expands into South Carolina by acquiring Turbeville Insurance Agency, its first state entry. Community & Culture: A new Darlington African American Museum is breaking ground, aiming to preserve Black business history at 131 Pearl St. Retirement Watch: A CareScout report finds retirees are likely to outlive savings in 41 states, with the average 65-year-old facing a $109,000 retirement shortfall.

Hemp Policy Standoff: South Carolina lawmakers killed a bill that would have restricted THC-infused hemp products to adults 21+ after the Senate passed it but the House voted it down, leaving the products legal statewide and underscoring GOP division over how tightly to regulate the “alternative high.” Ports & Logistics: SC Ports will pause operations at the Leatherman Terminal starting Aug. 1 and shift container work to Wando and North Charleston as the industry faces weaker volumes and higher costs. Energy & Utilities: AT&T filed an FCC complaint seeking refunds from Duke Energy Carolinas over pole attachment rates, arguing Duke charged above the FCC benchmark. Auto Trade/Tech Security: Polestar says the U.S. Commerce Department denied authorization to sell vehicles in the U.S. starting with the 2027 model year under the Connected Vehicle Rule, a blow to a brand tied to China-linked ownership. Workforce & Families: The General Assembly approved expanded paid parental leave for state employees, including doubling leave for non-birthing parents and adding stillbirth as a qualifying event. Banking Expansion: Colony Bankcorp agreed to buy First Reliance Bancshares in a deal aimed at growing in South Carolina’s major metros. Health Care Enforcement: AG Alan Wilson announced South Carolina’s participation in a DOJ health care fraud takedown targeting $6.5B in alleged false claims. Business Climate: Clemson approved a seventh straight in-state tuition freeze while out-of-state tuition rises ahead of the new academic year.

Banking Deal: Colony Bankcorp is set to buy First Reliance Bancshares in a $163M stock-and-cash merger, expanding the Southeast footprint across Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Construction & Local Economy: Turner Construction was selected as construction manager for Greenville’s $282M Bon Secours Wellness Arena renovation, including a new 6,500-seat outdoor amphitheater and an expanded entertainment district, with a push to maximize local contractor participation. Data Centers & Manufacturing: A Silicon Foundation Energy official says a Warwood, W.Va. facility won’t become a “giant data center,” but will use existing industrial infrastructure to build modules for the data-center industry—addressing local concerns. Legal & Courts: Alex Murdaugh’s defense is seeking new DNA testing tied to unknown male DNA found under Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernails, while also asking for a venue change and electronic access to case materials. Healthcare Business: TPM completed the sale of its HP 3D printing and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies division to Master Graphics (M5D), narrowing focus to other design and manufacturing platforms. Policy & Trade: South Carolina AG Chris Carr joined a 17-state suit challenging California’s Plastics Act, arguing it forces costly packaging redesigns that raise prices. Weather: South Carolina faces hot, humid weekend conditions with heat index values around 104–109 degrees.