AGP Executive Report

Auto Leadership & Tariffs: Volvo Cars named Klaus Zellmer, currently CEO of Volkswagen-owned Skoda, as its next president and CEO, as the automaker tries to revive sales amid weaker EV demand and tariff pressure, including shifting some hybrid XC60 production to South Carolina. Local Government & Infrastructure: Fort Mill broke ground on a new Operations Center to relocate Utilities and Public Works from a 1938 armory to a 33-acre campus, with construction expected to take about 15 months. Courts & Safety: A Fort Mill crossing guard injured in a 2024 crash sued the school district, SCDOT and the driver, arguing the posting location contributed to the wreck. Workforce & Education: State and federal leaders marked Piedmont Technical College’s 60th anniversary, praising growth to more than 8,500 students annually and highlighting $100M+ in ongoing construction. Housing Watch: Zillow data put Darlington County’s typical home value at $171,915 in August 2026, up 12.6% year over year. Community Health Fundraiser: Columbia’s “Dancing With The Stars” returns Oct. 10 to raise money for Breakthrough T1D research. Retail Crime: Georgia indicted 11 people in a multistate shoplifting and snatch-and-grab scheme that targeted major chains including Walmart and Ulta, with thefts spanning South Carolina among other states. Aviation Milestone: Joby Aviation said it completed the first autonomous flight across the U.S., with remote supervision including support from Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. Energy Grid: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order aimed at protecting the Carolinas’ power grid.

Leadership & Auto Industry: Volvo Cars named Klaus Zellmer, formerly CEO of Volkswagen’s Škoda, as president and CEO, with a start date no later than Oct. 1, 2027, as the automaker tries to revive sales amid tariffs, weaker EV demand, and high development costs. Local Business & Manufacturing: A fire at First Quality Tissue in Anderson brought multiple fire departments to the Masters Boulevard plant; no injuries were reported, and the facility is a major local employer tied to recent expansion plans. Energy & Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order aimed at protecting South Carolina’s power grid amid blackout concerns. Housing & Taxes: South Carolina paused an apartment tax loophole that had drained millions from local government and school budgets, while a separate push seeks to rewrite rules for affordable property tax breaks. Community & STEM: Ruth Patrick Science Education Center returned with its SEED STEM Festival at USC Aiken, drawing a record number of exhibitors and hands-on STEM activities. Workforce & Growth: Suniva raised $835 million to accelerate its 4.5 GW solar cell factory in South Carolina. Sports & Business Climate: South Carolina’s football loss to Mississippi State reignited fan pressure on coach Shane Beamer, underscoring how quickly sports outcomes can shift local attention and spending.

Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to reduce blackout risk in South Carolina and North Carolina, authorizing Duke Energy Carolinas to dispatch specified resources and run backup generation as a last resort through Sept. 21. Solar Manufacturing: Suniva raised $835 million to build a new 4.5-gigawatt solar cell factory in Laurens County, targeting a late-2027 opening and about 564 jobs at full capacity. Housing & Taxes: South Carolina lawmakers face a tough rewrite of rules for affordable property tax breaks after installing a one-year moratorium on new breaks, as the state tries to keep genuinely affordable housing tax-exempt without over-subsidizing private landlords. Trade & Sanctions: President Trump signed the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, expanding Russia sanctions and giving authority for up to 100% tariffs on top buyers of Russian oil and gas. Retail Crime: A multistate retail theft case led to 11 indictments tied to organized shoplifting and jewelry snatches targeting major chains, including locations in South Carolina. Home Values: Zillow reported Jasper County’s typical home value fell 5% year over year to $394,098 in August 2026, while Florence County rose 4.4% to $205,086.

Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to help prevent blackouts across the Carolinas, authorizing Duke Energy Carolinas to dispatch resources and direct backup generation through Sept. 21. State Policy & Power Infrastructure: A separate South Carolina debate is heating up over regulatory gaps for private gas plants and data centers, with calls for a moratorium while regulators sort out oversight. Housing & Real Estate: Zillow data shows Georgetown County’s typical home value rose 0.2% to $390,598 in August 2026, while statewide typical values climbed 0.5%. Local Business Dispute: A judge installed a financial watchdog at Charleston’s Church and Union amid a lawsuit over alleged $5M-plus misappropriation tied to the restaurant’s managing partner and an investment group. Media & Entertainment: Netflix canceled “Sweet Magnolias” after five seasons, with star JoAnna Garcia Swisher set to executive produce a new series, “Ladies of the House.” International Trade & Sanctions: President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, targeting Russia’s energy, defense and “shadow fleet,” and authorizing tariffs up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy.

Russia Sanctions & Tariffs: President Trump signed the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” expanding pressure on Russia’s energy and defense sectors and authorizing tariffs up to 100% on major Russian oil and gas buyers, with India and China in the spotlight. Pharma Supply Chain: South Carolina AG Steve Marshall led a 20-state warning to Rubio over China-linked risks in the pharmaceutical supply chain, targeting FDA’s “Green List” concerns and unapproved knockoffs. Healthcare Policy: A Health Care Week in Review roundup highlights Senate HELP/Finance confirmation hearings for HHS nominees and House Ways and Means action on bills tied to Alzheimer’s screening, medically tailored meals, and Medicare Advantage transparency. South Carolina Public Safety: Charleston County named Allyson Burrell the first woman to lead its 911 center, while North Charleston reported four displaced after a Botany Bay Boulevard house fire. Health Alert: South Carolina health officials urged TB testing for people connected to Hartsville High School after concerns surfaced. Logistics & Costs: Rising diesel prices are squeezing South Carolina trucking and raising inflation fears, with Port of Charleston impacts flagged. Local Economy/Community: Charleston opened Fort Pemberton Park on James Island, adding public waterfront access, docks, and trails. Sports/Business Angle: Netflix canceled “Sweet Magnolias” after five seasons and ordered a new series, “Ladies of the House,” built around the same Serenity-world business drama.

Consumer Finance & AG Action: South Carolina will receive $261,728.66 from a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance Corp., with cash payments and debt relief for borrowers accused of being steered into loans they couldn’t afford, plus new disclosure and anti–dealer “packing” requirements. Banking & Economic Development: Optus Bank and Mechanics & Farmers Bank are moving ahead with a merger to create Optus Financial Corporation, aiming to preserve two historic Black-owned banks and expand lending capacity across the Carolinas. Housing Market Watch: Zillow data shows Beaufort County’s typical home value rose 1.1% year over year to $553,576 in August 2026, outpacing statewide and national benchmarks. Workforce: South Carolina’s unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in August as employment and the labor force hit new highs, according to DEW’s William Floyd. Local Policy & Growth: Darlington County Council rejected a proposed nine-month solar/wind moratorium but voted to tighten rules for future projects. Public Health: South Carolina’s Civil Rights Museum fundraising push continues as a new Orangeburg facility nears completion, with delays tied to funding changes. Infrastructure & Safety: A Fort Mill crossing guard filed suit after a 2024 accident, alleging unsafe road conditions and negligence by the driver and named agencies.

Student Debt Pressure: A WalletHub analysis ranks Mississippi worst for student-loan strain, with South Carolina also near the top, citing high debt relative to income and weak job/internship availability. Rural Healthcare Strain: Hampton Regional Medical Center warns that inflation and stagnant insurance reimbursement rates are squeezing budgets and forcing tough choices on costly treatments. Water Infrastructure for Growth: Laurens County’s LCWSC is moving forward with a $12 million, 1-million-gallon Metric Road water tank project tied to future development and federal reimbursements. Local Land-Use Fight: Clinton City Council advanced the Cambridge Farms annexation by a 4-3 vote, despite concerns about management capacity and a tangled legal backdrop. Legal/Consumer Finance: South Carolina is among states watching multistate action against subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, with a $694 million settlement aimed at consumer cash and debt relief. Tech & Policy: South Carolina’s supreme court is seeking input on whether to tighten rules against non-lawyer ownership of law firms. Business Impact Watch: Work has started on the U.S. 17 corridor improvements in North Myrtle Beach, with some businesses worried about nighttime construction traffic and customer drop-offs.

Predatory Auto Lending Fallout: U.S. House passed the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” sending it to President Trump, while states continue to crack down on abusive finance; Attorney General settlements tied to subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance Corporation (CAC) total $694 million nationwide, including major cash and debt relief for consumers. Congress & Pay During Breaks: New reporting says House members are set to earn about $91,051 each during long recess periods this year, as GOP leaders canceled late September voting days ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. AI in Public Safety: Police departments in Michigan are experimenting with AI to draft reports, prompting pushback from leaders who want officers to rely on their own recollection. Local Government Watch: Fairfield County is moving to sell 15 properties, but critics question whether a surplus property committee complied with South Carolina’s open-meeting rules. South Carolina Business Moves: Food Lion plans six more store openings across the Carolinas and Georgia in 2026, and Columbia City Council advanced a plan to sell the historic Royal Motel site for a new hotel project led by Bakari Sellers. Consumer Safety Alert: FDA-linked hand soap recalls continue to affect products sold in South Carolina, with officials warning about potential bacterial contamination.

Russia Sanctions & Tariffs: The U.S. House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, sending it to President Trump after a 262-159 vote; the bill—already approved by the Senate—targets Russia’s officials, banks and “shadow fleet” while giving Trump authority to impose tariffs up to 100% on the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas. South Carolina Link: The measure is named for late Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, whose bipartisan push helped move the package through Congress. India Response: India’s foreign ministry said it’s monitoring developments and will keep prioritizing energy security, while warning of potential trade fallout. Fed & Rates: Separately, the Federal Reserve raised its key rate for the first time in three years, lifting borrowing costs and drawing Trump criticism. Local Business/Jobs: Spartanburg-based Detpak opened a U.S. manufacturing facility, aiming to improve supply reliability and create local jobs. Environment & Policy: Gov. Henry McMaster highlighted balancing economic growth with conservation, earning a lifetime leadership award.

Insurance Watch: South Carolina regulators moved to seek emergency rehabilitation for Atlantic Coast Life and Southern Atlantic Re, saying the insurers run by Advantage Capital Holdings are “financially hazardous” after exposures tied to 777 Partners and concerns about asset values and affiliate disclosures. Retail Expansion: Harris Teeter plans about $253M over three years to renovate and expand stores around Charlotte, including Fort Mill and Lake Wylie, with phased openings and upgrades to shopping, pickup/delivery, and fresh offerings. Data Centers & Policy: Oconee County became the first SC governing body to repeal its investment in ALPR cameras, citing privacy and civil-rights concerns, while noting municipalities can still use the technology. Healthcare & Community: SCETV will air a new IMPACT South Carolina episode on healthcare changes and challenges, with a live audience event tied to Palmetto Perspectives. Local Business Growth: Rock Hill will donate $250,000 each to Winthrop and York Tech to spur manufacturing and jobs, including a planned B.S. in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering launching in fall 2027. Food Safety: FDA classified an ongoing recall of six hand soaps distributed across 15 states, including South Carolina, as Class II due to possible bacterial contamination. Trade & Energy: Gov. Henry McMaster backed the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, arguing it strengthens freight networks that help SC compete for investment.

Russia Sanctions Bill: A U.S. House vote advances a Lindsey Graham bill that could let President Trump impose tariffs up to 100% on countries tied to Russian oil and sanctions evasion—raising the stakes for global trade partners. South Carolina Economy: South Carolina collected $321.5 million in motor vehicle license taxes in 2024, part of a broader look at state tax revenue streams. Workplace & Banking: Countybank was named one of South Carolina’s Best Places to Work for the second straight year, ranking 8th among mid-sized employers. Energy & Industry: Latrobe Magnesium put its Morwell project on hold, while pushing a U.S. magnesium smelter plan tied to liability and incentives. Local Infrastructure: West Ashley is set for faster pothole repairs and retimed traffic signals after a new city-SCDOT agreement. Housing Finance: South Carolina ranked 11th for VA home loan value in Q2 2026, with $2 billion in financing. Public Safety & Health: FDA classified six hand-soap recalls as Class II over possible bacterial contamination, including products shipped to South Carolina. Education: Ascension Parish superintendent Edith Walker was selected to a national educator advisory board. Nuclear Policy: A federal hearing highlighted “nuclear lifecycle innovation campuses,” with South Carolina lawmakers weighing the spent-fuel and waste-storage approach.

Insurance Transparency: Public Citizen says many state insurance commissioners aren’t sharing homeowners insurance “data call” results publicly, turning the home insurance crisis into an “information crisis” that limits competition and oversight. Restaurant Expansion: Shake Shack will open its first South Carolina location Sept. 23 at Tanger Outlets in North Charleston, with a ribbon-cutting and a Lowcountry Food Bank donation tied to opening-day sales. Consumer Products: Woolroom launched the Luxury Wooly Mattress, pairing 8,500 precision coils with traceable British wool and a naturally flame-resistant cover. Legal/Auto Safety: A new lawsuit filed in South Carolina alleges Tesla Autopilot failed to detect a road curve, contributing to a 2023 crash death. Telecom/Policy: AG Lynn Fitch and other attorneys general urge the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb robocalls and texts. Real Estate/Capital Markets: UMH Properties will host its Q3 2026 results webcast Nov. 3. Local Growth: Ivybrook Academy plans to open its first Indian Land campus in October for half-day preschool. Banking: Security Federal Corporation declared a special dividend of $0.18 per share, payable Oct. 15. Food & Travel: Breeze Airways adds seasonal nonstop service Dec. 18 from West Palm Beach to Greenville-Spartanburg. Housing Development: Material Capital Partners says leasing is underway at Indigo Cove, an 82-home build-to-rent community in Bluffton with rents starting at $2,850.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will get $500 refunds for alleged federal Obamacare “user fee” overcharges tied to the Biden-era exchange. Public Land Access: The Nature Conservancy transferred 1,950 acres near Joanna to the U.S. Forest Service, expanding hunting, hiking and outdoor recreation at the edge of the Enoree River watershed. Roads & Local Control: South Carolina lawmakers set aside $12.5 million for a Road Buyback Program to shift lower-priority SCDOT roads to local governments, with funding but no forced takeovers. Safety Upgrades: Coastal Carolina University and SCDOT agreed on major Highway 544 changes, including a 35 mph speed limit near campus and a pedestrian-activated signal, aimed at reducing deadly intersection crashes. Tech & Privacy: Rock Hill lawmakers are weighing new rules on Flock safety cameras after residents raised concerns about profiling and data use. Healthcare Costs: A Little River cancer patient says a generic medication bill topped $700, highlighting affordability pressure even as SHIP counselors point to assistance options. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the cheapest midgrade gas in Abbeville County at $3.87 (week ending Sept. 5) and in Cherokee County at $3.74. Business Growth: Greenville City Council approved record annexation along Woodruff Road, including commercial parcels such as Merovan Business Center and Sam’s Club. Legal/Finance: California AG and other states asked a federal court to stop Corteva’s $39B PFAS liability spin-off into Vylor.

Healthcare & Tech: Prisma Health is rolling Tecsys’ Hospital Point of Use platform across its hospitals, extending supply tracking to the bedside and procedural areas after using Tecsys in its distribution center. Telecom & Infrastructure: IQ Fiber bought Orangeburg Fiber’s network assets in a $35 million Orangeburg investment, planning upgrades and expanded service throughout the year. Real Estate Development: Thompson Thrift will build The Whitmore at Ingleside, a 327-unit Class A multifamily community in North Charleston, with construction starting this month and move-ins targeted for November 2027. Franchising & Consumer Business: Ford’s Garage is seeking franchise operators to expand into the Carolinas, eyeing multi-unit opportunities in Columbia, Charleston and coastal areas plus Charlotte and Raleigh. Local Growth & Jobs: Rooter Man Plumbing added staff to support marketing and operations across three Charleston-area companies. Public Safety & Health: Law enforcement sources say actress Hayden Panettiere likely died after taking an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl; toxicology is still pending and the DEA is involved. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports a single Aiken County station led the week ending Sept. 5 for lowest midgrade at $3.89; Greenville diesel hit a low of $4.44. Education: Joyce University launched BSN90, a 90-credit BSN pathway aimed at nursing licensure readiness.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will get $500 refunds tied to alleged federal Obamacare “user fee” overcharges. Crypto Ethics Push: Trump agreed to a key ethics provision in a major crypto bill, with Republican Sen. Tim Scott (SC) saying it gives state attorneys general a “meaningful role” in enforcement—setting up a Tuesday vote. Rare Earth Manufacturing: USA Rare Earth broke ground on a $1.2 billion rare earth magnet facility in Blacksburg, targeting 490 jobs and U.S. production of neodymium-iron-boron magnets by 2028, backed by CHIPS Act support. Money Laundering Case: A Colombian man was indicted in federal court over an alleged $135 million drug-money laundering scheme tied to Greenville, using cryptocurrency and shell-linked accounts. Local Governance Pay: Fort Mill Town Council is set to vote on raising pay for the mayor and council members amid rapid growth and a major land-use overhaul. Housing & Veterans Lending: VA home-loan data puts South Carolina at 27th by average loan amount in Q2 2026 ($367,811). Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports South Carolina’s midgrade and premium prices varied week-to-week, with some of the lowest premium and midgrade deals showing up in specific Upstate and coastal counties. Community & Food Security: A coastal-SC hunger update says food insecurity rose to 246,000 people across 10 counties, including 62,000 children.

Obamacare refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will receive $500 checks tied to alleged Biden-era Obamacare “user fee” overcharges. Charleston healthcare investment: MUSC and its health system approved moving ahead with a new $1B-plus cancer hospital downtown, with up to $125M for early site work and $175M in state capital funding. Port of Charleston shipping risk: Maritime groups are warning that a congressional provision tied to the $250M Union Pier Terminal sale could permanently deauthorize Tidewater Reach, shifting maintenance responsibility and potentially affecting harbor depth/width. Local business/tech expansion: Arvaya AI Automations Consulting plans to expand in North Charleston, adding six jobs, supported by Charleston County’s Job Development Incentive. Aviation operations: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport will halt all passenger and cargo flights for a 60-hour runway maintenance period starting Sept. 11, with another closure planned Sept. 18-21. Veterans housing data: VA Home Loans Index rankings show South Carolina at 27th for average VA loan amount in Q2 2026 ($367,811). Sports-business tie-in: Biscuitville, with 90 locations across SC/NC/VA, was named America’s best fast-food breakfast by USA Today’s 10Best.