The Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation (RHEDC) recently hosted its Annual Meeting, bringing together business leaders, community partners and regional stakeholders to discuss Rock Hill’s economic momentum, growth priorities, and future opportunities.

Guest speakers emphasized the importance of business recruitment and the policies that help communities compete for high-quality jobs. Sara Hazzard, President and CEO of South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce, discussed the role of state-level advocacy and incentives, while Dianne Jones, Managing Director at JLL, highlighted the increasingly competitive environment for attracting new investment and the critical role strategic incentives play in success.

Dr. Duane Neff of Winthrop University shared results from a recent local survey showing strong public support for economic development, with 97% of respondents supporting industry recruitment and 77% supporting incentives, particularly when tied to high-paying jobs.

Workforce development, regional competitiveness, and support for small businesses were also key topics. Speakers noted the importance of aligning workforce skills with future industry needs while continuing to improve services that help businesses grow and succeed in Rock Hill.

As Rock Hill looks ahead, the message was clear: growth is coming, and the community has an opportunity to be intentional about how it grows. RHEDC will continue working with City leaders, business partners and regional organizations to support existing industries, recruit new investment, and prepare for future opportunities.