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As the state’s only trade association focused exclusively on manufacturing, SCMA is the single most effective advocate for advancing manufacturing in South Carolina.  Policy priorities include: workforce and education, taxes and economic development, environment, energy, legal reform, and employment issues.

Workforce Development and Education

Today’s manufacturing requires skilled workers with varying levels of education and training. Ensuring South Carolina has an available, prepared, and ready workforce is a vital component of the state’s economic development efforts. We work closely with the SC Technical College System and other state agencies to strengthen and grow a skilled workforce in South Carolina.

Taxes & Economic Development

SCMA supports tax and economic development policies that keep South Carolina on the cutting edge for growing and attracting manufacturing companies and the jobs and capital investment they bring. Specific priorities include: maintaining South Carolina’s existing sales and use tax exemptions for manufacturers, preserving the ability to obtain fee-in-lieu of property tax agreements, enhancing economic development incentives, and preserving protections of intellectual property rights to encourage vital business investment in future innovation.

Environment

SCMA supports environmental policies based on sound science that strikes a balance between protecting the environment and that facilitate economic growth. Companies must be able to locate, permit, build, and operate their facilities in a timely and efficient manner. SCMA supports streamlining the regulatory process and reforming the permit appeals process to prevent unnecessary and costly delays.

Energy

South Carolina manufacturers are the largest consumers of electricity in the state. Ensuring that manufacturers have access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is a top priority for SCMA.

Infrastructure

Manufacturers need a modern infrastructure system to compete in a global economy. Strong and reliable infrastructure—from roads and rails to bridges and ports— are essential for manufacturers to move materials and products efficiently and safely. SCMA advocates for strategic and forwarding-thinking policies that support South Carolina’s existing and future infrastructure needs.

Legal Reform & Employment Issues

SCMA supports a civil justice system and employment environment that promotes a competitive atmosphere for manufacturers to operate, innovate, grow, and create jobs.