HGTC Breaks Ground on New Marine Technology Institute of SC | | |
On Friday, April 11, 2025, Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) hosted the groundbreaking of the new Marine Technology Institute of South Carolina, a 25,000 square-foot, state of the art training facility that will serve as the new home for the College's Outboard Marine Technology and Boat Building Technology Programs.
“This groundbreaking marks a significant milestone for HGTC, our students, and South Carolina’s thriving marine industry,” said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, President of HGTC. “As demand for skilled marine technicians and boat builders continues to grow, this facility will allow us to expand our programs, increase enrollment, and provide cutting-edge workforce training to meet industry needs.”
The Marine Technology Institute of South Carolina is strategically located near Winyah Bay, in the heart of South Carolina’s coastline, making it the ideal site for this first-of-its-kind facility in the state. The project will double enrollment in the Outboard Marine Technology program from 24 to 48 students annually while also introducing the Boat Building Technology program, which will train 24 students per year in foundational skills such as composite construction and structural reinforcements.
The new training facility will feature:
- Expanded Outboard Marine Technology Program – Doubling student enrollment and continuing industry-leading training in marine engine technology.
- New Boat Building Technology Program – A one-year curriculum providing specialized skills in composite construction and structural reinforcements.
- Industry Partnerships – Collaboration with South Carolina’s top boat manufacturers and marine employers to ensure graduates meet workforce needs.
- Economic Impact – Supporting job growth and enhancing South Carolina’s status as a leader in marine manufacturing.
To learn more about the boat building program, click here.
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Bucksport Marine Park is a 47-acre industrial park in Horry County located along the Intra-coastal Waterway and the Waccamaw River (MP377) Myrtle Beach, SC region. The property is 34 miles to Georgetown, SC; 88 miles to Charleston, SC; and 30 miles to Myrtle Beach International Airport.
Existing Facilities:
- 700′ parallel dockage and wooden pier able to accommodate vessels up to 200′
- 28′ wide double-lane boat ramp
- Adjacent to Bucksport Marina offering gas and diesel fuels
Under Development:
- 47+ acres of land for marine-related businesses
- Additional commercial concrete pier and boat slips for use by Park tenants
- 2 travel lift wells and piers sized for 100 tons and 300 tons respectively
- Water, sewer, power, and fiber in place
- Corps of Engineer permits in hand
- Sites for lease with affordable pricing
Myrtle Beach Area/Horry County Labor:
- Current Labor Pool: 171,641
- Current Employment: 156,399
If you want to learn more about the Bucksport Marine Park, contact Sandy Davis, MBREDC President & CEO.
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South Carolina- State Economic Profile
Statistics, economic information and rankings for the Palmetto State
IBIS World
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Overview of the South Carolina Economy
In 2024, the state of South Carolina has a population of 5,452,346, having grown an annualized 1.1% over the five years to 2024, which ranks it 7th out of all 50 US states by growth rate. South Carolina's gross state product (GSP) in 2024 reached $266.2b, with growth of 2.3% over the 5 years to 2024. Businesses in South Carolina employed a total of 2,340,302 people in 2024, with average annual employment growth over the past five years of 1.6%. The top three sectors by total employment are Real Estate and Rental and Leasing, Manufacturing, Retail Trade, while the unemployment rate across the state in 2024 was 3.8%.
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South Carolina Data Trends
from the SC Department of Employment and Workforce
Read the latest edition of SC Data Trends
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Update your company information on the MBREDC website
Check here to see your current information
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Interested in sponsoring a 2025
MBREDC Event?
Benefits of sponsoring:
- Your company name/logo/hyperlink emailed in the invitation to all MBREDC members at least twice prior to the event.
- Your company name/logo displayed at the event.
- 3-5 minutes to discuss your business during the event.
- Opportunity to hand out and/or display materials during the event.
- Shared guest list after the event.
- Additional invitations to the event as possible.
Contact Sandra James for more information
and to reserve an event in 2025
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Market Moves & Money News @ TopGolf
Market Moves & Money News: What You Need to Know Now
An insightful look at the latest market trends and financial news shaping the economy today.
Location: TopGolf Myrtle Beach
2850 Robert M Grissom Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Date & Time:
May 14, 2025
Lunch & Presentation 11:45 am-1:00 pm
Golf Available 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
The MBREDC group will be located on the 3rd floor in the Chairman's Suite.
Presentation by Devon Bremner, CIMA
Senior Regional Consultant with MFS Funds
**Limited space available**
**Registration Required**
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The MBREDC Industry Awareness Class News
2024-2025
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The Industry Awareness Class
Day 6 for the group was spent in the downtown Myrtle Beach area. The class was amazed at what they learned about! Visit these industries to learn more about the products they make:
Surteco North America makers of decorative surfaces
Lacks Outdoor Furniture makers of long lasting beach chairs and umbrellas
M3 Automation creates small and midsized unit dose machines for various market sectors.
Grand Strand Brewing a locally owned microbrewery offering retail and wholesale through in house canning.
The afternoon was spent learning about the revitalization of the downtown area by the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance and a visit to eMYRge, a coworking hub for Myrtle Beach's growing tech ecosystem.
| | | A night at the ballpark is always a favorite among MBREDC partners and this year's event was no exception with 100 members in attendance. Food, beverages, giveaways, networking, and baseball were all a HOME RUN! Thank you to our sponsors: Shade & Shutter Expo and United Community Bank for helping us to host such a great event! | | Interested in learning about membership with the MBREDC? Contact Sandra James. | | |
Click here to become a Sponsor!
Or email Harrison@Littleriverchamber.org for more Information.
The 43rd Annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival is less than a month away and we are expecting our biggest attendance ever! Market your business to over 20,000 locals and visitors alike during this old fashioned southern street festival featuring live music, arts & crafts vendors, children's activities, and so much more!
http://www.BlueCrabFestival.org
Date/Time
May 17th & 18th
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location
Historic Little River Waterfront.
4480 Mineola Avenue
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Spotlight on: The Brandon Agency (Brandon)
Scott Brandon, CEO, has led the growth of Brandon into a Southeastern powerhouse with over 150 employees in four offices across the U.S. As a highly sought-after strategist and business-minded visionary, he has helped develop and grow brands such as YETI Coolers, Southern Tide, CresCom Bank, Williams Knife Co. and Fish Hippie. Always on the forefront of technology, Scott’s focus is on data-driven marketing and developing growth minded strategies and tactics.
From partnering with the biggest names in email marketing and e-commerce to maintaining the latest technology, media, marketing and analytics certifications, Brandon is always working to stay ahead of the curve for their clients. Their wide-ranging certifications and partnerships show their commitment to keeping their skill set sharp and their knowledge current.
Part Consultancy.
Part Agency.
100% Focused on Growth.
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Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation
2050 Hwy 501 East, Building 100
Conway, SC 29526
800-844-4983
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