MBREDC Holds Annual Meeting: Making A Difference | | |
The MBREDC held its Annual Meeting at the Conference Center at Barefoot Resort on January 8, 2026, welcoming a record number of members and partners for a dynamic program highlighting the year’s accomplishments, regional growth, and the strategic priorities ahead.
Attendees heard updates on major business recruitment and expansion projects, workforce development initiatives, and infrastructure investments that continue to strengthen Horry County’s economic competitiveness. The meeting also featured a keynote address by Chuck Sexton, whose remarks focused on leadership, innovation, and the importance of collaboration in positioning the region for long-term economic success. Community leaders and board members joined in recognizing the strong public-private partnerships that drive the organization’s mission and set the course for continued growth in the year ahead.
MBREDC President & CEO, Sandy Davis, highlighted the organization's three announcements for 2025: Galivants Ferry Saw Mill, Ocean Craft Marine for the US, and Coastal Ready Mix, totaling $25.225 Million investment and creating 130 new jobs for Horry County. Davis added that these projects could not come to fruition without the community support the MBREDC receives. It takes all of us to truly "Make a Difference" in the every day lives of those around us.
Take a moment to see how our industries are making a difference everyday by watching the video at the link below.
Thank you to our sponsors. Without your support, this event would not have been possible. Horry Electric, HGTC Foundation, HTC, Waccamaw Community Foundation
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UNLOCK NEW SUPPLIER NETWORKS - JOIN CONNEX WITH FREE STATEWIDE ACCESS
SCMEP is excited to offer CONNEX Marketplace — a powerful platform that helps manufacturers and suppliers find each other quickly and easily.
Statewide access is funded for all SC manufacturers by the South Carolina Department of Commerce! Take control of your supply chain and open the door to new opportunities.
Learn More
Join CONNEX
2026 SOUTH CAROLINA AUTOMOTIVE SUMMIT B2B SUPPLIER MATCHMAKER
February 10, 10 AM-4 PM
The South Carolina Department of Commerce, in partnership with the South Carolina Manufacturers + Commerce, will host the 2026 South Carolina Automotive B2B Supplier Matchmaker on Tuesday, February 10th, in Greenville, SC.
This event is an excellent opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers to connect, explore new partnerships, and strengthen South Carolina’s manufacturing network.
Learn More & Register
MX.0 SOUTHEAST: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING
April 7-8, Greenville, SC
MX.0 Southeast returns to Greenville, SC, on April 7–8, 2026—bigger and better than ever. The 5th annual event now features three dedicated tracks packed with real-world digital transformation case studies focused on efficiency, workforce engagement, and resilient, sustainable supply chains.
Join 50+ industry-leading voices for two action-packed days of practical insights, dynamic workshops, and peer-to-peer learning—led by manufacturers, for manufacturers.
Manufacturers are able to use a promotion code for FREE registration. Please reach out to your Regional Vice President for more information and the code.
Learn More & Register to Attend!
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Gov. Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Commerce released its 2025 industry recruitment results, marking a milestone, officials said, for rural economic development.
From January to December 2025, South Carolina announced total capital investment of $9.12 billion, representing the third-highest year for industry recruitment on record and more than 8,100 new jobs.
Rural recruitment of both capital investment as well as new jobs accounted for more than 40 percent of the overall totals – the highest percentages since 2010.
“South Carolina continues to bring in record years in economic development, and this third-highest year for industry recruitment is further proof that our strategy is working,” McMaster said.
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Since its doors were first opened in 1929, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) has taken pride in the quality of its education programs and the successes of its graduates. A PIA education emphasizes hands-on learning. Qualified faculty members strive to present thorough and thoughtful instruction as they blend their practical experiences with new information and techniques. Of equal importance is the list of student services that are provided from the first day of instruction through, and beyond, graduation.
PIA’s main campus offers Associate of Specialized Technology (AST) degree programs in Aviation Technology. The branch campuses also offer a diploma or certificate program in Aviation Maintenance Technology.
PIA’s Myrtle Beach, SC campus is located about 5 minutes from the shore, and the area is a hotspot for concerts, shopping and entertainment.
Recipient of the ACCSC 2024-25 School of Distinction, PIA’s Myrtle Beach Campus is located at the International Technology and Aerospace Park, near South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach International Airport. PIA’s airport location provides an ideal atmosphere for aviation training as well as aircraft accessibility to the school’s facilities.
The 26,000 sq ft facility houses classrooms, a learning resource system with a mobile computer lab and publications library, and shop areas for aircraft propulsion systems, electricity, sheet metal, hydraulics, instruments & controls, composite materials, non-destructive testing, and painting.
Thank you, PIA, for your continued support of the MBREDC.
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Update your company information on the MBREDC website
Has your address changed? New employees? Update your information.
#1. Check here to see your current information
#2. Complete form to update information
#3. Email completed form to Sandra James
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Interested in sponsoring a 2026
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.
| | MBREDC February 2026 Event | |
February 11, 2026: MBREDC M2M Speed Networking
8:30 am to 10:00 am
This event has already reached full capacity! Contact Sandra James for more information
| | Thank you to our Sponsors: | | |
The MBREDC Industry Awareness Class News
2025-2026
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The 2025- 2026 Industry Awareness Class Update-
Day 3
Day 3 of our Industry Awareness Class gave participants a comprehensive look at the diverse industries contributing to economic growth in our region, with a focus on manufacturing, production, logistics, and tourism.
The day began at Diamondback Classic Tires, where participants learned about the company’s specialized tire manufacturing process and commitment to producing high-quality, American-made products. The visit highlighted advanced manufacturing techniques, quality control standards, and the skilled workforce required to support a niche manufacturing operation.
Next, the group visited Pepsi Bottling Ventures, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at large-scale bottling and distribution operations. Participants learned how products move from production to market, with discussions centered on logistics, automation, warehousing, and the wide range of career opportunities available within a global brand operating at the local level.
At MidCon Cables, participants were introduced to the manufacturing of fiber optic and copper cable solutions critical to modern infrastructure and connectivity. The tour emphasized precision manufacturing, technology-driven processes, and the growing demand for skilled workers in the telecommunications and utilities sectors.
The group also toured the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex, gaining insight into how large-scale athletic facilities support sports tourism, generate visitor spending, and contribute to year-round economic activity.
Participants then visited bFIVE40, where they explored advanced apparel manufacturing and customization processes. The tour showcased sublimation printing, embroidery, cut-and-sew apparel production, and 3D knitting, highlighting innovation, technology, and skilled craftsmanship within the textile and apparel industry.
The day concluded at Twelve 33 Distillery, where participants were introduced to the craft distilling process and learned how production, branding, distribution, and regulatory requirements come together in a locally owned operation that supports tourism and entrepreneurship.
Overall, Day 3 reinforced the importance of industry awareness by exposing participants to a wide range of business models, technologies, and career pathways that are shaping the region’s economy.
| | | More Photos From the MBREDC Annual Meeting | | Interested in learning about membership with the MBREDC? Contact Sandra James. | | This workshop will help you understand the key information you need to know and be prepared to discuss with a bank loan officer or anyone you approach for funding. | | |
Sign up for our 'Future in Focus' newsletter. 'Future in Focus' is a quarterly e-newsletter providing information about infrastructure projects coordinated by Horry County, including those within the RIDE Program.
You can sign up for those updates here.
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Spotlight on: Myrtle Beach National, LLC
MB National LLC is a leading hospitality and real estate development group with deep roots in the Grand Strand. Established in 1971 and known for shaping Myrtle Beach’s golf and resort landscape, MB National’s portfolio has spanned championship golf courses, hotels and resorts, and vacation rental operations. The company’s partnerships include notable brands such as Marriott and Monterey Bay Suites, as well as Beach Vacations and Brittain Resorts & Hotels for property management. MB National plays a key role in the region’s tee time, golf packaging, and tourism ecosystem.
Thank you, Myrtle Beach National, LLC, for your support of the MBREDC!
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