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From Business Facilities
Decisions on where to locate corporate and manufacturing operations have for decades been based largely on available commercial real estate, tax incentives, and a favorable regulatory environment. According to the annual Site Selectors Guild’s State of Site Selection 2026 report, that model has fundamentally changed.
The report released this week finds that companies are now weighing a new set of variables when deciding where and whether to build. New criteria include community support and acceptance, reliable and affordable power and water, and access to specialized talent to staff a new site.
Key findings from the report include:
Community acceptance is critical: Site selectors say community opposition is now a major factor for slowing or stopping projects, with data centers facing the most visible pushback of any sector, even as they remain one of the most active sectors for new site selection, alongside aerospace, manufacturing and energy.
Power and water availability are new dealbreakers, not line-item costs: Electric power and water availability rank among the top five factors driving location decisions, and among the leading reasons a site is eliminated from consideration altogether, often because a utility can’t confirm it can meet demand. Reliable water access is becoming especially critical for data center builds, raising new questions over whether hyperscalers or communities bear the cost.
Workforce has become non-negotiable: In the survey, 50% of the Guild Members cited this as a top factor influencing location decisions, and 41% identify it as a top elimination factor. Specialized talent is increasingly scarce, and companies can no longer assume employees will relocate.
“Site Selection is no longer just about finding the right building and the right tax environment,” said Larry Gigerich, Chair of the Site Selectors Guild. “Companies today are looking much more broadly at what it will take to operate successfully for the long term.”
According to Gigerich, “Access to reliable power, water and specialized talent take precedence. These are no longer secondary considerations, and therefore, cities and states that don’t adapt their site readiness and workforce development strategies won’t be competitive in the company decision-making journey.”
Check out the latest surveys, research and economic forecasts regarding economic development, corporate relocation, corporate expansion, and site selection.
| | Business Facilities’ 22nd Annual Rankings Report: 2026 State Rankings | | |
Aalberts is hiring 70 new full-time positions with benefits! Located in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area off Highway 501
Apply online through the links below
| | McDowell Corporate Center | | |
McDowell Corporate Center (8501 Water Tower Road, Longs, SC) is a modern mixed-use development serving as the corporate headquarters of McDowell Construction (10,000 sq ft) and featuring two leasable properties: a 5,000 sq ft commercial space and a 15,000 sq ft warehouse. Located near the junction of SC‑31 and SC‑22, the center is designed to integrate corporate, retail, and logistics functions.
The development is part of a Planned Development District (PDD) that also includes major infrastructure improvements along Water Tower Road — including road widening, new sidewalks, street trees, and a dedicated corridor for the East Coast Greenway.
As a strategic anchor in the region’s shift toward industrial–logistics–retail integration, the center is positioned near major players such as UPS, Amazon, Pepsi Bottling Co., ABC Supply, and others. McDowell Corporate Center also offers three additional build-to-suit parcels—measuring 8.5 acres, 3.5 acres, and 2.0 acres—further enhancing its role in job creation, infrastructure development, and economic growth in the North Myrtle Beach area.
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Plan now to attend the Veteran Entrepreneur Workshop happening on October 15 – 16 at Myrtle Beach.
To register, scan from QR code in photo above.
SBA Information Notices:
Attention: Manufacturers, food and agricultural businesses, rural borrowers, and veteran entrepreneurs.
SBA has issued Information Notices 5000-881797 and 5000-881796, announcing the 7(a) and 504 fee schedules effective October 1, 2026, for all loans approved through September 30, 2027. This year's fee schedule is deliberately structured to move capital toward the industries that anchor America's supply chains and rural economies.
Fee relief for critical industries. For loans of $700,000 or less, the SBA Guaranty Fee (Upfront Fee) is 0% for:
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Manufacturers (NAICS sectors 31–33)
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Food supply chain businesses, spanning agricultural production, farm support, wholesale distribution, and refrigerated and frozen transportation and warehousing
- Businesses located in rural areas
Continued veteran support. SBA Express loans to businesses owned and controlled by a veteran or a veteran's spouse continue to carry a $0 Upfront Fee.
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South Carolina Small Business Development Center
Opportunities 2026 Procurement Conference
October 27, 2026, from 8AM – 4PM
Register
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Carolina Food Service
Carolina Food Service is a locally owned food distribution company based in Loris, South Carolina, serving restaurants throughout North and South Carolina. The company specializes in providing food distribution services to Hispanic and Latino restaurants, with a largely bilingual team that understands the culture and makes communication with restaurant owners and operators easier. Their mission is to help customers succeed and maintain a competitive advantage by providing reliable service, strong value, and solutions tailored to their specific needs. Carolina Food Service aims to become the most trusted partner for Hispanic and Latino restaurants across the Southeast. The company values customer service, continuous improvement, employee growth, respect, honesty, integrity, family, teamwork, flexibility, and positivity.
Where Quality, Culture, and Service Come Together
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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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Thursday, October 8, 2026
MBREDC Fall Social
Join MBREDC Members for an evening of networking, great food, live music, and drinks as we gather with fellow MBREDC partners for a fun night at the House of Blues.
It's the perfect opportunity to connect with other members, build relationships, and enjoy a relaxed evening together.
House of Blues Myrtle Beach
4640 Hwy 17 S, Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Thursday, October 8, 2026
5:00 - 7:00 pm
| | Thank You to Our Sponsors: | | Thank You to Our Bar Sponsor: | | |
The Myrtle Beach Regional Development Corporation (MBREDC) is hosting its THIRD
"Made in Myrtle Beach," an Existing Industry Expo.
Existing industries from Horry County will have the opportunity to display and share their products with other MBREDC business leaders
and highlight the diverse industries that call
the Myrtle Beach area home.
Join us to showcase your business by presenting your company's products and services.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thomas C. Maeser Conference Center
950 Crabtree Lane
Horry Georgetown Technical College
Grand Strand Campus
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
If you are an Existing Industry in Horry County and would like to participate, email Sandra James to reserve your table
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MBREDC September Event:
Community Update Forum
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On September 10, the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation (MBREDC) and the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® (CCAR) hosted the 14th Annual Community Update Forum, bringing together business and community leaders for an informative discussion on the growth and future of the Grand Strand.
The annual event provides an opportunity to share insights into the region’s economic development, emerging opportunities, and the trends shaping Horry County. As the area continues to grow, the forum highlights the importance of collaboration, strategic planning, and informed decision-making in supporting a thriving business community.
Through events such as the Community Update Forum, MBREDC continues to foster connections among regional stakeholders, encourage dialogue, and keep the business community informed about the developments influencing the area's future. The partnership with CCAR underscores the value of bringing together leaders from different sectors to better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with continued growth.
The 14th Annual Community Update Forum reflects MBREDC’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful programming that informs its members, strengthens relationships, and supports the long-term economic success of the Myrtle Beach region.
Thank you to all the speakers who participated, and thank you to Bank of America for sponsoring the event, and thank you to The Trestle Cafe for providing a delicious breakfast.
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Interested in learning about membership with the MBREDC? Contact Sandra James.
Already a member of the MBREDC but would like to take your membership to the NEXT LEVEL? Contact Sandra James.
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My Journey Begins Travel Extends Member Benefit to All MBREDC Members
My Journey Begins Travel, the 5-time MyHorryNews.com Readers' Choice award winner for Best Travel Agency, has graciously offered a complimentary MJB Concierge subscription to all MBREDC member-businesses and their employees.
The MJB Concierge program is the second-tier savings option when using My Journey Begins Travel’s services. You can upgrade this subscription to the MJB VIP program if desired.
Additional details are available at
https://myjourneybeginstravel.com/for-frequent-travelers/
To enroll in the program, the contact form on the above landing page must be completed and submitted for each individual subscriber.
Each subscription is good for every member of the subscriber’s traveling party on each trip taken and remains in force as long as that subscriber continues to be affiliated with an MBREDC-member company.
Examples of savings include complimentary booking for airline, car rental, lodging, and guided tour service; free quotes and comparisons for travel insurance; free booking of cruises plus on board credit equal to a minimum of one percent of your cruise fare and 50% off customization fees when customizing an itinerary.
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Spotlight on: Dumpster Girl
Who We Are
Anna Conlon and her husband started Dumpster Girl back in 2018 with the goal of creating a waste management service that can always be counted on, even during the busiest times of the year. They focus on their business so you can stay focused on your project. Your waste should not slow you down.
Mission
· FAIR – They offer honest rates with reliable service, with an emphasis on customer service.
· LOCAL – Myrtle Beach is their home, and nothing makes them prouder than providing the ability to keep it clean and buzzing.
· EXPERIENCED – With over two decades of construction experience, they know how to make a mess and how to clean
Thank you, Dumpster Girl, for your continued support of the MBREDC!
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