AGP Executive Report

Auto & Manufacturing Leadership: Volvo Cars named Klaus Zellmer (ex–Skoda CEO) as its next president and CEO, aiming to revive sales amid tariffs, weaker EV demand, and high development costs—while noting production shifts that include hybrid XC60 work in South Carolina. Local Infrastructure & Jobs: Fort Mill broke ground on a new Operations Center to consolidate Utilities and Public Works onto a 33-acre campus, with construction expected to take about 15 months. Industrial Safety: Anderson firefighters responded to a Sunday blaze at First Quality Tissue; no injuries were reported, and the plant is a major Upstate employer. Education & Workforce Pipeline: Piedmont Technical College marked 60 years with state and federal leaders praising its training impact and highlighting more than $100M in ongoing construction. STEM Outreach: The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center’s SEED STEM Festival returned to USC Aiken with 79 organizations bringing hands-on science, robotics, aviation, and nuclear-focused activities for students. Aviation Innovation: Joby Aviation said it completed the first-ever fully autonomous cross-country flight in a modified Cessna Caravan, with remote supervision involving South Carolina. Public Health: South Carolina lawmakers renewed debate over gas-tax relief as prices climb, while a CDC advisory raised broader rabies awareness concerns nationwide.

Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to reduce blackout risk in South Carolina (and North Carolina), authorizing Duke Energy Carolinas to dispatch resources and use backup generation as a last resort through Sept. 21. Manufacturing & Jobs: A fire broke out at Anderson’s First Quality Tissue paper plant; no injuries were reported, and the site is tied to major expansion plans. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Charleston County is holding public sessions with mayors ahead of a Nov. 3 transportation sales tax referendum that could generate $4.25 billion over 25 years. STEM & Workforce Pipeline: The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center’s SEED STEM Festival returned to USC Aiken with 79 organizations and hands-on exhibits for students. Education Growth: Spartanburg District 5 broke ground on Duncan Elementary School of the Arts as enrollment and programming expand. Public Health Watch: Rabies concerns are rising after unusual incidents and a CDC advisory, though experts say it’s unclear if cases are actually increasing. Aviation Innovation: Joby Aviation completed the first-ever fully autonomous flight across the U.S., with remote supervision and a route that included Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. Business Leadership: Volvo Cars named Klaus Zellmer as CEO to lead a transformation aimed at reviving sales.

Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to reduce blackout risk across South Carolina and North Carolina, authorizing Duke Energy Carolinas to dispatch resources and run backup generation through Sept. 21. Solar Manufacturing: Suniva closed an $835 million capital raise to build a 4.5-gigawatt solar cell factory in Laurens County, targeting a late-2027 opening and about 564 jobs at full capacity. Power Grid & Consumer Impact: Duke Energy also urged Carolinas customers to cut electricity use during a peak-demand period, as regulators and utilities brace for strain. Public Health: The FDA issued a Class II recall for certain hand soaps sold in 15 states due to possible bacterial contamination, including products under the Laura Lynn and Intercon brands. Fraud & Enforcement: Federal prosecutors charged four South Carolina women in a counterfeit-currency wire fraud conspiracy involving Cash App activity. STEM & Community: Aiken hosted the SEED STEM Festival, bringing hands-on robotics and science activities to local children. Aviation Innovation: Joby Aviation completed its first fully autonomous cross-country flight across the U.S., with remote supervision involving Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina.

Power Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to protect the Carolinas power grid during hot weather, letting Duke Energy Carolinas dispatch backup generation through Sept. 21. Local Economy & Education: A Columbia update highlights a new HBCU-authorized charter school approved to open in 2027, alongside other Midlands developments. STEM & Workforce Pipeline: Aiken’s SEED STEM Festival brought hands-on robotics and science activities to local children at the University of South Carolina Aiken campus. AI Oversight: South Carolina lawmakers and tech experts discussed AI oversight as schools and communities weigh how to manage classroom and public-facing AI use. International Trade & Sanctions: President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, targeting Russia’s energy and “shadow fleet” and authorizing tariffs up to 100% on major Russian energy buyers. Consumer & Travel: A JD Power airport satisfaction study found strong traveler impressions in South Carolina airports, with satisfaction rising across North America.

Russia Sanctions & Tariffs: President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, expanding pressure on Russia’s energy and defense sectors and authorizing tariffs up to 100% on major Russian oil and gas buyers—raising new cost risks for trading partners like India and China. Pharma Supply Chain: South Carolina AG Steve Marshall warned Rubio about Chinese “national security” risks in pharmaceutical supply chains, arguing FDA’s “Green List” has enabled unapproved knockoffs. Consumer & Health: Abbott will pay $384M+ after claims of unsafe baby formula; meanwhile, FDA approved Ultragenyx’s Fayuvi for pediatric Sanfilippo syndrome type A. Logistics & Costs: South Carolina diesel prices hit record highs, squeezing trucking and threatening higher prices for goods moving through the Port of Charleston. Local Business/Workforce: Charleston named David Pettine section chief of planning, permitting and engineering; Spartanburg approved a fee-in-lieu-of-taxes deal for 48 affordable apartments near Kennedy Street. Public Safety & Agriculture: SCDNR added an extra antlerless deer tag for 2026-27 to manage deer populations and reduce crop damage.

Consumer Costs & Energy: A new report says the Iran war is pushing up winter bills, with heating-oil households facing the steepest jump as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel costs stay elevated. Housing & Construction: Realtor.com’s Metro Report Cards show the U.S. housing affordability crisis is worst where homebuilding lags, with Los Angeles ranking last and Des Moines topping the list; Columbia, SC, lands among the better performers. Public Health: CDC’s measles tracker shows 3,471 U.S. cases as of Sept. 17, with most tied to outbreaks—an issue for schools and employers planning fall operations. South Carolina Business & Finance: Optus Bank and Mechanics & Farmers Bank are moving ahead with a merger aimed at preserving two historic Black-owned banks and expanding lending across the Carolinas. Consumer Protection: South Carolina joined a $694M multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance over predatory subprime auto loans, including restitution and debt relief. Telecom Infrastructure: Verizon is seeking permission to retire copper landlines in South Carolina and other states, pushing customers toward fiber and wireless. Workforce: DEW reports August job growth in South Carolina, with unemployment down to 4.1% and gains led by Construction and Leisure/Hospitality. Local Energy Policy: Darlington County voted down a nine-month solar/wind moratorium but tightened rules for future projects.

Water & Growth: Laurens County’s LCWSC is moving forward with a $12 million, 1-million-gallon Metric Road water tank near Hwy. 14, designed to support future development and connect into the Gray Court system—coming online April 19. Workforce & Training: Piedmont Technical College marked 60 years with state and federal leaders praising its job-focused education, now serving 8,500+ students annually across eight locations and continuing $100M+ in construction. Public Health: South Carolina DPH is urging everyone at Hartsville High School to get TB testing after an additional case tied to a spring 2025 exposure. Transportation Safety: SCDOT has started work on the US 17 Corridor Improvements Project in North Myrtle Beach, adding crosswalks, pedestrian signals, ADA ramps, and medians after hundreds of crashes. Consumer & Legal: Florida AG James Uthmeier joined a multistate FTC-led lawsuit accusing Amazon of secretly inflating ad prices via hidden surcharges. Corporate Accountability: South Carolina leaders and others are backing a multistate $694M settlement with auto lender Credit Acceptance over predatory loan practices. Tech Policy: SC lawmakers and tech experts met at the Ascend SC forum to discuss AI oversight, privacy, and energy impacts as data centers and AI expand.

Consumer Finance: Multistate action is delivering $694 million in cash and debt relief to borrowers harmed by subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance Corporation (CAC), with South Carolina tied to the broader settlement push. Federal Policy: The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared the House and heads to President Trump, pairing Russia oil pressure with Iran energy and weapons restrictions. South Carolina Public Safety: A Newberry County chase ended on I-26 after a wrong-way run at up to 140 mph, including alleged attempts to hit troopers; deputies say an intentional collision stopped the threat. Ports & Logistics: SC Ports and Norfolk Southern expanded intermodal service, adding a direct rail link from Charleston to Huntsville to reach more Southeast markets. Manufacturing & Jobs: SCBIZ named the inaugural Operational Excellence in Manufacturing Awards honorees, with a Nov. 4 luncheon at the Greenville Convention Center. Food & Retail: Uber Eats is now delivering from Costco stores across South Carolina, adding another channel for bulk grocery runs. Health Alerts: The FDA classified a hand soap recall affecting products sold in SC due to possible bacterial contamination.

Russia Sanctions & Tariffs: The U.S. House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, sending it to President Trump. The bill expands sanctions on Russian officials, banks and the “shadow fleet,” and gives Trump authority to impose tariffs up to 100% on the five biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas—potentially putting India and China in the crosshairs. SC Education & Food Service: White House Master Chef Marti Mongiello keynoted South Carolina school nutrition leaders in Columbia, urging “Every Tray. A Promise” and framing school meals as part of the education mission. SC Infrastructure Safety: SCDOT is proposing safety upgrades along a 2.6-mile stretch of Ladson Road after hundreds of crashes and injuries, including pedestrian incidents. Local Development Fight: A judge will consider pausing construction of a nearly $3 billion Spartanburg County data center after residents challenge its approval path. Aviation: JD Power’s North America Airport Satisfaction Study again crowned Minneapolis-St. Paul as the top mega airport, with Charleston leading in its category. Energy/Policy: Gov. Henry McMaster highlighted balancing jobs and education with protecting South Carolina’s scenic lands and wildlife.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will get $500 refunds tied to alleged federal Obamacare “user fee” overcharges. FDA Recall: Intercon Chemical’s six hand soaps are now a Class II recall in 15 states, including SC, after possible bacterial contamination. AI & Data Center Cooling: Greenville-based AirJoule is buying South Carolina cooling firm BitSink in a deal up to $67M, aiming to expand AI/HPC data center infrastructure. Manufacturing Education: Rock Hill will donate $250,000 each to Winthrop and York Tech to grow advanced manufacturing training, including a new B.S. in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering launching in 2027. Industrial Logistics: Atlas Copco broke ground on a 355,000-square-foot North American Service Center in Lancaster County, starting operations in June 2027. Local Governance: Lancaster County rejected a Redstone development extension and named its new detention center for former Sheriff Williford L. Faile. Cybersecurity Sales: ThreatCaptain partnered with TD SYNNEX to help MSPs sell cybersecurity using “financial-impact” messaging. Energy/Policy: A-Cap insurers face South Carolina regulator action over claims they’re “financially hazardous,” tied to exposure to 777 Partners.

South Carolina Economic Outlook: State leaders met with business owners to discuss an “economic blueprint,” with infrastructure funding—roads, bridges, water and sewer—front and center as growth strains local capacity. Manufacturing & Metals: Latrobe Magnesium put its Morwell plan on hold and is pushing a major U.S. magnesium smelter, citing liability and incentives as it targets critical-mineral supply needs. Nuclear Policy: A House energy subcommittee hearing highlighted “nuclear lifecycle innovation campuses,” while Louisiana seeks more time on a DOE nuclear waste plan—South Carolina is among the states now in the mix. Transportation Safety: DOT and Coastal Carolina University rolled out Highway 544 upgrades, including a high-intensity crosswalk signal and a speed reduction, after student pedestrian crashes. Local Infrastructure Planning: Berkeley County is moving toward a roundabout at Reflectance Drive/Highway 41 after multiple fatal crashes. Healthcare & Coverage: Commentary argues expanding health insurance access in SC is a workforce necessity as Medicaid work-hour rules could put coverage at risk in expansion states. Legal/Business Risk: A federal case alleges a Florida developer defrauded Allen University and the AME Church out of millions tied to a football stadium scheme.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says the federal government will return hundreds of millions in Obamacare “overcharges” via $500 refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, tied to surplus “user fees” from the federal exchange. Insurance Transparency: Public Citizen urges South Carolina regulators and other state insurance commissioners to make homeowners insurance “data call” results public, arguing the home insurance crisis is also an information crisis that limits competition and meaningful oversight. Robocall Crackdown: AG Lynn Fitch and 48 other attorneys general push the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls and texts. Lowcountry Growth & Housing: Material Capital Partners says leasing is underway at Indigo Cove, an 82-home build-to-rent community in Bluffton with rents starting at $2,850. Water & Infrastructure: ReWa completes Phase 1A of a $92M Swamp Rabbit Gravity Sewer Upgrade between Greenville and Travelers Rest, replacing aging sewer lines and adding new manholes and river crossings. Telecom Expansion: Comcast/Xfinity adds multi-gig fiber access for 1,000+ homes and businesses in Beaufort and Edisto. AI Policy Debate: Lawmakers split on AI guardrails, with John Thune backing a “light touch” approach while Democrats call for stricter limits. Food Safety: FDA upgraded a hand soap recall to Class II, citing bacterial contamination across 15 states. Manufacturing/Jobs: Holly Poultry opens an 80,000-square-foot production facility in Hanover, Md., citing vertical integration and 140 new jobs. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports diesel and E15 price snapshots across multiple South Carolina counties, showing continued volatility even as prices ease from spring highs.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Carolina, will get $500 checks tied to alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. Water & Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps is lowering Lake Hartwell’s guide curve year-round and capping flood rises for the next decade after safety concerns at the Clemson Lower Diversion Dam Saddle Dike. Local Growth & Zoning: Greenville approved a record annexation along Woodruff Road/I-385, adding major commercial acreage and setting zoning for business and industrial uses. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports the cheapest midgrade and diesel prices in multiple South Carolina counties for the week ending Sept. 5, underscoring how volatile pump prices remain. PFAS Legal Fight: California AG and other states urge a South Carolina federal court to block Corteva’s $39B PFAS liability spinoff into Vylor. Aviation Labor: Breeze Airways responded to ALPA’s mediation request, saying bargaining progress is real and a deal is still achievable. AI for Small Business: Charleston County is rolling out GoodBiz.AI to help certified small businesses use AI without adding staff burden. Transportation Safety: Coastal Carolina University and SCDOT are set to make major Highway 544 safety upgrades, including a 35 mph speed limit near campus and a pedestrian-activated signal. Solar Manufacturing Safety: Silfab Solar hired a new environmental health and safety leader in Fort Mill amid ongoing community concerns about operations near schools. Crypto Regulation: Rural community banks are pushing back on the federal Clarity Act, warning it could tilt competition against smaller lenders. Class Action Watch: Multiple investor alerts highlight new lawsuits and lead-plaintiff deadlines tied to companies with South Carolina ties and broader market exposure.

Healthcare Supply Chain: Prisma Health is rolling out Tecsys’ Hospital Point of Use tech to track medical supplies at the bedside and in procedural areas, extending its inventory platform beyond the distribution center. Port & Logistics: SC Ports and Norfolk Southern launched daily direct intermodal service between Charleston and Huntsville, Ala., adding another rail option for container moves into north Alabama and Middle Tennessee. Data Center Power: DC BLOX named Tricia Pridemore EVP for energy, regulatory and policy as the Southeast data center buildout accelerates and PPA negotiations ramp up. AI Infrastructure Deal: AirJoule Technologies acquired BitSink to expand cooling, electrical distribution and racking for AI/HPC modular data centers. Real Estate Development: Thompson Thrift will build The Whitmore at Ingleside, a 327-unit Class A multifamily project in North Charleston, starting construction this month. Manufacturing Expansion: Borealis Foods is launching high-protein Niom Niom noodles in Germany, manufactured at its Saluda, S.C. facility. Energy & Ethics Policy: Senators Tim Scott and others advanced revised crypto legislation with stronger ethics rules, while Trump agreed to tougher restrictions tied to his crypto interests. Local Business Growth: Rooter Man Plumbing expanded its marketing and operations team across three Charleston-area companies. Construction & Jobs: Stöbich announced a $2.53M Dorchester County expansion creating 33 jobs. Gas Prices Watch: South Carolina gas prices continue climbing amid global oil disruption, with AAA citing a sharp weekly jump.

Rare Earth Manufacturing: USA Rare Earth broke ground on a $1.2B rare earth metal and magnet plant in Blacksburg, targeting 490 high-skill jobs and magnet production starting in 2028, with federal support tied to CHIPS Act funding. Healthcare Construction: MUSC boards approved moving ahead on a new $1B+ 14-story cancer hospital in downtown Charleston, with up to $125M for early site work and $175M in state capital backing. Port & Shipping Risk: Charleston maritime stakeholders are warning that a provision tied to the Union Pier Terminal sale could deauthorize Tidewater Reach, shifting maintenance responsibility away from the federal government and threatening navigation depth/width. Local Governance Pay: Fort Mill Town Council is set to vote on a long-stalled pay raise for part-time elected leaders, as the town’s rapid growth forces a debate over professionalizing local government. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show South Carolina fuel prices easing but still volatile, with multiple county-level lows for premium, midgrade, regular, and diesel during the week ending Sept. 5. Workforce & Industry: Tyson Steel plans a $15.2M Pickens County investment for its first South Carolina operation, while Bay Plastics expands remote pelletizer repair services—both signaling continued industrial buildout in the state.

Healthcare & Construction: MUSC boards approved moving ahead with a new $1B-plus cancer hospital in downtown Charleston, starting up to $125M in early site work and demolition planning to support Hollings’ push for NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center status. Port & Logistics: Charleston maritime stakeholders are pushing back on a provision in a federal water bill that would deauthorize Tidewater Reach after S.C. Ports sells Union Pier Terminal, raising concerns about navigation depth and long-term harbor operations. Energy & Jobs: A new regional report finds Southeast EV sales topped 1.13M through June 30, but EV manufacturing investment and job announcements dipped for the first time in seven years amid consolidation and policy uncertainty. Manufacturing Workforce: Ruiz Foods plans to cut 176 jobs at its Dinuba, California plant as it shifts to a five-day production schedule, underscoring how schedule changes ripple through manufacturing employment. Local Government & Community: Honea Path is restoring its historic downtown town hall after receiving $500,000 in directed state funding, aiming to bring municipal services back to the core of town. Public Health: USDA will air-drop millions of rabies vaccine baits across the Southeast in October to curb raccoon rabies spread. Food & Tourism: Myrtle Beach’s Magnolia’s at 26th closed, while Guy Fieri’s Food Network presence continues to spotlight the Grand Strand’s dining scene.