AGP Executive Report

Meta Settlement: South Carolina is set to receive about $247M from Meta’s up to $17.1B multistate deal over alleged child-safety failures on Facebook and Instagram, with the company also required to roll out sweeping youth protections. Local Infrastructure: Bamberg County celebrated the ribbon-cutting for Riley Drive after drainage upgrades helped end the mud-and-impassable-rain problem, a $685,000 project funded through the county’s C-Fund. Energy & Costs: Early estimates suggest a 2027 Social Security COLA of 3.2%–3.6% (about $70–$75 more per month for the average beneficiary). Logistics Expansion: Michigan-based Behnke Dedicated & Logistics acquired AG Freight to gain a Southeast foothold near Inland Port Greer. Consumer Safety & Fraud: A BBB Scam Tracker snapshot put Travelers Rest at 62nd among SC cities for July scam reports, while national fraud losses topped $12.5B in 2024. Construction/Utilities: Greenville County Schools approved rights-of-way for road work tied to a new middle school and a natural gas pipeline easement at Bryson Elementary.

South Carolina Politics: Darline Graham won the GOP Senate runoff, beating Rep. Ralph Norman and positioning herself for the November general election with President Donald Trump’s heavy backing after a debate stumble on Taiwan and the South China Sea. Upstate Development: Pickens County council is weighing an overlay for Lake Keowee that would tighten setbacks and limit residential-only construction—supporters want protection from overdevelopment, while some business owners warn it could stall projects and reduce public access. Manufacturing Jobs: Healthcare SC/MLILY will permanently close its Winnsboro mattress plant after a fire, triggering WARN notices for 254 workers, with rebuilding still uncertain. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports Greenwood County’s lowest premium price at $4.07 (week ending Aug. 15), while midgrade hit $3.75 in Greenwood; fuel volatility remains tied to global oil and refinery conditions. Consumer Protection (Solar): SC Department of Consumer Affairs is hosting a “Thinking About Solar?” webinar Aug. 26, urging residents to verify contractors, review contract disclosures, and use complaint checks before signing. Business/Industry: Stanley Martin Homes acquired Florida builder Holiday Builders, expanding its footprint across multiple states including South Carolina.

South Carolina fentanyl crackdown: Attorney General Alan Wilson announced statewide grand jury indictments against eight people tied to a Greenwood/Abbeville fentanyl trafficking ring, alleging pill-press manufacturing and distribution across multiple Upstate and Midlands counties, with seizures reported at about 4.1 kilograms of fentanyl and 3.8 kilograms of meth. Workforce & construction: Spartanburg District Five approved a $5.67M guaranteed maximum price for concrete and early structural work at Sharon Grove Middle School as it ramps up projects tied to a $200M bond. Housing push in the Lowcountry: The Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina launched a $100M Tri-County Housing Futures Fund for Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester, targeting new builds, repairs and financing. Logistics expansion into SC: Behnke Dedicated & Logistics acquired Piedmont trucking and logistics firm AG Freight to gain a Greenville foothold and expand Southeast services. Energy costs watch: A new analysis shows U.S. electricity prices rose about 30% from 2020 to 2025, with Washington, D.C. up 72% and Michigan up 24%. Critical minerals recycling: DOE awarded up to $500M for battery recycling and processing projects, including grants tied to lithium-ion scrap and black mass supply-chain buildout. Rail leadership change: Palmetto Railways named Tarek “T” Ravenel president and CEO effective Sept. 8.

Food Safety: The CDC says an alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to E. coli has reached South Carolina, with doctors warning symptoms can turn serious fast. Public Health & Consumer Watch: A separate federal roundup highlights multiple food recalls and outbreaks nationwide, adding pressure on shoppers to check products and stay alert. Energy & Infrastructure: South Carolina’s Carolina Crossroads Project gets a Phase 3C update, including I-20 bridge work over the Saluda River and CSX railroad and widening plans, with completion targeted for 2029. Local Government & Growth: Greenville City Council moves forward on a major 135-acre Woodruff Road annexation, including commercial parcels and industrial-flex zoning. Workforce Development: SC Works Trident schedules four Lowcountry career fairs in September, aiming to connect job seekers with employers across advanced manufacturing and healthcare. Coastal & Fisheries: Industry groups and lawmakers back a revised state-led red snapper exempted fishing permit, pushing for more access paired with tighter reporting. Community & Housing: Lander University advances plans for a major student housing expansion adding about 300 beds. Business & Tourism: Hilton Grand Vacations announces Ocean Reserve, a new oceanfront Myrtle Beach property. Civic Reliability: A Charleston Water System probe finds 146 fire hydrants out of service, raising concerns about emergency readiness. Education & Military: USC seeks state funding to build a ROTC center named for late Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Rail & Logistics: Palmetto Railways, the state-linked operator serving the Port of Charleston and industrial customers, named Tarek “T” Ravenel as president and CEO effective Sept. 8, replacing Patrick McCrory and signaling a push for more rail investment and supply-chain growth in South Carolina. Workforce & Education: A new report highlights how South Carolina’s technical colleges drive workforce supply, with manufacturing leading new job growth and health care facing a major worker gap. Energy & Utilities: Duke Energy is asking the South Carolina Supreme Court to allow another rate increase for Pee Dee customers, arguing it can use a newer rate-stabilization law sooner than regulators allowed. Manufacturing & Solar: ES Foundry says it will move to n-type solar technology while keeping PERC as a foundation, as the company ramps capacity in Greenwood amid shifting U.S. trade rules. Food Safety: Everything Sprouts recalled certain alfalfa sprouts after 55 illnesses across 15 states tied to possible E. coli or salmonella contamination. Public Sector Projects: South Carolina State University will temporarily close part of Naylor Street starting Aug. 24 for residence hall construction through mid-October. Local Business: Hickory Tavern closed its Vista location in Columbia as Artistry Restaurants trims sites to focus investment on “best positioned” markets. Historic Preservation: Preservationists are racing to save a rare Revolutionary War “witness tree” at Eutaw Springs, where old support chains are harming the live oak.

GOP Senate Runoff: Sen. Darline Graham hit Beaufort Sunday ahead of Tuesday’s runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman, with President Trump’s endorsement and rally boosting her push to win the seat long held by her late brother. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in McCormick County at $4.79 (week ending Aug. 15), while Saluda County’s low premium hit $4.37; diesel in Georgetown County bottomed at $4.99. AI & Data Centers: Sen. Tim Scott says China is fueling U.S. opposition to AI data centers, while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott argues developers “dug their own grave” by not working with communities before projects. Healthcare Expansion: Novant Health is partnering with K Health to expand primary care with 24/7 AI-enhanced virtual options across North and South Carolina. Food Safety: CDC-linked recall continues for alfalfa sprouts sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands after 55 illnesses and four hospitalizations across 15 states, including South Carolina. Local Infrastructure: USC’s “Williams-Brice Reimagined” stadium renovation is underway, with major planning and funding approvals already in motion.

Food Safety: A multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, LLC has sickened 55 people across 15 states, with four hospitalizations; South Carolina is among the affected states, and the FDA/CDC recall covers Calco and Everything Sprouts branded sprouts plus select protein and garlic mix cups. State Politics: President Trump held a Myrtle Beach rally to boost Sen. Darline Graham ahead of the GOP Senate runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman, as her polling lead narrows and voters question her experience. Energy & Transportation: GasBuddy reports Darlington County’s lowest midgrade price at $3.69 for the week ending Aug. 15, while SCDOT plans temporary daytime lane closures on US 321 in Jasper County for widening work. Housing & Risk: Newsweek data show South Carolina homeowners insurance is being squeezed hard after back-to-back storm hits, with Myrtle Beach premiums far higher than inland areas. Local Growth: Jasper County’s population jumped 6% from 2024 to 2025, driving new demand for parks, trails, and youth recreation. Legal/Industry: A Winnsboro farmer filed suit against Healthcare SC over a mattress-factory fire, alleging chemical contamination of land, crops, and a nearby creek.

Infrastructure & Construction: SCDOT will run temporary daytime lane closures on US 321 in Jasper County (Purrysburg Road to Sand Hill Road) from Aug. 24-28, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m., as the widening project continues toward a Sept. 2027 completion. Food Safety: Federal and state health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak tied to Everything Sprouts alfalfa sprouts; 55 people in 15 states have been sickened, including South Carolina, prompting product recalls and disposal guidance. Energy & Nuclear Workforce: USC is seeking $100 million in state funding for a Nuclear Innovation Center in Columbia to build research, advanced construction/manufacturing training, and a pipeline for the next nuclear workforce. Solar Manufacturing: A new solar factory plan highlights South Carolina’s push to grow solar manufacturing jobs as the state lags on installed solar capacity. Public Health & Environment: A Winnsboro farmer has filed suit against Healthcare SC over a 2026 MLily mattress factory fire, alleging chemical contamination of land, crops, and a nearby creek. Transportation/Weather: After severe storms, more than 3,000 Charlotte-area customers were still without power Saturday, with crews working to restore service. Local Community: Westminster cut the ribbon on the Horton Outdoor Recreational Area, a new multi-million-dollar outdoor recreation complex funded by the Horton family. Politics & Trade: Trump’s Strait of Hormuz remarks and ongoing Iran economic pressure continue to drive attention on shipping and energy risk.

Food Safety: A multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts LLC has grown to 55 illnesses across 15 states, including South Carolina; 4 people are hospitalized and the FDA urges consumers to discard recalled Calco and Everything Sprouts products. Federal Courts/Construction: The U.S. Supreme Court’s chief justice is letting construction continue on Trump’s nearly $400 million White House ballroom while lawsuits play out over whether Congress approval was required. Trade/Manufacturing: Trump’s 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods took effect after talks collapsed, with Canada promising dollar-for-dollar retaliation. Infrastructure/SC Growth: The long-stalled I-73 project is back in the spotlight after Trump said it’s “all funded” and “ready to go,” reviving hopes for the Myrtle Beach-to-N.C. corridor. STEM/Workforce: Ingevity backed STEM learning and youth programs through local partnerships, supporting hands-on science access for students.

South Carolina Politics: President Donald Trump headlined a Myrtle Beach rally backing Sen. Darline Graham in the Aug. 25 GOP Senate runoff, urging voters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot to boost turnout and defending her debate stumble as “honest” while tying her candidacy to Lindsey Graham’s legacy. Food Safety: The FDA/CDC widened an E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts, with 55 reported illnesses and multiple hospitalizations; separately, Publix frozen blueberry recalls were upgraded to the highest risk level, with shoppers told not to eat recalled products. Energy & Industry: Connecticut is asking regulators to pause Dominion’s proposed $67B sale to NextEra, warning rates could rise—an issue that hits the region’s nuclear power and data-center demand debate. Global Trade & Security: Trump told reporters the Strait of Hormuz is “American territory” and warned Iran it must never get a nuclear weapon as talks stall and sanctions pressure tightens. Local Business: Charleston-based Rudd Plumbing Heating Air & Electrical earned Inc. 5000 recognition again, highlighting continued growth in home services.

Port & Logistics: RoadOne IntermodaLogistics bought Charleston-based Higgins Transport Service, adding 15 drivers and more drayage/intermodal capacity to support the Port of Charleston and the Southeast supply chain. Energy & Utilities: The South Carolina Public Service Commission is reviewing the proposed $67B NextEra–Dominion merger on a six-month timeline, drawing criticism from ratepayer and business groups that want more time for a better deal. Solar Manufacturing: ES Foundry says it completed a 2GW expansion in Greenwood, bringing capacity to 3GW and aiming to ramp the added production by October while transitioning toward n-type tech. Construction: South Carolina State University is building a $55M, five-story residence hall in Orangeburg for about 534 students, targeting completion in August 2027. Food Safety: FDA upgraded Publix frozen blueberry and other berry recalls to the highest risk level over E. coli concerns, while jalapeños, guacamole and salsas remain tied to a salmonella outbreak. Public Health & Policy: A new federal OIG white paper warns Medicare DMEPOS fraud still costs taxpayers millions, urging tighter supplier enrollment and ownership monitoring. Energy Prices: AAA reports the national regular gas average at $4.10, with crude oil strength and Strait of Hormuz instability still driving costs.

Workforce & Manufacturing: Greenville Tech opened a $32M Center for Welding and Automation Excellence in Simpsonville, pitching an AI welding lab and robotics setup to meet a nationwide shortage of skilled welders. Energy & Utilities: Dominion and NextEra’s merger timeline in South Carolina is drawing scrutiny from small businesses and some shareholders as the Public Service Commission hearings run Aug-to-January, with a final order targeted for late January 2027. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Publix GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed berry recalls to its highest risk level after E. coli concerns, urging shoppers to check freezers. Industrial Growth: A South Carolina-made F-16V Block 70 delivery story is in the news as the first two jets reportedly depart the state for Taiwan. Agriculture & Data: The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is underway this weekend, with volunteers asked to log bees and other pollinators to track declines tied to pesticides and habitat loss. Local Business/Community: South Carolina lawmakers approved an about $15B budget for 2026-27, with attention now shifting to how education, infrastructure, public safety, and agriculture dollars get spent. Transportation & Safety: BMW issued a recall affecting nearly 28,000 vehicles over a driveshaft issue that can raise rollaway risk.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Siemens says it’s investing $200M+ in U.S. manufacturing and adding 1,500 jobs, including a new electrical infrastructure plant in Georgia tied to data-center growth. Ports & Logistics: SC Ports named Patrick McCrory as chief operating officer starting Oct. 5, tasking him with running container terminals and rail-served inland ports. Energy Infrastructure: Dominion Energy substantially completed restoration work at Lake Murray Dam intake towers, with headgates now operational and a new safety exclusion zone planned. Local Business Development: Mount Pleasant is moving toward bringing L.L. Bean and Crate & Barrel into a long-vacant Towne Centre space. Food Safety: FDA upgraded Publix frozen GreenWise berry recalls to Class I over E. coli concerns; separate reports track a Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms lettuce. Cyber & Readiness: South Carolina National Guard participated in Cyber Fortress 26, validating cyber protection capabilities and running a domestic cyber incident exercise. Policy & Community: Columbia City Council approved multiple property sale and zoning actions, including changes that could allow body piercing and tattoo businesses in parts of Harbison. Agriculture Impact: Clemson-linked reporting highlights climate change pressures on peach crops, with warmer winters shifting bloom timing in the Carolinas.

Solar Manufacturing: Translucent Solar has started producing panels at its 1.2 GW module assembly plant in South Carolina, part of a broader push to expand U.S. clean-energy supply chains. Workforce & Training: Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands is using a $50,000 Truist Foundation grant to expand its Clean Tech Accelerator, helping South Carolinians earn clean-tech skills and certifications. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Publix GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed-berry recalls to its highest risk level after E. coli illnesses and hospitalizations, with products sold across multiple states including South Carolina. Infrastructure & Jobs: South Carolina infrastructure spending is projected to drive major economic impact and job growth, with transportation and storm-resilience projects continuing across the state. Local Industry & Community: The Musgrove Mill State Historic Site reopened its renovated visitor center with interactive exhibits tied to the Revolutionary War battle it commemorates. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest premium gas prices in parts of South Carolina, highlighting ongoing fuel-price volatility.

Port Operations: South Carolina Ports named Patrick McCrory its new COO, starting Oct. 5, to lead a 500+ person operations team covering container terminals, RoRo/breakbulk, intermodal and two rail-served inland ports. Public Health Research: MUSC won approval to launch a statewide, telemedicine-based clinical trial seeking up to 3,000 South Carolinians for a drug aimed at treating COVID-19 and other respiratory virus symptoms earlier. Freight & Courts: FR8 Solutions settled a federal RICO case tied to alleged trucking rate-sheet manipulation, with a Florida court dismissing the case with prejudice. Logistics Workforce: A new freight distress snapshot reports more than 7,000 jobs affected by closures and layoffs across distribution and manufacturing networks. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows diesel at $4.62 in Darlington County and regular at $3.37 in Laurens County for the week ending Aug. 8, with statewide averages easing. Solar Manufacturing: Translucent Solar started production at a 1.2GW module assembly plant in South Carolina. Water Infrastructure Staffing: Hussey Gay Bell added Rutvik Gaikwad as a water and wastewater design engineer in Savannah.

USC Research: USC engineers say biopolymers—similar to xanthan gum—could help erosion-prone soils resist flooding damage, funded by a $4 million Army Corps of Engineers effort. Energy & Data Centers: Duke Energy’s new long-range plan proposes more gas plants and extends coal operations tied to data center growth, prompting calls for stronger South Carolina Public Service Commission consumer protections. Manufacturing Fire: A chemical fire destroyed the MLily USA mattress plant in Winnsboro, putting about 300 workers out of work while crews manage hot spots and environmental checks. Workplace & Legal: A proposed class action alleges Palmetto State Armory shorted workers on overtime by requiring unpaid tasks before clock-in. SC Politics: In the GOP Senate runoff debate, Darline Graham and Ralph Norman clashed on Medicare, spending, and foreign policy, with Graham backing Trump’s defense agenda. Consumer Safety: A vegan cheddar puff recall hit stores in South Carolina and other states after undeclared milk concerns traced to a supplier ingredient. Local Consumer Watch: Florence tied for 29th in BBB scam reports in July, with online purchase scams driving the biggest losses.