Going Global Acting Local

Orangeburg – The Orangeburg County Development Commission held their 2008 Economic Development Summit where Jafza International unveiled their “Master Plan” and model for Santee, South Carolina. The Summit created an understanding of the opportunities and the impact Jafza will have on Orangeburg County as well as the entire State of South Carolina.

During the luncheon Congressman James E. Clyburn shared the challenges we are facing as well as the positive effects Jafza will have on the state and region. He stated “We are here today because of the leadership in this community decided not to believe in the conventional wisdom and that we should not buy into statistics.”

The community and business leaders, Mayors, elected officials, residents of Santee and Region, Legislators, Educators, Press, and other summit attendees learned of the unprecedented opportunities for the future. We also realized the importance of being at the forefront of the next wave of thinking about the future of Orangeburg County and surrounding areas. Orangeburg County Economic Development Summit’s program combined high-level speakers, panel discussions and interactive sessions to develop strategic insights on challenges, solutions and opportunities.

The plan from Jafza-South Carolina, a subsidiary of Economic Zones World (EZW) anticipates an estimated 3,067 jobs by the year of 2015. Steven Eames, Vice President of Operations for Jafza Americas, Inc, said the development of the industrial and logistics park will take place in several phases.

Phase I: Development of 135 acres as a ‘light -manufacturing facility.’ The cost of the first-phase investment will be approximately $140 million and is expected to be completed in 2012.

Phase II: Development of an additional 93 acres, which will include: warehouse and distribution center. Also a 63- acre intermodal facility expected to be completed in the year of 2016. Eames cautioned that much of the timeline planning was dependant on the development of key infrastructure. Steven Eames, added that Jafza was a long term investor and like everyone had to look closely at how the current short term 1economic crisis was effecting our clients and operations. Groundbreaking for phase I is expected to take place in the 4th quarter of 2009.

The Summit forged new strategies of visionary thinking to help grow Orangeburg County and the ‘State of South Carolina.’ Attendees left the summit with a Vision for 2020, and the understanding there is work ahead to overcome issues related to linkages with the Port of Charleston at for local, regional and state level.

“The summit was very informative and well received by the community. It came at a time when there was a need for something positive. It’s a great day in Orangeburg County.” said Harry Wimberly, County Council Chairman.

“The economic summit was the beginning of the next period of growth for our county, our region and our state. The responsibility rests with us to determine what we do with the opportunities we have been given. The challenge for our team is to maximize these opportunities and build a quality of life that is beneficial to all of our citizens. We must start with infrastructure, education and workforce initiatives. We need all team members to see the vision and become engaged.” said Jeannine Kees, Chair of Orangeburg County Development Commission.

“Jafza has validated the location of the Global Logistic Triangle ( I -26, US -301 & I-95) with their investment. We accept the challenge of building a better quality of life for the citizens of Orangeburg and the summit was just the beginning, we are going global… acting local .” said Gregg Robinson, Executive Director, Orangeburg County Development Commission.