MAU Launches Easy-To-Use Website Design for South Carolina Job Seekers at www.mau.com

January 2010 – Job seekers and the unemployed can now search open positions in one-click at MAU’s new website, a workforce solutions company in South Carolina that specializes in designed hiring processes.

While the redesigned website has most of the traditional features of a conventional website, online jobs will list open job positions and update daily.

Those jobs can be found at www.mau.com and then by clicking on the applicants panel.

“We have put in considerable time and effort to automate our systems with the job hunter in mind.” Randy Hatcher, President of MAU, said in a statement. “People want to be able to see and apply to every career possibility in real time and do so from anywhere in the country.”

Headquartered out of Augusta, Georgia, MAU has nine locations throughout Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Illinois and can be reached through their website at www.mau.com.

MAU (MANAGEMENT, ANALYSIS AND UTILIZATION, INC.) provides business solutions that give our client partnerships a competitive edge through designed processes and our greatest asset – People – in the fields of Professional Recruiting, Commercial Staffing, Outsourcing Solutions, and Outplacement Services.

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The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) released a major analysis this week making a powerful case about how manufacturing can lead the United States into a renewed era of growth – if Congress enacts policies to promote U.S. competitiveness.

Jobs for America: Investments and policies for economic growth and competitiveness, conducted by the Milken Institute, demonstrates the critical need to reduce corporate tax rates, establish a permanent R&D tax credit, make major investments in energy and transportation infrastructure and modernize the U.S. system of export controls. The NAM commissioned the analysis to assess the effects of the recession on the nation and the manufacturing sector and its ability to recover in the face of fierce global competition. As the executive summary states, the severe downturn has left substantial underutilized resources in labor and product markets, and America must accelerate its economic growth in response.

Key findings of the report include:

• Reducing the U.S. corporate income tax to match the average of other industrial countries (OECD nations) would trigger new growth. By 2019, it could boost real GDP by $375.5 billion and create an additional 350,000 manufacturing jobs – total employment rising by 2.1 million.
• A permanent R&D tax credit, increased by 25 percent, could boost real GDP by $206 billion (1.2 percent) and generate 316,000 manufacturing jobs.
• Modernizing U.S. export controls could increase exports in high-value areas, enhancing real GDP by $64 billion by 2019 and creating 160,000 manufacturing jobs.

You can access the report here. The Milken Institute has an interactive site on the report here.

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The South Carolina Economic Outlook is a monthly publication of the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Research. It provides the latest news and indicators on the state’s economy and labor market.

CLICK HERE to view the January 2010 South Carolina Economic Outlook.

CLICK HERE to read previous issues.

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In an effort to make South Carolina more attractive to new industry and improve our state’s economic climate for existing businesses, House Speaker Bobby Harrell created an economic development group to examine this highly important issue and suggest legislative solutions to the General Assembly. This group’s work and recommendations were drafted into legislation (H. 4478) and introduced this week in the House.

“South Carolina’s economy is the biggest issue facing our state for the next two decades,” Speaker Harrell said. “Lowering unemployment and increasing per capita income are issues that directly affect the lives of South Carolina families. This legislative session will focus intensely on our state’s economic priorities. The Economic Development Competitiveness Act lays out steps we need to take to make our state more competitive in today’s global economy.”

Comprised entirely of private sector industry leaders, the economic development group worked closely with business leaders, industry experts, the Department of Commerce and other economic development entities to address this unified goal of growing our state’s economy. The economic development group members are:

April Allen – O’Neal Inc.

Lewis Gossett – South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance

Nick Kremydas – South Carolina Association of REALTORS

Burnie Maybank – Nexsen Pruet, LLC; Former Director of the Department of Revenue

Otis Rawl – South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

George Wolfe – Nelson Mullins – Chairman, Economic Development Practice Group

Speaker Harrell said, “This represents another major step the General Assembly is taking in our ongoing effort to grow South Carolina’s economy and create jobs. Over the past several years, we have worked hard to create a pro-business climate in our state. We now need to implement a proactive economic development strategy that promotes our favorable economic climate to business and industry around the world.”

Some of the major recommendations included in the bill are the elimination of the Corporate Income Tax, Restoration of the Closing Fund and various improvements to our economic incentive tools. The economic development group also expressed their support for other legislative initiatives being sought by the House this year – Tort Reform, ESC Reform and Dual Rail access at the Port of Charleston.

“This job creation strategy was created by private sector input, because it’s the private sector – not government – that must lead us out of these difficult economic times,” Harrell continued. “I would like to thank the members of this economic development group for volunteering their time and expertise as we work together to improve South Carolina’s economy.”

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This week the Legislative Audit Council released a report on the South Carolina Employment Security Commission (ESC) and follow the link below for the full report.

The report finds that from July 2006 to June 2009, the ESC paid approximately $171 million, or 10 percent of total benefits, to employees terminated for cause. In addition, in FY 2008-09, more than $7.3 million was lost due to claimant fraud. Related to work placement, the report finds claimants who do not show up for job interviews are still permitted to collect unemployment checks. In one case, an individual who was incarcerated was paid unemployment benefits.

The report details recommendations to reform the ESC that include:

• Making the commission a cabinet agency with an executive director appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The executive director would be responsible for appointing an appeals board to replace the current commission and only hear appeals of agency decisions.
• Amending the law to provide an employee terminated for cause is not eligible to claim unemployment benefits.
• Revision of ESC job placement goals to place greater emphasis on obtaining employment for displaced workers.

View the executive summary or full report.

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The Greenville Area Development Corporation, charged with promoting and enhancing quality of life in Greenville County by facilitating job growth and investment, has named Michael C. Riordan, president and CEO of the Greenville Hospital System, as Greenville County’s Economic Development Ambassador for 2009.

The announcement will be made today during ceremonies recognizing January 25-29 as South Carolina Industry Appreciation Week. Governor Mark Sanford is scheduled to individually recognize Riordan and 45 other Ambassadors, one from each county in the state, who have made exceptional contributions to community and state economic development in the past year.

GADC President & CEO Jerry Howard commended Riordan’s “tireless efforts and total commitment to the advancement of healthcare as well as the development of innovative systems and businesses to support healthcare in Greenville County and across the Upstate” in announcing the honor.

“Michael Riordan has worked closely with the Greenville Area Development Corporation team, meeting with prospects and leveraging Greenville Hospital System talent and resources as needed to advance economic development for all of us in Greenville County,” said Howard. “He has made major, positive contributions to this county’s economic prosperity and quality of life, and certainly deserves this recognition and honor.”

Riordan assumed his current duties as President and CEO of Greenville Hospital System in August 2006, and has been an active contributor to the community ever since. A frequent speaker at area civic clubs, community groups and religious organizations, he directs the strategy and operations of the 1,100-plus bed, multi-campus hospital system which benefits thousands across the Upstate annually. He is a member of the board of directors for Health Sciences South Carolina, a public-private partnership harnessing the resources of the state’s leading hospitals and universities to improve overall health, education, economic development and well-being for South Carolinians. He also serves on the regional board of the Urban League of the Upstate, Inc.

Riordan earned both his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts/English and his master’s degree in education/psychology from Columbia University in New York. He also holds a Master of Science degree in health systems from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

“Without leaders like Michael Riordan and all of the organizations who help to advance economic development in this community, the Greenville Area Development Corporation’s ability to help produce jobs, capital investment and new tax revenues for the people of Greenville County would be severely restricted,” said Howard. “We all owe Michael and his colleagues at Greenville Hospital System a debt of gratitude for their many contributions.”

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On January 21, 2010 the City of Greer interviewed two organizations that had submitted proposals for the re-use of the Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital Campus in Greer in response to the City of Greer’s published Request for Proposals.

The proposals for the re-use of the Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital Campus were as follows:

I. Abiding Love Healthcare, Inc.

Abiding Love Healthcare, Inc. proposed to redevelop the Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital Campus in three phases. Phase one included redeveloping the Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital building into a Long Term Skilled Nursing Center with a focus on serving those who are ventilator dependent. Phase one of the Abiding Love Healthcare proposal also called for redevelopment of the Roger Huntington Nursing Center into an Assisted Living Facility.

Phase two of the Abiding Love Healthcare proposal proposed to add a non-profit Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (“PACE”) within the Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital building. Phase three called for the addition of a Childcare Center within the Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital building.

In addition to the offered purchase price, the Abiding Love Healthcare proposal estimated approximately $4,000,000 in additional investments. The Abiding Love Healthcare proposal forecasted the creation of a total of 100-200 new jobs – including 40 new jobs at the start up of operations, an additional 80 jobs within twelve months after start-up, and an additional 80 jobs within 24 months of operation.

II. IMC Development Group

IMC Development Group proposed to redevelop the Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital Campus in three phases. Phase one included redeveloping the Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital building into an Assisted Living Facility plus Adult Daycare services, Childcare services, Services and Activities area for assisted living residents, first floor Retail, Gardens, and a Pool for assisted living residents.

Phase two of the IMC Development Group proposal proposed to construct a 90 room hotel on the Roger Huntington Nursing Center site. Phase three called for the construction of office or residential townhomes on remaining portions of the Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital Campus. In addition to the offered purchase price, the IMC Development Group proposal estimated $15,500,000 in additional investments. The IMC Development Group proposal forecasted the creation of a total of approximately 70 new jobs – including approximately 50 new jobs in Phase one and approximately 20 new jobs in Phase two. The IMC Development Group proposal further proposed completion of Phase one by August of 2011 and completion of the entire project (Phases One, Two and Three) in less than five years.

Following interviews, in special session, the Greer City Council authorized the Mayor and City Administrator to begin discussions with IMC Development Group for the adaptive re-use of the Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital Campus.

www.greerdevelopment.com .

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The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Cherokee County today announced that Suminoe Textile of America Corporation (STA) will expand its operations in Cherokee County. The $6.5 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs.

“We are excited about this expansion. Cherokee County has provided an excellent business environment for us, so we are pleased to continue growing our operations here. The new facility will allow us to add capacity and meet growing demand from our customers and clients. STA appreciates all the support we’ve received from state and local officials and we look forward to bringing this new plant online in Cherokee County. Our company will work hard to make a contribution to the U.S., more specifically to Cherokee County’s economy through our efforts in the automotive industry,” said Satoru Kuninaka, president of Suminoe Textile of America Corporation.

As part of the expansion, Suminoe will open a new manufacturing facility in Gaffney, S.C. The new facility will house the company’s Automotive Materials Division, as well as shipping and receiving operations. The original plant site will open a new Needle Punch Carpet Division.

“South Carolina’s automotive sector continues to bring opportunities to our state, and Suminoe Textiles’ expansion here is the latest example of that. The company’s decision to expand here is another sign that our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are working to foster growth among existing businesses and attract new job opportunities for South Carolinians. This announcement and recent announcements in Cherokee County are also an indication that the community has built a strong foundation to support business growth and attract new investment. We thank Suminoe Textile for investing in South Carolina and wish them continued success in their endeavors here,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

South Carolina Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler noted, “Suminoe has seen the benefit of doing business in Cherokee County, and their expansion gives our area another reason to believe that our economy is on the mend. In the Upstate, the automotive industry and its suppliers have found one of the most welcoming business climates around, and Suminoe’s new investment is a prime example.”

“Cherokee County continues to reap the rewards of the hard work of our Cherokee County Development Board. Everyone in Cherokee County, from the County Council to its citizens, is excited that Suminoe has experienced positive growth from being here. It goes to show that Cherokee County and Upstate South Carolina is the right location for global business,” said state Representative Dennis Moss.

“Suminoe’s growth in Cherokee County is a vote of confidence not only to this wonderful county but to this region and the State of South Carolina,” said state Representative Steve Moss.

The company expects to begin hiring for the positions in late February and into March. Anyone interested in opportunities with Suminoe Textile of America should contact the Cherokee County Employment Security Commission/Gaffney Workforce Center at 864-489-3112 or visit their offices at 133 Wilmac Road in Gaffney.

Suminoe Textile of America (STA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Suminoe Textile Ltd., which originated in Osaka, Japan over 125 years ago. The company is a leading supplier of quality textile products for the North American automotive market. STA began operations in April 2003 in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Gaffney S.C. For more information about the company, please visit www.suminoe.us.

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The South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center has named Mr. John Hopkins, Jr. as its 2010 Chairman. Hopkins has served on the Board of Directors for the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center since 2007. He also began representing SCTAC on the Donaldson Center Fire Department Board in 2009. Hopkins will serve the Donaldson Center’s Fire Department Board’s ex-oficio position throughout 2010.

Don Nickell has been appointed as Vice Chairman and Liz Seman will serve as Secretary. New terms became effective December 21, 2009 and will run through the calendar year of 2010.

The purpose of the Board of Directors for SCTAC is to control, protect and promote the development of SCTAC. The chairmanship is a one-year term.

The South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center is unique to the state of South Carolina. It is the largest general aviation airport in S.C. with more than 50,000 flights annually and its total economic impact exceeds $222 million, more than all of the general aviation airports in the state combined. No other business facility in the state has a fully-operational general aviation airport, a state-of-the-art control tower and an 8,000 ft. runway capable of handling large aircraft.

SCTAC is a hub for industrial, technological and aviation facilities, and provides direct access to an airport infrastructure that contains an aircraft maintenance and modification center suited for air cargo and aviation-related businesses.

Strategically situated along the I-85 corridor in Upstate South Carolina, two hours south of Charlotte, N.C., two hours north of Atlanta, Ga., and three hours northwest of the historic port city of Charleston, S.C., the South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center is also within 30 minutes of some of the country’s best colleges and universities, including Clemson University, Furman University, Wofford College, and Greenville, Spartanburg and Tri-County Technical Colleges.

The South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center (www.sc-tac.com) opened in 1942 as Greenville Army Air Base. When the Air Force decided to close the base in 1962, the city and county of Greenville purchased the property and named it after Greenville native, Captain John O. Donaldson, a World War I flying ace, and it became known as Donaldson Center Industrial Air Park. It changed its name to the South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center in 2008 and currently employs more than 4,000 people from more than 80 local and international companies and organizations, including Fortune 500 companies 3M, Lockheed-Martin and Michelin.

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I recently finished reading a article entitled, “Ports Plot a Course for the Future” in the January 2010 edition of Business Expansion Journal by Rachel Duran. It gave a update on what other ports across the US are doing to strengthen their competitive standing. It solidified what we already know concerning the South Carolina Port System and that is we, as a state, must continue to advance the port to better position it for future international trade as the environment they compete in is getting more competitive.

What got me thinking was this statement – “With 30 percent of the United State’s gross domestic product comprised of international trade, a percentage expected to increase, federal infrastructure funding must include the last mile connections in to and out of ports, as well as building the navigation channels that will accommodate large vessels involved in international trade.”

Public Ports across the US are doing things such as building new berths, building intermodal facilities and working to reduce diesel emissions. These things must be done across the nation as international trade and the global economy is becoming more and more a part of our everyday life. The SC Ports must evolve or risk being left behind. I know you agree with me when I say we don’t want to experience the latter part of that statement.

I challenge you to look at that next rail car that goes down the track and try to see what is on it. You may see a GE wind turbine, a BMW, polymer chips from a Upstate company or tires from Michelin. All these products are making their way down the track to the SC Port. From there, who knows what direction and what country.

The South Carolina Port is the life-blood of the Upstate and the SC economy. 60 percent of what comes into or out of the SC Port either originates or ends up in the Upstate region. Wow. That says it all and shows how the SC Port is a Upstate issue.

So pay attention this legislative session on issues/legislation dealing with the Port as it means investment and jobs for the Upstate.

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Posted in:  Upstate Thoughts