Job stability and growth in our region has outpaced national and statewide averages for nearly a full decade. Employment in each of our economic hub counties (Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester) rank in the state's top 10, higher than any other three-county region in South Carolina. New and expanding jobs in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) arena are outpacing non-STEM jobs, employing some 22,000-plus workers. Significantly, the life sciences and IT sectors have experienced strong performance in recent years and are poised for future growth. More broadly, Charleston has gained nearly 70,000 residents in the prime working age group (25-54) since 2005. But local jobs do not exist in a vacuum. They rely on a healthy economic heartbeat, connected to myriad key issues discussed here.

As the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer, Boeing has been a catalyst for economic growth here since it opened its North Charleston facility in 2007, and will continue to have a long-term influence on our prosperity as it brings jobs and new manufacturing businesses to our region. The company has also become one of our region's foremost community stewards, donating millions of dollars in grants and sponsorships to help education, environment, healthcare, and numerous causes.

Job growth is the key to every dynamic, forward-moving community. Jobs are intricately linked to every other economic component: education, infrastructure, a clean environment, government services, rail transportation, cultural diversity, business opportunities, and much more.