Chester County SC

7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 CHESTER COUNT Y, SOUTH CAROL INA Economic Expansion and a Progressive Vision for the Future Since 2021, Chester County has seen significant economic growth with announcements of 27 projects totaling over two and a half billion dollars and the creation of approximately 1,460 jobs. One of the prominent projects announced was E & J Gallo Winery in 2021, bringing an investment of $423 million and the creation of 496 jobs. Long says that while the primary focus for now is on ramping up production, there are exciting prospects for the future. “They have had some discussions about a tasting room on their property overlooking the Catawba River,” he elaborates. “It’s a bit on the back burner, but they will be past the 50% mark on their employment commitment to the community by the end of the year. And hopefully, in the next year or so we can start having that more serious conversation because that could be a tourist attraction.” Recognized as the world’s largest winery, Gallo has expanded its focus into the spirits industry with a brand known as the “Spirit of Gallo”, encompassing vodka, gin, brandy, and more. In the context of the Chester County development, the initial phase is primarily centered around vodka production. Specifically, offerings such as High Noon Hard Seltzer and New Amsterdam Vodka. “That being said, particularly if you get into phase two, phase three, I think there are plans for wine at some point in the future,” says Long. The prospect of the Gallo name drawing attention to the region has already sparked interest from potential wineries and vineyards. He continues, “We have had a few inquiries about the creation of wineries, or a vineyard that could be located nearby. When that tasting room happens in a few years, that’s going to drive traffic. If you can use the Gallo name and that tasting room to leverage that, to attract the first winery, at some point, you can create a little hub of wineries. Granted these are not huge projects generally. But that being said, they do add character to the community.” Currently, a statewide study is underway to determine where in South Carolina wine grapes could be grown. Additionally, Chester County is actively working with Clemson University on growing a hybrid grape that could thrive in the local climate, addressing challenges like Pierce’s disease. Strategic Advantages In addition to the Gallo project, Chester County has experienced significant economic growth with two other major developments. IKO Industries, a Canadian shingle and roofing materials manufacturing company, is reopening a fiberglass plant and constructing a new mat facility in the county. As well, Albemarle is establishing a $1.3 billion lithium hydroxide processing plant and bringing 307 jobs to the region. “That is an EV-related project, and the biggest project we’ve had in many years,” Long conveys. “I think what’s driving that activity at the moment is we have large sites, whereas larger sites closer to the