Charleston County Economic Development Director Receives Order of the Palmetto

Press Release

Charleston County Economic Development Director Steve Dykes received the Order of the Palmetto during the annual Economic Development Industry Appreciation luncheon on Wednesday, February 8th. The award recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding service to the state of South Carolina.

Dykes has served as the director of Charleston County Economic Development since the inception of the department in 1993. Over the last 30 years, he has spearheaded the County’s recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts, leveraging more than $6.8 billion in capital investment and the creation of more than 39,000 jobs within Charleston County.

“Economic developers are in the business of transforming lives, and I sought this career with Charleston County based on the belief that we could improve the economic security and standard of living for the average citizen,” said Dykes. “Thirty years later, we can be proud of our role in fulfilling that goal and dramatically diversifying the Charleston County economy. I am incredibly humbled in receiving the state’s highest honor from Governor Henry McMaster. It is the ultimate validation of my career choice, the County’s economic mission, my wonderful staff, and our program.”

Some of Charleston County Economic Development’s most notable recruitment and expansion announcements have included Boeing, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Cummings, Kapstone Paper & Packaging, T-Mobile, Breeze, and British Airways, among many others. In 2022, Charleston County Economic Development announced 150 million in capital investment, nearly 800 jobs, and $49 million in new payroll.

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