AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded again, adding Walmart and Trader Joe’s products across dozens of states, with consumers urged to check freezers and lot details. Food Safety: PepsiCo is also recalling 122,000+ cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states after undeclared Yellow 5/Yellow 6 dyes were found on labels; South Carolina is among the affected markets. Port & Environment: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin toured the Port of Charleston, highlighting past Diesel Emissions Reduction Act upgrades like hybrid crane engines and electric drayage trucks. Manufacturing & Defense Supply Chains: A defense munitions surge is putting critical mineral supply chains on notice, with antimony demand tied to missile production contracts. Campus Operations: South Carolina State University begins towing vehicles parked in unauthorized areas and for excessive tickets, tightening enforcement around limited student parking. Workforce & Growth: A Ford skilled trades report projects about 1.7 million job openings a year through 2035, with South Carolina listed among states where demand is expected to outpace supply. Business Development: South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce’s Blueprint 2036 feedback tour finds Pee Dee entrepreneurs worried utility and infrastructure limits could slow advanced manufacturing growth.

Manufacturing & Jobs: GT Radial’s Richburg, S.C. tire plant helped the company win its second straight Formula DRIFT Tire Cup Championship, with the Champiro SX2 RS made in the U.S. Food Safety: A frozen-berry recall expanded again after possible E. coli contamination, adding more lots of Trader Joe’s and Walmart Great Value products sold in multiple states including South Carolina. Energy & Tech: MUSC is rolling out virtual nursing in its emergency department arrival workflow to speed intake and reduce crowding, partnering with VirtuAlly. Healthcare Policy: Doctors renewed warnings about energy drinks for kids and teens, pointing to high caffeine risks and citing South Carolina student Davis Cripe’s death. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Crews responded to an exterior fire at NPI Tool and Dye in St. Paul, highlighting ongoing industrial fire risks. Workforce & Education: South Carolina employers in Educational Services filed 520 H-1B petitions in 2025, with a 96.7% approval rate. Public Safety: After flooding, USC experts warn lithium-ion golf cart batteries can pose fire hazards when exposed to saltwater.

Utilities Costs: A new MoneyLion analysis ranks annual utility bills for a family of four by state, showing big swings in electricity, water and gas costs. Food Safety: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination, adding more Trader Joe’s and Walmart Great Value lots sold in South Carolina and many other states. Energy & EV Charging: A solar-plus-battery homeowner reports an EV charger drawing from the grid even when set for solar surplus, with a wiring change to the backed-up circuit reportedly fixing the mismatch. Public Health: Doctors renew warnings that energy drinks can be dangerous for kids and teens, citing caffeine-related heart and nervous-system risks and pointing to a South Carolina student death. Local Risk: After storms, USC research highlights that flooded lithium-ion golf cart batteries can create fire hazards—owners should avoid starting or charging until inspected. Arts Funding: Two Upstate LGBTQ arts groups say they were unfairly denied state grant money after a South Carolina Arts Commission vote. Film Incentives: A controversial Daily Wire action film shot on a shuttered Upstate college campus received South Carolina tax credits, reigniting debate over what productions get support. Real Estate Wholesaling: Missouri joins a broader crackdown on “we buy houses” wholesalers, pushing for clearer seller notices and limits. Nuclear & Industry: Korea-U.S. nuclear plans point to potential construction roles for Korean firms, with implications for U.S. reactor supply chains.

Food Safety: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak, adding Great Value frozen organic blueberries and triple berry blend plus Trader Joe’s frozen organic mixed berry blend; the products were sold in many states including South Carolina, and shoppers are urged to check freezers for specific best-buy dates. Public Health: Doctors renewed warnings that energy drinks are risky for kids and teens due to high caffeine, pointing to serious harms like abnormal heart rhythms and sleep problems, and citing the death of a South Carolina student after energy drink use. Consumer/Policy: Missouri joined a growing list of states tightening rules on “We Buy Houses” wholesalers, requiring clearer seller notices and warning that deals may be offered below market value. Energy & Industry: A new push for Korean nuclear investment in the U.S. highlights potential roles for plant builders and reactor construction, with South Carolina-linked nuclear workforce interest continuing to grow. Local Business/Community: Upstate arts groups in South Carolina are speaking out after being denied state grant funding they say were recommended for approval. Sports & Economy Watch: South Carolina football’s latest SEC setback is fueling renewed debate over the program’s direction and leadership.

Food Safety: A multistate recall of frozen organic berries linked to an E. coli outbreak has expanded, with CDC reporting 17 illnesses and six hospitalizations across Florida and Georgia; the updates add more lots of Great Value and Trader Joe’s products sold nationwide, including in South Carolina. Public Health: Doctors are urging scrutiny of energy drink marketing to kids after a South Carolina teen died following high-caffeine consumption, as a new coalition calls on schools and leagues to pause sponsorships and review youth-targeted promotions. Energy & Utilities: A debate over dividend strategy is heating up as Dominion Energy weighs a major merger with NextEra, with investors watching how payout growth versus yield could affect long-term returns. Local Environment: Charleston County is accelerating tree-clearing on Maybank Highway near Johns Island to meet federal timing rules tied to the northern long-eared bat, aiming to reduce impacts during the species’ less-active period. SC Industry & Workforce: South Carolina is set to highlight October as Manufacturing Month, spotlighting career pathways and the state’s push to grow industrial talent. Sports & Community: South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart received a one-game suspension after “egregious contact,” sidelining him for the Kentucky matchup in Columbia.

Manufacturing & Jobs: South Carolina officially proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month, spotlighting the “More To Be Made” campaign and the sector’s nearly $300B economic impact and workforce reach. Wood Products Investment: Adeptus USA plans a $215.56M wood products facility in Anderson County, targeting 217 jobs by mid-2027. Solar Safety Pressure: Fort Mill lawmakers and residents urged state action to stop Silfab Solar from restarting chemical commissioning after March leaks near schools. Diesel Relief for Farmers: SC lawmakers asked Gov. Henry McMaster to consider a temporary state emergency move to ease dyed-diesel penalties during the 2026 harvest as diesel hits record highs. Cybersecurity Outreach: The SC Department of Consumer Affairs announced free October webinars and shred events to help consumers and businesses reduce scam and data-risk exposure. Workforce & Education: SC State students joined the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute to connect with employers and build leadership skills. Data Centers & Local Opposition: A new coalition backed by major tech firms and unions plans to push data center development in states including South Carolina, aiming to counter moratorium calls. H-1B Snapshot: USC data showed South Carolina employers filed 1,557 H-1B petitions in 2025, with the Health Care and Social Assistance sector submitting 77.

Public Health: The CDC reported 3,887 U.S. measles cases as of Oct. 1, up 228 week over week, with South Carolina among 47 jurisdictions reporting cases and 95% of cases tied to outbreaks. Higher Education & Workforce: SC State’s board voted to cut nine degree programs after low enrollment and compliance concerns, as leaders push schools to align offerings with workforce needs. Agriculture & Research: USDA Agricultural Research Service administrator Joon Park visited SC State 1890 Research & Extension, highlighting soil health and crop disease resistance partnerships. Defense & Construction: NAVFAC Southeast awarded a $65.6M contract for a hardened communications center at MCSF Blount Island, modernizing cyber-hardened network infrastructure. Local Business: Mavis Tires & Brakes opened a new Elgin, SC location with brakes, alignments, and tire services. Legal/Policy: A federal court dismissed a challenge to South Carolina’s election integrity law for lack of standing. Consumer/Tax: South Carolina’s five-cent nicotine vapor tax takes effect, requiring businesses to collect it per milliliter of liquid.

Transportation & Growth: Jasper County held a public meeting on a $57M plan to widen Argent Boulevard in Hardeeville from two lanes to a divided four-lane road, with intersection, stormwater, and pedestrian/bike upgrades—neighbors raised concerns about construction impacts and how much closer the road would sit to their homes. Energy Policy: Santee Cooper’s new long-range plan flags rising costs tied to large-load customers like data centers, while critics say it delays cheaper solar and extends coal retirements as it leans toward new gas. Nuclear Workforce: USC and Westinghouse announced a nuclear workforce development partnership tied to USC’s planned Nuclear Innovation Center, including training using AP1000 simulators and hands-on labs. Film & Media Jobs: South Carolina’s Upstate film push got a boost as federal tax-credit proposals advance, with Sen. Tim Scott’s plan aimed at expanding production work beyond Charleston. Utilities & Reliability: Duke Energy restored power after a crash damaged a pole in Spartanburg County, leaving 1,226 customers briefly without service. Housing & Tenants: A new study highlights how landlord-tenant rules differ sharply across the Savannah River region, with South Carolina offering stronger tenant remedies when essential services aren’t fixed. Skilled Trades Gap: A national report warns South Carolina is among states where demand for skilled workers outpaces supply, as training output lags.

SC Manufacturing Conference & Expo: Greenville’s SC Manufacturing Conference & Expo returns Nov. 4-5, focusing on workforce, supply chain resilience and operations excellence, with AI and tech featured across tracks. Nuclear workforce push: USC and Westinghouse launch a nuclear workforce development program, including digital AP1000 simulators and hands-on craft, construction and maintenance training—aimed at supporting future fleet deployment. Defense infrastructure: NAVFAC Southeast awarded a $31.5M contract to modernize Wharf Bravo at NAS Pensacola, upgrading marine mooring, fenders and utility systems to strengthen readiness. Industrial growth in SC: Adeptus USA is investing $215M in Anderson County, and a wood products manufacturer plans its first SC operation in Anderson County, signaling continued upstate manufacturing momentum. Insurance risk watch: Florida suspended Atlantic Coast Life Insurance’s ability to sell or renew policies after South Carolina rehabilitation steps, raising concerns for policyholders. Energy & materials policy: FORTRESS America is set up as a defense supply-chain resilience program, spotlighting rare earth security as a key national issue. Local business & housing: Toll Brothers opened clubhouse and resort-style amenities at The Pines at Sugar Creek in Indian Land, underscoring ongoing luxury 55+ development. Consumer policy: South Carolina’s new vape excise tax takes effect, adding 50 cents to a 10-milliliter bottle and more at checkout.

Healthcare & Data Privacy: Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a reported Saber Healthcare data breach, with notices tied to South Carolina residents among others. Policy & Billing Reform: A new discussion highlights how messy lab-test billing—especially genetic tests—can drive waste and trigger Medicare scrutiny. Energy & Industrial Growth: Trump announced a South Korea-backed $200B energy push, including eight large nuclear plants (with South Carolina named), a Texas gas project for data centers, and an Alaska LNG review. Utility Costs: A South Carolina Public Service Commission fight over Dominion’s long-range plan could shape electricity bills for 15 years, with projections of steep residential increases. Disaster Recovery: FEMA awarded South Carolina more than $5.4M for Hurricane Helene debris removal and critical infrastructure resilience. Consumer Health: SC AG Alan Wilson urged generic-drug buyers to file claims tied to multistate antitrust settlements over inflated prices. Workforce & Manufacturing: A wood products manufacturer plans an Upstate Anderson County operation, adding 200+ jobs, as SC continues pitching growth in timber and manufacturing. Local Business: Tidal Wave Auto Spa opened a new conveyor car wash in Duncan, expanding its South Carolina footprint.

Wood & jobs: Adeptus USA will invest about $216M to reopen a shuttered Belton Industries site in Anderson County, creating 217 jobs and producing pine moulding, boards, shiplap and panel products. Nuclear workforce: South Carolina is pushing its “nuclear renaissance” with a new USC–Westinghouse partnership to build a Nuclear Innovation Center for training, simulators and hands-on labs. Energy demand: An “unprecedented” surge in power demand is driving a new utility energy plan in South Carolina. Affordable housing: Monarch Private Capital closed LIHTC deals supporting 418 affordable homes, including 50 in Lancaster, S.C. Logistics/tech: USPS and Amazon are testing same-day delivery for afternoon-dropped Amazon packages at select facilities. Local infrastructure: North Augusta won SCDOT approval to move forward on the Georgia Avenue Traffic Calming Project, including a proposed roundabout and safer crosswalks. Consumer/health: Nearly 1M Americans in 30 states are set to receive $500 ACA refund checks starting in October. Food safety: FDA assigned the highest-risk recall level to a Salata jalapeño avocado dressing distributed in three states.

Nuclear workforce push: South Carolina leaders used the third annual Nuclear Summit to pitch a “nuclear renaissance,” highlighting that nuclear already supplies about 54% of the state’s electricity and unveiling a new USC–Westinghouse partnership aimed at training the next generation of nuclear engineers, operators and technicians. Retail tech upgrade: Denny’s, headquartered in South Carolina, says it’s lining up “Project Grand Slam” upgrades at about 500 restaurants over the next 12–18 months, including AI and new tech to improve forecasting and labor scheduling. Disaster recovery funding: FEMA announced nearly $5.5 million for South Carolina recovery, including $3.2 million to SCDOT and $1.5 million to Greenville County for Hurricane Helene debris removal plus added support for critical resilience. Local business & community: Connor Shaw donated two AEDs to Honea Path Parks & Recreation, and Lake Hartwell Country released a fall waterfall guide for visitors near Clemson. Consumer pressure: A Charlotte-area food bank reported a record year of distribution as demand rises and grocery costs climb.

Nuclear Workforce: Westinghouse and the University of South Carolina signed an agreement tied to USC’s planned nuclear workforce training center, with the program centered at the Molinaroli College and aimed at building talent for AP1000 deployment. Local Government: Fort Mill adopted a $74.7 million budget for 2026-27, raising the property tax rate from 83 to 87 mills to fund firefighters, a new fire station, and an operations center, plus higher water and sewer rates. Defense Infrastructure: NAVFAC MIDLANT awarded a $29.2 million contract for regional fence maintenance and construction across the Mid-Atlantic, and separately a $271.2 million construction deal for a U.S. Coast Guard offshore patrol cutter homeport pier in Rhode Island. Real Estate & Growth: Tri Pointe Homes bought 60.4 acres in Bluffton for 76 homesites in the New Riverside development. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reported the lowest E15 price in Lexington County at $3.74/gal for the week ending Sept. 19, while premium and midgrade prices varied across multiple counties. Data Centers Politics: A coalition backed by major data center players and unions is pushing back against state moratoriums, including campaigns in South Carolina. Consumer Protection: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson urged consumers to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices.

College Sports Policy: A major bipartisan bill clearing the U.S. Senate would set a national framework for college athletes’ pay, add antitrust protections for the NCAA, set a five-year eligibility timeline, and require disclosure of foreign funding over $600—now headed to the House. South Carolina Higher Ed & Workforce: USC’s College of HRSM is launching the Dawn Staley Leadership Academy this fall with Staley’s name and a six-credit program for students pursuing careers in sports and related fields. Energy & Utilities: South Carolina critics say the Dominion-NextEra merger’s benefits package is richer for Virginia than for SC, with hearings expected in November and a PSC decision by late January. Data Centers & Infrastructure: Big Tech, private equity and unions are forming a coalition to push data-center standards and counter state moratoriums, with South Carolina included. Transportation Tech: SCDOT is exploring AI for safety and operations, including incident alerts and planning tools, with a selection targeted by year-end. Local Governance: Greenville City Council voted down a proposed change to infill lot width standards. Business & Labor Migration: South Carolina employers filed 2 H-1B petitions in the Accommodation and Food Services industry in 2025, with a 50% approval rate. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show premium and midgrade prices varying by county, with several areas hitting the week’s lowest points around the mid-$4 range.

Ports & Logistics: South Carolina’s container business keeps sliding, with fewer ships and lower year-over-year volumes at the Port of Charleston tied to broader shipping disruptions. Energy & Utilities: Arlington and Alexandria plan to jointly intervene in the Dominion–NextEra merger, pushing for “just and reasonable” rates and reliable service; separately, South Carolina residents are watching what Virginia gets in the proposed benefits package. Data Centers & Power: The Southern Environmental Law Center is asking the Public Service Commission to revisit a ruling that exempts certain data-center power from the Siting Act, as more projects crowd into the state. Nuclear & Economic Development: The Governor’s Nuclear Advisory Council and industry partners are working on a Nuclear Energy Roadmap aimed at aligning local, state and federal efforts to attract investment. Workforce & Education: S.C. State University is cutting multiple low-enrollment degree programs; the state also wrapped up Workforce Development Month. Construction & Manufacturing: SCDOT is paving and patching Airport Boulevard in West Columbia and Cayce; Metro Steel & Erecting was named a 2026 Best of South Carolina winner. Local Business: Diamond Floors is expanding hardwood installation across the Lowcountry. Film & Media: SCETV launched its 3rd annual NextLens Online Film Festival for student filmmakers, with submissions open through Jan. 22, 2027.

Auto Industry Policy: President Trump approved looser U.S. fuel economy standards, ending the Biden-era EV mandate and promising cheaper cars and more auto jobs; shares of Stellantis, Ford and GM jumped on the news, with South Carolina cited among states expected to see manufacturing activity. Energy & Grid: Duke Energy landed a $50M federal grant to upgrade the Carolinas power grid, aiming to cut customer costs and improve reliability. Workforce Visas: USCIS reported 6,685 H-2B worker approvals tied to South Carolina worksites in fiscal 2026 through June 30, 2026, with a 100% approval rate. Rare Earths: A new national look at rare earth supply chain expansion highlights multiple companies pursuing mining, processing and magnet work—an area with direct implications for U.S. manufacturing and defense. Local Development: Edgefield County awarded a $1.83M contract for Star Park, a new regional recreation hub slated to break ground this fall. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy data shows South Carolina’s week-ending Sept. 19 prices mixed—regular averaged $3.98 statewide, while diesel averaged $6.08; several counties hit notable lows (like $3.69 regular in Sumter and $5.49 diesel in Lexington). Education Leadership: Dr. Brenda Schrantz is moving from School District 56 to the S.C. Department of Education as she takes on curriculum and instruction responsibilities statewide.