Cherokee County boasts a formidable workforce, strategically positioned within a 45-minute drive of three major metropolitan areas with easy access to I-85. The interstate expands our labor pool to over 900,000 individuals. However, a workforce is only as strong as its training and readiness. Recognizing this, Cherokee County has taken proactive steps to ensure the viability of its workforce.
In collaboration with Spartanburg Community College, the county established an extension campus at Exit 92 outside the City of Gaffney. Since its inception in 2003, this campus has become a hub for residents and industry alike. It features the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Technology (CAMIT), The Hoke Paris School of Business, and the Peeler Academic Building. This bustling center offers workforce training, job fairs, and academic programs.
To further support the workforce, Cherokee County Council introduced the Rufus Foster Scholarship, which covers the cost of a two-year STEM degree at SCC-Cherokee for any graduate from a Cherokee county high school. In 2022, Council increased the scholarship amount from $60,000 to $100,000, expanding its scope to include any program as well as covering books and equipment. The county school district also recognized the value of this campus and, in 2017, built the Institute of Innovation (I2) in the center of the campus. I2 is a vocational training facility that offers STEM and other non-industry-specific programs. Its enrollment surged from 300 to over 1,200 students, demonstrating a strong demand for trade education. Consequently, enrollment in STEM classes at SCC-Cherokee increased by 120%.
An abundant workforce is a significant advantage in today’s competitive market, but Cherokee County’s strategic location and Shovel Ready Sites add another layer of appeal. The county has been aggressively expanding wastewater infrastructure along 22 miles of I-85 and five miles of Highway 5. By partnering with the Legislative Delegation and utility providers, more than $80 million has been secured for needed projects over the last five years. These partnerships have positioned our sites as Palmetto Site Ready. Twenty-two sites have completed the Palmetto Sites or Duke Site Readiness programs, with ten achieving this status in 2024. Additionally, six of those sites have received the Palmetto Sites designation, indicating shovel-ready status with all due diligence completed. Cherokee County provides sites ranging from 20 acres to 700 acres, including options with rail access, substantial water resources, and significant power capacity.
Understanding the evolving nature of industry and the increasing importance of employee quality of life, Cherokee County has prioritized the creation of supportive environments for industrial employees. A happy employee is a productive employee and investing in the quality of life for residents’ benefits both individuals and employers. This holistic approach fosters a healthier, more satisfying environment for residents which promotes a stable, productive, and motivated workforce for employers. This strategy leads to long-term success and sustainability for both the county and companies operating within it.
“Cherokee County’s commitment to workforce development, site readiness, and quality of life positions us as a prime location for new projects. By ensuring that we excel in these three pillars, we make it easier for site selectors and projects to choose Cherokee County, South Carolina. Our goal is to check all the “have” boxes, making us the top choice for development and growth.” - Jim Cudd, Chairman, Cherokee County Development Board
Cherokee County is shaping the future with a robust workforce, strategic sites, and a commitment to quality of life. Poised to lead in trade and industrial development, Cherokee County, South Carolina: Your Gateway to Growth! Unleashing Potential, Powering Progress!
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