Investing in the South Carolina I-77 Alliance is more than just a financial decision—it’s a strategic move that can benefit any business looking to establish or expand its footprint in a rapidly growing region.
The Alliance, a county-driven, non-profit economic development organization, is dedicated to promoting and positioning five counties – Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster, Richland, and York – as world-class business locations.
Investing in that makes sense for Chuck Whipple, Vice President and Director of Business Development for ECS Southeast, LLC. Whipple has been with the company for the past few years, contributing to its growth as a nationwide geotechnical, construction materials, environmental, and facilities engineering consulting firm with a clientele from coast to coast. The Columbia, SC, and Charlotte, NC offices serve the I-77 Alliance.
Whipple has nearly 40 years of economic development and finance experience in the Midlands, with previous stints with the S.C. Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA), Lexington County, and Midlands Technical College.
He sees investing in the Alliance as a powerful way for his company to join the boats lifting the tide created by the economic growth now surging from Columbia to Charlotte.
A Corridor of Opportunity at an Inflection Point
Whipple points to major developments, such as the E.& J. Gallo Winery production and shipping facility in Chester County and the ongoing construction of the Scout plant just north of Columbia.
Whipple sees the Scout plant as a particular inflection point, which will employ up to 4,000 people to produce electric pickup trucks and SUVs. “I think it’s comparable, in many aspects, to the impact BMW had on the Upstate beginning three decades ago,” he says. “Looking at what’s happening across the EV automotive sector and the potential over the next several decades, it’s clear where the activity will go.”
These developments are not isolated events; they are part of a broader trend of growth across the region, bringing with them a multitude of spin-offs and supply chain investments set to transform the corridor economy.
The Alliance’s aggressive marketing, branding, and data work helps bring new leads and activities to the five-county region, creating opportunities that far exceed what individual investors and counties could achieve on their own.
Sneak Previews and Positioning for Opportunities
“By being involved with the Alliance, we gain a sneak preview of corridors and markets they are targeting,” Whipple adds. “This allows us to participate in various aspects, including mission trips targeting these entities and positioning our company to take advantage of opportunities once they present themselves.”
ECS focuses on various aspects of development – including site assessments, material testing, and building life cycle evaluations – for pre- and post-construction projects. “As industrial parks and sites are being developed along the corridor, our involvement ensures ECS is strategically positioned to offer our services and expertise to companies looking to establish a presence in the Southeast,” Whipple says.
He also encourages others to get involved.
“Selfishly, I’d prefer not to have competition, but while competition can be challenging,” Whipple concludes, “it ultimately raises the standard for everyone, creating more opportunities for businesses like ours and others that provide essential services to the corridor. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats, and a thriving economic environment along I-77 means more projects and possibilities for all stakeholders.”
