Tire King Bringing 100 Jobs to the Lowcountry: from ABC News 4

One hundred jobs are rolling into the Lowcountry and thousands more are on the way. This is part of the largest economic announcement for the area in years.
 
Tire Kingdom, a part of the TBC Corporation, is moving into Berkeley County by the end of next year. Officials say that is just the beginning because with that company on board, more are sure to follow.
 
Right now the area off Dropoff Road near Jedburg does not look like much, but it is the beginning of something big.
 
“We are going to build 20 million square feet of warehousing and distribution facilities right here,” Sen. Larry Grooms says.
 
The company chose Berkeley County over several other areas.
 
“It is location, location, location,” Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis said. “It is on the interstate and near the port.”
 
TBC will soon be the port’s fourth largest customer and will pump new life into it and the Lowcountry.
 
“One competitive advantage other ports have is they have warehousing and distribution facilities that we don’t have,” Grooms added. “We’re building them now.”
 
Officials say this is the first step in battling a 10.6% unemployment rate in the county and it is paving the way for more businesses to come in.
 
“Both sides of the interstate will be a transportation hub,” said Grooms. “This area will be the place where jobs will be created.”
 
“With all the associated businesses and jobs that will come with it, there is the potential of 17,000 to 18,000 jobs to be created,” Davis added.
 
That job growth is projected to take place over the next two decades in an area that desperately needs it.Officials are now working to attract those businesses to the site and they say several companies are already eyeing the area.
 
New infrastructure will be built to make getting in and out of the area easier.

From SCGOP.com

Over the weekend Barnwell County Republican Party Chairman, Ben Kinlaw, wrote an op-ed for The People Sentinel. Chairman Kinlaw voiced his support for Senator Jim DeMint in his battle against frivolous Congressional earmarks. It was written in response Representative Bakari Seller’s op-ed written last week. In case you missed the article, we have attached it below.

Dear Editor,

On Sept. 30 in a statewide newspaper, I read state Rep. Bakari Sellers’ column attacking U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint and his opposition to Congressional earmarks.

I was greatly outraged by the mentality of, “if we don’t put in for government handouts, someone else is going to get our share.” I applaud Sen. DeMint for standing by his campaign promises, holding his ground and not giving in to the special interest groups.

The vast majority of earmarks go to congressmen and senators who lead the Appropriations Committee – the so-called appropriators. They write the annual funding bills and reserve most of the earmark funding for the projects they support.

Sometimes these are projects in their home states, and sometimes the projects are supported by their campaign donors. Congressmen and senators who aren’t on the Appropriations Committees are left to fight for the table scraps.

In this system, there is no honest assessment of how these taxpayer funds could be used to best achieve our national goals. Each appropriator is left to his own discretion. This system is dangerously open to corruption and we have witnessed some of these appropriators sentenced on bribery and corruption charges.

Rep. Sellers seems to think $34 million in funding for South Carolina is worth the country funneling $17 billion into this broken system in 2008 alone. If South Carolina can only expect one fifth of one percent, shouldn’t our members of Congress be making reform their top priority?

Why should Sen. DeMint compromise his fight to save the U.S. taxpayer, because of the wastefulness of Congressional appropriators?

If they refuse to turn Sen. DeMint’s foregone earmarks into tax rebates or debt repayment, they should be the target of Rep. Sellers’ ire and not Sen. DeMint.

Sincerely,

Benny Kinlaw

Chairman

Barnwell County

Republican Party

About "Larry the Tea Party Guy"
 
I have been labeled many things since taking office in the State Senate in 1997. Some have called me "The Conservative's Conservative" and "South Carolina's Patriot". I wear both labels proudly.
 
This past Sunday, The State newspaper in an lighthearted article entitled GOP Debate Decoded labeled me "The Tea Party Guy." I completely embrace this title. I am proud to be associated with South Carolina's Tea Party Movement.
 
The Tea Party Movement was started by real American voters concerned about the out of control spending at all levels of government fueled by the corporate bailouts of Wall Street and Detroit by Washington D.C.
 
I am one of 20 (11 Senators, 9 House members) legislators who consistently voted to reject the strings-attached stimulus dollars from Washington DC. I am the ONLY legislator running for Governor that consistently opposed the bailouts and Obama's Stimulus Plan.
 
It is nothing short of an honor to be called "Larry The Tea Party Guy." I have attended and had the honor to speak at many Tea Party events including the 9-12 event in Washington, D.C. At each Tea Party event I am inspired by the passion the crowds have for our Founding Father's vision for this great country and for their dedication for liberty.
 
South Carolina needs a strong Governor that is unafraid to stand up to pressures from Washington D.C. and special interests that directly or indirectly cause citizens of South Carolina to assume more debt, pay higher taxes or forfeit liberties. We need a leader that understands the path to prosperity is with less government and lower taxes.
 
South Carolina needs a Tea Party Guy as Governor. 
 
Please consider a financial contribution to the campaign. You can donate online to the link below or mail a check to: Grooms for Governor, 131 Indian Field Drive, Bonneau, SC 29431.
 
Click here to donate: https://groomsforgovernor.com/donate/ 

Thank you for being part of our team. I look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,
Senator Larry Grooms
http://groomsforgovernor.com

NORTH CHARLESTON — The next-generation wind turbines and drive trains will be tested by the Clemson University Restoration Institute in a move that is expected to create hundreds of jobs and place one of the most important sites for wind energy research and development in South Carolina.

The Clemson University Restoration Institute and its partners have received a $45 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, combined with $53 million of matching funds, to build and operate a large-scale wind turbine drive train testing facility at the institute’s research campus on the former Navy base.

The announcement was made by U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

A drive train takes energy generated by a turbine’s blades and increases the rotational speed to drive the electrical generator, similar to the transmission in a car.

The award is the largest single grant ever received in the university’s history and represents an enormous economic development opportunity for the region.

The university’s partners are: the Charleston Naval Complex Redevelopment Authority; the South Carolina Department of Commerce; the State of South Carolina; South Carolina Public Railways; the South Carolina State Ports Authority; and private partners RENK AG, Tony Bakker and James Meadors.

The testing facility will be housed in Building 69, a former Navy warehouse adjacent to existing rail and ship-handling infrastructure, and will be capable of full-scale highly accelerated testing of advanced drive train systems for wind turbines in the 5 megawatt to 15 megawatt range, with a 30 percent overload capacity.

Building 69 stands at 82,264 square feet on 6.3 acres. It was built in 1942, modified in 1985 and decommissioned in 1995. It served as the main warehouse for the Navy’s storage of non-hazardous materials. The building is unoccupied.

Planning and construction of the facility will begin in the first quarter of 2010 with a targeted operational date in the third quarter of 2012.

John Kelly, executive director of the Clemson University Restoration Institute and vice president of public service and agriculture and economic development, said this award will further Clemson University’s strength in research and education and support the establishment of a wind energy manufacturing cluster in South Carolina.

The Department of Energy estimates that South Carolina could gain 10,000 to 20,000 new jobs related to the wind power industry during the next 20 years.

In the short term, the Restoration Institute estimates the initiative will create at least 113 temporary jobs associated with construction of the facility and 21 full-time jobs. It also will generate 568 indirect jobs for a total of 852 jobs.

“As the wind energy market emerges along the East Coast and turbines continue to grow in size and weight, South Carolina is strategically positioned to serve as an industrial hub for this evolving industry,” Kelly said.

Kelly acknowledged the contribution of South Carolina’s officials on the grant match component of the Restoration Institute’s proposal.

He thanked particularly Majority Whip James Clyburn, in whose district the facility is located, and Sen. Lindsey Graham; at the state level, Sens. Glenn McConnell, Hugh Leatherman, Larry Grooms and Paul Campbell, Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell and Rep. Dan Cooper; other members of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation; the State Ports Authority; the Charleston Naval Complex Redevelopment Authority; and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. The grant wouldn't be possible without the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“I would like to thank everyone connected with the proposal for working so tirelessly to help bring the drive train testing facility to South Carolina and the Lowcountry,” Kelly said.

While current turbine technology has enabled wind energy to become a viable resource in today’s energy market, continued technological advancement will be required to achieve the “20 Percent Wind by 2030 Scenario,” as determined by the Department of Energy.

Nick Rigas, director of the Restoration Institute’s Renewable Energy focus area, said the state-of-the-art testing facility, combined with South Carolina’s strengths that include outstanding port and large-scale shipbuilding facilities, local steel manufacturing and world-renowned research institutions, mean the state will play a central role in realizing the nation’s energy goals.

“The importance of this grant should not be understated,” Rigas said. “Clemson, together with the industry that will grow around the testing facility, will drive wind energy research nationwide.”

Clemson University President James F. Barker said this grant means the university can combine its strengths to catapult South Carolina to a leading role in the nation’s emerging and important wind power industry.

“This is a great example of how a research university like Clemson can be a catalyst for economic development,” Barker said. “We have expertise in many fields — energy, engineering, sustainability — as well as a track record of successful collaboration between the university and our partners in industry and the public sector."

Five candidates to answer questions, give their views tonight at Opera House

By JOHN O'CONNOR
joconnor@thestate.com

"The five Republican candidates for governor will face off for the first time in a Newberry debate tonight, giving voters a chance to size up the candidates vying to represent the GOP in 2010.

The debate featuring announced or potential candidates - U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, state Sen. Larry Grooms, state Rep. Nikki Haley and Attorney General Henry McMaster - comes nine months before voters head to the polls in next June's primary.

"It's the first time they're going to be paying attention," said Newberry County GOP chairman Chad Connelly. While party activists have picked their camps, Connelly said, the debate likely will introduce the candidates to most Republican voters.

The debate will be moderated by WIS television's Judi Gatson. Questions also will come from Newberry Observer editor Holly Astwood and Upstate radio host Bob McLain.

Much of the state's political focus has been on Gov. Mark Sanford since he left the state in June on a secret five-day trip to Argentina, later admitting an extramarital affair. Sanford's conduct and future are likely to be debate topics.

But Connelly said the debate also will provide a way to look forward on issues such as taxes, employment and economic development.

Organizers are accepting questions on Internet video site YouTube.com, as well as at the county party sites. By Monday afternoon, public questioners had asked if candidates would support rewriting the state constitution, what their leadership traits are and how the candidates would "walk a mile" in the shoes of the current governor.

"The baggage of the current administration is kind of on these guys," said Laurens County GOP chairman Bobby Smith. "Hopefully, (the debate) will give us a chance to raise new questions."

Economic development likely will be a top issue at the debate.

South Carolina has a 11.5 percent jobless rate, sixth highest in the country and 1.8 percentage points higher than the national average.

Two candidates, Barrett and McMaster, have said economic development is the central issue of their campaigns. The rest have addressed the issue as well.

Submitted questions also include good-government issues, such as spending transparency and on-the-record voting.

Candidates also will likely be asked about the policies of President Barack Obama, including health care reform and the economic stimulus.

While the debate is meant to target all S.C. voters, Connelly said it also is a rare opportunity to bring the field to Newberry County. Connelly expects 300 to 400 people to attend the debate at the Newberry Opera House, giving a boost to local businesses.

Come spring, Connelly said, the candidates are more likely to spend their time in Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, York and other larger counties.

"We're a great bellwether for the state. We've got a great cross-section," Connelly said of Newberry, adding the debate will "put a spotlight on a great little community."

Former Navy base secures $45M wind turbine development grant
By Ian Silver

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - South Carolina's industrial sector was bolstered yet again Monday afternoon when the Department of Energy awarded a $45 million grant to research and develop ocean-based wind turbines at the former Naval base.

The Clemson Restoration Institute was notified Monday that the Naval base would be the first ever testing facility for the renewable energy source, putting South Carolina and Charleston on the "cutting edge of research and development of renewable energy," said a source.

Rep. Jim Clyburn praised the decision as one that would position South Carolina at the forefront of the renewable energy industry. "I was pleased to give my full support for Clemson's application," Congressman Clyburn said in a release.

North Charleston mayor Kieth Summey praised the efforts of the Clemson team that worked to procure the grant. "This grant solidifies CURI's new home on the former Naval Base.  The City of North Charleston looks forward to the development of the campus and its creation of sustainable industries for the benefit of the Lowcountry and the State of South Carolina," he said.

"This announcement, on the heels of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner facility groundbreaking in North Charleston last week, is another game-changer for our state and for the Lowcountry.  We will set the standard and become the epicenter of our country's development of wind turbine technology. This award is a significant step in our efforts to position South Carolina as a national leader in renewable energy," he said.

The new lab will be located in a vacant 82,000-square-foot building on the former Naval base, behind the building where conservation engineers are restoring the Hunley, a Confederate submarine.

In fact, research and development within the Hunley facility led to the Department of Energy decision. Researchers there are developing non-corrosive metals in saltwater conditions. According to sources close to the decision, the Hunley research was a deciding factor for the Department of Energy.

"The winds in South Carolina have been changing," State Senator Larry Grooms said. "We don't want to participate in the recession. South Carolina will become the epicenter for wind turbine technology. This is big. As big as Boeing was, this could actually be bigger in bringing in  up to 20,000 jobs."

The new lab will create at least 600 jobs immediately, but has the potential to create as many as 10,000 to 20,000 jobs if the North Charleston facility can procure a long-term contract to develop and build the turbines.

"It's gigantic because we always knew if we could get the test cell center in place, the nation's only test cell center for wind turbines for offshore use, then we had a great chance of getting the assembly plant," State Senator Glenn McConnell said.

Clemson University partnered with the SC Energy Office, Savannah River National Laboratory, Fluor Corp., Renk Labecco and SCANA on the testing facility.

The $45 million grant from the Department of Energy is coming from federal stimulus funds. It's being matched with $53 million in state funds from various agencies including the Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Public Railways.

Sources say this deal may prove to be bigger than the recent Boeing announcement to build a second 787 Dreamliner facility in North Charleston.

Hopefuls square off for first time Tuesday

By JOHN O'CONNOR
joconnor@thestate.com

NEWBERRY - South Carolina's candidates for governor took on jobs, education and Gov. Mark Sanford in their first debate Tuesday.

The candidates - Attorney General Henry McMaster, state Rep. Nikki Haley, state Sen. Larry Grooms, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett - were largely cordial and agreed on many of the issues.

But hanging over the candidates was the future of Sanford, who has been under fire since leaving the state for a secret five-day trip to Argentina in June. Sanford later admitted an extramarital affair. Lawmakers have said they are preparing to impeach Sanford when they return to Columbia in January, if not sooner.

The Sanford issue took center stage at first at the Newberry Opera House, as moderator Judi Gatson pushed Bauer on his offer to not run for governor if Sanford resigns from office. Bauer has said he will not announce for governor until late October - if Sanford has not resigned by then.

How can residents take Bauer's answers seriously, Gatson asked, if he has yet to commit to the race?

"I think I'm more committed to this state than anyone," Bauer countered, arguing South Carolina needs a strong leader to advocate for jobs. "Someone needs to step up and take that leadership role."

All five candidates were asked whether they considered themselves more like Sanford or the late former Gov. Carroll Campbell, also a Republican. Haley and Grooms refused to pick a political forefather. Barrett, Bauer and McMaster said they followed Campbell's tradition.

Haley was asked whether character matters more to voters this election, one of a handful of questions targeting candidates' perceived shortcomings. Haley, who many considered Sanford's pick as successor, said it was unhealthy to continue talking about Sanford and time to start talking about other issues.

Bauer took on character questions as well, referring to twice being pulled over while speeding on state highways but not receiving a ticket. It was unfair, Bauer said, to forget 13 years of service because of traffic infringements.

"Hopefully the people of South Carolina will forgive me for that," Bauer said.

Likewise, Barrett defended his vote in favor of a bank bailout bill last year after voting against the proposal at first. "People were going to go to ATM machines and not be able to withdraw any funds," Barrett said.

Despite those questions, jobs and economic development dominated the first third of the debate.

Many of the candidates argued in favor of an ongoing study of the state's tax structure. Haley and McMaster both advocated for a top-to-bottom review of state taxes.

"When taxes are low and broad," McMaster said, "the state will be able to correct its sixth-highest unemployment rate."

Grooms said lower income taxes would increase wealth, as well as reducing the cost and time of obtaining needed permits. Grooms said he would emphasize manufacturing jobs, each of which, he said, spins off about four additional jobs.

Bauer argued for a more collaboration in courting industry.

"You have people at the table making sure they have everything they need," Bauer said of bringing utilities, local government and others into negotiations with prospective companies.

The candidates largely agreed on education issues, most notably with all five supporting tax credits or vouchers for parents who send their children to private schools.

"Every school does not fit every child," said Barrett, whose wife is a public school teacher. "South Carolina should be challenging our public schools with choice."

Barrett and McMaster both said one key to raising graduation rates is the availability of a job upon graduation. Bauer said the state should create a separate work force preparatory degree to provide job training.

Haley argued school funding should not depend on what part of the state a student lives in, calling the formula a huge barrier to improving schools, something with which other candidates agreed. Grooms noted school funding formulas would penalize some districts financially if they consolidate, helping maintain the state's 86 districts.

The candidates bounced among issues in the debate's final section, which included questions about federal government interference, the Confederate flag on State House grounds and their leadership styles.

Grooms drew a cheer when asked what type of Republican he was.

"I cling to freedom, that's what kind of Republican I am," Grooms said.

Both Barrett and McMaster pointed to their time working as or with lawmakers on issues.

"I have no problem working with them," McMaster said, adding he would engage the General Assembly differently than his predecessor.

Many noted their issues with the federal government. Haley said she would oppose any future stimulus packages because of restrictions tied to the money. Grooms and others criticized the Bush administration's No Child Left Behind Act.

All five candidates said they would not push to remove the Confederate flag from the State House grounds, agreeing the issue had been settled by the Legislature in 2002.

Bonneau senator wins straw vote at Berkeley County GOP gathering
BY DAVE MUNDAY
Sunday, August 2, 2009


GOOSE CREEK — State Sen. Larry Grooms of Bonneau emerged as the overwhelming favorite for governor among Berkeley County Republicans who voted in a straw poll Saturday morning. 

Grooms received 127 of 164 votes at a Berkeley County Republican Breakfast Club meeting. 

That's a lot better than he did in another straw poll in June. Among Dorchester County Republicans, Grooms finished fourth, behind S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and U.S. Rep. J. Gresham Barrett from the Upstate. 

Grooms had some advantages this time: he was on his home turf, he was the only candidate to show up to make his pitch and one of his competitors has dropped out the race. 
Barrett and McMaster were scheduled to speak Saturday but told organizers they had to cancel because of conflicts. 

Furman University political science professor Brent Nelsen dropped out of the governor's race this week to run for state education superintendent instead. 

Despite all that, Grooms said he would like to think his message won him at least a few votes Saturday. 

"The only issue in this next gubernatorial race is jobs, putting South Carolinians back to work," he said. "If we don't have jobs, nothing else matters."

State government can do three things to create more jobs, Grooms said in his talk:

--Make it faster and easier for new industries to get permits, or they will locate elsewhere. 

--Help utilities build more power plants to handle new industries. Power plants are not being built now because of red tape over air-quality permits, he said. 

--Continue to improve the port system. 

He added two more points when answering questions after the talk: eliminate the state income tax and equalize funding for schools. 

Also at Saturday's meeting, state Rep. Tim Scott of Goose Creek, who represents Charleston and Berkeley counties, said he's considering running for lieutenant governor. 

Copyright © 1995 - 2009 Evening Post Publishing Co..

Governor candidate Grooms combs Upstate for votes
SENECA — Charleston-based state Senator Larry Grooms brought his campaign for the Republican nomination as governor to the backyard of one of his principle foes this week.

Grooms made a stop in Seneca, just six miles from Westminster, hometown of U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett, considered one of the early frontrunners in the race.

Grooms, who is considered one of the most conservative members of South Carolina’s General Assembly, acknowledged that he faces an uphill battle to garner votes in the Upstate. However, he said he is not willing to relinquish the area to Barrett or any of the other GOP candidates.

“I think if people get to know my heart, my character and what I have done, they will vote for me,” he said.

Grooms isn’t totally unfamiliar with the Upstate. His wife, Carol, graduated from Walhalla High School. The couple met while they both attended Clemson University.

“I think my message resonates in the Upstate,” Grooms said, pointing to his work to bring equity to school funding and his offering of the first comprehensive tax reform bill in nearly a decade.

He said today he is working for badly-needed changes to the way the State Ports Authority does business, claiming his Port Reform Act will ensure that South Carolina’s primary economic engines remain competitive tools for development.

Grooms represents parts of Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester counties. He is Chairman of the Transportation Committee and a member of the Finance Committee.

He and his wife have three sons, Taylor, 18, Hayden, 15, and Jack, 10. The family is active in Pointe North Community Church.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2009

The road to prosperity involves the Port

Today's announcement of Tire Kingdom incorporated's plans to open a major distribution facility near Charleston, means new jobs and a stronger economy according to Senate Transportation Chairman Larry Grooms.

Sen. Grooms issued the following statement:

“This is a big win for South Carolina's families and for the economy of the entire state. The more economic development negotiations I'm involved in, the more convinced I become that our state port is the powerful engine We need to move our economy down the road to prosperity. This shows other prospective employers that, when it comes to productivity and success, South Carolina is where he rubber meets the road.

“This decision by Tire Kingdom is fantastic news for our state. It shows the world that South Carolina is open for business and that we can compete. So many people went all-out to land Tire Kingdom --- the Ports Authority, Berkeley County, as well as private sector partners --- because they know this company is the key to so many other business opportunities. I am confident that now we will see an economic  chain reaction, with impressive numbers of new jobs and even more spin-off companies coming to our state over the next few years.

“It proves what those of us involved behind the scenes have been saying, that the road to progress and prosperity often involves the Port.  As someone who has been closely involved with the Tire Kingdom negotiations and with Port restructuring, I couldn't be happier.  It's more evidence of my record as the only candidate with a history of securing new jobs for South Carolinians."

Just this year, Sen. Grooms wrote Act 73 which restructured the South Carolina State Ports Authority. This was the second significant restructuring of state government since Sen. Grooms led the fight to overhaul the Department of Transportation two years ago. He is Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.
Larry Grooms, a Republican, represents portions of Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester counties in the state senate.
Tire Kingdom is the largest independent tire and automotive services retailer in the United States, operating over 600 stores with more than 7,000 employees.