The Economic Development Digest - June 14, 2013

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S.

In this week's Economic Development Digest:

South Carolina

Long session, little done, Post & Courier (June 9, 2013) The Post and Courier describes the productivity of the South Carolina legislative session, which ended last week. Gun bill dies as General Assembly adjourns, Anderson Independent-Mail (June 6, 2013) A bill that would have allowed people with concealed-weapon permits to take guns into businesses serving alcohol was shot down Thursday as the South Carolina General Assembly ended its regular annual session. South Carolina lawmakers' inaction leaves future of 5 Charleston airport board members in limbo, Post & Courier (June 10, 2013) The future of five members of the Charleston County Aviation Authority is uncertain after legislators did not reach a compromise on a pending piece of legislation before the session ended last week. South Carolina bill provides bigger rebates for film producers, TaxAnalysts.com (May 8, 2013)** South Carolina SB 163 expands the state's film rebate program to allow for rebates of up to 30 percent of purchases from state vendors and payroll rebates of up to 25 percent for wages paid to state residents and 20 percent for other wages spent; however, the bill does not increase the amount of money allocated for the program. Clemson University Enterprise Act ends session in committee, The Greenville News (June 7, 2013) A bill that would have allowed Clemson to operate some of its non-academic functions in a manner that resembles a business more than an academic institution failed to make it through the legislature before the session ended last week. South Carolina outpaces nation in manufacturing growth, sccommerce.com (June 13, 2013) South Carolina has one of the fastest growing economies in the U.S. and has one of the fastest growing manufacturing sectors in the region and nation, according to the recent U.S. Commerce Department report.

North Carolina

NC House panel keeps fracking moratorium, The News & Observer (June 5, 2013) A North Carolina House committee rejected an effort to lift the state's fracking moratorium.  At issue appears to be public protections and environmental safeguards to safely regulate energy exploration. Charlotte Chamber "disappointed" over CLT feud, Charlotte Business Journal (June 11, 2013) The Charlotte, North Carolina Chamber issued a statement to state lawmakers and politicians calling for discussions on the future of the Charlotte International Airport as an economic asset. Uncertainty surrounds Asheville budget, The Asheville Citizen-Times (June 10, 2013) City Council in Asheville is working on its budget, while monitoring tax reform plans in the legislature that could alter the amount Asheville receives from business licenses and utility taxes.  City Council is also reviewing an incentive proposal worth $1.6 million for "Project X."

Pennsylvania

Revenue credits may help L&C Railroad stay on track, The Lancaster News (June 5, 2013) Two county ordinances could help upgrade the Lancaster and Chester Railroad line, which could encourage new industry to locate in the region.

Texas

Texas Gov. to pitch low-tax climate to businesses in New York, TaxAnalysts.com (June 12, 2013)** Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) will begin a five-day trip to New York and Connecticut on June 16 as part of a $1 million effort to lure businesses and jobs to Texas.

Delaware

Charter school reform bill advances in state House, The News Journal (June 6, 2013) A bill aimed at reforming the state's charter school system is headed to the full House, despite objections that the measure needs public input and will hurt traditional schools.

Missouri

Cities hunt for startup magic, The Wall Street Journal (June 11, 2013)** In St. Louis this week, a coalition of local leaders from both the public and private sectors unveiled plans to raise $100 million over five years to invest in and support local startups.  This is the latest in a series of steps intended to revive an entrepreneurial culture.