Congratulations to Blackbaud for the announcement of its new worldwide corporate headquarters campus in South Carolina!

In this week's Economic Development Digest:

Georgia

• Atlanta leaders look for answers in Texas, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (May 3, 2016)
Leaders from Atlanta, Georgia travel to Dallas, Texas to learn how Texas approaches economic development.
• Georgia extends sunset date of exemption for regionally significant competitive projects, TaxAnalysts.com (May 3, 2016)**
Georgia HB 937, signed into law as Act 596, changes the sunset date of the exemption for sales of tangible personal property used in the construction of competitive projects of regional significance from June 30, 2019, and extends the sunset date of the excise tax on rental car charges from December 31, 2038, to December 31, 2047.
• Georgia DOR rules taxpayer's new LLC will qualify for high-technology computer exemption, TaxAnalysts.com (February 23, 2016)**
The Georgia Department of Revenue advised a taxpayer forming a new limited liability company to provide business process and information technology services to its partners that transfers of hardware and software assets from the taxpayer to the new entity will be exempt from sales and use tax under the state's high-technology computer exemption.

North Carolina:

• North Carolina tourism posts record 2015; will it continue this year in light of HB 2?, Charlotte Business Journal (May 4, 2016)
North Carolina begins to feel the impact of HB 2.
• Public records: Commerce learned of PayPal HB2 reversal from the Internet, Triangle Business Journal (May 16, 2016) North Carolina state commerce officials attempt to mitigate the impact of HB 2.

Continue reading the Digest...(pdf)

The Womble Carlyle Economic Development Digest - January 26, 2016

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the United States.

In this week's Economic Development Digest:

Georgia
• Georgia DOR amends sales tax rule on energy for manufacturing, TaxAnalysts.com (January 4, 2016)**
The Georgia Department of Revenue has amended a sales tax rule on energy necessary and integral to manufacturing to clarify the statutory definition of energy, the taxable use of energy at a manufacturing plant, the exempt use of energy at a manufacturing plant, and the energy exemption created by the Transportation Funding Act of 2015.

Maryland
• Hogan says he'll seek tax cuts, The Baltimore Sun (January 7, 2016)
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan proposes $400 million in tax cuts over the next five years (highlights include a $1.1 billion "rainy day fund”, $6.3 billion for K-12 education, $314 million in new funding for school construction and $2 billion for "shovel-ready" infrastructure projects, including fixing every structurally deficient bridge in the State).

• Maryland tax structure an impediment to business, TaxAnalysts.com (January 26, 2016)**
The prosperity of Maryland businesses will, in most instances, lead to the creation of jobs for the State's citizens.

Continue reading this week's Digest (pdf)...

**Note: a paid subscription is required to access this article. A brief description has been provided. Please contact Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Team for more information on these developments.

The Womble Carlyle Economic Development Digest - December 11, 2015

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the United States.
 
In this week's Economic Development Digest:

National
Tax Foundation releases 2016 state business tax climate index, TaxAnalysts.com (November 17, 2015)**
The Tax Foundation has released its state business tax climate index for 2016; notable changes to this year's rankings include Illinois' jump from 31st to 23rd due to the sunset of corporate and individual income tax increases, Nevada's fall from third to fifth due to its commerce tax, and New Mexico's jump from 35th to 27th due to a corporate income tax reduction.

North Carolina
North Carolina expands incentive program to increase investment, Tax Notes (December 1, 2015)**
In September, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R) approved significant amendments to the state's flagship investment incentive program, the Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG). The North Carolina Department of Commerce administers the JDIG program. The cash grant can be awarded to a company that is able to commit to an investment project that generates a significant number of full-time jobs and, for mega projects, a threshold investment value based on local property tax values. The legislation (HB 117) also introduces a mechanism to gross up the amount of the available funds in the grant pool for 2015 and subsequent calendar years for some mega- or high-yield projects. The grant pool for any year will be increased significantly if the state enters into at least one incentives agreement with a business for a high-yield project.

Our opinion: Our "new" council, Greensboro News & Record (December 6, 2015)
Greensboro, North Carolina moves towards a more collaborative approach to economic development.

JDIG and Medicaid: Two NC laws with major business implications in 2015, Triangle Business Journal (December 9, 2015)
Lawmakers approved a package that extends the Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) programs through 2018.

Womble Carlyle launches Strategic Initiatives Group; Entrepreneur, Former Google Executive Rhett Weiss to lead new team, wcsr.com (December 9, 2015)

Read more...(pdf)

The Womble Carlyle Economic Development Digest - November 10, 2015

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the United States.

In this week's Economic Development Digest:

Georgia
Georgia Department of Education adds economic development liaison, Atlanta Business Chronicle (October 21, 2015)
Richard Goble is the new economic development liaison and will work with business executives and promote career education in the schools.

Georgia DOR amends rule on definition of business enterprise, TaxAnalysts.com (November 4, 2015)**
The Georgia Department of Revenue has adopted clarifying amendments to a rule on the definition of business enterprise.

South Carolina
Mauldin mulls creating Community Development Department, Greenville Online (October 28, 2015)
Mauldin, South Carolina forms a new department which will focus on economic development.

Continue reading...


**Note: a paid subscription is required to access this article. A brief description has been provided. Please contact Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Team for more information on these developments.

Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team helps clients explore opportunities for locating or expanding operations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Our Economic Development Team combines a thorough working knowledge of economic development incentives; land use and siting procedures; and regulatory matters at the state, county and local levels, drawing on strong relationships built over many years with key governmental and civic leaders. For more information visit www.wcsr.com/Practices/Economic-Development.

To contact our attorneys regarding an economic development or related matter, please e-mail EconDigest@wcsr.com for a response within 24 hours.

Congratulations to ScanSource on Greenville, S.C. HQ Expansion, Job Creation

GREENVILLE, S.C.—Congratulations to ScanSource, Inc! The Womble Carlyle client recently announced plans to expand its Greenville headquarters—and add more than 100 high-paying jobs.

Currently, ScanSource employs around 650 workers at its Greenville corporate campus. The new expansion will convert 30,000 feet of warehouse space into additional office space to accommodate the company’s need for additional sales and support staff.

ScanSource is a fast-growing company that has expanded its Greenville headquarters five times in the past 10 years.

Womble Carlyle attorney Stephanie Yarbrough guided ScanSource through this economic development project, including helping the company secure state and local incentives, such as job development credits.

Read more...(WCSR.com)

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the United States.
 
In this week's Economic Development Digest:

National
Obama orders federal contractors to provide workers paid sick leave, The New York Times (September 7, 2015)
President Obama continues to advocate for his economic agenda, saying his goals will encourage economic growth.

North Carolina
Belk to be acquired by New York based Sycamore Partners, Charlotte Business Journal (August 24, 2015)
Belk to be acquired by New York based company.

South Carolina
From boom to near-bust: A gunmaker's cautionary tale, USA Today (August 13, 2015)
Gun manufacturers and economic development is a very complex relationship.

States, counties will have to reveal more about incentives given to create jobs, The State (August 14, 2015)
New GASB rules will provide for greater disclosure of economic development incentives.

South Carolina DOR issues guidance regarding abandoned building, textile mill, and retail factory tax credits, TaxAnalysts.com (July 8, 2015)**
The South Carolina Department of Revenue has issued guidance regarding the provisions of the income tax credit and a general overview of the property tax credit for the Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Credit, the Textile Mill Revitalization Credit, and the Retail Facility Revitalization Credit.

South Carolina DOR releases guidance on requesting incentive-based apportionment method, TaxAnalysts.com (September 3, 2015)**
The South Carolina Department of Revenue has released procedural guidance explaining how a taxpayer may request approval of an economic development incentive based on an alternative apportionment method, providing an overview of the application process and the conditions that must be met to qualify for an incentive-based method.

Texas
Taylor announces economic agreement with Mexico City, San Antonio Express-News (August 28, 2015)
The City of San Antonio, Texas anticipates entering into an economic development agreement with Mexico City.

**Note: a paid subscription is required to access this article. A brief description has been provided. Please contact Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Team for more information on these developments. Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team helps clients explore opportunities for locating or expanding operations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Our Economic Development Team combines a thorough working knowledge of economic development incentives; land use and siting procedures; and regulatory matters at the state, county and local levels, drawing on strong relationships built over many years with key governmental and civic leaders. For more information visit www.wcsr.com/Practices/Economic-Development.

To contact our attorneys regarding an economic development or related matter, please e-mail EconDigest@wcsr.com for a response within 24 hours.

The Womble Carlyle Economic Development Digest - July 17, 2015

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the United States.
 
In this week's Economic Development Digest:

North Carolina

• North Carolina Research Institute Issues Report on Local Economic Incentives, TaxAnalysts.com (July 9, 2015)**The John Locke Foundation has released a policy report on North Carolina's economic development spending at the county level, finding that between fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2014, 81 of 100 counties participating in economic development activities under contract paid out a total of $144 million and calling for a standardized reporting requirement.

• Stephanie Yarbrough to examine the Southeast's economic picture at NPAworldwide Meeting, wcsr.com (July 23, 2015)WCSR partner Stephanie Yarbrough will be among the speakers at the NPAworldwide Charlotte Networking Meeting on July 23rd.

South Carolina

• Why South Carolina should eliminate the personal income tax, South Carolina Law Review (Spring 2015)**WCSR partner Stephanie Yarbrough examines the potential impact of eliminating the personal income tax in South Carolina on economic development efforts in the state.

Keep reading this week's Digest... (pdf)

Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team helps clients explore opportunities for locating or expanding operations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Our Economic Development Team combines a thorough working knowledge of economic development incentives; land use and siting procedures; and regulatory matters at the state, county and local levels, drawing on strong relationships built over many years with key governmental and civic leaders.

For more information visit www.wcsr.com/Practices/Economic-Development.
To contact our attorneys regarding an economic development or related matter, please e-mail EconDigest@wcsr.com for a response within 24 hours.

The Womble Carlyle Economic Development Digest - April 10, 2015

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the United States. 

In this week's Economic Development Digest:

Georgia
Gov. Nathan Deal kept tight reins on 2015 General Assembly, Albany Herald (April 4, 2015)
Georgia Governor takes strong position on education in Georgia. 

National
ALEC Releases 2015 State Economic Competitiveness Index, TaxAnalysts.com (April 8, 2015)**
The American Legislative Exchange Council has released the 2015 edition of its Rich States, Poor States economic outlook ranking, finding the states with the best economic outlook for 2015 were Utah, North Dakota, and Indiana, while the states with the worst outlook were New York, Vermont, and Minnesota. Kentucky, Illinois, and Oklahoma had the largest gains in rank over last year, while Michigan, Delaware, and Pennsylvania fell the farthest on the scale. 

North Carolina
• Industry pitches offshore oil, gas, Carteret County News-Times (March 22, 2015)
North Carolina explores offshore energy exploration.
• Van Duyn bill would expand Medicaid, but chances slim, The Asheville Citizen-Times (March 25, 2015)
North Carolina studies the Affordable Care Act and its potential impact on economic development. 

Read more...(pdf format).

**Note: a paid subscription is required to access this article. A brief description has been provided. Please contact Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Team for more information on these developments.

Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team helps clients explore opportunities for locating or expanding operations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Our Economic Development Team combines a thorough working knowledge of economic development incentives; land use and siting procedures; and regulatory matters at the state, county and local levels, drawing on strong relationships built over many years with key governmental and civic leaders. For more information visit www.wcsr.com/Practices/Economic-Development.

To contact our attorneys regarding an economic development or related matter, please e-mail EconDigest@wcsr.com for a response within 24 hours.






 

The Womble Carlyle Economic Development Digest - March 20 , 2015

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the United States.

In this week's Economic Development Digest:

Georgia

• Stiff regulations, high costs challenge Georgia's budding craft distilling industry, Atlanta Business Chronicle (March 13, 2015)
  Georgia examines its “distillery-friendly environment” in order to compete with South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee for craft distilleries.
• Environmental fights intensify at the Georgia Capital, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (March 15, 2015)**
  Georgia writes “new rules” about developing its coastal areas.

North Carolina

• Incentives bill survives second vote, Winston-Salem Journal (March 5, 2015)
• North Carolina legislature evaluates increasing state incentives.
• A revealing moment in the debate over incentives, The Pilot (March 10, 2015)
  North Carolina considers significantly expanding its Job Development Credit program.
• New economic development group could keep more incentives records private, Charlotte Observer (March 15, 2015)
  The new public-private partnership in North Carolina may be allowed to withhold more information about “failed recruiting efforts”. 
• NC municipal leaders get positive vibes from McCrory, The News & Observer (March 19, 2015)
  Governor McCrory spoke this week to the North Carolina League of Municipalities.
• NC Senate, McCrory at odds on incentives, corporate taxes, The News & Observer (March 18, 2015)
  North Carolina ponders a new economic development bill which would change how the state calculates corporate income taxes, creates incentives for an automotive manufacturers and which would redesign North Carolina’s main jobs incentive program.

Read more...

**Note: a paid subscription is required to access this article. A brief description has been provided. Please contact Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Team for more information on these developments.

Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team helps clients explore opportunities for locating or expanding operations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Our Economic Development Team combines a thorough working knowledge of economic development incentives; land use and siting procedures; and regulatory matters at the state, county and local levels, drawing on strong relationships built over many years with key governmental and civic leaders. For more information visit www.wcsr.com/Practices/Economic-Development.

To contact our attorneys regarding an economic development or related matter, please e-mail EconDigest@wcsr.com for a response within 24 hours.

The Womble Carlyle Economic Development Digest - March 2, 2015

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the United States.

In this week's Economic Development Digest:

Georgia

• Savannah port project moves big step forward, Ledger-Enquirer (February 22, 2015)The Georgia House of Representatives unanimously passed the Georgia Ports Authority bill (connected with the Savannah Harbor deepening).

• Georgia tax overhaul bill would cut income taxes but raise sales taxes, TaxAnalysts.com (February 25, 2015)**
  A Georgia lawmaker introduced legislation February 23 that would overhaul the state's tax regime by reducing the income tax burden on Georgia families by $2.5 billion while increasing and expanding sales taxes.

• State moves aimed at car plant win?, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (February 20, 2015)
  Georgia economic development officials are angling for their biggest jobs recruitment deal in nearly a decade, and Gov. Nathan Deal is flexing his political muscle to help land the prospect.

North Carolina

• Report: NC incentives, due to expire this year, encourage large investment in renewable energy, Triangle Business Journal (February 24, 2015)
  $80 million in state incentives led to investments totaling $900.7 million in clean energy and energy efficiency in 2014.

• NC senators look to modify McCrory's jobs incentive plan, The News & Observer (February 26, 2015)
  Republican state senators voiced concerns this week about a jobs incentive program that Gov. Pat McCrory wants to see significantly expanded within weeks.

• A quick primer on the looming debate on incentives, The Mountaineer (February 17, 2015)
  The incentives debate is well under way in the North Carolina General Assembly.

Continue reading...(pdf)

The Womble Carlyle Economic Development Digest - February 9, 2015

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the United States.

In this week's Economic Development Digest:

Delaware
• Fort DuPont redevelopment: flood risk a concern, Delaware Online (January 28, 2015)
Redevelopment along the Delaware River raises concerns about flood risk.

Florida
• A blight on the county budget, Miami Herald (January 31, 2015)
Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) operate under different rules than local governments. For example, tax-increment revenue from counties and cities is diverted to CRA districts for redevelopment projects.
• Spare affordable housing from draconian cut, Bradenton Herald (February 5, 2015)
In setting budgetary priorities, Florida weighs important interests such as affordable housing with competing interests such as land conservation.

Georgia
• Georgia Senators propose creation of tax exemption study committee, TaxAnalysts.com (January 29, 2015)**
A dozen Georgia Democratic senators have introduced a bill (SR 65) that would create a tax exemption study committee to examine the effectiveness of economic development tax credits in the state.
• Georgia House leaders propose transportation plan, The Marietta Daily Journal (January 29, 2015)**
Georgia legislators vote to increase state funding for transportation by $1 billion annual by utilizing its gas tax and a usage fee for alternative fuel vehicle owners.

Read more...(pdf format)

**Note: a paid subscription is required to access this article. A brief description has been provided. Please contact Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Team for more information on these developments.

Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team helps clients explore opportunities for locating or expanding operations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Our Economic Development Team combines a thorough working knowledge of economic development incentives; land use and siting procedures; and regulatory matters at the state, county and local levels, drawing on strong relationships built over many years with key governmental and civic leaders. For more information visit www.wcsr.com/Practices/Economic-Development.
To contact our attorneys regarding an economic development or related matter, please e-mail EconDigest@wcsr.com for a response within 24 hours.

The Womble Carlyle Economic Development Digest - December 1, 2014

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation  impacting business in the United States. In this week's Economic Development Digest:

California EH Group bio-mass, WEDA contract on agenda, The Daily Independent (November 18, 2014) Ridgecrest, California City Council, at its meeting Wednesday, is scheduled to discuss and possibly approve a contract between the city of Ridgecrest and the EH Group. The EH Group develops Bio-Mass Refinery Systems; they were selected by council on July 2 to receive an industrial development grant totaling $500,000 (according to a staff report). Keeping S.F. light rail on track and on time, San Francisco Gate (November 25, 2014) San Francisco upgrades its light rail service at the same time as it sets an ambitious goal of having all electricity in the city come from renewable sources by the end of 2020. Georgia Georgia passes amendment to cap individual income tax rate, TaxAnalysts.com (November 6, 2014)** Georgia voters overwhelmingly approved amending the state constitution to prohibit an increase in the top income tax rate, which stands at 6 percent. Caesarstone location in Bryan County named "Deal of the Year" by Georgia Economic Developers Association, BusinessWire (November 19, 2014) The Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA), one of the leading organizations for economic development in the U.S., named the location of the Israeli company Caesarstone Sdot-Yam Ltd. (NASDAQ:CSTE) to Bryan County, Ga., as the “Deal of the Year” in the 50,000 and under population category at its annual awards luncheon Monday. Cobb sending three freshman to the Georgia Legislature, The Marietta Daily Journal (November 30, 2014) New Georgia lawmakers focus on tax-abatement districts as a tool to encourage development and jobs. Maryland     Can Larry Hogan change Maryland's business climate?, Baltimore Business Journal (November 14, 2014) Hopes are running high in Maryland's corporate community that Larry Hogan will improve Maryland’s business climate when he takes over as governor in January. CNBC named Maryland the 35th best state in the country for business in 2014. Chief Executive magazine named it 41st. While a new Forbes ranking said Maryland was the 20th best state for businesses and careers, the magazine still deemed it as among the poorest in the country in business costs and regulatory environment. North Carolina North Carolina slides in Business Climate 2014 rankings, Triangle Business Journal ( November 3, 2014) Site Selection magazine has (again) named Georgia as the state with the Top Business Climate for 2014. Forbes: NC is 3rd-best state for business, Triangle Business Journal (November 13, 2014) North Carolina is No. 3 on Forbes' 2014 "Best and Worst States for Business”, which is an increase from last year’s number 4 spot. Partnership for new jobs starts strong, The Snap Online (November 10, 2014) North Carolina’s new, private job-recruiting and marketing agency appears to be starting off on the right foot when it comes to transparency. Washington D.C. Muriel Bowser says she will remove Reeves Center sale from D.C. United stadium deal, The Washington Post (November 18, 2014) Mayor-elect wants to disconnect Reeves sale from stadium plan. The District's mayor-elect said Tuesday that she would move to "de-link" the sale of a valuable city property from a broader deal to build a stadium for the D.C. United soccer franchise, a move that could ease political concerns but create new complications for the $300 million proposal. **Note: a paid subscription is required to access this article. A brief description has been provided. Please contact Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Team for more information on these developments. Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team helps clients explore opportunities for locating or expanding operations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Our Economic Development Team combines a thorough working knowledge of economic development incentives; land use and siting procedures; and regulatory matters at the state, county and local levels, drawing on strong relationships built over many years with key governmental and civic leaders. For more information visit www.wcsr.com/Practices/Economic-Development. If you have any questions about this Economic Development Digest, please e-mail EconDigest@wcsr.com or contact any member of Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team. Contacts North Carolina Charlotte Raleigh Research Triangle Park Winston-Salem John Hunter 704.331.4951 JHunter@wcsr.com Don Donadio 919.755.2102 DDonadio@wcsr.com Neill Edwards 919.484.2357 NEdwards@wcsr.com Alfred Adams 336.721.3642 AAdams@wcsr.com Chris Kouri 704.331.4987 CKouri@wcsr.com Nellie Shipley 919.755.2107 NShipley@wcsr.com       South Carolina Charleston Columbia Greenville Morris Ellison 843.720.4614 MEllison@wcsr.com Todd Carroll 803.454.7730 Todd.Carroll@wcsr.com Larry Estridge 864-255-5401 LEstridge@wcsr.com Foster Gaillard 843.720.4610 FGaillard@wcsr.com Kevin Hall 803.454.7710 Kevin.Hall@wcsr.com Keith Munson 864-255-5412 KMunson@wcsr.com Stephanie Yarbrough 843.720.4621 StYarbrough@wcsr.com     Georgia Atlanta     Steven Dunlevie 404.888.7401 SDunlevie@wcsr.com

The Womble Carlyle Economic Development Digest - October 13, 2014

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the United States. In this week's Economic Development Digest:

California Governor rejects redevelopment replacement, approves related measure, Sacramento Business Journal (September 30, 2014) Governor Jerry Brown of California nixed a proposal that would have breathed new life into the abolished redevelopment agencies by creating authorities capable of financing community-supported infrastructure projects. The Governor did, however, sign legislation reforming an economic development tool known as infrastructure financing districts, which are similar to the former redevelopment agencies in that they use property-tax growth to fund infrastructure. Georgia Georgia proposes to amend rule on machinery exemptions to include consumable products, TaxAnalysts.com (October 3, 2014)** The Georgia Department of Revenue proposed an amendment to a rule on sales and use tax exemptions for manufacturing machinery and equipment, industrial materials, and packaging supplies to include consumable supplies under the definition of equipment; comments regarding the amendment must be received by November 13. National New GASB reporting rules would be a 'game changer,' experts say, TaxAnalysts.com (October 10, 2014)** Policy experts say the Governmental Accounting Standards Board's proposal to require state and local governments nationwide to disclose specific tax expenditures in their financial reporting has the potential to reshape the public debate over the merits of using tax breaks to generate economic development. North Carolina Unsettled issues abound in state government, Salisbury Post (October 1, 2014) North Carolina is dealing with many important issues right now, including political and economic initiatives. Citrix celebrates growth in downtown Raleigh, Triangle Business Journal (October 9, 2014) Citrix has transformed a former warehouse in downtown Raleigh into its new 170,000 sq. ft. office complex. Report: Solar leads clean energy market in NC, but regulations still hold industry back, Triangle Business Journal (October 9, 2014) For new clean energy capacity installed in 2013 – in megawatts – solar accounted for the majority of the new projects. Google names NC town as a 'digital capital' of America, Triangle Business Journal (October 9, 2014) Cornelius, North Carolina wins Google’s eCity Award for North Carolina for being a place where “businesses are embracing the Web to find new customers, connect with existing clients and fuel their local economies.” 'Under The Dome' filming to remain in Wilmington, Triangle Business Journal (October 10, 2014) The CBS television series “Under the Dome” will stay in Wilmington, North Carolina, even after recent changes in the state’s incentive program for productions. South Carolina South Carolina appeals court: Energy company was manufacturer for income tax purposes, TaxAnalysts.com (October 9, 2014)** The South Carolina Court of Appeals ruled October 8 that an energy company was a manufacturer for income tax purposes, refusing a request to refund $126 million. How must South Carolina deal with same-sex marriages?, wcsr.com (October 10, 2014) The most likely result in the federal case in South Carolina will be a decision following the Fourth Circuit. When that case is resolved, employers most likely will need to update their policies and procedures dealing with any benefits afforded to married employees and their spouses to ensure that those benefits are extended to same sex spouses. Charleston Harbor deepening project reaches key milestone, South Carolina Ports (October 7, 2014) The US Army Corps of Engineers released the Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement for the Post-45 Harbor Deepening project, recommending that the Charleston Harbor be deepened to 52 feet. Texas Davis, Abbott trade attacks on ethics, enterprise fraud, The Houston Chronicle (September 30, 2014) The second and final debate of the Texas governor's race turned into a heated showdown Tuesday night as Democrat Wendy Davis accused Republican Greg Abbott of not telling the truth on a variety of issues, and Abbott accused her of profiting from a state business incentives program. Texas Comptroller recommends cancellation of wind energy incentives, BNA.com (September 23, 2014)** The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts calls for an end to tax credits for wind energy in Texas, claiming that they give wind energy an unfair advantage over other power sources, in a recently released report. Washington D.C. Mayor Gray proposes reducing capital gains rate to 3 percent on certain investments, The Washington Post (September 23, 2014) District Mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) introduced legislation last week that would reduce the capital gains tax to 3 percent for long-term investments in technology companies, a proposal he contends would spur investment in the city's cash-strapped start-ups. **Note: a paid subscription is required to access this article. A brief description has been provided. Please contact Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Team for more information on these developments. Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team helps clients explore opportunities for locating or expanding operations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Our Economic Development Team combines a thorough working knowledge of economic development incentives; land use and siting procedures; and regulatory matters at the state, county and local levels, drawing on strong relationships built over many years with key governmental and civic leaders. For more information visit www.wcsr.com/Practices/Economic-Development. If you have any questions about this Economic Development Digest, please e-mail EconDigest@wcsr.com or contact any member of Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team. Contacts North Carolina Charlotte Raleigh Research Triangle Park Winston-Salem John Hunter 704.331.4951 JHunter@wcsr.com Don Donadio 919.755.2102 DDonadio@wcsr.com Neill Edwards 919.484.2357 NEdwards@wcsr.com Alfred Adams 336.721.3642 AAdams@wcsr.com Chris Kouri 704.331.4987 CKouri@wcsr.com Nellie Shipley 919.755.2107 NShipley@wcsr.com       South Carolina Charleston Columbia Greenville Morris Ellison 843.720.4614 MEllison@wcsr.com Todd Carroll 803.454.7730 Todd.Carroll@wcsr.com Larry Estridge 864-255-5401 LEstridge@wcsr.com Foster Gaillard 843.720.4610 FGaillard@wcsr.com Kevin Hall 803.454.7710 Kevin.Hall@wcsr.com Keith Munson 864-255-5412 KMunson@wcsr.com Stephanie Yarbrough 843.720.4621 StYarbrough@wcsr.com     Georgia Atlanta     Steven Dunlevie 404.888.7401 SDunlevie@wcsr.com