As South Carolina cements its place among the nation’s top destinations for those seeking opportunity and quality of life, Richland County is positioning itself to be a leader in this era of progress, not only keeping pace with the state’s momentum but helping to define it.

Home to the state capitol and fueled by renewed focus and strategic investment in economic development, Richland County is setting the tone as a rising hub where innovation, opportunity, and community converge to shape a vibrant economic future.

To meet the moment, Richland County is proudly embracing this next chapter by celebrating the creation of the Columbia Area Development Partnership.

This is a public-private partnership between Richland County government and private industry, a vision first approved by County Council in 2024.

The partnership will work collaboratively to strengthen Richland County’s competitive edge and open doors for a new generation of workers, entrepreneurs, and residents.

Backed by a skilled workforce and access top-tier universities and four major interstates, plus offering close proximity to both the ports of Charleston and Savannah, Richland County is well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. Overall, it is this access that enhances Richland County’s appeal as a logistics and distribution hub.

We’ve seen this public-private partnership model succeed in the Greenville and Charleston areas — and now, it’s Richland County’s turn to evolve.

Through the partnership’s efforts, the county is well-positioned to meet the needs of today’s businesses while building a foundation for the next decade, drawing on the proven successes of our neighbors.

To aid this new vision, the Columbia Area Development Partnership board is a private nonprofit composed of esteemed, forward-thinking business leaders across a broad spectrum of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, tech, and financial services.

This partnership will serve as a catalyst for attracting businesses to the area by providing them with the infrastructure, resources, and support they need to thrive.

We’ve had incredible success in the past several years in the Midlands.

BlueCross BlueShield, Scout Motors, Mark Anthony Brewing, Ritedose Corp., US Brick, and Schneider Electric, to name a few, have already chosen our region to launch and expand their businesses.

The groundwork is set, but we are only scratching the surface of what is possible.

Richland County is truly an incredible family-friendly community with a host of offerings — from workforce housing, outdoor adventure, collegiate sports, and a thriving arts and culture scene.

It is an ideal county to live and grow. The partnership will propel Richland County forward, helping to build a resilient, future-ready region.

With our moment upon us, we are excited to continue to drive economic growth and ensure a high quality of life, not only for our residents who love calling Richland County home but also for those looking to build a life here.

Richland County is excited to unveil the Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP) – a bold new public-private collaboration that is now the exclusive local organization empowered to lead the county’s rapid economic development growth, foster innovation, and accelerate job creation.

Beginning in July, CADP will serve as the economic engine of Richland County – the primary agency working to attract new businesses and assist existing companies with expansion efforts. By simplifying processes and bringing together decision-makers from diverse fields of expertise, the County and the Columbia region are now positioned for even greater success.

As a non-profit organization, CADP is managed by a board of directors that provides critical insight from both the private and public sectors. This leadership can deliver strategic site selection support and offer competitive incentive packages to businesses looking to invest and expand.

“We are proud to officially launch the Columbia Area Development Partnership,” said Jesica Mackey, Richland County Council Chair and Co-Chair of the CADP Board. County Council first approved the conversion of its economic development office in favor of the reimagined CADP in a November 2024 vote. “The CADP is designed to propel innovation and help businesses break ground, grow, and scale with speed and confidence—all while preserving the unique character and promise of our community. As a board member, I can confidently say this: We have momentum in the region. Companies like BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Scout Motors, Mark Anthony Brewing, The Ritedose Corporation, Palmetto Citizens, Schneider Electric, and Integer Technologies have already chosen our region to launch or expand their operations. These successes lay a solid foundation for the CADP. With representation from both the public and private sectors, we are poised to leverage this momentum and catapult our growth for decades to come.”

“The creation of a new public-private partnership in CADP will provide Richland County a distinct strategic advantage,” added Damon Jeter, Principal Founder of Jet Corp Consulting Group and Co-Chair of the CADP Board. “By mobilizing the innovation efficiency and responsiveness of the private sector, we’re able to leverage stronger infrastructure investments, ensure long-term sustainability, and create new opportunities for residents in the region.”

The formation of CADP was guided by input from an economic development strategic plan and visionary leadership from the Richland County Council. Feedback from more than 30 stakeholders representing key sectors, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, workforce development, and higher education, was used to develop the partnership’s brand.

The CADP Board brings together a diverse coalition of voices—including Richland County Councilmembers, local business owners, and academic leaders—to guide its strategy and ensure meaningful, inclusive progress.

“CADP will build on the strong foundation laid by the Richland County Economic Development Office since 2011,” said Jeff Ruble, CEO of the Columbia Area Development Partnership. “Our focus remains on recruiting and fostering long-term partnerships with businesses that choose Richland County, driven by smart investment, business-friendly policy, and a deep commitment to developing our local workforce.”

With the launch of the Columbia Area Development Partnership, Richland County is positioning itself as a premier destination for companies seeking growth, innovation, and a collaborative community that invests in success.

Richland County’s Economic Development office was founded in 2011 and has generated $5 billion in publicly announced capital investments and created nearly 15,000 jobs. Recent historic announcements like Scout Motors and Mark Anthony Brewing highlight the need for an exclusive, dedicated economic development hub to be the driving force behind large and small industry recruitment to the county.

The Columbia Area Development Partnership Board of Directors is composed of respected local business leaders.

• Jesica Mackey, CADP Co-Chair; Richland County Council Chairwoman
• Damon C. Jeter, CADP Co-Chair; Principal Founder, JET Corp Consulting Group
• Dr. Stephen J. Cutler, CADP Secretary; Vice President, Office of Economic Engagement / Dean, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina
• Kim A. Smith, CADP Treasurer; Founder & CEO, Health Evolve Technologies
• Robert Dozier, President & CEO, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union
• Dr. Tracy Harrell Dunn, Dean, Tyrone Adams Burroughs School of Business & Entrepreneurship, Benedict College
• Paul Livingston, Economic Development Committee Chairman, Richland County Council
• Heather A. Mitchell, Architect | President, BOUDREAUX
• Rick Shippey, Plant General Manager, Mark Anthony Brewing

ABOUT CADP: ColumbiaAreaDevelopment.com

CADP is a not-for-profit, public-private partnership (P3) that will serve as an extension of Richland County Government, partnering with the private sector to support the area’s rapid economic development growth. CADP aims to build lasting partnerships that ensure long-term success for companies in Richland County. The partnership model will further enhance the county’s ability to attract and retain industry investments and high-quality jobs, positioning Richland County as a competitive destination for business and community opportunities.