Pickens County is located in the I-85 "boom belt" ofUpstate SC. The county has several features distinguishing it fromother areas its size. From Clemson University and its renowned researchto its scenic lakes and beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain foothills,Pickens County has the perfect mix of business and living amenities forgrowing industries.
Pickens County is home to ClemsonUniversity. Known as Time Magazine's 2000 "Public School of the Year,"and U.S. News & World Report's Top 20 Engineering school-ClemsonUniversity and its focus on academics and applied research-has been amajor draw for industry. The community’s economic diversity stems inlarge part from the university’s support of industries through appliedprograms, groundbreaking research and development and by supplying askilled work force.
Manufacturing is the county’s primary sourceof economic growth, with approximately 150 facilities in the Easley,Liberty and Pickens areas. Pickens County and the surroundingcommunities in the Upstate of South Carolina are an emerging automotivehub. With Clemson University’s world class ICAR (International Centerfor Automotive Research) facility with plans for a full-scale 200mphrolling test track and motorsport research facilities to the NorthAmerican BMW manufacturing plant located within a 45 minute drive,Pickens County is the perfect location for tier-1, 2, and 3 automotivesuppliers. Pickens County, South Carolina offers a quality of life thatis second to none. From consistently high academic achievement inschools, state of the art medical care access, consistently low crimerate, to immediate recreational and cultural amenity access.
Anderson
"Making News . . . Making Progress" is the theme Anderson County has adopted based on several economic development achievements and national media coverage. In 1999, Anderson County ranked number one in the state for capital investment, reaching the $1 billion mark. One of the major capital investments announced that year was the $90 million Michelin North America facility. Michelin chose to expand its rubber-production at this new location, near the Anderson County Airport--where it will hire 100 employees initially. Phase 2 of Michelin's investment could include an additional $90 million. Anderson is also well-known for its other automotive suppliers, including Bosch and Plastic Omnium. Anderson County has an excellent public school system, which consists of five districts, 47 schools and serves more than 27,000 students. Clemson University, located only 18 miles from downtown Anderson, is one of the nation’s largest research universities. The university is a state-assisted land grant university founded in 1889 and located on 18,400 acres, the majority of which is located in Anderson County.
The 337-acre Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center is located in Anderson County, South Carolina, just minutes from Interstate 85 halfway between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia.
The Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center plays host to concerts, sporting events, tournaments, festivals, trade shows, community meetings and more. It is comprised primarily of The Civic Center of Anderson, the Anderson Sports Center, and the William A. Floyd Amphitheater.
Located on the South Carolina-Georgia border is Hartwell Lake, one of the Southeast’s largest recreational lakes. This man-made lake has over 1,000 miles of shoreline, 301 of which border Anderson County. Boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, camping and nature hiking can all be enjoyed at this scenic lake. The lake is surrounded by residential areas, marinas, boat launching facilities, camping grounds, picnic areas, state parks and rental cabins making it a favorite destination for thousands of visitors.
Oconee
Oconee County is a world-class location, with one ofthe best business climates in the Southeast. Along with the SouthCarolina Upstate we are widely recognized as an effective competitor inthe global marketplace. Oconee County is a proven, successful locationfor business and industry. Perhaps that is why over the past five yearsnew and expanding businesses have invested more than 261 milliondollars here including Fortune 500 Companies like Duke EnergyCorporation, Johnson Controls, Inc., Valenite, US Engine Valve,Schneider Electric/Square D, Borg Warner Automotiave, and Jacobs Chuck.Oconee County is midway between Atlanta and Charlotte on Interstate 85
Asample of industries that has taken advantage of Oconee's rich businessdevelopment resources includes Borg Warner, Square D, Cryovac, Dunlop,Pine River Plastics and Schlumberger Industries.
Oconee'sprosperous business and university community has propelled world-classgolf developments, such as the Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards and KeoweeKey, along with other sought-after lakeside neighborhoods offeringmountain views.
Oconee County is a leader in the state foreducation. Ranking 4th in the state for SAT scores and a recipient ofseveral educational awards, Oconee is a model for other communities.
In1996, Walhalla High School was named "A New American High School" bythe US Department of Education. The NAHS program honors schools thatdemonstrate excellence in some of the following areas: academicachievement, highly-personalized and safe learning environments as wellas technology integration.
