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Columbia Area Development Partnership

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Columbia Area Development Partnership

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The Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP) powers business growth in Richland County, SC.

We connect public + private leaders to drive jobs, investment, and innovation across the community.

📍 Learn more at ColumbiaAreaDevelopment.com The Richland County Economic Development Office (RCEDO) is committed to advancing the competitiveness of Richland County, South Carolina, by building a dynamic, diverse economy and increasing economic prosperity for its citizens. Founded in 2011, the RCEDO works with companies from around the world to establish new facilities or expand their existing presence in the County, building upon the community’s strong economic base and considerable assets to establish it as a global center for innovative businesses, technologies, and people.

10/14/2026

Today, Scout Motors announced that seven automotive suppliers in the Upstate are expanding their operations, representing more than $82 million in new capital investment and 200 jobs.

These suppliers will support production of Scout vehicles at the company's Production Center in Blythewood, demonstrating how a transformational investment in Richland County can create opportunities well beyond our county lines.

From the beginning, we believed that Scout’s investment would do more than create opportunity in the Columbia area. Its impact would reach communities across South Carolina. Today’s announcement shows that vision coming to life.

At CADP, we're proud of the role Richland County plays in strengthening South Carolina's automotive industry and supporting the partnerships that make this kind of statewide economic growth possible.

Congratulations to Scout Motors, the seven expanding suppliers, and our economic development partners across the Upstate!

Read the full press release here: https://columbiaareadevelopment.com/scout-motors-suppliers-in-sc-upstate-expanding-to-create-200-new-jobs/

09/28/2026

Why are companies choosing Richland County? The numbers tell part of the story.

Since 2011, Richland County has attracted $5.4 billion in announced capital investment and nearly 15,000 new jobs, while more than $2 billion in commercial development has been announced since 2019.

Behind that growth is a strong combination of business advantages: a deep and diverse talent pipeline, access to leading colleges and universities, major interstate connectivity, available sites, and a business environment built to support companies at every stage of growth.

Those advantages are helping Richland County compete for major investments while supporting the companies already here as they expand, hire, and invest in their operations.

See for yourself what makes Richland County a destination for business and investment: columbiaareadevelopment.com.

09/25/2026

Did you know?

Richland County is home to a strong workforce, leading education and training institutions, and a growing manufacturing base.

Here are a few facts that show why Richland County is a great place to build a business, grow a career, and invest in the future. ⬇️

The future of industry is being built here.

Visit our website to learn more about what CADP is doing to help position our community for continued economic growth: columbiaareadevelopment.com

09/24/2026

Richland County is building momentum and the I-77 corridor is becoming a region to watch.

At the South Carolina I-77 Alliance Executive Luncheon, CADP CEO Jeff Ruble discussed how renewed interest from Scout suppliers, record interest from private developers, and continued investment along the corridor are positioning Richland County for its next chapter of growth.

With at least six speculative developments being tracked, Jeff emphasized that Richland County is focused on building a community where businesses can grow, talent can thrive, and working families can succeed.

The ingredients are here. Now, we’re building on the momentum.

Learn more: https://columbiaareadevelopment.com/

09/22/2026

For more than a year, CADP has been building on its role as Richland County’s economic engine. We are bringing public and private partners together around one mission: driving investment, creating opportunity and building for the future.

Our evolution toward a stronger public-private model reflects what we know drives lasting economic growth: partnership.

When government, business and community leaders work together with a shared vision, we can move with greater purpose, unlock new investment and create opportunities that benefit the entire region.

Public and private partners. One mission. A stronger future for Richland County.

Learn more at: columbiaareadevelopment.com

09/18/2026

Strong communities are an important part of a strong economic development strategy.

The CADP team recently joined the City of Columbia Government, Richland County, and other public and private partners for a first look at the Congaree Riverfront District and the vision taking shape for this development.

Projects like this can play an important role in creating communities where people want to live, work and invest. As new investments take shape across the region, we’re proud to be a partner at the table and support efforts that contribute to Richland County’s continued growth and economic vitality.

Learn more about CADP: https://columbiaareadevelopment.com/annual-report/

09/17/2026

Today is National Workforce Development Day Workforce and in Richland County we know that workforce development takes partnership.

CADP is working across our education, workforce, and business communities to better connect employers with the resources available to help them grow.

That work is already taking shape:

🚧 Expanding training opportunities: Working with Midlands Technical College and Goodwill to explore expanded access to high-demand, short-term training opportunities
🧑🏻‍🎓 Connecting educators and industry: Collaborating with Richland One on industry roundtables that bring employers and educators together to strengthen communication around workforce needs and career pathways.

🔧 Supporting local employers: Launching a Workforce Navigator program through CADP’s Business Retention & Expansion efforts to provide customized workforce support to Richland County companies.

Our role is to listen to industry, bring the right partners to the table and connect companies with the resources they need.
That’s workforce development.

That’s economic development. And that’s what partnership looks like in Richland County.

Learn more: https://columbiaareadevelopment.com/

09/15/2026

Columbia Area Development Partnership is Richland County’s economic engine, bridging public and private partners together to drive investments and build a stronger future for our community.

Our first year was marked by collaboration, major capital investments, and meaningful progress toward a more prosperous economic future for Richland County.

We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited to keep building on that momentum.

To read CADP’s Annual Report for FY2026, click here: https://columbiaareadevelopment.com/annual-report/

09/10/2026

According to Yahoo Finance, the future of manufacturing is being built in South Carolina.

South Carolina continues to earn national recognition as a leading destination for manufacturing, and Richland County is helping drive that momentum.

With strategic investments, a growing industrial base, and a strong workforce, Richland County is positioned to play an important role in the future of advanced manufacturing across the state.

At CADP, we’re working to bring public and private partners together to attract more investments right here in Richland County.

Read more: https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/articles/south-carolina-named-top-state-145943070.html

09/08/2026

One year. One incredible milestone. And so much more ahead.

Last week, Columbia Area Development Partnership brought together regional business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders to celebrate our first year as Richland County’s dedicated public-private economic development engine.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special celebration, helped make this year possible, and continues to believe in the economic future of Richland County.

We also want to recognize and thank our panel speakers, Nathan Leaphart with Amarok Security, Austin Pagnotta with Core Spaces, and Robert Dozier with Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, for sharing more about each of their company’s investments in Richland County with us.

To read CADP’s Annual Report for FY2026, click here: https://columbiaareadevelopment.com/annual-report/

Address

1201 Main Street
Columbia, SC
29201

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18035762043

Website

https://columbiaareadevelopment.com/

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