Teamwork, time, charm lure businesses to Pee Dee

By Candace Jarrett
Morning News ReporterPublished: July 12, 2008

First came the announcement June 3 that H.J. Heinz Co. would building a new frozen foods production facility in Florence, bringing 350 jobs.

Three weeks later, Monster announced it was establishing its North America customer service call center in Florence, bringing 750 jobs.

While it may appear to people on the outside that the announcements were quick and unexpected, those on the inside of both deals say they took a great deal of time, communication and Southern charm.

“The whole economic development process is a team sport,” said Joe W. King, executive director of the Florence Economic Development Partnership. “We’d been working on them both for a while.

“I think our training facilities already in place, along with our work force, the existing industry in the area, our medical facilities and our infrastructure — the roads and bridges and highway access — all impressed the executives at Monster and Heinz.”

Both companies combined are expected to bring right at $133 million in investments to Florence County.

But how did it all come together? More here.