Gov. Jim Hodges

The Palmetto State joins fellow Dixie states Georgia and Mississippi in the 7th-place slot in the 2001 Governor's Cup. Gov. Jim Hodges gives the credit to Team South Carolina -- the businesses, local and state leaders and the General Assembly. "Team South Carolina wins for us --the many people who get involved and assist in doing everything we can to get the best companies to locate and expand here," he says.
        Among those companies are Musashi Seimitsu Industry, a Japanese manufacturer of automotive parts, which selected Bennettsville, S.C., as the location for its 15th plant. The company is investing $35 million in a 120,000-sq.-ft. (11,100-sq.-m.) facility. Michelin North America, which already has invested more than $2 billion in South Carolina, announced in November that it would invest another $200 million to expand its earthmover tire facility, creating 200 new jobs. And Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina's TRICARE operations will add 1,000 new jobs at an operations center in Columbia. The company is expanding its 350,000-sq.-ft. (32,500-sq.-m.) facility at the Carolina Research Park, which opened in 1999.
        "No matter what obstacles businesses face, a stable local and state economy is what they desire most," says Gov. Hodges. "South Carolina's diverse economic base with strong international ties provides a solid foundation for financial stability while creating a climate that businesses can feel secure in."
        In the year ahead, says the governor, "We will focus on our strengths -- existing industries, international investment and trade while continuing to foster a climate of growth and create better jobs for our citizens. We will look specifically at our established sectors -- automotive-related industries, chemicals and plastics -- for new investment while we actively recruit companies with the greatest impact -- research and development, headquarters and high-tech companies."

Gov. Bill Janklow

South Dakota claimed its share of business expansion activity, which was enough to land it in the Governor's Cup winners' circle in 2001. "South Dakota's trained labor force, unique business climate and infrastructure are second to none," says Gov. Bill Janklow. "Citibank, Mutual of Omaha, 3M and Toshiba are just some of our South Dakota success stories."
        Among the new facilities announced in South Dakota in 2001 was Davisco Foods International's new, $50 million mozzarella cheese plant, which will add 60 jobs to the company's workforce in Lake Norden. The company already operates a $35 million whey operation at the location. This investment will significantly enhance the region's dairy infrastructure and contribute to the long-term success of area producers. Phase 2 Solutions will occupy an 18,000-sq.-ft. (1,700-sq.-m.) facility that previously was occupied by Gateway Computer Co. in Vermillion. The company is hiring 250 workers at the location. And Solcom, a document management software company, plans to add 100 jobs at its site in the Northeast Industrial Park in Sioux Falls.
        Gov. Janklow sees his state's success this way: "South Dakota is a capital-friendly state where profit is not a dirty word."

Gov. Mark Warner

Major new projects were announced throughout 2001 in the Commonwealth of Virginia, particularly in the telecommunications, Internet services and other high-tech sectors. But business expansion in other sectors helped make Virginia a finalist, as well.
        "I am pleased that Virginia has again made your distinguished Top 10," says newly installed Gov. Mark Warner. "As Virginia's chief economic development officer, my administration is committed to nurturing a quality workforce and building an excellent quality of life in every corner of the Commonwealth while helping Virginia's regions maintain their unique character."
        Significant projects announced in 2001 include WorldCom's $180 million expansion of its Loudoun County campus, which will enable it to house up to 8,000 employees. In western Virginia, Novozymes Biologicals will invest $12 million over the next five years in a research and manufacturing operation in Roanoke County. The move to the Roanoke County Center for Research and Technology from Salem, Va., will save 65 Virginia jobs and create 25 new ones. And Atlanta Pulp & Paper is siting a $5.3 million facility in Brunswick County. The 40,000-sq.-ft. (3,700-sq.-m.) building will house 282 new employees.
        "Virginia clearly succeeded in 2001 because of our strong business climate," says Gov. Warner. "As a businessman myself, I know that Virginia is the ideal location for a company to grow and prosper. While 2001 posed many economic challenges to Virginia and the nation, our state also maintained an aggressive economic development strategy. Our economic development team at the local, regional and state level continues to keep Virginia on the radar screen of business."