T

he Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation is a public private partnership for economic development serving Horry County, South Carolina. Its mission is to diversify the economy and to create jobs and enhance the tax base of the County.
   Horry County with its population of 226,000 sits in the

The view of the ocean front of Myrtle Beach, S.C.

northeast corner of South Carolina.
   Situated 60 miles south of Wilmington and 90 miles north of Charleston, it is ideally located for those manufacturers who are looking for choice in the selection of port facilities.
   Horry County is best known for the ocean front tourist and resort center, Myrtle Beach. Recent developments have led this area to rapid population growth. The Myrtle Beach area is the 13th fastest growing MSA in the United States. Multi million dollar high-rise luxury condominium complexes line the ocean front along the Grand Strand as well as the Intracoastal Waterway.
   The MBREDC is at the forefront of efforts to balance and diversify the local economy. The Corporation's focus is to bring manufacturing, warehousing and distribution businesses to the community. In addition, the Corporation seeks to encourage research and development centers, as well as headquarters operations, to come to the Myrtle Beach region.
   The Corporation works closely with local educational institutions. Horry Georgetown Technical College is the area's local technical college. With its three campuses and 5,000 students, it serves the Myrtle Beach region with students trained in a variety of vocations.
   Coastal Carolina University, located near Conway, South Carolina, has over 7,600 students annually enrolled. It offers baccalaureate degrees in 40 major fields of study and 37 undergraduate minors.
   At the primary and secondary school level, the Horry County school system boasts eight National Blue Ribbon schools of Excellence and two International Baccalaureate schools. Innovative programs targeting academically gifted students in areas of math and science have been established. And a new Academy for Technology and Academics will soon be completed.
   Horry County's industrial base is varied. Major employers include AVX Corporation, Builders First Source, New South Lumber, Honeywell, and Regal-Beloit. Products include building materials, electronic engine controls, plumbing fittings, powder coatings, and automotive products.

   For further information, please contact us at the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation, 2431 Highway 501 East, Conway, SC 29516. Tele: 843-347-4604. Fax: 843-347-2292. www.myrtlebeachdevelopment.com