Governor to Host Main Street Business Roundtable Meetings in June:

Greenville News: Anderson first stop on Gov. McMaster's business roundtable tour

“Anderson will be the first among a seven-county tour next month, where Gov. Henry McMaster will sit with local business leaders to solicit and compile cases of regulations that have made it difficult to do business in the Palmetto State, the governor’s office said Monday.

“The titled Main Street Business Roundtable Meetings are based off McMaster’s executive order signed April 20 that orders a review of cabinet-agency regulations that could hurt business growth. …

“The next meeting will be June 7 in Florence, followed by Sumter on June 8, then Rock Hill on June 15, Beaufort on June 21, Myrtle Beach on June 22 and June 23 in Aiken. Times and locations will be announced later.

“‘Future economic prosperity requires that we keep South Carolina globally competitive,’ McMaster said in a statement. ‘Periodically, that means identifying regulations and red tape that hinder any business owners’ ability to invest, expand, hire and profit. We need our local business leaders to provide examples of how the government is getting in their way, so we can provide them to the General Assembly.’

“Pamela Christopher, chief executive officer of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomed McMaster to the Upstate county.

“‘Regulations and laws have a great impact on our business community and their ability to do business effectively and efficiently,’ she said in a release. ‘We welcome Governor McMaster’s reach out to our business community throughout Anderson County to look for ways that the State of South Carolina can help in reviewing the regulations that are imposed on our businesses that may impede their business.’”

Governor Celebrates Progress in Charleston Harbor Deepening Project:

Post and Courier: Charleston port on its way to East Coast's deepest harbor with federal dollars in hand

“A plan to dredge Charleston Harbor to 52 feet cleared its final hurdle this week with the Army Corps of Engineers setting aside $17.5 million in federal funds for the project that will give the Port of Charleston the deepest navigation channel on the East Coast.

“‘The significance of this funding for the timeline of our deepening project cannot be overstated — it is tremendous news for Charleston,’ said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the State Ports Authority.

“The federal dollars will come from the Army Corps' fiscal 2017 work plan, part of President Donald Trump's spending proposal, which details all of the nation's projects that will receive civil works funding from the agency. …

“Gov. Henry McMaster said the project will "supercharge our already vigorous economic growth opportunities."

“A 2015 economic development study shows the Port of Charleston generates $53 billion in annual economic activity supporting 187,200 jobs statewide.

“‘Getting the Charleston port's harbor deepening project included in the ... work plan when important projects all over the country were fighting for the same dollars, is a major breakthrough for our state,’ McMaster said. …”

The State: Deepening Charleston Harbor still on track in Trump budget, Graham says

“The proposed Trump budget keeps on track the project to deepen Charleston Harbor, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said in a news release on Wednesday.

“‘The $17.5 million for Charleston in the Army Corps of Engineers FY 2017 Work Plan keeps us on track for accelerated completion of the project,’ said Graham in a news release.

“Deepening the harbor is needed to accommodate the growing number of large ships used by industry in 2017. The project was determined to be in the nation’s interest in a report by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 2011.

“In a statement released Wednesday evening, South Carolina governor Henry McMaster acknowledged the stiff competition for limited resources in the proposed federal budget.

“He called the allocation a ‘major breakthrough’ for the state.

“‘Our competitive edge in the world's economy just got stronger,’ he said. …”

Governor Meets with German Companies at BMW in Spartanburg to Discuss Future Partnerships:

Spartanburg Herald Journal: McMaster, business leaders consider ways to increase skilled workers

“Gov. Henry McMaster said South Carolina should continue developing its workforce to meet the demands of advanced manufacturing companies during a visit Thursday to BMW’s Spartanburg County plant.

“The governor met with Brigitte Zypries, Germany’s federal minister for economic affairs and energy, and business leaders from German companies to discuss how the state could expand apprenticeship programs to small and medium-sized companies using a model similar to Germany’s.

“McMaster said more needs to be done to make workers aware of the opportunities available in manufacturing.

“‘We have to emphasize the nature of these jobs have become more skilled and highly paid,’ McMaster said. ‘The jobs in manufacturing plants pay a lot of money, and we have to deliver the message more efficiently that these jobs are here. There are plenty of good-paying jobs out there, but for some reason or another, people are looking in another direction.’

“Geschaftsfuhrer CEO Peter Federolf was among the business leaders who met with the governor. He said under the apprenticeship program in Germany, companies pay for students’ training and students learn the latest in advanced manufacturing techniques.

“‘My opinion is that it would be a great system for the United States,’ Federolf said. ‘The big advantage is that people understand better what they are studying.’ …”

Governor Signs Bill Ensuring Parental Rights for Those with Disabilities:

South Carolina Radio Network: Gov. McMaster signs Persons with Disabilities Right to Parent Act

“Gov. Henry McMaster on Wednesday signed into law the Persons with Disabilities Right to Parent Act. The legislation allows individuals with disabilities to become a legal parent, a foster parent, seek custody of a child or adopt a child.

“Kimberly Tissot is executive director of Able South Carolina, a nonprofit that provides an array of independent living services. She said the legislation is long overdue. ‘We for so many years have not had this right to parent our children, to be able to be a foster parent or be able to adopt,’ she said at the bill signing outside the Governor’s Office in Columbia.

“Tissot said that the legislation is a giant leap forward for individuals with disabilities. ‘South Carolina is now showing support for South Carolinians with disabilities, to show that we are able to be just like any other citizen in South Carolina,’ Tissot said.

“Gov. Henry McMaster said the legislation will strengthen families in South Carolina. ‘It’s important that we have strong families. Families are the building block of the strength of people. And people make a state,’ McMaster said. …”