Bluffton #1 Most Enterprise-friendly City in SC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Formula-based research aims for comprehensiveness; results are a blueprint for the future
Columbia, SC — The research is in: South Carolina is a great place to do business. In a recent report, Palmetto Promise Institute (PPI) unveiled the most enterprise-friendly cities in the state.
Topping the list is the Town of Bluffton. Buoyed by an impressive decadal population growth, healthy job growth and a low business tax burden, Bluffton scored a total of 81.07 points out of a possible 100 points. Mauldin, Greer, Simpsonville and Fountain Inn round out the top 5 respectively.
To determine the strength of a city’s enterprise friendliness, PPI used a formula which measured and scored four major categories: economic vitality, business tax burden, community allure and transportation infrastructure.
Co-authored by Dr. John Hill of American Indicators and Dr. Oran Smith and Adam Crain of Palmetto Promise Institute, the report compiles data in the aforementioned categories and ranks cities based on that data.
Commenting on the report, Palmetto Promise Institute President Ellen Weaver said, “While many reports exist that compare states in terms of their attractiveness to business, Palmetto Promise is proud to present the first such comparison of cities within our state. Creating a local environment conducive to job-creation is essential to South Carolina’s future prosperity. We congratulate The Town of Bluffton on leading the way for the Palmetto State.”
“The Town focused on economic recovery throughout and after the recession as Bluffton established a business-friendly framework,” Bluffton Town Manager Marc Orlando said. “Town leaders were clear they wanted Bluffton to emerge as a regional leader in economic development. I am proud our staff members diligently work every day to support commerce.”
“Bluffton is special because it offers the progressiveness of a larger city with economic tools such as our innovation center, public-private partnerships and a multi-county commerce park while offering small town charm and a coastal lifestyle,” Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka said. “Town leaders are very mindful to grow and diversify our economy in ways which also preserve our high quality of life.”
The top-ten most enterprise friendly cities and their overall score are listed below.
| South Carolina City | Score (out of 100) | |
| 1) | Bluffton | 81.07 |
| 2) | Mauldin | 75.07 |
| 3) | Greer | 72.52 |
| 4) | Simpsonville | 72.39 |
| 5) | Fountain Inn | 70.05 |
| 6) | Greenville | 69.84 |
| 7) | Hilton Head Island | 68.60 |
| 8) | Spartanburg | 66.82 |
| 9) | Tega Cay | 66.58 |
| 10) | Union | 63.96 |
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