Jay Schwedler named Developer of the Year

May 06, 2012

Sumter County Development Board President and CEO Jay Schwedler - for his efforts in leading Sumter County’s economic development efforts over the past year, including his part in recruiting Continental Tire the Americas to the area - has been named Local Developer of the Year by the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association.

The award, given annually to “local developers in South Carolina who have made a significant difference in their community,” was presented Thursday to Schwedler at the organization’s annual conference, held on Hilton Head Island this year. SCEDA also cited Schwedler’s efforts with the Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative as a reason for presenting him the award.

Continental Tire announced in October of last year that it planned to open a manufacturing facility in Sumter County, with plans to invest $534 million in the plant, which is expected to eventually create more than 1,600 jobs.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce said there were 1,630 jobs recruited to Sumter County in 2011, compared to 837 jobs for the years 2006-10, according to its website. In January of last year, Au’Some Candies also announced a $6 million investment in a new candy manufacturing location in Sumter County that is expected to yield 120 jobs over the next five years.

Schwedler has served in his current position for six years. Before this, he worked with economic development agencies in Florence and Lee counties, as well as Lapeer County, Mich. In the past, Schwedler also managed the International Investment Team for the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

This article republished with permission of The Item. For more, visit www.theitem.com.