PEE DEE, SC (WMBF) - Development officials say the jobs outlook report reflects job growth in the Pee Dee. People in the Pee Dee are finally feeling the effects of job growth from new and existing businesses.
"We've had mass hiring going on for several manufacturing plants, Heinz and Controls Battery plant," said Kim Garder who works for South Carolina Works in Florence.
Gardner says the job orders from employers have been increasing each month and the number of people looking for work has gone down.
"Manufacturing seems to be what's picked up the most currently," said Gardner.
Development officials across the Pee Dee say they have been dependent on existing businesses to help relieve unemployment.
"We shouldn't take our businesses for granted, it's really those existing companies adding a few jobs here and small businesses adding a few jobs there that really make the impact on your local community in the long run," said Robert Long with the Darlington County Economic Development Office.
Long says those businesses really make a difference when it comes to attracting new ones.
"It's always a good thing when you have your existing companies growing and expanding and investing in your community," said Long.
He says the relationship between business and community is important, and has attracted the Nucor, steel production, Company to Darlington, providing more employment opportunities in the area.
Hartsville, despite some businesses closing, may also be moving in the right direction.
A Dialysis Center and new retailer are setting up shop and expected to hire more than 25 workers.
"There's a lot of folks around here that if they see a need in the community for retail or service industry, they're willing to step in there and open a business," said Adam Matthews with the Hartsville Planning and Development Office.
Job training programs have also helped relieve some of the unemployment.
Many programs across the Pee Dee offer up training for manufacturing jobs that will be offered in the next several months.
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