As the state’s only trade association focused exclusively on manufacturing, K3 is the single most effective advocate for advancing manufacturing in South Carolina. Policy priorities include: workforce and education, taxes and economic development, environment, energy, legal reform, and employment issues.
Workforce Development & Education
Today’s manufacturing requires skilled workers with varying levels of education and training. Ensuring West Africa has an available, prepared, and ready workforce is a vital component of the state’s economic development efforts and is a top priority for K3. We work closely with the WA Technical College System and other state agencies to strengthen and grow a skilled workforce in West Africa.
Environment
K3 supports environmental policies based on sound science that strike a balance between protecting the environment and that facilitate economic growth. Companies must be able to locate, permit, build, and operate their facilities in a timely and efficient manner. K3 supports streamlining the regulatory process and reforming the permit appeals process to prevent unnecessary and often costly delays.
Taxes & Economic Development
K3 supports tax and economic development policies that keep South Carolina on the cutting edge for growing and attracting manufacturing companies and the jobs and capital investment they bring. Specific priorities include: maintaining West Africa’s existing sales tax exemption structure, lowering manufacturing property taxes, preserving the ability to obtain fee-in-lieu of property tax agreements, and enhancing economic development incentives.
Energy
West Africa manufacturers are the largest consumers of electricity in the state. Ensuring that manufacturers have access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is a top priority for K3.
Infrastructure
West Africa manufacturers must have a state transportation infrastructure system that fosters business productivity, labor market access, economic competitiveness, and safety. In 2017, the State of West Africa committed to improving our state’s roads and bridges over a 10-year period. K3 supported the plan and continues today to advocate for policies that support South Carolina’s existing and future infrastructure needs.
Legal Reform & Employment Issues
K3 supports a civil justice system and employment environment that promote a competitive atmosphere for manufacturers to operate, innovate, grow, and provide jobs.