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Columbia Area Development Partnership

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Columbia Area Development Partnership

The Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP) powers business growth in Richland County, SC.

We connect public + private leaders to drive jobs, investment, and innovation across the community.

📍 Learn more at ColumbiaAreaDevelopment.com The Richland County Economic Development Office (RCEDO) is committed to advancing the competitiveness of Richland County, South Carolina, by building a dynamic, diverse economy and increasing economic prosperity for its citizens. Founded in 2011, the RCED

O works with companies from around the world to establish new facilities or expand their existing presence in the County, building upon the community’s strong economic base and considerable assets to establish it as a global center for innovative businesses, technologies, and people.

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we are recognizing and thanking the dedicated employees who help keep business in and around Richland County moving every day.

From providing essential services to supporting residents and businesses, county employees play an important role in the success of our community.

Their hard work, commitment, and service make a difference every day. We are grateful for all they do to help our county grow and thrive.

Happy Labor Day!

08/31/2026

Our hearts are with our law enforcement partners and the entire Columbia and Richland County community during this difficult time.

We are deeply grateful to the men and women who serve and protect our community each day, and we stand alongside them, their families and all those impacted by this weekend’s tragedy.

To our partners in public safety: please know that you have the support of the Columbia Area Development Partnership and the community you serve and protect.

08/26/2026

Today, Columbia Area Development Partnership celebrated its first year as Richland County’s premier economic development authority alongside the business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders who have helped make this first year possible.

Held at Central Energy, the annual breakfast honored longtime Richland County Councilman Paul Livingston and marked an important milestone for CADP and the county’s economic future.

The event featured the release of CADP’s Annual Impact Report for Fiscal Year 2026, highlighting a year of progress, major capital investments, and the work underway to further strengthen economic opportunity across Richland County.

We were also proud to present the inaugural Three Rivers Paul Livingston Economic Development Champion Award, recognizing the namesake of the award, in recognition of his steadfast leadership and more than 25 years of service on Richland County Council.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this milestone and to everyone who continues to invest in the future of Richland County. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s ahead.

To read CADP’s Annual Report for FY2026, click here: https://columbiaareadevelopment.com/annual-report/

08/25/2026

Helping businesses grow doesn't stop after they choose Richland County.

Through our Bridge 4 Business program, our Existing Industry team serves as a dedicated resource for companies already operating here, connecting businesses with the tools, partners, and support they need to grow.

Whether it's navigating agreements, overcoming growth challenges, planning an expansion, or accessing the right resources, we're here to help businesses succeed every step of the way. When existing businesses thrive, our entire community benefits. Learn more: columbiaareadevelopment.com/bridge-4-business/

08/19/2026

South Carolina is the #1 destination in the country for Gen Z newcomers!

South Carolina gained 53,734 net new residents in 2024, and Gen Z led the way, accounting for 32% of all newcomers and a net gain of roughly 23,000 Gen Zers. The talent pipeline of the future is already choosing South Carolina, and here in Richland County, we're ready to welcome them.

08/17/2026

The CORNERSTONE: Economic Development & Workforce Training Center is a state-of-the-art facility that supports the training needs of manufacturers and drives local economic development initiatives into the future.

The Midlands has a proud history of manufacturing success, from energy and pharmaceuticals to automotive and advanced materials. As new companies continue to invest here, the demand for a highly skilled, adaptable workforce continues to grow. Cornerstone connects world-class employers with a ready, skilled, and ambitious workforce, a dedicated space where employers can train, upskill, and recruit; where students gain hands-on learning; and where our community's economic growth is sustained through continuous talent development.

📍 41,000 square feet of advanced technical training and office space
📍 Located in a thriving, growing industrial corridor in Columbia
📍 Opened in 2025 with immediate availability
📍 Built through a multi-partner collaborative of higher education, county, and state government

Cornerstone was created to strengthen our region's competitiveness, accelerate the growth of advanced manufacturing, and equip current and future generations with the skills needed to thrive in today's innovation economy. Learn more: columbiaareadevelopment.com/workforce-population/cornerstone/

08/14/2026

A closer look at the recent groundbreaking for the Carolina Pines International Commerce Center in Blythewood.

This 36-acre development will add more than 374,000 square feet of Class A industrial space to Richland County’s inventory, helping create more options for companies considering relocation, expansion, or supplier operations in the region.

Projects like Carolina Pines strengthen the foundation needed to support continued industrial growth across Richland County.

CADP was proud to celebrate this milestone alongside Chesterfield, NAI Columbia, Richland County, and our regional partners.

08/11/2026

When the right project meets the right partnership, communities thrive.

That's why we created the Commercial Development Program, a strategic tool designed to encourage investments that strengthen Richland County for the long term.

Qualified developments may receive up to a 50% property tax abatement for up to 10 years when they deliver meaningful public benefits, including redeveloping blighted properties, expanding attainable workforce housing, improving public infrastructure, creating green space, and supporting vibrant mixed-use developments.

Every project supported through the program is intended to strengthen Richland County's long-term competitiveness and quality of life.

Learn more about the program and application process on our website: https://columbiaareadevelopment.com/commercial-development-program/

08/05/2026

Richland County is where talent builds careers.

From advanced manufacturing and life sciences to corporate headquarters, technology, and professional services, Richland County is home to employers creating opportunities at every stage of a career.

The numbers tell the story:
✅ Top 10 for professional opportunities
✅ Top 10 best cities in the nation to start a career
✅ #2 in the nation for Gen Z migration
✅ #5 among the South's best cities on the rise

Whether you're launching your career or looking for your next move, Richland County offers the jobs, resources, and community to build a bright future. Explore local job opportunities, career resources, cost of living, and more: columbiaareadevelopment.com

08/03/2026

Nearly 15,000 jobs.
More than $5.4 billion in announced capital investment.
More than $2 billion in commercial development since 2019.

These milestones didn’t happen overnight, They also didn’t happen by accident.

Economic development is about creating the conditions for long-term success. It means preparing sites, investing in infrastructure, strengthening our workforce, supporting existing employers, and recruiting companies that create lasting opportunity.

At CADP, we're focused on building what comes next, working alongside our public and private partners to create a stronger economy and greater opportunity for everyone who calls Richland County home.

Address

1201 Main Street
Columbia, SC
29201

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18035762043

Website

https://columbiaareadevelopment.com/

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