Spearheaded by the Dorchester Economic Development Corporation 

SUMMERVILLE, S.C.– The Dorchester County Economic Development office, which serves to support economic growth in the county, in collaboration with its board, the Dorchester Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), is thrilled to announce the release of its updated strategic plan.



Aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Dorchester County, the final report is a culmination of a rigorous and collaborative process which began in early 2023. Recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach, the DEDC board spearheaded a search committee to identify and select Creative EDC, a consulting firm out of Elkin NC, to aid in the process.

Over the course of six months, Creative EDC conducted in-depth research and analysis to develop an initial draft of the strategic report, which was unveiled to county investors at their annual meeting in July. Through multiple iterations and extensive stakeholder engagement, the final version of the strategic plan has been completed and implementation of action steps has already begun.

“It was a pleasure working with Dorchester County on the new economic development strategic plan,” said Crystal Morphis, founder and CEO of Creative EDC. “Dorchester County Economic Development is a leading economic development organization in the southeast. We often cite DCED as a best-practice organization led by a talented and professional team.”

The comprehensive blueprint outlines updated target sectors, focused goals, and actionable steps designed to propel Dorchester County forward in terms of economic prosperity, business retention, and educational enrichment.

“We are incredibly proud to present this updated strategic plan, which reflects our unwavering commitment to the balanced growth and continued improvement of Dorchester County,” said John Truluck, Director of Economic Development for the county. “This plan not only identifies key opportunities for economic advancement but also emphasizes our dedication to enhancing the overall quality of life for our residents.”

“We believe that this strategic plan will serve as a catalyst for transformative change within Dorchester County, positioning us for sustainable growth and prosperity in the years to come,” added Walter “Skip” Elliott, DEDC Chairman.

The DEDC extends its gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and community members who contributed to the development of this strategic plan. Their insights and collaboration were instrumental in shaping a vision that reflects the aspirations and priorities of the entire Dorchester County community.

The full Economic Development Strategic Report with Appendices will be made available to the public via the Dorchester County Economic Development website. Additional information regarding implementation efforts and ongoing progress will be shared through various communication channels.