Report calls for industry in Lowcountry counties

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — A new report says Beaufort and Jasper counties need to diversify, bringing in more industry to economies that are largely based on providing services.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports (http://bit.ly/MEeoDy ) the study was compiled by consultants for the Lowcountry Econmic Alliance.

The report says bringing in more industry would mean higher-paying jobs, keep more money in the local economy and insulate the area from economic downturns.

Alliance executive director Kim Statler says the area doesn’t have a lot of businesses that export products. Most of the business in the counties is based on providing services and is dependent on residential development.

___

Information from: The Island Packet, http://www.islandpacket.com