New study highlights Goodwill’s impact on SC economy and workforce

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — A new study highlights the impact the nonprofit Goodwill has on South Carolina’s economy and workforce.

“People know us for it’s a place where I can take my stuff, and it’s a place where I can get great deals, but they don’t realize that that is just the fuel to the engine that generates over $600 million annually of economic impact to the state,” says President of Palmetto Goodwill, Brian Itzkowitz.

Leaders with both Palmetto Goodwill and Goodwill Industries of the Upstate and Midlands sought out to determine the economic impact their company’s career services and training centers have on the state.

Partnering with USC’s Darla Moore School of Business, researchers found that the organization adds $638 million to the state’s economy each year — with 23,000 South Carolinians receiving career services in 2024 — and 10,000 people finding employment at an average wage of $16.50 an hour.

In turn, leaders say this leads to increased spending across South Carolina.

Dr. Joseph Von Nessen led his research team over the course of six months.

“And that really was the biggest finding and the most important finding — the fact that Goodwill just in the last year has placed 10,000 individuals into employment in SC and so we see them have access to better employment opportunities as a result. They’re earning higher wages and they’re spending those wages in the local economy. And that is the bulk of the $638 million economic footprint. And really goes to the heart of the mission of Goodwill and what it’s all about,” says Von Nessen.

President of Goodwill Upstate & Midlands Patrick Michaels says the research will expand possibilities for the company and it’s 3,000 statewide employees going forward.

“This now gives us an opportunity whether it’s an educational institution, a faith based institution to say, ‘Hey, you know here’s the impact throughout SC that we can make.’ So I feel like it adds credibility to Goodwill’s business model and Goodwill’s service model. We’ve always had a brand that people associated with something good and I feel like now we can sort of make that case to someone who really wants the numbers behind it,” says Michaels.

For a link to Goodwill’s career services, click here.

To read the full report, click here.