Southern Lowcountry Regional Board 10:00 AM

The Southern Lowcountry Regional Board meeting held on August 26, 2026, featured presentations from Dr. Bowden, the new president of Technical College for the Lowcountry, and Mr. Thompson, General Manager of TS Conductor. Dr. Bowden discussed the college's record enrollment growth, workforce training programs, and efforts to expand educational access, including plans for a new building funded by a $5.9 million EDA grant and $13 million in state funds. She emphasized the importance of industry-driven curriculum and partnerships to create career pathways that lead to living wages, highlighting challenges in sectors like early childhood education and healthcare. Mr. Thompson presented on TS Conductor's $134 million capital investment in Jasper County, creating 462 jobs with competitive wages. He detailed the innovative technology behind their power line products and noted that while most suppliers are international, there is interest from some to establish local facilities. The meeting included discussions on funding sources, workforce development, and regional economic impact, with no formal votes or motions recorded related to procurement.