Florence County Economic Development Leaders Receive Top State Honors

(Photo Courtesy of Florence County Progress)

 

Two Florence County Economic Development leaders were recognized with distinguished honors by the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) during its 2025 Annual Conference, held May 15, at the Marriott Grande Dunes Resort in Myrtle Beach.

 

C. Gregory “Gregg” Robinson, CEO of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, was named SCEDA Local Economic Developer of the Year—a first for Florence County. The award recognizes outstanding achievement, leadership, and measurable impact by a local or regional economic developer in South Carolina.

 

Under Robinson’s leadership, Florence County has seen notable growth and economic transformation. Over the course of his career, Robinson has announced more than $6 billion in new capital investment and 5,500+ new jobs, contributing more than seven million square feet of new industrial and distribution space across the state.

 

In Florence County alone, major announcements during his tenure include the AESC Gigafactory, Amazon, Asset Technology Group Corporate Headquarters, and Carter Lumber, among others. Florence County now ranks among the top 10 most industrialized counties in South Carolina per capita, with 11 international companies from nine countries operating in the region. Currently, five new industrial parks and/or sites totaling over 2,000 acres are under development.

 

With over 30 years of experience in economic development, Robinson has built a reputation as a leader in international project management, infrastructure development, marketing, and operations. A two-time graduate of the University of South Carolina, he has also completed programs at Georgetown University’s Bryce Harlow Institute and the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. He earned the South Carolina Certified Economic Developer (SCCED) designation and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) candidate.

 

Gregg Robinson, CEO of Florence County Economic Development Partnership, was named Local Economic Developer of the Year by the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) - a first for Florence County.

 

 

Lake City native Will Johnson, who leads the Economic Development practice at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd in Florence and serves on the Florence County Economic Development Partnership board, was honored with the prestigious SCEDA Ally Award at the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association Annual Conference on May 15, 2025.

 

Will Johnson, economic development attorney and board member of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, received the SCEDA Ally Award. This accolade celebrates an individual in the private sector who assists state, regional, and local developers in South Carolina and has gone above and beyond to enhance their local community, region, or state.

 

Johnson, who leads the Economic Development practice group at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, has played a pivotal role in facilitating more than $10 billion in domestic and foreign investment across the state. A Lake City native, Johnson is known for his strategic insight, collaborative approach, and deep commitment to enhancing South Carolina’s economic competitiveness.

 

He has earned numerous honors throughout his career, including being named Best Lawyers’ Economic Development Lawyer of the Year for Columbia in both 2019 and 2025, and receiving the Harry J. Rudick Memorial Award from NYU’s graduate tax program.

 

Beyond his legal expertise, Johnson is an advocate for inclusive economic opportunity and community service. He has led statewide partnerships benefiting Special Olympics South Carolina, where he served two terms on the board of directors.