GSSM Honors The South Carolina Department of Commerce At 31st Annual Townes Award Celebration

The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) was awarded the prestigious Townes Award by the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) on Wednesday evening. S.C. Commerce was celebrated for leading transformative growth in South Carolina. From large corporations to entrepreneurs and from life sciences to advanced manufacturing, S.C. Commerce is helping to advance the economy and create opportunities for all South Carolinians.

In front of a packed ballroom at 1208 Washington Place in Columbia, S.C. Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III and Deputy Secretary Ashely Teasdel accepted the award during the 31st annual Townes Award Celebration.

“The South Carolina Department of Commerce is honored to receive the prestigious Townes Award,” said Secretary Harry Lightsey. “S.C. Commerce works to create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, and this award highlights our ongoing efforts to embrace the future to ensure the state’s sustainable advantage for years to come. We greatly appreciate the support and recognition of the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics.”

Through collaborations, partnerships, and a historic $10.27 billion in announced capital investment in 2022, followed by $9.22 billion announced in 2023, S.C. Commerce, under the leadership of Secretary Lightsey and Deputy Secretary Teasdel, has achieved historic growth and secured some of the largest economic development deals on record.

To read the full press release, click here.