In 2012 South Carolina exported nearly $25.3 billion in goods sold to 197 countries, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce – a 2.23 percent increase over 2011 totals, and a record for the state.

South Carolina’s export growth ranked 17th in the United States.

“It is great to see South Carolina’s export numbers continue to grow. Companies want to be able to reach world markets with their products, and our state certainly provides that opportunity with world-class port facilities. These numbers also show the strong economic ties our state has with countries around the globe,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

The state’s top 10 export industries last year were vehicles, machinery, rubber products, electrical machinery, plastics, optical and medical equipment, paper and paperboard, organic chemicals, wood pulp and cotton yarn and fabric. Of the top product sectors, the three experiencing the largest percentage increase were optical and medical equipment, 19 percent increase; rubber products, 8.6 percent increase; and plastics, 8.2 percent increase.

South Carolina ranked first among U.S. states in tire exports, holding nearly 30 percent of the share of U.S.-made exported tires for the second consecutive year.

Business News

•  Mary Mallaney has been named the York County Library’s employee of the year for 2012.

A reference and local history librarian at the headquarters library in Rock Hill, Mallaney has worked for the York County Library since September 1973. She has performed a variety of duties in her nearly 40-year career: circulation, shelving, reference, book processing, mending, genealogy, interlibrary loans and even substitute Bookmobile driver.

• The South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority has awarded nearly $3.8 million in grants for 14 water, sewer and drainage projects in 13 counties across the state.

Eligible activities included upgrades, improvement or extension of water or sewer infrastructure. The grants were awarded through a competitive process that focused on environmental quality standards and public health concerns.

The town of Sharon received $350,000 to upgrade it well.

• The state's Forestry Commission's Taylor Nursery still has a variety of hardwood and softwood species available, including loblolly and longleaf pines. Orders may be scheduled for UPS shipping, or for pick-up at the Commission’s Taylor Nursery in Edgefield County. For information go to trees.sc.gov, or call Taylor Nursery at 803-275-3578.

• Plan administrators, business executives, attorneys, bank trust officers, CLUs, and CPAs are invited to attend the 42nd Annual Retirement and Benefits Management Seminar sponsored by the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business on April 25 and April 26 in Charlotte.

Fred Reish, recognized as one of “100 Most Influential People in Defined Contribution,” will make the keynote presentation.

The conference will be held at Charlotte’s Marriott Park South on April 25-26. Registration and information is available at http://moore.sc.edu/executiveeducation/workshopsconferences/retirementbenefitsmanagementseminar.aspx, or by calling 1-800-393-2362

Calendar

WEDNESDAY – Emily Pilloton, founder of the nonprofit design agency Project H Design. Pilloton is also the author of Design Revolution: 100 Products That Empower People and Tell Them I Built This: Transforming Schools, Communities and Lives with Design-Based Education. is the speaker for Y ork Technical College's 2013 World of Work Speaker Series. Her lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Hood Center.

THURSDAY – A+ Medical Company, Inc. will hold a ribbon cutting at noon at 1679 Overview Drive in Rock Hill.

A+ Medical is owned by Jeanette Botko. The company sells medical equipment and parts.

MARCH 26 – Junior Achievement second annual Clays for Kids Sporting Clays Classic will be held at Rocky Creek Sporting Clays in Richburg. Net proceeds from the event will . support Junior Achievement programs in the Catawba Region serving Chester, Lancaster and York Counties. For information call 803.980.6363.