Tariffs, tourism, and another unnamed SC economic development project
March 2, 2026·6 min
The episode begins with host Mike Switzer introducing the weekly format of discussing trending business issues with a media colleague. Guest John McDermott, business editor of the Post and Courier, joins from Charleston. The first topic is the Supreme Court's recent decision declaring the Trump administration's tariffs illegal, which McDermott calls potentially the story of the year. He explains the ripple effects are unknown but create uncertainty, noting that businesses had just started stabilizing after initial tariff chaos. The discussion touches on potential refunds, with FedEx already filing, but questions whether smaller businesses have the resources. The conversation then shifts to tourism, based on the governor's recent conference. McDermott reports that overall tourism did okay last year, but Myrtle Beach was a soft spot due to poor weather, inflation, and a grassroots Canadian boycott. In contrast, Charleston is off to a strong start in 2026, highlighted by the packed Southeastern Wildlife Expo. He details two major luxury hotel projects: a Four Seasons Resort backed by Bill Gates, replacing an old motel, and The Cooper hotel with a presidential suite costing $10,000-$12,000 a night. Finally, McDermott discusses an economic development project, where the State Commerce Department is asking the legislature for $150 million in appropriations and $85 million in loans to recruit a business. This project promises a $400 million investment and 400 jobs for Orangeburg County. The episode concludes with Switzer thanking McDermott and providing show information.
