Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) is a core, yet often overlooked, economic development strategy aimed at helping existing businesses grow and stay rooted in the community. These businesses are frequently the primary source of new jobs and investment, making BRE essential to long-term local prosperity.
Leading the efforts in BRE for the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation is Brian Warner. Brian joined the BCEDC in August 2024, previously working with SouthernCarolina Regional Alliance where, throughout his two years with the organization, he worked as a project manager in Bamberg, Barnwell, and Hampton counties. After graduating from high school in 2006, Brian entered the job market, working in manufacturing, construction, sales, and retail. In 2017, he went back to college, graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville, Georgia. His interest in economic development doesn’t fall far from the tree – both his father and brother work in the profession in Georgia. Brian’s real-world experience working in a variety of different sectors helps him connect more authentically with the companies he serves, anticipate their needs, and offer practical, relevant solutions.
“I have the best job in economic development. I get to talk to the people who have already made investments here and who already employ people here. I get to help them continue to grow and thrive and help them through sometimes tough situations. I get to take on that second half of the S.C. Department of Commerce’s tagline, from ‘launch to legacy’. I get to help businesses build those legacies.” – Brian Warner
To further refine his expertise, Brian is currently enrolled in the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI). Additionally, he completed the South Carolina Economic Development Institute program through the South Carolina Economic Development Association (SCEDA) in November 2023.
As a BRE specialist, Brian says his work is a team effort. He says he is the liaison, the “face” that connects businesses with the resources they need. He believes that one of the most important components of his job is the follow-through, making sure each business knows beyond a doubt that Beaufort County and BCEDC will be there for them. He calls it “white-glove concierge service.” Brian works predominantly with manufacturing and logistics companies in Beaufort County, and his goal is to visit and counsel in-person or virtually at least 90 companies a year in his role.
“It’s not just about pushing out information; it’s about building a two-way relationship. Businesses notice when someone genuinely listens and cares. That is the kind of relationship that turns a short conversation into a long-term partnership. One of the greatest things about my day is that it’s never the same. I remain very fluid. I try and make myself available so that I can follow up with a company as quickly as possible, even if it’s just to say that I’m continuing to work on getting an answer to a question. I tell businesses all the time I may not always be the person with the answer, but I’m the person who knows the person with the answer. My whole mission is to be the first call – good, bad, or ugly – because I’ll connect them with what they need or who they need. I can also refer businesses to programs that they might not even be aware of and bring BCEDC partners to the table, so everybody is on the same page.” – Brian Warner
That network of partners and resources is one of the BRE program’s greatest strengths. It includes the South Carolina Department of Commerce, county and municipal councils/staff, SouthernCarolina Alliance, Palmetto Electric and the SC Power Team, Dominion Energy, SC Competes, Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority, S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), local chambers, educational institutions, and real estate leaders, among others.
Through these partnerships, the BRE program can provide responsive and hands-on support to local companies. Earlier this month, Brian collaborated with his counterparts at SC Department of Commerce and SCMEP to streamline a Beaufort-based business’ expansion plans.
“That was one of the best examples of BRE being done well. The collaboration in the room was exactly what the business needed, when they needed it, and real solutions came out of it. They walked in with an idea and walked out with a pathway forward and next-step connections.” – Brian Warner
The BCEDC’s BRE program supports Beaufort County companies in a variety of impactful ways. Greenline Industries produces high-quality custom wood veneer panels used in airplanes, yachts, elevators, restaurants, hotels, and more. Brian assisted Greenline with a grant it received from the S.C. Department of Commerce to expand its operations. He worked with the company through every aspect of the application and request-for-payment process. Another business benefiting from the BRE program is MegaWatt Lasers, located on Hilton Head Island. The company actively participates in BCEDC’s quarterly roundtable sessions, valuable events that bring businesses together to network, share insights, and learn from one another.
“Our goal is to ensure that each roundtable brings meaningful value to participating businesses. We recognize that attendees are taking time out of their busy schedules, so it’s important that they benefit from the experience. Each roundtable focuses on a different theme, and we have covered a myriad of different topics such as small business support, disaster relief, marketing, grants, tax programs, supply chain, infrastructure, and what county and state resources are available. We also make sure to dedicate time to discuss the barriers and challenges businesses may be facing.” – Brian Warner
Brian firmly believes that while recruiting new business and industry is critical to any economic development strategy, it is important to work with existing industries which can account for up to 80% of all new investment into a community. “They are the bedrock, the cornerstone of any community’s long-term success,” concluded Brian.
