SCEDA presented its awards during its Annual Meeting at the 2025 SCEDA Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Brantley Strickland with Colleton County, was awarded the Rising Star Award
Nominees for this award demonstrate an appetite for excellence, an aptitude for learning new skills or mastering new responsibilities, and shows initiative in the workplace while modeling a positive attitude and professionalism in the field. A nominee must have been in a new role for less than three (3) years from the date of the nomination.
Gregg Robinson with Florence County Economic Development was awarded the Local Developer of the Year
Gregg Robinson boasts an impressive more than 20-year career in economic development and has been a member of SCEDA since the beginning. Some of his many accomplishments as economic development director include Gregg’s journey from Springdale to Orangeburg to has brought him to his current job as Economic Development Director for Florence County.
He hit the ground running, and because of his efforts, Florence was able to announce a Mega Project – AESC US, LLC creating $1.62 billion in investment and 1620 jobs. This project will allow the citizens of Florence County the opportunity to participate in the future Electric Vehicle movement.
A colleague described Gregg as a “consummate professional, Gregg is one of those individuals who thrives in fast-paced environments where his leadership and vision can be useful and realized. Always with a smile on his face, Gregg is incredibly gifted at the business development and project management sides of our business.”
Will Johnson with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A. was awarded the Ally Award
Will Johnson has helped facilitate more than $10 billion in domestic and foreign investment in South Carolina. Best Lawyers named Will the 2019 and 2025 Economic Development “Lawyer of the Year” in Columbia, South Carolina.
Will’s work in the economic development area includes negotiating and drafting FILOT agreements, structuring special source revenue credit (SSRC) arrangements and assisting companies with a host of other incentives such as job development credits, job tax credits, state and local economic development grants, and the South Carolina Textile Communities Revitalization and Abandoned Buildings Acts. He also assists companies with state and local tax planning on property, income, and sales tax matters, as well as property tax appeals. In addition to his private sector work, he represents numerous local governments on the administration of FILOT and SSRC arrangements and GASB 77 compliance.
Beyond his professional counsel, Will has been a staunch advocate for local economic development efforts, providing invaluable guidance, mentorship to younger professionals, and volunteer leadership honoring his core value of “giving back”. His commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainability is exemplified in his active involvement with the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA). As a lecturer at the SC Economic Development Institute, he has shared his wealth of knowledge with emerging professionals and local government officials, helping to shape the next generation of economic development and community leaders in our state.
Sandy Steele, SCCED with SouthernCarolina Regional Alliance was awarded the Distinguished Service Award
Sandy has literally too many accomplishments to mention but has been an active SCEDA member since 2009; has served on the Professional Development Committee, Legislative Committee, and as the President from 2023-2024; and has served and continues to serve as Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee.
Sandy has been instrumental in funding for Site Readiness (up to 80 M), Instrumental in significantly elevating SCEDA’s influence with the legislature through events, and calls to action
One colleague said, “Sandy was one of the first individuals in the economic development world to make me feel welcome to SCEDA, introduce me to the key players in the industry, and mentor me.