York County Council will consider final approval of the Octapharma Fee-in-Lieu of Taxes (FILOT) agreement at its Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, July 8, at 6:00 p.m. The York County Regional Chamber is asking members to review our position and consider adding their support prior to the meeting.

Few economic development projects have the potential to reshape a community like the proposed Octapharma investment in York County.

The global healthcare company has announced plans to establish its U.S. headquarters and first U.S. plasma manufacturing facility at the former Carolina Panthers headquarters site in Rock Hill. The proposed investment totals approximately $1.5 billion, would create more than 1,250 new jobs, relocate approximately 300 corporate headquarters positions to York County, and establish one of the region’s most significant life sciences manufacturing operations.

Beyond the impressive numbers, this project represents something even larger.

Octapharma would diversify York County’s economy by expanding our growing life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors, create hundreds of high-paying careers, generate opportunities for local suppliers and service businesses, and strengthen our region’s reputation as one of the Southeast’s premier locations for business investment.

Simply put, projects of this magnitude do not come along often.

Where the Project Stands

The remaining issue before York County Council is not whether to provide an economic development incentive. The incentive itself remains unchanged.

The current discussion centers on how the cost of that incentive should be shared among York County, the City of Rock Hill, and the Rock Hill School District through the proposed Fee-in-Lieu of Taxes (FILOT) agreement.

The City of Rock Hill previously approved the project based on the original negotiated agreement, under which each participating governmental entity would share equally in the incentive through a 50 percent reduction in property tax revenues.

During second reading, York County Council approved an amendment that changed the distribution of the tax revenues among the participating entities while leaving the overall incentive to the company unchanged.

York County Council will consider third reading and final approval of the agreement during its Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, July 8, at 6:00 p.m. The outcome of that meeting will play a significant role in determining whether this transformational investment moves forward.

Why This Matters to Every Business

Whether your business employs five people or five hundred, investments like Octapharma strengthen York County’s economy in ways that extend far beyond the project site.

New high-paying jobs generate spending at local retailers, restaurants, and small businesses. They increase demand for professional services, create opportunities for local suppliers and contractors, expand the tax base over time, and strengthen our ability to attract additional employers and investment.

Successful economic development creates a ripple effect throughout our community. When York County competes successfully for transformational projects, businesses of every size benefit from a stronger local economy and an enhanced reputation as a premier place to invest, work, and live.

The Chamber’s Position

The York County Regional Chamber has consistently supported policies that encourage responsible economic growth, regional collaboration, and a competitive business climate.

After careful consideration, the Chamber has submitted a letter to York County Council respectfully requesting that the FILOT agreement be returned to its original negotiated tax revenue distribution, allowing York County, the City of Rock Hill, and the Rock Hill School District to equally share in the incentive as originally negotiated.

Our position is guided by three fundamental principles:

• Protect one of the largest economic development opportunities in York County’s history.
• Promote collaboration, transparency, and partnership among York County, the City of Rock Hill, and the Rock Hill School District.
• Protect York County’s reputation with the South Carolina Department of Commerce and future employers evaluating our community for major investment.

The Chamber believes successful economic development depends upon predictable partnerships, open communication, and a unified commitment to creating opportunities that benefit the entire region.

Join the Chamber in Supporting York County’s Economic Future

The Chamber has submitted a letter to York County Council requesting that the FILOT agreement be returned to its originally negotiated tax revenue distribution.

If you believe preserving this transformational investment and maintaining York County’s reputation as a competitive location for business investment are important, we invite you to join us by adding your company’s name in support.

Your participation will demonstrate that York County’s business community values collaboration, economic opportunity, and a unified approach to attracting transformational investment.

Click here to read the Chamber’s letter and add your company’s name in support.