Conti recognized for job creation

SUMTER, S.C. (May 8, 2015) — The National Development Council (NDC) has selected Continental Tire the Americas L.L.C.'s Sumter tire plant project as a semi-finalist the council's Academy 2015 Awards, which recognize the top economic and community development projects in the nation.

The NDC is a non-profit community and economic development organization that seeks to increase the flow of capital for investment, jobs and community development.

The awards are part of the NDC Academy 2015 biennial conference, scheduled for  May 14 in Washington D.C.

In 2011, Continental said it would create 1,600 jobs in Sumter and invest more than $500 million by 2021 to complete the plant. Conti began production in October 2013 at the 1-million-sq.-ft. facility and now employs more than 625 there.

According to the state of South Carolina, the per capita income in Sumter has increased by more than 11 percent since Continental announced its investment in the community and the area's unemployment numbers have been cut in half.

"Sumter's unemployment rate has gone down and the county's unemployment rate has gone down because of Continental's decision to locate in the county and bringing in suppliers," said South Carolina's U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.

Additionally, King Machine, a Continental supplier, recently established a $3 million location in Sumter County and created more than 20 jobs. Overall, Continental said it has invested more than $100 million in small business in South Carolina.

For photos and to learn more about the Continental Tire Sumter Project, visit ndcacademy.org.

 The NDC's roots lie in the anti-poverty movements of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s. Since then, NDC has evolved into one of the most comprehensive suppliers of financing, development expertise and development assistance for community revitalization efforts throughout the nation.