NEW YORK (Nov. 23, 2016) —South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley — a prominent figure in the tire industry for her work to bring tire industry investment and jobs to her state — has been nominated to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
During her six years as governor, Ms. Haley has been involved in negotiations that brought nearly $3.5 billion in tire industry investment for projects that represent roughly 4,500 new jobs for the Palmetto state. She also has spoken twice at the annual Clemson Tire Conference.
In a statement posted on the governor's website, Ms. Haley said: “This month's elections have brought exciting changes to America. Our country faces enormous challenges here at home and internationally.
“Last week, President-elect Trump asked if I would meet with him to discuss those challenges, which I was happy to do. He has asked that I serve our country as our next Ambassador to the United Nations. Pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate, I have agreed.”
Ms. Haley, who has two years remaining on her second term, added:
"I always expected to finish the remaining two years of my second term as governor. Not doing so is difficult because I love serving South Carolina more than anything. I was moved to accept this new assignment for two reasons.
“The first is a sense of duty. When the president believes you have a major contribution to make to the welfare of our nation, and to our nation's standing in the world, that is a calling that is important to heed. The second is a satisfaction with all that we have achieved in our state in the last six years and the knowledge that we are on a very strong footing.”
Ms. Haley, 44, is the daughter of Indian immigrants. She is married to a U.S. Army National Guard captain and they have two children.
Major tire industry investments made in South Carolina during Ms. Haley's governorship include:
- Bridgestone Americas Inc.: new radial OTR plant in Aiken County — $1 billion-plus investment; 375 employees.
- Bridgestone Americas: expansion of passenger/light tire capacity at Aiken County plant — $135 million investment; 122 jobs.
- Continental A.G.: passenger/light truck tire plant in Sumter — $1 billion-plus in two phases; 1,700-plus jobs.
- Giti Tire Group: passenger/light truck tire plant in Richburg — $560 million investment; 1,700 jobs.
- Michelin North America Inc.: build an OTR tire plant in Starr and expand OTR tire capacity at existing Lexington plant — $750 million investment; 500 jobs.
- Trelleborg A.B.: agricultural/forestry tire plant in Spartanburg — $50 million investment; 150 jobs.
- Kiswire Inc.: expansion of steel cord and bead wire capacity at plant in Newberry County — $45 million; 45 jobs.