Oconee County is Your "Top Shelf for Business" Location
Oconee County's location and infrastructure make it an ideal spot for growing businesses. With easy access to international airports, major interstate highways, and a robust rail network, companies here can reach over 102 million consumers within a day's drive.
Positioned in the heart of Upstate South Carolina, Oconee County offers prime connectivity to major markets, raw materials, and rapidly growing industries throughout the booming Southeastern U.S. Plus, with Inland Port Greer nearby, the Port of Charleston and Port of Savannah is a short rail trip, business in Oconee County is always on the move.
Power Capacity
Oconee County is equipped with a diverse range of energy sources that cater to the needs of modern businesses. Our electricity supply is bolstered by nuclear, hydroelectric, coal, and solar energy, with a significant portion derived from clean, renewable sources.
This diversity enhances availability and ensures reliability and redundancy—key factors for any company considering relocation or expansion. Plus, with competitive energy pricing driven by Duke Energy, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and municipal providers, businesses in Oconee County benefit from rates that are consistently below the national average, making it an attractive destination for investment.
Natural Gas
Oconee County offers a reliable and abundant supply of natural gas to meet the process needs of large-scale manufacturers. Fort Hill Natural Gas supplies natural gas throughout Oconee County and has a robust infrastructure network to support high-capacity usage. In Oconee, industry can count on uninterrupted energy at competitive rates to meet their operational needs.
Water and Sewer
Oconee County has an abundant water supply to meet the demands of large-scale industrial users. Multiple dependable providers supply water for business activities, including Seneca, Walhalla, West Union, Westminster, and the private provider Pioneer Water. This extensive network ensures that industrial locations throughout the county can access consistent and scalable water resources.
Wastewater needs are equally well-supported, with services provided by Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, West Union, and the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority. Recent infrastructure investments, including new sewer lines to Exits 1 and 2 along the I-85 corridor, further enhance the county’s ability to serve large industrial operations.
Oconee County’s robust water and sewer capabilities ensure that industries have the infrastructure they need to operate efficiently and grow confidently.
Road Network
The I-85 corridor connects Atlanta and Charlotte, with Oconee County halfway between. I-26 provides a direct route to the Port of Charleston and a connection to I-95 to the Port of Savannah. One-day truck service reaches over 102 million of the US population.
Air Capacity
Oconee County businesses benefit from exceptional air infrastructure, providing access to key global markets. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) moves nearly 80,000 tons of cargo annually and offers direct flights to 24 cities and 27 airports, making international connections seamless.
Known for its efficiency and modern amenities, GSP is a top choice for business travel and cargo. It also stands out as the only airport in the Carolinas with scheduled nonstop international air cargo service. It offers regular flights to Germany, Mexico, and Korea and cargo services from FedEx, UPS, and Maersk.
Additionally, Oconee County is within 1.5 hours of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a major hub, and just two hours from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. This connectivity ensures that businesses in Oconee have fast, reliable access to domestic and global markets.
Oconee County Regional Airport ( ICAO ID: CEU ) serves as the aviation gateway to Upstate South Carolina’s scenic “Golden Corner” including three of South Carolina’s premier educational institutions (Clemson University, Southern Wesleyan University, and Tri-County Technical College). Visitors will find the airport’s friendly, professional service a pleasant alternative to traditional “commercial air travel.” Upon arrival, visitors will find the panoramic mountain view; a testimony to the region’s natural beauty.
The airport is less than one mile from Lake Hartwell, and is only three miles southeast of Lake Keowee. Not far from I-85, the towns of Seneca, Westminster, Walhalla, and Salem are just a few minutes’ drive from the aerodrome. Located in the southeastern edge of Oconee County, the airport is less than 5 minutes by car to Clemson University, Clemson’s “Death Valley” stadium, the Madren Conference Center, and the Walker Course. During football season, visitors may use a privately owned shuttle service for transportation to and from the stadium. The mountain resort towns of Highlands and Cashiers, NC, are but a short drive from Oconee Regional.
In the realm of AIRPORT DATA, the airport’s 5000′ long runway has precision GPS, non-precision GPS, NDB instrument approaches, and is home to 75-based aircraft. It also hosts the Clemson University Flight Dept. and the Clemson University Flying Club.
The airfield can host up to 75 transient aircraft with ramp and tie-down spaces for both turbine and piston-engine aircraft. The FBO, Van Surdam Vintage Aircraft offers top-notch aircraft maintenance services. Car rentals are provided by Hertz and ENTERPRISE Rent-a-car, both serve the airport 6 days per week.
Port Access
Oconee County enjoys exceptional access to the Port of Charleston and the Inland Port Greer, presenting a significant edge for businesses looking to optimize their logistics. The Port of Charleston is the deepest seaport in the Southeast, known for its efficiency with the highest crane productivity rates, and an impressive 23-minute gate mission turn time.
Additionally, Inland Port Greer, conveniently located near Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, is a vital intermodal rail hub. It's connected directly to the Port of Charleston via Norfolk Southern's mainline, providing businesses with seamless transport options for their goods.
Rail Connectivity
Oconee County's robust rail connectivity is a game changer for businesses focused on efficiency. Oconee County is served by Norfolk Southern and has over 111 acres of rail served property available for development at the county-owned Seneca Rail Park.
Located just under an hour away, the Inland Port in Greer offers manufacturers and retailers unparalleled flexibility and reliability. This accessibility is crucial for those managing tight production schedules or requiring swift movement of goods. With a well-connected rail system, companies can save both time and money while ensuring their supply chains remain agile and responsive.
