South Carolina is not exactly known as a tech hub, but according to a new report, the Palmetto State isn't doing quite so bad: In a recently released report from Comptia, a leading IT trade association, South Carolina ranks 34th among U.S. states when it comes to tech workers as a percentage of the total workforce -- a ranking that places the Palmetto State closer to the middle than the bottom.

Some South Carolina 128,521 workers, or 5.8% of the total workforce, can claim they work in the IT sector, while neighboring Georgia can claim 16th place, with 7.7% percent of its total workforce in IT (361,894 workers). Meanwhile, sister state North Carolina can claim 18th place, with 7.6% of its total workforce in IT (354,166).

The median salary for tech workers in the Palmetto State: $69,400. In the Peach State: $80,300; and the Tarheel State: $79,100. 

At $1.7 billion in investments, North Carolina is also among the Top 5 states for venture capital, putting it in the company of California ($32.2 billion), New York ($9.5 billion), Massachusetts ($3.5 billion), and Texas ($1.5 billion).

South Carolina's leading IT sectors all experienced year-over-year growth, with IT Services and Custom Software Services (+5.9%) and Tech Manufacturing (+7.1%) leading the charge.

Nominations Open For Inaugural SC Women In Business Awards: Integrated Media Publishing announces the launch of the first SC Women in Business Awards presented by Greenville Business Magazine, Columbia Business Monthly, and Charleston Business Magazine.

The 2019 SC Women In Business Awards are for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and the organizations they fund who are making a difference. This prestigious award will honor selected businesswomen across South Carolina based on career achievements, contributions to their company, and community involvement.

An award ceremony will be held in July. The recipients will be featured in the June issues of Columbia Business Monthly and Greenville Business Magazine and the July/August issue of Charleston Business Magazine.

Nominations are open and forms can be found here.

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50 Most Influential
Scott Garvin

Garvin Design Group  

President 

Scott Garvin has practiced architecture in the region for more than 27 years and established Garvin Design Group in 2003. He has been involved in the design and management of more than $500 million worth of projects and launched Garvin Design Group in order to provide client-driven design solutions, utilizing more strategic delivery models. 

Garvin is directly involved with every project, with a particular focus on the client’s objectives, schedule, and budget. He also spearheads the corporate business and marketing functions of the firm. Scott has been involved with significant projects around the state including the University of South Carolina Strom Thurmond Wellness Center, the revitalization of the Olympia and Granby Mills, and the expansion of the Peace Center for the Performing Arts in Greenville. 

Born and raised in Aiken, Garvin graduated from Clemson University in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in design. He received his masters in architecture in 1986 from Clemson and spent a semester in Italy for overseas study. He lives in Lexington with his wife, Mary, and their four daughters.