Charleston has been referred to as "America’s Best Kept Secret." However, business, industry and commerce have been a vital part of the area since its founding in 1670 by a group of English colonists. Once the settlement established itself on the peninsula between the Ashley and Cooper rivers the port city of Charles Towne grew.

The economy in the Charleston area has seen many changes in the last four centuries ranging from prosperous trade and agriculture to natural disasters and industrial catastrophes. Throughout its history, the region’s economy has endured fires, epidemics, wars and hurricanes. Despite these calamities, Charlestonians have also enjoyed rich culture, abundant history and prosperous lifestyles.

Today the Charleston area is growing at a faster rate than South Carolina and the nation as a whole. Dorchester County was one of the fastest-growing spots in the nation in 2004, ranking No. 33 on the list of the fastest-growing counties out of approximately 3,086 counties in the nation. The Lowcountry has four of South Carolina’s five fastest-growing municipalities and Charleston is poised to soon overtake Columbia as the state’s largest city.

Growth has meant change, and the ability to adapt is one of the area’s strengths that keeps the economy progressing. Although there is no doubt that economic challenges will again arise, Charleston has learned to endure and prosper.