Commissioners approve $150,466 incentive for Project Dial; Economic director cites 415 jobs retained

Columbus County commissioners unanimously approved a $150,466 economic development incentive grant on June 29 for "Project Dial," which County Economic Development Director Dylan Bowen said the company has authorized to be publicly identified as International Paper, now Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF).

"The company has given approval to publicly announce its identity as International Paper, now known as Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF)," Bowen said during the public hearing, adding that the incentive is expected to create four new jobs and retain approximately 415 existing positions in the county. Bowen said the board would later receive a contract that includes clawback provisions and that county attorneys and staff are reviewing ways to strengthen those recapture terms.

Commissioner Giles Byrd pressed Bowen on what recourse the county would have if the company later closed operations. Bowen replied that the contract will include clawbacks and that the attorney is reviewing options to strengthen recovery provisions. After discussion, Commissioner Lavern Coleman moved to approve the grant; the motion passed unanimously.

The action follows the county's broader effort to retain a major manufacturing employer while offering targeted incentives tied to job retention and modest new hiring. County Attorney Amanda Prince and Economic Development staff will return with the formal contract language and a finalized agreement for the county clerk's files.

The Board approved the grant as part of the consent agenda; the formal contract is to be housed in the clerk’s office and will specify performance conditions and recapture measures.