Glimmers

Experts say SC's economy has ended five years of declining productivity but there's an awful lot to do before the old economy is finally in the past:

South Carolina historically has had a heavy reliance on manufacturing. After decades of transition from old-line textile and apparel manufacturing to higher-tech textiles and durable goods, the end of the switch seems to be closer, Yandle said.

"It is not past, but it is passing," he said. "We have counties without much industrial base" and many residents there may not be able to move to find a job. Also, many workers are educated for the former manufacturing base rather than the existing one.

"It could be a generation" before this residual effect is eliminated, Yandle said. However, he said, "We have a re-energizing of textile manufacturing, with companies like Sage Automotive Interiors that are world competitors.