GSSM Names South Carolina Department of Commerce as 2025 Townes Award Recipient

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Nov. 19, 2024) ─ The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) has named the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Townes Award.  

At the 31st annual Townes Award on March 19, 2025, GSSM will Celebrate South Carolina’s Transformative Growth and the organization dedicated to moving our state forward – S.C. Commerce. From large corporations to entrepreneurs, and from life sciences to advanced manufacturing, S.C. Commerce is helping to advance the economy and create opportunities for all South Carolinians.  

Through collaborations, partnerships, and a historic $10.27 billion in announced capital investment in 2022 followed by $9.22 billion announced in 2023, S.C. Commerce, under the leadership of Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III and Deputy Secretary Ashely Teasdel, has achieved historic growth and secured some of the largest economic development deals on record.  

“With support and encouragement from S.C. Commerce, businesses are establishing operations in South Carolina at an impressive rate,” said GSSM President Danny Dorsel. “This growth is a boon to both the economy of our state and to GSSM graduates as they consider current and future career opportunities here in South Carolina.”

The Townes Award is named after South Carolina’s Dr. Charles H. Townes, whose pioneering research in quantum electronics led to the invention of the laser. Since 1993, GSSM has presented the prestigious Townes Award to honor individuals, businesses and institutions that have transformed South Carolina and the world.

“As the global economy continues to demand high-tech advancements, it’s imperative that South Carolina embrace the same innovations to remain adaptable and competitive for generations to come,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey. “Local institutions, like GSSM, are integral to investing in South Carolina’s STEM talent, which helps attract visionary companies to our state and ensure economic opportunities for our best and brightest people right here at home. By investing in our partnerships, S.C. Commerce hopes to honor Dr. Townes’ legacy by creating career pathways where more South Carolinians can continue making indelible contributions in their respective fields.”

GSSM will honor S.C. Commerce during the 31st annual Townes Award Celebration on March 19, 2025 in Columbia, S.C.