Women’s History Month: March 2024

National Women’s History Month honors the successes and sacrifices of U.S. women. It dates to March 8, 1857, when hundreds of women from New York City garment and textile factories rallied to protest harsh working conditions.

In 1909, New York City became the site of the nation’s first Women’s Day celebration, a year after 15,000 women there marched to demand shorter working hours, better pay, an end to child labor and the right to vote. More than seven decades later in 1981,

Congress set aside the second week of March as National Women’s History Week.

Six years later, Congress expanded the week to a month.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we reflect upon the advances women have made, including increased earnings, educational attainment and job opportunities.

According to U.S. Census Bureau surveys:

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Did You Know?

168 million

The number of females in the United States as of July 1, 2022. There were about 165 million males in the United States as of the same date.

Source: Vintage 2022 Population Estimates

4.2 million

There were about 1.9 million more females age 85 and older (4.2 million) than males (2.3 million) in the United States as of July 1, 2022.

Source: Vintage 2022 Population Estimates

36.8 percent

In 2022, the percentage of women age 25 and older who had earned bachelor’s degrees or higher compared with 34.5 percent of men.

Source: 2022 American Community Survey, 1-year estimates

80.3 million

The number of females age 16 and older who participated in the civilian labor force in 2022. This comprises 58.6 percent of females age 16 and older.

Source: 2022 American Community Survey 1-year estimates

82.2 percent

The percentage of full-time, year-round female workers over age 16 median earnings compared to men’s earnings in 2022.

Source: 2022 American Community Survey, 1-year estimates.

Leigh Fibers and Revive Fiber Join Forces To Expand Capabilities

Leigh Fibers’ owners have purchased the operating assets of Martex Fiber and rebranded the business as Revive Fiber.

Officials said Leigh Fibers and Revive Fiber will operate as separate but related sister companies under joint management as the largest textile recycler in North America.

With multiple production facilities in South Carolina and one in Brownsville, Texas, the investment expands capacity to meet growing production needs, the officials said.

All products will continue to be made in the U.S. while supporting industries throughout North America, South America, and Europe.

“The acquisition of these assets will benefit customers of both companies. While the companies will remain separate, we have broadened and deepened our resources, improving our capabilities and expertise,” said Daniel Mason, co-owner of Leigh Fibers and the newly formed Revive Fiber.

Officials said the two companies provide a seamless solution for textile recycling, from high-volume to specialty custom fibers, across industries including automotive, apparel, bedding, and acoustic insulation.

A greater raw material base and production capacity will expand sourcing options for customers seeking quality recycled fibers, the officials said.

As the end users of a wide range of textile byproducts, both companies remain committed to helping organizations meet sustainability goals by diverting waste streams from landfills, the officials said.

Dynamic Fluid Components Expanding Operations in Oconee County

Dynamic Fluid Components, a wholesale distributor of fluid power products, said it is expanding its operations in Oconee County.

The company’s $4.8 million investment will create 10 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce. 

Dynamic Fluid Components offers a variety of fluid power products including hydraulic motors, gear pumps and pressure gauges.

The company supplies products to 2,000 customers throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The company will build a 25,000-square-foot distribution facility at 181 Misty Drive in West Union and invest in updated equipment, Commerce officials said.

Operations are expected to be online in the second quarter of 2025. Those interested in joining Dynamic Fluid Components should go to the company’s website.

“The new facility will bring even more efficiency to our operation and allow us to meet the needs of our growing customer base well into the future,” said Dynamic Fluid Components President Sam Adams.

Adams added, “When we initially started looking to expand, we considered locations in the county, region and outside the state, but the favorable business climate, workforce and support found in Oconee County and the state of South Carolina always brought us back home.”

Oscar Edition: South Carolina's Favorite Movie Is...

With the Oscars just around the corner, Hubscore presented its latest insights into America's Favorite Oscar Nominees by State. The report unveils that Barbie appears to be the most favored Oscar nominee in South Carolina.

Entertainment experts at Hubscore delved into the survey of the Oscar “Best Film” nominations to analyze the top five favorites in each state. The findings indicate that Barbie emerged as the favorite nomination in 16 states, and the people of South Carolina loved it.

Favorite Oscar Nominees in South Carolina
(The most popular Oscar nominees in South Carolina ranked in order of popularity in 2024)
1. Barbie
2. Maestro
3. Oppenheimer
4. Past Lives
5. The Holdovers.

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