COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) - State leaders discussed the future of South Carolina's economy at the 2025 Governor's Economic Summit on Thursday. As South Carolina's economy grows, Governor McMaster said a big part of that is having quality educators in schools. It's the second year Gov. McMaster and Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey have hosted the event. Business leaders from across the state gathered to discuss what’s next in the Palmetto State. Secretary Lightsey said one key to the state's success is the ability for businesses to grow and learn, especially with technology advancements. "There's no greater necessity for companies today than embracing the disruptive change we find ourselves in, in order to thrive tomorrow and for years to come," Lightsey said. "We have been long known as a manufacturing state, while that is true it is also equally true that the nature of manufacturing is evolving." Executive Director of SC Nexus Cristina Paredes said she recognizes that it is important to move with the evolution and that she is excited to continue leading the change in energy innovation. "Together we aim to redefine how we produce, store and deliver energy by making it cleaner, more efficient and more affordable," Paredes explained. Gov. McMaster said it is a priority to make it easy for businesses to move here and bring jobs, adding that the state has resources that can help businesses expand and thrive. "Anybody that wants to come to South Carolina and wants to present their case about why they would be a good company and be a good fit, whatever they need we have a good team ready," the governor said. Another focus of the event was getting and keeping good teachers in the classroom. "If they are not learning, then they are not making it in the future," Gov. McMaster said. McMaster said he hopes to get the starting salary for teachers up to at least $50,000.