As head of Nexsen Pruet’s economic development group and a key member of the its public finance group, Tushar Chikhliker works to negotiate and implement financial transactions aimed at sparking new success, or bolstering established success, for his clients in the South Carolina communities where they choose to invest.
Through his work in economic development, Tushar has represented a diverse group of companies, both domestic and international, in connection with numerous economic development projects throughout every region of South Carolina, including some of the largest economic development projects in the State’s history.
Tushar has represented companies across a wide array of industries including heavy and light manufacturing, pharmaceutical and life sciences, warehouse and distribution, research and development, alternative energy, and real estate development. Tushar’s representation of his clients regularly extends to a myriad of incentive arrangements including:
• fee-in-lieu of tax agreements
• special source revenue bonds and credits
• multi-county business/industrial parks
• job tax credits
• job development credits
• job retraining credits
• retail and textile revitalization credits
• income tax credits
• state and local grant programs
• income tax exemptions
• property tax exemptions
• sales and use tax exemptions
• state and federal energy grant programs
• worker training incentives
Tushar has also assisted with the drafting of South Carolina legislation providing for new economic development incentives or modifications to those already existing in advancement of his clients’ interests. He has also counseled clients in working through South Carolina Freedom of Information Act issues affecting economic development projects.
In addition to his work in economic development, Tushar has also represented issuers, borrowers, underwriters and other deal participants in negotiating and implementing multiple financing vehicles, including revenue bonds financings and New Markets Tax Credit transactions.
Tushar embraces the uniqueness of each company he represents, and understands that in constructing and closing deals with his clients, there is no “one-size-fits-all” path to success. Whether working with in-house attorneys, financial or tax officers, outside consultants, or other company representatives, Tushar prides himself in explaining what can often be complicated legal and financial arrangements to his clients in practical terms which allow them to make prudent business decisions.
A key player in the state's business and legal communities, Tushar is a former member of the Board of Directors, as well as the Legislative Chair, of the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA), the State's largest economic development trade group. Tushar also serves on the Board of Trustees of the South Carolina Business & Industry Political Education Committee (SC BIPEC) and is active in the Committee of 100, a volunteer marketing group that promotes economic development in central South Carolina. Tushar is also immediate past Chair of Nexsen Pruet's Recruiting and Retention Committee and is a member of the Firm’s Diversity Committee, which works to promote diversity within the legal profession, both inside and outside the Firm.
A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Tushar attended the University of South Carolina where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science with honors from the South Carolina Honors College. During his time at USC, Tushar earned multiple awards and recognitions including the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award – the most prestigious award that can be bestowed upon a USC student, and an award celebrating excellence in leadership, academics, and community service. Upon graduating from USC, Tushar earned his Juris Doctor from the Wake Forest University School of Law, where he served as Student Solicitor of the Law School Honor Council.
- Wake Forest University School of Law, J.D., 2002
- University of South Carolina, B.A., History and Political Science, magna cum laude, with honors, 1999
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
- U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
- U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina
- S.C. Economic Developers' Association, Past Member - Board of Directors, Legislative Committee Chair
- S.C. Business & Industry Political Education Committee (SC BIPEC), Board of Trustees
- Committee of 100
- Partnership Board, University of South Carolina - Department of Political Science
- University Associates, University of South Carolina
- South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, Board of Trustees Member
- Harvest Hope Food Bank, Board Member
- John Belton O'Neall Inn of Court, Past Member
- Richland County Bar Association
- North Carolina State Bar
- Workshop Theatre of South Carolina, Past Board of Trustees Member
- Columbia Opportunity Resource, Past Board Member
- Leadership Columbia, Class of 2008
- Leadership Columbia Planning Committee, Past Member
- Leadership Columbia Alumni Association
- Shandon Neighborhood Council, Past Member
Greenville Business Magazine's Legal Elite of the Upstate, 2018
In February of 2015, Law360 profiled Tushar for its "Minority Powerbrokers Q&A" series.
Tushar was recognized as a South Carolina Super Lawyer - Rising Star in Bonds and Government Finance Law for 2012. The State also recognized his professional and community involvement by selecting him as one of the newspaper's "20 Under 40" for 2011. He has served on the LeadershipNextSC Advisory Group and was a 2010 graduate of the Diversity Leaders Initiative, both of which have been established by the Riley Institute of Government, Politics, and Public Leadership at Furman University.
In 2008, Tushar graduated from the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Columbia program, is currently a member of the Leadership Columbia Alumni Association, and has served on the Leadership Columbia Planning Committee. He also has served on the Shandon Neighborhood Council. He has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Workshop Theatre of South Carolina and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Columbia Opportunity Resource.
Highlights of his career include:
- The State newspaper's 20 Under 40 List - 2011
- John Belton O'Neall Inn of Court
- Leadership Columbia
- Midlands Diversity Leaders Initiative - Riley Institute
- South Carolina Super Lawyer - Rising Star in Bonds and Government Finance Law (2012)
Overview
As head of Nexsen Pruet’s economic development group and a key member of the its public finance group, Tushar Chikhliker works to negotiate and implement financial transactions aimed at sparking new success, or bolstering established success, for his clients in the South Carolina communities where they choose to invest.
Through his work in economic development, Tushar has represented a diverse group of companies, both domestic and international, in connection with numerous economic development projects throughout every region of South Carolina, including some of the largest economic development projects in the State’s history.
Tushar has represented companies across a wide array of industries including heavy and light manufacturing, pharmaceutical and life sciences, warehouse and distribution, research and development, alternative energy, and real estate development. Tushar’s representation of his clients regularly extends to a myriad of incentive arrangements including:
• fee-in-lieu of tax agreements
• special source revenue bonds and credits
• multi-county business/industrial parks
• job tax credits
• job development credits
• job retraining credits
• retail and textile revitalization credits
• income tax credits
• state and local grant programs
• income tax exemptions
• property tax exemptions
• sales and use tax exemptions
• state and federal energy grant programs
• worker training incentives
Tushar has also assisted with the drafting of South Carolina legislation providing for new economic development incentives or modifications to those already existing in advancement of his clients’ interests. He has also counseled clients in working through South Carolina Freedom of Information Act issues affecting economic development projects.
In addition to his work in economic development, Tushar has also represented issuers, borrowers, underwriters and other deal participants in negotiating and implementing multiple financing vehicles, including revenue bonds financings and New Markets Tax Credit transactions.
Tushar embraces the uniqueness of each company he represents, and understands that in constructing and closing deals with his clients, there is no “one-size-fits-all” path to success. Whether working with in-house attorneys, financial or tax officers, outside consultants, or other company representatives, Tushar prides himself in explaining what can often be complicated legal and financial arrangements to his clients in practical terms which allow them to make prudent business decisions.
A key player in the state's business and legal communities, Tushar is a former member of the Board of Directors, as well as the Legislative Chair, of the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA), the State's largest economic development trade group. Tushar also serves on the Board of Trustees of the South Carolina Business & Industry Political Education Committee (SC BIPEC) and is active in the Committee of 100, a volunteer marketing group that promotes economic development in central South Carolina. Tushar is also immediate past Chair of Nexsen Pruet's Recruiting and Retention Committee and is a member of the Firm’s Diversity Committee, which works to promote diversity within the legal profession, both inside and outside the Firm.
A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Tushar attended the University of South Carolina where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science with honors from the South Carolina Honors College. During his time at USC, Tushar earned multiple awards and recognitions including the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award – the most prestigious award that can be bestowed upon a USC student, and an award celebrating excellence in leadership, academics, and community service. Upon graduating from USC, Tushar earned his Juris Doctor from the Wake Forest University School of Law, where he served as Student Solicitor of the Law School Honor Council.
- S.C. Economic Developers' Association, Past Member - Board of Directors, Legislative Committee Chair
- S.C. Business & Industry Political Education Committee (SC BIPEC), Board of Trustees
- Committee of 100
- Partnership Board, University of South Carolina - Department of Political Science
- University Associates, University of South Carolina
- South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, Board of Trustees Member
- Harvest Hope Food Bank, Board Member
- John Belton O'Neall Inn of Court, Past Member
- Richland County Bar Association
- North Carolina State Bar
- Workshop Theatre of South Carolina, Past Board of Trustees Member
- Columbia Opportunity Resource, Past Board Member
- Leadership Columbia, Class of 2008
- Leadership Columbia Planning Committee, Past Member
- Leadership Columbia Alumni Association
- Shandon Neighborhood Council, Past Member
Greenville Business Magazine's Legal Elite of the Upstate, 2018
In February of 2015, Law360 profiled Tushar for its "Minority Powerbrokers Q&A" series.
Tushar was recognized as a South Carolina Super Lawyer - Rising Star in Bonds and Government Finance Law for 2012. The State also recognized his professional and community involvement by selecting him as one of the newspaper's "20 Under 40" for 2011. He has served on the LeadershipNextSC Advisory Group and was a 2010 graduate of the Diversity Leaders Initiative, both of which have been established by the Riley Institute of Government, Politics, and Public Leadership at Furman University.
In 2008, Tushar graduated from the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Columbia program, is currently a member of the Leadership Columbia Alumni Association, and has served on the Leadership Columbia Planning Committee. He also has served on the Shandon Neighborhood Council. He has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Workshop Theatre of South Carolina and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Columbia Opportunity Resource.
Highlights of his career include:
- The State newspaper's 20 Under 40 List - 2011
- John Belton O'Neall Inn of Court
- Leadership Columbia
- Midlands Diversity Leaders Initiative - Riley Institute
- South Carolina Super Lawyer - Rising Star in Bonds and Government Finance Law (2012)
Notable
In November of 2014, Tushar traveled to India as part of Governor Nikki Haley's delegation of South Carolina business leaders. On January 2nd, Columbia's The State newspaper reported "Interest in Haley led to more meetings on Indian trade mission, Commerce says."
An excerpt:
The 18-member delegation of business and government officials had 90 meetings scheduled but ended up conducting about 120, S.C. Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt said....
Hitt said having the private business representatives on the trip allowed the state to reach more business prospects and do a better job in selling South Carolina.
"If you went over there with all government people, you would not give them the impression of who you really were as a business state," he said. "You want a diversity of all types of people. You only get one first impression."
Speaking & Writing
- Tushar Chikhliker Discusses the Status of Economic Development in South Carolina
May 21, 2020 - Tushar Chikhliker on Pharmaceutical and Technology Development
May 27, 2020 - Nexsen Pruet's Economic Development Attorneys Among the Best in the South
October 25, 2018 - "Local and Job Development Incentives Pass S.C. General Assembly" - Nexsen Pruet's Tushar Chikhliker part of SCEDA Legislative Team to secure expanded economic development credits
October 11, 2018 - "Growing the U.S.-India Economic Relationship"
November 9, 2017 - "Best of Economic Development in the American South"
January 25, 2016 - Economic Development Attorney Discusses Foreign Direct Investment
May 31, 2016 - "Getting more queries from Indian companies: South Carolina Department of Commerce"
May 29, 2016 - Economic Development Seminar
November 6, 2015 - S.C. Economic Developers’ Association announces 2015-16 board, officers
May 19, 2015 - "Minority Powerbrokers Q&A: Nexsen Pruet's Tushar Chikhliker"
February 23, 2015 - Nexsen Pruet Selects Diversity Scholarship Recipients
October 24, 2013 - Tushar Chikhliker Appointed to S.C. Independent Colleges and Universities Board
December 3, 2013
- Economic Development Fundamentals Seminar
April 13, 2016
- Host/Presenter, Webinar: Job Tax Credit in Tier III & IV South Carolina Counties, September 15, 2019
- Nexsen Pruet Economic Development Seminar: NC vs. SC, Presenter: South Carolina Grants, South Carolina Property Tax Incentives, November 6, 2015
- Realtors Seminar (2015) Presenter, Property Tax Basics and Incentives, Abandoned Building Revitalization and Retail Revitalization Acts - Nexsen Pruet, LLC
- "Minority Powerbrokers Q&A," Law360, February 23, 2015.
- Hard Dollars Seminar, September 6, 2013, Presenter, Program Requirements for State Grants – Nexsen Pruet, LLC.
- Greenwood Partnership Alliance Meeting, August 29, 2013, Blighted Big Boxes and Cast-Aside Construction: A Look at SC’s Retail Facilities and Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Acts.
- Legislative Update Seminar, June 21, 2013, Presenter, A Comparison of South Carolina vs. North Carolina Incentives – Nexsen Pruet, LLC.
- State Economic Development Incentives for the Agribusiness Industry, November 2, 2012, Presenter, FILOTs and MCBPs for Agribusiness – Palmetto Agribusiness Council.
- What You Need to Know to Help Your Company Succeed, October 17, 2012, Presenter, State and Local Incentives for Existing Industries in South Carolina – Association of Corporate Counsel, South Carolina Chapter.
- Incentives for Real Estate Developers: Commercial, Retail, Tourism, Multi-Family, October 5, 2012, Presenter, Closed Big Box/Textile Mills Revitalization Credits and Fee-in-Lieu/Multi-County Business Parks – Nexsen Pruet, LLC.
- SC Clean Energy Summit, July 18, 2012, Presenter, Alternative Energy State Tax Incentives – South Carolina Clean Energy Business Alliance.
- Selected Issues Regarding Spec Industrial Parks and Mega Sites, June 8, 2012, Presenter, Fee-in-Lieu and Spec Industrial Parks - Nexsen Pruet, LLC.
- Newbie Seminar, December 1, 2011, Presenter, Property Tax Basics and Incentives – Nexsen Pruet, LLC.
- Economic Development and Legislative Update Seminar, June 24, 2011, Presenter, MCBP – Advanced Issues – Nexsen Pruet, LLC.
- SC Journal of International Law & Business Symposium, February 25, 2011, Presenter, A Company Perspective: Common SC Economic Development Incentives – USC School of Law.
- SCATT Academy, February 3, 2011, Presenter, FILOTs and MCBPs – South Carolina Association of Auditors, Treasurers, & Tax Collectors.
- Economic Development School, July 1, 2010, Presenter, Economic Development and Tax Update – Nexsen Pruet, LLC.
- Project Finance: Financing the $10 Million - $15 Million Manufacturing Warehouse and Distribution Facility, April 21, 2010, Presenter, New Markets Tax Credit Financing – Nexsen Pruet, LLC.
Outside Nexsen Pruet
Tushar has always valued balance in his life. In addition to putting in time at the gym, he spends most of his free time at city parks, Riverbanks Zoo, EdVenture Children’s Museum, or anywhere else he and his wife’s toddler twins might find exciting.
Meaningful service to his community has been a hallmark of Tushar’s professional life. He presently serves on the Board of Trustees of the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities and the Board of Directors of Harvest Hope Food Bank. Tushar also actively supports his undergraduate alma mater, the University of South Carolina, by serving on its Partnership Board for the Department of Political Science and as a University Associate. He has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Workshop Theatre of South Carolina and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR). Tushar is also a graduate of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Columbia program, is a member of the Leadership Columbia Alumni Association, and has served on the Leadership Columbia Committee as the Chair of its Economic Development Day subcommittee.
Tushar has also spent significant time making his neighborhood a better place by previously serving as a member of the Shandon Neighborhood Council and the Race Director for the Shandon Turkey Trot, a neighborhood 8K that raises money for neighborhood projects.
