Great question!!!
I hope this thread gets a lot of action and everyone provides their own unique insight and experience to this topic of the absence of agencies (or very few) in the Carolinas and the mystery behind it.
I can only speak from the "Provider perspective" and one who's only been in the Carolinas about a year.... I have searched high and low, asked clients, others on forums, retired providers, and everyone in between and I have yet to find ANY what I consider "good" or reputable, legit agencies....
I'm from Dallas, where there are 2 kinds of agencies --- the ones that frequently get busted for trafficking, typically exploit their workers with low pay and deplorable working conditions, and then, there are the high-end, reliable, legit agencies considered "high-end" with well-paid ladies that enjoy their work, their clients, and the environment they get to work in, with their friends, in a nice, clean establishment, and respectful, deserving gentlmeen. These agencies were often times in large houses or unsuspecting, high-end ofice buildings or spas and they also offered outcall options.
Yes, the agency takes a cut but they also handle all the screening (which is strict and thorough), the marketing, scheduling, communicating details beforehand, and providing the high-end, clean, and modern incall... And now that I'm working as an indepedent provider, handling and paying for all of that stuff myself, I believe the "cut" I paid the agency was more than fair and saved me a lot of headaches, so I could focus on the fun parts of this "work"!

ITo me, agency work seemed like a win-win for all involved-- easier for clients to find and book visits with girls they liked, more safe, consistent business for providers, and most important to me -- the opportunity to not feel alone in this crazy, sometimes isolating and confusing, industry and feel a real sense of comrodory and "family" in the work environment.
Sadly, I have found nothing even close to that out here in the Carolinas and I've struggled to even find providers to connect with. As I've heard many providers on the boards share, this way of life and business can be difficult due to social stigma and having to be careful how much you share with others.... So, it gets lonely, and I truly miss having a place to connect with other like-minded workers. Although I make more independtly, I miss having friends in the biz. The only things even close to "agencies" here are of course the AMPS and a few other shady establishments in seedy areas or strip malls with underpaid (and sadly, underage) providers that don't seem to be working there by choice. Nothing sexy about that.
Sorry to go on a tangent, but it's frustrating as someone new to the area to not have any way to really connect with other provider or work for a successful agency. I would take the opportunity in a second!
I know I didn't give a great answer to your question, but I thought I'd share the "provider's perspective" once again because it's something I've really been puzzled by since moving out this way....

The Carolinas has plenty of business, lots of gorgeous and amazing providers, and tons of money to be made and fun to be had for all involved if some reputable agencies run by decent people would only emerge... If anyone knows of one that already does and is interested in hiring a friendly, experienced, hard-working bell that loves what she does, I'd love to talk to you! Message me if you're interested or can provide me with some guidance.... thanks!
madison