Greenville Business Magazine 2010 May issue : Page 22
Approach Changing our BY UPSTATE SC ALLIANCE 2010 CHAIRMAN GEORGE ACKER PHOTOGRAPH BY COMMERCIAL IMAGING Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach Approach
>>quarterly update - Changing Our Approach
George Acker
Signs of economic recovery continue to appear across the country, even right here in South Carolina’s Upstate. Stories of improving business conditions are in the news daily, and I’m reminded of the potential our ten county region has when these opportunities arise. While the last 12-18 months have presented their challenges to our region, I see the Upstate poised and ready to take advantage of exciting developments that will follow with our national and regional economic recovery. It’s through the work of organizations such the Upstate SC Alliance that we can seek these opportunities.
Visibility is and will remain a key component in pursuing economic development opportunities for the Upstate.
In looking at ways to better market this community, it was determined to introduce a new logo that clearly positions this region and to revamp the web site. The web site is the window to the community and helps to make the business case on what makes this region so unique.
In addition to an updated web site with its enhanced tools, the Upstate SC Alliance’s refreshed logo allows the organization to be clearly identifiable with South Carolina. Standing out and being visible is the key in this highly competitive game of recruiting new investment to a location whether through a relocation project or business expansion.
The Alliance has also placed stronger emphasis on business development going forward by hiring another person to call on businesses and sharing the story of Upstate SC. The new business development coordinator has the important task of reaching out to prospective businesses and communicating with companies why this region is a perfect location.
The Alliance remains busy behind the scenes as well. The target industry study completed late last year allows the Alliance an opportunity to focus on industry sectors that have a presence in the Upstate. The study showed that advanced materials, automotive, biosciences and energy are four sectors that the Upstate SC Alliance, in working with the public and private sector, can capitalize off of to create new jobs and trigger new business investments in the northwest corner of South Carolina.
As you can see, the region’s marketing and branding organization is not sitting on the sidelines waiting. The Upstate SC Alliance is taking the necessary steps to position this region to succeed and working extremely hard tell the world that the Upstate is conducive for businesses to flourish.
As the Upstate SC Alliance continues to market our region, the need for existing community leaders to show their commitment to the region becomes increasingly important. Many members of the Upstate community have answered the call to do just that. This year the Upstate SC Alliance has welcomed the addition of four new members to its executive committee — two of whom are from the public sector. The expansion of this committee to nine members will not only benefit the organization but the expertise from these individuals will be invaluable in leading our region from recession to resurgence.
We are very fortunate to have committed business leaders in the Upstate who have a passion for developing professional relationships and supporting economic development. Pursuing new business opportunities in the coming months will reinforce what many of us already know; the Upstate is ready and willing to cater to the needs of the business community. I encourage all members of the Upstate business community to find out more about the Upstate SC Alliance and help promote the region we’re proud to call home. By working together, as one Upstate South Carolina region, we can ensure future economic prosperity and vitality.
George Acker is southern region director of government and community relations for Duke Energy. An Upstate citizen for 27 years, Acker is chairman of the Upstate SC Alliance’s executive committee. The Upstate SC Alliance is a public/private regional economic development organization designed to market the 10 counties in South Carolina’s upstate region. Additional information is available through the Alliance’s web site, www.upstatealliance.com.
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