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More than 50 complete 2016 South Carolina Economic Development Institute

Program concludes its 26th year with session and graduation ceremony in McCormick County

COLUMBIA, S.C. – More than 50 local leaders and economic development professionals from across South Carolina have completed the 2016 South Carolina Economic Development Institute (Institute). Institute attendees received Certificates of Completion during the final day of the 2016 Institute held on Friday, November 11 at Hickory Knob State Park in McCormick County.

The program consisted of quarterly, two-day sessions for which participants traveled to different locations throughout the state. In addition to the final session, which took place in McCormick, sessions were also held in North Charleston, Hartsville and Spartanburg. During the sessions, attendees gained insight into issues relating to: leadership and communication skills, community development, business and industrial development and product development.

The Institute is a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA).  The program emphasizes elements necessary to be competitive in today’s global economy and educates supporters of economic development on emerging trends.

“In South Carolina, we recognize that economic development is a team sport,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “So, we are we are proud to partner with our allies at SCEDA to ensure that the state’s economic development team is well-informed and equipped to bring economic growth to each and every one of our communities.”

The Institute is open to participants from a wide variety of organizations and entities, including city; town and county councils; local economic development practitioners; county economic development boards; county school boards; regional economic development boards; utility companies; and local and state government employees.

“For 26 years, the Institute has been a tremendous tool for the economic development community in South Carolina,” said SCEDA President Nelson Lindsay. “Each year, participants are able to strengthen relationships with their counterparts and allies across the state, while learning all the latest industrial trends, as well as best practices related to community and economic development.”

On February 12, the program will begin its 27th year as the 2017 Institute kicks-off with a leadership and communications session in North Charleston. Subsequent sessions will take place in Greenwood, Florence and Greer. Although there is no further space available for participation in next year’s program, more information on the South Carolina Economic Development Institute can be obtained by visiting www.sceda.org or contacting SCEDA at 803-929-0305. 
 

2016 South Carolina Economic Development Institute graduates, listed alphabetically by last name:

(Click on the hyperlink for a photo of the participant) 

For photos of all participants who received a certificate of completion on November 11, please visit the S.C. Department of Commerce’s flickr page.

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