Spotlight on cities' economic development successes

There are lots of great things going on in economic development all over the state. The October issue of Uptown focuses on several exciting success stories in cities of all sizes.

Boutique hotels are becoming an important anchor in many cities. Local entrepreneurs in Florence, Anderson and Beaufort are bringing locals and tourists alike to these downtowns.

We so often hear that economic development is a team sport. In Hartsville, the team consists of public and private partners such as Coker College, Darlington County, the local chamber of commerce, the Main Street program, the Duke Energy Center for Innovation and the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics.

The state’s largest cities are increasingly becoming anchors for the economic success of surrounding cities and towns. Greenville, Columbia and Charleston are all sparking new investment and economic activity in surrounding communities such as Travelers Rest, Cayce and Mt. Pleasant.

Economic development experts always encourage communities to find their niche and exploit it. Pickens, Fountain Inn and Fort Mill are great examples of doing just this.

Read about these cities’ economic development success stories plus learn more about the Department of Commerce’s “Just Right” campaign that is promoting the whole state as a great place for business and industry.