Cities Mean Business magazine spotlights economic development in SC cities and towns

The latest issue of the Association’s Cities Mean Business magazine is out and is in the hands of the 15,000+ subscribers of SC Biz magazine.

Twice a year, the Association partners with SC Biz to publish Cities Mean Business as a way to showcase some of the many ways SC cities and towns contribute to the state’s economic success.

In this issue, read (p. 6) about how boutique hotels in Florence, Anderson and Beaufort are contributing to the increasingly lively activity in these downtowns. And the best part is…all three hotels are owned by local entrepreneurs.

Food may not be the first thing you think of when talking about community redevelopment, but in Spartanburg, Easley and Greenville, local leaders understand that easy access to healthy food is critical to underserved neighborhoods. Read about (p. 9) how these cities are supporting collaborations that include farmers markets, a vegetable truck that mirrors the concept of an ice cream truck and job training opportunities.

Local chamber executives talk in this issue (p. 10) about the importance of the partnerships between their city and local businesses. Chamber execs from Fountain Inn, Myrtle Beach and Clinton discuss the mutually beneficial relationships that help these cities solve problems collectively.

In many cities, blighted and environmentally contaminated property can sit vacant for many years causing public health concerns and eyesores. Learn about how Edisto Beach, Rock Hill and Greenwood have used brownfields loans from the EPA and DHEC to transform these derelict properties into vibrant redevelopments.

Finally, hear from (p. 13) the president of the SC Economic Developers Association, Jeff Ruble, who discusses the important benefits of a collaborative economic development strategy for the state to support a diverse business landscape.