Cities getting creative with economic development strategies

With the uptick in the economy, we are seeing increasing growth and economic activity in South Carolina’s cities and towns. Take a look at the summer issue of Cities Mean Business magazine that focuses on how several cities are creatively growing their local economy.

Tried and true approaches to economic development are changing and new strategies are showing results. Read about how Anderson, Hartsville and Greenwood are building on their strengths using creative tactics.

Recreation and leisure activities can be a critical part of a city’s quality of life. Find out how Pickens, Easley, Walhalla, Greenville, Travelers Rest, Eutawville and North Augusta are using trails to bolster tourism and business growth.

From a bustling urban downtown park to a quiet place to sit and take in nature, city parks also shore of the quality of life in our cities and towns. Walterboro, Greenville and Charleston are finding that passive parks give people places gather and connect.

A common theme we hear more and more these days is the idea that people want to engage more in their community. Learn about the concept of “placemaking” and how cities are working to create and sustain public places to build stronger communities.

In each issue, we feature a guest columnist from an organization that works closely with South Carolina cities and towns. Ted Pitts, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, shares his insights on why cities and towns are big part of our state's growing economy. 

Cities Mean Business is the Municipal Association's bi-annual magazine published as an insert in SC Biz magazine in its spring and fall issues. Read it online now or get a copy in the upcoming issue of SC Biz.