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Upstate SC Alliance is launching a six-month target industry study with the support of South Carolina Power Team and AdvanceSC. The Alliance will partner with national consultants Avalanche Consulting Inc., McCallum Sweeney Consulting and Greyhill Advisors to develop a highly targeted marketing approach for the region.
GSA Daily Staff Report
Published May 11, 2009
Upstate SC Alliance is launching a six-month target industry study with the support of South Carolina Power Team and AdvanceSC. The Alliance will partner with national consultants Avalanche Consulting Inc., McCallum Sweeney Consulting and Greyhill Advisors to develop a highly targeted marketing approach for the region.
“We are excited to begin this target industry study and look forward to the valuable information it will yield for the Upstate,” said Upstate SC Alliance Chairman Leon Patterson. “By partnering with the best consultants in the business, we’re confident that we can position our region for long-term prosperity and continued economic growth.”
The Upstate Alliance reported $2.019 bill in capital investment in 2008 and more than 6,000 new jobs.
During the project’s first phase, the consulting team will conduct an assessment of the 10-county Upstate region, its industry base, strengths and challenges. With this information in hand, the team will then profile specific industry clusters that should be the target of the Upstate Alliance’s future marketing efforts.
In the second phase, the consulting team will craft specific marketing strategies for each target industry cluster, giving the Upstate region a clearer focus for its upcoming economic development initiatives.
“Taking the time to strategize during this economic downturn is certain to pay off in the long term,” said Amy Holloway, president of Avalanche Consulting. “Upstate economic development has already surpassed many regions in the U.S. and will perform even better with a more targeted marketing approach.”
A dedicated Web site has been created for the project at www.upstatetargetstrategy.com with additional information about the undertaking and its progress.
“Following a very successful year, the Alliance remains committed to ensuring that the Upstate has the vision and tools to keep this momentum going,” said Hal Johnson, Upstate Alliance president and chief executive. “This target industry study will lay the groundwork for years of focused economic development initiatives for our region. We are grateful to have the support to pursue such actionable research for the Upstate.”
Ed McCallum, a senior principal in McCallum Sweeney Consulting, said, “Hoping that investment and jobs will magically appear in the Upstate without performing the proper preparation and planning will not work. Once the economy turns around – and it will turn around – it will favor those regions who understand their position on a fiercely competitive playing field.”
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