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GADC Adds Tony Smith to Economic Development Recruiting Team

GREENVILLE COUNTY, SC – August 25, 2008 – The Greenville Area Development Corporation, the county-chartered organization tasked with promoting and enhancing the economic growth of Greenville County, has announced that Anthony “Tony” Smith has joined the organization as project manager.

Smith joins the GADC team from the South Carolina Department of Commerce (SCDOC), where he served as Senior Manager of private finance and equity, and Director of Private Sector Finance, since joining the SCDOC in 1999. Among his numerous accomplishments with SCDOC were his management of South Carolina’s $50 million legislative initiative that created the state’s Venture Capital Investment Authority, and establishment of reporting requirements for the state’s Capital Access Program.

Smith also has assisted economic development projects requiring financial assistance for SCDOC that resulted in announcements of more than $255 million in capital investment and the addition of greater than 1,100 announced jobs to the state’s workforce during his tenure.

Prior to his SC Department of Commerce responsibilities, Smith held various management positions with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

Among Smith’s professional involvements are board positions with the Certified Development Corporation of South Carolina and the South Carolina Investor Network. He has been an active member of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, and a past executive committee member of InnoVenture.

Smith holds both Bachelor’s and Masters degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University.

In his project management role, Smith will market to and work with existing and prospective new businesses in Greenville County; help in the development of short and long range economic development plans and strategies; gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies and reports; and collaborate with other economic development agencies.

His additional responsibilities will include serving as the GADC’s lead recruiter for Life Sciences Industry organizations, leading life sciences cluster initiatives and serving as an expert resource. Smith will also assume the role of project finance officer, advising GADC staff on methods of financing for capital-seeking clients, maintaining knowledge of financing resources, and fostering industry relationships to better support high-growth companies with capital needs.

“Tony is extremely knowledgeable about the state and Greenville County, and will play an important, participative role in helping attract quality jobs to this area,” said Jay Rogers, Chairman of the Board of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “His experience in global recruiting initiatives, coupled with his deep expertise and connections in the life sciences and finance and lending arenas, will deepen the capabilities of the GADC team in those areas. Coupled with his experience working with entrepreneurial, high-growth companies, particularly in the technology arena, the GADC will be even better positioned to pursue better jobs and a brighter future for this area.”

For additional information on the Greenville Area Development Corporation, visit them on the web at www.GoGADC.com or call 864.235.2008.

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The Greenville Area Development Corporation is a non-profit organization established by Greenville County Council to promote and enhance the economic growth and development of Greenville County. For additional information, visit them on the web at www.GoGADC.com or call (864) 235-2008.