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Upstate SC Alliance Kicks Off Six Month Target Industry Study

Upstate South Carolina’s economic development efforts in 2008 brought the region $2.019 billion in capital investment and more than 6,000 new jobs – and the future looks even brighter. Upstate SC Alliance is leading the way to further economic growth undertaking 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.”

During the project’s first phase, the consulting team will conduct an in-depth 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 Upstate SC 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.”

“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 SC Alliance president and chief executive officer. “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.”

A dedicated Web site has been created for the project at www.upstatetargetstrategy.com with additional information about the undertaking and its progress.

The consulting team consists of three national consulting firms that specialize in corporate site selection, industry analysis, strategic planning and marketing.

The team includes:

•Avalanche Consulting, Inc.
Project Role: Project Management, Marketing Strategies
Avalanche Consulting is a strategic planning firm specializing in place marketing. The firm's principal, Amy Holloway, has 15 years of experience creating economic development and marketing plans for communities across North America and Europe. Past clients include Upstate South Carolina, Team Texas, Metro Orlando, the Portuguese Trade Office, CzechInvest, and Coahuilla, Mexico, among others. For more information, log on to: www.avalancheconsulting.com.

•McCallum Sweeney Consulting
Project Role: Competitive Assessment
McCallum Sweeney Consulting (MSC) provides site selection, incentive negotiation and economic development consulting services to leading companies and organizations worldwide. MSC brings experience, commitment, integrity and leading edge technology to clients, helping them make the best and most informed location decisions. MSC is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. More information is available at: www.mccallumsweeney.com.

•Greyhill Advisors LLC
Project Role: Economic and Industry Analysis
Mr. Ben Loftsgaarden, Principal of Greyhill Advisors, has managed complex consulting engagements in the economic development, workforce development and site selection sectors for the past six years. Prior to this, Loftsgaarden worked as a consultant engineer in the energy industry at Schlumberger Ltd. He is a noted expert and national speaker on the topic of alternative energy.