S.C. Department of Commerce Office of Innovation to launch Pen to Paper Tour
January 16, 2019
Statewide tour aims to connect the innovation community
The S.C. Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation announced a Pen to Paper Tour of various innovation and incubator locations across the state. With six dates already scheduled, the tour will allow the Office of Innovation staff to connect with local members of the state’s innovation ecosystem through pre-scheduled, full-day visits.
“We know innovation doesn’t happen in a single office, single building or even with a single person. It takes connections and collaboration,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “It’s this notion that inspired the Office of Innovation’s Pen to Paper Tour, and I know that our staff looks forward to connecting with entrepreneurs and innovators from across the state.”
Community members are invited to coordinate individual meetings or can simply drop by the locations to discuss their ideas, share what they’re working on or obtain information regarding statewide resources. Each visit will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the scheduled day.
Although additional dates will be scheduled in the coming weeks, the following Pen to Paper Tour stops have been confirmed:
- January 28, 2019: Gould Incubator in Florence, S.C.
- February 11, 2019: bGEN Incubator in Gaffney, S.C.
- February 25, 2019: Spark Center S.C. in Spartanburg, S.C.
- March 11, 2019: S.C. Women’s Business Center at Columbia College in Columbia, S.C.
- March 25, 2019: Clemson University Center for Automotive Research in Greenville, S.C.
Those looking for more information on the Pen to Paper Tour or seeking to schedule a visit from a member of the Office of Innovation staff are encouraged to contact the office’s director, Laura Corder, at [email protected].
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State ranked No. 1 in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis in 2018 — extending its streak of top three finishes since 2011. Additionally, in five of seven years, the state has won the Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine; and, in 2017, the state was recognized as Business Facilities’ State of the Year. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
