South Carolina Rural Summit Scheduled for March 7 – 9

COLUMBIA, SC – February 12, 2010 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce has scheduled the 20th annual South Carolina Rural Summit for March 7-9, 2010.  This year’s summit will build on the long-standing tradition of educating local leaders on innovative practices of rural economic development and growth.

During its 20 year history, the South Carolina Rural Summit has provided more than 6,000 rural leaders with information on the best practices regarding issues ranging from improving the business climate to addressing infrastructure needs. These best practices help local leaders overcome many of the challenges small, rural communities face.

Some of the most highly rated speakers from past summits have been invited to return for the 20th anniversary.  Topics to be presented this year include:

• “Downtown Business Attraction” – Knowing the “tricks of the trade” when recruiting retail and small businesses to downtown business districts will increase a community’s rate of success. Summit attendees will be exposed to creative methods used by communities of all sizes to fill vacant retail space in the downtown area.
• “Downtown Revitalization” – Having a vibrant and attractive downtown is a valuable asset when attracting “mom and pop” businesses or large industry to a community.  Presenters from one rural South Carolina community will share the impact downtown revitalization has had on their once dying downtown and the creative funding methods used to achieve the community’s goals.
• “Workforce in Today’s Economy” – More than ever before, having a skilled and trained workforce is crucial to any community’s economic development success.  As the economy recovers, businesses will be looking to locate or expand in communities where a readied workforce will help them produce products quickly, efficiently and profitably. Conference attendees will learn about current and future workforce initiatives, incentives and opportunities that will help expedite their local workforce’s readiness.
•  “Economic Development Headlines Not Making the Front Page” – Even in current economic conditions, communities across South Carolina are experiencing economic development successes that never make the front page in local, regional or state newspapers.  Leaders from across the state will hear firsthand about the many success stories from recent development efforts and be challenged for preparing their communities for future opportunities.

To register for the 20th S.C. Rural Summit and stay informed on agenda updates, please visit:

www.sccommerce.com/resources/conferences-events/sc-rural-summit.