Cities and towns across the state continue to recognize “Cities Mean Business” month in February

COLUMBIA, SC – February 4, 2009 – Cities and towns across South Carolina continue to celebrate the strong relationship between hometown leaders and the business community during “Cities Mean Business” month in February. Launched last year, this campaign encourages new and stronger collaboration between local elected leaders and the business community to emphasize that strong cities are the hubs of a vibrant regional economy and the engines that help drive the state’s competitiveness.

“’Cities Mean Business’ month is a great opportunity for local leaders to show the partnerships they enjoy with their local business leaders,” said Miriam Hair, executive director of the Municipal Association. “Successful businesses are drawn to strong cities and towns with stable infrastructure, safe streets and good schools. The success of our state’s economic development efforts is directly tied to the strength of our cities and towns to provide the quality of life, services and amenities that residents and businesses demand.”

Small towns and big cities around the state are participating in “Cities Mean Business” month through different activities and recognition of the importance of business and industry to their hometowns. From opinion columns, proclamations and events recognizing local businesses, local officials and business leaders are coming together to bring awareness to regional cooperation and economic competitiveness. The Municipal Association will celebrate all of these contributions at the Hometown, SC Legislative Action Day on February 18, when local elected leaders come to Columbia to have their voices heard at the State House.

“Now, more than any time in recent history, we have public and private sector leaders around the state moving us toward a single goal of increasing our state’s competitiveness to ensure the economic well-being of our citizens,” said Greer Mayor Rick Danner, president of the Municipal Association. “Cities Mean Business month gives us a great opportunity to celebrate the importance of partnership and collaboration in these trying economic times.”

For more information about how strong cities and towns make positive contributions to the state’s economic prosperity, visit the “Cities Mean Business” Web site at www.citiesmeanbusiness.org. Check back often for updates.

The Municipal Association of South Carolina is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit Association of cities and towns dedicated to raising the standards of municipal government through a broad range of services.