S.C. Department of Commerce Brings BuySC Into its Business Services Department

March 17, 2009

Program helps connect businesses with other in-state companies and suppliers
 
COLUMBIA, SC – March 17, 2009 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Technical College System are pleased to announce the transfer of BuySC, a South Carolina supplier locater service, to the Business Services Division at the South Carolina Department of Commerce. 

BuySC is a product, material and service locator initiative designed to help new and existing South Carolina companies connect with South Carolina vendors and suppliers.  The program utilizes the resource information from the Department of Commerce, the Technical College System, economic development allies and Harris InfoSource and Dun & Bradstreet® databases to match company needs with in-state resources.

While it is purchaser-oriented, BuySC relies on extensive knowledge of the state’s existing supply chains to best serve company needs. The Department of Commerce utilizes a variety of databases, industry-oriented organizations and continual company contact with new and existing businesses to track supplier opportunities.  BuySC also works in concert with the S.C. Chamber of Commerce, which receives many in-state supplier inquiries. 

“One of the best ways to create and preserve jobs and spur economic activity in South Carolina is to introduce existing companies with in-state suppliers and vendors.  BuySC accomplishes this goal by connecting companies, creating new synergies among our own South Carolina companies and helping businesses reduce costs.  This is an important program and one that complements our current efforts.  We are happy that Dr. Russell chose to entrust the Department of Commerce with this initiative,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“The Technical College System has been extremely involved in assisting the state’s new and existing business communities through the readySC™ program and through our colleges’ continuing education and credit courses.  Due to the tremendous funding cuts we’ve experienced this fiscal year, the System was forced to take a discriminating look at the services we offer. We were very fortunate to work with Commerce to continue the valuable BuySC program that allows South Carolina companies to enhance and expand in-state supplier development,” said Barry Russell, president of the S.C. Technical College System.

For more information, to find a local supplier or to let the Department of Commerce know about your capabilities, please contact Chuck Bundy, manager of the business services department at the S.C. Department of Commerce, at [email protected] or 803-737-0440.     


About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agent, the Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new businesses and jobs and help existing businesses grow.  In 2008 Commerce recruited a record 18,993 new jobs and $4.17 billion in capital investment.  Many well-known names and world-class companies chose to invest in South Carolina during 2008, some of which include: Target Corp., Home Depot, Heinz, Monster, American Titanium Works, BMW, Michelin and URS Corp. Commerce also assists companies in locating buildings and sites in which to operate, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements and provides tools to enhance workforce skills.  For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.