SC Department of Commerce unveils “Launch to Legacy” brand

New identity reinforces South Carolina’s commitment to companies’ long-term success

In fulfilling its vision of embracing the future to ensure South Carolina’s sustainable advantage, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) unveiled its new agency brand and tagline, “Launch to Legacy,” to support industry recruitment and retention.

Building on South Carolina’s multi-decade track record of economic development success and proven ability to help companies thrive in a time of transformation, the new brand is designed to speak to S.C. Commerce and the state’s commitment to support businesses for long-term success.

The “Launch to Legacy” brand leverages three core elements:

• When you invest in South Carolina, you grow – as a business, a person and community.
• South Carolina is built for the new economy – people can work where they love.
• South Carolina is the new home and headquarters of American innovation.

Together with a South Carolina-based advertising agency, S.C. Commerce undertook a strategic and methodical process for creating the “Launch to Legacy” brand. The process, which took place over the last year and a half, included qualitative and quantitative research with more than 500 in-state, domestic and international stakeholders to:

• Understand current perceptions of the state and what it means to do business here.
• Identify selling points that differentiate South Carolina from its competitors across the Southeast and the nation.

“With a nod to the state’s heritage, an eye toward the future and a spirit of embracing innovation, the ‘Launch to Legacy’ brand positions South Carolina to carry out our vision and strategic priorities. The messaging and reimagined logo reinforce our commitment to business as we continue to compete globally while building a high-tech, diverse, sustainable economy,” said South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.

Publicly announced during the state’s first ever Governor’s Economic Summit, the “Launch to Legacy” tagline is also being used to propel a full-scale media campaign targeting corporate decision-makers. Told through the perspective of some of the state’s CEOs, the media campaign will reinforce that South Carolina has everything companies need from launch to legacy.

To learn more about the “Launch to Legacy” brand, including the brand introduction video, visit www.sclaunchtolegacy.com.

Watch the “Launch to Legacy” brand announcement video:

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 has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.