Upstate SC Alliance Receives $82,500 Grant for Regional Labor Market Analysis Tool
March 26, 2013
UPSTATE, SC – March 26, 2013 – The Upstate SC Alliance is pleased to announce the Duke Energy Foundation has awarded The Upstate South Carolina Educational Foundation a grant of $82,500 over four years. This grant will allow the Upstate SC Alliance to purchase a subscription to Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI) for customizable labor market data for the region. This grant follows closely on the heels of a previously announced sponsorship from the South Carolina Power Team in support of this effort.
“We are fortunate to have strong partners such as Duke Energy who recognize the value of our mission,” said Hal Johnson, president and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance. “By offering a high-quality product such as EMSI, the Upstate SC Alliance will be more credible in its marketing efforts. This helps us stand apart as a top-tier provider and ultimately bring more projects to the region.”
In 2012, the region’s local economic developers expressed an urgent need for updated labor market information for the region. In response, the Upstate SC Alliance has been working to identify a solution for both present and future data needs.
“At Duke Energy, we understand how important it is to have the most accurate labor force information available,” said Steve West, Duke Energy economic development manager. “EMSI will help the Upstate be more successful at recruiting industry and preparing the workforce of the future.”
“Access to a high-quality workforce is the number one deciding factor cited by most projects looking to relocate or expand in the Upstate,” West said. “Our partnership with the Upstate SC Alliance and other regional organizations is key to giving this region a competitive edge for continued success in economic development.”
About the Upstate SC Alliance
The Upstate SC Alliance is a public/private regional economic development organization designed to market and brand the Upstate of South Carolina. The Upstate represent the commerce-rich northwestern corner of South Carolina, including the I-85 corridor and the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson metropolitan area. Additional information is available through the Alliance’s web site, www.upstateSCalliance.com.
