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South Carolina consortium pursues federal designation as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub for advanced energy

The effort seeks to strengthen the availability, resiliency, and security of advanced energy in SC and beyond

COLUMBIA, S.C. – On behalf of the Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC Nexus), the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) applied today for designation as one of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) 20 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs). SC Nexus represents a broad consortium which includes institutions of higher education, technical colleges, numerous state agencies, the Savannah River National Laboratory, economic development alliances and private companies, including electric utilities.

If selected as one of the Tech Hubs, SC Nexus will be eligible to apply for funding made available through the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which authorized $10 billion over five years for the Tech Hubs effort.

SC Nexus’ selected technology focus is Advanced Resilient Energy. Its defined geography consists of the Midlands and Upstate regions encompassing the Metropolitan Statistical Areas of Greenville-Anderson, Spartanburg and Columbia, as well as surrounding counties such as Aiken and Orangeburg. (Please see the map below.) Additionally, this area covers more than 60 percent of the state’s distressed counties. While activity will be concentrated within this defined geography, the impacts will cascade across the region, state and the Southeastern U.S., benefiting rural and underserved communities.

SC Nexus’ work will target innovation and efforts geared toward enhancing energy generation, distribution and storage, which will result in the:

Development of deployable and exportable electricity technologies that accelerate manufacturing of energy components and materials, innovate new battery technologies, and efficiently integrate advanced electricity sources into the grid.
Acceleration of high-quality job growth for a diverse workforce, with multiple education and training pathways through South Carolina’s broad education ecosystem.
Closure of infrastructure gaps in rural and distressed communities.
Enhancement of South Carolina’s ability to play a key role advancing the country’s competitiveness in the development and integration of globally leading electric-power technologies.

Pursuing the Tech Hubs designation is in line with Governor Henry McMaster’s Executive Order 2023-18, designed to secure South Carolina’s energy future. Related efforts will complement and reinforce the work of powerSC, which the executive order established. Additionally, SC Nexus has garnered support from South Carolina’s entire federal legislative delegation, as well as key leaders from the South Carolina House and Senate.

“Securing sustained, long-term growth and opportunities for our citizens begins today. Doing so requires a collaborative approach and a commitment to advancing the capabilities of energy in our state,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “SC Nexus provides the perfect combination of innovation, partnership and vision necessary to make South Carolina a national and global leader in advanced energy.”

A public and private consortium, led by S.C. Commerce, SC Nexus currently consists of more than 35 members including seven core members. In addition to S.C. Commerce, the initial, core members are:

Clemson University
Savannah River National Laboratory
South Carolina Council on Competitiveness
South Carolina State University
SC Technical College System
University of South Carolina

The Tech Hubs application window closes Aug. 15, 2023, and the EDA is expected to announce Tech Hub designations in the fall of this year. SC Nexus has conducted and will continue to conduct consortium meetings to prepare for a possible designation and beyond.

QUOTES

“The advancement of energy research and workforce development are growing global needs in which Clemson University has demonstrated a deep commitment to the state of South Carolina and beyond. As a core member of SC Nexus, we are thrilled to collaborate with partners across our state and combine our areas of expertise in an effort to elevate the lives of citizens of South Carolina and communities around the world.”

-Jim Clements, President, Clemson University

“We are proud to be a part of SC Nexus solving some of the most challenging problems in advanced energy to help secure a sustainable energy future.”

-Vahid Majidi, Laboratory Director, Savannah River National Laboratory

“SC Competes is excited to be part of SC Nexus, designed to build a sustainable energy ecosystem to position South Carolina as a global model for powering industry and society for generations to come. SC Nexus will fuel historic and innovative R&D investments and enhance targeted partnerships with academics and industry to boost national security and sharpen our state’s technology and manufacturing edge.”

-Susie Shannon, President and CEO, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness

“South Carolina State University’s nuclear engineering, mechatronics engineering and cybersecurity degree programs are prime examples of how our faculty and students fit into this essential endeavor. We are proud to contribute the experience and expertise on the SC State campus necessary to power the industry of tomorrow in South Carolina, and we are grateful for the opportunity SC Nexus has afforded this coalition.”

-Alexander Conyers, President, South Carolina State University

“As the state’s most extensive higher education system, the SC Technical College System plays a vital role in building the foundation of South Carolina’s workforce. We are committed to leveraging our strategically placed colleges and nationally renowned statewide programs to support SC Nexus. We aim to create a talent pipeline that is highly skilled and ready to contribute to a sector devoted to global, resilient, and sustainable energy and power innovation.”

-Tim Hardee, President, SC Technical College System

“We are proud to stand with S.C. Commerce and the incredible consortium we are building in support of SC Nexus. The proposed tech hub gives us a unique opportunity to establish South Carolina as a global leader in energy, create new jobs, build new technologies, recruit new industries and secure our energy future.”

-Michael Amiridis, President, University of South Carolina

FIVE FAST FACTS

On behalf of SC Nexus, S.C. Commerce applied for designation as one of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) 20 Regional Tech Hubs.

If designated as a Tech Hub, SC Nexus will be eligible to apply for substantial federal grant funding.

SC Nexus will target innovation and efforts geared toward enhancing energy generation, distribution and storage technologies.

Tech Hub designations will be announced this fall.

SC Nexus’ defined geography includes portions of the Upstate, the Midlands and surrounding counties. See below. The Distressed Communities Index is a federally established designation.

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.

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NIWC Atlantic Updates State Leaders on Partnership with Savannah River Site

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Leaders from Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic, the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (DOE-SR) and the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) briefed state stakeholders on May 30 regarding their ongoing efforts to collaborate in science and technology fields that may significantly enhance national security.

The purpose of the engagement was to brief Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C. 2nd Congressional District — which includes the DOE-SR and SRNL campuses — as well as staff from most of South Carolina’s seven congressional districts and a representative from Sen. Tim Scott’s office.

Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the Adjutant General and head of the South Carolina Military Department, attended on behalf of the South Carolina National Guard.

It was the first official meeting between NIWC Atlantic and DOE-SR since both signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) in March, with SRNL acting as DOE-SR’s designated agent.

The MOA aims to develop cooperative training, testing and experimentation to enhance research and development (R&D) efforts in fields like electromagnetic warfare, cybersecurity, spectrum operations and autonomous systems.

During the event, NIWC Atlantic leaders discussed the current strategic environment, stressing the urgency many feel in the military for enabling speed-to-capability solutions for the warfighter. They said building strong relationships spawned by the MOA and other initiatives, including the command’s Palmetto Tech Bridge, is a key to success as well as using the full range of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and non-FAR procurement authorities to leverage the resources and expertise available across multiple federal and state agencies, academia and the private sector.

“As new partners, DOE-SR and SRNL are opening up many channels of collaboration and brainstorming opportunities that can help support our mission to deliver the best and most relevant capabilities to our warfighters,” Nicole Nigro, NIWC Atlantic commanding officer, said following the event. “One exciting example involves DOE-SR’s testing capabilities in the area of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects.”

Another emphasis during the meeting was workforce development. NIWC Atlantic leaders said it was critical to develop a deep bench of talented cyber-savvy engineers and scientists in the Southeast region working across government, commercial industry, academic and research institutions, nonprofit organizations and other entities to keep networks and infrastructure safe, secure and resilient.

Erik Gardner, director of the Palmetto Tech Bridge at NIWC Atlantic, called it a “whole of nation” approach that should support both naval information warfare as well as the country’s overall and concerted efforts to achieve a competitive advantage over its pacing threats.

The meeting concluded with the overwhelming sense among those in attendance that America faces a challenging and unprecedented information environment, requiring a clear-eyed understanding of the criticality R&D collaborations can forge between the Department of Defense and other federal and state organizations like DOE-SR, SRNL and the South Carolina National Guard’s 125th Cyber Protection Battalion.

About NIWC Atlantic

As a part of Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, NIWC Atlantic provides systems engineering and acquisition to deliver information warfare capabilities to the naval, joint and national warfighter through the acquisition, development, integration, production, test, deployment, and sustainment of interoperable command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, cyber and information technology capabilities. Learn more at www.niwcatlantic.navy.mil.

About SRNL

Savannah River National Laboratory is a multi-program Federally Funded Research and Development Center that’s managed and operated by Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA) for the United States Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management. SRNL puts science to work to protect the nation by providing practical, cost-effective solutions to the nation’s environmental, nuclear security, nuclear materials management, and energy security challenges, Learn more at https://srnl.doe.gov/.

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Sisters Find Success in Denmark Tech Cybersecurity Program

DENMARK, SC – Three sisters are making their dreams of a career in IT reality and helping to change the face of cybersecurity through a unique opportunity at Denmark Technical College. Tanya Martino, Tongie Martino, and Tonia Martino Governor are 2023 workforce development graduates from the Fusion Cyber Virtual RMF Bootcamp and are preparing to test for their Security+ industry credentials.
 
The newly minted program is part of the four-way public-private partnership between Denmark Technical College, Fusion Cyber, Capital Business Development Association (CBDA) and Cisco aimed at promoting diversity in the cybersecurity industry.  

The sisters are all HBCU graduates from Denmark Tech and Voorhees University and have worked in a variety of fields, including education, healthcare and finance, before setting their sights on a career in cybersecurity. 

“One day I stumbled across a YouTube video about cybersecurity, and it was saying how there were a lot of opportunities in this field and how so many jobs were vacant. That’s what got me excited about cybersecurity. I started talking to a friend who was already in the industry, and every time he would tell me a little bit more of how I could get into cybersecurity. When he found out about this program, I was like, okay, this was actually meant for me, right? It was actually meant for me to be in this program,” said Tongie Martino.

From there, Tongie set out to get her sisters hooked on the idea of a cybersecurity career change too.

“Tongie was talking about it every day, from sunup to sundown. She was talking about how she can get into cybersecurity and all these things that she’s going to be able to do with her cybersecurity salary. She would talk about where she’s going to work and how she’ll have to study to pass the certification. It must have planted a seed. So, I decided hey, I’ll try it, if I get in, I get in and if I don’t, then I know that it wasn’t for me. I happened to get in,” said Tanya Martino.

All three sisters started the cohort last July and quickly started learning.

“The program is very fast paced, so one of the challenges for me has been to keep up with everything. I’m a special education teacher in a general education classroom, which means I’m teaching 107 students a day with 90-minute classes, but I’ve been able to find a balance and make it work,” said Tanya Martino. 

“I work for a company that has some ties to cybersecurity, so it was kind of exciting to come to work and know a lot more than what I did. By taking a chance and studying for ten months, I really have acquired a lot of knowledge,” added Governor.
 
The sisters participated in the Denmark Technical College spring graduation ceremony and wrapped classes last week. 

“It was a proud moment for me to attend the graduation at Denmark Technical College and watch four of our graduates receive their certificates. The fact that three of them were sisters was even more gratifying. As part of Cisco’s on-going commitment to social justice and workforce development, we hope to be able to continue to extend the opportunity to enter the exciting field of cybersecurity to underrepresented communities,” said Scott McGregor, Director, Social Justice Action Office, Cisco. 
 
“Up next is to buckle down and pass the Security+ test. Cybersecurity really spans every industry, so from there, I’ll be looking at the doors this program has opened for me. I feel this program has prepared me for an amazing career in cybersecurity and I’m looking forward to a new beginning,” said Governor. 

“I’m really excited to see the success the students are having. When we designed the program, one of our goals was to diversify cybersecurity by removing barriers and providing high-level training for mid-career workers. The Martino sisters are really at the heart of what this movement is all about,” added Christopher Etesse, founder and CEO of Fusion Cyber.

The program, which launched last summer, has several cohorts of a 24-week version of the course schedule that will meet two evenings a week virtually and has a for-credit associate degree in cybersecurity with Denmark Technical College starting in August. 

SC Tech, the statewide technology and cybersecurity industry cluster housed within the SC Council on Competitiveness, reported the number of tech firms in South Carolina has grown 254% since 2000. With the exponential growth of cybersecurity and the influx of South Carolina technology based businesses, the bootcamp couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Fusion Cyber Bootcamp is helping increase opportunities and enabling new pathways for a diverse group of people who are now ready to pursue a fantastic career with 75% higher wages than the state average in a field that is essential to our personal, corporate and national security,” remarked SC Tech’s Director, Kim Christ. 
    
“I strongly encourage anyone who has the interest to come and learn more about this amazing opportunity. Denmark Technical College has been thrilled with the preliminary results of the partnership. We are churning out graduates that will become leaders in the charge to diversify the technology industry. The generous scholarships provided by CBDA, Fusion Cyber and Cisco allow us to bring the program to students who may not otherwise be afforded the opportunity,” said Willie L. Todd, Jr., Ph.D., president and CEO of Denmark Technical College.

“I’m so proud that I can be a representation of African American women. I want them to know that the opportunity is out there and all it takes is just a little bit of dedication, a little bit of hard work and they can do it too,” added Tongie Martino. 
    
Denmark Technical College is currently filling seats for the July 2023 24-week Fusion Cyber RMF Boot Camp. Interested individuals should fill out the cyber career survey at https://denmark.fusioncyber.co/survey-form/ today.   

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About Capital Business Development Association – Capital Business Development Association is a Virginia registered, federally tax-exempt educational 501(c)3 that focuses exclusively on supporting s government contractors in identifying opportunities and executing work in federal, state, and local markets. CBDA members represent various companies ranging from the largest systems integrators to small businesses, across all socio-economic categories. Their programs bring together government procurement and business leaders, match companies with similar capabilities to pursue opportunities, foster winning business partnerships, and sponsor activities to promote information and intelligence sharing.     
    
About Denmark Technical College – Denmark Technical College is a two-year HBCU in rural Bamberg County, South Carolina. Denmark Tech serves over 700 students with a focus on technical career training, associate degrees, and a four-year college transfer program. Additional information about Denmark Tech can be found at www.denmarktech.edu.   
    
About Fusion Cyber – Fusion Cyber is a leading cybersecurity education and services agency based in Washington, D.C, with the mission to educate diverse groups of learners from varying backgrounds, building a generational impact for their families while protecting businesses and the country. Their services provide leading cybersecurity risk management framework professionals that are committed to helping organizations assess risk, build resilience, defeat attacks, avoid hack vectors, and stay ahead of technological and legal policy. Additional information about Fusion Cyber can be found at https://scholarships.fusioncyber.co/.    
For more information, contact Amy Roper at 803-793-5149.  
  
About Cisco Systems –  Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in technology that powers the Internet. Cisco inspires new possibilities by reimagining your applications, securing your enterprise, transforming your infrastructure, and empowering your teams for a global and inclusive future. Discover more on The Network and follow us on Twitter at @Cisco. 
Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.

 

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SC Competes is searching for a partner to build an ArcGIS Asset Map!

SC Competes is searching for a partner and provider to assist in building a web-based,
cataloged map of key data using the ArcGIS Online program. This project will require
the ‘builder’ to use a previously-cataloged database of industry partners, companies,
educational programs, assets, and data to build an interactive ArcGIS map for website
visitors to view and download pertinent information.

You can click here to view the full RFP.

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SC Tech Initiative Launches State-Wide Robot Naming Competition

Who Will Name the State’s New AI-Enabled Robotic Dog?

February 25, 2023 (Columbia) – SC Tech, an initiative of SC Competes, is excited to launch a state-wide K-12 naming competition for their new Boston Dynamics robotic dog at the South Carolina Regional Championship part of the FIRST® Tech Challenge held at Dreher High School.

Currently named “Spot,” SC Tech is putting the call out to Palmetto State schools to find a name for the new AI-enabled robotic canine that will soon be traveling the state introducing students to careers in robotics. “Spot” is part of the SC Competes Palmetto AI Corridor (PAIC) initiative and is made possible, in part, through the support of Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“It’s remarkable what an impact this small but mighty robot has on not only our kids but adults, too,” says SC Competes President & CEO Susie Shannon. “We envision Spot offering our students a glance into the future of robotics, while also showing them how accessible technology can be for them right now.”

While “Spot” was built to support companies in industrial applications, such as automated inspections and data capture, the SC Competes team and its partners will travel with “Spot” to schools and communities around South Carolina to show off the future of Artificial Intelligence, Industry 4.0 technology, and other STEM-related career paths.

Kim Christ, Director of SC Tech, is excited to get “Spot” into classrooms for the 2023-2024 school year. “We want to show that South Carolina is building the educational foundation for tech careers in our school system and showing off emerging technology like this one to young minds is just one creative way to do that.”

Any school, classroom, or community group is welcome to submit name ideas at https://sccompetes.org/robotic-dog-naming-competition. Submissions will remain open until May 1, 2023. A group of judges will choose a winning name, and the winning submission will be recognized at a ceremony in Columbia on May 19. Along with naming rights, the winning submission will have the opportunity to hang out with “Spot” and the SC Competes team at their home base before scheduling is opened statewide.

Media Contact:

Adrianne Beasley

Director of Strategy and Communications

SC Council on Competitiveness

abeasley@sccompetes.org

(803) 760-1408

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NIWC Atlantic Looks to Accelerate Innovation, Signs Partnership with ‘SC Competes’

This story originally appeared on dvidshub.net, by Steve Ghiringhelli

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Palmetto Tech Bridge (PTB) announced a partnership on Dec. 2 with the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes) intended to increase economic competitiveness in the state and support innovation ecosystems that help develop critical capabilities for the warfighter.

The Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) establishes SC Competes as an official intermediary of Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic and its innovation hub the PTB.

With the agreement, SC Competes — as an extension of the tech bridge network and through collaboration opportunities with NIWC Atlantic — can support small business and academic institution partners who either need, or can make demonstrably productive use of, technology-related assistance from a federal lab.

“To accomplish our mission, NIWC Atlantic is heavily focused on advancing our collaboration with off-base entities such as academia, research institutions and leading-edge tech companies,” said Peter C. Reddy, NIWC Atlantic executive director. “With an eye toward expanding this network, we enthusiastically welcome SC Competes into PTB’s critical mission of building bridges to accelerate innovation in order to rapidly deliver solutions to our warfighters.”

SC Competes is a state-supported nonprofit corporation that manages multiple industry focus areas throughout South Carolina and links various economic ecosystems in order to foster innovation and enhance overall competition.

“Every day we see research-in-action and leading-edge technology applied to boost competitiveness within our state’s booming industry clusters,” said Susie Shannon, president and CEO of SC Competes. “This new partnership with NIWC Atlantic will expand the amazing work that our initiatives, especially SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance and SC Tech, are doing to help South Carolina thrive.”

In addition to other efforts focused on industries like aerospace, logistics and workforce development, the SC Tech initiative under SC Competes provides a unified voice for the statewide technology community by establishing South Carolina as a global hub for innovation.

For the PTB, which also collaborates with entities in neighboring states, the new partnership can lead to mutually beneficial innovations in technology through teamwork, internal modernization, intentional relationships and knowledge-sharing.

“I am very excited to welcome SC Competes as a recognized stakeholder and critical member of our Tech Bridge ecosystem,” said Erik Gardner, PTB director. “With a partner like SC Competes, the PTB seeks to widen our ability to identify dual-use opportunities in workforce and commercial solutions development that meet both national defense needs and enhance the region’s economic strength here in the Southeast.”

In conjunction with the new partnership, SC Competes plans to incorporate collaboration events as part of its SC Logistics’ Tech Talk, SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance Innovation Events and SC Tech’s SC Decoded Conference to meet and build productive partnerships.

About NIWC Atlantic

As a part of Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, NIWC Atlantic provides systems engineering and acquisition to deliver information warfare capabilities to the naval, joint and national warfighter through the acquisition, development, integration, production, test, deployment, and sustainment of interoperable command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, cyber and information technology capabilities. Learn more at www.niwcatlantic.navy.mil.

About Palmetto Tech Bridge

Partnering with NavalX and NIWC Atlantic, the Palmetto Tech Bridge connects, reinforces and sustains the acceleration of technological ecosystems across the Department of the Navy and the broader Department of Defense. Its core focus areas are cybersecurity, assured communications and data science for the advancement of government, academia and private business technologies. Learn more at www.niwcatlantic.navy.mil/palmetto-tech-bridge/.

About South Carolina Council on Competitiveness

The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, or SC Competes, is a nonpartisan, business-led, nonprofit organization that drives South Carolina’s long-term economic growth by managing the state’s industry clusters and providing the research, network and resources that industry clusters require to thrive. For more information, visit www.sccompetes.org.

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New documentary follows three young South Carolinians as they explore fulfilling career paths in the Palmetto State

Young people in South Carolina are adapting to the challenges of the contemporary world and stepping into a future full of innovation and possibility. In the newest documentary from Roadtrip Nation, Leap & Grow follows three young South Carolinians eager to explore fulfilling career paths in the Palmetto State. Leap & Grow premieres Dec. 15 on ETV at 7:30 p.m.

Each Roadtrip Nation documentary follows the journeys of groups of people as they travel across the country in an iconic green RV. Previous documentaries have discussed topics such as overcoming barriers as a first-generation college student, women in STEM careers and military veterans finding new purpose after service. Each group of people, collectively known as the “roadtrippers,” sit down with professionals who share their interests and gain insight into what it takes to overcome struggle and find personal success.

Leap & Grow documents the journey of Alexis, Emily and Russel as they travel across South Carolina to discover unique roads to career success and personal fulfillment. These three young people all hope to find a meaningful, rewarding, and innovative career in South Carolina. Throughout the program, viewers will learn about each roadtripper’s impactful story of growth and interest in South Carolina’s diverse business ecosystem.

The program, produced by Roadtrip Nation and fueled by the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, also highlights South Carolina-based businesses. As the roadtrippers travel throughout their state, they hear from chefs, chemists, engineers, ecologists, and other proud South Carolinians who’ve found a path that works for them in the state they call home. Among others, the roadtrippers meet Rodney Scott, the owner of Rodney Scott BBQ; Megan Anderson, the director of global business development for the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA); and Thomas Kaiser, the founding chemist for Avicenna Biosciences, Inc.

On Dec. 6, South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) joined Roadtrip Nation, SC Department of Commerce, and the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness to livestream a premiere event featuring a panel discussion of the roadtripper’s experience filming the documentary. The recorded livestream can be found on the SCETV Facebook page and YouTube channel.

To learn more about Leap & Grow, visit www.pbs.org/roadtrip-nation.

QUOTES

“Leap & Grow is exactly the type of content we look to provide on our network. This documentary amplifies the voices of South Carolinians and showcases all the potential for growth in our great state. We’re excited Roadtrip Nation chose to document the stories of these three South Carolina youth and are proud to air this program on our network to viewers across the state.” -SCETV President & CEO Anthony Padgett

“We’re honored to partner with Roadtrip Nation and the South Carolina Department of Commerce to bring this program to screens across South Carolina. If our platforms can help to highlight the stories of these three youth and the diverse businesses in our state, we are one step closer to a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina.” –SCETV Assistant General Manager Dr. Stephanie Cook

FAST FACTS

  • In the newest documentary from Roadtrip Nation, Leap & Grow follows three young South Carolinians eager to explore fulfilling career paths in the Palmetto State.
  • Leap & Grow premieres Dec. 15 on ETV at 7:30 p.m.
  • Throughout the program, viewers will learn about each roadtripper’s impactful story of growth and interest in South Carolina’s diverse business ecosystem.
  • The program, produced by Roadtrip Nation and fueled by the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, also highlights South Carolina-based businesses.
  • SCETV partnered with project collaborators to livestream a premiere event featuring a panel discussion of the roadtripper’s experience filming the documentary.

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, Expeditions, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice and Live from Charleston Music Hall. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.

Media Contact:
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
803-737-3337

SC Aerospace to host 2nd Annual SC Aerospace Night

SC Aerospace will host it’s 2nd Annual SC Aerospace Night at the Drive on June 22nd, 2022. The aerospace industry is put on display with informational and engaging pre-game and in-game entertainment, pre-game honorary position features, a pre-game flyover from Prisma Health, as well as highly impactful concourse displays from leading aerospace companies. In 2022, companies with concourse displays include Lockheed Martin, Champion Aerospace, Kelley Engineering, Gemba Systems, HTI, and more! The fantastic Greenville Drive marketing and game promo team put on a range of events including giveaways and industry highlights between innings, helping to roll out the red carpet for leaders and companies to show off.

You can visit the webpage for more info on tickets and sponsors –

SC Aerospace Night

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Innovative workforce and education initiative visits Darlington Raceway on statewide tour

State officials join Roadtrip Nation to celebrate South Carolina career road trip journey

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster, Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III, and statewide workforce development, higher education, and career readiness officials convened at Darlington Raceway today to celebrate the visiting Roadtrip Nation RV, currently on a statewide journey.

The event, hosted by Darlington Raceway, recognizes the ongoing three-week RV trip, coordinated by Emmy Award-winning Roadtrip Nation. Throughout the road trip, three young adults are touring the state with unfettered access to companies, business owners, and executives to explore career opportunities and preparation strategies. The Darlington Raceway event signifies the last week of the road trip.

Coordinated by Roadtrip Nation, in partnership with the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness and with support from the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Strada Education Network, and Tallo, the road trip will be part of Roadtrip Nation’s public television programming and will air fall of 2022.

In conjunction with the road trip, all South Carolinians are encouraged to share their personal career ‘journey’ by submitting a brief profile on the South Carolina Share Your Road website. This ongoing campaign crowdsources more career opportunities and career path journeys throughout the state. There is no deadline to submit a profile.

The South Carolina Road Trip and South Carolina Share Your Road initiatives are part of a workforce, talent, and education development informational campaign, made possible by a $500,000 portion of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Funds made available by Governor McMaster in April 2021. An additional $100,000 was provided for this initiative by the Strada Education Network, a national social impact organization.

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SC Aerospace Spring News + Updates

SC Aerospace Strategic Plan
SC Aerospace Partners and Colleagues,

SC Aerospace’s previous Strategic Plan ran from 2019-2022 and has guided us the past 3 years. Now the time has come to update it and we want to hear from you!

This strategic plan serves as our blueprint for us and your input is critical to ensuring our ability to connect, support, and grow the aerospace industry in South Carolina. The best way to do those things is to hear directly from those we serve and connect with every day.

Please consider providing feedback by submitting responses to the SC Aerospace Industry Cluster Strategic Planning Survey – 2022. The survey will remain live until April 15. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments!

Stephen Astemborski
Director – SC Aerospace
South Carolina Council on Competitiveness

Spring Events Schedule
SC Aerospace, in partnership with SCMEP and SC Department of Commerce, is pleased to provide a certification workshop for manufacturing and aerospace suppliers and partners.

During this workshop, you will have the opportunity to learn about ISO, AS9100, NADCAP Certification process & OEM onboarding for aerospace providers. You will also hear from several SC Aerospace partners on their onboarding practices.

Sessions Include:

  • ISO/ASI Certifications – Stephen Deas, Process Improvement Coach, SCMEP
  • NADCAP Certifications – Ethan Atkins, Performance Review Institute
  • Supplier Onboarding – Bryan McKee, Lockheed Martin
  • SC Department of Commerce Supplier Services – Tammie Greene, SC Department of Commerce
Click Here to Register
SC Competes is pleased to announce TechTalk 2022 is returning April 18-19 at Trident Technical College’s Aeronautical Training Center. We will hear from industry leaders across the state and learn about the technology they use that leads our businesses into the future.

We will kick things off with the Opening Reception hosted by SC Aerospace on Monday, April 18th. The April 19th main event will include keynote speaker Michele Sancricca, Head of Worldwide Technology, Supply Chain and Logistics with Amazon Web Services (AWS), a demo from Gnosis Freight CEO Austin McCombs, and more! Additionally, we will have an SC Tech-hosted B2B Supplier Summit in the afternoon.
Click Here to Purchase Tickets + Learn More
You’ll find us at Manufacturing X.0 next month! You’ll also experience Southern-based manufacturing leaders teaching peers, in detail, how to take advantage of the competitive edge that technology offers, and advance digital transformation journeys.

The event delivers a safe platform, providing the knowledge and network to ensure the right technology investment is made, and effective organizational structure and systems are rolled out.

Don’t miss the place to learn how to build the ‘Big R’: Resilience, and tackle the four Ps: People, Planning, Processes, and Partner choice, when embarking on automation, smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0…and beyond!
Register Here + Learn More

Share Your Road
We believe that a story has the power to change people’s perspectives—and maybe even their lives.

Thousands of students, young adults, and career-seekers who are searching for advice about life and careers can benefit from hearing the story of how you got to where you are today.

And yes, we’re talking about your story! With Share Your Road, you can become a digital mentor to millions of students by sharing what you do, how you got into your line of work, and the lessons you’ve learned on your journey. Head to: https://southcarolina.shareyourroad.com/ to share your story!

#SCAerospace News

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College of Charleston has partnered with NASA for a new program that gives students access to NASA patents

CRDA gave a regional update webinar on the recent economic boom in the lowcountry

Lockheed Martin is growing it’s workforce and giving new looks at sustaining the F-16 builds in the Upstate

Legislative Update

H.3204 – Relating to definitions applicable to the “Utility Facility Siting and Environmental Protection Act” – Implicates the Aeronautics Commission

H. 4540 – Provides for the Disposal of Abandoned or Derelict Aircraft by an Airport Manager.

H. 4570 – Provides for the Issuance of “United States Space Force” Special License Plates

H. 4578 – Requires One Unit of Instruction in Advanced Manufacturing be Offered in Middle Schools and High Schools; Requires One Unit of Instruction in Harbor Pilotage be Offered in Middle Schools and High Schools; Provides that  Instruction be Provided in this Act Must Be Offered Beginning with the 2023-2024 School Year.

S. 730 – Regulation of Vehicle Companies by Airport Facilities Management
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Transform SC Winter 2022 Newsletter

TransformSC News

Announcements and updates from the TransformSC initiative
Dear TRSC Network Partners and Friends,

I hope that you are happy and healthy as we kick-off 2022. It’s hard to believe we are in February already! I wanted to provide some exciting updates from our team.

Roadtrip Nation kicks off this spring, in partnership with SC Competes and SC Department of Commerce. We are excited to meet our three road trippers, and see how their journey goes as they interview leaders across the Palmetto State. Their road trip will be aired as a documentary on public television this summer.

In addition to the in-person trip, Roadtrip Nation has launched the South Carolina Share Your Road website. Ever wish you could go back in time and give your younger self some pointers about life and careers? Here’s your chance to give young people the advice and insights you wish you’d heard! Read more about Roadtrip Nation and Share Your Road below!

At our schools’ request, TransformSC is currently exploring new ways to demonstrate and catalog progress on additional parts of the ‘Profile of the SC Graduate’. We have commissioned two studies: one with the worldwide education community and one with the global business community on ways to better demonstrate growth on “soft” or “professional” skills. Stay tuned for more details and the results to follow!

As a reminder you can still download the TransformSC Road To Success – our thorough review of the progress TransformSC has made since its launch in 2013 and our next steps moving into 2022 and beyond. You can click here to download  the Road to Success summary and see what we’ve accomplished through 5 major aspects of the Transform mission – including recognitions, business connections, and study highlights.

2022 is shaping up to be a busy road for TransformSC, and I look forward to sharing it with you all!

Respectfully,
Peggy Torrey,
Director, TransformSC
South Carolina Council on Competitiveness

RoadTrip Nation Bus Tour 2022
It started in 2001 with one simple question: What do you want to do with your life?

Over the last twenty years, Roadtrip Nation has logged over 500k miles across the country with its green bus, and now they are partnering with SC Competes and SC Department of Commerce to come to South Carolina.

Three South Carolinians, ages 18-24, will board the bus this spring. They will travel throughout the state, interviewing leaders from diverse background and across multiple industry sectors. We will keep you updated on their progress, and their journey will culminate in a documentary airing on PBS.

Share Your Road
We believe that a story has the power to change people’s perspectives—and maybe even their lives.

Thousands of students, young adults, and career-seekers who are searching for advice about life and careers can benefit from hearing the story of how you got to where you are today.

And yes, we’re talking about your story! With Share Your Road, you can become a digital mentor to millions of students by sharing what you do, how you got into your line of work, and the lessons you’ve learned on your journey. Head to: https://southcarolina.shareyourroad.com/ to share your story!
News and Resources
Education News and Resources to Benefit our Network Schools. Click each heading to link to informative articles & resources.
In Their Own Words
High school students at 103 schools across 11 states recently answered the prompt: ‘COVID has changed learning. What should schools know about how this change has been for you and what they can do to help students?’
Education In The Balance
What do we need to ask ourselves when we are forced to confront tensions that arise from systemic issues? Read ‘Education in the Balance: Tensions Affecting Education’s Futures’ from KnowledgeWorks.

Dealing With Learning Lags
“Learning Lags” seem to be back, and K-12 Drive is investigating just how long the recovery for students may take, and what educators and schools can do to provide help for these students.

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The South Carolina Labor Force Participation Task Force Has Officially Commenced

South Carolina invites subject matter experts to a roundtable to dig into what drives the state’s labor force participation rate so that organizations and stakeholders statewide can create data-driven solutions.

Columbia, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) has launched the South  Carolina Labor Force Participation Task Force (the Task Force) today, Wednesday, March 23, 2022. 

“South Carolina has recovered strongly from the challenges caused by COVID-19 and we have record numbers of people working in the state. If we look at quit, resignation, and hire rates within the state, we see people shifting between jobs and trying new careers,” states DEW Executive Director Dan Ellzey.  “However, with more than 100,000 posted jobs in the SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) database,  businesses are still struggling from staff shortages and our labor force participation rate is one of the lowest in the nation. A higher participation rate increases the wealth of a state. We need to know the root causes of our low participation rate before we can truly make any improvements. This is why the Task Force is so  critical at this time.”  

This effort by the Department of Employment and Workforce is in collaboration with the S.C. Council on Competitiveness, state agencies, businesses, and institutes of higher education.  

Today’s meeting marks the first of many to come. The Task Force plans to continue to meet throughout the spring and summer of this year with the goal of releasing findings in the fall.  

The Task Force is comprised of various leaders from academia, research, and business who have united to conduct a multifaceted analysis of South Carolina’s labor market. Members of the Task Force include: 

  • Dr. Aspen Gorry, Clemson University 
  • Dr. Orgul Ozturk, University of South Carolina 
  • Dr. Frank Hefner, College of Charleston 
  • Dr. Laura Ullrich, Federal Reserve 
  • Ron Hetrick, EMSI 
  • Dr. Chris Chmura, Chmura Economics 
  • Julia Pollak, ZipRecruiter 
  • Dr. Kory Kantenga, LinkedIn 
  • John Uprichard, CEO, Find Great People 
  • Frank Rainwater, Executive Director, S.C. Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office 
  • Dr. Mike Mikota, President, Spartanburg Community College 
  • Dr. Bryan Grady, Labor Market Information Director, S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce • Dr. Erica Von Nessen, Research Economist, S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce 

Full bios and headshots of the members can be found at dew.sc.gov/taskforce.

“This collective undertaking brings out the sharpest minds to ensure that our state can grow and develop  an active workforce,” states Ellzey. “The data that comes out of this research will be available to the public  and I am hopeful that it will encourage great innovation across multiple industries as to how to improve  our labor force participation rate.” 

The Task Force will analyze what is affecting South Carolina’s workforce, how labor force participation can  be increased, and help us understand whether this should be a statewide or county-by-county effort. We  encourage anyone interested in being updated on the Task Force to visit its official page at  dew.sc.gov/taskforce to learn more.  

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About DEW: The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce is putting South Carolinians to work. The agency has four missions: (1) workforce development; (2) free job match employment services; (3)  unemployment insurance; and (4) labor market information. All four missions contribute to workforce  development. The agency is dedicated to advancing South Carolina through services and programs that  meet the needs of our businesses, job seekers and those looking to advance their careers. 

About the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness: The Council is a nonpartisan, business-led non profit organization committed to advancing the long-term economic competitiveness of our state,  industries, and citizens. Our work is accomplished through actionable research on opportunities and  threats to South Carolina’s competitiveness; support of industry clusters that provide South Carolina a  competitive advantage; and education and workforce development initiatives that ensure all South  Carolina’s citizens are equipped to compete in a global economy. We execute our work through  partnerships, recognizing that our state’s economic success is secured through sustained collaboration  among the private, public, academic, and non-profit sectors.

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Kirstin Bullington, Next Energy Engineering Instructor from Richland Two Institute of Innovation (R2i2), Named South Carolina’s 2022 STEM Educator of the Year

Columbia, SC – SC Tech, an initiative of the SC Council on Competitiveness, in partnership with S²TEM Centers SC and The Citadel STEM Center, is pleased to announce the winner of the 2022 SC STEM Educator of the Year Award. The award honors Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) educators who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by providing an excellent curriculum, encouraging lifelong learning, and inspiring a passion for STEM beyond the classroom and into the future. This year’s awards are sponsored by Comporium, Bojangles, and the SC Council on Competitiveness.

Kirstin Bullington, Next Energy Engineering Instructor from Richland Two Institute of Innovation R2i2 (Richland Two School District) was announced as 2022 SC STEM Educator of the Year today during STEM Education Day at the Capitol, which was live-streamed by SCETV.

“Science, Technology, Engineering and Math educators play a vital role in inspiring and educating our state and nation’s next generation of problem solvers,” said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. “I congratulate Ms. Bullington, the finalists, and all of South Carolina’s educators who continue to go above and beyond in support our students.”

Nominations this year were submitted by principals, administrators, and fellow teachers across the state, and were judged by a committee of STEM-related industry leaders. Five finalists were chosen to go through an interview process by a panel of STEM education and industry leaders. In addition to their accomplishments in the classroom, each applicant submitted a platform, outlining how they would promote STEM in their year as STEM Educator of the Year. Kirstin Bullington’s platform is “Integrating STEM education and industry to increase career opportunities for all.”

“The impact of STEM education on our developing workforce is becoming more and more evident.” Susie Shannon, President and CEO at the SC Council on Competitiveness noted, “These educators are preparing young minds for careers and interests that will benefit our state and industries for years to come.”

The four finalists include:
Annie Johnson, Clean Energy Technology, Honors Marine Science, & AP Environmental Science, Academy for the Arts, Science, & Technology, Horry County Schools
Dr. Marsha Neal, 6th-grade Math and Science Teacher, Deer Park Middle School, Charleston County School District
Dr. Nicole Yemothy, PLTW Gateway Teacher, R. H. Gettys Middle School, Pickens County School District
Ashley Blackwelder, STEAM Coordinator, Spartanburg 6 School District

Matthew Dosch, Chief Operating Officer at Comporium, was at the Capitol this morning to give out the award. “As a home-grown, family-owned broadband company, we feel it’s critical for South Carolina’s businesses to recognize the important role of STEM educators.” Dosch noted, “We thank them for their commitment, and we congratulate all of the nominees, finalists, and Kirstin Bullington on the well-deserved honor.”

“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of STEM educators or honor enough their contributions to our state,” remarked Tom Peters, Executive Director of the SC Coalition for Math & Science and host of the STEM Day at the Capitol event. “From agriculture to aerospace to logistics to life sciences, every South Carolina employer owes a STEM educator somewhere a debt of gratitude.”

Each of the four regional finalists will receive $1,000, with SC STEM Educator of the Year, Kirstin Bullington, receiving $5,000. The 2022-2023 STEM Educator of the Year will also have the opportunity to attend STEM conferences, participate in STEM industry roundtables, and promote his/her platform over the next 12 months.

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About The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness
The Council is a nonpartisan, business-led non-profit organization committed to advancing the long-term economic competitiveness of our state, industries, and citizens. Our work is accomplished through actionable research on opportunities and threats to South Carolina’s competitiveness; support of industry clusters that provide South Carolina a competitive advantage; and education and workforce development initiatives that ensure all South Carolina’s citizens are equipped to compete in a global economy. We execute our work through partnerships, recognizing that our state’s economic success is secured through sustained collaboration among the private, public, academic, and non-profit sectors. For more information, visit www.sccompetes.org.

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The SC Council on Competitiveness Announces 5 Finalists for 2022 SC STEM Educator of the Year

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FOR RELEASE

March 10, 2021

 

SC Tech, an initiative of the SC Council on Competitiveness, in partnership with S²TEM Centers SC and The Citadel STEM Center, announced today its five finalists for the 2022 STEM Educator of the Year Award. The SC STEM Educator of the Year Award recognizes teachers who are making a significant difference in the lives of students across the state by providing excellent curriculum, encouraging lifelong learning and inspiring a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) beyond the classroom and into the future. This year’s awards are sponsored by Comporium, Bojangles and the SC Council on Competitiveness.

South Carolina faces two converging challenges for the future of its students and workforce: first, a critical need exists for educators, particularly in STEM studies; and second, the nature of jobs requiring an advanced understanding of STEM content areas and the skills required to tackle complex, technical problems is changing. We not only need more STEM teachers, but they need to prepare students differently. To encourage these changes, the STEM Educator of the Year Award highlights STEM education and provides STEM teachers the platform to share their curriculum, valuable experience, and best practices with parents, employers, and other educators. 

Applications this year were submitted by educators across the state, and were judged by a committee of STEM-related industry leaders. 

Finalists include:

  • Kirstin Bullington, Next Energy Engineering Instructor, Richland Two Institute of Innovation (R2i2), Richland Two School District
  • Annie Johnson, Clean Energy Technology, Honors Marine Science, & AP Environmental Science, Academy for the Arts, Science, & Technology, Horry County Schools
  • Dr. Marsha Neal, 6th-grade Math and Science Teacher, Deer Park Middle School, Charleston County School District
  • Dr. Nicole Yemothy, PLTW Gateway Teacher, R. H. Gettys Middle School, Pickens County School District
  • Ashley Blackwelder, STEAM Coordinator, Spartanburg 6 School District

“It is so encouraging to see not just the caliber of applicants, but the excitement that each of them bring to their respective classrooms,” says Susie Shannon, President and CEO of the SC Council on Competitiveness. “With this award, we are excited to be able to recognize their important contributions to our state’s overall competitiveness.”

The 2022 STEM Educator of the Year will be awarded on March 17th during the STEM Education Day at the Capitol, hosted by South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science. 

For more information on the SC STEM Educator of the Year, visit the Council website www.scstemeducator.com. 

Media Contact:

Adrianne Beasley, Director of Strategy & Communications

SC Council on Competitiveness

abeasley@sccompetes.org

(803) 760-1408

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SC Competes Executive Committee Member Recognized

COLUMBIA, S.C. (October 7, 2021)—The Columbia World Affairs Council is pleased to announce that George B. Wolfe will receive the 2021 Global Vision Award. Mr. Wolfe will be honored at a black-tie gala at the Columbia Marriott on Monday, December 6, 2021. This is the 28th year the Columbia World Affairs Council has presented the award to a leader whose contributions have made a significant impact on projecting South Carolina globally.

“I don’t know anyone who has had more of an impact on international economic development in South Carolina over the last 40 years,” said Bobby Hitt, former South Carolina Secretary of Commerce.

Mr. Wolfe is partner and co-chair of the Economic Development Practice Group at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP and founding board member of the Columbia World Affairs Council. During his career, he created and amended tax and incentive laws that positioned South Carolina to consistently be one of the leading states for capital investment in the Nation. He has represented companies from Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The first recipient of the Global Vision Award was the late Gov. Carroll A. Campbell in 1994. It was during Campbell’s tenure that Mr. Wolfe helped create the economic development legislation that led to BMW of Germany’s first manufacturing facility in the United States in 1992, in Spartanburg County, which today represents an investment of more than $11.4 billion and employs some 11,000 people.

Mr. Wolfe represented the Swiss pharmaceutical giant Hoffmann-La Roche in its $750 million research and manufacturing facility in Florence. He also represented Toray of Japan when it made the single largest initial economic development investment in South Carolina history with its $1 billion carbon fiber plant in Greenville to supply Boeing in Charleston.

Mr. Wolfe served as deputy general counsel and counselor to the Secretary for the Department of the Treasury under President George W. Bush and helped create the modern-day financial system and currency in Iraq during two tours in the leadership of the Coalition Provisional Authority in 2003 and 2004.
In 1992, Mr. Wolfe helped create the Columbia World Affairs Council with Fred Monk when he chaired the International Committee of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and helped establish the organization committee that led to the Council’s formation. Besides its international programs, the Council administers the Sister-City Program for the City of Columbia in seven countries. George has been a long-serving board member.

“There would not be a Columbia World Affairs Council without George Wolfe” emphasized Fred Monk, who was business editor of The State Newspaper when he wrote a column on Jan. 1, 1992, calling for the establishment of a World Affairs Council in Columbia because of Columbia’s broad and deep international ties. At a Committee of 100 meeting that Monk covered, Wolfe asked: “What do you need?” He then proceeded to help Mr. Monk establish the stellar organizing committee of leaders in Columbia that formed the Council.

“We founded CWAC in 1993 to better connect our region with an increasingly globalized world,” said Wolfe. “Through the years, the Council has increased South Carolina’s visibility on the global stage while firmly establishing the State as an important destination in the global economy. Today, the Council serves an increasingly important role in building international relationships and helping our community better understand the rapidly evolving global dynamics.”

The Columbia World Affairs Council is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization fostering public awareness of global issues and international activities in the Midlands of South Carolina. The Council is a member of the Washington-based World Affairs Councils of America and Sister Cities International.

The 2020 Global Vision Award was given in honor and remembrance of the late Harry Arthur Huge, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Estonia for South Carolina, attorney, venture capitalist, and philanthropist. For more information, please visit columbiaworldaffairs.org.

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Roadtrip Nation Applications Now Open!

If you’re hoping to explore different pathways and achieve your unique career goals in South Carolina, we’re looking for you! You’ll get to sit down with people working in all kinds of industries connected to your interests—whether that’s in aerospace, logistics, STEM, agribusiness, or something else entirely—to get advice and insights about how you can find where you fit in the state you call home.

If you’re curious about what your future career will look like, and on the lookout for an adventure, please Click Here to Learn More & Apply.

 

 

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Partner News: South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) Partners with Surgere to Provide Visibility Solutions in the Supply Chain

The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), a private, non-profit group that serves as a proven resource to South Carolina businesses, providing them with a range of innovative strategies and solutions, has teamed up with Surgere, a pioneer in IoT technology to provide its members with supply chain solutions. Surgere is a proven leader to connect and visualize the shared community of OEM, logistics, and tier suppliers.

Surgere will be available to SCMEP’s over 500 members to provide expertise in solving visibility in end-to-end supply chain issues.  “We are excited to be introducing Surgere’s solutions to our members,” said Chuck Spangler, SCMEP President.  “By utilizing their innovative systems, members will be able to see both variable and fixed cost savings through multiple facets including increased inventory visibility, part life cycle visibility, central data storage points, and manufacturing improvements such as increase OEE, quality initiatives, machinery uptime visibility, and lot tracking capabilities.”

Surgere provides full part traceability through the entire production process using an automated data collection system enabled by Ultra High-Frequency RFID tags. Each tagged part is autonomously read via an RFID antenna at multiple inflection points throughout the production process.

“We are happy to be working with SCMEP, this is a partnership in the truest sense of the word,” says Robert Fink, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Surgere.  “This relationship will provide cost-effective benefits to SCMEP’s members by helping them overcome both simple and complex supply chain challenges.”

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Partner News: Surgere Launches IoT Technology Suite to Make the Connection Between Parts, Racks, and Trailers More Cost Effective

Surgere, a supply chain solutions company, brings visibility to parts inside trailers making the supply chain more efficient by verifying receipt and location of parts and vehicles between facilities in real time.

Green, OH – – Surgere has launched an IoT technology suite to make the connection between parts, racks, and trailers at automotive plants more cost effective. This technology reduces the time used to manually check inventory on trailers, creating more efficiency within the plant. Surgere’s RFID tags are placed on trailers and read with Surgere-certified hardware to capture tag reads at all entry and exit points at any maintenance yard. Together, this technology provides real-time updates on when or if the trailer has left the yard and when it arrives at its destination.

“This is the first step into a broader over-the-road visibility market,” said Robert Fink, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Surgere. “Supply Chain professionals across the globe lack visibility of their parts as they travel from location to location. This real-time visibility creates an autonomous process, making life easier for yard managers to know exactly what parts they have and where they are.” 

The deployed Surgere solution is a patented approach to localization that fuses RFID and GPS technologies. The Surgere- coded RFID tags and the Surgere-certified hardware allows for a 99.9% acquisition rate for trailers and racks. The RFID tags are hardened tags for weatherproofing. The solution was tested for the environment prior to deployment.  

About Surgere
Surgere is an industry pioneer leveraging IoT technology to revolutionize the supply chain. Surgere knows the challenges and has engineered innovative secure technology, patented software, and certified hardware to consistently deliver 99.9% data fidelity and accuracy. Surgere expands visibility into the physical supply chain supporting many of the world’s leading industries. Founded in 2004, Surgere is headquartered in Green, Ohio, with a second office in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Learn more at www.surgere.com.

SC STEM Educator of Year Amy Baldwin named National Teacher of the Year

The 21/22 South Carolina STEM Educator of the Year Amy Baldwin has now been named 21/22 PLTW Robert and Patricia Kern Teacher of the Year. SC Tech & SC Competes are proud of Amy and her incredible work, all well deserved. Amy Baldwin is a Gateway to Technology teacher at Oakbrook Middle School, working specifically with the 6th-8th grade. She is currently in her 21st year of teaching, all at Oakbrook Middle. Amy’s platform Is “Changing the Face of STEM”, designed to encourage more girls and minorities to join STEM programs and educate them on careers and futures in STEM-related fields. This was done through “Girl Power” events in 2019 and more informational sessions throughout the year. Amy has received two grants to expand the Girl Power initiative.  The first grant from the Dorchester District 2 Education Foundation to purchase Ozobots for hands-on coding. The second grant from the Air Force Association to purchase wooden planes for learning more about aerospace engineering.

Amy says about the news, “I was shocked when I received the call that I was selected as the 2021-22 PLTW Robert and Patricia Kern Teacher of the Year!  I was blessed to be nominated by a wonderful parent and students from my robotics teams.  This award is just a thank you to all the students who have worked so hard especially during the last year.  Teaching and learning STEM virtually has been a roller coaster but the ride has been worth the rewards.”

Read about Amy & the STEM Educator of the Year here.

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Trident Tech offers Industry 4.0 seminars for manufacturing employees

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CHARLESTON, SC, Aug. 30, 2021 – A partnership between Trident Technical College, the SC Council on Competitiveness (the Council), Bosch Rexroth and Fraunhofer USA has enabled the creation of two training seminars for manufacturing employees to learn, design and develop strategies to adapt to Industry 4.0 (i4.0) technologies for their companies.

Funding for the development of these courses comes from the SC Department of Commerce, via the SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance (an initiative of the Council), and Bosch Rexroth. The seminars are being developed by Fraunhofer USA and will be available at Trident Technical College starting in fall 2021.

Industry 4.0, or the fourth revolution of manufacturing, refers to the use of interconnectivity, data and automation in the manufacturing process. This approach of combining IT knowledge with engineering principles results in increased efficiency and cost effectiveness to manufacturers.

“Manufacturing companies, especially small- and medium-sized organizations, face an uphill task to conceptualize, select, implement and document an i4.0 journey that will address underlying business problem statements, increase return on investment and drive competitiveness to benefit their client base,” said Dr. Marcel Schaefer, senior program manager for the Council’s SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance. “The necessary skill sets, methodologies and understanding of the key benefits of the i4.0 journey remain out of reach for most of these organizations.”

These seminars will be taught at Trident Technical College as part of the college’s workforce training opportunities and will be held at the S.C. Aeronautical Training Center, Trident Technical College’s newest building. These course offerings are targeted to manufacturing employees and benefit any company interested in boosting efficiency and lowering operating costs.

The seminars will be offered Sept. 23-24, 2021. The cost is $795 per day. The seminar on Sept. 23 introduces participants to i4.0 technologies. The seminar on Sept. 24 navigates through challenges, best practices, success stories and solutions. After completing both seminars, participants receive a certificate of completion.

To register for these seminars, visit https://www.tridenttech.edu/ce/info/industry-seminar.htm. For more information, please contact David Liebal, Trident Technical College instructor, at david.liebal@tridenttech.edu or 843-574-6161.

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About Trident Technical College: Trident Technical College is a public, two-year, multicampus community college that provides quality education and promotes economic development in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. An open-door institution of higher education, and one of the largest institutions in the state, Trident Technical College serves traditional and nontraditional curriculum students who have a wide variety of educational goals, from personal enrichment to career development to university transfer. The college further promotes economic development through noncredit courses; customized education and training for business, industry and government; and a variety of employment training programs. Learn more at www.tridenttech.edu.

About the SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance: The South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance is a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and the Fraunhofer USA network. The Alliance was created to advance applied research across the state of South Carolina with the Fraunhofer USA network and South Carolina research institutions.  Examples of research foci include artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, machine learning, wearables and other advanced digital technologies.  The work of the Alliance and the research it supports give South Carolina a competitive edge in advancing applied research and increasing the competitiveness of South Carolina based organizations.

About Bosch Rexroth: As one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering, and Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries, more than 29,600 associates generated sales revenue of around 5.2 billion euros ($6.3 billion) in 2020. To learn more, please visit www.boschrexroth-us.com.

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SC Council on Competitiveness Hosts ‘SC Aerospace Night’ With Greenville Drive

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A night planned around industry celebration, education, and networking with in-game features and pre-game reception

Greenville, SC – The SC Council on Competitiveness initiative, SC Aerospace, along with the Greenville Drive, will host the inaugural ‘SC Aerospace Night’ on Friday, July 23rd when the Upstate’s minor league team takes on the Greensboro Grasshoppers. South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette will throw the first pitch.

Sponsors for the event include ACL Airshop, Lockheed Martin, Champion Aerospace, Solar Atmospheres, Upstate SC Alliance, and South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center.

The evening will begin with an invitation-only VIP reception sponsored by ACL Airshop, with invited industry guests. The program will feature remarks from South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, SC Aerospace Director Stephen Astemborski, and industry updates from ACL Airshop President & CEO Steve Townes. The pre-game VIP reception will be followed by in-game industry highlights, sponsor videos, and giveaways all themed around the aerospace industry in South Carolina.

“We are extremely excited to celebrate the aerospace industry, and even more excited to do so at iconic Flour Field, surrounded by those that make our industry great,” says SC Aerospace Director Stephen Astemborski. “Our 2020 Impact Study proves we have a lot to celebrate around the state, and we want to use this event to honor those industry leaders and employees, as well as educate the public on the incredible work being done and value being brought to the Palmetto State.”

“Aerospace Night is the most exciting addition to the Drive’s 2021 schedule and we’re extremely excited to host such a unique & impactful event at Fluor Field – both this year and for years to come”, said Jeff Brown, Vice President of Marketing & Community Partnerships with the Greenville Drive. “The aerospace industry is flourishing in our community and across South Carolina, and we can’t wait to use Drive baseball & Fluor Field to shine a light on the leaders, companies, and organizations most responsible for its success.”

As reported in the 2020 SC Aerospace Economic Impact Study produced by The Council, the aerospace industry has a 28.8-billion-dollar total economic impact in the state, and employs more than 136,000 South Carolinians (direct and indirect). There are also more than 400 aerospace companies, and over 35 aero-specific education and workforce training programs here in the Palmetto state, a figure the Council hopes to educate the crowd on July 23rd.

The game will feature an informational booth from Lockheed Martin, producers of the F-16 Fighting Falcon that is made in the Upstate, and a fly-over by Prisma Health’s Medical Helicopter. The Council plans to expand these events across the state in the coming years.

For more information, visit scaerospace.com. To purchase tickets or become a booster, visit greenvilledrive.com.

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About the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness

The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness is a nonpartisan, business-led, nonprofit organization that drives South Carolina’s long-term economic growth by supporting the state’s key industry clusters and providing the research, network, and resources that industry clusters require to thrive. Learn more at www.sccompetes.org.

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SC Competes Joins Department of Commerce & Build Carolina To Launch ‘Develop Carolina’

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SC Competes initiatives SC Tech & CyberSec have joined the SC Department of Commerce and Build Carolina, home of SC Codes, in launching a new program designed to prepare new graduates for software development careers.

Via the SC Department of Commerce press release, Develop Carolina is a six-month program for students who have completed a degree or certificate program in computer science or a software development-related field. Fellows chosen to participate in the program will be paired up with a local technology company three days a week and will continue to learn as a cohort with other fellows the other two days a week.

“Talent acquisition is one of our biggest struggles in technology,” remarked Susie Shannon, President and CEO of the SC Council on Competitiveness. “We are excited to be part of Develop Carolina to offer another resource to our tech and cyber firms that are looking for experienced, motivated employees and to inspire computer science and technology students to pursue tech careers in South Carolina.”

According to SC Tech’s 2020 Economic Impact Study, employment in the tech industry in South Carolina has grown to over 180,000 with an $89 billion total economic impact. Since 2000, the state has seen a 245% growth in the number of tech firms, now numbering over 2,000.

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SC State Senate confirms Harry M. Lightsey, III to lead South Carolina’s Commerce Department

June 29, 2021 (Columbia, SC) – The SC State Senate today confirmed Harry M. Lightsey, III to lead South Carolina’s Commerce Department. Lightsey previously retired as executive director with General Motor’s Emerging Technologies Policy and brings with him 26 years of leadership at BellSouth and AT&T. 

This confirmation brings to a close the tenure of Bobby Hitt, who has led the Department of Commerce since 2011. Hitt not only helped oversee some of the largest company investments in the state (Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Boeing, to name a few), but he also fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation across industry, economic development, and academia. 

The SC Department of Commerce is an essential partner to the SC Council on Competitiveness. As a business-led non-profit that focuses on managing industry clusters, providing actionable research, and growing the state’s next-generation workforce, the Council works regularly with Commerce across nearly all of its divisions and initiatives. 

For more information on Lightsey’s confirmation, click here.

“We cannot thank Bobby Hitt enough for his efforts in enabling new and existing firm growth across South Carolina.  His success in building a ‘Team SC’ culture of cross-disciplinary collaboration has been extraordinary,” remarked Susie Shannon, President & CEO at the SC Council on Competitiveness. “We look forward to working with Secretary Lightsey to continue to drive long-term economic growth for the Palmetto State.”  

“We welcome Secretary Lightsey to his new role,” said Ed Sellers, Chairman of the SC Council on Competitiveness. “Our continued partnership with the SC Department of Commerce will enrich our existing industry clusters, increase innovation, and secure South Carolina as a leader in economic development.”

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BMW and South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance Host Inaugural Innovation Day

Manufacturing innovations were on display at the event, featuring research partnerships between industry, academia, and Fraunhofer USA

(Greer, SC) On June 22nd, BMW Manufacturing and the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (the Council), with support from Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, and the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) hosted the first “SCFUSA Innovation Day” to highlight the research being completed as part of the SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance (SCFUSA), an initiative of the Council, and recognize the advancements in automation and technology at BMW Spartanburg. 

June 23rd, 2021 marks the 29th anniversary of BMW’s presence in the Palmetto State. 

The event featured remarks by Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce at the SC Department of Commerce. Hitt recalled to the 100 invited guests his memories of the early days at BMW Spartanburg and noted that from the beginning, a spirit of collaboration and innovation was the determining factor in BMW’s growth and success in SC. As Secretary of Commerce since 2011, Hitt has led the state’s economic development efforts with the collaborative mission of “Team SC.” 

The SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance, a partnership between the SC Department of Commerce and Fraunhofer USA, led by the SC Council on Competitiveness, is an example of that collaboration in action. SCFUSA matches SC companies with the state’s leading research universities and colleges, together with Fraunhofer USA expertise and matching funds from SC Department of Commerce in order to advance innovation in the state and make SC more competitive worldwide. 

BMW Manufacturing President and CEO, Knudt Flor, who also sits on the SCFUSA Review Board, was eager to host this first-ever “SCFUSA Innovation Day” event at BMW. “BMW’s history is one of innovation and adopting new technologies to provide a superior product for our customers,” he remarked. “Our partnership with SCFUSA is an extension of this commitment to innovation and we’re looking forward to sharing some of our experiences.”

Guests were given tours of BMW’s manufacturing facilities, seeing not only the high-quality production site – the largest BMW manufacturer worldwide – but also new innovations being rolled out on the plant floor. Tour stops included new technologies like the SCFUSA/Clemson CU-ICAR wearable, sensor-equipped inspection glove that alerts the assembly associate to proper valve attachment (and more), augmented reality training platforms, predictive maintenance, visual inspection systems, and much more.

“We believe that embracing innovation is more important than ever,” says Susie Shannon, President, and CEO of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness. “We hope that this event inspires attendees with real-world applications and promotes innovation amongst our state business leaders as they navigate a challenging but opportunistic landscape.”

The Council team hopes that this will be the first of many “SCFUSA Innovation Days” for the state. For more information about the SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance, visit the Council website, www.sccompetes.org. 

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About SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance

The South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance (SCFUSA) is a collaborative effort between The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (The Council), the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and the Fraunhofer USA network. The alliance was created to advance applied research in engineering and technology across the state of South Carolina with the Fraunhofer USA network and South Carolina research institutions. The work of the alliance and the research it supports strive to give South Carolina a competitive edge in advancing applied research and innovation that can move the industry forward.

About The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness 

The Council is a nonpartisan, business-led non-profit organization committed to advancing the long-term economic competitiveness of our state, industries, and citizens. Our work is accomplished through actionable research on opportunities and threats to South Carolina’s competitiveness; support of industry clusters that provide South Carolina a competitive advantage; and education and workforce development initiatives that ensure all South Carolina’s citizens are equipped to compete in a global economy. We execute our work through partnerships recognizing that our state’s economic success is secured through sustained collaboration among the private, public, academic and non-profit sectors. For more information, visit www.sccompetes.org.

bbcon 2021 Virtual registration is OPEN & FREE

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SC Council on Competitiveness President & CEO participates in Carolina Business Review Roundtable

As business around the region picks up, what are Carolina companies facing now and what changes will they have to make in the coming months? Panelists: Christoper Chung, CEO, The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina Susie Shannon, President, SC Council on Competitiveness and Donald Thompson, The Diversity Movement, WalkWest Topics include: rural broadband, education’s role in a speedy economic recovery, and COVID Business Liability and diversity and inclusion. In this CBR Short, the new workplace. You can view a clip here.

ACL Airshop and Alinda Partner for Growth

ACL Airshop, a global leader in air cargo Unit Load Device (ULD) logistics solutions to over 200 airlines, air cargo carriers, and other transportation clients, announced the closing of the acquisition of ACL Airshop by Alinda Capital Partners, an infrastructure fund manager. ACL Airshop’s current management and operations team will continue to lead the organization under its new ownership. Read the full release here.

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SC Logistics Tech Talk 2021: Speakers, Kick-Off Reception Info, & Official Program Released

Check out the full list of speakers, information and tickets for our Kick-Off Reception sponsored by SC Aerospace, and the official program. Sign up now, as space is limited due to social distancing!

APRIL 19 – KICK-OFF RECEPTION HOSTED BY SC AEROSPACE
Catch up and network with colleagues and industry partners, meet our speakers, and grab some delicious food and drink at a reception at Trident Tech Aeronautical Training Center. The reception will run 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm and tickets are $40. You can click the link below to purchase your ticket!PURCHASE TICKETS HEREAPRIL 20 – SC LOGISTICS TECH TALK 2021
Trident Tech Aeronautical Training Center in Charleston: ‘Sustainability & Digitization’, our 2021 Tech Talk will feature industry leaders and learn about the technology leading our businesses into the future.

Speakers include:

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

 
FULL PROGRAM HERE
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Amy Baldwin from Dorchester District Two Named South Carolina’s 2021 STEM Educator of the Year

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Columbia, SC – SC Tech, an initiative of the SC Council on Competitiveness, in partnership with S²TEM Centers SC and The Citadel STEM Center, are pleased to announce the winner of the 2021 SC STEM Educator of the Year Award. The initiative honors STEM educators who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by providing an excellent curriculum, encouraging lifelong learning, and inspiring a passion for STEM beyond the classroom and into the future. This year’s awards are sponsored by Comporium, Bojangles, and the SC Council on Competitiveness.

 

Amy Baldwin, 6th to 8th Grade Gateway to Technology Teacher at Oakbrook Middle School in Ladson (Dorchester District Two) was announced as SC STEM Educator of the Year today during STEM Education Day at the Capitol, which was live-streamed by SCETV. 

 

“Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) educators have the awesome responsibility of teaching the next generation of engineers, computer programmers, and scientists,” said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. “I congratulate Amy Baldwin, the finalists, and all of South Carolina’s STEM educators who go above and beyond every day to support our students and help shape them into the future leaders of our state and nation.”

 

Applications this year were submitted by educators across the state and were judged by a committee of STEM-related industry leaders. The five finalists, announced at the beginning of March, were then interviewed by a panel of STEM education and industry leaders. Amy stood out to the judging panel for her commitment to increasing diversity in STEM fields, as well as her collaborative efforts with industry to create a comprehensive program for her entire district.  

 

“While glimmering during the best of times, COVID’s disruptive impacts have shed light on the important role that our STEM educators play in nurturing the spark of innovation in our students.” Susie Shannon, President and CEO at the SC Council on Competitiveness noted, “Nurturing STEM education, as well as those who deliver that know-how, is needed now more than ever to support talent development across all of our industry sectors.”

 

“South Carolina’s technology cluster is growing rapidly,” says Kim Christ, Director of Technology and Cybersecurity Initiatives at the SC Council on Competitiveness. “These jobs require a new understanding of the technical challenges in STEM fields, and we are excited to highlight how our educators are successfully preparing our students to meet these needs.” 

 

Shaun Barnes, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Comporium, was at the Capitol this morning to give out the award. “As a home-grown, family-owned telecommunications company, we feel it’s critical for South Carolina’s businesses to recognize the important role of STEM educators.” Barnes noted, “We thank them for their commitment, and we congratulate all of the nominees, finalists, and Amy Baldwin on the well-deserved honor.”

 

Each of the following four regional finalists will receive $1,000; with SC STEM Educator of the Year, Amy Baldwin, receiving $5,000 and funds for participating in a professional learning conference:

  • Dr. Nicole Yemothy, PLTW Gateway Teacher, R.H. Gettys Middle School, Pickens County School District, Easley
  • Elizabeth Martin, 7th & 8th Grade Science & Math Teacher, Sanders Middle School, Laurens County School District 55, Laurens
  • Susan Mathews, Science Teacher, Richland Northeast High School, Richland School District Two, Columbia, and,
  • Whitney Camacho, 4th Grade Teacher, McColl Elementary Middle School, Marlboro School District, McColl

 

Press Contact: Adrianne Beasley

Director of Strategy & Communications

South Carolina Council on Competitiveness

communications@sccompetes.org

803-760-1408

 

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About The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness 

The Council is a nonpartisan, business-led non-profit organization committed to advancing the long-term economic competitiveness of our state, industries, and citizens. Our work is accomplished through actionable research on opportunities and threats to South Carolina’s competitiveness; support of industry clusters that provide South Carolina a competitive advantage; and education and workforce development initiatives that ensure all South Carolina’s citizens are equipped to compete in a global economy. We execute our work through partnerships, recognizing that our state’s economic success is secured through sustained collaboration among the private, public, academic, and non-profit sectors. For more information, visit www.sccompetes.org.

 

About S²TEM Centers SC

S²TEM Centers SC (Solutions in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education) is an innovation partnership managed by South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science at Clemson University.  Our network of education specialists focus on economic and workforce development through improvement in preK-12 STEM education. Our statewide infrastructure for STEM education brings information, support, innovation, and research to the education community in South Carolina and beyond with an emphasis on pre K-12 schools.

 

About The Citadel STEM Center

The STEM Center at The Citadel works to prepare students for the 21st-century workforce. A collaborative effort of The Citadel’s Schools of Education, Engineering, and Science & Mathematics, The STEM Center delivers outreach initiatives to increase P-20 student interest, participation, and opportunities in the STEM disciplines and develop innovative programming related to teacher preparation and professional development activities. The STEM Center also supports The Citadel’s efforts to produce more graduates who are poised to become successful leaders in the STEM fields.

 

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The SC Council on Competitiveness Announces 5 Finalists for 2021 SC STEM Educator of the Year

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SC Tech, an initiative of the SC Council on Competitiveness, in partnership with S²TEM Centers SC and The Citadel STEM Center, announced today its five finalists for the 2021 STEM Educator of the Year Award. The SC STEM Educator of the Year Award recognizes teachers who are making a significant difference in the lives of students across the state by providing excellent curriculum, encouraging lifelong learning and inspiring a passion for STEM beyond the classroom and into the future. This year’s awards are sponsored by Comporium, Bojangles and the SC Council on Competitiveness.

South Carolina faces two converging challenges for the future of its students and workforce: first, a critical need exists for educators, particularly in STEM studies; and second, the nature of jobs requiring an advanced understanding of STEM content areas and the skills required to tackle complex, technical problems is changing (to make this phrase parallel to the first one). We not only need more STEM teachers, but they need to prepare students differently. To encourage these changes, the STEM Educator of the Year Award highlights STEM education and provides STEM teachers the platform to share their curriculum, valuable experience, and best practices with parents, employers, and other educators. 

Applications this year were submitted by educators across the state and were judged by a committee of STEM-related industry leaders. 

Finalists include:

  • Amy Baldwin, 6th to 8th Grade Gateway to Technology Teacher, Oakbrook Middle School, Dorchester District Two, Ladson
  • Dr. Nicole Yemothy, PLTW Gateway Teacher, R.H. Gettys Middle School, Pickens County School District, Easley
  • Elizabeth Martin, 7th & 8th Grade Science & Math Teacher, Sanders Middle School, Laurens County School District 55, Laurens
  • Susan Mathews, Science Teacher, Richland Northeast High School, Richland School District Two, Columbia, and,
  • Whitney Camacho, 4th Grade Teacher, McColl Elementary Middle School, Marlboro School District 1, McColl

“This past year presented a whole new set of challenges for our teachers, especially in the traditionally hands-on STEM areas, and we are excited to be able to recognize their important contributions to our state’s overall competitiveness,” says Susie Shannon, President and CEO of the SC Council on Competitiveness.

The 2021 STEM Educator of the Year will be awarded on March 17th during the STEM Education Day at the Capital, hosted by South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science. The March 17th event will be live streamed by SC ETV here. 

For more information on the SC STEM Educator of the Year, visit the Council website www.scstemeducator.com. 

Media Contact:

communications@sccompetes.org

(803) 760-1408

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SC Council on Competitiveness Releases Inaugural SC Tech Economic Impact Study, Highlighting Employment, Wages, and Total Economic Impact

The study reveals the size and scope of the technology sector in South Carolina, identifying tech companies and top tech occupations, as well as highlighting the growing importance of technology across all industries.

(Columbia, SC) The newest initiative of the SC Council on Competitiveness, SC Tech, has released the state’s first technology cluster economic impact study to highlight and define the industry’s role in South Carolina’s economy and its contribution to growing jobs and economic output.

While national sector-level reference tools, like CompTIA, include individual state snapshots, the SC Tech Study goes further in defining the full range of occupations and firms that fall into the tech industry and providing regional breakdowns that are essential to understanding the true size of technology in our state. SC Tech’s 2020 report found that 180,801 employees are either employed in technology firms, or serve tech functions in non-tech firms, resulting in a total economic impact of $89 Billion. The 2019 average salary and wages for tech employees is $78,977, a significant jump from the statewide average wage of $44,986. The study also dives into the top occupations in the SC Tech cluster, with Computer User Support Specialists, Computer Systems Analysts, and Industrial Engineers topping the list.

“With this study, we are able to show just how valuable the technology industry is to our state,” says the Council’s SC Tech Director Kim Christ. “The benefits of this study are countless. From being able to pinpoint areas of potential firm growth to identifying where to focus workforce programs, this study helps us better support the technology industry and therefore the state’s competitiveness as a whole.”

The study also shows exponential growth among employment in SC Tech firms since 2005. In 2019 alone, SC Tech firms employed 108,276 South Carolinians, over twice as many as were employed in 2005.

“We are in the midst of a building boom in SC Tech and South Carolina’s economic potential: Big things are happening here and we are just getting started,” says Council President & CEO Susie Shannon. “This study will serve as a kick-starter to work with our private-public sector to build a statewide strategic plan that supports the technology cluster and allow more companies to see the benefits of doing business in South Carolina.”

The 2020 SC Tech Economic Impact Study was conducted by research economist, Dr. Joey Von Nessen. The study can be viewed here.

Press Contact: Adrianne Beasley

Director of Strategy & Communications

South Carolina Council on Competitiveness

communications@sccompetes.org

803-760-1408

 

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About The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness 

The Council is a nonpartisan, business-led non-profit organization committed to advancing the long-term economic competitiveness of our state, industries, and citizens. Our work is accomplished through actionable research on opportunities and threats to South Carolina’s competitiveness; support of industry clusters that provide South Carolina a competitive advantage; and education and workforce development initiatives that ensure all South Carolina’s citizens are equipped to compete in a global economy. We execute our work through partnerships, recognizing that our state’s economic success is secured through sustained collaboration among the private, public, academic, and non-profit sectors. For more information, visit www.sccompetes.org.

View The 2020 SC Tech Economic Impact Study
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NEWS: Paris Air Show Canceled for 2021

VIA BLOOMBERG

Paris Air Show Canceled for 2021 Due to Pandemic Uncertainty

By

The biennial Paris Air Show scheduled to take place in June 2021 has been canceled due to uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

All exhibitors will get a full refund, and the event will next be held in 2023, the French Aerospace Industries Association said in a statement on Monday. The show at Le Bourget airfield outside the French capital is among the largest aviation events in the world, where airlines typically announce large orders and manufacturers showcase new models.

The move comes after the coronavirus outbreak upended global aviation, forcing major manufacturers Airbus SE and Boeing Co. to pare back output and fire thousands of staff. Airlines are expected to lose a combined $157 billion across 2020 and 2021, according to industry group IATA. That’s almost 60% more than it suggested in June and five times the deficit racked up during the 2008-2009 recession.

At the 2019 edition of the Paris Air Show, Airbus and Boeing racked up almost $80 billion worth of deals. Airbus unveiled the new A321XLR, the longest-range version of its single-aisle workhorse, and received orders from British Airways owner IAG SA, India’s Indigo, and Qantas Airways Ltd. of Australia, among others.

The equivalent event at Farnborough, southwest of London, was canceled in 2020 and will next be held in 2022. The English town hosts shows on an alternate basis with Paris.

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SC Tech to Host First Statewide Virtual Technology Career Fair

The SC Council on Competitiveness, SC Codes, and Tallo partner to host an online technology career fair on December 8, 2020

(Columbia, SC) SC Tech, an initiative of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (the Council) is excited to announce an innovative virtual solution to power a statewide career fair, on December 8th, 2020, highlighting opportunities in South Carolina’s technology sector. Council partner, Tallo, has developed a new mobile experience, Ping by Tallo, that enables an intuitive matching system between talent and talent seekers. 

Participating companies will have the ability to post openings and set job requirement priorities, including job experience, certification/degree level, and more in order to be matched with qualified job seekers within minutes. Ping uses a customized algorithm to not only match but also prioritize applicants based on the needs of the company. Companies can review matches, view resumes, and contact job seekers both during and after the December 8th event. This SC Tech Career Fair is open to all South Carolina technology companies, or companies seeking to fill technology positions, ranging from entry-level tech support to senior-level programmers and beyond.

“Talent acquisition is one of our biggest struggles in technology,” remarked Kim Christ, Director of SC Tech at the SC Council on Competitiveness. “Using the Ping app, we can intelligently connect job seekers with tech companies all across South Carolina based on the specific needs of both.”

There are 4,600+ talent users in SC who have indicated on their Tallo profiles that they are interested in the Information Technology field; and over the past few months, there have been over 13,000 conversations initiated between students/job seekers and colleges/companies on Ping. 

Also partnering in the event is SC Codes, an online platform offering coding courses and mentorship opportunities to all South Carolinians. SC Codes provides free coding modules for all skill levels and brings its network of over 7,500 talented job seekers who are ready to be matched with companies.

Kaity Miller, SC Codes Program Director, says the event will be a win-win for the state. “This event will not only allow employers to easily connect with our large network of eager job seekers,” she says, “but it will also provide exciting opportunities for our learners to use their new-found skills in the workplace.”

Statewide partners of this event include the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, SC Codes, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and several other key players in workforce development. This event is powered by the SC Future Makers initiative, which has already introduced more than 100,000 students and job seekers to Tallo in South Carolina.

SC Council on Competitiveness President and CEO Susie Shannon is confident that this is just the start of the value that SC Tech will bring to the state’s growing technology cluster. “At the Council, collaboration is in our DNA,” said Shannon. “Partnering with SC Codes and Tallo to host events such as this one will give our state’s technology sector an edge in recruiting the very best talent to continue to grow our knowledge economy.”

Important Links:

Registration for Companies

Registration for Job Seekers

Ping Info

 

Press Contact: Adrianne Beasley

Director of Strategy & Communications 

SC Council on Competitiveness

communications@sccompetes.org

803-760-1408

 

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About the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness

The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness is a nonpartisan, business-led, nonprofit organization that drives South Carolina’s long-term economic growth by supporting the state’s key industry clusters and providing the research, network, and resources that industry clusters require to thrive. Clusters include both competitors and collaborators, and the resulting inter-cluster business environment fosters innovation. Innovation, in turn, spurs new business ventures. Learn more at www.sccompetes.org. 

 

About SC Codes

SC Codes is a learning platform and coding community built to connect South Carolinians to the education and resources they need to unlock careers in technology. A collaboration powered by the S.C. Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation and Build Carolina, SC Codes not only provides free access to technology education, it also connects, trains and empowers programmers across our state. Learn more at www.sccodes.org.  

 

About Tallo

Tallo is the first online app that assists students in designing a career pathway, educators in recruiting top talent to their schools, and employers in developing a stable, continuous talent pipeline. Through a mobile digital portfolio, over one million students (age 13+) and professionals showcase their skills and abilities, receive personalized career guidance, match with over $20 billion in scholarships, and get directly connected with post-secondary institutions and companies looking for the next generation of talent. With Ping, Tallo’s event-focused web app designed to match students with employers and postsecondary institutions of interest, Tallo makes it even easier for the right people to connect at the right time – whether in-person or online. For more information, visit www.tallo.com

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SC Council on Competitiveness Releases 2020 SC Aerospace Study

SC Council on Competitiveness Releases 2020 SC Aerospace Study, Showing Increases in Economic Impact and Job Creation 2010-2019

The study reveals the impact of Aerospace in South Carolina, including an increasingly diverse aerospace supply chain, strong salaries and wages, and a growing workforce

(Columbia, SC) The SC Council on Competitiveness has released the 2020 SC Aerospace Economic Impact Study to highlight the sector’s role in South Carolina’s economy, growth in both military and commercial sectors, and its contribution to the state’s workforce.

The study, completed by University of South Carolina research economist Dr. Joseph C. Von Nessen, updates the data from 2018’s study, and highlights potential supply chain growth opportunities. Dr. Von Nessen will present the 2020 SC Aerospace Economic Impact Study in detail at 12pm on October 29th as part of the 2020 SC Manufacturing Conference and Expo (registration is free and open throughout the conference).

The study reveals several encouraging signs for the Aerospace sector in South Carolina, with increasing revenue and employment numbers over the past decade. Where the state average employment growth since 2009 sits at 2.2%, the Aerospace cluster reports 10.7% growth. Furthermore, the state average compensation (including all wages and salary) comes in at $44,986, with Aerospace-related jobs reporting an average compensation of $81,114 — up 3.3% from 2018. The study reveals an overall impact of $28.8 Billion for South Carolina’s state economy, an increase of $4 Billion since 2018. The SC Aerospace cluster remains geographically diverse, with 39.7% of aerospace core firms in the Upstate, 23.8% in the Midlands, and 36.5% in the Lowcountry.

“South Carolina continues to be a top aerospace state, and the impact of aerospace within our state continues to grow,” remarked Susie Shannon, President and CEO of the SC Council on Competitiveness. “The success of our aerospace sector is a testament to the infrastructure, education and workforce training programs as well as logistics and technology sectors that are all working together to support the manufacture of aircraft.”

The study does not capture the effects that COVID-19 has had on the aerospace industry in 2020, though it does show the growth in sub sectors of the supply chain, giving the SC Aerospace cluster insights on how best to help diversification to enable efficient recovery.

“This study gives us a good baseline to understand where the aerospace industry is and how we got here.” says SC Aerospace Director Stephen Astemborski. “We have a diverse base of both military aviation and commercial manufacturing and services. Now, it’s time for us to come up with the plan to further strengthen those businesses that are here, and attract the parts of the industry that haven’t yet arrived.”

The study can be viewed at scaerospace.com

Press Contact: Adrianne Beasley

Director of Strategy & Communications

South Carolina Council on Competitiveness

communications@sccompetes.org

803-760-1408

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About The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness

The Council is a nonpartisan, business-led non-profit organization committed to advancing the long-term economic competitiveness of our state, industries, and citizens. Our work is accomplished through actionable research on opportunities and threats to South Carolina’s competitiveness; support of industry clusters that provide South Carolina a competitive advantage; and education and workforce development initiatives that ensure all South Carolina’s citizens are equipped to compete in a global economy. We execute our work through partnerships, recognizing that our state’s economic success is secured through sustained collaboration among the private, public, academic, and non-profit sectors. For more information, visit www.sccompetes.org.

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Q&A With SC Aerospace Director Stephen Astemborski

Get to know new SC Aerospace Director Stephen Astemborski and learn a little more about what drew him to the Council, and what he’s jamming to currently.

What are you most excited about as Director of SC Aerospace?

I am most excited to work with each of our aerospace companies, non-profits, and educational institutions in our state to make connections that never existed before. I enjoying bringing together a group of individuals and building a team to accomplish a goal, and I look forward to being able to do that in new ways we haven’t thought of before.

 

What drew you to the Aerospace cluster in South Carolina? 

Flight is a phenomenal human innovation. While not a pilot myself, I have felt the value of aerospace my entire life. Whether it was talking to an Italian Air Force pilot over-watching my platoon in Afghanistan, collaborating with an aircraft engine machine shop to lean out a process in order to stabilize part flow, or flying to New York to see my family for Thanksgiving, the aerospace industry has improved my life almost daily. The opportunity to help that industry grow in South Carolina so that we are recognized as a worldwide leader is what drew me to SC Aerospace and The Council.

 

What are some of the things on your To-Do List as Director of SC Aerospace?

As the Director of SC Aerospace, I always want our board members and partners to get value from every event or program. I have some new ideas for company spotlights, workforce development, and educational programs, but ultimately I am excited to hear from our board and partners as to what is most important to them.

 

Finally, what is the last album featured on your Spotify/apple music playlist? 

My most recently played album is Justin Bieber Essentials. I would say my Apple Music is about 75% Dave Matthews Band, 10% Grateful Dead, 5% Justin Bieber, 5% One Direction, and 5% a mix of 90’s/2000’s rap and O.A.R.

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