SC Logistics Snapshot June 2022
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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 –
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.
SC Aerospace Spring News + Updates
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Transform SC Winter 2022 Newsletter
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Dear TRSC Network Partners and Friends,
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.
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.
The SC Council on Competitiveness Announces 5 Finalists for 2022 SC STEM Educator of the Year
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
SC Logistics January 2022 Newsletter
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SCFUSA End of Year Newsletter
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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.
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.
SC Aerospace September 2021 Newsletter
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SC Tech September 2021 Newsletter
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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.”
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.
SC Aerospace May 2021 Newsletter
View the Email Here:
https://mailchi.mp/sccompetes/sc-aerospace-may-2021
Trident Tech offers Industry 4.0 seminars for manufacturing employees
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.
SC Council on Competitiveness Hosts ‘SC Aerospace Night’ With Greenville Drive
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.
SC Competes Joins Department of Commerce & Build Carolina To Launch ‘Develop Carolina’
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.
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.”
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
bbcon 2021 Virtual is the ultimate conference experience for every person and organization using technology to build a better world. It’s where you go to be inspired, energized, equipped, and empowered—all while connecting with your community in new ways.
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.
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!
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| FULL PROGRAM HERE |
Amy Baldwin from Dorchester District Two Named South Carolina’s 2021 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, 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
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.
The SC Council on Competitiveness Announces 5 Finalists for 2021 SC STEM Educator of the Year
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:
(803) 760-1408
Council President & CEO Susie Shannon on ‘Buzz with Burnie’ Podcast
SC Council on Competitiveness President & CEO Susie Gerald Shannon joined The Buzz to deep-dive on the Council. Who is the Council, what it does, and who it serves – plus much more! You can view the entire episode by clicking here!
SC Logistics Newsletter: January 2021
Click Here to Read the January 2021 SC Logistics Newsletter
Follow along with all information at sclogisticsindustry.com
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
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.
NEWS: Paris Air Show Canceled for 2021
VIA BLOOMBERG
Paris Air Show Canceled for 2021 Due to Pandemic Uncertainty
ByThe 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.
SC Logistics Newsletter: September 2020
Read the SC Logistics September 2020 Newsletter Here
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:
Press Contact: Adrianne Beasley
Director of Strategy & Communications
SC Council on Competitiveness
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
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.
SC Aerospace Monthly Newsletter | October 2020
View our October 2020 Aerospace newsletter here.
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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.
Boeing Moving 787 Production To Charleston, Boosting Connections Between State Industries
October 1, 2020
This morning, the SC Council on Competitiveness (the Council) released the 2020 SC Logistics Economic Impact Study, which highlighted the logistics sector’s role in South Carolina’s economy and its growth over the past decade. A major study finding was the increased interconnectivity of advanced manufacturing, logistics, and technology – advanced manufacturers are spending more in logistics, and logistics is relying more heavily on technology suppliers than they ever have before. Hours later the official announcement was made that Boeing would be moving its 787 production from Everett, Washington to the Boeing SC North Charleston facility.
“The decision from Boeing to move all 787 production to South Carolina is a testament not only to the robust aerospace supply chain within our state; but also recognition of our state’s logistics and technology industries that support the manufacturing of aircraft,” remarked Susie Shannon, President and CEO of the SC Council on Competitiveness. “Our state’s industry clusters are diverse and interconnected, and at the Council we will continue to provide the research, networking and resources to support future growth.”
The Boeing SC 92-acre facility has housed 787-10 Dreamliner production since 2010 but will take on full manufacturing duties in a deal that will begin Summer 2021. We are confident the ripple effects of this decision will create opportunities in many different business sectors across the state and allow South Carolina to continue to foster innovation and leadership in SC Aerospace, SC Logistics, and SC Tech clusters.
According to ABC 4 News, the decision was made with a focus on long-term success of Dreamliner production after commercial air travel recovers from COVID-19. “For months, teams studied options, engaged all of our stakeholders, including unions, and considered a number of factors including logistics, efficiency and long-term health of our production system,” Boeing Commercial Airlines division President and CEO Stan Deal said in a letter to employees about the decision. “It became clear that consolidating to a single 787 production location in South Carolina will make us more competitive and efficient, better positioning Boeing to weather these challenging times and win new business.”
SC Council on Competitiveness Releases 2020 SC Logistics Study Revealing an Increased Industry Impact On State Economy
The study reveals the impact of logistics in South Carolina, including revenue growth, employment, economic contribution, industry wages, and more.
(Columbia, SC) The SC Council on Competitiveness has released its 2020 SC Logistics Economic Impact Study to highlight the logistics sector’s role in South Carolina’s economy and its growth over the past decade. The study also reveals the impact of COVID-19 on the logistics industry.
The study, completed by University of South Carolina research economist Dr. Joseph C. Von Nessen, updates the overall economic impact, employee wage averages, and employment growth rates from the 2017 study, in addition to showing the increased reliance on technology within the logistics industry.
The study shows several increases since the 2017 study, including an overall increase in economic impact of over 4% from $32.9 Billion to $37.2 Billion, employment growth exceeding 7% from 113,865 jobs to 139,650 jobs, and an impressive wage increase across the cluster. Notably, for employees in embedded logistics (those logistics functions existing within a firm in service of that firm’s operations), the average annual wage is $76,592, nearly 70% higher than the state average.
“After reviewing the results of our study, we are very encouraged by the direction and future of the logistics cluster in South Carolina,” says Taylor Jackson, Director of SC Logistics at the Council. “The results are not only a clear indication of the hard work and leadership of our logistics firms, but they also highlight the importance of developing the next generation of our technically skilled logistics workforce.”
The study also shows growth comparisons to other state business clusters, and the connectivity between the Council’s Logistics and Technology/Cybersecurity clusters (SC Tech and SC Cyber). The percentage of Logistics cluster expenditures within the state’s technology cluster has tripled over the past decade, showing a symbiotic relationship between technology and logistics.
“Logistics has always been a critical part of our economy,” said Susie Shannon, President and CEO of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness. “2020 has highlighted how vital it is to our daily lives that we manage the start-to-finish process of how we make, move, and deliver the products we want. From home building supplies and automobiles, to medicines and groceries, logistics touches every product, in every business, every day. Our success as one of the nation’s top advanced manufacturing states would be impossible without a strong logistics sector.”
Leading Manufacturers Join South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance at Innovation Event
Disruptive Technology Expert and Industry-Leading Panel Share Best Practices in Applied Technology at In-Person and Virtual Event
(Greer, SC) The South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance (SCFUSA), an initiative of the SC Council on Competitiveness, along with the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. and the Spartanburg Economic Futures Group will host a workshop and panel titled “How To Innovate In An Ever-Changing World” on Wednesday, August 26th at the BMW Zentrum Museum in Greer.
The event will feature a keynote address by Managing Director of the Fraunhofer Group for Innovation and Research, Dr. Sven Schimpf, as well as a panel led by SCFUSA Director Suzanne Dickerson that will feature BMW Manufacturing President and CEO, Knudt Flor, Bicycle Company of America General Manager Bob Edwards, and Bosch Rexroth Lean Manufacturing Account Manager Jamie Fox.
“BMW has a strong history in discovering innovative solutions in advanced manufacturing. We use digitalization to optimize production processes to create an even more flexible production system that meets the unique demands of our customers.” Knudt Flor, President, and CEO of BMW Manufacturing remarked. “Our partnership with SCFUSA is an extension of this commitment to innovation and we’re looking forward to sharing our experiences.”
The event will focus on the unique Fraunhofer USA Alliance South Carolina has created and how companies in the state can benefit from working with research teams to improve competitiveness and take advantage of matching funds being made available by the SC Department of Commerce. The panel discussion will highlight three successful SCFUSA projects conducted at BMW, The Bicycle Company of America, and Bosch Rexroth and how these organizations benefitted from these successful projects.
“We believe that embracing innovation is more important than ever,” says Susie Shannon, CEO of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness. “Accelerated economic recovery will hinge on developing and integrating technologies from beginning to end, and we hope that this event will inspire attendees and promote innovation amongst our state business leaders as they navigate a challenging but opportunistic landscape.”
The event will be following all social distancing guidelines and safety measures, including a mask requirement, socially distanced, and limited in-person attendance in the Zentrum. In-person tickets are still available for $25, which includes the sessions and networking reception with food and drink. A virtual attendance option is also available for $15, which includes all speakers and the chance to submit live questions and follow-ups. For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit the registration link here.
Press Contact: Adrianne Beasley
803-760-1408
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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 Fraunhofer USA. 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 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.
About Fraunhofer USA
Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of applied research. Fraunhofer USA was founded in 1994 to conduct applied R & D for customers from industry and state government and the federal government in the United States. Partnering with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe’s largest application-oriented research and development organization, Fraunhofer USA can offer both domestic and international resources to enhance its portfolio of R&D services. For more information, please visit www.fraunhofer.org.
South Carolina’s Technology Industry News – August 2020
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SC Council on Competitiveness to lead STEM Educator of the Year Award
Statewide education foundation closes its doors after 25+ years of positively impacting public education in South Carolina
Florence, SC —
South Carolina Future Minds (SCFM), a statewide nonpartisan organization convening business and education stakeholders to advance smart programs and policies that improve public education, announces the dissolution of the 20+ year organization and subsequent transition of its teacher and student focused programming and partnerships.
Over the past twenty years SCFM has convened over 4,000 education advocates and 800 teachers to celebrate public education, provided critical home libraries to almost 6,000 students in low income schools, and gifted over $3.8 million in-kind and cash donations directly to educators. SCFM has collaborated with key partners like The Riley Institute at Furman to highlight evidence-based programs impacting our public education system, and most recently, launched the first-ever STEM Educator of the Year Award, powered by Comporium.
“It has been an honor working with this organization and our partners for the past 11 years,” said Debbie Jones, Executive Director of SCFM. “Advocating for and connecting with so many excellent public educators in our state along the way has been the biggest reward. I’m thrilled to continue my work in the public education space at SEL4SC and delighted that we’ve found homes for our core programs to thrive in years to come.”
Mrs. Jones was appointed as Interim Executive Director in July 2019 after serving as Director of Programs for the statewide organization since 2009. Ms. Jones will be spearheading efforts at the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for South Carolina (SEL4SC) to promote and advance effective social-emotional learning in all schools, families, organizations, and communities in South Carolina.
“SC Future Minds’ mission has always been to connect private resources to public education,” said David Cote, Chair of the Board and VP of Human Resources at BlueCross Blue Shield of South Carolina. “Debbie has a track record of growing sustainable and impactful partnerships and programs through her nearly decade long service with SCFM. And her efforts supporting and advocating for educators and children in the public education system will only continue with SEL4SC.”
SC Future Minds is thrilled to announce that its My First Library program, which has reached nearly 6000 rising first-graders in high risk schools with their first library to take home over the summer, will now reside with the Original Six Foundation.
Founded and chaired by former Governor Nikki Haley, the Original Six Foundation works to improve education in underserved areas of the state by identifying and filling gaps through hands-on engagement and resources. “Thank you to SC Future Minds for twenty incredible years of service. We could not be more excited to partner with Bojangles’ to continue the legacy of the My First Library program. Learning to read from an early age creates a path to a successful education and future. We want to help every single child in South Carolina know they are meant for great things, and give them the tools to make it possible.”
The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (the Council), which manages multiple industry clusters and K-12 initiatives, including TransformSC, the Talent-Opportunites Program with SC Future Makers and Tallo, statewide SC Aerospace Lunch-and-Learns, and the SC Logistics Lemonade Supply Chain, will lead the South Carolina STEM Educator of the Year Program in partnership with the South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science. SC Future Minds is excited to have the Council usher in the third year of the program that honors and elevates STEM Educators in the state.
“The STEM Educator of the Year Award gives us the opportunity to recognize the important role that our STEM educators play in the development of our workforce pipeline,” said Susie Shannon, CEO of the SC Council on Competitiveness. “Adopting this annual award, and partnering with SC Coalition for Mathematics & Science, fits the Council’s mission to collaboratively optimize existing resources, expertise, and ideas to develop world-class talent in South Carolina around our burgeoning and ever-growing industries within the STEM fields.”
About SC Future Minds:
South Carolina Future Minds (SCFM) knows that the future of our state depends on an education system in which all students succeed and thrive, regardless of their race or zip-code. Established in 1995, SCFM is a statewide, nonpartisan organization convening business and education stakeholders around a shared goal: to advance smart programs and policies that improve public education. For more information, please visit www.scfutureminds.org.
About Original Six Foundation
The Original Six Foundation believes children across South Carolina deserve a quality education regardless of where they are born and raised. Founded in 2011 by then-Governor Haley, the Original Six Foundation works to improve education by identifying gaps and filling them through hands-on engagement and resources. For more information, please visit www.originalsixfoundation.org.
About 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 https://sccompetes.org/.
About Social Emotional Learning Alliance for South Carolina:
SEL4SC is a statewide organization focused on bringing all parents, educators, businesses, and community leaders united in supporting social-emotional learning; where SEL is practiced throughout our schools, homes, organizations, and communities; and where we work together as a state to elevate equity, fairness, and a better life for all. sel4sc.org/
Media Contact: Debbie Jones
debbie@scfutureminds.org or 803-741-5646
Remote Working: What to Learn From the Tech Industry That Pioneered WFH; Part I: How Did We Get Here?
Kim Christ, Director of SC Tech and SC Cyber
SC Council on Competitiveness
The technology sector was well-known for its remote workforce long before phrases like “the new normal,” “unprecedented time,” and “let’s Zoom” were part of our COVID-19 vernacular. Now, as other industries are putting new work from home policies in place and making difficult personnel and timing decisions, the technology sector is enjoying a well-earned head start. What can other industries learn from the technology sector, with 57% of IT workforce was already working remotely as of 2019[1]?
Employee retention and job satisfaction
The first thing tech teaches us are the benefits of remote work on employee retention and job satisfaction. Before we look at the effects of the pandemic on remote working, it’s important to know why remote work has been so unanimously embraced by IT and technology firms. Of course, pragmatically, jobs in IT and programming can technically be done from anywhere. But also, the technology industry has taken note of the priorities of its essential workforce – millennials (anyone born 1981-1996). According to a survey completed in 2019 by Spiceworks, the #3 reason that IT professionals leave a job is to seek a better work/life balance. Millennials are expected to make up 50% of the workforce by the end of this year, and 75% by 2025[2]. And unlike their predecessors, they don’t have a lot of inherent job loyalty – nearly half expect to stay in their current job for less than two years. This turnover costs the US $30.5 billion annually[3]. Providing work from home or flexible scheduling allows companies to offer perks that are not salary-related, all the while showing their employees a level of independence and self-management that earns loyalty.
Increased creativity and productivity
SC Tech caught up with Dr. Kasie Whitener, Instructor of Entrepreneurship at UofSC Darla Moore School of Business and Managing Partner of Clemson Road Consulting, who literally wrote the book on the subject. Dr. Whitener noted, “The COVID-19 pandemic displayed in real time how innovative our workforce is when given time and space. Creativity exploded during the weeks of quarantine. We saw architecture firms increase their community presence through printable templates for youth, national brands increased their popularity through giving initiatives, arts organizations improved accessibility with everything from online dance classes to YouTube tutorials, and mom-and-pop shops turned to digital platforms to share curbside specials. What didn’t happen was an entire workforce turning into lazy defeatists.” When asked if we will see a return to normal work week policies once the virus is behind us, she was adamant: “There is no way to put this genie back in the bottle. Many businesses are finding that having remote workers or jobs with remote work options is the solution to problems they face. Perhaps they’ve grown beyond their current office footprint. Maybe they’re searching for a way to offer the work-life balance employees seek. Maybe they want more agile operations in preparation for the next unexpected twist. Developing a work-from-anywhere workforce means sustaining productivity even when the office isn’t an option.”
Remote work as a recruiting tool
Finally, many companies are looking at remote working as an opportunity to open their borders within recruitment. From an employee perspective, if a person can work from anywhere, why not live in a relatively low-cost destination like Charleston, with world-class restaurants, beautiful beaches and a day’s drive from waterfalls and mountains? From an employer perspective, if they can save money on office overhead, they may have more salary to offer to get the best and brightest employee, knowing they won’t have to offer relocation packages. We already have a large number of SC residents working for some of the biggest technology companies all over the world. As we move into another “new normal,” you have to wonder if we will see this trend adopted by our other leading SC industries.
What’s next?
Check back in next month as we look at some best practices from the SC Cyber cluster in maintaining data security in a remote work environment. Where are the vulnerabilities, how can companies educate employees on security measures, and what resources are available in SC to help our data stay secure?
[1] Hlebowitsh, Nadia (2019, February). 2019 Remote IT Workers Stats: 10 Facts Companies Should Know
[2] Marquez, Maria. (2017, March). Millennials: The Future Workforce.
[3] Carter, Brandon. (2017, January). 2016 Employee Engagement & Loyalty Statistics.
Get to Know Our New SC Tech/SC Cyber Director, Kim Christ
5 Questions with our New SC Tech/SC Cyber Director, Kim Christ
How long have you been involved in the technology and cybersecurity industries in SC?
I starting working in tech right as we approached Y2K with managing Microsoft Exchange servers for the SC Department of Safety. That morphed into a project manager role and then a role as a Network Manager. I learned a lot in those early years and continued to build on and grow my knowledge as my career pivoted into growing and building programs that served the SC community as a whole through education, work-force development and building up programs for the knowledge sector as a whole.
What made you want to study computer science?
My dad brought home a Tandy computer from Radio Shack. My dad was a technology enthusiast when I was a kid and brought home a Tandy computer and introduced me to the adventures of Carmen San Diego. From the comfort of my home and my little screen and keyboard, I was able to follow Carmen around the world and solve mysteries. That was enough to light a flame in me for both travel and technology. While my schooling did very little to encourage technology focused careers, I met a woman my freshman year of college who was working on mainframes and was doing very well for herself. I discovered I could earn money by learning how to manage computer systems and write the programs that run them and that made me change my major to Computer Science. Nowadays, this is why introduction to STEM careers is so important for K-12 in my opinion. If they don’t know they can do it, they won’t.
What are you most excited about in your new position as Director of SC Tech/SC Cyber?
South Carolina is poised to be a leader in tech and cyber. We know we have the talent here and our state is small enough that by bringing together the right people, we can make real progress and seize that proverbial crown. So I would say I am most excited to help facilitate the programs and initiatives that will make our potential a reality.
What’s the first thing on your to do list for the SC Tech and SC Cyber clusters (what’s first to accomplish)?
Our first goal is to publish an economic impact study of tech and cyber in South Carolina. With this study, we’ll be in a better position to pinpoint our areas of strength and weakness. I am also excited about bringing together the SC Tech/SC Cyber steering committee and working groups. It’s through our collective knowledge and collaboration that we are able to make real change in creating opportunities and showcase the existing and potential success throughout the state. It’s time to toot our own horn.
What book is on your nightstand/Audible listening list?
Well I wish I could say it was something inspiring and educational for peers, but alas it’s not. My teenager and I are doing a self-contained book club and reading the Arc of a Scythe series. It’s about our future utopian society where government has been replaced by an incorruptible all-knowing Artificial Intelligence called the Thunderhead who controls everything in. Yes, it keeps me up at night.
SC Council on Competitiveness Announces Stephen Astemborski as Director of its SC Aerospace Initiative
Seasoned Aerospace and Supply Chain Executive to Lead Initiative While Industry Adapts to New Market Realities
(Columbia, SC) The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness named Stephen Astemborski the new director of SC Aerospace, effective immediately. He succeeds Adrianne Beasley, who was named the Director of Strategy & Communications for the Council in July.
“Stephen is the perfect person to lead the SC Aerospace initiative as the industry leverages its strength to adapt to new market realities,” said Susie Shannon, President and CEO of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness. “His experience in the aerospace industry, as well as supply chain management, makes him uniquely-suited to connect, support, and grow the aerospace cluster in the state. That supply chain expertise and knowledge of manufacturing will also be a valuable asset for other Council programs, such as its SC Logistics Industry Initiative and SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance.” Shannon continued.
Astemborski joins the Council after working as a Manufacturing Projects and Initiatives Specialist for GE Aviation’s Operational Excellence Team. As one of the original members of the team, he worked with aviation suppliers to improve delivery of parts to GE Aviation shops. He has also worked as a Team Coach, Product Quality Engineer, and Operations Leader for GE Aviation and GE Power in both Greenville, South Carolina and Schenectady, New York.
“With more than 400 aerospace companies, 55,000 aerospace employees, and a $24.8 billion impact in the state, it’s more important than ever to dedicate the resources to support and grow this important industry sector,” said Don Myers, Director of Aerospace Sales and Marketing at Toray and Chair of the SC Aerospace Advisory Board. “Adding Stephen to the team demonstrates our commitment to helping SC Aerospace thrive.”
Stephen resides in Greenville. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with honors. Prior to starting a civilian career, Stephen was an officer in the United States Army.
Kim Christ Named Director of SC Tech and SC Cyber; SC Council on Competitiveness Taps Former SC Codes Director to Lead Initiative Formerly Known as TechSC
(Columbia, SC) The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness today announced the rebrand of its technology initiative and named Kim Christ as its full-time initiative Director. Formerly TechSC and now SC Tech, the initiative is designed to accelerate the growth and innovation of technology and cybersecurity firms and to expand the talent pipeline in the sector.
During its first year, the initiative launched several working groups connecting partners across different technology sectors, hosted supply chain cybersecurity panels, and co-hosted a tech/cyber apprenticeship summit with Apprenticeship Carolina at SC Technical College System. The Council also launched the job portal, techscjobs.com, to help connect the state’s IT talent with tech firms who are actively recruiting for open positions during the COVID crisis.
“Thriving industries have one common denominator: They embrace technology,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “The expansion of SC Tech and our cybersecurity and technology cluster is yet another way that South Carolina remains an attractive and competitive place to do business. We’re creating an environment where innovative tech businesses with talented workforces have the networks and resources needed to grow.”
Susie Shannon, President & CEO of the Council added, “Our new branding as SC Tech acknowledges the early successes of the Council’s Technology Initiative bringing together tech industry leaders in addition to building stronger connections between tech company leaders and their peers in logistics and aerospace. It also better matches the branding for our other initiatives (SC Aerospace and SC Logistics).
“We’re excited to have a tech leader of Kim’s caliber. Kim will lead the next phase of SC Tech that will showcase and quantify the contributions of one of the state’s fastest growing industries with a cybersecurity and technology-focused economic impact study in addition to publishing an asset map that catalogs the breadth of existing tech companies and educational assets in the state.”
Prior to joining the Council, Christ served as Program Director for SC Codes, a collaboration between the S.C. Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation and Build Carolina, which provides a free learning platform teaching and promoting careers in technology. During her time at SC Codes, Christ regularly worked with the Council, among other partners, to increase tech apprenticeships in the state.
“I’ve worked alongside the Council and seen first-hand its commitment to accelerating tech growth in South Carolina,” said Christ. “I am excited to officially join the team and leverage that momentum as we continue to bring together partners from across the state, creating a united tech cluster.”
Tom Persons, an early champion of the technology cluster in the state said, “South Carolina’s tech sector has steadily grown over the past decade and will only increase in importance as more businesses rely on technology to power their operations. SC Tech and the Council’s continued work to connect and promote the cluster will help advance technology as one of our strongest engines of economic growth.”
South Carolina Council on Competitiveness’ TransformSC Network Welcomes McKissick Academy of Science and Technology
McKissick Academy of Science and Technology has joined the TransformSC network
(Columbia, SC) TransformSC, an initiative of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (the Council), today announced McKissick Academy of Science and Technology as the newest member of the TransformSC network.
TransformSC, an initiative of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, is a statewide network of innovative public schools that work in collaboration with business leaders, educators, students, parents, and policymakers in order to transform South Carolina’s public education system to prepare graduates for careers, college, and citizenship. The addition of McKissick Academy of Science and Technology brings the total number of TransformSC network schools to 73. The network also has seven entire school districts.
“We are thrilled to welcome our newest TransformSC school, McKissick Academy,” said Dr. Peggy Torrey, Director of TransformSC. “McKissick, a magnet school in Pickens County follows a project-based curriculum built around three pillars of STEM: Biomedical Science, Computer Science, and Engineering Design. They create a culture which fosters creativity and inquiry and strive to ‘create minds that ask questions no one has asked before and find answers that change our world.’ TransformSC is committed to innovation in education that impacts every student and every teacher in every classroom every day. McKissick Academy’s focus on teaching STEM through project-based learning exemplifies the transformation our network supports.”
Heather Touchberry, Principal, of McKissick Academy of Science and Technology said, “It’s an honor to be included in the TransformSC network. We’re eager to learn from the network’s other innovators about ways that we can open doors for our students. We are also extremely excited to contribute and collaborate with this network of educators to ensure all students learn and problem solve in an ever-changing world. This is a great step forward in MAST’s intentional pursuit of excellence!”
“The world is changing at startling speed, but the need for quality, innovative education remains constant,” said Susie Shannon, President & CEO of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness. “The value of having an evidence-based, expert network is more critical now than ever and adding McKissick Academy makes us all stronger.”
To learn more about TransformSC, visit www.sccompetes.org. Schools at all levels and stages of development are encouraged to apply for acceptance to the TransformSC network by contacting Dr. Peggy Torrey at ptorrey@sccompetes.org.
