Development Board Wins a Pair of IEDC Awards

October 14, 2010

The Sumter Development Board received two awards from the International Economic Development Council at its annual meeting in September in Columbus, Ohio.

The Board won an Honorable Mention for Excellence in Economic Development for their The Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative Case for Investment, and a second for the American Spirit, Global Edge Pocket Folder. Both of those publications were funded by the Sumter Smarter growth Initiative, the board’s private sector arm. 

“We recognize Sumter Development Board for providing successful strategies to promote new paradigms in economic development in this period of global recovery,” said William Best, IEDC chair.  “Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in communities. The Sumter Development Board is showing that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and are using innovative and effective practices that can be replicated in other communities.”

The Sumter (S.C.) Development Board is a public-private partnership, funded by a three-way alliance of Sumter County Government, the City of Sumter, and our private-sector arm, the Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative (SSGI). The SSGI is a 501 (c)6 non-profit, tax-exempt organization recognized by both the S.C. Secretary of State and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

The SSGI Case for Investment is a printed publication designed for dual purposes: to serve as both an annual report for our investor members, and to serve as a recruitment vehicle for new investors. The Case for Investment explains what the SSGI is, what it seeks to do, and outlines strategies for meeting its goals and objectives. It also charts recent progress in terms of job creation, capital investment, product development and grants attained.

The American Spirit, Global Edge Pocket Folder was designed to introduce site selection consultants and corporate decision makers to the Sumter community. The Folder is not an in-depth publication, but was created to give potential collaborators a quick synopsis about Sumter, SC. It was created to get “a foot in the door.” In order to convince businesses to locate in Sumter County, the Board developed an effective and attractive presentation in an effort to close the deal. With its 8 printed pages and universal DVD, the American Spirit, Global Edge Pocket Folder is an effective way to use multimedia to capture their audience’s attention.

“Obviously we’re tremendously pleased with any recognition of the Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative’s efforts,” said Jay Cox, chairman of the SSGI. “The SSGI was created to help the Development Board do things it has never done before in the name of competition. It’s gratifying that our efforts are bearing fruit.”

Greg A. Thompson, chairman of the Development Board, said the seven awards earned by the American Spirit, Global Edge marketing campaign validates the public-private partnership.

“Everything works better when there is cooperation between the public and private sector,” Thompson said. “People invested in the Development Board through the SSGI because they believed that it could take our efforts to the next level. That’s exactly what has happened, and I think it’s proof that the partnership is not only worthy, but necessary.”

The Excellence in Economic Awards Program annually recognizes the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders.  The program honors organizations and individuals in 28 categories for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the premier membership organization dedicated to helping economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions.  Serving more than 4,500 members, IEDC represents the largest network of economic development professionals in the world.  IEDC provides a diverse range of services, including conferences, certification, professional development, publications, research, advisory services and legislative tracking.

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