Schwedler elected director of economic council
December 27, 2012
Schwedler elected director of economic council
Posted: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 6:00 am | Updated: 4:43 pm, Tue Dec 25, 2012.
BY Braden Bunch
Jay Schwedler, CEO and president of the Sumter Development Board, has been recognized by his peers throughout the Southeast by being elected director of the Southern Economic Development Council.
While honored by the opportunity, Schwedler said he hopes the real impact would be for the local community. “It’s more recognition for Sumter, and the more recognition and attention we can get for Sumter in a positive light, the better off we are at continuing our momentum,” Schwedler said.
Schwedler will serve as director of the 17-state organization around the Southeast from Maryland to Texas, with about 870 members dedicated to promoting the economic development profession for two years, beginning in January.
“It’s an opportunity for me to surround myself with some of the best in the business at a high level to gain more knowledge to translate back into what we’re doing here,” Schwedler said. “I’m honored to serve in this capacity, and hopefully it will open up additional doors and windows to continue the successful economic development efforts that we’re working on in Sumter.”
As part of his responsibilities, Schwedler will help to increase membership within the organization, while also organizing networking and educational opportunities for the members.
“The better we are educated in the profession, the better off we are as economic development professionals, the more opportunities we have to increase the efforts in our communities,” Schwedler said.
South Carolina is well represented within the organization. Hal Johnson, second vice-chairman of the organization, also serves as the president of the Upstate Alliance in Greenville, while Chuck Whipple, executive director of Lexington County Economic Development Department, is now the Southeast director on the SEDC board.
Contact Braden Bunch at (803) 774-1201.
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