C2B is a free career awareness website. Through educational and career planning resources, Connect 2 Business links businesses and organizations with thousands of students and adults to ensure a skilled and educated workforce for a more stable economy and a brighter future for South Carolina citizens.

A true win-win solution, C2B effectively connects education and business enabling employers to promote extended learning opportunities, post job openings, and generate awareness about their companies. Shouldn’t you be a part of the C2B solution?

Enrolling is quick and easy.

• Go to www.scpathways.org
• Click on the Business tab and register as a new user

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A “Must Read” -

The March 2010 Edition of Dr. Bruce Yandle’s Economic Situation Report is
available for download at:

http://www.strom.clemson.edu/teams/ced/esr/ESR_2010_03.pdf

You may download previous reports at:

<http://www.strom.clemson.edu/teams/ced/esr.html>

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Posted in:  News you can use

Sage Automotive Interiors announced today that it has signed a letter of intent to move into a newly-constructed facility on Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) campus. The building will become the international headquarters for Sage.

The new construction is part of a $3 million government grant. Construction on the facility will begin in April 2010. Sage plans to move into its new facility by June 2011.

“Sage is thrilled to have the opportunity to be headquartered on the CU-ICAR campus,” said Brian McSharry, COO of Sage Automotive Interiors. “Being on an automotive research campus just makes sense for us. The proximity to the outstanding academic research is a great strategic fit for Sage’s international operation, plus our partnerships with Clemson and the Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC) make it an added bonus.”

“We’re pleased that Sage Automotive recognizes the many advantages that Greenville County and the CU-ICAR campus offers their company,” said Mike Buiter, Chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation Board. “As an innovative organization with global opportunities in the automotive industry, they had no shortage of location options in which to place their international headquarters. As a prized member of the local and South Carolina business communities, we’re delighted that they have selected Greenville County.”

“Sage is a perfect complement to our growing CU-ICAR community,” said Bob Geolas, CU-ICAR executive director. “They are at the front end of customer trends in automotive interiors. The staff experience and global reach of this company makes them a recognized market leader. We could not be more excited about having such a dynamic and creative company join the CU-ICAR campus.”

“We are pleased about Sage Automotive Interiors location to CU-ICAR,” said Greenville Mayor Knox White. “This continues to confirm that our partnership with CU-ICAR and the community’s commitment is paying dividends with new jobs and exciting companies like Sage.”

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Posted in:  Celebrations

Bosch Rexroth Corporation Announces Investment in Greenville County
Investment expected to bring up to 50 new jobs to the area

The South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Greenville Area Development Corporation and Bosch Rexroth Corporation today announced that the company will expand its hydraulics business unit in Greenville County. Bosch will invest $10 million and expects to create up to 50 new jobs, requiring a variety of skilled workers to fill both managerial and manufacturing positions.

“Working with the state and local developmental agencies, we are pleased to be able to continue to invest in our Fountain Inn, South Carolina site,” said Mike McCormick, vice president and technical plant manager, Bosch Rexroth Corporation.

Bosch Rexroth currently employs nearly 400 associates at its facility on Southchase Court in Fountain Inn, where it manufactures industrial hydraulic units, including piston units and pumps. The additions will allow the company to also manufacture hydraulic motors used in oil drilling, transportation and other industries. The company’s investment will also better position the plant for potential future Bosch expansions.

“The consolidation of our operations here, while a challenge for the Bosch Rexroth organization overall, is a very positive development for our plant. We find South Carolina provides a stable business climate and a solid workforce for our company,” said Keith Beasley vice president and commercial plant manager, Bosch Rexroth Corporation.

“Bosch has been an important part of the South Carolina business community for many years, and this investment further strengthens the company’s commitment to our state. Bosch Rexroth’s decision to bring this additional work into Fountain Inn is another sign that our business-friendly climate, highly-skilled workforce and exceptional market access are working attract new investment and foster growth among our existing businesses. This announcement is also a positive reflection of the continued dedication and work of Commerce’s European office in Germany to stay in contact with our existing businesses and ensure that South Carolina is continuing to meet their needs,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce. “We thank Bosch for choosing to grow in South Carolina and look forward to furthering our long-standing relationship with the company.”

“Bosch Rexroth Corporation’s decision to invest in Greenville County is again the result of a true team effort,” added Mike Buiter, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, noting that grants from both Advance SC and Duke Energy were instrumental in landing the expansion. “Bosch Rexroth is a long-standing quality corporate citizen of this community, and their growth will continue to create good paying jobs while affirming that manufacturing can thrive in our state.”

“We’re pleased that the leadership of Bosch Rexroth recognizes the many advantages that the Fountain Inn facility offers their company,” said Gary Long, mayor of Fountain Inn. “This announcement is another shot in the arm to Fountain Inn’s growing business community.”

Bosch Rexroth will be making physical improvements and adding new equipment to the Fountain Inn facility over the next few months. The company plans to begin hiring for the new positions before the end of the year. When hiring begins, anyone interested in job opportunities can visit www.boschjobs.com for more information or contact Human Technologies Inc. of Greenville at 864-467-0330.

About Bosch Rexroth

Bosch Rexroth AG is one of the world’s leading specialists in the field of drive and control technologies. Under the brand name of Rexroth the company supplies more than 500,000 customers with tailored solutions for driving, controlling and moving machinery used in industrial and factory automation as well as in mobile applications. Bosch Rexroth is a partner for industrial applications, factory automation, mobile applications and renewable energy development. As The Drive & Control Company, Bosch Rexroth develops, produces and sells components and systems in more than 80 countries. In 2008 Bosch Rexroth AG, part of the Bosch Group, achieved sales of around $8.3 billion (5.9 billion Euro) with 35,300 employees. Visit www.boschrexroth-us.com for more information.

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Posted in:  Celebrations

American Truetzschler Inc. Announces Expansion in Greer
Investment expected to create 30 new jobs

The South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Greenville Area Development Corporation and the Greer Development Corporation today announced that American Truetzschler Inc. will expand its operations into Greenville County, as the result of the acquisition of the Hollingsworth company assets. The $3.5 million investment is expected to generate 30 new jobs.

“Our operations in Greer are an important part of our company’s total manufacturing capacity, and we are pleased to expand our production capabilities with a facility there. South Carolina will provide us with an excellent business environment and a skilled workforce to suit our needs. We are pleased to move forward with our operations in South Carolina’s Upstate,” said Detlef Jaekel, vice president of the Technical Division at American Truetzschler.

American Truetzschler Inc., a subsidiary of Trützschler Group, acquired production facilities and intellectual property last year from now-defunct John D. Hollingsworth on Wheels Inc. The company will use the acquired equipment in its new facility, and intends to continue the former company’s production program.

The company has also taken on former Hollingsworth employees, including those in field service and sales and marketing. The investment will allow the company to expand its textile machinery and card clothing manufacturing operations. American Truetzschler will immediately begin adding equipment to the facility, which is located at 1704 Poplar Drive Ext. in Greer.

“American Truetzschler is a major manufacturer of machinery for spinning preparation and nonwovens, and their investment in South Carolina enhances the state’s advanced manufacturing industry. Today’s announcement is also a positive indication that our state’s business-friendly climate, skilled workforce and strong market access are working to attract new investment and job opportunities. As the market rebounds, we believe that American Truetzschler’s acquisition of these operations will make the facilities stronger and better positioned for future growth. We congratulate American Truetzschler on their investment in South Carolina and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them in the years ahead,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“American Truetzschler is a great company with international business connections,” said Butch Kirven, chairman of Greenville County Council and GADC Board member. “Their decision to expand their operations in Greenville County is evidence that specialty textile manufacturing can thrive here. We’re proud to be able to help this company and others enjoy the benefits of doing business here.”

“We are truly grateful for the investment that American Truetzschler will make in our community and the new jobs they plan to create,” said Wryley Bettis, Greer City Councilman and chairman of the Greer Development Corporation. “We believe that Greer is a special place, and we cannot imagine having a better partner than a company like American Truetzschler to help this community to continue to grow.”

The company is currently hiring for the positions. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact the company by phone at 704-399-4521, by fax at 704-3994525 or by mail at American Truetzschler Inc., Attn: Plant Manager, PO Box 669228, Charlotte, NC 28266.

American Truetzschler Inc., part of the Truetzschler Group, was founded in 1969 to cover the important markets of the United States and Canada. American Truetzschler, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, has over 120 employees and produces a considerable part of the Truetzschler product range. For more information about the company, please visit www.truetzschler.eu/american-truetzschler/.

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Posted in:  Celebrations

The South Carolina Department of Commerce has scheduled the 20^th annual South Carolina Rural Summit for March 7-9, 2010. This year’s summit will build on the long-standing tradition of educating local leaders on innovative practices of rural economic development and growth.

During its 20 year history, the South Carolina Rural Summit has provided more than 6,000 rural leaders with information on the best practices regarding issues ranging from improving the business climate to addressing infrastructure needs. These best practices help local leaders overcome many of the challenges small, rural communities face.

Some of the most highly rated speakers from past summits have been invited to return for the 20^th anniversary. Topics to be presented this year include:

• “Downtown Business Attraction” – Knowing the “tricks of the trade” when recruiting retail and small businesses to downtown business districts will increase a community’s rate of success. Summit attendees will be exposed to creative methods used by communities of all sizes to fill vacant retail space in the downtown area.
• “Downtown Revitalization” – Having a vibrant and attractive downtown is a valuable asset when attracting “mom and pop” businesses or large industry to a community. Presenters from one rural South Carolina community will share the impact downtown revitalization has had on their once dying downtown and the creative funding methods used to achieve the community’s goals.
• “Workforce in Today’s Economy” – More than ever before, having a skilled and trained workforce is crucial to any community’s economic development success. As the economy recovers, businesses will be looking to locate or expand in communities where a readied workforce will help them produce products quickly, efficiently and profitably. Conference attendees will learn about current and future workforce initiatives, incentives and opportunities that will help expedite their local workforce’s readiness.
• “Economic Development Headlines Not Making the Front Page” – Even in current economic conditions, communities across South Carolina are experiencing economic development successes that never make the front page in local, regional or state newspapers. Leaders from across the state will hear firsthand about the many success stories from recent development efforts and be challenged for preparing their communities for future opportunities.

To register for the 20^th S.C. Rural Summit and stay informed on agenda updates, please visit:

www.sccommerce.com/resources/conferences-events/sc-rural-summit.

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Who: Health Sciences South Carolina, Centers of Economic Excellence, South Carolina Research Authority

When: March 2 & 3, 2010

Where: Hilton Columbia Center, Columbia, SC

What: As part of the its role in advancing South Carolina’s economy, designed as in interactive forum to heighten awareness of the exciting research taking place in South Carolina, connect entrepreneurs, business people, and investors with CoEE researches and university tech transfer officers, and promote commercial opportunities within the health sciences research community.

Highlights of the two-day event include:

• Nationally renowned speakers who will address topics on promoting and supporting entrepreneurship, identifying funding sources and developing commercialization strategies.
• Demonstrations by CoEE endowed chairs, principal investigators and researchers that show the connection between research, economic development and better health.
• A VIP networking event with state lawmakers, entrepreneurs, CoEE researchers, business leaders and others co-sponsored by the CoEE Board and SCRA.

HEAL SC represents a tremendous opportunity for connecting people with the vision, ideas, and dollars to transform South Carolina’s future.

Don’t miss HEAL SC. Click here to register and to view more event details.

Register and pay before February 22 to receive a price break!

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, click here or contact Mike Randall at msrandall@HealthSciencesSC.org or at 803.544.HSSC (4772).

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Posted in:  Uncategorized

Fisher Barton South Carolina Inc. Announces Expansion in Laurens County
Investment expected to create 15 new jobs

The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Laurens County today announced that Fisher Barton South Carolina Inc. will expand its facility in Laurens County. The $2 million investment is expected to generate 15 new jobs.

“We are pleased to announce another expansion to our facility in Laurens County. Demand for our products and services continues to grow despite a down economy. Our customers are finding great value in our metallurgical expertise and our ability to reduce cost through process automation and component redesign. We are just beginning to scratch the surface with our customers on the application of heat treated stampings to substantially improve performance while reducing cost. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead of us,” said Gregory Andress, president of Fisher Barton South Carolina Inc.

Fisher Barton South Carolina Inc. specializes in the production of lawnmower blades and a range of specialty metal stampings. This is the company’s second expansion in the past two years.

“Fisher Barton’s decision to expand operations in Laurens County is another sign that our state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are working to attract new investment and help our existing businesses grow, even during difficult economic times. We congratulate Fisher Barton on their growth in South Carolina and wish them continued success in their endeavors here,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“We are very excited that Fisher Barton continues to expand in the Fountain Inn Plant,” said Ted Nash, Laurens County Council member for District One. “They have made numerous investments in Laurens County creating jobs for our citizens.”

“We are pleased that Fisher Barton has chosen to expand in Fountain Inn and appreciate their contribution to our city,” said Fountain Inn Mayor Gary Long.

Fisher Barton South Carolina will begin hiring for new positions immediately. Anyone interested should e-mail Richard Martell, human resource manager, at rmartell@fisherbarton.com for additional information and available positions.

Fisher Barton South Carolina Inc. is an OEM supplier of precision metal stampings, welded assemblies, and heat treated products. They provide low to high volume metal components for a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, lawn and garden, material handling, hand power tools, transportation, outdoor products and agricultural. The company is part of the Fisher Barton Group, founded in 1973, which has five manufacturing facilities across the United States. For more information, please visit www.fisherbarton.com.

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Posted in:  Celebrations

Mention South Carolina to an out-of-stater, and he may think of the beach, terrific golf courses, or lamentably low SAT scores. What he might not know is that South Carolina is a world class center of engineering that is uniquely positioned to contribute to and benefit from the outcome of the current energy and environmental legislative debate. This legislation could bring thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to the Palmetto State.

Democrats in Congress are calling for tough new standards on carbon-based fuels purported to cause global warming. Republicans are concerned about the high cost and controversial benefits, but recognize that we must develop new sources of energy for both economic and national security reasons.

Senator Lindsey Graham made waves recently by teaming with John Kerry to support climate change legislation. They make the case that now is the time to develop the blueprint for a clean-energy future that will revitalize our economy, safeguard our national security, reduce pollution, protect current jobs and create new ones. No matter your political stripe, we can all agree that these are critical goals.

Clearly, there is much to be done. South Carolina engineers are ready to step up to our drawing boards, roll up our sleeves, and get to work.

There are over 200 engineering firms employing over 75,000 engineers in South Carolina. These experienced professionals are world class in terms of energy technology, design, and construction project management. South Carolina engineering firms generate over $3 billion in revenue for South Carolina’s economy and are recognized leaders in supporting energy, infrastructure, and technology initiatives anywhere in the world.

South Carolina is particularly well poised to take advantage of any new legislation because these engineers and firms are already organized through the New Carolina Engineering Cluster. This organization, led by industry volunteers, is dedicated to promoting the engineering industry, supporting current engineering jobs, and preparing students for future engineering and technology employment. Membership of the Cluster is made up of both industry and academia: Clemson, USC, SC State, the Citadel, as well as our community colleges and prep schools are all active participants.

As professional engineers living in the Upstate, we see a South Carolina that is ready and qualified to take the lead in carrying out the necessary projects across the country and around the world. These projects will implement equipment for carbon capture and sequestration, design and install more efficient manufacturing processes, replace old inefficient lighting, heating and cooling equipment, and design and construct better highways and high speed railways. A nuclear “renaissance” that results in the design and construction of nuclear power plants will need the specialized expertise of these engineers.

All of these projects will employ many thousands of other skilled South Carolina workers; not just engineers, but craftsmen of all types. The effects of these high-paying jobs will ripple through our economy, benefiting many while providing welcome relief to our tax coffers.

The stars are in alignment: We have the people, the education, and the commitment. We must work together to develop this energy and environmental legislation in a way that recognizes and capitalizes on South Carolina’s wealth of engineering resources.

Authored by :

Dan Bargar, PE

Principal, Vincula Group

&

Lee Stogner, PMP

Chair, SC Engineering Cluster

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Posted in:  News you can use, Upstate Thoughts

Proterra Selects Greenville as New Location for Research, Development and Assembly of Advanced Battery Commercial Vehicles and Systems
Chooses CU-ICAR as New Home, Bringing 1,309 New Jobs and a Clean-Energy Research Focus

Proterra Inc., which develops and assembles drive and energy storage systems for heavy-duty vehicles, including their ground-breaking BE-35 fast-charge battery-electric transit bus, today announced that it will locate a facility in Greenville County at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) for research and development as well as assembly of its products. Gov. Mark Sanford, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Jim DeMint, Rep. Bob Inglis, Mayor Knox White, Greenville County Council Chairman H. G. “Butch” Kirven Jr., Clemson University President James Barker, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Research Authority joined Proterra in making the announcement today.

“We are very excited to pursue the next stage of Proterra’s manufacturing and development in Greenville. This new facility will be our first full-scale, state-of-the-art research and development and manufacturing facility for our groundbreaking clean transportation solutions. Several months ago, Proterra retained the help of eRealty Companies Inc. and NPB Capital to assist in the site selection process. After a nation-wide search involving some 30 states, we selected Greenville, South Carolina as a result of the state’s numerous benefits in terms of workforce capabilities and research and development support. Additionally, we were impressed by the efforts of the Governor, the federal delegation, the local officials and economic development entities which far exceeded our expectations. We look forward to continuing a long and fruitful level of collaboration with the state of South Carolina and City of Greenville,” said Jeff Granato, CEO of Proterra Inc.

Proterra and its partners design, develop and assemble all electric and battery dominant hybrid drive solutions and complete vehicles for commercial applications including transit, school and commercial buses, parcel delivery vehicles and other class 4-8 trucks. Its revolutionary BE-35 fast charge battery electric transit bus has been tested at the Federal Transit Administration’s Altoona Center as achieving between 17 and 21 miles per gallon (diesel equivalent), a roughly 500 percent improvement over conventional diesel buses. Proterra’s very first vehicle, a battery dominant fuel cell hybrid transit bus funded by the FTA, is in service in Columbia, South Carolina. Proterra is headquartered in Golden, Colorado at the Coors Technology Center.

“Proterra’s decision to put down roots in South Carolina represents not only a significant investment and new job opportunities, but also another step toward expanding our state’s role in the growing market of next generation clean technologies,” said Gov. Sanford. “I’d offer the state’s appreciation to Sec. Taylor and his team at Commerce along with all our economic development partners at the state and local levels for their combined efforts to make our state that much more competitive in this global economy. With that said, we look forward to welcoming the Proterra team to South Carolina.”

Proterra anticipates that it will invest $68 million and create more than 1,300 new jobs over the next seven years in Greenville County. The company will hire a variety of skilled workers to support functions ranging from mechanical assembly, warehouse, logistics, managerial, engineering and quality assurance.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce has approved Proterra for the Job Development Credits program, which is a performance-based incentive directly related to new job creation and new capital investment. Additionally, Commerce will make two grants to Greenville County totaling $3 million to assist with site preparation and infrastructure improvements for the project.

Upstate South Carolina will be home to one of the nation’s most innovative transportation companies with today’s announcement that Proterra has chosen CU-ICAR as home for its assembly and research and development facilities.

“This is exciting news for Clemson University, for Greenville and for South Carolina,” Clemson University President James F. Barker said. “Proterra is an innovative, dynamic company that brings a new dimension to the CU-ICAR campus. Its product and processes fit the CU-ICAR curriculum and our program-driven campus perfectly. We look forward to a great partnership.”

“In addition to Clemson University, many others have worked tirelessly over the past several months to convince Proterra that CU-ICAR is the right place to realize their goals for the future,” Barker added.

“Not unlike the recent Boeing 787 announcement, this is another example of South Carolina leading in the green economy. The bus that Proterra is going to build in Greenville will not only be good for the environment, but it will help this nation break our dependency on foreign oil,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham. “I applaud local and state leaders for helping make the case that South Carolina is a great place to do business.”

“This exciting news reaffirms South Carolina as one of the best places in the world to do business,” said Sen. Jim DeMint. “We can all be proud of the strategic partnership between economic development professionals, education and research leaders and elected officials at every level that helped attract these much-needed jobs. Proterra’s decision to locate in Greenville is one more step towards the fulfillment of the long-term vision of the Upstate as a world-class automotive cluster. I’m confident this investment will pay dividends for both Proterra and our community for years to come.”

Proterra’s decision to invest in Greenville was the result of a coordinated team effort from the federal delegation to the local level.

“We’re excited to welcome Proterra to the Upstate and CU-ICAR. This commitment on the part of Proterra continues to show the way CU-ICAR is fulfilling its promise to create jobs and help South Carolina lead nationally in reinventing the car,” Inglis said. “Proterra exemplifies the can-do spirit of Americans by creating new jobs through innovation and in the process helping break our dependence on the Middle East for oil. This goes to show that the road to energy security and economic recovery runs through the Upstate of South Carolina.”

“Proterra’s landing in South Carolina is the result of both team effort and growing alignment among business, academic, governmental and economic development partners,” said Bill Mahoney, SCRA Chief Executive Officer. “While SCRA’s SC Launch program has been primarily focused on support of start-up companies, in concert with our partners across the state, we’ll see more and more landing parties like Proterra arrive in South Carolina to further strengthen the knowledge economy here. These important high-tech businesses are closely aligning with the vertical markets that our research universities and their economic development partners have targeted.”

The City of Greenville will not only add an innovative transportation company to its business community, but Greenville will also purchase buses from Proterra for the City’s public transit use.

“Proterra’s location in Greenville is another piece in the CU-ICAR puzzle that establishes it as one of the premier locations for leading edge transportation and technology companies,” said Greenville Mayor Knox White.

“This is a red letter day, not just for Greenville, but for the Upstate and for South Carolina. Proterra opens the door to a whole new range of innovative enterprises to come. We are very proud of our team who worked very hard to make this happen, and we are very proud of our newest corporate citizen – Proterra,” said H. G. “Butch” Kirven Jr., GADC director and chairman of Greenville County Council.

In addition to state and local officials, Proterra thanked the following parties for their efforts: Greenville Area Development Corporation, the South Carolina Energy Office, readySC™, the Clemson University Real Estate Foundation and many others.

Proterra will lease 25 acres in Technology Neighborhood Three on the CU-ICAR campus to construct a 240,000-square-foot building, with the potential to expand into the entire 50-acre site. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2010. A ground-breaking ceremony will be held at a future date.

Proterra will work with readySC™ on workforce training and job placement. Please note that hiring will begin at a future date that has yet to be determined.

Information regarding Proterra may be obtained by visiting www.proterra.com, and for interest in the new facility, please contact: Greenville@Proterra.com.

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Posted in:  Celebrations