05/10/2021

Columbia Economic Development Celebrates National Economic Development Week

Columbia Economic Development is recognizing National Economic Development Week from May 9-15, 2021 to celebrate the positive contributions this profession has on our City.

COLUMBIA, SC (May 10, 2021) – Columbia Economic Development is recognizing National Economic Development Week from May 9-15, 2021 to celebrate the positive contributions this profession has on our City, including:

  • Retain and attract businesses, jobs, and investment
  • Support entrepreneurship and small business creation/development
  • Grow our talent base and career development opportunities
  • Improve the quality of life within our communities
  • Help market and promote local businesses, as well as our city/region
  • Advocate for policies and programs that help improve our local business climate 
  • Policies that government undertakes to meet broad economic objectives including inflation control, high employment, and sustainable growth. 

  

Now in its sixth year, National Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council, the largest professional membership organization for economic developers, in 2016 to recognize the unique role that economic development has in creating vibrant communities with strong economies. Over the span of five years, more than 450 campaigns have been created throughout the United States and Canada, creating millions of impressions, hundreds of news stories, blog entries, videos, events and other activities. Cities, counties and states recognized the week in past years through official proclamations, local community events, and informational campaigns online and through social media. The United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) has also issued a statement commemorating Economic Development Week in past years.

 

"While Economic Development Week was officially launched in 2016, this past year has demonstrated just how vital this work across the nation. Economic developers have played a crucial role in crisis management during COVID-19, helping to provide support, relief, and assistance to businesses in their greatest time of need. As we take a moment to reflect on the profession, we want to share our deepest appreciation and gratitude to all of our local businesses who have demonstrated strength and resilience over this past year. We are proud to serve the citizens of City of Columbia, South Carolina, and the Midlands Region" said Ryan Coleman, Director of Economic Development for the City of Columbia.

 

 

About the City of Columbia Office of Economic Development

As the leading economic development agency for the City of Columbia, the office focuses on recruitment of new business, retention and expansion of existing industry, and support of job growth through entrepreneurship and innovation. Columbia, South Carolina is one of the fastest growing cities in the Southeast and an ideal place for commercial development. With a world class workforce, high quality of life, low cost corporate environment, and extensive transportation infrastructure, Columbia is positioned to assist companies in gaining a competitive edge in the global marketplace. For more information about the Office of Economic Development,click here.

 

About the International Economic Development Council The International Economic Development Council is the leading international association for professional economic developers. IEDC supports the work of more than 5,000 economic developers to create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, universities and a variety of other institutions.