Upstate Global Competitiveness Council
July 17, 2017New structure allows for simultaneous plan implementation
During the Upstate SC Alliance’s 2017 Annual Meeting, JPMorgan Chase announced a $100,000 grant to support global engagement strategies and fund implementation of the previously released Upstate Regional Export and Foreign Direct-Investment Plans. With feedback from investors and key stakeholders in the Upstate’s Global Cities Initiative work, the implementation of these plans has been restructured under the Global Competitiveness Council.
The Global Competitiveness Council will include four focus areas (Middle Market Outreach, Talent Strategies, Materials Innovation, and Global Leadership) that are contained within the export and FDI plans. These small working groups, driven by both investors and non-profit and government partners, will be supported by the Upstate SC Alliance and will work toward incremental goals aimed at growing our region’s competitiveness.
Participants include individuals who have previously participated in the Global Cities Initiative work, as well as new partners that are currently being identified. Working groups will begin to meet in August 2017. 
The Global Competitiveness Council will be led by two members from our board, Doug Kim with The McNair Firm, P.A., and Jeff Henry with JPMorgan Chase, and supported by Upstate SC Alliance Global Cities Initiative Coordinator, Bonnie Blair.
We’re excited about the opportunities this council structure presents for us to work closely with our investors, drawing on their expertise and collaboration across organizations to continue to build the Upstate into an ecosystem where businesses of all types can thrive. Moreover, this structure allows us to maximize our efficiency while pursuing implementation of both plans simultaneously.
- Middle Market Outreach: The support and growth of the middle market is key to successful global competitiveness.
- Talent Strategies: The attraction and retention of skilled talent essential to the growth of Upstate companies can be achieved through a relationship-driven, holistic approach.
- Materials Innovation: Capitalizing on the Upstate’s strength in Advanced Materials will highlight the region as an innovative hub in the global marketplace.
- Global Leadership: Global competitiveness can only be attained if our elected officials, universities, and current and emerging leaders become globally fluent and promote a culture of change toward greater global awareness.
For more information about this work, please contact Lauren Scoggins.
TOPICS: Global Competitiveness, International