Charleston region businesses commit $2.2 million to build a strong economic future

October 25, 2004 – The Charleston Regional Development Alliance today announced it has surpassed the $2 million mark in private-sector campaign commitments. The pledges comprise support from individuals and businesses throughout Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. The campaign, titled “Expanding Our Horizons,” will continue throughout the remainder of the year and aims to reach its goal of $3.2 million.

“We are extremely pleased to have reached this point so early in the campaign,” stated Ted Creech, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. “The initial campaign has been very well received throughout the three-county area. It’s clear this region is committed to expanding and diversifying our economy and providing better jobs for our citizens.”

The Alliance’s five-year capital campaign is led by five regional business leaders: John L. Darby, President and CEO of The Beach Company; T. Graham Edwards, Chairman of Santee Cooper; Leonard L. Hutchison, III, Area President of Wachovia Bank; John M. Rivers, Jr., President of Rivers Enterprises, Inc.; and Jerry Zucker, President and CEO of The InterTech Group, Inc.

Money raised by the campaign will be used to market the Charleston region to attract new, competitive business investment. Strategic efforts include brand building, electronic marketing, direct sales, and market research and analysis. Currently, the Alliance is working with Angelou Economics, an Austin-based economic development consulting firm, to develop a five-year strategic implementation plan, which will be presented to the community in March 2005.

About the Charleston Regional Development Alliance
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Its mission is to broaden and diversify business investment in this region, with a new emphasis on technology-intensive business sectors. Since its inception, the Alliance has worked with thousands of companies to help promote business investment and quality growth in the area. To learn more, go to www.charleston-for-business.com.

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Alliance Media Contacts:
Karen Kuchenbecker
843-760-4534
[email protected]

Natalie J. Lawrence
843-760-4523
[email protected]