Local residents encouraged to participate in economic development survey

September 27, 2004 – Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester county residents, employees and business owners who want to have a say in where the three-county region is heading economically are encouraged to speak up. Angelou Economics (AE), a firm hired by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance to develop an economic development marketing strategy for the Charleston region, is seeking community input via a project website: www.ForwardCharleston.com.

There, area residents, employees and business owners are encouraged to complete a short survey about a number of topics related to the region’s economic future. The survey will remain active until November 1. The website also includes information about AE, provides updates on the comprehensive economic development study and offers an online discussion forum.

AE’s approach to planning involves high levels of participation from the community. This process not only provides AE with an in-depth understanding of the area, it also informs citizens and allows the community at large to provide input.

“To be successful, an economic development strategy must reflect the vision and desires of the entire community,” said Ted Creech, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. “We want as much input from community members and business leaders as we can get.”

Throughout the six-month project, which began in early August, AE is working with an advisory committee comprised of area business and community leaders, plus other key stakeholders from throughout the region. To kick off the public input phase, AE conducted interviews and held focus groups with nearly 150 citizens and local businesses during the week of September 13.

Residents of the three-county region who don’t have access to a computer can contact the Charleston Regional Development Alliance at 843-767-9300 to get a survey faxed or sent via U.S. mail.

About Angelou Economics
AngelouEconomics is the largest independent economic development consulting firm in the U.S. AngelouEconomics’ private sector clients include companies such as Dell Computer, Intel, AMD, Oracle, Sulzer Medica, AMD and Applied Materials. The firm provides economic development consulting services to major public sector clients including Santa Fe, New Mexico; Northwest North Carolina; Northern Kentucky Triad; Orlando, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; Richmond, Virginia; Huntsville, Alabama; Portugal; Carinthia, Austria; the Czech Republic; Puerto Rico; Montreal, Canada; Irving, Texas; Arlington, Texas; Sugarland, Texas; the State of New York; Broome County, New York; the State of New Mexico; and the State of Texas. For more information, visit www.angeloueconomics.com.

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 an 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.