Accelerate Greater Charleston Investor Update - October 2014

INVESTOR UPDATE OCTOBER 2014

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT WWW.CHARLESTONCHAMBER.NET OR CALL 843.577.2510

DRIVING GROWTH. Becoming a world-class metropolitan region.

CONTENTS Letter from Leadership

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Innovation 2 Talent 4 Advocacy 6 AGC Investors

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4500 Leeds Avenue, Suite 100 North Charleston, SC 29405 www.charlestonchamber.net p: 843.577.2510

Dear Accelerate Greater Charleston Partner: Our collective work to advance our region through innovation, talent and advocacy is progressing soundly and the results can be seen on multiple levels.

Here at the Chamber, our launch of the region’s first resource center dedicated to entrepreneurs will serve companies who are in their start-up phase. Export training for a second set of companies is expanding our region’s business presence on the global economic stage. And our new full-time lobbyist is working hard at the statehouse and in the region.

Manufacturing and IT companies are expanding their regional footprint in numerous ways when it comes to developing our area’s future talent. AGC-supported apprenticeships, in conjunction with Trident Technical College, are providing high school students with a great training setting to prepare for their careers in this industry sector. Companies involved in a new IT Advisory Board are creating expansion efforts in local high schools’ career academies. And more than 250 school counselors will work directly with local companies to establish future education plans that incorporate job skills needed in a number of high demand employee fields.

Last but not least, fixing our state’s infrastructure is a top legislative priority. An AGCfunded Infrastructure Vision Lab brought together the Charleston, Columbia and Greenville Chambers, along with other statewide business member associations, to devise a lobbying strategy to encourage the 2015 South Carolina General Assembly to increase the state motor fuel user’s fee to address the $42 billion highway and roads funding issue.

Thank you for your support of Accelerate Greater Charleston, which allows us to move the needle on each of these important issues for our region’s current economic stability and future prosperity. Private sector participation and involvement is central to assuring our region’s on-going progress. We are accelerating, thanks to you!

Respectfully yours,

Christopher B. Fraser

2014 Chairman of the Board Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

Bryan S. Derreberry President and CEO Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

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INNOVATE TO CATALYZE DYNAMIC AND FAST-PACED BUSINESS SUCCESS Building a thriving export economy to secure our region on the global commerce stage is made possible through Accelerate Greater Charleston.

Expanding International Trade through World Trade Center Charleston Intensive export training for a second set of companies started in September, adding to the future pipeline of our region’s global commerce productivity. Upon completion of the training program, the six companies will be armed with knowledge and information to develop and execute international export plans for use in 2014 and 2015. They are: Fog Free Technologies – provides environmentally friendly product solutions to negative environmental impacts such as a non-toxic dispersant which changes crude oil particles (such as those in oil spills) into hydrocarbons that are 100% digestible by the existing bacteria in the ocean and on land Jack Rudy Cocktail – a family run company based in Charleston, SC and Lexington, KY crafting small batch tonics and drink mixers reinvented from yesteryear, with distribution aimed at upscale retail and food/beverage establishments Multiplastics – innovative and creative manufacturing of thermoformed plastic products and plastic displays for the Automotive, Aerospace, Communication, Defense, Healthcare, Food, Marine, Mechanical and Transportation industries The New Primal – a Charleston-based snack food company specialized in making and selling high-quality artisanal beef jerky: all-natural, grass-fed beef, gluten-free, naturally sweetened and infused with spices, with no nitrates, preservatives, or MSG USCOA – manufacturers of entrance mats using natural coir (coconut) fiber bristles, far superior to that of other synthetic mats; with elegant designs applied through an electrostatic flocking process that permanently bonds the colored fibers to the coir fibers, retaining quality and appearance The Find Magazine – a conduit for small and medium sized businesses allowing them to expand into global retail market without diluting creative efforts, with access to an arsenal of saleable items along with a technical package of multimedia marketing tools ready for publishing

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A total of eleven companies will have been trained for international trade through World Trade Center Charleston in 2014.The first five companies that were trained and readied this spring are recognizing international trade contracts and new business partnerships.

“THE CATALYST CENTER IS AN EXCITING NEW RESOURCE FOR THE START-UP COMMUNITY OF CHARLESTON. THE CHAMBER IS MAKING IT EASIER THAN EVER TO START A BUSINESS AND GROW OUR ECONOMY.”

Joe Dwyer, Founder, Makelab

Fueling Innovation and New Business Growth In February’s AGC Update, we announced the development of the Catalyst Center, a first of its kind space for entrepreneurs and scalable small businesses located at the Charleston Metro Chamber. This resource center officially opened in late August, with an event that drew over 200 to experience the space and hear from a nationally recognized entrepreneur guest speaker. Many of the attendees have since attended Catalyst Center programs.

Since its opening, the Catalyst Center’s assets are attracting those in need. The “eCrowd,” named for those accessing the center, has 60 members, who will be able to connect with and learn from others as they use the Catalyst Center. A monthly newsletter for eCrowd members provides information on the Catalyst Center programs and services as well as entrepreneurial news from throughout the region. New program offerings are being presented including: Inspiration Lunches for start-up entrepreneurs to meet with seasoned entrepreneur stars in an intimate setting; and Launchpad Forums for entrepreneurs to gain knowledge on business tactics for success.

Chamber members are also able to use this business development space for staff and client meetings or as a place to do work in between meetings in North Charleston. The Catalyst Center is located on the second floor of your Chamber building.

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TALENT FUELS SPEED TO IMPLEMENTATION AND ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY Accelerate Greater Charleston works to provide our region’s employers with a highly skilled, work ready talent pool.

Meaningful Career Academy Expansion The aggressive Career Academy expansion efforts reported in the June Investor Update are presenting great dividends throughout the region. In late August, 70 business partners representing 90 Academy Partnerships were on-boarded at the Charleston Metro Chamber. A newly developed Academy Partner Manual distributed at the on-boarding provided information on partnership activities with suggestions, how to’s, and more for each. A website portal for Academy Partners is currently in development, to be launched in early 2015.

Charleston County School District has committed to Career Academies in each high school, some starting as soon as spring semester of the current school year and all operating by fall 2015. CCSD’s academies are focused on Engineering, Health Sciences, Culinary Arts and Business. This commitment brings the total Career Academies throughout the region to 40, representing a significant expansion commitment from school systems and business partners.

Last year at this juncture there were only seven academies in five high schools. Thousands of students are better prepared to enter fields of study and employment thanks to your support of Career Academies through Accelerate Greater Charleston.

New IT Advisory Board Established One of several action steps taken following the results of the recent Talent Demand Analysis (as reported in the June Investor Update) is the creation of an IT Advisory Board to work on the need for significant expansion of IT/Computer Technology education programs in area high schools. The mission of the new Regional Computer Science Advisory Board is to “create demand and momentum for Computer Science Academies across the region.”

Professionals from fifteen organizations are on the board and meeting monthly. A workshop in late October hosted by the advisory board will bring together educators from the area’s school districts, colleges and universities to work on meeting the job demands of industries through expanded education programs.

Companies represented on the IT Advisory Board:

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Accenture Blackbaud Blue Cross Blue Shield Boomtown Charleston Digital Corridor Charleston Southern University College of Charleston, Dept. of Computer Science The Comdyn Group

ISHPI IT-ology netGalaxy Studios Qonceptual SPARC SPAWAR Trident Technical College, Dept. of Business Technology

New Youth Apprenticeship Program Funded Through AGC In partnership with Trident Technical College and SC Youth Apprenticeship Program, 11 high school juniors became the region’s first to enter an Industrial Maintenance apprenticeship program this fall. In addition to their regular high school courses, the student apprentices travel to Trident Technical College two days a week where they are enrolled in dual credit courses in the industrial maintenance field. They are also receiving on-the-job training for up to two hours per day during the school year and up to 40 hours a week during summers, from five area companies providing apprentice positions for the next two years. Apprentices earn $10.00 per hour, in addition to the rich learning/working experience each receives.

Through your investment dollars to Accelerate Greater Charleston, the cost of tuition and books is paid for each of the students. Upon graduation, the students will have a high school diploma, industrial certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, a nearly completed two-year associate degree from Trident Technical College, and likely, a full time job.

Plans are underway to expand the program to include IT/Computer Technology, an additional degree in manufacturing and other specific skill areas. Thank you for helping to grow the next generation of skilled manufacturing employees and future business leaders.

Local Companies: Bosch Detyens Shipyards Hubner Manufacturing IFA Rotorion VTL Group

Student Apprentices from:

Garrett Academy of Technology, Fort Dorchester High, Wando High West Ashley High, Wando High West Ashley High Goose Creek High, West Ashley High, Stall High Fort Dorchester High

W.I.S.E. Work in Manufacturing The Chamber’s Workplace Institute for Educators (W.I.S.E.) brings together business and education professionals to learn job requirements throughout the region, for incorporation into the classroom.

On November 18, 25 companies in the manufacturing and IT/Computer technology sectors will host school counselors for industry field studies where they will learn the community’s fastest growing jobs and skills needed. More than 250 public high school counselors from the tri-county region will take part in this important “hands-on” activity taking place in companies of this high-demand industry.

Field studies such as this will be conducted twice a year in other high demand industries as well.

In addition, the Chamber has partnered with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) to evaluate each of our STEM Career Academies for future designation as a PRIME academy model.

The Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education (PRIME) model is designed to actively engage and build a collaborative network between manufacturing students, educators and industry to grow and train the next generation workforce while driving interest in manufacturing. Currently, there are only 26 PRIME high schools nationwide and only one in South Carolina (Wando High).

Schools with PRIME designation receive numerous benefits from the SME Education Foundation including equipment funding, scholarship opportunities, connections with companies and more.

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ADVOCACY IS CENTRAL TO ADVANCING OUR REGION’S PROSPERITY Accelerate Greater Charleston’s advocacy efforts are designed to guarantee our region’s sustainable and prosperous growth.

Infrastructure Funding Vision Lab On August 5, 2014, 18 stakeholders from across the state came together to develop a strategy to address state infrastructure funding needs. SCDOT now estimates there is a $42 billion gap between current funding and what is needed to address the state’s infrastructure problems. The group agreed the metro chambers – Charleston, Columbia and Greenville – will make the issue a top legislative priority for the 2015 Legislative session, and will seek a $.25 increase in the state’s motor user fuel fee. The chambers will work with the SC Alliance to Fix Our Roads on readying private sector leaders to speak directly with their state legislators and the governor on the necessity of addressing this critical infrastructure issue.

Next Steps to Meet our Talent Demands The Talent Demand Study, released in early summer, included several areas needing improvement so that the region could educate and retain the workforce needed for present and future jobs. The Chamber’s Regional Education Council is now prioritizing the recommendations of the Talent Demand Study and will develop a strategic plan with specific goals and objectives. Some of the recommendations are already progressing, as is reported in the Talent section of this report describing the new IT Advisory Board.

The Chamber is also working on the development of a new online tool called Career Headlight that will highlight jobs in the region. Available by year-end, Career Headlight will also provide students, teachers, counselors, parents and employers with information on what occupations are in highest demand in the region, the skills required for those jobs and where to go locally to acquire the needed skills.

George Ramsey, Staff Lobbyist The Charleston Metro Chamber recently announced the selection of George Ramsey as the full time staff lobbyist. While new to this position, George is not new to the Chamber and the importance of Advocacy efforts in maintaining our region’s economic strength. In his recently held position as the Chamber’s Business Advocacy Director, George helped re-organize the Chamber’s Political Action Committee (CMCC-PAC) as well as being heavily involved with the Developers Council, Infrastructure Visioning Task Force, Business Advocacy Committee and the Environmental Committee.

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Prior to joining the Chamber, George spent over ten years in the government affairs arena as a political operative and legislative aide on the federal and state levels. George holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Clemson University. A native of York, South Carolina, George now resides in Charleston with his wife and infant son.

State Legislative Scorecard Released At the beginning of each year, the Chamber’s legislative agenda is developed, outlining policies and focus areas for the coming legislative session. In late summer, the scorecard is shared with members and community to show the progress of each agenda item. The 2014 State Legislative Scorecard reports the successful passage of several items, as well as unfinished business and pending legislation for the coming year.

Passed legislation in areas of economic development and innovation: H. 4702: Creation of Aeronautical Enterprise Campus at Trident Technical College to expand the aerospace industry cluster in SC. H. 3512: Stone Brewery legislation allowing SC breweries to serve both food and the alcohol they produce in the same establishment.

Passed legislation in military base retention and expansion: S. 825: Exemption of property tax collection on privatized housing located on federal military facilities.

Passed legislation in area of talent: S. 940: Legislation providing counties the flexibility for the renewal of education capital improvement bond referendums.

Passed legislation in areas of transportation and infrastructure: S. 1085: Amends legal parameters regarding local bond referenda for counties to maintain infrastructure sales tax programs that fund local road projects.

Two items passed in the House and failed in the Senate: H. 4632: Creates a comprehensive research university in the Charleston area between College of Charleston and MUSC in order to provide advanced degrees. The Charleston University Act legislation will be re-filed prior to the 2015 legislation and the College of Charleston has filed a revised mission statement with the SC Commission on Higher Education.

H. 3412: Supported additional funding to SC Department of Transportation and the State Transportation and Infrastructure Bank for infrastructure improvements in the region. Despite an intense effort to pressure the General Assembly to identify a new, dedicated funding stream to address the $29 billion needed to repair roads and bridges, the Senate adjourned without discussing the proposed legislation.

Funding for infrastructure will be a top priority for the Chamber in 2015.

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THANK YOU AGC INVESTORS Abi Angel

Colin Ross

Adams Outdoor Advertising

Cooper River Partners

AECOM

CresCom Bank

ALCOA Mt. Holly

Daimler Vans Manufacturing LLC

Anderson Insurance Associates LLC

Dale Carnegie Training of SC LLC

Avison Young

Daniel Island Company, Inc.

Baker Motor Company

Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Dunhill Staffing Systems

BB&T

East Cooper Medical Center

Benefitfocus

Elliott Davis LLC

Bently World Packaging

Francis Marion Hotel

BERCHTOLD Corp.

Go To Team

Cady Nell West

Greg Barrett

CB Richard Ellis Carmody

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd PA

CC&T Real Estate Services

Hendrick Automotive Group of Charleston

CCCS International

Island Realty

Chad Woods

Jay Werth

Charleston Branch Pilots Association

Jessica Jackson

Charleston County

John Osborne

Charleston Defense Contractors Association

John Rizzo

Charleston Naval Complex Redevelopment Authority

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Johnson Controls Jules Deas III

Charleston Water System

K&L Gates LLP

Chernoff Newman

KapStone Charleston Kraft LLC

Choate Construction Company

Laura Alberts Tasteful Options

City of Charleston

Life Cycle Engineering

City of North Charleston

Limehouse Produce Co.

Clawson and Staubes, LLC

Lowcountry Residential Builders LLC

LS3P ASSOCIATES LTD

SCRA

Maverick Southern Kitchens

Seamon Whiteside + Associates

Maybank Properties LLC

Seidler & Associates LLC

McKesson Corporation

Showa Denko Carbon, Inc.

McRae Hamer

Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP

Medical University of South Carolina

Solvay

Meridian Energy & Environment LLC

South Carolina Aquarium

Moody CPA’s & Advisors LLC

South Carolina Federal Credit Union

Mount Pleasant Waterworks

South Carolina Ports Authority

Mungo Homes

South State Bank

MWV

SteelFab of South Carolina

NAI Avant

Stubbs-Muldrow-Herin Architects, Inc.

Nexsen Pruet LLC

SunTrust Bank

Nucor Steel

TD Bank

O.L. Thompson Construction Co.

The Beach Company

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart

The Boeing Company

Pegasus Steel Premier Logistics Solutions PURE Rawle Murdy Residence Inn by Marriott - Charleston Riverview

The InterTech Group Inc. The Post and Courier Town of Mount Pleasant Trident Health Trident Technical College WebsterRogers LLP

Richard Guerzon

Wells Fargo

Robert Bosch Corp.

Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLC

Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Young Clement Rivers LLP

Santee Cooper SCE&G Scientific Research Corporation

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Thank you for reviewing this Accelerate Greater Charleston Investor Update and for your ongoing support of our region’s metro advancement plan.

P.O. Box 975 Charleston, SC 29402-0975 www.charlestonchamber.net