Volume 8 Issue 6 December 200 5 Labor Force Statistics Now ...

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Volume 8 Issue 6 December 2005 n today’s age of technol- ogy, companies looking for a place to expand their businesses often begin the site selection process by conducting online research of possible expansion locations and then compiling a “short list” of candidates through a process of elimination. Typically, candidates face elimination early in the process if inade- quate information is available during the company’s online research. Con- sider the following scenario: Benjamin Cole, the president of Minnesota Machine Works, is look- ing to expand his company into the Southeast. Through conversations with Upstate Alliance delegates at a recent trade show, he has learned about the many advantages of doing business in Upstate South Carolina, but he needs to gather some specific information on the region’s work force before placing us on his “short list.” Thanks to a partnership be- tween the S. C. Employment Security Commission, U. S. Census Bureau and U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, de- tailed work force statistics for Upstate counties are now available at Mr. Cole’s fingertips through the Internet. Each quarter, the Census Bureau links South Carolina employer and worker data to other administrative records to produce unique indicators of employment, work- force composition, worker flows and earnings. These indicators can be fur- ther categorized by time, area, gender, age group, and industry. For instance, through the selec- tion of several very specific variables, Mr. Cole can see that, in the second quarter of 2004, Greenville County had a total of 5,103 persons working in ma- chinery manufacturing, with overall av- erage monthly earnings of $4,427. He can also see that this branch of manu- facturing had 367 new hires in the county, with average monthly earnings of $3,831. Turnover for machine manu- facturing in Greenville County was 6.1 percent. If desired, Mr. Cole may re- trieve a further breakdown of this data by gender and age group. Data may also be retrieved for various geographic levels, including counties, metropolitan statistical areas and workforce invest- ment areas. In addition to providing area statistics to “long distance” re- searchers such as Mr. Cole, the online database can also serve as a valuable “in-house” tool for local economic de- velopment professionals who must rou- tinely compile data in response to re- quests for information from site selec- tion consultants. In the past, county-level labor force data showing any degree of detail would typically be several years old at the time of its release. The availability (Statistics continued on page 3) Labor Force Statistics Now Fast and Easy ver the past 40 years, the Appalachian COG has helped bring in nearly one-half billion dollars in federal and state grants for the region. Almost $100 million of that amount went for multi-county or region-wide efforts. Many early projects, like the construction of the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC 11), are still highly visible and relevant today. Other projects were even more visionary. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the COG helped establish and equip a network of vocational high schools throughout the six-county area. Significant funding also went to build the region’s technical college campuses. Prior to 1980, almost all the technical college buildings were at least partially funded with Appalachian Regional Commission dollars. In the 1970s, ACOG estab- lished a regional tourism program that evolved into the Discover Upcountry Carolina Association. A cooperative purchasing program saved local govern- ments hundreds of thousands of dollars on bulk purchases before they became eligible to buy under the state contract. A junk car removal program helped rid the area of unsightly abandoned vehi- cles and associated health risks. A re- gional arson prevention program brought investigators together for the first time to identify strategies for re- ducing the incidence of arson and shar- ing investigative techniques. When Home Rule was estab- lished in 1975, the COG responded by creating a Governmental Services De- (ACOG continued on page 6) Notable ACOG Accomplishments, 1965—2005

Transcript of Volume 8 Issue 6 December 200 5 Labor Force Statistics Now ...

Page 1: Volume 8 Issue 6 December 200 5 Labor Force Statistics Now ...

Volume 8 Issue 6 December 2005

n today’s age of technol-ogy, companies lookingfor a place to expand theirbusinesses often begin the

site selection process by conductingonline research of possible expansionlocations and then compiling a “shortlist” of candidates through a process ofelimination. Typically, candidates faceelimination early in the process if inade-quate information is available duringthe company’s online research. Con-sider the following scenario:

Benjamin Cole, the presidentof Minnesota Machine Works, is look-ing to expand his company into theSoutheast. Through conversations withUpstate Alliance delegates at a recenttrade show, he has learned about themany advantages of doing business inUpstate South Carolina, but he needs togather some specific information on theregion’s work force before placing uson his “short list.”

Thanks to a partnership be-tween the S. C. Employment SecurityCommission, U. S. Census Bureau andU. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, de-tailed work force statistics for Upstatecounties are now available at Mr. Cole’sfingertips through the Internet. Eachquarter, the Census Bureau links SouthCarolina employer and worker data toother administrative records to produceunique indicators of employment, work-force composition, worker flows andearnings. These indicators can be fur-ther categorized by time, area, gender,age group, and industry.

For instance, through the selec-tion of several very specific variables,Mr. Cole can see that, in the second

quarter of 2004, Greenville County hada total of 5,103 persons working in ma-chinery manufacturing, with overall av-erage monthly earnings of $4,427. Hecan also see that this branch of manu-facturing had 367 new hires in thecounty, with average monthly earningsof $3,831. Turnover for machine manu-facturing in Greenville County was 6.1percent.

If desired, Mr. Cole may re-trieve a further breakdown of this databy gender and age group. Data mayalso be retrieved for various geographiclevels, including counties, metropolitanstatistical areas and workforce invest-ment areas. In addition to providingarea statistics to “long distance” re-searchers such as Mr. Cole, the onlinedatabase can also serve as a valuable“in-house” tool for local economic de-velopment professionals who must rou-tinely compile data in response to re-quests for information from site selec-tion consultants.

In the past, county-level laborforce data showing any degree of detailwould typically be several years old atthe time of its release. The availability

(Statistics continued on page 3)

Labor Force Statistics Now Fastand Easy

ver the past 40 years, theAppalachian COG hashelped bring in nearlyone-half billion dollars in

federal and state grants for the region.Almost $100 million of that amountwent for multi-county or region-wideefforts. Many early projects, like theconstruction of the Cherokee FoothillsScenic Highway (SC 11), are stillhighly visible and relevant today.

Other projects were even morevisionary. During the late 1960s andearly 1970s, the COG helped establishand equip a network of vocational highschools throughout the six-county area.Significant funding also went to buildthe region’s technical college campuses.Prior to 1980, almost all the technicalcollege buildings were at least partiallyfunded with Appalachian RegionalCommission dollars.

In the 1970s, ACOG estab-lished a regional tourism program thatevolved into the Discover UpcountryCarolina Association. A cooperativepurchasing program saved local govern-ments hundreds of thousands of dollarson bulk purchases before they becameeligible to buy under the state contract.A junk car removal program helped ridthe area of unsightly abandoned vehi-cles and associated health risks. A re-gional arson prevention programbrought investigators together for thefirst time to identify strategies for re-ducing the incidence of arson and shar-ing investigative techniques.

When Home Rule was estab-lished in 1975, the COG responded bycreating a Governmental Services De-

(ACOG continued on page 6)

Notable ACOGAccomplishments,1965—2005

Page 2: Volume 8 Issue 6 December 200 5 Labor Force Statistics Now ...

VIEWPOINTPage 2

Since the terrorist attacks onthe United States, the onset of“Operation Enduring Freedom” and theactivation of thousands of NationalGuard and Reserve troops, employersare playing a critical role in national de-fense. One way in which local govern-ments can publicly demonstrate theirsupport for their National Guard andReserve employees is by signing aStatement of Support for their Guardand Reserve employees.

In the Upstate, ESGR govern-mental participants include the Appala-chian Council of Governments, Ander-son County, Anderson County Sheriff’sDepartment, Cherokee County, Clem-son University, Greenville County Sher-iff’s Office, Greenville County Deten-tion Center, and the Spartanburg Sher-iff’s Department.

Nationwide, 1.3 millionAmericans serve in the ReserveForces—Army Reserve, Army NationalGuard, Navy Reserve, Marine CorpsReserve, Coast Guard Reserve, AirForce Reserve, Air Guard—and makeup more than half the national defensestrength.

A Statement of Support servestwo very vital functions. First of all, itdemonstrates the strong level of support

for our Guard and Reserve, which is im-portant during this critical time; andsecond, it sends a clear message to theservice members that while they’reserving their country, they do not haveto worry about their civilian jobs.

Upstate city and county gov-ernments can get information on theESGR program by contacting the S. C.Adjutant General’s Office, Joe Smoak,at (803) 806-2672 (e-mail at [email protected]), or bygoing online at www.esgr.org . Askabout the 5-Star Employer programand serve the people who are servingus.

he ADC Board has ap-proved a loan of$135,000 to Promo Pipe-line. The loan is part of a

$510,000 project that introduces a newproduct that is an Internet bulletin boardposting of incentives. The company islocated in Greenville County and willemploy up to eight people.

The ADC Board has approveda loan of $200,000 for a new skateboardand motor cross bicycle facility inGreenville County. The facility is cur-rently not named, as the principals planto sell the naming rights. The companywill employ up to eight people.

A loan of $160,000 has beenapproved by the ADC Board for EliteGymnastics of Simpsonville. The prin-cipal is purchasing the building thatthey have been leasing. Primary financ-ing is being provided by South CarolinaBank and Trust. The company will in-crease by two instructors, bringing thetotal employees to seven.

A $200,000 loan to UpstateMedical Rehabilitation in Greenvillewas approved. The project involves theconstruction and equipping of a new of-fice complex. Bank of America is pro-viding primary funding of $2,200,000for the project. The company will em-ploy up to eight additional people whileretaining the current staff.

A loan for a new company, In-negrity, LLC, in the amount of$150,000 was approved. The principalis starting a production facility to pro-duce a recently patented fiber productthat he has developed. The ADC willprovide $150,000 of the $300,000equipment cost, with the balance of theproject coming from BB&T of SouthCarolina and investors. The companywill employ eight people and will be lo-cated in Greenville County.

A $100,000 loan has beenclosed and funded to Bates Batteries,Inc., for working capital to open a new

(ADC continued on page 7)

ESGR—Employer Support for theGuard and Reserves

Anderson County Administrator JoeyPreston and County Council ChairwomanGracie Floyd sign the Five-Star Statementof Support for Employer Support for theGuard and Reserves.

Home for theHolidays?

One of the hardest things todeal with on a day-to-day basis is theloneliness and isolation related to beingthe caregiver of a loved one. Whethercaring for a senior or a child, therestrictions and limitations can becomeoverwhelming at times. When thecaregiver realizes he or she is wearingdown emotionally and physically, it istime to call for help.

“Respite” is what theprofessionals call it. You may call it“just watching” or “sitting with” orwhatever you think appropriate, but itis relief of some kind from the day-to-

(Holidays continued on page 4)

DevelopmentCorporation News

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Page 3 VIEWPOINT

he South Carolina Budgetand Control Board hasannounced the FY 2006interest rates for the State

Revolving Fund (SRF) for Wastewaterand the SRF for Drinking Water.

The SRF for Wastewater issponsored by EPA under authority ofthe Federal Clean Water Act. Since1989 South Carolina has received over$325 million in federal and state match-ing funds to capitalize the fund. For FY2006, over $60 million is available forwastewater projects at interest ratesfrom 1.00 percent to 3.50 percent. Mu-nicipalities, counties, and special pur-pose districts are eligible to apply forloans through this program to constructwastewater facilities, including reloca-tion of sewer lines due to highway wid-ening and non-point source projectssuch as stormwater. The program al-lows up to 100 percent financing of alleligible costs, including 20-year reservecapacity. All projects must be on theDepartment of Health and Environ-mental Control (DHEC) priority list tobe eligible for a loan. Projects, how-ever, may be added to the list at anytime by submitting a priority question-naire to DHEC.

In 1997 the U.S. Congress au-thorized funding to capitalize a revolv-ing loan fund for drinking water to fa-cilitate compliance with the Safe Drink-ing Water Act. The SRF for DrinkingWater funds are available for drinkingwater supply or distribution system im-provements, including relocation of wa-ter lines due to highway widening. TheSRF for Drinking Water operates virtu-ally the same as the SRF for Wastewa-ter. For FY 2006, over $16 million isavailable through this program.

The interest rates for both pro-grams are:

• Standard Rate – 3.5%: Appliesto all systems with more than

10,000 population and all systemswith Median Household Income(MHI) greater than $37,082 (StateMHI) regardless of size.

• Small System Rate – 2.5%: In-centive rate for small systems ofless than 10,000 population andMHI less than State MHI.

• Hardship Rate – 1.0%: Availableto systems that would meet thesmall system rate and their Level ofEffort (LOE) is more than 1.25%.(LOE is annual cost of water orsewer based on 6,000 gallonsmonthly usage divided by systemMHI.)

These low interest rates for FY2006 significantly reduce annual debtservice costs, as well as the totalamount paid over the life for the loan.Such savings directly benefit the rate-paying customers and the system.

For more information on eitherof these loan programs, contact Ms.Trish Comp at the S.C. Budget andControl Board in Columbia (737-3808),or Dirk Reis at the ACOG.

tates and communitiesnationwide are usingWorkKeys, a standard jobskills assessment system

that is recognized globally. This systemmeasures real-world skills to createportable credentials–so an individualcan demonstrate they have the skillsnecessary for many jobs and careers.

This workforce skill testing istypically conducted in these basic areasof need for most employers: AppliedMathematics, Locating Information, andReading for Information.

Whether a student, an individ-ual in the workforce, or one looking toenter the workforce, WorkKeys canprovide reliable, relevant informationabout an individual’s skill levels.

This assessment tool can showskill levels required in today’s and to-morrow’s workplace, and it can help theindividual make better career and edu-cational decisions.

The WorkKeys system is themost efficient assessment process avail-able. Using the unique job profilingcomponent along with skill assess-ments, the process is able to show howa person's skills compare to an em-ployer’s specific job requirements—providing a targeted solution that savestime and money.

How to Be Certified afterWorkKeys Assessment? FollowingWorkKeys testing, an individual can beeligible for a Career Readiness Certifi-cate. The WorkKeys score determines acertificate level:

Certificate LevelBronze – WorkKeys Level 3Silver – WorkKeys Level 4Gold – WorkKeys Level 5

When a certificate level is met,a credential is awarded by the S. C. De-partment of Education’s Office of Adultand Community Education.

(Workforce continued on page 5)

State Revolving Programs AnnounceRates for FY 2006

of this quarterly updated database of-fers valuable, very detailed statisticswhich are maintained on an ongoingbasis to provide more current informa-tion. This searchable database is acces-sible athttp://lehd.dsd.census.gov/led/datatools/qwiapp.html . For more informationon these new Quarterly Workforce In-dicators, please contact the S. C. Em-ployment Security Commission by e-mail at [email protected].

(Statistics continued from page 1)

Workkeys and the CareerReadiness Certificate

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VIEWPOINTPage 4

he South Carolina Volun-teer Ombudsman Pro-gram is a first for thestate, and it is well under-

way. After several years of develop-ment, the program was finally approvedand implemented this past August. Theneed for advocates for residents of longterm care facilities is ever growing asthis population continues to grow. Itwill peak in the years to come with theBaby Boomer generation joining theranks. South Carolina is one of the laststates in the country to implement thisprogram and will now join the successof the other 44 states participating na-tionwide.

Sixty percent of residents innursing homes never get visitors; a stag-gering statistic. This program helps toalleviate this problem, as well as to im-prove the relationship between residentsand the facility staff. The program in-volves sending volunteers into nursinghomes and assisted living facilities asfriendly visitors for the residents livingthere. These volunteers will be confi-dants and friends to the elderly whohave no family that visit them.

Too often residents have con-cerns that they are afraid to voice toanyone working in the facility. Once arelationship is established, these volun-teers will be non-biased outlets for theresidents to share their concerns. Vol-unteer Ombudsman will only follow upon a complaint or concern if given per-mission by the resident or the resident’sresponsible party. The most importantthing is that these residents have some-one to listen to them and someone tomake sure that their rights are being re-spected.

Every resident in a long termcare facility has certain privileges underthe Resident Bill of Rights, but many donot know this even exists. Another re-sponsibility of the Volunteer Ombuds-man will be to educate residents, fami-lies, facility staff, and the communityon these rights. Volunteer Ombudsmenwant to empower residents to becomeas independent as possible, and know-

ing their rights is the first step towardsthat independence.

The Volunteer OmbudsmanProgram in the Appalachian region hasmade great steps in implementing theprogram since August. In the last twoand a half months, recruitment of volun-teers and facilities has been the focus ofthe new program. Brochures and pres-entations have been given to attract vol-unteers to the program. AARP has alsopublished an article in a recent maga-zine explaining the program and askingfor volunteers. Over twelve potentialvolunteers have been interviewed, andout of those, seven volunteers have beenrecruited to begin training.

The following volunteers havebeen recruited from several counties inthe Upstate: Mr. and Mrs. Craig Bran-don from Pickens County; Mr. LamarBailes from Oconee County; Ms.Janette Gianopoulos from SpartanburgCounty; Mr. and Mrs. Don Groezingerfrom Cherokee County; and Ms. FawnOwens from Anderson County. Theseseven have started the training processand have gone through a one day work-shop in Columbia with the State Om-budsman and State Ombudsman Volun-teer Coordinator.

The next step for the volun-teers is to shadow an Ombudsman on afriendly visit to a facility in the Upstate.The following facilities have volun-teered to participate in the new programand will have one or two volunteers as-signed to their facility as volunteers arerecruited and trained: Briarwood Liv-ing Center in Greenville County, thePeachtree Centre in Cherokee County,Country Heritage in Anderson County,Countryside Village in Pickens County,Magnolia Place in Spartanburg County,Mountainview in Spartanburg County,Richard M. Campbell Veterans Homein Anderson County, Rolling Green Vil-lage in Greenville County, MorningsideAssisted Living in Anderson County,Manning House Assisted Living inGreenville County, and Stroud Memo-rial Nursing Home in GreenvilleCounty.

The Ombudsman Programwould like to thank all volunteers andvolunteer facilities for participating inthis program. We are off to a great startand hope to have volunteers into facili-ties by the Christmas holiday. If youhave comments, questions, or wouldlike to volunteer, please contact us!

From your Local Ombudsmen:Nancy Hawkins, Jamie Guay, JessicaArnone, Celia Clark, Sandy Dunagan,and Rhonda Monroe; phone: 864-242-9733.

Volunteer Ombudsman Program

day duties of caregiving. One of themain purposes of the Family CaregiverSupport Program is to assist inproviding short-term or bridgeassistance in the area of respite care. Inthis consumer-directed program, manyoptions are available from which tochoose. You may see someone cominginto your home as the best option.Another caregiver might think it moresuitable to have their loved one in aprofessional facility of some sort.Options—from in-home care andinstitutional care to adult day centers—can provide much needed breaks atvery hectic times of the year such asthis upcoming holiday season.

If you are the caregiver, orknow of a caregiver in need of somerespite care, contact us at the FamilyCaregiver Support Program. Ourphone numbers are (864) 242-9733 andtoll free at (800) 925-4077. FamilyCaregiver Advocates Debra Brown andSam Wiley will be happy to speak withyou and discuss what possibilities exist.

(Holidays continued from page 2)

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Page 5 VIEWPOINT

ILVERxCARD will endon December 31, 2005,and will be replaced withthe new Gap Assistance

Pharmacy Program for Seniors (GAPS).GAPS will provide state pharmacy as-sistance to supplement the new Medi-care prescription drug coverage for sen-iors. Individuals already participatingin SILVERxCARD do not need to ap-ply for GAPS.

Starting January 1, 2006,Medicare will offer prescription drugcoverage for people eligible for Medi-care. Under the new Medicare Prescrip-tion Drug program, most people whojoin a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan(PDP), after paying a monthly premium,will be responsible for 100% of theirdrug costs between $2,250 and $5,100.This gap in Medicare drug coveragethat many people will face is being re-ferred to as the “doughnut hole” or gapin coverage. GAPS will provide statepharmacy assistance to “fill the gap” forseniors’ Medicare prescription drugcoverage when their drug cost reachesthe “doughnut hole.” With GAPS, sen-iors will only have to pay 5% of theirprescription costs between $2,250 and$5,100, rather than having to pay thefull amount of their drugs without thisstate assistance.

IMPORTANT - To benefitfrom GAPS, you must select a PDP thatis participating in GAPS. Not all PDP’swill be participating in GAPS. AfterDecember 5, our office will have a listof participating plans.

The new Medicare PrescriptionDrug plans will cover many prescriptiondrugs. Individuals will receive informa-tion about the different drug plans avail-able in the area. When you receive theinformation on the different plans, makea list of all the medications that youtake. If you need a specific drug that isnot covered, you may apply to your se-lected drug plan for an exception to getthe coverage for that drug. A good re-source is the “Medicare & You 2006”handbook that is being provided byMedicare.

You can join a Medicare Pre-scription Drug Plan starting November15, 2005. If you do not pick a MedicarePrescription Drug Plan by December31, 2005, your coverage will not beginJanuary 1, 2006, and you could missprescription drug coverage. Coveragedoes not begin until you have joined adrug plan. You will receive a new pre-scription drug card from the Medicaredrug plan you join.

The federal government pro-vides Extra Help with Medicare pre-scription drug costs for those with lim-ited income and resources. Yourmonthly income must be between $798($1,069 for a couple) and $1,196($1,604 for a couple). Your countableresources must be below $11,500($23,000 for a couple). Resources aredefined as money you may have andproperty you may own. If you thinkyou may qualify for Extra Help, pleaseapply right away. This Extra Help willbenefit you more than GAPS. Onlineapplications for Extra Help are availableat www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.

If you have questions about thenew GAPS program call 1-888-549-0820. If you have additional questionsabout Medicare, you may contact themat www.medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Besure to indicate that you have Medicare.

Important things for you to remem-ber• If you think you qualify for Extra

Help through the Social SecurityAdministration, apply right away.

• Look at your “Medicare & You2006” handbook.

• Select and join a Medicare Pre-scription Drug Plan between No-vember 15 and December 31, 2005so your coverage will begin Janu-ary 1.

• Join a Medicare Prescription DrugPlan (PDP) that participates withthe S. C. Department of Health andHuman Services (DHHS). Ask

If a certificate level is not atthe skill level matching employmentgoals, the Career Readiness Certifica-tion process offers classroom instruc-tion in any skill area where improve-ment is needed—through teacher-ledcoursework and computer-aided materi-als.

Real World ExampleHow WorkKeys/Certificates

Can Boost a Career—Nursing aidepositions require a Level 3 in AppliedMathematics, Level 4 in Reading forInformation, and Level 4 for LocatingInformation. If an individual tests at aLevel 3 in all three tests, they wouldneed upgrading in two areas. Trainingcan then be targeted to those areas.

Career Readiness CertificateHighlights—Serves as a standard meas-urement for workplace skills• Identifies basic skills required by

many industries and occupations• Serves as a portable credential• Shows prospective employers that

the certificate recipient possessesthe basic skills for successful jobperformance

To learn more, contact yourlocal Adult Education Program.

In Anderson, Oconee andPickens Counties, WorkKeys and theS.C. Career Readiness Certificate Pro-gram are sponsored by Adult Educa-tion and the Pendleton District Work-force Investment Board.

(Workforce continued from page 3)

Medicare Prescription Drug Program Updateyour PDP if they participate withthe DHHS GAPS program.

• You cannot use your SILVERx-CARD after December 31, 2005.

• Contact the Appalachian Councilof Governments Area Agency onAging at 864-242-9733 for aschedule of enrollment events inDecember and January to answerquestions and to assist with enroll-ment.

Page 6: Volume 8 Issue 6 December 200 5 Labor Force Statistics Now ...

VIEWPOINTPage 6

magine facing a popula-tion growth rate of 188%!That’s what the oncesleepy little town of Reid-

ville has to look forward to over thenext three years or so. With a 2000U. S. Census population of just 478,Reidville ranks as one of the smallesttowns in the Appalachian region. Withdedicated volunteers serving on TownCouncil and the Planning Commission,a very enthusiastic staff of one whowears numerous hats, and some helpfrom Spartanburg County, the Munici-pal Association of South Carolina, andthe Appalachian Council of Govern-ments, the Town can count several suc-cesses over the past 12 years, includingre-organizing its governmental struc-ture, conducting its first election inyears, purchasing a town hall, adoptinga complete set of municipal codes fromscratch, and annually operating in theblack with one of the smallest revenuestreams of any municipality in the state.

With its proximity to Interstate85, the GSP Airport, and BMW, Reid-ville now finds itself in the path ofgrowth, as developers seek new areas toprovide for housing that is convenientto both Greenville and Spartanburg.Grading and preliminary developmentactivities are underway for a new 190-unit subdivision in the Town, with pre-liminary plans submitted for a 150-unitdevelopment directly across the street.When built out, these two subdivisionscould add 900 people to the community.In response, Town officials realize thatthe growth will require significantchanges to the way it conducts business.One of the first impacts is felt by itsplanning and development regulationprocess. Potential impacts are over-whelming, and any mistakes in the re-view process could have significantlong term results. To help ensure thatcode requirements are met and that thesubdivisions are developed correctly,Town officials are working with stafffrom ACOG to interpret its Land Devel-opment Regulations Ordinance, provideguidance to the Planning Commission,

and review permit administration.Reidville and the ACOG have enjoyed astrong relationship over the past 12years. We look forward to continuingto work with the community as it makesits way through the dramatic changes itis facing.

Automation Project, and many still usethe COG’s technical support today. Thelate 1980s also saw the creation of theAppalachian Development Corporation,and a revolving loan fund that hasgrown into a multi-faceted small busi-ness lending program worth over $23million.

The 1990s brought technologi-cal challenges and the ACOG re-sponded by creating AppNet, a regionaltelecommunications system, and theEconomic Development InformationSystem (EDIS) partnership. The latterprogram spawned InfoMentum and In-foMap, software applications that havebecome a crucial part of marketing thesix-county region to the world. TheAppalachian Development Partnershipprovided a blueprint for regional strate-gic planning that, five years after its in-ception, had accomplished almost 90percent of its objectives.

Transitioning from the 20th tothe 21st century, ACOG participated in apooled bonding program that brought inover $155 million in highway improve-ment funds. The six Upstate counties fi-nanced the construction of a newACOG office building, which was, asone county official said, “the greatestexample of regionalism he’d ever seen.”A new ARC-funded program providedfocused technical assistance on the re-gion’s smallest municipalities. And, af-ter the tragedy of September 11th, theACOG established the region’s first ter-rorism awareness training program, pro-viding training for nearly 1,500 first re-sponders during the last few years.

During the past 40 years, theAppalachian COG has played a signifi-cant role in strengthening local govern-ment, helping provide a stable and di-versified regional economy, and en-hancing the quality of life for area resi-dents. These successes have been madepossible by the Appalachian COGBoard of Directors: men and women ofvision, intellect, and courage – servingtheir jurisdictions and, more impor-tantly, the collective community of Up-state South Carolina.

Reidville in the Path of Growth

partment, a unique cadre of profes-sional public administrators whose pur-pose was to assist in the transfer ofgovernance to county and municipalentities. That department is still activeand remains essential to the increasingcomplexities of governing at the locallevel.

The 1980s saw the initiationof a pilot project for community longterm care; a project since replicated ona statewide basis, and providing a valu-able, ongoing service today. Two COGprograms encouraged recycling efforts:one for waste oil and another for paper,glass, metals and other recyclablegoods. An export development pro-gram facilitated training for smallmanufacturers who wanted to enter theglobal marketplace, and provided aroadmap and resource directory to helpguide them along the way. Numeroussmall town functions were computer-ized through the COG’s Small Towns

(ACOG continued from page 1)

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Located between Greenville andSpartanburg, with excellent access to I-85, the GSP International Airport, andBMW, Reidville is poised for growth.

Page 7: Volume 8 Issue 6 December 200 5 Labor Force Statistics Now ...

store in Spartanburg.The ADC has closed and is funding a $1,163,200 expansion project for The Kee Company in Travelers Rest.

A second loan of $50,000 has been closed and funded to Pro Weave LLC of Anderson for expansion of its golf toweland throw production.

A loan of $200,000 to the Champion Group for a new rodeo facility in Gaffney has been closed and funded, with$160,000 of the funding coming through Community Reinvestment Fund.

An SBA 504 loan in the amount of $209,000 to Advanced Environmental/Rechee Enterprises has been closed andfunded.

(ADC continued from page 2)

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDGREENVILLE, SCPERMIT NO. 1604

VIEWPOINT

Appalachian Council of GovernmentsP. O. Box 6668Greenville, South Carolina 29606

Address Service Requested