state of south carolina - South Carolina Department of Commerce

3.9 The Department of Commerce collaborates with other state entities. The CDBG
program works with the State Housing Authority to assist non-profit customers
to understand the unique needs of their separate customers.
3.10 The Research Division works diligently to support all departments and divisions
throughout the Agency to achieve their goals. This is accomplished through
fielding information requests from other departments and divisions in a timely
manner as well as implementing long-term investigative projects. Research also
supports the efforts of individuals and businesses seeking economic
information, particularly labor market and employment information. Research
maintains databases and Web sites which provide data and information to
support Commerce’s economic allies, as well as assist in the recruitment and
expansion of businesses in the state. Finally, Research prepares strategic plans
and leads initiatives to support the long-term economic development goals of
the state and its regions.
3.11 Each week, Marketing/Communication distributes an email newsletter that
highlights the week’s business news that is relevant to South Carolina. The
weekly e-blast, “Commerce Communications” is distributed to allies, business
leaders, developers, regional alliances, local economic developers, and
prospective investors. “Commerce Communications” has been a successful
means to communicate the state’s business activity and the agency’s recruitment
efforts with businesses and economic development professionals across the
state.
Category 4 – Measurement, Analysis, and Knowledge Management
4.1 The Division of Research supports the Agency through research, analysis, and
providing information. Data to support this service comes from a wide variety
of sources including U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of
Economic Analysis, and the South Carolina Department of Employment and
Workforce. In addition, Research utilizes several 3rd party proprietary databases
such as Hoovers, Dialog, and EMSI. Research support is used in the following
manner:
‣ Requests for Information/Proposals: Assistance to project managers in
their mission to recruit industry to South Carolina constitutes the most
consistent need for data and information. These proposal projects are
complex, requiring analysis of data from national, state, and local levels as
well as proprietary business data. Furthermore, Research proactively
analyzes business growth trends and South Carolina’s competitive
advantages for industrial recruitment to develop prospective company leads
for project managers.
South Carolina Department of Commerce 20
2011-2012 Accountability Report