Reverend Charles B. Jackson, Sr. , Pastor, Brookland Baptist Church
To fulfill the recommendation in A Strategic Plan for South Carolina to create an explicit economic development program for distressed and disadvantaged areas, ultimately helping increase prosperity for all citizens in South Carolina.
New Carolina's Distressed Areas Task Force hired MDC, a Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based nonprofit specializing in research and innovative programs in education, workplace training, and economic development, to study both urban and rural areas in South Carolina. MDC created a plan around their findings. It's called An Action Agenda to Spur Economic Success, and outlines both people-based and place-based strategies for improving distressed areas in South Carolina.
MDC recommended a strategy that focuses on supports, incentives, and conditions that allow people to Learn, Earn, and Save their way from poverty to security. General findings also indicated that South Carolina could model the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, and tap more national foundations for funding support for community and economic development.
Taking recommendations from the MDC study, the Palmetto Institute has launched a public-private partnership modeled after the North Carolina Rural Development Center, and is working with New Carolina's Distressed Areas Task Force and partners to roll out specific strategies with targeted outcomes.
The Benefit Bank is an example of these specific strategies. Founded in South Carolina by the Palmetto Institute, and with support of the BCBS Foundation and the Office of Rural Health, the Benefit Bank is a free, web-based service that simplifies and centralizes the process of applying for state and federal benefits for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Benefit Bank recently went “live” in Florence County at the Lake City Library, the first site launched within the Pee Dee region. As of August 2, 2010, 164 sites in 33 counties with over 500 trained counselors have helped more than 850 South Carolina citizens file over 950 applications, including completion of FAFSA forms for college. PI, recognition for TBB to BCBS Foundation and Office of Rural Health.
Additionally, New Carolina is working collaboratively across efforts within South Carolina to make sure the dots are connecting: Retired Progress Energy Executive Emerson Gower is leading an effort spearheaded by Francis Marion University along the northern part of I-95 to create greater opportunity along the I-95 corridor in South Carolina. The effort along the southern part of I-95 is being sponsored by South Carolina State University.
Efforts led by SCRA are looking at programs to revitalizing the I-95 Corridor in South Carolina through biotechnology projects that could help boost agribusiness, agritourism and jobs in the area. Learn more about the I-95 Revitalization through Clean Energy and Biotechnology Program.
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