New name, same game: Don’t just dream; create the reality

Ask the average citizen what the Anderson County Development Partnership does, and there might be enough answers for a “Jeopardy” category. At least, that used to be the case. With the unveiling of not just a new name but a new vision statement, the organization now known as Innovate Anderson believes its new brand identity will also provide further insight into its purpose.

The organization that was formed in 1997 to market Anderson for economic development is becoming a force not just in bringing business and visitors to town but creating an environment for business – and people – to flourish.

The long-awaited Anderson Convention and Visitors Bureau came about through the group’s efforts and continues to operate under its umbrella, under the capable direction of the enthusiastic Glenn Brill. In 2006, with the purchase of the remaining acres at Clemson University’s Advanced Materials Research Park, what on Thursday night became Innovate Anderson established a cooperative effort with Clemson University and its research areas that will bear fruit for years to come. Innovate Anderson will continue to provide traditional marketing materials for the Anderson County Office of Economic Development, and also continue its assistance in aiding other organizations to target specific industries.

“Our role is on the marketing end, with an eye toward economic development strategies,” said Innovate Anderson president Mike Panasko, who believes the group’s purpose, once better defined, will be even more effective.

And that purpose is both simple and complicated at the same time. Innovate Anderson will do what the name implies, create opportunities for the county’s economic development areas to present Anderson not just to the nation but to the world, as a place where business opportunities are not limited to what is but also what can be. More here.