State Library Announces Economic Development Conference

How is your community faring in these challenging times? How can the public library help to get the local economy back on track? It’s Not Just Business as Usual at the Library!: Connecting Partners to Boost Economic Development in South Carolina will be held on Wednesday, May 6, from 10am-3pm at the South Carolina State Library. Business assistance agencies, community representatives and library staff and directors, this is for you!

The Library addresses this topic with a timely and informative day-long conference centered on strategic information and economic development. The morning will feature Christine Hamilton-Pennell, an accomplished speaker and trainer who has a background in both economic development and library research services for those in urban and rural communities. Following lunch, Ms. Hamilton-Pennell will continue the discussion with a panel of experts, including representatives of the SBDC, Office of Small & Minority Business Assistance, Women’s Business Center and USC Springs Business Library.

This conference will bring together library staff, businesses, and state government to explore roles in economic development. Librarians will learn how to put information-seeking skills to work to foster entrepreneurship and encourage business growth. Nonprofits and government agencies will learn how to work with libraries to gather information to support local business clients and foster economic development through partnerships and collaboration. Bring your agency brochures and handouts for a swap of agency materials. Space is limited so register today through the State Library’s event calendar at located at www.statelibrary.sc.gov. Your $15 registration fee includes morning refreshments and lunch. For detailed information on our experts, please visit: http://business.statelibrary.sc.gov/index.php/Special_Event.