Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments
The Berkeley Charleston Dorchester County of Governments (BCDCOG) is a cooperative organization of local governments in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties, assisting these three counties and their municipalities in a variety of ways on behalf of its member governments:
- Pursues state and federal funding for projects and programs in the areas of economic development, community development, transportation and general planning.
- Assists local governments in improving their services in areas such as planning, financial management, public works and general public administration. Works with local governments in addressing land use and other growth management issues, promoting economic development opportunities, and a variety of other activities involving the effective delivery of public services.
- Is a source of information on population, housing and socio-economic characteristics of the three-county area. (Affiliate Date Center of the U.S. Census-Bureau)
- Offers technical assistance to area citizens by making available maps and research data on transportation issues, environmental concerns and land use.
- Maintains an extensive Geographic Information System (GIS) and develops and distributes information which is useful to both the public and private sectors.
- Makes loans available for new and expanding business and industries through the COG’s Revolving Loan Funds. Administers the Workforce Investment Act in the region. SC Works Trident offers a variety of services to help employers and job seekers meet their workforce development needs.
- Provides staff services for the Charleston Area Transportation Study (CHATS) and maintains an area wide Water Quality Management program.
Contact:
Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments
1362 McMillan Avenue, Suite 100
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 529-0400 (office)
(843) 529-0305 (fax)
www.bcdcog.com
Center for Business Research
The Center for Business Research at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce serves as a center for the compilation, interpretation and distribution of economic data for the Charleston Metro area. Publications and reports are regularly updated to assist with the recruitment, retention and expansion of businesses in the Charleston region. The research program is self-sustaining; therefore, some publications have a minimal fee directly associated with the production cost, research and maintenance of the service. Much of the data is available on the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Web site.
Contact:
Mary Graham, Senior Vice President
Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Center for Business Research
4500 Leeds Avenue, Suite 100
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 577-2510 (office)
(843) 723-4853 (fax)
[email protected]
www.charlestonchamber.net
Lowcountry Manufacturers Council (LMC)
The LMC is made up of manufacturers in the Charleston metropolitan region. The council works to solve common issues affecting manufacturing operations; serves as an educational resource to the community and state in the betterment of the manufacturing industry and the development of the workforce; and provides support to area economic development expansion and recruitment efforts.
Contact:
Lindsay McDaniel, Director
Lowcountry Manufacturers Council
P.O. Box 61569
North Charleston, SC 29419-1569
(843) 574-6300 (office)
(843) 574-6776 (fax)
[email protected]
www.lmcsc.org
South Carolina Small Business Development Center
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was established to aid small business start-up ventures and to assist in the continued growth of small businesses across the country. Through its regional centers and area offices, it offers a variety of services and management training courses tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. SBDC consultants at each site provide managerial and technical assistance to those wishing to start, expand or enterprise, generally fee free.
Contact:
Tom Lauria, Area Manager
USC Charleston Area Office
2430 Mall Dr. Suite 155
North Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 740-6160 (office)
(843) 740-1607 (fax)
[email protected]
South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP)
SCMEP is a private, non-profit group that provides South Carolina businesses with a range of innovative strategies and solutions to drive growth, eliminate waste, and develop resources. Boasting a 2010 economic impact of over $277 million, SCMEP can improve performance in all departments of business including operations, finance, engineering and product development, human resources, quality, sales & marketing, and facilities. SCMEP’s comprehensive assistance includes consulting, business management and financial solutions, online marketing, workforce development and training assistance, plant layout and process improvements, innovative technology evaluations, environmental management systems, and ISO implementation.
Contact:
Tim Sinclair
Regional Vice President
(803) 252-6976 (office)
(843) 628-4235 (fax)
(803) 206-3536 (cell)
[email protected]
www.scmep.org
Recycling Market Development Advisory Council (RMDAC)
The RMDAC consists of 14 members, representing industry, local governments, higher education and the general public. Established by the Solid Waste Policy and Management Act of 1991 and appointed by the Governor, the council formulates programs and policies to encourage markets for new and existing recyclable materials. The Recycling Market Development program is managed within the S.C. Department of Commerce to coordinate the activities of the council and to provide technical and economic development assistance to recycling businesses and industry.
Contact:
Chantal Fryer, Senior Manager
S.C. Department of Commerce
(803) 737-0477 (phone)
(803) 737-0538 (fax)
[email protected]
https://www.recyclinginsc.com/about-us/rmdac-administration/