Tony Smith Earns South Carolina's Top Advanced Economic Development Accreditation

Dec. 5, 2011 - PRLog -- Entire GADC Project Management Team Now Holds Coveted Designation

GREENVILLE COUNTY, SC — The Greenville Area Development Corporation, the county-chartered organization tasked with promoting and enhancing the economic growth of Greenville County, has announced that project manager Anthony “Tony” Smith has earned South Carolina Certified Economic Developer (SCCED) status by completing the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Advanced Symposium.

The Advanced Symposium is an accelerated level of economic development training taught by highly qualified professionals who have been acknowledged as the “top producers” in their industry.  The SCCED certification is awarded following an intensive multi-day course providing advanced training in the theory and fundamentals of economic development in South Carolina.  The certification is bestowed for three years, with re-certification required through the Professional Development Committee of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association (SCEDA).  Smith becomes the 4th member of the GADC staff to hold the coveted certification, and one of only 78 statewide.  

“Completion of the Advanced Symposium shows a commitment to excellence in the economic development and hones the skills of participants, and I congratulate Tony Smith for completion of this course,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Creating thriving communities is key to laying the foundation for job creation and capital investment by companies looking to locate throughout the state.”

Presented by the South Carolina Economic Development Association and the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the training covers a range of topics including Workforce and Leadership Development, Product and Infrastructure Development, Negotiation and Deal Structuring, and Marketing and Communications. Testing is conducted on each topic presented, and execution and presentation of a project to a team of peers is required to graduate.

Smith has been a GADC project manager since being recruited to Greenville in 2008 from the South Carolina Department of Commerce, where he served as Senior Manager of private finance and equity, and Director of Private Sector Finance.  Prior to his SC Department of Commerce responsibilities, Smith held various management positions with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.  

Among Smith’s professional involvements are board positions with Certified Development Corporation of South Carolina and the South Carolina Investor Network.  He has been an active member of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, and a past executive committee member of InnoVenture.  He holds both Bachelor’s and Masters degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University.

In his project management role, Smith works with existing and prospective new businesses in Greenville County; helps in the development of short and long range economic development plans and strategies; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies and reports; and collaborates with other economic development agencies.

He also serves as the GADC’s lead recruiter for Life Sciences Industry organizations, leading life sciences cluster initiatives and serving as an expert resource.  Smith also advises GADC staff on methods of financing for capital-seeking clients, maintaining knowledge of financing resources, and fostering industry relationships to better support high-growth companies with capital needs.

“Tony is extremely knowledgeable about the state and Greenville County, and plays an important, participative role in helping attract quality jobs and investment to this area,” said Jerry Howard, President and CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corporation.   “His experience in global recruiting initiatives, coupled with his expertise and connections in the life sciences and finance and lending arenas, strengthens our overall team capabilities.  Additionally, his experience working with entrepreneurial companies, particularly in the high-growth technology arena, positions Greenville County for even greater success.”

“The SCCED certification reflects his continued commitment to expanding his talents and supporting the pursuit of better jobs and a brighter future for our area.”

The Greenville Area Development Corporation is a non-profit organization established by Greenville County Council to promote and enhance the economic growth and development of Greenville County.  Since its founding in 2001, GADC efforts have resulted in the creation of more than 15,000 new jobs and more than $2.5 billion in capital investment in Greenville County.  To learn more, please visit www.goGADC.com or call 864.235.2008.