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C Group: Abbeville should diversify economy

By Maya Hollinshead

The Index – Journal

October 23, 2002

 

 ABBEVILLE – The second part of the Development Board’s targeted industry study was released Tuesday night at the Opera House.  Robert Cornwell and Rick Cauthen of the C Group in Greenville gave the presentation to members of the Board and County Council.

 

The first phase of the study, which was the economic assessment, was presented last month to the board.  The second phase of the study was the target industry analysis and recommend marketing strategies.  The group identified 21 targeted industry sectors that are highest growing in the nation and narrowed them to four based on employee strengths in the region and state industry growth.

 

“We think this is an area you should be spending substantial time,” Cauthen said.

 

The four industry sectors recommended were miscellaneous plastic products, industrial machinery, electronic components and accessories, and motor vehicles & equipment.

Two secondary targets were miscellaneous fabricated metal products, and refrigeration and service machinery.  Motor vehicles and equipment was a sector that was talked about at length because Abbeville is not far from car manufacturers in Greer (BMW), Georgia and Tennessee.  “We’re in a good location to supply to these companies,” Board Executive Director Jamie Gilbert said.

 

Cornwell and Cauthen gave the board more than 100 companies in the four sectors to contact.  They were recommended based on employment growth, sales growth and new products.

 

Both also gave the board a marketing plan to promote Abbeville County. Ideas include mailing programs, Web site strategies, relationship building with other companies and newsletters.

 

“Marketing is repetition and consistency,” Cauthen said.  “They (company executives) may be throwing them (promotional items) away but when they expand, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?  Abbeville County.”  Both cited lack of quality product, sites and industrial parks as weaknesses in the county, but Cauthen said efforts are underway to improve those areas.  The board is currently working on developing a master plan for the S.C. 72 Industrial Park.  “We ask you to continue to focus on that,” he said.

 

Communities always have to explore product and keep looking,” Cornwell said.  I think you can master plan your top (industrial) park.”