It's often said that, at its heart, business is about people. If that notion is true, then success in business is probably most dictated by relationships. That's why the S.C. Commerce Business Services team works hard each and every day to create an environment where business leaders in South Carolina have an opportunity to develop mutually-beneficial relationships with one another.
Our business-to-business (B2B) supplier matchmaker events are a great example of these efforts. They provide a venue for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to meet with in-state suppliers in hopes of securing new business contracts. Taking place for the fifth consecutive year, one such event is coming up on February 19 -- the S.C. Automotive B2B Supplier Matchmaker.
In a survey conducted a few months after last year's matchmaker, approximately 25 percent of participating OEMs and suppliers reported new contracts as a result of relationships formed at the event. And, so far this year, more than 110 suppliers and 16 different OEMs have signed up to participate.
As final preparations are made and we move forward to this event and beyond, Team South Carolina will continue to prioritize the importance of relationships. And, as we do, businesses in all corners of our state will be able to prosper, creating jobs and opportunities for the citizens of South Carolina.