This weekend, college football teams from all over the country will take to the gridiron as yet another season kicks-off, in earnest. For months now, thousands of student athletes have been working hard together in the weight room, in film sessions and on the football field to prepare for what they hope will be a successful 2017 campaign. Perfectly illustrating the collaboration and hard work that it takes to put an organization in position to win, these teams are a terrific parallel for the economic development leaders across South Carolina.
To understand this, look no further than the the fourth annual S.C. Aerospace Conference and Expo, which took place in Columbia, S.C. this week. Attracting industry heavyweights, education and workforce development partners, community and government officials and more, the three-day event exemplified what it means to be Team South Carolina.
On Tuesday, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and tier one suppliers took the time to meet with tier two, three and four suppliers from South Carolina at the annual aerospace B2B matchmaker event. Providing a venue for businesses of all sizes to meet and develop relationships with one another, the matchmaker session is aimed at supporting the state's existing companies. Then, on Wednesday, a variety of public and private sector leaders gathered to have important conversations about the future of the aerospace industry in South Carolina, as well as the education and workforce development programs needed to accommodate that future.
Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once said, "People who work together will win." That has certainly been the case for Team South Carolina -- in aerospace and beyond. As the 2017 S.C. Aerospace Conference and Expo concludes today, we'll embark on another year of success and growth for one of the state's fastest-growing industries. And, moving forward, as we continue to collaborate and work together, we'll be able to build on our winning tradition, bringing prosperity to South Carolina for years to come.