Belenchia Economic Development Plan

Balenchia Economic Development Strategy for Spartanburg

Goal: “Lean Marketing”

Immediately set an Energy Team in Motion to target programs where Stimulus Funds are only available for the next two years. These may include Energy Efficiency for homes and buildings, Energy Education and Outreach, Energy Planning and Forecasting. Team members should include a collaborative of Business Owners, City, Schools, Colleges, Non-profits, homeowners and Utilities.

(SC spends $20 B on energy annually, 15^th in total per capita consumption in the country).

Funding is available for training, institutional and commercial auditing, alternative transportation studies, building codes training, solar and geothermal training, green jobs training, renewable energy and energy efficiency training, and Pathways out of Poverty programs, Weatherization Assistance, and competitive grants programs. We must focus on putting citizens of the City to work.

Education Program Team should identify tax credit qualifying projects.
Create a Citizenship in Motion Project for Engaged Living Participation offering a menu of options.
Establish a City of Spartanburg College Town Action Team to focus on:

- Business activities for students and new graduates.

- Outdoor musical venues to be held lakeside in Duncan Park, at Barnet Park or in Sports Stadiums.

- Social networking to promote Spartanburg as an Innovation Center.

- Outdoor leadership and youth hostel activities engaging Glendale, Palmetto Conversation and Space.

Appoint a Historic and Cultural Venues Team to targeting cultural tourism that qualifies for state funds.
Support and encourage Grass Roots Community Enhancement Teams through the City Econ Dev Office.
Appoint an Elder Friendly Communities Program Team to sustain age in place community action.
Support local Broadcast/Film Making Strategy Team to target State Film Office Grant Funds.
Appoint a Gospel Music Tourism Venues Team to develop a plan for marketing Spartanburg’s talent.
Appoint a Bed and Breakfast Hospitality Team to target potential B&B operators throughout the City.
Encourage Ministerial Association to Light Stained Glass Windows of our beautiful churches quarterl

This strategy is designed to address scarcity of resources, massive demographic changes, people as a renewable resource, cash flow considerations over quarterly earnings, dramatic changes projected to the operating environment in the next 3-5 years, a chaotic world requiring internal flexibility and a truly transparent environment. It is the mandate for a bottom-line which saves cost, a top-line to reach a new consumer base, and a talent development strategy to maintain employees, customers and community.