Alliance Fact Sheet

• The Charleston Regional Development Alliance was formed in 1995 in response to the 1993 Base Realignment & Closure (BRAC) decision to close the Charleston Naval Base and Shipyard. The Alliance's mission is to create improved opportunities for all people in the Charleston region by competing successfully in the global economy.
• The Alliance is a professional economic development organization representing Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties and is organized as a public/private, not-for-profit corporation.
• Since 1995, the Alliance has facilitated more than 190 competitive location and expansion projects, resulting in nearly 19,000 direct new jobs and more than $4.5 billion in capital investment.
• The Alliance is funded by Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties as well as more than 130 private-sector companies.
• The Alliance has two main areas of focus: 1) to promote the Charleston region worldwide as a top location for business investment, and 2) to provide confidential assistance to businesses looking to locate or expand within the three-county region.
• The Alliance works with a wide and varied ally network to ensure a globally competitive, sustainable regional economy. These allies include the three counties, the state of South Carolina, local municipalities, chambers of commerce and various private-sector businesses.
• The Alliance is led by a 27-member board of directors comprised of business leaders from throughout the community. Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties each appoint three members. The five largest cities (Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Goose Creek, North Charleston and Summerville) each appoint one member. The region's three chambers of commerce each appoint three members. And four at-large members are chosen to represent the area's largest assets.
• The Alliance is collaborating with entities throughout the region to help nurture and grow five target industry clusters: automotive, aviation/aerospace, advanced security, the biosciences and the creative industries.
• The Alliance's 2000-2010 strategic plan includes five key objectives:
  
  
  1. Promote the growth of target industry clusters where the region has an existing or emerging competitive advantage.
  2. Announce new investment and quality jobs in the Charleston region.
  3. Enhance strategic partnerships and leverage regional resources.
  4. Ensure a fiscally responsible organization that provides a sound return on investment.
  5. Create a culture of organizational excellence.