Unfortunately, it’s pretty common knowledge that the U.S. spends more on medical care per person than any other country, but did you know that our life expectancy is shorter than that of most other developed nations – and many developing ones?
“More care does not necessarily mean better care.”
– Gerard Anderson, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
To make matters worse here in South Carolina, we ranked among the worst states in the nation this week for smoking prevention efforts, according to a new report by the American Lung Association, just as our State lawmakers are back in session talking about our lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax issue.
Here are some of the A.L.A. findings:
One the same day that news breaks of BMW starting up Mid East exports of their SC manufactured vehicles, we also learn that Darley America, the U.S. arm of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Thoroughbred racing empire, has expanded its presence in Aiken, SC with the purchase of 360 acres in Montmorenci.
“The service is expected to load more than 5,000 vehicles annually that Hoegh previously moved across a competing South Atlantic port.”
– Jim Newsome, SPA Pres. & CEO
Of course it’s merely coincidental, but the important thing here to remember is that both bits of information could prove financially advantageous to S.C. in a big way going forward.
The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce provides numerous opportunities for its members to advertise and sponsor events throughout the year.
The Chamber offers various events throughout the year in which companies can sponsor at different levels and gain invaluable exposure.
Watch this short video for a heads up on what’s coming in 2010.
As 2009 closes out, it’s exciting to learn that South Carolina may be getting better data services thanks to new broadband maps coming soon.
Broadband mapping – much like the US Census every 4 years – is driven to a large extent by the population of a geographic area.
For those of us with internet, phone, and/or television service – essentially everybody in today’s society – it’s comforting to learn that our services may be updated to more modern standards down the road – especially in our state’s rural areas. New technologies always bring new opportunities, and we’re anxious to hear what competitive synergies will arise here at home.
Industry is creating jobs and leveraging outside investments at a 10:1 ratio
Over the past few years, South Carolina has made significant advancements in growing our state’s knowledge-based economy. Particularly in the area of growing a hydrogen industry, South Carolina has become a national and international leader and that reputation is attracting companies looking to relocate or expand their services here.
“When we created the Centers of Economic Excellence (CoEE) to help grow our state’s knowledge-based economy, we did not know for certain what direction this public/private partnership would lead us,” said House Speaker Bobby Harrell.
The public/private investment in hydrogen has created 229 jobs in South Carolina. With 65% of those jobs being created in the last 5 years, this is proving to be a growing industry.
