Author Archive: visiongwd-qn43w

Community Development

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Community Development

Quality of Life continues to be the cornerstone of VisionGreenwood’s plan of work.

VisionGreenwood will continue to support development of our communities and neighborhoods that provide entertainment, shopping, quality health care, and world class education as well as employment in order to attract and retain both young professionals and retirees.

Retail

Mixed-use development needs to capture the current re-development of Uptown Greenwood. VisionGreenwood will support and invest in our community that provide entertainment as well as employment in order to attract young professionals.

Edgefield Corridor

Continue support of the City Center Master Plan and the connection from Uptown Greenwood to Self Regional Healthcare and Lander campuses including revitalization of inner city neighborhoods.

Westside Master Plan

To learn more: https://app.box.com/s/reg1u8vhyf84o8r6lua49l7ouqbgmr5x

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

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Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Greenwood, South Carolina is home to world-class companies and research partnerships that are revolutionizing the life science industry on a global scale. From the manufacturing of innovative dosage forms for the biopharmaceutical, consumer health, and nutrition industries, to leading-edge breakthroughs in autism research at the Greenwood Genetic Center – our industries continue to shape the future of the life science.

"A clear diagnosis combined with understanding the mechanisms of disease are what lead to effective therapies and improved quality of life for patients and their families. Put simply, the partnership between the Greenwood Genetic Center and Clemson Center for Human Genetics will hasten the pace of progress and enhance the recognition of South Carolina as home to one of the nation’s most productive and important facilities for genetics research and development."

Dr. Steven A. Skinner
Director & Senior Clinical Geneticist, Greenwood Genetic Center

Existing Companies

Greenwood Genetic Center: The Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC), founded in 1974, is a nonprofit organization advancing the field of medical genetics and caring for families impacted by genetic disease and birth defects. At its home campus in Greenwood, South Carolina, a talented team of physicians and scientists provides clinical genetic services, diagnostic laboratory testing, educational programs and resources, and research in the field of medical genetics. GGC’s faculty and staff are committed to the goal of developing preventive and curative therapies for the individuals and families they serve.

The Clemson Center for Human Genetics opened in 2018 on a 15 acre site within the Greenwood Genetic Center Partnership Campus. This 17,000 square-foot research and education facility enhanced the collaborative efforts of the Greenwood Genetic Center and Clemson University and attracted world-renown faculty to Greenwood’s life sciences industry.

The Greenwood Genetic Center is one of the greatest strengths and most unique assets in our community.

VisionGreenwood is a Board member of the South Carolina Biotechnology Industry Organization and we maintain a close relationship with the Life Science Industry to identify opportunities for the Greenwood Genetic Center and our community.

 

Greenwood Genetic Center Partnership Campus: 190-acre research park, equipped with some of the best data infrastructure in the state and home to over 150 medical and life science professionals. Current collaborative partners include the Greenwood Genetic Center and the Clemson University Center for Human Genetics.

 

Lonza: Lonza produces 200 billion hard capsules and approximately 3 billion finished dosage units a year for more than 4,000 customers in over 100 countries. If you take any prescription or over-the-counter medication that comes in a capsule, there is a 90% chance the capsule was made in Greenwood, SC.

 

 

 

Clemson Center for Human Genetics:  Clemson’s Center for Human Genetics opened in 2018 and is dedicated to advancing knowledge of the fundamental principles by which genetic and environmental factors determine and predict both healthy traits and susceptibility to disease. The Center boasts a world-class faculty focused on understanding complex traits and diseases through experimental and computational biology.

The Center for Human Genetics, which is part of the College of Science, is housed in Self Regional Hall, a 17,000-square-foot building nestled within the sprawling campus of the Greenwood Genetic Center, which has a long history of clinical and research excellence in the field of medical genetics and caring for families impacted by genetic disease and birth defects.

 

Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health is a global healthcare solutions company committed to improving the lives of people through our medical technologies, services, and solutions.

 

Piedmont CMG: Piedmont CMG partners with Medical Analytical and Diagnostic Instrument manufacturers providing contract manufacturing services which include precision machined plastic components, optically clear diffusion bonded multilayered manifolds, tubing assemblies, tubing bundles, cap assemblies, and value added services.

 

SCBIO is a statewide, not-for-profit, public/private life sciences industry association and economic development organization formed to actively promote, build, support, expand, and convene South Carolina’s life sciences industry.

SCBIO builds relationships among life science companies and other allied groups, including government agencies and service industries, to create more significant business opportunities and bottom-line growth.

SCBIO fosters a favorable business environment for start-up and existing life science companies in South Carolina by advocating for innovation-friendly policies and infrastructure that support the industry’s growth.

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Technology & Innovation

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Technology & Innovation

Closing the Gap

Take the Greenwood
Broadband Speed Test

Technology innovation is one key area of focus for VisionGreenwood. Closing the gap on digital infrastructure by providing high-speed internet to underserved communities remains a priority that our community cannot afford to fall behind in an ever-changing global economy.

By ensuring every Greenwood resident and business has broadband access, we set up our community for success.

Broadband

What is broadband?

  • Broadband provides high-speed internet access.
  • Broadband is more reliable and is faster than dial-up internet access.

Why is broadband an area of focus for VisionGreenwood?

Broadband is one technology innovation that will allow us to keep our community connected. Several areas in our community exist where the internet is unreliable and broadband connectivity is not available. VisionGreewood’s goal is to identify these areas and bridge the broadband gap in our community. In addition to supporting business growth, community development, and education, bringing broadband to all corners of Greenwood will lay the groundwork for our community’s future success.

How does broadband impact our community?

  • Education: Allow K-12, college, and post-graduate students to learn remotely in virtual classrooms
  • Employment: Provide employers the ability to allow employees to telecommute or work remotely.
  • Healthcare: Allow doctors and patients to connect virtually through Telehealth.
  • Local Economic Impact: Allow small local businesses to more easily reach their customers and provide e-commerce options.
  • Public Safety and Emergency Response: Allow safety personnel and first responders the ability to communicate as needed in a timely manner.

Fun Facts About Broadband

Research indicates that access to broadband could improve job growth for rural communities by up to 1.4 percent and also increase the number of businesses within a rural community by 1.2 percent.

Rural small businesses increased gross sales by 17.2% through digital technology during the previous three years. This reflects $69.8 billion annually, according to the U.S. Chamber Technology Engagement Center and Ipsos.

Broadband Task Force

What are the responsibilities of the broadband task force?

The task force is working on a solution that will bring broadband connectivity to all areas of Greenwood.

  • The task force is working to acquire both federal and state resources that will allow us to meet this goal.
  • The task force is working toward this goal alongside the South Carolina Department of Regulatory Office and various community partnerships.

Broadband Task Force Members

  • South Carolina State Senator Billy Garrett, Chairman

Over 23 leaders from city and county government, The Upper Savannah Council of Governments, state legislators, network & utility providers, higher educational institutions, healthcare representatives, industry leaders, and school administrators make up the VisionGreenwood Broadband Task Force.

 

Technology Action Plan

  • The broadband task force is in the process of acquiring funding for a broadband assessment plan. This will be an essential first step in determining the best approach to providing the most reliable and cost-effective way to expand broadband connectivity in Greenwood currently.
  • The broadband task force is also developing a technology action plan that will include all aspects of technology for the future, including 5G, Satellite, and cybersecurity for the community. A solid approach to cybersecurity will help protect our residents and local businesses from digital attacks, allowing us to maintain normal business operations and continued economic prosperity.