Southern Growth and Verizon team to create on-line economic development resource

The Verizon Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to Southern Growth Policies Board in order to enhance its electronic communications and provide the region with a comprehensive on-line economic development resource. With the new funds, Southern Growth has reorganized its website to include more regional economic development news, policy reports, statistics and best practices. The new website http://www.southern.org went live on Feb. 10th.

“Whether the Southern Region is a winner or loser in the battles to attract new business and industry depends in large measure on our ability to embrace new technologies,” said Steve Toler, Verizon’s vice president for public affairs in North Carolina. “Our grant will help make critical information just a click away for those who need it the most, assuring that this part of the country continues to excel in creating jobs and growing the economy.”

Among the resources now available on the Southern Growth website is the regional “Promising Practices” link that profiles innovative programs and practices that promote growth in the South. These practices, from business, government and non profit organizations, are as varied as new programs to train and place disabled persons into the workforce; strategies for partnering businesses and elementary schools to bring new technologies into the classroom; and programs for recruiting youth and minorities to participate in leadership programs. The link includes descriptions, policy implications and contact information to encourage information sharing in the region.

Verizon’s support of Southern Growth has also fueled other improvements to facilitate regional communication and action. Southern Growth is in the process of creating new email discussion groups linking business, government, academic and non-profit organizations throughout the region. Infrastructure improvements have also allowed Southern Growth to more widely distribute Southern Compass.