Posted October 12th, 2011 by The Herald
Rock Hill has been named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People, according to America's Promise Alliance and ING. The competition recognizes communities across the country that focus on reducing high school dropout rates and providing service and support to their youth.
As a four-time 100 Best winner, Rock Hill has shown its continued dedication to supporting its young people through a variety of programs that offer cultural, educational and service opportunities.
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Posted June 24th, 2011 by The Herald
Posted June 24th, 2011 by The Herald
ROCK HILL --
The Rock Hill Economic Development Corp. is preparing for what one member called an "exciting" and "challenging" year, referring to job creation in the Old Town area, potential for development and projects such as Downtown East.
RHEDC held its annual meeting Thursday to review accomplishments during its fiscal year, which ran from June 2010 to June 2011.
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Posted April 13th, 2011 by New Carolina: South Carolina's Council on Competit
COLUMBIA, SC -- Last week, 100+ business and community leaders joined New Carolina's conversation on High-Impact Entrepreneurship (HIE). The frank discussion covered the issues facing entrepreneurs, how people who go into business for themselves affect the state's job market, and ways to encourage our citizens to reach for the brass ring and become entrepreneurs themselves.
High-impact firms double their sales in at least four years.
"High-Impact Entrepreneurs are the ambitious entrepreneurs who run innovative, high-growth businesses that create thousands of jobs, millions in wealth, and limitless opportunity," according to the global nonprofit, Endeavor.
Today's discussion on High-Impact Entrepreneurship (HIE) featured a rock-star panel of experts in the field, including Dr. Doug Woodward from USC's Moore School of Business and Dr. Kurt Dassel of the Monitor Group in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as well as entrepreneurs from across the state.
"Small firms [0 - 19 people] account for 26.3% of total employment in South Carolina, but 51% of all net employment gains in the state," said USC's Woodward, who presented results of a new study on entrepreneurship. See the link below to view the presentation.
2.7% of all firms in SC created 66% of new jobs in the last five years, according to Woodward.
"This year's event brought together a wide range of South Carolina's private and public-sector leaders who discussed approaches for building a stronger base of high impact, homegrown firms," said Garry Powers, Chair, New Carolina's Entrepreneurship Task Force.
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Posted April 12th, 2011 by WRHI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For NAB Inquiries
April 12, 2011 Ann Marie Cumming
April 9-14 only: 702-943-3525
After April 14: 202-429-5307
LAS VEGAS -- WRHI-AM Rock Hill, SC today was awarded the National Association of Broadcasters' Crystal Radio Award. Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service.
Ten winners were chosen among 50 finalists. Recipients were recognized at today's NAB Show Radio Luncheon.
WRHI-AM provided this description of its accomplishments in 2010:
"If you could select only one word to describe WRHI Radio, that word would be 'community.' It isn't a slogan, it isn't something that we just preach; it is at the heart of our mission statement we practice every day. Since we first signed on in 1944, we have continued our commitment to be the 'Voice of York Country.' Our listeners know that they can depend upon us to focus on local stories that matter most to them. WRHI has also been a constant source of support for local organizations not only by providing air time, but in rolling up our sleeves and helping in planning and sponsorship of the actual events. Many of these community events have become annual traditions in our area, such as 'Toys for Happiness' (25 years), the 'Easter Egg Classic' (29 years), 'Boo-Ha-Ha- Halloween' (28 years), and 'Prom Pledge' (21 years). In addition to the events we promote and sponsor, our staff also lends their time and talent as board and committee members and volunteers with dozens of organizations in York County. Our community knows that when they need media support in York County, they can count on us."
For more information on WRHI-AM's accomplishments, contact Allan Miller at almiller@wrhi.com.
Today's NAB Show Radio Luncheon also featured a presentation of the NAB Crystal Heritage Award to KBHP-FM Bemidji, MN and a review of radio's opportunities in the digital future by Brian Cooley, CNET's senior commentator. Legendary radio personality Gerry House was also inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The luncheon was sponsored by ASCAP.
About the NAB Show
The NAB Show, held annually in Las Vegas, is the world's largest electronic media show covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums. With nearly 90,000 attendees from 151 countries and more than 1,500 exhibitors, the NAB Show is the ultimate marketplace for digital media and entertainment. From creation to consumption, across multiple platforms and countless nationalities, the NAB Show is home to the solutions that transcend traditional broadcasting and embrace content delivery to new screens in new ways. Complete details are available at www.nabshow.com.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
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Posted March 24th, 2011 by The Herald
Only Dorchester grows more rapidly; Chester Co. loses 3%
By Shawn Cetrone - scetrone@heraldonline.com
YORK COUNTY -- A housing boom throughout most of the last decade made York the state's second fastest-growing county.
The county's population grew by 37.3 percent, or 61,459 residents, since the last census was taken in 2000, according to U.S. Census figures released Wednesday. That's just behind Dorchester County, which grew 41.6 percent. Horry County was third at 37 percent.
Overall, the state grew by 613,352 people, or 15.3 percent. Lancaster County was the state's fifth-fastest growing county, gaining 15,301 residents for a 25 percent increase.
But Chester lost 928 residents, a 3 percent decrease.
With more than 226,000 residents, York County is South Carolina's seventh largest, data from the 2010 census show. Rock Hill, which grew 32.9 percent, was again the state's fifth most populous city with 66,154 residents.
York County's growth reflects the Charlotte region's popularity during the national housing boom of the early to mid 2000s, which ultimately crashed and sent the economy into a tailspin.
Towns and communities near the North Carolina border grew at a blistering pace. The Lake Wylie area's population nearly tripled, while Tega Cay's growth rate was 88 percent.
"That's (Charlotte) suburban growth," said Jerome McKibben, a Rock Hill-based demographer who has advised school districts nationally. "There just happens to be a state line there."
McKibben, who specializes in small area population projections, doesn't think York County's growth reflects the entire decade. Growth stagnated following the recession, he said.
Mark Farris, York County's economic development director, has noticed that trend. The number of housing permits issued annually has declined in recent years, he said.
In 2007, more than 2,800 building permits were issued for single-family homes in York County. That number fell to 1,001 in 2010.
"We saw it peaking at 2007," McKibben said. "It's been pretty much flat since."
Another House seat?
One change the county can expect is a louder voice in Columbia.
With more residents, York County will likely gain a seat in the state House, said Karen Kedrowski, a Winthrop University political science professor. York now has four House districts and shares three others with neighboring counties.
Using the new census data, lawmakers are expected to draw new lines for the state's 124 House districts by this summer.
"If you think about this in terms of raw political power," Kedrowski said, "it's good for York County.
Growth also brought challenges, from congested streets to crammed campuses. Motorists frequently face traffic jams on Fort Mill's Gold Hill Road and Rock Hill's Cherry Road during their morning or afternoon commutes
Still, Farris said he's thankful voters in 1997 approved a 1 percent sales tax hike to pay for a road construction program called Pennies for Progress. Voters renewed the tax in 2003.
"Can you imagine what it would have been like without Pennies for Progress?" he said
The growth boom's effects are probably most evident in Fort Mill schools, which saw enrollment double since 2000, from 5,117 students to 10,252.
The district has built elementary, middle and high schools to keep up, including Nation Ford High School. But the recession caught up to the district in recent years. Its fourth middle school was completed last year but sits empty because the district couldn't afford to open it.The school board plans to partially open Banks Trail Middle in the fall, a year later than originally planned.
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