Successful economic development is multifaceted, requiring the alignment of various public and private interests. Successful alignment requires a team of players with specialized skills and critical resources for turning large industrial and commercial prospects into reality.
These players include utilities, railway companies, state and local officials, engineers, real estate and other professionals, and tying these all together: attorneys experienced in guiding these entities through dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s in these complex endeavors.
The I-77 Corridor itself significantly benefits from such experienced counsel in these matters, and so does the SC I-77 Alliance, which counts among its investors such prestigious partners as Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP in Columbia.
Edward Kluiters is co-chair of the Economic Development Practice Group at Nelson Mullins and for more than 30 years has worked closely with state and local economic development authorities and governments in advising businesses and industries on economic development incentives, real estate acquisition, leasing, and financing. His clients include a diverse collection of major companies such as Continental Tire, E.& J. Gallo, Mark Anthony Brewing, Roseburg Forest Products, and BOMAG.
Kluiters also regularly represents lenders and borrowers in financing transactions and other real estate matters, and he generously shares his extensive experience and strategic vision as a valued member of the Alliance Board of Directors.
His work has given him an appreciation for both the work of the Alliance and the value of his firm’s investment in the five-county economic development marketing coalition. He points to the organization’s efficient, low-overhead operation and specific focus on data-informed marketing as two of the value-adds for Alliance investors.
“The I-77 Alliance does not duplicate services; it is complementary to the economic development efforts of each of the counties in the area,” Kluiters says.
He also highlights the Alliance’s role in trade missions, shows, and other networking aimed at enhancing the region’s exposure to national and international businesses, resulting in more companies locating in the area and providing new economic opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
“By working together, investors in the Alliance create new economic opportunities that far exceed what they could achieve independently. The Alliance’s aggressive marketing and branding campaign is made possible by its member county governments and private sector investors, and we’re pleased to be a part of it,” he says.
Kluiters also sees a bright future, pointing to I-77 Corridor strengths such as available sites and buildings, a business-friendly regulatory and labor environment, urban populations and rural settings, and robust transportation infrastructure as supports for the region’s continued strong growth.
Meanwhile, Nelson Mullins’ support for the South Carolina I-77 Alliance, as exemplified by Edward Kluiters’ leadership and involvement, underscores the firm’s commitment to its own role in fostering economic growth.
By committing their expertise and resources, Nelson Mullins and the other investors in the I-77 Alliance are helping to continue accelerating economic expansion that will ensure a prosperous future for the Corridor and its communities large and small.
