Wage levels at Charleston Digital Corridor Companies continue to exceed South Carolina and Regional Averages

CHARLESTON, S.C. - November 2, 2006 - The Charleston Digital Corridor is pleased to report that the average wage for reporting Digital Corridor companies in 2006 is $66,583. This figure represents over twice the average annual wage for the State of South Carolina and the Charleston-North Charleston statistical metropolitan area.

Citing that the number of companies in the Digital Corridor has grown to almost 80 from 18 knowledge-based businesses in 2001, Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. said, "It is great to see wage levels remain strong while the number of knowledge-based companies continue to grow."

"The recent dedication of the newly constructed BenefitFocus and NanoScreen corporate headquarters buildings within a week of each other and strong growth in employment at Digital Corridor companies provides irrefutable evidence that Charleston's knowledge-based community continues to be robust," said Digital Corridor Director, Ernest Andrade.

The latest data available from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average wage in the Charleston-North Charleston statistical metropolitan area (Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties) is $33,040 while South Carolina's average wage for all occupations is $32,250.

Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to Charleston's growing knowledge-based community. "The Digital Corridor continues to provide leadership in developing high wage, professional and technical opportunities for our community," he added.

About the Charleston Digital Corridor

The Charleston Digital Corridor is a creative effort to attract, nurture and grow knowledge-based enterprise in Charleston, South Carolina. The Digital Corridor's mission is accomplished through a combination of targeted programming and business incentives, private business support and member-driven programs. With the goal of offering tangible resources to the business community, the Digital Corridor serves as the portal to government, infrastructure, real estate, education, capital, professional resources and a trained workforce.

Contact: Ernest Andrade v 843.724.3773 c 843.607.1264 email ernest@charlestondigitalcorridor.com

SOURCE: Charleston Digital Corridor www.charlestondigitalcorridor.com