Charleston Business Development Director Transitions To New Role

Charleston, South Carolina - February 16, 2015 - The Charleston Digital Corridor Foundation announces today that Ernest Andrade will assume the full-time role as the Director of the Foundation effective April 2015.

"The continued growth of Charleston's tech economy now requires a higher level of focus, enhanced communications infrastructure and a deeper dive on talent development, said Chairman, Kirk King. Accomplishing these goals will require the Foundation to leverage all available resources in the state, region and across the southeast."

Andrade served the City as Annexation Coordinator from 1989 to 2001, helping expand the city from 38 to 100 square miles. In 2001 he conceived and launched the Charleston Digital Corridor, becoming its Director. The Charleston Digital Corridor Foundation was formed in 2004 to provide and expanded array of innovative products and services focused exclusively on the technology industry.

"We know that thriving economies are the result of privately led initiatives that are supported by the public sector. After a decade long incubation period, it is time to transition the Digital Corridor to this model so that the good work will continue yielding economic benefit for the City of Charleston and beyond," said Charleston Mayor, Joseph P. Riley, Jr.

Charleston's tech and advanced manufacturing economy, which now makes up approximately five percent (5%) of the regional economy, is experiencing robust growth as measured by GDP output and adding high-wage jobs at unprecedented levels.

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About:

The Charleston Digital Corridor Foundation is an independent 501(c) 6 non-profit Corporation developed to assist Charleston with fulfilling its goal to diversify the knowledge economy by pursuing an array of innovative products and services focused exclusively on the technology industry.

More: charlestondigitalcorridor.com.