Scott Graves, an EngenuitySC board member and president of the Private Business Division at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, understands the value of data, noting that everything EngenuitySC does is data-driven and focused on furthering the economic competitiveness and prosperity of the Midlands.

“Having good data is central to making good decisions now and for the future,” says Graves. “On behalf of the board and staff of EngenuitySC, we are eager to share the results of the latest Midlands Regional Competitiveness Report. Stakeholders can use this information to make informed decisions about ensuring our community’s growth and livability. The Midlands is a great place to live and do business, and we are excited about bringing attention to our progress and celebrating our region.”

See below for the full schedule of Competitiveness Week events, and find additional details at http://www.engenuitysc.com/competitiveness-week/.

EngenuitySC’s Midlands Regional Competitiveness Week, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Monday, January 29, 2018

• Midlands Cultural Plan Kick-Off - 2:00 p.m. at Township Auditorium

Presented by One Columbia for Arts and History
This 12-18 month effort will result in a plan that takes into consideration current trends in the development of arts and culture at a national level, advances the growth of the local and regional creative community, and considers ways to expand access to the arts for the region's culturally diverse and growing population and align with city planning efforts. Share your input, ideas and voice.
Open to the public, free

• Midlands Regional Competitiveness Report Launch - 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. at MyCarolina Alumni Center, 900 Senate Street, Columbia, S.C.

Presented by EngenuitySC, featuring speakers from the MBLG, the Moore School of Business and more
We’ve seen the Midlands Regional Competitiveness Report catalyze one of the largest private-sector initiatives by regional business leaders, the Midlands Business Leadership Group (MBLG). Join leaders from around the region to see how the Midlands region has moved forward – and in some cases, taken a step back – at this year’s launch event.
Invitation only.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

• State of the City Address

6:00 p.m. at Columbia College
Presented by City of Columbia, featuring Mayor Steve Benjamin and other leaders

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

• iTs|SC: Columbia’s New Vision for Insurance Tech - 8:45 - 10:00 a.m. at

Presented by iTs|SC, Columbia’s Insurance Technology and Services Cluster
The insurance technology and services cluster represents Columbia’s strongest and most robust industry. (In fact, Columbia, S.C. is one of the top 3 cities in the country for insurance IT, behind only Hartford, CT and Des Moines, Iowa.) With a new vision and refreshed focus, this collaborative group will host a panel discussion with top industry leaders to share this vision and answer the question, “What will it take to make Columbia the place companies and employees want to be and have to be for insurance and technology?” Open to all, industry members and those interested in its development will find this discussion fascinating – and a launching place from which to move the industry forward.
Register to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/itssc-columbias-new-vision-for-insurance-tech-tickets-42008035164

Thursday, February 1, 2018

• What’s Next Midlands Voting Event - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at SOCO Vista

Presented by EngenuitySC’s What’s Next Midlands initiative
What's Next Midlands honors our neighbors' shared dedication to building a fun, welcoming, engaged community. At this event, we'll celebrate three years of successful endeavors, select a new social investor-funded project, and usher in a new era of programming with the What's Next Midlands Grant Program and Giving Circle.  Three projects will be presented to What’s Next Midlands social investors, and one winning idea will be selected before the evening concludes. The event is free to attend. Drinks and light appetizers will be provided.

Friday, February 2, 2018

• Managing Gender Bias: A Workshop for HR Professionals - 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Richland Library Main Branch

Sponsored by the Knight Foundation, Central Carolina Community Foundation, and Richland Library

This workshop identifies attitudes and practices that promote the retention and professional growth of your company’s strongest employees, regardless of gender. Join us to strengthen your talent pipeline.
Register to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/managing-gender-bias-for-hr-professionals-tickets-41426946111?aff=ESCPR

• Build Your Value: A Workshop for Women - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Richland Library Main Branch

Sponsored by the Knight Foundation, Central Carolina Community Foundation, and Richland Library

This workshop identifies the habits and strategic thinking patterns of successful women. Participants will prepare their own plan for expanding and growing their professional influence. Those interested should apply to participate: https://goo.gl/forms/jCsAJHpkmLNsamwz2

Complete details for events held during Competitiveness Week can be found at http://www.engenuitysc.com/competitiveness-week/.