Robert Bennett, CEcD

Experience

• 

  SC Department of Commerce

  Feb 2005 - Oct 2007

  Research Analyst

  • Managed the prospect proposal process to ensure all proposals were completed professionally and timely• Prepared and consulted on state incentive proposals• Streamlined the prospect proposal process by developing new ways to prepare and submit proposals• Trained Research Analysts on preparing customized prospect proposals and incentive summaries• Prepared and gave presentations for prospective companies and international delegations• Researched automotive and fuel cell clusters, gaining expertise in both areas• Conducted research for internal and external clients• Served as a liaison between Project Managers and State and Local Officials• Assisted in the development of the agency’s CRM tracking system and conducted training sessions for team members• Produced and updated agency publications• Generated incentive proposals and became a resource for incentive questions Show less

• 

  Greenwood Partnership Alliance

  Oct 2007 - Oct 2009

  Director of Research and Development

  • Met annual recruitment goals – in two years helped recruit over $100 million in capital investment and 1,300 jobs• Collaborated with Director of Communications to redesign and maintain the Partnership Alliance website and marketing materials• Directed all research activities including targeted industry research• Facilitated meetings and site visits for prospects and consultants• Collaborated with team members on site and product development such as site certification and site readiness studies• Managed incentives, grants, and concerns of projects and existing industries• Supervised and managed interns• Established and managed project/customer tracking system• Facilitated the strategic planning process and assisted consultants• Designed process flows for managing projects and county council relationships Show less

• 

  Augusta Economic Development Authority

  Oct 2009 - Mar 2013

  Project Manager

  • Assisted in the recruitment and expansion of more than 2,200 new jobs and $600,000,000 in capital investment and worked with companies like Rockwood Pigments, Starbucks, and Rural Sourcing, Inc.• Supported 20 existing industry expansions since November 2009 adding more than 870 jobs• Manage existing industry program, facilitate meetings and address existing industry concerns• Collaborate with Regional and State allies • Prepare prospect proposals and requests for information• Coordinate prospect visits to promote the community• Develop and give prospect and community presentations• Coordinate product development activities Show less

• 

  Development Authority of Columbia County

  Mar 2013 - Apr 2023

  Executive Director

  • Led recruitment and expansion efforts to support the creation of more than 7,000 new jobs and $600 million in capital investment• Manage all economic development recruitment activities• Negotiate and recommend project incentives• Coordinated the rebranding and website development for the Development Authority• Develop and recommend economic development policy to spur economic growth in Columbia County• Develop and manage existing industry program to support existing companies• Develop operating budget for Development Authority activities; increasing budget 73%• Increased current assets by more than 186% and total assets by more than 58%• Identify and lead product development activities Show less

• 

  SRS COMMUNITY REUSE ORGANIZATION

  Apr 2023 - now

  President & CEO