EngenuitySC

Contact: Tracie Broom, Flock and Rally, 415.235.5718, tracie@flockandrally.com

              Debi Schadel, Flock and Rally, 803.348.8861, debi@flockandrally.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EngenuitySC Releases Ignite! 2012 Video and Wins IEDC Silver Award for Ignite! 2011 Video

Columbia, SC (Oct. 11, 2012): EngenuitySC has released the highly anticipated Ignite! 2012 video, starring Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin and USC President Harris Pastides, in anticipation of the organization's annual knowledge economy celebration on November 14, 2012 at the Carolina Coliseum. Harris and Benjamin are EngenuitySC Executive Committee Co-Chairs. The video was produced The video can be found on EngenuitySC’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CYMCSIJ01A

The promotional video for the 2011 Ignite! event was just awarded the Silver "Excellence in Economic Development" Award in the category of General Purpose Promotion for communities with populations of 200,000-500,000 from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was presented on October 2, 2012 during the 2012 IEDC Annual Conference held in Houston, TX. Ignite! 2010 was recognized by the IEDC with its top award for Special Events in Populations Greater Than 500,000.

“We recognize EngenuitySC for creating innovative and successful strategies to promote economic development in this period of global recovery,” said Jay Moon, IEDC chair. “Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in communities. EngenuitySC demonstrates that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and are using cutting-edge, effective practices that can be replicated in other communities."

The Ignite! 2012 video features knowledge economy leaders from across the Midlands in a hip, tongue-in-cheek music video format, shot on Main Street in Columbia, SC with a parade of ultra high-end sports cars and pyrotechnics.

Ignite! 2012 will be held at the Frank McGuire Arena at the Carolina Coliseum on November 14, 2012 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy an evening of engaging speakers, open bar, a networking cocktail hour with a full array of heavy hors d'oeuvres by high-quality local chefs, banquet seating, and short performances, as well as a high-energy audience voting session to select the winner of the Ignite! 2012 Ideas contest. Tickets are $45 and available on the EngenuitySC website. The Ignite! afterparty, which is free and open to the public, will be held at Social Bar and Lounge in the Vista from 8:30-11p.m.

Sponsored by Wells Fargo and presented by EngenuitySC, the $5,000 Ignite! 2012 Ideas Contest is open to individuals and organizations with ideas about how to start something new, unique and innovative in the Greater Columbia area. The entry deadline is Oct. 19, 2012 at 11:14pm at http://www.engenuitysc.com/ignite/i-have-idea.

Stay on top of Ignite! 2012 updates by following the #IgniteCAE hashtag and @EngenuitySC on Twitter or via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/engenuitysc.

Ignite! 2012 Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/422830054430952

Ignite! 2012 Afterparty Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/235565233237249

About EngenuitySC

Headquartered in Columbia, EngenuitySC is a public/private partnership formed to develop and grow the South Carolina Midlands’ knowledge-based economy by fostering an environment where entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creation of knowledge are fundamental elements of the region’s culture, identity, and economic development strategy. Through collaboration with business, government, and higher education, EngenuitySC leads initiatives that support research development, promote commercialization, and leverage the region’s assets. For more information, visit http://www.engenuitysc.com.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world’s largest independent non-profit membership and research organization devoted exclusively to the field of economic development. IEDC helps economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Serving more than 4,400 members, IEDC provides a diverse range of services including conferences, professional development and certification, publications, research, advisory services, and legislative tracking. Visit www.iedconline.org.

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