“PALMETTO INSTITUTE AND PARK ANGELS”

July 15th, 2008: Today, Darla Moore shared her passion not only for South Carolina and its people, but also for two projects she has underwritten that are designed to improve the quality of life in the Lowcountry and State.

A native South Carolinian, born in Lake City, she found legendary success in the world of high finance and now focuses her time and passion here at home. Unlike many South Carolinians who must leave the state to find career and financial success, she returned home to use her experience and resources to make this a better place to live and work.

Many know of her high profile contributions and philanthropy such as the Darla Moore School of Business at USC. She has provided other very important contributions, such as Clemson’s Eugene T. Moore School of Education named for her father. Today, we had the opportunity to have her share her vision of the Palmetto Institute and of Park Angels of Charleston.

According to Moore, the Institute’s initial assessment was blunt, to the point and underscored its significant need. It stated that South Carolina could not compete effectively in today’s global economy unless it made significant improvements in the mix of industry and the quality of our economic foundations. To compete, we must have a smart, well-trained workforce. She, as proof of the need to upgrade our workforce skills, cited BMW, which had to “trash” the first 800 vehicles produced by South Carolina workers due to the need to demonstrate quality control.

Aiding in the improvement of our workforce will be four technical colleges presided over by women who are Institute partners in a program entitled, “Achieving the Dream.” Strong support by the State’s research universities is also key. Moore stated “robust economic activity follows smart people.” As economic clusters grow, so does economic opportunity.

In addition to smart people, to be successful we must have and support a government that will invest in our economic foundations while keeping tax rates low enough to encourage growth. It’s very important to have an overall, rather than a piecemeal tax approach. The Institute provides in-depth research and analysis to advise the public and policymakers of the need for an unbiased, strategic tax approach that will produce real long-term economic benefit.

Life is about more than just business. One day while walking, Darla and her husband, Richard Rainwater, came up with an idea to help preserve Charleston’s unique beauty and value. The Charleston Parks Conservatory is a new nonprofit organization, working with public and private partners to elevate our parks to the level preservation and appreciation that we already give our landmarks and buildings.

South Carolina and Charleston are extremely lucky and blessed to have Darla Moore as a returning native who not only returned home, but also gives back with passion and dedication.

Reported by Wayne Outlaw, Keyway Committee.